high school reading meets pregnancy

Still no babies. Five days past the anticipated due date...not that I'm counting.

Anytime I find myself in a lull [though never quite like this], I'm reminded of the title of one of my favorite high school reads: All Quiet on the Western Front. Today this led to some searching of the various book covers associated with the text. I find it very interesting seeing different artists' interpretations of the same title/concept and speculating about which one I'd purchase if given the opportunity.

I tend to like the ones that focus on a small, but important element from the book.

[illustration by Beat The Pulp]

...though I do like the somberness of this one...

[illustration by Albert Nguyen]

Can't you hear the art director on this next one? 'Sure it may be the 'greatest war novel'...but sex sells! Put a girl on the cover!

All in all, I'm ok with things being quiet on this front. However, I am praying that the boys don't decide to take a page from another literary classic, Henry David Thoreau's Walden and stay indefinitely.

"Hey little guys! This is your mom. I like to rest as much as anyone, but there is more to the world than undisturbed solitude! Come out and play!"

counting down

During my last visit to The Salvation Army Select I stumbled upon this handsome pair of books published in 1960. You know how I love a good vintage illustration...and the timing and subject-matter of these couldn't be any more perfect.

This pretty much sums up the anticipation I'm feeling these days. My official due date is even the same as the one marked on the calendar, June 9. However, because we're having twins, the babies are predicted to come about three weeks earlier. Oh...and that look of nighttime discomfort...I'm totally, totally there!

Edgar, on the other hand, is busy making arrangements for the babies' arrival...

...and coming to the realization his space in the house is getting smaller and smaller by the moment.

He is ahead of the game in the sense that he already has his clothes picked out in the case of a mid-night run to Labor and Delivery. He had this task complete several days before I had my own bags packed :)

Despite all the planning, I'm sure we'll look more like this when the time finally comes. Afterall, can you ever be truly ready?

[books written and illustrated by Dick Barry, copyright 1960 by Ink-A-Toon, Boonton, NJ]

handsomely handy

I'm working on an illustration project this afternoon inspired by a gift from my friend Liz. Liz is the manager of The Salvation Army Select [the store I'm proud to say my students designed and constructed last spring year] and always has her eye out for vintage goodies with me in mind. How lucky am I?

A few weeks ago she stumbled upon this...the 1957 Better Homes & Gardens Handyman's Book...which is about as good as it gets for me. Ahhhhh...the inspiration. I especially love the illustrated divider pages. There is something so wonderful about picking one color and making it work for the entire composition. Simple, understated, gorgeous.

Look at that pegboard organization! No lost hammers in this house!

There is one thing that is a bit odd though... I didn't know one must smoke in order to be handy around the house. Just look.

Even mom lights one up, though at least she has the courtesy to go outdoors.

Ah, the times...how they've changed.

Here's wishing you a happy [and handy] weekend with those you love.

a little different than barbie's dream house

I've never really bought into the idea that one buys Playboy for the 'articles', however, this one from a vintage 1960's issue may just change my mind. Well, kinda.

Now, I'll believe it when someone says they buy Playboy for the 'illustrations'.

Isn't this architectural section just to die for!!!! Look at the light!

Click here to see it larger.

And get a load of the master bedroom. This is certainly THE bachelor pad.

You can find the rest of the article here. No naked women, just an article with sweet illustrations...I promise!

[via Apartment Therapy]