I Might Have a Slight Problem

I declared to Micky not two days ago that I was not going to collect any shells on this beach trip. 

"I have a really beautiful collection already," I said, "What am I going to do with MORE shells? Psh."

I sounded so sure of myshellf. 

Maybe it's the hippie in me talking, but I think the rust-colored pair in the middle could make a totally cool set of earrings. Right??

- Cathleen 

Artwork of the Week: Illustration by Rhona Garvin

Illustration by Rhona Garvin

Still beaching. I finished AOGG. A pile of tears were shed. (SO GOOD, you guys.)

Nothing much else to report. 

The drawing above was a sketch for what turned into this screenprint. I think I prefer the earlier version, though. I have always appreciated great economy of line. You can see more work from UK illustrator Rhona Garvin on her website (www.rhonagarvin.com) as well as a peek into her process on her blog (rhonagarvin.blogspot.co.uk).

- Cathleen 

Summer Reading

This summer I decided it was high time that I finally finished Anne of Green Gables. Have any of you read it before? I was IN LOVE with the movie series. Like, checked it and re-checked it out of the library pretty much every summer that I spent at my Grandma Cueto's house. I can still remember how much my heart ached with every interaction between Anne and Gilbert. My grandmother was actually the one who gave me a copy of the book with a lovely inscription for my 9th Christmas, and I'm embarrassed to say that I never picked it up. UNTIL NOW. I've resolved to read it instead of watch TV or mindlessly surf the internet while Graham's asleep here at the beach, and already I'm thoroughly enjoying it. The first sentence alone brought a wistful chuckle to my countenance. (Just the sort of thing LM Montgomery might say, perhaps?) 


- Cathleen 

Artwork of the Week: Illustration by Sabrina Arnault

Illustration by Sabrina Arnault

We are at the beach! Emerald Isle, NC to be precise. We arrived Saturday afternoon and so far my main concerns are adequate sunscreen coverage and nap schedule adherence. Sunday morning was spent trying to coax Graham away from the comforts of sandy Cheerios under the beach umbrella and into the water. Progress was made --- after 2 hours and several attempts, he allowed me to carry him in up to my waist, and even laughed when we were blind-sided by a wave on the way back to the shore. But it was all at great cost; I probably brought home a pound of sand in my bathing suit. Speaking of, I picked up a couple of solid one pieces at Target before I left. Pleasantly surprised by the selection; both fairly attractive with decent butt coverage. I recommend a look-see if you're in the market for something along those lines. 

The illustration above doesn't have a title that I could find, but it does have some serious sass. Also Sabrina Arnault's website doesn't appear to be up and running (what gives?), so you'll have to just Google her for more images.

- Cathleen 

Artwork of the Week: Cold on a Beach

Cold on a Beach by Lizzy Stewart

This past holiday weekend, pools across America flung open their gates, peeled back their covers, and welcomed pale swimmers to cannonball into their deep ends. We spent a sunny afternoon at my sister-in-law's pool and despite it being the unofficial start of summer, this drawing completely encapsulates how I looked that day: cold and cross-armed. But it was lovely! Still! Especially watching Graham throw a ball into the freezy water, again and again, after Micky had JUST fished it out. 

You can see more of London-based illustrator Lizzy Stewart's work on her website abouttoday.co.uk

and purchase her art in her online shop here: lizzystewart.bigcartel.com

[Image found via Pinterest on Lizzy's flickr.com]

- Cathleen

Finds and Treasures

It's just a few more days until Brian, the kids, and I are off to the beach and I am counting down the minutes! I am not much of a beach bum but I definitely appreciate the change of pace a vacation brings. Right now I have my eye on these 100% cotton candy stripe bath towels. The colors make me so happy and I love that they are different than the usual big fluffy beach towel. Problem- I can't decide on a color... which would you choose? 

Available through Kara Weaves these babies are priced at an affordable $30 a piece... nice! 

- Grace