Crin-Blanc

Found a used copy of White Mane at a garage sale. Very random find. This French short from the 1950's was directed by Albert Lamorisse who also did The Red Balloon. I caught a double showing of the two around my birthday at the art museum and was convinced that every boy in the audience would leave wanting Folco's hair cut and disheveled wardrobe.

Big Space

While running around like a crazy person at work I was missing the canoe trip we just got back from. Floating down the Colorado River... so much better than dealing with schedule changes, spreadsheets and meetings. Above is me checking out some ruins. A little pit stop after a game of wiffle ball along the beach.

Death and Hair

On a visit to the Chatham Atwood House we came across some lovely, intricate and slightly morose art pieces made from human hair. They reminded me of the Victorian hair jewelry I'd seen at the V&A that were worn in remembrance of someone who had passed away. There's something so delicate and private about these preserved pieces that fascinate me.

Beetlejuice. Beetlejuice. Beetlejuice.

Well apparently I'm the only 20-something on the planet who hasn't seen the movie Beetlejuice. Until today. How amazing is that house? Yes, I'm a little late in the game to realize this but I would give up my entire chair collection, one of my dogs (the one that farts), my new hybrid, and the house I currently reside in just to have that sucker.

Dogs and Fireworks

Dear Cincinnati Reds,

While I understand the reasoning behind your celebratory fireworks, my dog does not. He is terrified every time you hit a home run (congratulations on a successful season). Please lessen either the amount or the noise level so he can poop again. Seriously, it's been 3 days.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth

Because we are the most indecisive couple on the planet....

We have decided to go to Barcelona instead of London and maybe Portugal instead of Prague. Luckily I hadn't bought any plane tickets yet! I came to this conclusion last night while sitting in front of the travel section at the bookstore (after having a little too much Sam Adams Summer Ale). Making decisions while drinking may be a good idea because I'm kind of giddy about our less stuffy, last minute travel plans.

Light and Air

Finally found my pictures from Balluminaria. Pretty, pretty, pretty! What a fun evening!

DJ Fairey

Volunteered to sell tshirts at the Shepard Fairey block party. Mr. Fairey himself was the dj. I did a whole bunch of dancin and then headed to neons for some bacce ball!

Line and Space

I can't believe I've already started thinking about November programing. Trying to keep a theme of clear lines and simple pieces for our visitor's inspiration. Teaching 5-year-olds about conceptual art is exciting and you really do get the best responses! They're much more accepting then their parents. Some artists we're focusing on are William Anastasi and Walter Caldas.

The name's Tex

Lovely evening outside spent watching Charade in the park (complete with wine, picnic blanket and misquote bites). While there are plenty of excellent lines to quote my favorite always come from Tex (he's extremely underrated). As a child my sister and I would run around the house calling each other "nincompoops" and declaring that our "momma didn't raise no stupid chillun." To quote Tex, just as Grant fell for Hepburn, I fell for James Coburn "like a tall chicken."

Work...

Just finished creating a new program for August inspired by the artist Sixeart. I had so much fun researching and getting it ready for the average 5 year old. Somehow managed to wrangle together a bunch of child-friendly spray paint. Next up is some Jenny Holzer madness that just may involve a light-bright. Can't wait to share pictures of what our visitors create!

I buy my books in bulk

I've been addicted to Perry Mason novels lately. You can get some nice vintage ones that have spectacular cover art for mere pennies on ebay. Reading them reminds me of my grandmother who enjoyed the television series. She'd sit on her knees in front of the TV like a kid, dish towel in hand, eagerly solving the plot before the end of each episode. She was just as glamorous as all of his beautiful female characters and it's fun to picture her as Della Street.

Cool Kicks

I was getting a little nervous about the shoe situation for my upcoming trips to China, Paris and Prague. Luckily these kicks came into my life and have been worn ever since. They are my new best friend and upcoming travel companion.

Keeping It Weird...

Fun little etsy find. Luckily I know just who to send it to.

Little Red Riding Hood... Take two

I often volunteer as a tutor at the local library. Almost every Wednesday my little guy asks to read Little Red Riding Hood to me. The best part is that he changes the story every time it gets a little hairy for Miss. Riding Hood or her Grandmother. Week after week that wolf gets sent to mars on a space ship or joins prisoners at Guantanamo Bay. Yesterday won hands down when the wolf developed a sinus infection and realized he needed to go to his allergist, leaving Red and Grandma to eat their cookies in peace.