sweet indigo life

the world is my studio, winter blooms & colourful Sundays

 
First let me tell you that today is going to be wonderful. {Because I just decided that, actually.}

I am tidying up my studio space, and make it more functional for producing winter-magic-infused creations.  I like the word "studio". So many throw it around so loosely (myself included), and I've decided that is for the best really, for, like a soul, we all possess one.  When you create, that space thusly becomes your studio.  If you write; your desk is it.  If you paint; your easel is it.  If you shoot photographs; the world is it. You get what I mean! In the kitchen cooking? You're in your studio!

My actual studio space is a rather large and toy preoccupied unfinished basement.  But, to the artist, it is a blank canvas of possibility.  To me, that artist I just referenced, it will become multifunctional, an art space for my painting, photography and writing.  It will also serve as a home gym.  So if the muse tip-toes away, or my inspiration-well dries up...I need only to jump on the treadmill I asked Santa for.  So part of today's task is clearing space in case I've made it on to the Nice list. It is my hope to make it a functional space after today...

And now for a couple of random happy things: First, I was picking up supplies at the shop for my spa, when the woman suggested Moroccan Argan Oil for my hair.  I need it to keep my hair soft and smelling lovely. Happier than happy that it actually works.

Secondly, I am rather giddy because I discovered that my African Violets really found a new home, within my home. Yes, it took some serious work of the heart to find exactly where she needed to be, but beside the kitchen patio is it! There are now ten blooms, where for two years before she sat all green-with envy at the other blooming plants.  She has come into her own; as all of us do.  You can see her right here.

A short & sweet gratitude list today:

1. Blackest India ink.

2. Green & cranberry dressers made into "studio" furniture.

3. Blooming violets.

xo (click the hug and kiss for a sweet little video)

a song, a mantra & sparkly Christmas miracles

Sorry I'm late posting.  Life.  Gets. Ahead of me sometimes!!! LOL

My favourite song of all time.  Seriously.  EVER.
I could listen to it ten times a day. {I wouldn't care to open up a can of worms, and I love love LOVE John Lennon, but...Paul.  Well...has uber talent all his own, wouldn't you say? Yes, a Paul fan! In fact, it was Linda McCartney that put me on the path to being vegetarian before.  I am seriously considering it again.  I have her cookbooks.  Love her. Heather who? Seriously, even Paul can't replace her.}

May we all find the peace we seek. {Yes, all of us. ALL. Read them all.}

I called Julian at his new store tonight, to ask if he had a certain accessory for the snowman the kids built tonight.  We now have a beautiful new snowman complete with a carrot nose, and a corn cob pipe. (I shall photograph him and show you soon.  He is so cute.)

Those crazy things are my three.  Gratitude mulitiplies your blessings, you need only to be grateful in order to cultivate more to be grateful for. It is a lovely equation.

Like last night, when folding laundry, and vaccumming (sp?), I felt so happy to be able to do those things.  I love my home.  My home makes me so happy.  It is like our nest.  So fluffing and folding gives me pleasure.  You see?  Every so often I'd look out the window at our new snowman.  He glowed in the snowy night.  (An aura only a mom can see, due to him being given his spirit by the children, right?)

I looked about while doing laundry, I saw a book of portraits, inscribed by a good friend.  I saw a wall hanging, created by a good friend.  I saw two beautifully nautical and perfect Sanibel seashells, given to me by a good friend.  It would seem, I'm surrounded by them.  (Good friends, that is. Thank God.)

If you have but one friend or twelve, I hope you are grateful for them.  Treat them like gold. They deserve it.

(Likewise, so do YOU.)

Today's gratitude is really random, but that is okay.  Life is too sometimes. xo

Two hundred kisses please.....

.....for......

Our winner! :).....Sherry, from Everyday Possibilities!!! Email me your snail mail addy Sherry! ;)

Congrats to you! Whooot!!! (Number 63, baby)

Three things for which I'm thankful today:

My future husband {love you so}

Andrea Bocelli {wow, what a show last night, thank you!!} &

Dreams {I'll keep those to myself for now...}

xo

Thanks for supporting this little blog. December will continue with gratitude and lovely views. xox

In the quietest moments, I cherish.

 

© Gillian daSilva
  
 

travel

dylan thomas

sweet, sweet sleep

A year ago TODAY I met my good friend Tara, from Paris Parfait in New York City.  We had the BEST time...witnessed a wedding (Happy Anniversary, Barbara & Barry!), cheered Obama on (before!) his victory, saw an incredible art exhibit and walked a million miles through Christmas bliss.  I miss my friend dearly (as good friends do) and can't wait to see her this March in Jordan.  (Oh yes, pennies were saved for this one....!)

Also, if you haven't yet left me three things you are thankful for...tell me what three things you love to give for Christmas gifts.

(Sometimes, the best gift you can give is your time.) xo 

p.s. I've delibrately left out the PRIZE.  200 posts and all I got was this lousy....lol!

You know you are getting something, but what????

Well, the prize, be it ever so humble, is this:

A vintage Paris postcard book...so pretty! (And OLD! lol) Contains about ten postcards.

Some sweet little PHOTO notelets of my most favourited photos on flickr...yes, a six pack!

A Dermalogica Skin Kit, for your specific skin type.  (I am a skin therapist, for crying out loud! I must do something to promote the health of your skin. I am formerly a nurse, but that is a story for another day...!)

xoxo

So enter before tomorrow and your name goes into the hat of wonderments.  To be drawn of course by the magic number generator.  Oh yes, we work fairly around here. :)

Thank you for being part of my life for the last two years...and prior to that two years...! :)

Tuesday, I still love you.

