have a sweet new year!

image: by me

Andreea Waters

This photographic spotlight is on Andreea Waters of Franklin, Massachusetts. From her images of adventures in Puerto Rico, you can see that her unique perspective and interesting capture of moments in time speak volumes. Andreea has an eye for composition and an attraction to color and texture, which always leave me wanting to see more. Her world travels and love of the outdoors have given her plenty of opportunity over the years to form quite an inventory of spectacular shots.

I wish I could inspire her just a little to show her work to us all. When, Andreea will you share with us? Is 2009 the year?

Perhaps one more trip, a treetop adventure and wild blue water can give you the inspiration you need. I dare you!

Art Fusion of Cirque du Noir

In October 2008, we held the first annual Cirque du Noir, an (all black creative attire-yum) fundraiser for the WCFB. Bocado was filled with generous guests and the Art Fusion was the hottest part of the night. Six artists, including Scott Boilard, Maria Thomas and Rick Roberts, Laura Niemi, Susan Donofrio and Scott Holloway, collaborated in a few rounds to complete these works in less than an hour. Watching an artist at work is something rare for most, and the intimacy, the magic, and the music just spilled over.

Recently these four (of the six) auctioned pieces came back together to be photographed by Amy Demar. I am so happy to have these images available. Wander through them! Look for our announcement of the next event...you don't want to miss it.

Ocotber 25th, 2009 at Bocado will be the next Cirque Du Noir!

Oh my hotness...

The impending milestone birthday and the baby at 39 has my panties in a ruffle... you know, wedged up there good. Look at this woman. How the hell is she real? I can't leave the house until I lose 20 pounds. Honestly. I used to be a trainer, so I know 2 weeks of dedication will give me the kick start I need. I have been paying for the gym membership for a year and never go. Either way, things gotta change. Wish me luck...and if you see me eating truffles, give me that look. (shit, my house is full of truffles)

So, I found this image of Angelina on this really funny blog, Vodka Has No Carbs...I have to share. I was laughing at every post. The weight loss and body image issues are a little OTT to get the laugh, but these girls are seriously funny. They swear, mind you so if you are delicate you may want to opt out of the click.

Rain, Rain Go Away

First we had devastating ice storms, then snow storms, now it's been raining since before Christmas and town is just looking less than pretty. All the debris from the ice storms are piled everywhere, and trees are showing the scars of the New England weather.

I miss traveling, sunshine and adventure. Does anyone else?

It's Sunday, so we just hung in and got the house back together. Relax was the word of the day. Listening to the new Jesse Cooke from my good friend Andreea, set a cool vibe in the house. You've got to love his version of "It Aint Me" by Bob Dylan. Today, we are thinking about our summer trip to Brasov, Romania, where our family is celebrating from Christmas, "Craciun" to New Year's, the "Bacchanalia". Like we all should, they vacation from beginning to end... eat, drink and see friends.

For those interested in seeing Brasov for free from the comfort of your own home we just found this cool site...a 360 degree view...so realistic, is worth checking out on VR Brasov 360.

***Oh, by the way, I have to comment on the "tack"...the Brasov sign up on Tampa. I thought it was a little Hollywood/Bollywood/wierdness before I saw it in it's full form. In context it's not so bad. From the main road, the only way you can really tell you enter a new town is seeing it on the hills. Rasnov has one too. It works and encourages travelers to come through town, instead of passing it by. Rasnov, the next town over, is where Cold Mountain was filmed for the release in 2003. These photos of the Bucegi Mountains (in the Carpathians) by Lorin Niculae say it all.

Spotlight on Erin Petson

London based artist Erin Petson has some game. I have seen alot of montage efforts over the years, but I have never seen such perfect combinations of hard edges and loose illustration. Her work has a Klimt feel to it, which is perhaps why I was drawn to it. As I look at the way she blows out and softens her lines, it just makes the contrasts pop. Everyone is adding in the vector graphic "stamping" images that you see in all print ads and media efforts, but her style is organic and original. Amazing images of her work are via art department, a new discovery. I could spend all day exploring this site eternal eye candy.

