Ax Collective

Mindful Consumption | October's Theme + Homework

2011-09-30T13:51:00.000-07:00

“Mindful consumption is the way to heal ourselves and to heal the world.”
Thich Nhat Hanh

When thinking what would make a beautiful image for this post, Cy Twombly kept coming to me. I've quickly come to learn that Twombly was a Humanist, along with Thoreau whose writings (on this topic) resonate for me in a similar way...

"Humanism is a democratic and ethical life stance, which affirms that human beings have the right and responsibility to give meaning and shape to their own lives. It stands for the building of a more humane society through an ethic based on human and other natural values in the spirit of reason and free inquiry through human capabilities."

ON MINDFUL CONSUMPTION

Consider the vast interpretation of "consumables"... food, material objects, media content, energy, relationships, etc. What does “mindful consumption” mean to you?

THENEW PURSUIT

16 Simple Ways to Practice Mindful Consumption

BECOMINGMINIMALIST

BEMORE WITH LESS

CHOOSINGVOLUNTARY SIMPLICITY

JUNKIN, JUNK OUT: Mindful Consumption

OPERATIONSIMPLICITY

THENEW CONSUMER 10 Trends in Mindful Consumption

TEDVideo, John Gerzma “The Post-Crisis Consumer”

TEDVideo, Rachel Botsma “The Case for Collaborative Consumption”

HOMEWORK

GOAL: BE MINDFUL/CREATE AWARENESS

Please select one of the following options, and do for a minimum of three to seven days.

Option 1 The New Family Portrait
Take account of every new/used item you acquire and everything you dispose of or give away, over the course of one week. From farmer’s market to Target, from recyclables to compost. At the end of one week determine what actions you are most proud of, and where you want to improve. Choose one or two things for the family to work on.

Option 2 Waste Not, Want Not
Over a one-week period, all family members save the garbage they produce. At the end of one week, sort and weigh the week's garbage, and (together) determine waste reduction strategies. Details here:
How Much Garbage Does Your Family Make in a Week?

Option 3 Obsessive Consumption
Track everything you spend money on for one week. From cappuccino to cable bill, record everything. At the end of one week determine three things you can (realistically) do to reduce your consumption.

Visual Extra Credit!!
So many of us are visual or visually inspired. We would love for you to create a visual interpretation of your data or of your experience, or goals: an infographic, a chart, a graph, a drawing.

INSPIRATION
Daytum, a place to track your personal data and see it visually
http://daytum.com/

Visual.ly a huge resource of infographics and data visualization
http://visual.ly/

Obsessive Consumption by Kate Bingaman Burt
http://obsessiveconsumption.typepad.com/

CONSIDER FOR DISCUSSION

Please select a minimum of 1-2 questions from each category, and reflect upon prior to our meeting.

CONSUMPTION
How concerned are you with “consumption”? Compared to, say, world population, health, global warming, etc.? Do you think they are interconnected? In what ways?

On food…Do you shop at the grocery store with a weekly menu plan, or buy what is in season, or looks good?

Are you more concerned with HOW MUCH you consume, or in fact
WHAT you consume? Do you have any consumption habits that verge on obsession?

Do you practice what you preach? What are you teaching your children/others about consumption? Where do you fall short? What are your strengths?

WASTE: BEYOND THE BLUE BIN
Do you know exactly what can be recycled? Do you always recycle those items? Do you turn in your bottles and cans for cash? Why or why not?

Do you know how to dispose of other things like batteries, paint, chemicals, and electronics? If so, do you follow through on it?

How much food do you throw away on a daily/weekly basis? Do you think it’s too much? How can you reduce the waste?

How much "stuff" do you get rid of every year? How do you get rid of it? If you don’t purge it, then how do you deal with storage?

How easy do you think it would be to reduce your trash?
Couple Goes Trash-Free for a Year -(The Green Garbage Project (their blog))
Zero Waste Home

IMPACT
Do any of the issues presented here create a negative impact on your personal relationships? Spouse, family, friends?

Do you argue about turning off lights? Are you related to a hoarder? Who is the “green gatekeeper” in your house?

Where are you in sync? What ideas generate the most harmony in you, and in your relationships?

oh, that glow...

2011-08-07T21:33:00.000-07:00

i'm pondering the nature of happiness~ the little & large things that bring me into the deep of happy. on the little tip~ here's a fairly new blog that focuses on fashion forward mama's with their kiddos. loving, admiring & inspired.

http://www.theglow.com/

Our Schedule

2011-07-01T17:01:00.000-07:00

i like your ditty bag

2011-06-14T22:10:00.000-07:00

this month's fun & light topic had me thinking about other bag options that would carry my makeup. here are a couple that i just adore...

*both bags are from hammocks & high tea*

how to choose...here's my way

2011-06-07T17:43:00.000-07:00

Are you familiar with the EWG(Environmental Working Group) cosmetic safety database, Skin Deep? I've been using the EWG as a resource for the past six years(when Heidi first introduced me) and it is clear how much interest in cosmetic safety has grown by the look of their very on-pulse and updated site. Here is the skinny on Skin Deep and some facts about the safety of ingredients used in cosmetics(including baby products!!!)...

What is Skin Deep?

"EWG's Skin Deep is an online safety guide for cosmetics and personal care products, launched in 2004 to help people find safer products, with fewer ingredients that are hazardous or that haven't been thoroughly tested. Skin Deep combines product ingredient lists with information in more than 50 standard toxicity and regulatory databases. The database provides easy-to-navigate safety ratings for tens of thousands of personal care products."

Why is the site SO needed?

"Some companies use ingredients that may cause cancer or that are associated with developmental problems. Many cosmetics ingredients penetrate the skin. People ingest those used on lips and hands and inhale sprays and powders. When risky and unstudied chemicals are used in cosmetics, the stakes are high."

How can this be?

"On average, consumers use about 10 personal care products containing 126 ingredients per day. The government does not require health studies or pre-market testing for these products. The Cosmetics Ingredients Review (CIR), the industry's self-policing safety panel, does not make up for FDA inaction. In 2007 EWG analysis found that over 30 years, the industry panel has reviewed the safety of just 13 percent of the 10,500 ingredients in personal care products."

What should I do?

Visit the site and search even one product that you use daily.

You might be surprised.

clear it out

2011-05-31T14:13:00.000-07:00

Nope. Make up does not last forever. In particular, it is important to toss all expired makeup that is used on your eyes to avoid infection(Have you seen this type of infection on a friend? Not cute).

Go through your make up bag and see what you are using that has exceeded its lifetime.

Expiration dates

Foundation. 12-18 months

Concealer. 1 year

Powder. 2 years

Mascara. 3-6 months

Lipstick. 12-18 months

Lip or eye pencil. 1 year

Eye shadow. 1 year

Powder blush. 2 years

Cream blush. 6 months to 1 year

Moisturizer. 12-18 months

Eye cream. 1 year

SPF lotion. 1 year

bags by Rebecca Minkoff

Concentric Circle of Importance

2011-05-13T20:12:00.000-07:00

place each life category into the the various areas of the concentric circle. the larger the circle, the more important the category...to you. see where your priorities rank. this is a great exercise to do at various times in your life. do they change? do they stay the same? how do you reflect on seeing your raw priorities on paper?

Commitment in Relationships Exercise

2011-05-13T09:41:00.000-07:00

a self survey...answer yes or no to the following questions. tally up your yes's and no's. where are you at? what does this mean to you?

selves

do you make your happiness, safety, welfare, and self respect your first priority?

is you health - mental, physical, emotional, intellectual - nurtured?

partner

have we made a vow to another, the most serious commitment a person can make publicly?

have we kept or broken that vow?

do we have a history of being integrous with lovers/spouses?

are we interested in doing the work to make our partner feel beloved?

do we consistently set aside specific time for our partner and ourselves together?

parents/grandparents

have we honored their position in your life by our actions?

are their values reflected in your own?

siblings

have we done the work to maintain a close relationship?

are we a blessing to our nieces and nephews?

do our siblings feel that they can count on us when it really matters?

children

have we committed to their lifelong care, sacrificing our own desires before their needs?

have we remained open to their flaws and accepted their wrath when hard work needs to be done?

do we have a plan for their growth and improvement along the way?

are we teaching them to understand commitment by enforcing a manner of behavior in all parts of their life?

are we teaching them by example how to be a person who keeps their word?

friends

can we be described as a "good friend"?

are we the kind of friend we are looking for in others?

do we have people we would never let down, and some we don't take quite as seriously?

have we become "over-committed" in an attempt to be liked?

how much angst do we suffer when we have let a friend down or forgotten a commitment?

community

have we accepted our role as an informed voting member and a voice in our community?

country

do we feel a sense of patriotism towards our country, a feeling of ownership, pride, buy-in? is it reflected in how we live?

planet

are we responsible inhabitants of our planet, placing the good of our environment at the forefront when making choices?

