Home from New York, but my thoughts are still there. I've cleaned the house, mowed the lawn, done some laundry and given Dusty a bath. Things needed to be put in order. I made this little guy a few weeks ago. I've added an inset to show his back fabric. I love him! His eyes are slightly different colors and his mouth and nose a hopeful shade of blue.

Tony's brother-in-law Max died unexpectedly last week.

Max was the Verger at the St. Thomas Church in Manhattan. He was a father, husband, son and friend. He looked after people in his life with tremendous love, thoughtfulness and conviction. Max was feisty, opinionated, charming and good. And it goes without saying that he was taken from all of us too soon. Much, much too soon.

Max Henderson-Begg

January 4, 1962 - May 14th, 2008

Eighteen years ago today, my father died of ALS. He was forty nine years old. He loved big (and was loved even bigger). Yeah, there was always a whole lotta love around in our family. And laughter. And living in the moment.



My sister is working on a film project about him and about our experience with long term illness. It's a giant project, a huge story but one that needs to be shared, and I'm so happy that she's doing it.

Such sweetness...


This is a recent painting by my mother, Joan Suskin. I think it's just incredible. And deeply hopeful.

Just got back from a visit with my mom and sister in Los Angeles. More later, I just wanted to share some stills from my mom's house, which is always so full of wonderful things. Once again I find myself wishing for more natural light, or for a camera that was able to find more light.




But then I guess that's what windows are for...

My good friend Moll will be in NY for the stationery show the week of May 18th. If you have a shop and go to such things, you may want to stop by her booth and soak up the goodness. What are the chances, right? I have no idea if any East Coast shop owners read this blog, but what the heck...





I'm in Los Angeles for the weekend, visiting my Mum and sister. It's a trip that's long overdue.....

Cupcake shoot!!!

Spent Friday and Saturday taking marketing pictures of my friend Alissa's beautiful cupcakes. I think it's safe to say that we were both in our element. More here.



We used my house as the location, so I could have stayed in my pajamas all day, eating cupcakes, taking pretty pictures and brainstorming ideas with a good friend. Life is sweet! I'll make sure to let you know when her website is up and running so you can order some cupcakes. Happy Monday to you...

This is the delicate, breathtaking work of Lena Wolff.

Some time ago (maybe a year?) she was part of a group show at a local gallery in San Francisco and having seen snippets of her work online I decided to go. I wanted so much to see it all in person, but when I arrived it had mostly been taken down. There were two pieces still lingering around though, so I got a sense of what I'd missed. Her work is slightly dimensional because she uses pinpricks and cut paper and acrylic and she mixes it all up with circles and nature and sillhouette and balance and she creates this beautiful calm.




Makes me happy, this work. Have a wonderful Saturday everyone..

This video is by my friend B.

Such good things come from B.


night after sidewalk. from brigadoon on Vimeo.

How is it that I can click on a button and find myself sitting shotgun with a far-away friend on her drive home from work? How much do I love flickr, blogs and the internet? Music by Kaki King. More Bridget-style-movies here.

Beam me up, Bridget...

The most beautiful belated Birthday gift was delivered to my doorstep this afternoon, from three people I flat-out adore: Romy, Moj and Erica. I'm beside myself about the utter sweetness of this present and the sentiment behind it. My heart cockles are completely warmed.



You probably recognize this as the work of Tamar Mogendorff. She is one of my absolute favorite softie artists. The first time I came across these bird pieces I felt seriously inspired. Her work can be found in many places, not least of all Erica Tanov and Cog & Pearl. Romy and the gang spotted this work of genius in Erica Tanov and now I can't decide if it should hang over the dining table or in our bedroom. Such big problems I'm having lately.

P.S. This gift was not only for me it was also for Tony.

P.P.S. Mom, you should definitely look at Tamar's link (then click enter and use the arrows to scroll through her creations). You will love.

Got back from Sydney yesterday and this morning slept till almost noon. It was so good to see my dog, who seemed almost as tired as me. Here are some final images from my Sydney meanderings:

Found david met nicole in Surry Hills and treated myself to the prettiest vintage necklace. Then they stapled this old greyhound racing ticket to the front of it's envelope when I bought it. Of course I'm completely against dog racing, but visually/aesthetically I was impressed.





Bought these lovely, simple clogs from Funkis. I've been on the hunt for clogs for awhile now, another line of clogs I've been eyeing are these.


Finally made it to Cloth. LOVED cloth....


These were some of the scraps I bought:

Just one of the many dogs of Newtown..