Jellyfish Fabric

I couldn't resist participating in Spoonflower's fabric contest this week because the theme was jellyfish.  I originally thought I might make "folk" jellyfish, but then it turned out to be more "retro" jellyfish.  You never know what will come out.

If you would like to vote in the contest click here and you will see the contest in the upper right hand corner.  It is worth it just to see all the awesome jellyfish designs!

Pavlova

This Valentine's Day I decided to go all out and surprise George with a fancy dessert...hence the Pavlova!  I used this recipe from SimplyRecipes.com.  I have never made any type of meringue dessert so I called my neighbor John over to help. We had a great time whipping those eggs into shape and the meringue patties turned out beautifully (thanks John!). After dinner I mixed raspberries with a little sugar on the stove to make the topping. The whole thing was incredibly simple and delicioso!  Hope everyone had a super sweet Valentine's Day!

Folk Valentine Cards

Yesterday when I was looking at the blog I realized the Valentine I made for my mom perhaps bore more resemblance to sperm and egg than a lotus flower.  At first I was horrified but then I had a good belly laugh.  Though not entirely inappropriate for Valentine's day, a sperm and egg card is not what one wants to send one's mother.   To redeem myself I decided to try again.    

I started making these cards with the intent to cut them out of paper.  I was spurred on by a last minute purchase from Michael's dollar bin of some irresistibly cute, circular scalloped-edge cards (must stay away from the dollar bin!).  I also thought it might be nice to plan out my design instead of just free-forming it like I did on my mom's card (look where that got me!).

As it turns out the cards were only 3.5'' tall which made the shapes so tiny that it was very hard to cut the curves on all of those hearts.  I could hardly move my hand afterward and I wasn't loving the choppy results (I wanted to say it was "jacked up" but wasn't sure if it was appropriate...decided it's OK inside parentheses).  In the end I decided I shouldn't quit my day job to become a full-time paper cutter.

Paper cut version

Paper Cut Lotus Flower Valentine

This past weekend while everyone was gathered around the TV watching the pre-game of the Superbowl, my mom and I were happily maintaining our own Superbowl tradition...that is shopping.  This Sunday we found ourselves perusing the aisles of Jo-Ann Fabrics when I came across an incredible book entitled, "Paper Cutting Book: Contemporary Artists, Timeless Craft."  Even if you have no interest in the subject you will be amazed at what people can do with paper!  Some of my favorites include Elsa Mora, Patricia Zapata, Emily Hogarth, Matthew Sporzinski, Nikki McClure, Heather Moore, and Yulia Brodskaya.

After pouring over the book I decided what better way to thank my mom for the book than to make her an old-fashioned hand-crafted Valentine's Day card!  And it just so happened to coincide with my super crafty friend Libby coming over for dinner.  So last night we had a great night of dinner, wine and crafting.  What more could a girl ask for?

Tropical Plants

Heliconia pogonantha

In addition to the great birds at Bijagual, I am always impressed with the diversity and abundance of the plants we see.  It was great to have Paul Foster, botanist extraordinaire and director of Bijagual, at hand to teach us about the plant families and to help me identify the subjects of all of these photos.

If you haven't noticed yet, I love repetition in my photos.  Repetition that changes slightly over a series is everywhere in nature (think of your backbone) and I find it both eye-catching and beautiful.  The photo below shows a fruit stalk extending from the center of this bromeliad.  When I saw this photo it reminded me of a fat, green caterpillar with its legs peaking out underneath.

OK, I know what you are thinking... "Not another dried up plant photo!", but I couldn't resist.  Just look at the amazing repetition of the bracts on this old bromeliad inflorescence (thanks for the correction Paul!)

And the next two photos might be my favorites.  The immature fruits of this bromeliad not only repeat, but they change color and twist at the same time!  It takes my breath away!

And speaking of breath, does this last photo not remind you of a lung?  It is actually a philodendron leaf that has not yet unfurled and I find it lovely and a little revolting at the same time.

