UNFORSEEN FIND

In a desperate attempt to make sure we have enough room in the U-Haul for, oh, I dunno, our bed? R and I re-opened all the boxes of books we'd already packed to re-evaluate the "book situation." Because no one but no one needs to drive 11 boxes of books across the country, seriously.

Anyway, as I was packing up the 'donate' pile i took another look at this copy of John Steinbeck's Grapes of Wrath and realized that it's an original 1939 edition. Which, as R looked up, would be worth $4500 with its dust cover (don't get too excited, we don't have the dust cover). So, yeah, we made room for it in the 'keep' box.

Eat your heart out, Mary.

A DAY AT THE RACES

Surprise! I couldn't go more than two days without posting. Silly me for thinking I could do otherwise.

Last night Laurel and I went to the horse races at Northlands. Every horse I bet on lost. Weirdly I "won" with every pick I didn't spend money on, go figure. And so goes gambling, I suppose.

Laurel and I both enjoyed the fantastic beasts much more than the races themselves and maybe left wishing that we'd just gone for a horseride through the rivervalley instead. Nevertheless, a delightful time.

Afterward I convinced Laurel to take a ride on the tilt-a-whirl ( my very favourite!) and to try her first ever corndog. Success all round.

What a wonderful date with a most delicious friend.

A GOOD TIME FOR A NAP

I think this room was made special for me. I generally feel that the more white in decor, the better, but I love the warm gold tones with the dusty purple in this bedroom, it feels so peaceful. That mix of colour gives a nice warm in the winter, cool in the summer feel too. Oh and there's a giant M, for Mary.

Image found on Lynne's blog, tea for joy.

A LOVE OF CHERRIES

I can honestly say that I bought these cherries simply because I thought the leaves attached were so pretty. I certainly did not need any more cherries, still I ate all of these the day I got them and have since gone out to buy even more. Vancouver is positively gorgeous right now and I am stocking my fridge full of fruit (and my pantry full of coffee and popcorn) for when mine and Elizabeth's mother comes out to visit me here on the coast. She and her husband will be here in a few hours -- I can't wait! (I hope they brought their walking shoes!)

HECTIC

Between packing for the move, trying to see everyone I love, going away parties, band parties, retirement parties and keeping on top of my demanding temporary alcoholism schedule, I'm pooped. Not to mention the promise of horse races, fancy restaurants, the best summer festival in Edmonton and more fun fun fun! than any sane person should be able to handle in a week. Needless to say, you can expect a sharp decrease in posts by me starting.............................now!

In the meantime enjoy this pretty little flower from Mom's garden. See you soon.

THE OLD PAWS BETWEEN THE LEGS TRICK

It's been almost two weeks since we posted a cat photo, so here you go.

MIDSUMMER AT MOM'S

If Mom's garden seemed lush way back in June, July finds it positively luxurious. A heavenly green mess of ambrosial scents, hues, shapes and textures. Like a painting. Like an ancient family quilt.

Mary's so lucky she's inherited this spectacular green thumb.

THE BIRDS AND THE BEES

There is a small ledge behind Raymond's second floor studio which, besides holding a large A/C unit for the storefront below, has become home to a family of pigeons. For the longest time R & I couldn't figure out what attracted the pigeons to this particular spot, then one day we startled Papa bird who revealed two little pigeon eggs beneath him.

Mama and Papa took turns watching over their makeshift nest and finally two little pigeon babies were born late last week. I'll need to take more photos next time I have my camera at the studio.

NUTSA MODEBADZE

These Nutsa Modebadze bags from Russia have been making the rounds on the old internets lately and I, for one, am hooked. If only I could figure out where to buy them.

Their austere simplicity, supple materials and disheveled elegance render them ideal for someone like me who cherishes simple, supple, disheveled and elegant.

See more here and let me know if you can figure out where I can get my hands on one.

UP FOR GRABS

Our yard sale went fabulously thanks to everyone who came by. We had a blast and I think Raymond has discovered a new calling. The only item we still need to find a home for is our 6' x 6' Ikea 'Expedit' bookshelf. You probably know the one, 25 small squares within a large square frame. We just bought it a year or so ago and it's still in perfect condition, you can see more about it here.

We're asking $100 but are open to negotiation - oh, and we'll deliver it to you too.

If you're interested please leave a comment or email me, hrhliz@hotmail.com.

BEAT THE HEAT, PART TWO

May I suggest after heading down to the yard sale that you make yourself a tomato, bocconcini, and basil salad and that you also make a spinach, snow pea, cucumber and mixed bean sprouts salad and then that you cover them both in oil and vinegar and lemon juice and then that you enjoy them together?

F*CK ART, LET'S FART!

I absolutely hate selling art. Either I love something I've made and find it really hard to part with or I hate something I've made and find it really embarrassing to part with. Anyhoodle, I can't keep it all so I'm selling what I have at very discounted prices.

And some of it I'll simply destroy and pretend it never existed at all.

Drawing blocks. $10 each, though I'd probably cut ya a deal.

Five little collages on masonite from a million years ago. 10 bucks a piece.

Soft limb painting. I'm open to offers.....

Little limb drawings. I still kindof love these so I'm going to ask $20 each and if they don't sell, yay me, I'll just keep 'em.

Embroidered eyes and stuffed tears. What the hell was I even making in art school? Anyway, an eye and a tear for $5, maybe?

Miscellaneous soft-sculpture paintings. Again, make me an offer.