In Motion

I'm in my new workshop now! Production has been high and the wheels are turning on new designs. I've been in this new studio for a month now, and decided I needed some help breaking the space in.



It feels like home, really. When I walk through the door I can't wait to work.

Oh, I can't forget, say hi to Mr. Pfaff. Everything's really in motion now!

Hot August Days

Yesterday was a day to remember. For my family, Sunday's have always been a day to reconnect and feast. It's a time to slow down and not think about what needs to be done. I decided to do just that. I slowed down, walked Chico, watered the garden and made a peach cobbler. I tried hard to not think about what I "need" to do, but then it occurred to me, I WANT to work. I'm so excited to get into the studio and tackle this next phase of construction. But, I'm leaving that for this afternoon.
Last night I was invited to House Spirits Distillery for a little tasting and tour of their distillery. It was really inspiring! I've always wanted to try and distill something of my own. I've always played it safe and made my own fruit liqueurs, but how wonderful it would be to make your own whiskey or vodka! There's definitely an art to infusion and I'm so excited to experiment more. Soon, I will have to try an infusion with House Spirits, Medoyeff Vodka.



I almost forgot the best part! Jean-Luc Godard's "Breathless" was playing at Cinema 21. I'm not sure what actually made the evening....the bike ride, the viewing of this fantastic film, the moment on the East Bank Esplanade, gazing out at the perfectly illuminated city with my dear friend. I think it was a combination of it all. I saw Portland in a different light and felt in love. It really was an excellent August Sunday.

Photos at Akemi Salon

For the month of February, I'm displaying some (a very small fraction) of my photographs at Akemi Salon on Williams Street. Framing these pictures made me appreciate photography all over again.

The Pascucci Family

In Ravenna, Italy, in the heart of the cobblestone metropolis, there exists a shop that celebrates the art of woodblock printing on fabrics. What a treat is was to visit this charming store! The owner, one of the Pascucci relatives, briefly explained the business was originated by one of her family members over 100 years ago.
I did a little research and discovered an Italian blog about this company. The shop is called "La Stamperia dei Pascucci." I love the photos of their workshop. It's so interesting to see all men creating these beautiful textiles. And yes, I did have to treat myself to a few of their lovely linens. I had to bring home a little inspiration!

Recap of Inspiration

2009 was a big year for me. Now only did I take my business to a new level, but my travels to Europe unconditionally restored my soul. Four weeks and three countries. It was an existence that had no pressing expectations.

First stop was Croatia. My mother was full-blooded Croatian, and her maiden name was Vrvilo. They came from a very rough, dry, precarious and beautiful land. My first destination in Croatia was Zagreb, then off to Split to meet up with my family. There were eight of us total who hopped on a ferry and stayed on the Island of Brac for fourteen days.

The City

A night out with my camera is marvelous.

Jessica

I'm reflecting. That's what happens, especially when someone close to you dies. 2009 was a year of quiet observation, I guess you could say. I'm extremely grateful for the unconditional support from my dear friends. I feel fortunate to be surrounded by strong, creative souls. One of these gems is my old friend, Jess. She's a wife, a mother and a writer full of incredible spirit. This is a beautiful poem she wrote to her husband. I love her words and want to share them with everyone. I hope you don't mind Jess.

Red Door

For our anniversary, I would like a red door. 
I know, I know. You like to make fun of me for this love of red doors.
 
Argument number one in defense of my desire for a red door:

A red door is a symbol of prosperity. No, I have not done my due diligence on this fact, but I am choosing to believe it. I think this is called faith.  At any rate, I feel prosperous with you.  You, husband, have brought me prosperity. Don’t laugh, you know that I love to call you husband. 

Argument number two and three in defense of my desire for a red door.

I like red doors and our sons’ favorite color is red: we share this thing. This red door will naturally lead them home to us. Through the red door they will come sometimes laughing, sometimes whispering, sometimes angry and/or moping, but always through the red door. And it is my intention that more often than not, we will sit down for dinner or whatnot, and reflect momentarily on how prosperous we are in the having of red doors to come through, in the having of each other, in the having of the day—in the having.

JC

2009

My mind is racing back to last year and what all has occurred. I desperately miss my walks under the dry sky and my evenings discovering little treasures.


My little Chico has been the best! He's always up for an adventure, but he misses the sunshine too.