We've been hit hard with rain in southeastern Wisconsin over the last few days  - nothing like what they've experienced in India - but more is coming our way. Hoping you are safe and dry wherever you are. I find these rainy days to be perfect for hunkering down and writing. If you need a little distraction from the rain, check out my favorite links from around the web this week...

• Last week's post was outtakes on a milk bath photo shoot with artist and illustrator Linda Bleck. You can read that post here. Follow Linda on Instagram here. She's prolific!
  

• If you run a business, read the caption to this post. Heidi shares some very smart thinking on branding and messaging.
  

• I love/hate this house and its "ornate austerity." Where are their treasures?
  

• Amidst the many tributes to Aretha, this one stands out.
  

• "I'm currently up to 16 place settings and am starting to worry my house will turn into a theme park where the theme is my childhood." This wonderful essay is for all of you who have been guilted into sheltering family heirlooms. (Thanks Melody!)
  

• Maybe these shoes won't destroy my baby toe.
  

• We watched The Rider last weekend, which I strongly recommend. It's not exactly a documentary but it features people playing themselves. The story unfolds a little slowly and then completely captures your heart. Here's the trailer.
  

• And along the same vein, this photo of modern day cowboys is powerful.
  

• Do you have a tattoo?
  

• Antiques of the Week: Who else likes French country benches? I like the shape of this piece of pottery. Local peeps, this is a steal if you like gilt! And this super midcentury modern bar cart is in Madison.

Photo by Gabe Rodriguez via Unsplash