On Being Excited

I get excited. A lot. I can't tamp it down (although I've been told on more than one occasion that I should). I am happy, enthusiastic, upbeat...

All of this, in theory, is good, I mean there's an entire genre of books aimed at upping ones happiness quotient, and yet, being perky isn't the most revered of qualities. It's seems more respectable, cooler even, to be harried, cynical, sardonic.

I'm holding firm though. I don't mind being uncool...being cool is overrated. I'm not afraid to walk out of situation that was magical/fun/interesting and be excited about it (really, really excited). I'm good with that.

Over the past two days, I've had the opportunity to sit down and chat with a design icon, have dinner in quite possibly the most stunning, soulful home I've ever encountered (above), and share lunch with a wholly inspiring and talented woman. It was a good two days.

I am (really really) excited.

On Finding Balance...

Some shots of a seriously cool house from our March/April issue...

I've just passed the three month mark at the new gig, and I finally feel settled...well relatively speaking. To be sure, I'm still flying by the seat of my pants, a lot, but I don't have that deer in the headlights, total and complete idiot feeling I did in the beginning (or at least I have it way less often).

Friends...starting a new job after over a decade at your old one is a humbling enterprise. I went from knowing what I was doing 99% of the time to asking an embarrassing amount of questions of my (infinitely patient) co-workers. Humble pie. But I expected to feel green for a while, that I was unmoored wasn't the surprise.

What was is how much the new job affected all the other aspects of my life. I thought non-stop (and to some degree I still do) about how to do my job well, how to manage the work, how to get things right. It made me distracted, and most distressing, it made me, well (for lack of a more eloquent term)... suck at pretty much everything else. Social life? Vanished. Entertaining? I don't do it. Volunteering at school? Abysmal. Calling friends and family? Never. Personal e-mail? Forget about it. (On that note, sorry if I owe you an e-mail...I'll get to it, I promise.)

Between keeping Bryan and the girlies #1 and navigating the new job, I was totally and completely accounted for and then some.

So now that I'm getting my footing a bit, putting in place some systems, creating a bit of a rhythm if you will, I'm ever so gingerly trying to find balance.  I'm trying to figure out how to be a good mom/wife/daughter/sister/friend/career woman/good citizen/creatively balanced person again.

I'll let you know how it goes ;-)

Some Regrouping

We leave for the beach tomorrow, and I can honestly say I've never been more ready and less prepared for a vacation. (I know, I know...) The four of us need this time away desperately. After a topsy turvy past couple of months, we need some huddle time... unplugged, chilled out, doing nothing, and totally focused on each other. Like the deserts need the rain we need this action.

And yet, a mere six hours from departure, and I'm not even remotely prepared. I'm still packing; half the things on my to do list have not even a remote chance of getting crossed off; it's a bad scene. And remember, I'm a girl that has a packing formula, lists and plans. I rock this kind of thing. But no dice this year, which really just puts a big, fat explanation point on the need to just throw it all in a bag and hit the road, don't you think?

So I'm going to try and wing it a bit and see what happens. See you in a week. Wish me luck!

In Praise of Single-Tasking

A teeny, tiny detail pic snapped on my iPhone from yesterday's shoot

Something miraculous happened yesterday. Ready?

I did not access the interwebs. At all.

I spent the work day at a house shoot where the homeowner had no Internet access (No internet access people!), so, when I wasn't downing an obscene amount of coffee in an attempt to stave off the effects of the previous evening's insomnia*, I was focused wholly and completely on, wait for it...doing my job.

It was a revelation this single-tasking. No popping over to Pinterest, no peeking in at blogs, very little e-mail (I did have my iPhone, but I purposefully tucked it away for most of the day). I forget how much better I am at something when I actually give it my focused attention,when I'm present, fully engaged, in it.

Game changer...for sure.

{*thanks for all your comments about the insomnia...you guys had so many amazing suggestions and made me feel like I'm not the only sleepless zombie out there trying desperately to hold it together.}

Little Luxuries

(photograph by Helenio Barbetta via Desire to Inspire)

"Build in little daily luxuries in your life."

I read this over on Rachel's blog a while ago, and I keep coming back to it. Even though I'm a details gal to the core, I need the gentle nudge every once and a while to take time for small delights...the "want tos" amidst all the "have tos" if you will.

Here are a few daily luxuries I'm hoping to work into the weekend:

• A pedicure with Bryan's mom
• Cooking dinner for new friends
• Fresh flowers for our bedroom
• A long family bike ride

What's on your list?

(p.s. we're doing a fun little giveaway over on the D Home blog today. You can take a peek here if you're interested...)

Some Scenes From The Office...

I'm am the nerd that (literally) loves nothing more than getting a peek inside a person's house/workspace/closet. In the off chance that you also enjoy these types of things (friends, I know you do, admit it...), I thought you *might* like to see a few snaps of my desk at the new gig.

When I left my old job, I bequeathed almost everything from my office to co-workers, friends, strangers on the street... I really wanted my surroundings to embody the fact that I was starting a new chapter in my work life -- all fresh and shiny and new (a lot to expect from office decor, I realize).

