Season's Greetings

It's happening again... Every year about this time the tension builds. Do you have all the presents bought? Did you get enough? The right things? The wrappings? Is the tree up? Is the house ready for guests? What will you serve? What parties will you attend? Do you have anything to wear????
It's time to stop and take a breath. Holidays aren't about smothering each other in gifts we may not even need. Holidays aren't about fighting crowds, throwing lavish parties, or making SURE THIS IS THE BEST HOLIDAY SEASON EVERYONE HAS EVER SEEN!
Focus on what really matters. Play in the snow with the kids, make snow angels, have a snowball fight. Let them stay up late, reading books or telling family stories. Cuddle a little longer, linger over coffee a little later. Take in the moments. Be with people who make you happy. Give small, meaningful things that come from the heart. Or just make a card by hand.
Make things that stir up old memories by the aroma and smell of home. Volunteer some time. Talk to someone who looks lonely. Start the year off fresh, with a new outlook. The best times are here, today. This is what we can celebrate.

Life in Miniature

Ben Thomas, part architect/part 3-D artist, recreates cities into tiny reconstructions. True to scale, his WEBSITE explains the concept for the creations.

Thread Show, Seattle Winter 2007

Just got back from the Thread Show in Seattle. Nothing like waking up to a winter storm and trekking downtown for a good day of shopping! To be honest though, the turnout was disappointing. The regular throng of eager Seattlelites trickled after the first hour. Vendors typically left with sparse goods were adding more discounts by the end-- nothing to complain about there. I ended up with a leather wristwatch with a delicate chain for half price, able to double as a funky wrist adornment.

If you missed it, you can always visit Baba Yaga Beadwork, The Makeup Project, or Cleo Wolfus Designs--Just a glance at some of the notables

Make It Right 9

Have you heard of Make It Right 9 ? Endorsed by Brad Pitt, the clothing company markets its products to be "forward-thinking" and "green," giving back to humanitarian efforts through donation and sales.

The hat often seen worn by Brad? $30 HERE

Victoria's Secret 2007

Heidi Klum was just one of the highlights this year, post baby no less.

Twelve By Twelve

Twelve by Twelve is the newest line offered by Fovever 21. New additions encompass more looks for the same, low prices. Below are my top picks:

Tweed Dandy Coat with Pin $39

Newsboy Hat $19

Thread Show

It's that time again-- The Thread Show in Seattle is happening this Sunday at the Freemont Studios. This is a great place to shop private designers and one-of-a-kind fashions, some at fantastic discounts!

Midnight Fashion Show

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I was asked last-minute to model Saturday for a low-key fashion show, coordinated by the same people who worked with Unzipped. The Seattle fashion scene, I've found, is tightly knit and brimming with opportunities for everyone to get their feet wet... at least to one degree or another. The community has been welcoming.

I walked for designer Erica Ray, who does an streetwear style with spray-painted trucker hats and urban-wear t-shirt designs. Lo-fi gallery was the venue for Midnight Market's Show, a funky little bar/music venue with a loft and two rooms, brick walls, and tight spaces that get you up close and personal with patrons.

I sipped wine, chatting up girls I've done shoots with, modeled with, and gotten to know through various fashion connections. It was like falling back into good times with familiar faces. We caught up, strutted our stuff, and made new contacts. A good night, despite the first frigid snowstorm of the year!

Defining the "I"

Tonight, my question is not "What defines you," but rather "What do you let define you?"
Is it your hobby? Your sport? The things you do with your hands or mind? Do you live in the moments of these uniquenesses, surround yourself by like-minded people in a community where you feel most like yourself? Does this become who you are and want to be?
Or, is it what others say? Have you created a bubble or built up a pretense of being someone else? ... a person you admired or started to become so long ago, you don't remember who decided to change?-- the 'old' you. Do you see yourself as beautiful, smart, ignorant, or outcast because that's what you hear?
What do you allow to become your definition? And most importantly, is this 'ok' with you?

Top Earth Friendly Fashions

These earrings are made out of keys from old cell phones! Available from SECCO's Secret for about $30.

