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Photo Feature: Wild Beauty

I have a reverence for nature. A respect that has grown as I intentionally connect with Mother Earth. Last September I visited the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, doing lots of yoga and daily meditation outdoors, listening to the hummings of the rocky river and taking in all the green. Nature restores, it's true. It's something we need to survive, not only enjoy as a pastime. And that is what I mean by reverence.

On one of my walks, camera in hand, a couple lone yellow flowers danced brightly. (more)

Photo Feature: High on Life in Chicago

You just have to do it. You are not allowed to visit Chicago without having at least a cocktail or two at The Signature Room. Or go all out and make dinner reservations. For this shot, we had the PERFECT table for two, right next to the window. I had my little Gorillapod, and was able to capture just a few stunning images as twilight set in over the city. Watching the lights come alive as the sun sets is THE time to secure your seat. Don't settle for any table that is not by a window - you may have to (more)

Restaurant BT - Art, Design, Cuisine in a Brilliant Modern Concept

"I can't believe I haven't taken you to Restaurant BT yet!" said John. We recently made the quick trek to South Tampa for lunch on a beautiful sunny October day. You could say we are voracious foodies and locavores, hunting down the creative, the cheffy, the anti-chain, the sustainable, and the local. Rarely does one place smoothly cover every angle, with attention to each nuance. Ah, Restaurant BT, you've done it!

We arrived at... (more)

Which Comes First? The Art or the Design?

I've gathered plenty of nicknacks in my time. I've created lots of art and photography and proudly displayed it anywhere and everywhere. I've been my own victim of clashing decor: antique meets contemporary meets metropolitan meets IKEA meets Target meets garage sale. If I like it, in it goes! But over time, with age, and a relationship with a fellow creative who decidedly likes mid-century modern (he's got great taste), I have begun to cultivate a more unified sense of style and direction. I discovered I loved modern...and also found out that the Herman Miller LCW Eames Chair has to be the most comfortable thing in the world made out of plywood! I am also a rule-breaker and a little rebellious. Oldest child syndrome perhaps? I often describe to friends and colleagues that my Type A and Type B personalities constantly battle it out in my brain. So I've been pondering, as an artist...which comes first when it comes to decor - the art or the design?(more)

What I'm Reading Now

I listened to this audiobook all the way home from Atlanta to Tampa, and have yet to finish! Ruby Dee, who's voice and character differentiations make the storyline come alive, just has me downright entranced. I can only think of chocolate and smoothness when I hear her speak. The story takes place in Eatonville, Florida, and describes how the town was settled - although that's not really the story. But this got me going with excitement, having lived for years in Central Florida, passing by Eatonville on Interstate 4, and hearing all the other familiar towns cited in the book. I could put my finger on the time and place...and that's pretty cool. Like all amazing writers ...(more)

AlignBetween Goes to Paris

Back in May, John and I traveled to Europe for an incredible 10 days of sightseeing, riding trains, driving tiny cars, wining and dining our way through two countries, and...shooting photos of everything in sight. Originally we planned to head straight for Tuscany...but after much fussing with flight times and dates, it just made perfect sense to extend what was supposed to be just a layover at Charles de Gualle, into a whirlwind weekend stay in Paris. We selected a hotel directly across from the Louvre and just a brisk walk to Jardin des Tuileries, knowing that with such a quick stay, we were better off in a more "touristy" and central area ...(more)