A New Kind of Resolution

As 2009 draws to a close, it's so very tempting to make that list for 2010.  You know the one.  The one that has all the stuff on it that you intend to git 'er done.  All the good intentions.  The supposed tos. A list that implies there are things that are wrong with you and need to be fixed.  The quit smoking, lose 10 pounds, call your mother more list?  That one.

I propose that we re-think it.  Frankly, I think it can be a little un-fun. I mean, do you ever put things on it like: visit Tahiti, eat more Ben and Jerry's, or tell that mean guy at the post office to eff off?

So I'm not making a grand list of resolutions this year.   Instead I want to think about the good stuff I've gotten done in 2009.

It's not like there were earth-shattering accomplishments, but there's some good stuff on there: bought a kiln, started a business, didn't lose my temper when my car was rear-ended for the third time in as many years, visited Santa Fe, found out I was going to become an aunt, helped my son become a better reader, finally paid a professional to color my hair.

So the Schramsburg's on ice, and our exciting New Year's Eve plans are comprised of pasta at home with all my boys.  Then after the kids go to bed, my hubby and I are going to watch the Three Colors triology. (If we can stay awake that long.)  He'll make a fire and we'll snuggle and I hope we'll talk about what good things we've accomplished this year.  And I am going to suggest that we make only one New Year's resolution for 2010:

HAVE MORE FUN!

Happy New Year, y'all!!

Click here for video: The Fun Theory

Princeton Patterns

It is easy to forget what a fabulous place we live in.  We spend our days in one big hurry: rushing to our jobs, schools, meetings, dinners.  We rush down these Princeton streets with our heads down and collars up.

We forget to look up.

We don't look in windows.

We're too busy getting the right change for the meter that we don't notice what's above it.

Or below it.

There is inspiration everywhere. Up...

Down...

Even in the garbage...

There are reminders of what we do.

And where we come from.

Today is a perfect fall day!  Here's to taking a breath, slowing our pace and stealing a moment to notice.

mudstar is at Jane's!

Located in Princeton, N.J., JANE is a blue-lined jewelbox of a shop created by mother/daughter team, Jane and Isabelle Kenyon.  It a beautifully curated collection of original artwork and high-end consignment pieces.  It's inspiring motto?  Reuse, Rethink, Revitalize.  "To reuse what others no longer need, to rethink what we already have, to revitalize these things and, in doing so, our lives.  Read all about this fabulous new shop at www.janeconsignment.com

And if you're so inclined, stop in at 7 Spring Street and see my Rosie lamps.  They look very happy to be at Jane!

Boho Beauty

I lovelovelove this necklace made from Acai!!  These colors could be lifted from all my favorite glazes.  It makes me think of color names like: cinnamon and citron, lapis and licorice - delicious! Why, pray tell, when I see colors I love, do I want to EAT them?

Check out Boho Magazine at www.bohomag.com.   Frankly, the name is unfortunate, (sorry, Boho!) but their content is brill for those of us girls who love a gorgeous recycled necklace or articles about being green and glam. And who doesn't love that?

Did Alice DRINK from ME?

Inspiration can flow from all kinds of sources.  This wonky little teapot came from a quote from Alice in Wonderland:

"the time has come the walrus said

to talk of many things

of shoes and ships and sealing wax

of cabbages and kings

and when the tea is boiling hot

and whether pigs have wings"

I think it sort of looks like a little creature that might just up and waddle away, or a friend who's come to tea and now is telling me a story. At any rate, it has its own bit of energy and that's what makes me happy when I look at it.

I get frustrated when what I make does NOT have that energy.  (And there have been plenty of things!) Since starting this line of lamps, the ones that are successful are so apparent to me.  I get that little inside smile when I look at them - you know the one?  And the others, while finished, are just, well, lighting.