Friday, September 28, 2012
I'm singing Nat King Cole and picturing Audrey Hepburn. Mona Lisa and masterpiece controversies of authenticity?! I think it's time to re-watch my favorite Hepburn movie. :) That aside, this article had me transfixed.
September 28, 2012
Mona Lisa mystery deepens as another version is unveiled
By JAMEY KEATEN
Associated Press
The Mona Lisa Foundation claims there have always been two portraits of the iconic painting by Leonardo da Vinci, the ‘Earlier Version,’ made 10 years before the ‘Joconde’ that is displayed in Le Louvre in Paris. GENEVA — The mystery behind the most enigmatic smile in art — Leonardo da Vinci's “Mona Lisa” — just got a little more complicated.
In a coming-out party of sorts in Geneva, rounds of flashbulbs popped Thursday as the nonprofit Mona Lisa Foundation pulled back the curtain to present what it claims is a predecessor of the world's most famous portrait.
But even the experts brought in by the foundation weren't sure about that claim just yet.
The art world is prone to all sorts of rumors and speculation — and, periodically — discoveries that jolt accepted norms. Two years ago, a retired French electrician claimed that he had turned up 271 Picasso works that had been sitting for decades in his garage — and Picasso's heirs claimed theft.
But a new claim about the world's most famous painting, which draws millions of visitors to Paris' Louvre Museum each year, resonates like a thunderclap in the art world. It also prompts a new look at a painting that all by itself still raises a lot of questions for experts — not least the timeless “Is she smiling or not?”
The “Isleworth Mona Lisa” features a dark-haired young woman with her arms crossed against a distant backdrop. The foundation insists it's no copy but an earlier version of the Louvre masterpiece.
At the presentation, Alessandro Vezzosi, director of the Museo Ideale Leonardo da Vinci, said the painting was intriguing but needs further study. He declined to line up behind the foundation's claims that it was truly a “Mona Lisa” predecessor painted by da Vinci.
Ever since the 16th century, several historical sources suggest that da Vinci painted two “Mona Lisa” versions. One was of Mona Lisa Gherardo around 1503 that was commissioned by her husband, Francesco del Giocondo, the foundation said. Another — the one in the Louvre — was completed in 1517 for Giuliano de Medici, da Vinci's patron. That theory fits with da Vinci's tendency at times to paint two versions of some of his works, like the Virgin of the Rocks, the group said.
Foundation members say it's unrealistic to think that the woman sat twice for a portrait, but that the meticulous, mathematical approach suggested that Da Vinci may have projected in his mind what she would have looked like between the first alleged “Mona Lisa” and the “Mona Lisa” in the Louvre.
However, the foundation acknowledged that the “Isleworth Mona Lisa” remains unfinished, and that da Vinci didn't paint all parts of the work. Still, the group pointed to newly discovered evidence in 2005 from Heidelberg, Germany, that suggested da Vinci was working on at least the head of such a painting in 1503.
The painting has been in headlines before, starting in the early 20th century. And it's not unknown to a foreign audience: It was shown in Japan last year before the foundation's research was finished.
Experts say Thursday's unveiling was designed to draw more attention and scrutiny from worldwide art experts about whether it's authentic: A start more than a finish.
The Isleworth painting first came to public light after British art collector Hugh Blaker found it in the home of a nobleman in Somerset, England before World War I, said Robert Meyrick, head of the art school at Wales' Aberystwyth University.
Blaker bought the painting and took it to his private studio in Isleworth outside London. U.S. and British newspapers, meanwhile, speculated even then that it might be a da Vinci. But at that time only art experts — not high-tech science tests like the ones conducted by the foundation — could judge its possible bona fides.
During World War II, Blaker shipped the painting to Boston's Museum of Fine Arts for safekeeping, the foundation said. In 1962, it was bought by U.S. collector Henry Pulitzer. When he died in 1979, his reported mistress — Elisabeth Meyer — inherited it, but it remained in a Swiss bank vault.
After she died, an “international consortium” — which the foundation declined to identify — bought the painting in 2008, according to the group's chronology. The foundation was set up two years later, determined to try to show that it was a real da Vinci.
