Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Tuesday's Mental Musings
For the last few weeks or so I have been considering the following phrase-"Knowing yourself means knowing the Creator". This idea is not new to me. It is something I have considered for a very long time, but for the last few weeks it seems to be on the forefront of my thoughts.
We spend so much time looking outside of ourselves for answers that we forget that they are always with us, right here and right now. We invest in religions, customs and cultures created to distract us from the simplicity of the truth; the answers are always with us, right here and right now. We try to find the Creator in the pomp and circumstance of life's rituals instead of separating ourselves from the baggage we have been given to carry. And when we do stand in front of mirrors seeking self, seeking the Creator, we do so wearing the costumes of our lives because most of us believe that the Creator will not recognize us without them.
We spend so many countless hours defining who we are by what we have, what we prefer and what we like that we often get muddled in what those definitions manifest and can't see past the lives we are living to see the very creative force we seek. We tend to believe that the material is the Creative force not just the manifestation of that energy. We tend to forget that the Creator continues working, growing, moving and it is we that get mired down in the material and definition of self it all seems to concrete. We forget that we came into this world naked and free in truths and that for most of us, if not all, in order to see our true selves we must return to that state. If we can do that we can know the Creator and the limitless potential this limited life time brings.
How we get to that state may be another musing on another Tuesday.
We spend so much time looking outside of ourselves for answers that we forget that they are always with us, right here and right now. We invest in religions, customs and cultures created to distract us from the simplicity of the truth; the answers are always with us, right here and right now. We try to find the Creator in the pomp and circumstance of life's rituals instead of separating ourselves from the baggage we have been given to carry. And when we do stand in front of mirrors seeking self, seeking the Creator, we do so wearing the costumes of our lives because most of us believe that the Creator will not recognize us without them.
We spend so many countless hours defining who we are by what we have, what we prefer and what we like that we often get muddled in what those definitions manifest and can't see past the lives we are living to see the very creative force we seek. We tend to believe that the material is the Creative force not just the manifestation of that energy. We tend to forget that the Creator continues working, growing, moving and it is we that get mired down in the material and definition of self it all seems to concrete. We forget that we came into this world naked and free in truths and that for most of us, if not all, in order to see our true selves we must return to that state. If we can do that we can know the Creator and the limitless potential this limited life time brings.
How we get to that state may be another musing on another Tuesday.
I"m Deep In Denial
about my boot addiction and lusting after the Tory Burch "Jaden" short leather boot that retails for $550. I trust my lust can be contained until either it goes on sale or other shoe manufacturers are "inspired" by it and offer up their version at a much more economical price or I find a support group......
Cuppings
I have tons of bits and bobs that I use for making jewelry, sewing, mixed media art and anything else that crosses my creative mind. Storing it all is a bitch. More often than not it all gets packed away and once its hidden from my thoughts and eyes it is left unused. A few months ago I went to IKEA and purchased a number of plastic storage cups and the chrome colored bars that they are meant to hang from. The cups come in really cool translucent colors, hang 4 per small sized bar, 6 per large, and each set costs about $6.00 (small bar). I ran 10 sets up the side wall near my work table - see below. Each cup holds a bit of this and a little of that and now the only excuse I have for not working with these items is my lazy hands!
After putting up the system I ran across other options while at Home Depot. The trays below come in a number of cup sizes and each set comes with its own brace that allows them to be attached to the wall and staggered much in the same manner that the cups are.
Or they and a number of pegs, varying sizes, also available from the Home Depot, can be attached to a Peg Board to create an amazing accessible wall of work and play goodies
After putting up the system I ran across other options while at Home Depot. The trays below come in a number of cup sizes and each set comes with its own brace that allows them to be attached to the wall and staggered much in the same manner that the cups are.
