creativelush

change, growth, climbing, and moving on...

2009-02-13T08:52:00.000-08:00

So, I know...

I apologize. To myself in a huge way as well... I know that it has been a while since I have uttered anything on this Blog. And yeah, it makes me sad. This has been a fun and enjoyable thing, but right now... I just can't even (and don't even have the time currently) to get to this place. But it's also ok right now. Because life has certainly, certainly had its most insane, surreal, bizzare, and yes... very difficult moments in the past two weeks. Oh so difficult. And yes, changing, and challenging and weird and kinda exhilerating. And as bizzare as it is, exciting to go through change. But so terrifying at the same time. The wash of emotions, thoughts, words and moments has been completely changing every SINGLE day. Moments sorting into slots, elements going into different directions. And it's so amazing, how... I guess I was geared and prepared for this change. But right now... I am definitly in transition. It is a HARD place. a very very trying time. A time to build character I guess, and yeah... to find beauty in hidden moments, and absolutely precious people (thank you to those absolutely amazing gems I call friends). This transition does have an end date... and hopefully it is before april 1st. Because I am ready for the NEW... just gotta crawl and move and grow and be strong through this middle. And am looking to burst through with grace, and with dignity. So, this might seem vague... and a bit odd of a post (apologize). But those who know me and who read this, know enough. And know the details. This has certainly been an adventure. These past 2 1/2 weeks. So much has come to the surface, so much that life has taught me. Things that I've never even really felt before, and yes... it is true, what does not kill us, makes us stronger. And I'm realizing that change would not have come and brought its way through, if deep down, I was not ready. And yeah... I can say I am ready.
So, I'll be back here. I will... just focusing and digging into some other quiet moments. Some other elements to this complex (and still very beautiful) thing called life... and the widening, challenging, changing path that it brings with it.
Until then, will be back here. Much stronger, much wiser, much sharper. Just being quiet right now...

***

Oh yes... keep on, keep on

2009-01-27T13:45:00.000-08:00

Wow... It's a good thing that I am finding beauty in the hidden. Because today, I encountered just how bumpy life can most definitly be. I think I was being prepared.

Just a simple post...
Today has been kinda rough...
Going to keep looking up at those beautiful sillouettes.

-finding beauty in the hidden-

2009-01-25T16:23:00.001-08:00

So, most people who know me know that i lOVE green. green, yum, yum yum. Love how it shoots through the earth, and little blades of new grass, new sprigs of leaves pop through.

But just recently, this weekend. I don't know... maybe it was listening a little too much to Andrew Bird's "The Privateers" or "Souverian" off the new Noble Beast. But I was feeling, and still am... quite peaceful and happy with stepping back, taking a deeper look, and contemplating the hidden beauty in things. So, it was cold, I was out... and I looked up... and realized just how incredible & beautiful those bare, crisp detailed lines of trees are against the pallet of a soft fading winter sky.

It was a fun little treat. So many elements. So much that made my designer brain happy, all those angles. Like an intricate and beautiful home-made piece of black lace filled with texture against these pale muted tones. So many crevices and contrast, its enough to really enjoy and just take in. (lets hope I don't run into a lamp-post looking up so much ; )

I mean, I'm not saying that I never look up. Would be in trouble then. And yes, I've noticed the trees, and noticed the sky before. And some of you might be like, what... shes crazy for taking pictures of trees. But ya know what?
That's who I am. And those are the types of things that I do. But this weekend, there was just this awe.

So, I've posted some of what I see as pretty intricate little pieces to this part of January that might be easy to miss.

What things do you see as beauty in the everyday?

Favorite #3

Favorite #2

Favorite #1

Dresses!

2009-01-22T10:12:00.000-08:00

Ooooh!

I know, shallow and random. But anyone who knows me, knows that i LOVE clothes. yup. Cannot help it. I do need to cut back. Am running out of room in my closet.

So, in the midst of COLD COLD slushy & grey weather, I am dreaming of pretty, lovely, little lady dresses that are so fun to wear in the spring, or in some other make-believe fantastic land where its bright and sunny, and you can skip down a lovely brick street in some beautiful foreign place, sipping champagne, eating gelato and staring at the ocean. Or, were in a random shampoo commercial.

So, IF I had a billion dollars. Well, there is a LOT that I would do with that moola probably before going shopping. But being girly (and since this is my blog, and I’m just dreaming right now), I would purchase these three in their order by Oscar de la Renta...
( I cannot escape #1 for some reason, I just love those lines)

1. yummy lines-

2. ooh, tailored texture

3. sweet angles, white paisley

So... if YOU have a billion dollars... you can buy em HERE.

What is one little random silly treat you would buy with a billion dollars?

go away snow-

2009-01-14T16:06:00.001-08:00

Ok, so I know...
I am grumbling.
But come one SNOW???? Snow, you are not my friend right now.

Ugh. Man... tired of this. Want to bask in the HOT sun right this minute. Have lived in the city for a long time now, have lived in the Chicago land area most of my life. And I know, I know... I choose to live here. This weather is nothing new- I am just venting.

But... seriously.... I am SO tired of this fluffy white stuff that seems to be invading so much of our lives.

• Tired of driving to work, even leaving much earlier and it being a shot in the dark as to what time I will really arrive.

• Tired of being wet when I finally climb in the car.

• Tired of scraping the car off everyday and most likely getting stuck again the next.

• Tired of side streets, no room to park at all because there is mounds of this frozen whiteness everywhere. People, placing shovels, chairs, (yes, even little tables) in their “spot” on road.

• I know... once again, I chose to live here...

• Shoveling, digging, defrosting, scraping.

• Yucky slush and grey snow. Cars that drive into this mess, and yuck, splash you.

• So done with potholes, battery problems, and expensive car issues.

