Spring in Red and Teal
8 Apr 2013
Things I did this weekend: Watched two beautiful people commit their lives to each other. Witnessed a father singing to his daughter while dancing with her at her wedding reception, tears streaming down my face. Held Eric’s hand really tight and told him one hundred times how much I love him. Partied down with dear, dear friends. Befriended every adorable two-year-old I could find. Wandered through the most amazingly huge art studio I’ve ever seen. Ate a gigantic almond waffle at a train-themed diner. Drove through a decent chunk of California, from the southern desert to the central valley, over the rolling hills to the ocean. Sipped local brew while catching up with Eric’s wonderful colleagues from Berkeley. Enjoyed. Every. Minute. Of. It. I am definitely going to tell you all about it. But for now, here are some spring shots we took before we left town. It was a gloriously cool night, and it felt decadent to take a stroll in the evening breeze. (Bonus nerdery: do you see the molecule patterns in the fence?)
I bought this dress ages ago for a trip to Eastern Europe. It looked like it would roll up easily, and it would double as a bathing suit cover-up. Win-win! The fabric is actually really soft and comfortable, in thin little layers adding up to an opaque whole, and it always makes me feel like I’m on vacation.
This cotton sweater vest is a Bargain Barn find, and I adore it. Pasadena is a perfect climate for it because you might not exactly need a sweater, but a sort of half-sweater is often just the ticket. I love the big bulky buttons too.
This gorgeous necklace was a gift from Eric’s mom (she is the best!), and I have worn it almost every day since she sent it to me. I love the colors! Better still, it’s from an organization called Rahab’s Rope, which works to end human trafficking. So beautiful.
The yellow bracelet is my all-time favorite bead loom bracelet, and the fuchsia one was a gift from my undergraduate adviser. He bought it for me in Iceland and gave it to me right after I defended my honors thesis. It’s actually made of dyed fish scales (which was an awesome reference to my first chapter!), and I remember that triumphant moment every time I wear it.
Extra spring bonus: the jasmine is in bloom!
And so are these pink beauties.
I hope you are all getting a healthy dose of spring too, wherever you may find yourself.

Apr 08, 2013 @ 06:02:05
It sounds like you’re making the most of your experience, as usual. I wish I could tag along with the two of you on this adventure.
Apr 11, 2013 @ 15:26:40
Thank you! It has been really fun. We don’t usually get to take such a long vacation. We were thinking of you at Point Lobos the other day–you would love it!
Apr 08, 2013 @ 11:22:08
Yes! Spring has arrived in the north east, finally!! Love your outfit and the back story to your fish bracelet. It’s been years since I’ve been to a wedding, we are waiting for the next generation to take the plunge, not that I’m in a hurry! My daughter has one year of law school left and my son will be starting grad school in a year. So there’s time. I have the back door opened a crack and the sounds of spring are in the air π
Apr 11, 2013 @ 15:29:23
Thank you so much! I am glad you are finally getting a good dose of spring–I know it’s been a long winter! We get so excited when we get to go to a wedding–always such a sweet reminder of our vows, and so much fun to see the happy couple! How wonderful about your son and daughter’s grad work–bet they are having/will have a great time:)
Apr 08, 2013 @ 13:45:45
love it. you are so adorable.
Apr 11, 2013 @ 15:30:13
Thank you so much!
Apr 08, 2013 @ 16:06:09
You are so cute. And yes, I always notice the polycyclic hydrocarbons in the fence. But unlike the flowers around you, they have no aromatic character as they are missing the center circles indicative of shared double bonds.
Apr 08, 2013 @ 17:35:37
^Best comment ever. We can all go home now.
Apr 11, 2013 @ 15:32:28
I know, right?!
Apr 11, 2013 @ 12:05:32
Shared double bonds? That’s like Cameron bonded us, hmmmm??? Or the synergy that is Cameron from her parents.
Apr 11, 2013 @ 15:44:21
Sounds about right to me! π
Apr 11, 2013 @ 15:32:16
Thank you! I think you are the only reader who knows exactly what those are, so thanks for teaching us all! π Also, you are so cute, too π
Apr 08, 2013 @ 17:36:38
I like your dress a lot. It looks so comfy! Also, your weekend sounds awesome and I want your life. The end.
Apr 11, 2013 @ 15:33:33
And I want your baby! π So we are even. It is the comfiest dress I’ve ever worn, for sure. Home run, Target!
Apr 09, 2013 @ 02:57:33
I love your outfit. I really like long dresses and skirts, yet somehow only have a couple and spend most of my time in jeans. Teal is one of my favourite colours at the moment, I am considering using it in our bedroom, we plan to redecorate this summer. Your bare arms are making me shiver though – definitely still big sweater weather here in England!
Apr 11, 2013 @ 15:57:14
Thank you! I have been wearing jeans all winter, but I’m excited to start wearing spring dresses and skirts again. Hurray! Hope you get some warmer weather soon too. Teal sounds so lovely for a bedroom! Hope you’ll share pics when it’s all finished:)
Apr 09, 2013 @ 19:09:22
Gorgeous pics of you! & I love your bracelet from Iceland!
Apr 11, 2013 @ 15:55:51
Thank you so much! I have a talented photographer:)
Apr 11, 2013 @ 12:00:02
My favorite part of this post?? The sweetness smelling the jasmine! How blessed we are!! I love how the necklace compliments this outfit. Somehow, that necklace feels like encouragement that we can change the world. Your smile tells me the same. π
Apr 11, 2013 @ 15:44:05
Thank you so much! I get really excited when I find fresh jasmine blossoms–smells like heaven! Thank you again for the gorgeous necklace too–it’s definitely favorite around here:)
Oct 10, 2014 @ 10:46:20
WoW! (Who’s the profess sional photographer?) π
Oct 15, 2014 @ 16:51:27
Eric, of course! My photographer and webmaster:)