Bee Better with Bombas Socks

Stop everything and watch this three and a half minute video right now. 

I love Bombas socks. I love the soft fabric, blister-preventing-padding in the right places, durability, arch support, cool designs and color combinations. Oh yeah, and for every pair sold, a pair is donated to a person in need. Chad and I have about thirty pair of Bombas Socks between the two of us. I even sent a bunch to my nieces and nephews for Christmas when Bombas started making kids' sizes. I sent my mom a pair in one of her Mother's Day gift boxes a few years ago. I love these socks. I love the Bombas mission.

This is not a paid promotion. I just love Bombas socks that much. Here's the link:

Bombas.com

Five Faves for the West Austin Studio Tour

Photo of yours truly, taken by Chad

The West Austin Studio Tour runs May 13 & 14 and again May 20 & 21. If you are in the Austin area, you should check out at least five stops on the tour, and report back to me. Chad and I  treated ourselves to a West Austin Studio Tour preview party on Thursday night at one of my favorite former workplaces, the Dougherty Arts Center. Based on that preview and a few friend/former teacher connections, here are my five must-see stops on the tour. Be advised that I like spaces with multiple artists showing their work, versus needing to see the exact studio where one particular artist works.

*Roll over text and click links to see works by each artist mentioned.*

1. Austin Art Space Gallery and Studios
7739 Northcross Drive, Suite Q

The lovely floral artwork of artist Neena Buxani caught my attention. Erin Edwards also tickled my fancy. Bonus points for nine resident artists in one stop.


2. Blue Genie Art Bazaar
6100 Airport Boulevard

Photo I took of Blue Genie entrance at Christmas-time

This is the mothership with over fifty artists in one place! I'm giving myself at least 90 minutes here. Artists' works I'm most excited to see are Rory Skagen, Dana Younger, Eya Claire Ford, Anne Marie Beard, Court Lurie and Mark Puente.


3. Jay Long, Artist Studio
1211 W. 49th Street

Chad and I proudly own two prints by Jay Long. I love the melancholy, earnest mix of sweet, and sometimes slightly menacing, imagery this artist creates.


4. Frederick Douglass 217 Moore
Gather North Lamar, a Vuka Company
5540 North Lamar Boulevard

This artist displayed a ridiculously intricate, miniature city scape carved out of erasers at the preview party. Chad and I were blown away. I can't wait to see more of his work. There are three other artists at this stop also exhibiting work.


5.  Kasey Kilcrease
ZACH Theatre
1510 Toomey Road, Topfer Pavillion

Kasey's art is bright with clean lines and such character. I want to keep looking at each piece. Hush. I'm still looking. Go around me. I'm still looking. There are four other artists at this stop also exhibiting work.

Five (or more) Summer Movies I Want to See

1. My Cousin Rachel 



This looks wonderfully gloomy, suspenseful and a bit dastardly. Perfect for hiding from the blistering hot sun in an overly air-conditioned movie theatre.


2. Megan Leavey



A woman breaking gender molds, serving in the military, with a warrior dog who saves her life. She just wants to be able to adopt the dog at the end of his tour of duty. Let her adopt the dog! Sure to induce a cathartic ugly-cry.


3. Despicable Me 3



When I was a child, other people's parents would tell me how mature I was. Brent McDaniel's mom, Candy, went so far as to say that I must have "popped out of the womb acting like a 35 year old." I'm making up for my misspent (unspent?) childhood. I don't love every kids' movie, but I love the Despicable Me franchise.


4. Baby Driver



Nope. Not about the daycare drop-off. This movie is crime-riddled and dangerous with car chases and double-crossing deeds. Yes, please.


5. Nearly certain to be half of the yet to be announced lineup for the Paramount Summer Classic Film Series. 

Sometimes I just like the time-tested, greatest hits. Past favorites from the Paramount Summer Classic Film Series include:

All About Eve

Strangers on a Train

Breakfast at Tiffany's

The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance

Ferris Bueller's Day Off

Casablanca