Encatada

Do you have a favorite word? Enchant or enchanted is one of mine. In Portuguese it would be 'encatada' - like magic it is said .....encatada....

I fell in love with the word due to a board game I played growing up: The Enchanted Forest. Keys, frogs with crowns, castles, dense and endless pines, sunbeams, bags of gold, rings...it was a great game and it always took me to another world, one that I wanted to be apart of. I could almost smell the pine needles on the damp forest floor.

I don't remember the last time I saw the game - my parents don't own it anymore. It was too worn out I suppose. Hmm.

Enya

One of my favorite voices is that of Enya. Clean, simple, pure, elegant and very non-egoistic. I believe I became familiar with her music first through my eldest sister....we roomed together for many years, eating a lot of fudge sickles along the way. :) Shephards Moon, Watermark - these were the first albums that I came to love. Then Memory of Trees and Paint the Sky with Stars.....
Probably another reason why I am taken with Enya, is that most of her music I can play somewhat decently on the piano. I do not own a piano, but my parents do. In the late afternoon, early evening - the big living room window faces west, taking in the final rays of that days sun. The room fills with golden tones and in this space the piano waits. (Also a couch awaits, which is a favorite napping spot for most. Deep cushions combined with the warmth of the sun surrounding you...a many great day-dreams were created in my mind as I would drift in and out of sleep, in and out...it was hard to get up) So yes - a wonderful place to move fingers across the black and whites.....
I was most naturally pleased when they used Enya for the closing song in LOTR...it completed the first film like no other could have. Enya is great for cleaning, thinking, working, and just to have playing softly in the backdrops of our lives. Cheers!

:)

So this evening, as I was sitting down and trying to be financially responsible by opening my bills, I had a notebook to my left. In this notebook I started to make a list of items that I owe $ for. "What L owes" was to be the subject heading - but instead I accidentally wrote, "What L ownes" (owns with an added e) - Ha! I wish the length of the latter was at least as half as long as the first. :)

and tomorrow is tuesday!

I don't really have much to say this evening, other than this: I am glad that this day, January 28th, has come to a close, and that it is only 10:10 (still early enough to get some decent sleep, granted I get moving). Also - that one of my favorite things about a man's suit jacket is the pocket on the inside. I love it when they pull a pen, a paper, a ticket, or a dollar clip out of the inside pocket. Yes.

P.S. Today at approximately 3:15 I was brushing my teeth in the parking lot of the South Town Expo Center. I think I left my toothbrush and toothpaste out in my car. Cold. Goodnight.

Gordon B. Hinckley 1910-2008

Gordon Bitner Hinckley - President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Prophet of God, and a friend to all, passed away this evening. For the past week or so I have had this picture sitting on my desk, it is one of my favorites. I have been waiting and wanting to publish a post about this most remarkable man and there seems no time more appropriate than this evening. I feel quite inadequate to put into words a tribute to a man who changed the world, who changed me.

I always looked forward to his addresses at General Conference, as did many. Just the sound of his voice fills me with truth. He taught me about Christ, love, doing good, being better, loving all, forgiveness, compassion, humility, integrity, reverence, and so much more.

I think it only fitting that he pass away into the next stage of existence on a Sunday evening - at the close of the Sabbath day, when many of us are at home with our loved ones. I am sure there were many families that spent the evening talking about all he has taught them, about the numerous temples that have been constructed during his time as president, his seemingly never-ending energy, more than appreciated humor, how he always waved his cane to show his love for all, and that smile...that unforgettable smile.


I think of him now, with his wife Marjorie. How he missed her and how sweet, truly sweet that reunion must have been. I am sure I cannot begin to imagine the joyous and sacred moments he must be having, meeting with family, ancestors, past prophets and fellow apostles; Brother Joseph, Brother Brigham, Mormon, Moroni, Alma, Nephi, Moses, Adam. I think of the everlasting welcome he must have received from his Father, and his Brother - whom he represented here on the earth as his prophet.

He will be missed, and it will be oh so odd to think of him not here, but what he has taught will continue to shape the lives of many, including mine. I thank the Lord this night for the blessed life of Gordon B. Hinckley, and now he is home. Home sweet home.

Jacob 6:12

Do you ever get tired of living with yourself?

I do. Sometimes.