****WARNING: If you click the link you should have a comfy seat and some provisions handy.

cheers

Sweet Paul, who I just can't get enough of...did this for the Wine Spectator Magazine's Christmas card...find the recipe for this holiday temptation at his blog.

Gilligan preferred the modest farm girl, Maryann, but the smoking red head had eyes for the professor. Ginger was the hotty on the island, and will be at my house this evening. The featured cocktails will be mixed with elixirs of Domaine de Canton ginger liqueur and St. Germain elderberry liqueur. Both are finely crafted in France and were purchased at KJ Baaron's in Worcester (at Washington Square/Union Station). They are hard to find around town, but we found St. Germain served up at the Nick's and the Armsby Abbey, who has a wide array of fine crafted treats to tempt your taste buds, including these two.

Enjoy the holidays, your time with your family, and every bit of the magic of the season.

If I only knew where I could score an ipod touch, life would be grand! Next year the deadline is December 1 for all Christmas choices!

Give

On Giving

You give but little when you give of your possessions.
It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.
For what are your possessions but things you keep and guard for fear you may need them tomorrow?
And tomorrow, what shall tomorrow bring to the overprudent dog burying bones in the trackless sand as he follows the pilgrims to the holy city?
And what is fear of need but need itself?
Is not dread of thirst when your well is full, the thirst that is unquenchable?

There are those who give little of the much which they have--and they give it for recognition and their hidden desire makes their gifts unwholesome.
And there are those who have little and give it all.
These are the believers in life and the bounty of life, and their coffer is never empty.
There are those who give with joy, and that joy is their reward.
And there are those who give with pain, and that pain is their baptism.
And there are those who give and know not pain in giving, nor do they seek joy, nor give with mindfulness of virtue;
They give as in yonder valley the myrtle breathes its fragrance into space.
Through the hands of such as these God speaks, and from behind their eyes He smiles upon the earth.

It is well to give when asked, but it is better to give unasked, through understanding;
And to the open-handed the search for one who shall receive is joy greater than giving.
And is there aught you would withhold?
All you have shall some day be given;
Therefore give now, that the season of giving may be yours and not your inheritors'.

You often say, "I would give, but only to the deserving."
The trees in your orchard say not so, nor the flocks in your pasture.
They give that they may live, for to withhold is to perish.
Surely he who is worthy to receive his days and his nights, is worthy of all else from you.
And he who has deserved to drink from the ocean of life deserves to fill his cup from your little stream.
And what desert greater shall there be, than that which lies in the courage and the confidence, nay the charity, of receiving?
And who are you that men should rend their bosom and unveil their pride, that you may see their worth naked and their pride unabashed?
See first that you yourself deserve to be a giver, and an instrument of giving.
For in truth it is life that gives unto life while you, who deem yourself a giver, are but a witness.

And you receivers... and you are all receivers... assume no weight of gratitude, lest you lay a yoke upon yourself and upon him who gives.
Rather rise together with the giver on his gifts as on wings;
For to be overmindful of your debt, is to doubt his generosity who has the freehearted earth for mother, and God for father.

Kahlil Gibran

I am not very religious, but I am very spiritual. So I interpret Gibran philosophically. His writings transcended East to West many years ago. I do think they are vital in today's world. His core is nature and it's elements, people and their virtues, and a love for the environment--with so much foresight.

The holidays get so hectic, so I like to remind myself and my family about real gifts from the heart. (Plus they don't rack up the credit card!)

Happy Happy Hanukkah

Menorah: The Tree of Life by Michael Aram

This is so sweet...

Michelle Bohigian of Something Sweet by Michelle has the
MOST BEAUTIFUL CAKE IN AMERICA
according to Brides Magazine!

from SomethingSweetbyMichelle.com:
Michelle was recently honored by the editors of Brides Magazine, when they selected this "champagne silk kimono" embroidered cake as one of the 50 most beautiful cakes in America. It is currently being featured in Brides March/April issue currently on newsstands, and on their website. Notice the detail in the closeups below.

