"Hope is a good thing. It may be the best of things. And no good thing ever dies." [Shawshank Redemption]

CAPES [something empowering] "The truth is...there can be no hope except when the temptation to despair exists. Hope is the act by which this temptation is actively and victoriously overcome." [Gabriel Marcel]

COFFEE [latest trend or addiction] Orange will be my color starting June 14. And yes, it is no coincidence that the date corresponds with Holland's first game of the 2010 World Cup. The Dutch are due. Hup, Holland, Hup!

THE COLOR ORANGE [something noteworthy] I've always been one to have high hopes...for people (even those that treat me badly), for UW football (even when they play so poorly), and for impossible situations. But hope does not call for unnecessary optimism. Whereas optimism is ignorant of reality, hope is realistic and stares shaky situations in the face and always sees possibility.

"you think you can do these things, but you can't..."

CAPES [something empowering] It's important to dream big, but equally important to stay grounded. To balance your dreams with the ground, you must know your limitations. For example, I've been growing my hair out for over a year, and recently realized that I cannot have the luscious locks I've been trying for. So, I put on my cape and got a haircut.

COFFEE [latest trend or addiction] What's cooler than the white witch? A white watch. Trendy has met its match. *If you look closey at the picture, you can see the toe of last post's COFFEE.

THE COLOR ORANGE [something noteworthy] My mom should write a blog. She speaks so much wisdom, as well as boldly proclaims made-up words. Here are her top two favorites: toodle (as in, I'm gonna toodle around the store) and whole 'nother (as in that's a whole 'nother story).

The Cass Collection

CAPES [something empowering] My family and roomie took a trip to the zoo. They thought it would be a good idea to go to the raptor show (otherwise known as "birds with talons" show), thinking it might help me face my fear of birds (owls in general). I did okay with Hawk #1. Hawk #2 was huge, and I put on my hood for protection. Falcon #1 flew over my head, so I closed my eyes. And when they brought out The Owl, I ran away as fast as I could. Empowering thought of the day: trust your instincts.

COFFEE [latest trend or addiction] BIG NEWS: the sequel to my favorite book - Mourning Becomes Cassandra - is about to be released! The author comes to us from our very own eastside: Christina Dudley is a fabulous and lovely lady, and her writing style/storyline will draw you in and keep you there until the last page. I read the first book in one sitting, and I fully expect the same out of the sequel - The Littlest Doubts - coming soon to Amazon and a book club near you. I have seven spots on my bookshelf reserved for the Cass Collection...so keep 'em coming, Christina!

THE COLOR ORANGE [something noteworthy] I just bought the metallic version of topsiders to add to my shoe collection and am seriously wondering what is preventing me from spray painting the majority of my shoes in metallic colors. Bling bling, here I come!

And the day came when the risk it took to remain tightly closed in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to bloom... Anaïs Nin

CAPES [something empowering] You have the power to recreate yourself.

COFFEE [latest trend or addiction] Encaustic art: I'm hooked and can't keep away from the wax...but I really need a blow torch. Anyone have one that I can have/borrow?

THE COLOR ORANGE [something noteworthy] Break ups are like side aches. They hurt really bad for a while, but they always go away.

*artwork shown is by my favorite encaustic artist: Wendy Franklund Miller