Perception of Reality

Each of our perceptions of reality is real. How we feel about these situations are just as real too. Your experiences, no matter how ultimately universal are different.

Here's the good news: you are not locked into your perception of anything!

There are two golden ways to stretch your perception. Both ways take practice, but are attainable.

Ask Questions Especially "WHY?!" 
Asking questions can help you get to the bottom of your situation. Start with easy questions, and get to the harder ones.

A few weeks ago, I was driving through the streets of Philadelphia in my old burgundy Volvo. It was around 10am after a one inch snowfall from the night before. Flurries were in the forecast all day. As I was driving, I noticed the flurries made my world look like the inside of a snow globe. The sky was a brilliant blue. The sun was warm and friendly. My mind automatically thought it was snowing again. I saw white snowflakes floating though the sky and the weather station said  there would be snow. In this moment, I thought "why". I asked myself "why did it look like it was snowing?". That questions made me question my perception of reality. I look around and take notice of the fluffy snow drifting from the tops of buildings surrounding me. It wasn't snowing at all, the wind was just blowing snow to the ground. Although I was experiencing the same beautiful snowy moment, it was somehow different.

Language is Important

We use words to describe our world. We describe our perception of reality to others and most importantly to ourselves. There is a dialogue going on in all of our minds, all of the time. These stories we tell ourselves can be a blessing, curse, or something in between the two.  

Language is an important when looking at your life from multiple angles. In the story above, I talked about it snowing when I saw snowflakes floating around. The more accurate language to describe it would have been to say "I saw snow". Seeing snow floating around to describe the event is truth in both perceptions of that situation, where as saying "it's snowing" is limiting.

Valentine's Day is upon us. I have been noticing 'woe is me because I'm single' posts have been popping up on social media like dandelions on a suburban lawn. With a perspective change, the reality of this situation can be turned on it's head. There are a few ways to get out of this hole using language. Valentine's day is a day for love, right? What is stopping anyone from loving each other? Romantic love is commonly celebrated on on February 14th, but can't we redefine it? Love is love is love. Self love, love for friends, love for family, love for strangers. Ever get that warm and fuzzy feeling from doing something sweet for someone else? Ever love yourself so MUCH you are bliss-ed out? Redefine the things that upset you. Dissect what bothers you, find the basic meaning and apply it to your life. Setting you self up for failure will result in failure. Setting yourself up for something better won't give you perfection, but you'll have a better view of your life.



Slow down, listen to how you talk to yourself. Talk back, take over. xoxo

Rainbow Sewing Box

Rainbow Sewing Box, a photo by ThroughCatEyedFrames on Flickr.

So, I really love the adventure of thrift shopping. Really. I go thrifting often since the goodies and/or crap is always rotating.

Today I want to share with you my most recent, and fabulous purchase. This little bundle of delight cost $2.95. It included all but the plastic lidded container in the right, and about 10% of the thread. Everything else (even the box of binding tape, and lace!!!) was included! It was obviously a granny's collection, as there were half used vintage snaps, thread, and old buttons (!!!).

Have you ever had a thrifted purchase that makes you giddy?

My Home

Fishtown from Weathervane Music on Vimeo.

Two Videos

I forget what blog I saw this on, but it's pretty great. I love when she speeds up toward the end.


This video is pretty viral on my blogroll. In case you aren't reading the blogs I am, here is a little slice of cutie.
I love when the little babe says: "one day i'm gonna whistle?" What a voice!

Growing is Forever

Right now, stop what you're doing. For a few minutes watch this video, and listen. Don't tie your shoes, or write an email in another tab, or anwser the phone. This video deserves attention.

Growing is Forever from Jesse Rosten on Vimeo.

via yes and yes

New School Message in a Bottle

There are romantic people out there who do things that make you want to throw up, and cry tears of joy simultaneously. Lovers apart doing romantic things for each other? Yes, please.

I want to do my part to make this video as contagious as H1N1. Can't get a flu shot for romantic love, baby.

Constellations

I wish there was a phonebooth-like machine where you go into to see of you have any freckle constellations.
via

Being Alone

I enjoy being alone. There is peace, and freedom in it. This video sums it up well.

If only I had a ukulele I'd be right there in that ukulele cuddle puddle.

If you want to sit in this chair the whole day through, raise your hand. I can only think of one thing to make this design better, and that's white birch bark.












via re-nest

My Boys

Have I ever mentioned how much I love Animal Collective covers? No? Consider it mentioned. Also, let the record show I love when girls take boy's songs about girls and change them into songs about boys.

When the Body Sleeps, the Spirit Travels
cast glass, ceramics
24 x 29 inches

































Nest
cast glass, ceramics, oil paints, wood, and fun fur
44 x 18 x 14 inches

Christina Bothwell's work holds you in the way a ghost would freeze you right in your steps. It is innocence and revealing-you feel like a voyeur for just looking. I want to touch these figures but I'm not quite sure why. Is it because I want to offer comfort, or touch something that is forbidden?

Cute Iguana

Iguana posing
Originally uploaded by mirellawognum

This little baby is the cutest little thing. I love it. When I was student teaching the girl I'd car pool with, Tara, has an iguana. She used the litter box, and snuggled up on the couch as if she was a cat. Iguanas are cute, and that's that!

Tagged

Paris Tagged Van
Originally uploaded by Nicola_R

Many of my students are writers, or graffiti artists. As an art educator I feel inclined to nurture any/all forms of art that appeal to students. I've been encouraging my students to make smarter pieces, with a statement.

I love to see trucks and vans completely tagged. It calls back to the old days of graffiti when train cars would get bombed. Do these artists recognize their place in graffiti history?
Brooklyn painter, Kevin Cyr, is making some pretty nifty pieces. I love the cross-over.

Your Scent Means More in Memory (Part 2)

I find myself giving taking a deep breath in and holding when I give hugs. I always inhale a little bit of a persons scent. Lately, I've been catching whiffs of perfume dance around me that remind me of my Grandma.
It smells a lot like:

Love It?

YUP!
goodEGG

Vintage Glasses Part 2

Do you remember these puppies? I finally got around to getting my eyes checked, and some new lenses put in them. Photo 4 (excuse the shitty face).

I accomplished a lot today, despite of the dreary weather. A long-for-me (short-for-others) list was almost all crossed off.

1. Visited the optomotrist, 2. Old Glasses, 3. New Glasses, 4. New to Me Glasses

Art

"Great Art comes from great bike rides."=My favorite part of this adorible song and video.

I have a job interview in a few hours. Wish me well! (I was going to say luck, but that's not something I believe in.)

Skinny Love

I whole heartily love this song. I want to go see Bon Iver, please.

Perfect Weather for Biking

The recent thaw has made bike riding that much more enjoyable. Not freezing my paws off is an added bonus!

I am going gaga over this fabric, I can't get enough. (via label-free)