Freeform Friday: Feed Your Soul Replay

This Time Last Year

 It's fun to go back and see what I was doing a year ago.  Come to find out, my mother and I had taken a day to enjoy the beauty of Fuller Gardens. Trust me, you don't want to miss these flowers and the beauty of the gardens. I do remember this........it was hotter than hell. Just shy of 100 degrees. And we even went through the greenhouse! What are we nuts? Check out our visit here. 

Lately, I've been feeding my soul by painting with watercolors. Not enough in the last couple of weeks, but I did paint something for my niece's baby shower last weekend. Something for the nursery which will soon welcome her and her husband's first baby. 

It's something I say, usually as an inscription in a book for baby, when a new little one arrives. This one for my great niece-to-be, Olivia.

I wish I'd taken a picture of it in the frame, because it looked very nice.

It's always nice to give something you made to someone you love for a special occasion, don't you think? What's the last thing you made for someone?


Freeform Friday

I've never heard of Xavier Rudd, but my friend down under- Andrea of Strong Southerly was kind enough to introduce us. This song is beautiful..........and the video has some incredible nature imagery. It makes me feel good. Enjoy. Click here if you're reading via email.





No big plans this weekend other than getting ourselves ready for our big annual Independence Day Lobster Bake! Oh and pool time for sure.

Be well my friends and have a great weekend.

Ciao for now,

Freeform Friday

Sunset Meadows

Since you got to hear me rant about our freezing cold, snowbound wicked winter, it's only right that I tell you this.

The last week of spring has been amazing. Spring has been a bit wishy-washy, not wanting to give up winter, more gray days than I'd like, and a fair bit of rain, so the fact that is has showed it's true colors this past week has been quite welcome. I am enjoying it with a grateful heart.

Last night we sat out and watched the sunset. It was a beautiful end, to a beautiful day with that pretty, spring light streaming across the lawn and sunset meadows. 

I hope you enjoyed it as much as we did.


Freeform Friday

Now that the World Cup is in full force, I thought an ode to Brazil would be appropriate. You'll probably all remember this version that launched the career of Astrud Gilberto. Well, at least if you're as old as I am. Her vocals are amazing. Click here if you're reading via email. 






Then of course, there is Ms. Warwick. Click here if you're reading via email.






This version I found by chance and I'm glad I did. These kids knock it out of the park. Click here if you're reading via email.




This weekend will be full. Tonight, if the breeze dies down, more than likely a campfire outback to enjoy more of this beautiful weather. Tomorrow is my niece Cait's baby shower. She's got a month to go and we'll be welcoming Miss Olivia.  Sunday I hope to work in the garden and the yard. It would be nice if the pool was ready to go by then, but we will see.  Don't miss the USA v Portugal on in Sunday night World Cup action at 6pm est. It's a big one! Of course, they all are. It's the World Cup.

Got anything planned for the weekend?

Whatever you do, make it a good one.

Ciao for now,

Freeform Friday: Gone Thrifting

Happy Birthday Mom!

I'm heading out of the office shortly. It's my Mom's birthday and we're heading to Salvation Army to do some thrifting. We're going to grab a lunch or an ice cream sundae for sustenance so we have the energy we need to hunt for good stuff that can't be left behind.

We did the same thing last year.

First thing we found was a hat from our friend's restaurant! Ha!

So, do have yourselves a wonderful Friday, won't you?

We will be sure to and I'll take some pics along the way to share with you.

Happy Birthday Mom! You deserve a great day!

Here's Marge at her big surprise party last year, surround by her lifelong guy pals.

Wishing you all you want, today and every day.

Yup. I'm still making cards for Mom. Can you take it?


Freeform Friday

Oh the memories this one brings back. My parent's loved the dixieland band that used to play at Bailey's restaurant at our beach (which is sadly long gone, it was a great place). They had an awesome upstairs barn lounge and the sound was great. My parent's even hired the band for one of their LBJ Day lobster bakes (but that's another story for another time).  Here's to good memories and good dixieland jazz. It get's my feet moving. Click here if you're reading via email. 




Make it a great day, it's a great day to have!

Ciao for now,

Freeform Friday

Don't Miss These

Hi gang. Good news! It's Friday. Oh yeah, that's what I'm talking about.

