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Awww, Thx Wednesday! | I♥Shebeen, Hardcore Edition

back down memory lane…

Bars close as quickly as they open in New York.  For some reason, I always thought Shebeen would just be there.

The last couple of years I was in the city, it was like a second home.  Really, the bench outside was the coolest place to watch the city go by.  202 Mott, btw Spring and Kenmare.  A random Nolita street where folks just lived.  It wasn’t hip central.  It just was.

Instead of whining about what used to be (♥: You really have been doing that for a while), I want to celebrate having found something special.

Rob posted his last live set at raeo.net.  I’ve got more pictures in my Shebeen flickr set.  These are all from 2005.  I’d just stated shooting on a little dig point and shoot.  I’m really glad the camera was always out.

backgammon with rob
I adored Taryn and Dalia. Thank you for bringing a bit of S.Africa to the city.
I think I see glasses. Was that a Feltron night?
anna and ummm, me?
while trying to decide what to order in, we hung out in the smoking room.
Pete

On one of the nights Rob was spinning, I heard Prefuse 73 for the first time.  It was one of those musical detours that opened up a whole new world of sound and space.

I always figured there would be that spot where we could pick up where we left off when I got back to the city.  Alas, the bar is gone.  The memories aren’t.

I’ve do believe I’ve figured out my Ode to Shebeen Summers.  Instead of the drinking Strawberry Balsamic Martinis, I’ll be making lots of Strawberry Balsamic Jam.

Thx, Wednesday!

Nikki♥

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Things We Keep | Come, Lelee Lelee

i don’t really collect things.  i just seem to keep the same kinds of things.

I don’t know why I like them.  Or why I get goofy and call them Lelees.  But, I kinda like elephants.  I’m liking them enough to want keep some around.

The first elephants I remember buying are in AllHailsQueenMommy’s living room.  It was a family of 4.  Mother and children.  I bought them from a guy selling his wares at the base of the Eiffel Tower.  It was the last night of spring break and they caught my attention.  Wooden Lelees carved by hand.  I’ll show them to you next time I head home.

This one↑.  I think I’m going to want to take with me whenever I move.  I had the choice of two apartments in my building.  They were right across from each other.  The door knocker chose for me.

It’s still early going for me and the elephants.  I like the idea of collecting.  I just don’t know if I’m cut out for the work of it.  Maybe, I’ll just let myself think it’s random when I notice multiples of anything.

Are you a random keeper or do you passionately collect?

Nikki♥

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Dorking Out | Jane Mount

i want this.  i really do.

Ideal Bookshelf 8:ST by Jane Mount

(image: janemount.com)

I’m late.  I know.  I just discovered Jane Mount through 20X200.

Loving.  And Dorking Out.  The pieces in her Ideal Bookshelf series are simply beautiful and beautifully evocative.

Loving, not just because there seems to be some similarities between Ideal Bookshelf 8: ST and books on my shelf. (♥: Ummm, right.)

I laughed a little the first time I saw Ideal Bookshelf 8: ST.  I knew how I had come to have the books that are shared with the print, as well as why I, intentionally, don’t have a few in that are in the piece.  The more I looked at it, the more I began to wonder about ST.

I’m fascinated by Mount’s Ideal Bookshelf series.  It really is an interesting way to peek into someone’s life.  Or assume that you’ve seen something.

Time to start collecting.

Nikki♥

Jane Mount

Jane Mount’s Etsy Shop

Jane Mount at 20X200

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Awww. Thx, Wednesday!

taking the time to make note of a few things that make the days extra sweet.

Do you ever smile at the clouds?  I can’t help but be amazed by the beauty of the sky.

Apparently, I’m in hyper-adoration mode for tangelos and Sandra Juto… The comments on her wrist worm giveaway remind me how small the world is and how great the internet is at connecting people.  It’s just everyone listing their favorite movies.  It warms my heart a little when someone else talks about how much they love Me and You and Everyone We Know, Before Sunset, Strictly Ballroom and all things Almodovar.

Esthero… One of my favorite singers, ever ever, posted a song that leaves me with a tear stained face.  There’s such beauty in its simplicity.  Black Mermaid stirred something.  It not only made me happy,  but it moved me to use those moments, so easily wasted, doing what I’m here to do.

Nikole Herriot, of Forty-sixth at Grace, makes and photographs such beautiful cakes.  I want to make more cakes.  I want to make lots of pretty cakes.  I want to forage for antique bundt tins.  (♥: Okay, breathe.) Innnnnn.  Ouuuuuuuttttt. Thx. I needed that.

Still working on booking a trip to visit relatives while the William Eggleston exhibition is at the Art Institute of Chicago.  I don’t really own a coat.  So, I just need it to be, you know, warmer.

Uh-oh!  I can get a bit of stellar photog right here in Beverly Hills.  Gursky at the Gagosian opened last week.  Sweet!

Counting the days… The Art of the Steal opens this weekend here in LA.  It looks like I’m about to get on an emotional roller coaster.  Dr. Barnes and his collection changed the way I see and appreciate art.

Ahhh, the art of making me happy.  It’s a challenging craft that I’m learning to practice every single day.

Nikki♥

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Oscar Congrats! | The Cove

i kept asking, for real?, like the screen was going to respond.

Yay!  I saw The Cove last week and was mesmerized.  It really played out like a great spy flick.  More Bourne than Bond.  It was all clandestine operations and night vision cameras to show you what was going on in the one tiny area in one tiny town in Japan.  And how we play a part in the senseless slaughter of dolphins.  And how we can be a part of making a change.