Commitment

2011-05-03T23:06:00.000-07:00

Our topic this month is Commitment, the act of voluntarily taking on and fulfilling personal obligations. As we spoke last week about how to get the most out of this topic, it was important to first acknowledge that this group of women is overwhelmingly committed to themselves - as evidenced by their involvement in an enrichment collective - and their children/family units. We would like you to begin thinking about Commitment as it applies to your life both inside and outside of those parameters.

It used to be a given that a person would be committed to an ideal, a life partnership, a career or a belief system, and that it would provide the stability and foundation to anchor our lives. The way our society shifts now is dramatic and evidenced by everything from the high rate of divorce, multiple career changes, electronic interpersonal communication and lighting fast technological tools. Our social constructs are evolving everyday. Commitment means remaining steadfast and true to our principles and goals, no matter what else shifts, and reminding ourselves of our obligations and honoring them. To be successful in any part of our lives requires action to be taken, and commitment is what incites us to action. A key element in Commitment is its voluntary component; it is what makes it so personal to each of us. At the end of the day, we answer only to ourselves.

Homework (Choose 3-4 of the following questions to focus on):

How passionate are you in making a project work, building a career, raising your children or staying fit and healthy? Does intentionality have a place in your life plan?

Have you made commitments and lost interest in the end game before you saw the project through? What have you learned about yourself in the process? How have you balanced steadfastness with your evolving self? Are you living a life that is a contradiction to your core beliefs?

Life is busy, time is short and resources are precious. There are endless possibilities to how we can raise our children, but in reality, choices need to be made in order to nurture specific talents, skills and values. Have you

thought clearly about what you want to teach your children and committed yourself to that project?

Do your consider yourself a person who can be trusted with commitments? Are you attracted to people like yourself, or are you seeking friends who are your opposite in that respect? What strengths or weaknesses do you bring to committed action plans?

How did you grow up...in a house where you allowed to skip out on things or where you held accountable? Where you involved in theater, music, sports? Did these focuses help instill a deep practice of dedication for you?

When you commit to an event or gathering, do you go feet first or do you hem & haw? Do you keep standards in order to commit? Do you feel things out as they come?

If you fail to commit and follow through does this impact your day, your week or even your overall well being?

Socially, there is a high value associated with being consistent. In many cultures, having a high degree of consistency is normally considered to be a sign of high personal strength and intelligence. Reflect on the deep meaning of what it is to be consistent, to keep your word and follow through. If we were truly measured on our consistency, where would you rank?

Bonus points:

Bring an action plan for something that you have procrastinated in implementing. Draw up a map, a calendar, or directions that will move you closer to your objective.

Use this as an opportunity to clean out your commitment closet. Rather than pretending that you are all-in on a project or a friendship, let go or move things to a back burner for the present. This opens up more space for your real priorities.

Bring forward something that you have been wanting to commit to and write this down someplace where you will see it multiple times a day. Practice looking at the words and reflecting on the meaning. Do this for a week (before our meeting) and see if there has been any movement for you & share your insights with the group.

See you next week,

with love,

Maria and Melissa

Sisterhood Is Global

2011-03-24T20:59:00.000-07:00

Dear Women,

This month's topic is the status of global women's rights. With Japan heavy in all our hearts, it seems relevant and appropriate to turn our attention to the wider world. You will notice that the focus and tone of this meeting will be distinct from our recent topics -- rather than emphasize our personal stories and reflections, this month, we will have the opportunity to take time to look beyond our own lives, to study current events, and to share information about critical issues around the globe.

To begin, we have included links to few documents that give a wide perspective on women's rights through the lens of the Millenium Development Goals. These documents place women's rights within the larger context of global human rights/development, and also provide some good information on gains made over the past decades, as well as problems that remain.

Please review these documents before moving on to the rest of the homework:

The Unfinished Agenda

Making Change Happen

International Women's Day In Numbers

Homework:

1. Pick a topic within global women's rights that you would like to research further. We have listed a few ideas and links below, but you are free to choose any topic of interest to you. Also note that the list below includes many "negative" issues for women globally, but you could also choose to report on positive progress in women's rights.

Sex trafficking

http://www.catwinternational.org/index.php

Enforcement of Islamic Dress Code in Chechnya

http://www.hrw.org/en/reports/2011/03/10/you-dress-according-their-rules-0

Women's Safety After Haiti Earthquake

http://www.hrw.org/en/news/2010/12/17/sexual-violence-haiti-s-camps

HIV/AIDS and Women

http://www.genderandaids.org/

Family leave policy in the United States

http://www.hrw.org/en/news/2011/02/23/us-lack-paid-leave-harms-workers-children

Violence against women

http://www.un.org/en/women/endviolence/index.shtml

2. Synthesize what you learn into a brief report (3-4 minutes) that you can share with the group. Your presentation can be a written report...or something creative, such as a poem or artwork inspired by your learning. Bring copies to share!

3. Reflect on how it felt to complete this activity and if there is any further action you wish to take.

Looking forward to a great evening together.

Miranda and Jana

our hearts for you japan

2011-03-20T11:59:00.000-07:00

i just can't get japan out of my head. we are all affected. it's so hard to even wrap the brain around what it would be to live through an earthquake & loose everything, how it would be to run up into the hills from a tsunami with the clothes on your back & no family members living to run with you. then, on top of it all, the potential for nuclear disaster & radiation in the food?! my god. when it feels just too overwhelming, the only thing to do is help in small or big ways...it ALL matters.

a very simple text to donate $10:

http://american.redcross.org/site/PageServer?pagename=ntld_nolnav_text2help

etsy purchases with all proceeds going to relief fund:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/51368335/japan-relief-fund-modern-love-art-print?ref=sr_list_4&ga_search_query=japan+relief&ga_page=3&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=

http://www.etsy.com/listing/70088126/japan-disaster-relief-bracelet-all-sales?ref=sr_list_1&ga_search_query=japan+relief&ga_page=3&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=

http://www.etsy.com/listing/59039759/japan-disaster-relief-letterpress-peace?ref=sr_list_3&ga_search_query=japan+relief&ga_page=3&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=

2011-03-19T16:08:00.000-07:00

1 Find a field of your favorite flowers

2 Pick a few

3 Tuck one behind your ear + share one with a friend

4 Fill a vase

5 Feel the sunshine

6 Get inspired

It has been raining for days and the forecast shows we have ten more ahead

without break. While this leaves me feeling soggy in temperament, Finn reminds

me to seek out Spring, and if necessary, create it for myself.

Finn + daisies= True love.

So, yesterday I sat down and began a project that would bring some brightness into our gray day.

The finished product was a string of flowers that has my family smiling from ear to ear.

to be continued

2011-03-12T08:43:00.000-08:00

This newsweek article by Julia Baird shines a light on the internal struggle of the mother. Read it and you will feel liberated of all that messy, creeping maternal guilt forever.

via my friend heidi's blog

photo credit

a large manifesto

2011-03-11T14:27:00.000-08:00

First saw this on Karina's wall and have loved it ever since.

can be bought here. via this great and local blog.

envelopes

2011-03-08T22:05:00.000-08:00

The Envelope

by Maxine Kumin

It is true, Martin Heidegger, as you have written,

I fear to cease even knowing that at the hour

of my death my daughters will absorb me, even

knowing they will carry me about forever

inside them an arrested fetus, even as I carry

the ghost of my mother under my navel, a nervy

little androgynous person, a miracle

folded in lotus position.

