Finale of the Rose by Karen Marie Garrett

I just got an invitation this evening from a newly launched service called TypeKit, which is basically a font subscription service for use in embedding high-quality fonts in web pages in a way that is both very attractive and standards compliant. As far as I know, it's the very first service of this kind.

It took me less than 15 minutes to setup a free trial account. I designated the domain that would be using the service (doodlemonger.com, of course), inserted two lines of javascript into my template headers, and built a simple font "kit" using a nice sans-serif font for my post headers and a serif font for my pull-quotes and targeted them at the CSS selectors to which I wanted to apply the fonts (in my case, I used the M+ 1c and Vollkorn font faces on with the doodlemonger.com #main_body h2 and #main_body .entry .entry_pullquote CSS selectors, respectively). It worked perfectly on the first try and the results are very compelling.

I'm very excited about this service! Typekit finally makes using high-quality fonts on the web viable, highly compatible, standards-based, and simple!

I really hope this company does well. It's a laser-focused service on a niche that they're flat-out pioneering as a business model.

They're not 100% open to the public yet, but you can put in your email address at typekit.com to (hopefully) get a trial account as I did. Unfortunately, I don't have any invites to give out!

Get it.

Try to control your excitement.

Music: Monday by Ludovico Einaudi

• See the Photos!
• See the video of Isaac meeting Ella for the first time!

She weighed 8 lbs, 2.4 oz and measured a leggy 20" long. Within seconds, she let us know (in shrill tones) just what sort of injustice this cold, bright, loud new world had rendered.

Our experience at the Birth Day Place at Feather River Hospital was exceptional. The facility itself was large, clean, and well laid out to evoke a feeling of spacious health (the opposite of most hospitals). The nursing staff was friendly, caring, and professional, as well as very capable and knowledgeable. Even the food was great! When was the last time you heard of a hospital with delectable dishes?

Going into this labor, we were very concerned about Tina's hip/pelvis/nerve injury (a leftover from Isaac's delivery in December, 2006). Isaac's was a very difficult birth, with a great deal of pain associated with walking (or even moving) due to nerve injuries from complications during delivery in 2006.

As luck (or God, or destiny) would have it, Ella's birth was a much less harrowing process that didn't cause (or aggravate) Tina's injuries from Isaac's birth. Afterward, the nerve pain that had been afflicting Tina throughout Ella's pregnancy had subsided significantly and she was able to walk and move about as expected after a normal delivery. Needless to say, we both breathed a huge sigh of relief and were thankful for the wonderfully contrasting positive delivery experience.

We were discharged yesterday afternoon (June 3rd) and came home to get to know Ella a little bit better. She and Tina are doing very well and we're all moving gracefully into the newborn routine. Big brother Isaac is enchanted with his new "cute baby mister" (he can't quite say "sister" just yet) and constantly wants to hold her.

We want to thank everyone for their kind wishes, love and support!

Vox Veritas Vita.

