Sep
21

Jun
13

If You Were Here - Cary Brothers

If You Were Here

by Cary Brothers
album Who You Are (Bonus Track Version)

[Flash 9 is required to listen to audio.]

I woke up this morning with an ache in my ear & dark clouds in the sky. I’m spending the day with little Allie (whom you will get a glimpse of later this week), and we have found the best way to spend a gloomy summer morning together: making monkey puppets, and watching Glee Encore. This lil girly loves a good cover song as much as I do, even if she only recognizes the radio hits. :)

This Thompson twins cover is waaaay before her time (shoot, it’s barely in my time), but it’s definitely a winner. I love the emotion Cary Brothers brings to this classic melody.

Cheers, Briana

0 plays

Jun
10

“Ask yourself about the source in your artistic longings. Why is it so necessary that you want to do your thing? How strong is it? Would you do it if it were forbidden? Illegal, punishable? Every work of art has its necessity, find out your very own. Ask yourself if you would do it, if nobody would ever see it, if you would never be re-compensated for it, if nobody ever wanted it. If you come to a clear [yes], in spite of it, then go ahead and don’t doubt it anymore.”-Ernst Haas, photographer 1921-1986

“Ask yourself about the source in your artistic longings. Why is it so necessary that you want to do your thing? How strong is it? Would you do it if it were forbidden? Illegal, punishable? Every work of art has its necessity, find out your very own. Ask yourself if you would do it, if nobody would ever see it, if you would never be re-compensated for it, if nobody ever wanted it. If you come to a clear [yes], in spite of it, then go ahead and don’t doubt it anymore.”

-Ernst Haas, photographer 1921-1986

Jun
07

 Techie Tuesday: CardStar I will admit it, I have a love/hate relationship with technology. When used wisely, we can stay organized, connect with friends & loved ones, stay on top of current events, and keep life running smoothly. When used poorly, our lives can become fragmented, and we end up spending more time slingshotting birds than interacting with out world. My goal for Techie Tuesday is to take the knowledge I gain as an avid internet/planning/research junkie, and share with my community the best ways I have found to harness it. These posts may not come weekly, but they’ll definitely pop up when I discover something that is worth passing around!  Knowing my weakness for distraction, my iPhone apps are limited to helpful tools (maps, yelp, news, Shazam, etc), business usage (fb, twitter, gmail) and the only selective fun I allow are photo (instagram, camera+) , WordsWithFriends, and Sudoku.  I’m always on the lookout for an app that will make life simpler, and running mad from those which will drain my battery and my time. Today, I found a new app that will fit within the former: CardStar!   I am a discount fanatic and the stack of loyalty/membership cards in my wallet is becoming obscene. I sometimes like to pretend the wallet bulge is just a wad of Benjamins, but let’s face it, I don’t roll like that. CardStar, thank you for both slimming my wallet and curbing my delusions of grandeur. ;)

 Techie Tuesday: CardStar

I will admit it, I have a love/hate relationship with technology. When used wisely, we can stay organized, connect with friends & loved ones, stay on top of current events, and keep life running smoothly. When used poorly, our lives can become fragmented, and we end up spending more time slingshotting birds than interacting with out world. My goal for Techie Tuesday is to take the knowledge I gain as an avid internet/planning/research junkie, and share with my community the best ways I have found to harness it. These posts may not come weekly, but they’ll definitely pop up when I discover something that is worth passing around!

 Knowing my weakness for distraction, my iPhone apps are limited to helpful tools (maps, yelp, news, Shazam, etc), business usage (fb, twitter, gmail) and the only selective fun I allow are photo (instagram, camera+) , WordsWithFriends, and Sudoku.  I’m always on the lookout for an app that will make life simpler, and running mad from those which will drain my battery and my time. Today, I found a new app that will fit within the former: CardStar!

  I am a discount fanatic and the stack of loyalty/membership cards in my wallet is becoming obscene. I sometimes like to pretend the wallet bulge is just a wad of Benjamins, but let’s face it, I don’t roll like that. CardStar, thank you for both slimming my wallet and curbing my delusions of grandeur. ;)

Jun
06

Only In Dreams - Kate Earl

Only In Dreams

by Kate Earl
album Kate Earl

[Flash 9 is required to listen to audio.]

I am addicted to Pandora. Through one little website I am able to experience an endless mixed tape experience, discover new artists, and enjoy a broader range of music without draining my bank account. What’s not to love?

Kate Earl is one of those artists that I have grown to love through Pandora. I owned her first album and gave it sporadic attention. However, her station is a perfect blend of female singer-songwriters, mellow enough for work, melodic enough to keep me charmed. Plus, this specific song has the benefit of making me feel like I’m in a movie. That’s right, I often imagine my life with a soundtrack. Crazy enough, the right song at just the right moment adds a world of pleasure to my day. You really should try it sometime. :)

Cheers, Briana

0 plays

Jun
01

May
30

Forgetting - David Gray

Forgetting

by David Gray
album Foundling (Deluxe Edition)

[Flash 9 is required to listen to audio.]

