ich Kalliope

Eat + Italy = Eataly

A recent trip to New York City reminded me again of all I miss about Europe!  Where 5th Avenue and Broadway merge at the corner of  22nd, Mario Battali's Eataly stands ready to embrace me in wonderfully fresh, handmade and beautifully presented food, products and experiences I've only enjoyed in London, Paris and Munich. 

Inspiring like La Grand Epicerie Paris which is my must-stop, must-see, must-eat-there, and my beloved Dallmayr in Munich, Eataly is a short jaunt south of home!  Where Eataly goes one step further and encourages me to explore, experiment and be served at a variety of restaurants within it's massive walls.  It doesn't matter what time of day you wander in, there is a treat awaiting. 

I hope this is a trend here on this side of the Atlantic, but it will take some time I'm afraid.  As in politics we are in food... terribly split.

Seasonal Shuffle

Our move to Boston was filled with contrasts - exciting and exhausting, joyous and sorrowful, familiar and foreign.  Our instinct told us we needed to get ourselves here, and as instinct works... it was right.  We've been "home" here for a little over a year, and have fallen in love (((again))) with the beauty of New England - place and people.  Full-on, transparent, honest, in-your-face, bold and proud surrounds us, as only Boston and those of us who call it home can be.

Summer was glorious, hot, sunny, humid and long.  I will miss you summer, as I do every year.  This Greek girl likes "hot and sunny" best of all, but Fall in this neck-of-the-woods cannot be ignored, and why would you want to.  Yesterday it became official.  Flip-flops and beach chairs OUT... boots and winter coats IN, as we did the seasonal shuffle from storage to closets. 

With my trusty iPhone in hand, here's a bit of what we saw on a recent drive to pick some apples, smell the earth and see the beauty of the changing seasons.  If summer has to end... what better way than in this glorious splash of color that is strictly New England. 

 

          

 
     

     

Christmas Sweets @ Alte Weihnachtsfabrik

After travel packed, heartwarming and indulgent holidays, you would think I'd be ready to put it all away, and start to think of spring.  But a visit to the Alte Weihnachtsfabrik in Neustadt/Coburg, Germany last week has me thinking about next Christmas.  Seriously.  This magical shop and museum was a such a treat.   Words don't do it justice, but hopefully these photos will give you a taste of what's in store 365 days a year.  I was thinking of many of you when I pulled out my camera and snapped these photos.  Whether you love, and I mean LOVE purple, can't stop buying tableware from Germany or obsessed with Snowmen, this is our place.

 

Paying Tribute to the Distance

As I've come to learn, change is exciting, it's the transition that's tough.  From the ending of something to the beginning of something else, there is an important in-between, the transition. 

The in-between isn't always easy, and that explains my tendency to want to speed through these times.  Keep moving, look forward, don't let the engine rev in neutral, put it in gear... now go!

This time it's different.  The engine is warming up gently in the in-between.  It's been getting a lot of TLC from many sources, more than just a tune-up.   It's getting ready for the roadtrip, paying tribute to the distance, and preparing for the journey.

As we get closer to the actual moving day... the hit the road, your body is moving to Boston, the car is shifting into first gear... we will be making this journey in our sweet Porsche.  We will pay tribute to the distance.  A roadtrip across the beautiful United States.  Simply getting on a non-stop flight to Logan Airport, landing a few hours later, is not the transition my dear husband and I long for. 

We want to extend the in-between just a little longer.

So we will start with our feet in the Pacific at Cannon Beach, Oregon facing east... and we will drive until we dip our toes in the Atlantic.  Yes, I will be looking in the rearview mirror from time-to-time, but most importantly I will be taking in all that surrounds me along the way. 

As much as we love our car, it is a 1996 993 C4... we are 1957 and 1958 models, and we will most certainly be looking for a good chiropractor and masseuse once we "land" in Boston.  Recommendations are welcome. 

I heart, heart, HEART Bill Cunningham

A good friend recommended that we see the film Bill Cunningham New York, a documentary about the longtime fashion photographer, who is most famous for the On the Street pages of the New York Times.  Although one of the first pages I turn to when reading my Sunday Times, I am ashamed to say I didn't know the name of the photographer personally until seeing the film this week.

