tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56001871111494430582024-02-20T13:20:55.548-06:00Delicate CreatureDelicate Creaturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12048791024339306532noreply@blogger.comBlogger186125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600187111149443058.post-72746156718944349752009-09-30T20:00:00.006-05:002010-04-08T21:23:48.885-05:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_1zFWTgmvjuRDQ-yalvTnttzpuWDtfbHmtLvL7P_tcZNmwg6Ly5Tw0lsPYuq8bqhM_GIBhQDxOc5j2pNpqI0g71tTYf_HJSAw7IqA2dh_DHdjctU5LL9UP546j3o6fYDJkLPfBOE0AdTW/s1600-h/woodgrain+heart+on+woodgrain+tree.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_1zFWTgmvjuRDQ-yalvTnttzpuWDtfbHmtLvL7P_tcZNmwg6Ly5Tw0lsPYuq8bqhM_GIBhQDxOc5j2pNpqI0g71tTYf_HJSAw7IqA2dh_DHdjctU5LL9UP546j3o6fYDJkLPfBOE0AdTW/s400/woodgrain+heart+on+woodgrain+tree.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387234291286187266" /></a>Autumn greetings! <br /><br />Soon I hope to share some of the projects and creations that have kept me scarce on the blog-circuit as of late. Until then, here are some recent inspirations:<br /><br />* the playful & creative relationship of <a href="http://somethingshidinginhere.typepad.com/" target="_blank">Something's Hiding in Here</a>, as evidenced in their "<a href="http://poppytalk.blogspot.com/search/label/i%20made%20this%20for%20you..." target="_blank">I Made This For You</a>" series<br /><br />* <a href="http://www.sasaantic.com" target="_blank">a</a> "WOW" stylist + designer<br /><br />* the idea of whipping <a href="http://www.vosgeschocolate.com/product/bacon_chocolate_chip_pancake_mix/bacon_and_chocolate" target="_blank">this</a> up for the griddle this fall<br /><br />* this <a href="http://www.tablethotels.com/Hidden-Hotel/Paris-Hotels-France/108331" target="_blank">Parisian hotel</a> (a girl can dream!)<br /><br />* a simple and elegant DIY <a href="http://atdownunder.com/2009/08/22/pure-gourmandise/" target="_blank">gift idea</a> for the holidays<br /><br />* <a href="http://www.twigandthistle.com/blog/2009/05/sew-in-love/" target="_blank">this</a> embroidered love message<br /><br />* achingly beautiful "<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/escher1/sets/72157613787390157/" target="_blank">Land Art</a>" by Richard Shilling<br /><br />* peacefulness & authenticity as portrayed through <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmJ_nGOBV-w&feature=player_embedded" target="_blank">this</a> video (via the abundantly inspirational Andrea of <a href="http://www.superherodesigns.com/journal/" target="_blank">Superhero Journal</a>)Delicate Creaturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12048791024339306532noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600187111149443058.post-15134052622663985492009-09-25T06:53:00.006-05:002010-04-08T21:23:38.547-05:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_JsgT1MRXwBlmzqqJ55kW1Gl-xi3B6ktYY4OQaozb6ElergMPUeqzWW6ssprjF9jEandj89Euuvi4ZE1qp5PXy98PI0ksyhM8pmwhJ37IPYmdg2OrhAyxHPlMiInT9HMDj8EsMSHGtODa/s1600-h/pumpkin+by+nikki+mcclure.+sunset+magazine.+october+2009.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 377px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_JsgT1MRXwBlmzqqJ55kW1Gl-xi3B6ktYY4OQaozb6ElergMPUeqzWW6ssprjF9jEandj89Euuvi4ZE1qp5PXy98PI0ksyhM8pmwhJ37IPYmdg2OrhAyxHPlMiInT9HMDj8EsMSHGtODa/s400/pumpkin+by+nikki+mcclure.+sunset+magazine.+october+2009.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385374265528872658" /></a>Reading the October issue of Sunset Magazine is like a mini-retreat - I feel transported and inspired. I'm especially fond of the pumpkin carving <a href="http://www.sunset.com/home/decorating/halloween-pumpkin-stencil-carving-00400000054587/" target="_blank">project</a> above by artist, <a href="http://www.nikkimcclure.com/" target="_blank">Nikki McClure</a>. <br /><br />I'm also enchanted by the idea of a modular guest house + studio as beautifully reflected in the Sunset <a href="http://www.sunset.com/home/architecture-design/sunset-prefab-modern-cottage-00400000046893/" target="_blank">Modern Prefab Cottage</a>.Delicate Creaturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12048791024339306532noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600187111149443058.post-85915788567937706612009-09-21T21:12:00.006-05:002010-04-08T21:23:28.314-05:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifem2cniwtXYlyNgpsjMm-kqDTgz-PBClO6CH8_RtfvRKCT4CUaqkq0VYhicx9tS2brV4pEG2dex8jHurLxif072AXvUf8sEAPbD1BTvcnnNyZg2QvGrsIyH_URczHUvbqvOWKRKP8L9ky/s1600-h/the+lives+of+others.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 280px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifem2cniwtXYlyNgpsjMm-kqDTgz-PBClO6CH8_RtfvRKCT4CUaqkq0VYhicx9tS2brV4pEG2dex8jHurLxif072AXvUf8sEAPbD1BTvcnnNyZg2QvGrsIyH_URczHUvbqvOWKRKP8L9ky/s400/the+lives+of+others.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384115501432562034" /></a>Have you seen this <a href="http://www.sonyclassics.com/thelivesofothers/" target="_blank">film</a>? If not, move it to the top of your Netflix queue. The DVD interview with Writer & Director, Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck is especially enlightening.Delicate Creaturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12048791024339306532noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600187111149443058.post-16525823529315886522009-09-16T07:18:00.005-05:002010-04-08T21:23:18.185-05:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS7TO3-YaYbimLoYBhmA3jQQOmD-Yh1rTe-iwzXfjnrgpLDucT_wDmm6yivcvgNBedrGvt9n4JecbEMpHw1yWY3QSZHWpvFqEXzSSMTMzagcMRLsBSTbBXJfDtUfrVpQPjMZ6ZyFDpvw0k/s1600-h/laura+berger+art.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 372px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS7TO3-YaYbimLoYBhmA3jQQOmD-Yh1rTe-iwzXfjnrgpLDucT_wDmm6yivcvgNBedrGvt9n4JecbEMpHw1yWY3QSZHWpvFqEXzSSMTMzagcMRLsBSTbBXJfDtUfrVpQPjMZ6ZyFDpvw0k/s400/laura+berger+art.