Thursday, May 24, 2012

Cannes Anyone?


It's past the midpoint at this year's Festival de Cannes and needless to say, I am not enjoying an espresso at Cafe Roma on the Croisette this morning. Tant pis pour moi . Instead, I've been getting a dose of French cool watching some of the footage that is posted in the Daily section of the festivals official site.

I've also been been creating my "must see" film list from this year's selection. You can view trailers of most of the films in the Competition category on the site as well.  Here are a few that are topping my list:

Cosmopolis
Moonrise Kingdom
Like Someone in Love
Rust and Bone

Monday, May 21, 2012

Affordable Luxuries #14: Peonies

 

Along with violets and lilacs, peonies top my favorite flowers list. There are a few blooming in our yard right now which are sadly getting beaten by the rain. I'm going to treat myself to a bouquet from the corner deli today while they are still available and enjoy watching them burst in to full bloom. Ten dollars and a few stems pay off in terms of flower power when it comes to peonies.

Images: Girl with Peonies by Espranza Moya
Jackson Dress from Plumo
Drawing Study by Martin Schongauer

Monday, May 14, 2012

Monday Inspiration: Beetles & Beatles





This is so random, it's making me laugh. Which is not a bad thng for a Monday morning.

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Overlooked #1: The Hearst Tower Atrium



I too rarely get the chance to go out at lunch during the week. If I do, it is usually just long enough to run out and buy something to eat mindlessly while I sit at my desk working. The sad state of the lunch hour is a topic for another day and another post.

My point for this post is, that in our haste, we often overlook so much of what is worth seeing in our environment. Fifteen extra minutes away from the office the other day allowed myself and a coworker to experience the atrium of the Hearst Tower and it was worth the little bit of extra time it took. I work only a few blocks away from the building and pass it all the time. I've thought about peeking in before but always feel rushed during the week. Any sense of adventure or exploration seems out of the question.

The space, with its dramatic yet gentle waterfalls, was light filled and upbeat. With the lovely sound of water and as my companion pointed out, a pleasant scent. Perhaps most enjoyable of all, was the guard who greeted us. Instead of making us feel like we were trespassing, he enthusiastically greeted us and took great pleasure in showing off the space where he works.

A stark contrast to the dark entrance of my office where even employees with IDs get the once over. I'd probably be grumpy too, if I spent all day in an atrium with two very large and not very attractive paintings as a view. All atriums should be as original and welcoming. Bravo to architect Lord Norman Foster for creating a truly beautiful space that is green to boot.

I'd Rather Be in Bed



That about sums it up this morning. I'm not a huge fan of mugs with messages on them, but the one pictured  in the background, pretty much captures how I feel in the morning when I make my coffee.

As for the two baby burrowing owls, I think they have the right idea, but where would I find a tea cup big enough to to hide in? You can get the full story of these two feathered friends here.