I am the master of over-thinking. There are many times that I approach a simple situation and in what seems like a second, I have made this minute issue seem life changing. Some may blame this on gender cliches but, in the last few weeks especially, I have come to the conclusion that I am a rare case. Not to worry, I am consistent! You can always count on me to dissect the issue, consider how it affects those surrounding the issue and how their response will in turn, affect me.
Food. Yes, however basic, actually does affect everything. Huh, interesting... It affects me, not only on the inside but the outside. Years and years of nutritional fads have taught us that there are certain 'danger' foods. Yes, we know that sugar can be used to get that caffeine boost, but then also results in a drop and lets not forget that it, sometimes more than not, is stored as fat. So, what's so ground-breaking? Well, I'm just going to tell you right now. I'm not promising to turn your world upside down. All I know is that something has 'clicked' with me and for the first time in my life, I am addressing the manditory issue of food with a different angle.
It isn't about what isn't in the food that you eat, it's actually all about what 'is'.
It's not about eating food that is low in calories or high in fiber. The issue is that we are complex beings, created out of the dust of the earth. Eating aspartame, high-fructose corn syrup and hormones only mess with the system that makes us who we are. Food dictates everything. It affects moods, energy... and my biggest 'bad food identifier', skin.
I spent about a year of my life as a vegetarian. I had decided to cut out meats to make me more aware of what I do put in my mouth. Though I don't regret this wonderful learning experience, I am realizing now that I was barely scratching the surface of a much deeper issue. I was focusing on avoiding meat rather than what I was replacing it with. Yes, I was healthy. I love vegetables so thats never really been an issue. However, I would eat meat substitute products such as store bought veggie-burgers. Yes, they are made of vegetables. However, they are highly processed and, at least the kind I frequented, had many additives to make this "burger" taste more like a... well, burger.
Today, I got out a box of crackers. This particular box had been given to me and though I didn't love them, I had been eating said crackers because they were "healthy". They were low-fat and thus concluded, that I would decide they were good. Today, I realized that though they were supposed to be a grainy cracker. Nothing about them tasted like whole grains. Yes, they were a hugh of brown so one could equate brown with grains, but why oh why was I identifying the color brown with cardboard? Nothing about them tasted like what it said it was on the box. I couldn't recognize about half of the contents below the nutrition information and thus realized that up until this point, I had essentially talked myself into thinking these crackers were good based on what wasn't in them. So, instead of eating a little extra fat, I was eating more chemicals than could be found in a high school chemistry lab.
It's simple. Eat what you know.
I've never been good at science... so I'll just avoid the chemicals.
Apple, anyone?
Monday, February 14, 2011
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Tennessee's own, Courtenay James
The River Gallery here in Chattanooga's Art District recently showcased the work of Tennessee artist, Courtenay James. I walked through the gallery, slowly milling through the almost 3 dimensional pieces of various individuals in their context. Besides the detail, which reminded me of the almost photo-like style of Chuck Close, I was taken by the posture of the individual subjects. I recently had an apprenticeship where I spent a lot of time alone. These photo's remind me of the countless hours that were spent at the throwing wheel or standing at a table working with molds. Much like working alone in a studio, these images capture the placement of man working in a space- just them and their task. There is something unassuming about capturing people like the way James planned the positioning of 'Chris'. Yes, Chris is mindful of the painter but it he isn't adjusting anything about himself in minding the artist. It is just as if Chris and Courtenay were just having a casual conversation. There is a sense of comfort and ease. James understands place and the use of color in creating depth.
'Chris' by Courtenay James
'Andre' (bust) by Courtenay James
'Self-Portrait' (1996) by Chuck Close
'Chris' by Courtenay James
'Andre' (bust) by Courtenay James
'Self-Portrait' (1996) by Chuck Close
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
That one time I tried to be someone I wasn't... HA!
I recently had an interview at a Marketing firm. Other than Human Resource Management, I would rank Marketing the second most bearable (even slightly enjoyable.... if under the right leadership) corporate business job I would actually consider.
