Literature as Art.... literally

As technology continues to evolve, I worry about the future of printed books for a lot of reasons.  I can't imagine anything I could love more than curling up with a good book - from the tactile experience of holding a heavy novel on my lap, to the scratchy sound of turning pages to the smell of old paper.  I am generally disturbed at the thought of destroying books.  HOWEVER, artist Brian Dettmer is creating what I see as a wonderful tribute to the printed word. 

I first read about Brian's work in an article on the NPR website.  Of course I already know that books contain beautiful treasures, but to see them uncovered like this is exquisite! 

In an age when so many old books lie moldering, out of date and forgotten in basements, on the shelves of dusty used book stores or discarded into landfill sites, I consider this art to be inspired recycling.

As Always, Dayna

Thrift Shop Chic

I love Thrift Shop Chic, and apparently, I'm not the only one!
Upcycling "pre-loved­, forgotten and damaged" fashion items like Livia Firth did at this years Oscars is a brave and fantastic idea - talk about making a political statement!  I think she looks stunning!!!!!!!
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost: Why I Wore An Upcycled Dress to the Oscars

14 day Countdown to 40 - Self Indulgence #1

An afternoon curled up under a comforter with a glass of wine, a good book: Three Cups of Tea, and Peter Gabriel's Passion - Music for the Last Temptation of Christ playing in the background

Counting Down - 14 days to my big 4-0

Last year, while celebrating my 39th birthday, I had an epiphany - unlike many women my age, I actually enjoy getting older.  Here's why:

I know myself better now than I ever have, and - I like who I have become.  I have come to realize it's so important to feel comfortable in our own skins because if we don't love and value ourselves - how can we truly love and share ourselves with others?

I have learned not to worry so much about what others think about me and my lifestyle.  I try living my life being the best person/mother/wife and citizen I can be, and don't feel compelled to make compromises because they might make my life easier, or simply to "keep up with the Joneses". 

I am learning not to regret decisions I made in my past... not that I have any skeletons to hide, nor do I have any big secrets... but when I look back over my first 40 revolutions around the sun, even though some choices were difficult, and others might not have been particularly advisable at the time I made them, everything I did has brought me here in the good place I am in my life today.

I am learning to live in the moment, not worrying about future possibilities that are beyond my control.  I am trying to trust that the universe is unfolding as it should, and to enjoy this life's journey for what it is - a big adventure.

I love my community, I love my family and I love my friends.  Even though many of them live so far away from me, thanks to modern technology (especially Facebook), I don't feel as out of the loop with them as I might otherwise ... as hokey as it may sound, I really do feel that my life is full of blessings, and I am Thankful.

SO - over the next 14 days, as I countdown to my big 4-0, I intend to begin celebrating the milestone by treating myself to something special each day - something totally self-indulgent, that makes me feel good .... and I'll write about each of them here.  Some of these self-indulgences might seem silly to you, but whatever, I'm going to enjoy them anyways.

As Always,  Dayna

Three Cups of Tea

I love reading.
I love reading books.
I'm not convinced I'm an e-reader type, and not in any kind of hurry to find out, because I'm so in love with the whole experience of reading books - from the smell of the paper and ink, to feeling the weight of a good read balanced in my hands, to the luxury of being able to read anywhere I want - from the bath to the beach.

Usually I gravitate towards fiction and novels; however, this month I am reading Three Cups of Tea. It's the incredible story of Greg Mortenson's life project to build schools for the children (both boys and girls) in remote rural Pakistan and Afghanistan.
The story is absolutely inspiring - especially considering how Greg's vision started out from literally nothing.  It is written in such a way that one feels immersed in events, as they unfold - from the sheer exhaustion of trying (and failing) to climb K2, to being inspired by the breathtaking beauty of the Himalayas, to the desperate need to follow through on a promise and vision made to people on the other side of the world - without the resources to do so, to experiencing the drive along treacherous mountain roads, to the frustrations of working in another culture and language, to the sadness of losing a beloved family member, to falling in love with a soul mate, to being kidnapped and held for 8 days on the other side of the world - on the eve of becoming a first time father ...
Greg Mortenson is continuing to make a difference in a part of the world that lately, we most often associate with war, oppression and violence.  His website is: http://www.threecupsoftea.com/.

I love reading, and my new love is this book.   If you've already read it, I'd love to hear your thoughts on the book, and on Greg's work.

Watch the video of Greg Mortenson and George Stromboulopoulos from CBC's The Hour.

As Always,
Dayna