Like those old pear shaped Russian dolls that open

at the middle to reveal another and another, down

to the pea sized, irreducible minim,

may we carry our mothers forth in our bellies.

May we, borne onward by our daughters, ride

in the Envelope of Almost-Infinity,

that chain letter good for the next twenty-five

thousand days of their lives.

world peace begins at home

2011-03-08T17:40:00.000-08:00

for a long while, i thought all of my parenting ideas and ways would come to me organically as well as through family/friends & some reads. but sometimes as mothers we are led to tap our resources for a little education & a shift in view. this weekend i had the pleasure of meeting with the wonderful, susie walton.

http://www.indigovillage.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=9&Itemid=11

i couldn't help but purchase her book...

http://www.amazon.com/Key-Personal-Freedom-Affect-Family/dp/0578007193

Baby can I hold you

2011-03-06T20:17:00.000-08:00

photograph by Annie Leibovitz via bluepoolroad

Annie Leibovitz said she saw tears in Blyth Danner's eyes during the shoot, "It's been so long since I held my daughter," Danner said.

i heart dirty socks and wacky cake

2011-03-06T12:00:00.000-08:00

I thought in advance of our discussion I'd share this article which gives a nice context to the themes presented in our homework. In lighthearted fashion it touches on the ways we judge ourselves, the ways we judge each other, and the psychological baggage we carry as mothers and daughters (and for some, as mothers of daughters!).

Excerpt from, A Mother's Day Uprising:

Here's the deal, mommies: done is better than perfect and a happy family with dirty socks is 400 times better than a perfectly clean and scheduled family headed by a complete lunatic baking brownies at 3 a.m.

Newsweek May 8, 2009

For additional consideration...

I'm a little perplexed as to why (when I pull up this article) the Newsweek tab in my Firefox browser reads the following: "Why Working Moms Will Never Have Work-Life Balance." SOOooo not what this article is about. It's almost like they are subliminally perpetuating this crappy myth!!!!!
Wacky Cake is a chocolate cake which requires no eggs, no milk, and virtually no time. Magic.

momfilter

2011-03-05T13:25:00.000-08:00

For all of us Cookie magazine fans, finally there is a website that may fill that tiny hole in our souls when our glam mom monthly folded in 2009. In perfect time for our Motherhood topic, Pilar Guzman (former editor of Cookie), has launched momfilter, a site devoted to the moments that happened behind the scenes of making the magazine. It offers the stylish sections we adored but without the poshy Burberry tones. You'll find nosh for foodies, hipster music, beauty faves, home help, DIY and travel tips all in a blog format, on a crisp clean website.

Excerpt from Letter from the Editor:
Think of Momfilter as a kind of digital water cooler where we will post or link to everything from a slam-dunk dinner that we made last night, to Jen Smith’s genius fashion finds at Target, to the hindsight that can only come from a philosophical mother of grown children.

Enjoy!

2011-03-03T16:39:00.000-08:00

manifesto.

a written statement declaring intentions, motives + views

mission statement.

a statement of purpose that provides a sense of direction

mantra.

a group of repeated words considered capable of making transformation

The everyday

2011-03-03T08:29:00.000-08:00

I love this image of motherhood. Sometimes I wish the paparazzi would follow Finn and I just so that I could have a bunch of random photos of the two of us together doing regular things like crossing the street or sharing a slice of pizza.

photo credit

2011-02-25T16:51:00.000-08:00

I was going through some boxes in my closet this morning and came across a letter to Santa that I had written in 1st grade. The above photo is of two of the four, ridiculously detailed pages.

What I wanted most of all, more than anything, was a baby.

"Dear Santa, This is some stuff I want most for Christmas. On paper #1 are 26 names, eye colors and hair combinations. I will take any baby with one of these combinations. On paper #2 are the patterns for my new baby's pillow, comforter, blanket, teddy bear, crib, and changing table. I hope you can get me at least two things. On paper #3 are some new clothes..."

I made a special note at the bottom stating that I only wanted a real baby.

I designed all of the bedding in blue, green and yellow, and what's funny is that I remember running out of my room after drawing everything and showing my Mom. I wanted her design approval, which I'm sure she(very generously!) gave.

When I was only 2 I tried looking for baby seed packets amongst the fruit and vegetable seeds at the grocery store. That didn't pan out. But I'm sure Santa did bring me a baby doll that felt quite real enough for a six year old.

Just yesterday, I was thinking to myself how being a Mama is one of the few, unreasonably high expectations I have ever had that has turned out just right. Motherhood, despite its many challenges, is impossible to trump. No matter what, at the end of the day you still have this crazy love in your heart that will continue to fill and fuel you for the rest of your life.

A dream come true.

March Homework

2011-02-24T10:22:00.000-08:00

Included here are several questions for you to read through and ruminate on, as well as an assignment.

We ask that you put a little extra thought into a minimum of five questions that most resonate with you.

We would also like you to spend some time coming up with your own Motherhood manifesto, so to speak. This can be a mission statement or a vision statement or mantra. Choose your medium and your voice.

1. There is so much expectation involved in being pregnant and becoming a first time parent. For some, it can come after a lifetime of anticipation, or dread. What were your own expectations of becoming a mother? Were they self-imposed or did they come from outside(family, your partner, your culture)? Did these expectations come to fruition? Did they work against you?

What have you learned from this?

2. Who(or what) inspires you in your role as a mother?

3. The science of neuro-plasticity tells us that our brains are constantly growing, changing and re-adjusting to life experiences and stimuli. Becoming a parent is one such circumstance that actually makes physical changes to your brain. Can you feel this in your own life? Are you indeed a changed woman?

If so, in what way? If not, does this surprise you?

4. Has becoming a mother changed your relationship with women in general? With men?

5. How do you maintain your own identity as separate from your position as parent? Do you do this well? Do you struggle with this?

6. I think it is fair to say that women, no matter what their circumstances, rarely get all of the support that they deserve, need, crave, expect, desire... Do you feel supported in your position as mother? What do you wish for in this regard? Is it attainable?

7. How has the role of mother changed for you over time, as your children have grown? If you are a new parent, how do you see the future? Does the passing of time excite you or frighten you?

8. A counselor to first time mothers once told me that becoming a mom is ever about letting go. It begins at birth and happens in various and numerous ways as your children grow and mature, and finally, leave home. Is this something you feel, or have thought about?

9. Do you feel any particular vulnerabilities that challenge you as a parent?

10. How would you like your child to remember you in terms of parenting?

The Motherlode

2011-02-22T09:52:00.000-08:00

This month's discussion topic is Motherhood, and Sarah and I are so looking forward to delving into it! We are both readers of the quite fabulous, New York Times, Motherlode Blog, and wanted to share it with you in case you are not yet followers.

"In Motherlode, Lisa Belkin tackles it all — homework, friends, sex, baby sitters, eating habits, work-family balance and so much more — subjects culled from the news, from her own experience as a parent, from the latest books and studies and, of course, from reader input."

If nothing else, this blog is an entertaining browse, and the reader comments are usually as colorful as the posting itself. Coincidentally, on the day of our Sexuality meeting, the Blog's topic of the day was "Parenthood: The End of (Sex) Life As We Know It". Check it out here!

photo credit

yes, more tv...