The rest of the week is behind us and the weekend lies ahead, but before we go there here's some links to peruse while you catch up on things over the next couple of days.

A lovely post on LOVE over on Strong Southerly.

Take a thrifting trip to Goodwill with Sam on the Junk House. I totally would have scored those blue willow mugs.


As a work-at-homer for the last 20 years, this post on setting deadlines by Angela at if found, make, spoke to me. I might have to do a post of my own on making it work when working from home, especially since it's a question I'm asked on a regular basis.

Oh, and have I told you lately that I love..........eggs? I know, you thought I was going to say you. And I'm here to tell you, that I'm awfully fond of the latter, but I can say with certainty I am an egg gal. Omelettes are my favorite so I had to smile when I thought about Diana trying to master an omelette this weekend. My tip, don't be afraid to make a mistake! After all, it's just an egg. And I'd go with Julia's technique. No fear.

Did you see yesterday's post? I definitely don't want you to miss the CREATE challenge  no. 1!  Are you in?



Freeform Friday

How about something classic to start us off? Well, at least in my book. The man in black and his lovely wife. Other than the fact that Johnny has a little cough in this, these two really know how to rip it up. Click here if reading via email.




Let's follow that up by something new my best pal Tina sent me this morning. An Irish lad, Hozier, I'd yet to hear of, who did quite well in his performance on Letterman. I think his voice is wonderful. Click here if you're reading via email.



Hozier performs ~ Late shows with David Letterman by HumanSlinky
 


For us, this weekend starts with a night out to dinner with my parents to the 40th annual opening of a beach institution- Mama Leone's. It's like 'Old Home Day' and there are always lots of old beach friends to chat to when Mama's opens for the season.  It's old school, no fuss Italian, complete with park benches in the waiting area. You just have to love it.  I'll also be working a bit at my desk, raking after the rain is done, and perhaps we'll be able to get a campfire in tomorrow night if the rain ends in time.  I won't be watching any hockey playoff games with my Bs in them. We lost game seven to our rivals the other night, so we won't be moving on to the final round. It was quite sad after the season we had (best record in NHL), but these things happen. No Stanley Cup for us this year. What's happening in your world?

Ciao for now,

Freeform Friday: Mother's Day Free Printable Wall Art

Happy Mother's Day

Hello all you mothers out there and all you people out there with moms.......oh yeah, that makes all of us!

Here's a Happy Mother's Day wish to all and I'm doing it with some very wise words from my own mother, which I've used to design some free printable wall art for you. Print it off, frame it and give it your mom or any moms you know.

You can download this free printable mom inspired wall art here.

She's smart that mother of mine, yes?

I'm lucky to still have my mom (right Mom?) and as we celebrate Mother's Day this Sunday in the states I think of people who have lost theirs, like my friend who lost his mom on Mother's Day. I think of Mrs. Dumont each Mother's Day and hear her saying 'oh just have another halfie'. God love her. She was a character. So if you're lucky like me, and still have your mom around, tell her she is WOW and so much more.

Things about my mom.....................

 (us almost 10 years ago at her godson's wedding)

 ..............that are hard to beat:

* she's the most thoughtful person I know, always sending little notes in the mail, cards for every holiday and occasion, leftovers on a on a regular basis (keep 'em coming- the chicken and rice bake was awesome this week!), has a thank you note in the mail sooner than you can blink an eye (we joke she has them made out ahead of time). The list goes on.

* she's a ridiculously hard worker who still doesn't want to take a rest. Sit down already Mom!

* she knows the names of a gazillion nails and screws and fasteners and anything else you'd find in a hardware store thanks to my parents having their own when I was a kid. She knows more about what's in hardware store than most men these days.

* she traveled cross country in a station wagon with two babies in diapers; then two toddlers and one baby in diapers; then two kids, one toddler and one baby in diapers. Luckily when they had me, they only had to travel one state over with their brood of 5. Personally, that alone puts her in the running for mother of the year. Not convinced? Let me remind you that when my mother was doing this, there were no disposable diapers. By the way, while my mother was in a station wagon changing diapers, the dog flew. I kid you not.

* she's an awesome cheerleader. In fact she's still cheering us all on.

* she's an excellent secret keeper. Sorry Dad, but you not knowing I went into Boston to see Billy Idol and others in high school didn't hurt you. Now did it?

