Debi van Zyl

Dear Blog,
I didn't mean to disappear for a month... it just sort of happened. And to be honest, I did not think you about every single day like I used to and actually it was a nice little break, albeit unintended.

But in the last few days I've been thinking about you a lot. I've been wondering if I've still got it in me to post a message or photo as frequently as I used to, or even muster up the energy to read all the wonderful blogs I love out there and not feel a sharp pang of guilt that I've neglected you so... or, worse... I wonder if I really have anything interesting to say, and who cares anyway in this world wide web of beautiful blogs?

And then I remembered why I started you in the first place: to collect my own thoughts, observations and obsessions; to create a visual diary of the things that inspire me because my memory is like a sieve and I wanted a place to shelve the things that I think about and the things that I love and and look at them later. Initially, I had you all to myself, but along the way other people, total strangers, started reading you, and that became such an inspiration in itself.

So I'm back, I think... and maybe it's a little less frequently, but I'm back because my memory needs you! And I missed you, you good ol' blog... and I missed all the people that you bring with you from all over the world. AND I just realized that you're turning 4 years old in July and so I thought I better step up and get ready to celebrate.

Lot of love,
Debi

p.s. For starters, let me recap some parts of June and the things I loved/found/learned:

Losanges Rug by the Bouroullec brothers at Dwell on Design.

Mormor tableware by Gry Fager for Normann Copenhagen at Dwell on Design.

New loves:
Lottie + Doof - food blog
Ambatalia - gorgeous everyday textiles
Haven Vintage - Etsy vintage store
Design Tripper - Travel and hotel drool/love/jealousy

And, of course, Arrow.... who is now 8 months old and more energetic every day. I have to come up with new stuff all the time to save him from boredom and subsequently trying to chew everything in sight. My latest trick: Ice Hand! Latex glove filled with water and frozen.

He loves it. He grabs it by the palm and then tries to parade around the yard. But after a few steps his jaw is tired and he drops it and the fingers break off and fly in every direction, which is so exciting... for him :) And then he eats them, crunching them up like potato chips. And that lasts about 10 minutes. It's a nice break and I can get a little work done.

Kidding.

The Studio Dog of my dreams is still a lofty goal...

Idea via El hada de papel via craftgawker.