2011-02-17T15:53:00.000-08:00

i've got another another television promo post. i know. can i still use the excuse that i have a newborn(ish) baby? PORTLANDIA...with the main character being portland, oregon. featuring fred armisen (snl) + carrie brownstein. have any of you seen it? the character based shorts are so quirky & tweaky at times. i am laughing for the majority of the 30 minutes. i also love the intro song by washed out (especially in unison with the closing bridge). check it.

feminism in art

2011-02-08T22:56:00.000-08:00

our months topic has me reflecting a lot and brings me back to a certain time from my past. when the topic of sexuality comes up in the theoretical realm, i reminisce to my women's studies courses in college. it was a great time for me to try to unravel a big ball of theory that i could somehow pull apart, dissect and then repackage to fit into who i was back then, and who i was becoming in regard to my power as a woman.

art has always been a focus for me, and having a feminist artist mother, it was in the stars for me to look further into the two worlds of women's studies & art. back then, trips to los angeles were a must to see exhibitions where women pushed the envelope & tackled feminism...the way they wanted to. two of my favorite museum exhibitions featured the works by cindy sherman & judy chicago. my world was so enriched by these women and i could not help but share it.

cindy sherman uses the powerful medium...photography. she tells a deep & evocative story in just one still image of the female & her stereotypes. sherman put a whole new spin on capturing a moment in time with regard to female roles & sexual politics...she uses herself as the subject who transforms the viewer. an incredible chameleon & master of disguise sherman sings a familiar song that we don't know all of the words to. she writes the lyrics and we are left with a an enriched understanding of the vast & deep roles that women take on (or have been placed upon women).

judy chicago, a feminist artist and known mainly for her work...the dinner party. the vast project is an 48 foot installation on a banquet table of vaginal forms honors historically important women with 39 place settings. when viewing the installation, i knew that i was witnessing one of the mammoth's of the feminist art movement. just the viewing alone was enough to embed a deep appreciation for the women that had gone before us that went jumping in with their hair on fire to pave a different way for women today. a motherload of moxie filled the room that day. i was forever changed.

to explore more...

http://www.cindysherman.com/biography.shtml
http://www.missomnimedia.com/2010/02/art-herstory-cindy-sherman/
http://www.throughtheflower.org/page.php?p=40&n=3
http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/biography/jchicago.html

2011-01-25T09:35:00.000-08:00

When considering our topic this month it is impossible for me to ignore the influential, French intellectual, philosopher and historian, Michael Foucault. Foucault was my introduction to questioning so many social attitudes and institutions, and his book, "History of Sexuality" is most poignant. Of note is Foucault's idea about the changing attitudes towards sexuality throughout history, the "repressive hypothesis," the relationship between sex and power, the difference between sex & 'sexuality', the sexuality of children, and the multiplicity of discourses on the subject of sex.

I find it enormously interesting to look at the ramifications of our cultural perspective on sexuality, and at how much that perspective is being challenged right now in political conversations or in popular shows such as, Glee. I am interested in the ways this subject effects the nation or body or culture in which we exist. How will current attitudes about sexuality affect my son's identity?

Foucault highlights the fact that "Through the rigorous examination of history we an see that the present situation in any domain is not set in stone and is merely the product of a whole collection of actions and decisions made by many people over a long period of time. Things have not always been as they are now and can be changed even at the most mundane and seemingly insignificant levels so that they eventually become different tomorrow." (excerpted from www.michael-foucault.com/info)

February Homework

2011-01-24T15:55:00.000-08:00

Sexuality

“Human Sexuality is how people experience the erotic and express themselves as sexual beings; the awareness of themselves as males or females; the capacity they have for erotic experiences and responses. Sexuality can be described as the way someone is attracted to other people.

It used to be believed that human sexual behavior was different from the sexual behavior of most other animals, in that it was practiced for reasons besides copulation. Current understanding is that many species formerly believed to be monogamous have now been proven to be promiscuous or opportunistic in nature; a wide range of species appear both to masturbate and to use objects as tools to help them do so, where procreation is not the aim.”

Over the ages, sexuality has evolved, just as we have evolved as a society. The 1960s and 70s brought about the Sexual Revolution where the more “traditional” codes of behavior and sexual relationships were challenged and reclaimed. Now in 2011, we have “sexting” (sexy text messaging), a “brazilian” culture that extends beyond the confines of the beach and into the newly popular realm of "vajazzling", and free online porn.

This topic may be easier for some than others, so of course this is all about your comfort level. However, as Jen so wisely put: “it will be therapeutic for the women to hear how others experiences shaped them to be the woman they are today. Others who are not as comfortable with their sexuality will also hopefully benefit from this open, truthful discussion.”

There is an immensely positive side to sex (under the right circumstances, with the right partner) and sexuality: it connects you deeply with yourself and the man you love, makes you feel good about yourself, inspires confidence, helps you love your body and let go of inhibitions, and undoubtedly sex can be emotionally healing. Owning your sexuality, and feeling comfortable to express yourself sexually is essentially about honesty and trust.

Then there is the negative side: date rape, rape, abuse, religious upbringing teaching us it's sinful, sexual discrimination, gender confusion, homophobia, and a plethora of insecurities we may have about ourselves.

The good can be very, very good, and the bad can be very, very bad. Consider then, your experience with sexuality:

For personal reflection and preparation for the topic:

How/when did you first learn about ‘the facts of life”? Did your parents sit you down and have The Talk? How much did you learn from your parents, and how much from your peers?

Did your parents have a positive or negative outlook on sex? Did they talk about it when you became older? Did they have more a liberal or traditional way of expressing themselves when it came to talk about sex?

How did what your parents taught you affect your adult sex life and sexuality in general?

How might we learn from these experiences when it comes time to telling our children about “the birds and the bees”, as well as deeper issues such as masturbation, contraception, homosexuality, etc.

Homework Questions for Discussion at Our Meeting:

Please answer these questions to share in our February discussion.

Empowering Your Sexuality:

How do you view yourself as a sexual being? How comfortable are you with your own sexuality? How do you use your sexuality to your advantage?

Is there anything you would like to change about the expression of yourself as a sexual being? If so, how? What is holding you back from change? If not, why not?

Disempowered Sexual Experience

It is extremely common for women to be sexually violated by men. That can be anything from a derogatory comment to rape.

Consider these questions:

Many times a first sexual experience is not as empowering as it should be. How was yours empowering or disempowering?

Have you ever had a negative sexual experience? For e.g. Did anyone expose themselves to you as a child/teenager; Touch you inappropriately; Force you to have sex?

How have you dealt with inappropriate and unwanted advances from men, and has it changed the way you express your sexuality?

Marriage/Pregnancy:

Consider your sex life before you were married, and the evolving nature of your sex life throughout your marriage. How has it changed?

Pregnancy: did having a child affect your sex life with your husband? For the better or worse?

Do you withhold sex from your husband as a punishment? Who initiates sex most often?

We look forward to another inspiring meeting, full of growth, sharing and love. This subject is one of the most personal that we have ever taken on, and at this point in the relationship of our group, I think everyone knows: you are supported totally for who you are, and for the amount of information you feel comfortable in sharing.

See you in February!

Miranda & Jen

Fitting it in

2011-01-24T09:18:00.000-08:00

I've had this image on my desktop for months. I just love it. I am so inspired by this family of eight(do visit the link!). Every time I see their family photos I imagine leading a different life. A life where fitting it all in is possible.

Joanna Lumley's Nile

2011-01-21T15:08:00.000-08:00

Since reading (even magazines) seems to be a distant pleasure since having a new baby in my life, my favorite television program right now that feeds my travel heart is Joanna Lumley's Nile. Some of you might remember her from her Absolutely Fabulous days as Patsy Stone...an unbelievable character & fantastic show that dealt with women's issues in a comic relief & over the top sort of way.

Joanna is so effortless, so charismatic and lovely. I just want to be her sidekick for a day...a day on the Nile that is! Joanna's personal journey is to follow the river from northern Egypt & then traveling 4200 miles to its source. It's also a geographical lesson of wonder that expands the mind in Africa. Joanna's intrigue of the nomadic people in Africa & the Nile started for her as a young child. It's a remarkable quest for her & her passion for it all is so real and tangible. It's also a joy for me to watch Joanna, as she reminds me SO much of my late mother Kate, and I suppose that's an additional comfort for me while I sit for that coveted hour, once a week. Check it out ladies, you won't be disappointed. Take a peek...

http://www.itv.com/lifestyle/peopleandplaces/joannalumley/

http://politicsandstyle.blogspot.com/2010/04/joanna-lumleys-nile.html

*Airing locally on PBS from 9-10PM, Tuesdays.

Pleased to meet you

2011-01-21T07:39:00.000-08:00

I've made many resolutions for 2011, and one of the simplest is to add one, creative salad to our weekly menu. I thought I'd share my top three new additions, as they are truly delicious and inspired recipes(healthy + hearty). Here they are, simplest to most time consuming:

{Cobb Salad} from Thomas Keller's, Ad Hoc At Home.

