Gators

*Image by richseow

This weekend I'm playing in the Masters National Water Polo tournament with my team the Gator Gals.  We're finally playing in the 30+ bracket and have less competition overall, but will definitely play hard this weekend.  Our first game is us vs. the Olympic Club and needless to say, I won't feel bad  if we don't win that game.  The thing I'm most excited about is seeing my little brother again, because Nationals is in Irvine and that is just close enough to have a fan in the stands.  I'm not looking forward to another weekend away from home, but that should be it for my summer.  At least this little jaunt will be another temporary escape from the heat, for now.

Pool & popsicle

*Image & card by Hartland Brooklyn Card Co.

Yesterday I spend a glorious day poolside and in the refreshing waters of my friend's pool.  It was a perfect way to beat the TX heat and enjoy the summer.  I even got to practice passing for my upcoming trip to Masters Nationals for water polo this weekend, which I'm really looking forward to.  Today I will beat the heat by completing my indoor household chores, eating a popsicle and possibly heading to Sea World to pick up my educator's pass.  I can't think of a better way to beat the heat than by getting splashed at Sea World.  How do you stay cool in the summer?

Starfish

*Image by my Mom

The first fish my mom caught of of the Gaviota pier was a starfish.  After poking it a bit and letting it slime up my hand we released it back to the ocean.  Our aim that evening had been to bait and catch a shark, but a sea lion decided to show up and spoil our fun.  We did catch some rock fish, some mackerels, some decorator crabs and plenty of sea weed.   All of the time spent outdoors in California made me yet again long for a more reasonable summer climate.  Maybe it's nicer down on the gulf coast?  Maybe we'll have to get down there this summer and see if there is any good fishing.

Crayon decor

*Image via greylikesweddings

If you're going to encourage people to color place mats you've got to provide them with art supplies right?  I'm not sure that there are enough crayons for the entire table, but what a fun way to display them.  I'm in a coloring mood lately, can you tell?

Solstice

*Image & card by Simply Pretty Prints

The solstice is upon us and although it has felt like summer in Texas for months, now it is official.  This guard shack reminds me of driving down the California coast and of my summers spent sitting in my own lifeguard tower.  Happy solstice to you.  How will you spend your summer?

Place mats

*Image & place mats by Cake Vintage Table & Home

When I saw these place mats with color-in, punch-out disguises I felt like a little kid.  I love restaurants that provide paper, crayons and a blank canvas.  I also thought of my friend & cousin who decorated their rehearsal dinner with action figures and whimsy.  They will be celebrating their union again in October and these place mats also reminded me of them.  Disguises and pearls and crayons would be enough to liven up any celebration and would make for memorable photos. Are you a fan of coloring?

Homecoming

*Image & print by HANDSworkshop

I'm back y'all!  I am so excited to see my husband and my wiggly bull.  The best sight when I've been gone for so long (or even a short trip, really) is the car pulling up with a beaming driver and a dog that is all bent sideways with wiggles.  The best welcome home greeting ever.  I can't wait.  What makes your homecomings special?

MFA

*Image & card by mad design

Today my little brother graduates as an official artist.  Well, I guess that's not right - he's been an artist since I can remember, but now he's got the fancy pants paper and the art school glasses to make it more official.  I'm excited to see where this takes him as he maintains the job title of artist.  Congrats!

Sun & Surf

*Image & print by Myan Soffia

I can't wait for a sunset beach hike with my mom and my brother.  California summer is so much better than the awful heat of Hades we experience during these same months in TX.  I'm not looking forward to the humidity & the terrible heat.  I am relishing all of this time with my family.  How are you spending your summer?

LA la land

*Image & print by Myan Soffia

Today I land among the sun and surf in LA.  I'm off to Santa Barbara to celebrate my brother's graduation.  He earns his MFA this weekend and I am so glad that I can come to see his thesis show and watch him graduate.  I'm excited to hike along the sea side and to see the surf.  Is there anything I should add to my list in Santa Barbara? 

Leavenworth

*Photos by Atlas & Elia Photography

On Saturday, as I mentioned my cousin married my best friend.  It was a beautiful day in a gorgeous location in the middle of the mountains.  I am so spoiled to be from such a naturally beautiful place.  The sun graced us during the ceremony and I'm sure any pictures will show my crinkled nose as I try to observe the nuptials while being slightly blinded, but gratefully warmed.  The joy is evident in their smiles and was prevalent.  Beauty and joy.  I couldn't want more for the both of them.  What is your favorite part of weddings?

BFF

*Image by Oh So Beautiful Paper card by Farewell Paperie

Today my friend is marrying my cousin.  If I had seen this card a month ago I would have bought it because this is perfect for the occasion.  Happy day!

Bow

 

*Images via Kate Spade 

Ok, seriously - this jacket is adorable.  I love the bow on the back, why am I suck a sucker for Kate Spade? I scored this jacket for a whopping 85% discount and could not believe that it was there, on sale and fit me perfectly.  How do you say no to such a perfect find? I will love traipsing around Seattle in the nautically inspired number, the perfect layer to the weather they're currently having.  I'm going to feel like such a posh traveler.  What do you think of the bow?

Deflated

*Image by Tamie Oldridge

A few years ago when I moved into my classroom I found an old globe in the hallway.  It was on the axis upside-down and was so old that it still had the USSR on the map.  I was glad to flip it and put it in my classroom.  For some reason that globe got some good use, showing kids where Shakespeare was from, where the Greek and Roman myths originated.  I was actually considering making it a part of my office decor at home this summer.  When I packed up my car on the last work day on Friday I thought nothing of it and left my books and my glob and grabbed a late lunch with my co-workers.  The Texas heat amplified by my car combined to cause that cool old globe to burst at the seam.  It looked like it had started to melt and that it was deflating like a balloon.  Poor old globe.  At least it had a good home for two years.  Now I'm wondering if I can find another... Where could I get my hands on a cool classroom staple like this? 

No kids

*Image & card by Studio SloMo

No students today and my hospitality committee is buying me lunch.  Can't think of a better way to end the school year, except I still have a ton of boxes of books in my car.  I had no idea that I had so much stuff in my classroom.  (Well, kind of)  Oh books.  Now I need to start my summer reading list.  What's on your list?