Hold It Gently

I'm exhausted from the past two weeks of networking, pimping myself out, phoning and emailing people to find work. I'm crispy fried today like a piece of bacon and probably a tad emotional from it all if you want to know the truth. But when all the chaos stops, when I can lie in bed and watch crappy tv shows and love it, when I wake up in the early morning to meditate I continue to say "Thank You". "I am so grateful for all of the wonderful people in my life."

I've had a lot of changes in my friendships in the past couple years. Some I don't see for months on end who I can pick a conversation up like we never left each other, some I've decided, painfully to let go of, some I've accepted are friends that need to remain separate from the herd, some I've pulled in closer, some I've moved away just a little bit. Each one of those people, whether I talk to them daily or yearly has added a great deal to my life. 40 years of layering knowledge, love and care and for that I am eternally grateful no matter if they still like me or not [and vise versa I guess]

It's been a big learning experience along the way. I just cherish them all like a little water balloon that I can hold each one when the time is right. Each one different, unique and perfect just the way they are.

Wishing you a lovely weekend. May you hold on to your friendships gently enough to keep them safe, but not so hard that they burst.

-r.

image via moi at Jake's 2nd birthday almost two summers ago.

I *heart* NYC

Almost every year for the last 10 [give or take], I've taken a trip to NYC. It usually coincides with the National Stationery Show that happens over my Birthday weekend May 18 or so. This year I'll be skipping my little trip but this video made my day. All the feelings and sounds of NYC.

Wait till the baby crying at the end...it's worth it.


The Lost Tribes of New York City from Carolyn London on Vimeo.

video The Lost Tribes of New York City from Carolyn London on Vimeo.

via > wish jar

Whu?

Well Blogger is being an asshole right now and not uploading a photo but you should go over and check out this post on Perez

Sarah Jessica and Matthew Broderick Expecting Twins

Do you ever have those friends that you just get use to being a certain way? Like maybe a girlfriend has said for her whole life that kids weren't her thing and then announces that she is pregnant? Or you get use to the eternally single [read "player"] guy friend who meets a gal and then proposes 6 months later? I mean there are just things that make you go, Wait a minute here....Just back right up...I mean the story in MY head looks like THIS.

This announcement made me do the Whu??? As I was just ducky with my SJP being a one kid mom. Thats how it was going to be. And now she's doing this and with a surrogate?

I mean, wow, totally great, don't get me wrong I just need to adjust the picture in my head.

I'm just going to sit down over hear to think about it a minute, I'll be fine, just get me a glass of water will ya?

on sale

if you are in need of a classic white tee I can't say enough good things about this one. it's also on sale [mine was not sadly]

stretch, 3/4 sleeve
super chic, very Jackie O with a rolled pair of jeans and a pair of flats - don't forget the gigantic sunnies!

Toe Tappin' New Music

I can't get enough of these two songs. Vastly different, yet still makes you want to boogie your butt



Can't get enough of Mos Def's new single "Quiet Dog"



Empire of the Sun "walking on a dream" Currently available as iTunes free download!

coffeeeeeeeeeee

I've put myself on coffee restriction since my layoff [ok, I do make my own at home] but it's just not the same.

Wouldn't this be a funny letterpressed card? I could hold it up outside of Peet's wearing a cute outfit and hope someone buys me one on their way past.

This is amazing

Well said, very well said. Words of wisdom sitting over on Perez Hilton of all places.

An odd...very odd story "Oh Shit Richie Story"

Seriously? I cannot believe I have these tales to tell. I am a quiet person, I'm not a party girl, I stay home I work, I go to yoga...
I know you're thinking right now why does she have a picture of Philip Seymore Hoffman on her blog? Stay with me on this, it's one of the Oh Shit Richie Stories I promise.

Today I saw a girlfriend, at the store I frequent a lot for my paper supplies, she's a single, dating kinda girl, cute/funny you know the tale. While she was helping me she said oh my gosh I forgot to tell you about this rad guy I met the other night at Trader Joes. She's talking about him blah, blah, blah we have plans to go out this weekend and says "yah, he kinda looks like a younger, skinnier version of PSH.

My face contorted into well...I don't know what and she said "What? Do you know him?" and I shaking my head in utter disbelief of the tale that was about to unfold in front of me, I said "Remember the ex-husband I told you about a few days ago over dinner? That's him"

Her: Shut the f*ck up, you are lying to me right now
Me: I am most certainly not
Her: What's his name?
Me: I give her his first name [which is really common]
Her: Ok what's his last name?
Me: I give her his last name [certifying that I am in fact telling the truth]
Her: Are you sure?
Me: What do you want me to describe him to you?
Her: No, I mean I'm just...I dunno that is really freaking me out
Me: Freaking you out? Dude...I need a shot of tequila right now and it's only 2pm
Me: I would highly advise RUNNING as far away from that as possible. [further tales are told]
Her: Are you kidding? I only heard that little bit and besides...he's your f*cking ex-husband
Me: Well I'm not sayin'...I'm just saying, I mean you can go out with him but I would highly advise not to.
Her: Not going to happen.