I’m not chaining myself to anything.  I’m not a ‘Save The Whales’/PETA kind of person.  But, what’s great about The Cove and Food, Inc. is how they encourage you to know more about the treatment of animals by just telling a compelling story.  Not beating you over the head with rhetoric, guilt or hysteria.  The choice is your to make.  You’ve been informed.

The great thing about the docs is that they will hopefully get more exposure because of the awards coverage.  Both have helped the evolution of my understanding of the role I play in the treatment of animals, either actively or passively.  I’m thinking more about how we share the planet.

See The Cove.  And if you haven’t seen Food, Inc., please do.  Watching both films is time well spent.

Nikki♥

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Giggly & Screechy | Wang Chung

(♥:You’re serious?) sure am. i have no cool points.  therefore, none to lose.

Let’s go, baby.  Let’s go, baby.  Come on!

I don’t know how my brain works.  I was watching an Ella Fitzgerald doc.  That led to listening to a bit of Sarah Vaughn.  Here’s what doesn’t make sense.  From there, I put on Chrissie Hynde.

In some 80s-ish leap, I get here.  Giggly & Screechy.  Listening to Wang Chung.  On repeat.

I’m bopping around my apt like I was in my old bedroom doing a full-on dance routine with a bunk bed backdrop.  I, totally, expect AllHailQueenMom to coming knocking on my door.  Telling me to turn the radio down.

Have a little fun.  Press play.

Nikki♥

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Oh, My Word | Heath 2010 Summer Collection

really kinda giggly and screechy over here…

(image via Heath Ceramics)

Yes, this picture sent me into a fit of giggles.  It’s a good thing since I thought the earth was about to swallow me whole.  I’m inhaling paint fumes from downstairs, my head is KILLING me and everyone’s music is too LOUD.

Thankfully, I got a different kind of pain relief.  That’s right.  The Inbox saved my life.  The March Heath Ceramics newsletter linked to a sneak peek of the 2010 Spring/Summer Collection.  Colors are beautiful.  Loving the process.  Each piece is double dipped glazed by hand.  The pieces are fun, bright and cheerful.

I think I see a present to myself in the very near future.  The collection will be available April 1st.

Oh, my word.  I can’t wait.

Nikki♥

Oh, no.  I hear him and his drums.

*looking for ibuasprnapropainreliever and some water*

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Happy Wednesday!

just taking note of a few things that make the days extra sweet.

I’m having a lot of fun with watercolors.

So, what else has been making me happy…

Sandra Juto’s blog.  I can’t wait to see what she’s captured or created.  Her work has helped me to look at colors and stitches differently while knitting.  Sweet!
The Pop’Africana blog.  Aesthetically kick ass! Can’t wait to read the first official issue.

Flowers from the farmers’ market make me smile.  They do.  Even after they die.  Crazytalk, I know.

Fascinated by Michael Fassbender in everything, Roseanne Cash on Twitter and marmalade, marmalade, marmalade.  Oh, Strawberries, get really ready soon.  Please.  Sugar and I need you.

Blown away by Steve McQueen’s “Hunger.”  It is visually, one of the most stunning films I’ve ever seen.  It makes me think even more about how I see things when I look through the lens or when I compose a shot that isn’t quite there, but somewhere in my head.

I don’t really watch videos much anymore.  Do they still make them this good?  Jonathan Glazer’s clip for U.N.K.L.E.’s “Rabbit In Your Headlight”

Hope you find your happy.

Nikki♥

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In Pursuit of | A Weck Resource Guide

i like them. i REALLY like them.

Whether you decide to use the amazing Weck jars for canning or storage, finding them seems to be a question that keeps popping up.  These are the few sites and shops I’ve found, heard of or used to purchase Weck.

Weck Canning – The online home with Weck specific canning info.  In the point/click/buy online shopping sphere, the process seems a little complicated, but this is where you can get it all.

Heath Ceramics – I♥Heath Ceramics, hardcore.  I bought my Weck from Heath.  Selection is limited, but they tend to have good shipping deals.

Lehman’s – Carries “European Glass Canning Jars” made in Germany.  They aren’t called Weck on the site, but it looks like them in the product images.  Has anyone gotten them from Lehman’s recently?  Are they Weck? Update: Kaela confirms Weck on her recent Lehman’s order.  Comment below.

terrain – As well as the  individual jars, they even carry bath salts, bath teas and candles poured into Weck.

New* Canoe – The Portland, Oregon home of wonderfully curated objects carries .25L, .2L, .5L (tall) and the .75L jars individually.

Where did you buy your Weck?  Is there a site or store that you go back to to covet the loveliness that is Weck? Let me know where to find more and I’ll update.

Nikki♥

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So Loving You | Reda

we haven’t talked about my skate thing, yet, have we? okay, maybe later…

So, I kinda love Reda.  It started a couple of years ago.  He makes me laugh.  I’m easy like that.

I could seriously watch him all day.  He kills me.  He’s adorable and stupid, in the best way possible.  He reminds me of one of reasons why I always wanted to live in New York.

It, also, doesn’t hurt that he’s being absolutely foolish with guys who are HOT.  Yes, I said it.  I’m honest with my ogling.  Nothing is more fascinating than watching menfolk do what they love to do.  Well, watching MKoH* guys doing what the love to do is.

Wednesdays With Reda at The Berrics.

the clip is crazy old, but it’s got Marc in it.  My Word.

Nikki♥

*MKoH – My Kind of HOT!