I see who I want to be and how I want to be. And then I ask myself...
Why do I aimlessly stay up late, doing nothing? Why don't I go to bed at a decent hour? Why do I blog at 12:38pm? Why don't I drink more water? Why don't I wake up earlier? Why don't I exercise more? Why don't I write more letters? Why don't I just get the Hakes plan done and out the door? Why am I not more productive? Why do I eat 'no sugar added icecream' and pizza crust when I know it will make me sick? Why do I...? Oh the list goes on and on sometimes.

Then I think to times when I was quite disciplined. From grade school to high school I spent countless hours on homework after school. I have a sister that would just go crazy over it (yet - I never pulled off a 4.0). I served a mission for my church, where there are very strict rules and for 18 months I was in bed by 10:30 every night without fail and every morning I was up by 6:30. Well, make that 6:29...I prefer odd numbers over even. There was one time when I looked at my clock and it said 6:31. I was out of bed so fast you would have thought my feet were on fire! And even though I was so incredibly tired I still got out of bed. Why don't I do that now?!

I was reading in The Book of Mormon this morning and noticed a line I had written at the bottom of page 486. It said "wisdom is how you act according to your knowledge." Hmm, a good insight. I sure don't do that sometimes, and sometimes it seems like a lot of the time. I think that many times I am rather foolish. But that is at least a start - a greater realization of personal accountability and responsibility, eh?

So right now I am sitting myself down. Hall - tomorrow is a new day. You know what type of person you want to be....now be it! Nike. Okay. Case closed.

Back to Kansas

In order to promote lasting friendships and professional contacts, Ann from the Kansas workshop created a facebook group called 'can I see yours?' for all of us participants to use to promote continuing ties and to critique each others work. Since I was a TA I felt rather obligated to join to keep up with the Kansas crowd...and tonight I did the deed.
Dur.

Now I am getting requests from people I know, slightly....asking me to be their friend. I don't want to decline....but at the same time I don't want to accept. I am not looking to create any more space online for myself other than this blog here...(and an orkut account to keep up with all of my Brazilians).
So if you find my name on 'my space', and request to be my friend and I don't respond. Please don't feel offended. We can still be friends, yes.

So here's to remembering Kansas!


Out to lunch...with my favorite crew! Alan and Paul the Canucks, Rob and Don my church-going comrades, Grant - quiet but not too quiet and crazy Josh took the pic.


Out to dinner...possibly one of the worst Italian dishes I have eaten.


Object lesson in perspective drawing



I love this picture.....yes, sometimes we drew, sometimes we doodled, sometimes we drooled, and sometimes we slept.

Today is Friday. I have pearl onions and asparagus stalks frying on the stove and I am listening to Remind Me by Roksopp. Needless to say it has been a good day.

I sit here on my floor, papers and circle templates all around, a guitar to my right, a small bottle of San Pellegrino to my left and my laptop a.k.a. connection to the outside world, in front of me.

I am preparing for a 2 hour presentation that I am to give Monday. Ha ha. Yeah - just barely starting......thumbnail sketches is the topic I was assigned. Hmmm. I love giving presentations and I love preparing for presentations. What shall I say? What shall I teach? Actually - I think it's the teaching bit that I really love. Class participation is key. And going with a wireless microphone makes me want to dance. Ha ha.

Onions are popping, excuse me.

So I will spend the rest of today making an outline and preparing any necessary scripts, and the whole of the day tomorrow making sure I have sufficient handouts, examples and exercises. I might need to do some thumbnail sketches.

Asparagus needs salt, excuse me.

Fill in the Spaces; Okay

Got this from my sister, who got it from someone else, who got it from someone else. So I thought I would give it a go.

Tomorrow: Is Friday. No big plans. Work, work-out and think of something intruiging to do come sundown. Maybe dancing around on somebody's front lawn in a big cardboard box.

Feeling: Oh so happy, with a little laughter on the side. The snow is falling and the evergreens are still green!

Happy Because: The snow is falling and the evergreens are still green!

Today I: Had a slow morning. Planned a Monday lunch appointment. Practiced with ZPQ. Did not go to the gym (the day is not over). Worked on the Hakes plans. Thought about the Dollar to the Real exchange rate.....

Laundry: I do not have a washing machine or a dryer.

Something I know: That 1 U.S. Dollar equals 1.7 Brazilian Real. Wahoo!

Something I don't know: How to calculate acreage without google.

Currently reading: In The Likeness of God, The Good Earth, and...That's it really. I am halfway through Smart Women Finish Rich, but it has been awhile...I should probably pick that up again.

Wanting: a client is always nice, a real drafting table, a real drafting chair, and a Mac, with photshop, illustrator, and horticopia.

