haunting interior shots

Twin Peaks has been playing in my house lately, yet I'm not the one watching it. However, from a time long ago, that background music is indelibly set in my mind (along with the voices of the characters). As such, they have only added to the mystique of my recent travels when I've taken pictures in the grey/blue light of this Pacific Northwest locale. This time, come inside with me in tiny Centralia, and out on Hood Canal...

McMenamins Olympic Club, Centralia 

The Cabin, Hood Canal.

To tell the truth, this actually started out as sort of a test post since the font on my last one was all wrong. The recent changes to google blogger created some other oddities, too. I'm just trying to live with it all since I can't fix it. Please bear with me!

 Special thanks to Instagram for these photos that I took. It is indeed my latest obsession... 

The Serene Sky

A typical April in the Pacific Northwest is one where the sky is overcast with a serene grey tone. Those intermittent days when the sun truly comes out feels worlds apart from these blue tinged days-- more exciting, yes, yet not nearly as contemplative as the ones where the sky never lets in a single ray of sunlight. From the Mima Mounds of Central Washington to the banks of Hood Canal, see the allure...

At the Mima Mounds outside of Olympia.

Mima Mounds

...back out to Hood Canal which I last blogged about in July 2011.

The runaway beach ball-- eventually retrieved. 

61 degrees Fahrenheit-- time for swimsuits!

Creating our own warmth with endless fires both inside and out. 

I feel like all this grey creates a state of being that makes me think that something pending is just around the corner. Wondrous things maybe. As such, I'll take these days and bake a cake before reading a book while seriously bundled up! No matter the state of the sky, enjoy your final days of April.

Red Current (sweet fruit) at Roq La Rue

It's raining, it's pouring, and since there are only 5 more dates to catch this remarkable show curated by the smart and captivating local artist Sharon Arnold, put on your Wellies and get out the door. Make haste as there are 37 incredibly varied and talented artists whose works are displayed salon style in this swooping space.

Kimberly Trowbridge Arcadia on the back wall (it's massive)

To see what the opening night party looked like, take a look on Hi-Fructose (plus see photos of the artists standing beside their work). I was otherwise engaged that night with out of town guests, yet I hear it was really and truly an epic event. While the fact that these are all female artists is something that doesn't need mention, I did remark upon it to my own (young) artist daughter Miss M as it seems notable that people would never comment on gender if a show only included works by male artists. As in, "Hey, there's a show called White Matter that's featuring 37 male artists." Hmm, no, you would never hear that. Now that I've commented, I'll tell you that this show is indeed overtly centered on women, and yes, it's absolutely amazing.

Pelican Goddess by Mandy Greer shimmering in the sun

My own Miss M is enchanted (as was I).

Seattle is such a great art town. The recent wave of shows and events is pointing in the right direction-- which looks to me to be forward thinking and groundbreaking. It's been a lot of fun, and it feels very welcoming and inclusive. It's also clear that Sharon Arnold has done it again. Be sure and adventure forth to see what she's gathered for show and tell this time!

Photos taken with my iphone 3gs which means no flash. 

The Pelican Goddess would like for you to see her face in person.

spring dreams of colorful festivities

Come the end of February, tiny hints of spring make me dream of fresh flowers, pretty dresses, and gorgeous tabletops set out in a garden setting. Seattle's own events and styling duo Tes de Luna and Sarah Furstenberg have fueled these visions with their ideal (to me) kind of parties. They formed their company in 2011, and aptly named it Crinoline and Tweed. Sounds like perfection, right? 

I invite you to continue along with me and daydream as we wander through some more delightful scenes. 

flowers by marigold & mint

Be sure to look at Crinoline and Tweed's photo gallery for more enticing shots, and read their blog  for further examples of their memorable parties. With their attentive eye to styling, they often utilize natural abundance as the backdrop (via location, flowers, favors), they go the full mile of individualizing each event by sourcing wardrobe items, creating artistic touches like custom invitations, banners or name plates, sourcing the best florists and bakers (etc). It all comes together like the perfect setting in a movie; yet all along the way, they make it look effortless!

mini pies!

I'm planning on attending the March 31, 2012 NW Vintage Wedding Fair to visit with my friends at Crinoline & Tweed, both to see their table, and also to catch what the other fabulous vendors have on display. While I only know of one current 'future bride' amongst my friends, I'd like to continue to delight my own party loving sensibilities! You're all invited...

