Table B5

Back in Business

2010-03-28T10:33:00.000-07:00

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

2010-02-17T22:32:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-12T21:29:00.000-08:00

-nicole

pause.

2010-02-03T20:14:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-26T17:49:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-17T17:00:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-16T16:31:00.000-08:00

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

Sleepy

2010-01-15T15:52:00.000-08:00

This is what it is like trying to do my homework:

except less cuteness.

Have you seen the blog cute things falling asleep? it is golden!

-n

Lover Lover Lover

2010-01-15T12:41:00.000-08:00

Loving these Leonard Cohen portraits by Tina Tyrell

Rachel

Dear Fireplace,

2010-01-12T17:46:00.000-08:00

Oh how I would love to warm my bones by your fire.

I'm so very sorry for the break, it has been quite the week!

Rachel

Awesome fireplace HERE

and SERIOUSLY love this modern Washington Cabin

Hello Again

2010-01-06T23:51:00.000-08:00

Back in Portland and the weather is great! School is happening! Stuff is getting done!

more to come soon!

-Nicole

p.s. mini-video on my flickr

Blunders of changing a light bulb

2010-01-03T18:01:00.000-08:00

Ps. Im back in Portland! School tomorrow.

Rachel

Tuesday Morning

2009-12-29T14:31:00.001-08:00

Coffee for two

Rachel

Happy Holidays

2009-12-25T14:55:00.000-08:00

& whatnot

Last Night

2009-12-21T11:38:00.000-08:00

I had a dream about Sauvie Island.

rachel

Play Date

2009-12-18T23:24:00.000-08:00

Carlsbad's rendition of the Santaland Diaries & tiny little tomatoes

Fun in the Sun?

2009-12-18T20:57:00.000-08:00

and general shenanigans.

hope everyone is enjoying themselves as much as this dog is!

-Nicole

Home

2009-12-13T16:48:00.000-08:00

cutest couple... good grief.

ps. I'm home.

Rachel

Home

2009-12-12T10:45:00.000-08:00

just saying...

hope you are having a good weekend!

-N

Coffee to go

2009-12-11T14:30:00.000-08:00

This is what going out of town looks like.

-Rachel

Books and Such

2009-12-11T14:08:00.000-08:00

Made a little something for Rachel:

for keeping dangerous things in, like pesticides and such

-nicole

p.s. goin home in a few hours!

Holidays

2009-12-10T17:33:00.001-08:00

This is a little sketchbook full of random bits and pieces i made for Miss Nicole. Does anyone have any cool handmade gift ideas??

Rachel

My kind of card

2009-12-09T19:41:00.001-08:00

The dapper cadaver- $15.50

Abby and Sam- &15.50

Check out the rest of this awesome shop ......Here!

A Saturday Hike

2009-12-05T22:21:00.000-08:00

My Dad is in town from San Diego , and I can honestly say I enjoyed the heck out of spending time with him today. We went hiking, then he helped me pick out a sweet new (or old, actually) bedside table.

Oh yeah and guess who gave herself a snazzy set of bangs? That would be me.

cheers for the night.

Rachel

Paper Snow Cabin

2009-12-05T21:49:00.000-08:00

Finals week is upon us! While everyone (read: Rachel) is tucked away studying, I have been amazingly "productive"..... making paper snowflakes and this:

cheers!

-nicole

Thought of the Day:

2009-12-03T16:34:00.001-08:00

Christmas shopping is hard.

-nicole

Image from here

Jason Segel

2009-12-02T13:53:00.000-08:00

just saying.

Happy Day

2009-11-30T19:27:00.000-08:00

A thank you to the lovely florist who decided I needed bunches of free flowers. November was good.

Rachel

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-27T00:09:00.001-08:00

Finally some free time today to finish my first real crochet project... Now I think I forgot how to knit...uhh.

