Gettin girly

self portrait, Canon Rebel Xti

I was a bit late to the whole girly thing. I wasn't a tomboy really, just super athletic and not ever really into the makeup thing. Oh, wait, except for that embarrassing period in the 80's that featured lots of blue eyeshadow and bangs sprayed into a wall jutting several inches off my forehead. You guys remember that, right?

Anyway, I've been very minimal about the whole skin care, makeup, girl thing in my adult life. I feel like a 7th grader when I walk into the cosmetics store. I have no idea what the difference is between cover up, concealer and foundation. I'm not sure if I need a lip pencil or an eyebrow pencil or how you remove all that mascara without waking up with dark circles underneath your eyes? Oh, and one more thing. I have never washed my face. Only water in the shower, no soap or anything else. In my own way, I think I've been rebelling. (Against the whole beauty industry thing and the way women are expected to dress and pretty up)

But lately I've been inspired.

It's mostly as a result of getting older (ack!) and having my hormones go haywire from having a baby. When I returned from Puerto Rico, where I got lots of sun, I realized that my face had new freckles and dark patches. I was a bit horrified... and did some research. It's called hyperpigmentation and is totally common as we age but one more reason to keep our sunscreen on. (A friend of mine has the most adorable spot on her face in the shape of a heart)

In honor of my new post-baby skin, I decided to splurge on my first facial. I have to admit, I felt all glowly afterwards. And I totally drank the koolaid on the whole skin product thing. I am now washing my face for the first time since high school! and mostly because she used the yummiest stuff called Eminence. It's organic and lovely. It is also gently and slowly helping to lighten the darkened patches on my skin. I thought I discovered a brand new thing, but it turns out my sister is also a big fan and my favorite store down the street just started carrying it. I thought I'd share it in case you are looking for a healthy way to feed your skin. I've been loving all of the stone crop products and the SPF30 powder is amazing.

Oh, and I just got an eyebrow wax for the first time ever. Not convinced, but it was fun to try. How am I so late to all this stuff? How do you like to get girly? I'm just learning that it can be kind of fun.

play day

Ben, Lake Anza, Canon Rebel Xti

Wishing you a day of play!

Little Bird

bird on a wall, sf, Canon Rebel Xti

When considering my favorite songs these days, I noticed that something strange was going on. They were all called Little Bird! or something like it. If I could make you a mix cd of my little bird songs, the mix would go like this:

Little Bird of Heaven by the Reeltime Travelers: I have played this song so many times, I think I ruined the cd! It makes me weepy and happy. Give a listen here, and if you want to have it for yourself, you can buy the album here.

Little Bird by Jonatha Brooke: This is off of Jonatha's new album and is my favorite track. It's the sweetest little song in the world.

Little Bird by The Weepies: This is from their newest album Hideaway.

Little Sparrow by Dolly Parton: This album came out in 2001 and made me fall in love with Dolly. I didn't know how amazing she was until I fell for this track.

The Littlest Birds by the Be Good Tanyas: Another fantastic album you must listen to.

I'm Like a Bird by Nelly Furtado: Remember this one? Poppy and sweet... I still love it.

I will wade out

Karen Walrond, Oregon coast, Canon Rebel Xti

I will wade out
till my thighs are steeped in burning flowers
I will take the sun in my mouth
and leap into the ripe air
Alive
with closed eyes
to dash against darkness
in the sleeping curves of my body
Shall enter fingers of smooth mastery
with chasteness of sea-girls
Will I complete the mystery
of my flesh
I will rise
After a thousand years
lipping
flowers
And set my teeth in the silver of the moon

-ee cummings

new music and other things discovered at the taqueria*

sand and sky, Oregon coast, Canon Rebel Xti

The other day I was taking a much needed clear-my-head-so-I-don't-hurt-anybody mama time bike ride and stopped at a local taqueria. Behind me in line was an older man who struck up a conversation with me by making a pun about guacamole. I was immediately charmed.

He was with his family (including his 4 year old granddaughter) and we had a lovely chat about living in Berkeley, being artists and what it takes to make it these days in the Bay Area. We only had a short time, but he was one of those people I immediately adored and could have talked with forever.

We asked his granddaughter's advice about what to do about a baby who is almost two and still doesn't sleep through the night. "Hmmm... she said, considering the question seriously, "Wait til he's three."
This is the best advice I've gotten in a long time.

He then left me with the name of his other daughter who lives in NYC. "Her name is Rachel Garlin and she's quite a well known singer/songwriter. I think you might like her."

Who knew that such a delightful music recommendation would come this way! I think you might like her too. Give a listen to Bound to Be Some Mountains.