Oh Liza Jane

Farewell and New Beginnings!!

2010-05-26T23:00:00.000-04:00

A grand thanks to all that have followed this blog over the years -- but the time has come to retire this site and focus on the band's new site. But worry not! If you still want the inside peek into my mind and musings, they can be found at my new tumblr page, LilLizaJane.tumblr.com. I'd love to hear from you there and gosh darn everywhere, so please stay in touch. I'm out and about and will catch you 'round the bend. Much love and many cheers, Liza

Crooked Still - Half Of What We Know

2010-05-13T18:13:00.000-04:00

Check out Aoife's amazing new video!! I've loved this song from the minute I heard her sing the lyrics, "If it wasn't for the sun, all the roses would have won." Check out their show tonight at the 92nd Street Y and get the new Crooked Still album here.

Pet Post -- Peanut Butter Loves Life

2010-05-10T13:29:00.000-04:00

Jams -- Songbook Graphics

2010-05-07T15:01:00.000-04:00

My recent trip to Charleston, SC has inspired me some old time songs from the south. Check out these designs!!

Image Inspiration -- Yellow Coins

2010-05-05T12:52:00.000-04:00

Check out these kids playing in a field of yellow plastic coins in Seoul, Korea. I'm jealous...and curious.
Via BBC.

Image Inspiration -- Subway Map

2010-04-29T13:19:00.000-04:00

Even Chelsea's subway maps are creatively adorned:

Memories -- Early Work

2010-04-27T12:54:00.000-04:00

My mother's abstract, bold and beautiful paintings started with simpler exercises. While she may be known for her particular style now, I remember fondly one of her very first paintings she approached in her early painting career. It's a bowl of pears. I knew she hated painting pears, but to this day it remains one of my favorites for its purity and play on tequnique vs. personal style. Here's a piece by Olle Baertling, a Swiss artist known for abstract works, but this early gem stands out as my favorite still.

Jams -- In My Life

2010-04-22T17:24:00.000-04:00

via youdsay

Cats Love Jams. And Science.

2010-04-22T16:32:00.000-04:00

Image Inspiration -- Flashback Living Room

2010-04-22T16:22:00.000-04:00

I want almost everything in this picture.
via l'ombrello

Pet Post -- Bunny Jumps

2010-04-21T10:16:00.000-04:00

May this adorable creature's determination to jump over life's hurdles inspire you today:

Image Inspiration -- Gotta Love Life

2010-04-19T14:20:00.000-04:00

This tat goes out to Bowen in Portland and the fellas in back home in DC. Xo

image via DeanPeterson

Jams -- TONIGHT Oh Liza Jane Double Bill

2010-04-18T17:43:00.000-04:00

We here at OLJ are excited to tell you about a special show tonight in Brooklyn. We're honored to be sharing the night with Cahalen Morrison and Eli West and we are cooking up some folk-fun-lovin' nice times. Hope you can make it and many cheers!!

Details ---------------------------------------------->
Location: Pete's Candy Store 709 Lorimer Street, Brooklyn, NY
Time: 10:30pm
Cost: FREE!
Jams will be: HOT!!!

And remember, if you can't make the show, you can always buy our newly released CD at ohlizajane.com

Image Inspiration -- Let's Dance

2010-04-17T17:42:00.000-04:00

I'm digging this as a potential future album cover?!
via elo vazquez

AOD -- Viviane Sassen

2010-04-17T17:24:00.000-04:00

With her background in fashion and her love for world travel, Sassen's new series of photographs from around Africa caught my eye recently and I had to share. Images via Danziger Projects. More on the artist here.

Pet Post -- Bunny Zen

2010-04-13T15:28:00.000-04:00

via dailybunny and vanessakowalski

Image Inspiration -- Some Spring :)

2010-04-08T16:56:00.000-04:00

Art Review -- Elliott Hundley

2010-04-08T16:17:00.000-04:00

What a treat to see Elliott Hundley's new work!! His sweet younger brother was wise to turn my attention to this incredible exhibit (thanks, Martin!) I enjoyed the show so much that I went back to share the experience with my family. The intricate details within every inch of the colossal collages hooked me right in, and the stand-out sculptural works felt like floating clouds of carefully executed chaos -- delicate and deliberate. Please check out "Agave of the Bacchae" at Andrea Rosen Gallery, through May 1, 2010.