Soda Tab Purse from recycled aluminum cans. $75 from Ecoist.

Via Runway

Visit Via Runway for hot trends and high fashions. Some notable designers include Marc Jacobs and Proenza Schouler.

The item I'm craving is Pictured: the Jewel Neck Coat with Fur, $3,625.00

Seattle Bride Magazine Dress

I had to share this photo... I did a shoot for designer Omar Lecona and got to see it in person. Fabulous doesn't describe the detail that went into creating a dress out of Seattle Bride magazine covers!

Original Column- Sex in the City

Are you missing the cancelled show? Holed up this winter? Missing your good girlfriends who are all now in cozy relationships?

Check out The New Yorker's original inspiration for the show. Candace Bushnell has the dish on what's hot (and not), the single life of New York City.

Want to Buy a Water Buffalo?

Looking for something a little different this year? Consider buying a water buffalo, flock of geese, or heifer through Heifer International, an organization dedicated to providing third-world countries with the means to reach self-reliance through training and the gift of animals. Participants are shown how to maintain a high level of care for their animal, best use their animal as a source of long-lasting income, and must pass along offspring to other members of their community in a growing solution to end poverty in their region.

One Heart Studio

Never one to give a typical store-bought present, my goal is to post some unique finds for holiday gifting.

Here is the first: One Heart Studios

Hand-written scripts are personalized on your choice of boxes, ornaments, t-shirts, and more. Choose a script, or write your own!

The Local Lowdown

Hungry? Seattle is now available! As a contributing author, I have to give a short plug. The cover hints at insider's tips to where to go and what to eat in the Seattle area. My favorite pick? It was Maltby Cafe, a small eatery hidden in the farmland of Maltby. A hands-down favorite, people travel from all over for homestyle breakfasts and a cinnamon roll to feed four.

Christmas Cheer

Today I couldn't resist... the one thing to look forward to in a dark and cold season is the highlight of Christmas. The warm glow, tinsel, holiday smells, and bustle of activity-- I love it all. Early this morning, I happened to open my storage unit and saw my Christmas decorations. I looked. I closed the door. I came back, looked again, hesitated, and brought it inside. I'm not ready to put up the tree, but my meager attempt to begin celebrating included a wooden nativity, three faceless carolers, a door hanger, and some greenery/holly for around the tv. Yet to make an appearance is the silver and blue tree decorations, small train set, and holiday boxes.
Now if only the shopping were done...

The Eyes Have It!

There's nothing more enticing than a standout makeup of a beautiful pair of eyes. Here's to the models and artists I admire.

Unknown models from London Fashion Week.

Gisele Bundchen

Eva Paloniova

Anabela Belikov

Louis Vuitton Fall 2007

A few picks from the Paris runway.

The Sneakery

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Featured in Seattle magazine, The Sneakery is owned by former record store employee, Drea Berthold. Filled with funky footwear, this store is a treat with a $40-$80 price tag.

Says Drea, "It's all about luxury for the common man."

Slave to the Needle

I discovered Slave to the Needle as a recommendation from a friend's boyfriend. On a whim, I decided to get my nose stud. It was early on a Sunday when I called her up to be my support under the "gun." Her boyfriend, our driver, knew just where to go. I had no qualms whatsoever about putting my features into the hands of my piercer, David. The store itself was an experience! A gallery or shrine to their art? I'm not sure which describes what's inside better. "Slave" artists, who tour nationwide to showcase their work and find new clients, have been voted the best in Seattle for 5 years straight and the shop has won 'Nicest Studio' twice over at the National Tatoo Convention.


This is my piercer, David, the poor guy

who had to look up my nostril.

I might be his only client who couldn't hold still

from laughing! (at myself that is,

relieved it didn't hurt)

Fear

"Yeah Though I Walk Through the Valley of The Shadow of Death I Will Fear No Evil" print by Frank Pape
Are you aware of your fear? Do you recognize what scares you or does it jump up and snatch at you from the broken shadows when you least expect? Knowing your fear is just the beginning to gaining control over it again.