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382043730219151394" /></a>This past weekend, I attended an Open House at the charming <a href="http://store.hazelchicago.com/" target="_blank">Hazel</a> to view new works by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5084568" target="_blank">Laura Berger</a>. I met Laura through the Beckoning of Lovely <a href="http://delicatecreatureblog.blogspot.com/2009/03/i-did-indeed-find-some-magic-in-friday.html" target="_blank">project</a> and was thrilled to see her fun and whimsical work so beautifully displayed on the walls of one of my favorite Chicago boutiques. <br /><br />I also spent some time at the Renegade Craft Fair and discovered some wonderfully talented artists. My favorites of the day were: the hysterical <a href="http://www.fomato.com/" target="_blank">Fomato</a>, the illustration and print work of <a href="http://www.annebenjamin.com/" target="_blank">Anne Benjamin</a>, and the invitation portfolio of <a href="http://www.baumbirdy.com/" target="_blank">Baumbirdy</a> (brides-to-be, check it out!).Delicate Creaturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12048791024339306532noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600187111149443058.post-89032806691871146342009-09-14T07:04:00.005-05:002010-04-08T21:23:05.720-05:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh53EvKuVYaI8eVWtNPb1GnNAz1RG0vHU1PqZN8GkBtSoA4i-KXJmLkEIw3lTinRzkXfMDCEVIPYDdhOpFsL74jlh2GF0Yfq8kuoS_E81KYGerJyLzyn-3jKHNsfl8i038sDAdcF8HQSyzl/s1600-h/sunflower+seeds.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh53EvKuVYaI8eVWtNPb1GnNAz1RG0vHU1PqZN8GkBtSoA4i-KXJmLkEIw3lTinRzkXfMDCEVIPYDdhOpFsL74jlh2GF0Yfq8kuoS_E81KYGerJyLzyn-3jKHNsfl8i038sDAdcF8HQSyzl/s400/sunflower+seeds.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381294045435174338" /></a><center>Did you know this is how sunflower seeds are collected?</center>Delicate Creaturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12048791024339306532noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600187111149443058.post-33976883680634101452009-09-10T07:00:00.003-05:002010-04-08T21:22:52.698-05:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKGpItonb5LzoyIiVwl5T0WVMj4IHLGT7GQjV-JlFFWq8CuiThULexVHQ95WwTbcJ8Lw9ac75LptXngmUf33L8a7YixYs3L2C_7Ta0S2nt97F0DBHl88I1PQSiUV68lv-nxZwJCGtfI3lK/s1600-h/the+stone+collectors.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 337px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKGpItonb5LzoyIiVwl5T0WVMj4IHLGT7GQjV-JlFFWq8CuiThULexVHQ95WwTbcJ8Lw9ac75LptXngmUf33L8a7YixYs3L2C_7Ta0S2nt97F0DBHl88I1PQSiUV68lv-nxZwJCGtfI3lK/s400/the+stone+collectors.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379817716993023010" /></a>It's difficult to define or describe joy. I found it rippling through me this past weekend and I tried to absorb it as much as possible - hold it, feel supported by it, grateful for it...<br /><br />Life is beautiful - enjoy it!Delicate Creaturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12048791024339306532noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600187111149443058.post-4222242403835272642009-08-31T07:28:00.009-05:002010-04-08T21:22:40.158-05:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGMBigUjdKs5kt11Jsxc0c6gUVIwQlzk1IgXdvGRimvPlG8dGJQy9gNK0FdrZBdEw19IFabR30IdJ29EDusQph1_52eu4-VcKDBnQMc4aTVPHILLKNcH8ZYGINxOCwm-xhXVDaStZDYU3l/s1600-h/opportunity...land.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGMBigUjdKs5kt11Jsxc0c6gUVIwQlzk1IgXdvGRimvPlG8dGJQy9gNK0FdrZBdEw19IFabR30IdJ29EDusQph1_52eu4-VcKDBnQMc4aTVPHILLKNcH8ZYGINxOCwm-xhXVDaStZDYU3l/s400/opportunity...land.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376105455191688658" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuOZQATjZ2DHTCLIPFAzfxMFcmgAEwtNz6WWFp9LFIg0mM1UFhSPQCVqYJNWUrPBMDwDQ1ZTjyWyF3_LrvInF3FTzSoulhn10anhCzXR6QxTjkthzajBzIwWYwYl6WLAY1Kx9xykKdyiQ8/s1600-h/zone+of+quiet.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 278px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuOZQATjZ2DHTCLIPFAzfxMFcmgAEwtNz6WWFp9LFIg0mM1UFhSPQCVqYJNWUrPBMDwDQ1ZTjyWyF3_LrvInF3FTzSoulhn10anhCzXR6QxTjkthzajBzIwWYwYl6WLAY1Kx9xykKdyiQ8/s400/zone+of+quiet.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376105121034551410" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHwELJYw6bqlRYnAu7DJ_g2dYBOmDW95EfAgfxRRgfxwsejJrjnAHxQ1xc7c8Uyxe1i80rRMiq7A4JaLA_o8hPzdeItFt9kYMpntgma-NxnmtAUXOwL-c5NPGZubEjXENtFlcbWSTb2ReX/s1600-h/retreat+in+the+heart+of+the+city.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHwELJYw6bqlRYnAu7DJ_g2dYBOmDW95EfAgfxRRgfxwsejJrjnAHxQ1xc7c8Uyxe1i80rRMiq7A4JaLA_o8hPzdeItFt9kYMpntgma-NxnmtAUXOwL-c5NPGZubEjXENtFlcbWSTb2ReX/s400/retreat+in+the+heart+of+the+city.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376104739589566834" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-jVcq_ZYWvb39QdHufF3ijgEhvbSWdOkEbvrkBEyFsbPYrc8ofKjPG501bjjRVGjmoOWJd03gHjNj_VrPXT_N3ZVN7oEisz5_tOLPGB8VcrwLzixYuYYi-QcL94_QANu4jMDYydUeIWGG/s1600-h/faith...hope.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-jVcq_ZYWvb39QdHufF3ijgEhvbSWdOkEbvrkBEyFsbPYrc8ofKjPG501bjjRVGjmoOWJd03gHjNj_VrPXT_N3ZVN7oEisz5_tOLPGB8VcrwLzixYuYYi-QcL94_QANu4jMDYydUeIWGG/s400/faith...hope.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376104122883465410" /></a><center>Signs along the way.</center>Delicate Creaturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12048791024339306532noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600187111149443058.post-9760836348279495822009-08-27T04:00:00.002-05:002010-04-08T21:22:27.149-05:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIsnhSYZsstAvaS8UPHdGp5q45DDuypNavUHUQce1ltN7qap9fyLLzXaFWavYALQr0LP6htNNu5LoZVFPjJYOOxniZk4Y9a1eJswrNIbRI37ej8XzXd6_Tb7nvgh7pOFU6iww9rknaSWMj/s1600-h/rain+bow.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIsnhSYZsstAvaS8UPHdGp5q45DDuypNavUHUQce1ltN7qap9fyLLzXaFWavYALQr0LP6htNNu5LoZVFPjJYOOxniZk4Y9a1eJswrNIbRI37ej8XzXd6_Tb7nvgh7pOFU6iww9rknaSWMj/s400/rain+bow.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374463615223018578" /></a><center>Sometimes you feel trapped - <br /><br />trapped in a mood<br />in a place<br />in questions<br />by the weather<br />trapped in the now<br /><br />Yesterday I felt like that and forced myself out with rain boots & an umbrella. It's amazing what a little fresh air and exposure to greenery can do for one's spirits.<br /><br />(A bright rainbow umbrella certainly helps :)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE-yr_0Py1kOxTrs0Y4OXLpCZFDzZnXfTaMSve0qvI8oFhtsfavVOv7CoLi5tySXRZbFmKu0VqIlVweGG7sFuxkPef2HQ_HL6TIt1sE-PDksyN7Bxx5W9svZD7y3vxcVfqZgEMMDQQXNS5/s1600-h/rain+or+shine.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE-yr_0Py1kOxTrs0Y4OXLpCZFDzZnXfTaMSve0qvI8oFhtsfavVOv7CoLi5tySXRZbFmKu0VqIlVweGG7sFuxkPef2HQ_HL6TIt1sE-PDksyN7Bxx5W9svZD7y3vxcVfqZgEMMDQQXNS5/s400/rain+or+shine.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374463944379735634" /></a><br /><br />This one is titled, Catching Tree Tears:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9z6A9xXtqSnNHwj0UDgXHvpIEbvLYlGQ3psxOaDOfUNVyxG1ipPiuyH510z-4ZqfXxaQUDE8uYZy8LPNrs5_Q89NiHjTJdYxekq2c0AnyOm0AQFrqpKtidSBPBAESExh54g1Nn6W5CLUf/s1600-h/catching+tree+tears.