all i want for easter

I have NO idea why I never knew about these massive bunnies before. They are known as British or Continental Giant Rabbits and with good cause...because they are massive! Look at this fella! Now some of you may know my dog Murphy the Irish Setter who tops the scales at nearly 70lbs...but i think this giant bun could give him a run for his money...
of course, Murphy decided to take a nap whilst curled up in a ball in the shower last night so we know he's a few sandwiches short of a picnic.
I'd like to see these two go on a picnic. And that's really All I Want for Easter.

(pssst...wake up Murphy...I've got a surprise for you!)

j'adore Loie!!!!!!!!!

some suggest that her dancing was simply an illusion... that her skills as a dancer were not really up to snuff...that her enchantment of fin de siècle Paris was more of a parlor trick than true talent...but I beg to differ. Loie Fuller twirled off the precipice of modern dance while the others simply teetered on the edge. She infused dance with mystery and sensuality and became a muse to Toulouse-Lautrec and Pierre Roche amongst many others. Her light and fabric show was a multi-media extravaganza when there were only a few "media" to unite. This "Electric Salome" has been a favorite of mine for years...but this chilly winter she is the inspiration behind a new line to debut shortly at t8designs...stay tuned!

happy new year!

the arachnophile

I admit to being somewhat of an Arachnophile. Spiders have always intrigued me and while I don't much appreciate it when they bite me from time to time... I can't help but forgive them and continue to marvel in their artistry.

Each autumn I usually "make friends" with the spider who sees fit to build its nightly web outside my house. We share pleasant salutations with one another. I compliment its current web, say I'll leave the light on to attract some food, tip my proverbial hat to its web building acumen in the face of brusk, windy nights. I imagine the spider is appreciative yet wary of my interest. As others of my species tend to shoo her kind away or (shock horror!!!) smush them upon sight. But I hold fast to my belief that the spiders eat the "bad bugs" and any arachnid that is going to eradicate mosquitoes is a friend of mine.

So I was intrigued when I heard the NPR story about the "million spider tapestry" currently on display at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. I was relieved to see the "No spiders were hurt during the making of this tapestry" disclaimer attached to the article. And was shocked to learn the undertaking took 4 years at a cost of a half-million dollars. I definitely want to check out this tapestry in person. But I think the most wonderful thing of all is that in spite of the incredibly creative and intricate workmanship, cost, and time required to create this tapestry, it's beauty pales in comparison with the webs I see outside my window at night. The spider continues to inspire us all. But we will never improve upon its innate skill and showmanship.

Anna & Zooey

I was so excited to see this Zooey Deschanel/Joseph Gordon-Levitt video today - inspired by, but unrelated to their new film (500) Days of Summer. It's set to the She & Him (Zooey & M.Ward) song "Why Do You Let Me Stay Here?" and if you don't own the She & Him album (one of the best from last year...go get it now!)



There are so many parts of the video to love and admire. Additionally it reminded me of one of my favorite moments in the history of film...the Anna Karina/Sami Frey/Claude Brasseur cafe dance from Bande A Part

Brunhild

Some days it is best to take on the persona of a warrior - in spirit, body, mind, and ensemble.

Referencing classic literature, film, and music is helpful in this pursuit. And thus I offer Fritz Lang's Siegfried's Tod for inspirational consideration.

introducing the cluster corsage

It's official. Spring has sprung. There are buds on the trees. Crocuses popping up in strange places (thanks to those silly squirrels) and it's time to celebrate color, texture, and the bountiful beauty of the season. This spring t8designs debuts the cluster corsage collection with exquisite statement necklaces (above) and some slightly more demure bracelet styles (below)

HOPE

Today I want to take a moment to express the immense hope I have for my country as we welcome our 44th President, Barack Hussein Obama, into office.
I've been wearing the locket to the left all day and truly embrace its sentiment.
I just heard a report on the news that despite the enormous crowd assembled in Washington DC to celebrate this momentous occasion, there was not a single arrest made. Over 2 million of my fellow citizens congregated in a confined space for an event eagerly anticipated by many and everyone remained respectful of everyone else. That is what this country is all about. Respect for ALL!
I wish you all the best President Obama, and you have my full support as you embark on this difficult journey.