TOAST

One of my favorite mail days is the day my TOAST catalog comes in the mail. Nice thick textural pages full of inspiring lighting and photos of comfort.  This European catalog is incredibly good quality with beautiful images that take you to another place.

And just look at those knits!  I spend hours thumbing through this catalog for inspiration.  What publications are inspiring to you?



All photos are from the TOAST website.

Dreaming Big

lune vintage

Well, today was magical.

Today was one of those days where you can't keep the lump out of your throat or the smile off your face (and for everyone who has asked, NO we did not get engaged).

It's one of those days where anything is possible because you've been so successful today, how could you not be successful every day?

So I'm dreaming big.

Today I want to take my teas on the road.  Like Lune Vintage and her eggie, or Bean on the Go.

bean on the go

I even found this beauty on craigslist for a VERY reasonable price.  Is it a sign?

craigslist ad

Anything seems possible today.  I'm dreaming big.

I get excited when I read books that use words I do not know.

Incunabulum, for instance.  It's an artifact from an early period, or a book printed before 1501.  I don't know why, 1501, but it sounds like a particularly awkward year.  Just the words, fifteen-oh-one.  Much like twenty-ten.

I love running to the dictionary (computer?) to search within the pages (google search results?) to grasp the word, hear it tumble around my brain and make its way to my tongue, then back to my brain where it's filed away for later use.  It's as if there are still parts within me that have yet to be discovered.

"...this player's gestures stayed inside him, stayed focused upon him, and that gave him an unbelievable presence and intensity. What makes the strength of a soldier isn't the energy he uses trying to intimidate the other guy by sending him a whole lot of signals, it's the strength he's able to concentrate within himself, by staying centered.  That player was like a tree, a great indestructible oak with deep roots and a powerful radiance-everyone could feel it.  And yet you also got the impression that the great oak could fly, that it would be as quick as the wind, despite, or perhaps because of, its deep roots."  --The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery

In case you needed to be excited, too, here's another: assiduously

Go, search, tumble with it for a moment, then lock it away with the parts of you to emerge at another time.

The word "Delphine".

I want to start dressing more like a French woman.  Source unknown.

Is just one example of the amazing things I like today.  I woke up with this word tumbling around my brain this morning and as I contemplated the word over my morning tea I discovered I like it for two reasons.  One, it's French, and I like everything French.  And two, it sounds like the word dolphin (imagine 'dolphin' coming from the sultry lips of a foreign stranger and you'll understand) and that word is filled with freedom, splashes, swiftness, rubbery goodness, and intelligence.  So as I sat staring dreamily out the window, warming my hands on a steaming mug of yerba mate, I came to the conclusion that it only makes sense to name something/one Delphine (to be said in between puffs of a French cigarette (but not really because cigarettes stink) and the tying of scarves). 

I'm also loving bed time stories today.  I've been crawling into bed lately with my ipod and a 'book on tape' (that or foreign films spoken in romance languages with the hope that through osmosis I will become an Italian speaking woman with a French name like Delphine).  I've been listening to "Eating Animals" by Jonathon Safran Foer and I've enjoyed it immensely, however, the story is almost over.  I'm now taking recommendations for my next bedtime story.  What's on your bedside table?

Loving also how when I head to my bathroom all three of my cats race me there and come within an inch of their lives as I close the door.  They like the toilet flushing.

 Moonrover clapotis came out of hibernation.

And lastly, there are few things I love more in the world than renewed inspiration.  It could have something to do with the soothing rain, or maybe it's the excitement of impending warm weather, maybe it's the large super secret project that is nearing completion, but whatever it is, I like it.  Yesterday I took stock of all of my WIPs and hibernating projects and took some to the frog pond (that means I ripped them out, for all of you non-knitters out there.  And while we're talking about frogging, I have something to say on the topic.  While casting off that last stitch is just about the most gratifying experience in the knitting universe, pulling needles out of 200 live stitches is pretty gratifying, too.  Especially when you've outgrown a project and have visions of that beautiful pink yarn turning into something besides its current sock fate.  Never underestimate the power of frogging.), some came out of the hibernation cave (right, this one was supposed to be a Christmas present.), and some went into the deep slumber.  I discovered projects that I had lost the itch to finish that were too close to completion to frog, items that I had cast on for and never gotten more than three rows in, items that were beautiful and full of the perfect combination of yarn and pattern.  So I'm pulling out all the stops and finishing, frogging, frolicking in yarnish delight.

Today I am knitting in fuzzy boots with a cup of tea at my side and Sigur Ros on the ipod.

You can call me Delphine.

A few things to share...

Need some inspiration?

Something delightful to crunch on?


The perfect bath towel?


A hat of magic?


Something twirl-worthy?


A place to carry your latest novel? (Speaking of, what are y'all reading these days?)


A spot in which to daydream?


Inspiration. :)

I love it when...

You go to the bookstore after a sushi dinner and score a favorite book (that you dropped in the bathtub about 3 years ago) on the used shelf for only $4.00.