* she is nothing if not fair. Has a running tab on the Christmas list so she spends the exact same amount on everybody.

* is an awesome Grammy and Great Grammy.

* is the best Mother In Law my husband could ask for.

* let my sister and her friends draw all over her wall and painted an awesome sun on the ceiling of her bedroom. Which then became my bedroom to which she added very colorful animals that she painted - like a zebra and hippo to my wall, that's in addition to the bright orange shag rug on the wall that is still there to this day.

* is as genuine as genuine gets.

Of course, I could go on for days. I mean, I'm talking about my mom, right?

What's something about your mom that can't be beat?


Freeform Friday 

One more thing about my mom (and Dad), they have great taste in music and had the best collection of 45s. As kids, along with our friends,we'd dance on the patio for hours with their records playing. Here's one to get the weekend started.  I'm not convinced the 45 was The Andrew Sisters, but I've to check their record box to be sure. Click here if you're reading via email. (Where's my polka partner Celine when I need her?)






And one of my all time favorites. Mr. Bennett if you please and my favorite version of this song. It made him a star.  Click here if your reading via email.





What's happening in your world this weekend? Mine will be filled with some desk work, some raking, hoping to get some watercolor time in, laundry, cleaning.........you know, the usual. Oh, and some time with Mom of course.

Make it a good one and I'll see you on the flip side of the weekend.


Ciao for now,

Freeform Friday

Up To My Eyeballs

Crazy busy day that seems to be flying by.

Something unusual for me......short and sweet!

Just for some Friday fun, check these out:

a year ago today

a year ago yesterday

a year ago tomorrow
(I can't believe how much further along the lilacs were!)


Freeform Friday

Besides being one hell of a pianist, this man just flat out makes me happy. I adore him! How can you resist that cheeky smile. He's a treasure. Now sit back and listen to a little Fats.  Click here if you're reading via email.




What's happening in your world this weekend? We're heading out to dinner with my parents. Have I told you that I love to go out to dinner? Well, I do. Someone cooks for you, waits on you, makes you a drink and cleans up after you? What's not to love? Tomorrow we'll be watching the Bruins get some redemption against our rivals, the Habs (montreal candiens) after last night's heartbreaker of a double overtime loss in the playoffs. And yes, I was in fact screaming at the TV. It wasn't pretty. Will also be watching the Kentucky Derby and perhaps wagering a little bet or two.  Beyond that, not much on the books and that works just fine for me.

Have a rocking Friday!

Ciao for now,

Freeform Friday

Have You Dreamed Lately?

I have. A lot. A completely weird one last night. Ala Jason Statham in The Transporter. Bizarro.

Yesterday too, in this post.  Have you answered the question yet?

I've really enjoyed reading everyone's answers so far and I'd love to hear more. So please, add your two cents. OK, forget it. I don't need your two cents. It doesn't cost anything to dream. Still though, tell me what you'd do!

I'll add it to the list along with these that have been shared:

- restore an old house

- travel to new places

- open a brick and mortar store with my daughter

- learn a launguage

- take formal art classes

- buy a black 67 mint condition ford mustang

- go to Buenos Aires to learn the Tango

And if you blog, or tweet, or instagram and feel like joining in. Please do. Hashtag any comments/posts with #moneynoobjectnofear.  If you're not following me yet, get on board. It'll be fun.  I'm on twitter and instagram!


Right now, I'm dreaming of Spring which is doing it's best, but is up against colder than usual temperatures and crazy weather in general. There are signs of hope though..................

In other good news, check out this giveaway over on blogmilk. A total blog redesign package. I'm crossing my fingers and toes.  Especially since that was one of my answers to yesterday's post.

 Wishing you a sunny kind of day.



Freeform Friday

I found this by chance and thought it was pretty cool. Dueling cellos, play of all things, a little classic rock tune.........Where The Streets Have No Name. Check it out.





I'm afraid to say, the raking we wanted to do this weekend will probably have to wait as it appears April showers are on their way which kind of stinks, but gives us an excuse to do something else.
I am spending my weekend away from the computer, and that's really my only plan. What about you?

