30 Days: Day 21 - color and light

I have been re-watching Downton again, but then again it always seems to be queued up on either my computer, iPhone or DVR.  Period pieces have always been a weakness for me.  I adore them.  So a TV show that's also a period piece in my favorite era of fashion?  Well, basically, Downton is a perfect storm of entertainment.

And while we could get into a great discussion over the stories and plot ups and downs, it's the light and color that I have been unable to stop staring at this watch-through.  The color palate in the dresses and outfits that everyone wears.  The details and perfect contrast of black and white in the simple black dresses the maids wear in season 1.  The colors of the Crawley sisters' dresses.  Oh my.  Mary is my favorite up until this past season and then Edith steals the show.  The colors they put her in with her red highlighted hair.  Her wardrobe was magic.  

Then there is the perfect lighting.  Who ever lights this show deserves all the awards they could ever possibly be given.  It is one of the most beautifully lit shows I have ever seen.  It's an art form.  It is one of the main reasons that you could take any single frame and hang it on your wall and it would seem like a work of art.  Oh, to know light like that.  What a wonder to see the world in perfect shades of light.  

And one more fun one that isn't an example of either light or costume, but simply makes me smile from ear to ear.

Are you a Downton fan?
Am the only one that is constantly re-watching it and loving even more each time?

January happy moments

(Wind from the Sea by Andrew Wyeth - hanging in the National Gallery of Art)

January is over.

I must say that I am very, very glad to see it go.

Restart that monthly clock, please.

January was full to the brim of moments that were just...well...not good.

Big not-so-good things and little annoyances that added up rather ridiculously.

A friend was saying that he found himself muttering "I could have done without that" way too many times in the last 30 days.

I tend to lean strongly to the pessimist side.
VERY strongly.
It is something I am really trying to work on.
No one wants to be around a Debbie Downer; am I right?!

So in claiming joy and positivity over grumpiness,
here are a few things that are happy from this month...

This video that was posted by someone I follow on Twitter. I think I watched it about 25 times in a row.

I definitely do NOT agree that Harry should have married Hermonie.  I think Ron is good for her.  She needs someone happy and carefree to balance her out.  And I love that Harry and Hermione were just friends.  I think Harry probably changed a lot after the whole Voldemort battle was over.  Ginny was a good match for him.  Kind, easy going, brave and strong.  Plus, they all ended up family and that's much better.  Sorry, J.K.

It was Big Block of Cheese Day on Wednesday.  And I had just watched those West Wing episodes last week.  It was like my TV world was coming to life.  And that was awesome.

Not too sure how I'm feeling about the trailer for The Fault in Our Stars.  I loved the book and am nervous the movie won't have the same somber yet joyful tone.  But I really love Shailene Woodley, so at least there's that.

My whirlwind trip to Sundance.  I suppose I should at least post a tiny bit about that.  It was so very nice to spend a weekend with my brother even if it was rushed and not exactly what I had planned.

I am loving every single minute of journalling every day.  I actually look forward to it.  It doesn't feel like a chore.

New episodes of Downton Abbey AND Sherlock.  Yes.

I'm in the middle of two Bible studies right and loving having lots of "Bible homework".  God is really using it to wake me up and refresh my soul after a long dry time.  So very thankful that He is patient with me.


Oh, and I posted more about my CA road trip.  You can read about it here.

The new TV season

I love TV.
I love to talk about TV.
And while I have the next post in my CA road trip vacation ready to post (should be up tomorrow morning), I just have to pop in and talk about TV for a quick minute.

We are deep into the new TV season here in the US.  And I must say that, so far, it has been quite fantastic.

Here is what is standing out this year....

#1/The Top/The Best
The Good Wife is having its best season yet.  In fact, I would be so bold to say that it is the best show in TV right now.  Last night's episode, "Hitting the Fan", was one of the best hours on TV anywhere that I've seen in a long, long time.  Superb writing.  Lightning fast pace.  Outstanding performances (Alicia and Will's phone conversation with her daughter's field trip permission slip at the end deserves its own Emmy for the writing and acting).  Funny, heartbreaking, infuriating.

