My Right Brain

A Visit to LACMA

A few weeks ago we met up with BM (and her adorbs family) at LACMA for an art filled family day of fun.  Child friendly highlights included:

• Metropolis II (a Chris Burden installation)...sooo many cars and so cool.
• Jumping in puddles (which is a traveling exhibit :).
• The Boone Children’s Gallery (kids can paint to their hearts content).
• Chasing KL throughout Urban Light (more running).
• The awesome Stanley Kubrick exhibit (do not miss this one, it's really good - less child friendly but don't let that hold you back - it's beautifully done).
• Playing in the Jesús Rafael Soto sculpture, Penetrabile - aka - Yellow Plastic Spaghetti (although, we weren't sure if it was super fun or terrifying).
• Hanging out Behind the Berlin Wall (located across the street). 
• THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE DAY: Riding in the huge red elevator for 45 minutes straight.  HML was deeply moved by Barbara Kruger's work, so much so that we were forced to physically remove her from the fun.  It was cute (not the crying part) but I did officially learn, you actually can have too much of a good time. #TakeTheStairs :)

A Day in the Life {one day 2012}

The Challenge: Capture one day (a normal day) in middle of the week (I used my iPhone camera) and share the pics on Instagram (you can read more about the project here). 

The Result: I LOVED this idea and was fully on board the minute I saw it on LT's blog.  The challenge of finding beauty in routine and maybe noticing something different is really what inspired me.  I also (unexpectedly) loved interacting with other participants on Instagram.  Here is my one day (Wednesday, November 14th) in 2012:

Inside my bathroom door, a purple hippo observes my early morning rituals:

After I am showered and dressed, I sneak into HML's room.  She is always awake (occupying herself by looking out her window, singing, and hoarding pacifiers) while patiently waiting for her day to begin.  This time shared between us is the most pure and perfect part of my day (I cherish this time):

After a quick diaper change, PJs are swapped with clothing, and she is off:

Her newest obsession is brushing her teeth with Mommy.  She sits on my bathroom counter and essentially eats toothpaste for about a minute straight (we are still working on technique):

We brush together every morning:

We often catch rainbows as I prepare breakfast:

HML's nanny arrives and get's her ready for the day.  New shoes (not to be confused with big girl shoes) haven't been taken off since purchasing them last weekend with Nana:

Saying goodbye is never easy (even if it looks this sweet):

My stop is the 3rd floor:

I work with all dudes, and I adore each and every one of them:

Up and down / up and down / up and down - all day long:

It's not fancy, but it's next door:

Vacent parking lots alwasy freak me out:

A rare evening out, with good conversation and yummy burgers:

Finally home with my love:

Call For Submissions {California Writers}

Even though the novelty has totally worn off (remember HOW exciting it was in the beginning) I am still grateful that Facebook continues to put me in touch with old friends.  Other than being able to stalk their profiles (let's be honest) it's always refreshing to discover the quality of one's work, and be reminded why you liked them in the first place.

Old Friend #1: Charles McLeod, author of American Weather and Natural Treasures (because why write one book when you can write two :) is Series Editor for a new, annual anthology called The California Prose Directory: New Writing from The Golden State.  The anthology is particularly interested in work showcasing some aspect of life in The Golden State, and Californians living outside the state (and especially those writing about California) are encouraged to submit.  Charles has received a number of submissions, but is still on the hunt for innovative nonfiction.

How Old Friend #1 can be your NEW Friend #1: Are you a creative, artist, designer type who loves writing about what inspires or influences you?  Do you want to be published with other unique California narratives?  If you have a piece that you think would be appropriate to submit, reach out to Charles and his team here :).  To learn more about Outpost19 (the publisher) feel free ot say hello, follow them on Twitter, or make them your newest friend (stalking obviously encouraged :).

PS. Click on the book cover to purchase, and support independent publishing!

The Little Things

We spent the weekend catching up on some much needed family time and picking practically every dandelion in our neighborhood (HML is obsessed).  Being together and enjoying the simple things reminds me how little is needed to create that perfect moment.  Not a day goes by where I don't feel incredibly thankful for our sweet daughter and the light she has brought into our lives.

Spotlight On: Guthrie de Bruyn

Name: Guthrie de Bruyn
Business Name: Portraits by Guthrie
Location: Santa Maria, CA
Website: portraitsbyguthrie.etsy.com

What do you make and where can we get it:
I paint custom portraits in watercolor and acrylic.  You can find them on Etsy.

What is your greatest success (so far):
My husband and I purchased our first home last year and relocated to the Central Coast of California.  It’s been a big change from New York City where we lived for almost a decade.

If you weren't doing this, what would you probably be doing:
I’d be a lounge singer.

Who or what inspires you:
I am really inspired by my family and friends.  I absolutely love my family and I really miss all of my friends in New York.  I want them all to know how much I love them!

Favorite Artist:
Chuck Close

Favorite Musician:
Loretta Lynn

Current Playlist:
“To Be Treated” – Terry Reid
“Tower of Song” - Martha Wainwright sings Leonard Cohen
“Bittersweet Melodies” - Feist
“All the King’s Horses” - Robert Plant & The Strange Sensation
“Busted” - Wanda Jackson
“Cosmogony” - Björk
“I Drink Beer” - Dan Reeder
“I Don’t Want to Get Over You” - The Magnetic Fields
“The End of the World” - Skeeter Davis
“When I Paint My Masterpiece” - The Band
“Fist City” - Loretta Lynn
“Bowling Alley Bar” - The Handsome Family
“Lucille” - Kenny Rogers
“Lift Me Up” - Bruce Springsteen
“The Electrician” – The Walker Brothers

Currently Reading:
 “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” by Rebecca Skloot

Five Fun Facts:
1.  I’m in the movie “Prefontiane”. 
2.  When my appendix was removed last year it had gangrene.
3.  I am in a Spencer Tunick photograph.
4.  I didn’t get my passport until I was 28.  Since then I have traveled to Indonesia, Costa Rica and Saudi Arabia.
5.  My favorite car was a Camaro I bought for $600.

Are you interested in offering our readers any discounts:
Yes.  Free shipping!


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I am lucky enough to have a custom portrait by Guthrie and I guarantee you will not be disappointed.  She is such fun to work with, gives you loads of options (watercolor vs. acrylic, color vs. black and white, wood vs. paper) and has the quickest turnaround ever.  Anything custom is fun, but these are a really extra special.  Mother's Day is around the corner, and you know she would love this :).  ADDED PERK: No additionally mounting necessary, the completed piece comes ready for the wall, so easy (even for mom).