Where Have I Been?

It's been just under a week since my last post, but it feels longer. I just haven't been taking many pictures. Simple as that. 

I spent yesterday afternoon working from HBS, since I was nearby after running some errands in Inman Square and Harvard Square. I took this picture from the 3rd level of the parking garage, as we were leaving campus. I really needed a day in a different environment; a day of sun and a sparkly sunset.

*Today's Lost in Thoughts is inspired by graffiti. Read it here.

Pink Orchids

Do you like orchids? I do! They're sort of mysterious, and there are sooo many varieties; it's fascinating. I learned about them (though I've forgotten most of it) when I read The Orchid Thief several years ago.

I got this three-stemmed bouquet at Areej + Uzair's wedding (second night). They were on the cocktail tables, and they were so beautiful. At the end of the night people were grabbing up the big rose arrangements from the dinner tables, but I made a beeline for one of these little vases.

*Need some inspiration for your Thursday? This week I'm daydreaming about the surprises I've been finding on my daily walk. Check it out on today's Lost in Thoughts. 

Surprise Balls

My brother's birthday was May 31, and my sister's is tomorrow. A few days before Max's birthday I learned about Gina Namkung's surprise balls on Poppytalk. Inside layer upon layer of crepe paper there are little prizes and trinkets that fall out as you unravel the ball. They're so amazing! My absolute favorite thing about getting gifts is the unwrapping, and a surprise ball is all about the unwrapping. To me, it's the ideal gift. So I set out on a mission to make them for my siblings. 

First, I went to the toy store and got prizes and candies to wrap up. Then, I went to the party store to get crepe paper and a few little extras (like chicken stickers -- how totally awesome! -- and star confetti). Then I wrapped and wrapped and wrapped and wrapped like a mad woman, wrote a birthday card on yellow heart, and shipped it off.

I planned for the package to arrive mid-way between their birthdays so they could open them at the same time. They arrived last week. I was on the phone with them while they unraveled and discovered their little treasures. There was a lot of laughing; I think the surprise balls were a success!

*Today's Lost in Thoughts is full of loveliness. 

A Lovely Entryway

Most days, I take a 2 or 3 mile walk after work. I really need it after sitting at a computer for 8 hours. I have a few different routes, but I usually pass by this house at least once.

The gated fence and trellis are just too sweet! It looks like it leads to a magical home, and that makes me so happy. Look at those hot pink roses peeking through the fence on the left. Adorable.

I took this picture a few days ago, before it got all cloudy, rainy, and dreary.

Want more fun? Lost in Thoughts is full of playful inspiration today.

Fun Fountain

In case you're concerned after my last post, I just want to let you know that I feel better than I did on Tuesday. That first day was just hard. But I've been working and making dinner and going for walks and working some more and talking to Eric, just like always. But now our talks are on the phone. It's even been exciting to learning about his new apartment and hearing about the office.

As I said, things here are carrying on pretty much as usual. And since it's June, that means it's starting to get hot in this apartment (where I live and work). The heat usually starts in the late afternoon, and when it's muggy like it is right now, I want a splash of cold water.

Maybe I'll just have to make a trip back to this fountain.

Or hop in the shower.

*Check out Lost in Thoughts today; it's inspired by Eric's adventure in Philly.

Tongue

Here's another horse from Blue Star Equiculture, the same farm I mentioned yesterday. It's a cool place that takes in old and unwanted working horses.

This guy kept licking the fence, but I don't know why. It was pretty silly.

*There's a new Lost in Thoughts on the ELM blog today. The video features Eric's classmate, Jevan, singing Yellow at the a capella concert we went to in April. It's definitely worth watching!

Spring Break {Part 2}

Saturday we went for a short hike in the woods. The great thing about hikes on the Vineyard is that the goal is always a beautiful beach. As we approached the sand we saw a few rock sculptures. This one really seemed to defy gravity.

After spending some time exploring the water's edge, we continued our hike. We climbed up a small hill and looked out over the ocean. The trees are all bent from the sea breeze.

After the hike, we went back to the house and we all read/napped on the beach for a while. The weather was just amazing; I still can't believe how beautiful it was. In the evening we headed to The Net Result to pick up some lobsters and oysters for dinner (I had fried clams and coleslaw since I'm not a huge fan of lobster fan or oysters).

While we waited for the lobsters to be steamed we walked around Gannon & Benjamin's looking at the boats they're working on. It was so cool! The tools they use look like they've been around for a really long time.

Eric's grandfather joined us for our decadent dinner. He's an amazing guy, and he told us some really interesting stories. Eric and Mike ending up talking to him for long time after dinner while Brooke and I cleaned up and played some games.

