Beloved Books: The Luxury of Space

For some reason, I've held off on posting about this one because I wanted to find the perfect thing to say about it. But I can't, except it is one of my favorite books. Oberto Gili is amazing and I think it is the personal sincerity of this book that touches me. 

Mario Hugo - "LET ARTISTS MAKE ART"

The craft, design, and of course the shimmery gold in this piece by Mario Hugo  are blowing me away! 

"LET ARTISTS MAKE ART"

Newbies from Terrain

Oh URBN inc., how I love thee's products! And look, one that is actually affordable:

Zig Zag hook

Totally Bruce at the Brooklyn Flea

I went to the Brooklyn Flea a few weekends back and fell in love with Totally Bruce - the shop of Chris Goodman. Read more about him on the Brooklyn Flea's website. 

On a side note, I really love the idea of getting an old wooden tray and putting in some nails for my necklaces (as he did) and then hanging it on my wall. What do you think? 

I also really really loved the bone bird broach in the photo on the bottom, if only it were free!

Hello Spring!

This weekend was absolutely glorious. The weather could not have been nicer. After having a lovely Americano at Café Pedlar, I spent most of Saturday biking - over the Brooklyn Bridge, up the Hudson River Greenway, around Central Park (stopping for a bit to read in the sun), and then back to Brooklyn. Sunday I enjoyed a lazy sunny day around Brooklyn Heights. 


Café Pedlar:

My beloved bike:

That's right, its a Peugeot:

Riverside Park on the West Side:

Lounging, reading, and photographing in Central Park:

Um.. why wasn't I invited?

Bearded men in flannels & wool sweaters that can appreciate the finer things of life? Yes, please! From NYT Mag.

Photographs by Susanna Howe. Prop styling by Pam Morris. 

Food styling by Heidi Johannsen Stewart and Sara Neumeier. 

All art and furniture by Nightwood.

Sassy Gay Friend

This is amazing:

Beloved Books: Plant Kingdoms

This book of photographs comprised of lush, harvested vegetables and beautiful flowers is just one more of many many reasons to look forward to a sunny summer!

Jamie Steele

Jamie Steele is a friend of mine and fine art photographer. We went to college together and were 2 of the 12 Fine Art majors in our graduating class. Besides photography, we also became friends over appreciation for good beer & Phish. While I left photography for graphic design post-college, Jamie remains focused (hehe) in photo and is currently working on her MFA. I'm loving her recent body of work, Trace:

(all photos by Jamie Steele)

Beloved Books: Garden Anywhere

I really love Garden Anywhere by Alys Fowler (although I do wish her last name was Flower). I picked it up last fall at Anthropologie, home of all things adorable, and just love the super DIY feel of the book. The paper is super matte - almost rough, all the photos are gorgeous but not over-thought, typography is lovely, and I love Alys' crazy cool hippie outfits! 

Gone With the Wind

Gone With the Wind at the Film Forum tonight! How else would a self-respecting Southern Belle spend a rainy Saturday night? 

(image found here)

Michael Stipe = fashion icon?

Is it wrong that I'm totally digging Michael Stipe's look right now?

(Photograph by Patrick McMullan, as seen in New York Magazine)

Desiderata

Haha so probably all of my readers that know me personally will know how much I love, talk about, and try to live by the poem Desiderata by Max Ehrmann. I've started making some stationary, just sketching & playing around - half using my calligraphy skills and half using my own hand-writing, trying to find a right fit. Here is my favorite line from the poem: 

Here is the complete poem:

   

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, 

and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible, without surrender, 

be on good terms with all persons. 

Speak your truth quietly and clearly; 

and listen to others, 

even to the dull and the ignorant; 

they too have their story. 

Avoid loud and aggressive persons; 

they are vexatious to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others, 

you may become vain or bitter, 

for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. 

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. 

Keep interested in your own career, however humble; 

it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs, 

for the world is full of trickery. 

But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; 

many persons strive for high ideals, 

and everywhere life is full of heroism. 

Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. 

Neither be cynical about love, 

for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, 

it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years, 

gracefully surrendering the things of youth. 

Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. 

But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. 

Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline, 

be gentle with yourself. 

You are a child of the universe 

no less than the trees and the stars; 

you have a right to be here. 

And whether or not it is clear to you, 

no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God, 

whatever you conceive Him to be. 

And whatever your labors and aspirations, 

in the noisy confusion of life, 

keep peace in your soul. 

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, 

it is still a beautiful world. 

Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

CoriKindred

This photo by CoriKindred is making my day! 

Beloved Books: Photo Trouvée

Photo Trouvée is a collection of found photographs with no story or explanation, except the understanding that someone somewhere was compelled to take that photograph at that moment.  The concept for the book is similar to how I like to see the world - finding beauty & art everywhere, and the idea that everyone is an artist. Beautiful book!