Above: My mom, going in for a closer look.
Below: A detail from one of Hundley's massive works

Pet Post -- Easter Bunnies

2010-04-07T11:58:00.001-04:00

I hope you all had a lovely Easter weekend -- I know Peanut Butter sure did (photos on the way soon!) Sadly, it came to my attention that a lot of my friends were served rabbit on Sunday, and I just can't wrap my head around it. Please consider perhaps making food in the shape of rabbits instead of eating the real thing...

Like this:

Not like this:

Thank you!!

Jams -- NICE TIME is HERE!!

2010-04-01T18:23:00.000-04:00

Today is the day, folks! I am thrilled to announce the release of Oh Liza Jane's debut album, "Nice Time" and no, it's no April Fools joke. You can buy it securely from our OLJ website here. Thanks to all for your tremendous support and we hope you like what you hear! Xo Liza

Pet Post -- Getting Excited

2010-03-31T14:30:00.000-04:00

This kitty's running to get its paws on the new Oh Liza Jane album!!

Image Inspiration -- Family Genes

2010-03-25T15:30:00.000-04:00

via a cup of jo

Pet Post -- Swimming Lesson

2010-03-24T13:15:00.000-04:00

via fluoxetine

Jane Maxwell --- AOD

2010-03-23T14:37:00.001-04:00

Today's artist's collages make me want to go to Los Angeles (and maybe also Vegas?!) See more of her work here.

"Girl on a Stool," 2009

"Our Pick," 2008

"Seated Girls Blue," 2009

"5 Walking Girls," 2008

Image Inspiration -- Happy Greens!!

2010-03-17T18:28:00.000-04:00

via fatbunnydaily

Sketchbook: Julia Pott

2010-03-11T18:07:00.001-05:00

Mmm...I love animals in sketchbooks.

More here, via Book by Its Cover

Art Review -- Auction Block

2010-03-11T17:30:00.000-05:00

I'm up to my ears in auction catalogues and was delighted to finally have something catch my eye. Leave it to good ole Paul Jenkins and these seductive lithographs from the '70's:

Image Inspiration -- Feel Like Dancing

2010-03-11T13:04:00.000-05:00

This collection by Taiana is making me so crazy!! Amazing fashion straps? Check Plus.

OLJ CD RELEASE SHOW April 1st -- Save the Date!

2010-03-07T17:54:00.000-05:00

Howdy friends,

I am so thrilled to announce our CD Release show and hope you can make it out to the big event at one of New York City's finest venues. The first set starts at 8:30pm and we'd love to see you there!!

Oh Liza Jane CD RELEASE
with special guests Mike & Ruthy
THURSDAY, APRIL FIRST
@the Cornelia Street Cafe
29 Cornelia Street, NYC
8:30pm $10 cover

Liz McFadden - vocals, tambourine
Justin Keller - guitar, vocals
Peter Bitenc - bass
Carlo Costa - percussion
w/ special guest Aoife O'Donovan

Please feel free to call for reservations at (212) 989-9319.
Thanks and cheers!

Image Inspiration -- My Brother's Garden

2010-03-05T17:59:00.000-05:00

Guess what just got sent (via text) from sunny Los Angeles?! My favorite yellow flowers! Spring will soon be more than a dream, folks.... I can feel it. Xo

Amber Boardman -- AOD

2010-03-05T17:42:00.000-05:00

I was lucky enough to catch up with my beautifully talented friend Amber this week and I wanted you to get a chance to hear what she's up to lately. She recently curated a video exhibit: "Give Me a Minute," at the Shirey, and you can see a lot of these diverse 60 second pieces here. The show got a great review and response from all walks of the world (especially from the ADD crowd!), and I am so inspired by how she is melding genres of art, music & film all together. I thought I'd also throw in an interview on the artist just to ring home how aces she is.

Jams -- The Bothy Band

2010-03-04T18:05:00.001-05:00

1970's Folk Jam Band? Incredible. My cuz cuz loves the bagpipes so I had to post this. And I'm also obsessed with all of their hair and wardrobe. Thanks, Am!!

Pet Post -- Your Moment of Zen

2010-03-04T18:03:00.001-05:00

He's no Peanut Butter, but this bun is too cute to handle. Thanks, Justo!!