Favorite gadget: probably my tuner, instument tuner that is.

Thankful that: It is still January. Can we just skip straight to March?

Wondering why: The lotion that I just put on is so lousy. Bleck. My hands are rather picky I guess.

Deora Ar Mo Chroí

I have moved on now....from Combe Magna. One can only stay there for so long.

Deora Ar Mo Chroi is the settling resolution that I often revert to when I am in a state of thoughtful peace.

Deora Ar Mo Chroí - Tears on My Heart

Ba dheas an lá go hoíche
Na glórtha binne i mo thaobh
'S aoibhneas i gach áit gan gruaim
Áthas ar mo chroí go deo
He-a-ro
He-a-o-ro

Má shiúlaim ó na laethe beo
An ghrian 's an ghealach ar mo chúl
Níl uaim ach smaointe ó mo shaoil
Deora ar mo chroí go brón
He-a-ro
He-a-ro
He-a-o-ro

Combe Magna

3 minutes and 1 second of pure soundtrack tragic beauty, oh the drama of it all.

When I was quite young, my neighbor and now friend/hair stylist, Pat, asked one day why I was so melancholy.....a word he must have learned from Sleeping Beauty, no doubt.

I ask the same question every now and again. When I find myself in that contemplative sadness, I get lost into music. 'Combe Magna' is it tonight! (as is 'To Die for Love,' same soundtrack) There are other great ones, but there's something about Marianne up on the hill, drenched in rain and sadness quoting Sonnet 116 that takes my heart.

Dinner 101

Dinner 101: combine all leftovers in the fridge into a pan. Heat on stove until hot. Serve warm.

Well, it looks like I passed Dinner 101 with flying colors this evening! In the refrigerator I had a dish of cashew, coconut chicken that I had made Sunday for lunch, as well as a steak-chili-sun-dried tomato stew that I had made Sunday for dinner. Looking at the two, I couldn't decide which one I wanted to eat - none of them seemed to be screaming my name. (Good thing I suppose)

Hmmmm...what if I combined them? Seemed like a risk worth taking, and it certainly was! Very delicious - the cashews were incredible soft and the chicken that had been boiled in coconut milk still had a hint of the beloved flavor that conjures up Brazilian memories. Combined with the flavor of sun-dried tomatoes (which should bring a tear of joy to anyone) and the contrast of stew meat against the white chicken, it was pleasant, simply pleasant.

JaNuaRY 18th

Nathanael, who is also known as Nith, Nathanel, Flannel Man, and currently Elder Hall, is quite the character and the brother! This picture was taken shortly before he left for France, almost two years ago. He is a dreamer and a creator. This entire entourage that we see adorning his body was entirely designed, and produced by his very own hands, - there might have even been a sewing machine involved? (I'll have to check my sources). He has a number of costumes that he would sport regularly around the house, from a Roman soldier, to a LOTR character. From a WWII infantry soldier to a ranking officer, hat and all. And let us not forget his Captain Moroni moments. It didn't matter the time or day, but I think he has spent more time in costume than he has in what one would consider civilian clothes. From the time he was young, he'd slip out at odd hours in camouflage, saying, "I am going on a mission." What he did and where he went I have no idea. But even if it was just to the backyard and into the trees, I am sure for him he might as well have been in a different world, in a different time period.

Now he is on a different kind of mission: Proclaiming the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ, and today - if today was January 18th, is his birthday! He has been out for almost two years and returns the 7th of February. !!!

HaPPY BiRTHDaY NiTH!

scan, plot, ink

I first met the Hakes fall of '06. They became a client of NLD, (where I used to work) and I was assigned the project. May of '07 I left my position for another position, and the Hakes came with me. Alas - we are FINALLY, ALMOST done with their plans. There have been many drafts - changes are so consistent on this job and I have lost parts of the design that I loved, due to necessity and funds. And even though the 'final' drawings are almost deliverable....I am sure there will yet be changes! That's okay, I am generally a pretty patient person.

It's fun to see how a design evolves, if time is allowed. Usually I am needing to get a job in and out - but when you get to mull over it for a year plus it's fun to see what can come out of the woodwork. But not all designs need a year,(this particular design stayed pretty true to the first draft) - something fabulous can come out of 23 minutes of pencil to the paper...but remember there is a lot of reading, studying and experience and mistakes behind that pencil.

As I evaluate this plan there are some aspects that I might have reason to be concerned about. Size of the pool house being one. And usually it's nice to have a pool located closer to the home, rather than out in left field. Hot tub - even more so, especially on a cold winters eve...but a clients request also must be factored into the equation. Naturally.

