Rainy Days and Sundays. . .

could get you down, but why let 'em?

We went hiking up in Harriman State Park this Sunday with friends. We got completely drenched, but it was beautiful and fun.




Life is a lot more fun with friends.

We saw lots of Spotted Newts. I think their prevalence indicates rain?. . .



I can't believe autumn is already on it's way.

Come out of Your Shell...

and take a more daring approach to decorating!



The other day I mentioned an online home decor store, One King's Lane. It is my new favorite addiction, because at least every few days they feature a designer with products that I can fall in love with.
I don't actually buy everything I moon over, but I do love to look!

Today they are featuring the work of Eduardo Garza. He presents a collection of artifacts that would make the most avid beachcomber swoon.



Turtle shells, coral, sea fans and ostrich eggs set on simple elegant bases that highlight rather than detract from the natural beauty of the object.

There is a statement saying that no turtles were harmed and that the shells were all from turtles that died of natural causes. The coral, eggs and sea fans--I do not know how he gets those. But if you are aren't sure about having these real pieces from nature in your home, try his line of trays and coasters! I think this is my favorite...

Lightening Show

I live in the city, and people are always surprised when I tell them we get awesome lightening. And in the summer, when it gets hot enough to fry an egg on the sidewalk (but who would eat it?) we get some pretty good shows.

Tonight I was particularly glad to hear that familiar crack, heralding a potential cooling of the steam bath that passes for air here. Having tried to create some flow of air from my meager air-conditioner through to where I was sitting at my work table, with a series of strategically placed fans, I immediately flew to my feet to throw the windows open wide, and I was awed by the ferocity of the lightening above our building. It seemed to be close enough to reach out and touch--I certainly wasn't going out on our metal fire escape to admire it. But I was able to put my camera out, into the lovely cool breeze, and snap some shots. So for all of you who don't believe in city lightening, here is the proof.

Even Curioser!

Now I am just hooked on the beautiful scientific illustrations of yore. It is amazing to me the amount of widespread interest and also the relentless pursuit of specimens that existed for a few centuries. It seems that before the invention of television and video games, people actually looked to the world around them for entertainment. Fascinating.

My sweetiepie and I had a a date night last night, and we went to the Metropolitan Museum. While we were there I noticed a Taschen edition of Albertus Seba's Cabinet of Natural Curiosities. It is not the full edition, but it is pretty heavy none the less! And it is affordable, at $29.95.

They also have Cabinet of Natural Curiosities: Complete Edition, with over 500 illustrations, for $125.00.

On the internet you can also find the Jumbo Edition, and on Taschen's site they offer a 636 page version, for $200.00.