Are you watching The Good Wife?  If so, let's discuss.  If not, it's streaming on Amazon Prime for free.

I was instantly drawn to Reign merely because it's a period piece.  The costumes and castles are enough to draw me in.  Thankfully, the story has potential too (even if it isn't entirely historically accurate).  The characters are interesting and well acted. Oh and Anne Shirley is the Queen of France. What?!
There have only been 2 episodes so far, but I'm already looking forward to it each week.  And let's talk about the soundtrack...one of the best on TV.  Many of the songs have been on constantly rotation on my iPhone.

I think the The Originals is my favorite new show this season.  I mean, it IS a spin off of The Vampire Diaries, which I so greatly enjoy.
I feel like The Originals is getting off on the right foot as a spin off.  Creating its own world.  Building its own mythology.  Giving the characters we already know new depth.  Developing its own look.  But still giving a nod back to its (much loved) parent.
For instance, I HATED Klaus on The Vampire Diaires.  His story was tired and so very worn around the edges.  But on The Originals, he has new life breathed into him.  I can't wait to see where he will go next and what he will do.  Tiny cracks in his walls are showing his humanity, portrayed so wonderfully by Joseph Morgan.  I'm intrigued and loving it.  It's Must Watch in our house.

I'm also enjoying:
Parks and Rec (Hilarious. Adorable. My favorite comedy on TV. Has it really been on 6 seasons?!  Still fresh and funny and heartwarming. This one gets better with age.)
Revenge (Having a much revived 3rd season after the disaster that was season 2.)
Parenthood (Crosby is stealing every scene this season.  Emmys, are you paying attention?)
Modern Family (A comedy in its 5th season is usually struggling.  Not so here.  Laugh-out loud hilarious every week)


Also good, but not great:
The Walking Dead (its fine, but looking tired and recycled.)


Disappointed:
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D (just can't bring myself to watch the episodes that are piling up on the DVR.  Needs a jolt of life in its veins).  It had so much going for it.  Joss, good story tellers, fun premise.  But alas, I'm just bored.  I know I should give it time, but it's not looking good so far.  I think its trying too hard.

Grey's Anatomy (really, Grey's?  Without Christina next year, I think this may be the end for me...again.)


Done with:
New Girl (I haven't laughed in weeks.  Good-bye)

Current obsessions

These are the things that are "it" for me right now...

The Newsroom. Currently re-watching the 1st season (after having just watched it for the first time 2 months ago).  It's just as good, almost better with each re-watch.  The characters are some of my favorites ever.  Sometimes I manage to find a place to watch an episode of season 2 (currently airing on HBO).  Kinda like a treasure hunt to find a friend who has On Demand.

Wish I Was Here.  Zach Braff's new movie is currently in filming in LA.  How do I know this?  Well, because I'm a Kickstarter backer for the movie.  Every week I get a playlist with new music and a ridiculously well made video highlighting a different person on the crew and what their job entails.  Can I just admit that it is one of the coolest things I've been a part of in the online world?  Zach is so appreciative and generous with his backers.  We get tons of behind the scenes scoops and info.

Mint Julep tea. Or any tea really. I can't stop drinking it.  A cup in the morning.  And one again at night too.  It's bad.  I don't need the caffeine.

The National.  Listening to Trouble Will Find Me on repeat.  Over and over and over again.  I'm of the opinion that one should listen to a piece of music until you are entirely sick of it and can't hear it one more time.  It's how I roll.

Writing.  Whether it's on pen and paper or typing away on a computer screen. I'm obsessed with getting the words out.  It feels good.  Honestly, it's been a while since writing has seemed appealing. I've missed it.  Intensely.  I've been a scribbler since I was in elementary school.

Reading.  I recently finished Life As We Knew It, and I can't stop thinking about it.  It's about a girl and her family and their story of survival when the moon gets hit by an asteroid.  The story was alright, but the idea behind it and what the family goes through when the earth's weather changes was fascinating.  As I was finding the link for the book, I found that there are 2 more books in the series.  I had no idea.  Awesome.