• Having to cancel plans with friends or loved one because it it’s oop! Snowing, again, yeah...

• Slipping on ice. Watching out for scary drivers who seem to actually drive 90 miles per hour on 90. SLOW down crazies.

• Being SOO cold when I wake up in the morning.

• That day... that yucky, horrible day... it took me 4 1/2 hours to get home. When it should have taken 45 minutes.

• Not being able to do one of my favorite things, go for a nice refreshing run outside + listen to my ipod.

• Not being able to wear very cute shoes out, just banging up my salty wet black cowboy boots right now.

But- I know... I’m being Debbie-downer right now-
So, I guess a better thing is to try to list or rack my brain about some of the nice little stuff that comes with winter- (hmmmm.......... thinking, thinking)

• Being cozy inside. Just having a nice cozy-movie, indoors, and fun time at home. And who really does not like just relaxing at home.

• Cute scarves! & Cute chunky sweaters!

• You have no choice, but to slow down a bit. So I guess that this is really a good thing.

• The actual “look” of snow falling, it can be pretty I guess. & watching kids happily sledding and making snowmen. I remember being elated as if I had won the lottery when I was a kid and my brother and I could go outside and build “forts”.

• Warm drinks, like yummy teas and mulled wine.

• That chance to catch up on all those tv shows that people tell ya to watch, and the chance to really put Netflix & instant Netflix to the test.

• Not complaining about how incredibly unbearably hot it is, not running that energy eating air-conditioner.

• When ya have a big get-together/dinner at some ones house, if something needs to be chilled or in the fridge and there is no room, just stick it outside on the patio!

• Just having to cuddle up a little bit closer to your loved one to warm up.

• Ice-skating if you are so inclined.

• Winter Clearance sales!!. Hmmm.. not sure if this has anything to do with the snow- but since I’m making this list... lets just go with it.

• RJ Grunts temperature soup. Yes... if it’s 5 degrees out... ya pay 5 cents. If its 15 degrees out, ya pay 15 cents. If its 10 below... hmmm... I think it might be free??? Maybe I should check tomorrow. Yum... Grunts butternut squash soup. DIVINE.

• Just being inside. Time to finally clean that space, read that book, make that phone-call. Listen and dance around your warm home to that lovely new song.

ok, I'm done.

picture relish

2009-01-14T10:53:00.001-08:00

This past weekend, had fun with my camera-

Most of these are over by lakeview area.
Very much inclusive to the dearly- loved (& Husbands candy store) "Reckless Records"

smiles

If you are so inclined you can find and download a bunch of really nice Vintage Actions for photoshop here to play with-

Thank You lovely’s

2009-01-09T12:54:00.000-08:00

Last night got some long-overdue time with a couple of wonderful girlfriends, Kerri and Jessie. These ladies and I go way back... They are both truly gems, each with their own unique style and talents. We were all in college together & even had our senior show together (along with Jessie’s talented now-husband Jon), it has been so fun to see where life has brought us, and all the stories and change that have come in the past years. These ladies are priceless & I wouldn’t trade our friendship for millions of dollars.

Both of these chicas are incredibly, talented graphic designers (and artists). Their keen sense of creativity and sensitivity to form and communication through design is truly awesome. I am so proud of the both of them. It has been over a month and half since I’ve actually gotten to see their faces, yikes!! We obliviously had tons to catch up on. I think we could have even gone on for another bundle of hours. They also make me laugh so hard, and know how to be incredibly genuine.

**A pic of the three of us from this summer -ahh, summer, where did it go?*

I know they are each super busy, but I want them to start blogs as well, hee hee... nudge... nudge... I’m sure they will one day-

We usually do “Christmas presents” after the holidays, its relaxing and much more laid back. Plus there is LOTS of conversation to catch up on after the break. So I am going to send out a little “Thank You” for the wonderful gifts my friends-

Lovely #1:
Kerri got us each treats that reminded her of each of our styles, she’s so good at this, she pays attention very well to all kinds of details- I was treated with a really cool & unique wall-art piece, with a vintage swirl style to it, lush colors, fun design and unique little bit of sparkle added, she cot it from one of her favorite shops- “Cocoon”. She tells me this is one of her favorite places to go to- I can’t cannot wait to frame and hang up... hmmm... maybe in my office at home, or here, or living room, or... Man, I’m going to have a hard time deciding, its so cool! She also treated us with sweet eyeshadow and cool beaded picture hooks.
That thoughtful lady-

Lovely #2:
Jessie had just come back recently from spending the new year and parts of the holidays in Paris -w- her hubby sis, and brother in law! Wowzers!! What an awesome way to ring in 2009! Her stories and pictures are so much fun and full of style. From the looks of things, Paris suited miss Jessie perfectly. She gave each of us these beautiful. lush, crinkly, gun-metal grey scarves that are most definitely unique and very “Paris”. You definitely feel like a little queen with style when you wear them. Kerri and I were thrilled. Yeah! I cannot wait to wear mine, I think I have a pair of shoes that will go perfectly. She also treated us to these special lip-ointments.
Another thoughtful lady-

Surprise Lovely #3
When I got home last night, there was a random & surprise gift on the coffee table from my #1 buddy- My hubby. He got me this sweet Ingmar Bergman dvd collection. Includes some of his best & most intriguing films. with 6 dvds in it! He always knows how to make me smile. He was out with Some of his best guy-friends last night too. Black and white older movies like these with complex meanings and meatier writing makes my head & heart happy. Whoohoo... Happy winter days in the house, curled up with dialogue-laden films. Lots to watch. For Christmas, he had given me the Criterion collection of his most early and older work. What a great guy. Thoughtful man.

So! I am excited for the weekend to come, scarves to wear, films to watch, pictures to hang. Thanks you guys! Feel so spoiled on a Thursday evening. Ready for a chilly, cozy weekend at home.