My father has always turned his homes into beautiful and unique places to live. He has lived in many cities throughout my life, and every visit that came after a new move was filled with anticipation: What new magic will he think up this time around? His new home, which will likely be his last, is no different, except for one key aspect: I’m now old enough and within close enough proximity to help with the process. It’s a shame I didn’t have more time to help. A few more sessions and I would have killer painters biceps. ;)

After a looooong day of work, I barely made it home in time to share a song with you. As I wind down with a cup of Trader Joes Bedtime Tea, I found myself pulling up the new David Gray. His songs are so soothing. His affection for language, melody, and simplicity  continues to woo me.

I invite you to join me, to sit in the music, relax, and take one last deep breath before sleeping off the long weekend and jumping back into our responsibilities.

Cheers, Briana

0 plays

May
29

50 Glimpses of Spontaneity Friday was a day filled with spontaneity. Blame it on the beautiful sunshine. I would say it should be mandatory to have a spontaneous adventure during the first warm week of the season,  but that would defeat the purpose, wouldn’t it? My morning began with a dear friend inviting me to join her for 50 Pic Friday. Challenge Accepted. What started as merely an opportunity to capture my day ended up setting the tone for a day worth remembering. A trip to the park with sweet little Allie. Dinner and a charming movie with James. Inspired and enchanted by the film, we chose to wander back through the city, stopping for drinks on an outdoor restaurant patio. The combination of Vitamin D, Woody Allen, and wonderful conversation put a bounce in my step and enabled me to slip into bed (late) that night with a smile on my face and not a care in the world. I don’t remember the last time I slept that well. Here’s to a magical summer! Cheers, Briana

50 Glimpses of Spontaneity

Friday was a day filled with spontaneity. Blame it on the beautiful sunshine. I would say it should be mandatory to have a spontaneous adventure during the first warm week of the season,  but that would defeat the purpose, wouldn’t it?

My morning began with a dear friend inviting me to join her for 50 Pic Friday. Challenge Accepted. What started as merely an opportunity to capture my day ended up setting the tone for a day worth remembering. A trip to the park with sweet little Allie. Dinner and a charming movie with James. Inspired and enchanted by the film, we chose to wander back through the city, stopping for drinks on an outdoor restaurant patio. The combination of Vitamin D, Woody Allen, and wonderful conversation put a bounce in my step and enabled me to slip into bed (late) that night with a smile on my face and not a care in the world. I don’t remember the last time I slept that well.

Here’s to a magical summer!

Cheers, Briana

May
23

Ballad Of F*** All - Malcolm Middleton

Ballad Of F*** All

by Malcolm Middleton
album Waxing Gibbous [Explicit]

[Flash 9 is required to listen to audio.]

Quick disclaimer: Despite the explicit title, I have found no other naughty words within the song. If you are listening at work, this song is office friendly… unless your co-workers within ear shot don’t like good music. ;)

My dear friend Alison sent me this song last week. Her SOTD emails are melodious little treats that hop into my inbox & bring my joy. I know next to nothing about this band, so I appreciated the share, and figured I should pass it on.

Cheers, Briana

0 plays

May
18

Baby Gavin: infant portraits I informed Gavin’s mother that he is, without a doubt, the cutest kid in the world… until I have my own and he is inevitably knocked down to #2. I normally would not say this to a client, but in this situation I’m allowed to be biased & a bit sassy… the client is my competitive younger sister, and these images are of my sweet new nephew. :) That’s right, I just wrapped up an exquisite time of traveling to my hometown in California to meet, cuddle, and photograph this lovable new addition to my family.  Gavin is completely captivated by the click of the camera shutter, and seems to greatly enjoy my crazy faces, so we got off to a good start! Watching my sister & brother-in-law with Gavin was incredibly heart-warming. Next visit, I’m informing them that a full family session is required.  Kudos to my baby sis for creating something that will draw me back to the west coast more frequently. It will be difficult to be 3000 miles away from that little belly. Cheers, Briana

Baby Gavin: infant portraits

I informed Gavin’s mother that he is, without a doubt, the cutest kid in the world… until I have my own and he is inevitably knocked down to #2. I normally would not say this to a client, but in this situation I’m allowed to be biased & a bit sassy… the client is my competitive younger sister, and these images are of my sweet new nephew. :)

That’s right, I just wrapped up an exquisite time of traveling to my hometown in California to meet, cuddle, and photograph this lovable new addition to my family.  Gavin is completely captivated by the click of the camera shutter, and seems to greatly enjoy my crazy faces, so we got off to a good start! Watching my sister & brother-in-law with Gavin was incredibly heart-warming. Next visit, I’m informing them that a full family session is required.  Kudos to my baby sis for creating something that will draw me back to the west coast more frequently. It will be difficult to be 3000 miles away from that little belly.

Cheers, Briana