Image Inspiration -- Success

2010-03-04T15:44:00.000-05:00

Here's to good fortune by Kirby Pilcher

Scott Eiden -- AOD

2010-03-04T13:44:00.000-05:00

From the artist on this photograph, "Hank Williams, Georgiana, Alabama":
"I took this picture at the childhood home of Hank Williams, Sr. This was his boyhood bed, though the curtains were posthumously donated to the home (it's now a little museum/shrine). The curtains were handmade and show the lyrics and music to the song 'Your Cheatin' Heart.' There's a really wonderful lady who tends to the home and the souvenirs and things. Also, once a year out back, they have a concert of people singing like Hank Sr."

Please note the bold line regarding the curtains. It's blowing my mind.
More of Scott Eiden's photography here

Image Inspiration -- Yellow Greetings

2010-03-03T12:02:00.002-05:00

This image makes me want to:

1. Go work for this incredibly outfitted company
2. Fly somewhere in a yellow plane immediately
3. Improve my overall attitude for the day and salute a stranger passing by

via randomthoughts

Jams -- My Good Ole Tambourine

2010-03-03T11:52:00.000-05:00

I can't tell you how excited we are about our first full-length album coming out on APRIL FIRST 2010!! This picture of Stevie Nicks is getting me outrageously pumped up. Details for the show are on the way, so stay tuned... Xo

image via anotherdayonearth

Youngna Park -- AOD

2010-03-03T11:42:00.000-05:00

Youngna Park caught my eye with this city seasonally delightful photograph. I'm buying this piece from 20X200 and you can do the same here. Also, check out more great work from the artist here

Reading List -- So Much Reading

2010-03-03T11:33:00.000-05:00

Boy oh boy, reading all of these books 3 times each with Desmond made me realize how much I love reading, and how it can also be a great way to relax yourself right into a nap.

Jams -- Lost Things

2010-03-01T23:07:00.002-05:00

can't seem to get enough of stop-motion these days...

Image Inspiration -- Happy March

2010-03-01T22:12:00.000-05:00

A little sunshine for the promise of spring from artist Christopher Marley via unrulythings

Image Inspiration -- Tough Day

2010-02-25T21:04:00.001-05:00

Ever had a day where you feel like this...

And then you realize that things may seem tough but that there's always something you can find to get you feeling jazzed:

Play Review -- New Hope City

2010-02-23T20:22:00.001-05:00

I hate to say with a family of actors that it's been a pathetically long time since I've been truly moved by a play. So I'm pleased to say that the production, "New Hope City," rocked me to the core with its multimedia, genre-bending mixed grill of great music, film and acting. You'll feel like a sushi roll with every food you love in it but you never thought you could ever have it because it would fall apart. But the play stands firmly on a sturdy cutting board of hilarity, heartbreak, and bizarre futuristic philosophy. With highlights including an improvised talk show by Sexo the Clown and a sexy choreographed dance party, this show will give you a new hope that a trip to the theater can be a refreshingly nice time.

Playing this Thursday, Friday and Saturday at the Bushwick Starr in Brooklyn, NY. Get tickets now and learn more about the amazing band Pass Kontrol here.

Frédéric Noël -- AOD

2010-02-22T15:44:00.000-05:00

Today's illustration reminds me of one of my favorite jokes about the absurdity of nursery rhymes. It's when Ricky Gervais speaks to how Humpty Dumpty shouldn't have been rescued by horses (let alone all of them) because, "If you were to construct a perfect egg-crushing device, it would be horses' hooves!"

More work from this wonderful illustrator here

Pet Post -- Cat is IN the Bag

2010-02-21T13:06:00.000-05:00

Snacks loves her some bags, let me tell you!!
Note: these were not staged in any way. Simply capturing her at one of the finest games.

Film Review -- Alice

2010-02-21T10:53:00.000-05:00

In 1988's "Alice," Czech director Jan Svankmajer's bizarre adaptation of Lewis Carroll's children's book is considered a classic of surreal cinema. After her stuffed rabbit opens a portal inside her dresser, Alice crosses over into a warped world of gothic props, puppets and dead animals. Svankmajer gives the Caterpillar, the Mad Hatter and the Cheshire Cat warped makeovers via stop-motion animation and stark cinematography.

I've been re-reading the book and this was the most fascinating, creepy interpretation of the story I've ever seen. Outstanding!

Pet Post -- Westminster!

2010-02-17T00:02:00.000-05:00

I know, the pics aren't the best quality... but I was going so crazy that I couldn't keep still!!

