My Words in Color

Wordle provided a playful diversion and some much needed color to an otherwise grey day. You can create your own word cloud based on your blog, a favorite text or words you type into the application. The above word clouds are based on this blog and my other blog Joy Bucket.

Where's the Rain?

I changed my plans today because of the torrential rain we are supposed to be experiencing. So where are the April showers? Paris maybe? This photo is proof that Paris makes even inclement weather look good.

Reading Wish List: Script and Scribble

I'm the kind of person who would be very happy curled up and reading a good book for hours. My life however does not accommodate such singular pursuits these days, so I find myself compiling a Reading Wish List.

I did manage to read the latest issue of ReadyMade from start to finish the other night (Domino substitute) and came across a blurb about Script and Scribble: The Rise and Fall of Handwriting by Kitty Burns which peaked my interest. I often look at my handwriting and think what happened? I learned penmanship before the personal computer hit and was taught by nuns no less, so there's really no excuse for the state of my handwriting these days. The answer may lie in Ms. Burns' book which goes beyond blaming computers alone and looks at our modern lifestyle for an explanation. I personally hope there is still hope for the art of penmanship.

April Showers Deserve a Good Trench

This afternoon I looked out the window and the sun was reduced to a diffused glow behind the grey clouds. I felt as if I were in some weird sci-fi movie in which the sun has devolved into a Red Giant and can only partially illuminate the sky. Hmm, maybe the less than stellar weather has me down?

I'm sure I'd be happier if I had a great trench coat in my wardrobe to throw on and looked as pulled together as this woman from Lucky's Fashion Copycat. In Style magazine featured a surprisingly great trench from London Fog this month (may be that shouldn't be a shock from London Fog). Unfortunately the extra 20% off from InStyle's April Deals seems to have depleted supplies. Only XL is still available. Wah, no retail therapy for me.

Thank You Forsythia

Here's a little shout out to all the forsythia bushes trimmed and untrimmed that have provided a much needed bit of sunshine these past couple of grey days. Now if the sun would just get its act together!

Photo via The Dessert Years.

Great Scotts and Tartans Too

As NY Tartan Week comes to a close I'm reminded of how much I love men in kilts and a good tartan. I'm pleased my family name has two tartans associated with it, a rather bold district sett and a more subdued family sett. I'd love to order a few yards one day to cover a comfortable old chair. It would be nice to settle in with a good book engulfed in the family tartan.

Not to worry if you don't have a Scottish name or tartan to match you can create your own at Tartan Maker.

Moffat district tartan top, Moffat family tartan bottom.