January 31, 2012 SONGBOOK: it’s hard to write a real love song

I have been trying to write a love song (I know, really original content), but I really struggled to tell this story without some sort of cliche. It’s hard to express the difficult side of love: the fear, the give-and-take, the selfishness. Then still say why modern, enlightened people choose to do it. Because you can’t just outsource all the things you like about love (or marriage, in my case) and ultimately be fulfilled.

If you have loved someone for years, I respect your courage to be fully present with another person for that long. I tried to write a song that shows love as a choice, a devotion, a constant rearranging to make room for another soul. The way you come to that decision – that is your love story.

image from le love

January 30, 2012 CASA: Gallery Wall Tour

Gallery Wall

I got some art for Christmas, so after the new year, I rearranged this gallery wall in our apartment. We live in an old complex in Nashville that has quirky spaces. This area is right off the kitchen. Originally, I bet this was built to be the butler’s pantry, but it is our makeshift guest room!

I got the Jane Mount print (from 20×200) from Will for my birthday this year. The David Hockney is from the Tate Modern Museum Store; the Tate Modern print is from the London Transport Museum store. I lived in London for a summer in 2007, so it’s nice to have those memories. The Kari Herer print was a surprise from my mom for Christmas! She’s the best.

Happy Monday! Hope you have a good week!

January 27, 2012 couch: link love

Weekend

What are y’all up to this weekend? I am going to take it eeeeasy – long week. Hopefully I can get outside and feel some sunshine (if the forecast permits). Here’s some link love!

I have a Madewell giftcard burning a hole in my pocket. Do I want this DRESS, these SHOES, or these BOOTS? Help! Comment please!

Treat yo-self to some at home spa treatments this weekend

Take a long, hot winter soak. I bought some Mustard Bath to kick my cold, we’ll see what happens! The reviews are crazy…

I have an abundance of lemons in my fridge… may make a few things from Martha’s roundup

I love TomboyStyle’s latest GRID – a Time Machine

A cute post about drinking with bitters from the adorable Beth Mathews

Have a great weekend! See you on Monday xo, AL

photo found here