Inaugural Flower Share Commenced!

Through the support of 6 other lovely gals, the first flower share commenced yesterday! I was a slight bunch of nerves the night before as I was running around town trying to figure out the most pragmatic vessel to arrange with (solution: ikea beer glass, pack of 6 for $8) and of course I couldn't help but wonder what the next day was to bring.

I went to the Oakland Flower Market at 10, came out with 2 bunches of peachy yellow dahlias, 2 bunches of fiery red cocks comb, 2 bunches of pepperberry, and 1 bunch of peachy spray roses... summing to $47 --- I was so on target! I had initially thought that I was going to make a mostly green and white arrangement but the faded rosy color of the pepperberry led me in another direction.

It could be the season but I feel like next time I would love to give the SF SOMA Flower Market a shot. I have been there once with May in the early afternoon on a Saturday, it was a literal ghost town. The SF SOMA Flower Mart is a crowd of at least half a dozen of flower wholesalers. It is only open to the public past 10AM on Saturdays... The Oakland Market really just seemed to be lacking selection and quality? I guess I am just curious about what's on the other side of the bay.

I did the arranging at May's and came out with 7 of the following arrangements in an 1 hour and 5 minutes. May also made some wonderfully formed and tasty lemon bars. The gals came over and we watched the afternoon slip away...

May's bars!

I was initially disappointed about how empty each vase as the bunches were only took 1/5 space of the vase. While at home, I did use a rubber band to better consolidate the flowers in a huddle. Great results for now!

This Past Weekend...

I was totally sick and remain to be so until the end of the week.

Left Hands Are For Wild Things

I can't clip my right hand finger nails with my left hand, not even with 20 years of experience! You figure I probably began clipping my own nails earliest at age 6...

I really want to watch 'Where the Wild Things Are' on Friday at the Grand Lake Theatre where I hear a someone plays the piano on a stage before the premier movie. Perhaps I can get a drink at the Alley after? I'm shooting for the 7.15 showing. What a great prospective weekend!

Where the Wild Things Are from Yanet Medina on Vimeo.

Weekend Acquisitions: sartorialist, gothic vase, flowers publication, neo-vintage glasses

This weekend I found out the person behind the blog Sartorialist (Scott Schuman) will be in San Francisco on October 21st, 19.30 at the Paul Smith store doing a book signing of his compilation picture book "The Sartorialist". I rushed over to Border's to pick up the softbound 500 page book with which I fortunately used the 40% Border's 75th anniversary coupon to bring down the cost to $16! Score! I am currently undecided about whether or not to have the book signed in person or simply have phil do my bidding. I am totally foreseeing a huge fashionista crowd - got to dress in black - maybe I'll get a picture with the man?

We also combed 4 "estate" sales (2 in Alameda and 2 in Berkeley), I came out of it with a lethal brass goblet perfect for floral arranging - $2. This is lethal because, you can totally knock someone out with it. The only thing about those "estate" sales posted on Craigslist is chances are high that they may be standard yard, garage sales. 3 of 4 destinations which had claimed estate sales turned out to be yard sales. People were simply purging. I find estate sales to be much more interesting as typically the entire house is open to your exploration and snatching of goods with which you end up bargaining with someone at the front door. This is truly an "end of the world" experience and somber moment as you come to grips with your own mortality. One day my life acquired goods will be sold too...

I also bought a UK bi-monthly flower publication entitled "Wedding Flowers" which I will use as a source for my upcoming premier flower share moment. I already have big plans for October 24th which include rising early and making it over to the SF flower market, picking my flowers, having a quick bite to eat at the little hole in the wall, "Little Skillet", rushing back to Alameda to arrange away (2 hours should do it!) and meeting the girls possibly at the back patio at Julies' coffee and teas.

Alright, I also bought 3 vintage blue glasses for $1 each from the goodwill - not such old glasses as upon inspection each had $2.99 World Market stickers taped to the bottom.

I Love Snapple.

Nothing quite brings one to the acknowledgement of one's love for a pet until it gets sick. I can't believe how fortunate we are that Snapple bounced back. His strange puppy and adoring ways are back - I definitely hold each moment dear.

Is it bad that I want to go to the Trappist for a Belgian beer today even though I just went last Sunday?

Interesting, Very Interesting

I've been impatiently waiting on the house at Mad Ave. Speaking of Mad, I'm so smitten by Mad Men. Too bad -- I've wasted the last two weeks watching.