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 281px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9z6A9xXtqSnNHwj0UDgXHvpIEbvLYlGQ3psxOaDOfUNVyxG1ipPiuyH510z-4ZqfXxaQUDE8uYZy8LPNrs5_Q89NiHjTJdYxekq2c0AnyOm0AQFrqpKtidSBPBAESExh54g1Nn6W5CLUf/s400/catching+tree+tears.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374465294354025266" /></a><br />What do you do to "get free"?</center>Delicate Creaturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12048791024339306532noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600187111149443058.post-841844031046051752009-08-26T07:00:00.005-05:002010-04-08T21:22:11.457-05:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinTnJj2QzazNFgAJjWl4S3nV77fuMCRTgrknzcfKBJv70bQGUQosewk4Gq41R2XWeo6DvUJfssyuUoFspw_6rgZ7QVs5OrvCnORx7s10gP-ph2ig6PvnPPIxJXHDt2Zn6E_flpDncl51lr/s1600-h/grandparents+locket+on+apple.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 304px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinTnJj2QzazNFgAJjWl4S3nV77fuMCRTgrknzcfKBJv70bQGUQosewk4Gq41R2XWeo6DvUJfssyuUoFspw_6rgZ7QVs5OrvCnORx7s10gP-ph2ig6PvnPPIxJXHDt2Zn6E_flpDncl51lr/s400/grandparents+locket+on+apple.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375499827554686930" /></a>I've been a little distracted lately organizing my Flickr <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56155628@N00/collections/" target="_blank">photostream</a>. Flickr is such a microcosm of talent and beauty - it's easy to be swept away. <br /><br />This past weekend I attended a Summer's Eve Dinner to benefit Slow Food Chicago. The menu was ode to the heirloom (so much meaning in this word) tomato covering such tasty creations as mini BLTs, light-as-air tomato foccacia and a basil & garlic tagliatelle worth stuffing oneself for. There were a couple of <a href="http://www.kinnikinnickfarm.com/" target="_blank">local</a> <a href="http://www.savorwisconsin.com/AllListings/detail.asp?recordid=796&table=producer" target="_blank">farmers</a> present to discuss their growing practices. I was especially interested in a remark about understanding the intelligence of a seed. <br /><br />If you haven't experienced the pleasure of a Slow Food event, look up your <a href="http://www.slowfoodusa.org/index.php/local_chapters/" target="_blank">local chapter</a>.Delicate Creaturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12048791024339306532noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600187111149443058.post-44627875587895193952009-08-19T07:42:00.004-05:002010-04-08T21:22:00.815-05:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHSFpOUOXtA7mV9B-9Hg62TepmXE9NJxWPnAL1hFufLaCRrM8lcoYd_q2gBJXBoSYX0f3E5ptDyU-28FNLQJTwrt9nCejuFxJctop2b0D0onDHGFMSkIrgwqzwXKnBVFHf_4ym9oGAxoDz/s1600-h/living+etc+forest+floor.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 399px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHSFpOUOXtA7mV9B-9Hg62TepmXE9NJxWPnAL1hFufLaCRrM8lcoYd_q2gBJXBoSYX0f3E5ptDyU-28FNLQJTwrt9nCejuFxJctop2b0D0onDHGFMSkIrgwqzwXKnBVFHf_4ym9oGAxoDz/s400/living+etc+forest+floor.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371654664637400370" /></a><center>Get lost in Living Etc's <a href="http://www.livingetc.com/gallery/main.php" target="_blank">Inspiration Gallery</a>.</center>Delicate Creaturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12048791024339306532noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600187111149443058.post-90626291019523241752009-08-17T07:00:00.003-05:002010-04-08T21:21:35.392-05:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVtyKp_YxkZAlWvSUSXp9DDILAtepPmnbXciTGY9XPMEfyiB1FQcnHj1ooAiunoNwJ2nH8OKsKBpGSCX80O8oFO5d_qCox18Etv_ekfj-JloTAMgbL049rveceOeGcbZeQdaz7xQkoo9PQ/s1600-h/nikki+mcclure+survive.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 295px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVtyKp_YxkZAlWvSUSXp9DDILAtepPmnbXciTGY9XPMEfyiB1FQcnHj1ooAiunoNwJ2nH8OKsKBpGSCX80O8oFO5d_qCox18Etv_ekfj-JloTAMgbL049rveceOeGcbZeQdaz7xQkoo9PQ/s400/nikki+mcclure+survive.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370732664726663778" /></a><center>Love this card my brother sent me by <br /><a href="http://www.nikkimcclure.com/" target="_blank">Nikki McClure</a>, titled <a href="http://www.buyolympia.com/q/Item=nm22_survive" target="_blank">Survive</a>.</center>Delicate Creaturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12048791024339306532noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600187111149443058.post-45611201329204610832009-08-10T07:00:00.005-05:002010-04-08T21:21:47.930-05:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTdkqnBabQqWeKIWkcF2n2hV1bmeRtc4R_QAicHlW9cKXzbOcaAb-voXBY6wUUktEZZBR5FpNFFq1magyrmkuvIDFvGE6LmvBQukvVr2slmpOBg6awBA2AT-kD0qoBU8YUSx41dh3FbgF0/s1600-h/mr+shanley+house+tour+new+york+times.png"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368312095153838482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTdkqnBabQqWeKIWkcF2n2hV1bmeRtc4R_QAicHlW9cKXzbOcaAb-voXBY6wUUktEZZBR5FpNFFq1magyrmkuvIDFvGE6LmvBQukvVr2slmpOBg6awBA2AT-kD0qoBU8YUSx41dh3FbgF0/s400/mr+shanley+house+tour+new+york+times.png" /></a> <center>"Poetry is just the evidence of life.<br />If your life is burning well, poetry is just the ash."<br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />- Leonard Cohen</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Photo from a New York Times </span><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2009/07/29/garden/20090730-SHANLEY_index.html?scp=1&sq=mustard%20yellow&st=cse" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:85%;">tour</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"> of </span><a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0788234/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:85%;">John Patrick Shanley</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">'s </span></center><center><span style="font-size:85%;">delightfully whimsical home (via </span><a href="http://www.jenny-gillespie.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:85%;">Jenny</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">).</span></center>Delicate Creaturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12048791024339306532noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600187111149443058.post-83754857607338600772009-08-06T21:00:00.004-05:002009-08-06T21:46:02.425-05:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeCfYbJ0xQAVZqd-cJBRt_a8s1xd7E0jGMK-S7FbJA5oKRW8LdHCrPWWFo0vVQ_0ylVX9JDH_ix2VbIRlJ2ZK5If6EbQkD_jT42ffhhLHeUEyN0ydZZdX0Lh0VBBFKwLc3oCP_EpoYtiTb/s1600-h/n+reflection.