the great photo wall

It started as pieces of paper taped to a wall in different frame sizes.

Then we nailed holes in the wall and hung frames in the design configuration we liked.

But, of course, I changed my mind so we started over and nailed more holes in the wall.

And now we finally have our picture wall.

I would have liked the wall to look more like one of these designs but I didn't have enough variety of frames and by the time I got around to hanging the frames I could no longer return them so I just went with what I had instead of buying new ones. I'll be honest it's a somewhat daunting (and expensive) task deciding what pictures to put in what frames and how to hang them. There are still some pictures I want to change out and I'm also going to change a couple frames so it's not so matchy matchy, but all-in-all I think it's a good first attempt at a photo wall.

Next time I will only buy wall hanging frames and not the frames with the easel backs that can hang on the wall or stand up- that was one of my mistakes with this project which made the task of hanging the frames in a straight line very frustrating. I will also insist that Ebert use a level when hanging pictures. He swore he didn't need one, but he did! You might have noticed that some of the frames are a bit crooked that's because this wall is by our back door so every time we open and close the door the frames shift. Annoying! We have to put something sticky behind the frames to keep them from moving, so next time I will not be hanging this many pictures by a door.

Even though this project took forever and there were some major frustrations along the way, it's nice to finally cross this off of my list. Now...on to the next project!

the hunger games

via happinessis by sleepisfortheweak

I finally saw The Hunger Games last night. Was it good? Yes. Did I love it? No. But that's what happens when a great book is adapted into a movie. There's only so much character development and sub-plot that can fit into a 2 1/2 hour time frame. If you enjoyed the movie, then go read the book. I'd go ahead and get the other two books as well because once you finish one you'll want to start the next one right away. Also, don't plan on doing anything else for like a week.

And may the odds be ever in your favor.

a lesson learned

I learned a very important lesson on Thursday. Not a new lesson, it's something I've heard before but never quite got. I think I finally got it now.

I was driving home from my "day job", I was literally just a few blocks from having left work, when it hit me. You see I left this "day job" filled with joy. Nothing particularly special happened to me this day. It was a usual kind of Thursday where everyone is excited about Friday, errands were run, emails were returned, a co-worker's birthday was celebrated. It really could have been any day...but it wasn't. This day taught me that happiness can come from anywhere. And so I think I finally understand what the Universe has been trying for years to teach me - I can be happy doing other things while still pursuing my dreams.

My mind frame before has been that I need to be suffering while pursuing my dreams. I shouldn't find enjoyment in anything other than my heart's desire because I felt that taking joy in something else would lead me further away from my dreams instead of bringing me closer to them.

I like this realization...that feeling joy brings more joy. It opens the door to so many more wondrous experiences in life. It feels limitless. It feels like my dreams are just around the corner, happening now.

in vibrant color

Although I'm accustomed to a black & white version of Lucy, I'm absolutely loving Lucy in color. She is so striking and beautiful! This exhibit sounds pretty awesome, I'd love to see all of these portraits in person.

Do you agree that Lucy wouldn't have been as funny in color? I think a comic genius like Lucille Ball would (and will) always be funny no matter what.

{all images via nytimes}

spring has sprung

via thestorycanresume

"Everything is blooming most recklessly; if it were voices instead of colors, there would be an unbelievable shrieking into the heart of the night."

~ Rainer Maria Rilke, Letters of Rainer Maria Rilke

weekend fun

via create.your.happy

This was our weekend...the city was our backdrop. We spent time with family and friends, made homemade pizza, drank wine from our favorite vineyard, slept in and went on a couple bike rides. There was no green beer or crazy antics just some rejuvenating relaxation for the busy week ahead. Oh geez, we must be getting old!

can you believe it?

via create.your.happy

This was the temperature tonight at 9:15pm as I was driving home with the windows down. I had dinner at a friend's house where we sat outside, drank white wine and wore short sleeves. This is just crazy! This is not Chicago weather. I've heard some people say that there will be retribution this summer or maybe even next winter, but I'd rather not think like that. I hope mother nature isn't out to get us even though we probably deserve it seeing how we aren't taking the best care of our planet (but that's an entirely different post). Instead, I'd like to just say thank you to her for this blessing of the most beautiful March weather. Who knows maybe she is out to get us and she'll pay us back but for tonight I'm just grateful.

just so you know

via create.your.happy

the artist

Here are a few reasons why I loved 'The Artist'...

The dancing...

via thenewyorktimes

The fashion...

via nonsensesensibility

Uggie, the dog...

via paperblog

The charm...

via cinyma

The love...between George Valentin & Peppy Miller, the love for black & white movies, the love for silent movies, the love for the golden age of Hollywood.

via fromthefrontrow

keep calm and carry on

via youtube as seen on kottke

I never really liked these posters. I'm not sure why, probably because I saw them every where and never understood the desire for the ones that said things like "Keep Calm and Go Shopping" or something similarly ridiculous. But after seeing this video I think I'd like one. There's something beautiful about knowing the meaning behind these words even though they were written in a time of war and sadness and terror. These simple words, why are they so powerful and meaningful now?