Hope you all enjoyed the day.
-Rachel

Apology & a pillow

2009-11-25T12:48:00.000-08:00

Dear everyone,

I am oh so sorry that there was no project yesterday (tuesday), I was absolutely swamped at school and I am missing the Nicole, and it was near impossible to muster the energy to even take my shoes off. All excuses aside, I have been getting friendly with textiles lately, and I fell in love with the fabric used on the pillow above.. We will have something extra special (I hope) planned for next tuesday!

Rachel

Going to California!

2009-11-23T16:21:00.000-08:00

I will be gone for a bit, hopefully will be back in a week with a full belly and photos to show you!

I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving, especially Rachel! and peanutbutter...

-Nicole

A Normal Sunday Night

2009-11-22T20:14:00.000-08:00

Alright, who has a pogo stick?

Try it Tuesday: Favorite Socks

2009-11-17T16:42:00.000-08:00

Do you have a favorite pair of socks?

We do!

this week's assignment is to take a picture of your feet in your favorite socks!

Nicole's:

my auntie Linda knitted them and they are awesome and colorful and warm and i love them!

post yours in the comments below!

-Nicole

Rachel's:
Perfect for braving the wind that seeps through our windowsill and for sliding on our floors.

-Rachel

More Coffee Developer

2009-11-16T15:48:00.000-08:00

I finally got around to scanning a few more photos today.

These were the prints i developed in coffee:

plus more vivitar ultra wide and slim shots are up on my Flickr!

more later this week!

-Nicole

In Search of Eustace

2009-11-15T14:00:00.000-08:00

The achingly beautiful father-daughter journey of David and Rachael Eustace, view the entire journey here.

Rachel

New Project: Try-It Tuesdays!

2009-11-09T23:45:00.001-08:00

Hello long lost friends, Oh boy I'm going to cut straight to the chase today because I'm so excited about this... Nicole and I have decided to take on a new project with you all: Try-it Tuesdays. So some of you may recall the good ol' girl scout "brownie" days where young girls are given patches called "try-its" for well, trying! The patches weren't based on ability or skill, or even knowledge, they simply meant: you tried something new, and that's freaking awesome! And although were not touting that you go out and buy a zillion boxes of girl scout cookies (ok, we are.), we do think that you should still receive recognition for trying new things. So, whats the big deal, you ask? Ill tell you!

Every Tuesday we will come up with a new project for you...Some projects will ask you to make something (and show us, duh!), some will ask you to tell us something, to meet someone, to do something outside, simple enough, right?? Well for your participation, we vow to send you a little something special as our way of saying "Hey, you rock for tryin it!" Oh yeah, you can bet Nicole and I will be participating too!

So here it is, your first try-it Tuesday: Make a list of 5 things you enjoy about yourself.

Simple enough, right? Just post a comment with your list of lovely quirks and misshapen bones, and viola! Send us your address at TableB5blog@gmail.com, (seriously, we wouldn't have anyone to give it away to, so don't worry.) and be proud of yourself! Alright, yada yada... Here is my dosage of ego-stroking self-love:

Five Things I Love About Myself. by Rachel Stahl
1. I Like that the hair around my ears curls just so. I got it from my mama!
2. I cannot hold a grudge. Seriously, I cave. Butter, if you will.
3. I make it a point to hold doors open and talk to the mailman every day.
4. I really am clumsy, and I have amazing scars to prove it. Ask me to show you!

5. I love that I value my alone time, and I can respect when others need to be left alone too.

(p.s. The photo above (Richard Avedon) is a little tribute to our sweet new header, courtesy of Nicole!)

Rachel.

Wellies

2009-11-03T22:09:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I forget how much I love my rainboots until my canvas shoes get all soggy.

I have a pair of plain black ones I got ages ago, but how fun are these?

I like the shape, and they are fuzzy inside. Perfect for happy feet!

Get them here

-nicole

Mysterious Letters Part Two

2009-11-02T13:11:00.000-08:00

Hey guys!

Remember this post about Michael and Lenka's Mysterious Letters project?

They are trying to raise enough money to write to their next town and are on on Kickstarter.

They have fun incentives for donations. Here are a few:

PLEDGE $5 OR MORE
You will have your name written in calligraphy on a list that will be read in a reverential tone of voice into the letterbox as we post all of the letters. (Specific accents requestable.) You also receive our unconditional lavender love.

