Katie Did

2011-02-27T15:14:00.000-05:00

2011-02-13T16:31:00.001-05:00

2011-02-07T19:36:00.001-05:00

Lovin' the new Sunday morning class...

2011-01-30T17:06:00.000-05:00

Finally Some New Drawings...

2011-01-23T20:14:00.002-05:00

O Post-It Note

2010-11-28T20:12:00.003-05:00

Cheap, quick & easy. My version of the Post-It Note Christmas Tree!

Idea courtesy Poppytalk.

Happy Holidays Y'all! Look for big news and a new blog location in the New Year!

IIDA Art Haus Submission

2010-09-17T16:06:00.002-04:00

Hello People!! Wow, it has been a month since I last posted. I have been a busy bee, you know, trying to find a job and such. Good news is that I found a part-time job at a department store until I find something in my field...(of which I'm expecting to hear good news next week...!) More good news is that networking is kind of fun.

I've joined the local chapters of AIA and IIDA and have attended several functions. One event I'm particularly excited about is IIDA's Art Haus, in which local design professionals submit artwork to be shown in a downtown gallery this coming Thursday night. It will be the first time seeing my work in a gallery setting! Plus, it should be a good fundraising event for the organization.

Here are the pieces I submitted, with the intended layout. They are digital adaptations of original figure drawings.

I hope to take a few photographs from the event. I'll let you know how it goes!

Nature Found

2010-08-16T23:43:00.003-04:00

A few more natural wonders from the hike...

Sky Meadows State Park

2010-08-16T12:02:00.010-04:00

Last week I was in VA to visit The Boy. On Saturday we hiked part of the Appalachian Trail at Sky Meadows State Park. The weather cooperated nicely, overcast with a slight breeze. And thankfully, The Boy reminded me to take my camera, as I was about to walk out the door empty handed!

The forest was pretty quiet, but our sightings were limited to little critters, green foliage and mesmerizing fungus. Inspiration at every turn. I had a hard time not thinking about Pan's Labyrinth and Lord of the Rings. I kept waiting for a mystical creature to squeal as I accidentally squished it, tromping along the trail. But I never heard any. I'm sure they're used to dodging hikers.

Who knew tree fungus could be so beautiful!

Darn Cat.

2010-08-03T23:33:00.003-04:00

Louie hasn't bothered to look for a job yet.

Too busy snoozing.

Purple, j'adore.

2010-07-22T15:36:00.003-04:00

Purple. The most undervalued color in the spectrum. It's true, I say! What? No, I'm not biased.

(a fallen bloom and Purple Queen in Whitney's backyard)

Yes, I'll admit it. My childhood bedroom was always a shade of purple growing up. It started out as a deep eggplant, almost black. Then shifted to a more uplifting lavender. And finally, the color it remains today, at my parent's house, is a soft grayish purple.

I know what you're thinking. Purple? On a wall? YES, People! DO IT!! It can be so dreamy, as demonstrated by the now deceased Domino Magazine.

See? I was way ahead of my time. ;)

And P.S. ...

2010-07-21T22:50:00.006-04:00

The moment I find a job, I am ordering one of these Panton chairs.

Because it's my ALL TIME FAVORITE CHAIR.

And because I told myself I could when I graduated.

And because I deserve it.

And because I will love it.

Always. ;)

New Digz

2010-07-21T18:44:00.002-04:00

When I was visiting Orlando previously, interning at a local firm and living with my sister and brother-in-law, I was sleeping on a futon. An old futon. And get this...it had Lions and Tigers and Bears on the cover. Okay, there weren't any bears, but definitely lions and tigers.

This time, since The Move was Semi-Permanent-For-The-Time-Being, I brought some of my furniture. Now, "Katie's Room" actually feels a bit more like Katie. ;)

Canoeing the Wekiva

2010-07-17T17:27:00.003-04:00

Out of the house and into the Florida sun! We went canoeing this afternoon in Wekiva Springs State Park and I think the photographs speak louder than words. I'm glad I wore my green bikini to match all the lovely tropical foliage. ;)

Sneak Peak

2010-07-17T01:00:00.003-04:00

Whitney and I have been busy decorating her living room, the first room upon entering her house. There are several special pieces in the room so far, but my favorite is this little lamp next to the sofa. It was one she had already owned but we found the perfect spot for it. At night it puts off a fiery glow, making a silhouette of the miniature toy horse.

KY Treasure Making 101

2010-07-16T22:32:00.007-04:00

The Hunt:

Walk down gravel lane. Hang a right at the mailbox. Hop over cattle guard and check for possums at the barn door before entering. If the coast is clear, climb up the cattle chute to the hay loft. You've arrived at your destination. Begin browsing.

Caution: Faint hissing sounds from broken clay pots may equal baby raccoons.

Potential finds include, but are not limited to, wooden chair frames, old trunks, benches, various cabinets, and rot iron sewing machine bases. But you can't carry it all home. So unless you've brought a boy, you can only choose one item.

The Find:

Card Catalogue in disrepair.

The Work:

Remove hardware. Sand. Sand. Sand. Polyeurethane x2. Brasso hardware. Re-assemble.

The Finishing Touch:

Accessorize! Choose cute paper to label drawers. Add fun text with stamps. Be creative.

***This card catalogue was scavenged by my sister Whitney, found in my grandfather's treasure-filled barn in Kentucky. She refinished it while living in Pennsylvania and tonight we added a touch of color (and comedy if you noticed the 'WTF!' drawer), a Friday night well spent. Now she sits transfering recipes onto index cards to fill the drawers.***

Pencil Me In

2010-07-15T18:51:00.002-04:00

On my agenda today: START FILLING UP MY CALENDAR (with events OUTSIDE of the house). I thought I spent a lot of time on my computer during school, but at least I was forced to go to class and interact with a few people per day. In the last two weeks I've surpassed all previous personal records of Most Time on a Computer per day, only to unplug for cleaning, cooking, sleeping and running (I haven't even been to the pool this week which is just sad). I am just a bit stir-crazy, if you hadn't noticed from the previous post. And if it wasn't already known, I think I've officially ruled off "50's Housewife" from my list of possible career options. Although, I could easily be swayed if it was a nice mid-century bungalow...on a lake...with gardens...and an art shed in the back...and maybe an enchanted forrest...yes, that sounds nice. I could work with that.

