shanna murray

whatever may come

Yesterday afternoon Ollie asked to go out. I buckled him in his harness and we stepped outside. We walked our familiar path around the perimeter of the yard and as we looped back towards the house a heavy breeze began to blow that made the long grass move like waves. We walked past the house and set out for an impromptu walk. It was the best thing I did yesterday. 

In one of the neighborhoods we came upon a giant sidewalk chalk hopscotch. It brought a smile to my face, a sign of summer. Later that day, I got some news that will in all likelihood define what this summer will mean for me. It was a tough day. But this morning I woke feeling able and ready to roll with it, whatever may come.

I'll keep you posted.

Love, S

second week of june, 2010

So far this week has been wrapping up projects, laughter with friends, lots of delicious fruit, unexpected presents, planning for the future, unbelievable news - that I can't wait to share, sweet moments and perfect weather. An amazing week so far. One I never want to forget. 

I'm still having trouble making it to this space more than once or twice a week. I've been thinking about how I planned to switch things up around here at the beginning of the year and then never did. I've been finding it hard to believe it's June already. I've been trying again to slow down time, or find a way to not miss so much and to soak in more. I've been eating the best strawberries I've ever had in my life. Tiny little bursts of flowery sugar. I've been playing lots of Louis Armstrong. I've been picking tons of peonies from the garden and talking on the phone with my grandfather.

I wish I could tell myself at seventeen that I'd have a week like this twenty years later.

xo, S

just because it's june, june, june!

Happy June to you! The month in which summer begins (here, in the northern hemisphere) has arrived! To mark the occasion my dear pal Hannah and I have a new desktop calendar for you! Hannah and I have been wanting to work on a project together for so long, and it was great fun to finally get the chance.

There's a bit of a double meaning to this calendar as I couldn't quite get current events off my mind when I set to work - staring at this image of the sea that Hannah sent over - and I sort of like that. It's because the ocean holds such power, life and beauty that it is so cherished, and why it is so heartbreaking when it is wounded. I love the opening paragraphs of Moby Dick, in which Ishmael describes how drawn people are to the water's edge - like a magnet pulling us towards it's lapping waves. It's how I feel. And I think it's how Hannah feels, too.

There are several versions of this collaboration available. If you'd prefer the calendar without the whale, we've made that an option for you. And if you'd like to keep the image up beyond the month of June, we have it available for you without the calendar. You can find all versions here. You can find the link in my sidebar as well, under the FOR YOU heading. If you'd like the version you see above, just click it for the actual size and drag it to your desktop. We hope you love our little June gift to you!

I'm so excited about this new month, I've got a few fun things to share with you that are in the works! This week I'll have some bits to share, as well as throughout the month. I hope you have some fun things planned, too!

Here's a little something to celebrate: June Is Bustin' Out All Over

Cheers! S