A Life of Grace

I Used To Have A Blog

lifeofgrace — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 03:36:20 +0000

Oh man. This might just be the biggest stretch of time off I’ve taken from here. And, I hate that, sort of. I love looking back and reading over my old posts. It’s sort of my only way to keep track of my days, the boys, our adventures.

These days nearly everything in my life has taken a back seat to the all consuming project that’s been in my lap and on my mind: the Goldfinch cd. Recording it was the culmination of so many long years and days and nights of experiences, so much work, so much heart break and history, so much love. And, then, it sat. Needing editing, mixing, tweaking, mastering. The days turned into weeks and months and I was feeling kind of crazy. It’s sort of like having a baby, I guess. In the process I’ve had to come to terms with the things in my life I’ve had to let go of. I just can’t do it all: momming, wifing, friending, banding… At least not all well. But, this is a cycle that will, I think, come back around and I will again be back in balance. It seems to go that way for me.

I miss my friends. I miss blogging. I am trying to keep up with my kids and have time to spend with my husband. I love all of these great people in my life. It seems corny to say, but, my record is being released on Saturday and I love it: my creative baby. I hope each of you can hear it. We are playing this Saturday at the New Frontier in Tacoma with David Bazan for the record release party.

Goldfinch

San Francisco: The Art Post

lifeofgrace — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 17:26:06 +0000

The overreaching theme of our San Francisco trip was the Art. Everywhere, hidden, exposed, chaotic, classic, planned, tower sized and minute. Our eyes were constantly inundated with images: inspiring our minds, rejuvenating us. For me, the timing couldn’t have been better as I explore my own interests in sketching and stenciling. The two biggest displays we saw were at the de Young Museum where, unfortunately, no picture taking was allowed: Andy Warhol and Yves Saint Laurent. Both visionaries, both possessing unprecented minds, both artists who I’ve never given much attention to. I felt my mind nearly bursting with beauty. Here are some highlights from around the city.

San Francisco: The Us Post

lifeofgrace — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 18:17:13 +0000

Our first trip together without the boys. A cheap flight, a cheap hostel, no car, four days. San Francisco was, quite simply, magical. We walked for miles, rode the bus, discovered the city in all it’s strangeness and beauty, and saw more in our few short days than we’d even hoped. I’m terrible at sorting pictures and leaving any out just feels horrible, therefore, I’m going to chronicle our trip in three posts centered on three different aspects of our trip: Us, The City, and The Art. Here is Us.

Break

lifeofgrace — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 22:04:33 +0000

I would just like to point out that I am at home, sick, and in bed for the second day. It is gloriously sunny outside my bedroom window and I have a great deal of things I have to do before Pat and I leave on Monday for San Fransisco. That is all.

I Saw You Standing There

lifeofgrace — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 21:59:45 +0000

This morning, during a cold and windy game of hide and seek with Titus, amidst my own lack of enthusiasm at my husband’s urging for me to look around the garden, I was gifted this. My very own monkeyshine ball, way finding itself right to me via it’s own route after I decided to stop forcing the hunt. A treasure of art, surprise, and thoughtfulness. How lovely. Thank you, Tacoma, for new friends, inspiration, and a beautiful beginning to this (Chinese) new year.

A Glimpse

lifeofgrace — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 00:02:57 +0000

This is the rough and very unfinished version of the newest stencil poster I’ve made for my band. It still needs some text added (where? when? why?). But, I do love this one because, first off, I did a better job planning this time and the whole process has involved less mistakes. That is good. Also, there were some strong themes that showed up that only began to be clear to me as I finished through the sketches. Solidarity. Community. Collaboration. Unexpected patterns. These are what I see in this. Of course, it is open to interpretation.

This show is going to be beautiful.

Slumber Party, Take Two

lifeofgrace — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 03:28:59 +0000

Remember this? One of my very first posts on this blog. A lot happens in young-human world in what is considered a short period of time by us grown ups. Tonight Titus asked to have a slumber party again with Theo. It lasted about 3 minutes longer than the first slumber party attempt over a year ago. Think of next year. These boys are battling their way into brotherhood and are finally at the hugging stage. I tell myself it will be sweet in a couple years when Titus is done being a bully, but we might get there sooner.

Fifteen Minutes: A Wordless Vashon Ferry Post

lifeofgrace — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 17:21:59 +0000

We Do This From Time To Time: Twins

lifeofgrace — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 21:30:23 +0000

My sister and I seem to have these random twin clothing moments. And she’s my twin, so that’s cool. In the top picture I am wearing my overcoat because it was cold on the boat, but under it us my black zip up hoody, just like hers, with a longer tee shirt under it. Just like hers. And, her scarf got lost, but she was wearing one too, I swear. I know there are more pictures out there like these…. have any, Glory?

Ikea And The Future

lifeofgrace — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 21:07:48 +0000

Yesterday was family Ikea trip 2009, an adventure of epic proportions exploring and brainstorming some long term ideas for our new place while picking up some more mundane items (bathroom garbage can, coat rack, etc.) All in all it was a good trip and the boys stayed in pretty okay spirits thanks to the play center there and a mid day stop for meatballs and berry soda.

Pat and I found ourselves on a creative process together, being inspired for our future, problem solving some of our layout issues in the apartment, and agreeing on far more ideas than we expected. Maybe that’s what 8 years of being together has done for us. Neither of us wants to be materialistic, neither wants to go into debt getting the “perfect” couches or shelves, but we both want our home to be lovely and a warm expression of the things we care about: hospitality, creativity, sensible design, and frugality. I think we’ll get there in time.

It’s taken a while, but it is a strange thing to be at an age where I finally know what I like. I like natural colors and fibers. I’d prefer a woven grass mat to a fancy acrylic carpet any day. I like wool, uncolored and unmessed with. I like storage boxes and the idea that everything could one day have it’s own place. I like uncluttered spaces, unexpected colors, and simplicity. I like the idea that my home could inspire my family to live well.

Here’s a little montage of my current inspirations.

Thanks to Ace Hotel for the above picture, and Natalie, I linked to your terrarium photo above if that’s okay.