Announcing the Humility Collection

Oh so super stoked {!} to announce the release of the Humility Collection from Gaia Greetings on Spoonflower. Fabric with a story and purpose.

Thanks to every single one of you, for supporting and believing and inspiring.

OK, so without further adieu... {right?}

I present Blueberry, Caramel, Chocolate, Olive, and Teal Swirl from the Humility Collection.


http://www.spoonflower.com/profiles/gaiagroove

Source: spoonflower.com via Bridget on Pinterest

No critique rejected ~;~). 

Bridget

Passion. Find It.

Illustration courtesy of Lindsay Whitehead from Unraveled Design. Check out the rest of her stuff on her flickr page.

Source: flickr.com via Bridget on Pinterest

Success...

Ode to the Handwritten Letter

Wow, couldn't have said it better myself. 

Source: feltandwire.com via Bridget on Pinterest

Compliments of Felt & Wire, letter by Bryn from Paperfinger

Keep it real yo!

Source: etsy.com via Bridget on Pinterest

Compliments of Lucius Art on Etsy

A Ripple for Our Little Bird

I spent some time recently {OK, all of last weekend} responding to a request from my son's school director, who was looking for help (!) creating some marketing materials to promote the school at a public event. She threw out some initial ideas and I, being enmeshed in branding and marketing land 40-ish hours a week at my 9-5 (as a Manager, not Creative), not being able to resist offering suggestions, and having gained some confidence donning my coordination and design hats during the school's Harvest the Music event, decided to offer that help. 

While I learned that I'm a serious perfectionist {must let go!}, my efficiency is not the best, and it's probably a good idea for me to learn a few keyboard commands, ultimately, I am very proud of the work I did, and I'm pretty sure, it is going to catch the attention of some prospective parents, or others, who, upon approaching the booth, are going to be greeted by one of the most passionate educators I have met in a long time.

To make a long story short, my son's Charter School struggled the first two years. Somehow, by the grace of chance, Alexis landed there, and ultimately, set the wheels in motion to save our alternative option by renewing the lost charter under a new, more supportive wing, enrolling enough children to get things off the ground, and finding, signing, painting, cleaning, and moving into a new location, all within the span of 7 weeks.

I believe, it is because of her dedication, that each and every one of the parents, guardians and extended family members in this community, yes COMMUNITY, are willing to go to bat for this school.

To aid me in my efforts, I solicited the help of the teachers to gather materials, and parent photographers to help me with my mission. 6 people stepped up to the plate immediately, 5 of whom were able to go by the school, THAT WEEK, and photograph the kids, classrooms, materials, premises, etc. You name it, they shot it. And they delivered beautiful, amazing shots.

Everything was done, produced, and delivered by yesterday evening, in time for the event tonight.

This morning, Alexis greeted me with a lovely {actually quite rockin'} new amber colored hair-do, and a card with a handwritten note.

It reminded me, like a little voice from the universe, how important it is to listen to my intuition, always move forward with action, and do what I love to help others. The whole process grounded me again. Yay! I'm a ripple! 

Are you doing what you love to help others? Share your stories on our Facebook page, comment below or drop me a line at gaiagreetings@gmail.com 

In the meantime, check out the story of Rescued Cards, founded by Monica Hoover—doing what she loves to promote the ones who save the ones she loves. ;~)

It's crazy, when you see and love a piece of art and you don't know the story behind it. Today... I discovered the story about the Burmese monk in South Park, painted by Shepard Fairey.

Art as a weapon teaser // 3 mins from BREADTRUCK TV on Vimeo.

Why my spirituality lies in nature...

I get the chills every time I see this. 


Murmuration from Sophie Windsor Clive on Vimeo.

Aha!'s and Serendipity—A Ripple in Action

Recently, my neighbor Nancy and I decided it was time to exchange phone numbers. As usual, we got to talking. I invited her into the condo and shared the designs I was working on.

A few days later, I arrived home to find this striking book, with a gorgeous red and white flower pattern screen printed on the textile cover. It had an embossed/UV coated belly band in lipstick-red copy titled, "Florence Broadhurst, Her Secret & Extraordinary Lives." 



Besides the book being incredibly aesthetically appealing, the title had me hooked. I opened it immediately. As I was perusing the pages of insane wallpaper patterns on my front balcony, Nancy walked by. "Hope you like it," she said. I thanked her and snuck in to my condo for a closer look. 
 
LIKE IT would be an understatement.

When I refer to the ripple—that each one of us can be—Nancy's thoughtfulness was a testament to it. Beyond my gratitude for her generosity, the content of this book was SO inspiring, that it led to a serious "Aha!" moment.

I thought back to a conversation I had with my friend Jennifer Jackman, who, along with her husband, Terry Ribera, started Tigerama Publishing and Terry Ribera's Remington Tattoo Parlor. We've been encouraging one another and sharing resources and inspiration as we've ventured into the social media and blogospheres to promote our businesses. One day, I was struggling with clearly defining my focus. She asked me, "What's your thing?"

After reading the story of this incredibly interesting woman, Florence Broadhurst, and seeing the intricacies of the wallpaper patterns she created, it was apparent—I am completely and utterly drawn to patterns. 
 


From there, I started experiencing serendipitous connections.
I learned, shortly thereafter, that the fantastic "bat" wallpaper, Elysium Fields (that Jen shared with me previously), was created by Flavor Paper, which just so happens to be owned by a friend-of-a-good-friend. Then, days later, they were featured on fab.com, which I had recently signed up for.

Ironic?

I think not. ;~)

So, get used to the patterns people! It's my thing and you'll be seeing it in everything we do. And if you know another patternaholic like myself, send them our way for a follow and to share the inspiration.

And... don't forget to BE A RIPPLE.

Terry Ribera's Remington Tattoo Parlor in North Park! Now OPEN for Business!

OK, so I know that I have not previously mentioned anything about tattoos but, it probably goes without saying that ANYTHING art related—especially those things that have passion and a history behind them—and especially those people who tirelessly promote the things they love, are going to be high on my list of I-want-to-promote-you activities. So, it is, with absolute fabulousness, that I introduce you to Terry Ribera's Remington Tattoo Parlor in North Park, recently open for business in San Diego. If you're a tattoo lover, and want amazement, call to schedule now, he's already booked solid. And bookmark his link for future reference, just in case you get a wild hair up your ass, you'll have plenty of time to reconsider ;~).