We proceeded to laugh and sort of stare at each other for the next 20 minutes in disbelief at what had just happened. Now she's planning her exit stragedy email. I suggested telling him that "a fluke set of circumstances has revealed that I am good friends with your ex-wife and that I'm no longer interested."

Because, he has two, mind you and then he'll have to inquire which one. Which is the best part, since in the email dialog he apparently insinuated he had never been married. I wish I could tell you all the other tales that go along with this sorted tale but alas, it would take 10 posts and well he doesn't warrant that much time and effort. But he does make for an excellent blog posting for this fine Friday now doesn't he?

I've decided that THIS is proof that God wants to remind me of how completely retarded I was in my 20's, and how far I've come.

Can I get an Amen on that?
Amen.

Mrs. Meyers Cleaners

I received two full size samples of their wares from a goodie bag that I got at a Daily Candy event here in Los Angeles a month or so ago. I've seen this product before but overlooked it [despite its super cute packaging] because I thought it wouldn't work, that it was more expensive...but I always use such and such...

let me tell you this stuff ROCKS THE HOUSE DOWN. First it smell so damn good that I did something I swore I would never do and bought one of those plug in air diffuser thingys because yes, they have one in their line up. Lemon Verbena should you wonder.

but back to the testers...the counter spray? I was preparing myself for a saturday of bleach, toothbrush and my kitchen grout. In a last ditch effort I sprayed the counter spray on let it set for a minute and scrubbed with my normal kitchen brush and Whammoo! totally clean!

Don't get me started about the dish soap that smells like an apple pie, which based on the site must be a seasonal item. damn I want to put it over a scoop of ice cream it smells so good.

Next I tried the drier sheets. Lavender, because I wanted my sheets to float me into sleepyville. This is the one in the line up that hasn't wow'd me. They smell lovely going in but didn't give me that flavor UMPH I was searching for. Drawer liners though...all about it.

Today...I opted for the hand soap. I think I might have gone crazy and got Lavender. You know me...Just WACKY like that.

and if that wasn't enough? from the company:

"We want a healthy world for ourselves, our families and our pets. That is why Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day products are safe to use in the presence of children, pets, and expectant women. There are no solvents, no petroleum distillates, no bleach, no phosphates and no ingredients that could cause harsh fumes. In addition, most of our products have a near neutral pH that makes them safe for skin contact. Simply follow the directions on every product. Please keep in mind that our products are richly fragranced, and some women have increased sensitivity to fragrances during pregnancy – sometimes this creates a very positive feeling, sometimes quite the opposite."

and... TOTALLY ON SALE AT TARGET saw it with my own two eyes today.

My birthday party outfit

I wonder if the house of Dior would do a studio loan on this little frock for an out of work designer/stylist/diva? It would go so well with the back yard gathering I have planned, complete with tacos and beer. I promise to take it to the dry cleaners and have the taco grease removed after I dribble on myself.

via glamourous little side project which is a awesome name btw

Right Now...

• right now this is the view out of my bedroom door, flowing metallic blue curtains which look like water

• right now I'm enjoying one of my crazy juice blends from our Jack LaLane Juicer [apple, spinach, carrot, celery, cucumber, lemon and ginger] it looks like pond scum but tastes great

• right now I'm grateful for everything I have

• right now I can't believe how amazing my friends and colleagues have been since my layoff

• right now I'm going to my second yoga class in 2 days, which is what I use to do in my spare time!

• right now life is good

Can This Room Become An Invitation?

You know , I forgot that I had tucked this photo away to show you guys. Do you remember the Domino editorial "Can This Outfit Become a Room?"



I had already dreamed of a yellow and gray invitation for my 40th but this room definitely was on my inspiration board for the development.



for more info about the invite click here

image from Domino Mag > Jenna Lyons Creative Director JCrew home> sorry I don't know the photog!

If you need me I'll be drinking

"honey, I'll be honest with ya. I love Jesus but I drink a little"
-Gladys on the Ellen Show



So we got the news today. The business went to another design group. We are all devistated of course. We all had a shot of tequila at the office and toasted to 15 years of work with our client [14 for me]. I'm not sure what to think right now.

So, what does this all mean? Well, I find out tomorrow how much time or how many paychecks I have left to count on. But aside from the money, the thing I am most sad about is not going to the office each day with the people that I love to work with. I hope I am as lucky at my next house of "print worship".

If you have been thinking about an ol' greeting card from my Ebay store I would be grateful to share my art with you and fund my soon-to-be-unemployment. I will also be available for personal stationery if you are in need of some lovely note cards. I'll work that out next week and give ya my old razzle dazzle sales pitch.

Till then, I'm off for some more tequila.
Bottoms up.