From anonymity to hero in a couple of hours, that is how change happens, and ones perspective can be fed and nurtured.  He is a hero for his talent in spotting trends, and his dedication to sharing what he sees everyday on the streets.  More importantly he is a hero for his simple joy for what he does and who he is.  A genuine soul, uncomplicated, authentic with a purity that inspires me to be myself.

After seeing the movie, another friend of mine described it this way, "Bill Cunningham is so heartbreakingly sweet and authentic.  This documentary had me crying and laughing at his unimaginable tenderness and talent.  This film was a gift to me tonight..."

Seeing the film was certainly a gift to me as well.  Thank you Bill and for those who knew your story was worth telling and would be so incredibly relevant for us all.

Frugal Fatigue

I've been waffling on the title of this one, just as I've been waffling on a number of things lately.  For the record, I'm not a waffler.  Yesterday a dear friend mentioned to me over breakfast (no waffles) that I hadn't been writing much lately.  It's true, but it's not for the lack of ideas, connections, colors and insights that bubble around my head most days. 

Waffle [wof-uhl] - verb: to speak or write in a vague and wordy manner

 I realized it was because of my new habit of waffling. Talking myself out of something, rather than talking myself into something. 

First I blamed it on the month, February.  It's a short month, ends tomorrow.  Blame February.  Done (no waffle).  It's easy to get into a February Funk... February Fatigue. That's not it either, it's bigger than a month and certainly bigger than February. 

Fatigue [fuh-teeg] -noun: weariness from bodily or mental exertion

There's something in that word fatigue that is starting to connect, minus the reference to bodily exertion (no waffle), but that's another post! 

Frugal [froo-guhl]  –adjective: economical in use or expenditure; prudently saving or sparing; not wasteful

We're living in an era of frugality, that has cast it's net wider than just living lavishly and wastefully.  Everyone is trying to do more with less, and we certainly can.   But we can't afford to be frugal with our ideas, our thoughts, our dreams.  We can't be frugal with making connections, reaching out and putting it out there. 

In the end, self-diagnosis, I've been suffering from Frugal Fatigue.  And I don't think I'm alone.  Saving up, waiting, contemplating, re-considering then re-considering again.  The anecdote is slowly starting to show signs of life.  And yes, that includes these fabulous Rag & Bone boots that caught my eye during the Fall 2011 shows in Milan.  The only waffling should be me learning to walk properly! 

Balance!

Just right, right now. Lutter und Wegner.

   

Insider tips are everywhere these days, so many it seems that they really can't be that "insider".  Lists of must-haves, secret finds, best of and so on.  Real insider tips are something that I cherish, and over the years I have been treated to many of these authentic experiences that I would have otherwise walked right by.  On a recent visit to Berlin I was treated to another special moment.  This one included at times some intense cigar smoke, but I'd go back in a heartbeat.  Maybe even light one up!

Lutter & Wegner's Weinhandlung, wine shop, at the beautiful Gendarmenmarkt was just behind a small doorway on the Charlottenstrasse.  There since 1811, I found amazing food, great wines and label inspiration that could last for hours.  The menu had traditional dishes prepared with a simplicity that made for an experience that was just right.  The place was small and immense at the same time.  Although it is part of a much larger restaurant that can't be missed around the corner, this little piece of heaven is still a special find. 

Sitting in a place that has been there for 200 years, and yet not experiencing history in an "oh this is really old, and has been here forever" kind of way, but as this is perfect right now is the secret.  The waiter, not overly friendly (no surprise, it is Europe), was a no-nonsense expert who shared what he knew with confident passion.   In the end we had a delicious lunch, perfect portions, paired with a delicious Austrian Zweigelt, in a beautiful setting.  Like the wine label above, modern, simple and clear, "Ursprung", translation, "Origin".  It was grounding, just what we need more of in our times.  Insider tip, order the Tafelspitz or the Wiener Schnitzel

 Lutter & Wegner got it then and gets it now.

My July

July 2010 has to go on the record as one of the best months ever.  Visually it was very impressive!  From the beauty of Greece to home in Portland, Oregon, I am blessed with lasting inspiration. 

Here's a compilation of the month, through my eyes.   I'll miss you my dear July!  