PLEDGE $10 OR MORE
You get to choose a theme which will be used to write a letter to a stranger (eg: how giraffes give birth, babies’ names, what dogs are thinking when they look at the moon, etc.) Each donor will receive a digital image of the resulting letter and a unique digital thank you.

PLEDGE $24 OR MORE
You will receive a unique hand-written postcard composed whilst we were sober, clear-headed and utterly focused on the task.

PLEDGE $25 OR MORE
You will receive a unique hand-scrawled postcard written while we were drunk, which we'll regret horribly by the time it arrives.

click here to see the rest of the details and incentives

There is a week left before the deadline!

happy monday!
-nicole

Making Space

2009-10-27T06:16:00.001-07:00

Good morning early birds! Before I skip out for the day, I thought I would share a recent project.. I have really crumby shelf space in my room, so I took this cheap goodwill find and decided to fix it up a little.. I knocked out a few of the wooden pieces and stained the wood, then used an old roadmap of ohio as the backing... much better! It's a bit sparse now, but I'm on the search for trinkets!

Enjoy your tuesday

Rachel

Rain Drops

2009-10-26T13:18:00.001-07:00

I had no idea such vivid colors could exist naturally, let alone right outside our door..

In other news, I missed the street car this morning, and caught the rain instead... I usually prefer it the other way around.

Love,

Rachel

Photography Feature: Hulya Kolabas

2009-10-22T16:52:00.000-07:00

Absolutely Brilliant.

Rachel

Mylar

2009-10-21T19:04:00.000-07:00

I have recently found myself with a lot of free time (kind of an understatement). So I got to work doing my favorite thing, painting.

I usually shy away from sharing paintings I am working on, and even ones I finish. I am trying hard to get over this fear of mine, so here is a peek at a painting I started a couple days ago:

It is more of a brain exercise, working on separating my ideas from my eyes.

Do you like to share things you are working on? Or are you like me and like to keep everything under wraps?

hope you are having a good week!
-nicole

Poached

2009-10-20T22:03:00.000-07:00

made a poached egg this morning, between this, coffee and french toast i think i am becoming a fan of mornings

-nicole

Nature's candy

2009-10-18T10:59:00.001-07:00

at my fingertips.

Rachel

One of THOSE days...

2009-10-17T13:43:00.000-07:00

... And by those days, I mean completely normal. Espresso-my-god... I would like to thank Coffee House North West for being a block away and making addictions really very convenient. But its Saturday, so why not?

-Rachel

Astral

2009-10-16T15:36:00.000-07:00

sometimes real things are so much more unreal than imagined.

images from the hubble

-nicole

Portland Rain Hath Come!

2009-10-14T16:55:00.001-07:00

So I spent a little time wanderin' around my cozy north west hood, so to speak, and I also managed to fit my run perfectly in an hour window free of rain! In other news for you curious minds, my hair fits snug in a tiny, messy but mighty ponytail. I like to think of it as a visual testament of my unbelievable will.

Rachel

Autumnal Gifts

2009-10-13T21:41:00.001-07:00

I can honestly say I have been getting my feet outside and on every terrain possible the past few days in a desperate attempt to hold on to a somewhat stable temperature. But, as I hear, a storm is a brewin! Nicole's wonderful aunt visited from the coast and knitted absolutely lovely hand warms to keep my paws toasty! A thousand thank-yous, Linda!

Anyway, keep warm!

Rachel

Healing

2009-10-09T17:26:00.000-07:00

i am back :)

-nicole

Cork Board Makeover

2009-10-04T17:14:00.001-07:00

So just about the only actually productive thing I did this weekend was to spruce up my inspiration board. After seeing this AMAZING renovation (via the lovely Cup of Jo), I decided to use the leftover fabric from my throw pillows, some fabric glue, and voilà! Granted, I can get a bit hasty, so I'm working on the "patience is a virtue" idea.. It is nice to have some cohesion in the room though.