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 386px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeCfYbJ0xQAVZqd-cJBRt_a8s1xd7E0jGMK-S7FbJA5oKRW8LdHCrPWWFo0vVQ_0ylVX9JDH_ix2VbIRlJ2ZK5If6EbQkD_jT42ffhhLHeUEyN0ydZZdX0Lh0VBBFKwLc3oCP_EpoYtiTb/s400/n+reflection.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366817584480342674" /></a>For N's milestone birthday, I planned a "manly-man" get-away to Milwaukee. The new <a href="http://www.harley-davidson.com/wcm/Content/Pages/HD_Museum/Museum.jsp?locale=en_US" target="_blank">Harley-Davidson Museum</a> was the guiding force behind the destination choice and it did not disappoint. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeK87gaHt-5ubhG2ERd92J1zF1CMYy__rNN6g05qZB1fzEQnn9VtJi9jvy-R2Am49MUHCdDFaWfHVUq4NV_V5_P5Term3F0tSEGb7vKdmZE5v2cxds5ZtjV2QgdhQQV1i3LDkIKXQNQ1QW/s1600-h/harley+lovin.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 164px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeK87gaHt-5ubhG2ERd92J1zF1CMYy__rNN6g05qZB1fzEQnn9VtJi9jvy-R2Am49MUHCdDFaWfHVUq4NV_V5_P5Term3F0tSEGb7vKdmZE5v2cxds5ZtjV2QgdhQQV1i3LDkIKXQNQ1QW/s400/harley+lovin.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366817809301009682" /></a>I've not always been fond of N's motorcycle dreams, but have come to realize since visiting the museum that it's a pretty cool thing. Harley has a rich and surprisingly faceted history. I particularly enjoyed the stories of women pursuing the sport and adventurously enjoying the freedom of the open road - most notably, <a href="http://www.womenridersnow.com/PublicFiles/DepartmentViewer.asp?ArticleID=352" target="_blank">Vivian Bales</a>:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvmvtdnx2P73LuqYdGODASK99ONLrigUU-fSFqFeQdtfQb66-omb91A3Ak_uXWh75GjtEa5EZSUpwthhO5r3p9vFd9hqE4ITJqgNgZbH3KXHHgwYU3ZwCPzL-2I43B2-0WbaE4_NDpZF6-/s1600-h/vivian+bales.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 376px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvmvtdnx2P73LuqYdGODASK99ONLrigUU-fSFqFeQdtfQb66-omb91A3Ak_uXWh75GjtEa5EZSUpwthhO5r3p9vFd9hqE4ITJqgNgZbH3KXHHgwYU3ZwCPzL-2I43B2-0WbaE4_NDpZF6-/s400/vivian+bales.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366827659299699298" /></a>Within walking distance of the museum is the <a href="http://www.theironhorsehotel.com/" target="_blank">Iron Horse Hotel</a>, a rustic-Americana inspired boutique-hotel catering to bikers - special hooks for helmets, a spa menu dedicated to relieving the pressure of long road trips and a motorcycle wash station. The Iron Horse comes alive at night with the fabulous menu at the <a href="http://www.theironhorsehotel.com/smyth.php" target="_blank">Smythe</a> restaurant and the chic outdoor environment of "<a href="http://www.theironhorsehotel.com/the-yard.php" target="_blank">The Yard</a>". <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5WuzmRYnGkoPnCcORuF7Q2LC-SL49NRdnh21VP0Ca2918r2z30xbZu0ZwIoQMtgssUvYCa83XixoF-YIbbifWSxDhJFjtrBFFb5W3pvyXBgyYtWNm96fBDRxsdyZgtGk5-rL9wh8YPQeg/s1600-h/iron+horse+hotel.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 304px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5WuzmRYnGkoPnCcORuF7Q2LC-SL49NRdnh21VP0Ca2918r2z30xbZu0ZwIoQMtgssUvYCa83XixoF-YIbbifWSxDhJFjtrBFFb5W3pvyXBgyYtWNm96fBDRxsdyZgtGk5-rL9wh8YPQeg/s400/iron+horse+hotel.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366822703744035266" /></a>The cocktail menu, inspired by the "vintage craftsmanship of drinks", includes in-house-infused whiskey, bourbon, scotch and a delicious <a href="http://www.doorcounty.com/" target="_blank">Door-County</a> cherry-infused brandy.<br /><br />With his cocktails, N enjoyed a cigar he selected earlier in the day from <a href="http://www.uhles.com/" target="_blank">Uhle's Tobacco Company</a>, founded in 1939.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyeRJyM2ZpjzWTWJuCwwCJN_hgehz6Uqv_V0GzPRcHqNZNnrOtlTqZh0HMasfC5IGvArAEBQ3duCGpYdonyA1bf-CSbMsyNCaNcs5gcjC5YJ8w7uykxy0CX-jj3z03ZeopruI89u1BoukK/s1600-h/cigar.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyeRJyM2ZpjzWTWJuCwwCJN_hgehz6Uqv_V0GzPRcHqNZNnrOtlTqZh0HMasfC5IGvArAEBQ3duCGpYdonyA1bf-CSbMsyNCaNcs5gcjC5YJ8w7uykxy0CX-jj3z03ZeopruI89u1BoukK/s400/cigar.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366825769201228434" /></a>The Iron Horse Hotel balances the "gentleman's ambiance" with a little something special for sweet-toothed ladies - a candy bar in the concierge room!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_F8hzXU3mu-AXrMFqZOvNtr61pvHhDl9zfRBTlXf_2YYKWdVz7d0EoGxI1jv_basNEfHf0s7uu63dFuQ3N7DMjQ6L2bSDYTketlD4xRyosTlYvlXdezxxdrBIGW3VFUF2RtvDAY4LdGwo/s1600-h/concierge+goodies.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 245px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_F8hzXU3mu-AXrMFqZOvNtr61pvHhDl9zfRBTlXf_2YYKWdVz7d0EoGxI1jv_basNEfHf0s7uu63dFuQ3N7DMjQ6L2bSDYTketlD4xRyosTlYvlXdezxxdrBIGW3VFUF2RtvDAY4LdGwo/s400/concierge+goodies.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366826845941502098" /></a>A special breakfast in the Library topped off a very memorable Midwest mini-vacation.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeNxsPGlbqFYIOdAp2olsN7XEpi-9mu8AlqUYEoHPPAJH9s3UFnOviclf_GokJ9on5CWCYuk1y0xTMqckRprhHe7KIL7s-fjKYGIFW4xsdEENPxScRzw2NXOmsQchs05Ap9dLssqr2GfWu/s1600-h/breakfast.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeNxsPGlbqFYIOdAp2olsN7XEpi-9mu8AlqUYEoHPPAJH9s3UFnOviclf_GokJ9on5CWCYuk1y0xTMqckRprhHe7KIL7s-fjKYGIFW4xsdEENPxScRzw2NXOmsQchs05Ap9dLssqr2GfWu/s400/breakfast.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367037768902350514" /></a>PS: To accompany N's smore dessert, the chef slightly charred a rosemary sprig with a brulee torch, which produced the most lovely smokey-campfire aroma. Try it at home!Delicate Creaturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12048791024339306532noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600187111149443058.post-64286878178752370622009-08-02T18:07:00.009-05:002009-08-03T22:35:03.560-05:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf31YZv_NgYe5qkONno4zGv-YKGMH96v9enWE9WI6GOiWByPkSc-qNQQLpMbrxy8ydENU80ENjvSkqEkk50JQeCeKRf1M0pIHFd6PX_vs_mDJAggbRU_Th37qrFV0VKgMDOrIEHU2-wlkJ/s1600-h/green+apple+birthday.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 272px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf31YZv_NgYe5qkONno4zGv-YKGMH96v9enWE9WI6GOiWByPkSc-qNQQLpMbrxy8ydENU80ENjvSkqEkk50JQeCeKRf1M0pIHFd6PX_vs_mDJAggbRU_Th37qrFV0VKgMDOrIEHU2-wlkJ/s400/green+apple+birthday.