Fancy that Friday: Aquatic Arts

Summer is not yet over, though back-to-school ads that are plastered everywhere have me feeling otherwise. There is still time to feel the sand between our toes and inhale the special air that is only found by open water. Let's escape to the shore together and enjoy some aquatic inspired art.

A meditative photograph from The Gingham Owl.

Colorful prints from Nicole Kristiana.

A little bit of solitude from Four Trees Photography. 

Can we talk about this vivid beauty by Leila Hijazi of Illustrated Ink? Amazing, yes?  Leila's entire Etsy store is a magical place full of Dia de los Muertos and old-school tattoo inspired work. Go check it out!

This is one of my favorites by Waterhouse, Circe Invidiosa. 

Cruise the Caribbean with this lithograph by the late Charley Harper. 

 Let's not forget the ultimate aquatic artist: Esther Williams. Swimming never looked so glamorous. Flowers, fountains and flames ahead! 

Happy Friday!

Fancy that Friday: Stormy Weather

The summer has started out rather stormy for those of us living in the southern half of the state. After nearly two weeks of turbulent winds, pouring rain, and menacing water levels, the Sunday sunshine felt particularly radiant. Although I am the type of person who requires a sweater 98% of the time, I will take a cool and coastal day over hot and humid hands down.  I revel in a rainy summer day. I enjoy the sweet scent of wet pavement and earth, the pattering upon the rooftops and trees, and the inexplicable calm that befalls a bustling city. Sometimes I wait to run until the rain has started; it feels so fresh and invigorating. Early evening thunderstorms are THE best. Perhaps I am better suited to the Pacific Northwest?

This week I fancy:

this tempestuous wallpaper via Design*Sponge.

these Dropit wall hooks are an example of beauty in simplicity. Like Anna at Door Sixteen, I really dig the black and natural finish.

this print.

this set of mugs. 

feeling like a super hero in these*, these or these !

Simple Pleasure

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The sound of church bells on a hazy, dreamy Saturday evening.

Scenes of Summer: Time to Decompress

This week I am out of town for a music education clinic and a dear friend's wedding (congrats Kim!). When I return to Mil-town it's time to get down to business revising the curriculum, reading articles and books, writing essays, designing lessons and projects, and planning concerts. The Lake Geneva Symphony summer series kicks off in July, studio lessons resume, and some family events are also in the mix. Whew!  Knowing that July will fly right by, I made sure to slow down, decompress and savor my week of vacation. Here are some of my favorite moments:

 

Fancy That Friday: Sail Away

My dad grew up in Milwaukee, spending most of his childhood along the shores of Lake Michigan. He loved to sit and watch the sailboats tumble on the waves. He eventually learned how to sail, and helped some family friends maintain and build (!) sailboats.

Although my dad moved inland for a fantastic lady, he made sure his kids experienced the joys of his childhood. I have many fond memories of trips to the beach, hanging out at the McKinley Marina, and feeling the cool lake breeze on the deck of a sailboat. I'm quite certain this is why I really, really wanted to live near the lake- it has always felt like home. 

This weeks round-up is inspired by a relaxing Father's day along the marina.

McKinley Marina

A most wonderfully fluid work by Tobias Tovera

Simple Pleasure

A radiant, city sunset as viewed from my window.

Fancy That Friday: Summer Solstice

Next Friday is the summer solstice, the longest day of the year for those of us in the northern hemisphere. For some folks the solstice is just another day, while for others it cause for celebration and bears spiritual significance. During this astronomical event I cannot help but marvel at the awesomeness of our universe. For billions of years this rock that we call home has traveled along its celestial path, spinning and tilting the whole while. With each rotation we living creatures are granted a fresh beginning; each axial shift ushers in a new season. This week I fancy to celebrate the solstice with:

this view of Lake Michigan.

More after the jump!