Putting pen to paper

Chookooloonk's post today about writing in a journal really made me think and struck a chord. I have always had trouble writing in a diary or a journal. The thought of writing to myself never really worked and reading the mandatory diary entries I wrote in elementary school still makes me cringe to this day. When I write, I prefer to create a conversation and, hopefully, make people think. Maybe Karen and Jen are right to say that journalling shouldn't have rules.

I've always kept a pen and notebook with me for notes and little reminders, but maybe it's time to put a little more thought into writing, collect the little napkin and torn scraps of paper, and make something of it all.

Just a thought.

Renegade Craft Fair makes a stop in SF

Prepare yourself for a huge image overload. Sunset home writer Jess, fellow intern Natalie and I (and many other Sunset-ers) made our way to the Renegade Craft Fair last weekend and posted a few of our favorites here. I loved the entire fair and I have several "outtakes" of other stores that I fancied. It was truly inspiring and amazing to see all these entrepreneurs and creative, talented designers making their dreams a reality with truly beautiful craft work. Here are the many that didn't make the Sunset post.

Mosey Handmade (top photo also Mosey)

Owly Shadow Puppets


Accessorize with Toys



Arcane Arts


Cathy from California (who sought me out after she heard from her boothmate that I was taking photos for Sunset)



Heather River



Hilary Williams Fine Art




Jane E. Roberti Handmade Jewelery


Mateo Ilasco


Miss Natalie

Traces of the Molten State

I was trying to pick which randL notebook I wanted and came across Chika and Jean's blogspot.

I had to repost this beautiful video of Etsuko Ichikawa creating her gorgeous pieces of art by burning paper with molten glass.

Absolutely inspiring.

Traces of the Molten State from Etsuko Ichikawa on Vimeo.

Obon Festival

I suddenly want to learn more about the Japanese culture of ikebana. What do you know?

Rachel and I headed to the annual Obon Festival at Mountain View Buddhist Temple and had a blast eating spam musubi, trying to wear cozies on our (really just her) head, and watching a local taiko group perform. Rachel and I shelled out a dollar to play a shooting game. A proof of my skills? Nothing. A proof of hers? A little paddleball! We also wandered to the cultural displays where these cute little crafts made an appearance and I wanted to share it. Adorable, no?

DIY Crazy!

I'm suddenly really interested in learning how to sew and make useful and incredibly adorable crafts. Sure, I've knit my share of scarfs and that pair of legwarmers and bought books on turning plain gray t-shirts into trendy halters, but I'm always on the lookout for more brilliant ideas! So I'm glad that I came across this Web package at Sunset.com that compiles twenty fabulous ideas, most of which are posted from home writer Jess Chamberlain (she's such a sweetheart).

I'm about to get crafty! My goal this summer was to make a dress, but that's been put on hold with the minimal amount of free time I have. I'm looking at these two books: Chic & Simple Sewing by Christine Haynes or Weekend Sewing by Heather Ross. Any recommendations?

Days as Sunset consist of...

Love the free stuff.

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You can also see my very first post on one of Sunset's blogs, Home by Sunset. I'm looking forward to more projects, more stories and tons more delicious food and wonderful experiences!

Pacific Garbage Patch

Call it a shameless plug if you want. I would prefer to call it sharing my great excitement that a new friend/fellow intern of mine is going on a one-month long maritime journey to cover the Pacific Garbage Patch and may be published in the New York Times.

Learn more about her trip here: http://www.spot.us/pitches/238

She even got Gawker talking, which I thought was an intriguing discussion about the future of journalism. My opinion? I think that Lindsey is simply reporting about a topic that interests her on a once-in-a-lifetime journey, but that's my two cents.

I'm looking forward to reading about her experiences at sea, but am glad she sits (almost) right across the hall from me for now!

As Dan says...

"No strange forces, no true love, no nothing mystical like that."

Thoughts?

Apologies for the lack of photos. I just got back from a camping trip, so there will be an update soon enough! Some photos from the office as well.