Reasons to Live, No. 99

Image from Russell Heimlich.

Moby is releasing his new album, Wait for Me, on June 30. I am totally jazzed about the autonomous nature of it. He recorded everything in his bedroom studio - it is a work of pure creativity. That is, creativity for creativity's sake. This album comes from his soul, it is a work that he had to do, and he took nothing else into account, not worrying about profits. I dig that.

And oh yeah, he did all the artwork for the album with a marker. Totally cool. Can't wait to hear the new album. I love me some Moby.

Reasons to Live, No. 100

Composition books and markers.

Reasons to Live, No. 101

Rainy days.

I have a wish

Dear Bloggy Friends,

I'm a believer in prayer. Please pray for me today. Eye surgery today. Tonk is taking good care of me and for that I am grateful. Thank you for taking the time to read my blog. More later.

xxoo

Reasons to Live, No. 102

The high speed rail! The rail would enable me to visit Ikea and museums of Chicago - something I have been yearning to do, but I am sissy when it comes to long distance driving. I dream of the antiquated American transportation system being completely rebuilt.

Stupid Obsessions, or the Search for a Perfect Pencil Cup

I can obsess about the stupidest things. Right now I am on the hunt for the perfect pencil cup. No ordinary pencil cup, mind you. It must be uplifting, positive, with just the right amount of whimsy, but not too cute. Maybe a little edgy. You know, something that will magically make me want to sit at my desk and write a best selling novel.

Here's the boring pencil cup currently on my desk, with the munny I've intended to paint forever, but am afraid to ruin. I love custom munnies. Oh well, he's kinda cute pink.

One of these painted ceramics from the House of Harriet these might do the trick :

I adore them. Thinking of ordering one, or two....

Now this is a happy mug! Designed by Silvia Portella.

Dee Adams

Dee Adams is a painter whose work resonates with me so deeply I'm not sure I can put it into words. Indeed, it may be a disservice to try and intellectualize it. It needs to be felt.

See what I mean? On Dee's website she refers to her art as "contemporary, minimalist, abstract." I feel a kinship with her because she is obsessed with simplicity and perfection.

Her work may appear simple, but it is not easy. I understand the painstaking precision that goes into trying to make a simple, flat painting with not a line out of place. In fact, many of my multi-layered paintings (even though a lot of fun) are done because an attempt at perfection failed and I am left with no choice but to layer on the paint. It is my flat paintings that are done correctly the first time - that I enjoy aesthetically the most. The others are merely means for experimentation. Unfortunately, I only like maybe 1 out of 10 of my paintings.

So, even though Dee's paintings are simple, they are not easy. Indeed, they are quite skillful. I adore them so that I had trouble selecting only a few to post.

As if it's not enough that the girl rocks a canvas, she is one hot mama too.



And she is skilled at display. I featured her amazing glass collection, lovingly arranged by color, in a previous post, here. I think this girl just may be the golden goose. I would love to see her design rugs too.

When I win the lottery, I will have several of Dee's paintings in my modern, cleanlined, white, prefab ranch home. See more of Dee's work at her flickr set here, her blog is here and her website here. Dee, you go girl! xxoo

The Ugly Duckling

Apartment Therapy has a regular column where readers can post questions. I was very inspired by writer Katie's dilemma. How to turn this "scary" room into something more inviting. See AT post here. I was intrigued by the fact that Katie is a writer living in Beijing and visited her delightful blog, The Nomadic Reporter. I am utterly entranced with this courageous woman, and a little envious of her adventures too.

I just couldn't stop thinking about her unwelcoming living room. I wish she lived down the street from me and we could have a decorating party. As I thought about this room more and more, I felt sure that there was only one answer. Fabric. Let the room speak of its Chinese origins through fabrics. Fabrics will add much needed softness and are easy to pack when she moves again.

I am assuming there is no where else in the apartment the fridge can be placed. And that monstrosity of an entryway is something she is obviously stuck with. The other assumption I have made is that since she is nomadic, she doesn't want too many things when she is ready to move to another country.

So here are my ideas for this room. Only a couple of accessories should be added and for maximum impact, they should be large. A large vase, a large painting and a large lamp (maybe a paper lantern). That's it. No other touristy or other predictable knick knacks (please, no fans and baskets). That way there are only three items to sell upon moving to the next country. To this, add tons of pillows, fabric wall hangings and perhaps a curtain or mural to hide the curious piece in the entryway. For example, take a look at Priscilla's Eclectic Flat via Apartment Therapy. Priscilla is living in Spain and had no budget to decorate. Yet she created a cozy, warm and romantic abode.

I adore the look of sheets casually draped over a sofa. Makes me want to plop down and put my feet up. The feel is soft to the skin, and they are washable. And you can change the color on a whim. There's a few things I would edit from Priscilla's place, but on the whole I adore it.

Here are a few photos from my inspiration folder I'd like to humbly share.

Marcel Wanders for B&B Italia Object.

A beautiful home in Bali demonstrating skillful use of large scale accessories and pillows. I apologize for not remembering where I got this picture. Probably Metropolitan Home.

June 2006 Elle Decoration. Perhaps a mural like this one could be hung to hide the piece in the entry way. Below is a book you will want for your coffee table, if you don't have it already.

Amazon.

A large piece of art is probably not in the cards right now, if Katie will need to move to another assignment. But there is a fascinating art movement emerging in China, which combines ancient and modern motifs.

Soulful painting by Zhong Biao. Below, a cute seating area from Elle Decoration July 2007, with painting by Chen Yu.

In other words, Katie's place should be unpredictable, sophisticated and very romantic. Do take a look at Katie's wonderful blog. I will be adding it to my blog roll, and I will be following it eagerly awaiting the transformation of Katie's living room into a swan. Katie, thanks for being an inspiration!

Great Necklace

I love the Obamas so much, sometimes I think I should dedicate a blog solely to them. One day I will get back to the important business of painting and decor. But for now - did you see the necklace Mrs. Obama had on Saturday night? Damn. Please contact me immediately if you know the designer of this necklace.

And damn, the girl does fuchsia. Mrs. O, you are just too hot. No one "bares" arms as well as you do. I've said it before. Michelle, you go girl!

Congratulations to People Magazine

Usually People Magazine's 100 Most Beautiful People issue is a big yawn. Okay, I get it already Halle, Angelina, etc., etc. they're gorgeous. I get it. But this year People included a woman who is not only beautiful, but full of substance. Arguably the most intriguing woman to grace magazine covers in years. The First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama. All I can say is, Michelle, you go girl!