Not only is a great honor, but she is hoping Worcester gets a boost. Unbelievable. From Hamilton Street in Worcester, she is baking for brides as far away as South Africa. So, if you are getting married anytime soon, you have a Worcester local who can bake your dream cake.

By looking at the artistry of her floral creations, and the delicate and subtle imagery on the cake itself, you can see that Michelle is a talented artists as well as a baker. Brides across America should be glad she is living her dream and not still a paralegal! I look at alot of cakes, as an invitation designer and I can honestly say that her winning cake just blows me away.

Congratulations Michelle!

sexy

figs...
Check out sweet paul for dessert inspiration. Simplicity and visual pleasure are Paul Lowe's gifts. This photo is by Colin Cooke, who photographs Paul's stylistic masterpieces. I am a big fan of both.

You are missing out...

...if you have never heard these guys play. I first heard Esthema at the stART on the street performance this September. I would soon be planning a fundraiser, with no budget whatsoever. Well, I kept wishing they would play Worcester again, so I made a note to self not to forget them. In the meantime, Cirque du Noir was taking shape, after only a couple weeks of planning. I needed really specific entertainment. With this being my first ever event, it had to be good! My exact vision was in mind. Without a dime for entertainment expenses, I reluctantly contacted Andy Milas. I am so glad I did. They donated their time and would not accept my offer to pay their expenses for the evening. Making the trip in from Boston, their sound was exactly what created the atmosphere at my event that I envisioned.

We went back and forth about a few logistics, like who could be available on such short notice and what kind of music would work for the event. Andy went above and beyond...staying in touch with me even while on vacation with his wife in Greece! He was absolutely amazing. I was difficult about the exact music and I probably drove him nuts. He was the sweetest and most courteous guy ever.

When Onur, Tery and Andy took the stage, I could not have been more pleased. Not only are they all drop dead handsome and sweet as ever, they are fabulous world class musicians. Check out their bios! Amazing, melodic and ethereal... and had our guest dancing in minutes. They made me look like I really knew what I was doing! People asked me who they were how I found them and it did not stop that night. They impressed a lot of people. I was so incredibly floored by their generous gift. We raised almost 4000 dollars for the Worcester County Food Bank that evening.

Esthema's entire CD, Apart from the Rest is amazing. It's every bit a sophisticated fusion of world sounds that I just live for.

from their site:
Esthema's A P A R T FROM THE REST Voted Top 25 on Indie-Music.com Back in April Esthema submitted our CD, A P A R T FROM THE REST to Indie-Music.com for a review. We received an amazing review from our reviewer Jamie Anderson (Thanks Jamie!!!)...some of the highlights of the review read "It’s a perfect combination of Middle Eastern/East European folk music and American jazz, like an amped-up Loreena McKennitt without vocals." "...with excellent musicianship, they smoothly turn out originals centered around the beautiful melodies..."

You can read the full review at Indie-Music.com. Back to December...anyways, one morning we got an email that says we were EDITOR'S CHOICE FOR TOP 25 CD's of 2008. Check out what they had to say: "This disc features a sharp blend of Middle Eastern and Eastern European melodies with American jazz, played on oud, bouzouki, violin, bass, drums and more. Some cuts make me want to order a few beers and dance; others, sit still and nod my head, a martini in front of me. I love that there's a very in-the-moment feel with some songs, like a good jazz jam. I'll bet Coltrane and Parker would have loved this release." We really can't ask for more than that...the CD, which can be purchsed on CDBaby, Amazon, iTunes, IndieRhythm, Digstation, Walmart, etc...has been selling both domestically and internationally and accolades like this make it feel that much more real...

A second release, The Hereness and Nowness of Things, is due out this spring. I will be one of the first to buy it. I am forever greatful to these guys for their unwavering generosity and support. I highly recommend their music to all who enjoy music. There is something in their sound for everyone.