Updates here

Spread the Love

2010-02-14T19:02:00.000-05:00

via colormekatie

Grab a smooch and steal a sweet treat today. And happy anniversary, Mom and Dad!! Xo

COACH WILL -- Growing Together

2010-02-13T18:55:00.000-05:00

I can only imagine my brother being as animated as Cleveland State Coach Gary Waters (above) at last night's game...

For the final post in our special guest inspiration series this week, I want to thank Coach Will for his eloquent and exciting reflections on his time with the team. As he remains my leading source of inspiration, it has been a pleasure to share some of that with you all.

POST FIVE. GROWING TOGETHER.

"I am so proud of my team. We were behind virtually the entire game. But we never quit. The comeback my guys pulled off, together, was nothing short of inspiring. The list of obstacles and unfortunate circumstances that we had stacked against us last night is too long to report, but they refused to let any of those obstacles become excuses. Down by as many as fifteen points, we came all the way back to tie the game in the final seconds. We lost by 3 points.

Every team in every sport has their season come to and end. For each and every team except the one that wins the championship, the season ends with a loss. This is a fact, and there are many others that can help sooth the agony of defeat, but agony soothed is still agony. It hurts for so many reasons, but the one that hurts me the most is that it’s over. This season, this journey with these young men, that I have been so blessed to be part of, has come to an abrupt and painful end. We don’t get to keep growing together.

I feel we as coaches made a valiant effort to give our team some perspective after the game, and point out all the positives they can take away from this season. From the seniors that had worked so hard, and indeed left every ounce of “it” on the floor, I saw blood, sweat, and tears. That is not a euphemism: I saw all three last night. There was nothing left to do but give them a hug, and tell them something they already knew, but had never heard me say. I love you guys."

COACH WILL -- The Conclusion

2010-02-12T13:34:00.000-05:00

TODAY IS THE BIG GAME!! Wish Coach Will and the Jaguars luck today as they fight to move forward in what has proven to be an incredible season. And now for the Coach's continuation from yesterday:

POST FOUR. BEST FRIENDS-- The Conclusion.

Suffice it to say, that when they went up against me that day in practice, they magically became the best basketball players in the city. The D was tenacious and they suddenly had the killer instinct of a trained assassin. They were hitting shots I’ve never seen them even attempt. It was frustrating to see that this side of them lays dormant and they must be given permission to let it loose. I wanted them to give themselves permission.

Yes, I was literally a man among boys, and yes, I played college basketball, but my point to them was that they could compete, and that it was a challenge to relish- an opportunity to find new limits. But I didn’t need words anymore. As soon as I started winning, they became so determined as a unit not to let me steamroll them like I said I would. Sure enough, one of the “boys” who happens to be 6’6” won the contest. I was thrilled. One thing was clear, and to me it was very good news: If they were pushed, they pushed back.

COACH WILL -- Best Friends

2010-02-11T11:48:00.002-05:00

Can you feel the excitement?! With the big day on the horizon, our special Coach Will inspiration series continues as he and the team prepare for the game of the season:

POST THREE. BEST FRIENDS.

Coach Rich had to miss practice but he gave me a message to relay to the team. “Leave it all on the floor for your last game, starting today.” I loved it. It connected our practices to the final game that would decide our fate: Preparation for an event becoming a part of the event itself. Yes! Most of all, it held the promise of getting us to raise the intensity level in practice, which had yet to approach the level of an actual game. I started practice by relaying this message but I felt like they were just hearing words. I thought it was brilliantly simple. They thought it was simple. I was struggling to share the brilliance.

In these moments where I find myself flailing away to articulate something they think they already know, I feel my limitations as a leader, and sometimes I just have to eat it. But I was determined, so we went over what “leaving it on the floor” means...

This discussion basically amounted to Brian shouting, "Try really hard!" and others occasionally chiming in with other cliche's. I finally asked them what the pronoun "it" referred to, in the phrase "leave it on the floor." The best we could do was comparing the phrase to "not leaving any gas in the tank." I ate it. We moved on.