*Cheers ***Happy Friday!!! ***Stay warm if ya live where its chilly!

-little reminder-

2009-01-08T14:09:00.000-08:00

As life progresses. As uncertain as life sometimes may feel. Do not forget the unique stamp and sweet richness of life. For me, I’m slowly realizing that life’s uncertainties are one of the things that actually make it layered, complex and even yes... beautiful. Remembering this and actually intertwining it into the day.

For 2009 and the entry into the new. I will wake up in the morning, and remember that it’s how my heart, inner core, and willingness to trust and listen to that gentle voice of PEACE will make the largest stamp...
A little reminder to this crazy brain of mine that likes to scatter at times. To learn how to have that maturity this year to actually take a crisp deep breath... and learn how to trust and have peace...

I am carrying this with me into the new...

Things of random about C you might not know-

2009-01-07T10:22:00.000-08:00

************************************************
Little Random things that I like:

• Exploring new and completely different places some ONE DAY...
• A big bowl of Multi-grain Cherrios and Rice Krispies (but not together)
• Lines, clean lines, linear items, symmetry
• Squiggles too
• Real, genuine, people
• Text messages
• New magazines
• Indy-artsy Graphic Novels (so drawn to Drawn and & Quarterly)
• Books, books, books... the words, the writers, the process, the nostalgia, the covers, the whole shebang, Myopic Books
• Vegetables (Valley Produce and Stanleys)
• Good lighting & SUCH for GOOD LIVING (some say my taste is too dark, that i need glasses)
• The beach
• Tunnels
• Lovely PRINTS
• Renegade-handmade-like ITEMS & people who can use their talents to make money in creative ways
• A nice red wine
• Quarters (there are SO many uses, esp. with living in the city)
• Clothes!!!!! New dresses and shirts esp. YUM.
• Movies in general, Indy Movies, Old movies, Arthouse films, I watch at least 4 a week-Movies with Lots of dialogue too... Subtitles, you name it...
• Gardening & growing
• Lovely Fonts and lovely usage
• knitting
• cheese popcorn
• Unique jewelry
• Vintage finds
• Memoirs
• Flight of the Conchords
• Boots
• Writers
• Rainy days & Thunderstorms
• Awesome set stylists
• Pedicures
• WONDERFUL blogs! + good people... click HERE
• Plays & well written productions
• Target
• The Movies “Love Actually,” “Juno,” “The Departed,” “Shawshank Redemption,” “PS I love You,” “Roman Holiday,” & “The Dark Knight” (& getting to randomly be an extra in it was fun)
• The color green. A rich grey. Being Green...
• Somewhat tailored looks (collars, blazers, buttons, dress pants, pencil skirts)
• Panang Curry
• Taking & sneaking PHOTOS & loving those who do!!
• COLOR
• Cleaning, organizing, order
• Expensive candles-smellies for the home (oooh, a wiff of Asrai Garden)
• Shopping all by myself (with friends is great, but there is just something relaxing when your all alone)
• Walking through a town to explore. Walking a city
• The library
• Macs
• Cooking-new recipes
• Leaves
• Life
• Modern art
• Smellies- the smell of lavender, mens Cologne, lilies
• brand spanking new shoes
• A fantastic vocabulary
• Music, music, music, Reckless Records, RCRDLBL.com
• Cafes
• Interior design
• I'm a news/media junkie -NPR
• This American Life
• San Fran
• Chicago

************************************************
Incredibly Random stuff I'm not particularly inclined to, things that make me cringe (personally):

• Potholes and Ice
• Spiteful gossip
• Cake
• Big, heartless corporations
• Fake, selfish people
• The color baby pink
• Chicago Parking tickets
• Velcro
• Beyonce, Miley Cirus & Lindsey Lohan
• The Dentist
• Vera Bradley things
• Getting up while its still dark outside
• Rum
• Arbys
• Ridiculously overpriced, non quality things
• Getting the oil in my car changed (well, I like when its done)
• Lace curtains
• Greed & Money & what it does to people...
• Jello
• Clowns
• Mean-obnoxious drinkers
• Fluorescent lighting
• Big icky side burn chops on guys
• Fanny packs (does anyone still wear these?)
• Snooty sales clerks
• Pop
• Constant complainers-negative people
• Bad fonts
• The video game "Call of Duty"
• Thomas Kinkade
• Game shows

************************************************

*(Ohh... and special thanks to miss Georgia for finally showing me how to actually make links and color work in this blogging world. )

oooooh little goodies for 09-

2009-01-05T16:06:00.000-08:00

So today I sampled most of Andrew Bird's new (and highly anticipated cd) "Noble Beast". It is due to come out in exactly 15 days and I cannot wait, ooooh cannot wait, cannot wait. Its so yummy and good. His previous stuff makes my heart happy. Takes me to a different and richer place. What lovely tunes to welcome in 2009-
I know exactly where I will be on Tues- Jan 20th. Happily purchasing and reveling in this new disk from such a talented (and originally local artist)

Sample some lush tunes here- Love this guy-

http://www.andrewbird.net/news.htm

oops... (sp)

2009-01-03T08:42:00.000-08:00

ha ha ha...

Oh man, I just realized that I was in such a hurry to blog in my previous Christmas post that I didn't really check too much spelling.

Sorry. Its kinda funny. So, if you actually made it through reading it all, you will definitly laugh.

Cheers again

Happy New...

New year! New post! (finally...)

2009-01-03T07:20:00.001-08:00

Ok ok, so I realize that it has been quite a while since I blogged, and that's bad, not good, no no no. One of my new years resolutions is to try to blog more, be more active with it. Make myself sit down and go at it. This past Christmas holiday was so so so busy!!!! I am finally now getting the sweet sweet time to sit down and write. This weekend there is finally nothing huge going on, and I am savoring it.
What an awesome time off it was though! I was off for about ten days from work, which is one of the longest string of vacation time I've had in about 2 years. NICE. then,am off this weekend. Lovely.

