i’m from there… Well, kinda. I went to high school in Houston and so in the scope of things I was really was only there for a few years. My parents no longer live there — so that’s my excuse (see below). I think no matter where you live there’s always more to discover but I have to admit as an “artist” I’m thoroughly embarrassed that I just found this gem. My cousin Allison is finishing up her PhD at Rutgers (so proud) and this weekend she was in visiting from New York. She has studied all over the world and seen so many amazing things but still one of her TOP places to visit was the Rothko Chapel in Houston, Texas of all places. Needless to say, I was shocked that I had never been, let alone not KNOWN about it. And I call myself an artist?? The experience was… tough. Allison told me this was Rothko’s last major work before he took his life in 1970.

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i’m seriously excited… So I’m driving on Mockingbird today (Sunday) late afternoon and it’s about oh — 107 degrees outside (just miserable). And I see this sign “KAYAK RENTALS” on White Rock lake. Finally!! I’ve always wondered why we don’t have more activity ON the lake. Restaurants (please someone!?!), kayaking, any daily activity for the public, etc. There are tons of festivals and we love the dogpark but not enough daily activity that anyone can do if you don’t have a sailboat. I admit, it’s a bit toasty mid day in August to kayak but late evenings and early mornings are great. Owner Amy Ebert moved here from Austin and she used to kayak all the time on Town Lake. She is certified by the American Canoe Association (ACA) and after four months of working with the city she’s finally set up camp! See below for photos and more details. Welcome to Dallas White Rock Paddle Co. and sweet Amy! We’re so glad you are here!!

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yes, that is a man standing there… Can you believe the scale of this thing?? I’m suddenly fascinated with the 2010 Shanghai Expo. It is the most expensive and largest site in the history of World’s Fairs. The buildings that continue to pop up in Asia are beyond my comprehension. Each one is a beautiful sculpture. More info on the expo here. In the meantime I’ll still be enamored with the buildings…

images via cumbu.com and ffffound

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i’m guilty… I absolutely can’t stop thinking about vacations lately. Not sure where or when or how. TBD. I’ll get back to you (I’m still scheming). In the meantime I LOVE looking at Tablet Hotels as a resource for places to stay and more importantly places to dream about staying. Today I found Estancia Vik José Ignacio in Uruguay. Described as “stunning nature, a traditional ranch experience and the splendor of South America’s finest beaches and beach life.” Sounds PERFECT. It’s so beautiful. Enjoy!

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if you haven’t heard already… Round Top is this weekend – UPDATE: It actually “officially” started this weekend though dealers have been setting up and people have been shopping for a couple of weeks. Roundtop and Marburger will be officially going on next weekend through the 4th!!! If you missed my post from the fall check it out here. I’m a little bummed I’m not attending this go-round but that just means I’ll be really amped when the girls and I head there in the fall! I have many friends headed to this little Texas town to get their treasure hunting, junk high on and I will live vicariously through them. I wanted to share with you the wonderful place we stayed when we went in late September. It’s tough to find places to stay at all (let alone close to Round Top) but this little bed and breakfast in Brenham is absolutely darling, super sweet owner, mouthwatering breakfasts and most importantly, quaint and quiet after a long day of shopping. I highly recommend Wrigley House for your next trip that direction!

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