more 'in the life of'

These have been taken over the course of the week. I try for two per day, and I've been doing a good job of bringing my camera with me wherever I go, but I have been sick the past few days and I think today is the first day I'll be skipping. Anyway, I had some friends over for dinner on Wednesday night and we had a blast making gyoza by hand. There were extra photos that night, so I'm sure it balances out...

For a recently cleaned and organized filing cabinet at work

For the gorgeous imagines of the WPA and the national parks they represent (which I must visit)

For the wonderfully creative language of a non-native English speaking candy company

and eggplant experiments that go oh-so-well

for paper cranes on chopsticks

and in-focus/out-of-focus that also taste good mixed with riesling

delicious cupcake love

and envious color on a cold winter office day,

there are reasons to give thanks.

yes, it's been that long.

I know. It's been practically an entire semester. Forgive me. Like all new years, 2010 has come with some good intentions of doing things a little differently, for the better. I'm going to be smart about this, though, and not make any concrete 'resolutions' to feel guilty about when life overwhelms and I fall behind; instead, I'm just going to keep the ideas in mind and do my best. Starting with a kind of daily thanksgiving (not a daily post, mind you), but a thought each day to do my best to take time to give thanks for something and to notice beauty in the mundane. Of course, it's already January 4th, so these are coming a wee bit late. Remember what I said about no 'resolutions'? Take what I am able to give. Days 1-4 of pleasure found in simple things. Four days, eight photos. Be back later this week.

lots of color to brighten a cold day
a lobster, bigger than you've ever seen before, bigger than your face
tidiness after a long mess
the sun coming up over the hills of Chattanoogahand on the wheel, in control of the car, in control of the moment
satisfaction after a long wait
a simple homemade meal
technology in cooperation