Great Labels 1.0

One of my favorite projects when I was studying design at Purdue was to design a wine label.  That was way before I understood what a good bottle of wine truly was.  Annie Greene Springs Peach Creek and Boone's Farm Strawberry Hill were the go-to wine of choice in West Lafayette, Indiana.  Splurging meant a bottle of Greek Demestica, and yes that's with an "e".

That project created a lifelong passion for wine label design.

Here's my latest inspiration, Primitivo from Puglia region of Italy.  Found at Whole Foods in Bellevue, Washington, April 2010.  Great font, hand drawn sketch and great warm color, makes for modern, fun and cozy.  It was good too :).

Great Label 1.0

Believer

It's just too easy to be a non-believer these days. 

Is it related to the sheer amount of information that's available?  The point and counterpoint provided to almost everything that crosses our paths?  What press do you choose to believe and to trust?  Is it genetic, the Greek fear of το μάτι (the evil eye)?  What keeps us from believing in the positive press, about others and ultimately ourselves? 

The world needs more believers.

I once heard a story about former president Bill Clinton, and no it's got nothing to do with sex!  The story was that President Clinton could walk into a room of 100 people, 99 of which were huge fans and supporters, and 1 who didn't care for him.  He would spend the entire time focused on the one who wasn't his fan. What a way to spend an evening... focused on the one who didn't believe in him. 

There's a lot to believe in and to trust, just start listening for it.  Hey, I even heard President Obama, speak about the Tea Party Movement with a glass half full perspective.  His intellect, perspective and belief is truly aspirational.  

Some of the best advice I ever heard was to believe in my own press.  And just in case "pfth, pfth, pfth".

Discovery! La Grande Epicierie Paris

   

It was the last day of 2009, I was exploring Paris with my dear husband, and it had been an amazing day taking in all that is Paris.  The planned stops, especially my favorite bakery Poilâne, didn't disappoint, a visit to the courtyard of the Louvre to catch a glimpse of I.M. Pei's glass pyramids, it was a super day. 

The simple act of taking to the streets, exploring, with a map, a great app on my iPhone Around Me , an equally curious travel partner and good shoes, will keep me going all day long and brings me incredible joy! 

Late in the afternoon we were close to one of the oldest department stores in Paris Le Bon Marche.  It's a big store, huge, comprised of a few buildings, and luckily on this New Year's Eve we walked by the entrance to their food store.  Food store, hah!  There really are no words to describe La Grande Epicerie Paris, so I am sharing through my photos.  It leaves my beloved Dallmayr in Munich looking like a Tante Emma Laden.

Presenting La Grande Epicerie Paris, my new first stop, must see, can't miss in Paris.

         

   

     

Unlikely Sources

This is going to start with some wide reaching philosophical questions and observations and end with Conan and Leno.  Just sayin'! 

I am interested in learning about the unexpected and unlikely sources for your inspiration.  And how that inspiration found it's way to you.  Over the past years, I know so many who had to dig really deep to find it.  I am in awe of the wisdom, grace and humor that has emerged.  At the core there's been a massive shift of late. 

Wow... for ichKalliope this is sounding a bit ethereal, but stick with me!

We all have our sources of inspiration, those places, people and settings where we are sure to find the spark we are looking for, the encouragement we need or a new way of looking at something familiar.  As an avid reader I find it in books, newspapers and magazines.  And of course in the visual, gut poking, palm sweating, exciting ways of discovery.  Thought provoking and complex is how I usually like it.  Something I seek out, or someone has told me to checkout, or connecting with the many people in my life who are an amazing source for it. 

I am also a true believer that inspiration finds us..  The unlikely source last week was Conan O'Brien.  On the last night of hosting the Tonight Show he shared these thoughts:

"Don't be cynical.  Nobody in life gets exactly what they thought they were going to get.  But if you work really hard and you're kind, amazing things will happen".

An unlikely source because I don't watch Conan, more to do with not being able to stay up past 11:35, then I don't think he's talented.  But I did watch Leno on Oprah where she played this clip of Conan.  I am the last person that should weigh in on the late-night wars, and I'm not going to take sides.  Especially because I think they are both right.  Two kind men.

Be kind.  Thanks Conan.

