Ruby Ride

This biking season has started off so slowly, in fact I didn't think it would ever finally get here. I kept waiting for the urge to drop out of the gym routine and jump back on the bike and feel breezes on my face as riding along. It took until early June this year for this feeling to happen; a sad record for me.

But now that it's here, it's all that I think about. I watch my weather app with play-by-play focus trying to will away any rain clouds to the west. I can't wait to leave work and get on board Ruby and ride into the sun. Tuesday night I rode past a flock of sandhill cranes in a farmer's field - a reminder that there are many things to enjoy other than a great cardio workout.

Eastern Market

On a glorious Saturday morning, Detroit's Eastern Market looks vibrant and full of color, opportunity, and people. It's days like this that give me hope for a brighter future for this hardened city. Yes, there is still a long way to go before we're able to reclaim our status as a world-class city but perhaps it's a new dream, a vision of local flavor, artists, and community pride.

Happy Birthday Stella

To my Stella,
As we celebrate 7 years together, I can truthfully say that I have enjoyed all 70 thousand miles in your care. All the sprinty roads, hugging curves, and jolty mountains have made me smile in a way that I never thought driving could. Thank you for some very fine motoring. And here's to 70 thousand more grin-inducing miles together.

Vacation!

Although its been a few weeks since I was in Playa Del Carmen, the zest I felt from this trip is still keeping me going. It was a delightful getaway- full of sun, relaxing days and breezy nights. Literally, it was so windy! March is called the "windy month" for a reason. The staff was charming and wonderful as always. We can't wait to return.

Paper Flowers

Don't we all need a little springtime flowers right now?  Ours are on their way here in Michigan, the sprouts are just beginning to poke through.  Can't wait to see the first signs of true spring where the color starts to take over the brown ground.  Spring, I believe in you!

The Picture of Summer

Let's go on a journey to a warm, comfortable place and enjoy being on a farm, in nature, and sipping the luxurious bounty of world-renown grapes.  Quick, let's do it before everyone else finds out about this place!

Judging by a Label

I have a confession; sometimes I buy (or don't buy) wine based on the quality of the design on the label. I think it's a consequence of my marketing sensibilities - if the winemaker wants to make a good first impression, then they must design a good label. I know there are many wines (and beers, books) that eschew this reasoning. But when I'm walking through the isles and selecting a choice, I always go towards something that is visually pleasing to me. Subjectivity is my prerogative. I hit the jackpot with this wine; it's bold, colorful, and modern, and the label did not lead me wrong.

A Visit to the Ladies

These beautiful ladies are part of a wonderful, clucking pile of chickens that our friends keep in their urban backyard. I love the tenacity of these feathered creatures. They survive a Michigan winter huddled together in a small pile in their enclosed coop, then reemerge in the sunshine to scratch, cluck, and claw around their abode. They free-range too, pecking at the dirt and being generally cute. And they lay the freshest "butter eggs" that I've ever had. Thanks, ladies!

A Shout-Out to Marimekko

Today's Google Gadget is a very spring-y tribute courtesy of Marimekko.

Isn't She Swell?

I adore this elephant!  She is so happy and festive - the perfect picture of optimism.

California Dreaming...of light and art

Morning Edition on NPR today had a charming story of a So Cal artist in the 60's creating his art not from the eternal ocean but by the streets and hills around his studio.  The "riotous calm" of these paintings were the best mood lifter for those of us in cloudier climates.  Enjoy a few moments of this great art today.

This is where I want to be today

Farm Fresh

It seems that everyone is getting on the backyard chicken coop bandwagon nowadays. The feathery creatures are certainly adorable and no one can argue against the taste of fresh, buttery eggs. It's amazing to me how popular these animals have become in hipster culture. They're everywhere in creativity-land!

This ad COUNTS

Every once in a great long while I see an ad on TV that stops me in my tracks. The Nike Fuel ad did this for me yesterday while training on an elliptical machine at the gym. Not only was the timing impeccable (I COUNT!) but it held my rapt attention for the full minute. When was the last time a commercial did that for you?

The Lattice

Diamonds of sunlight through the lattice fence
calmly marching, an army of light.
Time passes
slowly in a tropical haze.
Breathing is intentional,
my footsteps are not,
until nightfall.
When the maracas russle and guitars
fill the air with their laughter.
And the sunlight retreats
behind the lattice.

A reminder to be open to inspriation...

Oh Hawaii, must you invade my head everyday?

It's The Year for L.O.D!

2012 is going to be a celebration of orange! This is going to be so much fun! - l.o.d.

Navy

Thanks Kate Spade for this playful wintery folly!

Day of the Dead Celebration

Today is a day of celebration, to honor the lives of loved ones with color, food and life.  El Dia del Muerte is here!  Aren't the colors glorious?

More thoughts on the Day of the Dead celebration at Look Around Here