The Mona Lisa Foundation's members are more from the business world than the art world. Participating in Thursday's show was David Feldman, an Irish-born stamp auctioneer; his brother Stanley, an art historian who was the main author of an extensive book on the “Isleworth Mona Lisa”; and Markus Frey, a lawyer in Zurich who is the foundation's president.
The foundation and its backers paid “several million” to conduct research tests — forensic analysis, carbon-dating and computerized regression analysis — on the work, Feldman said. He wouldn't say how much the painting was bought for in 2008.
Carlo Pedrotti, one of the world's most eminent scholars on da Vinci, hailed the foundation's “extraordinary contribution to scholarship.”
In a letter to the foundation presented Thursday, Pedrotti called the group “precisely the sort of research institute, if not a veritable investigating agency — an FBI for Leonardo studies! — that I had always hoped for.”
Martin Kemp, a da Vinci scholar and Oxford University professor, said he hadn't seen the painting but doubts that it is authentic. He cautioned that the foundation might have its judgment clouded by a possible payoff.
“If this were the original version of the most famous picture in the world, heaven knows what it would cost — a lot of money,” he told APTN in an interview at his home near Oxford. “You'd probably be on your way to 200 million pounds ($325 million) or to stratospheric realms.”
“There are big, big stakes involved, and people become committed to it,” he noted.
Still, who wouldn't want to have their own “Mona Lisa?”
“Having a Leonardo is a very sensational thing to have,” Kemp admitted. “If I had a Leonardo, it would secure my fame forever.”
*** *** ***
September 28, 2012
Mona Lisa mystery deepens as another version is unveiled
By JAMEY KEATEN
Associated Press
The Mona Lisa Foundation claims there have always been two portraits of the iconic painting by Leonardo da Vinci, the ‘Earlier Version,’ made 10 years before the ‘Joconde’ that is displayed in Le Louvre in Paris. GENEVA — The mystery behind the most enigmatic smile in art — Leonardo da Vinci's “Mona Lisa” — just got a little more complicated.
In a coming-out party of sorts in Geneva, rounds of flashbulbs popped Thursday as the nonprofit Mona Lisa Foundation pulled back the curtain to present what it claims is a predecessor of the world's most famous portrait.
But even the experts brought in by the foundation weren't sure about that claim just yet.
The art world is prone to all sorts of rumors and speculation — and, periodically — discoveries that jolt accepted norms. Two years ago, a retired French electrician claimed that he had turned up 271 Picasso works that had been sitting for decades in his garage — and Picasso's heirs claimed theft.
But a new claim about the world's most famous painting, which draws millions of visitors to Paris' Louvre Museum each year, resonates like a thunderclap in the art world. It also prompts a new look at a painting that all by itself still raises a lot of questions for experts — not least the timeless “Is she smiling or not?”
The “Isleworth Mona Lisa” features a dark-haired young woman with her arms crossed against a distant backdrop. The foundation insists it's no copy but an earlier version of the Louvre masterpiece.
At the presentation, Alessandro Vezzosi, director of the Museo Ideale Leonardo da Vinci, said the painting was intriguing but needs further study. He declined to line up behind the foundation's claims that it was truly a “Mona Lisa” predecessor painted by da Vinci.
Ever since the 16th century, several historical sources suggest that da Vinci painted two “Mona Lisa” versions. One was of Mona Lisa Gherardo around 1503 that was commissioned by her husband, Francesco del Giocondo, the foundation said. Another — the one in the Louvre — was completed in 1517 for Giuliano de Medici, da Vinci's patron. That theory fits with da Vinci's tendency at times to paint two versions of some of his works, like the Virgin of the Rocks, the group said.
Foundation members say it's unrealistic to think that the woman sat twice for a portrait, but that the meticulous, mathematical approach suggested that Da Vinci may have projected in his mind what she would have looked like between the first alleged “Mona Lisa” and the “Mona Lisa” in the Louvre.
However, the foundation acknowledged that the “Isleworth Mona Lisa” remains unfinished, and that da Vinci didn't paint all parts of the work. Still, the group pointed to newly discovered evidence in 2005 from Heidelberg, Germany, that suggested da Vinci was working on at least the head of such a painting in 1503.
The painting has been in headlines before, starting in the early 20th century. And it's not unknown to a foreign audience: It was shown in Japan last year before the foundation's research was finished.
