All posts filed under: art and culture

Pause On Long Time Passions

Published by

The Pandemic year, while cooped up at home, I outlined all sorts of projects for myself. Tapping mostly on my creative side, not applying techniques to my daily work, but actually drew up a plan: To do more writing and less working. Resurge my Etsy store during the holiday season to offer up those unique gifts and things, as well as improve my photography skills. Sounds like Fiscal year goals (for those of you with careers 🙂 ) Four years later, I have done nothing but work longer hours, thanks to working from home mainly, no Etsy products on display on my online store, now going on 3 holiday seasons passed. But the photography has been ample. Sharing on Instagram plenty, but not the kind where it drops a copy here in my website link for your viewing pleasure, but the ones that are saved under ‘ Insta-story’ where they fall off in 24 hours. Thought I’d share that with you today and the photos of course…

The Need To Be Creative

Published by

I spend most of my days working long hours, 12-18 to provide a reference point. But while I robotically tap against the keyboard, or conduct a meeting to discuss like issues or plans to improve, my mind strangely wanders off…to the novels I’ve drafted (now going on five years) where I keep vowing each year to publish. Maybe this year, where my priorities have shifted a bit, from caregiver to someone learning to get past the grief. At least that is the plan. Do you find yourself setting goals you are not able to achieve? And if so, are most of the hurdles within your control or ones outside?

The Constant…No More

Published by

While in the countryside this past week, committed to unplug from all things electronic, I received news that her Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth, had passed away. Which I knew had been long time coming, considering how delicate her state of being was in the past year. Nevertheless, I somehow felt it wouldn’t be in my lifetime. I felt choked up on my way up the stairs to a quieter part of the house. And there I sat on the bed, as if the world had come to an end…and in a way, it has. She was the constant in our world of elevated madness and chaos. A tender reminder of strength, dignity and resiliency, I admired, and often mirrored to endure my worst of days. What would the Queen do, I used to remind myself… featured image full credit

In Films and Novels

Published by

What are you watching these days? Or reading for that matter? The other day I noticed a woman sitting in a secluded outdoor space, in between two stores in an outdoor mall. She was reading an actual book. Not a nook, or a variation of an electronic reading devices. But an actual book. I sat a few tables away from her and occasionally glanced in her direction, me mostly wondering what the squirrel that was inching towards her was intending to do. Two things that I admired that afternoon. Her being engrossed in the novel she was reading – Conversations With Friends by Sally Rooney – which I had binged watched on television-Hulu a month or so back. The second, was the squirrel utterly unafraid to be inches away from her. Perhaps the squirrel knew her, I thought. Maybe the woman frequented that very spot and they became friends. From the corner of her eye, she looked towards the squirrel and smiled, giving the squirrel the encouragement it was seeking to approach – I can …

Childhood Reflection

Published by

I have always paid attention to detail, even at the age of five or six, when my parents opted to take me along on a family visit. Which was customary in the Mediterranean upbringing – you visit with relatives for tea and trays of winter dessert, or for refreshments and servings of fresh summer fruits. The adults spoke, and the children listened. It was wonderful! But while I did much listening, I also paid loads of attention to the home decor of those family members who were cultured if you will, or wealthy enough to set up their home in French inspired decor trends. So when I stumbled upon this breathtaking mansion, I had to share what I was referring to: As this particular set up is a true reminder of days from my childhood, where I sat on an oversized sofa, watching the adults discuss whatever topic of interest. There, I simply nibbled on cake or ice cream and admired all the intricate details of my surroundings. Source full credit, referenced above for your …

Smile Worthy Oceanic Masterpiece

Published by

I have to admit, I’ll always choose animals/mammals over humans any day. Sounds a bit harsh? Perhaps. But I feel as if I have a deep, and soothing connection with all things nature, and for that very reason, I want to share this spectacular creation. Which I replay on my laptop, the moment I feel overwhelmed or stressed with work. Enjoy Featured image source and full credit here

Topics of Interest

Published by

It’s only Thursday, but for my post time-change-over-the-weekend brain, it feels like it should be a Saturday or June for that matter. Nevertheless, my day is filled with meetings. To the point that sitting still during a video call with a poker face is becoming more and more challenging. As I find my mind drifting off to the winding and narrow back streets of Cannes. Yes the one in France. That’s where I am inside my head, while perched on a ergonomic chair, looking at the camera. Why Cannes, I don’t know. But 20 minutes into a meeting, and I am whisked away to those streets. When the meetings are done, I walk from my desk to my bed and lay there for a second or two in an effort to clear my head or plan dinner. That is until someone pings me for attention… So in case you feel the need to escape from all things mundane, read on. For the love of Downtown Abbey, you’ll be glad to know the sequel A New …