Secret Project #54340932423.
I am terrible at starting and not finishing numerous projects. I have drawers full of buttons, stickers, ribbon, beads, stamps, skeleton keys, mini canvases, wood glue, tiny plastic skeleton parts, a small painted cabinet I meant to fill with curiosities..remnants of my short attention span.
But this particular one is something I’ve been wanting to do/learn for a long time coming, so I’m really excited! I will post photos sometime late next week once I’ve received all my materials & experimented a bit.
I hope the New Year brings much creativity & happiness to us all. I haven’t accomplished all the artistic goals I had set for myself, but I believe I am on well on my way.
Thank you to my fellow artists & friends…for everything.
Update: Secret Project is in motion. I LOVED my initial experimentation this afternoon. I need to replenish a couple supplies and continue. Photos soon.
Link Love.
- The gorgeous organic handmade earrings at Monkey Meditates. They specialize in big style for all of us who like to go BIG but prefer to keep our ear holes standard piercing size. My favorite is the S Curve.
- Alt-Model Mosh has gotten me all hot and bothered lately. I think it’s her bedroom eyes & ability to bend herself in all sorts of ways to get that perfect shot. Hot.
- Buxom Lipgloss. High shine & plumps ze lips. Love it. Another excuse to make a trip to Sephora.
- The artwork of Caia Koopman.
- Central Market. I love their selection of cheese, wine, made to order sushi, flowers, organic soaps & some of the prettiest produce I’ve ever laid my hands on.
- Photographer: Adrian Buckmaster.
- Have you ever wanted to wear a human sound? If yes, the waveform series of laser cut/hand fabricated cuffs by Japanese conceptual artist Sakurako Shimizu is for you.
- Recipe for Pumpkin & Gingerbread Icecream Sandwiches. nomnomnom.
- A Thailand Bakery that makes bread that looks like human body parts. Love it.
- Artist David Bray.
- Artist Kendra Binney.
- Love, Jenna. A girl who makes $$ utilizing her gorgeous handwriting. Jealous!
- For the sneaky bastard in all of us, Super Secret Spy Lens for Candid Photography.
- Yay! Snowcake Soap is back at LUSH for the holidays. I am aching to try their Chocolate Santa Bath Bomb. Their North American forums have a whole thread where people are sharing their Random Acts of Kindness.
Introspection: 2008.
And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.
-Anais Nin
This was my mantra for this year.
Here are some of the highlights (large and small) of my 2008.
- Clean Slate: Our apartment was robbed in February. So many things taken, the expected electronics, my beautiful cameras & lenses and many personal items. This experience changed me. We moved to an upstairs flat and began piecing it all back together. We were grateful we weren’t home, that the cats were unharmed & didn’t run away despite the broken window and that so many things were left despite their value. I was fascinated with how we took it in stride and moved on on a positive note. It feels good to know I am with someone who can hold my hand through the good times and the bad. I also took this opportunity to go through all my possessions and only keep what I really love or feel is irreplaceable. It became a kind of cleansing of the soul. Sometimes it takes terrible things happening to really open your eyes & realize how rich your life is.
- College: I returned to college after a 6 year hiatus since my last course. Honestly, I was scared. Intimidated. I know it’s silly, but I even felt like I was too old. It’s frightening how easy it is to work a crappy job (even a neat industry like photographic imaging) for years and years and kind of lose yourself in it. I’m really lucky to have a supportive husband and the opportunity to continue on with my education. This time I’m not leaving without a degree in my hand. I owe this to myself.
- Weight-loss: I dropped 25 pounds! I’ve made a huge effort to eat healthier, take all my supplements daily and be more active. I need to up my game, as I’ve reached a plateau, but it’s so encouraging to know that I have the tools I need to make it happen. I swear, half of my success was keeping myself mentally psyched. The body is an amazing thing.
- Color: I’ve incorporated more color into my wardrobe. Nothing drastic, but there are a few more shades other than my usual black, grey & deep red. I’ve fallen madly in love with fuschia & turquiose.
- Photography: I got my first REAL digital SLR in May. I cried when I unwrapped it from it’s packaging. It is symbolic for so many reasons. I also feel I’ve come closer to finding my distinct photography style.
- Family: I feel closer to my family than ever. Especially my dad. This means so much to me. We have been through a hell of a journey to reach this point.
