Pleasure Notes

Here are some up-to-the-moment truths. They are only mine. Do with them as you wish.

1. I miss my blog! I haven’t been consistently (or even inconsistently) writing since Jamie died.
2. I love my new job. It is challenging. It is fun. It is emotional. And, at the moment, it both conveniently and inconveniently consumes almost all my time and energy so I have little to give anything else.
3. I fucking still miss my friend. Every goddamn day.
4. Talking about really cool, awesome, pretty lamp shades makes me feel a wee bit trite at the moment, particularly when my friend is now the ashy contents of a vase, wars and shit keep chugging on and swag whores take over Chicago hotels. I will, however, get back to discovering fabulous Pleasure Finds soon because, well, it is fun. And fun is good. See Truth #5.
5. My reason for starting this blog – to encourage me to focus on life’s PLEASURES rather than its pain, to wear the proverbial rose-colored glasses a bit more and to approach the world with a “glass half full” mentality – is more important for me to adhere to now than ever.
6. I turned 40 (holy crap, I just admitted my age and I’m actually going to publish it – lets see how many of the 3 folks still following me disappear with this admission, shall we?), and the world did not end. Yet.
7. I compulsively want to pet my cat. ALL THE TIME. And, what’s worse, she’ll let me. This has been complicated by Truth #2.
8. I’m completely single again. It kinda sucks. But clearly not enough for me to want to think about possibly being willing to maybe be vulnerable and honest with someone new. Yep. Looks like I’ll be investing in some copper tops.
9. I can no longer do the splits. I haven’t been able to for a while now, but I’m finally admitting it, and it sorta pisses me off. When did that happen? And how do I get the ability back without breaking my hips, or a sweat?
10. At the moment, I’m tired, but happy. I need to get a fresh bouquet of flowers, open my mail, do some laundry, change the cat litter, and buy a new pair of jeans. But first, I’m going to watch So You Think You Can Dance so I can do some splits vicariously. And because it simply brings me pleasure.

One of Many

Sometimes I forget that, while we all have our unique quirks, we are not so very different, one from another. We all want to feel safe, loved and happy. We’re all just doing the best we can. Now, I’m not going to pretend that, on occasion, “best” doesn’t kinda suck ass. It does. In my opinion. But what is my opinion, really? Basically, it is a value judgement.

That’s where things can get wonky.

The problem, you see, is that my opinions are really good at disguising themselves as facts in my brain. I start to think that I know best… about anything everything, really. Then, my ego gets involved, and it’s all downhill from there.

If, on the other hand, I remember that I am one of many, and that we’re all striving to achieve the same fundamental goals, I am much less likely to feel the need to pass judgement, on you or myself. My opinions remain in hibernation. I refrain from expressing road rage, questioning your parenting techniques or determining that the majority of people in the world are idiots.

I might even smile and consider it a pleasure to meet you. All because I, you, we, them, and those guys are just one of many. How’s that for profound?

Story Time in the Forest. By Misha.

I didn’t read comic books as a kid, but I often lived in a fantasy of my own making. I frequented museum, but preferred Monet to Pollack. I never dyed my hair, pierced my bellybutton or ditched class. I was a very proper, very timid and very good little girl. BUT… as I got older, my tastes expanded. I came to love anime as much as Kundera, Lichtenstein as much as Renoir. While my bellybutton remains untouched, I have had my moments of pink hair. I love tattoos, and don’t have any only because I can never commit to a design for long enough to get one. So when I came across an artist who combines elements of anime, fantasy, tattoos, and straight up funky sexiness, I fell in love with her work. If you haven’t seen Misha’s work before, here’s some of what you’ve been missing.

Shrommy. By Misha.

I swear Miss Shrommy, here, would fit right in hanging out in front of the Chinese Theatre, on Hollywood Blvd. She probably picked up her hat on Melrose. So very L.A.

Hilary and Pals. By Misha.

Hilary and her pals are clearly the children of an illicit affair between the Cheshire Cat and Nemo.

Frogs Tell the Very Best Jokes. By Misha.

Misha’s artwork makes me giggle, in the very best way – pure pleasure!

I’ve actually had the opportunity to meet Misha. She’s absolutely delightful – humble, talented and a completely, fabulously and delightfully unique individual.

What more could you want from an artist, hmmm?

Tranquility

Every morning – or, more accurately, most mornings, I make strong decaf coffee, using my IKEA espresso maker, pour the rich, dark liquid into a Winnie-the-Pooh mug, add heated soy milk, and then sit by my kitchen window to enjoy my brew. I listen to the birds. I watch my cat try to will them to come through the screen. I am amused by nature. All told, the routine probably takes 15 minutes – a simple, easy pleasure. The tranquility it affords me, however, is precious.

What routines bring you tranquility?

Carrie Basket designed by Mary Louise Gustafsson

Summer is in full swing. Today marks the beginning of a holiday weekend. The weather is perfect for picnics and bike rides. What better accessory than this adorable and functional Carrie Basket? Designed by another one of those brilliant Swedish designers, this basket can be attached to the front of your bicycle or, using the strap, slung over your shoulder as you peruse the weekend Farmers’ Market for festive edibles.

It is available in white, black and green. What I like most about it is how the filigree detailing adds a flirty accent to what can be just a boring, utilitarian item. Now I just have to get myself a bike… and the courage to ride it on LA streets.

Price: $65.00. Available at Scandinavian Grace and other fine contemporary furniture and design studios.