Color Inspires a Neutral Corner of a Simple Living Room

I'm inspired by color. And ethnic patterns. Oh, I am such a sucker for patterns! I especially pops of color and pattern that brighten up neutrals. I love to have a basically neutral palette and then pop some bright color and patterns in there. It just seems to really bring some interest and uniqueness to a space. I found this great chair on sale at a consignment store about a week after telling my husband that I really, really liked loved the chairs we saw at Anthro. Synchronicity. I actually bought two. The other one, a completely different pattern and color scheme is in my studio space. The frames are so well made and have a lovely well-worn, rustic feel and the cushions...the best saturated colors and patterns! My heart swoons! I like to imagine just who made these chairs, what their story is, what their life is like. That's how personal these chairs feel to me. And I think they really brighten up my living room corner, don't you?

Mystery

When the going gets tough, it's good to have a friend.

Sometimes A Little Time Out is Required

Seeking solace this morning in a cup of chai and a good read.

Blues

It's been a while since I posted last. I've been so busy and time keeps getting away with me! The hazards of juggling a number of things. So here are just a few shots from my recent trip to Southern California. It was a lovely trip and I got to spend some wonderful time with my dad and my great aunt who is like a grandmother to my daughter. In addition, we were able to spend some time with some friends that we haven't seen in a long while. There is much to say for family and friends that one truly connects with. Home is my word for the year and it was nice to be at "home" with those I love and who love me back as well as being in familiar territory (Southern California was my home for 18 years). My daughter (above) absolutely adores reptiles and has since she was little. She said that this big guy was as cuddly as a kitten! While I agreed that he has beautiful markings (I've learned to appreciate reptiles through her) I stayed happily behind the camera! 

A Spring Road Trip Mix Tape

It's road trip time!

I've been getting things ready, i.e.: finding someone to take care of my feline friends, making sure I have appropriate clothing and shoes since I will be in a slightly different climate, getting my car all ship shape and most importantly creating a new playlist. I've been in desperate need of new music so there are new (to me) tracks and tracks a bit off the beaten path.

Here it is. Enjoy!

Spring Road Trip from karidesi on 8tracks Radio.

One Of Those Days

Today was one of those days. You know the ones. When your energy is a bit low and something just doesn't feel quite right and you can't quite put your finger on what it is. Everything just feels a bit...off. It could be the dull, gray, rainy weather. We certainly need the rain, but dull, gray always seems to affect me this way.

So I played some upbeat music like this and this while I worked.

An Unexpected Walk Brings Unexpected Joy

My car has been leaking rain water (and we've been having sheets of it) into the passenger side floor. When I took my car to the shop the other day, they put a piece of plastic in to divert the water. Unfortunately, it made it worse. It soaked two towels clear through as well as the floor. Very wet. And  very smelly. Ugh.

I called the shop and they said bring it right down. So, I threw the soaked, smelly towels in the bathtub, laid down another old towel to catch the dripping water and hopefully soak up some of the water on the floor, grabbed my umbrella and yoga mat and headed out. After I dropped my car at the garage, I walked the seven blocks or so to the yoga studio. As I settled into my practice, I found myself letting go of all my concerns and feeling quite peaceful (as well as a sense of victory that I had actually made it there on time). In the more challenging poses, I could be mindful enough to find my edge and back off to a safe distance so I could breathe and let my muscles do their work. After the hour and half practice, I began my walk back to check on my car. The rain had let up temporarily so I didn't need my umbrella so I stuffed it in my yoga bag. It suddenly donned on me as I was standing at the corner waiting to cross the street that I could stop at my favorite bakery for a cup of chai and get a slice of quiche to take home for lunch. So I did. And sipped the most wonderful, spicy chai all the way back to the garage. It felt wonderful in the gray, drizzly, cold!

Back at the garage, they told me that they had taken the plastic out and recommended that I take my car to a body shop. Poor car. But I have no complaints. My car has been a good and faithful friend, seeing me through thick and thin and through every kind of journey and adventure for fourteen years. I love my car! So body shop, here we come. (And after that, a good detail).

There was a time that I wouldn't have allowed myself a cup of chai on the way back. I definitely wouldn't have stopped to pick up something special for my lunch. Make a sandwich at home or better yet, have the leftovers no one else will eat so they don't go to waste, I would have told myself. I might not have even gone to yoga for fear of getting there late and then feeling disappointed that I hadn't made it there on time. I used to keep myself boxed in and beat myself up a lot in those days. But not any more. It's so much better to find ways to enjoy myself, even when life throws a curve ball especially when life throws a curve ball.