Thursday, February 25, 2010

William Henry Channing!

I came across this beautiful quote again by William Henry Channing, from his 'Symphony:'
"To live content with small means; to seek elegance rather than luxury, and refinement rather than fashion; to be worthy, not respectable, and wealthy, not rich; to listen to stars and birds, babes and sages, with open heart; to study hard; to think quietly, act frankly, talk gently, await occasions, hurry never; in a word, to let the spiritual, unbidden and unconscious, grow up through the common -- this is my symphony."

It is always amazing to me when half-formed and felt-but-unarticulated thoughts I have had appear before me in print just when they are needed. It is beautiful isn't it?

Sunday, February 7, 2010

I am designing a pair of earrings that my Dad ordered for my Mom...for her 67th birthday that is coming up! I love custom orders. They push me to beyond my comfort zone, and spark my creativity. And of course I especially love designing something for someone I love and know so well! They need to be just 'her' but maybe also with a little edge that may nudge her beyond her comfort zone? I will finish the design today and publish it later in the day so you can see them. More of the design story then. Off to rehearse some Jazzercise routines. I need the exercise and exhilaration of dance to jostle me out of these winter slug feelings....