365Q Project

365Q is Julian Bialowas' project using original photography, design, and typography to create beautiful and inspiring art. These are some of my favorites from his many, many designs.

I emailed Julian last week, after hearing about him on Evie's blog, to say hi, let him know how much I like the project, and ask if he accepts submissions. He wrote back and said sure, so I sent him two quotes-- one from Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close and one from my Nana. He emailed me yesterday telling me he was working on a design using Nana's quote, not knowing she had passed away the day before. His email gave me goose bumps; I had forgotten I ever sent him that quote (when I sent it she was still alive and well), and here he was, writing me about using it the very day after she died.

He emailed again tonight to send me the link to this picture, which I love:

You can see more of the project at 365Q, by visiting his Flickr, or by visiting his website

 

for Nana

This has been a rough week for me and my family; on Saturday, my vibrant, still very mentally-sharp 91 year old grandmother was rushed to intensive care after suffering sudden heart failure. After a few days on life support, with an enlarged heart, a failed kidney, a small blood clot in her arm, an unknown amount of brain damage, and a heavy dependence on supplied oxygen, she passed away peacefully on Tuesday morning.

I've been searching for words for this post for a couple days-- this is a post I knew I needed to do more for myself than for any of you readers, but I hope that if you have or are experiencing any similar feeling of loss, you'll find comfort in my words.

There are somehow both not enough words and too many words at a time like this. This is the first time I've faced death, and I realize I've been blessed to be spared from it for so long. Still, it's an experience unlike any other, and I'm facing waves of sadness that come with the permanence and finality of all this.

My grandma (my Nana), lived a long, full life. She grew up in rural Minnesota, graduated at the top of her class, and was selected to work as the secretary/stenographer to the US Ambassador in Madrid, Spain during World War II. She married in San Francisco in the '40s, moved to Seattle, and raised three boys on her own after basically being abandoned by her husband. She taught Spanish for many years in the Seattle school district, and is still adored by many of the students she had in her classes. She is, to this day, a picture of strength and self-sacrifice to my entire family. Throughout her entire life, and during especially difficult times for my dad and siblings, she has continually given herself, her time, and her resources to help those around her. She is, and will always be, deeply missed.

It is a mixture of joy and grief that I now face the loss of her presence in my life. Joy, because she is in a glorious, pain-free, and peaceful place now; grief, because, selfishly, I want her here, with me. She was a gracious teacher, the most amazing grandmother, and a dear friend.

Goodbye, Nana. I'll see you again someday.

Helen Hynes Hill ----- 5/21/20 - 6/28/11

FTF #19

Five Songs to Dance to
[like 'personal dance party' dance]

1) Lykke Li's "I'm Good, I'm Gone"




2) T Rex's "Bang A Gong (Get It On)"



3) Hall and Oates' "You Make My Dreams Come True"




4) Michael Jackson's "The Way You Make Me Feel"



5) Florence and the Machine's "Dog Days (Are Over)"





This is obviously a very abbreviated list; there's always room for the likes of Usher, Chris Brown, and their cronies on the extended list. Duh. 

What songs would be on your dance party playlist? I'm always curious to hear what songs other people like to get down to.


Some past FTFs include: 

Five Fictional Characters I'd Like To Hang Out With & The Things We Would Do On Said Hang Out

Five Chick Flicks I'd Like To Be In
Five Classic Rock Bands/Musicians I wish I got to be a groupie for (Guest post)
Five Great DIY Ideas
Five Locations Used in Films I'd Like to Visit   

More from the trip

Dear Photograph

Have you heard of Dear Photograph? I read about it on Chronicle's blog today and was instantly hooked. It kind of reminds me of the Back to the Future series (by Irina Werning) that I blogged about awhile back.

I love finding photo projects like these ones-- it reminds me how limitless the possibilities are with photography. Inspiring.

Palm Springs Wknd

Had a much, much, MUCH needed girls weekend getaway to Palm Springs this past weekend. It was 100 degrees the whole weekend, so it was pretty much the most relaxing time ever. I'm bummed it's over.

Oh yes and: karaoke for the first time ever! Hall & Oats, like a pro. ;)

Dress Sale on Spotted Moth

I just ordered this little number, using the gift certificate I won in a giveaway on The Clotheshorse:

I love how it looks like an army shirt turned into a dress. Can't wait to style it!