Now, I'm almost finished with Kisses From Katie.  I've been reading her blog for years, so it isn't really anything new.  However, her story and how she loves Jesus and lives her life is something that is always good to be reminded of.  When I start to get frustrated that I can't afford something I want, I think about all the children that she helps who have no food or clothes or parents.  Good for perspective.


What are you obsessing over lately?

NYC: Part IV

I think the city is good for us right now.  The hustle and bustle.  People everywhere.  We need that.  This week is usually so lonesome with everyone leaving camp and it being so quiet.  But, here, we can be surrounded by people and feel their energy and life.  It doesn't feel so sad.  The city is good for us.
-paraphrasing what my roommate so wisely said while we sat in Times Square processing our meet and greet with Zachary Levi.  I was still shaking all over like an excited puppy.

So true.  The week after camp ends is usually a lonely, melancholy time.  All of our summer staff/friends scatter across the country.  The tiny, skeleton crew that runs the rest of the year at camp is left kinda shell shocked, battered.  It's hard to describe in words, but if you've ever lived the camp life, I'm sure you totally get it.
Hence, the city, the busy-ness, the life everywhere feels comforting, not overwhelming. The city really was a very good idea for us.  Maybe this should be a yearly tradition....hmmm...

There was the cutest little park (again with the parks and the nature) right across from our hotel.  Lots of cute tables and chairs.  Shade trees.  Complete with a freakin' waterfall?!  Awesome.  Wish we could have spent more time here.

We spent a few blissful hours sitting in Rockefeller Center, which I know is a huge touristy area, but I just love it so much.  Literally hours, sitting in the shade.  People watching.  Making up stories of where this person and that family came from.
There was a farmers market right in front of the NBC store, so we grabbed some fresh (and ridiculously delicious) peaches for the ride home.  It was a little strange to be shopping for baked goods, jellies, fruits and vegetables looking up at 30 Rock and the Today Show set.  Weird, but great.

Wish I could have brought these home with me.  I'm a big Parks and Rec fan.  Ron Swanson.  It's my favorite comedy on TV right now.

(First Date playbill signed by Zac, Rose petal that blew into our seats at the show, metro cards, receipts from the bus, hotel, metro and Shake Shack, First Date ticket stubs, David's Tea bag, scrap paper from the hotel)

I always love and hate at the same time cleaning out my bags at the end of a trip.  So many mementos and memories attached to them.  I used to save everything and then realized that I have no room for such things.  Now I take photos of all of it and they get stored digitally instead.  Except the playbill and ticket stub.  I kept those!

Thanks, New York City.  You were lovely and adventure filled as you always are.  You were the perfect 2 day vacation at the end of crazy summer.  I'll be back soon.

NYC: Part I / Part II / Part III

NYC: Part II - The Show

I have re-written and re-worked this post so many times.  I still don't know exactly how to put this experience into words.  You know those times in life when things feel totally surreal and out of body?  This was one of those for me.  

The reason for this trip to NYC was to see First Date.  It is a brand new musical on Broadway staring Zachary Levi.  I may have mention before that I kinda think Zachary Levi is just adorable.  

When I heard he was staring in First Date, I immediately knew I had to go see it.  My lucky stars (and Jesus' kindness) were aligned and Living Social had a deal for tickets, which I scooped up immediately.  The tickets were for front row seats, which my roommate and I found out when the usher directed us to the middle section, front row, basically sitting with our knees under the stage.  Almost too close for comfort.  Like sitting on the front row at the movie theater.  I could have tied Zac's shoes, if they had been untied.  It was all kinds of fantastic.  