So anyway! I have posted some pics from the past Christmas holiday. As I was organizing them earlier I realized that I took a total of 150 pictures, whew. Wish I could share them, all but this little bundle will do. (I know, sorry, this one has a lot too). As this season has come and gone, and there has been time to think, laugh, reflect, play, and talk. I realized a lot about life, patience, and plans. Realized that its so easy to get wrapped up in the speed and stress of things, and in "our little worries". There are so many little distractions in this life that we don't even realize are chipping at out hearts, dumb things... like money, stress, the economy, work, draining words, time, etc. Its easy to get wrapped up. But, it takes more- more in depth patience, clarity, quiet and love for life to actually see past all that. To see the richness, fullness, and beauty that has enfolded us. Much of this was shown to me personally. It was wonderful. That was my biggest present I think, being given those pair of glasses to actually see what this breath of life is all about. It was refreshing. So, as I say this... I welcome in 2009 with all its complex moments, its joys, its pains, its roads. Looking forward to the details and what will come.

We had about three Christmas celebrations. Our regular Christmas Eve that just the two of us have always celebrated. Its been a tradition for as long as I can remember. Just Justin and I. Its our time to reflect and relax. Laugh and enjoy the day. Kinda like a nice prep before the busy days ahead. We always cook a really fabulous and kinda extravagant little dinner. Cooking is one of those things that we love to do together, its really relaxing and fun. We made a roast with lost of veggies, lots of fresh rosemary, and home-make french cheddar-onion puffs. Yum. Spent time opening up gifts to each other, laughing. Then, finally... (I been wanting to do this forever since living in the city) We went to the absolutely breath-taking midnight Christmas Eve candle-light service at St. Peters on Michigan Avenue. It was beautiful, packed, full of echoes. In fact, this place has a LOT of significance to us. It's where we decided to start dating almost 9 years ago. We were sitting in the courtyard in the summer, drawing and talking, oh my... we were so young. Such a great memory. So... anyway... enough about all that. : )
All, in all... it was a great Christmas eve. really rich and memorable.

Then! Christmas-time with the in-laws. The Reynolds are such a load of fun. They bring a ton of joy to the table. We can laugh and tell stories for hours. They always cook something experimental, and yes... extravagant (hmmm, wonder where Justin gets it from?) My brother was there, which was really nice. We watched lots of Christmas-style movies like "Love Actually" & "Its a Wonderful Life". Then, later... most of us all got together and my brother in-law Jon, played the guitar. (Justin played the Ukulele, ha!) And Jimmy played the trumpet. Jon tried to teach me some guitar, ha! Anyone who knows me... knows I love music, but uh, am not talented in that area at all. So, um... Carrie, Christina and I sang (or tried to) It was fun.

And Then..! Weekend away and Christmas time with my family. Who moved to Indiana over four years ago. We drove there early, and ugh... hit a pot-hole on the way. Those things are seriously evil. Needed a new tire. Oh, well that's life. When we finally got there though... OH man!!!! So much fun. So rich. We have not been there in a year-and a half. We have all seen each other here and there, but this was the first time in (seriously?) 6 years when we have ALL been together as a family (with the spouses, boyfriends, etc.) for a holiday. It was wonderful. We could not get enough of each other. So much has changed too. In the way of physical and objective attributes and our hearts in the sense of forgiveness. (yup, that would be a long story).
My siblings are growing so much. Its so cool. Being the oldest of 5. There are a lot of stories, and so many different colors and personalities among us all. My parents housed a bunch of us for those days... And man, do not know how she fed so many of us for so long. Ever seen the movie "Dan in Real Life"? It was kinda like that. Lots of cooking and something going on at every second. Opening presents, talking, staying up so late. My brother Drew brought his best friend Zuma, Drew is doing so well. Graduated from Malcom X in the summer, and is a certified Paramedic. He has worked incredibly hard for. Saw my fantastic Sis's apartment for the first time. She moved out in the fall. Its SO cute! Has lots of style, a wonderful spirit, and makes me realize how much she is growing up and changing. He boyfriend Justin compliments her in every way. He's so funny and intelligent, we really like him, and feel like we can call him a good friend as well. She is thriving in college to be a social worker, getting all A's. About to do an internship with a local families with Aids clinic. Jordan is going to be going on to Indiana State in two years- he will be a senior next year. He is basically going on full scholarship. So proud of the guy. He's so smart. He's really good at playing the guitar (is REALLy ha, into John Mayer) smiles. Natalie-the youngest, is (tear) a teenager. WOw! Where did the time go??? Um, she was born when I was a teenager... that's oddly weird. Time flies. She is without a doubt... richly charged with creativity. Loves reading. Has her pet rabbit named Frazzle. She is a talented little artist, was blown away by her sketchbooks full of amazing drawings. She says we wants to be a graphic novelist one day, or illustrator. Would not be surprised if this happens one day.

Ok ok ok. I know. It was long. I'd done. Sorry. Long post. It's just been a while. And these past couple of weeks have been richly full of memory and stories.

Thanks for reading (if ya made it through this far ;)

Cheers! Promise to write sooner.

Christmas time in the city...

2008-12-20T20:34:00.000-08:00

City Sidewalks, Busy sidewalks.
Dressed in Holiday style.

In the air,
there's a feeling of
Christmas

Children laughing,
People passing,
Meeting smile after smile.

And on every street corner you'll hear

Silver Bells, silver bells
Its Christmas time in the city.
Ring a ling, hear them sing

Soon it will be Christmas day.

