A Last Reflection for 2011

2011 was a year of ups and downs, endings and beginnings.

It began with a visitor from afar, a Superbowl victory, upheaval at work.

There were trips to California, the beginning of this blog, my twitter account, and a venture into flickr. All to kickoff a little Unravelling, which led to the highlight of the year – the making of amazing new friendships with wonderful, kind and supportive women from around the world. I can’t possibly list them all, but – Kim, Gayle, Paula, Holly, Kim O, Carol, Jenn, Molly, Angela, Kat, Sarah, Martine, Ingrid, Fsozi… were among many who were there to help me (and each other) peel away some layers, find perspective and share some laughter and tears while I went through one loss, found some hope, suffered a mini setback, then another loss.

I discovered a love for photos, I took an August Break, I escaped, survived both a death cold and turning a year older and embarked on another wonderful class. Then the holidays, a missed travel opportunity, an impromptu meet-up with some inspiring people, and now, more work upheaval.

The search for Direction begins anew for 2012 (yep, that’s my word AGAIN). Where am I going? How do I get there? Hopefully I’ll need a passport and a compass tattoo! Or, just a self-reminder in the words of my latest favorite musician, Radical Face, “Don’t you fear for me, I’m where I’m s’posed to be.”

Happy New Year!

Friday Fun: One is the Loneliest Number

Or is it? A recent assignment had me thinking on the number one. As photos play a part in each assignment, I thought I’d walk the city and snap some ones in their urban surroundings. Visions of parking garage elevator doors swathed brightly in bold number ones danced in my head. Alas, it seems one is the non-existent number. The parking garages I ventured into declared their ground floor with a G. Or a B1. Or, as above, a one with a cheery star. That, my friends is not the solo, singular, stand on its own one my concept required. And the one below? From my desktop calendar. While solo, looking a little un-one-ish without its pals month and day. Hmph.

I shall continue my quest! Any hints on one sightings are welcomed!

The title for this post was inspired by the Harry Nilsson song made famous by Three Dog Night.

Friday Fun: The Blog that Bonds

This little lady is less than the length of my thumb. I was in a small shop in Sozopol, Bulgaria on the Black Sea and she caught my eye, it was almost as if she spoke to me. I was told she wasn’t for sale, she had been painted by the owner’s sister. This was the cutest little shop, handmade clothes, jewelery, art, just charming. The clothes rack was fashioned from a long piece of driftwood and hung from the ceiling. Linen-bound Penguin Classics books acted as props, lamp cords were wrapped in crocheted sleeves.

While my travel mate shopped, I asked the owner if she was familiar with the popular design blog Design*Sponge because her shop reminded me of it. She was a devoted reader! On this trip where we’d struggled with the language barrier (we’d really only made 2 friends in 10 days) it was a great bonding point and we proceeded to talk about our favorite blogs. It was easy to convey where I hailed from due to the many talented Portland people whose work and homes have been featured on the site. Before we left the store with our purchases, I pointed one last time to the rock and said to tell her sister she should sell these. She walked over, handed it to me and said “for you, because of Design*Sponge.” Gulp! Obviously, this little stone holds a very special place in my heart.

P.S. She was so sweet and humble she wouldn’t let me photograph her shop to share with D*S.

P.P.S. The rocks that surround her are from the Aegean Sea (same trip).

Friday Fun: A Trifecta

This week I’m actually out of town – which is terrific, but unfortunately falls during the time I’m supposed to be documenting objects which are dear to me. I felt a lot of pressure to click off a lot of photos in the days before I left. This is one of those things I feel that I already know about myself – I’m sentimental when it comes to things from a family member or good friend, art, or items I schlepped home from afar. Those things make me smile as I go through my home and Grandma’s earrings complete an outfit far better than store-bought baubles.

One item I recently welcomed into my home, embodies all of these qualities. It’s a trunk that belonged to my Grandmother and was brought to her from the Far East (family members feel free to comment on where) by my Great Uncle who served in the Merchant Marines. Family heirloom, hails from afar, and as you can see from this detail of the top, an absolute work of art. The trifecta!

Friday Fun: Here’s Looking at You

Last week’s lesson in being more observant proved useful in revealing reflections. Pause and reflect. Visually and otherwise. See what is to be seen and honestly acknowledge what is looking back. What do you see when you really look?

Friday Fun: Consequences

I wanted to give a little glimpse of something I’ve embarked on this week which requires carrying a camera with me everywhere. In turn, this prompts me to be more observant of my surroundings. A wonderful consequence, yes?