Sunday, I woke up to watch the sunrise. Everything was so quiet and peaceful. I spent a few hours sitting in a sunny spot on the couch reading and enjoying my last morning of vacation.

After everybody else got up and ate breakfast, we cleaned up the house and spent some time in downtown Vineyard Haven. Most of the stores were closed because it was Sunday + the off season, but I did manage to get a gift for a friend (I had something specific in mind and her birthday was soooo long ago). After lunch it was time to say good-bye. It was hard to leave! It was warm enough to spend the ferry ride outside, which is always the best.

Eric and I will be back soon enough (I hope!). See more pictures of our trip on my flickr.

*It's Thursday, so head on over to the ELM blog for some sunny inspiration.

Crimson Afternoon

Inspired by the fun I had during Poppytalk's Spring Coulor Week, we went on our walk yesterday in search of crimson (Eric's choice). We saw a bunch of people wearing bright red shirts and scarves and jewelry. We saw a crimson skirt hanging on a rack of clothing that was outside for a sidewalk sale. We saw strollers and awnings and cars' taillights and front doors. But here are my favorites:

Oh snap! Gotta go!

Check out today's Lost in Thoughts if you have a moment.

Pretty Purple

Today, Spring Colour Week is celebrating purple. In anticipation, I took these photos around dusk yesterday while we were out for a walk.

It's been fun looking for specific colors in my daily life. Why don't you try to find some purple today? Tomorrow's robin's egg blue, so have fun finding that too!

*Today's Lost in Thoughts is vintage-inspired, so pop on over there and have a look.

Longer Days

This afternoon I looked out the window and I couldn't believe how light it was outside! At 4:30, it was really and truly bright out. It was such a nice little discovery.

I'm one of those people who enjoys winter, but the short days are hard. I look forward to longer days just as much as everybody else. ☼

I took this picture in 2003 at the Tate Modern in London.

In other news, I updated the blog layout. I've added pages along the top and expanded the post area so we can display bigger images. Hope you like it!

*Thursday is Lost in Thoughts day over at Everything Little Miss. Go get inspired!

Lots Of Hearts

My computer troubles aren't over, but instead of letting it get to me I worked on a project. While I was uninstalling and reinstalling and downloading tons of things, I cut out tiny hearts. Lots and lots of tiny hearts.

After gluing them onto some paper, I framed them. Now I just need to figure out where to hang them! I'm really pleased with the result because they make me happy.

Unfortunately they didn't solve my computer problems. Now I'm off to deal with that. Wish me luck.

*Did you see this week's Lost in Thoughts?

One-upmanship

At Christmastime Eric's whole family got to spend some time together (and me, too). Since all the boys were home, their mom wanted to get a picture. Eric got a new blazer from his parents, and he rushed to put it on (you know, so he'd look sharper than his brothers). Since his mom said it would be a waist up photo, he didn't bother to change out of his PJs.

He didn't count on me getting a photo. :)

(He makes me laugh.)

*The first Lost in Thoughts of 2010 is up today.

2009 Holiday Forest

I like my pictures of our holiday forest this year. (See last year here.) I used a tripod and everything! I also got the daytime look and the nighttime look.

We don't really have any Christmas Eve day traditions, do you? I'm just happy to spend time with my family. It's the best.

Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays or Wonderful Winter (whatever your heart desires)!

*I'm posting a few more photos on flickr. Plus it's Thursday, so there's a Lost in Thoughts posted on the Everything Little Miss blog!

7th Night Of Hanukkah

I've always liked lighting the menorah for Hanukkah. There's this picture of me as a little kid just looking at the candles in awe. I still feel that way. There's something magical about them.

When I was little I would sometimes get upset about getting smaller gifts than my friends or I'd be jealous of my sister's prizes. As a kid, it's hard to see past the presents during the holidays. But as I get older I understand why people are always talking about the spirit of the season. This year I haven't opened a gift each night of Hanukkah, but it's still been fabulous. Suddenly trinkets don't seem as important as they once did. Now I'm grateful for the life I'm living, the things I have, and the people who love me. I don't really want anything else for Hanukkah.

Christmas is a different story. I'm expecting mountains of gifts bright and early on the 25th! (Totally kidding, family. No I'm not. Yes, I really am.)

*Today's Lost in Thoughts is awesome, if I do say so myself. Plus, there's a special offer! Check it out right here.

Black & White Keys

Thanksgiving was a while ago now, but I haven't shared any photos. That's because I didn't really take many. I was sick, and picking up the camera, telling people to smile, and focusing seemed like a lot of work. So I didn't really bother. I did take a few photos at my Aunt & Uncle's house, though.

