july '24 favorites
Small things that made my July just a little bit better.
exploring
Despite my lack of color theory knowledge I enjoy mixing colors. The unique shades and hues discovered along the way motivate me to test and experiment plus I’ve found it’s a good way to use up those random paint colors. Occasionally I use paint right out of the tube but normally I find a way to sneak other colors into the mix.
reading
This small book by Austin Kleon is quick and easy to read with a smattering of bold text, quotes, and artwork offering visual interest (my husband actually thought I was reading a comic book) as well as advice. I grab it off the shelf when I need a boost of encouragement and a reminder to be generous, to keep sharing, to press on regardless of my perceived inadequacies.
Live the full life of the mind, exhilarated by new ideas, intoxicated by the romance of the unusual.
—Ernest Hemmingway
inspiring
Thank you Maya Angelou for suggesting that we can all be a rainbow in someone else’s cloud.
eating
I couldn’t begin to tell you how many batches of this guacamole I have made through the years. I suppose there might be more authentic versions but honestly probably not as tasty. Naturally, I am biased as the recipe comes courtesy of my cooking mentor, Ina Garten.
I cook with wine, sometimes I even add it to the food.
—W.C. Fields
following
YouTube: Leanne Morgan is perfect for those days when you need a quick hit of humor. She is just so, so funny.
Pinterest: Kelly Rae Roberts boards reflect her cheerful and sunny art—a refreshing change from my own color palette.
Instagram: Renee Mueller is one of my favorite artists. Everything she presents is beautifully arranged and curated. Take a class from her and you’ll know what I mean.
interesting
Do you agree with this best-of-vanilla ice cream list? Makes me think I might have missed my calling. Research never looked so good.
You can’t do anything about the length of your life. But you can do something about its width and depth.
—Evan Esar
growing
This month’s bounty of raspberries has been a real treat. Picking a handful each day is exactly the goal I had in mind when I planted them a few years ago. I highly recommend having a small patch even if you live in the city like we do.
exciting
Meeting Spanish artist Alfredo Romero (on the right) was such a thrill. His collage artwork is captivating—from a distance, the design draws you in, and up close the patchwork of gritty materials is fascinating. His innovative techniques came about by his desire to capture the past and merge it with the present. I am inspired and intrigued by his art especially as I have traveled through Merida in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico where his art originates. Watch some of his creative process here.
You don’t have to be all things at all times. Sometimes you pour for others and sometimes you refill your own cup.
—James Clear
launching
My son Blake and his wife Melanie just launched their new company, Team Pickleball. The website is live and product will be available for purchase soon. In the meantime be sure to check out The Playbook with lots of helpful information about the game and the Sustainability section which details the recycled materials used in production.
I’m curious, what’s on your list of favorites?
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