- Art: I am becoming a little more comfortable with sharing my artwork. It’s taking time, but I’m growing in that aspect. I don’t think non-artists realize how personal art is to it’s creator. If I’ve ever given you a piece, know that I consider you a part of me. I hope to branch out this year as far as mediums I work with, work on my Etsy shop and to take more risks!
- Friends: I am surrounded by the most wonderful people on this planet. End of story. I love you guys.
Daily OM: Reflections of Self.
I’ve opted in to receive Daily Om via e-mail. I will be perfectly honest. A lot of them are extremely idealistic to the point of annoying me, but once in a while I read one that really makes me think. This was one of them.
Reflections of Self: We Are All Mirrors for Each Other
When we look at other people, we see many of their qualities in innumerable and seemingly random combinations. However, the qualities that we see in the people around us are directly related to the traits that exist in us. “Like attracts like” is one of the spiritual laws of the universe. We attract individuals into our lives that mirror who we are. Those you feel drawn to reflect your inner self back at you, and you act as a mirror for them. Simply put, when you look at others, you will likely see what exists in you. When you see beauty, divinity, sweetness, or light in the soul of another, you are seeing the goodness that resides in your soul. When you see traits in others that evoke feelings of anger, annoyance, or hatred, you may be seeing reflected back at you those parts of yourself that you have disowned or do not like.Because we are all mirrors for each other, looking at the people in your life can tell you a lot about yourself. Who you are can be laid bare to you through what you see in others. It is easy to see the traits you do not like in others. It is much more difficult to realize that you possess those same traits. Often, the habits, attitudes, and behaviors of others are closely linked to our unconscious and unresolved issues.
When you come into contact with someone you admire, search your soul for similarly admirable traits. Likewise, when you meet someone exhibiting traits that you dislike, accept that you are looking at your reflection. Looking at yourself through your perception of others can be a humbling and eye-opening experience. You can also cultivate in you the traits and behaviors that you do like. Be loving and respectful to all people, and you will attract individuals that will love and respect you back. Nurture compassion and empathy and let the goodness you see in others be your mirror.
My Birthday in History.
1907 – Robert Baden-Powell founds the Boy Scout movement. 1927 – Director Alfred Hitchcock releases his first film, The Pleasure Garden, in England. 1984 – The first Apple Macintosh goes on sale. 2003 – The United States Department of Homeland Security officially begins operation. 1941 – Neil Diamond, American singer 1943 – Sharon Tate, American actress and Manson murder victim (d. 1969) 1965 – Winston Churchill, soldier, politician, historian, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and Nobel laureate (b. 1874) 1986 – L. Ron Hubbard, American writer and founder of Scientology (b. 1911) 1989 – Ted Bundy, American serial killer (b. 1946) It’s pretty dark of me, but I’ve always loved sharing my birthday with the likes of Ted Bundy & Sharon Tate. Thank you for the list Jami!
1949 – John Belushi, American actor (d. 1982)
Holiday Wishlist.
:swoon: It’s always fun to compile all the things that make your heart flutter. This post is more for me than you. Plus, I have ridiculously expensive taste that I don’t expect anyone to support. That’s why I am back in college. If only I was kidding!
highlights: Buxom Lipgloss in Dolly/Dior Hermitage Medium Shopper/Dior Patent Cannage Bag with silver hardware/Dior Diorshow mascara/Vera Wang’s Princess Perfume/Paraphernalia’s Anatomica Red Heart Necklace/Dior Sunglasses/Fresh’s Brown Sugar Body Polish/Moleskine Daily Planner/All Saints Knit Jumper/Ma Bubble Bar from LUSH/Revenge Photo Book by Ellen Von Unwerth/Go Smile Teeth Whitening Kit
Photography: Effortless Beauty.
I know everyone says this about their respective family member, but seriously, my younger sister is just stunning. Unlike me, she grew to be very long-limbed, angular, yet somehow boasts very feminine features. She has soft doe eyes, but a very prominent jawline similar to that of Angelina Jolie. My favorite people to photograph have these strangely paired physical characteristics. It’s always a challenge to get a nice balance so neither feature outshines the other.
These particular two were basically just me being silly and trying to blind her on the car ride home from Thanksgiving dinner. (ahh, siblings) I don’t think it’s possible to get a bad photo of her. I’m doing her senior photos either in the beginning of December, or sometime in early spring. I really want to take advantage of the beautiful backdrop nature will provide. Much to her embarrassment, I will be posting my favorites once the time comes.
I wish I had taken more photos of our holiday. I’ve been in good spirits, just a tad uninspired in the artistic sense. This should change soon as it always does.
