I cheese sandwich you

I have so many things to share with you about my recent visit to my homestate, Nebraska. Being there for 2 weeks, I couldn't help taking lots of photography. I plan on dedicating a few future blog posts to the highlights. Above is a shot I snapped in rural eastern Nebraska. I do miss the drives; being out and about between Columbus, Lincoln, and Omaha. It was nice to be reacquainted with the rows and rows of corn stalks. One thing I didn't miss was the 90° - 100° humid mosquito infested summer weather.

When I left Portland at the end of June I began reading my friend, Kim's novel suggestion... The Time Traveler's Wife. Wow, it was such a good read. It's confusing at first with all the time traveling dates. I don't think I have ever read a novel (that was not a mandatory high school or college requirement) so fast. Niffenegger's writing is to die for. I fell in love with her writing style. This is really her first book? I didn't notice. Very well done Niffenegger. Before I read this book I wasn't fond of the name Henry. Felt so old-fashioned. After reading this book, let's be honest, I have a new appreciation for it. I loved the dreamy character Henry. Who wouldn't. He's compassionate, dashing, and a time traveling adventurous stud. I don't normally read chick novels but this one went well under the radar for me. I give it 5 stars. I'm a little leary of watching the movie. It seems like when books are made into movies they are just not as good.

Chick novels... chick flicks... I only like a handful of either of them. Maybe 3 or 4.  Love & Sex is an adorable and funny one. I watched this flick a couple times this week. One of my favorite quotes is when Adam says to Kate, "I cheese sandwich you." If you haven't watched it, the 2 were discussing, that after a while, saying "I love you" is like saying "cheese sandwich".  Saying "I love you" starts to lose it's meaning.

This is off subject, but I'll give you a little heads up of what I have been crafting up these days. I crafted these... "Handpicking La France Pears In Japan" earrings. When the day comes that I get to visit Japan, I do hope to visit a pear orchard. I love how the La France Pear is uniquely spherical, like these lemon jade beads. I have listed a few pairs in the ol' Etsy shop. Click here to be directed to my shop.

Well I hope you lovelies have a great weekend. If you are in Portland... stay cool. It's going to be a warm one! It would be a good time to go to the coast.

Sierra sings and plays guitar and flute. Bianca sings and does percussion.

"CocoRosie are two American-born sisters, Sierra and Bianca, who started making music together in Paris in 2003. Their first album, La Maison de Mon Rêve, was released in 2004 and their second album, Noah's Ark, followed in 2005. Their third and, to now, most recent album, The Adventures of Ghosthorse and Stillborn, came out in 2007. All three of these albums were released worldwide on Touch and Go Records and earned critical acclaim both overseas and at home. The nomadic duo (currently and temporarily residing in New Mexico) spent much of 2008 writing and recording in Buenos Aires, Melbourne, Berlin, New York, and Paris, finding amazing and diverse musicians to collaborate along the way. The result is their eleven song Sub Pop debut, Grey Oceans." -via Insound.com

Last week I discovered that one of my top 10 favorite bands, CocoRosie is releasing a new album this May! AND you can pre-order the LP from Insound.com!  In college/dial-up days I used to regularly surf Insound, I feel a lil' nostalgic for the first days of exploring all the bands out there. Epitonic was another favorite site. Hmm... I wonder if they are still up and running. I'm really really really looking forward to putting some new vinyl on the turntable!

And then yesterday while flipping through the Portland Mercury a friend and I found out that CocoRosie is performing here in Portland on June 26th! I have never been to one of their shows. Their music is pretty wild... very unique. Their genre is kinda indie... folk... experimental... and a little bit electronic. In a few of their songs you can also hear children's toys playing in the background. I first heard their music back in Nebraska on UNL's radio station, KRNU.

A few interesting facts that I found out about CocoRosie...

• The name CocoRosie comes from their nicknames from their mother. "Rosie" is Sierra's and "Coco" is Bianca's. • Both of their parents have Native American ties which influences their music. • Sierra & Bianca lost contact for about 5 years. Sierra wanted to be an opera singer and moved to France to pursue her interest. Bianca had an interest in visual arts & writing. Off she went to New York. They reunited in 2003 to begin making music together.

Lastly, I leave you with some of my favorite tunes of theirs. Enjoy and have a great weekend.

• Rainbowwarriors by CocoRosie

More CocoRosie music on iLike

• Butterscotch by CocoRosie

More CocoRosie music on iLike

• Werewolf by CocoRosie

More CocoRosie music on iLike

00013 of Standard Movement

Hello there!I have my 13th work of the Standard Movement series to share with you today!

This 4 1/2" x 6 1/2" lil' masterpiece includes my signature coffee rings and globe-like orbs on vintage ledger paper. The blossoming bud happened to grab my attention on one of my many walks this week. It has such a sweet smell! Curiosity had me Googling to find the proper name for this thriving small tree. After a good ol' half hour... Ta da! It's a Kobushi Magnolia, and it's native to Japan.

On the left, do you spot some handwriting? Yes, you do see correctly. Randomly yet meaningfully, I included a snippet of a fellow's charming message that was written in a young lady's 1976 yearbook. You ask, do I know these people? No. I am a collector of many vintage paper finds, including old yearbooks that people just happen to pass up. Looking beyond the musty smells of pages, I find myself in wonderment of it's background. I question, was it passed up because of the significant water damage and she felt it was no good? Or maybe this young lady's life ended and her belongings, including this yearbook were given away. Or maybe she flew halfway across the world in search of new adventures and was forced to leave all her belongings behind.

Along with surrounding myself with the delightful sweet smell of blossoming trees, I've been around not-so-pleasant smelling substances. In particular– epoxy resin, polyamine, and lacquer. I've been playing around with them to find the right fit to seal those darn fastidious picture frames. The ones that just don't allow space for glass, like pictured above.

I hope everyone has a lovely weekend! I will see you on Monday.