The Art of Laura Niemi

Laura Niemi lives in Cambridge, by way of Worcester, SoCal, and Portland Oregon. I first saw her work when she was a student at Clark University. It was evident that her talent was raw, true and brilliant and her delivery was provocative. She paints predominately landscapes and imagery with birds imposing her own passion for her subject matter and deep breath of thought. With her amazing artistic talent and her passion for psychology she is currently pursuing a masters in art therapy from Lesley University, while working as an artist at Checkerboard Ltd.

In October, I was happy to have Laura join us for Cirque du Noir, a fundraiser for the Worcester County Food Bank. Her talent and ability to be spontaneous as she collaborated with 5 other Worcester artists for an art fusion was amazing. Her donation to the event was the top selection here, Chinatown Puddles, a favorite of mine. The way she intuitively captures the reflections and light is remarkable. See more photos of the event and Laura in action.

The painting of the YoYo, a mysterious and haunting feeling takes hold as the contrast of black and white shadows play off the movement. At the showing of this painting, people were intoxicated by the rhythm. The last selection, Jazz Cigarettes, hangs on my wall. It is of Kelly Square in Worcester, Massachusetts. Not a single person walks in without going over to it and taking it in.

poladroid

First off, the creative genious is Dominik Fusina, AKA Paul Ladroid and it goes on from there. This fun software has realistic sounds and lets you do 10 per session, just like the real polaroid.

Create high res pics (400dpi) from your digitals that look like polaroids, complete with the borders that allow you to write on them. This free software transforms your specs to polaroid-like colors too.

Available right now for mac, but pc is coming soon. (Poor pc gets it from every creative angle.) There have been over 350,000 downloads! Yeah, and since I'm a pc, I will be waiting. So that means 350,000 more downloads?

http://www.poladroid.net/index.php. Visit for fun times...cool for xmas images. Oh, and the flickr fun has begun!

EZ PZ...
1. Add App: download
2. Drag and drop
3. Wait, like you do a polaroid!

If anyone tries it please let me know! sh- sh-shake it shake it...had to.

image via dominikphoto via flickr.

Take a break

Take a minute to breath...

image of Playa del Carmen hammocks via www.spanischakademie.de

Midnight Express

Images of marketplaces and the sounds of exotic places have been in my mind lately, especially with the devastating ice storms we had in Central Massachusetts this week. When I was a child, my grandfather went to Istanbul quite often for business. I remember my grandmother saying he was in Turkey just like he was down the street. It never occured to me he was half a world away.

A few times a year he traveled and I waited impatiently for his return with stories and treats from afar. Sometimes it was only his unused coins if he had no time to shop around. The coins that I have kept. Symbols of storybook adventures saved for years. His treasures were always educational somehow and opened my mind to this world being bigger than what I knew. I have yet to visit Istanbul, or Greece where he was from. The imagery and the mystic allure of these places resonates to my depths. One day...until then, I will let the kaleidoscope of color, music and traditions, like the evil eye amulet of both countries, keep my spirit shooting for my turn to venture.

Today the tourism in Turkey is flourishing and people from all over Europe are flocking to the seaside. Turkey is surrounded on three sides by water with enough inspiration for literary, geography, archeology and history junkies. Now if they could just stop fighting over Cypress, unify and get themselves in the EU. They could look ahead to a prosperous future and take their advantage as being the power gateway to the Black Sea. Hopefully by the time I get there Turkey will be that place.

Images: Evil Eye Amulets and marketplace collage from picasa and tapestries via travelpod.com

Spotlight on Alexander Wang

By Getty Images for IMG via daylife.com: Designer Alexander Wang on the runway at the Alexander Wang 2008 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Fall 2008 on February 2, 2008 in New York City.


"Anyone can get all dressed up and glamorous, but it is how people dress in their off days, that are the most intriguing." It's during these in-between, wayward days when a person's true style emerges from their everyday life, forming the basis of Alexander
Wang's collection...where clean, classic, luxurious and refined silhouettes are introduced to an urban street provocative ideal...Alex's love for contrasts is reflected throughout the collection with juxtaposing notes of street and luxe, sexy versus androgyny, and where vagabond meets a street-smart modernist. "
from http://www.channelapa.com/ via Zimbio.