The show is fun.  It's light hearted.  It's fun-ny.  Laugh out loud funny.  The small cast of 7 people is fantastic.  It's 90 minutes with no intermission, and it flies by.  It's the story of a guy and girl who are on a first date.  The other people are their friends, the waiter and their ex's that pop up often to give their opinions and "wisdom" on how things are going.  The songs are catchy.  It's rather crass at times (think: Rent), but not overly so.  And Zac is absolutely, perfectly cast.  He shines in this role.  Not only his voice, but his comic timing makes the show.  He had to stop several times and wait for the audience to stop laughing so loudly that they were drowning out his lines and applauding his small quirky movements and perfectly timed quips.  He definitely makes the show.  

After the show, we zipped outside because I had heard that he would give autographs and maybe photos to the people who waited at the stage door.  The rest of cast slowly trickled out and signed a few autographs before disappearing into the beautiful New York City evening.  

Then some mysterious speakers began to play music and out the door with a happy "Hi, guys!" appeared Zac.  He immediately began signing autographs as all 100+ of us, crammed into the gated off, stage door area were excitedly waving playbills and happy faces at him.  "Did you guys like the show?"  he asked, to which we all enthusiastically answered "yes!"  "Aw, thanks.  Be sure to tell your friends.  Tweet it.  Instagram it.  Let everyone know, would you, please?" 

He was so kind.  So generous with his time.  He said after a few minutes, "just pass your stuff up for me to sign.  I'll sign it and send it back (ps...his fans are all so nice.  Everyone was offering to pass things forward and make sure it got back to the right person.).  Everyone gets a picture if you're patient.  I'll stand here and you can come up."  To which we said a collective, heartfelt thank you and he responded with a genuine "you're welcome" like it was no big deal for him to take 2 hours to sign things and take photos with perfect strangers.  

I watched him make small talk with handfuls of people as he walked along the ropes signing thing after thing.  He looked at them in the eyes.  He acknowledged them. He laughed and smiled and listened.  Over and over I heard him say "thank you.  thank you for coming."  Genuine.  

He finished signing and then began taking photos.  

Zac has said multiple times in various places (like his own Twitter feed) that he loves Jesus.  After meeting him in person, I must say that his compassion and kindness toward people shines Jesus so brightly.  It was inspiring.  Sounds silly, but when you see someone love others (especially strangers!) well, it makes you want to do the same. 

So, thank you Zac for giving your time.  Thank you for being so kind.  Those of us who were on the receiving end of your kindness saw how Jesus' influence in your life has impacted the way you treat others.     

***Zac's shirt is from his company The Nerd Machine.  They just raised over $200,000 for Operation Smile through Nerd HQ at Comic Con in July.  You can watch all the Conversations for a Cause (which are crazy fun) for free here.  

NYC: Part 1

history is fun

If my history classes had been as entertaining and informative as The Men Who Built Amercia, I would have been a history major.

My parents introduced me to this mini-series when I was home for the holidays.
It's fascinating.
The story of Vanderbuilt, Rockefeller, Carnegie, JP Morgan and Ford.
I never knew how much their stories intertwined.
And how very, VERY wealthy they were. (At one point, Rockefeller had more money than the federal government.)
And greedy.
And smart.
And how they changed America.
How we have oil, steel, modern day banking, automobiles and assembly line factories because of them.

If you are into history,
or if you think it's boring, but wish you knew more about it,
give The Men Who Built America a try.
I just finished it last night and am already wishing there was more.


Reading side note: I just started Steve Jobs biography, which I have been wanting to read since it came out.  People's stories always fascinate me.  People who change the way we do things, even more fascinating.  I feel like there could be a mini-series about men like Steve Jobs, Bill Gates and all the other computer geniuses one day.  They have changed the way our world operates and the way we communicate forever.  

Goodbye, week

(by the fantastic Nan Lawson.  A forever favorite artist of mine.)

I'll be glad when this week is over.

Anyone else?

Just one of "those weeks", you know?

Here's a few pieces of randomness for you on this Friday...

>>>  I've been watching It Happened One Night again, hence the above artwork.  

>>>  Joss is doing a big ol' bus tour with the cast of Much Ado on their way to SXSW.  Love it.  Can't wait for the movie.

>>>  The new Divergent book comes out in October.  Oh-so-long-to-wait October.  I've been thinking about Tris lately and wondering how this story will end.

