happy father's day

for my dad from Miss Allaby on Vimeo.

australia: land of tomorrow

Emigration poster 1948. Museum of Victoria, Melbourne, Victoria

 
It's finally here! the day I leave for my big Australian adventure!!  Up to now, I've pretty much been an armchair traveller.   I've never been further south than Florida or further west than St. Louis. And now I'm about to fly 10,000 miles to the other side of the planet.  This would be a trip of a lifetime under the most "ordinary" circumstances - two world-class cities, breath-taking coastal drives, wineries and wildlife - but it's so much more special because I get to spend it with my dearest friend Lori who I haven't seen in 6 months!  (almost to the day!) 

this was us then...

This is by far the longest we've ever been separated in our 11-year friendship.  So the idea that I get to see her in less than a day and half has me completely giddy.

Not sure how much I'll be able to blog during the trip but there will be many photos and stories to share!
xo

paddling with dad

Usually when I'm on the island in the summer Dad and I try to get out for a kayak every day.  I thought I'd return the favour this morning.  The scenery is quite different paddling through the centre of town.  And Dad informed me that the river "smells a lot different than the ocean" (in a tone that suggested he did not think it was an improvement on salt air).  But a great morning all the same!

brunch and the bride

On Sunday we got together for a bridal shower over brunch for my good friend Hannah.  I'm so honoured she asked me to be part of her wedding party and we've already had lots of fun getting ready for her wedding later this summer.

making plans

I haven't even left for Australia yet and already the trip has been so much fun.  Making lists, making plans, anticipation - these are things my dear friend Lori and I love.  (And why we're great travelling companions and friends.)  There have been more and more excited emails and giddy Skype calls as the trip draws closer.  She has the most amazing adventures planned for us and I can't wait to share them all with you.

The other evening as I was sitting down to write her an email she rang up on Skype to run a plan by me.

She suggested doing our platypus paddle on the evening of the 26th instead of the next morning. We'll get to see the glow-worms at dusk (seriously!) and then head to Apollo Bay on the coast for the night.  Next morning: the Great Ocean Road.

And I told her that I had been literally sitting down to write her that June 26th is a full moon (because we are the sort of girls who care about such things).  And now we would see it over Apollo Bay instead of inland and how perfect was that.

She agreed that it was meant to be.

I love it when a plan comes together.

Also I've had this adorable and happy song in my head since that conversation.

think pink

Photo: design*sponge

Stylist: Selina Lake

There are not a lot of drawbacks to having a large master bedroom but excessive wallspace can be one.  Especially since the slope of the roof means none of the walls are high enough to really handle large scale pieces. So I am completely smitten with this pretty girly collage I spotted at design*sponge today and now would love to do something similar over my writing desk.  

The collage is the work of UK stylist Selina Lake.  You'll want to see the whole post and drool over the eye-candy.  Love a girl who's not afraid of pink!

best gym ever

thank you for being a friend: r.i.p. rue mcclanahan

Ruesy took Blanche out into orbit where I never would have gone.
She flew off like a butterfly with that role.

Betty White

5 reasons to love the rain...

street scenes

 1966 Educational Poster from France from EmporioGitane on etsy

sweet scenes

Breakfast at Tiffany's

umbrellies

from ataleoftwocities on etsy

wellies

and, of course, gene kelly!

happy birthday, ms. monroe...

I have feelings too. I am still human.

All I want is to be loved, for myself and for my talent.

 Marilyn Monroe

My Aunt Minnie would always be punctual and never hold up production, but who would pay to see my Aunt Minnie?

Billy Wilder on Marilyn Monroe

When you look at Marilyn on the screen, you don't want anything bad to happen to her. You really care that she should be all right. Happy.

Natalie Wood

I am not interested in money. I just want to be wonderful.