other wall.

Now that I am working at home all day I've found that it's important to break up long-term tasks with short projects that offer almost immediate satisfaction. (See the previous post about painting things white.)

An example of this is the shadowbox that we put together for the wood type. Now I can gaze at them every day (and they are conveniently placed above the letterpress.)

I had a hard time finding any information about how I should store the woodtype (even in my lovely book). Mine already has a little damage, but I hope the shelves don't exacerbate it.

It's beautiful no matter what.

so Paint it White.

[Alternative title to this post – "so I'm Gonna Killz You!"]

I have a lifelong fear of clutter and color– mainly cluttered colors. The pairing of this issue with my inability to throw anything away can cause a lot of internal strife.

I think I may have discovered a solution.

Article A - These adorable birdies were part of our housewarming basket when we bought the house. I love them, but no matter where I tried to put them their sweet little faces became heavy and dark (and a bit scary). I could not part with them, knowing they would probably end up in the dumpster– so, I got out the primer and...

voila! Now they sit happily on my bookshelf. I may start painting everything white. (Angel and Jovi beware.)

Now, I don't want to hear anything about my color filing system for these books. It makes me breathe easier and it looks so pretty. Who needs to find a certain book anyways? Any book will do.

Rant : Fiction

I took a personality test recently, and the results were a little too true.

Patrick said, "It's better to use your strengths, than focus on your weaknesses."

Got me thinking...

Click here.

♡

of Gabe Askew and this awesome video.

I'm not sure I took a breath.

Oh, and THIS IS A FAN VIDEO NOT THE OFFICIAL ONE.

Two Weeks - Grizzly Bear from Gabe Askew on Vimeo.

(saw this today on dooce)

I've been busy.

I've been busy and I have nothing to show you yet!

It's a shame.

While you are waiting, spend a little time on archive.org with all of the informational videos. Learn general animal safety, how to square dance, and how to draw with the assistance of your rabbit.

While these are all very useful in today's society, the reason I am bringing this site to your attention is Patrick has to keep reminding me that this is a great resource for learning about crafts and trades of the past. Case in point, this film on type setting for the letterpress.

Oh, and he laughed like crazy at this one about chipmunks.

the trip is in a slideshow.

I know you were waiting for the slideshow, well, here it is.

I might keep working on it, to justify my struggle with flash today. I might just add a couple of treats.

Oh, and I would like to share with you my favourite photo from the trip. It is the view from our B&B in Portree (Isle of Sky, Scotland). It looks surreal. Enjoy.

this is getting out of control.

That's London, there.

I swear we do not go looking for these places!

I'm getting a little freaked out.

finally.

Hi! Sorry for the delay on the photos. I am still working on a slideshow for your viewing convenience, but as I always have to do things the long way, it's taking a tiny bit of time.

The good news is the thumbnails and photos are up on my photo site.

Our trip consisted of a whirlwind tour of parts of England and Scotland, with various modes of transportation.
These included -
Plane
London Underground
Buses in London, Edinburgh, Bath, Inverness
Trains
Sleeper train, London to Edinburgh
Car on the Scottish Highland and Isles
and Our Own Two Feet everywhere

FAQ's
My favourite thing to see - I love just driving around in the Highlands and on the Islands. The scenery is breathtaking. You cannot take an ugly picture.

My favourite thing to do - We got a little gps before we went, and Patrick entered in the coordinates for a bunch of little sites off-the-beaten-track. It's amazing to be in the middle of nowhere, with no one around but sheep, and see something as impressive as a 5,000 year old burial site with gigantic standing stone circles.

Also, if anyone ever makes it out there, I would recommend seeing a broch or two. They are amazing honeycomb structures –built without mortar– still partially standing.

Most surprising site? - White sand beaches on the Isle of Harris. Really.

My least favourite? - I'm sure I won't make any friends with this, but –London. Too many people. Patrick wisely limited our time there, and we spent our one full day on a double decker tour bus.

Where's the kitty? - Some of you might know that I planned to smuggle a moggy home. Unfortunately, we only met one, and the ones at Harrods were asleep (and £700).

How was the driving? - Patrick did a fantastic job, I was only afraid for my life a little. Many of the roads we were on were one lane, 60mph, with sheep. This means there was a lot of brake slamming, but we all lived through it.

I'm sure there will be more...

it's rachel's birthday

we're back.

Sorry for the dead air, we just got back from a marathon trip around England and Scotland. I have many pretty pictures, and a few anecdotes to share– but it will take some time to get set up.

Also, as things are changing drastically in my life right now, keep your eyes open for new developments with everyone's favourite subject, me!

(I think I just made myself gag.)

and yes, that's sheep bum, on a one lane road.

speed limit = 60 mph