Never-the-less

The absent blogger is how ichKalliope can be described of late.  It's not for lack of thinking, dreaming, wondering, arguing and observing.  Nevertheless, there has been little to nothing on these electronic pages! 

Some of it was due to a Happy Hangover of 2009 and the election of President Barack Obama.  A bit was due to my excitement and commitment to my new online friend Facebook.  A little less traveling in 2009, depleted my photography bank.  It was a tough year, and we were all directly affected, some far more than others.  And although it was an ok year for me, nevertheless I am happy to see the calendar read 2010.

It's time to get back to ichKalliope.  My little green book where I jot down blog ideas and begin most posts is filling up. 

2009 ended in the embrace of family in Germany.  Wonderful meals, nice talks, nice walks, bottles of wine, a little snow, game nights.  For some, it may have been chaotic, for me it felt like one big needed hug to send me into 2010.  If that wasn't enough, my sweet husband and I headed to Paris for New Year's.  So the first post of this new decade comes from the beautiful city of lights on the Seine.  Photos are taken from my iPhone, which by the way I am still in the middle of a love-hate relationship.  Nevertheless the inspiration of form, settings, color and textures continues on for me.

Happy 2010 all!

          

         

           

         

I Heart Julia

    

If you haven't seen Julie & Julia starring Meryl Streep as the French Chef Julia Child... go, go, go!  It is an absolutely uplifting movie, that left me in love with Julia.  I never knew much about her as an occasional viewer of her show in the 80's, but after seeing the movie, I'm wondering if one can become a groupie after someone has passed.

The movie made me laugh and cry, and I found similarities with Julia that I never new existed.  The obvious passion for Europe and eating.  A loving, wonderful marriage, stronger because of a struggle that needed few words in the movie.  Not to mention a love of butter.

Of course, played by the incredible Meryl Streep, who literally makes you forget you're not watching the real thing, I am running out tomorrow to buy her book Mastering the Art of French Cooking.  

With three nights planned in Paris over the New Years holiday this year, and heading into fall, the timing couldn't be better to get obsessed with Julia!

798 Art District Beijing

Traveling is a great joy of mine, and lately my wings have been "clipped" a bit.  Not complaining, you know the economy and all... it's happening to all of us. 

Well, actually, I am complaining.  I miss it, and look forward to having my passport in hand, and taking off a little more often over the next few months. 

Visiting new places, is a source of inspiration for me.  It's the well I go back to when the creative juices are running on reserve. Camera in hand, capturing memories, and composing stories as they present themselves to me is a passion.  And if I've learned anything in this half-century on this planet and especially over the last few months, following your passion shouldn't be optional.

In May, I joined my husband in China for ten days.  Our last stop before leaving Beijing, and the long flight home was the Art District 798.  A former industrial factory complex built in the 1950's, designed by a team of East German architects in the Bauhaus style, this once abandoned zone is now home to hundreds of artists, galleries and cafe's.  We only had a couple of hours to spend, and just scratched the surface of the creative energy that was running through this most unexpected of places.  It will be our first stop when we return to Beijing. 

I'm not sure how long it will stay in this pure state, it maybe shifting already... think SoHo in NYC.  It was one of, if not the only place we visited in China where people were not trying to sell us things.  The art was fabulous, beautiful, edgy, controversial, variety and anything but traditional.  The pure fact that this place exists in China's capital is cause for optimism.  Love 798 and can't wait to return!

Glass Act

Realizing that I had not posted for many weeks, I guess I officially took time off from blogging.  Plain and simple, it's been a bit of a lull period, where nothing compelling or not-so-compelling or even a bit compelling bubbled up as it normally does.  It happens.  I hope I'm back!

 

This morning leafing through the latest issue of Sunset magazine I saw a photo featuring the current exhibition at the Desert Botanical Museum in Phoenix, "The Nature of Glass" by Dale Chihuly.  I am a big fan of this glass artist, extraordinaire.  I am also a big fan of the desert.  Especially during spring.  This Kalliope's allergies and Portland are at odds.  Not to mention sun deprivation, rusting instead of tanning, and all the other symptoms that arise in early April, let's say it makes for a love-hate relationship with my current hometown!