Mixed greens with avocado + bacon(I substitute Morning Star Farms veggie bacon and it works great)+ shaved red onion + hard-cooked eggs + black olives + torn croutons(pan fry your own croutons with bacon, torn bread, and butter)+ oven roasted tomatoes(bake plum tomatoes on a cookie sheet and remove loose skin with a paper towel) + Buttermilk dressing.

{Crunchy Thai Salad} from Jamie Oliver's, The Naked Chef Takes Off.

Any combination of the following ingredients makes for a tasty, fresh mix-

Bean sprouts + finely sliced red pepper + baby spinach + sliced scallions + finely sliced and seeded red or green chilies + peeled, gutted and sliced cucumbers + finely sliced chinese or savoy cabbage + whole sugar snap peas.

Then add-

Soba noodles + a giant handful of fresh mint, basil and cilantro leaves + chopped cashews

Dress with Thai dressing-

4tb fresh lime juice

olive oil to taste

1tb sesame seed oil

1tb soy sauce

brown sugar to taste

1tb fresh ginger, peeled and finely chopped

1 clove garlic, finely sliced

1 large handful of fresh cilantro and basil, chopped

Put in a jar and shake, shake, shake!

{Lima Beans and Quinou with Beets and Avocado} from Heirloom Beans, by Steve Sando

5 small beets(roast for 45 minutes at 400, peel skin, cut into 1/4in thick wedges) + Cook 1/2c quinou and add to the beats + 3c cooked lima beans + 1/2 Small sweet onion, thinly sliced + 1 avocado, cut into chunks

Dress with-

2tb fresh lemon juice

1tb cider vinegar

1tsp honey

1/3c extra-virgin olive oil

salt and pepper to taste

photo by hilda grahnat

Old Habits/New Habits

2011-01-13T08:21:00.000-08:00

Hello women! Happy 2011. We have a great topic ahead.

As someone who has had a nasty nail-biting habit for 27 years and has tried to quit - unsuccessfully - about 400 times, I can tell you that this topic is a challenge! But after digging into it, I am inspired and excited to have you dive in to the topic as well.

The focus for the meeting is to explore what it takes to create, end, or change a habit. We will ALL leave the meeting on Wednesday having a concrete plan for changing 1 habit in our lives. Consider this an incredible opportunity to have a dynamic group of women all support and hold you accountable for creating positive and lasting change in your life!

I have attached a document with a list of questions to answer, followed by a plan for changing 1 habit in your life. Please bring your completed questions and plan to the meeting! (I will bring blank forms to the meeting as well)

And here are a couple links to get your change juices flowing:
The Habit Change Cheatsheet
The 20 Second Challenge

much love,

Jana

Old Habits / New Habits

2011-01-13T08:20:00.000-08:00

OLD HABITS / NEW HABITS

Preparation and Homework

1. What is your relationship with habits/routine? Are you someone who likes routines and habits, or seems to fight them? Is it generally difficult or easy for you to establish and maintain a habit/routine?

2. Think of a time when you have started a new habit or made a positive change in your life. Describe what happened and why you think you were successful.

3. Similarly, think of a habit that you have been unable to change/start/end a habit. Why do you believe you were unsuccessful?

4. Make a list of 5-10 habits you would like to begin/end/change in your life.

5. Now pick ONE to focus on for the group – pick one that challenges you, but that you are ready to take-on today.

6. What impact is this habit having on your life?

7. How would your life be different if you changed this habit? Be specific. Deeply explore WHY this is important to your life. What is your motivation for changing this habit?

8. If you have tried this before, what happened in the past attempts? Why do you believe that you are ready to make this change now?

9. What specific steps do you need to take to start/end/change this behavior?

10. What obstacles or challenges do you anticipate?

11. What strategies can you think of that will help you deal with these challenges. (hints: call a support friend, engage in an alternative behavior, slow down & recall goal).

12. Who can support you in making this change?

13. How can you change your physical environment to be supportive of your success? This would be things that either make it easier to do a positive habit, or harder to do a negative habit. (hints: leave my gym shoes by the door, purge my pantry of junk food, write my goal on notes throughout the house)

14. How might you track your progress?

15. How could you acknowledge and celebrate your success?

Looking at the VIsion of Ourselves 10, 20, 30 Years from Now: Assignment #1

2010-10-28T00:30:00.000-07:00

The Interview

Catherine Deneuve

Select a woman who is older than yourself (by a decade or more) and interview her on the topic of aging. The following questions are simply suggestions, if they don't move you, we invite you come up with your own set of questions based on your personal context of curiosity.

Q: When did you first feel like you were "aging"? Was it something physical or mental?
Q: What have you enjoyed the most about getting older? What have you enjoyed the least?
Q: What advice do you have to give to someone nearing age 40? Nearing 50? Nearing 60?

Q: Do you find you are more or less comfortable with your body now?
Q: Have you adopted any special fitness, nutrition or beauty regimens that you swear by, or that you didn't do in your younger years?
Q: Do you have any specific fears or concerns related to aging? Does these fears/concerns impact your daily life/decisions? if so, how?

For interview inspiration check out Madonna in Interview magazine and an interview in Vogue with Patti Hansen (cancer survivor, wife of Keith Richards, and former model)...

Anthology: The Slow Life

2010-09-14T23:01:00.000-07:00

Ladies, I'm thrilled to learn of a new quarterly magazine hitting the stands in October. It's called Anthology -- Living with Substance & Style. The first issue in particular caught my attention...The Slow Life.

A description from their site: A new quarterly shelter and lifestyle print magazine that takes a narrative approach to its coverage of home décor, travel, design, entertaining, and culture. We envision the magazine as a collection of stories shared with readers.

In her blog post on the inspiration for the theme "The Slow Life," Meg, Anthology's Creative Director, expresses the joy of letting go of the map (GPS) on a recent visit to San Diego. In more ways than one, we've explored this theme as a group, and certainly the idea of slowing down is something we strive for as individuals (in our own way, of course!).

They have a way to preview Anthology online, but I'm so in love with the print, and there are so few great shelter/design mags anymore that I don't want to ruin a thing--I want to settle in to my couch with a hot cup of coffee, open it up and be totally surprised and delighted with each new page I turn. The logo reminds me a bit of Martha Stewart's Blueprint (RIP), and the cover illustration brings to mind The New Yorker. Lest I dork out any further on a MAGAZINE, you have to see the stop-action trailer (below) and the lovely music that accompanies it.

With the debut of this new magazine (Yay! Print!) I'll share a book on this same topic: In Praise of Slowness: Challenging the Cult of Speed, and a super cool event that I missed this year, but cannot miss again: CAMP CONFAB, at Suzie's Farm in Imperial Beach.

Now take a deep breath . . . and SIGH.

Critical Thinking for Kids

2010-08-25T13:15:00.000-07:00

girls observing. big sur

Often when we are driving Sienna will look at Olivia who is blissfully zoning out in the perfect way that babies do and say, "Olivia is thinking with her mind."

The first time Sienna said that, I got a huge smile and warm heart. She understands.

In light of this topic, I have begun to look at how everyday we are shaping our children's inner and outer worlds. With Sienna, I see that daily we talk a lot about making choices and what the outcome is for her or another person. We talk about thinking before acting and choosing our words carefully. Sienna knows that we value her opinion of things and that we let her take time to think something through for herself before we answer. We also talk a lot about concentrating and using our mind to help us learn. As I have begun to research this topic, I realize that these are the foundation for critical thinking.

Though there are many aspects to critical thinking, it is commonly defined as the process of thinking about one's thinking, a conscious evaluation of one's thoughts. Critical thinking can be understood as a way of becoming aware of and taking control of one's own thinking processes in order to think more effectively. It is consciously directing one's thinking to make it more rational, clear, accurate, and consistent.

Critical thinking helps us ask relevant questions, weigh evidence offered in support of arguments, interpret complex problems, and make wise decisions. This is especially important when you realize that many problems do not lend themselves to clear-cut solutions.