>>>  David's Tea.  Oh, good gracious.  I could spend way too much $$ on their deliciousness.  My current favorite it Read My Lips.  It came as a sample with my order and now I need more.  It's crazy delicious.

>>>  Finished Bunheads and now I must wait like the rest of America for the new season to start.  It definitely fills that Gilmore Girls hole.  I love the dancing.  LOVE.  

>>>  Loved this post from Elsie about lifestyle photography.  I find myself gravitating to this style 90% of the time.  Very few moments that are posed or "look at the camera".  I like the little moments and details, the bits and pieces that catch my eye while life is happening.  

>>>  I've found myself looking forward to Tuesdays thanks to You Are My Wild.  Several photographers post 1 photo of their kids from the past week.  I want to soak in all the light and perfection in each shot.  This is crazy inspiring to me right now.  

>>>  Speaking of inspiring...does it get any more inspiring than a shoot like this one from the great TW?  For years now, I just drool over the light she paints with in her photos.  

>>>  Another post from a blog I follow.  The third photo...I want to live inside those perfect colors.  

And so on and so forth....

What's caught your attention lately?

i love tv

(Lady Mary of Downton Abbey.  Can't even talk about how beautiful that dress was)

It's Oscar weekend.

I've been a watcher and admirer of the Oscars since I was small.

But can I tell you a secret...

I think TV blew movies completely out of the water this year.

There was so much more drama and tension and joy and in just an hour or two of the small screen than in the entire movie season this year.

So, while I will, of course, watch on Sunday night, the awards, the fashion, the over the top pomp and circumstance, it won't really have the same thrill as this last week in TV had.

February sweeps 2013.
oooh, my.  I can't even...
It was brutal this year.
It was fan-tastic this year.
Some of the best TV I have seen in years.
Hearbreaking, shattering, and just plain GOOD.
In the last week alone, 4 characters have died on 4 of the TV shows I watch.
(the plethora of zombie deaths don't count, obviously, but that head in the car-trunk...wow.)
While my poor imagination is suffering from the loss of beloved characters,
I'm secretly enjoying every last minute of it.

Sorry, Mom.
You tried to curb my TV addiction for years as I was growing up.
But try as you did, I'm hopeless.
I love TV.

Thank you,
The Good Wife
The Walking Dead
Downton Abbey
Vampire Diaries
Grey's Anatomy
for some of the best TV all year in just one week.

Take that, movies.
You have long way to go before you can fill those shoes.

A whole new year

(sledding at my sister's during the holidays)

It's a whole new year.
Whew.
2012 was rather uneventful in this little corner of the internet.
Kinda makes me sad inside.

On a happier note...
it's a whole NEW year!
I love new beginnings.
Starting all over with a clean slate.
Brand new.

Here are a few things that have been on my radar lately:

Downton Abbey.  It's back.  And it's better than ever.  Won't say any more because no one likes a spoiler.

ESV Study Bible in a Year Plan on YouVersion.  I haven't done the whole Bible in one year since college.  Randomly at the end of 2012, the Lord told me it was time to do it again.  I'm really loving this plan.  Loving how easy it is on my phone too.

365.  I'm less than a week away from finishing my Instgram 365.  I can't even believe it.  A whole year of photos.

The Impossible.  I loved this 200% more than I loved Les Mis (so disappointing).  It was hauntingly mesmerizing.  Seriously.  Go see it.  One the big screen.  And try your hardest not to cry, but I bet you will.

Divergent.  One of the most fun books I've read in a while. I could not put this down on my long road trip over the holidays.  I have the second book waiting on my shelf right after I finish The Age of Miracles, which I am completely engrossed in.

Frozen

Have you seen Frozen Planet?!

I'm obsessed with it right now.

Found it at the library and have been trying to slowly watch it instead of watching all 8 hours at once.

It's crazy good.

And the snippets of how they film it...wow. 

