Wednesday, August 26, 2009

The Big One

One year ago, today, I started writing Under A Paper Moon, and, looking back, part of me can't believe it's already been a year, while another part feels as though it's been much longer. Life is the same and very different too.

Mark Burstyn

One year ago, E and I were in the midst of a major life transition (admittedly, a transition we are still making.) At the end of E's second deployment and as his mandated time of active duty service was drawing to a close, we made the difficult decision to trade our military life for a civilian one.

A lot of life, for me, was spent looking ahead during that time. "When, when, when" chorused through my head often. When E gets home. When we figure out what is next. When we get settled again.

Writing a blog, where I could share my love of all aspects of design, revolved around one of those whens; I imagined once we were finally settled into the next chapter of our lives, I would begin writing, as I'd imagined doing almost since the first day I discovered the world of blogs.

I started planning for the moment that "when" would arrive. I contemplated names. Content. Features. I felt I needed everything to be thoroughly mapped out, to know each step I'd take, and the direction where I'd steer my blog before I began writing.

E's job search took longer than we'd anticipated, and, as life seemed even less certain, suddenly, I found myself faced with the realization that I needed to do something for me in the present.

Not "when," but now.

Life wasn't settled as I'd imagined it would be, nor did I have a completely clear picture of the road map for my blog. But, with E's encouragement, I simply began.

Although, this summer, I've been looking forward to this anniversary at the "end of August," today arrived with less fanfare than I'd planned, mostly because as life continues to whiz by, this first anniversary arrived much sooner than I expected!

Now, here I am, one year to the day and 245 posts since my very first one, and I'm feeling rather unprepared.

There is so much I couldn't have anticipated on Day 1, not least of all, the people I would meet through blogging. Whether we've met in real life or only talked through emails and comments, I've encountered so many warm, kind, and talented people since starting my blog and that has surely been the biggest unexpected joy of this whole experience.

I've been lucky to have support and encouragement from my family, especially E who has listened to all the ups and downs I've encountered while navigating this path, and for them, I am truly grateful.

I am also extremely grateful to all of you who, in a very busy world, carve out time to read, comment and share bits of yourself with me here; thank you from the bottom of my heart, and I hope you'll join me as I venture into the second year of Under A Paper Moon.

Monday, August 24, 2009

Whale of a Tale

While their preppy brethren are often adorable (as evident here, here, here and here,) I've found myself rather smitten with more nautical and slightly serious portrayals of whales.

The Splendid Present Ltd. via 1st Dibs
I've had a crush on this sweet guy for months now; I think what I adore most are his little teeth! With a $12,000 price tag, this antique weathervane won't be mine, but I do hope he finds a very happy home.



Also, for some whale artwork that would look perfectly at home in a little boy's bedroom, look here and here.

Friday, August 21, 2009

Weekend Escape

After discovering this morning that E's car was broken into and vandalized overnight, I can't say the day transpired the way I'd imagined it would. I can say with certainty, however, we are now ready for the weekend to begin!

Tim Marsella

We're heading out of town for a couple days with friends, where we will be soaking in the warmth of these late summer days while lazily floating down a river.

Chris Craymer

With the busyness of life as of late, a getaway, albeit a short one, where our main concerns are whether we've applied enough sunscreen and brought enough to drink sounds extremely refreshing. Barring any other small setbacks, I hope that is exactly what we find the weekend holds.

Kate Powers

We may be departing later than we intended, but I think I may be looking even more forward to our arrival now. With this group, I know lots of laughs will surely be awaiting us, and I'd say laughter and the company of friends is a fitting end to long day and a perfect way to officially kick off the weekend.

Sasha Eisenman

Whatever your plans are this weekend, I hope it is filled with merriment and laughter! See you next week.

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

{Early} Moments- The Dress

Last week, we looked at brides in the midst of beauty routines in the {Early} Moments of their wedding day, and today, we're moving on to the breathtaking moment when a bride dons her dress; if she doesn't already, a bride truly starts to feel like one in that instant.