What do I fear... ?

I fear my mother. I'm afraid of becoming her; I'm afraid I will settle for being less of myself, giving in to doubt, and living in sadness. I don't want to fear what's outside my front door, as if it were a shrouded Reaper waiting... waiting. I don't want to give up on myself. That I won't look the way I want, be able to do what I want, or be liked because like her, that is what I tell myself.
I fear what she will say. I fear what comes across her lips in moments where the tension grows into swollen words, lashing out and crossing all boundaries of civil respect. I fear what she says, because deep down, it does matter. I do want her to understand the things she never can. And I'm left holding a dilemma.

I fear my body. I fear what it does of it's own accord, working against my efforts through genetic makeup I try to twist and form. I fear that one day I will wake up, look in the mirror, and see nothing but my imperfections and stop loving myself in the shallowness of judgement I reserve only for that reflection. The mirror that stands between me and idealism.

I fear love. I fear letting go and believing in perfect love, opening up my heart and feelings and not regretting that bond we shared. I fear that I might have found that, and could somehow ruin it. And then blame myself for being the one, this time, to screw everything up.

I fear regret; of what I might have done, or chose to do. I know I feel things deeply, with the true heart of a woman, even if it doesn't show on the outside. I fear that my loyalties, my tenderness, my ability to see the best in people will be misplaced time and again, leaving me with more regret.

I fear being female. I fear being a female whose gender is preyed upon over, and over, and over again; Living always with caution, guarded and suspicious. I fear because I am female and just like any other woman, can and have been overpowered. And I hate that.

I fear being destitute; not being able to care for my needs, without money, friends, or shelter. I fear that I will again experience what it's like for family to walk away. That isolation breeds mistrust, especially if their reasons were unfounded. This to, is also a form of destitution.

I don't live in fear, but I deal with fear, try to face it, cope, and move ahead. When you know your fears, begin to understand them, you can recognize when that fear is triggered and where your responses stem from underneath the current situation.

What do you fear?

Best of Show 2007

The International Photography Awards of 2007 have been announced! The results are what we should expect from the world's best amateur and professional photographers. My favorite link was 2007 Best of Show.

Sleep, Oh Sleep

Sleep, sleep...
You are a dirty little thing that taunts and teases and questions my need. You don't play fair. I hate you and need you and wish you'd come and then leave me alone. We are inseparably in love and in war.

Post Secret

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Post Secret began as an innovative idea turned blog. Now two books are dedicated to the postcards people have decorated and sent in as submissions of their secrets. Part venue for getting something off your chest, and part portal into the mysterious lives and thoughts of those around us, this is a concept you shouldn't miss.

New Styles Miss the Mark

I'm going to go out on a limb here to say a few words about two popular trends. I've sat on my fingers, held my tongue, and overlooked the pictures, now it's time to contradict what seems to be two popularly painful styles this season: High waisted pants and Ugg boots.

First are the up-to-your ears waistlines we've been seeing. Maybe it's just me, but this certainly does nothing to enhance my figure. I think of plaid polyester. I think of grandpa. I don't think of my mid-tenties and being fashionably fabulous. Even Jessica Simpson appears to have a poochy, grandfatherly look in this wear.

Next, Ugg boots. UGG BOOTS?! I just don't understand. Mucking out cow stalls, yes, everyday wear? I just don't understand. There are so many styles of boots this season. Cute boots. Sexy boots. Wearable boots. And somehow these made the cut. Even worse, maybe I'll be spotting them with the highest of waisted pants-- or [gasp] shorts!

