american citizen

This morning I was sworn in as a naturalized American citizen at the federal court house in downtown Charlottesville. After living in this beautiful country for 20 years I am so proud and happy to finally call myself an American. I am especially eager to participate in the political process, and the first thing I did as a new citizen was to register to vote. Now I will truly have a chance to help change our country and our future.

periwinklebloom

Periwinklebloom is one of my favorite blogs. I love the way Tyler writes about simple but wondrous things in life while stressing the importance of caring for the world we live in, and each other. Now she has launched an online shop where she sells her beautiful eco-friendly, locally made children's wares. The clothing is exquisite and the site photography, by Greg Rannells, is breath taking.

 

Many of us grownups wish that some of these garments were available in different sizes, like a maybe a 10... But for now, if you have a toddler somewhere in your midst, I recommend scooping up some of these goodies. A letter press paper line is in the works as well. I can't wait to see this endeavor take off and flourish. 

garden sunday

I spent most of my sunday in the garden. Few things makes me happier. By this time of year our garden is like a jungle. Due to my neglect, a few hurricane related rainstorms, and our southern heat and humidity things grow rampantly. So today was spent cleaning up and unveiling hidden treasures under layers of bind weed, grape vines, grasses, and bitter sweet... The asian pears are ready for picking. They are best sliced up in an arugula salad with crumbled blue cheese, or poached in red wine and served with whipped cream.

The garlic chive is taking over my herb garden. It really is a weed, but I love it in bloom, and the leaves are mighty tasty as salad toppings.

Butterflies, moths, and bumble bees are all flocking to the sedums and the chives. Nature in full force.

The fall crocuses are in bloom. They pop up from nowhere and these have the most delicious shade of lavender pink.

I did clean out our garden shed and its surroundings. It doesn't look like much but I am not showing the before pictures on purpose. It is very satisfying to sort out a mess and get things nice and orderly. The shed is lovingly called "Mona's annex", since my lovely husband jokingly threatens to house my mother there whenever she comes to visit. It is made from salvaged materials left over from our house renovation projects. The doors are from our old pantry, the window was once the only natural light source in our kitchen, and the wobbly landing is made from bricks discovered and dug up throughout our yard. I love living in a place with a past... 

awarded

Thank you to Colleen at dizzydezign, for honoring me with the "your cover's blown" blog award. I am flattered and it also made me discover dizzydezign's blog about her fantastic work and life in beautiful Hermanus, South Africa! 

I would love to pass this award on. According to the "your cover's blown" rules I must name a few bloggers who then can continue sending the love by 1. awarding other bloggers on their blog and 2. linking back to this blog in the process.

So here we go. Here are a few of my current favorites:

1. red otter

2. bliss

3. your destiny is stone golden

4. a little hut

5. cicada daydream 

deux fm collaboration

My talented cousin Anna Gilkerson is the artistic force behind the Canadian clothing company deux fm. This summer she and I collaborated on some lace-printed pieces for her Spring 2009 collection. It was exciting to experiment with something new and different, and to discover how expressive lace designs and patterns can be. I love the look of the finished pieces.

 Anna creates lovely and elegant clothes while promoting ethical and environmental awareness. She uses eco- friendly as well as recycled fabrics and utilizes fair labor practices. All of her goods are manufactured and sourced in Canada. Deux fm's beautiful fall line is available now and you can visit their website for more information and retail outlets.

binnie

I know it is not proper to love a bicycle but my birthday gift binnie has earned my unmeasured admiration and affection. This bicycle was made by Raleigh in England in 1937, and I know nothing about her travels and adventures since then, except that someone else loved her enough to give her a name. She has a few new parts, but mostly she is a pre-second-world-war original, and she rides like a dream. No clunks, no wheezing, no squeaks. She has three speeds and old but reliable hand breaks, which is perfect for my short excursions. Most of all she is just plain beautiful! Since my infatuation with Binnie I have been looking for bicycle sources all over the web. Here are a few of my favorite blogs that promote commuting on two wheels in style ; riding pretty, vélo vogue, and chic cyclist.

prelude to fall

The tip of a  branch on our tupelo tree (nyssa sylvatica) suddenly turned the brightest of red. It was almost unsettling amidst all the greenness with autumn still being far ahead. The shimmering colors and the speckled patterns on the leaves are seductive, especially knowing that their appearance is fleeting. This coming week I am eagerly returning to the studio. My mind is brimming with ideas and I am looking forward to attending to my idle projects as well as embarking on new ones. Longing to get back to work is a wonderful thing.

20 years

20 years ago we got married in a small fishermen's chapel on the coast of Gotland surrounded by cows and our immediate family. So much love then and now. Happy anniversary my lovely husband!

random delights

stiksel

Dutch graphic designer Karin's wonderful etsy shop stiksel is brimming with alluring objects such as the upcycled canvas postal bag complete with original printing and straps and the gocco printed patchwork patch that can be used to fix that favorite well worn pair of blue jeans as well as for pure adornment, anywhere. You will also find fun luggage tags, travel pouches, and wallets. Make sure to visit Karin's blog to learn more about her creative life in Rotterdam.

moderna möbelklassiker

if you like mid-century modern scandinavian furniture my friends dorthe and pelle ekelin's swedish company moderna möbelklassiker should be your destination. Their carefully selected pieces are available through their website, where you also can find images of pelle's vast plastic furniture collection. I know the dollar is low, these rarities are quite pricey, and then there is the freight... but lusting for beauty is always free and allowed.

sterling jules

metalsmith julie schumaker hand crafts her jewelry in her Manhattan, Montana studio. Sterling silver is soldered, engraved, hammered, twisted, brushed, and finally embellished with freshwarer pearls, recycled glass, petrified wood or precious stones. The result is a collection of simple, organic, and very elegant rings, bracelets, necklaces, and earrings. These masterpieces are available through sterling jules website and you can also find Julie's work at The Barn Swallow.

naked ladies

The belladonna lilies (amaryllis belladonna) are in full bloom in the garden. They shoot up from the ground on tall bare stems, hence their provocative nick-name. They are deliciously beautiful, and they thrive in our hot southern summer weather.