Marpissa

(photos of the village of Marpissa on the island of Paros, a Greek island in the central Aegean Sea, kidnapped from @minogiannisvalantis Instagram - artist: Valantis Minogiannis )

Kay is Feelin' the Love

Who was the most awesome person in your life this week? Bonus points if you tell them!

The most awesome person in my life this week...that's a tough one. I think I gotta go with Kayla. No one has ever said they were proud of me until Kayla. She gives such sincere compliments and I cherish the time I have with her. She's so intelligent - cerebral - and I never feel judged by her. She has made my life so much brighter and fills me with an incandescent light and hope that one day I will achieve all that I dream. She is spectacular in every way and I wish her great joy and love.

Caitlyn Minimalist

I've always been a fan of personalised items, so when I shop on Etsy I tend to look for jewelry in that category. It's how I gained three rings with some of my favourite non-English words. (Alsjeblieft is Dutch/Flemish for "if you please" or sometimes just "please", Semper Fi, Latin for "always faithful" and also the Marine Corps motto, and attraversiamo, Italian for "let's cross over" which Marina and I started using after we read and loved Eat, Pray, Love back in the day. They join my favourite ring which reads esperanza, Spanish for hope.) Anyways, I stumbled upon Caitlyn Minimalist's page and found that I could transfer Godmommy Gina's signature into a pin for my Aunt Bernadette. I'm completely stunned at the result. It's perfect.

List the Songs to Play at Your Funeral

Alice - Tom Waits
Somewhere In Time - John Barry

Remembrances - Itzhak Perlman & John Williams

À La Lumière Des Diamants - M83

Life's Train - Nemo's Dreamscapes

The Piano (full soundtrack) except Here to There - Michael Nyman

6 Gnossienne: #1 Lent - Erik Satie

Well, You Needn't - Thelonious Monk

Another - Richard Davis Quartet

Calcutta Cutie - Horace Silver Quintet

Bossa Per Due - Nicola Conte

Positano - Rachel Portman

Remembering Chet - John Barry

Sad Lisa - Cat Stevens

Who Will Comfort Me - Melody Gardot

Goodbye Pork Pie Hat - Charles Mingus

In a Sentimental Mood - John Coltrane

Acknowledgement  - John Coltrane

Raunchy Rita - Elvin Jones & Ricard Davis

Tones for Joan's Bones - Christian McBride

Happy Fourth!

Krispy Kreme came out with their fab patriotic donuts so I picked some up for the brothers who live locally. Xavier and family were out and about but I got to spend a nice chunk of time with Dave, something that never happens. He even let me get a couple selfies!

Casa de Lisas

I love Cheap Old Houses Instagram account because it's a great escape and feeds my daydreams. I saw this old beauty and messaged my sister-in-law's friend (and my IG-snail mail pal) Lisa, who lives in my old neighbourhood in Philly. She follows the account as well and hopped on the dream bus right along with me. I so hope that someone can save this place and make it their happily ever after.

Summertime Cutie-Pie

Our Lucy is with her momma in Indiana visiting her maternal side of the family until the middle of this month. Thankfully Stacey sends adorable pix like this of our girl ready for the pool.