Ciao for now,

FREE Friday: The Best Of Lists..........So Much To Be Grateful For

Write It Down

To top of yesterday's post, about 5 Quick Tips For Dealing With What Life Throws At You, I have one more to add. It's one of my favorites. Something we should do more often and a great way to start each day.  Honestly and truly. Each day.

As we near the anniversary of the Boston Marathon bombings, there are many interviews with the survivors and I find them utterly amazing and inspirational.  Instead of looking getting sucked up into the vortex of all that's gone wrong with their lives, they choose to look at what's gone right. In spite of everything, they find they are grateful for so much- both large and small, and that's part of what has gotten them through.  I watched Heather Abbot (who lost on of her legs from the knee down) this morning in an interview and she expressed how grateful she was for the support of the city, and the country, and from people worldwide. That there were some days when she didn't even want to get up off of the couch, but she was lucky that people - even famous people like Beyonce- who had reached out to her and according to Heather 'how do you say no to Beyonce?'. She was grateful for the strength that every one's support gave her to face the challenges of the last year.

Pretty amazing outlook, yes?

So, how do you incorporate that kind of gratefulness into your own life?

It's really not that hard. Write a list of 5 things you are grateful for at the start of each day. They can be big (I am grateful that I have a roof over my head), or small (I am grateful that I was able to enjoy a cuppa tea this morning on my back stoop), because you'll find it doesn't matter. You'll find that the simple act of recognizing how much you have to be grateful for changes your outlook on things.

I challenge you to start this ritual. To help you along, I designed this Free Printable Grateful List.  It prints 4 to an 8.5 x 11 page and there is enough room at the top should you want to punch holes in it and string a few together to make a pad.

Look at that, a blank slate each and every day.

This free printable grateful list makes it easy for you to take a moment and reflect on all that is right with your life.

You can download it here.


My 5 today?

Easy peasy.

1. It's Friday. I love Friday's. It's usually a busy day, but somehow it is a day to wrap things up, tie up lose ends and generally speaking it has a slower feel even if I'm busy. All hail Fridays!

2. The company of two office dogs today. We're taking care of our neighbors pooch and there's nothing like a little puppy love to make your day better.

3. G. My other half. I'm so glad I've got him.

4. The weather is fairly springlike at the moment. Though the sun isn't shining brightly, the warmth is quite welcome.

5. So many people around the world who take the time to be here. Thanks you guys!

BIG  Bonus..........

6. People and fellow Boston Survivors like Heather Abbott, Celeste, and Jeff Bauman who somehow find the strength to face huge life challenges head on and head held high.

What about you? What's your 5?


Freeform Friday

Well, I'm quite sure I've shared this before, but I think it's rather appropriate for today's post because each day is a blessing and it is a beautiful day. And honestly, it just makes me feel good. Thanks Ziggy.  Click here if you're reading via email.




No big plans on the horizon for the weekend, other than hopefully getting in a campfire out back at some point. Tonight isn't look great because there is some rain heading our way. Perhaps a game or Yahtzee or scrabble.....a drive to get some fresh air.....design work at my desk.....house cleaning. That reminds me, I have a load of laundry I need to hang out on the line.

Away I go.

Make it a great day and 'keep your head up high'.

Ciao for now,

FREE Friday: Printable Pastel Polka Dot Gift Tags

Make Someone Happy This Spring

Hello Spring.

Where have you been all Winter?

There is still a chill in the air here, but the sun is trying its best and beggars can't be choosers. Regardless, I've got spring on my mind and it conjures up notions of pretty pastels, hyacinths and tulips and daffodils scenting the air, and Easter celebrations.

So, what better way make your Spring gift giving even more memorable? Why FREE printable pastel polka dot gift tags of course. There is just something about polka dots that make me downright happy and I'm here to spread a little happiness with these free printable gift tags.

I simply combined them with some wrapping paper I easily created with white paper and sharpies. That sure was easy.  Happy, happy, happy!

They'd look equally sweet as Easter basket gift tags or chocolate bunny.

They are designed 6 large and 3 minis to an 8.5 x 11 sheet. Printing on a heavier paper stock, works great. I used 110 lb plain white.

I'm sure you can think of a bunch of different ways to make your presents pop with these free printable gift tags.

You can download them here.

And by all means, spread a little happy.