In terms of what we can begin to do to teach critical thinking to our children, the American Philosophical Association's has some tips:

• Start early. Young children might not be ready for lessons in formal logic. But they can be taught to give reasons for their conclusions. And they can be taught to evaluate the reasons given by others. Wondering where to begin? If you have young child, check out these research-based tips for teaching critical thinking and scientific reasoning to preschoolers.

• Avoid pushing dogma. When we tell kids to do things in a certain way, we should give reasons.
• Encourage kids to ask questions. Parents and teachers should foster curiosity in children. If a rationale doesn’t make sense to a child, she should be encouraged to voice her objection or difficulty.

• Ask kids to consider alternative explanations and solutions. It’s nice to get the right answer. But many problems yield themselves to more than one solution. When kids consider multiple solutions, they may become more flexible thinkers.

• Get kids to clarify meaning. Kids should practice putting things in their own words (while keeping the meaning intact). And kids should be encouraged to make meaningful distinctions.

• Talk about biases. Even grade school students can understand how emotions, motives--even our cravings--can influence our judgments.

• Don’t confine critical thinking to purely factual or academic matters. Encourage kids to reason about ethical, moral, and public policy issues.

• Get kids to write. This last recommendation doesn’t come from Facione or the APA, but it makes good sense. As many teachers know, the process of writing helps students clarify their explanations and sharpen their arguments. In a recent study, researchers assigned college biology students to one of two groups. The writing group had to turn in written explanations of their laboratory work. The control group had to answer brief quizzes instead. At the end of the term, the students in the writing group had increased their analytical skills significantly. Students in the control group had not (Quitadamo and Kurtz 2007).

As Children, what were you taught about approaching problems, reasoning and making decisions? How do you help teach your children about critical thinking?

Where in the world is Timbuktu?

2010-06-20T18:08:00.001-07:00

I often use the expression "from here to Timbuktu" with my boys. Recently, with them in the car, I expressed relief that I had just about made a wrong turn onto a freeway exit and corrected myself. Levi laughed and said that we definitely didn't have time to go to Target and Timbuktu. Realizing that this is the perfect time to begin playing "where in the world is.....?", I began looking for a map to hang in their bedroom at my house. Perfect in design and cost, check out Future Mapping Company for out of this world options.

2010-06-18T14:43:00.000-07:00

"Pleasure is Spread through the Earth in stray gifts to be Claimed by Whoever Shall Find"

Wordsworth

Kitty Litter, or Purr-fect Escape?

2010-06-16T07:17:00.000-07:00

So, as I was reading some online news yesterday, I came across an article in the New York Times, entitled: Once Just a Site With Funny Cat Pictures, and Now a Web Empire

It tells the story of a man, Mr Huh, who bought an online website dedicated to pictures of cats in random poses, with misspelled "kitteh" language captions, which has become a million dollar business. It's called "I Can Has Cheezburger", as inspired by the photo on the right.

Mr Huh claims, "the appetite for oddball Internet humor is insatiable." And judging from the NYT article, he is right.

The story continues:

"Traffic to the Cheezburger blog has ballooned over the last three years, encouraging Mr. Huh to expand his unlikely Web empire to include 53 sites, all fueled by submissions from readers. In May, what is now known as the Cheezburger Network attracted a record 16 million unique visitors, according to the Web analytics firm Quantcast.

A more recent success for the company is a site called Fail Blog, which chronicles disastrous mishaps and general stupidity in photos and video. The network’s smaller sites include Daily Squee, with pictures of cute animals, and There I Fixed It, for photos of bad repair jobs."

The incredible financial success of Mr Huh's site almost inspires me to start an idiotic and topically irrelevant website:

"This year alone, the company will generate a seven-figure sum from advertising, licensing fees and merchandise sales."

How can something so stupid, be so successful?

In the current tide of world affairs - including the much talked about Gulf of Mexico oil disaster that continues to spill out at 2.5 million gallons a day - how can this dumb-ass site possibly attract so many visitors?

A 41 year old knitting instructor (yes, knitting instructor) from Portland OR, who was interviewed for the article, reveals why:

"“It’s just a good, simple break from real life,” she said, adjusting the pair of sequined cat ears she was wearing. “It’s clever, but not mean-spirited.”"

In other words, it's so far removed from the depressing responsibility of worrying about oil spills (etc.), that people prefer to spend their time in escape.

In a way, I understand it. I am not going to spend my entire life worrying about all the woes of the world, and certainly indulge in my own daily distractions. However, what we give our attention to becomes our reality. What do you think? Are the visitors to this site wasting their life away, and shifting focus from critical world affairs to the outlandishly banal - or is it a legitimate distraction?

Camp Athena

2010-06-07T22:32:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend we held our first retreat, at Camp Athena in Julian, California. Athena was the goddess of civilization, wisdom, strength, strategy, craft, and justice. She was a warrior and a leader, and inspired the name of our camp.

A message from the hosts...

Welcome to Camp Athena, the first annual Ax Collective retreat held in Julian, California. Your mountain getaway features community and solitude, laughter and reflection, fine food and fresh air. We created a theme for the weekend--Changemakers: Women Redefined, which we hope will inspire you individually and drive meaningful discussions collectively.

Sarah + Jen

We met in Wynola on Friday night for live music, brick oven pizza, fresh rhubarb pie, and root beer floats. Just a short drive to the property, we hauled in an extraordinary amount of gear, drank some wine and retired to our assigned "bunks:" Cuyamaca, Kumeyaay, Laguna, and Pioneer. Saturday morning we rose bright and early for coffee, fruit, yogurt, granola, banana bread and hard boiled eggs.

Bellies full, sunscreen slathered, we hiked to the gazebo for our first session. For the weekend exercises Jen gave each of us a a charming little 100% recycled journal from ecojot, complete with a Yasutomo Stylist pen.

What woman (fictional or real) has most influenced and/or inspired you? In what ways has she made an impact on your life? How would you best live your life in her honor?

We wrapped up the morning session and trekked back to the cabin for electives and lunch (and rattlesnake sighting!). Jen taught the gals to make lanyard key chains, I gave a tutorial on vision boards, and Melissa + Karina set up a lovely spread of tuna, chicken, and egg salads, greens, watermelon and beet salad, and veggie tortilla chips.

The afternoon was a dreamy summer day-napping, walking, lanyard creating, and vision making. There was time to reflect and journal on the questions set for later in the evening.

“I know that people, after a certain point, forget what they believe in and what they intended to do. They become hindered by society's culture and the way things should be done. If their fear and anxiety were removed, they would intuitively know. Under coats of protective behavior and years of concern lies a simple path requiring courage to walk on."

What makes you feel most strong? When do you feel most weak?

When did you begin to acknowledge your own strength and power? If you haven’t yet, then what is holding you back?

At four o'clock we welcomed happy hour, hosted by the talented mixologists Jana + Miranda. Campari cocktails were a perfect antidote to the dusty meadow day and I swear insalata caprese and hummus never tasted better. We took a moment in the sun to admire our visions, and set up for dinner under the stars.

using old magazines and recycled shopping bags we crafted our dreams; a makeshift chandelier of rusty chainlink and globular string lights; dining al fresco; somehow there was exactly enough room for each of our vision boards...

A true collaboration, we feasted on tofu, veggies and brown rice, and a spicy salad. To top it off, we celebrated Heidi's Birthday with the most delicious Julian Pie, served a la mode (thanks Annie!). After a very noisy visit from a large spotted toad we escaped the moths and bugs and adjourned to the cabin for the rest of the night's discussion.

Everyone woke up Sunday morning to a perfectly executed egg dish from Jen, complemented by bacon and mini-powdered donuts. After sharing a few good sighs and plenty of hugs, half of the group departed. The rest of us made the most of our freedom and sat under the big Black Oak tree sharing our dreams and troubles.

my irregularly woven "kite"; magic wands and god's eyes

Next year--same time, same place?

xoxo

Sarah

P.S. I can't wait to see Karina's pictures, as I only had my little PowerShot and I know she captured some beautiful images.

Mmmmm.

2010-05-07T23:40:00.000-07:00

On the quest for inspiration in writing about our group experience I came across this blog, The Joy of Food. I may not have shared my current fascination with foodography, but I have a secret desire to be a photo stylist--I'm especially into documenting my own recipes and table settings. This particular meal looks amazing to me right now, and reminds me of my trip to Italy in 2002. Maybe later I'll share a treasured image I have of one of my breakfasts on that trip. It was no small affair...

