Waiting, Watching.

I love this series of shots taken at the Brighton Beach boardwalk by photographer Samm Blake (who, besides being a talented artist, is also a very lovely person). Writes Samm: "I spent a lot of time [at the boardwalk] where I walked and talked with many of the locals, and then I became very intrigued by the people sitting on the benches staring out to the ocean. What are they thinking about? Who are they? ...What are they waiting for?"

See more from this series on Samm's blog, here, and visit her professional website, here (it's a treasure trove!). Also, Brighton Beach was hit hard by Hurricane Sandy this October. For more on how you can help, click here.

Giving Thanks.

This week on the Equals Record: giving thanks for the most challenging year of my life.  

As always, an excerpt from the new post: "There’s no elegant way to put what I’m about to say: for much of my life, things have more or less fallen into my lap. It’s almost embarrassing to admit, though I can certainly claim very little credit for the way things have happened in my life. My friends call it Shoko luck, and it’s something I’ve always been reluctant to acknowledge, for fear of completely jinxing it—whatever it is...'I’m just lucky, I guess,' has forever been my sheepish explanation. This year, though, things have been different."

See the post in its entirety on the Equals Record, here. 

I'll be taking Thanksgiving off from blogging (I'm hosting a "Friendsgiving" at my apartment this year!), but I couldn't leave without extending a huge, heartfelt thank you to all of you - many of whom I've never met - who have supported me and encouraged me and made me feel so welcomed in this community. I'm so lucky to know you. Wishing you all a very happy Thanksgiving.

PS: For New Yorkers - more ways to help those still hurting after Hurricane Sandy. 

Top image via Confetti Garden (please share if you know the photographer). Bottom image via dvs. 

Bear Blanket.

I understand that Roxy Marj's new heirloom bear blanket is meant for children, but would it be so wrong to buy one for myself?

As you may already know, Roxy's also the creator of these muslin envelope clutches (I own one and use it all the time). And I love this little creature, too, a "cousin to rainbows." 

See more at the Roxy Marj Etsy shop, here. Model photos by Jordan Huntington.

Even Your Coffee Is Surprised.

Google Poetics is brilliant, funny, perfect for a Monday morning. Who knew there was poetry to be found in Google autocomplete suggestions? 

See much more, here.

Misao & Fukumaru.

I don't think I can adequately convey the happiness that these images - by Japanese photographer Miyoko Ihara - bring me, so I'll let them speak for themselves. Miyoko's been documenting the day-to-day adventures of her 87-year-old grandmother, Misao, and her "odd-eyed" cat, Fukumaru, for close to a decade now, and the photographs have recently been compiled in a book. Below, a few stand-outs.

See more at Miyoko Ihara's website, here. Thanks to Cute Overload for the introduction.

Have a lovely weekend, everyone!