a few little corners of life. (and the new apartment)

Grace means more than gifts. In grace something is transcended, once and for all overcome. Grace happens in spite of something; it happens in spite of separateness and alienation. Grace means that life is once again united with life, self is reconciled with self. Grace means accepting the abandoned one. Grace transforms fate into a meaningful vocation. It transforms guilt to trust and courage. The word grace has something triumphant in it.

- Yrjo Kallinen

I couldn't help being drawn to this quote. Saturday morning, I had the unfortunate realization that by bike had been stolen, lock and all. I was too trusting to think that having in front of my building but locked to my steps would guarantee its safety. But, I have learned my lesson and perhaps I will even get a new one soon enough. And this time, I'll take better care of it and take down the serial number. Oh well. As a result of this terrible beginning to my weekend, Christopher brought me this lovely bouquet that is now perched on my window kitchen table. (I am truly a lucky girl) Today, I think I shall create an array of things, from working on my self-portrait to playing a bit of guitar and ukelele.

And this is the view from my window. My kale seems to be suffering in the heat of the summer, but I suppose I can't blame them after tolerating the 96 degree heat of Friday and Saturday.

I found this (not so) little guy in my bathroom windowsill this morning. He has the most incredible wings, really! I just find some bit of beauty in way he landed so gracefully in my window to die.

Our excursion to a thrift shop in Kentucky. He found himself a ceramic Jesus.

This is some old film from last winter. I have never seen such incredible icicles in my life, so I had to document it. I just love some of the candy colors of the buildings in this city and the pure white of the snow seemed to magnify these colors. In the center is the courtyard of Iris Bookcafe with a snow-buried gnome.

I am finding it easier and easier to make my own adventures in this city and I am surprised to say that I am feeling a little more at home as well. This is Liz Trantanella, my new found adventure buddy. She will be giving birth to a boy in October, so we are finding things to do other than drink. Recently, we plundered the sites of East Fork Lake State Park. Pictures of that are still to come, but I want to go back soon. We found the old solid wooden top of a table floating on the shore and completely water logged. It was way too heavy to take, but perhaps it will still be there when we go back...

all my honesty

Natalie