Because this is the mood I'm in - what about you?

Dhyāna

I took these photos recently while touring gardens in Bucks County, PA.

My Girlfriend is an Astronaut (Well, soon)

My friend wants to be an astronaut and when she sets her mind to something, it happens. Already she jumps out of planes, off cliffs and globe rides. FYI - globe riding (v.) is defined as " the sport of rolling down a hill inside an inflatable ball" and, here in the USA, you too can experience life inside a Zorb globe at a place near Dollywood. Note to all my family and friends, I am happy to support her in this endeavor but from the ground - no way am I signing up for a girls' weekend of space adventures in zero gravity. I like my food staying right where it is.

So, our post dinner conversation brought us to discussion of this oh so impressively high aspiration and I am thinking (1) my goals are not quite as lofty, and (2) she should document her time up in there, but will she be able to write while in zero gravity? What kind of paper will she write on? What about the pen? Will it work up there? Will it explode? I seem to recall hearing something about a space pen while watching a Seinfeld episode years back. So, after a simple Google search, I located the original space pen - the one used by NASA in every manned mission since Apollo 7 in 1969. So, when she graduates, she will be getting an original space pen - engraved of course.

By the way, it may be a bit premature, but we are already planning her Astronaut business card; it will include her name and say ASTRONAUT, but we are not sure what to do about the contact info.

Single "over the moon" letterpress card with patterned envelope above is $4 by Smock. Great for congrats, love or other remarkable sentiments. Also available in sets. Other space motif items also available. Contact me via email: jackie@orrganics.com if interested.

Green, Naturally

This time of year on the east coast is especially lush and lovely. I recently had an awesome morning walking the trails at Honey Hollow in Solebury Township, PA with my daughter and her friends. So green. So beautiful. And historic too. We loved listening to the sounds of nature and looking up through the tree canopies. It was really relaxing and inspiring - it is also a great setting for an outdoor cocktail party... gotta get to work on that one!

Wooden Ya Know

"What you are as a person is far more important that what you are as a basketball player."

John Wooden, exalted man and basketball coach of the UCLA BRUINS passed away last night. He is said to be the greatest college coach in history who, aside from his incredible streak of NCAA championships (10) and his "first" of being inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame as both a player and coach, is attributed with an unbelievable number of quotes about life and the game. (Reference LA TimesSports Blog.) His words of wisdom extend beyond sports. ( I am thinking better than motivational greeting cards here people.)

On June 2, last Wednesday night, if you haven't heard by now, during the baseball game between The Detroit Tigers and The Cleveland Indians, Tigers' pitcher Armando Galarraga was robbed of a "Perfect Game" in the ninth inning, with 1 out to go. Umpire Jim Joyce made a bad call that left a man on first base, thus ending the chance for a perfect game. It was a mistake. There was outrage; replays on TV show quite clearly that the call was bad and really it was a perfect game. But baseball does not use instant replay so the call stands. The Perfect Game remains, in the record books, a Non-Perfect Game.

After the game, Jim Joyce, with tears said regrettably and sincerely that he made a mistake. Armando gracefully moved on. publicly recognized his mistake. What the fans got was not a perfect game but a display of integrity, grace and class.

Sportsmanship, grace, kindness and forgiveness for a major mistake in the world of sports. Life lessons delivered from the playing field - the beauty of sport.

Inspirations from France

Inspiration comes at you in many forms. Color and mood is my take away from these photos taken on my recent trip to Paris and Cannes, France. Different from the Parisian Wedding featured earlier this week (prior post from April 20th). Green and yellow. Yellow and white. Yellow and gray. Gray and green. I have noticed that I am attracted to chairs and imagined yoga positions possibly contemplating rest. Does this mean anything?


Because children are always inspiring. I love the innocence here of these little girls waiting for a carousel ride in Cannes.


Outside Villa Garbo, Cannes


Chairs at the Cafe at The Rodin Museum, Paris


Love the look and scale of this trellis in the garden of The Rodin Museum.



Auguste Rodin sculpture called The Shade



Doing Yoga

What Are You Looking At?

WELCOME TO MIP AND CANNES


OUTSIDE MAIN PALAIS



INSIDE THE PALAIS



LOVE THE RED BAR STOOLS ABOVE AT THIS BOOTH (I THINK THE BOOTH WAS FROM SPAIN)



READING MATERIALS PERTAINING TO ENTERTAINMENT AND MIP HAPPENINGS - IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES


NOTE THE PALE GREY DAMASK PATTERN ABOVE AS THE BACKDROP AT THIS BOOTH



MEETING ON THE HIGH SEAS (WELL, IT COULD HAVE BEEN BUT THE BOAT WAS DOCKED)

Welcome to MIPTV. "MIP" is THE international TV convention that takes place in Cannes, France in April of each year; MIPCOM, of a similar nature is held in October each year. Essentially it is a content market where producers, distributors, networks and the like converge to meet, greet, discuss, view, collaborate, form partnerships perhaps - main objective to buy and sell TV shows. Sometimes it is the show format that is on display, sometimes already produced TV episodes - all for your viewing pleasure. New trends, hot topics and networking fill the day.

