Aug 6, 2009 | Best of Etsy
“Cotton Candy” by Rachel Ballard. All rights reserved.
If you don’t know Rachel Ballard, she is (among other things!) a fabulous photographer. Her images are absolutely gorgeous and now she’s offering to share her expertise with you!
Recently, I had a chance to ask the lovely Rachel a few questions about her upcoming photo e course “Bloom.” Â I don’t know about you, but I’m always looking for new ways to become a better photographer and Rachel’s new course has me really intrigued. The thought of actually being able to use the “manual” setting on my camera makes me giddy. And let’s face it, any time I can do something in my pajamas, well. . . sign me up!
But I’m also a bit nervous about taking a course in photography. What if I’m not good enough? What if it’s all math and I don’t do math! What if. . . So, I put my questions to Rachel and she was gracious enough answer. You’ll find she’s warm and funny, just what you want from an instructor. Read on, my friends. . . you won’t regret it!
(I know several of my Evidently readers will interested in reading about this course! So, I thought I’d give you all a head’s up. The full interview can be found on Mireio!)
Aug 5, 2009 | Best of Etsy
Gorgeous postcard from Childlike Wisdom
The Best of Etsy has moved! It’s still being tweeted every Wednesday at 1 pm PST, but you can now find the list at its new home: Mireio. I hope you’ll come on over and take a look–and tell me what you think!
Aug 3, 2009 | This Life
Can you read my fortune in the coffee creamer?Â
It’s August.Â
July was one of those magical months. Unseasonably warm weather, much to some dismay  of those who aren’t used to 80+ weather—but I’ll  confess, I’ve loved every hot muggy moment of it. When the cool returns, when the rain begins to fall without pause, when the nagging desire to perpetually complain about the weather sets in I am going to look back and cherish the very real summer that was July.  This year, my family will not be making our annual trek home, following the sun on its transit south. This is the year of the “staycation;” so, I remain thankful that summer decided to make an appearance on the coast this year.
I woke up today with that giddy feeling I typically get on the last day of a vacation.  That  this is it, make the most of it feeling. And it occurs to me, that August is a month of last days. It is full of  last hurrahs and last splurges and last day trips to the beach or the river or the city. Soon the weather will put on a sweater, autumn winds will replace summer breezes. Before we know it, September will be here and all the ninth month implies. But not yet.
Now, it is August. A month of lasts. And if we are wise and  careful and yet equally wild and willing to abandon a little of that must get this done compulsion — well, we will make the most of August. We’ll savor every last bite and remember that August is a month of blackberries and cobblers and long lazy days sipping tea by the gallon. We will revel in the doldrums and not wish them away for September. We’ll listen to the slow drawl that August uses to woo us, and we’ll fall in love with this month of last (good) days.Â
Jul 31, 2009 | You Can't Make This Stuff Up
IZ: “I just misread that (pointing at the Mod Podge on my desk) as Mood Fudge.”
Me: “You  just wish there was mood fudge!”
Jul 29, 2009 | This Life
We’re playing in the sprinkler and drinking lots and lots of this. What are you doing to keep cool in this heat wave?!
Jul 29, 2009 | Best of Etsy
Fantastic felting from Shiba Ng Designs
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The Best of Etsy is on hiatus this week, but will return next week with lots of amazing new finds and some BIG NEWS! Tune in.
And mark your calendars! Next week  Mireio is celebrating 1 year in business with an Anniversary Sale! (August 5-9) You’ll want to shop early. . . and tell a friend!Â
Jul 28, 2009 | You Can't Make This Stuff Up
This man makes me laugh, daily!Â
After several hours of my perpetual whining. . .Â
Me: “I’m feeling a bit queasy, like I could pass out.”
IZ: “Oh, that’s not good. Well, if you do pass out, let me know so I can take you to the hospital.”
Me: “If I pass out how am I supposed to tell you? I’ll be passed out?”
IZ: “Yeah, good point. Just make a loud thud when you fall, kay?”
Me: “Maybe I’ll just wear a bell around my neck!”
At this point he broke into hysterical laughter.
Laugh all you want Danish Boy, but I pray EVERY night that the good Lord will make you bald.Â
Jul 26, 2009 | In Photos
The dog and I want to know; what’s for dinner?Â
Jul 25, 2009 | Boy Wonder, In Photos
He’s reached an age where I don’t really understand most of what he says. But you know, I still adore listening to him.Â
Jul 22, 2009 | Taming Eden
The first bloom from the clematis on the new arbor.
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I didn’t think the Nelly Moser would bloom this year. But one of two we planted earlier this summer did just that this morning and I’m elated with the first bloom.Of course, I dashed straight out to snap a photo—standing in dewey grass in my sandals and noticing that our promised sun has  given way to spit!  But I don’t mind so much. Everything needs water once in awhile! This one bloom is a taste of the future—when the arbor is completely covered with big pink pom-pom blooms.  A girl can dream, right?
As I ran out the door I could hear IZ admonishing, “Quick, quick, take a picture before the deer eat it!” He was kidding, but vermin abound in these parts and they typically  view my yard as their own personal salad bar. Considering the color of the sky, I’d be wise to re-spray with liquid fence.  Otherwise this rain is going to be a neon “Restaurant’s Open” sign to the neighborhood foragers. It’s either that or I need to take up bow and arrow hunting right quick! Yeah, I think I’ll stick to stinky spray gun. But note to self: Rotten egg smell is not an aphrodisiac; spray the flowers not your feet.Â
I should probably make that my new mantra, eh?