We weren't able to go to Seattle this past weekend. I had spent the money I was suppose to have spent in Seattle earlier last week on Snapple dog bills. $442 just for a check up, blood work and a cytology test. Well, he's back to good health - considering the fact that he didn't ear for the bigger part of last week. I love to see him trot and my mom seems to have grown attached.

We did however go on a mini vaca yesterday. This entailed some Peet's coffee, Indian lunch at Shalimar, a self made tour of the Mission San Jose, used book drive by (Fast Food Nation!), chilling at Alameda's most safe and lush park, grabbing a drink at the Trappist, and a buzzed dinner at Kai's.

At last, I have my first floral gig with some gals! Flower share, Flower Power, Floral Pull...these are all proper names I am brainstorming right now. October 24th, I hope to impress and deliver. Notes to self: more flowers, and go by color.

The arrangement above is made with Dahlias, Gomphrena, and Solidago (total cost $20 for 3 bouquets). I thought I was achieving a sense of monochromatic arrangement -then I though the yellow would act nicely as contrast. Um, I'm not proud of this. I know now that I should have a higher ratio of flowers hence the benefit of the up and coming flower share!

sad sad wednesday

today consisted of tears, shouts, 1/2 a cup cake of the Fleur de Sel (from Kara's), flailing arms, prosciutto, denim skirt (thankfully!) and a major rejection (who knew putting a higher down payment would make such a difference?)

yes, today was mostly a bad day

oh, well - I should make lemonade.

I smell it!

I smell my neighbors barbequing a storm all up in their yard right now. Korean barbeque! This is truly the most irritating thing neighbors can do - unrequited barbeque - I want you! I feel even worse for Snapple - I even gave him a tad more dog food to help him out -- poor guy is smacking his lips.

I just booked a flight to Costa Rica from LAX to San Jose, CR for $355. Sadly, I will have to fly out to LAX via Southwest -- I'm a little nervous as I will be traveling with a first time traveler my brother and am used to following someone around rather than stepping it up. Haha, we shall have to see how things fare.

Korean BBQ! I know where you are...

Hydrangea and Italian Parsley

I just made a demo of May's wedding banquet floral arrangement centerpiece. It's so awesome how I happened to have both the Hydrangea (pink) and Italian Parsley in my very own front yard. Now, let's hope the blue Hydrangea and dill works equally as well. Pictures to come!

Also, I'm finally one step away from the Flower Arrangement Class at Mission Valley College. What a good ending to the day.

By the way, I watched "500 Days of Summer" and am over romantic comedies...they kind of make me sick.

Nervous

A little antsy about what will become of Saturday - but I will have to keep a positive attitude, hope for the best and consider other options. I hope I'm moving in the right direction - I just need a change and need to channel my enthusiasm and hard work into something.

I need a backup plan. I don't need to make extra money - I don't know what I'm really trying to achieve - just want to prove myself and see how I can improve along the way. We can only try but then again trying things out requires patience. As a friend had mentioned to me today - its fun figuring out life -- even if it isn't so clean and direct.

I think I will go to bed.

Great Find

Friday evening, I went to Half Books in Fremont and found a gem of a book I have been fantasizing about for some time. Just to give a background, I've been wanting a beautiful floral directory book - a floral dictionary. Going through Borders, and many used books stores, I've never been fortunate enough to find exactly that book.I found "The Most Beautiful Flowers" a large 15 x 10 inch book filled with 144 pages of flowers rendered by the French artist Pierre Joseph Redoute originally compiled in 1833. The book was printed in 1980, but let's not get into silly semantics. I found the lovely book in the art section rather than the flower section. Each flower is accompanied with its French name and Latin name. I expect to be "quoting" from this book from time to time.

My mom and I hand delivered a strawberry cake my dad and brother made today. My Uncle's front yard are full of garden roses in a variety of colors - I had a chance to bring a rose home with consent from my aunt. Score!

Ah, I want to be a flower shop girl!

Billy Buttons and Dahlias

Over the weekend, I went to the Oakland Market and made two arrangements with white-pink-yellow Dahlias and Billy Buttons. I really enjoy the deep purple stems of the Dahlias. The Billy Buttons can make almost any arrangement lighthearted - yellow dots randomly placed. I still get overwhelmed whenever going to the Oakland Market as I get surrounded by many species in the freezing warehouse.

Note to self - trim the flowers to the opening of vessel.

O, Vacation

O, you've taught me to appreciate my life in the States, and taught me to think of others. It was good getting away after all...