Whew - I just have to scan this puppy, plot it, and ink it. Wahoo.

LT

Materialists mistake that which limits life for life itself.

~ Leo Tolstoy

Quick! Where's my flashlight!? Oh that's right. I don't have one.

So this is what my apartment looked like as I came home tonight at 10:13. Past curfew I know.

As I was driving down the road I pulled up to an intersection where there were some police cars, and man halfway in, halfway out of a manhole, big trucks with buckets and whatnot. Hmm...curious. Then I noticed that the red, yellow, and green lights were - black. Ah - treat it like a 4-way. Didn't think much of it. As I drove further down the road I kept thinking to myself - man, it sure is dark out - another police car - more big trucks, another intersection down. It sure is dark out.

So, we all really need to evaluate our emergency preparedness! I was certainly not equipped to handle a power outage in the middle of winter, not to mention on the coldest night of the year!?! I decided to make the best of it - and after running the battery down on my laptop watching a west wing, second season episode, I crawled into my bed. A cold bed that just kept getting colder.

12:49AM, and now I am at my parents house (my version of being prepared in an emergency) looking at generators online - researching if you will (as I was encouraged to do recently...research that is) You can buy a generator as low as 799.00 or as expensive as 13,499.00, but that is just at Lowe's. I guess I'll have to settle for a box of hand warmers for now. $.

I think of all the cold people in my town tonight. Especially the little ones! I hope they fell asleep before the lights went out quite permanently and that they sleep soundly through the night. So cold.

3 Nephi 27:32

“But behold, it sorroweth me because of the fourth generation from this generation, for they are led away captive by him even as was the son of perdition; for they will sell me for silver and for gold, and for that which moth doth corrupt and which thieves can break through and steal. And in that day will I visit them, even in turning their own works upon their own heads.”

It has been done before, and Christ himself says that it would happen again, not so specifically as Judas Iscariot, but nonetheless; to sell Christ for gold and for silver. The thought saddens my heart. And yet, how many times have I sold Christ for gold and for silver, and for that which moth doth corrupt and which thieves can break through and steal? How many times have I, by my actions and words, disregarded Christ as my Savior and Exemplar? “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” So I ask myself, where is my treasure? What is my treasure? And if I claim that my treasure is indeed Christ and His gospel then do my everyday actions and conversations reflect that? If not – then again, where is my treasure?
How foolish I am at times. Gold and silver, worldly possessions and pride have no eternal value. What we take with us from this life are our actions, deeds, thoughts, and our characters. Clearly the Lord doesn't want us destitute, living in a state of poverty. I believe we are to improve and beautify our surroundings, living in order and cleanliness, but always remembering that God has commanded that we are to have no other Gods before Him, and to “seek first the kingdom the God and his righteousness.” No man can serve two masters.

This is what it is all about

This was my family for about two weeks in Kansas. We spent practically every day together from 8:30am until midnight, and we had a blast doing it! I miss them and it is odd to think that I may not see any of them again. Strange. We all have quite different backgrounds, but for two weeks we came together for one purpose. Now we have gone our separate ways, left to apply our knowledge that we have gained, into our individual situations. I wish them all the very best. CHeeRS!!!
(sometimes photoshop just doesn't do the trick)

This morning I received a phone call from Don, just to say thanks for my time in Kansas. This evening when I checked my inbox, this is what was waiting for me:

Hey Lorien, this is Kyle from the workshop. I just wanted to thank you for all your help during the workshop, I didn't get to tell you bye and thanks for everything. I really liked your input and the one on one time you spent with all of us and helped me through step by step on all my questions and critiques and I think it helped me so much more than I could have ever thought. I hope everything is well for you and thanks for making the workshop quite the experience.
Thanks,
- KA

This is what it is all about. This is what makes life good. This is why I breath. I don't share this to say 'Hey hey, look at me' - but rather to share an unexpected smile that came from a thanks I wasn't looking for. Now I only wish I would have done more. The Lord sure does know how to make a miserable day better. He has balanced this Monday out quite well, in various ways. A phone call, a card from Brasil, an email, and quiche for dinner. To shake the rest of the day - I am going for a run. Tchau.

SWeeT 16!

HaPPY BiRTHDaY CHRiSTiaN! I couldn't have had a better birthday present. Miss you!

HaPPY JaNuaRY 11TH!