I announced the theme of today’s practice: "Best Friends." I told them that whenever they impress me as basketball players, it’s in a game, and that is a problem. The other team brings out the best in them, but they need to work on bringing out the best in each other. So many of the guys are friends, and they'll reach an unspoken agreement to help make each other look good. I said this wasn't doing each other any favors. The idea was that to be your teammates “best friend” in practice doesn’t mean you go easy on him- it means the exact opposite. Only then will they turn their potential into skill, only then will they improve. I always tell them that the only way to get better is to play people better than they are. They don’t do that enough, so I needed them to start being better, for each other. In practice: best friend means toughest opponent.

This seemed to get through, and there were even some head nods and grunts during my metaphor-heavy diatribe. As I moved them through every drill, it looked to me like they felt they were battling harder-- and they were. But an hour and a half into practice, the intensity level still wasn’t anywhere near where I knew it could be. They seemed all too satisfied, and I just couldn't let them kid themselves. I announced that we were having a one-on-one competition. I said they had five minutes to get some shots up and work on their moves. I told them to use the five minutes wisely, because I was participating in the competition, and I was about to be the best friend they’ve ever had.

COACH WILL -- Outdoor Practice

2010-02-09T17:13:00.000-05:00

Joseph Campbell, photographed by Jeff Farsai

The special guest blogger series continues as we accompany Coach Will and the Jaguars to their big game on Friday:

POST TWO. HARMONY.

We may not have a gym, but we've got Harmony.

I had the team do two laps around the whole park to warm up. Cody R. started way after everyone and finished way before everyone. As they started the run, there were guys actually going in the opposite direction as the rest of the team. There was a wide, wide range of how long it took guys to complete this small warm up.

I pointed all this out when I talked about what I wanted the theme of today's practice to be: Harmony. It's something we need to develop. Something as simple as clapping in sync with one another is an opportunity to be in harmony as a unit. I asked them if they had heard of the word symphony, and then if they had ever heard an actual symphony: All the instruments in harmony with one another, adding up to create something greater than the sum of it's parts- depending on each other, and working together in a context where everyone has a part to play.

We started with defensive slides as a team, an opportunity to work on harmony right away. I asked for three staggered lines and they spent a good amount of time arguing with each other about the spacing, and then it took them a while for everyone to achieve a decent stance and remember to tap their feet. I had to smile. Finally, the harmony of screaming quickly moving teenagers had begun.

We reviewed closeouts with faster, smaller steps. We did the shell drill for rotations and defensive rebounding- this did not go well, giving up a ton of offensive boards. We reviewed the new offensive sets we put in yesterday, emphasizing that for them to work, we have to create space and not let anyone in our hula hoop while we wait for the picks and look for the cutters.

Building on this, I had everybody form one line on the baseline to work on flashing to the ball with some conviction. I explained that so many of them think they're open when they're not, and as a guard, I'd never pass them the ball. I had them flash hard, with two hands, and scream for the ball. Alex seemed to literally whisper the first couple times, and I had to make many of them do it again, and again. I told them the idea is to flash so hard and blatantly that the would-be-passer looks like a complete jerk if he DOESN'T give you the ball. They're having a tough time doing this, and I told them this is a big reason that the brilliant offenses that coach Rich gives them aren't creating more good shots.

We reviewed the sideline inbound plays, "Shayla" and "Mozhan." We also reviewed the 1-3-1 offense, which frankly did not look good.

We finished the practice with pressure free throws, and the sun was just about down at this point. You-know-who's lip was bleeding and he said he couldn't feel his hands, so naturally, I chose him to shoot. He air-balled, and then yelled about the 14 straight he had hit before practice. I explained that none of those will count in the game tomorrow, and he quickly yelled back that the one he just missed won't count either. Sometimes if you’re determined enough to be a victim, you will be.

Nobody could seem to knock down 2 straight so they to had run down-and-backs. I told them I didn't want them to worry about speed, I just wanted everyone to finish at the same time. It took all practice, and a few practice runs, but we finally got some real harmony. Watching them cross the baseline together as the sun went down, in a horizontal line spread across the entire court -- It looked better than any symphony could sound.

SPECIAL GUEST BLOGGER -- Coach Will

2010-02-08T22:13:00.007-05:00

I'm honored and excited to announce that this week, basketball fever hits the OLJ blog and we'll have a special guest taking over: Coach Will McFadden. He is a successful actor AND helps lead an amazing high school bball team in Los Angeles and it's a very important week for them all...so here, I proudly introduce you to my one and only brother, Coach Will:

POST ONE. INTRO.