Photos courtesy and copyright of the ladies over at Crinoline and Tweed.

The Palm Room's Aesthetic

Laid back, cool cat Brandon Peterson opened up his plant-centric wonderland The Palm Room a number of years ago now. Nestled in the center of the historical blocks of Ballard Avenue, his shop has been a welcome delight. Step on in...

Weather permitting, the front of the shop opens out to the street, and come Sunday, the constant flow of people visiting the Ballard Weekend Farmers Market streams by (and of course, frequently inside the shop). Who wouldn't be drawn towards these fantastical plants for their home? 

Above, Marimo plants are artfully displayed. Here's what The Palm Room says about these darlings:

Marimo is spherical algae with a 200 yr growth span~ we sell babies that will eventually grow to the size of a volkswagon beetle, and large mama marimos that have a few years already on them. Cultivated from ponds in Iceland and Japan, these little friends grow faster with wave stimulation and the company of other marimo.

Isn't that something? Below are a two of mine that I've brought home; the first photo is an up-close shot of them in their crystal palace, and the second one shows them hanging out beside my latest Tillandsia (air plant) that I found in my stocking over the holidays. What a lucky one I am!

Now, back to the shop and to the images Brandon sent me! 

Ooh, Aah, right? Recently, the shop has taken part in the (monthly) second Saturday Art Walk. From Staghorn Ferns to the latest exhibition based on a George Orwell book called 'Keep the Aspidistra Flying'. Whoa, giant plant based sculpture based in part upon literature?! That's right up my alley. What about you? If likewise intrigued, be sure to look into their terrarium classes and you can create your own tiny plant world and hence name it whatever you please- and if you base it on a book, be sure to let me know! 

All things considered, it's no wonder that Brandon was recently named a style maker by Luxe Magazine . Here's their photo of Brandon and his dog Jack surrounded by the natural glory of the shop (find the magazine and read what they have to say about all this talent at hand)! 

Snapshot of the Luxe Magazine photo.

In addition to al this goodness, be sure to note that The Palm Room also provides custom garden and home design services. Look out your frosty window and give them a ring-- my guess is that you'll want some indoor advice now, and a whole lot of snow damage replacement for your garden come spring!

Other than my two Marimo photos, the remainder are courtesy and copyright of Brandon Peterson and The Palm Room. Thanks!

Gothic attire in the woods.

Welcome Winter; with your branches bare, and cold, crisp air. On Christmas Day, this photo opportunity took place in the woods beside my aunt and uncle's house. Drama and intrigue abound at every turn...   

What comes next? I do not know-- yet I picture a small, black bear coming out from the brush. How about you? It could be anything, really. A flock of birds taking flight, or maybe even a person fleeing (gasp, I hope not!)...

As for the clothing, it is all handmade (aside from the new Dr. Martens boots). It certainly stems from the Japanese Gothic Lolita look which is a blend of Japanese street style based on Old European Fashion. This young lady's one-of-a-kind personal style is infused with a modern Seattle vibe though!

Here's wishing you your own cozy winter filled with warmth, cheer, and a touch of mystery!!!

xoxo

Photos of Maggie taken on a iphone 3gs using the Instagram app

Nordic Fashion Biennale 2011

If you're in Seattle and love fashion, art films, & the general juxtaposition of modernity and history, then run to see Looking Back to Find Our Future at the Nordic Fashion Biennale which is ending November 13, 2011 at the Nordic Heritage Museum in Ballard. Put on in conjunction with the Nordic House, Reykjavik, Iceland, this fabulous experience was curated by Hrafnhildur Arnardottir. I loved every minute of it-- from the easily wearable to the Avant-garde. Spot the clothing throughout the museum; some of which are arranged so secretly as to surprise and amuse you!

Still from a gorgeous art film.

Thank you to all of the designers for sending your remarkable garments all of the way to Seattle! It's a beautiful and highly varied show that features a multitude of talent. The Norwegian and Swedish parts of me are thrilled to be Nordic, too!

For the sake of getting the news out for people to see it during these last few days, I rushed this post -- including pictures and links to the main sites only. If anyone wants information on certain pieces, please let me know!   I look forward to the next show in 2 years... How about you?!  Enjoy!