Or they and a number of pegs, varying sizes, also available from the Home Depot, can be attached to a Peg Board to create an amazing accessible wall of work and play goodies
Monday, September 28, 2009
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Last Shoe Post of the Day
While flipping through one of September's fashion magazines I came across a photo of a Moschino Cheap & Chic oxford shoe. It was a lovely buckskin color with what looked like either a broad gross grain or satin ribbon as its shoelaces. Very chic, but at $295.00 not very cheap, sooooooo to obtain the look I am considering buying an Eastland Women's Buck Oxford ($59.95 @ amazon.com) and a yard of 1-1/2-2" wide satin ribbon.
Of course I live in New York and even with protective spray those buckskin shoes are sure to suffer dirt and damage, besides my wardrobe isn't very brown/earth tone based.
Another option would be to find a men's classic black or oxblood leather oxford in my size in the boy's shoe section and use matching ribbon laces.
For a more "feminine" version I could also buy a pair of Capezio Jazz shoes ($26.00 at Capezio's site) and use black ribbon laces..now that would be both Chic and Cheap!
Of course I live in New York and even with protective spray those buckskin shoes are sure to suffer dirt and damage, besides my wardrobe isn't very brown/earth tone based.
Another option would be to find a men's classic black or oxblood leather oxford in my size in the boy's shoe section and use matching ribbon laces.
For a more "feminine" version I could also buy a pair of Capezio Jazz shoes ($26.00 at Capezio's site) and use black ribbon laces..now that would be both Chic and Cheap! 
Waiting With Baited Breath...
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Friday, September 25, 2009
For the Poetry Lover
This weekend celebrates the opening of New York City's Poet House' new location at 10 River Terrace.
For information about this New York institute and September 25th and 26th celebrations for the opening of it new digs check out their website http://poetshouse.org/
In the Green Room
From October 2-18th the Handcart Ensemble will be retelling Homer's Odyssey at the Green Room Theatre on Bleecker Street (http://www.greenroompresents.com/ourtheatres.html)The extended run, first performed on the BBC in 2004, incorporates puppetry and acrobatics as well as other theatrical ploy and is sure to entertain within a budget at $17-25 per ticket
For details on the performance check out -
for a review check out the NY Times' review
Art Under the Bridge Festival
September 25-27th, 2009
The 13th Annual Art Fesitval takes place this weekend
Down Under the Brooklyn Bridge Overpass
Check for details for this multi event celebration at http://dumboartfestival.org/
Under Pressure...
I recently read an article claiming that Japanese women have fewer wrinkles than most women. Much of what was shared reinforced the idea of exfoliation, sun protection and skin care.I am not certain if the article shared a truth or continued to perpetuate a stereotype of Asian beauty but I found the suggestion that a daily facial massage at night helped keep the faces of those who practiced it toned and almost wrinkle free interesting. Years ago I was introduced to such a practice by a Japanese woman I worked with. She had clear and even skin years younger than her biological age, so perhaps there is some truth to the attention needed to preserve your skin.
If you're interested in exploring this practice try Shiseido's instructions at http://sca.shiseido.com/index.cfm?select=skinMassageDetail
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Purification...
I know I shouldn't type this but with the recession in full swing the Yoga craze seems to be dying down and now it's safe to come out of the yoga closet. People are still doing yoga but I seem to be meeting people who are truly commited to their practices not the trend.I yoga at home and have paired down practice to a mat, a blanket and an occasional cd of music that calms me. I also make a meditative spray that I use to clean the mat. I found the "recipe" and gladly share it with you -
3/4 cup water
1/4 cup rubbing alcohol
1/4 teaspooon jojoba oil
6 drops of sweet orange essential oil*
3 drops of jasmine essential oil*
3 drops of sandalwood essential oul*
3 drops of sweet basil essential oil*
3 drops of tea tree essential oil*
Combine all in a spray bottle and shake. Spritz over mat and wipe clean with a soft cloth
Namaste!
*essential oils - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Essential_oil
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Tuesday's Mental Musings..