You find $20.00 in your pocket left over from farmer's day. And wrapped in the bill is a flower petal you found particularly beautiful.

When you're woken in the morning by your honey putting a kitten on your pillow.

You change the sheets, shave your legs and curl up with some tea and some knitting and then it starts to rain.

When you find a recipe for hot buttered rum that uses the crock pot.

When your day off turns into a day at the zoo.

The MASSIVE 100th Post!

I kept putting this post off and off and off because my muse has been hibernating since last week and now too many days have passed and my muse is still sleeping in her comfortable cave but I have a lot to tell you anyway.

First, a few things I love:

... This talk on creativity that mirrors exactly how I feel about it all.



... Crossing things off the list. More on that in separate post.

... I love everything in this etsy shop.



... Obsessed with the music of Sleeping at Last.

... Love this idea.

... And this idea, too!



... Spending time with beautiful people and looking forward to all of the vacations and camping trips coming up!

And second, what I've been up to:

Sean and I re-carpeted the bedroom. This was quite a task and took a very long time and Sean did most of it for which I am eternally grateful. The new carpet color (dark olive green) doesn't exactly go with my bright teal wall, so I shall be painting the wall a nice light sage color. Maybe tomorrow.

I got my nose pierced!! I've had my nose pierced three times over the past 6 years or so and the piercing wasn't a big deal... It didn't hurt much. And now I feel more like myself (although it hurts when I yawn or sneeze or take off my sunglasses too quickly). I always loved having it pierced but kept losing the jewelry so the hole would close up. This time, I have a back up stud and a retainer for client meetings... It feels good to be comfortable in my (modified) skin.


I've learned how to spin! Making my own yarn is just the coolest thing ever. And look at this pretty roving that came in the mail yesterday... I'm planning on spinning it up a little bit later on today... I'll let you know how it goes. I want to learn to ply, but need to learn to keep my twists consistent, first. Then, dyeing my own fiber! Oh the possibilities!


I've been supporting artisans toting handmade goodness. Between roving and yarn and some new art prints for my home (does anyone else get SO bored looking at the same art day in and day out?) I feel like I've added something to a community I am proud to be a part of.

Speaking of, I'm working on a porom hat (rav link) in this beautiful sock yarn by Amy's Rainbow.


Planning some camping trips which makes it feel like summer finally. Summer session is out and we have three camping trips planned between now and fall quarter. Yay for adventures!

Aaaaand lastly, giveaway details! Next week, Tuesday. Be here or be square. Or something. :) I'll be giving away some wrist warmers in a beautiful sage green (rav link) that could be perfect for just about anyone. :) I'll also be working on a blog re-design (providing my muse wakes up and has a cup of coffee before my next big post).

Love and magic and gummy bears to you all!

Things I Love... on Saturday!

Sorry to throw you off but I have things going on tomorrow and free time right now. So without further ado...

... Winning giveaways! Check out this awesome site and bracelet!

... These knitted mitts (rav link). Perfect colors perfect yarn perfect pattern perfect combination.


... My patient, charming, loving, perfect, supportive, glorious Mr. Lobster. Just because. (It's our anniversary in a couple of weeks so expect another gushy session before then... Sorry. :) )


... The idea of kittens being adopted. Not that I don't love my house to be full of kitten cuteness, just that I'm tired of it being unclean, smelling like a kennel, and full of litter and paw prints. I will miss this face, though!


... Working with 2-ply handspun yarn. The color combinations some people come up with are just amazing! Like this one, this one, and this one.

... Tea bowls. I would love some ceramic and gorgeous tea bowls similar to these one day.


... Roving. I'm learning how to spin and now I'm obsessed not only with yarn, but with roving and batts. Here is one of my new favorite etsy links.


... And lastly... To do lists that contain fun and crafty items! Unfortunately today there is a lot of stuff before those items, but I have confidence that I can get things done and have a crafty reward waiting at the end.

A little piece of news... This post is my 99th post. Since my next will be my 100th I'd like to spread some giveaway love. I was thinking knitted giveaway love, actually. Would y'all prefer a chance for a hat or some wrist warmers? Also stay tuned for a blog makeover... I think it's time. :D Leave a comment and let me know which knitted lovely would go better in your closet! (P.S. It will be gender neutral or made especially for the winner... Whichever works out better!)

Hope you all have a fabulous weekend!

Oh alright... Sunday it is!

Look out! Things I love on Sunday...

... I'm sure most of you have seen this but OH MAN. I'm so excited and nervous and the part where she's falling through the rabbit hole gives me goose bumps. Save the date people, I will be having a late birthday party/mad hatter tea party and then dragging everyone to the IMAX to see this thing in 3D. Be prepared!



... Loving this song today.



... I adore this mug! Vintage and fishes!?


... How about this lovely? Not usually my style but the story book ending is just delicious.


... Farmer's markets and how there is a farmers market every day of the week in this county.