Strings of street lights
Even stop lights
Blink bright red and green
As the shoppers rush home

with their treasures

Hear the snow crunch
See the kids bunch
This is Santa's big scene

And above all this bustle
You'll hear...

Silver Bells
Silver Bells-
It's Christmas time in the city
Ring a ling...
Hear them ring

Soon, it will be Christmas day.

;-)

look book link-

2008-12-15T16:16:00.000-08:00

Oops-
forgot to place the "look book" link in case ya wanted to visit-

http://nymag.com/nymag/strategist/look/archive/

Brrrrrrr.... & "Look Book" inspiration

2008-12-15T14:29:00.000-08:00

Brrrr...

So so so chilly. This past weekend was great, lots of fun. Actually felt like I made a good dent in the Christmas gift-shopping list. I feel a little bit better about it. Man, cannot believe that Christmas is just about next week, yup folks, next WEEK!
whoa....... Um, where did the time go? Seriously?
On Saturday, went over to my in-laws house and hung out with Carrie, my mom-in law. We have a tradition where we always go shopping on a Saturday in December, go out to dinner, watch Christmas movies, I guess it's our "girls Christmas day" you could call it. This year it was different though, we mixed it up a bit. This year, my family and hubby's family have all decided to draw names, oh man, THANK goodness. We have larger families, and every year it can get so expensive. So less things to buy this year. NICE> Much more economical. So, Carrie and I decided to stay warm inside, skip the shopping, listen to music, and bake Christmas cookies and treats all afternoon. It was SO much fun. We were totally awesome, made a TON, to give to neighbors and co-workers, etc (and some for our bellies, smile). Maybe I will post some pics soon, once I get em uploaded.
Otherwise, pretty nice weekend. Felt pretty accomplished. Cleaned. Shopped. Hung -w- Hubby. Cooked. Laughed. Rested. Good times.

This morning, woke up and it WAS SO ICKY cold!!!! Ugh. Ugh. Car was basically frozen solid. Grrrr, was a half hour late to work... grrrr. Man. Did I say I like this cold winter weather earlier in a post? Was I crazy? Did I forget how it can be every year??? Ice. Oh man, ice.

Anyway, as an additional side-note. Kinda random, I know. But wanted to post about it. When I was doing a bit of shopping around the city on Sunday, one of the things I always notice and love is how different everyone is, how the city always has such a mixture of people, looks, styles, clothes, personalities showing through. I love it. When ya think about it, everyone has their own unique personal style, whether they like it or not, can go from very toned down to exuberent in color texture. Ever wanted to just stop someone on the street and ask them who they are, what they do, what their background is?
It reminds me of a book that I read and just loved a while back called "The Look Book", there is the corresponding web-site that is always updated every week with a new photo. "New York" magazine published this book, and all of the updated weekly online photos are attributed to the online publication. What the photographers do is just go throughout New York neighborhoods, set up a white drop-cloth on the sidewalk, and just randomly take pictures of a certain person or group that catches their eye as they walk by. I think this would be so cool, what a cool job. They always have a small little series of about 4-5 questions from the person, and immediately you get a sense and history of the individual, a story, and that story always comes with their clothes too, these ordinary people and what they do to expand and create their looks, it's usually much deeper than the clothes. I LOVE this concept. LOVE it. Shows stories, I love stories, love individuality. Really appreciate the unique nature of every person. It's just this cool element that makes the world more colorful. Makes you think, why do you wear that specific pair of shoes, or why that hairstyle, why that ring, that jacket...
I know that this is for New York magazine, would be fun if there was one for Chicago, but for now... it's still entertaining to take a little peek into these individuals lives and "looks". You can check out the link here , it's so fun. like a little surprise every week. I've posted just a few of the hundreds taken over the past few years that I think are particularly interesting, entertaining, or unique. So as you go through this season, and about your day, remember one of the things that makes it so colorful is people, how they might celebrate, and their individual stories and unique style. So instead of maybe getting frustrated in the crowds when shopping, take a step back, people-watch and appreciate the mass individuality and stories surrounding around you. There is a reason behind everything...

All photos are Copyright to New York Magazine, most pics attributed to the talented photographer "Jake Chessum".

The massiveness-

2008-12-09T15:38:00.000-08:00

Oh man, hee hee hee hee... (as I chuckle to myself right now). What a funny evening Sunday was. So, the hubby and I have the day off, and we decide to decorate the Christmas tree on Sunday evening. Our fun little tradition time where we hang out, maybe open up a bottle of wine, set up our nice little fake 4 1/5 foot tree. The little tree we have been using for almost five years now. I think we bought it for like 20 bucks a long time ago. It has served us nicely. Looks really pretty when we are done, and is just the right size for our place.

So... We do a bunch of stuff during the day, go out to dinner, and hop on over to Target to get our annual "1 new ornament a piece" each year before heading home to decorate. I guess this is a tradition that the hubby did when he was a little boy, they would go out and the kids would pick a big special (usually star wars, etc.) type special ornaments. So... as my hubby is wandering the Target aisles, I guess she gets hit by the Clark Griswald-massive Christmas-feeling bug. He decides that the tree we have been using for so many years is icky, bad, small, and just not Christmas massive enough.
My in laws last year had offered to give us this 2nd tree they didn't want anymore, it was pretty expensive I guess. (my pop-in law thought that it was too big, too bright... hmmm). I politely turned them down last year. So... I'm sure you know where this is heading. Justin (my hubby) decides he WANTS this big massive tree now from his parents for our 2008 Christmas. Oh he wants the Festivity-land-Santa's village in our home... now.

