A November Collection

In my many hours of trawling the Internet, flitting from one link to the next, I often happen across a photograph, an item of clothing, a piece of furniture or something else that strikes my fancy. Typically I tuck those links away with the intent to revisit them later when I need a little inspiration or a gift idea.

With all the holiday gift lists I see popping up left and right now that 'tis the season, I thought it might be nice to share a few of the things I've enjoyed in the past few months. Things that might be just right for that special someone you know.

For the host or hostess:

gleena ceramics

For the friend who likes a little whimsy in her wardrobe:

crave jewelry design

bambako

For the many friends who have little ones on the way:

antiqued baby tile, The Inglenook Decor

For the photographer in your life:

lomography diana dreamer camera

For the colleague whose desk could use a little brightening up:

three potato four

For the adorable niece who lives much too far away:

doll's pram, all the luck in the world

For the husband who owns a state-of-the-art ping pong paddle:

the curiosity shoppe

And finally, for yourself, as a reminder of the beauty in the everyday:

2010 calendar, on montague

(and visit Amy's blog to enter a giveaway for one of this lovely calendars!)

I must say it has been quite a bit of fun putting this collection together. I think I just may make it a monthly exercise.

Note: If you think I might have found an item via your blog, which may well be the case, please let me know and I will give proper credit for the find!

Just Can't Get Enough

We all know that there is loads of fun to be had with Flickr, but have you seen this website?

Be forewarned. It's a little addictive. One could easily while away an indecent amount of time experimenting with color combinations if she were so inclined.

These shots come from the magical mix of photos that Flickr spun out for me today.

Montauk

There is something special about visiting the beach in the off-season.


Perhaps it's the wide open vistas of windswept sand and bleached driftwood without a soul in sight.


The thrill of solitude after months spent in close quarters with millions of other New Yorkers.


And, of course, what can compare with the joy of feeling the wind in your hair and sand beneath your paws?

Turquoise

1. Grass on turquoise, 2. Turquoise, 3. Mosaic in Turquoise and Rust, 4. Lady of Turquoise, 5. turquoise Cuff 2, 6. turquoise and cream, 7. Terra cotta - Turquoise, 8. Turquoise door - Albuquerque Old Town, 9. Turquoise Tunnel Silhouette, 10. Ma che vuole questa???, 11. Firstborn, 12. my new turquoise sidetable....., 13. turquoise and gold, 14. three leaves on turquoise, 15. Oxidation in Turquoise, 16. Turquoise Dream


There is just something about the color turquoise that makes me think of sunny skies, salty ocean breezes, the soft rustle of palm trees and a tall glass of something frosty.  

What about you?  What colors evoke a picture in your mind?

Summer in the City: The High Line

One of the last things I ever expected to see winding through the rooftops of lower Manhattan--about level with the pigeons, power lines and escaped helium balloons--is a pathway bordered with prairie grasses and wildflowers, but New York City never ceases to amaze.

The High Line is an abandoned elevated train track that has been refurbished and landscaped and opened to city dwellers for strolling, watching the sun set over the Hudson River, and yes, even napping.

The old train tracks have been preserved and the landscaping makes it appear as if nature has begun to reassert herself, eclipsing the rusty leftovers of the modern world.

As you walk, the bustle of the city dims to a low hum. If you listen carefully, you can actually hear songbirds. And somehow, (though you know you must be dreaming this one) it feels like you might even be breathing fresh air.

A few more photos here.