I've told myself that if I was still single when I turned 27 I would get a dog. :) Growing up I was always attracted to the larger breed of dogs; labs and boxers. You know, someone I could go running with down by the river. Now, I wouldn't mind a small dog - a little charmer to keep me company. Where I live, dogs are prohibited. Just as well.

Today offered a moment of reflection. A time to think about my life up until this point and where it will go from here. What could the future hold for me? My heart starts to pound and I get a little ancy sitting in this chair here thinking about it. I want to get on my way! Which is where?

?

That phrase, 'What could the future hold for me.' That seems like a rather passive phrase. I don't know what's ahead but I'd just as soon get on the train and go find it, rather than waiting for it to come down the tracks to the station...ticket please.

I have loved my time here in Kansas. Adrenaline rushes through me just by thinking and conversing about design, art mediums, plants, techniques, negative space, and ideas. This is my life. It is what I do. But it does not wholly define who I am. It is not what I want to do forever, solely anyway. Well...too early to say. I am not ruling out any ideas or possibilities - but I tell them my number one goal and priority in life would be that of a fantastic wife and very cool mom.

Most of my friends have moved into that phase. And it is a joy to see them and their families grow. I am happy for them, and I am happy for me as well. I am happy for where I am at - for what I have done, and for where I am going. A drafting table will always belong in my life, as will my markers, pencils, and soon to be paints. Art and nature has always breathed inside me and I certainly won't push it aside, but raising a family comes primary to raising plants. The great thing is, is that both can be done at the same time! Smile.

Where is OZ?

Manhattan gains a lot of it's charm from the fact that it is a college town. The campus is beautiful! Limestone. The houses near the campus are small and have character. Some more than others. Drystack walls are a regular - true drystack even. The featured image is, of course, not a true drystack as one can see. But a nice stone wall nonetheless. Very charming town. But not enough to tempt me to exceed my stay of two weeks.

The participants are feeling the wear of the workshop. It seems they either become tired and quiet...even groggy, or their fatigue is displayed by goofiness. I myself - we'll...let's just say that when I arrived at the studio this morning I still had indentations on my face from the bed sheets. Ha ha! Yes - I was late.

I have started looking into becoming ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) certified and ICPI (Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute) certified. The first will be a bit more challenging than the second. Both will help me create a more educated and responsible design, therefore becoming more valuable to the client. Also, I love being able to communicate with contractors in an educated way and while I learn a lot on the job site, I feel that keeping a steady flow on homework while I am able, will be quite beneficial. It all seems very interesting! (Although I must acknowledge that book learning cannot replace knowledge gained from hands-on experience, which is where volunteering at some gardens seems attractive)

What about a Masters Degree? Well, I don't know. That thought hasn't quite made it to the back burner.

You make me smile.

This is my absolute favorite, golden-eyed cousin! She was born two days before I and we lived together for a summer in AZ. We had a blast having girls night out every night (much to our mothers' dismay), cruising the interstate at night while learning all the lyrics to NSYNC - Lol. How pathetic. We also hit a Keith Urban concert together in which we scored tickets right at the foot of the stage (I would have screamed if I was the screamy-girl type). We hiked Camelback and ate at an Italian restaurant with valet parking, just to go out looking fancy and get a free gondola ride.

She's fun, gorgeous, witty, knows sports stats like no other, and has a killer smile and a laugh to go with it. She has a big heart and loves those around her and is not timid in sharing her mind! Ha.

Today is her birthday - she really is a dear and I miss her much! HaPPY BiRTHDaY!

She's my cuz.....'you better watch your back, cuz'...

We were supposed to have a double wedding, but she tied the knot this last August...and I couldn't be more happy for her. He's a lucky, lucky man.

title

In grade school, I was always the girl allowed to play ball with the boys - even when they were on strike against the opposite gender. Somehow my friend Lyn and I always made the cut (except for in 3rd grade when track E came back, remember that Lyn, remember that!? Dur). In high school I had a great set of guy friends, whom I greatly admire. Most are married now, spread out across the nation, with very successful careers and families. I had few close girl friends, and a handful that I hung out with on occasion, but the majority of my friends were guys.

I see this pattern has carried into my professional life as well. Most of the individuals that I associate with (99%) are men, or maybe I should say 'male' - because they do not always act like men.

The more time I spend out in the field, the more I start to wonder about these men I am surrounded by. Do they act like this at home? Would they say that in front of their wife? Would their kids be embarrassed that their dad just laughed at that joke...or made that joke?

