Friday, July 30, 2010

I Created Something Pretty Today

I have always considered myself an artist, even though I've had no formal training. I feel at peace when I am organically drawing shapes, implementing vibrant colors and engaged in the process of creating. But, it's been a little while, since I've put pen to paper and have felt inspired. *sigh*


I spent a little time recently, watching a promotional video my friend Adelaide made. She's a young, vibrant soul and artist who does everything from pen and ink drawing to modeling to face painting to stilt walking, hula hooping, belly dancing, sword balancing, snake charming... and the list goes on.


In her video, there's a clip of her drawing... in which she mentions that she draws in pen because in her mind, there are no mistakes. What I love about her and her spirit is her absolute abandonment when it comes to art.


Tonight, I took her advice and allowed the perfectionist within to let go. You know that little voice in our heads, that inner critic that prevents us from accomplishing the things we want to sometimes? Well, tonight, I gave it a swift kick to the curb and I have to say, it felt pretty damn good.


p.s. As an added bonus, my son and I created together, which made me feel even better. :~)



Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Urban Inspiration—Shepard Fairey in South Park

Of all the places in San Diego, the South Park neighborhood is my ABSOLUTE favorite. One day... one day I will find myself living there, in an old home with character that I've purchased... and I will live happily... oh yes, very happily.

On Sunday morning, I had a delightful breakfast with a good friend of mine at Alchemy (wow, if you haven't tried them yet... DO) in South Park. It was such a lovely breakfast, everything felt SO gourmet, from the little pickles in the Bloody Mary's to the tiny little dishes and tiny little spoons for the salt and pepper, to the fresh peaches and mango garnishes.

During breakfast, she mentioned that
Shepard Fairey (of Obama HOPE poster fame) had recently completed a new mural in the area. So, we packed up the munchkins and went for a walk.

Lovely. Absolutely lovely.

Yeah, San Diego has beautiful weather, but above all, the culture and people here are really quite amazing. I regularly run across urban inspiration that fills my senses in the most wonderful ways.








Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Is Email Becoming Obsolete?


I have this really good friend, who shall remain nameless, because if I posted his name, he’d never forgive me. In fact, merely alluding to who he “might” be, may be enough to do me in. He’s a punk rocker at heart, “the man” is a regular part of his vocabulary and, let’s just say, conspiracy theories and privacy issues are relevant in his life.


The other day on Facebook, I received a mysterious message from someone whose name I had never seen before. There were enough clues on his page to convince me it was his but I have to admit, I was quite shocked! He has resisted joining for various reasons, so to see him there required further exploration. When I spoke to him on the phone, he told me, “The only reason I did it is because I wanted to get back in touch with (let’s call him) Mr. X. Ms. Y told me the only way he communicates with people is through Facebook.” Aha. The lure of connection tangles another unsuspecting victim in the web of social media.


Since I’ve been on Facebook, I’ve noticed a similar trend. More and more, I’m receiving less and less personal email. I get an occasional evite but, a personal email? Haven’t seen one of those in awhile. More likely than not, that left hand column says I have a message in my Facebook inbox.


I am quite the Facebook junkie, so I must say, I’m guilty as charged.


But, in an effort to get back to basics, recently I purchased a beautiful, soft, fabulous address book (made out of paper!). I figured the best way to get my friends addresses was to request them via Facebook. I got a load of crap for obtaining the info online when I was trying to go “old school” but I noticed an interesting thing. Very few of my friends included their personal email addresses in addition to their home addresses. The truth of that hit me—Facebook has inadvertently become my new email service.


Sigh.


At least now I can include my newest buddy in the emails that go out to my "Best Friends" group. ;~)p