Owls, birds and good music

So recently I had my first official blog complaint. A dear friend who I have known for my entire life of 23 years (ummhmm...Payden) has let me know that I have let her down by not blogging consistently. You see, we live at least 6 hours apart and apparently I am not keeping her updated with my life. I shall try to do better. :)

This summer has been wonderful! I like to consider it our first real summer in Louisville. Last summer was filled with WAY too many trips. Here are a few things we've done:

-day trip to Cincinnati
-farmer's market trips (in the summer there is a wonderful local farmer's market at a church about 5 minutes from our apartment)
-rediscovered my love for fruit smoothies
-relaxing walks with friends (before this 100 degree heat wave started)
-many fun trips to the amazing Homemade Pie & Ice Cream Kitchen - did I mention it's a mere 10 minute walk from our place?
-read lots of good books

We're now winding down the summer and excited about fall things and cooler weather. Dane's classes have begun again which means I have lots of spare time for which I need to find productive things to do. I have lots of ideas for sewing and reading. Speaking of reading, I'm currently reading two books:
Transforming Children into Spiritual Champions by George Barna

and
Following Jesus Through the Eye of a Needle by Ken Annan


Now, for all of you people who keep up with liberal and conservative Christian authors and associate Ken Annan with Shane Claiborne and Brian McLaren, let me calm you. I have not gone off the deep end; yet, I was given this book and am curious to read about his time spent living in Haiti. Also, since I have never read anything by him I would like to know what he's all about.

On a random note, I have always been against anything decorative items involving birds. I'm generally just not a bird fan; however, recently I have become quite the lover of owl and bird items. Just look at these!

What child's nursery would be complete without this super cute owl wall decal?

And what about designing your own wallet with a cute bird decal?

As for the music, I'll save that for another post; but, just to clue you in...I've found some great new tunes.