Over 13, 000 people attend from over 100 countries (per MIPTV), from China to Nigeria to Israel, Korea and all places in between. Attendees are professionals from the entertainment industry and you must be registered to attend and the price tag is high. Journalists can register as well. The main event, where the exhibitor booths are located, is in the Palais but follow-ups and other meetings are held around the fabulous town of Cannes. Yachts and Cafes and major hotels are typical venues.

Will Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution be "coming soon to Chinese TV"? Where will Jersey Shore travel to? The Singing Bee (currently in the US on CMT) does exist in Greece (and many other countries around the world). How many countries have Big Brother? Where else is the world will the new reality series with Donald Trump and Omarosa air? (It will air in the US starting in June). Dramas, factual programming, serious documentaries, junior and family programming, new game shows. Can you keep your hand on the car longer than the person next to you? Yes, there really is going to be a show where contestants have to keep their hand on a car in order to win - last man standing takes the keys. There are programs that focus on the environment, the planet, biotechnology, history - there really is something for everyone. And, if not, well at least you are in Cannes.

FYI - It was my first MIP and I found the experience quite wonderful in that ideas are shared, that cultural barriers are crossed (or not) and that in a sense, TV, becomes a universal language. How poetic that language is I leave up to you, the viewer.
Advice: wear comfortable shoes.

Sprinkles in January

Do I really have to say anything?

Food & Photo: Sprinkles Cupcakes.

Train to Deer Valley

I am so happy to have done the invitation for JUMA's Deer Valley Celebrity Skifest this year (see above). That project had me thinking about this event weekend for a while (see prior post on Anticipation). Of course, it was a fabulous weekend full of skiing (with past Olympians!), racing, eating, chatting, celebrating and enjoying a private concert by Train - great NEW album. There was also an auction evening to benefit Bobby Kennedy's environmental organization, Waterkeeper Alliance. There are a few photos from the weekend above. Click on the photo below for a sampling of Train's song "Save Me San Francisco".

For more (professional) on the Event - past and present go to www.dvskifest.com/main.html

Seeing The Blind Side

If you haven't heard, (have you been out of the country??!) this movie is fantastic! I went with my kids for my birthday and it was one of the best presents I have ever received. I cried, smiled and laughed (especially at the mention of "vinegar" - see it and you will too). The Blind Side is a must see -- for so many reasons. And, in the spirit of Thanksgiving, enjoy and savor.

Gratitude is Fabulous

And this week reminds us to be thankful. What/who are you thankful for?

Using Recycling - Even for Halloween

So the prep began a few weeks ago. What to be, what to be? Store selections didn't grab us. And all you do with that brand new prepackaged costume is wear it once and put it away in the closet hoping a younger friend or relative will ask to borrow it for next year. And that rarely happens.

Wasn't there anything we could make? Anything we could use from stuff we already had? We had an idea for a costume. Then I heard about Tony; a man with years of experience with costumes for Broadway shows. Tony is a man with a barn 3 stories high filled with costumes and accessories. Fabulous! Maybe we could find something that would look like a coffee mug/container/cup; something already made and just waiting to be used again.

When we first went up to see Tony it was a little spooky. The door to the inside porch of his house was left open and it was filled with years of memories. We knocked. We rang the bell. We called from our cell phones and heard his land line ringing with our call. Nothing. We walked across the way to the barn. We pushed open the old door. Wow. Old file cabinets, draped tables, pirate jackets, band outfits, maiden gowns, lace, and webs. Still no Tony. Was he up in the rafters? Could we just walk up those creaky, steep and narrow steps? We had an appointment. Where was he?

"Let's just get out of here" spoke a little voice (yes, my daughter). We called again. No Tony. "Can we please just go..." At that point we did have to leave but our friends could wait a bit longer.

A few minutes later the call came in from Liz - "they have some tea cups and a majorette costume - I think it could work."

A few days later we went back. We combed through the top loft filled with head gear. White fluffy feathers...? An option. But, I am a bit weary of used or shared headgear. We left without a whip cream topping accessory but we had the makings of a coffee cup. Man hours later we had Starbucks branding our Halloween and we were gluing marshmallows to felt hats.

The best part - happy smiles and the delight that we were, for the most part, able to "recycle" a costume.

Happy Halloween!

And, more on branding next week.

Don't Forget to Write!

The power of the written word is quite strong. Receipt of a recent note had me feeling joyful, fabulous and, oh so successful and appreciated for days. All those feelings came from just a few short words.

The young lady (I sound so old saying that!) who penned this note compared opening her very first blue Tiffany box (a gift we gave her - and yes, there was something inside) to witnessing her first snow. Well, ... WOW! How cool is that?!

Now, this fabulous girl loves nature, the earth, humanity, etc., so the particular words she chose really had impact. And, I could totally relate to what she said being both a Tiffany and snow lover myself.