"No man is an Island"

okay...I'm realizing that...

Waiting for Marti Rae

Can't help but feel impatient about a little space on Marti Rae. I really hope it works out. I keep envisioning myself reading the book "Charlie Chan is Dead" spread out on the hardwood floor. Thankfully, Peru is next week. Finally!

I'm Back

Went to Monterey with my family (minus Ben), it's been a good 7 years since I've done a day trip with the family. I love how my parents were so pleased the whole day even though the weather was just plain foggy, and dinner plans were different than expected.

I'm going to try to be a better blogger being that I don't even have a Facebook or a Twitter account. Apparently, I am okay being a web 2.0 hermit who does the occasional diary entry. Meanwhile, I am with Mister socialite web 2.o.

4.3.09

Personally, I hate loud mouthed female dogs who think they know everything - then again - maybe I should stop letting myself get stomped on.

Phil and I are really digging a small little duplex in Berkeley which only is about 1100 squarefeet and as duplexes go - -- each unit would clearly by less than 600 square feet. Live in one, rent one out? There's a thought...

A Small Entry Comeback

This sounds like a nice snack/breakfast that I read on a blog:

"plain yogurt with grapefruit in it (membrane removed)
honey stir all that up and sprinkle granola on top"

Will do. I've got an presumptive taste in my mouth - hope it lives up to the dream.

I bought exam materials again - now I have financial burden of completing the exam - in a year, I hope... Thank God the materials have not arrived...

I bought a long stemmed green spider mum all for $2 over the past weekend at Mint in Alameda. First of all, who's ever heard of a green flower? Second, there are way better than roses, way cheaper and last way longer!

Small comment I still think peonies rule especially now that I know that they can cost from $15 to $20 a stem...

The past weekend I rode my bike in Alameda three times and even felt like my 'core' was sore on Monday. Awesome! I'm getting bolder riding along side cars. Had some brunch with some peers from the past. They are the same yet we are so different. I think I am at peace.

Oakland

So --- my weekend was full of Oakland. Friday night, we tried to go to the Parkway Speakeasy in Oakland to catch one of their last showings before the full shut down on Sunday. Unfortunately, many others had the same plan in mind - we were unable to watch "Let The Right One In". Instead, we meandered the streets of Oakland specifically the Grand Lake Area looking for random bars. We stopped by 'the Alley' a dive piano bar filled with business cards, dark lighting and a mixed crowd. You could say 'the Alley' is fun for its piano in the back with a couple of mics sprouting out on the side. People would go up and sing classics like "Wouldn't It Be Lovely" and countless other jams I sure didn't know.

Anyways, on Friday night, our dear friend L told us about a development of new David Baker designed lofts (Pacific Canary Lofts) that were built in West Oakland -- starting prices around the $250K. On Saturday, exciting the highway and taking the back way into the development wasn't so bad. What awaited us were handsome lofts - some of which sold for $300-350K with grand views of the Oakland Port, light flooding in, and a floor plan that was so beautifully opened up and exposed. What had been promised to us on the tour was the continuing development of other new residential buildings which potentially had retail spaces to follow...Haha, Phil and I had knowing glances...little did we know what awaited us outside of the proper entrance was West Oakland. Enough said, I don't think we will be considering.

Later that night, while watching the local news - we discovered the gun down of the 4 police officers occurance on the other side of town in East Oakland.

Considerations and Camilia

Dude. I'm thinking of taking the CPA exam again. Arg. I kind of feel like I should be making better use of my time in the evenings. I don't know just how the CPA exam will benefit me - the only thing that it may help me with is opening doors to the corporate world. I secretly despise the cubicle existence. I'm gonna talk to people and get their two cents. If I do end up getting it, I should certainly try to add up the hours and money used to arrive there. Is it at all worth it? Wish I could figure out what I was good at and take the leap of faith and plunge. Hmm ... another thing to chew on - I'm still young - do I really need a house? Should I get out of my physical comfort zone and pursue something geographically new? I'm still young yet I envy those that are just beginning their college experiences and even come to envy babies that have a completely new life ahead of them. Someone help!

Meanwhile, I'm genuinely fortunate to have superficial things to distract me such as the Camilla flower bush I discovered in our front yard! Single flowers in small glass Trader Joe Corn Salsa jars rock! Wish I could up and leave but where else am I going to find Camilla bushes?

