May I have the attention of the class?

While attending a recent law school reunion in Williamsburg I happened to visit my favorite bar in the area, the Greenleafe. Lo and behold, my wandering eye found this:

It's an old chalkboard with what looks to be every MBL team logo sketched out in colored chalk. As was the case with the cars in my last entry, I simply don't know what the story is here. I do know, however, that I really like the layout and how it fits in with the rest of the bar decor (you can't tell from the picture, but just trust me on this one!)

I'd sure like to know who the artist was and how long it took him or her to complete this. Check out Detroit's logo in the bottom right--that's some seriously nice work!

That got me thinking (of course). Wouldn't it be a blast to find one or two of these, hang them on a wall, and let your kids go to town with some big, chunky pieces of sidewalk chalk? Sure, they make the chalkboard paint, but I think you'd miss the smoothness of a real board. The adult in me says it would be fun to keep a big honkin' calendar on one, but that adult is fighting with the kid in me who wants to lay down on it and let somebody trace me. To be a kid again!

Have Tape, Will Travel

I have often found inspiration in the most unusual places, especially when it comes to design and decoration. Those of you who have been reading my blog for a while will agree that, many times, I will do my darndest to figure out how to use something way, way outside its intended use! This is one of the reasons why I love, love, love antique stores and flea markets!

That being said, I am conflicted as to what I think about these choices:

Yes, that is blue duct tape covering the fronts of both these cars. What's more, there were three others exactly like them! The explanations are endless. Could one of them have gotten into an accident, repaired his car with tape, and, in a show of solidarity, his friends all did the same? Were they going to a convention of duct tape-covered cars? Was this some sort of street racing club? It's difficult to say.

I do know that I desperately wish I had been able to get a picture of all 5 cars without being too obvious! I also know that the "Unorthodox Use Queen" in me applauds the drivers for figuring out a different way to add a splash of color to their vehicles. You might say it was as if my eyes were stuck to them (sorry! had to!)

While I can't say I endorse this sort of use for duct tape, I definitely give these guys an A for effort. If anybody out there knows where these gentlemen were headed, drop me line. I'd love to know!

Happy Mother's Day!

I think it’s fitting that Mother’s Day falls right in the middle of the nicest part of spring. Not only are the flowers in full bloom (and what mom doesn’t like flowers?), but there are reminders everywhere of just how universal the experience is of being a mother. Take this obviously busy lady for example:

Now that’s a chore, trying to get all those little ones through the parking lot quickly and safely! What mom can’t identify with that? Moms, how many times have you had to navigate a toddler or two (or three…or four…) through the grocery store parking lot while also pushing the buggy and looking for your shopping list in your crowded purse?

Fortunately, moms are nothing if not superhuman, and it all gets done somehow, even crossing the road with a "gaggle" of little ones!:


That’s what being a mom is all about, after all. You’re part superhero, part referee, part shepherd, part doctor, and part maid, with all those parts held together by a big dollop of love! I think that’s why I love Mother’s Day being in the middle of spring, because between the flowers, nice weather, and nice green trees it feels like the whole world is giving moms a high-five. All in all, though, the best reward comes from being able to come home to my own little ducklings every day:

So to all the moms out there, feathered or not, I wish you the happiest of Mother’s Days, and I hope you get all the breakfast in bed you could ever want!