FREEFORM Friday

I am ready for the weekend. It has been a busy week.  One of the best thing about the weekend is letting your hair down and having a few laughs.  Check out this post by my blogging pal Diana over at exPresso. So, to join in, here's a laugh or two for all of you. Carol Burnett is one of my favorites. She always makes me laugh. This is a classic skit that I'm sure some of you remember.........."I saw it in a window and just had to have it."  Gets me every time.  Click here if reading via email.






Here's Carol taking questions from the audience. I love seeing comics interact with live audiences and you see just how quick they are. And the Maude ringer sleighs me. She rocks. Click here if reading via email.






I hope you have a lovely weekend planned. I can't say we have anything planned.  Perhaps a campfire out back tonight or maybe a little youtube dancing and singing. You know that's the way we roll around here. I'll surely be looking for a Sunday drive which gets me away from my desk.  Other than that, we'll take whatever comes our way.  What about you? What's hot for the weekend?

Ciao for now,

FREE Friday: Kickass Fonts & A Little Ridiculous Thrown in For Good Measure

FREE FONTS

Happy Friday gang!  Woohoo....the weekend is here. Although, with the work on my boards they seem to be running into my weeks a bit. However, it is still an opportunity to take things a little slower, so I'm pretty happy it's here.

I'm also happy to share one of my favorite things. Fonts!

Amen and halleluliah.

My job as a designer would be so much harder if it wasn't for the work of typeface designers. [On a side note: have you ever wondered what the difference between a font and typeface is? Check out this article on The Font Feed. Great analogies. Be sure to read the section titled 'origins' because - well, it's pretty cool to learn a little more about the history of typefaces and fonts and typography in general. It might be thegeeky designer coming out in me].  I love all the variations of the alphabet that typeface designers create, from a simple, clean sans serif font [that is to say, a font without curls or tails at the end of each letter], to a really decorative font that exudes an entirely different spirit.  As a designer, I come across a lot of fonts that are 'free' on the web. The caveat? A lot of them are free for personal use only.  As a designer, if I'm going to use them, I need them to also be ok for commercial use. When I find great ones, it's like hitting the jackpot.

The ones I've collected here are all free for both personal and commercial use. It may be suggested that you make a donation for some, and if you plan on using them, I suggest you support the designer in that way.  It helps them to continue designing awesomeness that they share with the likes of us!

So here it is. The KICKASS LIST of FREE FONTS volume #1.

I think you're going to love them as much as I do.  Hats of to the designers.

sources:

arvo / cantarell / bigmouth / cinzel / garton / dekar

cardo / hattori hanzo light / fjord one



Now, you may notice if you click on these links, that fontsquirrel is one of my favorite go-to places to find free commercial fonts. I love it. And in case you didn't notice, I've now just told you. Fontsquirrel is the place to go. So is fontfabric. Check it out. Great stuff. You will also notice fontspring, which has a wide selection of fonts for sale, many of which also have free versions among them.

So have a look around and start putting these beautifully designed typefaces to use in your next project.




FREEFORM Friday

I love a good laugh. I really, really love it. Who doesn't, right? Sometimes it's the seriously stupid.  The sublimely silly. It floats. My. Boat. That is why Will Ferrell can bust my gut. Pair him with Jimmy Fallon, and this video just cracks me up.  OK, it cracks us both up.  I got Gar hooked on it and now he keeps sneaking it on just to make me to laugh.  'Hey.....hey.....slow down there old friend."  I can't even get through the first few seconds of this utterly ridiculous video what cracking up.  The outfits just kill me. I'm not even sure how Ferrell is breathing enough to sing. Click here if you're reading via email.






So, what are your plans for the weekend? I am really hankering a campfire out back, but I'm not sure the weather is going to cooperate. I'm happy to report it's a little bit warmer, but I think there is supposed to be rain coming in. Such a bummer.  Tonight is crossword puzzle Friday night with the neighborhoodlums. Beyond that, other than working on designs at my desk and doing a little house cleaning, there is nothing on the books. Tell me you have more exciting plans...........


Ciao for now,

FREE FRIDAY: I'm Happy, Are You?

World Happy Day

What? You didn't know that?

Today is World Happy Day?

Did you get bit by the bug?

As my part, I designed this happy little mini notebook cover free printable!

This free printabale mini notebook is about the easiest DIY out there. Check it out.

