From Daily Daguerreotype

My good friend John was dandy enough to let me borrow this gorgeous photo for use in Daily Daguerreotype. There’s a bit of a story behind it that I will attempt to recount.

When he was on his virgin voyage to Thailand, John was struck down with the notorious dengue fever. Having never fought this illness myself, I can’t quite relate to the misery that he must have endured. Regardless, he’s a bit of a wuss, and stayed indoors for the first few days until he was feeling better.

Finally, John emerged from his bungalow (with a clean pair of shorts) to do the crazy rock climbing above the ocean thing that only morons attempt. But he was so taken aback by the beautiful seashells on the shoreline, that he decided to delay his death defying stunts to take his D80 out for a spin - this photo is the result.

John has beautiful photos of not only his trips to the East, but quite a few award-winning shots of Chicago. He often has them for sale, and if you’re interested in viewing them or purchasing any, drop me an email and I’ll put you in touch with him.

Thanks, John, for the photo and also for suggesting I get a Nikon. And all the other good & bad advice you give… unsolicited.

Seriously. What’s with this thing? A few months ago Matt picked up the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser while at the grocery store. He had seen his mom use it to wipe toddler marks off the walls with divine results, so he wanted to see if it was useful to remove dog marks from… everything?

After using one Magic Eraser to clean the entire bathroom I became a believer. This is the only cleaning agent I have ever found that can remove the stains on my white tile and white grout. (I know, black dog who loves to roll in mud + white tiles + white grout = the worst idea ever.) My only complaint is that it only seems to come in sponge form. If I could get it in a concentrated powder, my life would be complete.

I would love to switch over to entirely green cleaning products, but I can’t imagine giving up my love affair with Mr. Clean. Does anyone know of a product that works like the Magic Eraser but doesn’t kill baby kittens?

Editorial note: I was thrilled when I read in my dad’s blog earlier this week the terms “bloodbath” and “vice-like squeeze”  in reference to the market. As a personal writing challenge, I will attempt to use both of those terms in the following post… about being a bridesmaid.

I’m preparing myself to participate in a wedding as a bridesmaid for the third time. My first two attempts found me unmarried and, to be perfectly honest, uninterested in many of the goings-on of wedding etiquette. I’m truly amazed that I made it to the bridal showers with a gift, let alone with the obligatory games I was expected to prepare.

This time however, I’m more excited than ever before to participate in the blessed nuptials of my dear friend. After going through the whole bloodbath myself, I remember with sincere gratefulness the favors that our friends and family bestowed upon us - small details that made the day as memorable as it was. I remember our close friends flying in from all over the country to make it to our wedding despite the fact that they had been married themselves only a few days prior, or were to be married a few days afterward. My sister-in-law slaving away to bake our wedding cake and transport it safely from New Jersey to the reception. Friends and family picking up instruments they hadn’t played in years to practice over and over again for our processional and recessional.

So this time around, I have the opportunity to get all dolled up without fearing I’ll forget to have the officiant sign the marriage license. Instead I’m thinking up clever and creative ways to show my friend how much I love her and make her day a little less stressful. (Any great tips?)

Plus, I owe her a lot cause the bridesmaid dresses she’s looking at are GORGEOUS. Although after all the steak I ate in Argentina, I’m preparing myself for the vice-like squeeze it will take to get me into any of them.

A few weeks ago we took Berlin to our favorite park for a hike to get out some of her excessive puppy energy. We managed to pick the perfect Saturday as the leaves were starting to peak, so we spent the afternoon sucking in the clean autumn air and watching Berlin happily romp down the path.

Since then, the leaves have mostly fallen and turned a nasty shade of grey making our park rather unphotogenic. Not only that, but Berlin was groomed on Sunday, and because I neglected to say anything to the groomer before dropping her off, they gave her face a “poodle cut.” She looks like the most hysterical and embarassing creature to ever walk the face of the planet.

So this photo brings me back to a beautiful fall day when it was truly enjoyable to be outside, and my dog actually looked cute.

From Daily Daguerreotype

It has officially begun. The time of year when I turn up the thermostat and Matt promptly turns it down. Thirty minutes later, I sneak into the dining room to push the needle a bit higher, hoping he won’t notice. While I’m in the bathroom, I hear the forced air turn off. I then proceed to put on a hoodie, an extra pair of socks and my robe (affectionately known as The Lime Green Monster) heading into the living room to sulk on the couch. Matt turns on the kettle to make some tea and kisses me on the forehead. AS IF THAT IS GOING TO HELP THE SITUATION!

Is this familiar to anyone else? I’ve resigned myself to spending all winter under a down comforter. And slipping arsenic into his chamomile tea.

You guys were TOTALLY RIGHT! Let it be heard loud and clear: Never doubt the women of the blogosphere!

It was indeed the bleach, and I have now sworn off bleach not only because of it’s yellowing effects but also because it’s mean to the environment. Like Sarah Palin.

Thanks for the tip!