So, we get the tree. OH MY GOSH. First of all, couldn't even fit it into the car. Then, we bring it home.
Whoa.
This thing has 2,000 lights on it. Every "branch" wrapped. It is WIDE. Fat. And 8 feet tall. Oh my. We have high ceilings at our place. But um, we don't have this massive large house in the city. Our living room is a good size, but not THAT big. I think this would work in someone else's house that was actually LARGER. Like an actual HOUSE. Not a city-2 flat.

So, we finally figure out where it works. and place it there, decorate it (which was fun, really fun). I've posted some pics of "Justin ornaments" and "Courtney ornaments" ha! Its pretty, it's all decorated.

Then... we turn off the lights... turn on the tree WHhoooho!!!!!! Man. This thing is bright. I could catch a tan. We seriously don't need much more lights turned on in our house, when you go on over to the kitchen, or even the office, ya still catch the glow.

So, it's pretty. It really is. I'm just being funny, it's not horrible or anything. Very pretty, It's just MASSIVE. The tree is definitely it's own "little" creature residing in our home for the month of December. If I get home, and nobody is there, I look at the tree and don't really fully feel alone, ha ha ha. Almost like it's become it's own person. I say, "Hello Mr. pet Tree, how was your day, did ya have a nice day?" I feel short next to it.

So, I have a happy husband. That fills me with joy. He is feeling the Christmas joy. And so am I. Reminds me of how grateful I am that I have such a fun, sweet, spontaneous, and creative hubby. Such a great person in my life that wanted to put up this tree. And that I get to spend another rich Christmas season with him.
It is nice, I am getting used to it. Very bright. Pretty. And pretty... large.

Hope your holidays are treating you well!!!

Actually did it!

2008-12-03T21:04:00.000-08:00

Yeah!!
So as I wrote in a previous post about a month ago, I was a little knitting newbie. Just starting and trying it out. There is something so relaxing about it, it's weird. Kinda lulling. I know, some people equate this stuff with maybe your grandma's knitting club, or make fun of it. My mom even kinda laughed at me. but ya know what... so what!? I fell in love. Once ya get it down, its so easy... And you can watch a movie, talk to buddies and just work on your knitting. You en up getting a product that ya might have paid some good moola for in the end. I was a bit intimidated at first, but now I so excited to try again. Maybe make a warm grey striped scarf for the hubby to walk to and from the train.
So, no matter what your view on knitting is... I am so excited that I actually finished. And I now have a big squishy plumb scarf to keep me warm this winter. sweet..

Oh,and yeah, I know some of these pics are kinda silly. Just realized how tired I look in them. But so what, I'm giddy that I actually finished.

: )

dumb sidenote...

2008-12-02T19:48:00.000-08:00

Ok, maybe it's my preferred layout. But for the life of me, I cannot figure out how to post captions below pics. As you can see from my pics below, people probably have no idea what is going on. ugh!!! Does anyone know how to post captions, well.. duh, you do most likely. It just will not work for me, I feel so dumb...

Whew! What a week!

2008-12-02T19:07:00.000-08:00

So it has been quite a bit since I have actually gotten the chance to blog. I miss it.

It has been a very jam-packed week. Thanksgiving break was wonderful, weekend time with hubby was great. I actually got sick right before Thanksgiving. And work has just been insane. Very busy.
So, I know there are a lot, sorry. but wanted to post a few pics over the past week or so posted.
1.(pics 1) Thanksgiving was at my wonderful inlaws. So much fun. My mother in law is the coolest, well so is my pappa-in law too! I totally lucked out. It was my brothers-in law my brother, and my brother-in law- Jimmy's lovely and super funny girlfriend. So mcuh to be thankful for this year. seriously. Every year Carrie (my momma-in law) and I do the table, it's kinda a tradition, and we have a lot of fun with it. Always a different color, different theme. I usually design little note-cards with quotes or jokes in them. The colors were teals, gold, and purples this year. As always, we ate so much food, cooked our hearts away and laughed hard. I just realized in these pictures my hubby's second brother Jon is not in any of them, sneaky sneaky man... he got away from the camera. Oh well,the funny guy was there.

2. (pics 2) Also, posted a couple of date pics that hubby and I have been on. We got lots of down-time and fun time. Good to break away and do this when life gets busy and you work so hard. We spent a lot of time downtown. walked, talked a lot. Saw a bit of the Mag mile light parade, grabbed dinner and martini's at the sooo yummy Ostaria Via Stratto. Justin knows the GM at ESPN zone on Michigan/ohio ave. so we got to play games for free (a 12 hour play card!!! for each of us! nice) and he set aside a private sports room for us to just hang out in whenever we wanted. It was Great! & free!!! Nothing like acting like a couple of kids and playing some games, eh?

So anyways. Yup. Lots to be thankful for this year. So much. What a rich life experience we are all blessed with.
Have a good one! It's good to be back at the blogging land.

What a sweet home... Chicago

2008-11-19T18:23:00.000-08:00

So lately when I have some free time, I've been taking pictures of little pieces and spots of the city that I love, angles, colors, crops that I think are interesting. These were taken over the past 2 months or so (except for the bright blue water/skyline shots, those were in the summer on a boat) Otherwise, I've been on lots of little photo adventures. These little pieces remind me of home, remind me of nice-free days off when I can go and explore. I love this city so much. It makes feel confident, happy, at ease, inspired and at home. One of the things that makes Chicago so manageable and movable is it's grid system. Once ya get it down, your good to go. And as a graphic designer, I unabashedly love the existence and clean symmetry of a grid every now and then.
So, here's a handful of a few photos I have recently taken of my hometown, set in a little grid form. Hoping to set up some more in a couple of months when it's snowy, sharp, cozy, and white out.

I know this grid might look smaller on Blogger, so you can always click on it and see a larger version in your next window if you so desire.