Experts say Thursday's unveiling was designed to draw more attention and scrutiny from worldwide art experts about whether it's authentic: A start more than a finish.
The Isleworth painting first came to public light after British art collector Hugh Blaker found it in the home of a nobleman in Somerset, England before World War I, said Robert Meyrick, head of the art school at Wales' Aberystwyth University.
Blaker bought the painting and took it to his private studio in Isleworth outside London. U.S. and British newspapers, meanwhile, speculated even then that it might be a da Vinci. But at that time only art experts — not high-tech science tests like the ones conducted by the foundation — could judge its possible bona fides.
During World War II, Blaker shipped the painting to Boston's Museum of Fine Arts for safekeeping, the foundation said. In 1962, it was bought by U.S. collector Henry Pulitzer. When he died in 1979, his reported mistress — Elisabeth Meyer — inherited it, but it remained in a Swiss bank vault.
After she died, an “international consortium” — which the foundation declined to identify — bought the painting in 2008, according to the group's chronology. The foundation was set up two years later, determined to try to show that it was a real da Vinci.
The Mona Lisa Foundation's members are more from the business world than the art world. Participating in Thursday's show was David Feldman, an Irish-born stamp auctioneer; his brother Stanley, an art historian who was the main author of an extensive book on the “Isleworth Mona Lisa”; and Markus Frey, a lawyer in Zurich who is the foundation's president.
The foundation and its backers paid “several million” to conduct research tests — forensic analysis, carbon-dating and computerized regression analysis — on the work, Feldman said. He wouldn't say how much the painting was bought for in 2008.
Carlo Pedrotti, one of the world's most eminent scholars on da Vinci, hailed the foundation's “extraordinary contribution to scholarship.”
In a letter to the foundation presented Thursday, Pedrotti called the group “precisely the sort of research institute, if not a veritable investigating agency — an FBI for Leonardo studies! — that I had always hoped for.”
Martin Kemp, a da Vinci scholar and Oxford University professor, said he hadn't seen the painting but doubts that it is authentic. He cautioned that the foundation might have its judgment clouded by a possible payoff.
“If this were the original version of the most famous picture in the world, heaven knows what it would cost — a lot of money,” he told APTN in an interview at his home near Oxford. “You'd probably be on your way to 200 million pounds ($325 million) or to stratospheric realms.”
“There are big, big stakes involved, and people become committed to it,” he noted.
Still, who wouldn't want to have their own “Mona Lisa?”
“Having a Leonardo is a very sensational thing to have,” Kemp admitted. “If I had a Leonardo, it would secure my fame forever.”
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
I put this on my wish list for last Christmas. I knew Katie, my favorite food blogger, was in the midst of creating a cookbook and I couldn't wait to get my hands on it! I assumed it would be out within the year. It wasn't. Today, however, it is on bookshelves (finally!) - in Melbourne. :/
It hits the grand ol' US of A in 2 weeks - and while I considered adding it once again to my Christmas wish list - I'm just not sure I'll be able to wait.
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Oh no.
I've been just like all the rest. Looking forward to, and even counting down the days to the long (LONG) awaited new Mumford album. But with one day out, the first lyrics went viral and a flashback hit me, followed by an anxious twitch. Let the Mumford lyrics repeat cycle begin - circling through Facebook status after status after status. Everyone proving that they do indeed know who Mumford & Sons are. They bought the new album.
Brace yourselves.
I think even Mumford would tell you to stop. Read a book. Quote something longer than 3:51. Something that requires you to be literate. Something that contributes to humanity. We have radios to listen to lyrics. ;)
Nonetheless, here we go..... you and I, and Tumblr.
(But don't worry, I won't go there.)
**KEEP IT OFF FACEBOOK, THAT'S WHAT BLOGS ARE FOR**
Let the Mumford & Sons Babel praises begin.
It's that good. Again.
I've been just like all the rest. Looking forward to, and even counting down the days to the long (LONG) awaited new Mumford album. But with one day out, the first lyrics went viral and a flashback hit me, followed by an anxious twitch. Let the Mumford lyrics repeat cycle begin - circling through Facebook status after status after status. Everyone proving that they do indeed know who Mumford & Sons are. They bought the new album.