2010-05-07T21:05:00.000-07:00

image via foreveristoday

"What is Your way of Life?"

Big question. I've been asking myself lately.

2010-05-02T15:45:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I feel that there is too much restraint.

I've been staring at this image for the past few days.

Makes me feel like letting out a deep breath.

I can't help but think that this message could apply to all of us in some way.

What should you just 'let happen'?

Pen in Hand

2010-05-01T07:54:00.001-07:00

This morning I am reviewing the book Outline I wrote a few weeks ago. It's great to have some time and space from your own ideas to sharpen perspective. If you have yet to begin, just get something on paper, put it aside, and pick it up later. It may also help to read a suggestion or two from writing resources if you're feeling a bit rusty. Just a reminder that Wednesday, May 5th, is our deadline.

Oh Mister Ice Cream Man!

2010-04-29T17:57:00.000-07:00

Ahhh, the sweet sound of the ever treasured ice cream truck driving through the neighborhood. Pure magic really. As an adult, the music is very Pavlovian and despite the loads of sugar, preservatives, dyes and ingredients that are too difficult to pronounce, it still evokes a happy feeling of anticipation. As a parent, I turned off the urge to fling open the door with my daughter and run wild to find the rollin' ice cream man. For the past 2 years I have worked very hard to keep my daughters body void of any sugar and well, free of crap. However, the other night it was undeniable. We all ran after the truck while frantically checking our pockets for change and getting giddy from the whole experience. We were on a mission for junk. This was my daughters first real & bona fide sugar experience...we opted for a "fruit" popsicle. Mama & Papa split a Snickers ice cream bar...yum. We were all into it. It was really just about the experience of it all...truly just relaxing and letting go. And don't it feel good!

it's all in the details

2010-04-29T09:29:00.000-07:00

With good luck and an ample amount of preparation, our hope for May 12th is to distill what information our book will contain and begin flushing out the details. Your outlines will be condensed and reconstituted into a Chapter Summary before the meeting. The more detailed your work, the further we can go with the process. After you have submitted the homework, continue to think about little tidbits that relate to the Collective experience and jot them down. Read through the questions on the list for ideas about where to begin, and take note of the images that come to mind. Creative styling will be a key element of our project, so think in pictures as well as narrative.

The Little Black Book

2010-04-29T08:16:00.000-07:00

One Year Of White Pages By Canoe

"A Little Black Book of a different sort. This clever set of 12 blank booklets is designed to be used one per month, to sketch ideas, write lists, make notes, document dreams, or commit anything else you like to paper. Each booklet features a perforation in the cover denoting the month (1 for January, 2 for February and so on)."

Mother's Day, anyone?

i heart chaos!

2010-04-27T23:14:00.000-07:00

Richard Woods

There is little that excites me more than a large chaotic family and house remodeling. Welcome to Nine by Design, Bravo's new reality show. Do any of you Cookie lovers remember the article about the NY couple, the Novogratz's, that buy houses and renovate them all while raising six kids? They have a long awaited reality show that follows their lives through a string of homes, another baby and everyday life. Their homes are filled with amazing artwork, antiques and to die for building materials. This is my kind of show!

"An Ogling Subversive with a Homemade Camera"

2010-04-27T07:55:00.000-07:00

Miroslav Tichy, an 80 year old photographer from a small, Czech town, is having his first American museum exhibition at the International Center of Photography (Jan 29 - May 9). A creator of "trash cams" from thread spools, rubber bands and paper towel tubes, his photo collection was discovered in 2005. He began using photography in the 1950's as a political response to the social repression of Communism.

Art & Architecture Magazine

2010-04-27T07:35:00.001-07:00

Art & Architecture magazine covers are an amazing design source. Published during the 1940 -1960's, it was an avant garde publication, sponsoring leading edge ideas in design, art, architecture and music. In the 40's and 50's, the covers were touched by Dada, in the 60's, Frank Gehry was first published. They photographed new design that was of exceptional merit and interest. Timeless.

A Sweet Good Morning

2010-04-26T17:58:00.000-07:00

Mandy's poetry post had me thinking today about routine and the power of daily ritual. For years I have awoken my children with "Rise and Shine and Swing on the Golden Gate", lyrics from an old gospel classic. As I quickly raise the shade and bend over to give them a kiss, my little ones smile just before opening their eyes. That's a memory I hold dear, and may be something they share with their own children.

Image diary, April 26th

2010-04-26T13:59:00.000-07:00

images via gatekeeper and aaron rose at the selby

Free streaming

2010-04-26T09:31:00.001-07:00

NPR has a fantastic music site, featuring "Tiny Desk Concerts", ten minute, video clipped, mini-concerts that are addicting, so beware. You can't watch just one, and soon the morning is gone.
Filmed in the NPR music office, singers like Jakob Dylan (above) are just hanging out with their band and play a few of their new songs. You can also listen to full LP's that have yet to be released. The Pornographers new Together is available until May 4th.

New shoes, new shoes

2010-04-25T22:54:00.000-07:00

I've been on a solo brainstorming adventure. I'm storming up ways to enrich my family life. Specifically, enrichment through daily ritual and seasonal tradition. Those are the things I remember about my childhood. The sparkling apple cider my dad poured in MY champagne glass at winter holidays, the bunny shaped dinner rolls I made with my Aunt Marsha every Easter, the poem my Aunt Jan recited to EVERY baby, toddler, and tween (she just loves to share it THAT much!) in our family. Tradition. The memories. It makes us who we are, no?

SO ironic, then, that my Aunt Jan sent her beloved poem to me today for my newly walking, shoe-wearing one year old. Here it is, and by the way, I didn't get to pick out my own shoes until after all those grade school years in flat, fat, stomp-along-the-mat saddle shoes (now, they're in vogue - get your pair at Urban Outfitters for $48 while they last). This poem was so relevant to how I felt. I really wanted something more girly - something strappy, and sure maybe even something cappy. You can bet that my little girl will hear this every shoe-puttin'-on morning until she pleads me not too....and maybe then too (from a distance, quietly and almost to myself).

Say this fast and with enthusiasm, and of course out loud...it's the only way!

"Choosing Shoes" by Frida Wolfe

New shoes, new shoes

Red and pink and blue shoes,

Tell me, what would you choose,

If they'd let us buy?

Buckle shoes, bow shoes,

Pretty pointy-toe shoes

Strappy, cappy low shoes:

Let's have some to try.

Bright shoes, white shoes,

Dandy-dance-by-night shoes,

Perhaps- a little-tight shoes,

Like some! So would I!

BUT

Flat shoes, fat shoes,

Stump-along-like-that shoes,

Wipe them-on-the-mat shoes,

That's the sort they"ll buy!

Thank you Aunt Jan (!) for making poetry a part of my life...and now my family's life. Mission semi-completed. I like how poetry can be used to relate to something big (or small) going on in life - to show a mutual understanding. You can use it to reflect on a moment. Find one that speaks of the emotions of the current household. It could mark a special occasion. AND so perfect for communicating a life concept or certain feeling to the short attention spans of the wee ones! All this I like. Very much.

Oh, I have more poetry stories I wish to share, but will save them for another time!

Do you have any daily family rituals that make your day glimmer and shine?

p.s. For older children (and adults), check out Poetry 180. The concept: A poem a day for American High Schoolers. Poetry selected by the witty poet laureate, Billy Collins. I also love, love, love his book of collections titled: Sailing Alone Around the Room.

Look

2010-04-24T09:19:00.000-07:00

"I keep going On" by Miyoshi Barosh 2008

“A person should hear a little music, read a little poetry, and see a fine picture every day in order that worldly cares may not obliterate the sense of the beautiful which God has implanted in the human soul.” Goethe

mail happiness

2010-04-24T05:58:00.000-07:00

At the print conference in Philadelphia this week, I learned about shoot it!, a website & app for the iphone that lets you upload a photo from your phone, create a personalized postcard and have it printed and mailed the next day, all for 99¢ (including postage)! i love a great business idea and i love postcards!!