I find that the more I am on a job consistently, the more the guys become comfortable with me around and forget that there is a lady on site. Some things just aren't appropriate or funny, whether the ladies are around or not.

Maybe that's why ML, and a handful of others say that I am too picky when it comes to guys/men/the male gender. They say I expect too much, after all, nobody is perfect; boys will be boys. Well, if expecting too much means that I don't want a guy that has to stoop to a level of mind-lessness to tell a joke or who's vocabulary is supplied by a different dictionary once he gets to work (whatever the chosen profession is), then sure, call me picky...or a even a purple crayon (previous post).

I would just hope all, male and female, would aim to be consistent with their character in whatever location they may be in, myself included.

Studio

I adore my class! Well, it's not my class, but nonetheless, I feel a certain responsibility for their ability to produce quality drawings, and for their overall experience here in Manhattan.

Today was such a fantastic day! I LOVE being in studio...everyone's energy was running well into midnight and ML had to kick us out of the building! I was having so much fun going from table to table, drawing to drawing, answering questions and showing techniques and tips and tricks - sharing my ideas and philosophies along the way.
I have not only been delighted in sharing my knowledge, but in soaking in ideas and experiences from those around me. Everyone has something to teach.

Jay, Kyle, Ashley, and Collin all attend the same university in Texas...yes, they are our Texans and we love them! Collin has a definite style that is electric and after showing Kyle some water-rendering techniques....he ran with what I taught him and made it his own. His water features are killers.

For many reasons I will be sad to leave Saturday morning, this is such a great group and we have become such great friends. It's amazing how much you can learn about a person's life in such a short time. We all have different backgrounds, and yet we have come together for this one purpose and soon we will go our separate ways. I have a feeling my ties won't end with them come the end of the week.

I am happy.

from seating charts to celebrities

Today I rearranged the seating for the class. I thought I did a pretty stellar job at mixing everyone up - making sure they could form new friendships and spread the talent around (even sticking Josh by Julie, 'cause he thinks she's hot - ha ha). When all was said and done, I realized that Grant and Peggy, who were sitting by each other previously, were still sitting by each other, just in a different location. Whoops.

Ann is a Vegan. Really. She doesn't eat meat, poultry, cheese, or anything made with animal product. She doesn't purchase leather. Where it really gets me is that she doesn't eat honey. The bees - it's all about the bees. Hmmmmmmmm. Does that make sense?

Since last Tuesday Peggy has been trying to figure out who I reminded her of. Today she had an epiphany - Lindsay Lohan. Alright.

cheese and crackers

In design there are elements and principles used to guide a person to achieve successful results. Repetition with variation is one of the principles, and since we learn best by application, I thought I would put it to the test.

Sunday dinner: Fresh mozzarella on rye crackers.
Monday breakfast: Fresh mozzarella, rye crackers and avocado.
Monday lunch: Fresh mozzarella (by now we may question the freshness), rye crackers, avocado and tomato.

Viola.

9 o'clock AM and I headed out to the First Ward's meetings with Don, Rob and Josh. Don and Rob are members. Josh (who reminds me of Shaggy from Scooby-Doo) was friends with a family that he went to church with for two to three years while a teenager, and attended early morning seminary for two years. He came along as well. Cool guy. We all ate tacos together last night at some rather run-down gas station. The tacos were good...like a home-cooked meal.

I guess today would signal the half-way mark. I have been here 7 days and I have 6 days left. The actual day is very long, but together they speed by and it seems like it's too soon to be Sunday. At the same time, it feels as if I have been here forever. Time is a funny thing.

Left Law for Design

Natalie - who is from Greece, studied at Cambridge where she received a Masters in Law. She never liked law. Now she is back in school for interior design - the best design school in Greece. And yes - they do have special lighting in Greece, naturally.
I asked.
She and her husband are cat lovers. They buy their own meat (rabbit, head attached) and grind it with bone and all - add suppliments, make it into some sort of soup and freeze it for future use. Speaking of her husband, she always told herself that she wouldn't marry a man who couldn't cook. She says her now-husband played it off pretty good while he was courting her that he could, indeed, cook. Lol. Something he rarely does now, but she still loves him.
For lunch today I went to Panera with Natalie and Eileen (AZ) - I was glad to get to know them better. Also in the car was Paul and Alan, the Canadians, eh? Without meaning to - I am picking up their accent and it's incredibly fun. Rob and Grant were with us as well.
I had a french onion soup.

