a gift

Today was sort of hectic and emotional, but the sun going to bed was a gift.

And it's not even Christmas yet.

from there to here

It started with this...

I'm always looking for videos of First Aid Kit that I haven't seen.

They are officially my favorite Swedes.

Which led me here.

And I listened to this...

oh my.

More of that please.  So I went here...

And here...

And these lovely sisters' voices sang the day to the night without my even noticing.

Amazing.

little artist

I've been looking through photos from this past summer.  My niece came for a visit and we painted together.  Here she is working on her first masterpiece on canvas.

Isn't that a brilliant sunset?

She was loving the gold metallic paint.

Really concentrating here. 

So adorable.

cat library

I love this!!

Dad, can you please make one for Lucy?

best beer ever

I miss this beer...

Orange Blossom Ale

If you are going to be within a 50 mile radius of Exeter, CA then you must stop at Orange Blossom Junction and have their Orange Blossom Ale.  

It is the best beer ever.  

In the whole world.  

Seriously. 

It's about 40 miles SW of Sequoia National Park down Hwy 198 and a cold Orange Blossom Ale is the perfect end to a day of hiking among the largest trees in the world. 

mom

My mom is the most awesome person I know.  She's my best friend.  

There is no end to her love and kindness and acceptance.  

My beautiful mom and me circa 1975

I ♥ you mom.

Happy Mother's Day!

risen

HAPPY EASTER!

sunrays escaping from cloud cover

don't forget

It is, like, totally cold in my house right now and my fingers are frozen and I am having trouble typing.  But I do have a little something to share.  I discovered a band called 'Smoke Fairies' this week.  They are rad and make for great art-making music or just turned-up-really-loud driving music.  Check them out here.

This past weekend was spent in Kansas City with my family celebrating my dad's birthday.  Good times.  And my nieces are both so much fun and so adorably gorgeous.  I love them so much (and yes, I do tend to use the word "so" a lot).  If you could only hear the way Raghen says "Aunt Dana".  It's awesome.

Peighton (the most sensitive little girl - which I love - with the biggest heart, who is obsessed with Transformers) and Raghen (who is currently loving jumping and likes to copy whatever big sissy is doing/saying)

  

And speaking of awesome, I came across this today...

Kerry Doyle / Super Swoon

Great advice and people everywhere will appreciate that about you.