Alexander Wang is inspiring me. He is the quintessential fashion prodigy. Old news to fashionistas, who attend and ride the news of the MB fashion week, but I am just loving this kid and his perfection of chic, street, comfy, airport attire. You know, you want to look good but be so comfy. You want to have style, but be yourself. I love the use of black of course, but the edgy sensibility makes me want it all.

Alexander Wang was the winner of the prestigious CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund prize, netting 200K some inside mentoring access and a major jolt to his career. A newbie he is not, while attending Parsons and some pretty sweet internships, he launched his own line in his sophomore year and won the attention of the masses from models to socialites. Now 24, living on the Lower Eastside of Manhattan, he is selling to more than 150 boutiques and retail stores internationally. I predict big things from this boy. Oh, his parents must be so proud. He is the one to watch.

“Elegance is not the prerogative of those who have just escaped from adolescence, but of those who have already taken possession of their future.” Coco Chanel

Alexander Wang has taken possession and is running full force into the future of fashion.

Mother Nature: Beauty & Beast

Major ice storms and loss of power left a lot of Worcester and surrounding towns at a devastating loss over the weekend. The ice was so beautiful, glistening everywhere and so harmful to our neighborhood, homes and landscapes.

For more details, please visit Claudia Snell over at I'm from Worcester. She has details directly from Kate Toomey and some great shots/links to Scott Holloway's pictures of the storm. Worcesterite has some too.

Speaking of farmers markets

Ferry Building Marketplace, SF via about.com


Union Square, NYC farmers market via NY Social Diary

Edinborough Farmers Market via if fire will burn me

Marrekesh Food Market via away.com

The farmers market is a weekly destination for all that live near one. Saturday morning would not be the same. Go for a run, grab some coffee and head to the farmers market to pick up fresh vegetables, artisan goods, flowers, see, be seen, live and enjoy where you live. The San Francisco farmers market is sponsored by the Center for Urban Education and Sustainable Agriculture, and they make it an educational resource by hosting Q&A's, informative lectures and cooking seminars.

Community Supported Agriculture

The best organic food is that which is grown closest to you. I'm not talking about Big Y. One of my coworkers belonged to a CSA all summer. She spoke about her vegetables alot. The abundance, the freshness, the quality...it was enough to make me miss my garden more than words could say.

Heirloom Harvest Farm in Westboro, with over 200 members, was the farm she belonged to. The cost is about $600 for the entire season. Although, you may split your share as long as one person picks up the entire share.Their growing season starts in early June and ends in late October/early November. There are many other participating farms in the Worcester area, find the one that is right for your family or business. Some farms offer lower subscriptions, shorter season options and different produce, including herbs and flowers.

From www.localharvest.org:
A CSA, (for Community Supported Agriculture) is a way for the food buying public to create a relationship with a farm and to receive a weekly basket of produce. By making a financial commitment to a farm, people become "members" (or "shareholders," or "subscribers") of the CSA. Most CSA farmers prefer that members pay for the season up-front, but some farmers will accept weekly or monthly payments. Some CSAs also require that members work a small number of hours on the farm during the growing season.


Why not join a CSA? Many farms are certified organic, you receive an abundance of produce and you support local farms. Taking your children to the farm is a learning experience. If you don't have a garden of your own it is a wonderful experience for them.

Worcester does offer the farmer's market on Main Street and at Foley Stadium in the summer. I have to be a critic and rant a little... the hours and locations are not great for many families, who would use them. If you ask me (which no one has) the city should move it closer to Elm Park and put one at Union Station. Creating a central location where they might see some action is a must. Think of the Saturday morning, when families could come use the park and discover fresh produce in abundance from local sources. Riders getting off the trains could grab what they needed in a pinch. Worcester needs to create places where people can walk, creating a bustling atmosphere... to get a coffee, pick up a few things, a gift, a tomato and be off. European and city neighborhoods are full of farmstands and coffeeshops. Let's hope Worcester thinks ahead for next summer, and spreads the vegetables around.

