kim klassen inspiration studio

Summer Vacation - at the iStudio

2011-06-30T23:56:00.006-05:00

Happy Summer, my friends....

The i-Studio is on vacation.....

See you in September.....

xxo, the iStudio Inspirers

Flickr Feature: White

2011-06-30T13:00:00.000-05:00

Photo by likeart2

Life's Soundtrack: Summer Mix

2011-06-30T08:00:00.001-05:00

Photo by Paige

Inspired by Paige's amazing photo - which for me illustrates the freedom and joy of summer - I've decided not to give you any homework this week. Instead, I've put together a Summer Mix just for you. I've filled it with songs I know you'll hear all over the airwaves this summer, some I hope you'll hear, and some you probably won't hear on the radio - but should!

There is something about summer music that always makes me happy - I hope this list is one you can turn on while you do housework, on a road trip, while you enjoy a BBQ with friends and family - all the things that make summer great.

Red and Blue With White

2011-06-29T06:00:00.000-05:00

Just some red and blue to add to the white.

Just because it's fun!

masterful white

2011-06-28T13:00:00.001-05:00

white by aia*c

white as a ghost

2011-06-28T06:00:00.003-05:00

it had begun to be present to him after the first fortnight,

it had broken out with the oddest abruptness, this particular wanton wonderment:

it met him there--and this was the image under which he himself judged the matter,

or at least, not a little, thrilled and flushed with it--very much as he might have been met

by some strange figure, some unexpected occupant,

at a turn of one of the dim passages of an empty house.

the quaint analogy quite hauntingly remained with him,

when he didn't indeed rather improve it by a still intenser form:

that of his opening a door behind which he would have made sure of finding nothing,

a door into a room shuttered and void, and yet so coming,

with a great suppressed start, on some quite erect confronting presence,

something planted in the middle of the place

and facing him through the dusk.

~ henry james the jolly corner

let your little light shine

Love floats by...

2011-06-27T13:00:00.000-05:00

love floats by

by lucy.loomis

An Invitation to Begin {White}

2011-06-27T06:00:00.000-05:00

Sunday Shops

2011-06-26T06:00:00.004-05:00

celebrating shades of white in these lovely shops . a natural choice

[ click on photo/link to be directed to the ETSY shop]

Simply Riveting

Koide Studio

Karolin Schoor

Imali

Three Little Ducks

blessings . see you next sunday

Red or Gray Art

touch of lavender

2011-06-25T10:41:00.001-05:00

via Little Emma English Home

Wings II...

2011-06-24T13:08:00.000-05:00

{Light as a Feather} Four Corners Design

Wings...

2011-06-24T06:04:00.000-05:00

Flickr Feature: Quiet

2011-06-23T13:00:00.000-05:00

Photo by Grace & Ivy

Life's Soundtrack: Light the Music

2011-06-23T08:00:00.000-05:00

Photo by Lucia and Mapp

As I write this post and put together the playlist I'm in the middle of a lightening storm with plenty of dark clouds and rain - so listening to songs full of light is such a fun contrast. I also love that we are getting this list just after summer solstice (or winter solstice if you live in the Southern Hemisphere!) Either way the amount of light we get each day is changing - so take full advantage of it while you can.

There are some incredible songs on this list - I can't wait to hear what you think about them. Thanks as always for your amazing suggestions, I feel like I add to my personal playlist each week. I'm always discovering new music thanks to you.

love story

2011-06-22T13:00:00.000-05:00

My Heart

Love is a Beautiful Word

Love Story II

tiny pearls

2011-06-22T06:00:00.001-05:00

Tiny Pearls of Light

I just discovered this photographer, Amelia Kay, on Etsy. She captures white in such a gorgeous way.

black on white

2011-06-21T13:00:00.002-05:00

By Kate Daniel

sun white

2011-06-21T06:00:00.002-05:00

"Always be on the lookout for the presence of wonder."

— E.B. White

Movement

2011-06-20T13:00:00.005-05:00

75:365 Movement by graceoverus

White Chocolate?

2011-06-20T06:00:00.002-05:00

"With freedom, books, flowers, and the moon,

who could not be happy?" ~ Oscar Wilde

Shall we add white chocolate to the list?

Sunday Shops

2011-06-19T06:00:00.001-05:00

white is a joy

in the smoothness of clay...

in the purity of linen thread ...

on the creative cake ...

in the streets of Paris ...

in the curves of limestone ...

[ click on photo/link to be directed to the ETSY shop]

Little Projectiles

Magdalinen Home

Andie's Specialty Sweets

little brown pen

Brooks Barrow

blessings . see you next sunday

Red or Gray Art

Shades of White - French Larkspur eDition

2011-06-18T07:42:00.003-05:00

french postal pillow

so much to love at French Larkspur.....

vintage bank deposit bag

french ledger pillow

clear recycled glass bottle

Visit Tracey's French Larkspur shop HERE.
then pop over to Tracey's beautiful blog and lose yourself in all the loveliness.....