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365507331472090034" /></a>Celebrated the hubby's birthday with a small Beer & Brat gathering. If you are looking to try some excellent brews, check out the following: <br /><br /> * <a href="http://www.ommegang.com/index.php?mcat=1&scat=4&yr=1" target="_blank">Three Philosophers</a> - a cherry lambic infused dark ale<br /> * <a href="http://www.bunitedint.com/portfolios/producers/regenboog/vuuve/overview.php" target="_blank">Vuuve</a> - ale brewed with spices<br /> * Rosée d'hibiscus from Montreal-based <a href="http://micro.dieuduciel.com/en/beers.php" target="_blank">Dieu du Ciel</a> micro-brewery<br /> * <a href="http://www.unibroue.com/products/maudite.cfm" target="_blank">Maudite</a> - a strong red ale<br /> * and our personal favorite - Tripel Reserve from the Portland, Maine-(oh, how I long to vacation there)-based <a href="http://www.allagash.com/home.htm" target="_blank">Allagash</a> Brewery.<br /><br />PS: Green apple <a href="http://www.licoricecandytwist.com/store/2443176/product/7-93724-01060-7" target="_blank">licorice</a> is a tasty summer treat.Delicate Creaturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12048791024339306532noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600187111149443058.post-30651367875615826682009-07-31T06:00:00.003-05:002009-07-31T07:28:40.429-05:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn2tV9vaWTy-TQB2sMSfkR8Jq0CbhVZ0WvPVJmAhbo80eummvh0xYTGLdvyZZOWAhtXYLrYM5IjH4zIvU5W2vbXRrZEPDZPG3BOYIaU3wWT0Qm-wK7Erhl_JgcnTQvJlhbklrnq7so1KOy/s1600-h/nick+30.png"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 233px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364453812936845250" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn2tV9vaWTy-TQB2sMSfkR8Jq0CbhVZ0WvPVJmAhbo80eummvh0xYTGLdvyZZOWAhtXYLrYM5IjH4zIvU5W2vbXRrZEPDZPG3BOYIaU3wWT0Qm-wK7Erhl_JgcnTQvJlhbklrnq7so1KOy/s400/nick+30.png" /></a> <center>Happy Birthday, hubby.<br />Wishing you smooth riding on the road ahead!<br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Photo of my husband's 66 Ford Fairlane (since sold).</span></center>Delicate Creaturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12048791024339306532noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600187111149443058.post-21432515250028675252009-07-28T21:19:00.007-05:002009-07-28T21:54:05.631-05:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRpJ2bB24bUQERVvEiZ7OKEMrdn2lhpJ9RCcXMpwpt9yj-gIwFygw3dAG5Du2A-vpOQogeC3zQFdItCeMfjTVRVTg59XOG9t-O52OmeIRAS9FmcPpMrKhjtVGSeiQJXwSGIV290-eMWE8O/s1600-h/langham+london+ad.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 253px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRpJ2bB24bUQERVvEiZ7OKEMrdn2lhpJ9RCcXMpwpt9yj-gIwFygw3dAG5Du2A-vpOQogeC3zQFdItCeMfjTVRVTg59XOG9t-O52OmeIRAS9FmcPpMrKhjtVGSeiQJXwSGIV290-eMWE8O/s400/langham+london+ad.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363704919265507810" /></a>I quite enjoy the ad above for the Palm Court at the <a href="http://london.langhamhotels.co.uk/en/" target="_blank">Langham, London</a> and the accompanying slogans - "High Tea, Elevated" & "Enchanting Encounters". <br /><br />The ad reminds me of the amazingly charming bouquet created by <a href="http://www.wrenhandmade.com/" target="_blank">Laura Normandin</a> for her <a href="http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/photogallery/laura-and-ben?lnc=6b1c139b22b1d110VgnVCM1000003d370a0aRCRD&rsc=lpg_col2_inspiration&lpgview=thumb&showComments=true#ms-global-breadcrumbs" target="_blank">wedding</a> (featured in Martha Stewart Weddings, Summer 2009 issue).<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ0p74Op2bhNeVnGqCAJABjFMsQk699yTgOODFamLau5q_ncFC7n3u_qC3g6JIfVQ0oBaCJD4BZIxgWdod1_2VozBSv0H467PpTnBKb_1eshTAGjfSUo1yRQbcuaWPAD2QPaP5HfTvbYYY/s1600-h/bouquet+laura+and+ben.+martha+stewart+magazine.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 321px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ0p74Op2bhNeVnGqCAJABjFMsQk699yTgOODFamLau5q_ncFC7n3u_qC3g6JIfVQ0oBaCJD4BZIxgWdod1_2VozBSv0H467PpTnBKb_1eshTAGjfSUo1yRQbcuaWPAD2QPaP5HfTvbYYY/s400/bouquet+laura+and+ben.+martha+stewart+magazine.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363705321473251538" /></a><center>Instructions on how to create the bouquet <a href="http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/article/laura-butterfly-bouquet?backto=true" target="_blank">here</a>.</center>Delicate Creaturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12048791024339306532noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600187111149443058.post-29191548781770582692009-07-26T15:35:00.013-05:002009-07-26T20:22:30.108-05:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje3SoGf_dbBc_R3LlLbDJGsxiPLSkvQ5hp47SdkwVAOMrK5NrKBMtAD690AZMbSxfXjAhZbK-ulu4hx8JlVLgRnQ9bDJ1YrNILk9afX8BPW5hAYKr8dTufJ7OzOgmOKGpv19CXx6SaZfs_/s1600-h/mint+variety.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 292px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362919551254218178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje3SoGf_dbBc_R3LlLbDJGsxiPLSkvQ5hp47SdkwVAOMrK5NrKBMtAD690AZMbSxfXjAhZbK-ulu4hx8JlVLgRnQ9bDJ1YrNILk9afX8BPW5hAYKr8dTufJ7OzOgmOKGpv19CXx6SaZfs_/s400/mint+variety.jpg" /></a>Have you ever heard of:<br /><br />* <a href="http://www.localharvest.org/chocolate-mint-plant-C8628" target="_blank">Chocolate</a> and <a href="http://www.localharvest.org/apple-mint-plant-C8630" target="_blank">Apple</a> varieties of mint?<br /><br />* Basil seeds (which when soaked in water, develop a translucent coating and make a sweet & intriguing cocktail garnish)?<br /><br />* an <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alaskan_Klee_Kai" target="_blank">Alaskan Klee Kai</a>?<br /><br />* Blueberry-Mint or Apple-Sage sorbet?<br /><br />* <a href="http://www.sunset.com/food-wine/fast-fresh/pea-shoots-00400000011362/" target="_blank">Pea shoots</a>?<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5QoElm_MxXtO0UgS2qS1MqQVRVFMbThNW2Z0_zvmtVbTRTYS2XNohWPcA7-Qh6RQeGBjod-PNRziBWFgThW56u4qY8DGbm4Vm8UodWebis6l01ioZGt9g4EKDmZ7A_IcyPFLXtOizSnUH/s1600-h/weekend+discoveries.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 324px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5QoElm_MxXtO0UgS2qS1MqQVRVFMbThNW2Z0_zvmtVbTRTYS2XNohWPcA7-Qh6RQeGBjod-PNRziBWFgThW56u4qY8DGbm4Vm8UodWebis6l01ioZGt9g4EKDmZ7A_IcyPFLXtOizSnUH/s400/weekend+discoveries.