[They said it was going to snow today...]

...and it didn't. I admit, though I'm always the first to complain about the cold (and the heat, for that matter--spoiled LA girl here), I was kind of hoping that winter would put up one last hurrah before retreating for the year. Apparently we had a few light flurries in the early morning hours, but I missed them, so I'm contenting myself with the first photos of single snowflakes, taken in the 1890s by Wilson Bentley. I discovered these in the Smithsonian collection a few months ago, and I've loved looking at these delicate beauties ever since.

I've never been one to search for proof of God in things. It's not that I don't think I'll find it, but that I've never needed any convincing of something I already know to be true. However, more than just pretty reminders of winter, to me these snowflakes are tangible evidence that there does exist a higher power. How else could we explain these innumerable and unique microscopic masterpieces? There is science behind the designs, of course--I'm pretty sure I learned about the crystalization process in school at some point or another. Science is about logic and efficiency, though, and these snowflakes are more than that. I'm not trying to get myself into a God vs. science debate--after all, it is through inspired technology that we're able to see what I consider to be the hand of a divine designer. In fact, I don't consider the two concepts to be fundamentally opposed, as many do, but rather intrinsically connected...or even, simply, one.



I hope you enjoy these photos as much as I do. If you find yourself needing a reminder of divinity or just missing the snow, you can see more here. Happy Sunday!

[Historically hardcore.]

Right now, I'm loving this advertising project by this girl.

See? Museum nerds know what's up.

[Segway tour of Annapolis.]

So there's nothing dorkier than people who ride Segways...and like the true dork I am, I was SO excited when my good friend Tim invited me to take a Segway tour of downtown Annapolis. I was 100% convinced I was going to pull a George Bush and fall on my face, but it turns out that riding a Segway is actually really natural and intuitive. If you want to go forward, you lean slightly forward, and if you want to slow down, stop, or back up, you lean back. Most importantly, if you need to pose, it keeps you balanced. It's a really fun and freeing experience - at one point our tourguide let us go as fast as we wanted (the Segs go up to about 15 mph), so Tim and I had fun zooming around.

These were our speed demon faces:

Tim and I met years ago one weekend when he was down visiting New York from Cornell. Since then we've kept in touch on and off, and I'm so excited that we finally live near each other and can see each other more often! We had such an amazing little day zooming around the historic city and then toodling around antique shops, a cute bookstore, and - of course - an old cemetery. Can't wait for our next adventure - a Segway tour of DC perhaps?? ;)

[You mean your dinner didn't look like this too?]

Popcorn. Red, pink, and white M&Ms. Heart-shaped bowl.

Oh, and lots and lots of butter and salt.

[hello spring!]

I saw these blossoms outside my apartment building this week and had to capture them. Since then, they've bloomed even more! Is this my first cherry blossoms sighting? Not sure, but I have a feeling that between now and June, I'll be convinced that every pink flower I see is a cherry blossom. There are worse delusions.

[They never get old.]

After church this weekend, a friend and I took the afternoon to enjoy the beautiful weather with a stroll around the National Mall. There really is nothing like the DC monuments at sunset-- especially when you throw cupcakes and a cute friend into the mix!

Oh, and I assume you've been dying to know: I have officially cooked chicken for the first time in my little life. It was basic--just grilled it on a George Foreman (thanks Grandma) and stuck it in a sandwich. But I feel sort of like Tom Hanks in Castaway after he made fire. When you think about it, turning a chunk of dead animal into something edible--delicious, even--is no small feat. Props to the caveman who discovered cooking.

[Cure your Tuesday afternoon blahs.]

Hilarious video that I've watched about 10 times already and another reason to reproduce. (Disclaimer: must like babies or scaring babies.)

[Spotted in Georgetown.]

Another delightful discovery! As roomie Rachel and I strolled through Georgetown after a wallet-emptying day of shopping, we spotted this adorable pink bike (even the tires! even the gears!) with pink flowers growing in its basket. Such a perfect idea--I'm definitely keeping this in mind in case I ever decide to embrace the concept of physical exertion.

[The Sexisters cover Adele.]

"get it? sexy sisters?

so mathis and i formed a band called The SEXISTERS and we're kind of a big deal. talented, famous, bodies of victoria's secret angels. ya don't worry about it. but really, we're all about our music. anyways, here's our teensy weensy cover of someone like you by adele. we're a lot better than adele.."

yes, i am related to these two, ayrten and mathis. enjoy!

[spotted on capitol hill.]

On a stroll through Capitol Hill yesterday after visiting a new little human named Eleanor, I was tickled to spot this little pacifier hanging out on a fence. Never know when you're going to need one, I guess.

[beauty.]

Happy birthday to my beautiful little* sister Mathis! I can't believe you're fifteen already...
Any girl whose first words were about kissing is a girl after my own heart! I love you and your sparkly eyes, Mati Mati!

Love, Lano

*Little in age only. She actually towers over me--I will forever be jealous of her height.

[this is glorious]

I have shared a bedroom with this man.

[#grownup]

Today I purchased uncooked chicken breasts for the first time in my life.

I plan to do something with them at some point--I believe they call it "cooking" in some cultures. My skills in the kitchen don't really extend beyond microwaving, boiling, and kissing, so I'm a bit at a loss.

Help?

***update***

Spencer has instructed me that I must not store the chicken in its original packaging, but rather in plastic bags. Who knew? And apparently chicken will cook best if it is thawed to room temperature.

Feel free to leave other advice/recipes/taunts in the comments. My Ivy League education has obviously not prepared me for this.

[so.]

So in love

[with everyone and everything]

right now.

[this song.]

on repeat last night...
and now on repeat in my head today.

forgive the cheesy lyrics video--apparently there isn't an official video out yet.

[a thing or two.]

[We got it from our Mama.]

Dear Mom,

Everything good, we got from you. I love you more than I am able to say.

Thank you for your shining example of strength, joy, and wisdom. Wish I could be with you today! I'll eat some German chocolate cake in your honor. Happy Birthday!

Love,

Lani