I'm still thinking...but ponder this -
"in this post-modern world the hunger to belong has rarely been more intense, more urgent. With many of the ancient, traditional shelters now in ruins, it is as if society has lost the art of fostering community. Consumerism propels us towards an ever-more lonely and isolated existence - although technology pretends to unite us, more often than not all it delivers are simulated images that distance us from our lives”.
-John O’Donohue, Irish poet and philosopher, January 1, 1956. -January 3, 2008, aged 52
"in this post-modern world the hunger to belong has rarely been more intense, more urgent. With many of the ancient, traditional shelters now in ruins, it is as if society has lost the art of fostering community. Consumerism propels us towards an ever-more lonely and isolated existence - although technology pretends to unite us, more often than not all it delivers are simulated images that distance us from our lives”.
-John O’Donohue, Irish poet and philosopher, January 1, 1956. -January 3, 2008, aged 52
Monday, September 21, 2009
Coffee & Some Fashion...
For those of us in New York that try to ignore the bustle of Fashion Week but want to be inspired now is the time. The NY Times has posted slide shows of all the designers Spring 2010 collections on their website.So whether you're already dreaming of Spring 2010 or still shopping for Fall 2009 grab a cup, hide in a quiet corner and dream on...
The Crowds May Have Thinned
out enough for you to get an up close and personal look at Vermeer's The Milkmaid.
In honor of the 400th Anniversary of Henry Hudson's Voyage to Manhattan from Amsterdam, that city’s Rijksmuseum has allowed one of Vermeer's most famous paintings to travel to the Metropolitan Museum of Art where it and a number of other Dutch paintings from the museum's collection will be on display from September 10, 2009–November 29, 2009
http://www.metmuseum.org/special/se_event.asp?OccurrenceId={EC38F2E1-BA19-4D5F-845F-A5C44CB90A9E}
In honor of the 400th Anniversary of Henry Hudson's Voyage to Manhattan from Amsterdam, that city’s Rijksmuseum has allowed one of Vermeer's most famous paintings to travel to the Metropolitan Museum of Art where it and a number of other Dutch paintings from the museum's collection will be on display from September 10, 2009–November 29, 2009
http://www.metmuseum.org/special/se_event.asp?OccurrenceId={EC38F2E1-BA19-4D5F-845F-A5C44CB90A9E}Sunday, September 20, 2009
Saturday, September 19, 2009
The Love of My Life
The Bodum Shin Bistro 5 Ounce Milk Frother (amazon $23.00)
I promise if used correctly you will have the same quality of frothed milk a professional machine produces for the fraction of the cost, space and effort.
Mirroring Creativity
Inspired by this 1950s French Mirror off to Home Depot I went
Mirror Options ran from $29.99 - over $100.00.I found a circular one at 36" diameter for about $30.
A piece of masonit or plywood could to create a 2nd layer
In the nail aisle there were railroad spikes in various sizes ranging form $0.17 -0.70 each
In the same aisle were rods and corner bars that might be an interesting addition
Costs varied depending on width and length.
Sorry I didn't take pictures of the epoxy and wood glues or the bronze spray paint and the powdered graphite or spray sealant that are also needed to finish off the mirror. The entire project, besides being totally unique, would cost me under $75, much less than the requested $2,200 for the 10" diameter French mirror. Unfortunately the project is holding until I decide which wall I would put it on.Friday, September 18, 2009
Tuesday's Mental Musings On A Friday
I know a woman that jeopardized her marriage for the possibility of a love affair with a man half her age. It was never physical. The affair was virtual and one of the mind. She invested her time and intent into it. While involved with this young man those around her who were truly present in the flesh were going through changes. And though she was physically present I suspect the distraction prevented her from truly understanding what she was missing and losing and more importantly learning. Perhaps it made her life easier but I suspect the drama it brought into her life distracted her from the reality of the life she made and the things she couldn’t control. She lied to herself that he was her friend but in the end his concern wasn’t about her well being but about the stroking of his ego, an ego many others were and are still stroking. She continues to be his friend, in secret because those of us who know or knew her believed she and her spouse deserve better. She does not. She continues to chase and find relief in a dream.