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362941190762055842" /></a>All small & delightful discoveries during my weekend, which you can experience, too:<br /><br />* Mint varieties through <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kankakee-IL/Three-Sisters-Garden/55721555741" target="_blank">Three Sisters Garden</a>. Seasonal home-made sorbets from <a href="http://www.seedlingfruit.com/" target="_blank">Seedling</a>. Both vendors at the <a href="http://www.chicagogreencitymarket.org/" target="_blank">Green City Market</a>.<br /><br />* Spring mutter paneer (curried peas with Indian cheese in a creamy tomato sauce topped with fresh pea shoots) and Bollywood Rehab cocktail (effen vodka, passion fruit puree, Darjeeling tea, basil seeds, and mint) at <a href="http://www.veerasway.com/index.htm" target="_blank">Veerasway</a>.Delicate Creaturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12048791024339306532noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600187111149443058.post-87990993237750299832009-07-23T07:41:00.012-05:002009-07-23T08:28:27.531-05:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhsDeJGe2j0ENbqMMJV7Czu8mn6jglLtKjDBojGfQkpsv8QFertP-XKoCkl6f489F4b8Ahn_WjBoD3oBnq1mm-K0pjYLUndw98RNnXy5mF2_bSrDm8bdmoRZACcRF3GR46Mh4xu5ZLhVsa/s1600-h/country+living+camp+decor+article+2009+on+the+dock.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 316px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhsDeJGe2j0ENbqMMJV7Czu8mn6jglLtKjDBojGfQkpsv8QFertP-XKoCkl6f489F4b8Ahn_WjBoD3oBnq1mm-K0pjYLUndw98RNnXy5mF2_bSrDm8bdmoRZACcRF3GR46Mh4xu5ZLhVsa/s400/country+living+camp+decor+article+2009+on+the+dock.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361637105177967106" /></a>In the absence of Domino and Cottage Living magazines (RIP), I've been finding some inspiration in <a href="http://www.countryliving.com/" target="_blank">Country Living</a>. The photo above of the camp-site tent by <a href="http://www.cathkidston.co.uk/" target="_blank">Cath Kidston</a> is so romantic.<br /><br />Speaking of romance, I am smitten on the rural wedding design featured of the NY owners of <a href="http://www.localharvest.org/farms/M27985" target="_blank">Meili Farm</a>.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_V4bdoECpxf1reL1gJ0QN_-6IeNsOOwa0nWW_Qd523L9gKaxPQ8Lyqpn3llbwvfssjaQ4S3FiJKIoCYCN6J47gKxfIoPFUtmm3k8uA8oSPZXxI879xuYwHTwavbHtGT6BZZqdyWToQC8R/s1600-h/country+living+rural+wedding.tent.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 313px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_V4bdoECpxf1reL1gJ0QN_-6IeNsOOwa0nWW_Qd523L9gKaxPQ8Lyqpn3llbwvfssjaQ4S3FiJKIoCYCN6J47gKxfIoPFUtmm3k8uA8oSPZXxI879xuYwHTwavbHtGT6BZZqdyWToQC8R/s400/country+living+rural+wedding.tent.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361641699592498098" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpW8ZrAz2ay-uXmSjiUjObybidbrVZ_uu2AoJeHB1-6gCuAT1v4kVWZKh4_5ejctDYGJVEWWa6OrfYng3XCOkiTrWVBCqOwf2QfqffIBNPa7fq2_FvM0vVOi6IWWwnCtYB2VfSqu1Z8wAJ/s1600-h/country+living+rural+wedding.centerpieces.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 316px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpW8ZrAz2ay-uXmSjiUjObybidbrVZ_uu2AoJeHB1-6gCuAT1v4kVWZKh4_5ejctDYGJVEWWa6OrfYng3XCOkiTrWVBCqOwf2QfqffIBNPa7fq2_FvM0vVOi6IWWwnCtYB2VfSqu1Z8wAJ/s400/country+living+rural+wedding.centerpieces.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361641622082397666" /></a>The sweet autumn clematis centerpieces and sage & juniper boutonnieres are just lovely.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMXoCXgaq1sr3VVK8AzV_vUt9fLy0SKgS2Ih1epU-1THGm53qtfV2hckRG7WI9QFqyFTOEKAcvUPVcAjYVWdLTmfuVMg5UbNwezcZv8n2Rdjx_F2f0EdQ30DGKAR5Nt9dbcpoepyxIn4fH/s1600-h/country+living+rural+wedding.boutonniere.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 322px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMXoCXgaq1sr3VVK8AzV_vUt9fLy0SKgS2Ih1epU-1THGm53qtfV2hckRG7WI9QFqyFTOEKAcvUPVcAjYVWdLTmfuVMg5UbNwezcZv8n2Rdjx_F2f0EdQ30DGKAR5Nt9dbcpoepyxIn4fH/s400/country+living+rural+wedding.boutonniere.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361641537219274034" /></a><center>To see more photos, click <a href="http://www.countryliving.com/cooking/entertaining/rural-wedding-new-york-0409?click=homepage-center" target="_blank">here</a>.</center>Delicate Creaturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12048791024339306532noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600187111149443058.post-82143721903475335442009-07-21T07:00:00.002-05:002009-07-21T07:11:20.076-05:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ_VjF5OCvlkdCsaYtlJEAem1TuW8VBRBvuGN2cJuEV_tTbb14RJh86TuoySE5QG5xcDsn5D0oIK-rwNFB9JH7ir1B8wh_uC91fGF85IyCPfNm1hbUlJn1QUNyHrn6FqTEpjkh7D849UFY/s1600-h/andrea+cochran+landscape+design.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ_VjF5OCvlkdCsaYtlJEAem1TuW8VBRBvuGN2cJuEV_tTbb14RJh86TuoySE5QG5xcDsn5D0oIK-rwNFB9JH7ir1B8wh_uC91fGF85IyCPfNm1hbUlJn1QUNyHrn6FqTEpjkh7D849UFY/s400/andrea+cochran+landscape+design.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360882493491075970" /></a><center>Check out the breath-taking designs by award-winning <br />Landscape Design Firm, <a href="http://www.acochran.com/" target="_blank">Andrea Cochran</a>. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRCNjHoDbWWMJrsP-xQAFHwkqi_xauCzzZSBIpksBqi_UfGU_24Sr67pWb1OAnKSlb1lqkOyP1GYn4xByL0WB0uQvr-eisWEXpoyPJGrGbGQErmT7QqgOFW-IjQhWNjTtbakU7VllRee3_/s1600-h/andrea+cochran+landscape+design+2.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRCNjHoDbWWMJrsP-xQAFHwkqi_xauCzzZSBIpksBqi_UfGU_24Sr67pWb1OAnKSlb1lqkOyP1GYn4xByL0WB0uQvr-eisWEXpoyPJGrGbGQErmT7QqgOFW-IjQhWNjTtbakU7VllRee3_/s400/andrea+cochran+landscape+design+2.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360882007220637042" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxlBTs_IBHhrglHUsUTYW9t_VmBp4fxvUeVxzO_vemUs3PC98sr8AbcfxmtKkVDTxRFezGP28IXDEeyjJx6XFgfwpPd2c_oHWfCW6u6aLWuiyZn9-BF7F3sqwVbGjTVEu8iyzd9w_hdwWJ/s1600-h/andrea+cochran+landscape+design+3.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxlBTs_IBHhrglHUsUTYW9t_VmBp4fxvUeVxzO_vemUs3PC98sr8AbcfxmtKkVDTxRFezGP28IXDEeyjJx6XFgfwpPd2c_oHWfCW6u6aLWuiyZn9-BF7F3sqwVbGjTVEu8iyzd9w_hdwWJ/s400/andrea+cochran+landscape+design+3.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360881853263864338" /></a>My favorite is for <a href="http://www.jensen-architects.com/work/walden_studios/walden_mixed_use.html?mode=all" target="_blank">Walden Studios</a> in Geyserville, California.</center><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDbj3hqSjKXmNuJEGSSVVG8m0w2ML5tolH7sHUivYAt4YzyNTmkr2QU6nnKtK2b9LzdZDJnd1Xl9b2v3DKhXfCTUJrer4PyBRylD6RBu25Bi2ZPWW23FTdelTxMIgnuZOKElqAj3TqY4Cd/s1600-h/andrea+cochran+landscape+design+4.