ANYWAY, the calendar. My empty calendar now has a spattering of upcoming events with more to come soon!

What events, you ask? FIGURE DRAWING OPEN STUDIO!!! Yes, I found one at the Crealde School of Art in Winter Park on Sundays. Unfortunately, they are almost through with their Summer Session but I'll be able to attend one or two classes before the end. The good news is that the Fall Session Calendar will be posted on Monday...I can't wait to see what classes are in it! Of course, I'll keep you posted.

And I've also signed up to help Habitat for Humanity of Orlando next week on both Wednesday and Thursday! Yay! Surely I will feel a tiny bit productive after that. Because it's really all about my feelings. ;)

Documentation of a Florida Morning

2010-07-14T10:30:00.006-04:00

I hereby pronounce that all situations that could be described as "watching paint dry" shall now be said to be like "watching kitchen scraps become dirt."

That said, looking for a job in this economy is like watching kitchen scraps become dirt. This is actually a pretty good analogy because the anticipated outcome of each is pretty rewarding. A paid job and luscious compost, both very good and necessary things in this world.

So, amidst the job searching (you can't do that every moment of the day) and composting (I'm not really watching it...not very much, anyway) I still have a lot of time on my hands. Just what I wanted for Life After Graduation, right? Right...? ... ...

Um, no. I do better with a lot on my proverbial plate. Like that summer in high school when I had three jobs. Like working insane retail hours during my undergraduate work. Like cleaning a gym after closing hours during grad school. I like to be productive (cooking and cleaning for my sister does not count...sorry Whitney.) Now, I don't have school OR a job (implode here.) And watching compost is sort of the antithesis of being productive. It's like watching something else be productive, really slowly, and then realizing it is still being more productive than you. Yeah.

But ENOUGH about me and my unemployment (and compost). There are always things to appreciate in life and that's what I intended to share with you this morning (if anyone made it past all of this ridiculous self pity, which is also the antithesis of being productive.) ;)

I give you, A Florida Morning:

And now I'm off to find something else to occupy myself. There must be a figure drawing class around here somewhere...

C is for Compost!

2010-07-11T18:17:00.007-04:00

COMPOST: Home-made dirt goodness.

INGREDIENTS:

Big Barrel with Lid

Kitchen Scraps

Yard Waste

GO GREEN Attitude!

Step #1: Steal neighbor's palm fronds.

Step #2: Shred 'em!

Step #3: Put 'em in the barrel!

Step #4: Add kitchen scraps.

(No picture...that's gross.)

Brought to you by the Letter "C" and the Number 4!

Entering Real World: Proceed With Caution.

2010-06-11T20:13:00.003-04:00

DONE!!! I can now say that I have a Master of Architecture from the University of Cincinnati. Yes, I like the way that sounds too. The next long-term goal is to become a registered architect, which means I have to start taking the dreaded ARE exams pretty soon...but we'll think about that later.

The immediate goal is MOVE TO FLORIDA! Yeehaw! I am all packed up and ready to go. We load up my stuff early tomorrow morning, and by 'we', I mean myself, dad, brother-in-law, and uncles. (Let's hear it for family obligations!! WOOT!)

And I'll be moving IN STYLE, because when I saw zebra print tape that matched a pair of my sandals, well I just had to pick up a roll. The moving boys will love it. ;) hehe.

The last thing on my list tonight is to (quickly) go through this 'small' stack of magazines and rip out pages I want to keep to file away in my inspiration folders. I just can't justify moving 1000 miles with them. I've been meaning to do it for some time now, so this is the perfect opportunity. There's nothing like an impending move that makes you re-assess your needs! I have made several trips to St. Vincent de Paul (the local version of the Salvation Army).
And, hey, Happy (early) Father's Day, Dad! You get these great little succulent transplants! I think they are pretty cute in their in-transit red Dixie Cups.

Wish me luck everyone! Here I go...into the abyss.

Summer Ingredients

2010-05-30T21:21:00.002-04:00

Cool Shades.

Cute Suit.

Floppy Hat.

Just Add Water and

Let the Good Times Roll...

This girl is learnin' quick.

The Homestretch...

2010-05-23T12:33:00.004-04:00

The end is near! My final review is on Wednesday and then it's a relaxing coast to the finish line.

And let me just say, BP better clean up that oil spill ASAP because I plan on spending many weekends at the beach this summer!!

Derby Day!

2010-05-02T23:14:00.003-04:00

The day with the best odds of seeing all 7 of the Gray granddaughters at the log cabin in their Old Kentucky Home.

Hiatus

2010-04-21T23:53:00.002-04:00

...might not be back until June.

April Shopping

2010-04-11T20:40:00.000-04:00

Anthropologie is relentless. It's bad enough that their clothes and home accessories are so delectable but do they have to keep reminding me with their artful catalogues and whimsical storefronts? It's too much for my empty pocketbook to take! And behold, the adorable birthday card they sent me (which is a 15% off coupon) with a candle necklace attached. It is just too hard to resist such sweet advertising.

Did I mention their beautiful catalogues?

Looks like someone will be perusing the sale racks this month...

You win, Anthropologie, you win.

27 Candles...

2010-04-09T00:01:00.003-04:00

And counting.

Cardinal Tunes

2010-04-06T16:23:00.004-04:00

Remember the cardinal I saw last winter? He is back, chirping outside my balcony while I type, type, type my thesis. Who needs iTunes with this serenade?

Please excuse the photo. My zoom isn't the greatest, so I did a little Photoshop filtering to make the "out of focus" look a bit more deliberate. ;)

Easter Day: Sunny with a side of Mashed Potatoes

2010-04-04T20:35:00.009-04:00

Couldn't have asked for a more beautiful Easter day! The forsythias are in full bloom, making the drive to KY that much more enjoyable. A couple of snips from my parents' yard made for some lovely arrangements. I even polished a little silver while I was at it.

But of course, the sunniest part of the day was seeing Miss Taylor Kate all dressed up in her Sunday wears and making the cutest monkey sounds ever imaginable. ;)

Let's just say, the family is totally smitten with this one, and you can see why from all that preciousness.

