October 21, 2014

This is fine.

Yesterday was weird.

It really started off like any normal day, I was working in the shop and about to go over to the window where I needed to re-tag some ceramic shells. Outside, the background noise was that of a homeless man, yelling to passersby and shouting expletives. But, this is pretty standard in this neighborhood (which is why I refer to it as background noise). As I was walking over to the window I realized that he was in fact, "enjoying his own company" a little too much for broad daylight, at noon and in public. I saw more than I ever needed to. I would also like to note that during this time, one of the things he said to himself was "Huey Lewis and the News". Make of that what you will.

I was a little uncomfortable, to say the least. Luckily, from my usual spot at the register I couldn't see him, but that also meant that I couldn't keep an eye on him if say he started to wander towards the front door of the store. I started to imagine scenarios in my mind, what would I actually do if he walked into the store? It took me a little longer than it should have to lock the front door. Another person who had seen him called the police I guess.

I should say, that in this city you do see a lot of stuff. And you get desensitized. But this was beyond.

Later on that day, your typical hippy-ish older man, wearing a hat that looked to be made from the same fabric as his large pocket covered jacket sack came into the store alluding to know a "blonde woman" who had worked there some time ago. I said, "which blonde woman?" and he sort of waved his hand in the air in a gesture of "oh you know, who can remember such details". He came over to me and shook my hand, without missing a beat he says,

"You need to increase your aerobic activity, I can read these things, I felt your pulse, I do bodywork."

I said, "Oh, really?"

"Yes, you're so beautiful that you really need to increase your energy levels to be even more beautiful" (eye roll)

Me: "Well, alright.."

Him: "I'm actually having another vision right now, of you carrying my herbal tonics in your store".

Me: "Ha...ha... Oh yeah?"

Him: "Here look at this, this is great"

He presents me with a small bottle of topical analgesic. And before I know it he's placed three drops of this stuff onto my forearm and proceeds to massage it into my skin, like REALLY massage it. At this point, I was slightly amused by the weird bubble this man seemed to inhabit, that he felt like this was OK. But you know, you take these things with a grain of salt. I should say that he was extremely non threatening.. but then...quick as a flash he's putting this stuff on the back of my neck! And massaging it in.

The thoughts which ran through my mind were mostly, "what the fuck?!", and "what is another customer going to think if they walk in right now." and "what the fuck?!"... I shifted away slightly to signal, yes thank you that is fine.

He then asks me if I'm the buyer for the store, I say no and tell him who is, give him the email address and quick as a flash he's out the door. Really he was just a dodgy salesman employing very weird tactics selling glorified Vick's vapo-rub.

After he left, the thing I was most troubled by was my own reaction to the situation. At what point would I have said, HEY MAN GET OUTTA HERE? I like to think that there a point exists where I will not allow myself to be uncomfortable for the sake of not making the OTHER person uncomfortable. But it did signal to me that I need to be ok with being a little bit more UPPITY in such situations should they arise again (hopefully they won't).

Basically, this is me.


October 7, 2014

Pastel Miami


Earlier this month I went on my first trip to Miami. I was most excited for the Art Deco architecture and the pastel palette. As a long time fan of 'The Birdcage', I got a special thrill walking down Ocean Drive and remembering the final amazing and hilarious scene. If you haven't scene the film, go watch it - I won't ruin the finale just in case. But until then, here are some photos of the pastel vibe. 












3 year old style icon

"Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and remove one accessory.” —Coco Chanel


"Fashions fade, style is eternal." —Yves Saint Laurent

May 20, 2014

Moomins and life lessons

I love the Moomins. I think they are so right on with their little messages about life. I don't know about you but I can definitely relate to "I only want to live in peace and plant potatoes and dream!"







February 13, 2014

Leslie's Goals!

Leslie, 24, San Francisco 

I want to watch: More documentaries about the great outdoors/animals

I want to read: Short writings about spirituality

I want to: paint my wood blocks

I need: Patience, painting skills, self motivation



February 6, 2014

Carrie's goals

Carrie, 24, San Francisco

I want to watch:
Batman the Animated Series.

I want to read:
Blueberries for Sal and a letter from Pete.

I want to listen to:
Elvis Presley with Felix and I Want to See Pulaski at Night.

I want to finish:
weaving a bracelet on my bead loom and learn how to weave a Russian Spiral.

I need: 
time and patience.



February 4, 2014

Emily's goals

Emily, 25, San Francisco 

I want to watch:
More Ted talks (like this one: http://www.ted.com/talks/amy_cuddy_your_body_language_shapes_who_you_are.html and this one: http://www.ted.com/talks/david_christian_big_history.html)

I want to read:
Wendell Berry essays
More Infinite Jest

I want to do:
a 5-10d
Start my first sewing project!

Things I need to acquire to do some of those things:
A Wendell Berry book of essays
Time
Mad climbing skills
A pattern, fabric, thread



February 3, 2014

"think about many things, but do one thing." - Dad



Someone once told me (last night), that setting goals for yourself is one of they key elements in the pursuit of happiness. Achieving these goals, whether big or small, will give you a sense of worth. 

My response was "well my problem is I can never finish anything." 
His: "well you have to change that." 
Me: "but why?" (i'm stubborn to a fault) 
He: "Because I want you to finish the painting you started for my birthday!!" (which was 5 months ago)
Me: "grumble, grumble"

I had to ask myself, is this really what I think or is this a defense mechanism? - this is something I wonder often. Perhaps if you're wondering whether it's a defense mechanism, then it most likely is. But really, what behavior isn't some sort of defense mechanism? I guess lately (always) I haven't started things because I have this voice in my head that tells me I never finish anything, so what's the point. Is it the winning or the taking part? Am I just incredibly lazy or am I afraid of failure to the point of inaction? All are questions worth pondering...

Anyway, I decided that I would start to make myself little tiny (achievable) goals. Or at the very least, plant the seeds of goals.. and publish them on a blog so in some way I feel accountable (that is to say, if anyone out there is actually reading this). 

Goals for week 6, 2014

i want to watch
- 'Elaine Stritch - Shoot Me' (she's Jack's mom on 30 Rock)

i want to read
- the lady in gold

i want to do
- weave a tapestry
- publish a blog post twice a week (baby steps)
- submit something to a friend's website
- finish the painting
- pitch a story
- get rid of clothes I no longer wear

things i need to acquire to do some of those things
- a small loom
- motivation

So there you have it...wish me luck! What are your goals for this week? 

here's that painting I was referring to...