Anyway, if you need a last minute gift for someone who loves documentaries or nature, Frozen Planet would be a great idea.  I mean there are narwhals, polar bears and penguins.  And the frozen tundra that melts and becomes some of the most beautiful landscape you will ever see.  It's addicting.  And educational!

a long 5 months wait

Having to wait until January seems like torture when the UK gets it next week!

Angela

Because it's Thursday.

And because the early 90's were my high school years.

And because this show that seemed so perfect, even back then, is still so great today.

Jordan Catalano, people.  Jordan Catalano.  

on my radar

I have a small semi-life outside of camp during the summertime.  

Okay, not really, but I like to pretend I do.

Here are a few things on my radar as of late:

Amazon MP3's and Cloud Player app for iphone ~ this is, like, one of my favorite things all summer.  The app was just released for iphones a few weeks ago and it is already my favorite, besides Instagram, of course.  

Great things about it?  Well, #1: it's not itunes (itunes = my extreme dislike) #2: Amazon gives away free music/free music credits all...the...time.  I have 41 one songs (including two full albums) in my cloud right now and I paid about $2 for all of it.  Follow @amazonmp3 on Twitter for all the freebie info.  They were giving out $3 mp3 credits just last week.  

Music I'm loving right now:  The Bloom album by Beach House (99 cent sale on Amazon) and the new Cornerstone album from Hillsong Live (99 cents after $3 in free credits).  Plus Rivers and Roads by The Head and the Heart (sniff, sniff, Chuck) and some Ingrid too.  

TV:  Our DVR died, you guys.  Sad, sad day.  We lost all of Downton season 2 and a bunch of Sherlock episodes and my favorite Emma that the BBC did a few years ago.  Ugh.  Plus, Dish (our current provider) dropped AMC.  Not okay.  No Walking Dead or Mad Men?  Not okay at all.   

I've watched very little TV recently (besides my Dr Quinn marathon when I was sick 2 weeks ago).  Truly, it just hasn't been appealing lately.  I've watched a few episodes of White Collar season 3, and they were fantastic.  That's a great summer show.  I love recommending that show to people who need something to watch.  

Books:  I am now currently in the middle of 5.  Wool by Hugh Howey (a self published book I found on Amazon and downloaded to my Kindle).  The Girl Who Could Fly by Victoria Forester (not to be confused by The Boy Who Could Fly, the 1980's Disney Channel movie that I watched about 45 times as a child.  anyone else?) The Story Girl by L.M. Montgomery (free on my Kindle). Searching for God Knows What by Donald Miller (I will finish it this summer and return it to you, my dear brother.  I will.).  And I just started The Soulkeepers by G.P Ching (free through Amazon Prime on my Kindle).  I like variety.  Always been one of those people who is in the middle of a bunch of books at once.  And I'm still loving my Kindle.  

Treat:  My favorite thing at snack shop right now is Horizon's Chocolate Milk.  Good gracious, it's delicious. A perfect bit of chocolate without all the calories and fat that are in candy.  

Movies:  I've seen two movies lately and both were just ho-hum.  I think The Avengers ruined me for the summer.  It's bad to start out with the best one because everything else just pales in comparison.  The two "ho-hum's" were Brave (it was fine, but didn't wow me like most Pixar movies do. ex: Wall*E and Up) and The Beasts of the Southern Wild (it didn't live up to the ridiculous hype it's been getting).  The Dark Knight Rises is up next.  Oh, and I watched The Artist again and it was just as lovely the second time.  

Podcast obsession:  A few months ago, I found Kevin Pollack's Chat Show by way of hearing that a certain Zachary would be on it.  After listening to his episode, I dove in head first into the library of over a 100 other interviews, downloading them and listening to them constantly.  I just finished Damon Lindelof's, and can I just tell you that I was entirely enthralled.  No joke.  It was fascinating to hear the story of how he became a writer for TV and ended up doing Lost.  I'll be listening to that one about 7 more times, I'm sure.  Nick Offerman's is also fantastic.  He is fascinating.  