Trying to Recycle

2010-04-03T18:36:00.003-04:00

I am just not one of those women who sprays perfume on every morning before jaunting out into the world. So when I was doing my Spring Cleaning and noticed a nearly-full glass perfume bottle that I've had for, oh about 5 years, I immediately put it in the trash pile. But then I reconsidered. It was such a beautiful shape, surely I could find a use for it.

So I tried unscrewing the top thinking it would be as simple as emptying the contents and refilling it with something I would actually use. But it wouldn't budge. Out came the pliers. With a tight grip and maybe a little grunt, it started to turn. And turn. And turn. Without moving up the bottle the top was moving round and round. Clearly, this was not a simple screw on spray bottle.

Determined, I finagled my pliers in just the right position to try and pry the top off of the glass bottle...thinking that the glass would be stronger than the top. See where this is going? Luckily the glass didn't break into a million pieces and land me a trip to the ER but it did break. Come to find out that perfume manufacturers somehow clamp on the metal spray contraption to the glass so that there really isn't a way to reuse the bottle (as far as I can figure out). I really wish more industries would think about the life cycle of their products!

Anyway, I still haven't thrown it out. I'm sure it will make a nice bud vase...so long as I can locate a glass file.

Spring Cleaning

2010-04-03T16:19:00.005-04:00

Cleaning at the onset of spring is always so delightful because you can throw open the windows and let the fresh air sweep away any remnants of the stale winter air. A sense of renewal and new beginnings is especially poignant for me this year because soon I'll be starting a new chapter in my life that does not include homework. It's always bittersweet when these transitions occur. (Although I'm leaning heavily toward the sweet side on this one.)

I always miss the spaces that I leave behind, the cultivated nests that make me feel like I belong somewhere. There are always particular aspects of a home that make it unique, maybe a little bit quirky. Sometimes it's a spectacular view or drafty windows so old that they creak when you shove them open. In this apartment, while I love the hardwood floors...I must say that I'm going to miss waking up to that blue tub and funky tile. It's so unexpected and such a throwback. No one says, "I want a pink toilet," anymore. It makes me sad. Every HGTV bathroom renovation bemoans these dated spaces and while I'm not endorsing these rooms that haven't been updated in 50 years...I think a touch of the past is totally acceptable and totally delightful.

Just imagine a stark white, sleek, modern bathroom with this tub being the only dash of color. I think it would be lovely!

Pink toilet anyone? ;)

The End is Near

2010-04-01T21:19:00.001-04:00

Time to sprint to the finish...

Jelly Bean Imposters

2010-03-31T15:18:00.003-04:00

Every now and then it dawns on me that I'm not a kid anymore, that there exists a whole "other world" that I've become increasingly removed from. A world of tiny green leprechauns and magical tooth fairies, holidays where brightly colored candy is delivered by a white rabbit. As my niece gets older I'll probably feel that immediate connection again but for now I have to be reminded of it by the changing candy aisle at the grocery store.

The great thing about being an adult is that you're the one buying the candy. The Easter Bunny can't bring you something you don't like because YOU ARE the Easter Bunny. You don't get stuck with the duds, trying to barter your way to an appealing stash. I'll trade you one Cadburry Egg for two Peeps plus one Hershey Kiss. You're no longer subjected to those neighbors who hand out apples on Halloween. YOU ARE IN CONTROL. Or so you think.

I'm not one to buy lots of candy (I get plenty of sugar when I go to Starbucks) but I do allow myself a bag of my special holiday favorites. Because come on, it will be a whole year until you see that bag of candy corn on the shelf again. So here's the deal, I was browsing the produce when I spotted a display of jelly beans. Yes, I said produce. I wasn't even IN the candy aisle because I shop the perimeter like THEY tell me to do. ;) But those sneaky merchandisers set those jelly beans out in broad daylight...rather...bright fluorescent lighting and they beckoned me nearer. And I made the purchase.

As soon as I got home and unloaded the groceries I popped open the container of the seemingly innocent jellies and picked out a green one and took a big bite. AND IT TASTED LIKE SPEARMINT GUM. It's quite alarming when expectations are so far removed from reality. REALLY PEOPLE!? Go ahead and eat your Jelly Bellies with all of those WEIRD flavors but I'll stick to the traditional flavor of REAL jelly beans, thank you very much. At least Jelly Bellies are visually different so you can distinguish them from others. But these looked normal. In disbelief I grabbed the clear container and looked at the small label that read "Spiced Jelly Beans." SPICED. Ugh.

I am so NOT IN CONTROL. At least they look pretty.

Maybe I can find some kids to pawn them off on. ;)

Same Model, Same Pose, Take 2

2010-03-10T22:56:00.006-05:00

This one (above) ended up being very similar to a previous drawing, although I do like the way I handled the fabric and column. My favorite of the evening was this next one...

New model and new pose next week. However, it will be finals week...so I'm not making any promises that I'm going to make it! We'll have to see how productive the weekend is. ;)

So, to recap, here are the six drawings I did in the last two sessions. I think I need to try some new techniques...suggestions are welcome!

Tuesday Morning Reflections

2010-03-09T12:44:00.000-05:00

It's not my fault.

2010-03-07T21:07:00.003-05:00

Spring made me do it.

Spring? Is that you?

2010-03-04T14:46:00.002-05:00

Blue Skies! Not Gray!!

What does it all mean??

It means that soon I can stop buying flowers at the market and start planting them on my balcony!

Or maybe do both! ;)

Odile Decq

2010-03-04T12:43:00.003-05:00

Okay, so I skipped figure drawing last night...but for good reason. If you ever get a chance to see a lecture by someone who looks like this

...you know it will be fascinating! And it was both fascinating and inspiring (a good thing during thesis work!). Odile Decq is a renowned French architect and head of the Ecole Speciale d'Architecture of Paris. She joined us at the University of Cincinnati last night for our lecture series.

What I love about her body of work is that it involves much more than buildings, ranging from art installations to furniture, door handles and sailboats. Of particular interest, the custom Esense Wally 143 sailboat:

I know NOTHING about boats, but this one is beautifully crafted! You can see interior images at ODBC's website.