Brace yourselves.
I think even Mumford would tell you to stop. Read a book. Quote something longer than 3:51. Something that requires you to be literate. Something that contributes to humanity. We have radios to listen to lyrics. ;)
Nonetheless, here we go..... you and I, and Tumblr.
(But don't worry, I won't go there.)
**KEEP IT OFF FACEBOOK, THAT'S WHAT BLOGS ARE FOR**
Let the Mumford & Sons Babel praises begin.
It's that good. Again.
Friday, September 21, 2012
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Talk Like a Pirate Day
It's "Talk Like a Pirate Day." In celebration, I'm going to talk like my pirate all day. Indeed, I'm going to use "the most accurate" word for everything and discuss important topics like homemade computers, codes and semiconductors.
It's not so much that he likes to use big words, it's more that he likes to enlist the aid of the most accurate language in order to communicate the unbiased truth. I'll probably strum my guitar, smoke my pipe and read some Thoreau. Some piece about "walks." Perhaps I'll take a walk - with my pipe.
If you too would like to celebrate The Pirate, consider using a few of these portmanteaus at your dinner table tonight in tribute to the mathlete.
It's not so much that he likes to use big words, it's more that he likes to enlist the aid of the most accurate language in order to communicate the unbiased truth. I'll probably strum my guitar, smoke my pipe and read some Thoreau. Some piece about "walks." Perhaps I'll take a walk - with my pipe.
If you too would like to celebrate The Pirate, consider using a few of these portmanteaus at your dinner table tonight in tribute to the mathlete.
Nothing good comes without a fight.
And without a fight, good might just walk away. For good.
Fight like hell.
I'm praying for some fight today for each of the people I love. For strength for those who've been fighting, and who are just dead tired. And for fight in me - that I'd never be willing to let go of something worthy. Not for myself - and not for others.
It's amazing to me. A girl loses her phone for one weekend - and misses texts from her two longest best friends, both about major life news. What a weekend to lose my phone.
So excited for you ladies - love you both forever and ever. And looking forward to celebrating all that's begun and all that's to come!
So excited for you ladies - love you both forever and ever. And looking forward to celebrating all that's begun and all that's to come!
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
I lost my iPhone 4 on Thursday morning. I either left it on the seat, or it fell out of my bag, or someone snagged it out at the bus stop. I'm not quite sure. But it has been an odd feeling. Phoneless. Moreover, iPhoneless. I just swung by and picked up a cheap "go phone" from the AT&T store while I wait out this iPhone5 pandemonium. I've decided to wait a bit and save a little extra cash on my phone bill. And, I decided to give the AT&T Customer Service line some attention. After enough chatting and questioning - they offered me a 6 month promotion. That and shaving off my data plan for a month or two and I'm feeling a bit lighter quite honestly. It's kind of fun anyways - I feel like I'm "roughing it." I'm sure I'll be going crazy within a week - but John will enjoy his Instagram free life for a bit. And texting is such a pain on this little guy, I won't be doing much of it. Turns out he gets a bit jealous of the iPhone - my other boyfriend. Maybe not jealous - but he really loves it when I leave him home... or on the bus. : /
Oh yes, and you can text me your name. Please. :)
Oh yes, and you can text me your name. Please. :)
“I love to find the beauty in everyday objects.”
Dale Chihuly
Chihuly's Glasshouse. As I looked at this photo, the structure and description of the building reminded me of one of my favorite churches we studied in History of Architecture 102. The epitome of thic's Goals. I was thrilled when I read that, that building is also one of Chihuly's favorites, and was part of the inspiration for the design of his Glasshouse. :) I patted myself on the back - and then committed to visit this great grandchild structure in Seattle, of a chapel I dream of visiting in Paris.
Dale Chihuly
Chihuly's Glasshouse. As I looked at this photo, the structure and description of the building reminded me of one of my favorite churches we studied in History of Architecture 102. The epitome of thic's Goals. I was thrilled when I read that, that building is also one of Chihuly's favorites, and was part of the inspiration for the design of his Glasshouse. :) I patted myself on the back - and then committed to visit this great grandchild structure in Seattle, of a chapel I dream of visiting in Paris.