Anyway, the highlight of my day was getting to pet an ENORMOUS mastif outside the store. I dont think my landlord would notice if I brought him home.

What was something that made you smile today?

Rachel

Hectic

2009-10-02T11:59:00.000-07:00

Photo: Life

Good morning and happy friday dear friends!

All I have to say is: what a week. What started out as an exciting past few days has resulted in some unfortunate events. I have been doing all I can to keep my head above the water, while reminding myself to swim. Those of you who have known me for a while know that the past half-decade or so my life has been full of running. For me, it is one thing I do everyday in order to keep my sanity. A chunk of time for me and nothing else, not for the stresses and fears that exist in all our lives, not for anyone or anything, just simply: because. I know if I dont go out everyday (sometimes forcibly) I will be laying in bed twiddling my thumbs and gritting my teeth at night.

So I ask, what are some things you do for yourself everyday? Walk your dog? Make your bed? Yoga? Paint? I would love to hear!

Rachel

Reunion

2009-09-27T19:27:00.001-07:00

Today was a perfect day for my reunion with Portland and Sydney! Nicole and I visited Sydney's charming new studio and ran into a beautiful ceremony at the Portland Art Museum on the way home... I'm somewhat in disbelief that school is actually starting back up tomorrow, it was beginning to feel like it would never happen! I do have to say, though, that leaving home left me a bit homesick. But Hey! Yoga at 10 AM! Wish me luck!

Rachel

Steve Martin's Business Card

2009-09-26T16:08:00.000-07:00

i think i need a business card

-nicole

Bye Island, Hello Fall

2009-09-22T16:20:00.000-07:00

I made it back to Portland today, said fare thee well to Hawaii. It doesn't feel quite like fall yet but I am excited for my favorite season.

happy autumn!
-nicole

Happy Fall

2009-09-22T09:56:00.001-07:00

Photo: Erica Shires

I know it might seem so, but I promise I haven't forgotten about posting. Well, what have I been doing? Lounging, reading, cooking, and ALOT of working out. School starts in less than a week, and frankly, I'm pretty darn excited. More to come.

Rachel

Feast your eyes

2009-09-18T00:04:00.000-07:00

Why yes, those are oh-so-delicious hearty whole-wheat vegan friendly banana muffins. And yes, they are freaking amazing with peanut butter on top. Tomorrow Portland and I are celebrating our aniversary(even though I am out of town)! Photos promised.

cheers

Rachel

It's ok

2009-09-16T11:04:00.000-07:00

Multi Polar Projects

finding old treasures around the house

-nicole

cuttings

2009-09-14T14:49:00.000-07:00

-nicole

Friday Madness

2009-09-11T19:05:00.000-07:00

Well, it's friday, and I have a bone to pick... Trader Joes: I keep trying my luck at their produce, but every time, I find mold-infested, less-than-fresh fruit and pre-packed veggies. Maybe I'm just spoiled from Whole Foods. Either way, I'm a sucker for their Hummus.... observe:

Ps: LÄRABARs, you are the apple of my eye. (Anyone want the key to my heart? Cinnamon roll LÄRABAR, bingo.)

Happy friday,

Rachel

TBA

2009-09-10T00:26:00.000-07:00

I went to see two performances tonight as part of tba

I saw Pan Pan Theater's "The Crumb Trail" a funny and dark multimedia performance piece based on Hansel and Gretel

and Back to Back Theater's "Small Metal Objects" a performance in pioneer square, where the audience wears headphones and listens to the drama unfolding in the square, while watching the actors.

(edit: bonus if you find me in this picture)

coincidence photo of the day:

i got a wristband for one of the shows

-nicole

School Days

2009-09-09T21:08:00.001-07:00

Well, it's almost that time... and I can't wait. By the time our school starts, everyone will be knee-deep in mid-terms. How lovely is this old classroom? All images found here, via Design is Mine.

OK folks, here is your photo of the day: Aw shucks..

Rachel

Photos of Photos?

2009-09-08T22:56:00.000-07:00

These are some test prints i made using coffee as a developer.