Happiest Saturday i-Studio friends....xxo, kim

more dark white

2011-06-17T13:00:00.002-05:00

photo by Kat's Eye

month of celebrating white

dark white

2011-06-17T06:00:00.003-05:00

a moment before dark falls .. a storm arrives .. a wish is made

Flickr Feature: Writers Block

2011-06-16T13:00:00.000-05:00

Photo by Laura - likeart2

Life's Soundtrack: Light

2011-06-16T08:00:00.001-05:00

Photo by Paige 23

As I've watched your gorgeous "white" photos streaming into the Flickr group the past couple of weeks, I've started to notice something else they all have in common - they are full of gorgeous light. I thought we use that light as the inspiration for our playlist this week. Let's fill it with songs about light. It can be the gorgeous morning light or the magical light of the moon.

I'll kick us off:

Priscilla Ahn - Leave the Light On

David Nail - Red Light

Mary Chapin Carpenter - Twilight

Sara Bareillies - Light

Owl City - Vanilla Twilight

Alexi Murdoch - The Light (Her Hands Were Leaves)

Faith Hill - When the Lights Go Down

Ellie Goulding - Lights

Allison Moorer - Light of a Clear Blue Morning (I have been searching for a youtube clip of this version of the Dolly Parton song for years and someone finally posted it. This is probably the most played song on my iPod, if you listen to nothing else today, listen to it, the lyrics are so inspiring and her voice and the arrangement are perfection.)

I had a hard time stopping - there are some GREAT songs out there on this theme and I can't wait to see what you come up with. Take a minute and share some of your favorite "light" songs in the comments section and I'll put together a playlist with all of our songs on next week.

Bella Inspiration

2011-06-15T16:25:00.002-05:00

be still my heart..... so much more from Bella Inspiration HERE.

2011-06-15T13:00:00.000-05:00

a hint of color by mmgdoherty

The White House

2011-06-15T06:00:00.001-05:00

A warm white and wonderful welcome.

Home.

peace

2011-06-14T13:00:00.001-05:00

peace begins with a smile ~ mother teresa

RUNNER GIRL 44

for the white crayons

2011-06-14T06:00:00.015-05:00

my goal is to show people that if they change the colour of their paper,

a white crayon can be more helpful than one would think

~ brooklyn

FOR THE WHITE CRAYONS

please visit brooklyn ~ this young woman's light shines brilliantly ...

LET YOUR LITTLE LIGHT SHINE

White: In All the Seasons

2011-06-13T13:00:00.001-05:00

...and so many more in my new portfolio. Have a wonderful white-inspired day.

Beautiful Blog Inspiration

2011-06-13T09:19:00.002-05:00

needing inspiration?

one of my favorite places to visit.....

Yvonne at Fraulein Klein

just so much to love!

thank you Yvonne...

xxo, kim

Sunday Shops

2011-06-12T06:00:00.003-05:00

feeling a little...

2011-06-11T07:00:00.000-05:00

by Cosi! [not sure i'll ever catch up]

random whites.

2011-06-10T23:00:00.001-05:00

I find whites lately in so many forms and shapes.
In white caring hands, white beautiful soft fur, whiteness of nature unfolding. White is somehow gaining a meaning,
not just being a lifeless colour anymore. White cleanes my head, lets me think and start fresh.
I hope white can be like this for you too.

1. Kitten, 2. Black and white guitar strobist, 3. Quiet Aspirations, 4. Above The Clouds II, 5. 16-07-10 The Best Way To Make It Through, 6. ☆Hoarfrost Queen　(Ice dancing)☆

{Whitewashed} II...

2011-06-10T13:00:00.000-05:00

Cottage Charm by Joy

{Whitewashed}...

2011-06-10T06:00:00.000-05:00

there is such a pull to whitewashed, faded finds...

the worn, once loved items invoke a deep sense of calmness...

raw, pure, simple beauty...

much like those who treasured them before...

Another Reason I'd Love to Paint Everything White

2011-06-09T16:59:00.000-05:00

so much more HERE.

beyond amazing....

'sigh'

Simple by Urban Muser

2011-06-09T13:00:00.000-05:00

Photo by Urban Muser

Life's Soundtrack: White the Music

2011-06-09T08:00:00.000-05:00

Photo by R Joanne

When I posted last week's theme - I imagined we'd have a playlist that looked a bit like the gorgeous white photos filling our Flickr Group - all soft, mellow and dreamy. Imagine my surprise when I discovered a playlist that is much more diverse - there are some songs in this one that will make you want to get up and MOVE!

There are also a ton of songs in this list that are new to me - so I'm hoping you'll also discover something fun and new as well. On to the music:

To listen to the playlist, click on the sideways triangle in the middle of the embedded player. To skip to a song or go back, click on the < or > on either side of the triangle.

Note: I put the playlist together on Monday evening because I'm traveling both Tuesday and Wednesday, I'll add the songs that were suggested as soon as I get on solid ground again and have an internet connection, please forgive me if your song takes a day or so to go up.

Happy Listening!

The Alabaster House

2011-06-08T17:00:00.002-05:00

via 1st option

so much more to see HERE.

white waters

2011-06-08T13:00:00.002-05:00


Hall Falls on Gulf Mountain, Arkansas By Linda Henderson

white beauty

2011-06-08T06:00:00.001-05:00

by kate daniel

i have no words.... 'sigh'

2011-06-07T17:00:00.000-05:00

photo credit - House to Home - Merci.....

because daisies make me smile

2011-06-07T13:00:00.001-05:00

By Julie Legg

color wheel

2011-06-07T06:00:00.001-05:00

In the theory of Color as Light, white is the sum of all colors.

