photo friday *

I wish I were attending Oklahoma's Semi-Centennial Exposition (a.k.a Oklahoma's Birthday Party for the World) this weekend, but sadly no such plans are on the horizon. I am planning on breaking this week's cycle of slackerdom and getting the ball rolling on a couple new projects. I'll also be celebrating an old friend's return to town. The longer I live in this place, the more I understand it's boomerang effect- people leave... but they always come back.

*photo found on treasuring

animal encounters *

Recently, D and I have had a couple of close animal encounters. Last week, I stuck my hand in the middle of a dog fight, (something I'm pretty sure I'll never do again) and ended up with a small bite. And D, well... let's just say he made friends with the wrong critter.

Yesterday, while working in my studio, I looked out the window to see D feeding a squirrel some cashews. At that very moment, one part of my brain said, "bang on the window and end this nonsense!" while another part said, "aww cute, get your camera." As you've probably guessed, I chose the latter, and watched as D's face turned from delight to horror when his little buddy turned on him.

Now, these were poor decisions, ok- stupid decisions, but I know we're not alone in our zest for animal interaction and companionship. Just this weekend I listened to a really interesting (and oddly relevent) episode of Radio Lab called Animal Minds. It really got me thinking about the complex relationships humans forge with domestic and wild animals. I recommend taking a listen; and while I'm making recommendations, I recommend keeping your hand out of animal mouths.

above: dapper squirrels by Berkley Illustration

below: my furry family- Dingus and Maeby (the master of disaster)

a jack of all trades *

Sorry I've been a bit out of touch, but when it rains it pours-as they say, and as many of you know, I've been spending a lot of time under an umbrella lately. Last Monday, my Granddad Jack died, and D and I just got back from spending time with family in Corpus Christi, TX. This loss, on the heels of my dad's death, was certainly difficult, but eased with the knowledge that my granddad was lucky enough to live 85 long, full years. My granddad, an entrepreneur turned farmer and rancher, was exceedingly industrious and known for his quick dry wit. To me, my grandfather's remarkable true life story is rivaled only by his hilarious accounts of imaginary exploits.

I was honored to be the recipient of a few treasured artifacts of my granddad's. This tackle box and level were built by my great-grandfather, who, like my granddad Jack, was a woodworker.

In my granddad's shop, I stumbled across a particularly unique and enthralling collection of these QSL cards.

After my grandfather returned from WWII, where he was a radio operator, he developed a passion for amateur or "ham" radio. Amateur radio stations operate using Q-code. Q-code, a form of Morse code, allowed operators to facilitate communication with people who spoke different languages, from places far and wide.

These QSL cards are calling cards of sorts for ham radio operators and represent a confirmation of a two-way-radio contact. Sending, receiving, and collecting these cards was purely recreational. You might even call this hobby the precursor to social networking. After all, ham radio operators throughout the mid century were simply making connections to other people with a shared interest.

It's easy to see, looking to the selection above (a few of over 300, now in my possession) that people used their cards to express their individuality and cultures. My granddad was sent cards from all over the globe- Japan, the USSR, Cuba, Germany, Christmas Island, Rwanda, Bermuda, even a couple from Antartica- and that's just to name a few.

The joy that these vintage treasures bring me is dulled a bit by the sad fact that I never talked to my granddad about this passion of his. Regrettably, I discovered most of these ham radio facts via a Google search. He did share lots of stories with me, throughout my life, but probably never dreamed that I'd care about this long past past-time. I hope to encourage you to discover the past lives of your elders- listen, and enjoy the company of people who are far more interesting than you :)

tiny town terrarium

When I was a kid, I was really into making tiny towns and houses. Some examples of my childhood mini mania would include; an elaborate abode for a Quazimodo figurine, a petite Pueblo Indian village, and in second grade, I built an efficiency apartment for a troll pencil topper in my flip top school desk. I could go on, but I'll spare you. Maybe I'm regressing, but I prefer to think of this recent project as a revisiting of a former love.

There's something so romantic about a little house or village in the middle of nowhere. Look at this house all alone on a rock in the sea. Found on A Cup of Jo.

eccentric interest: the baker hotel *

A few months ago, on a road trip, I was confronted by an enormous abandoned structure, towering over the low profile skyline of the tiny town of Mineral Wells, Texas. I later learned that this infamous building is or rather was the Baker Hotel, and have since developed an odd interest in the place.

This hotel, built by Texas hotel magnate Theodore Baker, opened in 1929 as a health spa destination, because of the supposed medicinal benefits of the town's mineral water. It experienced a lot of financial strain, closings, and periods of renaissance throughout its history, but in 1972 closed it's doors for good. Since then it's accommodated vandals, photographers, and ghost hunters.

I know this is kind of a strange post for me, but I'm totally enchanted by this place and the legends that surround it. Maybe someday I'll explore those halls, but for now, I'll just enjoy these great Flickr pics from *brynne (left) and Noel Kerns (right), and these delightful mid-century designs from the Baker's official website. Oh, I almost forgot, it's for sale.

guerilla knitting *

I love street art, but I just don't see myself spray painting or wheat pasting in a dark ally. More and more, urban artists are gaining recognition in the contemporary art community, I think it's important to recognize this uniquely feminine take on what is for the most part an aggressive and male dominated art form.

Even the stickliest stickler would probably melt into a pool of giggles if confronted by a lamp post wearing a sweater, I know I would.

Check out this, this and this.

wouldn't this be nice? *

I found this not too long ago- a clever idea and a sweet ride!