Some Days...I Just Need a Little More

I like my job, but sometimes I need more color, creativity, and the outdoors. Today is a day I wouldn't mind a career like naming paint...

...or crayon colors...

...or perhaps being a groundskeeper at Wrigley Field. Here's a photo of the groundskeepers clearing off the field on Travel Mug give-away day. Evidently, the fans in the bleachers were upset about something and decided to pelt the field with those mugs. I'd wear my bike helmet on those days.

PB Teens...Some Cool Stuff for the Wall!

Somehow, in the midst of a busy day of work-related computer time, I ended up on this page: http://www.pbteen.com/shop/room-decor/wall-accessories-decoration/?cm_type=gnav"
That provided moments of visual fun. What great little items to jazz up a wall and add some whimsy to a living space! I started a wish list, myself. I was a teen once. Does that qualify me to dream of decorating from some of the Pottery Barn Teen website ideas? If they'd had this stuff when I was a teen, the bulletin board would host photos of the Monkees! Hey, hey.

My husband and I are pro-cycling event fans, especially the Tour of California and the Tour de France. We've decorated our den in the cycling theme and it is looking really good, though we need to paint, change some furniture, and add some finishing touches in lamps and rugs. I'd love to add one each of these handlebar bikes and one of the beach cruiser bikes, too. What fun, visually!

And there's more. Check it out for yourself!

Paper Source: Fun Unlimited

Here's to one of my favorite stores! Paper Source: "Do something creative every day." I love wandering through the actual store to collect ideas and inspiration. If our financial times were different, I'd even invest in a cute little something to enjoy on a creative day. I love the greeting cards, the colors, the paper patterns, projects to view, and the designs there, too.

They have a blog that is full of ideas. Some are not my thing. Others intrigue me, such as carving your own rubber stamp. I loved linoleum block printing in school art class. This may be a similar creative opportunity.

I often feel I have no time for playing with creative projects. Then I hop on over to the Paper Source page, glance through the monthly e-mail I get from them, visit the blog -- and ooh, la, la! I've transported myself, if even ever so briefly, into the world of color and design for a breath of visual creativity in the midst of a busy day. And that only takes a moment.

I've heard of "window shopping." This must be "idea shopping" or "inspiration shopping." I am reminded once again that life has so much to offer and I'm invited to join in. It is not all about work, chores, and responsibility. Hooray!

The Gurgling Cod...Who Knew?

My husband, Glen, and I were recently invited to dinner at the home of dear friends from church. This was our first visit to their home. The meal was delightful and conversation engaging. An enjoyable evening, top to bottom, starting with spotting a coyote trotting along the roadside on our way, carrying a snake coiled in its mouth with the snake head dangling like a cross from a rear-view mirror, to the parting gift of a bag of oranges and avocados from their yard.

We were also introduced to their Gurgling Cod pitcher.

As they filled and refilled our glasses with water, the pitcher, shaped like a fish, gurgled loudly as it was tipped back. I could not believe it, and was fascinated. The couple explained that this pitcher was the Gurgling Cod pitcher. I was delighted and amused. Amused enough to want one, but instead will just share it here.

This video in the following link does not capture the loudness of the gurgle in person, but you'll get the idea.

http://youtu.be/YEelITCl8O4