Why Locally Grown?
People worldwide are rediscovering the benefits of buying local food. It is fresher than anything in the supermarket and that means it is tastier and more nutritious. It is also good for your local economy--buying directly from family farmers helps them stay in business.

Check out the Local Harvest website for information and a listing of farms in your area.

Armsby Abbey

We ventured into Armsby Abbey last night. WoooHoo. We found another great place to hang out in Worcester! Craft Beer, Artisanal Faire and Righteous Cocktails...we tried the beer and the cocktails and are going back soon for the faire. Let me say that Alec and Sherry have their bases covered. Alot of renovation and handcrafted elements makes this place a gem, like the solid mohogany bar and the metalwork detailing, including a handmade tap with oh, I would say 20-30 handcrafted beers available. There is no mass produced alcohol served. Only a strict list of handcrafted liquors and beers.

Attention to the details...the tastefully layed out menus, the edgy inventive cocktails, the vow to serve only the finest beers and liquors make the Abbey a place I will go back to. I tried the "Midsummer Night", they describe as " An Ethereal Potion of St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur, Hendricks Gin and Vya dry Vermouth" garnished with a cucumber slice. It was a little sip of heaven. Lucky me, I sat down next to Alec, the owner who filled me in on the details. Mentioning a fine ginger liqueur, he immediately called Erica to pour me a taste. The Domaine de Canton Ginger Liqueur warmed my belly and filled my senses with amazingly deep rich ginger. The pride he had in his choices here were so apparent and with good reason...they have a great niche here in Worcester, pulling in a really cool, eclectic clientele. Opening just 4 months ago, a second venture for the proprietor, who also owns The Dive Bar. Plans to open a bakery next door to the Abbey called "Crust" are in the works. The bakery will be headed up by Sarah Brueck, who does all the bread baking and pastry for them.

Stop in and see Sherry and Erica, who were serving some for some "Righteous Holiday Cocktails", filled with spirit and spice, creatively named and elegantly described, like the Mistletojito, Ice Queen, or the Peruvian Angel.

The Armsby Abbey is located at 144 Main Street, right near the old courthouse.

On Wednesday, December 10th they are tapping some of the most coveted Belgian Christmas Ales, including Scaldis Noel, Delirium Noel, 2006 St. Feuillen Noel, Corsendonk Christmas Ale, Gouden Carolus Noel and St. Bernardus Christmas.

Off to Union Station for stART at the Station (also run by Sarah Brueck, btw)............a great weekend in Worcester.

Images: Euro style facade of Armsby Abbey, Erica and Sherry mixing elixirs, and a Belgian Sampler paddle.

Spotlight on Vera Wang

“Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.” Coco Chanel


From the Spring 09 Vera Wang collection:
Charcoal and white geometric printed gazar high neck top over black stretch cotton legging. Black leather Niki bag with smoke crystal motorcycle chain.

Vera Wang reinvents herself every season with amazing twists and imaginative spins on classic elements that makes her line so appealing. Her chunky wedge shoe choice with modern lines and sleek design sensability make them ultra attractive. Her keen sense of fusing the past with the present keeps her on top. Of course, I go for the shoes to exemplify, but her interpretation of style and sophistication give me goosebumps. Juxtaposed rugged elements with delicate lines are so attractive in modern women who aren't afraid of crossing the line. She is a design genious giving us street, feminine, modern and sexy.

On the down, she needs to rethink her character when choosing models for runway. Ultra anorexic and gaunt is not chic to me. Her visions hang rather than live through the models and the movement. Isn't that what runway is for?

A gift of creativity

Those who say they are not artistic will feel differently after they experience the art of Zentangle. Anyone can draw with the incredible tools they give you to learn to let go. It all began when Maria Thomas and Rick Roberts had a conversation about her feelings as she drew patterns on a piece she was working on. Together, with their knowledge of art and meditation, Rick a little zen (he used to be a monk, a NY cab driver and many other things) and Maria a little tangle...their craft is spreading virally around the world!

