Walks with Heidi

Spotted this handsome Red Admiral butterfly yesterday afternoon, while on a walk with Heidi.  He was lazying the day away on a neighbor's butterfly bush.

Kayaking on the Brandywine

Dan celebrated his thirty-third birthday a few weeks back.  In honor of his special day the two of us took a day off of work, woke up early, and drove to the Brandywine River for a day of kayaking.

The Brandywine River Valley, located just outside of Philadelphia, is really a sight to behold.  I had been introduced to this region without even knowing it when I fell in love with the work of American realist painter Andrew Wyeth, particularly his scenes of the Kuerner Farm and his Helga series, while studying Art History as an undergraduate.  Wyeth,  a realist painter, was inspired by the rolling hills and farms of the Brandywine Valley and the surrounding countryside.  When I travelled to the region for the first time in 2006, while visiting the Brandywine River Museum (which features a collection of three generations of Wyeths), I felt as if I had just stepped into one of his paintings.  Now, we travel to the region at least once a year for our annual Memorial Day picnic at the Chaddsford Winery or pass on through while traveling to meet friends.  And every time, I still can't keep Wyeth's haunting images out of my head.

Our little kayaking adventure was another chance for me to experience Wyeth's landscapes, but this time via a 13 mile trip down the Brandywine River.  It was a wonderful day, and hopefully the beginning of a yearly tradition.

During our 3 hour kayak trip, we did not see one other soul on the river (aside from the normal aquatic life!)

Northbrook Canoe Company was amazing.  We started our trip at the main office and were greeted by a very nice man from Northbrook at the end of our trip, who drove us back to get our car.

Dan made friends with a few little ducks.

Everything was so, so lush.

Absolutely no one in sight.  Heaven, frankly.  

A happy birthday boy.

Everdeen Earrings in the Shop!

The Everdeen Earrings were received with such great response in my giveaway that I have decided to release them early into my Etsy shop.  The rest of the collection is schedule to be released mid-July so keep your eyes out for them!

Everdeen Earrings

Now in my shop!

The Everdeen Earrings are adorned with hammered copper tear drop shapes that give the earrings a very organic look.  Faceted Labradorite coin-shaped beads are suspended at center and wire wrapped to a vintage, raw brass chain.  The earrings are finished with hand-forged brass ear wires.

The Everdeen Earrings are part of my upcoming limited supply Summer/Fall Collection.  Please stay tuned for more!!

The Devon Horse Show and Country Fair

This is a photo heavy post, so I'll keep my commentary brief!  Since moving out of the city last October there have been certain things that Dan and I have grown to really, really miss- particularly this time of year, when the nights are warm and it's so easy to while away the hours seated outside a cafe or riding our bikes through the city.  But its nights like last evening when I am reminded just how fortunate we are to have found ourselves in our new town- Wayne, Pennsylvania.  

Sure, it isn't quite as exciting as our old neighborhood, but it has its own small town charm and offers us little treasures like the Devon Horse Show that just really put a smile on my face from ear to ear.

We decided to visit the Devon Horse Show last evening, at the spur of the moment, when a few friends asked us to join them.  I'm so happy that we did.  The Devon Horse Show, founded in 1896, is considered to be the oldest and largest outdoor horse show in the United States.  Dan and I, having never been to a horse show, were like children in a candy store.  There was such a charm to the place and it was a prime people watching event.  To be honest, having come just from work, I felt a bit undressed but I'll be prepared to wear my finest sundress next year, and perhaps a nice big ol'hat, too- because, why not, right?

I'll also come armed with a picnic basket full of treats and a bottle of wine and make a nice romantic date out of it.