And, my personal favorite...Victor's House.

New Media

2010-02-24T22:01:00.002-05:00

I brought out the horse hair brush and walnut colored ink tonight. It's been quite a while since I attempted this technique!

Lady in Pigtails

2010-02-17T22:01:00.002-05:00

I hadn't made it to figure drawing in a couple of weeks due to inclement weather and school presentations/tests..but I made it back tonight! Hopefully I don't miss anymore. It really is better when you practice consistently...as with anything.

There are some really talented folks in this class. Quite intimidating!

The Beauty of Flowers

2010-02-09T15:56:00.004-05:00

Flowers. It is evident throughout my blog posts that I, like many other females adore flowers! And while I could write about their beauty, fragrance, symbolism or delight (especially on a cold winter day!), the prose could never be as profound as the beginning statements of "A New Earth" by Eckhart Tolle. These statements (and the entirety of the book) redefined my appreciation of flowers, and life:

"Earth, 114 million years ago, one morning just after sunrise: The first flower ever to appear on the planet opens up to receive the rays of the sun. Prior to this momentous event that heralds an evolutionary transformation in the life of plants, the planet had already been covered in vegetation for millions of years. The first flower probably did not survive for long, and flowers must have remained rare and isolated phenomena, since conditions were most likely not yet favorable for a widespread flowering to occur. One day, however, a critical threshold was reached, and suddenly there would have been an explosion of color and scent all over the planet--if a perceiving consciousness had been there to witness it.

Much later, those delicate and fragrant beings we call flowers would come to play an essential part in the evolution of consciousness of another species. Humans would increasingly be drawn to and fascinated by them. As the consciousness of human beings developed, flowers were most likely the first thing they came to value that had no utilitarian purpose for them, that is to say, was not linked to survival. They provided inspiration to countless artists, poets, and mystics. Jesus tells us to contemplate the flowers and learn from them how to live. The Buddha is said to have given a "silent sermon" once during which he held up a flower and gazed at it. After a while, one of those present, a monk called Mahakasyapa, began to smile. He is said to have been the only one who had understood the sermon. According to legend, that smile (that is to say, realization) was handed down by twenty-eight successive masters and much later became the origin of Zen.

Seeing beauty in a flower could awaken humans, however briefly, to the beauty that is an essential part of their own innermost being, their true nature. The first recognition of beauty was one of the most significant events in the evolution of human consciousness. The feelings of joy and love are intrinsically connected to that recognition. Without our fully realizing it, flowers would become for us and expression in form of that which is most high, most sacred, and ultimately formless within ourselves. Flowers, more fleeting, more ethereal, and more delicate than the plants out of which they emerged, would become like messengers from another realm, like a bridge between the world of physical forms and the formless. They not only had a scent that was delicate and pleasing to humans, but also brought a fragrance from the realm of spirit. Using the word "enlightenment" in a wider sense than the conventionally accepted one, we could look upon flowers as the enlightenment of plants."

Happy Valentine's Day!

(And thanks for the flowers Ernie!)

Sunday Blues

2010-01-31T13:57:00.004-05:00

Blueberries, that is. Cold weather puts me in the mood to bake! (or maybe it puts me in the mood to eat warm, fresh-baked comfort food, which leads to baking said food.) Either way, the oven mitts were out last night as I contemplated what to make with the fresh blueberries I had gotten at the grocery. (Yay antioxidants!)

The obvious choice was blueberry muffins! Couple that with some hot tea and sunny flowers and you're warm enough that you think you've suddenly teleported to Florida.

Well, almost.

Scheduled 'Me' Time

2010-01-20T21:55:00.003-05:00

Life gets busy! Sometimes I find myself working toward some future goal and it really distracts me from enjoying the present moment. I stop doing the things that I love.

Now, let me tell you a secret. I cannot wait to graduate! I have been at this 'school' thing for too long. And while I'm excited at the prospect of starting a career and making a steady income...what I'm most excited about is that I'll get to reclaim my fallen hobbies AND add new ones!

Here's to the Re-Introduction of Figure Drawing!!

Snow Baby

2010-01-16T10:06:00.004-05:00

Observe.

A rare glimpse at The Baby Snow Bear in its natural habitat.

But we must BE QUIET! Mother Bear is nearby to protect her cub!

And if we frighten The Baby, All Hell will break loose.

So just sit back and quietly watch

The cutest thing.

You will ever see.

In your entire life.

DON'T FEED THE BABY SNOW BEARS!

THEY ARE GROWING TEETH!

AND THEY LIKE FINGERS!

Manifest Gallery

2010-01-08T10:37:00.002-05:00

Some of you may know that this blog was originally started in order to share my sketches from my very first figure drawing studio I took at the University of Kentucky while studying Interior Design. My archives are telling me that was FOUR years ago! Really!? FOUR YEARS!

What seems even crazier is that I have not practiced figure drawing since October of 2007 at the Cincinnati Art Academy. What have I been doing, anyway?? Well...okay, trying to get my Master of Architecture, for one thing. But that's really no excuse for letting a beloved hobby fall by the wayside! No Excuse!

So, when a friend mentioned that she might take advantage of the figure drawing sessions at Manifest Gallery this quarter, I hopped right on that bandwagon! I can't think of a better way to begin 2010! Sessions start on Jan. 20th.

And now...a Snowy, Narcissistic Photo Shoot

2010-01-07T14:48:00.004-05:00

Because:

A) IT'S SNOWING!

B) Last winter I did not get to wear my bright pink toboggan because I was in FL.

C) Thesis development brings about lots of new procrastination techniques.

D) I just remembered my felt flower pin after a friend posted about this wonderful blog!

E) All of the above.

Snow Pig

2010-01-07T10:50:00.005-05:00

My little 'Flying Pig' is begging me to bring him inside. But I told him that he's just too cute, sitting out there in the snow. In protest, he said, "Maybe I'll fly South."

And then I told him he's made of cast iron.

When the Weather Outside is Frightful

2010-01-05T18:23:00.006-05:00

After trudging about the city today among the snow flurries, diligently crossing off items on my TO DO list whilst dreaming about the Florida sun, homemade tomato soup was just the thing to warm me up when I arrived home. Luckily I had snagged some from my mother over the weekend. Thanks Mom!