Yes, COFFEE as a developer. i love coffee even more now.

i guess the caffeic acid in the coffee acts as a mild reducing agent (in the chemical reaction that develops the paper or negatives), you add baking soda to neutralize the pH and voila! you get a nice warm and coffee stained print!

only two more days of class!
-nicole

Away For a Bit...

2009-09-08T20:02:00.001-07:00

A few days ago i flew the coup to well, recoup. I'm spending some time fixing myself up for a few weeks, maybe less. But of course, things never really go as planned... It seems that I can't go a month without some sort of infection. Round One: strep throat, Round Two: strep throat II, Round Three: bladder infection... and now? Infected bug bite, observe:

If you are having trouble seeing it, no fear! The doctor so graciously outlined it in pen as to "track it's progress" (it's pretty much growing up my arm) And of course, it is definitely not sweater weather, and seeing as how I do love to hang out in grocery stores, I totally freak people out.

Well, I think that's enough grossness for one day. I'll be back with some pretty web finds or something tomorrow.

Cheers

Rachel

Eat Yo Cake Girl!

2009-09-07T20:15:00.001-07:00

Happiest of birthdays to Queen Elizabeth I, Buddy Holly, and my favorite roommate, dear friend and confidant: The ever-so-lovely Nicole. Like I said, eat cake! Birthday celebrations will commence once we are reunited! Anyway, I hope it was a wonderful day!

Ps, let the photo-a-day begin!

Rachel

Why yes...

2009-09-04T20:48:00.000-07:00

That is indeed a braid in my hair! Small, but a braid nonetheless! The locks are finally growing. I demand that everyone reading this go and celebrate. I'm serious, and really, why turn down a reason to celebrate?

Cheers, and happiest friday!

Rachel

Just Words.

2009-09-03T00:43:00.000-07:00

This post is a bit different than usual, just a forewarning.. Open, if you will. As I lay in my (ridiculously comfortable) bed tonight, my mind no longer mulls itself to sleep over daily things like what I'll make for dinner the next night, or faintly dreaming of the aroma of my French-pressed Stumptown coffee which will greet me first thing in the A.M., or how pretty the purple 'cheer-up' flowers Nicole picked and placed on our windowsill are. Instead, my thoughts tangle over battlegrounds within my own head. Mine fields, trench warfare, you name it- the whole shebang (apparently it's the 1940's in my mind, also). Anyway, right as I was finally falling asleep i heard through my glass-paned doors (for I have no window!) the sound of mad down-pour. Sure enough, despite all forecasts, sheets of rain are now drenching our inaccessible patio.

And it is this, Ladies and Gentlemen, which sits me here, by the candle-lit window, pouring my thoughts, mimicking the rain. It is this that shakes me from the battled ground of my mind and makes me thankful. Here is a list, thirty things I am thankful for:

1. My Mother's confidence, her disposition, and her strength. (yes, that is all one.)
2. My Father's honesty, and his reality-checks.
3. Flanel pajama pants.
4. Peanut butter.
5. Morning salt in the air, carried by the ocean breeze.
6. Finding new beautiful trails, previously undiscovered by your own footsteps.
7. The fact that I once obsessed over the movie Halloween Town.
8. My dog waiting patiently outside of the grocery store, when I know he's really freakin out.
9. School. Lectures. History books. Taking an ungodly amount of really unneccissary notes.
10. Being able to appreciate a clean apartment.
11. Flowers on our windowsill... Well, even our windowsill in general. Heck, the whole damn apartment.
12. Favorite authors and how they can never truly disappoint.
13. Autosaving of drafts. Seriously.
14. Having my brother live relatively close, even though we never hang out!
15. The max red line (hello IKEA)
16. Feeling fortunate to have a safe place to call home.
17. CHAI. chai, chai, chai.
18. Conversations and people that really, honestly humble you.
19. Being able to look on the past as a road map, reminding you how exactly I got here, again?
20. Moving away when I did (but always missing home)
21. "How Stuff Works" podcast with Josh and Chuck. Nicole will surely second this one.
22. Seasons. ( I know, this should really be higher up than IKEA, but hey.)
23. Places that are open late and getting that safe feeling that people are still around.
24. My and Nicole's plans for coffee table replacements (ex. giant working rubics cube, kiddie pool, rabbit cage- complete with a bunny of course, tree, giant nutella cookie- I may have just added that one.)
25. Remembering that our bodies are simply the costumes.
26. Developing the mind. In school, or out.
27. Smells that trigger unbelievable memories, which sometimes make you realize how sweet past times really were.
28. Developing an even deeper understanding and appreciation for old friends.
29. Thinking, dreaming about what I want for my life.
30. Unpredicted storms. The kind that pull you out of a warm bed at exactly the right time. The kind that inflicts so much reality on you at once, that it makes it hard to believe I had ever neglected any of the above things. The kind that ensures the power of Nature.

