*blog*

Even more wonderful is that this Fall, you will be able to actually hold Jen's gorgeous photographs in your hands as her book Brooklyn Makers will be out in the world and you can get first dibs on it with a pre-order now.

Visiting her blog is like stepping into a most wondrous landscape of color, light and exquisite composition.

She's also just fun. Goofy. Silly. Fun.  I know, right?  She looks all polished and sophisticated-- I know, but let me tell you, she is also super fun (and funny).

And then?  We got to visit the incandescent Alix Bluh and experience the amazing shop and gallery of hers:  Modern Relics.  Honestly-- if you've never been, I won't be able to to do it justice.  Alix has one of the most inspiring, organic design styles I've ever seen.

And you?  What new magic has come into your world?

Feeling satisfied.  Is it possible?  Why is it so hard for so many of us to really savor an accomplishment, large or small-- without hurtling past it to the next endeavor?

"I grew up in the woods so the sound of leaves rustling in a gentle breeze, crickets, and a gentle brook all bring me a deep sense of calm."

We were fans long before this delightful compliment and love many things about Mollie Makes, most especially how they share our love of the handmade and actively promote creativity as a way of life.

The ups, the downs, the moment where it seems all is lost-- only to cross the finish line a different person, with a different perspective than the one who began the project (what now feels like) a million years ago.

There's a lovely feeling of coming full circle that our internet world will be shared in that old-fashioned analog manner as people are sitting on trains, gazing out the window and, perhaps, taking a peek into this little world of ours.

but what gets me, right in the center of my heart, is that this is art and creativity for no purpose except that it feels good.  It's not a product for a client or for sale-- it's a plain old administrative task taken to the highest level-- for the sheer joy of making something beautiful and having fun.

I don't want to overwhelm you with goodness.  But then again, the question I love to ask . . . how much pleasure can you take?

"okay we get it-- you had fun-- can you talk about something else already?" -- but the thing is, there are always ripples.  It isn't an experience that is consumed and then forgotten.

It's not often I feel compelled to ask for help, or action. I tend to be someone who trusts that everyone does what's right for them and keep my focus on my own actions.  But not today.

but the beauty is, it's Double Dog Dare--- we do what we can, as we can and celebrate what is good enough