fall into place

Have you ever tried to just fall freely without a proper soft pillow to land on?

Several years ago, shortly after my web-site was up, I worked closely with a wonderful counselor who helped me to realize some clarity by adressing some long term goals. Writing down a plan is akin to landing on a soft pillow.

I encourage you to write down your fall ahead plan;

one month

six months

one year

When you write down your dreams and goals, be specific. This week, I shall be dedicating my posts to you, to those of you that have need inspiration with some sort of fall back plans.

Plans or an itinerary of sorts really does help one to adress any areas of defeciency. Tell me, are you working with a plan or just free falling? How about we work with each other and know that I have got your back. Fall away! Trust your intuition and tell me, what is your first goal for today?

sunday shelf -choices

spacify shelves

Sunday is one day where I try to live "choice" free. It can be overwhelming, all the possibilities amongst all the choices bombarding each one of us on a daily basis. Do you have a project that has been stalled, all because of one's inability to choose? I can help!
A prospective client e-mailed wanting me to sketch up her home proposing a "choice" with either a front or side porch before her husband (the contracter) began the job or before he totally shelved the project due to her lack of ability to choose. Can you relate?

Choices. So many choices that it makes it hard to decide.

A few weeks ago, a friend and neighbor (with amazing style) called "me" for some "choice" ideas for her daughter's room. She was thinking of a "blueberry " color for the walls and I chose "Ikat" for the fabric. I felt so thrilled that she did not know "Ikat." The teacher in me felt thrilled to educate and share my passion for textiles.

The above "Ikat" works well with blue or white walls.

Another friend slash client asked about some desk accessories and if I had a go to spot for just the right acoutrements. I went to her home and we found some fun items amongst her possessions to re-purpose for holding pencils, paper-clips, stamps and business cards.

A guest bedroom became a home office in no time and some simple choices made a project complete.

Then - a Mom rang with a request for some tips on planning a party on budget - after a local spot gave her a crazy estimate for having a party in the restaurant. She still would have to bring all the beverages and decorate. The party planned at home was so much more intimate and far less expensive.

Do you have a project that is on the "shelf" and needs some clear direction? Too many choices clogging your brain? I can provide clear illustrations or gather images to help organize, transform or start some project that needs a push or just the right touch? Happy to provide this as a service to you, just e-mail me. My contact is right on my site here. Now only if I could help my twin sons make the right college choice, but we know that there is more to it than my draw or my choice.

Have a choice free Sunday.

dreamy

From the time I was a little girl, I have been fascinated with with paint, covering surfaces with paint and with the act of manipulating paint. In an effort to educate myself about a certain painting, I decided to do a little research. Painting is not as easy as it looks, but Mr.Sargent makes it look all so easy.

It requires tons of patience to achieve such a stroke of genius.

I take great comfort in the dreamy paintings of Sargent. There is something so magical about the relaxed models, the values of color and the pure pigment of the accent colors along with the sublime brush strokes that appeal to me

Suddenly, I imagine myself sitting for Mr. Sargent and feeling totally at ease with him painting me. I think I shall dream peacefully this weekend about my portrait. I imagine myself sitting in the grass wearing white with a pale sash.

Is there an artist that you find dreamy?

One that would paint your portrait.

Tell me?

Who would paint you and what sort of pose would you envision?

Dreamy, right?

all works by John Singer Sargent

burning the candle

From the very first time I met Eddie Ross, I will never forget what a stunning table he set with magical tapered candles burning so brightly - all on a school night mind you! A few weeks ago, I jumped at the opportunity to attend a wonderful event he hosted at Gracious Home in New York City. There they were again, those slim tapered candles, this time in full color!
I just adore Eddie and his fresh flair for setting a wonderful table full of color and such an array of items that he has collected. Mixing a variety of ecletic elements, brass, crystal, bamboo all add up to make for a tasty presentation.

Eddie is all about "presentation" and "taste" - what an array of wonderful treats there were!

I admire Eddie for his dedication to decor, to making things special and for adding color to my life! Not only is Eddie uber talented, but he is uber personable and interested in what everyone has to say. It is always fun to meet fellow "Eddie fans" and Jaithan is a sweet-heart!
Just imagine your table coming to life in full color with these vivid candles. Even in a neutral setting, a burst of a bright color can add a festive touch. Bright candles and colorful napkins are a fun alternative to all white.

Here's to Eddie, tapered candles and each of us burning them at both ends!

head to head

image from martha stewart living

Walking home from yoga class this morning, I spotted something in the garbage that reminded me of the above image. Industrious, like an ant, I proceeded to see if I could manage lifting it which I could. Given the fact that I was more than a few houses away and had a hill to climb I left it out of my head.

Then, spotting my gardener en route to my house, I asked if he would mind picking it up for me, (insert smile, and batting eyelashes). He told me he had seen it and knew exactly where to get it as he had seen it earlier.

Now all I need to do is hide it (from the warden)- paint it and have my carpenter friend make a foot board. So - let's put our heads together and tell me, shall I paint it black or a deep charcoal?

discipline

photo credit here

Discipline. Training. Work. Struggle. Exercise. Routine. Repetition. Craft. Method. System.

What words come to mind when you are following a "discipline?" I am deep into a work of art, under the brush to complete a project. Are you knee deep in a discipline?

I would love to take a day to just frolic and dance in the garden with all the birds.

Baby me

I went to see "Babies" on Mother's day with my daughter and I loved it. As a Mom of now 17 year of twins and 10 year old daughter, the baby phase goes fast. One day they are all grown up!
The film shows a myriad of "babies" and their lives based on a glimpse into the very unique style of parenting based on our culture. One thing is so clear, no matter where we are, babies are all cute, tantrums and all. Although this is just the first year of these babies, I want to see more of them and how they grow.

Let me know what you think if you have seen it!

posture

A just for fun exercise, "loosening up my posture" for where you hang your hat

As an artist, much of what I do requires a method, but then again, to allow room for letting go is a huge bonus. Just the act of each stroke of the brush takes on a sort of sun salutation for me, an exercise of sorts. With each work, I analyze my posture, I breathe, I huff and I exhale out with each jab of the brush. Did you ever stop to analyze how posturing can affect the outcome of your day.

Sit up or stand up straight, devote each inhale as one part inspiration and the exhale as the release of what you are doing, the expression. Are you aware of your posture, did I inspire you to straighten up? I know I tell my kids to take note of their posture each day, why should I not include you too.

methodical

Each of us have our very own methods which we cling to. A commission arrives and I begin by working out the main shapes in pencil, then I draw in the details in micron pen.

(Often- I work from a photo. I do enjoy working from real-life.)

Once I feel that I am ready to layer in the water-color, I begin by narrowing down my palette and go from light to dark. The paper of choice is Aquarelle Arches Block, either cold or hot press. There is something comforting about working on a block, as the paper stays put - Most works are done on a 9 x 12 block, but I love working on the larger blocks too.

I squint often to get to the right value for color. Capturing the light and the shadows are so important to me. Time has a way of getting away from me, but I work with an hour-glass nearby so that I have some gauge of time. Do you have a method or a process that works for you?

civility

Monday morning - back to civilities of life. When I am painting, I strive for a certain civility in my work. There must be a certain politeness, a modicum of respect and an air of gentility. There is something nice about finding that in my work that sets me straight with purpose. My work brings a polite start to my day, along with a fresh cup of morning coffee in my blue and white porcelain mug.

What sort of civility or manner makes your day more well-behaved?