In the theory of Color as Pigment, white is the absence of all colors.

Either way, without its opposite,
we would never be able to see it.

Wake

2011-06-06T13:00:00.007-05:00

Wake by Lucy Loomis

Emily

2011-06-06T06:00:00.009-05:00

In her later years, poet Emily Dickinson was said to have dressed only in white.

This enigmatic genius penned, "I find ecstasy in living;

the mere sense of living is joy enough."

Emily's legacy of 1,775 poems, almost entirely published posthumously,

place her in the front rank of American poets.

.....

Sunday Shops

2011-06-05T05:00:00.001-05:00

we are celebrating the loveliness of white

at I-Studio in June

[ click on photo/link to be directed to the ETSY shop]

L'Officina

Soraam

New Ivy Style

iLE AiYE

PAWLING

blessings . see you next sunday

Red or Gray Art

black n white delight

2011-06-04T13:00:00.001-05:00

by D~Love

white.

2011-06-04T06:00:00.004-05:00

I am a huge lover of white. I grew to be one, to be honest.
I never liked it much while grewing up, white things just got too dirty. I had to take special care of them. I didn't like that very much. While furnishing my appartement I find white colours soothing. They appeal to me very much. As much as I like whites, I like blacks too. They give contrast, make the space not too lonesome.
The mix as in a black & white photograph can make so much difference than to colour. Playing with shades on someone's face can appeal a dramatic effect, or a romantic soothing one.
This weeks pick was inspired by flowers, because everyone who knows me, knows I have a huge love with them.

1. beautiful moments, 2. ~The Beauty of You~, 3. Poppy in White (148/365), 4. The last Lilac

white makes everything prettier

2011-06-03T17:00:00.002-05:00

dreaming

2011-06-03T15:19:00.000-05:00

dreaming by Sally Nelson

spread your wings

2011-06-03T06:00:00.001-05:00

feeling tattered around the edges . unraveled in the middle

in paper and words . we can always take flight

French Larkspur - Love

2011-06-02T17:00:00.001-05:00

When I need inspiration.....especially 'white' inspiration.....

I visit Tracey at French Larkspur....

so much to love in one beautiful blog.

thank you Tracey!

.....

Restart by JDMaleski

2011-06-02T13:00:00.002-05:00

Photo by Jessica Maleski

Life's Soundtrack: White

2011-06-02T08:00:00.009-05:00

Photo by Monica de Moss Photography

Have you heard the news? We are celebrating WHITE here at Inspiration Studio in June. I can't wait to see the Flickr group filling up with your interpretation of the theme - it is going to be so much fun and so beautiful!

We are going to stay on theme in this week's playlist - our songs are going to be all about white. Share your favorite songs about white, that have white in the title, or white in the artist/group name. This is one of those totally random themes, which I love because they always end up so diverse. Here are my picks:

The Moody Blues - Nights in White Satin (thanks for the perfect kick off song Denise!)

Barry White - Can't Get Enough of Your Love

Dido - White Flag

White Lies - Bigger Than Us

U2 - White as Snow

Jack White & Loretta Lynn - Portland, Oregon

Mumford & Sons - White Blank Page

I'm still on a bit of high over our last playlist, Wishing and Dreaming, your song picks were just so amazing I can't stop listening, so I really can't wait to see what your suggestions will be this week. Take a minute and share your "white" songs with us in the comments section.

How Much Do We Love This? 'sigh'

2011-06-01T17:26:00.008-05:00

via i heart home

2011-06-01T13:00:00.000-05:00

129/365 by Maureen Nichols

Purity

2011-06-01T06:00:00.003-05:00

The absence of all color..and yet so full.

White.

It represents purity..innocence..sweet cleanliness and light.
....

note from kim
We are celebrating the loveliness of 'white' at the i-Studio this month.
We invite you to join in....and share your take on 'white' in the i-Studio Flickr pool.
We will be featuring your photos in the afternoon throughout the month.
xxo, kim

you can find it

2011-05-31T06:00:00.003-05:00

that was rough ...

thing to do now is try and forget it ...

i guess i don't quite mean that.

it's not a thing you can forget.

maybe not even a thing you want to forget ...

life's like that sometimes ...

now and then for no good reason a man can figure out,

life will just haul off and knock him flat,

slam him agin' the ground so hard it seems like all his insides is busted.

but it's not all like that.

a lot of it's mighty fine,

and you can't afford to waste the good part frettin' about the bad.

that makes it all bad ...

sure, i know ~ sayin' it's one thing and feelin' it's another.

but i'll tell you a trick that's sometimes a big help.

when you start looking around for something good to take the place of the bad,

as a general rule you can find it.

~ from the movie OLD YELLER, 1957

LET YOUR LITTLE LIGHT SHINE

Inspiration and Dreams: Redesign

2011-05-30T08:11:00.000-05:00

I don’t know about you, but when I do something, I try to do it right the first time. I probably spend more time than I should worrying about ‘getting it right.’ And I know that, as a result, my projects take me twice as long.

However, despite the trying, I find myself going back for a do-over more often than not. But is this bad? Or is this the way it should be? Are things actually better the third time around? Is the REDESIGN an essential part of the journey?

I suppose there are plenty of examples that makeovers are the way to go. Mother Nature indulges four times a year (or so...depending on your location!). Plenty of people make a living providing them to the faces, kitchens, wardrobes, gardens (you get the idea...) of the rest of us . Even a lowly bolognese sauce tastes supremely better after a night in the fridge, and a second warming on the stove.

