Blog, Inc. (& Giveaway)

Last month, Chronicle Books sent Joy Cho's new Blog, Inc. my way and I enjoyed reading this thoughtful little handbook to blogging (and will be donating my copy to our local library). The business side of blogs can sometimes be a turn off - advertising, stats, etc. - but beyond those things, this book also covers topics that held my interest in terms of blogging for passion (including interviews with all kinds of talented people who blog). I'm in full support of having more resources like this out there, both for new and experienced bloggers.

I'd love for you (or someone you know) to have this handy guide, so I'm giving away one copy of Blog, Inc. today! Thanks to Chronicle for offering this - simply leave a comment below to enter (and feel free to add additional entries for any tweets/etc, or for mentioning why you'd like to read this). Entries are open until midnight on Friday, good luck!

*Update: Chaucee is the winner & has been contacted (her comment number was chosen using random.org). Thanks to everyone who entered!

Currently Reading

A Guide to the Birds of East Africa, by Nicholas Drayson.

I finished this while we were up at Black Lake and it's one of the most delightful stories I've read in a long time (delightful really is the best word to describe it).

I was drawn first to the illustrated cover, and the synopsis ("For the past three years, the widower Mr. Malik has been secretly in love with Rose Mbwika, a woman who leads the weekly bird walks sponsored by the East African Ornithological Society...") convinced me enough to purchase, and I'm glad I did. Nicholas Drayson's way of filling this story with humor, well-chosen words, and beautiful descriptions is so completely satisfying.

A Movie Date

We went to Ann Arbor's Michigan Theater for the first time Friday night and saw Moonrise Kingdom (we both liked it, and the theater is beautiful). My favorite moment, though, was during the credits (a work of art in its own right), when a stylish old gentleman sitting in front of us pulled out his iPhone to type himself a lengthy note about the music.

PS. We tried out some gelato beforehand from here.

Monday Inspiration

Q introduced me to the band, FUN a few months back and picked up their album the other day - it's starting to grow on me. I can't say I like all of their lyrics but they have an incredibly unique and upbeat sound (listen here).

Currently Reading...

As you may have guessed from Tuesday's post, I've started reading Little Bee and even though I'm just a few chapters in, the story is powerful. An excerpt that grabs you in the early pages:

"We must all see scars as beauty. Okay? This will be our secret. Because take it from me, a scar does not form on the dying. A scar means, I survived."

Currently Reading...

...The Hunger Games series. (I see what everyone is talking about now.) I picked up book one after seeing the movie, and now I've finished the second one. Though I have mixed feelings about the general premise, Katniss' story of survival, resourcefulness, and bravery is inspiring. Onto book three...

Monday Inspiration

A sweet little banjo and guitar band from Brazil, called Rosie and Me. They have soft mellow music and the cutest album covers.

(images 1-3 rosieandme, 4 by marcelo stammer)

Monday Inspiration...

Paintings & prints by artquirk. (found via dellie)

I've always been fascinated by artwork involving buildings and architecture, so these quirky little drawings caught my eye.

Monday Inspiration...

British series, Downton Abbey.

Have you been watching? I finally joined in on this series and it only takes the first episode to get hooked. It's full of drama, but has truly beautiful & heartfelt storytelling. (Find season 1 here, and the current season here).

Monday Inspiration...

Woody Allen's film, Midnight in Paris.

I love how this movie combines magical scenery and humor with an interesting theme on life & the arts. And, now the screenplay has a well-deserved Golden Globe.

monday inspiration...

Soundtrack to the film The King's Speech (music that can inspire you in any mood - it's just so good).

(image 3: orchestra's studio during the recording process)

monday inspiration...

Christmas Vacation.

It's tradition in our household to watch Clark Griswold force a cheerful, "old-fashioned family Christmas" every December (black turtleneck dickies optional :-). I've always liked their cozy, typical movie house too.

A few other favorites this time of year: the family stone, elf, home alone, the holiday, a christmas carol, & while you were sleeping. Any other suggestions?

monday inspiration...

Adam Young // Owl City in concert.

We saw & loved his show Friday night in downtown Grand Rapids - his music and positive approach to life are both completely awe-inspiring.

(PS. this is unrelated, but the stationery shop will be opening tomorrow! I hope you'll come back here for an update & the link to check it out..)

monday inspiration...

Folk rock band Mumford & Sons // album Sigh No More.

Q and I have been listening to their album on repeat lately, it's that kind of really good, soulful music that can both relax and move & motivate you.

(image 1: hooray, 2 & 3: here)

monday inspiration...

Scottish actor James McAvoy.

He's come a long way since Mr. Tumnus! We recently rented some of his latest films - this and this (he knows how to rock a movie role).

(images from: gq, atonement, & becoming jane)

lessons from an innovator.

Thoughts and prayers for Steve Jobs' family... more lessons & thoughts on creativity from him here. (While putting together this post Wednesday night, I was listening to this song, and it seemed fitting - you can listen below.)

monday inspiration...

Breanne Düren // "No One Else" video. (images by Collin Hughes).

She is one of my favorites - an adorable singer with sweet, upbeat music and a great sense of style...

inspiration on a monday.

Russell Crowe // Cinderella Man. (images: 1, 2+3).

Saturday night we got takeout from a new chinese place down the road, and rented this movie for the first time. It was so good (tissues required...).

favorite things...

image sources: 1, 2, 3 / 4, 5, 6

Kate invited me to answer a few questions about mine right here on her blog today, as part of her fun series. I bet you weren't expecting this book and a striped top from me.

(ps. thanks for hanging in here despite the unexpected blog break these past weeks...I'm glad to be back again.)

woodward avenue...

Last week my friend Allie took me to see Owl City + Mat Kearney in concert at the Fillmore downtown and it was such a good show. We opted for front row balcony seats so we could grab drinks and sit to enjoy the show (instead of standing on the main floor), and it was awesome. Not to mention the Fillmore is old and beautiful, with pretty chandeliers and a domed ceiling.

We kept snapping pictures as we walked downtown Detroit, it really is a beautiful city full of potential and it made me appreciate it all the more. Hopefully we'll visit more often... the Eastern Market is a good excuse to go again soon. Enjoy your weekend!