The Leaves, They Are A'Falling

Almost all the leaves are down and we've mulched the garden with several barrel-fulls of poplar leaves. However, these fiery fall colors come from a tree on the Seattle Pacific University campus. Anna and I visited last month, since she's not yet sure where she wants to attend college. Other options include California or Florida, but I'm not sure how many out of state visits are in the budget.



Murphy loves having a front lawn again! Every time we come back from a walk, he rubs his face in the grass and then rolls around in the soft green.

Aaaaaaahhhhhhhh!!!!!!

Cinque Terre

Looking back at photos from March 2008, I realized didn't really post any from our Italian trip to Cinque Terre. Jeff and I hiked between the five cities--all built on cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean and connected by walking trails. We stayed in the middle city, Vernazza, in a small B&B. I ate fresh calamari at least four times! Lots of fish, pesto, and good wine, as you might imagine.

Frankfurt Book Fair 2009

I'm in Germany visiting our oldest daughter, who lives in downtown Heidelberg. Earlier this week, I drove to the Frankfurt Book Fair and spent the day. My favorite part of the visit: watching the exhibitions put on by China, the guest of honor for 2009.


This dancer changed masks about fifteen times, I kid you not!


Lion dancers -- One guy for the back section of the lion, another for the front section. Talk about coordination.


This man played beautifully. A simple stringed instrument, but quite a range of sounds.

The California Redwoods

On our trip up the California & Oregon coastline last month, we drove through the redwoods. I can't remember ever seeing them before. Although my father told me we saw the trees when I was younger. Must have been the aborted trip to San Francisco when all four of us children misbehaved so badly that our parents threatened to return home early if we didn't shape up. I didn't believe them (neither did Dan, Beth, or Susan) --but Mom and Dad kept their word! So I must have been sulking on our way through the big trees... Note to younger self: sulking never helps.


A gorgeous sight. Glad I got another chance!

Donald Miller Interview

Don Miller has a new book out--here's a good interview about it with Michael Hyatt.

Murphy Monday--A Little Swiss Flair

Murphy's showing extreme patience. But he realizes extra treats may come his way if he poses.
The red cap is from Switzerland. Don't you think it suits him?

Eye Candy

Go to this link to see some gorgeous book covers.

Wish I could figure out a way to talk Powell's into giving me the leftover book promotion posters--that's what I'd use to wallpaper our house (not necessarily kidding)!

Yaquina Bay -- Contrasts

Happy Siblings

Emo Siblings

Crab Leg Still Life

Wrathful Bridesmaid

Clicked on "A Dress A Day" and found a wealth of silliness, especially today's post: Wrathful Bridesmaid.

If that's too insane for you, check out the vintage dresses and various accessories.

PS. Just found the zipper dress on the same site, made from a one hundred yard long zipper. And it's actually pretty!

Seattle With Emilia, Javier, & Jaime

David is here for a week with Emily, and I drove them up to Seattle yesterday for them to check out the U of Washington. On the way, we made sure Emily got up close to the Pacific Ocean (ok, Puget Sound, but that qualifies). Another high point: the Seattle Public Library! It's an architectural marvel.

Gomez : See The World

This band is in Portland on July 28th. Great sound!

Het Cadeau (The Gift)

This morning I found a brown package on my doorstep, containing the Dutch copy of my picture book! Anno Domini sold the rights to publishers in the Netherlands, and so I expect it will be out there this winter.

Now all I have to do is take a quick course in Dutch... Betsy, maybe I should call you up?

Triple Murphy Monday

Well, I know it's been forever since I posted, so here's a triple bonus.

Believe it or not, I'm still unpacking boxes. This morning, going through an old box of my children's dress-up clothes, I came across this pink feather boa and couldn't resist.

Firekites AUTUMN STORY - chalk animation

The Geek Within

OK, I realize I'm revealing the total geek within, but I love old letterpress machines and boxes of metal type! This photo is from the 2008 Frankfurt Book Fair. One entire building was devoted to photo and art books, with a display of old printing presses, handmade paper, engravings, and paintings on the top floor.


Do any of you know what kind of type this is? I wish I'd asked more questions at the Book Fair. Too late now.

Cake Wrecks

Cake Wrecks recently featured various cakes based on picture book characters. I'm partial to the Babar creation. Although this "Wild Things" cake is wonderful too.

Photo from Coco Cake Cupcakes

Wow

A guy who can empathize with women!

Congratulations!

Our son, David, graduated from Calvin College on May 23rd with his biology degree. He plans to stay in Michigan and work for the next year.

Here, David with Grandma and Grandpa Cutter, who've driven cross-country to each of their grandchildren's graduations. The Cutters still have one grandchild left to go (our youngest, who won't be out of college for six more years). At least they get a breather in between.