almost time for lunch

Susan is a fiery red-head from San Diego. She's been in publishing for a number of years and now that she is in her 60's, is looking for a new avenue to explore. She started volunteering at a local Japanese garden and then spent 3 months in Kyoto studying Japanese design. She hopes to go back to Kyoto for 6 additional months to continue her in-depth study. The garden is a process, not a product she tells me. I agree. One must approach the garden in a humble way and never let arrogance drive the design - I agree. I have never been overly fascinated by the Asian culture. I am not sure why, but it has never tugged at my soul. I am starting to appreciate it more and am seeing if somewhere along the way it takes me. I have had more exposure to that culture by my associations with ML, Estella, and now Susan (who's artistic style and personality i am enjoying) so we'll see if that leads to anything.
Rob is from Utah State...he wasn't born at the university of course. Maybe nearby. He is going into Landscape Architecture and is color blind. Interesting for a designer/architect. I told him that I think if he can get his black and white graphics to a stunning level then he can do whatever he wants with color and that will become his signature in the field.
Today is Saturday and I am rather astonished that the days have passed by so quickly! The crew is holding up well thus far.....I am trying to think of little things I can do to keep the audience animated. Does that phrase work in English? - 'keep the audience animated?'

Kansas Day 5

I have a friend who is studying classical architecture at Notre Dame. Every time I get an email, excitement and a bit of jealously creeps in. What would it be like to be in studio with people who are converted and absorbed by the idea of creating beauty through landscapes and buildings?! Makes me sigh with a smile.

Clayton sends thoughts, ideas, quotes, and electronic files of his watercolors that makes my mouth water! It makes this workshop seem rather elementary and naive. Maybe that's not fair and ML would be disappointed to hear me say that - and I do realize that most of the participants here have NO art background and at Notre Dame in Clayton's program - it is filled with those who have dedicated hours to composing something insightful on paper. Therefore I will do my best to teach and encourage the minds just being exposed to a deeper world of color, lines, texture, etc. I myself have years to go before I would consider myself a true artist.

One of Clayton's paragraphs:
"Nature gives a distinct look to each of her creations because nature loathes confusion. And so does good architecture. A capital is different than a base for the same reason head is different than a foot." God is a god of order and in good design there is a resolution of the parts to the whole. Things are not arbitrary-they have purpose. Think of a musical composition and how a musical score would sound if none of the notes made harmonic chords or if there was no logical rhythm. It would be torture to the ears. It is wise to think of our compositions in terms of the same principles-harmony, rhythm, emphasis, unity, etc. It is also good to think in both macro and micro scales. The entire civic composition (city scale) has been entirely lost and homes, yards, buildings, parks, ets. do not relate to one another in our modern world. Even though our zoning codes restrict us so heavily in terms of civic design, it's worth mentioning so that we can begin to think about our entire civic harmony and resolution and not the current hodge-podge of parking lots and distribution warehouses we call stores. Streets need regularity-landscape can provide a lot of that. I could go on, but that is all for this email.
I'll be in town till the 14th.

8:01

okay - let's get this post in and get to bed....it is currently 1:20 and now that I have the key to the studio (the one and only) that means i am the last one to leave and the first one there....or at least i am supposed to be from now on. ha ha. dur.
so this morning i woke up at 6:30ish and clearly went back to bed thinking that i would get up in 15 minutes or so. the next time i glanced at my phone...8:01. 8:01! i was supposed to be in the lobby at 8:05!
Blast.
Face washed, teeth brushed, make-up on, clothes changes, out the door. 8:09(ish). I need a shower.
i met brandon down in the lobby to head out - he was a little stressed because we were 'late' - hmm. he's the one with a really great attitude but when he said he thought we should start showing up at studio at 7:30 (an hour early!) i openly laughed...'7:30!!?' - maybe 8. yeah......right.

last night i was in the lobby waiting for all of the workshop participants to gather so i could lead the way to the design studio in my ever-so-smashing pt cruiser. there were a number of people gathered and i was making small talk. i glanced over at a man standing in the corner with a ball cap on....double take then a triple. don! no way! ha ha! (no ZPQ - it wasn't yanni) he looked just as surprised as we met eyes, then came over, gave me a hug and i laughed. he said, 'of all the people i thought that maybe i would see here again, you were last on the list!'
don is from arizona, we met exactly two years ago at this very same workshop and now he was here again to get little sleep for two weeks. We formed a friendship quickly last time when he noticed my ensign and was thankful for another LDS member to be in the bunch. who would have thought! it has made me feel so much more at home. his family and business are doing well - he now has three kids and will miss his daughters birthday - once again. bummer.

