The Current’s had an eventful Memorial Day weekend jam-packed with fun, photo-taking, travel, family, shopping, and cookouts. Oh, and don’t forget doggies. We carted them around with us, too. We went to Fairfield to see my family and then to Xenia to see the hubster’s family. I tried to capture everything with Instagram (my favorite free iPhone app). I’m thinking about reviewing some of the cool camera apps I’ve snagged soon. Take a look at what we were up to:
Spoon Me with great company and our soon-to-be-sorta-neighbors. :)
Sir Flea Market. I’d totally hang this up. Oops. Searching for a new club. Kicking myself for not getting this kitschy doormat. Need to purchase an outhouse? Non-shoppers. MADE our day running into the pretty, pretty Lauren Monique at her J. Crew.
We both got new hats! :)
Tilly = seat stealer. “Uncle” Zach. Lola loves him. Jungle Jim’s. Best produce in Fairfield. Fixings for my fruit salsa. (No Ugli fruit was used. :))
Cardboard Chapman. Photo-boothin’. Mom and Tills. His fav. My fav. Absolute favorite. My dad begrudgingly lets me ride his scooter when I come home. Troy freaks out. I will get a mint green Vespa one day. Just wait, T-Roy. My bearded hunk. Slick Rick.Sun-bathing at Troy’s dad’s. Baby Troy. Yeah, I know. Cuteness.Family cookout time.
What a great, eventful weekend. We needed family time along with the relaxing couple time we got on Sunday.
I’m a sucker for a good monogram. I love it in jewelry, the home, and photo props. I may even one day like the whole monogrammed towels look (that’s pushing it, though).
Here are some of my favorite web finds:
Frame, wire, pretty letter, clothespin: presto!
found here.
helloooo cool old chair. come to, mama.
found here.
Map monograms – perfect to do with the cheap-o JoAnn cardboard letters. found here.
Bold and beautiful. Oh, and totally DIY-able. found here.
Another great use of the cardboard letters: yarn-wrapped! found here.
Urban seems to ALWAYS have some great letters. Anthropologie, too. found here. found here.
An adorable idea for a little boy’s room. My brother use to have hundreds of micro machines! What a clever use. found here.
I’m definitely thinking of doing some hoop art in our dining room. But I don’t know what I love more in this photo: the simple monogram or the aqua owl! found here.
One of my absolute favorite etsy shop is Mon Cadeau. Simple monogrammed lovelies. I liked her work so much that I got all my bridesmaids little initialed necklaces like this one:
I’d like to think all the girls liked them. They’re simple but pretty. And the shop owner gave me a great discount for ordering four necklaces! I was so envious of my sister’s cute little “L” that a few months after the wedding I ordered one for me. And I recently ordered this necklace from her, too: Only an M hearts T, of course. :) Troy actually told me to get it. I think he just wants everyone to know I’m his girl. What, no letterman jacket? Check out her other pretty jewelry here.
All the novels have a special connection of books being recently turned into movies. My longest review is for Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen because that’s the movie that seemed to be all the rage recently.
Last summer, on my many trips from Columbus to Cincinnati for wedding-planning related events, I listened to a lot of books. Yes, I’m that geeked out. But anyone who has driven that strip of 71 knows the levels of boredom and drowsiness can run high. So, if I had a plot to follow, I stayed awake. Anywho, I picked up Water for Elephants on CD from the library, thinking it might be kind of interesting. This was all before the book blew up the bestseller list so I hadn’t heard much about it. After about an hour of driving, I was hooked. The storyline is so enthralling that I remember sitting in my parents’ driveway not wanting to turn off my car.
From Amazon.com:
“Stripped of everything after his parents’ tragic deaths, 23-year-old Jacob Jankowski has failed to sit for his veterinary exams at Cornell, left with no home and no future, the country struggling through the Great Depression, bartering in goods instead of money. Hopping a train that by chance belongs to The Flying Squadron of the Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth, Jacob hires on to care for the menagerie, his training an entre into this bizarre world; but as the novel begins, Jacob is an old man, restricted to an assisted living home, his memories sparked by a nearby visiting circus and a creeping helplessness that assaults his ageing body.”