At one time or another we have all made choices to allow ourselves to be distracted by things that are shinier and more promising than our lives. We cannot judge others for their choices even when we are involved in them, but we can learn from them. We can learn that we must decide on our own and with all considered whether or not where we are is truly where we want to be. We can learn that having it all is more often than not worse than having nothing at all. We can understand that by not committing ourselves 100 percent to a situation we have elected to be in we are not truly honoring it, ourselves or those who are present in it with us. We can learn we must make choices that support our lives even if they are in transition. We can learn that in the end even if we choose to remove ourselves from our reality that it affects the life we are truly living and the lives around us. We can learn that by letting go of those who have invested in us and our causes when we find we cannot be honest and respectful of their needs might be the right thing to do because they too deserve the right to a reality based on truth and honesty even if they themselves didn’t give the same to us. We can learn that we deserve more.
At one time or another we have all made choices to allow ourselves to be distracted by things that are shinier and more promising than our lives. We cannot judge others for their choices even when we are involved in them, but we can learn from them. We can learn that we must decide on our own and with all considered whether or not where we are is truly where we want to be. We can learn that having it all is more often than not worse than having nothing at all. We can understand that by not committing ourselves 100 percent to a situation we have elected to be in we are not truly honoring it, ourselves or those who are present in it with us. We can learn we must make choices that support our lives even if they are in transition. We can learn that in the end even if we choose to remove ourselves from our reality that it affects the life we are truly living and the lives around us. We can learn that by letting go of those who have invested in us and our causes when we find we cannot be honest and respectful of their needs might be the right thing to do because they too deserve the right to a reality based on truth and honesty even if they themselves didn’t give the same to us. We can learn that we deserve more.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
59th Street-Columbus Circle Subway Station
Installation by Sol Lewitt Installation, one of his last commissions
I Really Don't Want To Live Forever? Do You?
On September 25th the remake of this 1980's film about the New York City High School of Performing Arts hit's theaters -
The big question for those of us that remember the original film and TV series is will the new actors look like the original ??? Leroy? Bruno? Coco?
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Tuesday's Mental Musings
I sit down to write but before I can put words to page up from the street rises the angry screeches of a babbling man. My first reaction is anger. How dare this man interrupt the time I use to empty my brain of my own endless screeching? A part of me wants to tell this man to shut the hell up, but I don’t because I know it will be over before I decide which t shirt to throw on in order to look out the window. There is nothing to do but listen. His ramblings make no sense. They are just a collage of his life. There are no full stories just images that end as abruptly as his spurts of coherency. As I listen and try to put logic where there is none my anger subsides. I realize that like all of us he is trying to be heard. Of course I then wonder by whom and the babbling in my head begins…
A New Heaven Is Begun
Is the name of the William Blake exhibition now showing at the Morgan Library & Museum, 225 Madison Avenue @ 26th Street ( themorgan.org). The show runs through January 3rd, 2009, but of you can't make it have a look at a New York Times' slide show highlighting some of his art http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2009/09/11/arts/20090911-BLAKE_index.html
Basket Case
I love the idea of a root cellar but being an apartment dweller in Brooklyn, New York there isn't much of a chance of me having one. Even if I had a cellar it would probably be a 1 bedroom apartment rental by now. So instead of a cellar I am considering using separate baskets to store the apples, potatoes, onions and other root vegetables that I frequently cook with.
Once again while in Home Depot's plant and garden section I was inspired by planting items that could have another life as fruit and veggie storage.
These hanging baskets come in a variety of designs and woods and range from $8 -12. They are all plastic lined and pre-chained. A number of them can be hung from the ceiling in a staggered formation using the weight appropriate hooks and chains.
This wooden trough costs $19.99 and can house onions, pototoes and apples or act as a center piece on the kitchen table.
This twig basket is a less expense trough option. Like it's hanging basket counterparts it is plastic lined and can hold more than its fair share of goodies.