Happy New Year!

2010-01-03T21:03:00.009-05:00

Patience is a virtue. Look who won the Test of Wills just in time to cross it off the list for 2009...

Score.

SUGAR pie, HONEY bunch

2009-12-17T11:33:00.003-05:00

Christmas, the season for devouring all things sweet and unhealthy has officially arrived. How do I know? Have you seen my parents lately? Probably not. They've barricaded themselves inside by all of the candy they've made. Pecan rolls, bourbon balls, chocolate fudge, peanut butter fudge, coconut fudge, toffee, white chocolate peppermint... Trust me, you've never seen anything quite like it.

And let's just say the fondant doesn't fall far from the marble slab. Upon hearing about a cookie bake-off at work I recruited the parents to help me decide which cookie to make. In the last two days I have made M&M cookies, M&M mint cookies, red velvet cookies (shown above in miniature version), and Doubletree Hotel cookies (google it...SO GOOD!). I submitted the red velvet and Doubletree's for the competition.

The winner will be announced this afternoon!

The winds are howling...

2009-12-10T16:14:00.001-05:00

They're telling me to go South.

;)

Red Riding

2009-12-09T10:49:00.002-05:00

This was commissioned last year by Whitney for her holiday cards. Still like it.

...especially those boots.

Tis The Season

2009-12-08T18:52:00.003-05:00

The most magical time of year is upon us. As a child there was no greater excitement than the prospect of snow, partially because it meant the Kentucky back-roads were rendered impassable and school would invariably be canceled. As we got older we would crawl back into our cozy beds upon hearing the news and possibly not change out of our pajamas until our mother was just about to arrive home from work that evening.

But when we were younger, these days were seized. Like, how fast can I put 10 layers of clothes on and where are my snow boots? Do they even still fit? No, I don't care if my socks match. Have you seen my gloves? Both of them? That's my scarf, yours is over there. What do you mean I need earmuffs???? Wait for me!!!!!!!

It was a day filled with competition. Who could get outside the fastest? Who could endure the most snowballs to the head? Who could sled the farthest down the hill? Who got the most marshmallows in their hot chocolate? Who could have THE MOST FUN EVER?

Snow was like a gift from the Heavens. Never mind if the adults had to drive in it. We got to PLAY in it. And then drink LIQUID CHOCOLATE, our noses running. It doesn't get any better.

So what if I couldn't feel my toes. It was WORTH it if they fell off. Really.

Even now, snow is still sort of magical. You never know when it's coming or how much, no matter what the weatherman proclaims. Its something special to wake up on a winter day and be drawn toward the window because there's a familiar white glow reflecting in.

Could it be? You open your curtains. Yes, I thought that was you, Snow!

The landscape you left the night before has changed into something brilliant. Everything is calm. Quiet. And your inner child can't wait to go outside and PLAY in this fleeting gift from Mother Earth. If only all of life's gifts were so recognizable, so seized.

...Yesterday I woke up to our first dusting of snow, and while it only lasted until noon, the magic stayed with me all day.

Untitled

2009-12-08T00:54:00.001-05:00

Twitter

2009-12-07T21:56:00.000-05:00

Winter Wilderness

2009-12-06T17:31:00.001-05:00

Perfectly Perched

2009-12-06T02:37:00.001-05:00

Berry Bird

2009-12-05T22:11:00.002-05:00

I know a berry bush. She lives directly in front of my parking spot and her glorious array of perfectly tiny, perfectly round, (perfectly poisonous?) red berries greet me everyday when I come home.

I also know a cardinal. Well, I know of a cardinal. We're not actually acquainted. I spotted him yesterday. He was obnoxiously loitering at the dumpster, which I felt was inappropriate for such a regal bird. Dumpsters are for the likes of Sparrows, after all, not the State Bird!

He flew away after I gave a disapproving nod. I didn't even have time to tell him that there exists a perfectly perfect berry bush nearby in which he could perfectly perch with his scarlet feathers nestled next to her ruby reds.

Let me know if you see him.

All Glow

2009-11-22T22:47:00.002-05:00

Speaking of cameras and taking pictures...I disappointingly forgot my camera Saturday night when I went to Balluminaria at Eden Park. This photo, which I did not take, illustrates the beauty that I failed to capture due to my absent-mindedness. Darn it!

Really.

2009-11-19T16:14:00.002-05:00

I wasn't joking.

2009-11-18T21:25:00.000-05:00

What Happens When You Give an Architect a Camera?

2009-11-17T23:10:00.003-05:00

You get pictures of bricks.

What happens when two architects each have a camera?

Twice as many pictures of bricks.

Pilgrimage

2009-11-16T22:03:00.004-05:00

A storm was brewing in the Heavens as we left St. Peter's Cathedral in Rome which made for this ominously apocalyptic photo. Sweet.

"Taste the Rainbow"

2009-11-15T19:30:00.003-05:00

The streets of Sienna are FULL of life! Locals and tourists share the narrow stone paths that go uP AND DOWn the hills of the city. Colorful contrade flags and corresponding street lamps decorate the way as you peruse the shop windows, stopping to study restaurant menus even though you are still full from that pizza you had for lunch and the gelato you're still licking.

Peculiar local occurrences are happening all around you, like the costumed men waving flags and drumming drums that woke you up at 7 a.m. this morning and won't end until after dark, the eclectic concert last night at the campo, and now, this honking parade of Skittles-colored Fiats driving toward the cathedral that are Oh-So-Cute!

You can't help thinking, "What is going on here? And, can I please stay?"

Orlando Swan Boat = Venice Gondola ?

2009-11-14T13:07:00.005-05:00

One of Orlando's great public spaces is Lake Eola. It's the perfect place to go for a jog, to people watch, stroll the Farmer's Market, feed the swans or sit at an open air cafe enjoying live music or the Big Game. There's one thing I have yet to do though, take a ride in a swan boat! Apparently, it's kind of like WDW for the locals...only the tourists do it. But it's just so kitsch that it's hard not to want to indulge your inner child, pay the 12 bucks, and bask in the Florida sun with a loved one paddling by your side. It sounds rather divine to me, but I cannot convince a certain someone to forfeit his ego for a 30 minute jaunt across the lake (this fight isn't over 'til it's over).