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 298px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDbj3hqSjKXmNuJEGSSVVG8m0w2ML5tolH7sHUivYAt4YzyNTmkr2QU6nnKtK2b9LzdZDJnd1Xl9b2v3DKhXfCTUJrer4PyBRylD6RBu25Bi2ZPWW23FTdelTxMIgnuZOKElqAj3TqY4Cd/s400/andrea+cochran+landscape+design+4.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360881724238043922" /></a>Delicate Creaturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12048791024339306532noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600187111149443058.post-43323099447703489122009-07-19T12:03:00.005-05:002009-07-19T12:08:39.062-05:00<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhHR_C6jWn6LA-lmj6HaGNPUyOV-5BPwBt4c37G6_HjNUSIxqxFZZ7G7H0bdH4z2lv8sBDPWF5-hENT1Al-OvPxuFwqTeMvCiitsZIvJjUHBcln37ARkOfHYZh3gEgHmPruH4DY6B-6V1e/s1600-h/patio+dining.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 279px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360218634144822722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhHR_C6jWn6LA-lmj6HaGNPUyOV-5BPwBt4c37G6_HjNUSIxqxFZZ7G7H0bdH4z2lv8sBDPWF5-hENT1Al-OvPxuFwqTeMvCiitsZIvJjUHBcln37ARkOfHYZh3gEgHmPruH4DY6B-6V1e/s400/patio+dining.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">mango & blueberries over french toast = yum.<br /></span></div>Delicate Creaturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12048791024339306532noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600187111149443058.post-68098207637967634432009-07-16T06:47:00.001-05:002009-07-16T07:30:20.961-05:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYphyphenhyphenqlliI8fm-9TSNneYZukpAxtkmjXYpiPcwds182RBuzL9SKLW05I6f6KGgSilWdp7GEy_YGjkpEzExuw1XG7ggj9JUgs_s2blFr_OcwWQBeBtXQAuIGKEnRBjCNSGMq8hYCRtz76qi/s1600-h/10+cent+designer.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 273px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYphyphenhyphenqlliI8fm-9TSNneYZukpAxtkmjXYpiPcwds182RBuzL9SKLW05I6f6KGgSilWdp7GEy_YGjkpEzExuw1XG7ggj9JUgs_s2blFr_OcwWQBeBtXQAuIGKEnRBjCNSGMq8hYCRtz76qi/s400/10+cent+designer.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359032930581769506" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsyEyFnU0_NVCLpLOvhbvzq7GZRQFMmBtA3GypK_OV5BQVfSYJeSuobAA_y6byDsF9pGJYo6YUTefuzT3xJDkxpEf34Mw7mBy8bB7VPJXZqIFsGQnZu6ERZ1mdeXbEunEjGCy1NAYFnoT8/s1600-h/small+stump+floral+design.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 293px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsyEyFnU0_NVCLpLOvhbvzq7GZRQFMmBtA3GypK_OV5BQVfSYJeSuobAA_y6byDsF9pGJYo6YUTefuzT3xJDkxpEf34Mw7mBy8bB7VPJXZqIFsGQnZu6ERZ1mdeXbEunEjGCy1NAYFnoT8/s400/small+stump+floral+design.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359032665716956578" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqd8x8V0Lg0Pa9z5s2Al-f2uBSeLCMt__S37CY9KSqWTjDb2fFDuzdB7Rl8fpBARC9Xblu-Y5iw6tAAb48LXDfdwn7_H-QImogcVfcq1w-VvaUTO9KpRBO95e6e_KCxfH43v9hQjFN36DI/s1600-h/tif+fussel+airstream.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 289px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqd8x8V0Lg0Pa9z5s2Al-f2uBSeLCMt__S37CY9KSqWTjDb2fFDuzdB7Rl8fpBARC9Xblu-Y5iw6tAAb48LXDfdwn7_H-QImogcVfcq1w-VvaUTO9KpRBO95e6e_KCxfH43v9hQjFN36DI/s400/tif+fussel+airstream.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358658219442727058" /></a>Yummy places & spaces:<br /><br />* The amazing kitchen of <a href="http://www.hashai.com/" target="_blank">Ab Chao</a> - photo & styling by the fabulous Lori Andrews (aka <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theproletariatdesigner/" target="_blank">The 10-Cent Designer</a>).<br /><br />* Floral design by the fantastically inspiring duo, <a href="http://www.smallstump.com/home.html" target="_blank">Studio Choo</a>.<br /><br />* From Victoria's (aka <a href="http://www.sfgirlbybay.com/" target="_blank">sfgirlbybay</a>) <a href="http://www.sfgirlbybay.com/2009/07/08/unexpected-guests-dottie-angel/" target="_blank"> Q&A</a> with the ultra-charming <a href="http://dottieangel.com/default.aspx" target="_blank">Tif Fussel</a>.Delicate Creaturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12048791024339306532noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600187111149443058.post-52741177513914388772009-07-12T17:05:00.013-05:002010-09-21T07:46:19.023-05:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdUt0x7l4WWUPQJqK1RDvjKGsHYVNZwngGxQfYI22KQPmPRGiI2WYORLEtDVlPygEfkzODOgmrOvJbNfqBN8cJthyJVZm4EvtEx_GHECtIJpU2Nt4kR5fY9V5SJmBjqKlnjvK37tnCc5f5/s1600-h/rooftop+wedding.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357703530220809138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdUt0x7l4WWUPQJqK1RDvjKGsHYVNZwngGxQfYI22KQPmPRGiI2WYORLEtDVlPygEfkzODOgmrOvJbNfqBN8cJthyJVZm4EvtEx_GHECtIJpU2Nt4kR5fY9V5SJmBjqKlnjvK37tnCc5f5/s400/rooftop+wedding.jpg" /></a>I was in New Buffalo, Michigan this past weekend <a href="http://www.delicatecreature.com/home/event_services.php" target="_blank">coordinating</a> a roof-top wedding at the <a href="http://www.marinagrandresort.com/index.php" target="_blank">Marina Grand Resort</a>. I hope to share some photos of the happy couple soon.<br /><br />While there, I enjoyed the container-garden installations greeting guests at the entrance of the hotel created by local designer, Marco Alexzondra of the <a href="http://susanfredman.com/" target="_blank">Susan Fredman Design Group</a>:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq3fLTkGScZoMaDgycFxZT2PluQUq70RyCJxqL4KmEnrc5TUfSbLsvrTpIJKTvZUONdnENDHECwx4eRooHy62U51tEEZZTsaH14t9S2hssvtFiO2-5pxOiRhq-SR2ia7IGkiFoUSC9t5Mp/s1600-h/marina+grand+installation.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 265px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357704460182746386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq3fLTkGScZoMaDgycFxZT2PluQUq70RyCJxqL4KmEnrc5TUfSbLsvrTpIJKTvZUONdnENDHECwx4eRooHy62U51tEEZZTsaH14t9S2hssvtFiO2-5pxOiRhq-SR2ia7IGkiFoUSC9t5Mp/s400/marina+grand+installation.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBpOiAzOIfFeOMHF0WSIEmHmRcv1hTpIsUI5l1jMoUxPZTOSTvA3-l6VQeiF3HDT9vGVmCBFWymaSDz8U-mG34PRSE9quKA6q9lurcnOEUbELtup087DPygCq-7l2m31cVCTBcSMNYKT6K/s1600-h/marina+grand+planter+boxes.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 383px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357705346280674354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBpOiAzOIfFeOMHF0WSIEmHmRcv1hTpIsUI5l1jMoUxPZTOSTvA3-l6VQeiF3HDT9vGVmCBFWymaSDz8U-mG34PRSE9quKA6q9lurcnOEUbELtup087DPygCq-7l2m31cVCTBcSMNYKT6K/s400/marina+grand+planter+boxes.jpg" /></a>I popped in to meet Marco and found a connect-the-dots moment while looking through his portfolio of work - back in <a href="http://delicatecreatureblog.blogspot.com/2008/11/this-past-weekend-i-attended-chicago.html" target="_blank">November of 2008</a>, I bid on his tablescape at the <a href="http://www.diffa.org/default.asp" target="_blank">DIFFA</a> Dining by Design event!