Happy birthday

To my mom! Who loves flowers & has an impressive green thumb.

(Photo of tropical blooms, Honolulu).

Sister's engagement

My sister and now-fiance got engaged!! Congratulations and many happy returns as they start residencies and a new life chapter.

(Photo of a cousin's pretty tablepiece, Honolulu).

Sand sculpture

My brother makes genius sand sculptures, among myriad other talents (Harvard, finance, kayaking & paddling warrior).

(Photographed at Kailua Beach, Hawaii).

Sutton Park, England

Sutton Park is the perfect place to lose yourself among acres of English woods, pools, and heaths. There's even prehistoric sites and an ancient Roman road. Just add a canine companion.

(Image via the Birmingham City Council).

Jewelry inspiration

I'm sometimes inspired to make jewelry based on things I come across in everyday life. After a museum exhibit on ancient Roman adornment, I made the Swarovski earrings. The orange carnelian pendant was inspired by something I read - apparently Napoleon wore carnelian in battle for its protective powers - who knew? (Click here to view jewelry).

Wedding cakes

My sister-in-law is a pastry chef in New York who makes gorgeous wedding cakes. Every petal & leaf is handcrafted, then assembled.

(Click image to view, click again to zoom).

PhD defense, European-style

My significant other is an economics professor in London and sits on students' PhD committees (he's second from bottom). At this PhD defense, the student wore a tux & tails, committee members wore robes & cravats. I would've died if this had been my defense.

P.S. All that's missing? Powdered wigs.
P.P.S. What's with the tuxedo dudes flanking the student?
P.P.P.S. Check out the wall-o-dead-guy-portraits. Very funny.

Strida folding bikes

Sigh, Strida folding bikes look so beautiful & cleverly-designed. (I love the funny black and white photo!)

(Images via Strida).