Rose by Ludovico Einaudi

The Story So Far

1. It begins with a revelation.
   • Monday by Ludovico Einaudi (Day 1)
2. Everything has changed. The Journey begins.
   • Questa Notte by Ludovico Einaudi (Day 2)
3. The search continues with greater intensity. And desperation.
   • Prelude, Fugue & Variation, Op. 18: III. Variation by Cesar Franck (Day 3)
4. An unsuccessful outcome.
   • Letter from Elise by Elise Lebec (Day 4)
5. Wandering without purpose.
   • Everyday by Carly Comando (Day 5)
6. New faces. New perspectives. Cautious hope.
   • Nocturne in C-Sharp Minor by Frederic Chopin (Day 6)
7. Acceptance. Looking forward.
   • Where Are You Now by George Winston (Day 7)
8. A Moment of Reflection.
   • Inside Out by Liz Story (Day 8)
9. Clouds in the Distance.
   • Prelude in D-flat Major, Op. 28, No. 15 "Raindrop" by Frederic Chopin (Day 9)
10. And then, rain.
    • Cloudburst by George Winston (Day 10)
11. The Storm unleashes its fury.
    • Etude in C minor, Op. 10, No. 12 "Revolutionary" by Frederic Chopin (Day 11)
12. Unease in the moments between dark and dawn.
    • Lights In The Sky by George Winston (Day 12)
13. Dawn breaks.
    • Montana Half-Light by Philip Aaberg (Day 13)
14. What Now?
    • True Love Waits by Radiohead (Day 14)
15. Building resolve.
    • Prelude Op. 22, No. 1 in G-Sharp Minor by Alexander Scriabin (Day 15)
16. Needles in the wind of an ancient pine forest.
    • Tamarack Pines by George Winston (Day 16)
17. An empty, aging home.
    • Il vecchio castello (The Old Castle) by Modest Mussorgsky (Day 17)
18. Old promises fulfilled.
    • Fake Plastic Trees by Radiohead (Day 18)
19. In the moonlight.
    • Clair de Lune by Claude Debussy (Day 19)
20. Walking.
    • Promenade from Pictures at an Exhibition by Modest Mussorgsky (played by Vladimir Horowitz) (Day 20)
21. The first day of spring.
    • Hummingbird by George Winston (Day 21)
22. Respite.
    • II. Adagio Cantabile from Sonata No. 8 in C Minor for Piano, Op. 13 "Pathetique" by Beethoven (Day 22)
23. An unexpected pleasure.
    • Before Barbed Wire by George Winston (Day 23)
24. The journey begins anew.
    • As For Us by Fernando Ortega (Day 24)
25. An intriguing detour.
    • Nocturne No. 1 In B Flat Minor, Op. 9/1 by Frederic Chopin (Day 25)
26. An hour with the ocean.
    • Le Onde by Ludovico Einaudi (Day 26)
27. Walking through the sand and fog.
    • Knives Out by Radiohead (played by Christopher O'Riley) (Day 27)
28. A choice.
    • Etude in C-Sharp Minor Op. 2 No. 1 by Alexander Scriabin (played by Vladimir Horowitz) (Day 28)
29. Every choice has consequences.
    • Loreta And Desireé's Bouquet - Part 2 by George Winston (Day 29)
30. Parting.
    • Etude No. 5 by Philip Glass

Parting.

Etude No. 5 by Philip Glass

The Story So Far

1. It begins with a revelation.
   • Monday by Ludovico Einaudi (Day 1)
2. Everything has changed. The Journey begins.
   • Questa Notte by Ludovico Einaudi (Day 2)
3. The search continues with greater intensity. And desperation.
   • Prelude, Fugue & Variation, Op. 18: III. Variation by Cesar Franck (Day 3)
4. An unsuccessful outcome.
   • Letter from Elise by Elise Lebec (Day 4)
5. Wandering without purpose.
   • Everyday by Carly Comando (Day 5)
6. New faces. New perspectives. Cautious hope.
   • Nocturne in C-Sharp Minor by Frederic Chopin (Day 6)
7. Acceptance. Looking forward.
   • Where Are You Now by George Winston (Day 7)
8. A Moment of Reflection.
   • Inside Out by Liz Story (Day 8)
9. Clouds in the Distance.
   • Prelude in D-flat Major, Op. 28, No. 15 "Raindrop" by Frederic Chopin (Day 9)
10. And then, rain.
    • Cloudburst by George Winston (Day 10)
11. The Storm unleashes its fury.
    • Etude in C minor, Op. 10, No. 12 "Revolutionary" by Frederic Chopin (Day 11)
12. Unease in the moments between dark and dawn.
    • Lights In The Sky by George Winston (Day 12)
13. Dawn breaks.
    • Montana Half-Light by Philip Aaberg (Day 13)
14. What Now?
    • True Love Waits by Radiohead (Day 14)
15. Building resolve.
    • Prelude Op. 22, No. 1 in G-Sharp Minor by Alexander Scriabin (Day 15)
16. Needles in the wind of an ancient pine forest.
    • Tamarack Pines by George Winston (Day 16)
17. An empty, aging home.
    • Il vecchio castello (The Old Castle) by Modest Mussorgsky (Day 17)
18. Old promises fulfilled.
    • Fake Plastic Trees by Radiohead (Day 18)
19. In the moonlight.
    • Clair de Lune by Claude Debussy (Day 19)
20. Walking.
    • Promenade from Pictures at an Exhibition by Modest Mussorgsky (played by Vladimir Horowitz) (Day 20)
21. The first day of spring.
    • Hummingbird by George Winston (Day 21)
22. Respite.
    • II. Adagio Cantabile from Sonata No. 8 in C Minor for Piano, Op. 13 "Pathetique" by Beethoven (Day 22)
23. An unexpected pleasure.
    • Before Barbed Wire by George Winston (Day 23)
24. The journey begins anew.
    • As For Us by Fernando Ortega (Day 24)
25. An intriguing detour.
    • Nocturne No. 1 In B Flat Minor, Op. 9/1 by Frederic Chopin (Day 25)
26. An hour with the ocean.
    • Le Onde by Ludovico Einaudi (Day 26)
27. Walking through the sand and fog.
    • Knives Out by Radiohead (played by Christopher O'Riley) (Day 27)
28. A choice.
    • Etude in C-Sharp Minor Op. 2 No. 1 by Alexander Scriabin (played by Vladimir Horowitz) (Day 28)
29. Every choice has consequences.
    • Loreta And Desireé's Bouquet - Part 2 by George Winston (Day 29)

Every choice has consequences.

Loreta And Desireé's Bouquet - Part 2

The Story So Far

1. It begins with a revelation.
   • Monday by Ludovico Einaudi (Day 1)
2. Everything has changed. The Journey begins.
   • Questa Notte by Ludovico Einaudi (Day 2)
3. The search continues with greater intensity. And desperation.
   • Prelude, Fugue & Variation, Op. 18: III. Variation by Cesar Franck (Day 3)
4. An unsuccessful outcome.
   • Letter from Elise by Elise Lebec (Day 4)
5. Wandering without purpose.
   • Everyday by Carly Comando (Day 5)
6. New faces. New perspectives. Cautious hope.
   • Nocturne in C-Sharp Minor by Frederic Chopin (Day 6)
7. Acceptance. Looking forward.
   • Where Are You Now by George Winston (Day 7)
8. A Moment of Reflection.
   • Inside Out by Liz Story (Day 8)
9. Clouds in the Distance.
   • Prelude in D-flat Major, Op. 28, No. 15 "Raindrop" by Frederic Chopin (Day 9)
10. And then, rain.
    • Cloudburst by George Winston (Day 10)
11. The Storm unleashes its fury.
    • Etude in C minor, Op. 10, No. 12 "Revolutionary" by Frederic Chopin (Day 11)
12. Unease in the moments between dark and dawn.
    • Lights In The Sky by George Winston (Day 12)
13. Dawn breaks.
    • Montana Half-Light by Philip Aaberg (Day 13)
14. What Now?
    • True Love Waits by Radiohead (Day 14)
15. Building resolve.
    • Prelude Op. 22, No. 1 in G-Sharp Minor by Alexander Scriabin (Day 15)
16. Needles in the wind of an ancient pine forest.
    • Tamarack Pines by George Winston (Day 16)
17. An empty, aging home.
    • Il vecchio castello (The Old Castle) by Modest Mussorgsky (Day 17)
18. Old promises fulfilled.
    • Fake Plastic Trees by Radiohead (Day 18)
19. In the moonlight.
    • Clair de Lune by Claude Debussy (Day 19)
20. Walking.
    • Promenade from Pictures at an Exhibition by Modest Mussorgsky (played by Vladimir Horowitz) (Day 20)
21. The first day of spring.
    • Hummingbird by George Winston (Day 21)
22. Respite.
    • II. Adagio Cantabile from Sonata No. 8 in C Minor for Piano, Op. 13 "Pathetique" by Beethoven (Day 22)
23. An unexpected pleasure.
    • Before Barbed Wire by George Winston (Day 23)
24. The journey begins anew.
    • As For Us by Fernando Ortega (Day 24)
25. An intriguing detour.
    • Nocturne No. 1 In B Flat Minor, Op. 9/1 by Frederic Chopin (Day 25)
26. An hour with the ocean.
    • Le Onde by Ludovico Einaudi (Day 26)
27. Walking through the sand and fog.
    • Knives Out by Radiohead (played by Christopher O'Riley) (Day 27)
28. A choice.
    • Etude in C-Sharp Minor Op. 2 No. 1 by Alexander Scriabin (played by Vladimir Horowitz) (Day 28)

A choice.

Etude in C-Sharp Minor Op. 2 No. 1 by Alexander Scriabin (played by Vladimir Horowitz)