>Age is a terrible thief” was my favorite quote because I have a fear of getting old (that’s a whole other post).<
“In the circus is star performer Marlena, an equestrian, is sensitive to the needs of her horses, although her brutal, tyrant-of-a-husband, August, the trainer, is obsessively jealous and given to unspeakable cruelties. Uncle Al, Benzini Brothers circus owner-by-default, is a ruthless businessman who cares little for man or beast, engaged in a quest for fame to rival the great Ringling Brothers. With his advanced training in veterinary medicine, Jacob does his best to protect the animals from their harsh existence, especially Rosie, an elephant purchased to replace Marlena’s lead horse. Jacob and Rosie share an affinity for one another, the huge creature at times almost human. Because of his growing affection for Marlena, Jacob suffers August’s increasing affronts, caught in a cycle of inevitable violence, certain of a reckoning.”
The climax is devastating but the ending is graceful, tying up loose ends and helping you to realize even more the delicacy of life and love. I was obsessed with most of the characters, even August and his many lynch men. And I officially would love to have an elephant as a pet, especially if it was THE Rosie. :)
Something Borrowed, by Emily Giffin, is the epitome of a chick-lit-beach-read. And that’s exactly where I read it a few years ago – on the beach of Oak Island, NC!
Here’s the brief review from Publishers Weekly:
“An unexpected love affair threatens a long-lived friendship in this soap opera–like debut from Atlanta ex-lawyer Giffin. Since elementary school, Rachel and Darcy have been best friends, with Darcy always outshining Rachel. While single Rachel is the self-confessed good girl, an attorney trapped at a suffocating New York law firm, Darcy is the complete opposite, a stereotypical outgoing publicist, planning a wedding with the handsome Dex. After Rachel’s 30th birthday party, she knocks back one drink too many and winds up in bed with Dex. Instead of feeling guilty about sleeping with her best friend’s fiancé, Rachel realizes that Dex is the only man she’s really loved, and that she’s always resented manipulative Darcy. Rachel and Dex spend a few weekends in the city together “working” while Darcy’s off with friends at a Hamptons’ beach share, but finally Rachel realizes she’ll have to give Dex an ultimatum. The flip job Giffin pulls off—here it’s the cheaters who’re sympathetic (more or less)—gives Dex and Rachel’s otherwise ordinary affair extra edge.”
Rachel would be a more appealing heroine if she were less whiny about her job and her romantic prospects, and rambling dialogue slows the story’s pace, but this is an enjoyable beach read—one that’ll make readers cast a suspicious eye on best friends and boyfriends who seem to get along just a little too well.
I liked it- a guilty pleasure like Nicholas Sparks’ books are for my sister. :)
Jane Eyre
Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre will always, always, always be my favorite classic. I don’t know why but I’ve just been hooked since I had to read it in high school. Though the book has definitely received its criticism and the Bronte gals were wholly misunderstood, I liked the martyr-esque feelings that I get from Jane and the turn of events with Mr. Rochester.
Now, I’m not going to even summarize the book – look it up on Spark Notes. I’m super excited, though, for the newest film version of the book to come out, though. I was always a fan of the Timothy Dalton movie version of the book but only because my sister and I were obsessed with the movie Beautician and the Beast. You remember that Laurie? Oh, goodness – Fran Drescher and macaroni-covered tissue boxes.
So, when I heard that a newer, fresher version of Jane Eyre was coming out I was beyond excited! Jamie Bell is in it, too. :) Here’s the movie trailer for the newest version:
Well, we’re talking all things Jane. I thought I’d review an adaptation of the classic that I read for one of my master’s course last semester.
Jane, by April Linder, is a modern twist on the old book.