Many years ago, my husband, my dear in-laws and I spent an afternoon in the Phoenix Desert Botanical Gardens, and I loved it, in spite of 105 degree plus temperatures, in the middle of summer and fear of heat stroke!  So be still my heart when I saw the images of Chihuly glass, throughout the gardens.  The exhibition runs until May 31st, and I think it may be worth a trip to the desert to experience this once in a lifetime matching of pure beauty and inspiration.  Wow. 

  

   

     

SooooooooHo Lovely

This amazing loft was featured in the NY Times this past week.  I find it absolutely amazing, livable, and could imagine moving in, in a New York minute!  A few details may slow my move down, like the price tag, $6.9 million pre-renovation, and 7,200 square feet... I'm into smaller spaces these days.  But there is much inspiration to be had in this beautiful space designed and inhabited by architect Natalya Kashper, partner in DUB Studios, and her family. 

The woods create a warmth that is glowing and natural.  I can just picture it filled with friends and family, cooking, drinking, and with a corner big enough to practice tap dancing.  Heck, could be a tap studio.

Ultra-modern yes, with a high-dose of cozy.  I could call this place home.  Agree?

Buttoned Up

I'm trying to better organize my closet, straighten it up a bit, get rid of some things, maybe to make way for a few new things, you know, for the new year.  On one of the top shelves, there's a box where I place buttons.  Primarily the extra button or two you get with a new purchase... I guess I never lose buttons cause I've got a couple small boxes - full.  What do you do with all the extra buttons?  Here's an idea, color studies, sewn onto fabric, by Multistorey.

One last footnote on the subject of buttons.  The famous Munich department store, and a special favorite of mine, Ludwig Beck am Rathauseck has it's own special haberdashery, with the most amazing selection of buttons and trims I have ever seen.  When I lived in Munich, it was a favorite stop to just look, and buy, it's a magical place.

 

FALLing for it

       

   

I've been holding on to every ounce of summer possible, for as long as possible.  Can you blame me?  Sabbatical, endless sunshine, Greece, connections, hot and dry weather for as long as I choose to remember.  Flip-flops only, great books, great times, great memories.  I've been holding on a little longer than normal. 

No I'm not walking around in late October, in the Pacific Northwest in sandals and sleeveless dresses... that ended in early October.  But I did press the pause button, and tried not to think of the impending Fall, leading to Winter.  That ended officially this weekend.  Fall has always been my favorite season, and I'm sorry for trying to ignore it for so long.  I'm sorry Fall!

I took my camera out this morning to capture the color that is surrounding me.  You might ask how I could have ignored the season with such glorious reminders all around me.  Beautiful.  As good as New England, this year... well almost.

It's time to cook indoors again, taking a break from the grill and Greek salads we have enjoyed for the past months.  Our friend and neighbor invited us for dinner Sunday evening, and if there was any question that Fall is not to be ignored, the meal made it official.

This is how we do Fall in my neighborhood!

_Butternut Squash and Green Apple Soup, spiced with cinnamon and sage
_Pan roasted vegetables, red potatoes, brussel sprouts, carrots and onions with fresh rosemary
_Pork tenderloin with a sauce of raisins soaked in red wine
_Green salad, with fresh orange slices, onion, walnuts and gorgonzola
_Pumpkin pie, with fresh whipped cream

   
 

Potential Disorder

Shopping yesterday, I landed in the back-to-school aisle.  It's pretty incredible how the smell of #2 pencils, and the sight of notebook paper can spark memories and inspire me to think of new starts and all the potential of a new year.  For me, the year begins in September.  Following the gift of a wonderful summer, restful and energizing, I was always optimistic about the new school year.  Fueled in large part by my addiction to back-to-school supplies, and the promise of staying organized. 

I believe those supplies were the main source of the much needed push I required to go back-to-school.  You see, I liked it at home, still do. There's an official diagnosis for it now, Separation Anxiety Disorder:

"Separation anxiety is a psychological condition in which an individual has excessive anxiety regarding separation from home or from people to whom the individual has a strong emotional attachment ..."

Hmmm.  No, my husband doesn't have to "negotiate" me out the front door every morning, like my poor mom used to have to do... but I may still have this disorder.  Or it could be, that I just had an absolutely fabulous summer and it's hard to think about the long, hot days of summer ending... until next year. 