****WARNING:  I would rate this show with a giant PG-13 or higher.  There are no censors online, so the language can be harsh at times.  You've been warned.  

Other than that, it's just been boat repairs, hot summer days, lots of sand and brackish water and a couple children.  Okay, more like 200 children.  I do love that summer is a completely different lifestyle for me.  I don't miss TV.  I don't get bored often.  I'm busy and investing in people and trying my hardest not to melt into a puddle.  My days are filled with things that most people dream about doing.  Driving boats and having conversations.  Getting snack shop treats and going to the pool.  Don't get me wrong.  It's tough and exhausting.  But I wouldn't trade it for any other summer job.....well, maybe a house sitter on Oahu's North Shore, but still.  This job is pretty fantastic.  

Side note:  It has taken me four days to post this.  If I could just get a decent internet connection... It's so incredibly frustrating.

because I like to obsess over things

I've been desperately trying to blog for a few days now.  
But the intreenets is not cooperating. Driving me nuts!    
Today was a minor reprieve, so here we go.  
A post I have been trying to write for almost a week now...



Things I am obsessed with lately.
Because I'm a girl who gets crazy obsessed with things randomly.

1.  Amazon Cloud App for iphones.  It just came out about a week ago.  Amazon is always giving away free credits.  I've gotten about $5 worth of free music in the last month.  Follow them on Twitter to get in on all the fun.  The cloud has 5G of free storage, too.  Side note:  I'm am not a fan of itunes.  In fact I despise it.  I buy 99% of my music from Amazon.  Their sales are the best.

2.  Boats, boats, boats.  This is my life.  Making sure they are running.  Putting gasoline in them.  Praying that the "sick" one will be "well" soon and that the "doctor" can figure out what the heck is wrong with it.

3.  Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman.  Wait, what?!  'Tis true.  I love me some Dr. Mike.  My blog friend Allison (whose new blog is the bees knees. seriously.  you should check it out!) admitted to her favorite ridiculous TV show recently.  I feel the need to come clean as well.  My favorite part of the ridiculousness that is Dr Quinn is when the acting/writing is so very bad that I can't help but literally laugh out loud.  I love it.  I just love it.  And I DVR it and watch several episodes at once.

4.  Raspberries.  They are all a'bloom right now.  I've already gathered a bunch on three different occasions. I took some to my parents on Saturday (Happy Father's Day, Poppa) along with some shortcake from Trader Joe's (oh my, delish) and some whipped cream.  Heaven.  And they have been going in my cherry/raspberry/pineapple/spinach green smoothie.  It's the best one I've made in a long time.

5.  ER Season 14.  My Netflix has been full of it.  I squeeze a few episodes in on the weekends.  It's just as delightful as the first time around.  Archie....Morris...

6.  Phonto and VSCOcam. I've been exploring the fun in adding text to my photos on Instagram. I'm trying to do a photo with the day # text on it every day for camp this summer.  A little photography challenge for myself.  Side note:  I've kept up with my other challenge too.  5 1/2 months of a-photo-every-day on Instagram.  And I'm still loving it.  It tough some days and a pure delight on others.  But looking back through them makes me giddy inside.

7.  Running.  I didn't do it once last week.  But I think about it and obsess over it every single day.  It felt really good to get up early this morning and go before my crazy camp day.  I still didn't like the running part.  Nope. But I do love how I feel after.  And by "feel", I mean glad that I didn't let my laziness win.  Mental victories even if the physical ones are small.

8.  Waterproof iphone cases.  Because my phone has to be on me at all times, even at the beach, I've been researching cases like a crazy person.  I'm so scared I'll drop this expensive piece of my life into the river and it will sink straight to the bottom. This one popped up on Instagram this week and now I'm in the "do I spend $60 on a silly phone case" debate.  Anyone know anything the scuba suit vs. lifeproof?

That's enough for now, I think.
I hope the waves of the internet decide to go my way more often.
I sure do miss blogging....sigh....

TV gushing

(sorce) 

Last week was the season 2 finale of Sherlock on PBS.  

I just feel like I need to implore you once again, dear readers, to give this show a try.