Rants. Goodnight,

Rachel

Ps, what are a few things you are particulartly glad to have in your life right now? I'd love to hear.

Tidbits...

2009-09-02T20:28:00.001-07:00

I am sorry, so sorry... I feel that I have been a bit off my game lately. So what exactly have I been doing, you ask? Not a whole lot of anything. I did paint my nails (which my Mom would be quite proud of!) and perused the booths at the farmers market this weekend (the poor guy with the hazelnuts seemed confused and a little offended as to why i was only photographing the hazelnuts, not his smiling face.) Also, Nicole and I met with our friend Wesley at Steppingstone and chatted over brunch! I promise promise ill be better over the next few days.

Hope everyone is well (and I hope it cools off in Southern California! Heat is miserable, Sheesh!)

Rachel

Reuben Margolin

2009-09-01T22:21:00.000-07:00

Reuben Margolin makes kinetic wave sculptures.

they are incredible

i think i may be in love

-nicole

ps. i hope you are doing well, i have disappeared into the darkroom for the past few weeks, i will have some fun things to show you when i find a scanner

Friday: Sauvie Island

2009-08-28T17:54:00.000-07:00

In celebration of Nicole's no-school-fridays, we went on yet another adventure... We ended up a bit soggier than expected, but rain is a sure sign of the changing seasons (yay!) Anyway, Sauvie Island was full of cute mailboxes and mad little cows- a perfect combo.

Happy Friday!

Rachel

Mini Terrarium Necklace

2009-08-27T17:53:00.000-07:00

Recently got this adorable pendant from WarmCountryMeadows etsy store!

i really like the idea of having something living around my neck

the best part is it came with two! so one for rachel too! they can be little mossy friends.

i hope you are doing well

-nicole

Afternoon Tea

2009-08-26T18:22:00.000-07:00

You will be seeing more of this.

Thank you Grandma. Xo.

Rachel

French Press Madness

2009-08-26T12:15:00.001-07:00

So the other day, in an attempt to reduce both my coffee intake and daily expenditures, I got a wee 12 ounce french press! And what goes perfectly with a 12-oz french press you ask? Stumptown Coffee...Needless to say, I am in heaven. Trust me, I am certainly no coffee snob, i would be content drinking 711 coffee everyday, but once you've had freshly french pressed (or any method, really) Stumptown coffee, well, good luck.

Happy Wednesday!

Rachel

San Francisco

2009-08-25T21:50:00.000-07:00

here are some photos from my visit in sf, one of my favorite places

i hope you are doing well!

-nicole

Back in town

2009-08-23T20:29:00.001-07:00

Finally! It feels wonderful to be back! Today, Nicole and I went on a bit of a photo-venture. We ended up finding a beautiful high school right around the corner from our apartment, who knew?? And of course, maximized the coffee intake (in celebration of course)... Travelling

did a number on my body, so I'm playing a hefty game of catch-up..

Hope it was a wonderful weekend for you and yours!

Rachel

California Round Two

2009-08-19T19:51:00.000-07:00

I've been enjoying a second small little trip out to the hometown, and i must apologize for being spacy for the last few days... BUT I promise i have been snapping away with all intentions of updating, but unfortunately my computer is in Portland, and im working on a computer that freezes every second or two...