In Venice, a similar, though not parallel, occurrence is the gondola ride. Yes, there is a great tradition of gondolas in Venetian culture, I'm not undermining that. They are beautifully crafted, historic works of art (unlike the kitsch quality of the swan boat). But today its primary use is for tourist transport. And I was the first to suggest we take said opportunity. After all...we were in Venice. As tourists, you are obliged to do certain things.

For instance, you can't go to Seattle and not go to the top of the Space Needle. You can't go to New York and not go to the Empire State Building. You can't go to Paris and not see the Eiffel Tower. You can't go to Florence and not climb the dome. And you can't go to Venice and not take a gondola ride.

But that's exactly what we did. Because upon my suggestion I abruptly found out that it costs 100 Euros to take a gondola ride. 100 Euros! For. A. Boat. Ride.

I'll take the $12 swan. I have a good imagination.

Because Sometimes...

2009-11-11T16:14:00.001-05:00

You just need a little pick-me-up.

Illuminating

2009-11-10T13:23:00.005-05:00

Spencer Finch, Moondust (Apollo 17), Venice Biennale 2009

Apparently the artist is "re-creat[ing] the molecular structure of moon dust gathered during the Apollo 17 mission in 1972." (ARTINFO) And upon contemplating this work at the Biennale, I'll admit that my mind did think about the molecular-like structure of the bulbs, although at the time I didn't realize it was referring to this specific historic moment. But then, contemporary abstract works are like that; more often the title reveals the intention of the work more than the work itself.

I think as a viewer, it is more important to focus on your own emotional/intellectual/guttural response to a work of art. In which case, mine was something like...

"ooooo....Lots of Sparkly Bulbs!" (mesmerized by the initial magical ambience) and then, "Oh, but what a waste of energy." (reality check.)

May the psychoanalysis commence. ;)

I'm just a Girl...

2009-11-08T13:32:00.002-05:00

I would like all of the men in my life to know that I triumphantly killed a spider today as I was making breakfast, squealing minimally, with only my cats as witness. And no, this doesn't mean that you're off the hook next time I wake up in the morning to a roach crawling across the floor as I'm sitting on the toilet (Matt). I just had no one to default to this morning. ;)

Image was found here.

So Crass...

2009-11-07T00:53:00.002-05:00

As if it were made especially for him.

Venice Biennale, 2009.

Two Words: Leather_Market.

2009-11-06T22:57:00.003-05:00

I don't know about you, but there are certain smells that completely invigorate me. Hardware stores, for instance. I walk into a hardware store and immediately recall my childhood. Weird, I know. My dad used to own a hardware store, and I imagine he came home smelling like this...why else would I have such an affinity for such an odd smell, this mixture of metal, wood shavings, gasoline, sweat, dirt...maybe a little paint? Pretty much the same smell as a tractor. Glorious! Noxious...but glorious!

Many women, I imagine, probably feel overwhelmed in a place like Home Depot, but I am quite the opposite. I could spend all day in a hardware store going up and down the aisles, looking at the various contraptions, marveling at the array of bolts and washers and screws, OH MY!

What is that called? You do what with that? It's such an exciting place! The beginning and end to so many projects! The raw material for creative endeavors. I LOVE hardware stores. My first job at 16 was at a local hardware store, although frankly, it was too clean to be a real hardware store, too new, too commercial...hardware stores should be grimy! There wasn't near enough grime in that place.

I digress.

There are certain places and moments when you stop dead in your tracks, in order to fill your lungs to the fullest extent, with the olfactory presence that surrounds you. Memories cascade across your mind, that you can't fully place, but you know they were good. They were warm. And it makes you smile. Hardware stores are that place for me.

And so are shoe stores.

My mom and I need only waft both hands towards our noses and inhale deeply in order to communicate the pure exhilaration of being surrounded by LEATHER to one another. For my mother, it is mostly equine related. Saddles, bridles, boots, straps...I'm getting a little warm and fuzzy just writing about it. For me, it's shoes, bags and coats. ACCESSORIES!

That being said, Florence is my Heaven and Hell, my Alpha and Omega. Vendors upon vendors, pushing fabulous belts and wallets and sketchbooks and jackets and briefcases and bags and bags and bags and BAGS!!!! ...in all the colors of the known rainbow. Heaven on Earth.

But alas, I could not bring them all home, as much as I willed my psychic strengths to do so. HELL. How do I choose the MOST wonderful, the MOST practical, the MOST beautiful, the MOST perfect thing to bring home with me??? Although I can feel your skepticism, it was MOST agonizing. Truly.

I decided upon a green (fabulous!) briefcase which will follow me through my first years of being a certifiable architect! (For now it stays hidden in my closet, except for brief exposures to the world, when I retrieve it for a quick inhale.) Sick. I know.

I was also considering the gray purse, shown above. But I refrained. And the distress was, I guess, visible. Ernie surprised me with it the day we left for the next city!! You have to keep an eye on that one. :) So now, every time I bolt out the door for some random errand, I grab that gray bag, as all of the Italian memories cascade across my mind, and a smile forms upon my lips...

Ernie's Favorite Trick.

2009-11-05T14:50:00.005-05:00

"Hey, go sit over there and I'll take your picture (and give you no indication of when I'm taking it so you can look like you're having a miserable time walking through this beautiful garden in Florence)."

Thanks, dear. ;)

To Murano, With Love.

2009-11-04T22:36:00.003-05:00

An Italian day starts with a cappuccino. Not of the "tall, grande or venti" variety from the Starbucks drive-thru, handed to you in a paper cup with a green smiling mermaid who knows you can't wait until it's cold enough outside to order a Peppermint Mocha on your way to the mall for holiday shopping. An Italian cappuccino is served in proper glassware, piping hot, so you can take your time reading the paper, watching the people go by and nibbling on your buttery croissant. The foam is so thick that it becomes mesmerizing just to watch the sugar seep ever-so-slowly through the bubbly layer and into the espresso abyss, never to return.