It got me thinking, what are my "school supplies" these days?  What are my current equivalents to pink erasers, bluecloth 3-ring binders, Bic pens and a new pencil pouch that will help me out the door?  What is my ritual that prepares me for the year ahead.  Fueled by a six-week sabbatical, I have some supplies in mind, they come in the form of aspirations and goals these days. 

But I am in the market for a new plaid skirt, and have a brand-new gold trimmed Hello Kitty pencil pouch in my bag! 

Hanging Gardens

As more of us move back into the cities, we are left without our gardens and yards.  That's ok by me.  But as space gets more condensed, and surfaces of healthy, sustainable architecture remain a bit hard, the landscaping in these urban environments are an important element to consider.  So consider this by landscape designers Mia Lehrer and Holly Kuwayama, hanging a garden of succulents. 

Live Art featured in the July/August 2008 of Metropolitan Home is a beautifully innovative solution to bringing a new type of garden to our urban spaces.  The choice of succulents makes this hanging garden lightweight, as they don't need a lot of water, and have shallow roots so they grow in very little soil.  Here in the Pacific Northwest, succulents like sedum grow with abandon.  And the colors, varieties and shapes are to die for. Planting this would be like painting a picture with greens, yellows and burgundies.

     

The perfect solution as we try to live a bit lighter on the land.  Take up less space, and build right.  As presented in the work of designer Bruce Mau in Massive Change, "the future of cities is vertical". 

Gardens too.

Groove More, Sit Less

We went to see Earth, Wind & Fire at the Clark County Amphitheater up in Ridgefield, Washington last night.  The concert was fantastic!  On our feet the entire time, dancing to what has to be some of the best music ever written.  The kind of music that makes me completely, and utterly happy.  I grew up with an Earth, Wind & Fire soundtrack playing in the background of my high school and university years, so the connection was deep rooted and it was easy to get right back into that space where good music, good friends and great dancing was all you needed. 

A quick glimpse around me, made me realize I wasn't in Chicago.  Not that I'm commenting negatively on the quality of the dancing in Clark County, Washington  - yeah, well, actually I am.  

It could not have been a more perfect start to sabbatical, a beautiful summer evening, with my husband, sharing a couple of beers, dancing to Earth, Wind and Fire!  I am reminded of the joy that dancing has brought me for many years of my life, and realizing that I need to dance more.  Especially now. 

Sabbatical...

... from the Greek word sabbatikos, σαββατικόσ, of course! 

I am lucky to have a sabbatical this year!  Good thing, I need it, and dare I say I deserve it.  Yes... I said it, I deserve it.  Dictionary.com defines sabbatical as bringing a period of rest, yes sweet underrated rest.  It also defines it as an extended period of leave from one's customary work, especially for rest (there's that rest thing again!), to acquire new skills or training. 

Hoping to do both during the warm, sunny days of summer - starting today.  My expectations are high, but that's most likely cause I'm still a bit wound up from the day-to-day, and just about as excited as I can remember.  Stay tuned, as I get rested and acquire new skills, many (not all) which I will share here over the next six, yes 6 weeks! 

Industrial Beauties

I am fascinated with industrial details, machines, tools and castings.  I've been inspired by sewer plates around the world.  Here's two that I discovered, one in Tokyo, the other at a construction zone in my neighborhood.  Interesting that they both use similar colors.  Decoding these maybe something that I put on my list of things I want to do when I'm retired.  Any hints out there?   

Authentic Fakes

Check out this climbing wall at the Illoiha Fitness Center in the very cool Omotesando district of Tokyo.  If you're going to do fake, why not make it authentic.  All those fake rock climbing walls, that try so hard to look real.  This one is honest, humorous and takes a wall to entirely new heights.  Here you'll find all the things you expect to find on indoor walls, picture frames, shelves, vases, mirrors, deer heads and antlers. 

Does it help with fear of heights? 

Can it be?

I spotted this beauty on a walk here in the Pacific Northwest a few days ago!  Signs of spring.  Can it be?  Let's not get ahead ourselves.  It's still January, with lows in the low 20's predicted this week.  But isn't this beautiful?  The magic of this part of the country.  Sigh.