69 Love Songs

2010-04-23T22:50:00.001-07:00

Listening to a cut from The Nationals new cd, High Violet, i was quickly reminded of one of my all time favorite albums, 69 Love Songs. The Nationals' lead singer, Matt Berringer, (above center) has a baritone style reminiscent of Magnetic Field's Stephen Merritt. High Violet made history today as the first LP that the New York Times has ever streamed for an album preview, and has gotten great reviews.

Back to 69 Love Songs. It was released in 1999 and became an immediate classic. With lyrics written by Merritt, it's a three CD set that looks at love from dark, ironic, and brilliant places. His way with words is legendary genius. A favorite sample "Nothing matters when we're dancing, be we in Paris or in Lansing". It never grows old, always makes me laugh and always makes me sing.

hanging out

2010-04-23T17:28:00.001-07:00

i love to have my hands in dirt, but i'm not really a gardener. i sense a change a comin'. as of a few weeks ago, i am totally consumed with the beauty of succulents and hanging garden walls. i posted about the one at pigment on 30th in north park, and it has inspired me to do some research. an exterior planting sounds to me like a good place to begin.

the Vertical Garden Planting Panel at Smith & Hawken is made from high-density recyclable polyethylene. the 45 cells in each panel hold a combined total of 22 quarts of soil. measuring 19.5" x 2.75" x 19.5", the panel is available individually for $69. i plan to check it out. if you're interested, flora grubb in san francisco has some wonderful photos on her website.

Styling Inspiration

2010-04-23T11:45:00.000-07:00

Who I'm listening to...A Lot A Lot

2010-04-22T15:42:00.000-07:00

THE DUTCHESS & THE DUKE

AND YOU SHOULD TOO.

Readability

2010-04-22T11:10:00.000-07:00

Technology writer for the NY Times, David Pogue, saw Readability as the best tech invention of 2009,

calling it "a real life changer."

I could not agree more!

Here's the rundown from his December article:

"It’s a free button for your Web browser’s toolbar. When you click it, Readability eliminates everything from the Web page you’re reading except the text and photos. No ads, blinking, links, banners, promos or anything else...You wind up with a simple, magazine-like layout, presented in a beautiful font and size (your choice) against a white or off-white background with none of this red-text-against-black business."

It's as easy as pie. If you are interested, visit the website and watch the very short how-to video located on the upper right hand corner of the page. Add the Readability button, and then sample it on this page. You'll be amazed.

Musing

2010-04-20T11:18:00.000-07:00

kevin barnes

i woke up this morning consumed by the concept of a muse.

do any of you{artists} have a muse?

if not, can you identify the source of your inspiration?

if so, how does a muse differ from inspiration you might obtain from

music, the natural world etc.?

how much of your artistic work or person has been influenced by an individual?

have any of you had a muse that has ceased to bring you creative fuel?

is your muse a mystery?

No Permits Required

2010-04-20T09:56:00.001-07:00

Two years ago this month, a pair of yellow hooded orioles moved into the palm tree bordering our backyard patio and proceeded to weave an amazing nest. The female pokes holes in the thick leaves from below and pushes the fibers through, sewing her nest to the leaf. We were excited to have them so close to us, but it may have been our proximity that caused them to abandon the three little eggs left in their suspended home. *********** Yesterday afternoon I was working in my upstairs bedroom and happened to catch a bright yellow flash in the tree outside. I opened my shade all the way and waited. Sure enough, a pair of orioles were checking out the neighborhood with plans to move in. My hopes are high as I await their return today. This location is further removed from the noisy summer patio and literally brushes against my windowframe. *********** Curious about these little beauties, I learned a few details: a group of them are collectively known as a split or a pitch of orioles, they are seasonally monogamous, both incubating the eggs, they belong to the blackbird and meadowlark family, and prefer to eat insects, fruits and berries. So hoping they'll stay!

Daytripping

2010-04-19T10:22:00.000-07:00

before i left for oakland at the end of march, i was riding a creative swell that just kept rolling. until yesterday, my april days have been filled with sweet, family, baby lovin' time.

in need of an inspirational jumpstart, i spent my sunday morning out in the world, visiting favorite spots that fuel my imagination. the living, vertical plant wall at pigment is both surreal and so, well, grounded. it simply says "everything is possible". their collection of amy paul's paintings is dreamy and definitely inspiring. after some fresh juice at urban solace, i walked past a little paint stall on university that was having a great sale on brushes and grabbed a few. at urban seed i picked up a fortunata italian ceramic mug that is everything i desire in tableware. the stack of gorgeously colored plates - $40 @ - made me want to abandon everything in my cupboards, and certainly fueled my dream last night of a rustic picnic in provence with colin firth. yummy. and last but not least, i bought a small iron wheelbarrow and a piece of chartreuse silk ribbon at the grove on juniper. i'm not sure why i've begun to collect small iron objects, but i trust that there is a project in my future that will require a 5 inch, rusted, garden prop. an interesting fact - chartreuse is the color most visible to the human eye, and one of my favorites.

i awoke today feeling inspired, refreshed and ready to get back on the creative train. what techniques do you use when looking for an artistic jumpstart? i'd love to know.

Simply Sorted

2010-04-19T09:18:00.000-07:00

Shira and her baby girl, Chloe

There is nothing about my friend, Shira, that does not creatively inspire me.

She's my everyday muse.

This month she's given me the impetus I needed to begin decluttering- the perfect Spring project. In the spirit of this month's topic, I introduce Simply Sorted by Shira Gill,

a personal organization and lifestyle solutions business that has just celebrated its launch. Shira emphasises "quality over quantity" and the idea of mise en place, "a place for everything and everything in its place." Two very basic concepts that somehow need teaching, no?

Check out her resources page for a link to Excess Access. A great alternative to Goodwill, EA tells you which nearby charities and nonprofits that would be interested in the goods you're looking to donate.

Happy Spring cleaning!!

Flip and Tumble Earth Day Contest

2010-04-18T08:36:00.000-07:00

my favorite grocery bags by far are flip and tumbles. the colors are fresh, the price is right ($10) and they wash beautifully. neatly tucked inside their own little pouch, two or three of them can nestle into your purse corner, leaving you no reason to ever be caught bagless again. in honor of earth day, they are divvying up a stash of bags to 5 lucky winners. all you need do is email them at contest@flipandtumble.com before april 22nd with a hello and your mailing address.

The Volkswagen Fun Project Video

2010-04-17T10:26:00.001-07:00

This is no revelation, but it's helpful to remember that the prospect of fun can get us going the extra mile. I love using sprinkles of unexpected fun with the boys when we have to do a chore, silly or absurd things that make them giggle like crazy and distract them from the job at hand. Works for me!

Obsessed with Obsessive Consumption

2010-04-13T21:30:00.000-07:00

I cannot possibly go to tomorrow night's discussion without posting a shout out to one of my favorite Kates-- Kate Bingaman-Burt, creator of Obsessive Consumption. Her daily drawing is sort of a cathartic process of working through her consumption. In a nutshell: She began by photographing her purchases (circa 2002). Then she moved onto drawing her credit card statements. Now she draws objects each day, based on what she purchased.

She was also featured in this month's ReadyMade, with "How did you get that f*&@ing awesome job?" Check out her new book, and her many drawings. She has a deal where if you buy her book from her, you also get a drawing. I know. More consumption. But still!

Somewhere between a nerdalicious Quicken entry and a time-consuming Bingaman-Burt inspired drawing there must be a ritual to help us achieve a higher awareness of our daily consumption. Any suggestions?

Gentle Reminders

2010-04-13T21:05:00.000-07:00

"Wealth consists not in having great possessions but in having few wants." I struggle with the desire for things. Everyday. I even desire this thing called a Simpler Life. I've bought books like "Awakening the Buddha Within" and "In Praise of Slowness". I even think buying such things might bring me closer to living my ideal (especially if they sit there nicely on the shelf, half read, waiting patiently for consideration). I get hung up on the stuff I surround myself with, thinking that it helps create who I am. That's why I have two quotes cut out and stuck to my bathroom mirror, gentle reminders for me to consider my choices.