From the website, www.zentangle.com:

What is Zentangle?
Zentangle is an easy to learn method of creating beautiful images from repetitive patterns. It is a fascinating new art form that is fun and relaxing. It increases focus and creativity. Zentangle provides artistic satisfaction and an increased sense of personal well being. Zentangle is enjoyed by a wide range of skills and ages and is used in many fields of interest. We believe that life is an art form and that Zentangle is an elegant metaphor for deliberate artistry in life. Explore our web site and learn how you can use this wonderful and uplifting discovery.

This is a sample of a "tile" made using Zentangle. A full gallery of images is available on their website. It's incredible to see the different styles and interpretations from each person.

See what they've been up to using Zentangle to benefit others:
Maybe you saw the article in the Telegram and Gazette recently, or perhaps you had the chance to chat with Rick and Maria at our fundraiser Cirque du Noir, where they collaborated with 4 other artists to create 6 amazing pieces to auction off for The Worcester County Food Bank.

A visit from Maria

Maria stopped by today. Her charm just lights up the room. What a pleasure to stop what you are doing (working) and visit with her. These pictures are some that I took during a photoshoot at her home studio in Whitinsville. It was for our newest project with Maria, a collaborative collection of stationery, called "Escargot". Yes, Ted Turner, Catherine Zeta Jones and you too can have Maria's handlettering! To watch her in action is breathtaking. The sounds of the Spencerian pen nib on paper is hypnotic. If you have been to the National Stationery Show you might have caught her in our booth doing promo pieces for everyone...even our competitors came by to get them! Thanks for the little jolt of your energy today Maria!

Check out the collection online www.checkernet.com.

pecha kucha

A collage of handlettering with intricate and ethnic henna tattoo...

including work penned by Picasso to Gertrude Stein, Maria Thomas, Iris Chase & Paul Antonio. Penstrokes evoke the utmost emotion in me...always has. I have huge admiration for those with great skill for this art. I have the luxury of working closely with one of the best...Maria Thomas, also known worldwide for her invitation company Pendragon Ink.

Frida, the colorful life, the dramatic ups and downs and still she painted in her bed, with a mirror hanging from her ceiling. She followed her dreams and let them take her wherever she wanted to go. Too bad for Diego. Eclectic and full of passion, Frida Kahlo was an inspirational to female artists of her time.

One word......SHOES.

What lights your fire? What makes you inspired to create, to dress, to entertain or to celebrate? I am prepping for a pecha kucha and I am so rev'd up to get my slides together. Public speaking is another matter altogether, and since it is for work, there is no alcohol being served up. I begged to have it at the restaurant down the street, but not so much. I have to suck it up and keep my mind on the goal.

From Pecha Kucha.org:

What is Pecha Kucha Night?
Pecha Kucha Night, devised by Astrid Klein and Mark Dytham (Klein Dytham architecture), was
conceived in 2003 as a place for young designers to meet, network, and show their work in public.
But as we all know, give a mike to a designer (especially an architect) and you’ll be trapped for hours. The key to Pecha Kucha Night is its patented system for avoiding this fate. Each presenter is allowed 20 images, each shown for 20 seconds each – giving 6 minutes 40 seconds of fame before the next presenter is up. This keeps presentations concise, the interest level up, and gives more people the chance to show. Pecha Kucha (which is Japanese for the sound of conversation) has tapped into a demand for a forum in which creative work can be easily and informally shown, without having to rent a gallery or chat up a magazine editor. This is a† demand that seems to
be global – as Pecha Kucha Night, without any pushing, has spread virally to over 100 cities across the world. Find a location and join the conversation.

Inspired by the outrageous excitement of Payal Kripalani, who attended one at Mantra in Boston, I look forward to hearing back from Klein Dytham about having one in Worcester! So get your creative groove on!