Charting Our Course

It's been a very long time since I posted anything. I wish I could say I have had good reason, but I am not sure that I really do. All I can say is that this year has been one of the most trying and challenging of my life. I have learned so much. I have done so much and am so grateful for the experiences I have had. They have caused me to pause and really give some thought to this crazy world we live in. I'd like to take a few minutes and share some of my reflections on this train of thought.


The advance in technology in todays world is creating such interesting changes in society. The goal of bringing information to our fingertips, acquiring more at a faster rate, and an addiction to 'shock and awe' entertainment has made all the difference in the worlds progression. I believe the world is developing issues with individual entitlements, social disconnect, and a whole lot of deceptions as a result. How is a person to navigate thru this life in a wise course, when they are so greatly surrounded and bombarded with misperception growing in the world?


I immediately was drawn to an analogy of the stars. We hear the guidence to find our north stars and follow it. It is true that the north star is a great guidance tool. But it is not where my thoughts have led. Because I don't believe the pursuit of happiness in this life is restricted to just one truth. The picture above is of a vast array of stars. Some shine brighter than others in the darkness creating varying levels of light. There are varying levels of truth in this world. It doesn't make one star less important or more important that another. But it does make a difference in where you end up.

I was reading a website about charting courses with stars and there were some interesting things that I learned.

1. Star Charts are vital to charting courses by the stars. Knowledge is power! The more you know, the easier to identify the course. Do you remember the first time you learned about the constellations?? It was probably because someone connected the dots for you, making it easier to see the stars when you looked at the sky, because you knew what you were looking for. Be wise. Don't just stare at the stars waiting for them to piece themselves together! Study the charts! It's a trial and error game. But as you weed out the false...you will find the true guides.

2. You must consider the sky according to the season. If you are using summer's chart in winter, you are going to be greatly misguided. Take things in their proper perspectives.

3. Watch for the direction the stars move thru the night. Seems obvious right?! Yet, we are a society of speed! You can't see the stars move in five minutes. It takes patience to see them move. The lesson...slow down and really consider.

My final thoughts...there is hope in getting thru the darkest of nights. Just stay positive and proactive and the small lights of the stars will get you thru. 'Let thy heart not be troubled.'

Silent Films {still shots}

So, I was scouting out some art for a theatre today and came across a section devoted to silent film still shots. I couldn't help but be charmed by the whole section!!! The thing I love about them is that they tell a story and your mind can't help but try to carry the story past the image you see. I found all of these on Art.com. Which is your favorite and what do you think happened next??

My favorite is the girl reading the note in the car. I think it contains juicy gossip and the man just can't wait to see her reaction to it! Will she be mad? Is it something of good news? Maybe she'll slap the guy or kiss him. Hard to say. But I just love the way it makes you wonder! I love her hat too. I think I could be great friends with her. Happy weekend everyone!

{Sally Scaffardi}

I just discovered this artist on Art.com. Her name is Sally Scaffardi and she lives in london. Apparently she also sells greeting cards, wrapping paper, and notebooks. I can't find those products in the states...at least, not according to google. But her art is on the website I listed above. Very fun look. I love the water-like quality they have. Lovely.

Christmas {trees}

It's Christmas!! I'm so happy to say that I bought my very own tree this year! It's a first time thing for me. I look at it every night and am so grateful I did. I can't say it is the most beautifully decorated tree (not yet anyhow...because I have to work on building my decoration collection). But since this purchase I have had tree decorating on the brain. Here are a few unique trees that I found from around the world. Very funky.

This is my favorite. So beautiful and unique. I love how it glows, the movement of the shapes...it's just all around fun to behold.



Yep...that's right, it's made out of recycled bikes. There is a green design for sure. I can't imagine the stress in putting that together. But it looks pretty cool.



This tree is in Italy...Murano Glass. Interesting. Very Modern.



What is this tree?? It's people!!! A singing tree! Crazy



Also, Italian...I wonder if the lights move? Wouldn't that be cool to see! Pac Man running up and down the tree! Fun.



Sculptural art tree...I like. But prefer the traditional...so I'd need both.



I'm not a sushi lover, but I have to admit this is pretty unique. Wonder how long its on display. could start to smell really bad.



Anyhow, hope you have your trees up and looking lovely. Yay for Christmas!!

{H & H} Happy Anniversary!

