Intuition

Today I was doing one of my favorite Baron Baptiste yoga videos when I was struck by one of the things he said.  Normally, I tune out most of what is said and just focus on my breathing and movement.  I have done this DVD at least a hundred times and probably could do the routine without it, but I like the background music and the pace of the routine.  Anyway, today I was struck by one of the queues; "to move intuitively" until you find enough stretch and challenge without doing damage.  This is one of the things I love about yoga; that if you pay attention to your body you can make micro-adjustments to intuitively find muscles that need stretching and work others that need strengthening.  

I began to think about how I wish life worked like that.  That I could intuitively know which direction to move in my life for my own benefit.  I am sure that there are hundred, if not thousands, of self-help books and workshops that claim to teach people how to do this, but what if you could physically feel when you are making the right decision?  Perhaps, some people can, but alas, I am not one of them.

In six months, I will finish my Peace Corps service and I wish I knew how to move intuitively forward in the right direction.

On Letters and Things

In some respects I have old fashioned taste.  While I embrace the ways in which technology lets us communicate quickly and efficiently, I still love the old fashioned art of letter writing.  I love the feel of good paper and seeing ink on the page.  When I open a letter, I imagine the writer sitting down and thinking of me as they wrote. This fills me with joy.

 

When I have time, I love to make cards for friends and family by hand.  However, I admit that I don't do this as often as I would like, but I am usually glad when I take the time to do this.  Usually I opt for a collage technique.  Recently, I've enjoyed using scraps from an old wallpaper sample book my mom gave me. 

When I don't have time to make a card I love using cards from small letterpresses.  As we enter the new year, I've been thinking about stocking up for the upcoming birthdays and weddings in 2012.  Esty offers some lovely options.  Here are some of my favorites.

Berry Birthday from Smock.

"Congratulations on tying the knot" by Leland Manufactory

Cupcake Wrapper Letterpress Birthday Card from FINE DAY PRESS

Special Occasions Letterpress Variety Pack from ilee

I wish you all a letter-filled and joyous 2012.

All Etsy images from their respective owners.

Packing up

I am not a great packer.  I aspire to be one of those people who flits away for a weekend and can produce stunning outfits from a tiny piece of luggage.  I am not that girl.  I have read articles about how to pack, the types of luggage to buy and how to fold clothing correctly but to no avail.  Most of the time I end up with a too heavy bag and nothing to wear.  While this problem is a combination of luggage and clothing; I think having the right suitcase can help lead to accurate packing.  Over the past year and half in Romania, I've been traveling a far bit and I can admit I have become a bit better at packing.  However, I am still lacking the right luggage.

This summer I went to Germany.  I brought the one rolling suitcase that I own which in the States has always fit in the overhead bins, but I discovered in Europe the bins are smaller. Thus it rendered my carry-on not that.  I have now found myself in the market for a smaller suitcase that will actually fit in smaller overhead bins.  I also am the kind of girl that will fill space if I have it, so limiting the size is a must for my success. 

I was recently inspired but an advert for The Container Store and have been looking around to see what my options are.  Here is some luggage that is currently inspiring me: 

Sherpani Meridian LE Wheeled Luggage 22" from REI $175

Orla Kiely Travel Set from Garnet Hill $138 - $305

Rolling Tote from The Container Store - $169

A la Carte Bagg from The Container Store - $69 (this is made to stack on the Rolling Tote above)

All images from their respective owners.

Hidden Work Spaces

Growing up, I was obsessed with the Brambly Hedge book series by Jill Barklem.  I loved the elaborate and tiny illustrations of the mice homes.  My favorite story was The Secret Staircase, a story about two mice children finding the abandoned royal hall of the hedge they inhabited.  The children find the key to a secret door that leads them on an adventure.  It's not an uncommon theme for children's books, but this was before I was capable of reading about Narnia and long before Harry Potter was created.

As an adult, my love for the secret spaces had translated into a love of hidden away work spaces and convertible furniture.  I love the idea of being able to hide the television or computer when they are not in use.  Also, I know that my desk always tend to be organized chaos and I like being able to hide my piles of paper away when they are not in use.  Recently, I've seen a lot of people converting old wardrobes, dressers and entertainment units into work spaces and I love this idea!

  

I love the cheerful bright pattern inside this one!

An idea for a pattern on the outside!

To be honest, I don't like color or pattern here, but the idea is clever.

Or a giant, unused(?) closet can be transformed into an oasis.

images from their respective owners

Birthday Calendars

My grandmother had a birthday calendar in her hallway; with 11 children and an ever increasing number of grandchildren it was necessary. The concept of the birthday calendar is simple; it's a year-less calendar with days so you can just pen in the birthdays. My grandmother's calendar featured Monet's impressionist paintings that were perfect for a year-less calender, adding to its timeless, dreamy quality. 

I've been searching for one for a number of years and I finally feel like I am getting close to the right one.  The challenge is to find images that you will enjoy year after year.  Long live the birthday calendar!

 Birthday Calendar from Linda & Harriett

letterpress birthday calendar by larkpress on Etsy

Time Flies Birthday Calendar from ModCloth

images from their respective owners