Darla.

Well, the Kliphouse family, who were originally going to name their dog Lucas, didn't think that was the right name for her. She has been renamed Darla (so Lucas is up for grabs if anyone is looking to name a dog). I just wanted to post a picture, because she is just so freakin' cute. :o)

The livingroom is done!

Here are pictures of our new livingroom! After finally getting the wall color right, sewing the curtains and finishing the faux-finished wall and swirly tree mural, it has all come together. It's such a happy space to walk into now. The red chair, we decided, was better in it's natural red leather state, and looks beautiful against the sea foamy tinted walls. The punch of primary colors add some funk to the room-- the red chair, a huge yellow floor pillow, and that super awesome vintage blue chair in the corner (that Cheyenne got for $25.00!) Note the cool mirror on the wall-- a Pier 1 Imports clearance rack find, that I painted the vines and flowers on to make it coordinate with the room. And check out the artwork hanging above the TV set-- those are 4 cheap-o placemats from World Market, that we just grommeted and hung with hemp. Light some candles, pour a glass of wine, and the room makes for a super cozy sitting!

Can I has cheeseburger now?

Today...

I took Janis (my van) for a drive downtown (gotta keep her in tip top shape!) and walked though West Asheville today for a bit, soaking in the beautiful sunshine and taking it all in. It's warm out here today, probably in the high 50's, and people are out and about. It feels good and I feel good....better than I have in years. My creative energy is flowing, I'm enjoying a delicious organic salad at the West End Bakery (a great place to get yummy salads, spelt goodies & herbal teas), and life is remarkably good here. :o)

Woody Wood & Hollywood Red at Jack of the Wood

That's a lot of 'woods'. :) Saturday night I stumbled upon perhaps the best local act I've seen since I've been here (so if I have said this before, scratch that). Woody Wood and Hollywood Red were featured at Jack of the Wood, my new favorite Irish pub on Patton Ave. For five bucks I danced the night away to this amazing trio of soul and funk. (I have the feeling that in short time, they will be playing larger venues and for waaay more than five bucks!) Good wine, great people, fun night. Check out Woody Wood's stuff here: http://www.reverbnation.com/woodywood. You won't be disappointed!Check out Mr. Tony Black's (on the left) groovy guitar (which is called a 'Woody')!

The most beautiful horoscope.

I never believe those things. They are generic and can predict the future about as accurately as a misspelled fortune in a cookie. That being said, I am guilty of stuffing a great fortune into my wallet for future inspiration when one comes along after a tasty Chinese dish, and I've re-read this one (found in Asheville's Mountain Express) a bunch of times already:

CANCER
"When I grow up," writes Ramona McNabb, "I want to be a river." In the coming year, that would be a worthy aspiration for you, Cancerian. You'd generate a flood of benefits, some unexpected, by cultivating your ability to be perfectly yourself as you flow ever onward in rhythm with the sky and the earth, unimpeded by the fluctuations of light and darkness, and in love with the ceaseless movement of your own strong currents.

Wow. I still don't fully believe in astrology, but that it just gorgeous.

In somewhat related news, I am designing a series of t-shirts, which will be for sale this summer. I have some funky yet simple color schemes picked out, and they are going to be printed on cotton t's, just in time for summer. I have a few fun sayings and doodles...here is one that I was thinking of working with. There is also a funky owl design, and I'm working on a dancin' in the rain (my fave sayin') design...


Whattayathink? Please comment, or nod yay or nay. :o)

Just because I can.

I love food. As long as it doesn't contain pork product, uncooked green peppers or water chestnuts, I'm all about it. And as long as I have been in Asheville, I haven't had a bad meal. Not even a mediocre one, really. It's easy to eat fresh and organic and healthy in this town. The salads are creative and there is an abundance of vegetarian options on most menus. So I just thought I'd randomly share with you a picture of a delicious dining experience I had last weekend. Sunny Point Cafe. Yum. This place is right up the street from me, and there is usually a line out the door. But on the plus side, they serve you hot coffee while you wait outside and it's a fun and friendly joint once you get in. Ok, this wasn't the healthiest of options on the menu, but it sure was tasty!
This was their signature quesadilla with roasted sweet potatoes, black beans, and goat cheese, topped with cilantro crema and chipotle aioli and a side of my fave, sweet potato fries. Sweet potatoes, weird cheese, extra sauce and something fried...I'm in. :o)

Kids, don't try this at home.

We headed to Hookah Joe's Thursday night to hear some acoustic tunes and enjoy some smoke. Now I'm not a cigarette smoker, but I do enjoy a delicious clove or cigar on occasion. And the atmosphere at HJ's is just right-- a little like hanging out in your friend's basement, but with comfy, leather couches, live music and an extensive menu of hookah flavors to chose from. We tried two types that evening: a plum/apricot mix and pumpkin pie.

It was Susan's birthday (on the left) at the stroke of midnight. We rang in the evening with our little rendition of 'The 12 days of birthday'...but I have to leave out the lyrics because of the vulgar content. (Bad enough I am kind of promoting smoking, here). We passed around the camera to take some pics and just have fun with it all. As you can see, Scotty (above, also a non-smoker) mastered the smoke ring. Impressive.

Oh, hey...meet my new roommate, Cheyenne. I know you can tell my this photo alone, but she is a super rad roommate.

Hmmmm.

Lydia: one of favorite people I've had the pleasure of meeting in Asheville.

So in conclusion kids: don't smoke. And don't forget to drink your Ovaltine. :o)