And I have to say, I love my new little space. Despite the fact that all the editors sit in a wide-open bullpen set-up, it feels oddly cozy; it inspires productivity (always a good thing at work; and there's a kickin' coffee maker just around the corner, which, really, might be the best part of all.

Simplicity, Work and Enjoyment

"My secret for long life is simplicity, work and enjoyment."

This video by Julia Warr might be one of the loveliest things I've come across in a long time... (Spotted on my friend Jane's pinterest.)

"Shot in Fire Island, New York, this film captures the secrets of eternal youth as Maia Helles, a Russian ballet dancer turns 95 but still remains resolutely independent, healthy and as fit as a forty year old. Made by Julia Warr, artist and film maker met Maia on a plane 4 years ago and became utterly convinced by the benefits of her daily exercise routine, which Maia perfected, together with her Mother, over 60 years ago, long before exercise classes were ever invented."

Focusing on the Details...

This image of Oscar de la Renta following his show runner and fixing the strings on each gift bag as she puts it down (spotted via wife & 2 kids) is perhaps one of the best things I've ever seen, on so many levels.

First there's the fact that (to me) it epitomizes humility and the importance of rolling up your sleeves and doing a job well no matter how (seemingly) menial the task. I mean, honestly it's Oscar de la Renta people, I'm sure he has someone to tuck-in those strings for him, but he's doing it...himself.

Then there's the attention to detail factor, which, really, is what takes a situation (any situation) from good to unforgettable. All of my most poignant moments in life are inevitably accompanied by some memory of a perfectly thought out detail -- a little bit of going above and beyond (and it doesn't have to be extravagant) to make things feel magical.


Food & Thought at SFMOMA with Meatpaper and Blue Bottle - "Still/Life"

Case in point: Earlier this week I was at a shoot for work. I arrived at the studio to the photographer's wife making a pot of lightly sweetened cuban coffee and fresh squeezed juice involving carrots, ginger, apples and some other crazy yummy but not quite discernible ingredients. She set the beverages out on a large table where we all sat and enjoyed them together before the shoot. Then she went off and lit a few candles, turned on some music and kept tall glasses of water filled for us all day.

The gestures were simple but thoughtful and lovely. And they turned an otherwise normal day (ok, not totally normal, it was a photo shoot after all...) into a "burned on my brain", totally memorable moment.

It's been a harried week. I'm rushing through tasks, trying to get it all done, frenetically crossing things off the to do list. The details are suffering. Big time. So I'm going to take a deep breath and try to get them back a bit. I think it's too important not to.

Happy weekend friends.

BOOK / SHOP

Every once in a while something comes along that is so compelling and interesting and cool that it merits more than mere mention in a "loving list" or a tack-on to a "random bits", rather its sheer awesomeness deserves a full-blown love fest (a.k.a. it's very own post).

BOOK / SHOP is one such thing.

The thoughtfully curated online shop sprung from creator Erik Heywood's books-related blogs where he features a mix of "books & the things that go with them". I'm enthralled by the careful mix of "quality over quantity, usefulness meets beauty, art plus function", including curated book collections, exclusive furniture, art and broadsides.

But I'm especially enthralled by BOOK / SHOP's "manifesto" below:


We're committed to the reading experience. The surprise of one page turning to the other. The little luxury of sitting in a great reading chair, inhaling the scent of a beautifully made book. The luscious heft of three or four good reads in a sturdy bookbag as you head out into the world. The hundred discoveries waiting at a used bookstore; the refuge of a library.

We believe that gadgets are exciting, but that experiences with real books run deep, and give more to our lives. We believe that books made with care, that were the best of their kind upon publication, will only beautify with time and never become obsolete.

We believe that a well-made reading environment encourages us to take our time, to have those experiences with books that modern life tries to replace with a rush of empty conveniences.

Some Awesome (Sartorial) Simplicity

I had a wicked case of insomnia last night, resulting in madly clicking through fashion week street style images at 4:00 am. Suffice to say, it was a bad scene friends.

It could have been my bleary eyed exhaustion, but, after a few minutes, all the outfits started to just sort of blur together in a giant mash-up of cobalt blue and Celine bags and dashes of neon and brightly painted nails and wrists full of bangles...

Don't get me wrong, there was some major sartorial eye candy happening in these formidable ensembles. And certainly I admired the wearers' boldness and fearless embrace of color and pattern and accessories (boldness and fearless embrace in matters of dressing not being my strong suit), but because everyone looked exactly the same, nobody looked fresh.

I was quickly bored with all the excitement.

But then that image above of Vogue editors Meredith Melling Burke and Hanneli Mustaparta popped up, and I was shook out of my visual stupor. They just look so modern and easy and, well...awesomely simple. Not overthought or self conscious or uncomfortable. They look like women there to notice rather than to be noticed. I've been thinking about the image all day, which is not something I can say about any of the other photos (and there were hundreds friends, did I mention it was a bad scene?) I came across during my early morning Internet-fest.