Once again while in Home Depot's plant and garden section I was inspired by planting items that could have another life as fruit and veggie storage.
These hanging baskets come in a variety of designs and woods and range from $8 -12. They are all plastic lined and pre-chained. A number of them can be hung from the ceiling in a staggered formation using the weight appropriate hooks and chains. 
This wooden trough costs $19.99 and can house onions, pototoes and apples or act as a center piece on the kitchen table.
This twig basket is a less expense trough option. Like it's hanging basket counterparts it is plastic lined and can hold more than its fair share of goodies.Monday, September 14, 2009
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Men's Accessories Perfect For "Borrowing"
I love men's clothing and accessories and tend to "borrow' what I can from many of the unsuspecting men in my life. Of course I "pretty" them up but some of the ones highlighted in the NY Times this week are fine just as they are....I'm drooling over the studded boots and can see them being worn with a great skirt suit...sigh..sigh..sigh...
Perfect Berries
Every fall women all over New York who wear lipstick put away their pinks, peaches and corals and reach for lipsticks and stains in deeper hues.Personally I love berries and burgundys but often find them too rich and deep to wear comfortably, that is until I tried Almay (Yes! ALMAY!!) Ideal Lipcolor in Berry 235. It's moist with a deep enough sheer pigment that leaves lips look freshly bruised from many kisses.
This is a first for me. Remember I am never drawn to Almay makeup so if I had not run across this one in the Family Dollar Store (Not Kidding!) I would have never considered it. I found my lipstick for $1 but if you can't it's still a bargain at the full price of $5.99 -
http://www.beautyencounter.com/309976724140.html?utm_source=GoogleSEM&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=GoogleSEM&kw=almay%20ideal%20lipcolor&gclid=COHhj7Dq0pwCFeRL5QodWDEoIw
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Friday, September 11, 2009
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
R.I.P. Nancy Talbot
Thank you for offering classic clothing at reasonable prices that could be stylishly worn years on end. Coming 2011...
...the re launch of the Elsa Schiaparelli lineDiego Della Valle's Tod is expected to re launch the brand.
With this announcement why do I suspect that come next fall designers will be running to buy pink dyes and circus character buttons?...
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Tuesday's Mental Musings
What if some situations are just what they are?
What if we can not make them any more or any less than what they are?
What if there are no great lessons but small ones that like atoms connect to create the lesson intended?
What if by accepting and understanding this they then become what they need to be?
Monday, September 7, 2009
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Dancing Machines
September 15th begins the dance season for the Joyce Theatre Foundation. For over 25 years the group has supported the rich variety and expression of dance by providing performance venues for a number of dance companies and offerring economical seating for those who appreciate dance.
Whatever form of dance moves or intriques you this season's line up is sure to have a performance that will delight you.
Tickets start at $10.00
Ginger Snapped
After making and enjoying one batch of Ginger Beer in June I could not quench my thirst for the spicy ferminated beverage and continued to refill vintage soda bottles with it all summer long.Not to be confused with gingerale, ginger beer is a ferminated drink that is cloudy, spicy and peppery strong. Following is the recipe I use -
Ingredients
¼ C Grate Fresh Ginger
2C Sugar + 1 t white sugar
1 gallon + 1C + 1t Water
1/2tbs Bread Yeast
1/4t Cayenne Pepper
1/4t Cream of Tarter
Juice of 1 Lemon & 1 Lime -
(grate off skin to use as well)
2 Large Pots
Glass Bottles with caps
or Jugs with corks
or Large Pickle Jar
Cheese Cloth and Rubber Bands
Fine Mesh Strainer/Cheese Cloth
Pour 1 gallon water in pot on stove to boil.
Add ginger, sugar, citrus, cream of tartar, spices stirring well until sugar dissolves.
While waiting for the pot to boil make a paste of 1t sugar and 1t water sprinkle the yeast over the mixture to wake it.