Eat your Veggies

I love vegetables.  I don't eat them nearly enough, especially in the quantity that "they" recommend.  What is it now, 5-8 servings a day?  I do believe I would eat more if they were on display like these that I saw at the Nishiki Market in Kyoto.  An absolutely amazing place.  Senses go into absolute overdrive.  Visually stimulating, not to mention the best donuts (soy donuts) I've ever had.  Doesn't that make them practically a vegetable? 1 serving down, 7 to go!

An Apple a Day

Aren't these just fabulous?  And to think there's a nice, healthy apple inside.  Found these at a candy store in Seattle on 1st near the Public Market.  The red candy ones are my favorite.  They remind me of the ones my uncle used to make and sell from his popcorn wagon on Hollywood Beach, Florida.  Yum!

Emotional Connection

 

Pretty heady title to this post, that simply describes my reaction to the photos my husband took yesterday of our sweet vintage Porsche 914-6 in it's storage garage.  It's an equation made up of many of my obsessions.

Car + Color + Compostion = Connection

4 C's, C4... hmmmmmmm?

New Perspectives

Last night my husband and I went to hear a special lecture titled "The Eye of the Artist".  The speaker was Dr. James Ravin, an opthamologist and co-auther of the book by the same name.  The topic was fascinating as it showed how eye disease, affected some of the great artists, like Monet, Cassatt, Degas and O'Keeffe and what they painted.  In particular, Dr. Ravin spent much time researching Claude Monet, whose cataracts were operated in 1923, three years before his death, and how visual acquity and color perception greatly effected his work prior to and post-surgery.  His color perception shifted dramatically throughout his life.  You can see it in his work, but until last night, I thought it was Monet's choice.  The fact is, he was painting what he saw. 

                           
Monet circa. 1900: Japanese Bridge at Giverny (pre-cataracts)

Monet circa. 1920: Japanese Bridge at Giverny (with cataracts)

The close connection between art and the visual sciences intrigues me now, as I had never made a connection that the artists quality of vision would affect their painting.  It makes perfect sense now after hearing Dr. Ravin speak. 

The lecture brochure posed a question, "Were the bold brush strokes on Monet's Water Lilies a result of cataracts?".

Monet: Waterlilies 1920-1926

My Kind of Town

Chicago is, my kind of town.  It really is the most beautiful city in the United States.  With it's long-standing commitment to stunning, adventurous and future-thinking architecture.  It's prime setting directly on Lake Michigan and with it's wide streets that invite you to take it all in, Chicago is spectacular.  Especially if you are there on a day with not a cloud in the sky, and visiting Millenium Park, like we were last weekend. 

I was especially excited to see the "Big Chrome Bean", the sculpture by Anish Kapoor, officially titled Cloud Gate.  As spectacular and beautiful as it looked in photographs, it was many-times more spectacular and beautiful in person.  Sometimes when you look so forward to seeing something, it tends to be a bit of disappointment.  Like what do Dieter Rams, a Formula 1 race, the Eagles and Bozo's Circus all have in common?  Cloud Gate and the entire Millenium Park did not disappoint. 

From the incredible Frank Gehry designed Concert Pavillion, to Crown Fountain which we somehow missed... probably 'cause I could not pull myself away from that big dang bean, Millenium Park and Cloud Gate is quintessential Chicago.  Modern, provacative and approachable.

I heart Chicago.

Inspire Greatness

My husband and I volunteered as team leaders today at a Special Olympics event.  It was truly one of the most enriching, enlightening and joyful things I have done in my life.  We were blessed with four wonderful children today, who we guided throughout their track and field events.  Whose parents trusted their children with two complete strangers, for more than 6 hours.  I cannot thank them enough for this experience.

As someone who has struggled with incredible sorrow everytime I see a child who is disabled, I made it my personal goal to find something that would bring me closer to these children in a way that would help me understand their world.  And more importantly, and hopefully, bring me to a place of peace that their lives albeit different than mine and most, were full and happy.  I have to admit it, I was nervous. 

The day started with some warmup activities, and a reciting of the Special Olympics oath:

"Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt."

Yes, let me brave in the attempt. 

