slowing down . . . coming back

In this new age of social technology with texting, emails, Facebook, Twitter, "like this" and "pin that", it's been really hard to focus.  Seriously.  Instant communication and online recreation has been wonderful, don't get me wrong, but here lately, I've been missing the simpler, quieter times.  Life has been moving at warp speed and honestly, I feel like pulling over just to catch my breath.  s l o w  d o w n . . .  A little while back I received my copy of Kinfolk's second volume and I cannot tell you how much I love LOVE this magazine.  Every page is a reason to take your time and simply enjoy the taste of the tea you happen to be sipping on.  I have yet to order volume three, but plan to do so this week.  It's rare that I come across something that makes me want to just chill.  The photographs are a big reason for that I think as each photographer has taken the time to capture the essence of just being, whether by one's self or with others.  Who knew a publication about simple gatherings could be so meditative.  And it truly has been, for me.  

As I mentioned in my previous post, I've been doing a lot of reflecting lately about a lot of things.  Times are definitely changing in my world, for the good, thankfully.  I'm needing to prioritize and dedicate my time to things that I know will allow me to continue to grow. One thing I do want to do more is post here much more frequently than I have in the last few years.  I was quite shocked at how many of the bloggers I used to spend time visiting have, just as I, fallen by the way side with their blogs for one reason or another.  Well, as for myself, I'm coming back.  

Just a couple of things that I am loving at the moment . . . 

• Music by composer Keith Kenniff as Helios.  
• I'm still one of those who truly enjoys holding a physical magazine.  I actually keep them like I do my books. However, I have recently found some new eZines on Issuu that I really like, especially some of these new bridal magazines like this one and this one.  And I will always love this one!

Now because I love Kinfolk and Keith Kenniff . . . AND honey . . . I'll leave you with this video.  Have a great week friends!

.JPG mag::Inspire Me.

I have been meaning to put up a post about this magazine for awhile now and FINALLY, here we go. Many of you may have heard of the photography publication JPG. In January of this year, the popular magazine announced that due to economical reasons, the publication would shut down. Of course, fans of this magazine would not except that and decided to do something about it. Another example of the "power in numbers" JPG was happy to let folks know that they are back in business. Although the actual publication of the long overdue Issue No. 20 is still in question, JPGs online site is cracking with folks sharing and voting for images to be included in upcoming issues. With a long list of themes and a handful of monthly challenges, JPG Mag online makes for a wonderful source of inspiration. To join the thousands of photographers who make up the JPG community, sign up for a free membership here.

October Challenge::Orange

.making time.

Hello everyone!  Hope all is well in your neck of the woods!  I've been rather busy with my "day job" lately, a little more than I had anticipated.  But, things will be slowing down considerably in February so I guess I'll just need to suck it up and wait, then I'll be able to spend more time doing things I really want to do.  Meanwhile, I am reminded how imperative it is to "reclaim the weekend" and spend more time doing simple things that add more quality to the day.  This is something that I have been trying to claim in my own life.  What brought it to mind was an article in January's issue of the British Edition of Country Living magazine.  The cute illustrations by Rose Forshall are what originally caught my attention.  As I went on to read the article, I recalled days with less responsibility and more free time to truly enjoy simple things in life.  I ask myself, why can't I make a point to do that now?  I can.  It's all about making time.  Sure, we can't throw some ingredients into a magical bowl and literally make time, (don't we wish we could!) but we can try to discipline ourselves to set aside time for things that really matter.  Make time to bake your own bread.  Make time to spend with friends and loved ones.  Make time to just sit still and be.

What is this life if, full of care,

we have no time to stand and stare?

No time to stand beneath the boughs

and stare as long as sheep or cows.

No time to see, when woods we pass,

where squirrels hide their nuts in grass.

No time to turn at Beauty's glance,

and watch her feet, how they can dance.

No time to wait till her mouth can

enrich that smile her eyes began.

A poor life this if, full of care,

we have no time to stand and stare.

~Leisure, by W.H. Davies

Today, my focus was on sending out some notes to friends, letting them know, "I'm thinking about you."   

~stamp set:  Cavallini Papers & Co.

~note card:  Hobby Lobby

.go "green" with new Boho magazine.

There have been a few changes taking place in my life recently.  My "metamorphosis" I call it.  I am reevaluating aspects of my life and attempting to make changes for the better.  A new alteration to my life has been a job change.  My new place of employment is at a local bookstore.  This, I know, I will love.  Much different from my prior jobs where I was in charge and rarely at home, even when I was home.  This will allow me more time to spend with my family and to be able to do the things I want to do.  Besides these, I will be surrounded by thousands of book titles and work with new, wonderful individuals.  And so it is at the bookstore where I came across a new magazine that caught my eye as I was getting ready to leave.  Something about the title.  The pink bird, perhaps?  As I looked over its cover and skimmed through some of the pages I knew I had to get it.  The premier issue of an eco-friendly fashion magazine with a lot of spirit and spunk dedicated to a bohemian lifestyle.  It's new, it's fresh and above all, it's inspiring.  Let's face it, I could use some of that in my life right now.  I present to you, Boho magazine!

 

The running theme to this magazine is:  re-cycled. re-styled. re-used.  There are several items shown in this publication that are exactly that.  Like bangles created out of old skateboards, bags made out of a leather jacket or a vintage quilt.  The concept of converting an item from one thing into a completely different piece with a totally different, more pratical and even fashionable purpose is, well. . . genius!  Makes you want to rethink what you drop off at the thrift store!

This magazine carries lots of material.  You can't help but get drawn into every bit of it!  Throughout every page, I am extremely impressed and in awe with the tone, photos, and illustrations in each layout.  Absolute "eye candy."  In the above photo, a page featuring what classifies one as being a "boho girl."  

To bring all the fantastic products, brilliant tips and tricks, and wonderful articles to a close, at least until their next issue (can't wait!), Boho leaves us with an inspiring poem by fashion icon, and legendary actress, the late Audrey Hepburn.  [My mistake:  The poem was actually written by Sam Levenson.  Sorry!]  It is refreshing, SO refreshing to be able to pick up something that truly aspires to bring into our lives ways to be better to the world in which we live in, but especially, to be better to ourselves - mind, body and soul.  Visit them at www.bohomag.com

.Stampington & Company - Artful Blogging.

There are very few publications out there that I really think are worth going crazy over. I must admit, Stampington & Co. publish some fantastic works and I will drive to anywhere just so I can get my hands on a copy! Here recently, they have come up with some new publications that have helped to inspire me in more ways than I can even begin to mention. My personal favorites: Artful Blogging, Life Images, and Somerset Life. The first is a collection of photos, stories, and partial blog postings by fellow bloggers. It was through this current issue that I finally decided to take the plunge into this seemingly wonderful new way of journaling. The magnificent colors and textures in this magazine/book is just amazing! The bloggers themselves, an inspiration.
Life Images is a collection of photos and journaling submitted by readers. The photos range from amazing "Kodak Moments" to the simple, usually overlooked, pieces of our everyday lives. The combination of photo and word are pleasing to behold.
Somerset Life displays fabulous pages of how some very talented readers apply creativity into their lives. Tons of fabulous photos to draw you in and leave you ancy to pull out your craft box, ribbons, buttons, paper, glue and scissors, and finally create!
I suggest that anyone looking for some artistic and creative "eye candy" just need to stop by their local bookstore and pick up a copy of any one of the Stamping & Company publications. Believe me, it's a feast for the eyes and you won't want to put it down!

Stampington & Company - Artful Blogging