Madly, Deeply In Love

I've officially gone to Type and Design Heaven via David Stark Events



via his site:
This project was an interesting assignment for our times. How does one design an event on this scale, for such a momentous occasion and make it appropriate for today’s realities? Lavish is out, of course, but SPECIAL IS ALWAYS IN! We found our “special” within the MET archives and used a glorious history of 125 years of graphics to create an appropriately celebratory environment within the cavernous tent in Damrosch Park. Instead of over-the-top flowers and dripping crystals, fonts were our muse. Exploded, cropped, varied in type and color, the array of graphics not only provided a wonderful walk through the Opera’s historic identities in print but it transformed the tent into a three dimensional collage. Elegant banners gently fluttered above vases and luminaries wrapped with glowing prints from every time period. It didn’t really matter if you could read all of the text. We often cropped at such extreme angles to simply celebrate the sheer form of the lettering and push it into the realm of pattern.

Guests at a fundraising event should NEVER walk in and question how much was spent on the evening. Rather, the guests should walk in and say, “WOW! That is COOL!” Price should never enter their heads. These are not expensive materials that we used, it was inventive concepts that carried the weight of the evening. And you know what? That’s the way it SHOULD be – regardless of the economy.

My Dad Would Kill Me

Once when I was a teenager I asked for a Levi jacket for Christmas. I got it and within the hour I was putting it the washing machine with a gallon of bleach. When my dad realized what I was doing he got so mad at me. "If I would have known you were going to do that I would have bought you one from the Salvation Army". I was too young to know about 'vintage' clothing. I just wanted a faded jean jacket.



This weekend I spent some Christmas gift cards and picked up a few things at JCrew. One of them was this pair of jeans that I was so happy that fit after the words "slim" were in the title that I marched right up and purchased them without looking at the tag. $148 later I realized I had just spent $150 on jeans with holes in them. Not too bright if you ask me [or my dad]

But man...are they cute! and fit well!! I ended up wearing them all weekend.

Grace

My best friend April and I have talked recently about how we cry at most anything anymore. A quote in a magazine, a commercial, we're not really sure how this happened. I mean, we're both sort of kick-ass/semi-serious, non-crying sort of women. We're attributing it to age- that we're getting 'soft' in our old age so-to-speak. It's very disconcerting to both of us, we're not liking it one bit.


[please click this image to read the caption - it's worth it]

I saw this link over at a Cup Of Jo yesterday for the site Days With My Father and knew it would lump my throat as soon as I read the intro to it. True to form I have only read 3 pages in the last 24 hrs. I can't read any more.







I think it takes such bravery and courage to participate in the end of someones days. I suppose with many things, you don't have a choice in the matter. Regardless, for those who have the foresight to document it, I would say it's even more amazing. The only word that I can describe it is to say "Grace". One must have a lot of Grace to actively participate in this.

A number of years ago my grandfather who was a very stately gentleman passed away from complications of Alzheimer's Disease. My mom and aunt were very instrumental in his care for a very long time. I did not have the courage to visit him in his last months. I couldn't do it. My mom said it was better not to, to remember him as he was. She absorbed the tremendous emotional strain for my brother and I by forgiving this inability of ours. I only know those days through her recounts via phone.
That was forced grace on her but still grace.

So now that I'm crying as I'm typing you can go visit this amazing site yourself. It's full of grace, cherishing and documentation of the time left. Because not to be a downer, but 'time' and small moments really, are all we have.

ETSY love

letterpressed poster -wish it was my work! how cute is this. I totally want one for my bedroom$20



How fantastic is this bird? She has a bunch of lovely ones over at her store check it out

ah! can't remember where I saw this today but thanks for the tip!

$40 poster

and because the humor of Yee Haw Industries never fails to amuse me

New in the studio - forty

Forty Times Around The Sun
I'm really excited to send these out to my friends and family this week. You get to have the sneak peek.



This is one of the pieces I've been working on the past six weeks. It was the most stressful project because I was my own client which I must say....I'm the biggest pain in the ass. In fact, these photos totally blow if you really want to know the truth but I'm a bit rushed today so this is all I can give you. I am my own worse critic.



Three colors letterpressed on Crane's Lettra bright white
Matching saffron envelope with cement liner and wrap around return label
Square format with a information fold over flap
Matching icon stamp via Zazzle.com [expensive little suckers but I couldn't help myself]



Wish I could invite you all.

I'm hot on another project right now for someone who's paying me so back to work this fine Sunday afternoon. I hope you all are enjoying your day off. It's lovely sunny and bright here today. I wish I could go out and play

I've left the center photo enlarged for you to see detail, click to enlarge. Otherwise you might find my address, come TP my house in the middle of the night and then I'd have to trip you in the hallway next time I saw you.

The BEST engagement story evah....

I want to marry this guy and I've never even met him.

just kidding honey. love you.