"The super bowl is over, but for one group of eleven young men and two coaches, the super bowl isn't for another few days. For a few months, I have had the privilege of coaching a high school basketball team. It is a tiny progressive private school that is known for accommodating alternative learning styles. Most of the schools we play are vastly bigger and have far more impressive facilities. We don't have a football team. We don't have cheerleaders. We don't even have a home gym. Thus, we have never had a home game. We often practice outside or find ourselves locked out of rec. center gyms that we try to rent when available. The team only won four games last year and two were by forfeit. To start this season, we lost ten of our first 11 games. And then... we started becoming a team. On Friday, we play the last game on our schedule. If we win, we secure second in the league, and we go to the State Playoffs. If we lose, our season is over, and for the seven seniors on the team, their basketball careers are over. They don't want it to be our last game. Join me here all this week to learn about this exceptional group of young men, and the joy and anguish of being their coach."

Image Inspiration -- Art, Anxiety, and a Rooster

2010-02-08T21:40:00.004-05:00

A great reminder by Mikey Burton.

A timeless declaration that I try to say often.

An important image of some good ole fashioned fun.

AOD -- Morgan Blair

2010-02-06T16:44:00.004-05:00

"Diamond Collection"

Makes me feel like brightness shines through underneath all the snow...
More from the multi-media artist here
via mandr

Pet Post -- New Beginnings

2010-02-04T14:28:00.003-05:00

photo via zooborn

With all of the panda sadness this week, I am pleased to lift your spirits by reminding you of the new-born baby giraffe at the Louisville Zoo. The "Lil' Slugger" is exactly 2 weeks old today!!

Fun [crazy] fact: Mother giraffes give birth while standing and the young fall five to six feet upon delivery. Offspring are usually 6-feet tall at birth.

Pet Post -- Tai Shan Tribute

2010-02-03T17:55:00.010-05:00

I have been in shock and sadness all afternoon over Tai Shan's last day at the DC Zoo before he is sent back to China. From watching his eyes open for the first time live on the pandacam, to stepping on kids at the zoo to see his 1st birthday cake, to watching his games and smile over the years...oh man will he be missed.

Story and video from the Washington Post here

Jams -- David and Gillian

2010-02-03T17:04:00.001-05:00

Check out more incredible stuff that Frannie is working on over at All Songs Considered here

Jams -- The Middle East - Blood video

2010-01-29T10:19:00.002-05:00

I've maybe only seen at total of 30 music videos in my life, but this one tops the list as one of my faves. Hope you like...

Image Inspiration -- Kind Words

2010-01-29T00:50:00.004-05:00

Agreed. Thank you, Conan.

Give More?! Why Sure!!

2010-01-28T15:43:00.004-05:00

I'm also excited to tell you that I'm a proud supporter of an awesome organization run by some of the finest, most inspired people I know. That's right, FEAST!!! And they need your help to keep the food on the table for the next year of art funding, agricultural sustainability, and ferocious fun. Check out their rad video and Kickstarter donation page here. Xo

Giving Feels Good -- Try It!

2010-01-28T14:08:00.008-05:00

Well friends, I've been in hiding these days, feeling low and helpless, trying to wrap my head around so much of the sadness and tragedy in the world lately. BUT THEN, I decided that there might be a way to DO SOMETHING and feel nice again. Here are some links to some of the contributions to amazing causes that I've been working on over the past week, and I'm starting to feel a bit better. I hope you can join in on the giving train and help, too! And if you have other causes worth noting that are close to your heart, please post it in comments! Thanks, love & cheers, Liza

In support of my friends Tori and Abby and their efforts to help the people of Haiti, please donate to Compassion Weavers

For my incredible friend Ryan who has been struggling with Spina bifida, and continually gives me strength and light with his optimism, humor and determination, the Reeve Foundation is a great place to support.

And for the love of all creatures great and small, I've sponsored Chong in my brother's name (pictured below). He is a rescued calico guinea pig from the Vegas strip and needs a new home. Now my brother will be sent updates and pictures of this beautiful fluffy creature -- what better way to tell someone you're thinking of them!?! You can find all sorts of animals to support through one of my favorite organizations, Best Friends.

And remember: "A new decade stretches before us. We don't quit. I don't quit. Let's seize this moment -- to start anew, to carry the dream forward, and to strengthen our union once more." -President Barack Obama

My First Shape Notes

2010-01-13T22:27:00.001-05:00

Some of Brooklyn's finest gather to show me how it's really done.

