Tampa's Le Mouton Noir

It's that time of year: Florida Music Association Educator's Professional Development Conference. The bakehouse we stumbled across today in Tampa, Le Mouton Noir, was wonderful.   Sean enjoyed serious ginger-ale in front of the books and toys

We missed the breakfast time so I chose the apple-cranberry chicken salad– homemade chicken salad with pecans served with greens on a croissant.  The croissant was perfect. 

The white utensils attached diagonally on wooden squares is definitely eclipsed by the fun lighting over Philippe Starck chairs.  Painted frames share the wall with real frames which is fun.

Spread the Joy!

Oh Joy! is a blog written by designer Joy Cho, out of L.A. California.

Joy is pictured above with her daughter Ruby.  In her own words, "Oh Joy! is a blog that covers inspiration and design with a focus on my favorite things: design, fashion and food."

Both her blog and her work are fresh and inspirational.

See more of her work at: http://ohjoy.blogs.com/

New Year's Resolutions

This year I have decided to list my New Year's Resolutions with pictures and graphics.  Happy 2013!

1.  I will simplify my life, my work, my art.

Creativity is Subtraction – truth from Austin Kleon, part of his brilliant Newspaper Blackout project.

2.  I will only keep (or purchase) useful and beautiful items in 2013.  

Hand-lettered wisdom from William Morris by Lisa Congdon. More of Lisa’s typographic words of famous wisdom here.

3.  I will take time to be creative. 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/imeusart/

4.  I won't wait for inspiration to find me.  I will already be in motion when it catches up. 

Chuck Close on creativity

5. I will love, love, love!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/ohmydeer

6. More yoga and exercise!  It's good for me.

http://cdryan.com/blog/namaste/

7. Discover new places.  Travel and eat!

Artist: http://www.pattersonmaker.com

8. No more fear of WRONG! 

Artist: JillMcDonalddesign.com

9. Thank God for everything.

Artist: Open Heart Creations

10. Spend time in the garden.

Artist: George Robinson http://www.oneeyeland.com/image.php?imgid=56556


11. Focus on the truth! (about me, others, priorities, belongings, investments, etc.)

Hand Drawn Typography + 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea

As I clean for the new year, I came across a note my sister Elizabeth had written me in December of 2010.  "How about I blow off this whole law thing and just do this?" She had asked me and included a link to Kate Forrester's blog.  I visited it today, while and found amazing book cover illustrations, advertisements, and other charming and inspiring art.  

You can see her work at http://www.kateforrester.co.uk/

Preparing for 2013

I was inspired, after reading this article from my new favorite website "houzz" to de-clutter and purge in preparation for the New Year. While I don't subscribe to the entire philosophy of Feng Shui, I do find many of the design rules to be true and refreshing.

Feng Shui Basics for a Happy Home

Houzz- Kitchen Remodel, Bathroom Remodel and More »

Browse Lighting on Houzz- For Example:

Bathroom Lighting And Vanity Lighting · Ceiling Fans · Chandeliers · Kitchen Lighting And Cabinet Lighting · Lamp Shades · Light Bulbs · Recessed Lighting · Track Lighting ·

LoveFocus Photography is Here!

This morning I was able to launch my latest idea: a non-profit photography site!  It is only in the beginning stages, but it is off to a good start.
The concept behind LoveFocus is to enable common people, such as myself, to become involved in good works around the world.  I can't go to India this September to work with the orphans in Muinpar, but Jessie Schmucker can...and I can take awesome photos!

Jessie, from Winter Haven, Florida is not only a good friend but an awesome first "love focus"!  Anyone who needs photography work simply contacts LoveFocus Photography to schedule a session and selects an individual to support. 

The proceeds of the photo session go directly into the selected cause. So, in Jessie's case, your Christmas card might have helped an orphan in Munipar who will never meet you, but will have a better life because of you. 

New individuals or causes can be recommended to me, to be added as potential donation recipients.
I won't be able to accept any Florida sessions until August 15, 2012, as I will be in NYC and DC, however, Florida photography session can be scheduled now for when I return.  If you live in NYC or DC, now is your chance.

www.lovefocusphotography.com

The Second Design of the Year

A design a day to get back in the swing of things.  Hope for the new year inspired by the old classic movie "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying."