Since I had knee surgery two weeks ago, I've had lots of down time. I'm non-weight bearing for 8 weeks, which doesn't make for the easiest mobility. It's a big deal for me to walk to the kitchen, and that's just 20 feet away. Those who know me well, know that I don't sit well. I'm always moving and doing, rarely sitting and relaxing.

So, it's allowed for some great thinking and soaking-up time. Time to think calmly, motionless, looking out the window for hours at a time... and actually being ok with it. Alright, I confess. I'm on some pain killers, which make looking out the window for hours at a time quite acceptable. That said, I can't wait to get off of them!! (Side note: How do people get "addicted" to prescription drugs????)

I committed during this time that I would emerse myself in as much design culture and influence as possible, because I have the time. I normally don't.  I would scour my online design library of resources, seeking new sources, fresh voices, and engaging conversation in design. So, that's what I've been doing the last 2 weeks and it feels sooo good. Little did I know I would be spending my entire days emersed in amazing visual imagery online and filling my Delicious folders with bookmarks. Here's a list of some of my favorites....

Thirty Conversations on Design > linked from a Facebook ad!
What I like: The video chats from the great names in the design world. Ric Grefe from AIGA and Massimo Vignelli from Vignelli Associates.

FecalFace.com > I don't know how I stumbled on this, but I love it. It's a content-rich, comprehensive, multidisciplinary art and culture website supporting the art scene mostly in San Francisco and LA. Very punk- and skate-culture influence, which is represented by the edgy artists they feature on a regular basis. Cool stuff. Pencil in an entire day to this site.
What I like: Studio Visits (photo and blog tours of the artists' habitat), Artist Interviews.

Poster Cabaret > I'm a sucker for cool posters and this site sells limited edition gig posters which makes it uber-cool. Great detail on descriptions on posters.
What I like: The clean white space and simplicity of the site. HUGE easy-to-navigate gallery of different posters and the Artists area where you could spend hours reading about all of the artists and checking out their yummy-as-pie websites!

Cricket Press > Ok, I confess. I'm in love with a printer in Kentucky. You can't help but fall in love with Cricket's hip and energetic illustrations and all with the simplicity of just a few colors. I always say simple is best. They screen-print and letterpress off of their work by hand in limited editions. Love it.
What I like: Once again, I'm a sucker for cool posters, especially hand-printed posters. The depth and authenticity of letterpress is unmatched by anything else. Their work is brilliant.