Simple.

This old slide, near my sister's house, spoke to me. The way the layers of paint were artfully peeling away, the way each step was proudly molded into the word "American", the white hot metal. It reminded me of a sturdier, easier time when "made in the USA" wasn't a political slogan, it was just fact, and a skinned knee was the worst of our worries.

Mourning Flowers

Headed out on a jet plane tomorrow morning to celebrate the life of my Granny who passed away suddenly two nights ago. She went peacefully in her sleep and I guess that is the way we would all want to go after living a long and blessed life as she did. She was an amazing person and our family will miss her greatly.

I do look forward to seeing family and sharing stories and memories of what a wonderful lady our Granny was.
This is an outfit I've had on the back burner. I think Granny would approve. Modest (covers the knees) with a bit of fun floral.

Love you, Granny.

Knotted up.

 Ive become a fan of the knot. I think it is the perfect trick to give a so-so outfit a little bit of pep.  Also, being a huge fan of asymmetry, this is the perfect way to throw everything wonderfully off balance.

If that doesn't work just strap a five year old to your leg,  that's sure to do it.

Navy Issues

 My Dad was a Navy man for 20 years of his life.  I guess you could kind of say it was a love hate relationship. The Navy loved him, clearly, as he retired as Senior Chief, and he...well, he loved to hate it.  I feel blessed to have grown up a Navy brat. I got to travel to places all over the world, before the age of 15, that most people don't get to see in a lifetime.  Not matter what my Dad tries to tell you, the Navy will always hold a special place in the hearts of me and my family for the opportunities is offered and the memories that it helped create.

When I found these vintage Navy issue dungarees I was beside myself.  Be it style or nostalgia I am all in, baby.  What's scary is these are probably about the same size my Dad's skinny ass wore when he first enlisted.

Wow. I got through that whole post with no Seamen jokes. nice.

Family Fun and Five.

Nearly a week and a half past her actual birthday we finally had Char's party.  She loves Dennis the Menace Park in Monterey so she decided that is where her party had to be. Unfortunately, we weren't able to get a permit for the weekend of her birthday so she got an extended birthday...can't say she was complaining any.  Coincidentally, some of Dave's Texas family members were in town too so we were able to have Aunts, Uncles and cousins galore there to celebrate with us!

 A few of the Ryans catching up.

 Water guns...the root of all fun.

 Charlotte announcing the commencement of present opening. 

I think Adrian would have preferred a written memo...poor guy.

Diamonds truly ARE a girls best friend.

 This water fountain is an icon at Dennis the Menace...to a 18 month old its just plain menacing.

 Cousin love :)

ready.   set.    pose.

 Dare devils.

Of course, no trip to Dennis the Menace is complete without a paddle boat ride.

 Does this picture look familiar to anyone?

How 'bout now? ;)

 Girl power.

The next day, we continued the fun at one of Dave's local cousin's house for a BBQ, where I got a few fun shots.

 More cousin cuddles

 Sweet baby James.

Hey, Jealousy!

Can't say we could have topped this weekend to close out a week long birthday celebration for our little 5 year old.

A big "thankyou!" to everybody that helped us ring it in right!

Freedom

What a suffocating breath of fresh air. The ability to pick anything in my closet without restriction. Gloriously paralyzing.

These linen shorts are some of my favorites and when I realized how well they would work with the new cropped teal top I just picked up, I was super excited.

Olive and Teal are my favorite color combo...I know its weird, but that's me in a nutshell.

I love these sandals. I love the four different colors of metallic that they have, which pretty much means they match everything. Probably my favorite quality in an article of clothing.

Welcome back to sartorial freedom. I am viewing my closet through new eyes from now on and  am hoping to post almost as frequently as I have been for the 30/30 challenge. I'd LOVE to hear any comments that you lovely folks have out there!

Day THIRTY: What it's all about.

  THIS is what it is all about. Discovering new ideas, experimenting with things out of your comfort zone, and realizing that having alot of clothes is not the key to style. It is simply the way you put your really great pieces together and using accessories that make them shine.

Had my choices not been so limited I would have NEVER paired these two knit pieces together. The  colors aren't an expected coupling, but I absolutely LOVE them together.

  Presently, I am taking joy in a job that would typically make my cringe. Cleaning out my closet. Now that I have survived these 30 days I have found that all I really want to have are the pieces that I LOVE not just like. This may cut out a good half of my closet but I am okay with that because I am confident in my new found ability to Remix to my little hearts content. Thanks, Kendi!

Day 29 of 30: Birthday girl

 On Charlotte's Birthday (July 1st) we had an eventful day planned. I picked her up from my Aunt's (who had already taken her to see Cars 2 and do some park playing) after work and we headed to the Santa Cruz Boardwalk. During the summer they host a series of free concerts on Friday nights. This night featured a semi recognizable R&B band. They were pretty load and lively, just the way my girl likes it. She is a huge music lover to start and then when you put her in front of a live band, its all over, Charlotte heaven. Throw in a few rides and some greasy corn dogs and you've got the makings of an epic birthday.

This was the extent of an outfit pic that I got. Oh well. This is my girl's day anyways.

 

 Me and the fabulous, Yessi.

She was so excited to sign the beach ball that everyone was tossing around. Complete with her phone number....yeah, don't know what that was about.

Happiness is riding atop rotating sequential plastic dragons 5 feet off the ground...wind in our hair...not a care in the world.

Day 28 of 30: The Big Screen

Same old actors, slightly different movie.

Not quite a blockbuster...not straight to video.

It's like a good Bromance...predictable, kinda makes you smile and at the end of the day somebody ends up with a face tatoo.

Okay, maybe not that last part. ;)

Day 27 of 30: Manual Labor

This, Ladies and Gentleman is my ditch diggin outfit.

I "helped" Dave dig a french drain down the side of our house this day. It was not fun, as you would imagine, but it gets us one step closer to getting that project done so that we can do the project I REALLY want to do....install the wood floors! yipee!

See? Miss Charlotte is SO excited about hardwoods too!

Day 26 of 30: No Comment