... Another etsy find... look at how awesome these are!


... Lastly... today I'm loving quality time with my honey, gen maicha tea, Mirasol Miski yarn, and having clean floors. Today was a really pretty Sunday for me. I hope yours was, too!

... Oh I forgot to tell you... I love my new shirt, too!!

Things I Love on Sunday (on Wednesday)

... This is amazing.



... This is just beautiful. Story telling and photos and it's just so crisp and clean and everything I love.

Days with my Father by Phillip Toledano

... Love this idea of uniforms.

... And I LOVE this (capital love). Will someone buy it for me? I wish I had some extra money laying around! I like this top, too, from the same seller.
... My Daddy. Happy birthday to the best father (coach, teacher, bring your daughter to work guy, carpenter, mechanic, bad-ass mf, tall tale teller, dancer, goofball) I've ever known.

... I'm obsessed with the idea of making this Lady of the Forest Shawl (rav link) to look like this beauty (another rav link) by shoobydoula.com
... I think that's all for today. I have to get up and moving... I'm going to visit the San Jose Museum of Art with my lovely friend Chris and pick up some art supplies. I've been SO busy for almost a week now and I'm ready for some time to myself. I haven't seen Sean for more than an hour since Sunday and I haven't picked up my knitting since Friday! I have two more busy days ahead and then one day to myself. I hope next week will be a little calmer so that I may create and re-energize.

Hope everyone is having a week full of magic, warmth, comfort, familiarity, and dreams of a beautiful life.

Thought I forgot about y'all didn't ya?

... 1 Oh wow! How great are these lovelies? I love this. So unique and gorgeous (I do so wish that I could look at things like this without thinking "I can't buy that... I can DO that.") and I want them all.


... 2 Obsessed with what's on your refrigerator. Show me pictures?

... 3 Speaking of refrigerators... How GREAT are these ads? More here. (The bottom of the ad says "Don't let smells mix." btw.)


... 5 Yeah, okay, not done with the refrigerator art obsession quite yet!

... 6 Super stoked to see this:



... 7 And this has been on repeat. So pretty and still like.



... 8 Another etsy love:



Hope these things inspired you a little. Happy week!

Hey, I love things on Sunday!

Need some inspiration?

... How cool is this idea? Graffiti and moss equals art.

... Yup, it's a cake.

... Kittens!! I have three new foster kittens and oh man are they freaking adorable.


... Socks = rainbow goodness.

... Looooving this lady today:


... Entrelac knitting. Particularly this scarf be this lovely.


... Excited to be opening an etsy shop next week! I've been creating away... Here's another sneak peek (see post below for a giveaway!). This one will be up in the shop next week!


... One more knitted great (rav link) thing. I LOVE THESE.


... Okay I lied, one (another rav link) more. I'm going to knit one of these up for a Christmas gift for my favorite aunt. I'm stoked.


Okay, enough for today. Thanks for playing! Hope you all had a safe and joyous holiday!

Things I Love on Sunday.

... 1 Up up and away!


... 2 Speaking of freaking adorable, has everyone checked out cuteoverload.com? I have to admit... It has become an unhealthy obsession. Who knew the world had so much cute in it?

... 3 Yes, it feels good.



... 4 More cute! Doggie smiles blog entry on flickr. Love.

... 5 Fair isle knitting! I've only completed one project so far (below), but I love the technique! I like how it's quick but different and how you need to pay attention. I'm working on my second hat now, and then on to some cute mittens (rav link)!!



... 6 Daily inspiration for a homemade life. One Pretty Thing.

...7 Craving something for dinner but can't figure out what it is? Try this freaking awesome website. It asks what you want and then gives you a list of possible recipes. LOVE this on uninspiring cook nights.

I think that's all for today... I have a little bit of a cold and people are coming over and it's hot outside. Looking forward to autumn. :) Have a super weekend.

I had to share...

Anybody else bursting at the seams for some creepy Alice magic?!?! More here.

Sunday: Things I Love.

1... My Daddy. He's a rock star.


2... The idea of dreads. I love these journeys and one day I want to have my own. Step one: Don't get frustrated with growing out hair!


3... So excited about this movie! Notice the soundtrack? Can't wait for that, either!



4... Buddha said "Your work is to discover your work and then with all your heart- to give yourself to it." And it has been resonating inside of me lately.


5... This great new project. cheerupnation.com I can't wait to see it take off!

6... This post about basic dignity touched my heart.


7... Old fashioned soda combined with awesome photography? Count me in!


8... She who has filled my stereo and ipod with beauty these past few days. Also check out "Forevermore".




9... It's one of my favorite days today. Do you have any summer solstice traditions to share? I like to write a journal entry that lists everything from the last season that didn't work for me, and then take it to the beach and burn (release) it. A time of cleansing and optimism for the coming months. Celebrate the seasons, the most basic of nature's fancies.


Knitting post coming soon and I hope all the dads out there have a beautiful day today!