Spy Cams in Urban Barn?

So there is a great furniture store called Urban Barn.

Being based out of the west coast, i think they may have succumbed to Olympic Fever...

Their store manager in Vancouver, Robbie, is moving into the store for the duration of the Games.

There are spy cams online so you can watch Robbie in all his glory.

Hmm.. something tells me I'd rather not!

Now, the store has great pieces - we got our bedroom chest from there:

it's the Bahama dresser, made from reclaimed timbers from Siberia,

 with dovetail joins and a hand - oiled finish

After three years, I still love it completely, not a small thing for me,

and the fact they are still selling it tells you something.

The new piece I am lusting after is this coffee table

it's the Wheelie table, and alas, it's on sale and I may not be able to get it when the budget allows -

there are so many things above it on "the list" -

but its perfect - imperfect finish, warm wood, simple lines with a little industrial kick...

I often source out furniture for clients here, Urban Barn has lasting quality furnishings at fantastic prices - and they will usually try to accommodate you if you have a custom request. 

So what do you think of this promotional stunt?

Is it going to make you more or less likely to shop

 at a place that uses such a shameless gimmick? 

Ryan McGinley captures Olympic Magic

The Olympics are a showcase for athletic greatness, but they are about something larger than that.

When my daughter decided to do her speech (remember those, groan) on the olympics this year I expected her to focus on the facts.  Instead, she researched into the stories of the athletes, into what motivates and inspires them to push themselves past their limits every day.  It was fascinating, and inspiring.  If these people are willing to dedicate their lives to overcome huge obstacles just for a chance to compete in the Olympics, I guess I can handle the challenges in my own life just fine.

I'll leave you to read the details on your own, but the 2010 Vancouver Games website offers profiles of all the Canadian athletes, and I'm sure theres is a similar site for each country - check it out, it's more meaningful to watch the Games when you know the Athletes better. 

Anyway, Photographer Ryan McGinley has captured some of the Olympic magic with his recently published 2010 portfolio as featured in the New York Times Magazine.

Breathtaking, yes?  

After all was said and done, my daughters speech concluded that the Olympics are a very important event because, if only for a month, most of the world comes together to create them.  More than 80 countries will enter into the Games next week, honouring a great tradition and bringing the rest of us along for the adventure of these competitors lives.

Can't wait!

til next time...