i have thoroughly been enjoying my time here - meeting all sorts of people and creating wonderful friendships. paul is from canada, we had some great conversation over dinner about things that we are both passionate about: trees! and besides, he's from canada, as well as rikky and alan....however - rikky is originally from israel and moved to south africa when she was twenty. she says israel has the best tomatoes. then there's tamika from phili, julie and brandon from seattle, anne from texas who is dealing with her teenage daughter - she's got spunk. natalie is from greece and i could listen to her talk for hours. there's still more to meet - grant is rather quite, but will still talk.
i took over the class for a bit while ML 'stepped out' - he told me tonight that i would be running a few things in a few days....hmmm - yeah - just like i am supposed to teach thumbnail sketches at a big conference in sandy on the 21st of this month! i had better start reading up and practicing thumbnail sketches! good grief.
time to git - estella offered to give me a wake-up call around 7:30...that will come too soon.

Who, me?

So now I have to get used to people calling me L'. Ha ha. More tomorrow!

'A diversion' - said in a Legolas sort of way...

December 26th....an outing with some of my favorites.

a room with a view

What else is there to say?

Please, call me L'

Today has been consumed by preparations for the workshop which officially starts this evening. Brandon and I met ML at the studio this morning and worked until 1 or so....we went and grabbed some lunch (Chipotle) and then it was back to the studio. Since we had everything ready to go I was released and am now back in my room until 7:15 at which time we head back to the studio with all of the, hopefully eager minds excited to kill themselves over the next 12 days or so.

ML has a difficult time pronouncing my name correctly....every time it's something different. After correcting him a number of times I told him to please call me L'. It's simple; it works. Yeah - ML says my name is confusing and complicated, just like women. He asked me if I preferred to be a woman rather than a man.....yes. This all led to the topic of having kids (he being surprised at my virginity) and families and polygamy. Missions, no dating on missions, coffee, and drinking.

ML likes to hang on to topics.....he's one that doesn't let a subject go and will always refer back to it whenever possible. Besides the topic of religion - my status is of some importance and he is determined that I shall get a boyfriend out of this workshop....no thanks, I'll take my payment in another form.

Also in this Kansas story is Estella (niece of ML). She's from Thailand and is so sweet and has a most tender smile. (She's in her upper 20's and I am still not sure if it was impolite for me to ask) At lunch when ML was making some comment (more negative than positive)in regards to a Mormon. Estella, from underneath the table, placed her hand on my right thigh to show comfort in case I was feeling a bit picked on.

I think we shall become friends.

Jan 1

January 1st. The first day of the year 2008, the first day I ever rented a car for myself, and the first time I ever paid a toll to continue driving on a road. $2.37?
It reminded me of the first time I took a coat to the dry-cleaners......a rite of passage. ha ha.
There's always a first time.

So I am here in Kansas (also the first time I have ever spent the 1st in Kansas) Hmm. I am here to be an assistant to ML for a 2 week design bootcamp.....oh - excuse me, I meant workshop. It officially starts tomorrow night, but since I am going home early I came early to help set up, etc. So far it's me and Brandon, or Brandon and I....he is a workshop participant who will also help out where he can. He has a great attitude. Brian will be the other assistant...yikes - that not very many of us! We will have less than 25 participants....when I attended this same workshop 2 years ago there was double that, and that was considered small. But with a small group we should get a lot accomplished and become a tight-knit group, with memories to create.
I arrived in Manhattan (uh-huh...Kansas, Manhattan that is) and checked in to where I would be staying, then I headed to the design studio to see what I could do to help.
ML (the design workshop wizard) greeted me with a surprised smile and a hug - and then I was shortly greeted thereafter..."you married?"....."nope." He looked at me...and followed it up with "you are too picky," said as a statement rather than a question. "uh-huh." We were off to a good start. :)
A little while later we were on to the Sunday subject that we had some discussion about two years ago as some will remember....ha ha. Why don't I work on Sunday? :) - What in the world would I possibly do for an entire day that didn't include work, tv, movies, etc.....after all - church was only three hours (3?!)...then what?!? - Like I said - we are off to a good start.
I say that with all sincerity. It shall be a great two weeks full of questions and answers....on both sides I might add. ML is very deliberate in his thinking and some might say opinionated...I would concord, I think he would too...maybe.
Well, we are off to eat Chinese (which i have a feeling we will be doing a lot of - hey, as long as there are fortune cookies) then it is back to the studio.