Anyway, today was a peaceful morning.. I went down to the ocean at 6AM and sat on the jetty watching the waves crash around me... Good ol' ocean therapy.

cheers

Rachel

Obon

2009-08-17T22:31:00.000-07:00

Last night i made it out to the japanese gardens in washington park to go to the obon festival and bon dance

Bon dance, or bon odori, is a japanese tradition, a night where you honor your departed family and ancestors. It was really small here in portland, but it was nice.

it is hard to tell in these pictures, but we lit candles and floated them on the water

happy monday

-nicole

Preserved Wish Jar

2009-08-17T12:33:00.000-07:00

just a little something

in case of emergency break glass

or just pull out the cork, but that is less dramatic

-nicole

Sometimes Maybe

2009-08-16T19:20:00.000-07:00

Life should be celebrated...always. My way today...? To appreciate the fading (yet vivid) colors of summer. Small things matter.

Oh, and someone eat copious amounts of strawberries for me, then let me know how good they were.

Rachel

Dreams

2009-08-14T19:44:00.000-07:00

Over the last few weeks I have been very busy making things for my 3D design class. Happy to be finished with class, although i really liked it, i am exhausted! Here are two of my projects that i put up today.

a very big dreamcatcher:

inspired by this on Frances May

and a moon balloon:

a recurring theme

my favorite parts are the shadows

hope you are doing well
i have many more projects to show you

and a happy birthday to my lovely friends Tia and Paul! I love you guys

-nicole

Cozy Cozy Cottages

2009-08-11T18:22:00.001-07:00

(Photo Credits: 1. Sally Scott, via {Frolic!} 2-4. Boston.com via pretty world)

So today was full of ity bity rain clouds, sprinkling little bits of rain on us lucky Portlanders... and i realized that the world is much better when its not literally baking itself. I also realized that I would love to spend my life living in one of these cozy cottages in Greenland...teapots and sweaters galore!

Cheers,

Rachel

Rail Station

2009-08-09T21:55:00.000-07:00

When I was at home in Hawaii I went down to one of my favorite places, the old rail yard in Ewa. They have historic train rides on Sundays although i have never been on one, I just like to walk around and take pictures of the place.

happy weekend!

-nicole

cravings...

2009-08-08T20:39:00.000-07:00

All Photos: 11 Nightmares

Summer light flooding through open windows.

Vast fields to kick off the shoes and frolic.

Breezy, flowery skirts.

Cool, sea-side breeze and early morning walks in the foggy ocean mist...

but at the same time I'm yearning for the comfort of autumn... teapot after teapot, thick sweaters and tons of layers, rosy cheeks and red noses, the heater on the bus, watching the rain from a very warm, dry safe haven, everything crisp and cozy.. (hence the legwarmers I'm knitting in August.)

Hooray for seasons... I promise to keep my camera more at my hip this week, I've been a bad blogger.

Rachel

Redondo

2009-08-05T22:28:00.001-07:00

Over the next few days I will be posting some pictures from some rolls of film from my summer that i just got developed

you will notice a running color scheme through my entire summer

these are from my visit to redondo beach:

it was nice to go back and see friends and the beautiful pier

hope you are doing well
-nicole

Get Outside!

2009-08-02T20:39:00.000-07:00

So I constructed a giant cardboard cursor for 3d design class and took some pictures in Washington park. It is slightly taller than me and I am 5'8"

Imagine me walking around with this! It was pretty funny. like this:

except down burnside and more sweaty

-Nicole

Summer Dresses & Sentiments

2009-07-30T17:11:00.001-07:00

I recently got a huge box in the mail from my Grandmother, full of her own things (yarn, fabric, sewing stuff, etc) and it really struck a cord in me. These things mean more than i can express... So i decided to use the fabric to make a dress.. I still have some work to do with the buttons, but i threw out the whole "uniform, identical white round button" idea and used various mis-matched navy blue, brown and gold buttons from my Grandmother's button jar. I have no doubt all the things from the box will be put to good use. The bottom dress is a dress I altered from a floor-length, shoulder-padded Good Will find.. Yeah!