Forced Into Slavery

I distinctly took a trip from Fil's house to Mint - the little corridor of a florist shop located on Park Street in Alameda this past Saturday. The florist at the register was working hard on a birthday bouquet which consisted of white with blue hydrangea mop heads with little ranunculus sprinkled about. I asked her how she learned the skill of floral arranging. She responded letting me know that since her youth her mother had a floral shop and as a result she and her siblings were forced to learn the tricks of the trade. Jealous.

She was kind enough to allow me to take a few pics of flowers/plants in the shop:

long stemmed magnolias

kale (yes, it is edible)

I still like my bike.

Yo. So, I've been admiring Fil's bike for the past two weeks as we have been fortunate to ride an average of 2X a week.  His bike is admirable for two main reasons: 1) it's sleek and slender and 2) is half of my bike's weight.  I must admit I began having second thoughts about my own -the words "big clunky green thing" entered my mind, as well as dreams of when would it be feasible to get a bike like Fil's...

I reminded myself that my "big clunky green thing" fits in a different category.  It's a vintage with fenders -  and I'm well satisfied with this idea... it will never go out of style.

Congrats to Nathaniel and Wendy!

My brother proposed last Thursday and she said 'yes'!  Best wishes for a lifetime to come!  This picture is from last Sunday's dinner and I think it definitely exudes the feeling of happiness.

Featuring the Red Anemone Coronaria

I just got my fix of the sun for the upcoming week - think I've been sitting in the sun for the past 3 hrs. I attempted reading 'A Day In the Life of Ivan Denisovich ' a thin mint little book I bought at a second hand shop a number of years due to the encouragement of G. I swear I have read the first 20 pages multiple times and have never moved beyond that point.   Today was no exception.  Sadly, I was distracted by current day articles such as a piece about Lily Allen in this week's New Yorker.

I built my bouquet - (sigh, tadaa) all for something around $10. This is a mix of 3 kinds of flowers: two varieties of flowers bought yesterday and one from the backyard.

The featured red flowers are Red Anemones purchased at the Oakland market.  These flowers have some fun characteristics such as has wild flower appearance necklaced by a ring of small leaves below the head of the flower, and have an indigo-navy center.  The most interesting quality I have observed is - in the evening the flowers close up and then open up in the day.  I should have payed more attention to Science class in elementary school.  Tonight, I'm almost expecting them to either sing or hiss at me.

The 2 subtle clusters of purple flowers are Trachelium bought at 'The Meadow' in N. Oakland . My reasoning for buying these were 1) the guy who helped me out was nice enough to entertain my general flower questions for a good 10 min and 2) I was thinking the purple would bring out the indigo center of the red anemone.  I only bought 2 because it was $2 a stem. Final word about the Trachelium, note the stem is kind of a cool dark pewter color.

Fil kind of told me the 2 flowers were lackluster so - today I filled it out with a plant from the backyard that has a rough rosemary texture with little pink flowers.  We've got 4 bushes of these in our backyard.

I've got mixed feelings about this arrangement.  Those who truly know me - know me as one who embraces minimalism.  The bouquet is so not minimal!  It's got red, pink, purple! It's kind of a nightmare.

Mmmm...M.Ward and plans for the weekend

Digging M. Ward. This weekend I will be creating a floral vinette. With the help of Yelp, I have come across a few florists in Oakland area. I'm shooting for 3 places: the Oakland Flower Market, The Meadows and Bloomies the Flower Shop. Ambitious am I not? I don't have any specific combinations in mind. We will just have to see!

My teeth be shiftin'

...time to break out my 8th grade retainers and enforce the 8 0'clock curfew as in my teeth had better be sleeping tight and sound in my retainers by the 16th hour!  Don't ever take straight teeth for granted - especially when you have already paid the price as a pre-teen having to wear head gears, zig zag patterned rubber banded braces, not to mention shed many a tear as the Dr. Y hammered brackets onto the molars while country music rolled in the background.  What a harrowing experience.  It doesn't help as I recall my mother telling me that I should be grateful as of all her children I was the only one had to go through costly Phase II.  Getting those retainers in is the first step - last Sunday evening I couldn't even get them on my lower set - I may talk funny now but I'd like to prevent myself from looking like a hill billy for a while...

Dahlias

This weekend was so very chill - as the small highlights were - watching the stop motion animation  film "Coraline" with 3D glasses, biking in Alameda on a Friday evening while having deep conversations, picking up some relatively inexpensive merch at the Gap and Anthropologie, witnessing our Peru plans coming together, falling asleep to Fellini's "La Dolce Vita", and spending too much time making deep friend okra.