After only four months, I find myself overhauling my blog/website. My concept has grown, as have my goals and my direction. Despite all the initial angst and effort, it’s time for a change. Perhaps next time, I can avoid the worry, count on the makeover, and spend more time picking daisies.

How about you?

Sunday Shops

2011-05-29T05:00:00.001-05:00

soft shades of earth and sky . on my mind this week

[ click on photo/link to be directed to the ETSY shop]

By Jodi

Peiffer Studio

Kapel Designs

ara133 Photography

Fairyfolk

blessings . see you next sunday

Red or Gray Art

magic moments.

2011-05-28T08:00:00.005-05:00

Do you know those magic moments, when the light hits your subject just right or you have this one wonderful idea you have to try?! I love those moments. They let me fall in love with an image immideatly, being my favourite from every session. That one sparkling moment where you have just been at the right time at the right place. Or buying a painting brush that fits just right for the purpose you need it.
The following images resemble for me inspiration, getting to know the unexpected in the most significant ways.

1. Magic, 2. Autostadt - Magic Moments, 3. .:.summer magic.:. got on explore!!! :D, 4. Dawn Sparkles, 5. ice + sun = magic, 6. Magic sun light

Faded Finds {Blue Glass Jars}...

2011-05-27T05:56:00.001-05:00

to me nothing marks the beginning of summer more than the planting of our vegetable garden...

the ability to grow strength and nourishment from one tiny seed never ceases to amaze me...

to work and tend the deep, rich soil that has been turned each and every spring by my family for 100 years is something to cherish...

those who came before always knew the value of hard work and the rewards that it yielded...

they were able to bottle the summer sunshine, preserve the scent of earth and her bounty...

all within crisp, prairie blue canning jars...

the bottles all lined upon the pantry selves sustained many bodies through the winter months...

but also sustained the soul with hope and with the promises of what a new season would bring..

with each morning ray these beautiful jars remind me of the possibilities and promises that await me just beyond the back porch ready to be captured and {preserved}...

{what once was}

Life's Soundtrack: Wishing & Dreaming the Music

2011-05-26T08:00:00.002-05:00

Photo by Lucy Loomis

Do I have a treat for you! This may just be my all-time favorite playlist we've put together. It is full of amazing songs and guaranteed to make your dreams grow!

I dare you to watch the Susan Boyle clip without crying - it doesn't matter how many times I see it, I still get teary - talk about a lesson in chasing your dreams.

The line Elissa quoted from Fleetwood Mac's Dreams, "Does thunder only happen when it's raining?" stayed in my mind for days - proof that the best songs are better that philosophy classes (at least for me!)

There is also plenty in this list for the Disney lover - seems they've kept us in dreamy songs for generations.

Thanks again for playing along and suggesting such amazing songs - I hope you enjoy listening to it as much as I have.

To listen to the playlist, click on the triangle in the middle of the embedded player above. To skip to the next song or to go backwards, click on the < or > on either side of the player.

many blessings

2011-05-25T10:17:00.000-05:00

I am lucky enough to have this original painting by Liv Lane hanging in my living room. I am amazed with the amount of joy and good energy that artwork brings to a home. Yesterday I picked a card from an inspirational deck of zen cards. This is what it said:

It makes no difference what particular form your creativity takes- it can be painting or singing, planting a garden, or making a meal. The important thing is to be open to what wants to be expressed through you. Remember that we don't possess our creations; they do not belong to us. True creativity arises from a union with the divine, with the mystical and unknowable. Then it is both a joy for the creator and a blessing to others.

Wishing you all a beautiful, creative day!

xo,

still

2011-05-24T04:00:00.001-05:00

The calm before the storm is always filled with that moment of absolute stillness.

Nothing moves, the birds grow quiet, the air grows damp, and heavy. If you listen, you can hear the thunder rumbling in the distance, sounds of discontent and change, you might even see a bit of lightning that illuminates all the flaws and stark realities of the world around you.

But right now, right here, just in front of you, there is an oasis of peace and quiet. It's only going to last a moment, if you blink, it might be gone.

Breathe it in, be still, close your eyes.

Let your mind wander just a little, remember a smile, or a hug, or the way your daughter made you tea that day you had to work so hard. Cherish this moment. Cherish something. A memory, a paragraph, a single blossom in a vase on the table.

Reach your hand across the table to someone that you love. Pet the kitten that purrs by your side, or the dog that sleeps at your feet. Blow a kiss to your son as he races out the door.

It only takes a moment.

And then faintly, that bell will start tinkling, breezes will filter through leaves and blossoms, and that calm, that stillness, will move on to another place, another garden, another room.

But some days, if you're lucky, you can keep a tiny piece of it in your heart,

and some days, that's enough.

Spring Cleaning and Dreaming

2011-05-23T04:00:00.003-05:00

Spring cleaning, or any cleaning for that matter,

isn't high on my list of interesting and rewarding things to do.

But, I have to tell you,

we did some unusual spring cleaning that was fascinating and got me dreaming!

A couple ferocious wind storms

left us with a crazy number of downed and jack-strawed trees.

After much cutting and stacking, it really was time to burn slash.

As fortune would have it, we burned on a moonlight night.