Point here is that her written words had power. I am still smiling as I recall her words days later. A cookie cutter statement off a list of 5 different ways to say thank you just doesn't do the same thing.

And, check out the site of the London illustrator who "penned" the illustration above. http://www.henniehaworth.co.uk/objects

Well Read in Pink

I like these books and their covers - - which are pink. (As if that wasn't obvious!)

And, because I am in a pink mood, the next 3 orders placed and processed during this month which contain any pink to them at all will receive a nice pink surprise. Maybe my niece will rethink her "old" favorite...

Pretty in Pink Paradise

We attended the Bat Mitzvah of a very special young lady last weekend. Not only is the Bat Mitzvah girl a star gymnast with great presence and poise but she is also a lover of pink. Hence, we were in the midst of a pink paradise. Everything was pink. And look at that cake! My photo is of the cake center stage - the better shot (top) is from the bakery who created this edible masterpiece - Pink Cake Box (www.pinkcakebox.com).

I've heard of Pink Cake Box before and now I was under the influence of their creation. See the photo below of the piece of cake served to the person to my right. Now look what I got - look at that fabulous pink bow. I felt like I won the centerpiece!

Where in the World are You Writing Me From?

IDEA:

We just got a fabulous thank you note from a friend. Part of its "fabulosity" to me is this: the author put his location - at the time of writing - on the correspondence card up near the date of the note. I just love this! I am not talking ... ummm ... "kitchen table" or "rooftop deck" ... but rather the city or town - the geography. It has me visualizing my friend and his whereabouts.

I will now copy this tradition and place my location accordingly. My friend travels the world quite a bit. Me? - not so much. Hopefully, I will have some interesting places to write from very soon. Of course this idea works for any type of correspondence, not just thank yous.

Thanks for the inspiration Jerry!

8/20/09

New Hope, PA

I am Mad for Mad Men

Mad Men. Yes, I am a big fan.

I was counting down the days until the season premiere last night.

I waited.

I watched.

I am still a fan and I will be watching next week too!

I also like hotel stationery ... but no letters from Don on the Roosevelt stationery were in my mailbox.

A Deep Thought: Sustaining and Healing - What is Fair Trade Paper?

As I am on vacation with my children enjoying life, the sunshine and much laughter, I think about those that don't necessarily have it as good. Women who live in areas of war and tough economic conditions. And last night when we were in a store called "Next Summer" (www.thelakehouselife.com) I was reminded about Fair Trade artisans while looking at a funky red organic looking floor pillow. “Sustain & Heal” is one of my favorite letterpress stationery lines and it comes from De Milo Design in California and they say it best: " In one word, Fair Trade (not to be mistaken for NAFTA’s “Free Trade”) is Dignity. 10,000 Villages explains it best. They focus on relationships with people who have been marginalized by war, weather, and damaging cultural systems. Hearing stories of people who have reclaimed life through Fair Trade is important for us western shoppers. The invitations in “Sustain & Heal" use Fair Trade paper from Kenya, Rwanda, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. If we can’t get it Fair Trade, the designs are supplemented by 100% Post Consumer Waste recycled paper produced by eco- friendly methods. With "Sustain & Heal” invitations our celebrations sustain our planet and heal lives!" In addition to invitations, Sustain & Heal can letterpress your personal stationery, thank you notes and everyday notecards and those we keep in stock at the office. And, of course, all are beautifully done. Fair Trade products are popping up all over. Call to find out more.

Happiness, Peace, Love & Style

It is also so much fun to open up my mailbox and find something addressed to me that is not a bill or a Bed Bath and Beyond coupon. Don't get me wrong, love the store but I think I get more coupons from them than any other item of mail! My daughter likes to get mail as well - she is 9. Last week she sent her various sets of grandparents letters with her handmade lanyard bracelets included. She addressed each one and wrote everything on her own. The only thing I did was put on the extra postage on to make sure the post office didn't send it back as they were thick. (Of course, one did come back and needed even more stamps - oh well.)

Her signature was and is:

"Happiness, Peace, Love and Style"

Gotta love it!

Her disappointment comes next, she began receiving emails from her techno savvy grandparents as thank yous. This did not suit her. She said,

"Technology is taking away from the fun of getting mail. They really should be writing me back and not emailing me a thank you!"

Smart chick - has she been reading my blog? Well, not a shy girl is she and don't you know she is now getting her mail. You go girl!

What Color is Your Sand?

Sand: small particles, varying in size, and often containing quartz, rock fragments from nearby... rocks of course... fine, grainy, soft, crunchy, smooth, etc.

Color of sand: often described as in the beige family...sounds blah. But this doesn't look blah to me! (Beach sand - up close - really close -along the coast of the Sea of Cortez.)

Which came first, the paper or the manicure?

Hmm... what color should I paint my nails?

Top paper/design, Luscious Verde. Bottom pieces, Arzberger.

Nails, Mine.