Pippi love...

“No Fridolf, bother all this learning. I can't study anymore because I must climb the mast to see what kind of weather we're going to have tomorrow.”  
-Astrid Lindgren

Can I show you my new favorite book? I picked it up this afternoon after browsing the bookshelves of a local discount store. I just couldn't leave the store without it.

It's been a long time since I've read Astrid Lindgren's Pippi Longstocking. But, as a young girl, I devoured the books about Pippi. I admired her spunkiness and her adventures... in fact, I still do.

When I saw this edition, illustrated with charming mixed media collages by Lauren Child, I immediately longed to curl up with a small child and read aloud this classic story together. I'll save it back for when the day comes that I have my own littles to read to. But, I can't promise that I won't read it myself before then.

Take a look at Lauren Child's website: Milk Monitor. It's just as adorable with clever animations and a hint of that same whimsy that makes Pippi so lovable.

I might be a little late to the Lauren Child party, as it seems she has a show on the Disney Channel based on her popular book characters, Charlie and Lola. (Their website is adorable, too!) But, I'm a fan. I can't wait to add more of her books to my library.

I really wish I could get my hands on this limited edition of The Secret Garden. Although the Puffin website says it's sold out, it might not be everywhere... but, it looks expensive.

Happy 500!

“To accomplish great things, we must dream as well as act.” 
-Anatole France

5 years, 10 months, and 24 days ago I decided to dip my toes into the world of blogs. And, thus Dancing Commas was born. I was newly graduated from college, living in my first off-campus apartment, and not even engaged yet. Wow! That was a long time ago!

Here we are 500 posts later!

Since beginning of Dancing Commas, I've moved three and a half times, gotten married, been employed, unemployed AND semi-employed, and been on at least four epic vacations. I've decorated, crafted, sewn, and scrapbooked up a storm. Partly because it's in my blood: partly because I needed blog content. 

There have been times when I've blogged everyday and times when I've been away for weeks or months at a time. 

Dancing Commas is my virtual journal of memories but also a treasury of ideas. It's my place to explore my possibilities and dreams but also to reach out into the world. I write each post for myself but also knowing that there might be others out there who enjoy reading about my experience.

My little corner of the web is dear to me. Thank you to my few but loyal readers who join me regularly in this space!

I want you to celebrate this milestone with me! I've designed several desktop wallpapers showcasing some of my favorite quotes. A little bling just for you! (Sized to fit normal width, widescreen, and even iPhone screens.)
 

Download:

• There's Joy [1920 x 1200]
• There's Joy [1600 x 1200]
• There's Joy [640 x 960] 

Download:

• Glitter With [1920 x 1200]
• Glitter With [1600 x 1200]
• Glitter With [640 x 960]

Download:

• Collect Moments [1920 x 1200]
• Collect Moments [1600 x 1200]
• Collect Moments [640 x 960]

Happy 500!

Type + Photos = LOVE!

"Typog­ra­phy at its best is a visual form of lan­guage link­ing time­less­ness and time."

-Robert Bringhurst

Last week I fell head over heels in love with the work of Julian Bialowas, especially the 365 Quotes project. I'm still trying to decide which one to buy for my walls. This one, or maybe this one... oh wait, maybe this one, or this one... Maybe all of them.

In a moment of sheer inspiration and shameless imitation, I adopted his style for some of my Washington photos from our trip last summer. I had been struggling with finding enthusiasm and creative mojo for a photo book project to chronicle the journey... everything I put together just didn't feel right. That is... until last weekend, when I threw some big, bold quotes on top.

Here are some favorites. They might even be wall-worthy themselves.

Can't wait to tackle our Yosemite photos now!

Font nerd...

"Each letter should have a flirtation with the one next to it."

-Mac Baumwell

The Alphabet from n9ve on Vimeo.

Found via Design Crush.

 

Serif Tote Bag from Little Factory.

I think I love that bag.

A simple pledge by Lure Design.

I made that promise a long time ago.

Choices, Choices...

“Our lives are a sum total of the choices we have made.”
-Wayne Dyer

I was a bit concerned about the monochromatic look of the new blog design, and told myself that I would make up for it wit colorful pictures. However, given the suggestion to add color to the header--here are some options.

What do you think?

Header #1:Header #2:Header #3:Header #4:Header #5:Header #6:Header #7:Header #8:Or the original header!