; )

Goofy "Wordle"

2008-11-18T15:08:00.000-08:00

So there is this little website where you can create your own little collection of words and sayings and jumble them. Called "Wordle". So fun. I was messing around with it today, and was having a good ol time playing around. Kinda reminds me of those little scrapbook pages you would make when you were younger with clips and sayings from magazines that you liked.
Brought a couple into photoshop and just kinda doodled with em. cheesy, but sweet to play with-

Go make your own "Wordle" when ya get some time! It's kinda cheesy/kinda fun at:

http://www.wordle.net/

Two of my favorite new things-

2008-11-13T16:04:00.000-08:00

So just a couple little things that I am loving at the start of this cold chilly season. A couple of reasons to relax, stay inside,be all cozy and chill in my apartment in Chicago...

1. Learning how to, yup... knit!!! I am so excited about learning this new little craft (well, I can already tell by just by the beginning of this, that it can be huge). My good buddy Danielle and I spent a Sunday night this past week watching movies and making pretty stuff for barely any moola$$! Being crafty. She worked on these fabulous feather hair accessories that would make Anthropology jealous. Wish I had pics to post. And she also patiently taught me how to knit!!! It's so cool. So relaxing. And you can do other stuff like talk up a storm and watch movies while making your fabulous little design. I am currently working on a rich berry/purple squishy long scarf. We will see what happens! I am already over a foot and a half in. Totally fun.

2. The TV series "Mad Men". Holy cow... My hubby and I are soooo addicted it's not even funny. This is a fabulous, fabulous show. The writing, the story, the acting, the clothes, everything. Reminds me how happy I am that I am living now, and didn't grow live in the 50's, don't think being a professional graphic designer would have flown so much. Apparently, women in the biz were pretty scarce during that time. But anyway, love this show. The hubby and I have been watching the blu rays non stop. We stayed up til 3:00 am the other night because we just had to watch one more... Yup, it's a good one. Good thing to watch on a cold night.

Anyway, that's my little rant about a couple of fun things that I'm totally digging right now. Check ya laters. Gotta go watch "Mad Men" ; )

Monday's Illustrator

2008-11-10T13:22:00.000-08:00

Oooh, there is nothing like starting off the week with some inspiration. Since it's starting to get kinda cold out, figured I place something a little refreshing. I am featuring a sweet illustrator today that I just adore. I think her style is so fun. Her colors and patterns are so warm. Andrea Cobb has a very particular, fresh style. Some of her work has been featured in Anthropology's catalogue in the past. Her style is so yummy and fun. makes me happy on a Monday. Welcome to the week!

You can check out more of Andrea's work at:

http://db.i2iart.com/i2iart/home.html

http://www.andreacobb.com/

http://www.theispot.com/portfolios/index.cfm?clientNumber=a1848

Old Movies and Halloween

2008-11-07T15:04:00.000-08:00

So, I know that Halloween was a week ago, and these are kinda dated, I apologize for the late post, but it has been extremely busy!!!
Quite the week!! : )
So, as a Friday post, I am putting up pictures from Halloween last weekend. I am doing this, knowing that they will be made fun of... Can't take yourself too seriously now in life can you? They are so silly, we look like a couple of goofballs. But being a goofball every now and then is good for the spirit right? ; )
If this is your first time seeing my hubby, well... he looks pretty far from these images, if ya look at previous posts. Ha! That hair cracks me up. And yes... that is a fake cigar. Yup, on Halloween I was married to Groucho Marx (nooo, not Charlie chaplan as he kept getting called that night). Oh man, so hilarious.
And if one cannot tell from my costume, I am "Tippi Hedron" the main actress/character from the famous old scary movie "The Birds" directed by good ol Alfred Hitchcock. I've got my black birds, some blood, aqua tweed suit, patent leather 50's shoes and purse, blond bob... It was fun. I look kinda weird with this wig eh?
So I guess our theme was old movies, and it was fun to pull off. Kinda embarrasing getting a cab though.
We went to a big costume party in the city, there were a lot of other quite creative costumes worn by people. Wish I could show them all alas, "blogger" only lets you upload 5, so sad. It was a blast. The main 4 hosts of the party were dressed as the "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles". Our friends did a great job with their costumes, all totally homemade!! So I have posted a picture of two of the turtles, it was kinda hard to get a picture of all 4 of em together.
So!
Enjoy, yeah... laugh.
We did.
Remember to not take yourself too seriously.

Happy Friday

If You have not done so already, please...

2008-11-04T07:32:00.001-08:00

Happy Halloween!

2008-10-31T08:15:00.000-07:00

Be safe, stay warm and have fun. Happy weekend and happy Halloween.

Ooh, I love this-

2008-10-30T16:13:00.000-07:00

So I found this illustrator today, and I just like her style. It makes me happy. Nice!!
Check out her stuff, she's pretty cool at: http://www.jhische.com/

Her playfulness with type and illustration is so whimsical, simple and fun. It makes me happy. Yeah! Enjoy! her blog is fun too-

http://jessicahische.blogspot.com/

Happy Thursday! Go home and watch "The Office"... yeah! 30 Rock!

Good times : )

2008-10-28T14:18:00.000-07:00

So I just wanted to post a little blog about a really genuine and hilarious person.
: ) My good friend Danielle. She and I got some good time to get together and hang out on Saturday. Wanted to post about her, because she is definitely such a warm, hilarious, colorful, stylish, incredibly, incredibly smart and genuine person (and has a great taste in shoes). Ask anyone, and they will tell ya that time passes really quickly after hanging with her, and you usually have a bunch of great memories and mad funny stories later. Things like "Hilarious Pizza pocket on the floor" "Mary Tyler More"," Tina Fey","VIP's", "Toddlers in Escalades" and "vacations in St. Charles". Good stuff.
Danielle is a very talented and working Chicago actress, she is a gem to the stage, and can perform like none other. Some of the things (much, much thanks to miss Danielle) that we love to do is go to running Chicago plays/productions whenever we get a chance (I'm spoiled, it's fun to go with someone who actually knows the stage very well). Thanks to this girly, I think I've seen over a dozen or so productions just in the past year! Thanks chica : )
I think she would laugh that I posted these sill pictures from the other day, sorry lady- I just think there are fun, well the 2nd one esp.
Out of these many fine productions, I want to mention a couple that really stand out, and would want to highly recommend. I think they are running through the middle of November if one is so inclined...