-Print off the 4 to a page notebook covers,preferably on card stock or whatever heavy weight paper your printer will take.

-Cut along the two light blue dashed lines that run up the middle vertically and horizontally. You will now have 4 covers.

-Fold each in half vertically.  Punch two holes along the center fold, one at each end (I simply put my hole puncher flush with edge of paper so holes would be evenly spaced).

-Do the same thing with some plain cardstock: fold in half vertically, fold in half horizontally and cut along those lines to make 4 pages.  Fold each page in half vertically.  Punch holes along center fold, making sure holes are in same spot as cover page.

-Stack plain paper together, and top with cover.

-Cut a piece of string, approximately twice the length of the notebook.

-Put string through holes, with both ends coming from same side. Tie a knot, clip off the extra string and viola!

A tiny little notebook to keep in your purse or your pocket.  Holla!

I hope you like it.


Happy World Happy Day!


Freeform Friday

What? You not happy? The bug hasn't bit you yet?

Well, get ready.  'Because I'm happy clap along if you feel like a room without a roof. Because I'm happy clap along if you feel that happiness is the truth. Can't bring me down'.

Sing along and get happy.........the words are right there for you. And by all means, get up a dance and pump up the happy people!  Click here if you're reading via email.






There are so many places around the world joining World Happiness Day and putting their own twist on Pharrell Williams' hit song. I especially liked this one from the Bahamas. Two great dancers and it was shot in one take. Not easy.  Click here if you're reading via email.





So, what's hot for your weekend? We have absolutely no plans whatsoever. And that's OK with me. I'll be working on some design catch up, doing some laundry, a little cleaning, maybe some cooking.  Tonight I'm sure we'll just get HAPPY with a little youtube dancing and singing. Why not?

Make it a great day, because it's a great to have. Really and truly.

Ciao for now,

FREE Friday: Thank You Note Printable and Get Your Irish Up

It Doesn't Cost Anything to Say Thanks

Hey there gang. How's it going? I am personally pretty darn happy that it's Friday.  Not that there isn't a lot on my desk, because there is, but I do love the weekend (even if some of it will be spent designing). And this weekend is St. Patrick's Day weekend, a long-standing national holiday in our house.

You know what else?

Go on, guess.

Well, did you know that I'm so very thankful that you're here.

I am. You guys are awesome!

So, for you........a FREE printable thank you note.

Simple.

To the point.

I designed this free printable note card, two to an 8.5 x 11 page and it fits in a regular A2 note card envelope 4 3/8" x 5 3/4" (you'll find them at Staples and elsewhere).

Do you have anyone who you need to thank? This free printable note card is a nice way to do it.

 

FREEform Friday

Being that my other half is from Dublin, this is a celebratory kind of weekend for us. We both usually take Saint Patrick's Day off, but this year work calls. Don't despair. We'll be taking care of business ahead of time. There will be lots of Irish music playing, we plan on visiting our favorite local Irish pub with friends for some music and merriment tomorrow, and Sunday we have an invite for a lovely meal of corned beef and cabbage.  In honor of St. Patrick, I figure it's time to get your Irish up!

A selection of some favorites from The Dubliners and Paddy Reilly. Click here if you're reading via email: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.  

That is one of the hardest songs to sing and keep singing. Luke Kelly does it without nary a deep breath.




Nothing like The Dubliners and The Pogues to get you going. We had the pleasure of meeting Ronnie Drew in NYC once by chance, and he sounded exactly the same in person. That voice- so much character, as was he.



 How's that for a little Gaelic for Saint Patrick's Day?

 And then there is Paddy Reilly, who I just think is a wonderful balladeer.




Lastly, a song I can sing word for word. And I do. Often.

That does not mean, however, that I sing it good. But Paddy Reilly does.





What are you plans for this St. Patrick's Day weekend? Any celebrating or are you just hanging low and chilling?

Whatever you do, make it a good one.

Ciao for now,

FREE Friday

 Ever Had One Of Those Days?

Months? Year? Years?

Yeah, I know. We all have.

Sometimes, in the midst of the challenges that life throws at all of us, it is easy to get sucked up into that black hole.  Often life's challenges come with a lot of soul searching. New perspectives. We come out the other side knowing ourselves, even just a little bit better for it.