Pet Post -- Floppy PB Bunny

2010-01-12T23:12:00.003-05:00

Well, this rabbit has simply got to be kidding me. Not only are calico bunnies rare (aka my little PEANUT BUTTER man), but this little guy is too cute for his own gravy. I'm thrilled and outraged at the same time.

via fudgyrabbit

Memories -- Little Liz

2010-01-12T22:57:00.003-05:00

I just had to post this to prove that at one point in my life, I could rock bangs. It was brief, glorious and fleeting-- but it did exist. And MAN did I love triceratops!! Still do. Just wish I still had this awesome sweatshirt...

Image Inspiration -- My Love for A-Frames

2010-01-12T16:28:00.003-05:00

Collage by Stephanie Davidson

(via frecklefarm)

Memories -- Going Home

2010-01-08T17:40:00.007-05:00

These were the roses my granddad gave me when I graduated high school and the wishing rocks my grandmom gave me... I just love coming home and seeing them there by my bed.

I also found this sweet gem of me (age 16?) and my first bunny, Melvin. What a guy. Oh, the things I come across in old drawers!

And of course, 1/8th of my brother and my Garfield collection that gets me so pumped no matter what. Such an awesome greeting committee.

Coming back soon, DC. Missin' you!

Jams -- New Record Piles

2010-01-07T19:29:00.004-05:00

My recent antiquing trip in the Berkshires was a hit on many levels, one of them being scoring all of these oldies but goodies on vinyl. Mmmm...nice spinning sounds. And for such $avings!!

American Chopper and A Good Cause!

2010-01-07T19:18:00.002-05:00

My dear friend Ryan alerted me that the Christopher Reeve Foundation has been working with the reality show American Chopper to craft a wheelchair accessible motorcycle, which will be featured on their show this Thursday (TONIGHT), at 9PM ET on TLC. It should be pretty awesome and inspiring for a lot of people out there. And then, why not donate to a great cause?! Thanks and cheers Xo Liza

Reading List -- Let's Discover Dogs

2010-01-06T17:55:00.003-05:00

via stewf

Inspired Thoughts

2010-01-05T18:42:00.002-05:00

via nowvoyager

via daydreamlily

Jams -- Tickle those Keys!

2010-01-04T23:26:00.002-05:00

Elderly couple Fran and Marlo walked into the lobby of the Mayo Clinic for a checkup and spotted a piano. Watch 'em jam! They've been married for a whopping 62 years, and Marlo turned 90 this year.

via acupofjo

Pet Post -- Cat in the Bag

2010-01-04T23:16:00.002-05:00

Welp, I searched for the cat for an hour, only to find her searching for snacks in this bag...

Reading List -- Back to Basics

2010-01-04T17:13:00.005-05:00

Lately, I've only been able to read art books, short poems, the Economist, and record liners. I'm hoping somehow January will bring with it the ability to start reading again? This poster mostly just makes me want to go sledding more than anything...wish me luck.

via dreamslikethat

Image Inspiration -- Magic in 2010

2010-01-01T17:21:00.003-05:00

just so much to be thankful for. here's wishing you a very happy new year!!

(and cheers to sarah for this picture, my fave xo)

Dunkin' on Christmas

2009-12-25T19:05:00.001-05:00

Bron Bron gearing me up for tomorrow's tourney. CHEERS TO ALL!!

Pet Post -- Cat Carols

2009-12-24T14:20:00.002-05:00

hope you all are able to sing some holiday tunes and have a very nice time!!

via lonelyghost

Pet Post -- Puppy Whistle

2009-12-23T08:04:00.001-05:00

this one goes out to Heady Xo

Reading List -- Magic

2009-12-23T07:59:00.002-05:00

I could use a vacation...

via happyaccident

Image Inspiration -- Sleep Baby Sleep

2009-12-23T07:52:00.003-05:00

...but maybe if I had huddled in this cozy bed instead of my cold kitchen floor, I could have caught some z's?!

via thenieceofwaltwhitman

Jason Karolak -- AOD

2009-12-23T07:47:00.004-05:00

I want to fly away in this.

More from today's artist here.

Loretta Lynn - Merry Christmas

2009-12-22T00:08:00.001-05:00

Sweet Santa, her fretboard is hypnotic...and so is this tune!

