a beautiful summer day

Today was a beautiful summer day, full of sunshine and singing birds. I took this short video while enjoying Olbrich Botanical Gardens here in Madison. Enjoy!

le tour de france - 100 years!

The Tour de France is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, and this year's 21 day cycling event is unlikely to disappoint! It kicked off today in Corsica and will wrap up in Paris on July 21st. One of my favorite travel memories was watching and cheering the cyclists in the final stage of the 2001 Tour. 

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childhood: in black and white {part 2}

Continuing with yesterday's post, this photo captures that same lightness of childhood. When was the last time you jumped rope...for fun...with someone else?

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childhood: in black and white {part 1}

I don't know who to give credit to for this lovely black and white photograph capturing one of those moments in childhood when something so small feels so fun. The carefree existence of children is something I wish we all could embrace a little more so that we could take ourselves a little less seriously, laugh a little easier, and regain that fresh perspective that we all possessed as kids.

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music for a monday: feist's "secret heart" live in paris

This video of Feist performing "Secret Heart" at a 2007 show in Paris sums up why I'm a fan of the Canadian songstress. Enjoy!

words to live by: leondardo da vinci

Leonardo da Vinci, you were most definitely onto something! 

the feel of summer

I came across this photograph, and to me, it just feels like summer. Doesn't it look so relaxing? I hope your summer is off to a wonderful start. 

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flowerful friday: lavender from the garden

With its delicate and relaxing scent, lavender is one of my favorites. I've never had a lot of luck growing it here in Madison, but happily this year my lavender plants came back and are flourishing. There's nothing quite like just a few sprigs of fragrant lavender to bring indoors to enjoy.

uncovering an old family photograph - priceless!

What a lovely surprise it is to see an old family photograph for the first time. Recently my mom's cousin shared with her a photograph taken when they were both children growing up in Bangkok. The photograph captures the moment in time now long gone, but provides us with a glimpse back in time. I love being able to see my mom and uncle as little kids and my grandparents when they were in their prime. How it makes me wish I could just jump into that moment!

Isn't this a lovely scene?
My mom is the one in the white dress.
She's adorable!!

music for a monday: npr's tiny desk concert - the national

I'm bringing back The National to my Music for a Monday post. Here's The National performing on NPR Music's series Tiny Desk Concerts. Enjoy!

happy father's day!

Wishing all of the dads and dads-to-be out there a wonderful Father's Day! My dad is an amazing man full of wisdom and knowledge, talent, and love. I'm so grateful for everything he's done and for who he is.  

flowerful friday: (more) peonies from the garden

The peonies in my garden this year seem to be doing especially well. Perhaps it's the cool start to the season or all of the rain, regardless, the results have been lovely. I couldn't help but having another peony post since these top heavy beauties won't be blooming for much longer.  

Happy Friday! And, a very happy anniversary to my mom & dad!

daubigny's garden by van gogh

Today is one of those June days that really feels like summer. Everything is so green from all of then rain we've had, and the sun is shining warmly and brightly. Flowers are blooming - from peonies to poppies - everywhere. This painting by Van Gogh seems to capture the beauty of a day like today.

Van Gogh painted this oil on canvas in 1890 while
in Auvers-sur-oise, which is outside of Paris

inspired by eleanor roosevelt

I don't know about you, but I want to talk ideas!

music for a monday: ballaké sissoko and vincent segal's "chamber music"

It's been a busy Monday around here, so the relaxing music of Ballaké Sissoko and Vincent Segal seem like a good fit. Enjoy!

an outdoor space to enjoy

Whether it's a small dining area or a grander space with a pool there's nothing quite like a spot to enjoy the warmer months outdoors. Here are a few photos I came across that I think look so inviting. Wouldn't these be nice? 

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flowerful friday: peonies from the garden

Another joy of springtime are when peonies open up their full and heavy blooms. They lend so much color, texture, and fragrance to our gardens. No wonder they are at the top of so many of our "favorites" list.

a little dr. seuss

I came across this lovely Dr. Seuss quote. Isn't it so very true?

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a big dose of color

It's one of those days that I feel like a big dose of color to brighten things up. Aren't these lovely?

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national hug your cat day 2013

Today is the first time I heard of National Hug Your Cat Day, but it's the kind of "holiday" I can get on board with. For all of us feline lovers, we know there's nothing like the comfort of a cat. They don't show their love to just anyone - theirs is a trust that must be earned - so when it is, it's all the more sweet. No matter if you're young or old, the friendship of a cat is always cherished. 

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music for a monday: the national's sea of love

One of my favorite bands, The National, recently released a much awaited album. This album, Trouble Will Find Me, is another tour de force. Here's their video for Sea of Love. Enjoy!

inspired by steve jobs

I think this Steve Jobs' quote is something we can all strive for. Don't we feel more genuine when we follow what our heart already knows?