Back in Business

Back from a roadtrip up to Washington with my dad and brother. More photos to come soon.

Also, tomorrow marks the beginning of a new term at school, and hopefully this term will be a little less hectic than the last one.

Hope your spring has started off beautifully!
-nicole

Erased De Kooning

I've been thinking about erasing recently. I think I will make a few posts on the subject this week.

A work of art I find particularly compelling is Robert Rauschenberg's Erased De Kooning



Rauschenberg erased an original drawing by Willem De Kooning.

Here is a video of him explaining his thought process behind the piece.






I hope your week is going well
-n

Time Flies

-nicole

pause.

Photo: Come Wind Come Rain

Oh hey.

It is true, I am still alive! In case you haven't noticed, I've been a bit of a neglecting updater. But in the midst of all this neglecting, I think I'll neglect a little more. I've realized just how much time I spend in front of a darn screen instead of doing things! When faced with the decision to pick up a book, go for a walk, explore or (dread!) surf the Internet, I almost always by habit disrupt the slumber of my computer with a simple click! Whats disturbing to me, though, is that if anyone asked what I do for fun, you know- what I just love, I most certainly would not follow with "oh you know, surf the Internet. gawk at blogs.. waste time." So WHY am I devoting so much time to the nasty habit instead of doing aforementioned activities?! WHY in the world do I care what so-and-so wore yesterday?? (oh but i do!) My point is, it does a world of good to unplug from all this crazy technology every once in a while, from all these things so distant and meaningless in reality (admit it!) and take some time to rekindle what is all too often set aside.

I'll still update my flickr, if that at all softens the blow!

In the mean time, here are some things I plan on taking note of every day:

1. What was the first thing to make you smile big today? (I'm talking really smile.)

2. Did you spot your dream dog on the street and hatch a plan to steal him?

3. What was something you learned today?

5. What did you do to make someone smile?

6. How many heads-up pennies did you pass by? (wishes still imposed upon them, duh.)

7. Take a new route somewhere you go to everyday.

8. Break a routine.

9. Take your time.

10. Find comfort in a new favorite spot, even if that spot is simply on the other side of the bed.

Alright. Back to the mid-term I should be writing... (case-in-point.)

love,

Rachel

Resin

I had a dream last night that my pores were sweating out a sticky resin and i was becoming like an insect in amber.




tell me about your dreams
-nicole


images from teshma on flickr

So here is my apology in advance: I am about to be long and sappy, I think I'm about due. If you decide to tune me out here, no hard feelings (I promise).

Anyway troopers, some days the only way to get through a decent run (especially days like today when the area from my neck to my calves is still burning from yesterdays run...before I even leave the house)is to think about something completely unrelated to what I'm doing...So today had me thinking..

This past year I have had my share of rough patches (really, who hasn't though?), and I think perhaps I haven't told my parents just how much I appreciate them. So courtesy of a fabulous run today, here are a few reasons.

Dad-

(one) Whenever I am home and need to borrow a quarter, it always makes me smile to see that you still keep your change in a rinky box I made for you when I was in about second grade.

(two) Although you raised me to be fiercely independent, you always treated me with respect. You taught me to know the difference between chivalry and being treated as inferior.

(three) There was never a reason grand enough to keep you from any of my track meets (or dance recitals, yikes!), and I can honestly say that even when absolutely no one understood the personal weight of what I accomplished (or failed to accomplish) you always understood.

(four) Although you are incredibly open-minded and accepting, when it comes to matters of the heart you taught me to be picky. Frankly, not every fella deserves a shot. (but really, what father of a 20-year old will refute this?)

(five) You are quiet and humble. Not a man of an awful lot of words, but boy do you sure know how to wrestle dogs and make people laugh.

Mom-

(one) You are, without a doubt, my very best friend. Whenever anything happens (good or bad) my fingers are already dialing your number.

(Two) There is not a moment I can remember where you have made me feel anything less than the most spectacularly special person on earth (especially on birthdays!)

(Three) You have never (not once!) skipped a day of walking the dog because of the weather (even if it means you leave at 3:30 AM to beat out a storm..crazy!)

(Four) You appreciate things with unmatched sentiment. The things that deserve to be near and dear to your heart are without a doubt in their right place.

(Five) Throughout my life you have never (not once!) tried to change me. You have never scrutinized my appearance or my choices. Muddy feet always make you smile (dirty floor, not so much..), and the only expectations you ever hold for me are the ones I already have for myself.

Most of all, whenever I am being a complete grouch (notice: present tense..) you always put up with me!

thank you, thank you

-R

Wildwood trail

This is where I run everyday, and it happens to be my favorite place on earth. Nicole and I found out that it's also a pretty good place for breaking in rainboots and observing mud.

...and by observing, I mean playing in.

Rachel