little book

beautiful and graphic

Sometimes I find a project that really stops me in my tracks... the "bêtes de mode" by studio Helmo is one of them....

some inspiring photos by Äya

some inspiring photos by others

a little fall

couldn't help but post this....

little objects

loving this today....

cirkus cirkor

Last night was wonderful...especially to see Aya's little face in awe with dreams of being a trapeze dancer.
Here is a little taste, plus her new favorite band (and mine) Irya's Playground

kidinspiration part 2

oh this makes want to paint...

a kidinspiration day- part 1

Oh this is Jan heaven, lots of good stuff here, sonar kids in spain!

to cherish

got this email from Georgia's mom:

"i was able to go to the open classroom today from 9-11

aya was so happy and engaged and did a great job during drama

she acted out building her house of bricks from the " three little pigs" story and really got into it when they were asked to walk around the room and pantomime different emotions

she also mentioned that her mom had a tool that you can use for spreading the cement just like the pig would use to build her house in the story"

Thank you Ilana, you made my day!

dandy

something about Dandy Star always makes me smile... just the right combination between kid and cool...

inside out

Another reason to get very excited... to see Aya's face when we take her tomorrow to see this!

grace

I'm not usually into tarots, etc.. but my i-ching really provided some needed direction today:

A splashy sunset bathes the mountains in a soft radiance; the light of a full moon dances on the surface of a rippling river. Grace and beauty adorn the natural world. Grace is not an all-powerful force, nor is it the essential or fundamental thing. By itself, it is form without content. Grace is moonlight on water, not the sunlight at noon. Yet grace brings artistic expression into the world, and enhances the quality of our lives.

In the arts, grace arises out of adherence to form: the dancer becoming the form of the dance, the musician giving life to the form of a musical score, the painter becoming one with the brush and canvas. In human affairs, grace is also aligned with form — with mastery of aesthetic and cultural patterns honed by time and honored by tradition. Through appreciation of graceful customs in human relationships we apprehend the pure beauty of the ideal, of life raised above the mere struggle for survival.

Possession of grace, like the bearing of a beautiful gift to a wedding, can add stature to those in humble positions. Take care to lend grace and dignity even to small happenings, while giving the weight of deep and careful consideration to matters of greater consequence. Though it should not be confused with true substance, an artistic flair can take one far in this world.

Your Future Hexagram

Increase and decrease are part of the natural cycle of life. As spiritual author long ago put it, 'To every thing there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven.' Like a reservoir that is being used to irrigate the fields, learning to accept a decrease in position or material possessions is part of preparing for increase in the future.

We may live in materialistic times, but there is no disgrace in material decrease, particularly if it represents an investment in future gain — even if that gain be in the form of one's education or the development of personal character. Likewise, the inner strength that comes from bearing loss can be balanced by a corresponding increase in inner strength and insight — as in the expression 'what doesn't kill you makes you stronger.' When letting go of attachment and personal demands leads to a greater simplicity in daily life, good fortune often comes calling.

In nature, the lake evaporates to form the clouds that drop the rain that nurtures the surrounding forest. As the forest grows thick, more rain is captured for the lake. Similarly, an 'evaporation' or decrease in one area of your life, may give rise to an eventual increase in another. A loss of responsibility at work can mean more free time; more free time may generate more career options. A period of decrease is not necessarily a bad thing; in fact, it can free the spirit and fill the soul.

Be mindful of the lesson of young lovers: even with a minimum of possessions, feelings of the heart can bring an unsurpassed richness to life. The smallest of actions, if sincere, have value. So remain confident, for a time of decrease may actually bode good fortune, especially if you remain open to that possibility.

Let go of frustration, resistance and regret over whatever may be going down at this time. Accept the cycle, and remember what goes down must come up.

quartett

I'm thoroughly looking forward to seeing this new Robert Wilson piece with Isabelle Huppert

Jack Lang

A little moment to note: Kai and I had dinner with Jack Lang last night at "le Maison Francaise" at NYU. One of these incredible rare opportunities that just fall on you. Little gems to catch within an otherwise very aristo/political world.

resurfacing

Yesterday, my cousin Tom sent me this video by Sir Ken Robinson. It was fantastic not in the sense that it was anything revolutionary, but rather like a wake up call to some part of me that had been sleeping for a long time. I found myself both laughing and crying listening to this.

a little break

I'm taking a little blog break for awhile to refresh, regroup.... sometimes we need to slow things down, breathe, and take time to find oneself again through small minute moments.

birthday #3 and Aya's trip to switzerland

little perks from martha world

Little presents from co-workers including and the email below...

Dear Carolyn:
Martha saw on her birthday calendar that today is your birthday.  She sends
her very best wishes and hopes you have a wonderful day.

birthday #2

Welcome Anabella!

Aya's summer

We had many great events this summer but this has really been Aya's summer in every way. It all started with 3 birthday parties, a trip to switzerland, horseback riding camp, and swimming in florida. She learned to tie her shoe, fly solo on a plane, write letters, take care of a horse, fish, sleep on her own and make her bed. As she soon enter's 1st grade, this has been her summer of 1st and I cannot even find the words to express how proud I am of her, how humbled by her beauty, her courage. Aya ma petite cherie!
Here are some photos to celebrate her summer starting with birthday party #1