So Much Heart.

The day of my sister's accident I was given an origami, dollar bill heart. Mr. Hiro (a lovely Japanese man who wears a gnarly mustache and has a hunger for Harley Davidsons) gifted this to me as my tip. I had no idea how appropriate and symbolic it would be for the following week. My sister, family, and I have seen more heart and love bestowed in our directions then we ever thought possible. I thank each of you for your genuine, over-grown, beating hearts.

What I am grateful for this week:

1. My sister

2. Thoughtful Doctors and Nurses

3. My family

4. Love

5. Prayers

Sister Update.

Yesterday was a long, frightening day. But by evening I received some amazing news. Chanelle's brain stopped bleeding in one chamber. It's still bleeding in another area, but the Neurologist was pleased with the progress. He was able to take Chanelle off of the respirator and she came to a little bit and spoke! Doc said she has a very long recovery ahead of her, but he feels that she's out of the danger zone.

Chanelle is still a critical patient and continues on in the Intensive Care Unit. Due to the head injury, the doctors haven't even begun to tend to her broken pelvis and clavicle bones. Sister has a long road ahead of her, but she had a great break through yesterday.

I want to thank each of you for your prayers, e-mails, flowers, and texts. You haven't the slightest idea how much your kindness means to my family and I. It brings tears to my eyes to think of your kindness on Chanelle's behalf. I know in my heart of hearts that God heard each petition offered, and a miracle transpired. I'll continue to keep you posted of Chanelle's progress. Thank you once more from the bottom of my sawdust heart.

Love,

Ashley

Prayers.

Yesterday morning my baby sister Chanelle was hit by a drunk driver. She sustained serious injuries and is under supervision in the intensive care unit at the hospital. She is my little sweet heart, and I love her dearly. Bryan and I are working on getting our responsibilities covered, so that we may join my family at this difficult time. I am a strong believer in the power of prayer. I humbly ask that you remember my sister and family in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.

The Day Job Inspires.

I pass through this kitchen countless times weekly.

The quote above the archway deeply inspires me.

"You are only as good as your last plate."

In my case, I try to remember I'm only as good as

my last audition, act of kindness, lesson at church,

lending support to my husband, family or friends.

I am constantly trying to figure out how to improve my next "plate."

The great part about getting older is the wisdom gained along the way.

A pinch of this, a smidge of that; every experience lends to the next.

Post Script: The patrons cannot see that quote or the art work. It's entirely for the aesthetic and benefit of our talented chefs. Brilliant.

Table Top.

Since the Christmas decorations have come down, I've been reworking the decor in my house. I required a fresh look to make me smile. Check out quaint ideas over at Decor8 {click.} My table top has literally changed landscapes every day this week. This was Monday's look. I call it "The Mad Hatter." Are you in re-styling mode as well?

Graffiti: Santa Barbara

I keep finding amazing graffiti everywhere I go.

Oftentimes it's when I'm driving and can't stop to photograph!

The Gig.

Husband played a gig with his band two weeks ago.

They played at the charming Silverlake Lounge.

The lights sparkling above their heads read,

"SALVATION."

I loved that.

I couldn't keep my eyes off of Bryan.

Can you blame me?

I've literally had a crush on him since I was 15.

Polaroid Happiness.

This is one of my favorite polaroids.

The content?

a cupcake.

a vase filled with succulent branches.

ancient volumes.

endless sunshine.

Mi Familia, Mi Corazon.

This week has been largely schizophrenic;

worker bee by day, actor by night.

The hats I wear are quite comical.

I'm pleased that this evening I can simply be

Ashley the wife and canine mother.

My boys are my reason to smile.

{photo by Rachel Noble}

Autry National Museum.

I have a secret list that I've assembled containing all of the free days at the big museums in Los Angeles. One by one I've been visiting each of them and enjoying the museum's personal identities. Sometimes I attend alone {which is fun} but AUTRY NATIONAL MUSEUM required a chaperon....or in this case two.

We had a bison of a time exploring the rugged Americana museum. The walls were lined with keepsake regalia of Buffalo Bill's, paintings of Sitting Bull, renderings of the gold rush, and hand weaved Hopi baskets. Autry boasts many interactive stations, which we took "fool" advantage of. Thanks for coming Rachel and Hayley!

Cupcake Heaven.

You know you have an amazing husband when:

he brings home a tiny box

filled with a giant cupcake.

The vanilla cake,

vanilla frosted delight from

Sprinkles

was truly something to celebrate.

It made my day.

Bedroom Improvements.

A couple of improvements were made to our bedroom.

My favorite improvement: The white Rococo, Mirror.

Bunnie found an ugly, wooden mirror at the thrift store,

then added a high gloss spray paint to the facade.

What a gorgeous improvement! I love it above my dresser.

Also shown is a fraction of Bryan's boot collection.

They reside where else? At the foot of the bed!

P.S.: What are the cases stuffed on the side of my dresser? One is Bryan's guitar, the other one holds his effect pedals. Living with a musician in L.A. means stuffing equipment in every possible niche.

Dealing With Lemons.

I was feeling extremely financially discouraged on Saturday evening. Do you know that feeling? Fortunately my husband knew precisely the prescription that I needed to cheer up. He handed me his phone and said, "You need to read this." The article he gave my touched my heart and inspired me. You simply must read it {here.} One quote brought a little tear to my eyes;

"When you’re at the bottom of the economic ladder, you have nowhere to look but up."

image by: healthnaturally

Friends Just Know.

I have an amazing friend in my life, Ms. Janine Suzanne. I'm most recently grateful to Janine for pushing me to listen to Bob Marley. Between her suggestion and the chefs at work screaming "One Love," at midnight I too fell in love with Bob. Sometimes our best friends know us better than we know ourselves.

P.S. The above picture is from Janine's wedding. {I'm sure you deduced that.} But, fun fact you didn't know; I did her hair and make-up! She looked so beautiful.

Auto Love.

I have an obsession for hatchback cars. Someone in my hood owns this '82 Honda. It's the most endearing shade of sapphire. I see myself driving it to farmer's market and auditions, with a red checked picnic blanket perennially in the hatch. Come for a drive with me?

P.S.: Notice the heavenly shaft of light shining upon her?

Art Smart.

I am in love with art.

I live/breathe for art, searching for it in every niche.

I'm smitten with paintings in particular.

My favorite painter from Arizona is:

Andrea Evans.

Her work evokes living dreams.

Vintage Photo Booth.

Being silly, and kissing is what bunnies do best.

Decor Extraordinaire.

Dream with me now. These gorgeous images are from:

THE WORLD OF INTERIORS October 2009 edition.

Note the infamous multicolored macarons!

Happiest of the Happies.

I wish everyone the happiest of happies for this New Year.

I am thrilled to see what will unfurl for each of us in 2010.

The above is one of my favorite mistakes.

It was a polaroid that went off accidentally.

I pressed flowers in an old book and taped them to the front.

This beautiful mistake now resides tucked into a corner

of my bedroom mirror. I am pleased each time I look at it.