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuzUWBQVKfsdRxeqXUu6-x5gHKNBCGfznzg-eC066gsYN9o1Clygn8me5uokM79-DIO0Cq4kg1PHthqvq8nkmScLIgpaJKh0GlBQuMbGIvxMuSGrD5DXFDEfM1eNSq60CMSmqZ5PzlIUWH/s1600-h/marco's+design+at+DIFFA.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357702933255941714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuzUWBQVKfsdRxeqXUu6-x5gHKNBCGfznzg-eC066gsYN9o1Clygn8me5uokM79-DIO0Cq4kg1PHthqvq8nkmScLIgpaJKh0GlBQuMbGIvxMuSGrD5DXFDEfM1eNSq60CMSmqZ5PzlIUWH/s400/marco's+design+at+DIFFA.jpg" /></a>Marco is a definite professional inspiration as is Susan Fredman's Harbor Country store, <a href="http://www.susanfredman.com/store/store.asp" target="_blank">At Home with Nature</a>.Delicate Creaturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12048791024339306532noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600187111149443058.post-67552014893425806372009-07-10T07:31:00.008-05:002009-07-10T07:45:18.455-05:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6OxF3SEGhOLILxzFIWcLo-jI6dhhLGO6jqh2b5eai03Pii7c2FCPWaq0T612ZwnxsUTOza44AlDEeIgaryBvIsE82wjzGrT9ojipd1L1vE9IN8FDHJgqZtDLzchnDuDzlwzSXdz6tMYAS/s1600-h/bridge+to+sky.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6OxF3SEGhOLILxzFIWcLo-jI6dhhLGO6jqh2b5eai03Pii7c2FCPWaq0T612ZwnxsUTOza44AlDEeIgaryBvIsE82wjzGrT9ojipd1L1vE9IN8FDHJgqZtDLzchnDuDzlwzSXdz6tMYAS/s400/bridge+to+sky.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356808434487163634" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGK44EUzbSO1fG4hejQdCGy-fXq3WSFX7B-wiDM6o-sdKAUqCwX6_70tJr2NjRtHvSY26JeLbhnhefR_GP2SCew59bzmm75VwaWaWoWfYQYyKgUALZ2H2H05fmvAduoKWQT-9_XF5Zh1aY/s1600-h/snakeskin.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGK44EUzbSO1fG4hejQdCGy-fXq3WSFX7B-wiDM6o-sdKAUqCwX6_70tJr2NjRtHvSY26JeLbhnhefR_GP2SCew59bzmm75VwaWaWoWfYQYyKgUALZ2H2H05fmvAduoKWQT-9_XF5Zh1aY/s400/snakeskin.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356809067177692834" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_KI6LLbrdSOYzglCHdcKD2m6g4XFSQf0XP_dsJZJLCS5uoWqZlDNUmxO2jf-zsnFikirib3q9b3OApWMY7gHhDUE7NtD2bAaSp-caxXNXmGsMPtrTDXy8tjeutICnZYAupye8d1tZtD-q/s1600-h/petals.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_KI6LLbrdSOYzglCHdcKD2m6g4XFSQf0XP_dsJZJLCS5uoWqZlDNUmxO2jf-zsnFikirib3q9b3OApWMY7gHhDUE7NtD2bAaSp-caxXNXmGsMPtrTDXy8tjeutICnZYAupye8d1tZtD-q/s400/petals.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356809380743671698" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXKAjQaJ18sU09JBRj_oeaQAk_BTJI8mbh0JEMcIa96pg-N6PrgUk4skFym0aFxBUeGg65nx6_UeNHp_AV3ZHjLD8KIAchaJ7pdzKQ6BV5ZKLPMjBk68fXEiohYM1Q_wFouQvN-tt7Ti2n/s1600-h/lego+like.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXKAjQaJ18sU09JBRj_oeaQAk_BTJI8mbh0JEMcIa96pg-N6PrgUk4skFym0aFxBUeGg65nx6_UeNHp_AV3ZHjLD8KIAchaJ7pdzKQ6BV5ZKLPMjBk68fXEiohYM1Q_wFouQvN-tt7Ti2n/s400/lego+like.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356808887659052482" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgsO3cU1l331KTMkk9D_4j_2F27zpPvqlLXkN1iYbu7lOW0d9oqogCt7Jde_fUVzdnpGL6EC-KMcJuapiAB1YMOtowrDiuQ3rZx3-9Ska8zBz_r0IQY3bbOnGcNF7rPDk4OV9yn4HlZRfc/s1600-h/stretching.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgsO3cU1l331KTMkk9D_4j_2F27zpPvqlLXkN1iYbu7lOW0d9oqogCt7Jde_fUVzdnpGL6EC-KMcJuapiAB1YMOtowrDiuQ3rZx3-9Ska8zBz_r0IQY3bbOnGcNF7rPDk4OV9yn4HlZRfc/s400/stretching.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356809641663804178" /></a>Views of Chicago from the <a href="http://www.shorelinesightseeing.com/rivercruise.php" target="_blank">Architecture River Cruise</a> purchased through the "collective buying power" of <a href="http://groupon.thepoint.com/" target="_blank">Groupon</a>.Delicate Creaturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12048791024339306532noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600187111149443058.post-83494914212009482272009-07-08T07:00:00.000-05:002009-07-08T07:09:16.947-05:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguCibYDyxBFUBCCdeknQzFfNtaAmj6sAvcq7HwQcpnZRqn8HqFVPb0j64HuypADPPefrOxH77FsYMllsE7WV6J-PvCRUevTFPSdDVs6Ll38SBrdHiPxQ5_4QGm5wkggs6Bwx6wgFC6AfOy/s1600-h/kurt+halsey+past+is+practice.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 233px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguCibYDyxBFUBCCdeknQzFfNtaAmj6sAvcq7HwQcpnZRqn8HqFVPb0j64HuypADPPefrOxH77FsYMllsE7WV6J-PvCRUevTFPSdDVs6Ll38SBrdHiPxQ5_4QGm5wkggs6Bwx6wgFC6AfOy/s400/kurt+halsey+past+is+practice.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337717058015585874" /></a>I like this combination of messages from sugar-sweet designer, <a href="http://www.kurthalsey.com/" target="_blank">Kurt Halsey</a> and the charmingly inspirational blogger, <a href="http://thresca.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">Tere Arigo</a>.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKb6gN7flx3vTLAxk2joxvLN7TJqP67Qg_Tv2c3tIMazi5V-BCifhll4lBJovVCCK8sTtYw6kVuFr-QMqRor4S_D0vaaOckistQM-mxvk2uCmT0TpLVbal35nOy41d4IuQXrp5IEkQD-F0/s1600-h/thresca.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 371px; height: 290px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKb6gN7flx3vTLAxk2joxvLN7TJqP67Qg_Tv2c3tIMazi5V-BCifhll4lBJovVCCK8sTtYw6kVuFr-QMqRor4S_D0vaaOckistQM-mxvk2uCmT0TpLVbal35nOy41d4IuQXrp5IEkQD-F0/s400/thresca.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337717193497953602" /></a>Delicate Creaturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12048791024339306532noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600187111149443058.post-21370182514218185302009-07-03T01:06:00.002-05:002009-07-03T01:08:53.742-05:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidnzYgxa3PTc3DIo1akAmcT_5dLnZJ1P5jpcSeEAntvQ-ELYe_pdpvFLYMPndsheMO9Do-9S0vHsOjXaxlGpDzJLa_LJnnxUoAZKeLX6U4O7zr5WXBYbxqr9W0EOHVvBsEcSmFZKwXRTJW/s1600-h/round+and+round.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidnzYgxa3PTc3DIo1akAmcT_5dLnZJ1P5jpcSeEAntvQ-ELYe_pdpvFLYMPndsheMO9Do-9S0vHsOjXaxlGpDzJLa_LJnnxUoAZKeLX6U4O7zr5WXBYbxqr9W0EOHVvBsEcSmFZKwXRTJW/s400/round+and+round.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354111729423653970" /></a><center>Happy holiday weekend!</center>Delicate Creaturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12048791024339306532noreply@blogger.com