The Importance of Trees

I’ve been rather distressed and discouraged in my job search as of late, so today as I took a morning walk I tried to focus on things that make me happy and manage to make the unpleasant parts of life seem trivial. Most prominent on my mental list were Trees. I absolutely love trees. I love wide open spaces as well, but I don’t think I could ever feel at home too far from the forest. Here are a few tree-ish favorites from my Etsy favs…

Curious…

Dear Readers and those who occasionally drop by,

I’m curious about you. Do you read a lot of blogs? And if so, which ones do you particularly enjoy? What elements of this blog do you find more interesting? Less interesting? What would you like to see more of?

I’m thinking of starting a companion blog that is a little more defined and not quite as random as this one seems to be. Now that I don’t have homework (or a job yet!) I feel the need for some kind of new project that will justify all the time I spend on my new laptop… However, maybe I should just work on improving this blog first!

I also have finally started my etsy shop products in earnest. I’m excited to share them with you as soon as they are ready!

Hope you have a lovely weekend!

In the Dollhouse

When I was little I absolutely adored dollhouses. I still do in fact! Someday I plan to be a crazy old lady incessantly fussing over an enormous elaborate Victorian dollhouse in my front parlor. Until then, I thought I would share some really fascinating pictures of a life size dollhouse art installation. I would love to visit it. I think it’s so clever!

{more here}

Lost in Wonderland

I am so excited about Tim Burton’s new take on Alice in Wonderland. It doesn’t come out until next year, but don’t these stills look amazing?

The Longest Day

Have a delightful Summer Solstice!

I would love to spend the day in this deserted place.  Doesn’t it look so peaceful and magical?

Under the Umbrella

Any Pacific Northwest girl knows the importance of a sturdy umbrella. With all the sunshine we have had the last month I wonder if I might need a parasol as well? This one is a gypsy girls dream!

{via Toast}

For the Love of Books

I found these amazing pictures at the hilarious and provocatively titled post Red Hot and Filthy Library Smut. I had the supreme privilege to visit the library in the first photo. As I stepped through the entrance I literally froze in wonder. I may have stood there all day if the pesky tourists behind me hadn’t tapped my shoulder and grumpily informed me I was blocking the line…

This next one makes me wonder if these poor books are being held in a fabulous prison?

Remember the Things that Make you Smile

I just a adore this quirky little painting. It is titled Together We Will Elude Understanding. Something about those silly little owls swinging their spindly little feet makes me smile.

I have been trying to take the occasional break from exhaustive job hunting to do a little something that makes me revel in the absence of  writing papers.

-I made this jalapeno cheddar cornbread recipe for a family gathering. (Should you decide to try I would cut the amount of butter by half. Far too greasy for my taste- and I love butter!)

-I also made a version of this healthy and light potato salad. It was wonderful and I would highly recommend it. I made some modifications, but I think it’s one of those “make-it-your-own” kind of dishes.

-I read The Red Tent which I bought ages ago. I didn’t start liking it till about 50 pages in. I did however thoroughly love it by the end. I love stories about strong courageous women. Have you read it? If so what did you think?

Next I’m planning to tackle The Odyssey and I will meet with an adviser next week to determine if I’m crazy enough to continue on to grad school. What are you doing with your summer days? Any new book suggestions?

Searching for a (Dream) Job

I’m feeling a little discouraged today as I desperately try to find a job. I need one as soon as possible, but I’m finding it hard to let go of the yearning for that “perfect” job (which I don’t think lies in my immediate future). The problem is: I don’t know exactly what it is I want to do. I want to work somewhere I can feel I’m having a positive impact and I would love to be doing something creative. I guess my true dream job would be to live like those quirky lady authors at the turn-of-the-century. I would find some little cottage in the country where I could write in a garden and live a somewhat hermit-like lifestyle. That sounds so lovely…

This would also be an inspiring space to work in!

What is your dream job?

{images via airspace}

Ghostly Elegance

Isn’t this image beautiful? I try not to re-post too many things from other blogs, but this struck me as so extraordinarily eerie I had to share…

{via Bliss}