What? Am I being too dramatic? Okay. The cappuccino there was good.

One of our Venetian mornings was spent on the island of Murano, known for their glass artistry. We sat down for a moment before touring the island to have our daily caffeinated beverage and much to my delight, hearts had been drawn into the foam by our Italian barista. Now, I know what you're thinking. They do that for all the tourists. They know how to make an American Girl in Venice swoon.

Well, I'm okay with that. It was a lovely beginning to the day.

Ciao Venezia.

2009-11-04T18:51:00.002-05:00

We left Venice early in the morning. We had a train to catch. It was the perfect moment of reflection, crossing the Accademia Bridge (usually crowded with pedestrians) in the still of the morning, above the still of the water, as the sun was just beginning to light up the Canal. With one city down, I realized the need to be fully present in these fleeting moments, lest the trip end in a blur, without any true appreciation of the experience.

Cinque Terre

2009-11-03T17:42:00.005-05:00

Five small fishing villages hover on the Western rocky coastline of Italy with terraced vineyards and meandering cats who patiently wait at the edge of your dinner table hoping a bit of prawn will happen to fall from your plate. We stayed in Vernazza, arriving just after the sun had set after a long day of traveling. We hoofed it up to our room and unloaded our packs in time to walk down to the water, where all of the restaurants overlook the pier. For dinner, the signature pasta of the Ligurian region, trofie al pesto, and wine, of course.

A regional train connects the villages, shooting through the dark depths of the mountains. But the real way to experience the cities is on foot, hiking along the trails, through vineyards, along the coastline, up and down the hills that separate one village from the other. It sounds like a vacation on its own (and it could be!) but this was just one of our stops along the way...

Meet Taylor Kate

2009-11-02T19:49:00.004-05:00

This is my new precious niece who was born in June! That's one happy baby.

Indo Bay

2009-11-02T01:06:00.003-05:00

I have a friend who has lovely textile designs on Etsy here.

I'm wishing her all the best!

Check it out!!

ITALY

2009-11-02T01:00:00.002-05:00

So, it should be common knowledge that Whitney and I copy what the other one does. Well, Whitney finally posted again, so I guess I need to as well! But I'm not making any promises to keep it up because I am working on FINISHING SCHOOL!!!

However, I did take a trip to Italy recently and here are few shots...just to make you all jealous!

Product of the 80's

2009-07-17T23:09:00.001-04:00

Tomorrow night is an 80's pub crawl in downtown Orlando. Tonight we practiced- i.e., channeled Madonna, Cyndi Lauper, Punky Brewster, and DJ Tanner.

New Apartment

2009-04-16T20:45:00.001-04:00

Holiday Dress

2008-12-07T18:34:00.002-05:00

Carnivores at Animal Kingdom

2008-11-29T18:30:00.004-05:00

Giving Thanks

2008-11-29T10:21:00.002-05:00

Mission Impossible

2008-11-17T21:33:00.005-05:00

When I moved to Florida, I was given one task: monitor Whitney's purchasing of tacky Disney products to prevent a home over-run by cluttered Mickey memorabilia. Since Whitney's first day at work, Disney has successfully initiated her into the Disney culture, sprinkling their magical consumerist pixie dust all over her. And that shit doesn't come out. After every theme park visit, she drones on and on about ultra soft plush Pooh bears, five foot graphic Tinker Bell canvases in lime green and turquoise blue, bejeweled replicas of Cinderella's castle for the reasonable price of a luxury SUV... the force is strong in this one. Sadly, I am not joking.

Tired of going to the Disney parks every waking hour, I politely declined the most recent invitation to Epcot. Big mistake!! They came home with 1, 2, 3, FOUR shopping bags and goofy grins plastered on their faces... "Christmas presents for all," they claimed. Proudly bragging about all the "deals" she found, Whitney showcased her purchases... saving the "Best" (read Worst) for last.

"And look what we got for ourselves! Don't you love it?"

Puke! It was a 4'x5' woven throw which now adorns our sofa.
Let me describe what it's not. It is not classy. It is not tasteful. It is not expensive. It is not acceptable! You be the judge...

Please join me in chiding Whitney and Matt. It's for their own good... so next time they'll think twice.

Meow.

2008-11-02T17:22:00.001-05:00

"First Day" Traditions, for Rob and Peg

2008-09-23T20:16:00.007-04:00

The glorious legacy began 22 years ago at a McAlpins register. Whitney was in line with mom and grandma Peggy when she spied a red Rainbow-Brite umbrella. The purchase would inform her fashion, and sense of humor, for years to come. While the umbrella was memorable, the purpose of the trip was Back-to-School shopping, and resulted in many outfits of Spumoni, Osh-Kosh-Be-Gosh, and Khaki-cuteness. After this successful and fun day, Peggy declared it a tradition, topped only by Derby Day.

In the next two and three years, respectively, Lindsey and Katie received their prestigious invitation to join The Event. It didn't stop there. Luckily our family was blessed with seven granddaughters, each of whom was initiated into the yearly retail ritual before the first day of school.

The first stop was always McAlpins, as Aunt Susan worked there and could scout the newest styles and deals. As youngsters, we were easy to please, however, as we matured so did our personal styles.

Whitney:
Princess and the Pea Complex- no itchy fabrics like wool, no tight turtle necks, and no sleeve rolling (although she did tight roll her pants in middle school-ha!). In high school, she was a Total Bitch. Nothing pleased her. She refused to try anything on unless it was brown or black. She had that flannel-grunge-thing going for her, or against her. Later on, she improved. She added reds and pink to her repertoire. And she started to take advice from her fashion forward family.

Lindsey:
Lindsey liked it all, the shopping and the clothes. Consistently classic, she liked stripes, solids, denim and khaki. She despised Whitney's inevitable rummage through her closet to find the newest (unworn) addition to her wardrobe, stealing her thunder and wearing it first. But she did get a nice superiority boost by bitching Whitney out ALL the way to school.