Dancing flames + smoke + camera = captured magic.

Throw in the moonlight and we had a night fit for dreaming.

I'm not talking about everyday dreams and goals -

I've got project lists for those things -

I'm talking about bigger dreamy plans.

The kind of dreams that might seem wild, maybe scary,

or possibly not as "do-able" by the light of day.

My dreams went like this ~

I want to visit England again

(I hear the Victoria & Albert Museum calling my name),

I want to travel to Nepal and Thailand,

I want to write a book (about quilting, beading, or photography),

I want to shoot some great photos in our U.S. National Parks,

and in the future,

I'm toying with the idea of using my photography to help others

by working with non-profits around the world!

Well, these aren't too big, scary, or impossible are they???

Do you have any campfire-type dreams?

Wishing you a spring and summer filled with campfires and dreaming!

Creatively,

Sunday Shops

2011-05-22T05:00:00.002-05:00

so happy to have you here . enjoy the sweet moments of may

[ click on link/photo to be directed to shop page ]

Silver Smack

Sintwister Photography

Kettle Confections

Art in Red Wagons

Art by Lauren

blessings from the shop

Red or Gray Art

Sun.

2011-05-21T08:30:00.000-05:00

Summer. Blue water.

Ocean waves crashing to the shore.

Relaxing at the beach.

In a hammock with a fruity drink in my hand.

Book in the other.

That's what I wish for summer.

1. the freshness of gerberas, 2. goodbye, summer, 3. SUMMER, 4. summer of 09

she left today

2011-05-20T05:00:00.004-05:00

tucked between the layers in a suitcase . handwritten note of love and hope

Life's Soundtrack: Wishing & Dreaming

2011-05-19T08:00:00.027-05:00

Photo by Whimsey

When I saw Suki's suggestion for our last playlist, Dave Thomas Junior's "3 Wishes" I knew what our next theme would be: Wishing & Dreaming.

Isn't every day just a little bit better when you take a minute to dream and let your imagination run wild? Dreaming fills me with inspiration and gives me the motivation to find a way to turn those wishes into goals.

For our playlist, your song suggestions can be songs that encourage or remind us to wish, dream or look for miracles (see the first half of my list.) Or the songs can be about things you are currently dreaming and wishing for in your own life (the second half of my list.) Let me get us going:

Dave Thomas Junior - 3 Wishes (the song that started it all)
The Corrs - Dreams
Mary Chapin Carpenter - The Age of Miracles
The Airborne Toxic Event - Wishing Well
Rachael Yamagata - I Wish You Love
Plumb - Sleep (I get up at 5:30, I'm always dreaming of more sleep!)
Amos Lee - Learned A Lot
Lee Ann Womack - I Hope You Dance

I can't wait to hear some of your favorite Wishing & Dreaming songs - take a minute and share them with us in the comments section. Next week I'll pull them together into a playlist of dreamy songs for all of us.

A Practice of Returning

2011-05-18T06:00:00.000-05:00

One spring following another - I've watched these two return to their familiar nesting ground and pond. He - spends his days tirelessly patrolling..keeping all predators at bay. She - sits hour after hour..day after day warming the eggs in their precious and precarious nest.

It's been a late-coming spring. Trees have been slow to color themselves green. Flowers have been even slower to blossom and bloom. We - persons - have taken a long time to shed our winter coats and skins.

The birds sing.

Oblivious to the cold..the wet..the inclement weather. Unaware that this spring's rhythm doesn't quite rhyme.

The birds sing.

They mate. They nest. They hatch babies. They're not waiting for the right time..the right place..the right moment. It's spring. They trust in their hearts. They trust in their internal compasses as guides.

A practice of returning. Season after season. Year after year.

They say that they mate for life. Through bountiful seasons or bare..through sickness or health..they love and they cherish 'til death do them part.

In the damp. In the grey. In the cold. Theses ugly little ducklings were - just today - hatched. They know nothing of late-coming springs. Only that they will grow..that they will love and mate..and that they - too - will someday hatch cygnets of their own.

The circle of life continues. On..and on.

when a day may seem dim ...

2011-05-17T10:04:00.006-05:00

i am weak.

the world is too much.

unfathomable flooding.

fierce fires.

tragic tornadoes.

extraordinary earthquakes.

terrifying tsunamis.

humankind is weakened by mother nature's power.

but the strength is in the spirit.

i am filled with faith

by the soul's insatiable spirit to survive.

feeling strength from their strength,

i celebrate and seek inspiration

and feel immense gratitude.

thank you i.studio pool contributors

for continuing to create,

to share so graciously,

to let your light shine brightly

when a day may seem dim ...

doreen kilfeather inbetweeness

cindy taylor cottage window

learning junkie creativity ~ 52 weeks of gratitude

lucia and mapp sweet!

araceli calabuig roba nenuda

teri klinger for the love of color

let your little light shine

Inspiration and Dreams: A Pub, a Puppy and a whole lot of Providence

2011-05-16T05:22:00.008-05:00

In past posts, I’ve written about the importance of believing in your dreams, and of continually moving towards them, even if slowly. Unwavering belief, plus an itty-bitty amount of momentum, makes for a magical equation. It used to worry me that I didn’t know HOW I would get my dreams from A to B to C. And it used to worry me even more that I couldn’t make A + B = C. But over time, I’ve let this worry go. Instead, I focus solely on what I want and on the few small things I know I can do today to move away from A, towards B. And somehow, in so doing, providence and possibility often collide to make for amazing opportunities.

