Hometown Icon Par Excellence: Corn Cob Water Tower

Appropos of nothing and out of the clear blue randomness, a favorite icon of my hometown (Rochester, Minnesota) is the awesome Libby's corn cob water tower. This beacon of "all things corn" still (comfortingly) graces the skyline after all these years. Ah, the glories of the midwest.

Extreme Disney cuteness.

Poolside cutensss from our recent stay at Disney's Saratoga Springs resort.

Grocery shopping is one of our great, great pleasures.

It has finally arrived. The long anticipated opening of a brand new awesome grocery store just steps from our home -- yes, the Shirlington Village Harris Teeter is now open for our 24/7 shopping pleasure. Our lives are now complete.

Poised for Rockstardom: No Second Troy

Up-and-coming DC band No Second Troy rocked Iota Saturday night to a packed crowd. Lead singer Jeff Wharen (a neighbor in our building with his lovely fiance) never missed a beat, even turning a microphone glitch to advantage, jumping in with a killer crowd-pleasing acapella riff on Neil Diamond's Sweet Caroline. Yes, trust me, only Jeff could make that song cool.

Seriously, if you like intelligent, smartly perfomed indie rock check out this group's hot sound. Recommended in particular is their compelling and romantic track "Into Your Sun." You can catch these rising stars live at the venerable Black Cat in Washington, DC November 2, 2007 at 9:00. Wishing them every success on their way to the big time!

New Fav Fiber Artist: Molly Miller By Appointment

I had the pleasure this fine afternoon to meet a fellow CREST (Capitol Region Etsy Street Team) member and fiber artist extraordinaire, Molly Miller at a Trunk Show of her work at Le Village Marche in my own little neighborhood enclave of Shirlington Village. Her work is absolutely stunning, and the patterns, colors, textures and fibers she uses are exquisite -- she is truly a couture artist of the highest calibur, and it was inspiring to meet her. Oh, and by the way she is as pretty, sweet, smart and kind-hearted as she is talented in her craft! Only later from reading her Etsy profile did I find out we have a common interest and background in African Affairs, having both travelled in the Sudan. I love that she donates some of her profits to helping the Southern Sudanese to improve their lives -- it is really true that once you have been to that corner of the world, the plight, resiliance and spirit of the Southern Sudanese gets into your soul and touches your heart forever.

You can see Molly's work at her Etsy shop, or her website. I covet one of her rich, cozy scarves to add some new flair into my winter wardrobe. Her pieces would also make fantastic Christmas gifts for the hard-to-buy-for sister, girlfriend, or aunt. Molly, you are divine -- all best wishes for your continued success!

Lucky Cat Necklace Series

Having recently got my mitts on some fantastic Japnese Maneki Nekko focal beads, I have begun work on a "lucky cat" necklace series, which are now listed on my Etsy site. More soon!