object love…penguin classics & a mantel

How did I compile the reading list that is part of my resolutions [see previous entry]? It was completely inspired by beauty.

 

I know I'm the last on the block to discover these beautiful hardcover clothbound Penguin Classics, but better late than never. [Did I mention I was busy at the end of last year, and completely out of touch with the blog world?] When Doc and I spotted them at the bookstore, I snatched them up. I did judge a book by it's cover, and I'm not ashamed. Actually, I've read one of the books, and I'm embarrassed to admit that's the extent.

Both Doc and I are determined to read them, and I've started Jane Eyre. Reading these will be a time challenge, as my night time reading has been monopolized by Harry Potter for the last several months. All three of us are engrossed in the series, and we read aloud each night as a family. We've cycled through books 1-3 twice now and are currently in the middle of book 4. I'm up for the challenge though and look forward to turning the pages of these lust worthy books. Anyone up for a book club?

Anyhow, these classics look lovely on our mantel, or they WILL look lovely once we rebuild it. In the meantime, we'll just paint it white and move on to other improvements. I'm thrilled that the tile on the fireplace echoes the patterns of the book covers. And that frame…isn't it fantastic? I love that it's massive and decorative and charred and masculine. It's a strong candidate for a mirror above the fireplace. 

Carry on,

F&N

family…New Year's resos

Damn…did 2009 really happen? As I begin my simultaneous end of year wrap up and new year planning, I am amazed how quickly 2009 came and went. It was a year filled with very sad and emotional moments contrasted by wonderful and happy new beginnings. Most of all, it was a busy year, and the pace of 2009 is continuing into 2010.

In an effort to maintain some sanity in my life, I made some resolutions for the upcoming year. I don't make resolutions. I find it silly to wait for a predetermined time to make change. It's like Yoda says, “Do or do not... there is no try.” But this year, I thought I'd give it a try. In fact, both Doc and D followed my lead and came up with their own resolutions.

As a gentle reminder, I printed them out and pinned `em up. The resos are not unusual or unique, but I do believe if I embrace them, I will find relaxing and restful moments. At the end of the day, it's all about maintaining balance and perspective, and I believe these activities will help me find that sweet spot.

Happy New Year,

F&N

object love…PlayShapes

I spotted these in the fall/winter issue New York Times Style magazine. These wood blocks are wonderful and a refreshing departure from unit blocks. Don't get me wrong, unit blocks are still the toy of choice in our house, but PlayShapes are, as the name says, playful. 

Some of my favorite configurations by the creators and designers of PlayShapes, MillerGoodman.

Make sure to visit their  Flickr group for more amazing ensembles.

I cannot wait to get these under the tree for D!

Happy Building,

F&N

family…toothy smile

So, we've had another milestone in the family; D lost his first tooth. What made this event magical, if somewhat traumatic, was where we were and who was with us.

See the Golden Gate Bridge in the background, we were out for a walk at Lands End on a beautiful, warm and windless day. Accompanying us were D's best buddy and his mama, my good friend. I'm so glad they were there as they diffused a potentially disastrous parent and child moment. 

The Tooth Fairy did make a visit that night leaving a silver dollar as old as me. Alas, the wonder faded less than twenty-four hours later when some of his classmates told an outrageous story that there was no such thing as a Tooth Fairy! Damn them!

F&N

back again…really!

Geez, I'm a bit embarrassed about my previous declaration of re-entering the blog world only to be absent for another month! It's safe to say, I've made it over the hump with all the goings on in our life.  

First off, we closed on our house and we are moved in! We've been in our new residence now for two weeks, and it's beginning to feel like home. Surprisingly! We were unsure how we would adjust to living in an old Victorian after loft living for 12 years, but the transition has been smooth and enjoyable. 

Instead of plywood floors, an open floor plan, no closets, no doors, and an industrial neighborhood, we have discreet rooms, plenty of closets [usable closets too! not odd left over spaces that can't even accommodate a hanger], doors for some much needed privacy, a garage and a composting bin! I've come to realize residential living is so civilized. 

I'm excited by our new neighborhood and all that it has to offer. It finally feels like we're living IN San Francisco as opposed to the outskirts of San Francisco. 

The one thing I do miss is this view of downtown.

 F&N