So this morning I'm desperately seeking some kind of inspiration.  Naturally the first place I go is my hand dandy and overwhelmingly full feed reader (FYI - I use Feedly and you should too... best feed reader ever!).  

I never seem to have enough time for all feeds I've subscribed to so I thought I'd try a little experiment today and highlight some of the pieces that caught my eye.  Let me know what you think, eh?  Did you find anything wonderful in your reader today?

You should see:
  • Check out this super fun video that is both emotional and makes me want to go out and play. Also inspired me to find the musician on Grooveshark. Take a listen to Gonzales solo piano work, it's beautiful. via- BOOOOOOOM


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We find new blogs every day, right?  Stumble across them, follow links via twitter and facebook, etc.  Sometimes we find only the one article was interesting, sometimes we click the subscribe button, sometimes we scan a little before moving on.  Then, every once in awhile, you stumble across something and an hour later realize you're still reading.

That's what happened to me with How to be a Retronaut

It started when a friend sent me a link to these stunning mixed images of modern day and 1945 Amsterdam by Jo Teeuwisse, a historical consultant in Amsterdam.

Liberation Parade, 1945 Amersterdam

Jo bought a handful of negatives in a fleamarket, found where they were taken and shot new photos of the same spot.  Then, as you can see, mashed them up for some really incredible images.

This was plenty to pique my interest so, as I mentioned, an hour later I realized I was still poring over the content in Retronaut. (Now I know where my days go... *sigh*).

What the heck is a Retronaut anyway?  Well according to Chris Wild, creator of the site, "A Retronaut is someone who goes back in time using just perception."   Read more on the About page. In fact, I insist you go there and read up on anachronisms, a word I only just learned from Chris.

Turns out I've been somewhat of a Retronaut all this time.  I've always had this strange tendency to use old, washed up terms (ie - "That's swell!" or "That's malarkey!").  I love the effect they have on people.  In fact, I've even caught a few acquaintances breathing new life into the old slang I use around them.  You should try that by the way, it's fun.

Anyhow, enough jibber jabber.  Are you reading the Retronaut yet?

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Happy hump day everyone!  Today's Etsy wednesday is focused on featuring items that were newly listed today.  Get 'em while they're hot because I'm sure they won't last long.

Set of 7 Stackable Rings - $80
Nelly VanSee
I'm really into stackable rings these days and this gorgeous, tone fading set is perfection!  7 too much? There's also sets of 5 as well as a bunch more beautiful jewelry in this shop!

Milkshake Moo Card Necklace - $50
3Squares
Ok, now this I gotta have! Seriously, gotta have.  First you have to know what a Moo card is, then you'll see how absolutely genius this idea is.  P.S. My birthday is totally coming up.

Brazilian Ebony Handcrafted Guitar Pick - $12.50
Nuevowoodcrafts
Not something your average guitar player would splurge on since picks tend to disappear so quickly, so why not gift one to your musical friend? They also have keychain versions!

Real Framed Dragonfly - $24.99
Real Butterfly Gifts
If you're not into insects then this might not be your thing. If they don't bug you, then check out this incredible collection of framed butterflies and more (all raised on cruelty free farms...who knew?)

Dipping Dish - $18
Hope Johnson Ceramics
Just the other day I was wishing I had something for dipping. No joke.  I'm always using a giant bowl for tiny jobs.  So how perfect are these?  Tons of designs offered in the shop...

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This Kick Starter, The Apology Line, is a surprising and incredibly moving art project. 

Before I tell you more, I have to insist you go to the page and start the 10 minute video of recorded apologies. Some are hysterical, some unremorseful ...many of them goosebump worthy; particularly one woman emotionally apologizing to a Reverend.

The Apology Line, created by William Bridges and James Lee, was launched in the UK as an experiment.  They spread the word with posters, fliers, and advertisements inviting people to call a number and leave an anonymous apology.  The response was astounding with hundreds of calls each week

The Kick Starter funds will go towards bringing the line to America and eventually create a touring art show from it.  Now that's something I want to hear.

The goal is lofty at $10,000, but totally doable with your help.  Pledge $50 and receive a CD full of apologies from both the UK and US.  $100 or more and you get yourself that same CD plus a special exclusive invite to the opening of the Apology Line exhibition.  Kinda of hard to pass that up. 

Here's an example apology in case you haven't started listening to that video yet:

"I would like to apologize to my daughter who is twenty-seven now. For the fact that I always resented having a daughter. I wanted a son. And I wasn't a very nice mother to her. I told her I'm sorry. Things in her childhood... I have never told her the real reason because I think it would hurt her too much. I just want to say sorry. I don't want her to know it was me, I think that would be too painful for her. I love her very much. Thank you."

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Where do I fit in?

In a blink (61/90) (by RGP)

I've spent most of my life thinking I was pretty normal.  I mean, I'm different in a lot of ways from the masses (particularly the female kind), but for the most part I figured I fit in.  Sure,  a few things make me "special" but I never thought it was enough to make me..."different".

The other night an episode of "House" got me thinking.  You probably saw it, but FYI the sick patient was a blogger.  A personal blogger who shared every iota of her life with her readers. 

A point she brought up, which is obvious but might not get you thinking until someone says it out loud, is how the internet is this amazing place where people can finally find other people just like them and be honest about themselves.  I know, duh.  But it really got me thinking, "Where are my people?"

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The Birds

What did I say when I saw this set?  "Whoa."  That's what I said.  Laz Marquez has created this extraordinary set of re-imagined Hitchcock posters.  I tease you with my favorite (because "The Birds" terrifies me still...in a good way) and insist you go look at the rest of his poster work. 

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Pooh Sticks

This has got to be one of the most unique and imaginative photo collections I've seen in awhile.  Lenny combs the beach for odds and ends (wood, feathers, flowers, etc) and creates these little boats.

Shell Beach pooh stick (by Lenny&Meriel) North 
Yorkshire Pooh Stick (by Lenny&Meriel) Marble bay 
pooh sticks (by Lenny&Meriel)

The images of these little creations are absolutely wonderful.  Something as simple as a piece of wood with a leaf becomes a reminder to let your imagination go and an inspiration to create. 

Goose feathers, bark & bamboo boats (by Lenny&Meriel)

It's not all Pooh Sticks with Lenny though. Be sure to check out the rest of the Flickr stream and his blog as well.

So, what will you create today?


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