1st would be: "Edward II" (or the long title: "The Troublesome Reign and Lamentable Death of Edward II, King of England, with the Tragic Fall of Proud Mortimer", that's a mouthful eh?) Playing at The Chicago Shakespeare Theater. Directed by the very brilliant, creative, and edgy director Sean Graney. This is a breathtaking, and completely modernized and hard core Shakespeare story. It kind of reminded me of a Baz Lurman film, set on stage. It becomes very riveting and personal. Awesome!! I want to take my hubby to see it if we get the chance, I know he would love it. After we left we were speechless. Makes you kind of squeamish, in a good way.

2nd would be: The show we watched on Saturday night, "On the Shore of the Wide World". Directed by Danielle's very good friend and incredibly talented creative- Jonathan Berry. Playing at the "Theatre Building Chicago". What can I say, I was blown away by the color, textures, lighting, and attention to detail. And above all, sensitivity to life and the very complex humans that we are. It speaks all about marriage, heartache, family, the unspoken. It kinda reaches out to you in an unexpected and personal way. It's very solid yet fragile and very warm. Loved it!

Whoooho!!! So that's a couple of my Chicago stage entertainment recommendations. Both very creative and full of color. And to just put a bit o' spotlight on a very good person, a great friend, and a downright hilarious lady.

Smiles-

An interesting find, and reminder...

2008-10-24T22:27:00.000-07:00

SO I was thinking about stuff... life stuff.. money stuff... some pretty stuff. The stuff that makes us happy with little joys. And I was also thinking about, that grey stuff in our brains. And how we can find creative ways to use it. I think one of the really fun things about creatives is that if they really want something, they go after it, just plain make it, or find some time or little nit ch to place it and save it.
So anyways... Your wondering where I am going with this right? In these days, with finances a little tighter, it might be a little bit more difficult to get all the pretty stuff we so want, so we find ways. I think that's why I am such a HUGE fan of renegade crafts, creative makers, creative thinkers, thriftys and etsy esp.

The other day, oddly enough (now... do not laugh... well go ahead, I know, they are funny) my mom mailed me this big box of paper dolls and ha! "Clothes" I would make for hours on end when I was 9 years old. At this time we did not have very much money at all, and there were all these fashion dolls, and clothes that I wanted REALLY REALLY bad. But, it wasn't happening. So, I would just sit in my little "studio" and make and draw all the things I wanted (ha! check out that dress), the time and actual process of making something satisfied that craving pretty well. And probably kept my mom happy that I was busy for so long. But.. I think as an adult, well I know. It's easy to forget those things, how the "little things" can make you happy. How, maybe by getting a little bit more simple, makes us a little bit richer.

So.. in closing, here's some of the funny little drawings I did (when I was NINE folks! Hee hee ; ) And a bunch of sweet little vintage buttons and charms I found at the thrift store the other day (9 all in a little baggie!) for a $1.20!! It made me happy. And we will see... where they go, or what can be done with these little treasures. Maybe a sweet necklace, maybe a couple for friends... but they were fun to find.
Happy weekend!! Go be creative you people you...

yummy fall stuff-

2008-10-23T21:00:00.000-07:00

So this world of blogging is sooo fun. Love it. Need to be careful, it can take me away from other parts of life's priorities, but um here I am, just real quick. So, anyways... Just wanted to share a few of my favorite things for the month.. stuff that I have been diggin. Oh lovely fall. On the top of this list of course, is my hilarious and warm best friend, my hubby. The man that makes the sun shine for me and hangs the stars in the sky. He's awesome. So, um yup he is getting some pics posted. Then there is the city on a fall night, when the sun is almost gone, something kinda creepy, expectant, exciting, cold and luscious all at the same time. luv it. Then... there's silly things.. clothes, some bit of style... some munchies, and then, some little bit of fun entertainment substance. I can plow through books like they are going out of style. But "Oh the Glory of it All" was a whopper, and running at 490 pages at a 9 over 10 font. It took a bit, but I was kinda savoring it too. And finished, yesterday. so that was yummy, and kinda sad. Like saying goodbye to a good friend. Sean Wilsey, what a crazy life man. Oh, and I secretly wish that I had been the one to design the cover, b/c its so simple and cool. And then, other pieces of entertainment that were fun to run through in the past couple weeks. Of course, Sedaris, you lovely little writer you... and of course... tights. And a recommended bottle of wine.
Cheers!
Happy October!!!

Crunchy leaves...

2008-10-22T21:21:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to write and place visually how much I am LOVING the fall. It is without a doubt my favorite season. It's too short, very sweet, crisp. I think that something simply divine happens in this brief season. Wanted to place a couple images from close to home, to capture what it's like right now and around me. So that in a few months, can actually look back and remember when there was color, oranges, browns, greens!!! My favorite hue. You know how when the winter hits, esp. Chicago winters, they seem to last forever. So it's nice to be reminded of this sweet and short season.
Oh... yes... and to let everyone know they should seriously consider listening to some Ray Lamontagne. His voice rich as syrup. Nice lush and colorful as a sweet Sunday in fall. I think in these times, listening to "Let it be me" is a nice one.

Enjoy your days!!!

1st

2008-10-22T21:12:00.000-07:00

Tis the beginning of a blog. We will we see where we go.... Drop by and see what's new every now and then. : )