As you may know, I am a magazine junkie. I don't know what it is, but its basically christmas when I find a magazine in my mailbox. Or on those days when things seem to be such a downer, I splurge on a magazine to lift my spirits. The magazine above was just such a purchase and I recommend it. Anniversary issues are always a good find. Great interviews, fun facts, etc.

The first article of this magazine is truly fascinating. The editor gives a history of this magazines history and how technology is changing the face of the business. But the part that really stuck out to me was a four page photo diary of what it takes to put a magazine together. Throughout the photos where statistics involved for one issue's production. I don't remember them exactly. But as an example, it was something like 1200 emails, 500 photos, and 90 meetings for one issue!!

As I read, I found my head shaking in agreement that this illustrates a point in design that few people really understand. Most people only see the before and afters of designs. They don't understand or comprehend all the steps and effort that is actually involved in it's production. So the next time you buy a magazine or tear apart a photo of an interior, stop and think about how much of someones life that represents. I've found that doing this in my career has been very educational because I may not agree with the designs implemented, but I can always discover possible reasons for the choices that were made. Sometimes I even see an application that I would use...just in my own taste.

I have a much deeper respect for the design fields as a result as well. Being a designer myself, I occasionally come across a person who believes my career choice is frivilous and unimpactful to mankind. But I challenge anyone who feels that way to live a day without design in their lives or to try to muster it out for themselves. It is a skill and an important one at that. Living without design is impossible! It would be like living without light or breath. Vital to life and worth the six dollars a magazine costs to come to understand it more. I'll get off my soapbox now. some thoughts to ponder.

Fall Fun

The Laynes took us to this fun corn maze that a family has made into a side business. I've never been to a more family-friendly corn maze before. It was perfect for little ones.



It was a lovely afternoon and this is proof that although Alburquerque is a little desert-ish, it does have it's lovely spots. :)



How fun is this?! A sandbox made out of corn kernels!! No, he didn't eat it. We caught him before that happened. It's a case of perfect timing with the camera. I promise.



Then off we went...trudging thru the muddy maze. But had a blast following Dad's directing.



I fell behind and it became a game of 'where's auntie e?'. Made Ellie laugh as I tried to catch up.



Peek-a-boo under the bridge. Always fun. They never can give you a direct route to those bridges, can they?! Hmmm.



Everybody Pick a Pumpkin!! I've never gotten a pumpkin from an actual patch before. It was great to see my family spread out and on the hunt.



And then....we pet the animals. Ellie was brave and fed the horses. It made the donkey jealous and he scared her with his noise over the matter. ha, ha, ha.



It was a fun afternoon. Lovely time with my favorite people. Love you family!!

{Superman}...analyzed.

I found this photo on Pinterest and suddenly my mind had an epiphany! I've always loved Superman. He is my favorite superhero. There are lots of reasons why. He's good, honest, and humble. He is strong and handsome. He is charitable and kind to all. Everything a superhero should be. But when I saw this cute little guy, in the secret identity of the superhero, something snapped. This photo is a fun and intriguing metaphor for people.

We are born innocent and inexperienced, just like this little boy. As we grow, we strive for things society asks of us. Such as being hard-working, well-rounded citizens, like Clark Kent. But thru it all, I think we forget that even closer to our core is a potential that is truly extraordinary. We are so bombarded by voices in the world telling us who we are and what we should be, what is right and what is wrong, or this is the standard to follow, that we might be losing sight of what matters most.

For me, I am a daughter of God. I have the potential to grow into something divine. It sounds almost cheesy to say with the way the world wants to define who I should be. But can there be anything more 'super' than what I just said?! Yes, skinny legs and a built body would be lovely. Being a leader that makes a difference and holds a lot of power would be amazing. Going out and partying my way thru life could have it's thrills. But I believe there is more to life than all that. To live a life of service and selflessness is to live a life of godliness. Like superman.

I have to admit that that goal isn't an easy one. It's so easy to be distracted and decide other things are more important. But it's something I've been thinking a lot about lately and have seen a theme of it popping up in all kinds of places. The world need more selflessness and more charity to fellowmen. It is something to strive for.

Everyone has their own potential and a unique way to carry out being super. So, I just want to throw this out into the open and ask the question...What is your superman? What can you do to save the world today? Don't forget that there is something powerful under that Clark Kent surface. All you got to do is rip that shirt off. ;P