needles and ink

I got a tattoo Friday after work. My twin sister and a co-worker of ours were talking about getting something representing their kids, and since it's been about 7 years since I got my last one, I thought I'd join in the fun. I couldn't really come up with anything really meaningful so I decided to just get something graphic because bold grahic designs really appeal to me. My inspiration was this photo from The Haute Pursuit blog:

I wanted it to look a bit less like someone was just doodling with a marker, and a little bolder (or I guess a lot bolder). Here's what I ended up with - and I even have during photos!

another day at the cottage

Pretty sure this beaver damn wasn't there 2 weeks ago. My dad went kayaking over to it and at one point there was a big splash behind him. He's pretty sure it was the beaver trying to shoo him away.

Cute flower that popped up in the pond since last time too.

Dragonfly - ugly yet pretty. Maybe one day I'll allow one to land on me without losing my mind.

This bird was hilarious to watch hopping from rock to rock, lily pad to lily pad. 

We drove by the Museum of Civilization in Gatineau, Quebec on the way home. Snapped this through the windshield while driving along. 

My husband pulled into the museum so I could quickly get a couple of shots of the Parliament Buildings (and the Chateau Laurier on the left).

A closer view of Parliament. 

This little guy was just climbing into our yard as we pulled in. A new stray? LOL. Mr. Skunky wanted to eat the food I left out for a cat - won't be doing that again. 

And another giveaway!

My little sister bought a really cool wood grain iPhone case from Exotic Grain a while back and loves it so much she asked them if they would provide her with one for a giveaway on our blog themourningcloak.com. They agreed so stop by the blog and enter!!

Another giveaway!

Stop by themourningcloak.com for another giveaway - this time a gorgeous bracelet thanks to Etsy shop Shani & Adi!

Freaking brilliant

My bro-in-law Dave sent me a link to this genius product a little while ago. Tick is an universal table leg system which can be applied to a variety of board materials allowing you the space for individuality and creativity. A bent metal wire structure, similar to a overdimensional paper clip clamps to any board and transforms it within a few seconds into a unique table without the use of screws and tools. By Linie 58 via Gizmodo.