The sun shines just as brightly in the winter!
art is life: be who you are
In almost any situation in life (and in art), I will stand behind the motto “be who you are”.
This can get a little bit complicated, as I’m sure you know. Most of our adolescence is spent learning how to act and how to present ourselves in the right light, in order to be on the right path. We learn to play the part of success because that is what everyone wants for their child (and for themselves). The problem is that success comes in infinite shades of grey and as we grow older, it gets more difficult to tell which shade is our own. You can spend your whole life trying to become some picture of perfection you had implanted in your head and suddenly realize one day that it is not you at all.
holiday ragin’
No, not shopping rage. By holiday ragin’, I mean like holiday parties galore! I’d give anything to have a great soiree to attend; I love the idea of decking yourself all out in jewels and jewel tones to really eat, drink, and be merry. Not to mention I pretty much love any excuse to dance in public. Though I don’t have any special social engagements lined up, there will still be dancing around my house to be had. And for that, I give you this playlist of catchy beats – let yourself go and celebrate another great year gone by!
[ image via tumblr ]
emily green designs
I’m totally feelin’ on these psychedelic designs by Melbourne based artist Emily Green. Watercolor patterns are all the rage these days, but hers seem especially fresh, straightforward with a lovely clarity of color and shape. 
wrap it up
ponce living pop-up
If I had more money, it would be spent SO well. While I know it’s super tempting (and also a necessary evil) to be a part of the hordes rushing to the big box stores for the holidays, it can often feel so clinical and nerve-wracking to say the least. To get a gift that’s really special, I suggest you visit some smaller businesses to find that special something. One such shop here in the A would be Ponce Living by Tracery Interiors.
I stopped into this little holiday pop-up since it was so conveniently located next to one of my favorite coffee roasters and found a little treasure trove of delights.
cozy professional
four simple goals
Cath and Lar inspired me by their sweet and simple lists of goals for the rest of 2013. There may not be that many days left in the year, but that doesn’t mean we should just resign to complacency until we’re coerced into having resolutions. There’s no better time than now to begin working on the everyday awesomeness of life. Do what you can and don’t feel guilty about the rest. Here are my own little goals to complete before the new year…
falling all over again
The weather can’t seem to make up its mind (at least in Atlanta). One day is the beginning of fall, the next feels like the middle of harsh winter. While it can feel schizophrenic and difficult to dress for, I am trying to treat all those almost-warm days like the little precious jewels they are. Pretty soon, I’ll be so cold that I won’t want to wear anything but a parka! Til then, I’ve got some new basic obsessions in my wardrobe. See below!
bridget davies illustration
Getting myself mentally and emotionally prepared for making work is as important as actually making the work. The first step always is and always will be finding inspiration in the talent of others. Thankfully, Pinterest and Tumblr make it easier than ever to find new artists to be jealous of. One such artist is Bridget Davies.
While it doesn’t fall in line with exactly what I do, it has that wonderful balance of whimsy and elegance that I am always so drawn to. Her lines are fluid yet thoughtfully articulated, almost like a great outfit that looks effortlessly fabulous.