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.