plum girl

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Congratulations to Hillery from Handmake My Life, the winner of my summer print giveaway. This afternoon I visited her beautiful blog and shop...looking forward to sending the happy little print her way.

Over the weekend I became the mother of a plum tree. After many Sundays admiring one nearby, my parents dropped a baby one off. Possibly it was the fact that I was considering taking a few as they ripened (that would be terrible but last year so many got wasted on the ground) or that I talked about it every time I saw it. It may be awhile before I have my own fruits to enjoy but I cannot wait!
 
6.23 to 6.27
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friday

wildflowers.

Giveaway for a cheerful summery print, just go here!
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outside

Today it rained in spurts, tiny drops and gigantic drops, drops that brought the scent of fall...a chill and a touch of humidity at the same time, drops that tapped through the gutters long after the gray cloud had moved on, drops that spelled out tea and slippers (soon!)...it was an unexpected treat atop the already beautiful weekend.

Amidst the news of hurricanes and the aftermath I felt grateful for the light touch of weather in San Diego.

{9.3 to 9.5}
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Working away on new items for the fall season...

{8.29 to 8.30}

to do . . .

. . . paint the front door in sweet tea, you'll love it even if you did only choose the paint for its name

. . . hand wash the polka dots and florals you brought home from Florence

. . . sort supplies, begin all those projects on your list and add the new ideas you've been dreaming up

{8.23 to 8.25}
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steal my sunshine

When my mom was a little girl growing up in Pennsylvania she would spend many summers in Florida soaking in the sunshine, a lot of sun. As she grew up she didn't seek out the sun, but rather was wary of the harsh rays due to the terrible sunburns she got on her fair skin as a newlywed laying out on her apartment building rooftop watching airplanes fly into the San Diego Airport.

She raised her girls to wear sunscreen and hats. We do. We try. No suntanning around here.

A little while ago a tiny pearly white bump appeared beneath her right eye. The dermatologist identified it as basal cell carcinoma. This type of cancer can grow roots beneath the skin and cause much damage, being so close to her eye it was scary.

After several appointments, one to get the cancer completely removed and to see if it had spread (it had not!) and then to get it stitched up just right so that once the scar healed it wouldn't cause her lower lid to droop. 

I am happy to say that today we finally saw the eye that had been hidden beneath a half a potato sized patch and it is bruised from all it has been through, and I could only find one single lower lash left, but there isn't a droop and the doctor said it should continue to heal just fine.

Tears of happiness and relief from her perfectly fine tear duct, too.

She will have to be watchful for more, as will I for my fair skin, blue eyes and light hair.

Funny how much you learn and appreciate about the amazing human body when something like this comes along. How very grateful I was to see both of Mom's eyes looking at me today, I could see that she will rest much easier tonight, the whole family will...we just love her so much. xo

{8.15 to 8.16}
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drinking espressos in...

Italy is more beautiful and warm and full of art and life than anyone can tell you. From the moment we
flew into Italy I felt as if Case and I had entered a real-life postcard.

The art and churches are plentiful here, we soaked it all in, climbed all the steps and marveled at Michelangelo's David and Botticelli's The Birth of Venus...truly magnificent.

Gelato in every color and flavor was enjoyed daily, one day we had it twice!

the view from Piazzo Michelangelo

sunset and people watching on the Ponte Vecchio

Within Siena's medieval walls is a world of tiny passageways, brickwork, pizza with french fries on top, history, contrada pride, leather wallets, ricciarelli cookies and music late into the night.

Oh to have a picture of our faces when we first saw glimpses of Cinque Terre from the train!


custard filled pastries, sunshine, raviolis, wild berries, stairs (lots of 'em), duomos, late night dinners

bruschetta, grape orchards, giant ants, shady woods, tiny bridges, olive oil, breathtaking views...Tuscany

A perfectly lovely day trip to lovely Lucca.


A cappuccino from Il Ciocco before seeing the leaning tower from the train and flying home.


Stones and sea glass collected from the Mediterranean Sea and a leather purse as soft as butter and as pretty on the inside as it is on the outside, little bits of Italy that I took home with me...then I'll know it wasn't only a dream...

{7.24 to 8.11}

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lately...

morning

kitty drawings

my dad

Three days. 

Summer lovin'...warm humid morning air, then it feels like summer for real.

Dad's three birthday celebrations... (since we couldn't all get together on one day). This year it was with a mocha ice cream cake, an afternoon walk, Five Guys and lots of love. Dad is truly the very best dad, he could be celebrated every single day. When Dad was little he dreamed of raising baby skunks. I think if he could he would have an owl, skunk, crow and Hermie farm today. xo

Comic Con...it has grown way beyond the comics, we are so lucky to have it in San Diego. I saw stars (yay!) and costumes, parades, art, and people everywhere, too many really...by the end of the day they are just annoying, ha ha. 

{7.21 to 7.23}

summer days

                                                                       a tiny souvenir from a day at the shore

{7.12 to 7.14}
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sending you

                                                                                     Moonlight Beach

                                                                                         Balboa Park

                                                                 evening with friends + Balboa Park trails

postcards from home...

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{7.09 to 7.11}

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