From the School Library Journal…
“Jane Moore has just withdrawn from Sarah Lawrence as her parents have passed on without leaving any money. She accepts a job as a nanny, working for Nico Rathburn, a famous rock star, at his home, Thornfield Park. She plans on earning enough money to finish her schooling. Despite being incredibly practical and emotionally reserved, Jane falls for the bad-boy celebrity, and he for her. After she accepts his marriage proposal, the little oddities at Thornfield Park are pieced together to form a big problem for their new love. Jane flees from her fiancé and must decide for herself whether she can accept the problem or live without Mr. Rathburn’s love. The relationship builds almost out of nowhere but emerges as a passionate romance. Lindner’s love story delivers an entrancing star-crossed relationship, and it is not necessary to be familiar with the original to enjoy it. A few plot elements seem a little unnecessary to readers not familiar with Jane Eyre, but exist to satisfy those who expect them. In any event, this is a great ‘gateway read’ to interest teens in the original novel and other classics by the Brontë sisters or Jane Austen.”
Here’s my bit of forewarning, though. Linder took the classic up a little too high on the inappropriateness volume. I almost fell out of my chair when I came upon the first of many curse words. Also, I was totally uncomfortable with the older rock star being in love/sleeping with a young 19-year-old. Don’t get me wrong – I’m not for censorship but some of the language and elements were over the top. This will not be a book I’d put on my classroom shelf but I do appreciate the recreation of a classic original.
Just thought I’d share some books. :) I’m on a John Green kick right now. He’s such a quirky author and I’ll have to share some of his books next!
I’m a big fan of typography and art. I’m also a big fan of words (obviously). Here are some fun finds that combine words and art – a beautiful thing!
True statement: (via pintrest.com – my newest obsession and collector of all things inspiring to me!)
We are NOT expecting any little Current bambinos but…I LOVE this idea for a nursery, especially considering my fascination and constant use of old Scrabble tiles. (via style-files.com)
Love this illustration from a favorite song of our’s, “Home” by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros: (via miss-miss.tumblr.com)
In the Keep Calm Shop, you can find ANY activity to do while staying calm…drinking tea, snapping photos, and reading books were some of my favorite but I especially love this crafty one: (via KeepCalmShop on etsy.com)
Not really something I’d hang on my wall…but I know Troy thinks this all the time. Poor guy. (via polyvore.com)
Birds. I love paintings, drawings, and figurines of birds. Too bad the real things creep me out a bit. (via freya-art.com)
Good to remember: (via frenchbydesign.blogspot.com)
Love. Going to make one day. (via FifiduVie shop on etsy.com)
So, so, so true. I’ll make something with this quote, too. My handsome bearded man and puppies – those are the reasons why I love my home. (via designspongeonline.com)
I try this every morning with Troy. Mmm, if only we could live on just cinnamon wheat pancakes. (via acottageinthewoods.tumblr.com)
Mostly true, too: (via ache.tumblr.com)
The following lovely art pieces are my most recent purchases from Etsy. By Katie Daisy at The Wheatfield shop on Etsy.com. I love, love, love them. The Emerson piece will be for the new living room and the Breathe & Smile will be for the newly-painted bathroom (a good reminder in the morning):
(via thewheatfield shop on etsy.com)
Have a fantastic week!
P.S. Rain, rain, go away. And don’t come back for awhile…or until my flowers need more water.
Ever have one of those terrible-horrible-no-good-very-bad type of days? Like Alexander? I remember reading that book all the time as a kid. Well, today has been one of those days for me. Mini-disasters throughout the day followed by the grand finale of me dropping our new (old really, a hand-me-down from my parents) dog cage that weighs a TON on my cell phone. My poor little phone – the only semi-cool, non-smartphone still in existence – got STABBED. In a surreal, movie-like fashion, the tray of the cage fell from the top step all the way to the second-to-last stabbed where the corner landed (stabbed, knifed, punctured, pierced, shanked, wounded) my unknowingly innocent phone. The phone flew up in the air – after being injured – and landed on the cement floor in three pieces. Needless to say, there was a bit of mourning. But there’s always a silver lining. Hello, new iPhone, come to mama. It’s bittersweet because my phone was doing just fine before I stabbed it to death (like couldn’t even get my contacts out of it!).