Pet Post -- Bunny, It's Cold Outside!

2009-12-20T17:53:00.003-05:00

via thedailybunny

Someone put a bunny in my book wagon!!

And then there's this important news story (thanks, Karyn!) that I have not been able to stop watching all week long.

Cheers and chilly bunny ears,
Liza

Image Inspiration -- Friends and Fashion

2009-12-20T17:44:00.003-05:00

Today I am thankful for my amazing girlfriends and these beautiful headdresses from LittleDoe.

Pet Post -- Holiday Costumes

2009-12-16T11:39:00.008-05:00

My dreams of successful Halloween costumes for the pets didn't really take flight this year, despite my creative efforts. I tried to turn Peanut Butter the rabbit into a PB&Jelly sandwich (pictured above), and boy was that a struggle!! So this Christmas, I decided to give them a break and take comfort in other people's festive pet costumes...Cheers!

via cheezburger

via thedecoratedhouse

Image Inspiration -- Weaving Yellow

2009-12-16T11:07:00.004-05:00

I'm freezing, need to craft, have to make gifts -- so what better way than to get lost in glowing yellow yarn?!

via foxfancy

Sketchbook

2009-12-10T18:39:00.004-05:00

whimsical? check. love it? indeed.

via moleskineproject

Reading List - Tove Jansson

2009-12-10T18:36:00.003-05:00

Oh I just adore her work!

via wiki

Deck the Halls

2009-12-09T12:11:00.006-05:00

image via abeautifulmess

This year, with all the craziness, I assumed my tree would inevitably look like this one (above), filled with post-its and scattered thoughts. Thankfully, my friend Karyn decided to have some special friends come and decorate HER tree and it got me right in the holiday spirit!! Check out this very well lit tree and Santa's little helpers:

Dakota poses with the duck by the tree!

Desmond gets stoked!

Final Product! Happy Holidays!! Xo

Image Inspiration

2009-12-08T18:53:00.002-05:00

via myloveforyou

Pet Post -- Awkward Family Photo?!

2009-12-08T18:47:00.003-05:00

Don't get me wrong, if I had more time, I would photoshop Santa hats on all these pups -- but something about this picture reminds me a bit of my favorite funny family site AFP...

via weirdfriends

Hugging Kids

2009-12-08T18:42:00.001-05:00

Hugging some Kid
Originally uploaded by Clover_1

what nice-timers!!

The Way It Will Be

2009-12-07T14:19:00.001-05:00

Throw me a rope -- a heart breaker by Gillian Welch and David Rawlings

Pet Post -- Kitty Leg Stretch

2009-12-04T12:59:00.002-05:00

Beauty this rich often hides in caves of treasure and gold. Thankfully, Maru blogs from Japan and keeps me smiling time and time again...

via sisinmaru

Image Inspiration -- Peruvian Masks

2009-12-03T17:01:00.005-05:00

via worldofgood

via masksoftheworld

via EYE-talian

PS22 Chorus -- LANDSLIDE by Fleetwood Mac

2009-12-03T16:20:00.002-05:00

Many thanks to Molly for showing me these talented stars and filling my heart with such joy!

Check out more rad songs and keep up with the students here

AOD -- Rob Matthews and Tom Edwards

2009-12-01T16:04:00.004-05:00

"If Drawings Were photographs – [is] the first ever zine published by It’s Nice That. The brainchild of designer Rob Matthews and Illustrator Tom Edwards, put simply – 'Tom gave drawings to Rob and Rob tried to make them into photographs.'" I'm loving the results!

Check out more from It's Nice That here

Image Inspiration -- Missed Connection

2009-11-28T14:05:00.002-05:00

I adore illustrated missed connections, but this one made my heart skip a beat. How romantic!!

More at missedconnectionsny

Anna Aden -- AOD

2009-11-28T13:30:00.006-05:00

Today's artist's photographs remind me of the way I feel when I sing.

More here.

Sketchbook

2009-11-28T12:15:00.003-05:00

Sketchbook piece by Tennessee Thomas. "It was inspired by a very old book Z gave me called "The Heritage of Dress" or something an Edward Gorey child may have dropped on a walk."

I've decided since my sketchbooks have turned into random image printouts with no really personalized artistic twist, I'll be posting more from other people's journals in hopes that it can invigorate me (and others) to pick up a pen again...

via lulamag