Summer Saturdays

The Summer Solstice

Summer wins. So many of my best childhood memories translate me back to grassy suburban yards, the tinkling sound of the ice cream truck, breezy car rides with the windows down, and long evenings in the warm, haziness listening to music and poking bonfire embers with the ever present neighborhood gang of friends.

Everything was perfect.

Now that I'm a "grownup" with responsibility and irons dutifully laid in the fire, rekindling the lush indolence of the summer vaca has required more effort.

I've had to make a mindful effort to enjoy summer life - here are three different ways.

The Summer Read

Ch 9

History + Fashion + Entrepreneurship + Visionary Lady = An Awesome Read!

I picked up The Gospel According to Chanel by Karen Karbo and LOVED it. Reading the adventures of a forward thinking visionary like Chanel who overcame abandonment, the male establishment, and multiple world wars to emerge radiant as a gleaming fashion god was inspiring to say the least. 

Here's one of my favorite "Chanelisms:" There is a time for work and a time for love. That leaves no other time. 

If you are looking for a sprightly, vintage tale filled with witty observations by fellow Portlandian, Karen, flip through this spledid peak behind one of the world's most iconic brands and the strong lady who forged it.

The Summer Garden

I got lost on Mississippi Avenue yesterday. Stumbling around look for some healthy sustainence, I veered into a Healthy Planet (thank god for the Cuban bowl!) to refuel. Swigging some fresh water to wash down lunch, I decided to march up to the corner before making the drive back into town. 

Passing by a tiny garden path snuggly tucked between two buildings, I ventured into what appeared to be a delicious urban nursery. Hark! What's this?! A tidy urban chicken coop complete with well-behaved little hens clucking softly. Had I stumbled into a Beatrix Potter story?

Nope! I'd found Pistils Nursery: the darling gem-of-a-garden-boutique.

Soaking in the quaint and unsual assortment of shrubs and perennials with the chickens chatting in the background I made my way in to the garden-shed of an office. Beautiful air plants dangled from tree limbs and sparkling glass terrariums filled with rustic wood shelves. You'll have to head in and check out the moss balls. Enough said.

Stunning, textural air plants

Pistils Store Front - South Park Style! :)

The Summer Song

Love haunting songs that make your heart lub against your ribcage and your pulse throb in your throat? Me too. I dare you to listen to this spectral melody around twilight when your neighborhood is quiet, warm and restful. Feel the lyrics tug at your spirit...as if to beckon you out into the night toward a midsummer tryst with the shadowy souls of the Victorian departed. Just don't let your evening candle flicker out! ;) 

Sliver of Coldplay's new "Cemeteries of London" lyrics