A little Ru

This summer has been a busy one, but in my spare time I have been learning about all things drag! RuPaul's Drag Race is full of fabulousness, and a little queen bitchiness. What I love most about it though is the reframing of gender norms. These ladies don't strictly identify with male pronouns, they straddle gender lines. I am proud that shows like this are aired on contemporary media; does it show evolution that we are getting closer to a culture that values inclusivity and equality? Not sure, but in the mean time go on and "lip sing for you life!"

                                  

                         

Tiel Duncan

I love finding new artists. I recently came across Tiel Duncan's work on a blog and fell in love. The wispy lines of the watercolor and popping colors make these pieces perfect for our gray walls. Hmmmm, maybe an anniversary present?!

Sharing Economy

This spring and early summer has been crazy busy for the ThomClaws with lots of weekend travel for work and play. Because we have been out of the house so much we decided to experiment with the "sharing economy." It has proven successful and we are hoping it continues to be an effective way of earning passive income.

So, if you are in Seattle and looking for a cozy abode check out our space on Airbnb and it could be yours for the weekend!

Projects

And the spring projects commence.  Last year was painting and this year is landscaping the side yard. Here are some inspirations.

Spring Look

I LOVE Kate Spade and her clean and preppy lines; excited for these spring looks.

Working Titles

Darren and I had a date night last month to the Neptune Theater to see this amazing (and local) artist, Damian Jurado. It may have been the BEST live show I've ever seen. His authentic and humble personality, deliciously lyrical poetry, and reverie of his sound makes for a pretty special evening.

Working Tittles is one of my favorites:  

You could mess up my life in a poem

Have me divorced by the time of the chorus

Theres no need to change any sentence
When you always decide where I go next

Many nights you would hide from the audience
When they were not in tune with your progress
In the end you are like the journalist
Who turns what you sing into business

You could use to be more like a hero
A darker shade of damage distortion
Wearing death like a cape or a costume
Cut your ties and leave town when you want to

Killing time till I pass through the chamber
Or the room where you keep my replacement
So fed up still you're starving on paper
You are no him, but he's you, only better

Leave me an exit to damage
I could use a ledge to jump off of
I wasn't lying when I said this was over
I have questions that lead to more questions

Running time that will cut off my fingers
You wrote about me on every new record
I'll show up in the title of your song
I only hope somebody requests it

Whats it like for you in Washington?
I've only seen photos of Washington
I'll never know

Leave me Manhattan
I want the evergreens
Write me a song
I can sing in my Sleep
As sure as the rain
that will fall where you stand
I want you and the skyline
These are my demands

What's it like for you in Washington?
I've only seen photos of Washington
I'll never know
No

Boot Camp

I started boot camp last year (the exercise, not the military kind) and loved it. Kyle the drill exercise instructor hits it hard and offers a nice blend of classic drills, cross-fit, and stretching. I sort of lost my way this summer and stopped going, but am back on the boot camp train. If your in the mood to get whipped in to shape I highly recommend it. 

Not sure if I'll ever be able to do this.

Top Seven Countdown for 2013

The end of 2013 is upon us. It sure went fast, but along the way here were some of my most favorite moments. 

Our First Home

We actually purchased the home at the end of 2012, but 2013 marks our first year in it. It has been a labor of love with painting, waterproofing, and designing, but we have made it our own and it has been a blast.

Remembering Aunt Annie and Grandpa Jim

It was a hard year with two very important family members no longer with us but we honored and memorialized them in style. Aunt Annie's party in SF was a gala and I will never forget all the stories that were told, meeting her friends, and the feeling of her being right there with us. 

Grandpa Jim's party was a different style with elk heads and antlers swarming the room. It was perfectly him and the number of people and stories I heard say it all.  

Adventures in China With My Bestie

Traveling for three weeks through Chin culture awoke my inner explorer. It was so fabulous seeing China first hand, witnessing the amazing and mystical culture, eating the delicious and disgusting food, investigating Communism, and meeting people along the way.  It was truly an experience to remember.

Success: Referendum 74

It's about friggin' time Washington. There are still only 16 (I think) states with marriage equality legislation so we still have a long road ahead, but cheers to the few of us who have finally granted this basic freedom. 

Completed Graduate School

It was a hard two years, but I learned and grew tremendously. Thankfully, I am married to an editor and I got to use my work as my learning laboratory. It was all worth it to have my mom and dad come to graduation and celebrate with seafood and cocktails.

Turning Socialist

We recently elected our first socialist to city council in Seattle and she ran against a pretty liberal D. Socialism is now the talk of the town. We shall see where Ms. Sawant takes us.

Martini Dreaming

Recently over Thanksgiving I got to hang out with one of my favorite peeps, great Aunt Mernie. While I was drinking a martini Inoticed Mern's eyes on my drink. I finally asked her if she wanted one and she proceeded to tell me, "Oh dear, I sometimes dream of bathing in martinis, but I will probably fall down if I have one so I better not."

And on that note, I will be drinking a tini (or two) this evening to ring in the New Year in honor of all the successes and challenges of 2013, all the memories we have made, and all the people who continue to support and be family. 

Here's to you!

M & RL

There is SO much hype in Seattle about Macklemore and Ryan Lewis. I mean, how can there not be considering they hail from our lovely city, they released a pro-gay single that helped pass the Marriage Equality Referendum 74 in Washington State, and they continue to be social activists in our community by recently fundraising for the financially threatened Orion Center.  These guys got it going on.

Holiday Mood

As we were driving back in to Seattle last night it was fun to see all the christmas decor. It made me excited to get a tree! Here are some fun ideas.

Giving Thanks: Sunny Homeland

Thankful for my homeland of sunny Northern California. Such a gorgeous week with blue skies and rolling golden hills. We'll miss you sunshine! 

 

Giving Thanks: Friends

Thankful for fabulous friends who are family. (This pic is only meant to act as a symbol and not intended to leave anyone out.)

Giving Thanks: Family

I am thankful for this lovely, eccentric, quirky, humorous, and supportive family.

Giving Thanks: Partnership

So many things to be grateful for always, but especially during this week.  I am thankful for this guy and feel so lucky to get to explore life with him.

Eastern Thrills: Final Destination, Hong Kong

What a wildly familiar city, with the fusion of internationalism and Chinese culture, English ubiquitousness, and lots of money, Hong Kong was very similar to Shanghai.  The city was ruled by the Brits until the mid-90s, at which point the Chinese government agreed to allow the culture and local government to remain in control for fifty years, and then the PRC would take over. They consider Hong Kong and the rest of China: one government, two systems. The result is a very different and unique culture, including a different currency.

This city completely seduced me and I decided someday I may just need to live here. 

No overhang restrictions on streets like the U.S. = billboards galore.

Interesting dried goods for any condition.

The buildings are glorious. I loved the graphics on this one.

Skyline view from the highest peak in Hong Kong. 

Who knew Hong Kong is home to some of the world's most elite horse racing and cricket. 

On our way up to the highest peak. Oh, did I mention we took an elevator all the way up?

Buddhist temple.

Every day we hit up a new market. Hong Kong is home to the world's largest jade market (and designer knock-off market). 

I heart you Hong Kong.

What a city.

Farewell China; I hope to be back sometime to learn, see, smell, and eat more!