PROBLEMO. I was picking it apart before I even got in for my actual interview. I sat in this seating area and kept feeling like the doctor was going to call me in for a shot. The magazines on the coffee table looked boring and a bit TOO intensional. People and Sports Illustrated? Really? Is the human race THAT cookie cutter that all audiences can be compelled by one of these two choices? All I could do was notice the terrible paint job, florescent lighting and how incredibly drab everyone looked. In planning for my first ever corporate job interview, I realized that I have no boring clothing. This made it really difficult in deciding what to wear. I had committed to my purple pencil skirt, black sweater and grey and black heels. I get into my interview and all I can do is critique the man's poor question choice (of course, only in my head) . I thought they lacked relevance and even interest. At the end, he asked me something about the weather and it was at that point that I realized two things.
1. His office had no windows
2. I could be both walking to a lobby and sleeping at the same time
You know that term 'beggers can't be choosers'? Well, I guess thats why I even went for this interview afterall. This particular firm was in its first year of business and I was meeting with the head man, so naturally I had a few questions. I was curious about his vision for the company and how much growth was expected. He replied, sitting back in his black leather chair (yes, cliche I know), and said- 'When people all over the world consider improving the marketing of their company, my bla bla bla company will be the first thing that comes to mind. THAT is how big it is going to be.'
I felt like I was trying to be sold something. I don't handle salesmen well. Leaving the interview, I felt like I had just tried to buy a car or some big vacuum cleaner....thing.
You know when you experience something and the next thing you know, you feel like you have morning breath?
Potential good news on the future to be coming soon. Stay tuned!
disclaimer: i really didn't mean to make this sound all like anti this and anti that or like some crazy 'hold a banner and put your fist in the air' kind of thing. I just want to be happy and not claustrophobic.
PROBLEMO. I was picking it apart before I even got in for my actual interview. I sat in this seating area and kept feeling like the doctor was going to call me in for a shot. The magazines on the coffee table looked boring and a bit TOO intensional. People and Sports Illustrated? Really? Is the human race THAT cookie cutter that all audiences can be compelled by one of these two choices? All I could do was notice the terrible paint job, florescent lighting and how incredibly drab everyone looked. In planning for my first ever corporate job interview, I realized that I have no boring clothing. This made it really difficult in deciding what to wear. I had committed to my purple pencil skirt, black sweater and grey and black heels. I get into my interview and all I can do is critique the man's poor question choice (of course, only in my head) . I thought they lacked relevance and even interest. At the end, he asked me something about the weather and it was at that point that I realized two things.
1. His office had no windows
2. I could be both walking to a lobby and sleeping at the same time
You know that term 'beggers can't be choosers'? Well, I guess thats why I even went for this interview afterall. This particular firm was in its first year of business and I was meeting with the head man, so naturally I had a few questions. I was curious about his vision for the company and how much growth was expected. He replied, sitting back in his black leather chair (yes, cliche I know), and said- 'When people all over the world consider improving the marketing of their company, my bla bla bla company will be the first thing that comes to mind. THAT is how big it is going to be.'
I felt like I was trying to be sold something. I don't handle salesmen well. Leaving the interview, I felt like I had just tried to buy a car or some big vacuum cleaner....thing.
You know when you experience something and the next thing you know, you feel like you have morning breath?
Potential good news on the future to be coming soon. Stay tuned!
disclaimer: i really didn't mean to make this sound all like anti this and anti that or like some crazy 'hold a banner and put your fist in the air' kind of thing. I just want to be happy and not claustrophobic.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
2011. The Year of Resourcefulness.
Click: FRUGAL IS THE NEW BLACK (updated... link does work now!)
Though the above video clip is from early last year, it stresses an important cultural shift that is occuring around us. Instead of buying, we are making. Our small wallets are forcing us to not just spend carefully, but view what we have as a possibility for something else. This year, as needs arise, the question will not be 'what store carries this?', but rather 'how can I make or substitute this?'
I am in the process of going through and organizing boxes for an upcoming move and I'm realizing how much I have accumulated over my short 22 year old life. I don't consider myself a pack rat by any means but yet, I own so much. This year, rather than making a list of all the things I want, I want to first be aware of all that I own and either make use of it, transform it into something usable or get rid of it in a condusive fashion. This year is the year of Resourcefulness and I will not be stopped!
Updates to follow as to the ramifications of this years prompted lifestyle.