Add the additional 1/2 c water and let sit for about 1/2 hour.
Fill the sink with cold water and ice cubes before transferring the pot of boiling water from the stove into the sink, allowing the liquid to cool to lukewarm.
Once the batch is cool strain into the 2nd pot removing the ginger pulp and other goodies.
Once the batch is cool strain into the 2nd pot removing the ginger pulp and other goodies.
Stir the yeast mixture and add it to the ginger liquid before transferring it to the final storage bottles.
DO NOT fill to the top!! Leave about 1/5 space empty.
Plug, screw cap or cover with rubber banded cheese cloth and place out of direct sunlight.
Can be refrigerated and enjoyed after a few days of fermenting.
Play with the recipe and make to your liking.
Some people add cinnamon stick, ground cayenne pepper and/or nutmeg for more kick
Play with the recipe and make to your liking.
Some people add cinnamon stick, ground cayenne pepper and/or nutmeg for more kick
Though fermented the beverage contains little if any alcohol. Enjoy it cold in the summer or room temperature in the fall!
Friday, September 4, 2009
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Coasting Along...
I have a really bad habit of sitting my cups, glasses and mugs all over the place sans coasters. Luckily none of my furniture is precious and its value does not go beyond sentimental. My sister is big on coasters and will slip one down before my hovering cup hits the table's surface. The other day while I was in Home Depot I came across plant coasters available in various sizes. One side of the coaster was cork and the other was plain masonite, the same surface that as an art student I gessoed, sanded and painted on..hmmmmmmmmmm think of the possiblities ........
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Tuesday's Mental Musings
Have you ever known someone who dreams of being creative but has set up his/her life in a way that doesn't support any effort to fulfill that desire? And rather than addressing the changes they must make in their lives to begin to build a bridge toward their creative selves they focus on you and offer guidance and opinion never practicing what they preach or understanding that we learn by example not by words. Instead they believe they are supporting your efforts by offering up opinion and criticism but in truth they are sabotaging egos and intent and beneath their veneer of respect and admiration jealousy and resentment lie. Or is that lay?
Maybe you have known someone who invested effort and time in borrowing other people's dreams and then always failed because they don't have the tools or skills to support dreams not meant to be theirs. And rather than admit their theft and make amends they devalue the person they stole from and move on to the next shiny new prospect.
I have known such people and perhaps at various points in my life have been such at person. Being jealous and vindictive can be tiring. It can distract you from your true purpose. It can steal time and truth and hurt those who were kind enough to share the light of their creativity and passion, a light that may have shown you the way towards your own passion. In the end it can leave you very lonely and unfulfilled and wouldn't that be sad?
Maybe you have known someone who invested effort and time in borrowing other people's dreams and then always failed because they don't have the tools or skills to support dreams not meant to be theirs. And rather than admit their theft and make amends they devalue the person they stole from and move on to the next shiny new prospect.
I have known such people and perhaps at various points in my life have been such at person. Being jealous and vindictive can be tiring. It can distract you from your true purpose. It can steal time and truth and hurt those who were kind enough to share the light of their creativity and passion, a light that may have shown you the way towards your own passion. In the end it can leave you very lonely and unfulfilled and wouldn't that be sad?
Have You Noticed...
Every fall the magazines seem to push variations of the following trends
Out of Africa, Emilia Earhart, Australian Outbacker, Cowboy Clothing
Highlander, School Girl, Punk Plaid Clothing
Gypsy, Russian, Hippy, Ethnic Exotic Clothing
Victorian or Edwardian Clothing
Black Power Clothing - Goth or S&M inspired Clothing
Out of Africa, Emilia Earhart, Australian Outbacker, Cowboy Clothing
Highlander, School Girl, Punk Plaid Clothing
Gypsy, Russian, Hippy, Ethnic Exotic Clothing
Victorian or Edwardian Clothing
Don't forget Floral or Animal Print Clothing.
Which costume will you be wearing this Fall?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