Here’s the damage:
(photo taken with the new iPhone! The picture doesn’t do it justice – seriously stabbed through the glass/plastic.)
Anywho, here’s a rainy edition for miscellaneous Monday!
(All finds are from Etsy.com – you know how I roll…and apparently shank.)
10. Dog Raincoat Slicker Pink Dandy by treeparlor. Tilly and Lola would NOT be cool with a doggy raincoat – I just thought it was too funny not to share.
I’ve been on a bit of an internet hiatus because WE MOVED! Don’t worry, pictures will be posted soon!
We packed up our little townhome and moved into a spacious, affordable four bedroom house with a ginormous backyard for our pups. We were all excited about the idea – giggly even. I’m itching to decorate (two rooms already painted by yours truly). Troy is dreaming of yard work and mowing (crazy boy) and our furry friends have tails waggin’ and sniffers ready.
(I made these little moving postcards out of leftover craft cardstock from our wedding. The power of a printer and corner rounder! Now, to just get them out to friends and family!)
Because of the move and the delay on the install of internet, we’ve been on the aforementioned online break. I have to admit: it’s been nice. I have a better understanding of why people purposely “disconnect” and, though I don’t consider myself and overly-addicted online user, I think I’ll plan for future offline time. Another big decision we made was to not have TV connected in our bedroom. It’s really a personal decision that each couple needs to decide together. Troy and I had realized we would watch too late and talk too little. Our new TV-free bedroom has been so nice! We talk about our days, do our little devotion, and get a restful night of sleep. I know this may seem minor but it was a big transition for these late-night TV watchers.
Oh, the little things!
I also will have photos of our old place before we packed it up. Good memories but now on to make new ones at our adorable ranch home. :)
This little post is dedicated to my dearest, closest friend, Laurie. My sister. Keeper of secrets. Support beam in storms. Inducer of laughter. And my very best friend.
Today is the day she came into our lives and changed everything!
Happy birthday, dear seester. What would I do without you? I can’t even try to do the imagining for that one. Despite the ridiculous amount of bickering we used to do and my ever annoyance and paranoia that you were copying my every move…you are the best sister a girl could have.
10 Reasons Why Laurie is the Greatest:
Today is her birthday! 22 years! And it’s Pi Day!
She has the MOST compassionate heart ever. Her caring knows no bounds and she will be the greatest teacher.
She is a fellow car-dancer. In fact, I learned most of my mad dancing-in-the-car skills from her.
She is definitely the looker of the Clark girls. And waaaay sweeter, too. She does, however, share the same smarmy sarcasm as me. It’s in the genes.
She has a nail polish addiction (like me – we actually are enablers for the other by constantly gifting one another new colors.) And jeans. The girl has a TON of jeans and t-shirts. Staples to her.
She has a wandering heart and the ever-present itch to see the world.
I took her to get her nose pierced. Yeah, I’m a bad influence but she rocks the nose ring SO WELL. (Sorry, Dad.)
We used to call her “Puddles” when she was younger, like around her potty-training days. You put two-and-two together. Too bad the nickname stuck.
I’m fiercely protective of her. Ask any of her ex-boyfriends. Don’t mess with her or I’ll mess with your face! (ha.)
Her patience to work with others, particularly the disabled, is inspiring. Like makes-me-want-to-be-a-better-person inspiration.