Though the above video clip is from early last year, it stresses an important cultural shift that is occuring around us. Instead of buying, we are making. Our small wallets are forcing us to not just spend carefully, but view what we have as a possibility for something else. This year, as needs arise, the question will not be 'what store carries this?', but rather 'how can I make or substitute this?'
I am in the process of going through and organizing boxes for an upcoming move and I'm realizing how much I have accumulated over my short 22 year old life. I don't consider myself a pack rat by any means but yet, I own so much. This year, rather than making a list of all the things I want, I want to first be aware of all that I own and either make use of it, transform it into something usable or get rid of it in a condusive fashion. This year is the year of Resourcefulness and I will not be stopped!
Updates to follow as to the ramifications of this years prompted lifestyle.
Monday, December 13, 2010
‘Nowhere Boy’… a story of the misunderstood
I recently attended a showing of Nowhere Boy at the Strand in Rockland. I went into the showing not really knowing what to expect. A movie about the early life of John Lennon, I figured it could only be better than the last movie I saw regarding The Beatles, Across the Universe. Across the Universe was a rare flick with stars Jude and Lucy. I don’t know. I mean, I’ve always THOUGHT I had a semi-good sense of humor but, seriously? Well, needless to say, Nowhere Boy did more than exceed my expectations. I loved it. I think its because it really showed the true humanity of John Lennon. He, like Michael Jackson, will live forever as a legend. But, who was he before he was a legend? Who was he before he even learned how to play the banjo? He was John- a teenage boy who lived with his aunt because his mom was mentally unstable. He was a Liverpool schoolboy who appeared to be going nowhere… until he found Elvis; until he found Rock N’ Roll.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
"Did you just use 'film' and 'cinematography' in the same sentence?"
Some parents sign their children up for cheerleading at the age of four or buy baseball cleats as a Christmas gift to prepare their barely walking child for t-ball season. I, on the other hand, grew up with a mother who's passion was beauty. Beauty was all around me and thanks to her, I had the eyes to see it. She used her eye for beauty in decorating our home, and translated her skill to me as she taught me how to draw horses out of ovals, and use grids to recreate reality on a sheet of paper. Whenever I visit my parents, my mom pulls out her portfolio and shows me all of her studies and watercolors she has done since I last saw her. She shares with me the irritations and struggles leading up to her finished product and shows me new techniques she picked up along the way. It's interesting to see art in progress and to understand that a finished product isn't (usually) the result of divine intervention. It is a growing and stretching of the mind and a bettering of ones self. It is growth and progress and it is just as beautiful as the finished product. It's like watching a baby struggle as it tries to take its first steps. They fall and sometimes start to cry but each attempt is a celebration. It is a mother calling the father at work just to say that the baby stood for a WHOLE minute... and then fell. It's about growth, practice and work and through the grueling process, being able to run across the room or frame a stunning watercolor.
There is a film that recently aired at The Strand called Cairo Time. In this film, noted for its incredible cinematography, a woman travels from New York to Cairo to visit her husband who works for the UN. While he is held up working at a refugee camp, she explores the beauty and culture of the great historic city of Cairo. At one point in the movie, Juliette (played by Patricia Clarkson) is walking through a garden with a huge canopy of trees. As she takes in the ornate beauty of the trees around her, her tour guide and friend remarks something to the effect of, 'look at these trees that get to live alongside their ancestors!' Old trees are something that we, as Americans, know little of. The size of the tree trunks were bigger than any I have seen and their mere size reflected of the history they have lived through. Though this scene wasn't even a prominent aspect of the movie, it stuck out to me more than most others. Though the scene only lasted a short moment, it sparked much thought as I considered ancestry and different people and accomplishments that have taken place in my family line.
Could you imagine living alongside your ancestors? I would have so many questions and I think I would have paid more attention in History class growing up if I had actually known people who lived through it all. I'd love to walk around the quarries of Vinal Haven with my Great Great Great Grandfather on my fathers side who migrated to Maine from Scotland to work in the quarry industry which provided streets to great cities like Boston. I'd want him to lead me around the island with his thick scottish accent and tell me about the oppression and starvation in Scotland which lead to his courageous move to the young country of America. I'd want to sit with my Great Great Great Grandmother as she gutted her catch of the day to prepare her cheap New England dinner. I'd want to sit with Harriett Beecher Stowe from my mothers side of the family and hear about her journey of writing Uncle Tom's Cabin. I'd admire her bravery and hope that maybe an ounce of her strength could be seen in me. Lastly, I think I'd want to sit down with my grandmother who died just a few years ago. Since moving to Maine, I have met people that knew her well. What saddens me is that I feel like many people here knew her better than I and have testified of her great charactor and skill on the piano. I would want to have tea with my Grandmother and hear her perspective on things having gone from daughter of a Philadelphia banker who barely felt the depression to marrying a baseball player from Clark Island, Maine.