Also, over the weekend, I decided to make my own floral arrangements maybe monthly (provided it doesn't cost a fortune).  On that note - I wanted to make a brief comment about the Dahlia which I have always admired even as Tomboy.  One word can describe it easily - graphic.  What I mean is, I can totally imagine it within the borders of a cool retro Sapporo Beer poster. 

Hyacinth Leaves Plucked Away

In my recently constructed bouquet, I felt guilty for tearing away at the enormous green leaves attached to the Hyacinths. Also, Fil thought that this jeopardized the health of the flowers. I just had to do it. Hahaa - in hindsight I am glad I tore those leaves away as observed in the picture below courtesy of saipua.

By the way, I feel like I may be on a streak of learning flowers. This is nearly analogous to my checking out the entire dog section at the library at age 10 - hoping that I would be able to memorize every breed.

Well, to start...a hyacinth is a bulbous flower from the lily family and often comes in the colors red, blue, white, orange, pink, violet, or yellow growing to be 8 to 12 inches long. These were popular in Europe during the 18th century. In my opinion, these flowers are wonderful when they haven't bloomed yet.

On a final note, I need to acquire a few mini old school bottles like the picture above at the Alameda Flea Market two Sundays from today.  Can't wait - I know I can stuff them with lavender from my backyard.

Rainbows In The Sky

Saw 3 rainbows while on my way to work. This one was by far the most strong and mysterious as we drove closer and closer to our destination - it kept getting stronger, longer, and bolder. I don't normally like unicorns, dolphins, butterflies or rainbows. This one was an exception to the general rule.

Moroccan Spiced Sea Scallops With Lentils

This Friday, I took a moment to pause (yes, because I am so busy) and cooked a very simple dish courtesy of Bon Appetite magazine. Here are few pictures of Friday Dinner:

The raw ingredients: 

Serving 1

Serving 2

Serving 3

Seriously, I can eat a lot - these pictures are a testament to that!

See ;0 for the recipe.

Anemone Coronaria and Eagles

Digging these white anemones with blue middles and digging this song - not so much the album though...

Dining Table Find

I'm always looking to find the perfect dining table.  I always have wanted a more country rustic styled table to go with the mod furniture.  I randomly came across this dining table entitled the Lancaster Country Plank Top Farm Table Distressed Top.  A 5 footer made of cherry wood or tiger maple sells for $1250-1350.  The top is distressed!  Click :) for more tables - this one is mine for now.

Committed to Black

Black transcends wardrobe. It gives space structure.

In my quiet months after having quit BDO, I took an Impressionist class at the UC Extension. Of all the pieces of art that flashed via the projector, I remember feeling an affinity for Manet's art. The man didn't want to be linked to the Impressionist Movement - didn't want to be labeled. His subject matter was very modern in the sense that it was did not mimic 'academic art' and was very representative of modern life. I would like to buy a big print of Manet's "Execution of Emperor Maximillian of Mexico" which is reminiscent of Goya's "The 3rd of May 1808". I love Manet's prevalent use of black.

I found the below picture of Master of Design Student Abbey Nova's home via Design Sponge. I dig the high gloss black door. In a sun lit room - it reflects a myriad of colors!

Akari Lights

My fondness for clean lined mid-century furniture knows few limits.   Last Friday while I was flipping through a UK Edition Elle Decor Mag - I stumbled across the name of the mysterious desk lamp I have been trying to identify for the last 6 months.  This was the Osamu Noguchi's 1N light sculpture from his Akari Lighting line created in 1951.  The light is manufactured by the original company since 1951.  It is made of washi paper and held by bamboo ribbing. I quite like it's petite tri-pod like feet.  1N is asymmetrical and stands at 10" x 15",$95, and to my bliss is available at the Noguchi Museum Bookstore .

While exploring other Akari lights, I also found the 1A similar yet distinctly symmetrical with much more lines.

2009 Lovers Holiday

I had the distinct pleasure of sharing another Valentines with Fil on a Valentines that comes once every 7 years - Saturday.  The day was altogether a light day of smiles.  I was awoken by the Snapple...

The morning was full of preparation as we ascended to Berkeley's Tokyo Fish Market for our sashimi main course namely: Tobo Tuna, Kampachi, Han Hamachi and Uni.  We also bought soba sauce and noodles as a side.