Hmm...

Awesomely Simple

I've read this Charles Mingus quote (spotted via Aubrey Road) no less that ten times in the past week... It's just wise and right on. (Mingus is also a rather kickin' bass player, but that's another post for another day.) In fact, I love it so much that I made my hubby read it too, and he said something equally wise and right on:

"When you make something complex awesomely simple, it's not just creativity, it's elegance."

Good, yes?

I think this idea of elegance, of awesome simplicity is exactly the ingredient that makes a perfectly constructed minimal room feel cozy as opposed to cold. Admittedly, I tend to skew a little minimal in my aesthetic sensibilities, but I think this awesome simplicity (if applied correctly) can also make a wildly layered, maxed-out space read modern and open rather than like a scene from hoarders.

Awesome simplicity -- it's the panacea, the magic bullet, the holy grail. Some proof...


(via remodelista)


(via apartment therapy)


(not sure of source...anyone?)


(via notes on design)


(via frankly esoteric)

In Praise of (a little) Mystery

Cy Twombly, Untitled (Say Goodbye Catullus, to the Shores of Asia Minor), 1994. The Menil Collection.

Cy Twombly’s desk by David Seidner from Artists at Work (via Rue tumblr)

I've been thinking about the allure of mystery a lot lately. Ironic, I realize, given the fact that I pin and blog (and blog and blog) and tweet (although not my strong suit)... Let's just say I'm "out there". I share stuff. A lot.

And while I've certainly benefited from being a part of this ubiquitous online conversation (in cherished friendships and opportunities and even dream jobs), there's something to be said for cultivating a bit of mystery...

Case in point, Adam Robert's article in the January Food and Wine entitled "Real Heroes Don't Tweet". Robert's dismay at the embrace of social media by his culinary icons had me nodding in violent agreement. And then I immediately wanted to tweet about it. Sad. (As a side note, Food and Wine and Bon Appétit are really bringing it of late... The food mags are kinda kicking the shelter mag's butts, yes?)

I was also struck by this article in the Times about the late Cy Twombly, specifically the idea that Twombly's embrace of privacy and even (gasp) unpopularity afforded him an invaluable creative freedom.

"But Mr. Twombly, a tall, rangy Virginian who once practiced drawing in the dark to make his lines less purposeful, steadfastly followed his own program and looked to his own muses — often literary ones, like Catullus, Rumi, Pound and Rilke. He seemed to welcome the privacy that came with unpopularity.

“I had my freedom and that was nice,” he said in a rare interview..."

So the trick I suppose is being sufficiently "out there" while simultaneously guarding your privacy and cultivating just the right amount of mystery. No sweat.


I'll get right on that...

Working on "The List"

my friend jessica's pretty blue velvet flats...I loved the way they looked with the rug ;-)
















There is progress on the list...we've made snowflake garlands and fireplace s'mores and gingerbread houses and a nice sampling of baked goods (the oatmeal chocolate chip cookies were the stand outs). We've seen The Muppets at the movies (so cute) and are in the midst of "game day".

Next up a viewing of Little Women and some drive-by Christmas light ogling.

Have a lovely and magical Christmas friends. Thank you for all your kindness and support. It means the world to us, truly. You guys are amazing.

Let's Bring Back...

photo by John Von Pamer via Castor and Pollux

It's safe to say that I have a wee bit of a girl crush on Lesley M.M. Blume. She's erudite, witty, cool... Oh and she can seriously rock the black eyeliner. She's also penned a genius book that speaks directly to my closet Luddite tendencies.

But it was her proclamation that we should bring back "discussion societies" that took me from mere admiration to full-blown girl crush...

Here's exactly what she says:

"Let's bring back discussion societies . Polite ones or impolite ones. It doesn't matter. Let's take a break from online chatter and move back into real rooms with three-dimensional people. Anonymous Internet postings try to pass for discussion societies but they are absolutely not the same thing. Too often they breed animosity instead of constructive discourse. Talking is good. Real debate is a dying art."


Preach it sister.

A Case for Concentration... (The Selby + Lucy Chadwick)

All images stills from the Selby Film for Zara

I loved every. single. thing about the Selby Film for Zara featuring Lucy Chadwick -- the beautiful light in her Manhattan loft, the big abstract painting leaning casually against the wall, her wardrobe... And don't even get me started on that gorgeous coffee pot. Just so much goodness.

But what I can't get out of my head is that essential transition she makes from her harried cosmopolitan life to her reflective rural existence, complete with outfit change. She's like a super chic Mr. Rogers. Brilliant.

And then there was this line:

“It’s very easy in the kind of environment that I work in to just skim across the surface of everything, imagining that you’re doing the best possible job…Concentration is something that is fairly sparse during my working week.”

This sentiment pretty much sums up my current existence and made me (yet again) ruminate on this idea of unplugging and focusing and just going "all in" on something.

The non-stop flitting about wears on your ability to produce anything really great, don't you think? I am craving some time for concentration... I need to get on that. As soon as I'm done with the 50 other things I'm doing, deal?