Just think of all the wisdom that we could obtain! Instead, we are left with stories. With the way my family tells stories, I wonder if there is more truth than fabrication, but stories are the only thing we have to truly link us to our rich ancestry. We can only know what we have been told. There are a few little things that I've picked up. I have been told that my sisters and I laugh the same way that my grandmother would laugh with her sisters- loud and proud. I gain my musical flare from my father's mother and grandmother and thankfully, I have been given the wonder genes of humor and an eye for beauty from my mother.
It is easy to think that we create our own future. We are told from a young age that we can accomplish whatever we want as long as we set our mind to it. Though this may be true in part, it is important to remember where we came from and who has made it possible. Just think if Harriet Beecher Stowe had never revealed the harsh realities behind slavery or if the quarries of Maine had never been worked, establishing the foundation of one of Maine's most prominent industries. Where would we be today? Probably standing in dirt harboring racial anger. No thank you.
There is a film that recently aired at The Strand called Cairo Time. In this film, noted for its incredible cinematography, a woman travels from New York to Cairo to visit her husband who works for the UN. While he is held up working at a refugee camp, she explores the beauty and culture of the great historic city of Cairo. At one point in the movie, Juliette (played by Patricia Clarkson) is walking through a garden with a huge canopy of trees. As she takes in the ornate beauty of the trees around her, her tour guide and friend remarks something to the effect of, 'look at these trees that get to live alongside their ancestors!' Old trees are something that we, as Americans, know little of. The size of the tree trunks were bigger than any I have seen and their mere size reflected of the history they have lived through. Though this scene wasn't even a prominent aspect of the movie, it stuck out to me more than most others. Though the scene only lasted a short moment, it sparked much thought as I considered ancestry and different people and accomplishments that have taken place in my family line.
Could you imagine living alongside your ancestors? I would have so many questions and I think I would have paid more attention in History class growing up if I had actually known people who lived through it all. I'd love to walk around the quarries of Vinal Haven with my Great Great Great Grandfather on my fathers side who migrated to Maine from Scotland to work in the quarry industry which provided streets to great cities like Boston. I'd want him to lead me around the island with his thick scottish accent and tell me about the oppression and starvation in Scotland which lead to his courageous move to the young country of America. I'd want to sit with my Great Great Great Grandmother as she gutted her catch of the day to prepare her cheap New England dinner. I'd want to sit with Harriett Beecher Stowe from my mothers side of the family and hear about her journey of writing Uncle Tom's Cabin. I'd admire her bravery and hope that maybe an ounce of her strength could be seen in me. Lastly, I think I'd want to sit down with my grandmother who died just a few years ago. Since moving to Maine, I have met people that knew her well. What saddens me is that I feel like many people here knew her better than I and have testified of her great charactor and skill on the piano. I would want to have tea with my Grandmother and hear her perspective on things having gone from daughter of a Philadelphia banker who barely felt the depression to marrying a baseball player from Clark Island, Maine.
Just think of all the wisdom that we could obtain! Instead, we are left with stories. With the way my family tells stories, I wonder if there is more truth than fabrication, but stories are the only thing we have to truly link us to our rich ancestry. We can only know what we have been told. There are a few little things that I've picked up. I have been told that my sisters and I laugh the same way that my grandmother would laugh with her sisters- loud and proud. I gain my musical flare from my father's mother and grandmother and thankfully, I have been given the wonder genes of humor and an eye for beauty from my mother.
