December 31, 2013

Feliz Ano Novo



Here's to a new year of love,

companionship,

spontaneity,

and finding joy

in the everyday,

simple things in life.

xo,
Louise






December 28, 2013

And Then


"I didn't want to let women down. One of the stereotypes I see breaking is the idea of aging and older women not being beautiful." - Photographer Annie Leibovitz

Aside from the longevity of many of the people in my family, it was Annie Leibovitz's photographs of older people that inspired Lines of Beauty in 2010.

It's not every day that I look in the mirror and think that aging is wonderful. Letting go of youth is a process, not unlike the natural process of letting go of many things in our lives.

But I truly see the beauty of aging in those around me, and even in myself many days.

What I like is how real it is. Does that make sense? I like how authentic aging is and how it is simply what is suppose to happen. I like how all around us in nature we see aging. I like the organicness of it. The rawness. And I really don't want to monkey with it. This masterpiece of living.

I was thinking- how neat would it be to have wrapping paper with cool wrinkly old people on it?

This morning I've been enjoying a present my eldest daughter gave me. Devouring it actually. It's a beautiful book/magazine called Kinfolk that is published quarterly in Portland, Oregon. The photography is heavenly and this issue focuses solely on aging; in people, food, and in wonderful old things, like antiques, that we can fill our homes with.

Hope you're enjoying the post-Christmas calm as much as I am.

xo



December 22, 2013

Over the River and Through the Woods

Cornelia Street, Greenwich Village
I've been missing the blog but have been too bowled over with life to sit down and write. Last weekend I went to a family baby shower in nyc. I love the energy and sensory overload in ny, and can never quite get enough, even in a storm. I can't imagine living there however, as I'm too much of a nature girl.

Upon returning my business partner and I finally met with a manufacturer for our natural food product that I think we like. It's a huge accomplishment after being on the hunt. I will keep you posted!

And then it was straight away into the holidaze scramble which I both love and hate. I love making things, but I hate the pressure of working under a deadline.

One thing that I have been dying to post is a video that my daughter made for her final english project about women and aging in the media. It is so good but her teacher warned her that she could get sued for using images taken off the web so she is of course hesitant. The video is about loving the skin that you are in.

Warmed my heart as you can imagine. Turned me upside down with glee.

One more thing before I push off and head back to cookie making and wrapping presents, which is my 2nd favorite thing about Christmas :-) In case you need a great last minute quickie homemade gift- the planter to the right is one of those amaryllis bulb kits that you can buy at the grocery store for under $10. Comes with the pot, dirt, and bulb. Just throw an old 100% wool sweater into the washing machine on hot and then dry it in the dryer on high (you might have to do it twice). Then cut a piece of the felted wool to fit the planter and sew up the seam. Viola! Can be enjoyed many winter seasons to come.


A very Merry Christmas to those of you who are celebrating.

xo,
Louise



December 07, 2013

Bridging Divides



I've been swept into the world of crafting this week. For me it's the best part of the holidays.

But I want to stop and give tribute to the incredible and beautiful Nelson Mandela.

 Pray for more world leaders like him.

... The man who inspired millions to bridge divides and seek peaceful change... but remained on the US terrorism watch list until 2008...
Beautiful Mandela at age 92


WTF?

Sometimes I really want to run away. To where, I am not sure.


On a lighter note:

I've been staying warm as I craft with this curried lentil soup that is a cinch to make if any of you out there are curry lovers like I am.

I have also been making some super cute knitted crowns, which are also easy to make. Having become a great- auntie, I'm delighted to have new wee ones to knit for.  The directions are from Etsy for $4 but I'm pretty sure there are others on the web for free. I just like this pattern in particular.

Still have to put 2 more bobbles on this one....

And last but not least I found this very cool scarf that you knit ON YOUR ARM in 30 minutes. Haven't tried it yet but I just wanted to show you. There is a free how-to here.

Hope you are finding pleasure doing whatever you are doing this week.

xoxo,
Louise