I'll humbly step off my podium, and face the crisp air of winter with some skinny slacks, leather wedge boots, and a fuzzy oversized sweater and scarf. This is how I'll be... no doubt also finding two big boxes under the tree this year... containing a certain pair of pants from grandpa, and Aunt Jane's favorite boots for down on the farm. = )

An Arranged Marriage

I wonder what it would be like... meeting a man your family picked, knowing you're going to spend life with an utter stranger. God, it scares me who my family would decide was my perfect other half... but a little curious to. I picture a quiet, sweet guy who is very much a 'momma's boy,' goes to church religiously, maybe even works for a religiously affiliated organization, and exactly the kind of person I'd have nothing to say to. Well, I can talk to almost anyone if I try hard enough, but being matrimoniously bound to them is a whole other situation! I think I'd scare the poor guy in the first hour. (OK! Maybe a little on purpose.) I don't think he could handle my stories, experiences, creative personality, and extremes. (Am I the only one who feels "normal" by watching episodes of Sex in the City? Doubtful...)

HERE is one woman's story.

I Miss Saddleseat

I miss saddle seat. I went out to see my old mare the other night and it hit me. She's getting old... 17 next spring. Time is slowing her down, stiffening her limbs, and the winter nights keep us at an easy workout. I stretched out her legs and thought back to our show days together, and the days showing a string of other National Show Horses. She introduced me to saddle seat. The thrill of competition. The power of a long, lean horse beneath you whose muscles so finely sculpted, quiver with anticipation of each shift of weight, cluck of the tongue, or touch of the leg; Rocking back on their powerful hindquarters, responding with a high, collected head carriage and lifting up in front to almost touch knee to nose in huge stride. There's no better feeling than a completely unified 'park trot' down the straight way of an arena. You're on top of the world, guiding a powerful beast in untouchable valor. Hang on, sit back, balance, and get ready for the ride of your life!

Pencil Art

Artist Jennifer Maestre uses pencil shavings to create intricate sculptures. Each shaving is pieced together and held by pins, nails, zippers, and other materials. The result almost comes to life! These remind me of living things you might see at the bottom of the ocean or in an exotic saltwater aquarium.

Jennifer teaches her technique to students and is a graduate of Wesley College and The Massachusetts College of Art.

Tips for Living Beyond Limits

"Open Road" by Cornel Suciu

At times, we all feel held to our jobs, routines, and commitments. But what about your dreams? When did we grow up so much that we began to let go of the pictures we created of who we could be, what we could do, and what our lives someday could be? In kindergarten, children dream of becoming a world-famous doctor, singing on stage, rescuing people from disaster, fighting crime, heck-- even flying or making the first time machine. At what point did we create our own walls of self-doubt and settle for less than we deserve? What we should work towards, is throwing open the doors to our dreams, challenging them to get bigger and stronger with time, and realize we ARE old enough now to make them possible. What are we waiting for...

Share a piece of yourself- spill open the contents of what you've been holding back; share your life, your experience, your memories. Share them on paper, share them over a cup of coffee, with the stranger next to you, or your closest girlfriends. Openly ponder your life and goals. Get up on stage. Be the comedian you wanted to be, if even for a night. Take the mic and give them a performance to remember. Share your skills; Teach a child. Hold a hand. Give out a hug.

Become an expert- Find something you love, and learn all there is to know about it. Dig into the contents, explore the industry, practice your free throw, get out there and start running. Sweat it out, pull it out, choose to go above and beyond average.

Explore- Look again at the world from atop a tree limb. Climb to the sky just to see the world from birds-eye view. Take the wrong turn and see where it leads; Stop and pick some wildflowers, sample from the fruit stand, and browse a flea market. Search out obscure shops, meet the people who live beside you and around you; Talk to the homeless, the wide-eyed child; stop to pet a friendly dog or wander through an art gallery. Make every day a new adventure and see where it leads.

Benefit Auction- National Eating Disorder Assoc.

One-of-a-kind items, tickets, passes, vacations, and packages are being auctioned off to benefit the National Eating Disorder Association. Check it out!

Latest in Contemporary Art

Animated Painting
October 13, 2007–January 13, 2008

The San Diego Museum of Art is now featuring Animated Painting, one of the latest trends to enter the art world. Featuring 25 pieces by 14 international contemporary artists who combine the traditional style of contemporary painting with animation, these works are on display and open for public critique. Popular culture and progressive musical styles combine for a reaction both on a visual and audio stimulation level.