It is easy to think that we create our own future. We are told from a young age that we can accomplish whatever we want as long as we set our mind to it. Though this may be true in part, it is important to remember where we came from and who has made it possible. Just think if Harriet Beecher Stowe had never revealed the harsh realities behind slavery or if the quarries of Maine had never been worked, establishing the foundation of one of Maine's most prominent industries. Where would we be today? Probably standing in dirt harboring racial anger. No thank you.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Unexpected Moments
These brisk fall days are getting darker and colder as the streets of mid-coast Maine dwindle down from the many visitors to those who hold it all together. It's strange to be here through the many phases that Maine culture takes you in a year. This past week has been a whirlwind of emotions for me and I have felt my heart pulled in all different directions. This morning was the grand finale as I sat in church, pen in hand and realized that I wasn't even thinking about anything at all. It is easy to have your mind wander, but my mind just shut off and I couldn't even process what was going on. I feel like if someone had looked me in the eyes, they would have seen two fuzzy tv's instead of eyeballs. I couldn't verbalize what was happening to me and after a short conversation with a friend, I realized that I didn't even have to use words. it truly was written all over my face.
I spent my Sunday afternoon at Rock City coffee and books, sitting on their newly aquired black faux leather coach. I observed the many different kinds of people around me and especially liked watching two couples, probably in their mid to late 40's, enjoy a board game together. They laughed and laughed and it just made me happy to see people enjoy such community in our little town coffee house. I broke in a box of pastels and watercolors and just made all sorts of shapes and designs. Through it, I was thinking about the fact that I never paint or use pastels. Why today? Well, it wasn't about the outcome. It wasn't even about copious amounts of inspiration. It was that I couldn't think of words and I knew that I just needed to take part in a process of creating something. When I had finished one of the pictures, I looked down and went 'eh...' but the truth is, I realized that it calmed my mind. I wasn't overwhelmed and I wasn't overanalyzing my life. I was just sitting and doing... and it was pleasant.
After sitting for a while, I went into my favorite Rockland Gallery. I like it because the building has beautiful architecture and they always play good music. I also like the art.... but the atmosphere really helps it out a lot. I've decided to share different artists with you throughout future posts, so I will start today with someone I hadn't heard of before today.
Joyce Tenneson
I think this portrait of Joyce really shows the essence of her work. She looks strong but at peace. From looking at this photograph of Joyce and observing her pieces, the word 'meek' comes to mind. There is an obvious inner strength but the soft lines and colors show the subjects soft character. Ah, soft character... something so foreign to me and my cut throat American culture... yet so desirable.
I hope you enjoy her! Check out her section of the Dowling Walsh Gallery website. I don't love the flowers... but her portraits are quite compelling. The relationship between her floral pieces and her portraiture kind of remind me of Anne Geddes... no thanks!
I spent my Sunday afternoon at Rock City coffee and books, sitting on their newly aquired black faux leather coach. I observed the many different kinds of people around me and especially liked watching two couples, probably in their mid to late 40's, enjoy a board game together. They laughed and laughed and it just made me happy to see people enjoy such community in our little town coffee house. I broke in a box of pastels and watercolors and just made all sorts of shapes and designs. Through it, I was thinking about the fact that I never paint or use pastels. Why today? Well, it wasn't about the outcome. It wasn't even about copious amounts of inspiration. It was that I couldn't think of words and I knew that I just needed to take part in a process of creating something. When I had finished one of the pictures, I looked down and went 'eh...' but the truth is, I realized that it calmed my mind. I wasn't overwhelmed and I wasn't overanalyzing my life. I was just sitting and doing... and it was pleasant.
After sitting for a while, I went into my favorite Rockland Gallery. I like it because the building has beautiful architecture and they always play good music. I also like the art.... but the atmosphere really helps it out a lot. I've decided to share different artists with you throughout future posts, so I will start today with someone I hadn't heard of before today.
Joyce Tenneson
I think this portrait of Joyce really shows the essence of her work. She looks strong but at peace. From looking at this photograph of Joyce and observing her pieces, the word 'meek' comes to mind. There is an obvious inner strength but the soft lines and colors show the subjects soft character. Ah, soft character... something so foreign to me and my cut throat American culture... yet so desirable.
I hope you enjoy her! Check out her section of the Dowling Walsh Gallery website. I don't love the flowers... but her portraits are quite compelling. The relationship between her floral pieces and her portraiture kind of remind me of Anne Geddes... no thanks!
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