 
  © Gillian daSilva  

catching fireflies

mason jars

figs

:)

What three things are YOU thankful for today.....?

Leave a comment to celebrate "sweet indigo's"  200th post on this blog coming up on...Friday. You could *WIN* a wee care package. xo

Travelling feet & a happy heart *

It is a road trip of sorts.  My sister-in-law and me, in a Mustang. There are miles of rugged coastline to shoot.  Toes that beg for a dip in the water.  Characters lurk around every corner on Venice Beach (begging too, to be snapped).  We'll eat the cuisine.  Shop for treasures.  Soak up each ray of delectable sun in the convertible we rented. We may even see a movie star.  Or two.  Because that is the kind of luck we have.  It is the magnetic kind...attracting in all kinds of lovely things. 

Wish you were going too...!  Gone 'til Monday, kids.  California is calling my name. xoxo

P.S. OH how could I forget?  My DAD is blogging...his paintings and musings can be found at Experiments In ART.  Could you welcome him in to the fold?  Thanks everyone!

Wear sunlight for a crown~

 
  
Today is many facets.  Sunlight whispering between pewter clouds, as sunlight begs an audience.  I'm feeling awash with many things...love, friendship, cooking, kids...business~~~

I like e.e.cummings...lovers alone wear sunlight....

Pondering that today.  Among other things.  But really, to be awash in sunlight with the one you love, what could be more beautiful?  Reminds me, must book a beach holiday for the family.  We will all be sun-washed and snuggly together away from the crispy wind-dried leaves and harsh bitter cold.  To be warmed to the marrow with a hammock, a book, a family near by and lapping ocean waves...

Okay enough daydreaming!  I do love Autumn!!! REALLY!!!! In fact I love all seasons, which is why I don't simply forget Summer just because Autumn comes knocking on my door.  I'm a loyal friend you see.  And that is why precisely when Winter rings my doorbell, with her fluffy white coat and red cable-knit scarf on....I'll turn slowly, grasping the hand of Autumn, Summer and Spring, and invite them to join me in the play of our coldest season.  I'll keep those other three seasons in my pocket, like a kiss from a kindergardner on your finger just before she skips into class. 

Oh this morning I had been given the gift of a *kiss* on my finger, really! My finger! And was told to put it in my pocket.  Yes, it is still there.  Along with a stick, a rock and a twisted leaf.  Treasures.

Enjoy all this day has to offer.  Oh and while you're at it, forgive the *mess* that is my temporary blog header.  I broke down and hired a real graphic designer to make me one. I'm tired of messing with my photos.  I'm going pro, kids!!

sosoS!!!

(smooch, hug, smooch, hug, smmmmmooooooch!)

Reverence is a season, a majesty exalted in orange :)

 

 I'd rather have a goddam horse.  A horse is at least human, for God's sake. 

~J.D. Salinger, The Catcher in the Rye

I was down on one knee, in the mud, fussing with my camera and when I looked up he was right there. I started to laugh and his friend came over.  I schmoozed with them for awhile and they posed, gladly.  Horses know they are powerful sleek magical creatures after all.  They don't mind grandstanding every now and then. 

Bursting with orange, the trees begged a hug.  I couldn't...lest someone see me.  I'm shy that way you see but I do talk to them.  So instead I stood there silently wishing. Wishing on stars, trees and stones.  Drinking in the display of high definition mother nature.  Leaves swept up on unseen breezes swirled and danced and fell inches from my nose.  It all seemed choreographed.  Chocolate brown mares snorted and kept inching closer to me, until nose to nose we became fast friends.  Crunching on leaves fallen as I made my way back to the car, the invigorating air the horses and I shared circulating briskly about, I glance back and whisper my goodbyes to my new equine comrades. I blew them a *kiss*

Dark eyes blinking madly, they sent me their "goodbye and please come with apples next time" glance, before nuzzling each other and going back to their business. 

 

The alchemy of chocolate and orange, results in a majestic autumnal day. Oh, the horses send you their love. xo

The latitudes of my equinox.

Happy Autumnal Equinox!! The nights and days are equal for a wee spell.  Then the nights reign heavily for six months.  Oh, the upheaval of Mercury gone retro is lightening up now...we'll soon get our messages straight again.  (The last few weeks has been insane for communications.)

I am hoping to accomplish the following this week:

• take a fun shot for Bench Monday! not like this, but I'll show you this anyways-as it sums up where I'd like to lay my head for the next-up in the bullet list...
• get some much desired SLEEP
• walk briskly to clear my head
• read the rest of Oliver Twist
• smile much
• increase my energy somehow
• watch a chick flick or two, I need a good cry!! (things have been even-Steven for awhile, and that is very boring, I need to FEEL)
• read all of your blogs, yes ALL of  your BLOGS!
• figure out some work related issues, yuck!
• bounce around on the beds like a ten  year old with my kids

Maybe I'll go to the lake, and get an ice cream cone before the weather gets too cold...oh and I'll shop for sweaters and boots.  Yes.  I love fall. OH!!! A recipe.  This is so inspired by the lovely chef Christina over at Soul Aperture.  I just couldn't resist it, and am telling you it is a major must in place of mashed potatoes.  So yummy!  So, fall!!!

xox

Striking contrasts.

Black and white.

Up and down.

There, and here.

Near.  Far. 

Love, dislike. 

Profligate.  Frugal.

Handsome.  He's got a great personality.

Get my drift?

Life thrives in contrast.  Sweet, delicious contrast.

xo