Philodendron radiatum

Bird-banding at Bijagual

Birding in the tropics is always a great experience, but getting to see birds in-hand is amazing. This year we had a special treat on our trip to Bijagual.  Susan Shriner (Wildlife Epidemiologist & BFF) and George Farnsworth (Xavier Professor & hubby) put up mist-nets on the property for three days and caught 41 birds and 16 species.  In addition to taking measurements and placing a band on the birds' legs, they will test the birds' for blood parasites.

Below you can see a Green Honeycreeper (Chlorophanes spiza) getting his culmen measured.

This photo shows a female White-collared Manakin (Manacus candei) having a band place on her leg...

and then getting ready to be released.

Below are a few more photos with the species name above each photo.

Bronzy Hermit (Glaucis aeneus)

Chestnut-sided Warbler (Dendroica pensylvanica)

Green Honeycreeper (Chlorophanes spiza)

Ochre-bellied Flycatcher (Mionectes oleagineus)

Passerini's Tanager (Ramphocelus passerinii)

Female White-ruffed Manakin (Corapipo altera)

Ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapilla)

Monkey Ladder Vine

Another awesome find at Bijagual was this monkey ladder vine.  This vine was down by the river and it was about as big as my arm.  I love its twisting, aged curves.  Just imaging if you set out to carve such an object...it would be impossible!

I also have to mention that the monkey ladder vine is a liana.  What is a liana you might ask?  It is "any of various long-stemmed, woody vines that are rooted in the soil at ground level and use trees, as well as other means of vertical support, to climb up to the canopy to get access to well-lit areas of the forest" (Wikipedia). 

The point of mentioning this is that the word for liana in Spanish is "bejuco" (pronounced [bay-hoo’-co]) and "bejuco" in my opinion ranks as possibly one of the cutest Spanish words I know. ¡Qué chiquitico!

White-tipped Cycadians

We stayed at Bijagual Ecological Reserve in Sarapiquí for the first half of our Costa Rica trip.  On our first day at the reserve we were lucky enough to see these White-tipped Cycadians (Eumaeus godartii) coming out of their cocoons. It was amazing to see them all come out at the same time, not to mention the colors and the incredible way the wings were folded. 

You can see in the photo below how the wings looked when they first came out...like perfectly flat origami pieces with a hidden surprise.

Below you can see the wings are starting to unfurl.  I don't think I can properly describe in words how beautiful the unfolding process was.  I suppose it is like watching a flower bloom.

Here you can see the wings are completely unfolded.

It wasn't long before their sun-dried wings took them away and all we were left with were dried cocoons.

When I googled this butterfly I came across the Butterflies of America website where there are some great photos of the caterpillars.  Oh, and if you are curious the host plant is Zamia neurophyllidia  - a cycad of course! (Many thanks to Paul Foster, reserve director, for the IDs)

Dried Cecropia Leaves

I haven't posted in a while because after Christmas we (and 20 Xavier University students and faculty) went to Costa Rica!  Every year while everyone else is off looking for monkeys, jaguars, snakes, and toucans I find myself drawn to the ground in search of what I consider to be one of the most beautiful things in Costa Rica - dried Cecropia leaves.

I absolutely love their curvy repetitious arms and the way they decay.  Some of them are nothing more than a skeleton by the time I find them, but the vein structure is incredibly beautiful and delicate, like the one below. 

This bottom photo might be my favorite.  When I look at it I can't help but think that the lobes are huddled together whispering rainforest secrets known only to wise old Cecropia elders.

So next time you are hiking in the Neotropics, watch your step for snakes and these aging treasures resting right at your feet.

Happy Holidays!

Merry Christmas!  

Happy Holidays! 

& Happy New Year!

Mercury Glass

For some unknown reason I am always drawn to things with a vintage feel and mercury glass is certainly no exception.  I love the way you can almost see through it if you hold it up to the light.  Apparently true vintage mercury glass had double walls with silver nitrate sealed between the walls to give the silver appearance.  Although mine are not double-walled, they have now become one of my favorite Christmas decorations.  I usually line them up on our marble mantle and I decorate the whole fireplace with silver ornaments.  Hopefully Santa won't knock them over when he comes down the chimney this year!