Katie:
At an early age, like 3(!), Katie had developed her own style. She didn't want the gray pea coat that mom picked out and bought, she wanted the purple one. Distraught by the pain of betraying the purple coat, she burst into tears when modeling it for great-grandmother Sara Newt. (Sara Newt remedied said situation by demanding that mom exchange the coat for the appropriate color. More to come on "The Spoiling of the Grandchildren" by Sara Newt in a coming post.) From then on, Katie was not afraid to voice her opinion on fashion choices. As a result, Katie could be found in the best wears, with her eclectic-before-the-trend style, which gave her that "unapproachable look."

With our shiny new wardrobes in closet, we would spend an hour, minimum, getting ready for The First Day. We chose the outfits based on majority votes, men excluded, followed by hair styling, shoe picking, and later, bad make-up application. We were ready by 6:30 am when Aunt Robin would pick us up and drive us to the end of the lane to wait for the bus. There we were, seven groggy, yet beautiful and dressed to the nines, granddaughters huddled together at the end of VanDeren Lane. At the butt-crack of dawn, we waited. Aunt Robin got out her camera, and snapped the first picture. Beginning to dismantle, Robin would flail, "Megan had her eyes closed!" Rolling our eyes and making snide comments we always had to take at least five photos before she was satisfied. :-)

We never escaped the dreaded "First Day of School" picture. Even when we went to college at UK. There she was, with her camera, waiting eagerly for us to drop by Funkhouser Building (where she worked). And where she would take at least five photos.

And so, this post is dedicated to all of the wonderful women who enabled our addiction to shopping, and saying cheese. Here is my "First Day of Work" picture, complete with new outfit, new haircut, new accessories and a smile. (Look for Whitney's "First Day of Work" picture on Monday at Happenings Chez Nous)

Written by Katie and Whitney

my chocolate pie secret...

2008-09-05T21:49:00.005-04:00

Mother's Day (or Easter...I don't remember), Dad and I are in the kitchen making chocolate pies.

Dad: You know Katie, I've been tripling this recipe for two pies so there is more filling in each one.
Katie (perplexed): huh.
Katie: I thought you doubled it for one pie.
Dad: No, I usually double it, because I always make two pies.
Katie: huh.
Katie: I quadruple it for two.

Free Flowers

2008-09-04T12:41:00.004-04:00

I love having cut flowers around but they are SO EXPENSIVE! So I love going home at the end of summer to steal zinnias from my dad's collection out at the barn. Believe me, he has plenty.

If you haven't

2008-08-23T13:04:00.002-04:00

seen the blog inhabitat and it's cohort inhabitots, you simply must check it out! They do many many posts on all things green...clothing, architecture, furniture (all of the things j'adore). So go over there and get your green on.

New Summer Staple

2008-08-18T23:05:00.004-04:00

that's real simple...from Real Simple Magazine.
It's so tasty and quick that I've made it several times already and it was just published this summer!
It's good on a toasted bun with olive oil or over some lettuce (for less carbs).

You can find the recipe here.
photo from realsimple.com

Zombies

2008-08-17T11:51:00.002-04:00

Too bad I didn't end up in San Francisco...I could've witnessed Zombies taking over the city!
Seriously.
And they are so technologically advanced.

In Preparation

2008-08-16T20:50:00.004-04:00

for living near Mickey & the Gang, I headed over to Disney's website to peruse...

And I found..."Create Your Own Fairy"! Yeah. It's fun.

Let me introduce you to Iris Littleblossom:

you can visit her website here.
*note: the cutest part is at the bottom of the page, "Powered by Pixie Dust," ...pretty magical!

Make room...

2008-08-16T00:52:00.005-04:00

FINALLY, I have found a 6 month co-op position! Here is the company website, although they said it will shortly be revamped. I'll be in the Orlando office...which means I'm movin' in with the Big Sister and her Hubby! You can see my room here. It'll be just like old times :-)

It is a little funny that I'll be down there, considering that Hunter and I produced a video in order to entice them to relocate to the Cincinnati area.

Needless to say, THE MOUSE won. No hard feelings.

Sugar_high

2008-08-13T23:24:00.001-04:00

Latte with Butter Pecan Ice Cream and Caramel. Yeah...it was good.

What do you think of my little friend?

2008-08-11T02:02:00.002-04:00

COPYKATie

2008-07-27T11:58:00.002-04:00

So, I found this blog thanks to a friend and couldn't resist making blueberry pancakes of my own. So much for gluten free, sugar free, yada yada yada. This week I'll eat better, but I thought I deserved such delicacies since I've been eating pretty healthy for the last couple months.

Boy were they TASTY!

Once upon a time...

2008-07-27T00:30:00.005-04:00

I was famous for my chocolate chip cookies. It's true. They are the best. During middle school I would come home, fix some cookie dough, and watch Oprah with a tall glass of milk and a big bowl of cookie dough. Those were the days.

Today I watched Paula Dean, and she just makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside! She is exceptionally talented in the department of convincing you that calories/sugar/carbs don't matter...it's all about the taste!
So, in honor of Paula, and my former cookie-baking-self, I broke out the KitchenAid!
And I haven't lost my touch.

Hunter's photos from JAPAN!

2008-07-15T22:29:00.000-04:00

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ghfurnish/

homeward_Bound

2008-07-02T23:03:00.003-04:00

Hunter gets back from his Great Japanese Summer Adventure on Sunday!
Can't wait to hear all about it.
Here are two images he's sent...

magazine_Junkie

2008-06-29T19:46:00.004-04:00

It's true. I hoard magazines, much like my mother (that's gonna get me in trouble). However, I do TRY to be organized about it. While I go through magazines I tear out images and/or recipes that I want to keep. That way I can RECYCLE the rest. The images go into the blue file box (remember?) and the recipes/crafts go into a binder with plastic sleeves. Et Voila! inspiration at your fingertips.

But I do confess, I don't have the courage to do this with my Architectural Record and Interior Design mags just yet. Until then, they sit in mounds in my office, below my desk, until this "my_Precious" mental block releases it's hold.

Whitney's Blog

2008-06-29T18:12:00.001-04:00

Yay! Whitney has joined the blogosphere!
Check it out!

Have I Mentioned

2008-06-29T17:47:00.010-04:00

that I have an online business? I didn't think so. Check out Little Hello Cards. Let me know what you think!

Thanks goes to my FABULOUS sister Whitney who has done the website construction!