The next book I’d like to recommend quickly made my “I adore” list. Complex and brilliantly written, the novel Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly has been my favorite so far in the year 2011. The story tells the tale of a teenage girl, Andi, who’s dealing with the loss of her brother with little success at moving on. (*Note: her brother was pushed into the street and hit by a bus by a mentally instable homeless man.) She is supposed to be spending her senior year writing a senior thesis and applying to top colleges, but instead she is suffocating in her grief. When her absent dad, a renown geneticist, comes home and finds the state Andi and her mom are in, he takes her to Paris. Once there she finds the diary of a girl her age who was trying to survive during the French Revolution. As Andi learns more about Alex, she learns more about herself, what kind of person she is and who she wants to be. Amongst all this discovery is my favorite element: lots of music Andi is an amazing guitarist and drops several references to great music. From the Decemberists to Pink Floyd, her ability to keep breathing despite the suffering is owed much to the movement of music. I could not put this book down. You’re wondering until the end if Andi will let her grief overcome her and commit suicide AND if Alex survives the horrible beheadings of the French Revolution. Quite the page-turner and DEFINITELY worth reading.
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While on the subject of girls and depression, I’d like to conditionally recommend the book Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher. I say conditionally because it is a highly-controversial book and teachers should seriously consider their audience before ever teaching it. I’m the crazy teacher who will actually be introducing it to a small specific group at the beginning of May. My AP students will be doingliterature circles where they will get to choose between this novel, Revolution, The Wager and Ship Breaker – reviews on the last two soon. I know that the seniors in that class can handle the mature themes of Thirteen Reasons Why.
The subject matter is definitely not easy or comfortable. This is a story of Hannah, a teenage girl who commits suicide and leaves behind a series of tapes addressed to people who she finds more or less responsible for her decision to end her life. The story is told from the point of view of Clay, Hannah’s classmate and one of the people she addresses her tapes to. We listen to the tapes together with Clay who, filled with guilt because of his part, reminisces about Hannah and reacts to Hannah’s revelations. The journey is dark, as we experience Hannah’s descent from the excitement of moving to a new place and first love, to disillusionment in those she thought to be her friends, to loss of trust and privacy, to disappointment in herself and finally to ultimate self-destruction. The issues and experiences of Hannah’s that make the book more for the older student include bullying, rape, under-aged intoxication, and suicide. Think of Mean Girls times ten. I do think that there was a message in there that was of importance: you really must watch what you say and about who. Everytihng spiraled downhill for Hannah after making it onto the “Hot” side of a “Hot or Not” list and from there she was taken advantage of by boys and hated by girls. As a Christ-follower, though, I struggle with the concept that an impressionable, damaged teenager could read this and think that it was such a glamorized and romanticized way of fixing life problem. The focus isn’t on the suicide because she’s dead from the beginning but instead on the hatred that got her there. However, I still wanted to see that Hannah actually cried out for help before she took her life. I guess that would have just given someone for me, the reader, to blame. Still, the statistic for teens who seriously contemplate suicide is 24% and that’s heartbreaking.
What are you reading?
Psst…if you ever want to get a quick glimpse at books without reading the reviews, type in the book’s name at YouTube and you’ll almost always get some great fan-made trailers.
We’re not much for over-the-top Valentine’s gifts here in the Current home but this year we gave some sweet gifts. The gift of MUSIC. For me… tickets to see COLD WAR KIDS. :) For the hubster… tickets to see BLACK JOE LEWIS and the HONEYBEARS! And because we love our furry friends… Have [...]
We’re married! (**please note: Troy’s boogey-board accident, including an injury to his face, is apparent in this photo.) Our wedding was, hands down, the best day of our lives. It was magical and everything we wanted – and wouldn’t have been possible without the wonderful people in our lives. (Literally, that wedding was my only [...]
Let’s just get married already, ok? I’m on wedding overload between all the photographing, participating, and planning. Loving every minute but ready to be a Mrs. That’s all. Hope you’re having a splendid summer. Sorry for my absence. I’m a busy, busy girl. :)
Go here check out the sneak peak of our engagement photos by studio3z. We’re over the moon about them and can’t wait to see how the rest of them turned out. Jess and Brett are by far the hippest married photographers I’ve ever met. We’re very, very excited for them to be there to capture [...]
Spoon Me with great company and our soon-to-be-sorta-neighbors. :)
Second shooting for Amber. 
Flea Market.
Made me think of you, Kyla Beth!
Sun-bathing at Troy’s dad’s.
Family cookout time.