Elephant Wrapping Paper

The other night I asked George if he could wrap my sister's birthday present.  He asked me what paper he should use.  I sometimes have a hard time using paper that I love, love, love.  You know the kind that is almost too beautiful to use that you don't want to even take it out of the package?  (Yes I know you are thinking I am a crazy hoarder).  But when I saw this roll in the closet I thought it was perfect occasion to finally use it.  When George finished wrapping and came over to show me my jaw dropped and I thought, "this could quite possible be the cutest wrapping paper in the world!" 

So as the author of this blog I try and anticipate my readers' questions so I know you are just dying to know two things.  1) Where did I get this awesome paper? and 2) What is inside?  I won't hold you in suspense because I am terrible at that.  The answers are that I bought this paper at World Market in Columbus (boo hoo we don't have one here in Cincinnati anymore).  And the gift is a most wonderful book I just read entitled, "Love Walked In" by Marisa de los Santos.  I highly recommend it if you want an enjoyable read this holiday.

And last but not least I would like say "Happy Birthday Girlda! Lots of hugs and love!"

Christmas Flowers

Yesterday the doorbell rang and as I ran downstairs I was surprised to find this beautiful flower arrangement on the porch.  At first I thought maybe they were for my neighbor, but then I read the card and they were from my friend Erika and they were for me!  It is such a lovely thing to receive unexpected flowers.

Of course I immediately started fussing over where I would put them.  I usually have candles in the center of this berry wreath, but I have done that for years.  When I took the candles out and put the flowers in, it took my breath away.  I think I actually let out a little squeal of delight.  It was so perfect there and it totally made my day.  Thanks again Erika!

Vintage Metal Bird Trays

This year when I opened up the big chest where I keep my Christmas decorations these two vintage bird trays were on top.  I remember when I bought these at the flea market I was so pleased with the stylized bird design.  I'm no art historian, but they are so 60's to me while at the same time having a Scandinavian (top one) and Asian (bottom one) flair.  They remind me of the birds from one of my favorite books of all time Designs of Chinese Indigo Batik (this book is a must-have if you like this style!). Regardless, they couldn't be more me and they are a wonderful addition to my vintage metal tray collection.  And if you come visit me this month it is very likely I will even serve you tea and scones on one of them!

Osage Orange #2

OK. I hardly ever do this.  In fact I've never let myself do it before.  But I just had to post my second favorite osage orange photo (as compared to the one posted below).  I am a firm believer in choosing the absolute best photo and going with it.  But this time I just couldn't choose so I decided this is my own dang blog and I can do whatever I want!  So there!  If you have a preference either leave a comment, email or facebook me your choice.  I'll post the results so check back soon!

Osage Orange

O' sage orange

Your wrinkled green orb

Stores the wisdom of summer days

Of moving wind

Soaking sun and rain

Swelling to great heights

Fall arrives

Your tiny umbilical cord 

Bears great weight

Textured, bulging cerebrum

A strong wind

Crack!

You're off

Gravity pulls

For three brief seconds, a lifetime

You fly

Now ants stroll down your twisting, verdant pathways

Spreading your stories and seeds

-Vanessa Sorensen

November Berries

The colors have been so beautiful this year that I couldn't resist popping outside for a little photo shoot.  These berries are from the burning bushes that line our driveway and they are in full flame right now!  I also want to wish everyone a happy 11-11-11! 

Everyday Joy

The other day someone asked me what the theme of my blog was and it made me really pause and think.  After grappling with 10,000 things that came to mind, it became clear to me that this blog is about finding beauty and joy in the everyday things that surround us all the time.  It's about stopping to take note and soaking it all in. 

So that's why today I took a picture of something that I look at everyday that gives me joy.  I have this Highland Florals plate sitting on the table where I dry my hair.  I found this plate at a thrift store in Dayton and I am totally gaga over this pattern (so much so that I have been obsessed with finding more of it on ebay, but that's another story).  I also love how the earrings perfectly go with this plate and that every time I see them I think of my friend Libby who made them for me.  (BTW, Libby just started a wonderful blog you should check out here).  Oh, and I forgot to mention that I really like the pattern on the hand towel you see here... I think I got it at World Market a few years back.  Hope you enjoy this little scene as much as I do...and if you ever see this Highland Blue pattern around at a thrift store let me know!