The Story So Far

1. It begins with a revelation.
   • Monday by Ludovico Einaudi (Day 1)
2. Everything has changed. The Journey begins.
   • Questa Notte by Ludovico Einaudi (Day 2)
3. The search continues with greater intensity. And desperation.
   • Prelude, Fugue & Variation, Op. 18: III. Variation by Cesar Franck (Day 3)
4. An unsuccessful outcome.
   • Letter from Elise by Elise Lebec (Day 4)
5. Wandering without purpose.
   • Everyday by Carly Comando (Day 5)
6. New faces. New perspectives. Cautious hope.
   • Nocturne in C-Sharp Minor by Frederic Chopin (Day 6)
7. Acceptance. Looking forward.
   • Where Are You Now by George Winston (Day 7)
8. A Moment of Reflection.
   • Inside Out by Liz Story (Day 8)
9. Clouds in the Distance.
   • Prelude in D-flat Major, Op. 28, No. 15 "Raindrop" by Frederic Chopin (Day 9)
10. And then, rain.
    • Cloudburst by George Winston (Day 10)
11. The Storm unleashes its fury.
    • Etude in C minor, Op. 10, No. 12 "Revolutionary" by Frederic Chopin (Day 11)
12. Unease in the moments between dark and dawn.
    • Lights In The Sky by George Winston (Day 12)
13. Dawn breaks.
    • Montana Half-Light by Philip Aaberg (Day 13)
14. What Now?
    • True Love Waits by Radiohead (Day 14)
15. Building resolve.
    • Prelude Op. 22, No. 1 in G-Sharp Minor by Alexander Scriabin (Day 15)
16. Needles in the wind of an ancient pine forest.
    • Tamarack Pines by George Winston (Day 16)
17. An empty, aging home.
    • Il vecchio castello (The Old Castle) by Modest Mussorgsky (Day 17)
18. Old promises fulfilled.
    • Fake Plastic Trees by Radiohead (Day 18)
19. In the moonlight.
    • Clair de Lune by Claude Debussy (Day 19)
20. Walking.
    • Promenade from Pictures at an Exhibition by Modest Mussorgsky (played by Vladimir Horowitz) (Day 20)
21. The first day of spring.
    • Hummingbird by George Winston (Day 21)
22. Respite.
    • II. Adagio Cantabile from Sonata No. 8 in C Minor for Piano, Op. 13 "Pathetique" by Beethoven (Day 22)
23. An unexpected pleasure.
    • Before Barbed Wire by George Winston (Day 23)
24. The journey begins anew.
    • As For Us by Fernando Ortega (Day 24)
25. An intriguing detour.
    • Nocturne No. 1 In B Flat Minor, Op. 9/1 by Frederic Chopin (Day 25)
26. An hour with the ocean.
    • Le Onde by Ludovico Einaudi (Day 26)
27. Walking through the sand and fog.
    • Knives Out by Radiohead (played by Christopher O'Riley) (Day 27)

1. It begins with a revelation.
   • Monday by Ludovico Einaudi (Day 1)
2. Everything has changed. The Journey begins.
   • Questa Notte by Ludovico Einaudi (Day 2)
3. The search continues with greater intensity. And desperation.
   • Prelude, Fugue & Variation, Op. 18: III. Variation by Cesar Franck (Day 3)
4. An unsuccessful outcome.
   • Letter from Elise by Elise Lebec (Day 4)
5. Wandering without purpose.
   • Everyday by Carly Comando (Day 5)
6. New faces. New perspectives. Cautious hope.
   • Nocturne in C-Sharp Minor by Frederic Chopin (Day 6)
7. Acceptance. Looking forward.
   • Where Are You Now by George Winston (Day 7)
8. A Moment of Reflection.
   • Inside Out by Liz Story (Day 8)
9. Clouds in the Distance.
   • Prelude in D-flat Major, Op. 28, No. 15 "Raindrop" by Frederic Chopin (Day 9)
10. And then, rain.
    • Cloudburst by George Winston (Day 10)
11. The Storm unleashes its fury.
    • Etude in C minor, Op. 10, No. 12 "Revolutionary" by Frederic Chopin (Day 11)
12. Unease in the moments between dark and dawn.
    • Lights In The Sky by George Winston (Day 12)
13. Dawn breaks.
    • Montana Half-Light by Philip Aaberg (Day 13)
14. What Now?
    • True Love Waits by Radiohead (Day 14)
15. Building resolve.
    • Prelude Op. 22, No. 1 in G-Sharp Minor by Alexander Scriabin (Day 15)
16. Needles in the wind of an ancient pine forest.
    • Tamarack Pines by George Winston (Day 16)
17. An empty, aging home.
    • Il vecchio castello (The Old Castle) by Modest Mussorgsky (Day 17)
18. Old promises fulfilled.
    • Fake Plastic Trees by Radiohead (Day 18)
19. In the moonlight.
    • Clair de Lune by Claude Debussy (Day 19)
20. Walking.
    • Promenade from Pictures at an Exhibition by Modest Mussorgsky (played by Vladimir Horowitz) (Day 20)
21. The first day of spring.
    • Hummingbird by George Winston (Day 21)
22. Respite.
    • II. Adagio Cantabile from Sonata No. 8 in C Minor for Piano, Op. 13 "Pathetique" by Beethoven (Day 22)
23. An unexpected pleasure.
    • Before Barbed Wire by George Winston (Day 23)
24. The journey begins anew.
    • As For Us by Fernando Ortega (Day 24)
25. An intriguing detour.
    • Nocturne No. 1 In B Flat Minor, Op. 9/1 by Frederic Chopin (Day 25)
26. An hour with the ocean.
    • Le Onde by Ludovico Einaudi (Day 26)
27. Walking through the sand and fog.
    • Knives Out by Radiohead (played by Christopher O'Riley) (Day 27)
28. A choice.
    • Etude in C-Sharp Minor Op. 2 No. 1 by Alexander Scriabin (played by Vladimir Horowitz) (Day 28)
29. Every choice has consequences.
    • Loreta And Desireé's Bouquet - Part 2 by George Winston (Day 29)