Sheree & Song- Our Labor of Love

Laura Negri Photography

Nancy & Adam- Bloom Photography via The Bride's Cafe

The seemingly mundane tasks of fastening a hook and buttoning a button are elevated to something much sweeter in these wonderfully delicate photos, and I love the tenderness that is captured in each one.

Monday, August 17, 2009

Emerald City

I am smitten with this necklace and ring; the combination of emerald green and gold in these pieces has me hooked! I think they would pair beautifully together and would love to see them as a set.

Friday, August 14, 2009

To the Birthday Boy

E isn't overly keen on birthday's, more specifically his own, but I, however, love a good birthday celebration-- especially those for my family and friends! Perhaps it is because I came into this world on a day people across the globe celebrate, but I think birthday's are certainly occasions for rejoicing.

Melissa Punch

Take today. This day is an important one to me because it is the day E was born, an occasion for which I am truly grateful. Cheesy? Perhaps. But very true. I hope you all will indulge me as a take today to wish E a very Happy Birthday!!

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

{Early} Moments- Makeup

Before my first semi-formal dance in high school, my mom insisted on taking photos of me putting on my make-up. Although I went along with it, I didn't understand why she wanted to capture those images; once the film was developed, however, at the risk of sounding vain, I had to admit there was something intriguing about having documented those moments of preparation.

I love seeing photos capturing the early moments of a wedding day; the moments spent getting ready for the big event. Moments that are surely filled with anticipation, excitement, and nerves. Moments that are sometimes spent alone and often spent surrounded by friends and family.

To start the next installment in the Moments series, {Early} Moments, I'd like to share these beautiful images of brides in the midst of their big day beauty routines.


Saturday, August 8, 2009

A Day of Fun in the Sun

Please forgive my relative silence this week, but I've been busy enjoying the company of my youngest brother, truly one of my best friends, who has been here visiting us before he heads back to college for the school year.

His trip comes way too quickly to an end tomorrow, but before he heads home, I'm excited to be taking a day trip to the beach! I often forget just how close I am to some beaches now that we're here in Houston. While they might not be world-famous, for me, a sandy beach is a sandy beach, and I can't wait to feel the the hot sand between my toes, especially since it has been way too many years since I last planted myself on the beach for a day!

Catherine Ledner

Paul Cruz

Amanda Pratt

Amanda Pratt

Chloe Mallet

With that, I'm off to enjoy my last full day with my brother, and I hope, whatever your weekend holds, your days are full of happy moments with your family and friends too.

Monday, August 3, 2009

Summer Love

I'm having a bit of a love affair with this Max and Cleo dress; I've had its window open in my browser for weeks, and, almost daily, I've returned to stare and admire. I have a feeling, subconsciously, it even influenced my last post (note a striking similarity in the neutral color scheme...)


Adore the dress as I may, the paper-bag waist might not be quite so flattering on my body, nor likely would be the short bodice. Perhaps the dress knows this and is staying away in order to let me down gently, because I must admit, as of yet, this affair is a bit one-sided. Sweet dress, if I am wrong about you, however, please know I wouldn't mind should you show up unexpectedly at my door.

Friday, July 31, 2009

Neutral Retreat

There is something soothing about clean, neutral spaces, like the ones below, and, while I am not sure I could live with such an absence of color on a daily basis, these rooms seem like perfect places for some rest and recuperation.

Anna G. Tufvesson via Desire to Inspire

House Beautiful

Phoebe Howard

The white clapboard walls, in the rooms above, convey a sense of a slower-paced life, a feeling that practically begs you to breathe easier. The bedroom below feels more urban than the other spaces, but it still has the same relaxing appearance.

Paul Whicheloe Photography

What do you think of these very neutral rooms? Could you live in one all the time or would you prefer such a space only for a temporary escape?