This happened to me last weekend when I met the most unusual and inspiring couple who are following and living their dreams...in the most FABULOUS way!

As you may know, I live in Windsor, UK. Due to the presence of one large and famous castle, Windsor is inundated with tourists for much of the year. In town, I hear accents from all over the world and usually pay no attention. But last Friday, after stopping at The Two Brewers (one of my favourite pubs) for a sunny lunch, I very much noticed the American accents of the couple at the next table. While I was lightly contemplating saying hello, Harry, my pup, charged over for an introduction.

Over the course of the next hour, Harry ingratiated himself, and we learned that Betsy and Warren were from Seattle, had tired of the rat race and sold everything to travel around the world for the next five years. (Talk about clearing space!?!) They had just arrived in the UK via Latin America, Antarctica and one very long boat ride (5 luxurious weeks aboard an empty cruise ship in process of repositioning itself! My kinda cruise!). Despite sticker shock at UK prices, they seemed enthralled by British culture and very much at home. Ironically, they had just been to visit Wanderlust, an award-winning, independent, adventure travel magazine that is edited by my next-door neighbour, Dan. Betsy and Warren ended up at the Two Brewer’s on Dan’s recommendation. Coincidence? I was starting to get goose pimples.

The conversation then somehow turned to photography and my fledgling blog. It turns out that Warren is a Wordpress website developer and is also familiar with Squarespace. He offered to help me transform my site into something more functional and impactful. And Betsy had a consulting business focused on female entrepreneurs.

I walked home that afternoon with one sleepy child and two contented canines, and a mind that was spinning and jumping. Not only had I met the most interesting and inspiring couple who are living-proof that outrageous, fabulous dreams can become reality, but I very much felt as if I had just made two new friends (We’ve made plans to get together again when they are back this way...). And even more amazingly, these relative-strangers had offered to help me move closer to my own dreams. Pubs, puppies, providence and a whole lot of possibility!

You can follow Warren and Betsy on their blog: www.marriedwithluggage.com or on Facebook. Their site is full of information and guidance on how they transformed their everyday life into a travelling adventure. I hope you find them as inspirational as I do. Enjoy!

Sunday Shops

2011-05-15T05:30:00.000-05:00

color your world with love

[ click on the link or photo to visit each shop ]

Mamas House

Dolce Crochet

One Loom Studio

Utile Mud

Mary Kate McDevitt

blessings from the shop

Red or Gray Art

Life's Soundtrack: By the Numbers Music

2011-05-14T09:03:00.000-05:00

Photo by Kim Kath

Note: I'm reposting this after it was dropped when Blogger went offline.

I suspected this theme, By The Numbers, would produce a fun eclectic playlist - and I was right. It contains everything from the current darling of pop: Taylor Swift, to the legends: The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Queen, and my personal favorite, Johnny Cash. There's a little of something for everyone in this one.

To listen to the playlist, click on the triangle in the middle of the player. To skip to the next song, or to go back, click on the < or > to either side of the embedded player.

I tend to get the credit for our playlists, but let's face it - what makes them amazing is the diversity that comes from all of you who take the time to comment and share your song picks. I think it is time to share the the credit. If you are looking to connect with another inspiring blogger, take a minute and check out the people behind this week's playlist: Edie, Elissa, Kelly, Kim (Kim is also responsible for the gorgeous photo at the top of this post), ELK, PG, Terrie, Suki, and Karen. Thanks ladies, for helping to create what may be our most eclectic playlist to date.

Happy Listening

nurturing.

2011-05-14T08:00:00.001-05:00

While spring makes an appearance over here and I think about nurturing. How important it is to love and nurture oneself. To be nutured and even mothered by strangers and friends. How this care, you are able to recieve can change how you nurture others. When I think of nurture, I think of fresh fruits, baskets full of it and going on picknicks. Being grateful for care that is offered. Being brave enough to let someone else nurture you. In physical or emotional ways.
It reminds me that I should soak up every tiny thing there is to know about nurturing.I believe it is one important thing to mother and nurture friends, family or a stranger. To some it comes beautifully easy, some have to work on it very hard.
Nevertheless the final result will never be any more rewarding to both people in this giving, recieving relatonship.

1. orange you glad it's Bench Monday?, 2. 142/365: Plum Season., 3. peach, 4. Black Mission Fig III, 5. Eve, 6. eggs, 7. saturday morning, 8. braeburn, 9. Winter W A T E R M E L O N

Faded Finds {Ephemera}...

2011-05-13T12:37:00.004-05:00

finally!!

sometimes technology...sigh... :0)

this month i wanted to share with you some faded finds that i absolutely adore...

goods that could easily take over home and farm in an instant! ;0)

first up:

ephemera...*bliss*...items that are not intended to be preserved...

isn't that ironic??

i cannot tell you how i pour over old almanacs, farmer's notes, love letters, dictionaries, oh the list just goes on and on...

i recently came upon a farm wife's egg ledger...

who purchased how many, who traded a cup of sugar for a dozen, what day she splurged and purchased popcorn and ice cream for $0.15...

all painstakingly tallied in her graceful penmanship...

the simply beauty, the hard work to scrap together and cherish each penny...

it makes this prairie girl's heart full and feel oh so blessed...

i use many of the pieces i find in my altered art or mixed media...

i also have several hand written accounts of my ancestors framed upon a wall...

what about you dear readers, do you have a *love* for ephemera and if so how do you cherish it?