What I learned today, is how pure the entire concept of Special Olympics is.  And how pure, trusting and courageous the young athletes are in their attempt to do their best for themselves and their team.  Against all odds, these kids never stopped smiling, running, jumping, throwing, hugging, sharing, listening, trying, cheering and competing. They inspire greatness.

I know this day was about giving these wonderful children new experiences, but this day turned out to be an incredible experience for me too.  It has brought me peace but also resolve to commit to this amazing organization.

I am so very grateful for this day, to Special Olympics and especially to Team 20!
 

Bunny Hop

My friend Birdie blogged a few days ago about Easter Rabbits and the icons of Easter.  Of course, coming from a Greek family, icons of Easter conjure up some other visuals for me, but I like those of which Birdie speaks too.  Here are a few snaps I took at Easter time last year in Munich.  The decorations go from the simple, to the modern to the classical.  These icons are of the bunny and egg sort, with a few very cute hens thrown in.

 

Setting the record straight

One of my favorite peeps set the record straight on her favorite Peeps.  I think she's right.  They are a wonder to behold!

 

Rooting

Another interesting coincidence, or is it a deep rooted design conspiracy?  Things that make you go hmmmmm. 

 

My favorite is the Hidden Vase (photo with chartreuse orchids).  It's very expensive, because this type of form is only realized using a technology called stereolithography, or 3D Printing.  Used primarily over the years for rapid prototyping, these amazing objects are now finding their way into real products. 

The rest are pretty simple, porcelain, plastic and felt.  Wonder what other inspiration has been hiding underground?

Wallpaper City Guides

I love to travel, and I'm lucky to do a fair amount of it for business and personally.  More personal travel is a goal, and so for Christmas this year I bought the Wallpaper Travel Guides for my husband and me.  These amazing little books are visually beautiful, and filled with all that makes Wallpaper magazine one of my favorites - they sit on a shelf in our home, right beside a beautiful globe, and they remind us of the places we've been and the places we still want to visit - together.

The current set includes 20 fabulous cities, and this year the publisher Phaidon will issue 40 more.  Easy to schlepp-a-long on a trip, or to offer a little escape sitting on your sofa in January in front of a fire.  Today I'm going back to Barcelona.  Adios!

Blau Weiss

Der blau weisse Bayerische Himmel, the blue white Bavarian Sky.  I snapped this picture standing on one of my favorite streets in the world, Residenzstrasse in Munich. 

To get this view, stand on the Residenzstrasse with your back to the Spatenhaus an der Oper looking towards the Maximilianstrasse, or as we call it "Spend-a-millionstrasse".  And voila!  This must be exactly where the designer of the Bavarian flag was standing when he landed his concept.  Rumor has it the blue white Bavarian sky was the inspiration. 

The sky must have looked just like this on that day.

Cover Girl

As you have probably noticed from my blog, I love all things visual.  I even fancy myself quite the photographer! 

I have a running joke with my friend Kitty.  Whenever I take an exceptionally good photo, (which is quite often I might add) I say "Hello cover of Car and Driver" if it's a car photo, or "Hello cover of Architectural Digest" if it's a building (we think it's absolutely hilarious).  So I am very excited that I figured out how to use flickr and connect it to my blog. 

In the left column you will see a link to Kalliope's Photos.  Over time I hope it becomes an archive of my photographs that deepens some of the topics I blog about.  I heart flickr!

Oh and by the way, check this photo out.  If there were a magazine just for pillows...   you get the picture!

Fading fast

     
I find these Ghost Billboards on old buildings so fascinating.  From another time, at one point important enough to dress a building with it from head to toe.  These are taken in the Pearl District of Portland, Oregon.  A area of urban renewal, where some are now part of the new landscape and others are fading fast.  I love it when a new window, or modern detail is introduced into the graphic.

and when you can't visit

The internet is a wonderful thing.  It still amazes me that I can go to a great site like kikki-K.com and shop for my obsession.  Based in Australia, inspired by Swedish design, an amazing selection of beautiful notebooks, not to mention unique cards, for the stationery obsessed.  All in the proportionally perfect paper sizes of A4, A5 etc. Check it out.  Thank you Neil for pointing me in kikki.K's direction.   Here's a few items I'm adding to my wishlist.