Earlier that morning Fil and demanded that we go to a florist so that I could construct my own bouquet - so following lunch at Gregoire (mmm... Creamy organic egg salad with truffles on toasted white bread and Hothouse smoked cod with potato chips & garlic sautéed spinach on pantofolina) - we dropped by a florist down the street where I created a white ranunculus, hyacinth, and a little purple vignette.  We dropped by the Crixa Cakes bakery across from the Berkeley Bowl and picked up a 'Tunnel of Love".  While at Crixa, we ran into a friend from San Francisco who was in the vicinity on a East Bay Eating Tour.

Dinner ensued like so...

We watched the beloved "Eternal Sunshine on the Spotless Mind" which I believe should be recognized as a Valentine's classic.   "Meet me in Montak..."  Love that movie.

Admittedly, I wouldn't mind re-living yesterday a couple of times.

In a Perfect World ...

there would be a Muji store around the corner.  Here.  Enough said.

Twins

Had my eye on this picture since September 2008 - the sheer coincidence of the Sartorialist running into this matching pair is uncanny.  This is much like a picture torn out from Lewis Carroll's 'Alice in the Wonderland'.

*

*

*

*

Speaking of twins, I think I'm crushing on these Camper Twins 2046.  It would totally revamp my wardrobe.  I can see myself owning these for years - seriously!!! Oddly enough, I don't like the majority of the Camper inventory but apparently when I do see something I love I do go crazy.  I should assess the budget.  It would make for a nice Valentines gift...

I Found the Internet.

For the past many years, I've never been keen on using the internet much, let alone the computer in my free time. I figure it had something to do with my earnest desire to stay away from the gateway to homework, projects and work alike.  I have been missing out.  

If I hadn't discovered the internet (like last week!), I wouldn't be privileged enough to be graced by the likes of the following video.

Friendly Fires 'Skeleton Boy' by Clemens Habicht from Nexus Productions on Vimeo.

Cream

I find this picture amusing while I eat my 2 servings of chocolate-cake-mixed cake I made last night.  Surely that can't be good for the body.

Huffy Sportsman

I have owned my beloved Huffy for a little over a month now. Although many of the parts have been changed (i.e. wheels, brake system, handle bars, saddle, tires), the sleuth within me is dying to know more about the very core of my bike - the frame.

Upon researching the web, I am confident that my bike is a Huffy Sportsman made within the 1954-1973 period. While I am grateful that I can associate my bike with a name, I am still itching to figure out when it was made. If the frame was indeed made in the the 1954-1958 period, it may have been manufactured in England. Within the 54-58 period, the English bicycle company Raleigh had introduced the Sportsman to the US market via collaboration with the American bicycle company - the Huffy.

Ironically, when I was looking for a bicycle I was intently focused on either buying a European vintage Raleigh (English) or Peugeot (French). I quickly dropped my elite criterion when discovering that smaller bikes were hard to come by as I am a mere 5'3". Essentially, my decision to acquire the Huffy represented my surrender to the American bicycle. Now that I realize that my Huffy may indeed be a Raleigh in disguise - I am nothing but full of smiles! I think I'm going to have to live with the mystery. In any event, I have to say that my Huffy (Pic 1) and the Raleigh Robin Hood (Pic 2) look darn similar. To add to my misery, I wish I had a decal as cool as the Robin Hood (Pic 3). AHHH.

Ode To The Chalk Board

I want a chalk board in my house - for posterity...

Work Tidbits

A few days ago I overheard the conversation of two colleagues at work discussing Valentines Day. Colleague A thought that Valentines Day was a day for amateur lovers as it was probably a lover's catch up day for being sweet.  Colleague B was laughing - as always.  I liked that bit of insight because it's always awesome is when someone does something sweet unexpectedly.

This is the third week in a row that I have heard nails clipped on a Wednesday afternoon in the row of cubicles nearby.  I think I will just have to inspect the situation next week.

25 And At Home

Subtlety Inside

I'm kind of a fan of interior design that incorporates a minority of color within the confines of a primed subdued white or grey exterior.  I'm not saying it should be applied to all situations- I just want to give a nod to this quiet concept.  It comes unexpected. For example, in the picture above you can admire the 'clean look' of the white and chrome yet the yellow-green from the mid-shelf pops and instantly gives the room character. Incidentally, I've been in love this shade of yellow -green for the past few years...

The first time I appreciated this method of 'subtlety inside' was when visiting the Le Corbusier's Casa do Brasil, Cidade Universitária (completed 1959) in Paris. Pure music to my eyes!