{What Once Was}

How bout a Little Dreaming?

2011-05-11T13:24:00.001-05:00

Hello amazing iStudio friends.

Have you heard of the Mondo Beyondo eCourse?

I've shared bit about my Mondo Beyond experience here before....

It really was a life-changing experience for me.

I was super pumped to discover their amazing 2 for 1 special offer....and wanted to share it with you all.

Click here to visit Mondo Beyondo.

I decided to refresh my dreaming skills.... I'm taking the class again a second time around...

It starts next week!

Yay!

This time I'm sharing the journey with Denise....

Won't you join us?

xxo, kim

from where i stand

2011-05-10T02:00:00.000-05:00

To an ant, these grape hyacinths are as tall as a redwood tree. One, on its own, makes little impact. But en masse, they make quite a bold statement.

Sometimes, it's all about perspective. Looking at something from a different angle, in a different context, in a different light. Turning what we are used to seeing and thinking and feeling upside down or or inside out.

They say it's good to change things up every so often, brush your teeth with your left hand if you are right-handed, drive home by a different route, try a food you've never tasted, say hello to someone you would normally look away from. Doing something that stretches us beyond our routine makes our brain work in a different way, and can allow us to see things from a fresh perspective.

The days that go by in a blur become something special if you take the time to notice the details. If you stop to smell the roses, listen to the mockingbird, see the forest through the trees.

But it's so easy to slip into that rut, the one with your head down, busy, busy, getting all those things done that need doing. I find myself there, often. Days go by sometimes, and I realize that I haven't noticed anything but my to-do list, and then I stop in my tracks and look around me. There are buds on trees that weren't there a week ago, baby birds in a nest that I missed being built, bumblebees buzzing on blossoms that have opened.

Sometimes, I am just too much like those bees, focused only on the busywork, the task at hand, the collecting of all those things that I need to survive. I forget to pull back and see the whole flower. Or the plant itself, or the field it grows in beneath that lovely blue sky, or even the sun that makes it all possible.

That's when I know it's time to take a break and look at the world through a child's eyes, or from an ant's eye view, or through those rose-colored glasses. That's when I know it's time to shake things up a little.

Because then, a patch of tiny flowers that I've walked by a thousand times can suddenly become a forest.

It just depends on how you look at it.

The Details

2011-05-09T05:00:00.001-05:00

I'm sure you've heard the expression, "the devil's in the details".

This catchy phrase points to the fact that it's often the small,

overlooked details which make a project or scheme, difficult or challenging.

When it comes to quilt or beadwork projects,

I'm the queen of detail - every step is thought through ahead of time.

But, I have to admit, when it comes to life,

I often focus on the big and small problems while overlooking life's wonderful, tiny details -

those gems of everyday living.

This reminds me of an experience I had years ago,

while a girlfriend and I were hiking in Montana.

She picked up a wildflower, studied it intently and then,

proceeded to point out the amazing details of color and shape within the flower's calyx.

For her, joy and happiness were contained in this moment,

in this wonderful detail of nature.

It struck me then, how simple and available this happiness that she felt was.

Think about some of life's details that bring you joy and inspiration.

Here's some on my list:

Sunsets

New books

Fresh blossoms

Hugs

Dog "kisses"

Our daughter's love

Color

Shadow patterns

Sunlight on a cool day

Chai tea

Beautiful beads

Meals cooked by my husband

Learning something new

A phone call from an old friend

Woodland walks

Dragonflies

Museum visits

Reflections

Loon calls

Which of life's details brings you happiness and inspiration?

Creatively,

P.S. These recent photos are as spring-like as it gets in my neck of the woods.

We're still waiting for bouquets of blossoms!

Sunday Shops

2011-05-08T05:00:00.001-05:00

wishing you treasures . growth . comfort . togetherness . this day

[ click on the link/photo to see each shop ]

Julie Nolan Jewelry

Momplaisir Céramique

Le Pied Léger

Studio Zen

Piping Hot Papers

blessings from the shop

Red or Gray Art

the power of unwind.

2011-05-07T08:00:00.001-05:00

I need some of this so desperatly right now.

I hope you enjoy it too.

1. Splash, Volume III, 2. Sunset Relaxation, 3. Relaxation, 4. Self Portrait 365 project | Day 158 [Explored], 5. Another self, 6. Cottage escape

a red one

2011-05-06T05:00:00.002-05:00

sitting on a table smooth . natural . vibrant ... afternoon apple . grateful

Life's Soundtrack: By the Numbers

2011-05-05T08:00:00.003-05:00

Photo by Tammy Gilley

Happy Cinco de Mayo! I've sometimes lived in cities that had amazing Cinco de Mayo celebrations - so full of color, beautiful music and amazing food. I'm sad I won't be celebrating this year since I'm on the road, but I may just stop in for some yummy Mexican food so I don't feel totally left out. This year Cinco de Mayo has me thinking of numbers (cinco = five = numbers) and with all the serious news in our world, I think it is time for a little easy fun in our playlist.