Thank you Grandma,

Rachel

Ps. Happy 100th Post!! :)

Public School

2009-07-27T18:58:00.000-07:00

I got this sweet poster in the mail today from Public School

This is the first in a series of posters called Keep These in Mind by Jay B Sauceda

The rest of the posters are awesome too! i like this one and this one especially.

I'll post a picture when i put it up

*edit*

I put it up with some clips

Hope you are having a good day.

-nicole

More More More

2009-07-26T19:34:00.001-07:00

Tarty goodness.

Rachel

Reminders

2009-07-24T23:57:00.000-07:00

I love this photo series by Erin Hanson aka "Recoveringlazyholic" called Reminders:

With advertising these days constantly telling us to buy this and that, it is nice to see reminders we really need to hear.

many more cool projects at their blog

-nicole

Washington Park

2009-07-22T22:56:00.001-07:00

Today I trekked up to Washington Park to calm my jumbled city-head that I've been developing over the past few weeks...Starting to realize I'm pretty darn ready for autumn.

Rachel

Stay Gold

2009-07-20T23:13:00.000-07:00

i wore my "stay gold" shirt from the lovely Frances May today, and a boy wrote this out on the back of a receipt and gave it to me at the grocery:

Nature's first green is gold,
Her hardest hue to hold.
Her early leaf's a flower;
But only so an hour.
Then leaf subsides to leaf.
So Eden sank to grief,
So dawn goes down to day.
Nothing gold can stay.

-Robert Frost

stay gold.

Photo by lenubar on flickr

-n

The Sun

2009-07-20T16:58:00.000-07:00

Is nothing but a fair-weather friend... but I'm not complaining.

Rachel

Tarts

2009-07-18T22:30:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry that I've been so aloof lately, I've been caught up in the excitement of having my room mate back! Nicole's family is also here for a few days and i recently had a wonderful visit from my mom, so we've both been pretty dang busy! But happy! I wandered down to the Farmer's Market today and bought some fresh raspberries and boysenberries and decided to make some yummy tarts... I apologize for the crappy picture, our apartment is pretty dim at night and i assumed these babies wouldn't be waiting around for a picture in the morning!

cheers

Rachel

Mel Kadel

2009-07-16T00:47:00.000-07:00

Unscared

Up Against It

Pack and Run

Mouse Hole

Carrying the Load

I absolutely love the imagination and curiosity evoked through Mel Kadel's illustrations... The titles are perfect.

Rachel

California Adventures

2009-07-13T00:06:00.000-07:00

I spent the last few days having a lovely time in southern california visiting with family and old friends. I'm heading up to san francisco tomorrow to spend a few days there. I will post some pictures as soon as i get a chance. Today i finished knitting a very large scarf, and felt like making something small and goofy so i made this little blue and white bowtie.

I really like making these, they are so much fun. though i'm not sure if i can pull off the look!

Jaune: Yellow Day

2009-07-09T20:53:00.000-07:00

Made myself get out and about today after spending (pretty much) the entire day sleeping yesterday...Kept my eyes peeled for all the varieties of yellow i could find..

Happy Thursday,

Rachel

Back in Portland

2009-07-08T14:17:00.000-07:00

And apparently I have strep throat yet again... Mas fruit smoothies.

On a lightern note, my dear friend Sydney opened up her Etsy shop! check it!

Rachel

Ocean Air

2009-07-07T13:51:00.000-07:00

i will miss tasting the salt in the wind. I have to soak up the islands in the next few days.

-nicole

Summer Fruit

2009-07-06T19:28:00.000-07:00

Nothing better in warm weather... Leaving home is so bittersweet, but good coffee here i come.

Rachel

Carlsbad Charm

2009-07-02T18:16:00.000-07:00

Although hometowns are cozy and relaxing, I can't wait to be back in Portland this weekend!

cheers

Rachel

Urban Weeds

2009-06-29T20:44:00.000-07:00

I am liking this new Portland street style blog Urban Weeds

hope to see more!

-nicole