Thursday, July 29, 2010

Bounty.

Yesterday The Little Girls and I went to my Grandparent's House. My Grandma took us down to her finished basement turned craft room, hers is the original art space I modeled my Honey Hut after. She handed me a box full of earrings, broaches and shoe clips she had been saving for a yard sale. I was delighted, of course, to be passed down these treasures that belonged to my Grandma and whoever she inherited them from. Here are some of my favorites. I love the florescent green earrings, they are so 1980's.

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Puppy Love.

Our sweet Cousin-dog Emmitt has passed away. He has always been a bright spot in the Pingel/McClone family's lives. This Corgi was a special dog, he lead an extraordinary life which lead him to believe that he wasn't a canine at all, but a small person with furry like qualities. He loved his pookies, walks and treats, he did many tricks and was a snuggle bug. My heart goes out to my Auntie Carolyn and Uncle Scot and my Grandparents, no doubt their lives are scarred by his absence. These photos are of our last visit with Emmitt, where he taught the girls his favorite trick, "Charged, charged, charged...Paid for!"
Emmitt's last night on patrol, on his patio guarding his Wyoming home of any creature who dare to fly or crawl by without his permission.

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

A Gaggle of Girls.

Each summer we take a trip with Tim's Family up north to Sunriver, Oregon. For me Sunriver is the smell of high desert sagebrush, warm days and crisp-cold refreshing nights, breakfast at The Meadows, shopping in Bend and Bellatazza Coffee. This year, only the Bottings of the feminine variety could make the trip, filling the Sunriver House (as The Little Girls like to call it) with girlie giggles. For The Little Girls, Sunriver means spending time with Grandma, swimming, pony rides, bouncy houses, taking photos with Takota The Bear and Shirley Temples. For me Sunriver is the smell of high desert sagebrush, warm days and crisp-cold nights, running the loop in the early mornings past the stables and airport, breakfast at The Meadows, shopping in Bend and Bellatazza Coffee. This family tradition is incredibly special and something The Little Girls and I look forward to throughout the year.
Margaret and her grandgirls.
Takota.
Angela and Addie.

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

On Holiday.

We are taking a little break, embarking on a little vacation.
See you back here next week, I'll tell you all about it.

Monday, July 19, 2010

Sattler Ranch.

The home I grew up in is only a mile or two from The Honey Hut. The house and it's property have always been a refuge for me, a harbor of such happy memories made there. This weekend we found "cool" relief at my Dad's and The Little Girls played on the ranch just as we kids did years ago.
The view from the orchard.
Jack was there too!

Friday, July 16, 2010

Right Now.

The Little Girls are busy on the play set.
My Garden is proudly growing.
I'm thinking of eating this.

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Simple Joy.

The Little Girls,
running through the sprinklers,
holding hands.

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Whoa.

This is the second time THIS has happened to me in five months.

Dear Anthropologie,
I love you and you penchant for unique, whimsically pretty clothes, your ridiculously clever window displays, such classically feminine jewelry, your delicious candles, ruffly aprons and charming kitchen items. However I am disappointed in the quality of your Sunnies. I am very aware that sitting on one's own Sunnies or backing over one's Sunnies with the car is a personal disaster and I blame no one but myself for these past discretions. But Sunnies should just NOT break mid-frame forcing lens into lap while driving or while laying out in the Hawaiian sun. My point here is quality control and needless to say you, my sweet Anthropologie, will (fingers crossed) be refunding my money, again.
I still love you,
Dusty

And...
...today is Leilani's birthday.
Happy Birthday my sweet friend.
I adore you.

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Sac. Antique Fair-July

The feeling I get when I walk through the gate is pure glee.
The thrill of the hunt.
A treasure in the distance.
These blue frames had me seriously considering redecorating.
More blue, I would have bought this but it was already taken.

Monday, July 12, 2010

GOAL!

Even if you live under a rock you know what the rest of the world knows...
Spain: The World Cup Champions!
(photos: REUTERS)
Can you imagine the reception these guys are about to receive? I'm very sure no Spaniard is working today, and every city square is filled with national pride. Oh how I wish I was celebrating in Spain today!



Friday, July 9, 2010

Ole'.

(On a return trip to Spain. San Sebastian, 2001.)
When I was 21, I moved to Spain. My Spanish professor arranged a teaching position for me in a small school in the city of Zaragoza. Because it was a volunteer position, I had quite a few 'less than desirable' responsibilities, one of them being recess patrol (less desirable because of the conditions, not because of the students). The school/church property occupied a four story building on a curved city block. Because the school didn't own any green space, at recess time (when the weather was fair), I would lead the kids up to the rooftop playground. When the weather wasn't fair, the kids played in the basement. No matter the weather, the game ALL the students played was...FUTBOL. Futbol is a national pastime. Every Spaniard has a favorite player, team and knows intricate details and stats as well as technique in playing. Basically everyone is an expert. Rivalries run deep-for example, I once rented a car in Zaragoza with Barcelona plates. Friends were deeply concerned upon hearing my plans for driving said car to Madrid for the weekend. Most were certain the car would be stolen, others knew I'd find the tires slashed. The car ended up back in Zaragoza, untouched by passionate Madrilenos. In my experience (limited as it is), only one futbol event can unite Spaniards-The World Cup. And guess who made it to the finals. This Sunday I will be watching Spain vs. The Netherlands in what I imagine will be a very exciting, intense game. I can't wait to see the flamboyant flops and fancy footwork each team will undoubtedly parade for it's loyal fans. I am, of course, crossing my fingers and uniting with my Spanish friends in hopes that Spain pulls through and wins.

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Odd.

Parasitic Twin?
Disturbing.

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

The Cackler.

This could go on all day and still bring us equal amounts of joy.

The Works.

We spent a lovely holiday with friends, celebrating summer and our independence. I love the 4th of July and how it unites all Americans. I love seeing flags displayed in store fronts, on porches and waving in a child's hand. Thank you Jeni and Robbie for sharing your home with us, Will for sharing your toys and Judi and John for great conversation.
The spread. Delicious!
A spin on Will's bike with Dad.
Jack and Ivy.
Trying to pose the kids for photos...argh.
My Lovey and I.
The Bishop's
Our Hosts, The Keszler's
The Sattler's
I hope your 4th was fantastic.
I'm already looking forward to the fireworks next year!