This week we are going to put together a playlist based on numbers - there can be a number in the title of the song, in the lyrics or in the name of the artist. This one should be fun and easy, so I expect lots and lots of comments and suggestions (hint, hint!) Let me get us going:

3 Doors Down - Here without You (for my sister since this is one of her favorite bands)
Adele - One and Only
Feist - 1,2,3,4
Holly Williams - Three Days in Bed
U2 - One
The Swell Season - Two Tongues
10,000 Maniacs - These are Days

Take a minute and share your song suggestions in the comments section below - I can't wait to see what you come up with!

Practicing Mindfulness

2011-05-04T06:00:00.000-05:00

Almost impossible - these days - not to stop and take notice. A tree that was yesterday bare..is now covered in blossoms. A one that is today in full bloom color..will be - tomorrow - nothing other than green. I can't help but want to photograph..to record every moment while I can. To breathe in every bit of spring's fleeting goodness.

For me - it's a practice in mindfulness. In careful..quiet observation. In being fully engaged. With all my senses - alive..awake..aware.

The lilacs are infusing the air with their perfume. The tulips and daffodils are rendering that same world in living breathing technicolor. The ground that was once soft and wet is now solid. At last - we've turned that corner. The one at which where what we left behind is no longer in our rear view....and where we can now see clearly what lies ahead.

Yesterday - I walked by this same tree. There were branches..hardly a bud. Today - it's all a-flower.

I stop. I look. I see.

awash with angels

2011-05-03T08:24:00.002-05:00

Love Calls Us to the Things of This World

The eyes open to a cry of pulleys,

And spirited from sleep, the astounded soul

Hangs for a moment bodiless and simple

As false dawn.

Outside the open window

The morning air is all awash with angels.

Some are in bed-sheets, some are in blouses,

Some are in smocks: but truly there they are.

Now they are rising together in calm swells

Of halcyon feeling, filling whatever they wear

With the deep joy of their impersonal breathing;

Now they are flying in place, conveying

The terrible speed of their omnipresence, moving

And staying like white water; and now of a sudden

They swoon down into so rapt a quiet

That nobody seems to be there.

The soul shrinks

From all that is about to remember,

From the punctual rape of every blessed day,

And cries,

``Oh, let there be nothing on earth but laundry,

Nothing but rosy hands in the rising steam

And clear dances done in the sight of heaven.''

Yet, as the sun acknowledges

With a warm look the world's hunks and colors,

The soul descends once more in bitter love

To accept the waking body, saying now

In a changed voice as the man yawns and rises,

``Bring them down from their ruddy gallows;

Let there be clean linen for the backs of thieves;

Let lovers go fresh and sweet to be undone,

And the heaviest nuns walk in a pure floating

Of dark habits,

keeping their difficult balance.''

~ Richard Wilbur

thank you dear gigi thibodeau of the magpie's pen

for sharing this lovely poem ...

thank you richard wilbur

let your little light shine

The Gift of Learning

2011-05-02T08:20:00.000-05:00

For all those things we love to learn with pursed lips and intense concentration...

Sunday Shops

2011-05-01T05:00:00.001-05:00

celebrating the day in subtle shades of green

click on the link/photo to see each shop

Harrys Girls

Lucy Snowe Photography

Suet Yi ceramics

Cookstah

Lady R Santi

blessings

Red or Gray Art

Early Riser

2011-04-30T13:00:00.003-05:00

"I awoke earlier than usual this morning, came down to the kitchen for coffee, and was greeted by the sun spilling beautifully across my kitchen table. What a wonderful way to start the day!"

by graceoverus

the essence of nature is a gift.

2011-04-30T08:00:00.003-05:00

Outstretched by Rachel*Nicole

Gifts of nature are often overlooked. Many times we run through life,

making changes in the before mentioned.

Not noticing how the gifts of nature pass us by.

The morning light waking us up, peeking through the curtain.

The pinkish roses near your windowsill.

This all, the gift of nature and so many more could make your day.

Be present and choose to be.

Exploring Rim Light 1 by Kat Eye View

Everyday Gifts {Courage II}...

2011-04-29T13:00:00.001-05:00

{Unfurling} by Amber Aiken

Everyday Gifts {Courage}...

2011-04-29T06:00:00.000-05:00

And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a
bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.
~Anais Nin

Everyday Gifts: Butterflies are Free

2011-04-28T13:00:00.000-05:00

Photo by Maria Starzyk

Life's Soundtrack: Flower Music

2011-04-28T08:00:00.001-05:00

Cathie Taylor

Are you ready for a musical bouquet? This week we've managed to put together a completely unique playlist - we have new artists and new genre's that we've never had before. As I was putting it together I felt my boundaries expanding - so much FUN!

I can't believe it but Kelly took me up on my challenge and found a song related to ranunculus - I thought it was one of those challenges no one would take me up on, let alone be successful at - I'm sending a little something of to her for finding a totally awesome band with ranunculus in their name. Enough talking, on to the music:

To hear the playlist, click on the triangle in the middle of the embedded player. To skip forward or back in the playlist click on the < or > on either side of the player.

Happy listening!

morning stillness

2011-04-27T13:00:00.004-05:00

By Shelle777

sending love into the world

2011-04-27T06:00:00.004-05:00

By Moopiecow

I fill myself with love and I send that love out into the world. How others treat me is their path; how I react is mine. -Wayne Dyer