It's 2 seasons.

Each season only has 3 episodes.

90 minutes per episode.

And they pack a wallop.

I'm going to say that I think it's the best thing on TV in years.

Truly.

The casting is perfection.

The characters are endearing.

The dialog is snappy and witty.

The story lines are sharp and intriguing.

Benedict Cumberbatch is the best thing since....I don't even know what. At first I wasn't sure how to take him as the famous Sherlock Holmes.  But he won me over before I was even half way through the first episode.  His performance is magic.  His facial expressions and wit make the show.

Martin Freeman, well, I became a huge fan of his years ago when he was on the British version of The Office. I just can't wait for him to be Bilbo this December.  He is the perfect Dr. Watson.  The finale of season 2 was his shining moment.  Wow.

So there's a little TV gushing for you.
I haven't done that in a while.
But this show is too good to just breeze by.
Looking for something fun to watch this summer?
Sherlock is it.

song and TV

I found out about their new album when I was watching The Vampire Diaries season finale last week.  The last 3 minutes (dear goodness, those last 3 minutes) "Dauðalogn" was playing in the background.  I shouted out loud, as we were sitting on the edge of our seats "It's Sigur Ros!"  I didn't recognize the song, so I went hunting online only to joyfully find out their new album comes out at the end of this month.  Eeeep!

You can see the clip from TVD here. (I've watched it about 15 times....just while typing this).  But major spoiler alert****if you haven't seen the season finale yet, or if you ever plan on watching the show, don't watch it.  It will all be ruined for you.  But if you could care less about TVD (but you really should watch it!), the song is fantastic. It may turn out to be one of my favorites of theirs forever.

Then the other night I was watching We Bought a Zoo and was so excited when I remembered that they/Jonsi did the soundtrack for the movie.  So many great songs.  And they fit so well with the whole mood of the movie.  The red kites at the end...hello?!   

If you haven't ever listened to Sigur Ros, you are missing out.  I first heard about them from another blogger who posted their Glósóli video years and years ago.  And then The Bro let me borrow all their albums, and I was hooked.  And then...I saw Heima one night with him and I was moved beyond words. It's probably the best video I have ever seen in my entire life.

Sigur Ros.  New album.  This month.  Yessssss.

shiny

The rocks in Canyonlands sparkle.
They sparkle.
It's no where near as beautiful as the sparkle on the water outside my cottage, but still.
It's like someone sprinkled magic fairy dust all over the ground.

(ps...speaking of sparkling, I think one of the stupidest parts of Twilight was that the vampire's skin sparkled in the sun.  You know, instead of them bursting into flame.  After being fully indoctrinated on vampire lore in the days of Buffy, I just laughed at how ridiculous this was.  I mean, imagine Spike sparkling? Or Angel? Oh, boy. At least the Salvatore brothers follow the rules properly.  They just need that special ring to go out into the sunlight.)

so lazy

A photo from a few days ago.  The fog that has enveloped us for the last week.  No joke.  It has been foggy like this every day until about 2pm when the sun is finally able to peak out.  Such a strange thing.  It's like we really do live in Brigadoon or the Forbidden Forest.

The photo is from a few days ago because I have done absolutely nothing today.  Nothing but watch old episodes of  The West Wing (season 1), lay around and watch videos on youtube.  A real productive day.  Me = lazy.

Signing off to accomplish something productive, and then head to church.  My church just added a 5:30pm service.  Strange to not head to church first thing on Sunday morning.  As we can all see, I don't do well without structure.  I tend to waste way too much time.


side note:  The West Wing.  I really think the first 3 seasons are some of the best TV ever produced.  The writing and cast are almost too good to be true.   I get obsessed with it every so often.  If you've never seen it, do yourself a favor and get to know Sam, Josh, Donna, CJ, Toby, Leo, Charlie and Mr. President.  

It's about time

Can't wait to stare at those clothes.  

That decor and furniture.

Those hair styles and accessories.

And watch Betty go all crazy like she always does.

It's back!