Leigh Reyes

In the past year or so, I have become very interested in fountain pens, so when I come across a pen website or resource that I like, I get very excited. The following blog is one of those resources. I don't know who Leigh Reyes is, but she seems to be a pen-and-ink connossieur, and a fantastic ink artist. (One of her drawings is on the left.) I think I would like to learn how to draw with ink, since I consider myself a pencil drawer and would like to expand my art horizons. Anyway, check out her blog.

http://www.leighreyes.com/blog/

Cool Pencil Cases

I love this kind of stuff! I haven't had a pencil case in a long time, but seeing these makes me yearn for one now.

http://www.jetpens.com/index.php/cPath/159

Laundry Detergent

I just read an article about laundry detergent, in which the author argues that Americans use vastly more detergent than they need to use. In fact, it seems as though washing one's clothes without any detergent at all is almost as effective as washing one's clothes with detergent, since the agitation of the washing machine does most of the cleaning. Moreover, the more detergent one uses, the more leftover soap scum is left on the clothes after washing. For some reason, I find this issue fascinating.


http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703808904575025021214910714.html?mod=WSJ_LifeStyle_Lifestyle_5

Sharing Embarrassment

I really enjoyed reading the following quote, which is from Tricycle magazine:

"Embarrassment is just that—embarrassment. We need to have mercy on ourselves. We all feel embarrassed. Actually, when we do speak about these things, when we do share our embarrassment, we experience relief. The holding back is what is hard.... We need to be able to trust relationships. If two people can share their embarrassments, what a bond that creates."

http://www.tricycle.com/daily+dharma

Beards and Trustworthiness

I recently came across the following story about beards and trustworthiness. Fascinating.

http://www.good.is/post/beards-as-indicators-of-trustworthiness/

Barn Owls!

Today, I discovered a barn owl web-cam! As far as I can gather, this is a wild owl nesting in a box, along with its chicks, but I can't be sure. I don't even know where in the world these owls are. In any case, I love barn owls: I think they are the most beautiful kind of owl. Fantastic.

http://www.ustream.tv/theowlbox/v2

More about barn owls: http://www.shawcreekbirdsupply.com/barn_owl_info.htm

More Pottery

I have decided that I want to have more pottery in my life. Does anyone know where I can buy some affordable, good-looking pottery in the San Francisco area? So far, I have happened to find good pieces at Peet's Coffee (!) and Teavana, a Bay-Area tea shop. I also have to start taking pottery classes again. They are very soothing and satisfying.

Sweet Potato Waffles!

Last week, I learned of a restaurant in San Francisco that sells sweet potato waffles. Wow. I think I am going to try them this coming weekend.