My Aunt is a wonderful pianist, and her piano is really beautiful. For a little while I was interested in learning to play. I got a small keyboard for Christmas in 6th grade, and during the winter vacation I taught myself to play Silent Night by making notes on the music in an ancient music text book, marking the keys, and pure memorization. I was so proud of myself! And then I lost interest. Maybe because the keyboard was mini, maybe because I got caught up with friends; I don't really know. Even though I didn't pursue it, I still listening to piano msuic and I think they look awfully nice in a living room!

*Don't forget to take a peek at this week's inspiration post.

What A View

Last Sunday, the 22, I headed to North Adams for the start of holiday week. I spent Monday - Wednesday working from home, hanging out with my brother, and playing with the dog.

I had a wonderful time and enjoyed being back in the beautiful Berkshires.

In honor of the holiday week, I made a list of the things I'm thankful for. You can find in on here, on the Everything Little Miss blog.

*click image for larger view

This Is What Happens

This is what happens when you don't have enough flour for the recipe. My Gramma always says that baking is like chemistry and the proportions are crucial. She's right.

I noticed that I didn't have much flower before I started mixing the ingredients, but I decided to give it a go anyway. It doesn't look great, but it still tasted pretty good. Worth the risk, I'd say. I made them last Sunday (and ate the very last one last night).

What's your latest cooking mess (or success!)?

*Speaking of cooking, yesterday's Lost In Thoughts is all about cupcakes. YUM!

Guess Who's Visiting This Weekend

My sister's coming this afternoon! She should get here around 3:00, and then the fun will begin.

Tomorrow night we're going to see Ingrid Michaelson at the Paradise Rock Club in Boston, and I'm practically bouncing up and down with excitement. We've seen her live once before, so I know it'll be a great show.

Happy weekend, folks.

*Yesterday's Lost In Thoughts was a good one: a beautiful illustration, colorful soap, snuggly stuffed animals, and a music video!

Goat's Beard

Today would have been an excellent day to spend at Drumlin Farm hanging out with the animals. The sun was shining, the sky was blue, and the air was dry. It was really a lovely day.

Since I couldn't spend the day at the farm, I looked at pictures instead. This picture is from last year, and it makes me smile. Look at that funny little beard.

It's Lost In Thoughts Thursday, so head on over to ELM.

A NJ Surprise Party

My grandparents (on my mom's side) turn 80 this summer. Their 5 kids threw a surprise part for them this past Saturday, and quite a few people showed up!

The party was in New Jersey, so Eric and I drove down Friday morning. We arrived at my other gramma's house around 2:30, and spent some time with her before heading to a friend's apartment in Weehawken for the night. When spent a wonderful evening (into the early morning) just chatting with our friends and eating homemade pizza and brownies. At one point we walked a couple of blocks to Hamilton Park to see the grogeous view of New York City (click the picture for a larger view, as always).

Saturday was party day, and my parents and brother arrived in NJ around lunchtime. We went to the restaurant early to decorate and prepare for the big surprise.

I didn't get pictures of every guest, but as you can see it was well attended! The birthday boy and girl are in the top left corner (click for larger view). A delicious dinner was served, and then my family broke out the musical instuments and microphone for a little entertainment. What happened next brings these R. Kelly lyrics to mind:

Crystall poppin in the stretch Navigator
We got food every where
As if the party was catored
We got fellas to my left
Hunnies on my right
We bring em both together we got junkin all night
Then after the show its the (after party)
And after the party its the (hotel lobby)
And round about 4 you gotta (clear the lobby)

The party was supposed to end at 7:30. After 8:00, it was announed that it had been extended to 9:00. Good thing, since cake was just being served! Then there was an announcement that we had the restaurant until 10:00. We didn't leave the parking lot until 10:45, when a bunch of us headed over to the hotel to continue the fun. We stayed there until well after 1:00. Hahaha. We didn't get back to my Gramma Horty's until after 2:00.

So we had 2 very late nights after a crazy-busy week in San Francisco and a red-eye flight, but it was worth it! Eric got to meet my cousins and some uncles he'd never met before, and I got to see people that I usually only see at Thanksgiving. I only wish my sister had been there.

Sunday, it took us 6 1/2 hours to get back to Boston. Ugh. That was the worst, and it was completely draining. But we made it, and I think we've finally recovered from all of the activity.

Today is Thursday, and Lost In Thoughts is inspired by black & white this week. I've also featured a photo of my cousin Rachel singing at the party, so check it out here.