My friend came across a quote that speaks to that and thought it would be a keeper for a print.  I'm glad she sent it to me.

The quote by Eckhart Tolle combined with an absolutely stunning photo by Todd Quackenbush, (whose work I found over on unsplash) makes up today's FREE printable wall art.  [I know I've mentioned it before, but it is worth repeating.  unsplash is a site that shares work from photographers around the world, who have decided to offer their images royalty free, to do with as you please, for personal or commercial use. How great is that? If you haven't checked out unsplash yet, I highly suggest you do.  The level of work is amazing.]

Can I get a hell yeah?

Hey, did you notice the colors go perfectly with my kitchen back-splash? How serendipitous.

If you'd like to print it off yourself and hang it on your wall, you can download the pdf here.

And, if you feel like sharing on pinterest, that's cool too.

One more thing, Todd is such fantastic photographer, you should definitely pop over to his site and check out his other work. I love all of his work, but his pictures of NYC really capture the city in a way I can appreciate.  His perspective in some of his shots feels sort of  like 'a day in the life'.  His landscapes are incredible, and if you want to see a drool worthy food photo, check this out. I want a piece. Right. Now. I didn't even come close to capturing the deliciousness of G's pear bread, in comparison. Holy moly.


Freeform Friday

I was wandering around youtube last night and discovered a group I'd never heard of before. The Overtones. These 5 guys can really sing. You want harmony, they've got it up to their eyeballs and then some. On a side note, it sure is nice to see five young guys dressed like they want to be taken seriously. The Overtones are sharp dressed men. Kind of refreshing.  So is their sound.  Click here if you're reading via email.



How about a little something old school. A capella. Yup. The men can sing.
Click here if you're reading via email.



Any plans for the weekend? I'm going to be creating away working on some designs (including my own). In between housework, that is. No real plans I'm afraid.  G will be spending time working on his truck with the neighborhoodlums. I won't be joining them in that little adventure.  I know, I know. We're really pushing the fun-limit this weekend.  The good news? I think we've gotten above 30 on the thermometer today, and tomorrow we're supposed to hit the mid 40s.  This is incredibly exciting and welcome since we've been a frozen arctic tundra with no real signs of hope for spring. Except for my day in Boston, which was wicked lucky weather-wise. Then it went right back to polar vortex. So tomorrow, I will get outside at some point.

What's shakin' in your world?

Hope you have a great weekend. Thanks, as always, for being here.

Ciao for now,

Free Friday: Vintage Graphics

Ever Heard of the Locomobile?

That's ok. Neither had I.

Until I read this ad from one of my vintage magazine hand me downs I got from my parents (who have stacks and stacks!).

The vintage graphics I'm sharing today, are for you to do with as you please:  use them for crafts, diy, graphic designs, or what have you.  Or just print them and frame them. They're cool enough for that too.  Luckily, images from 1927 or before are considered part of the public domain and are able to be shared freely. These particular images are from a 1904 McClure's magazine.

Just click right on the images below to save.

 

 

Last but not least.........the locomobile!

 

Too cool, right? I love old advertising. Fantastic artwork.

Enjoy!

Freeform Friday

I was very sad to hear about the passing of Harold Ramis this week. Harold was a comic genius and I just love him. He was quite lovable. Whether he was playing the 'sort of straight man' to Bill Murray (not easy to do) in movies like Stripes or directing him and other comic legends like Chevy Chase, Rodney Dangerfield, Ted Knight, you can't argue with the fact that he knew comedy inside and out.  Harold had a very sheepish, innocent-but-cheeky grin that just plain made me laugh. A lot.

Honestly? Can you imagine directing Bill Murray as Carl the groundskeeper in Caddyshack? 'It's a Cinderella story, he's come out of nowhere'. Painful.  Click here if you're reading via email.

Or working with Murrary in Stripes? I love this clip of Harold getting the whole troup going....'hey, we're walking' and then headlong into 'there she was'. Classic.  Click here if reading via email.

Harold will be missed, but the laughter will live on and on and on. Thanks Harold. Rest in Peace.

Any plans for the weekend?  I've got a to-do list that I'll be catching up on. Then dinner at the neighbors tomorrow night.  And Sunday.........well maybe we'll get out for a little drive.  We'll just have to see where the weekend takes us.

Ciao for now,