OK Go

Here's a brilliant, worthwhile way to spend seven spare minutes: watch these two videos and tell us which is your favorite.

Grab your kids first, they'll want to see this, too.





AWESOME, right?!

Ringing In

If the quality of our coming year is in any way connected to the quality of our New Year's Celebration, then 2011 is sure to be a year to remember.













Our annual NYE Christmas Tree Burn was gathered 'round by our closest friends, and sparks flew higher than ever. The kids all made it to midnight, which is good, because if they hadn't, they'd have missed the snow.

The Midnight Moment turned magnificently surreal when our bonfire sparks rose to meet huge flakes of snow, falling silently onto our squealing children. Magical, truly.

Back in the warmth of the house, we indulged in a little friendly boys v. girls Just Dance competition. Those pictures, however, are best left to the imagination.

We rung it in right, and can't wait to see what we get back.

Cheers, all, to 2011!

A Match Made

"How many slams in an old screen door? Depends how loud you shut it. How many slices in a bread? Depends how thin you cut it. How much good inside a day? Depends how good you live 'em. How much love inside a friend? Depends how much you give 'em."
— Shel Silverstein

Yesterday one of my oldest friends and one of my newest friends became wife and husband. People came from miles, from hundreds and thousands of miles, and across states and seas to watch. Everyone contributed. Some curled hair, some pitched tents, some arranged flowers, made dresses, took photos, baked cookies, danced, spoke, sang. The creative energy was palpable. Two worlds collided, and the explosion was breathtaking.

Yesterday I watched one of my best friends have the best day of her life. A day where she could look out and see all of her best friends gathered in one place - in a beautiful place on a perfect day - smiling and radiating love.

How much love inside a friend?

So much. SO much.

The Papa Chair

In our family we have what is called the "Papa chair". It is the most coveted place to be. Warm and safe and perfect for snuggling.

The girls usually win this spot, but every so often I get my turn too.

Planets and Horses and Babies, Oh My!!

We're back from Summer break with some new goods in the shop.

(Oh, did we not tell you we were taking a break? Our bad.)

First, the horse shirt Scarlett's been asking for since she was three has finally come to life. It's a good thing we spent all that time thinking about it, because it came out just right.

The Dream of Horses

Next, we tip our hats to third graders everywhere with our own model of the Solar System. Only ours isn't made out of styrofoam and wire hangers.

Intergalactic Planetary

And last but not least, Tallulah makes her official Etsy debut today. She'll be popping up more and more now that she sits and stands (!), putting the baby back in DamestarBaby.

Baby Chakras

Going back to school in style!

My Summer

High Times

This past weekend found the JLF high up in the California mountains at High Sierra Music Festival. Four days of music, sun, trees, dirt, skin and smiles all around. I was far too busy merrymaking to take pictures, which is probably best for all parties involved.

**this photo here was taken by 1yen at flickr.com**
My words, as well as any still picture I could have snapped, fall short of describing the scene at High Sierra: the energy, the constant movement, the colors, the feeling. Since it only comes but once a year, everyone's more than happy to let it all hang out, which I suppose is why I hesitate to take photos. You know, "What happens at High Sierra stays at High Sierra."
Here's a little video tour of the most memorable moments from this year's freakiness. Again, nowhere near the same as being there, but at least not as hot.

These parades happen daily, providing the recommended daily dose of booty-shaking.
My favorite night of the Festival was the one my husband and I spent watching this band, Dr. Dog, tear it apart until 4 in the morning. I am now obsessed.

The Carolina Chocolate Drops, blending hip hop and old time like it's that easy.

The ever-present hoopers and spinners decorate the festival in circles.

And last but not least, my favorite pair of brothers performed this same version of my favorite song they sing. I think they might have even been wearing the same clothes. Mmmmm.

I relish the yearly opportunity to revive the freak in me, but it's also lovely to come home to a peaceful, clean, shaded space.
Until next year.