What say you? Is a phoenix rising from the ashes? Have you fallen asleep? Have you been inspired? Angered? Bored? Can you envision the tortured journey of a lonely soul? Did the villain triumph? Are you groping around in the dark for a cohesive plot? Do you have an unexplainable urge to throttle the protagonist for being so dark and moody all the time? Sound off in the comments.

I've got a few grand finale pieces still tucked up my sleeve to tie this thing together and wrap it up. Stay tuned!

Walking through the sand and fog.

Knives Out by Radiohead (played by Christopher O'Riley)

The Story So Far

1. It begins with a revelation.
   • Monday by Ludovico Einaudi (Day 1)
2. Everything has changed. The Journey begins.
   • Questa Notte by Ludovico Einaudi (Day 2)
3. The search continues with greater intensity. And desperation.
   • Prelude, Fugue & Variation, Op. 18: III. Variation by Cesar Franck (Day 3)
4. An unsuccessful outcome.
   • Letter from Elise by Elise Lebec (Day 4)
5. Wandering without purpose.
   • Everyday by Carly Comando (Day 5)
6. New faces. New perspectives. Cautious hope.
   • Nocturne in C-Sharp Minor by Frederic Chopin (Day 6)
7. Acceptance. Looking forward.
   • Where Are You Now by George Winston (Day 7)
8. A Moment of Reflection.
   • Inside Out by Liz Story (Day 8)
9. Clouds in the Distance.
   • Prelude in D-flat Major, Op. 28, No. 15 "Raindrop" by Frederic Chopin (Day 9)
10. And then, rain.
    • Cloudburst by George Winston (Day 10)
11. The Storm unleashes its fury.
    • Etude in C minor, Op. 10, No. 12 "Revolutionary" by Frederic Chopin (Day 11)
12. Unease in the moments between dark and dawn.
    • Lights In The Sky by George Winston (Day 12)
13. Dawn breaks.
    • Montana Half-Light by Philip Aaberg (Day 13)
14. What Now?
    • True Love Waits by Radiohead (Day 14)
15. Building resolve.
    • Prelude Op. 22, No. 1 in G-Sharp Minor by Alexander Scriabin (Day 15)
16. Needles in the wind of an ancient pine forest.
    • Tamarack Pines by George Winston (Day 16)
17. An empty, aging home.
    • Il vecchio castello (The Old Castle) by Modest Mussorgsky (Day 17)
18. Old promises fulfilled.
    • Fake Plastic Trees by Radiohead (Day 18)
19. In the moonlight.
    • Clair de Lune by Claude Debussy (Day 19)
20. Walking.
    • Promenade from Pictures at an Exhibition by Modest Mussorgsky (played by Vladimir Horowitz) (Day 20)
21. The first day of spring.
    • Hummingbird by George Winston (Day 21)
22. Respite.
    • II. Adagio Cantabile from Sonata No. 8 in C Minor for Piano, Op. 13 "Pathetique" by Beethoven (Day 22)
23. An unexpected pleasure.
    • Before Barbed Wire by George Winston (Day 23)
24. The journey begins anew.
    • As For Us by Fernando Ortega (Day 24)
25. An intriguing detour.
    • Nocturne No. 1 In B Flat Minor, Op. 9/1 by Frederic Chopin (Day 25)
26. An hour with the ocean.
    • Le Onde by Ludovico Einaudi (Day 26)