The extra in the ordinary

The decorations will be coming down today, and what I once considered adorned before the holidays will now appear desolate and naked. I do have an addictive personality, an inherited trait that leaves me charmed by escapism, celebration, and any detour from day to day reality (especially on an extended vacation such as the last 2 weeks). But having recovered from addiction, I also know that adjusting the hardwired tendencies of my brain means making a conscious effort to practice (and practice and practice) looking beneath the surface of things, and seek the extraordinary in the ordinary. And soon emptiness is replaced by the effervescent details around me.

Reflecting back, I realize I wrote that post over a year ago about my 12 year addiction to food, and my recovery from an eating disorder. I also wrote in that post about making a promise and concerted effort to change my attitudes about cooking. I wanted to see food as my friend and infuse the practice with love, not with an avoidance constructed by fear and denial. And this was not just for my benefit, but more importantly, for my family's.

What I have not done since that post is share my progress in this space, and yes, there has been amazing progress. I have made peace with cooking, seeing it as an opportunity to reflect joy without needing to avoid pain. How much easier it has become for me to not only plan a meal, but to prepare the cupboards with staples for those days without planning. It's a f---ing miracle actually ;). Though you probably won't ever see me talk incessantly about cooking, or posting recipes of my own invention, I have found the connection between food, fun, and love, without the prickly strings of addiction, fear or perfection. Cooking is still a work in progress, just as I am, but once again, with practice, the extra in the ordinary replaces what was once empty...

Happy weekend to all and may you find the ordinary simply amazing...

xoxo

Joining Bella in 52 Photos Project {Softly Fade Away}

15 minutes

It's truly a gift what 15 minutes can bring...a much needed break, time for the expansion of a creative thought, or time to give something else precious moments of our present mind...

Amazement emerges when an ugly crack in the pavement becomes beautiful or when I can hear a broken leaf murmuring the approach of fall.... But it's the knowing words from friends that draws my attention and the circles of warmth around my heart and mind. So with gratitude, these last 15 minutes I have are spent thinking of and thanking you...

much love to you and may your weekend bring you light...

xoxo

52 Photos Project

{Polaroid sx-70 land camera}

Details {5 senses tour}

When I fell in love with a creative, it is the first time I began to know someone who obsessed about the details--the colors on the walls, the position of the furniture, the art in the other room, the kind of books on the coffee table, someone who slowed down to just look at the floor or question how something was created. Honestly, my interest in details at that time was vague at best. I was more of a big picture, let's get it done kind of girl, so it was intriguing to see someone have so much passion for details. It's probably why I fell so hopelessly for him. He opened a door and helped me understand that a whole world existed there. The design, the lighting, the colors, the texture, the mediums, the way something moves, the way something is made, the time someone had spent, the passion that served as fuel. I think that's why I like Pinterest so much. It is in the details that we become collectors, but not just in the images, but in the emotions that every detail evokes. It is in the details that we find the secret to enjoying life fully and that we uncover the things we truly love the most.

So in the spirit of celebrating the details, I'm joining Mon today with 5 senses tour. It is a lifestyle and culture celebration of 5 things that we love or find beautiful (more info here). These are details in my home that probably say a little something about me ;).

Design: (jewelry)

As much as I love these fat and ambiguous clay birds, it is the ring that I cherish. It belonged to my mother before she gave it to me a few years ago. She bought it in Thailand in her 20's and I have yet to see it's twin. Adorned in sapphires and opals, she once told me once that an opal chooses it's owner, not the other way around, and I do think it's true.

 (Industrial)

Who doesn't love the design of an old, manual typewriter. I admit, I am addicted ;).

(Illustration)

The first time I mentioned the work of Alice and Martin Provensen was in this post. I've been collecting their books and admiring their illustrations ever since.

(Art  & Illustration)

I am a seventies child and these little finds in the thrift stores do make me smile. One day I'll find a spot for these sweeties...

(Furniture)

I loved this piece the moment I laid eyes on it. Large, heavy, and cumbersome, it is every bit a pain to transport as you can imagine. Made from reclaimed and refurbished wood pieces in Bali, there is no denying it's special quality. The furniture company had slashed it's price in half, as they claimed they couldn't find a buyer crazy enough to want to own such a thing. I said "I'm here".

Please stop by Mon's to see other tours!!

much love

xx oo

P.S. This space will be quiet for a few days as we are traveling across country :)!! I will post postcards during the trip when I can...Portland and Seattle, here we come!!