Monday, September 17, 2012
Friday, September 14, 2012
Trying to think about things other than a boy and a trip... here we go (2.5 hours to go!).
I've been reading through the Gospels (since the start of the year!) and I just wrapped up Luke yesterday. I've got to say, this was the first time I've really wondered about why he seems to have stories the others don't - and tell the ones they share quite differently at times. I often wonder why there are FOUR gospels. I believe there's a purpose. I just don't know what it is. And I'm sure I won't know the full purpose any time soon. But I wonder about it basically every time I read them. Which means I've wondered a lot for the past 9 months as I've kept asking myself "Didn't I read this already?!" All that said - Why are they different? If some of them weren't eye witnesses - how much do you weigh the exact words? What purpose should they serve? How should we apply and how should they shape our lives? I think they should do all of these things - I just want to find more behind them and in them.
It's probably the writer in me. I watch plays, movies, shows as the author - I'm hyper aware of what the author is trying to accomplish and what tools he is using to do so. If I like a character, I analyze why. Most likely the author wants me to like them - why? How did he do it? If I suspect them? Why? What for? And who might he be building up more subtle alongside? I'm always looking for that surprise. I'm three episodes in to Downtown Abbey and I've known for sometime a bit of what the writers are up to - I know who I like, and why they were being kept hidden the first two episodes... I recognize little looks that make me trust people or suspect them.
I guess I read scripture the same way. If it's the Word of God - why did he put 66 books together and then make 4 of them repeat the same thing? Because it's the central point of all the rest of the books? It's the central point of history? It's meant to be the center of my life? It's probably that. And it's probably more - it always seems to be. And more than that - why did put 4 different takes on it in there? It's almost asking for confusion and skepticism. Or is it? Maybe it's teaching us something about multiple perspectives - maybe no one's wrong, but they saw different things, and heard different things.
Rarely do 4 different people walk away having heard the same thing. I'm realizing two people can sit down and have a conversation and hear different things. In fact, it's hard for them to hear the same thing. We are incredibly complicated creatures. And we have got so many filters - how silly to pretend we don't. How naive to quickly point as "accurate" and "inaccurate" - especially with a God who is big enough to say once sentence and speak to the hearts of many men. Hearts He created and understands the diversity and depth of each.
As of now, I think we get to read the story of Christ and His words, from four different hearts and four different life stories and sets of filters. How kind of Him to us, to seek to reach us in so many ways, to make a way for us no matter our set of filters and our history. I'm sure across my life, it will be John that speaks most clearly to my heart the words of Christ, and years later, Matthew, Mark, or Luke. They each captured a glimpse of a man who is The Word. And apparently, He saw their four as fit, and the Gospel as complete.
That is a marvel to me. One I am sure I will be wondering about for the rest of my life.
I've been reading through the Gospels (since the start of the year!) and I just wrapped up Luke yesterday. I've got to say, this was the first time I've really wondered about why he seems to have stories the others don't - and tell the ones they share quite differently at times. I often wonder why there are FOUR gospels. I believe there's a purpose. I just don't know what it is. And I'm sure I won't know the full purpose any time soon. But I wonder about it basically every time I read them. Which means I've wondered a lot for the past 9 months as I've kept asking myself "Didn't I read this already?!" All that said - Why are they different? If some of them weren't eye witnesses - how much do you weigh the exact words? What purpose should they serve? How should we apply and how should they shape our lives? I think they should do all of these things - I just want to find more behind them and in them.
It's probably the writer in me. I watch plays, movies, shows as the author - I'm hyper aware of what the author is trying to accomplish and what tools he is using to do so. If I like a character, I analyze why. Most likely the author wants me to like them - why? How did he do it? If I suspect them? Why? What for? And who might he be building up more subtle alongside? I'm always looking for that surprise. I'm three episodes in to Downtown Abbey and I've known for sometime a bit of what the writers are up to - I know who I like, and why they were being kept hidden the first two episodes... I recognize little looks that make me trust people or suspect them.
I guess I read scripture the same way. If it's the Word of God - why did he put 66 books together and then make 4 of them repeat the same thing? Because it's the central point of all the rest of the books? It's the central point of history? It's meant to be the center of my life? It's probably that. And it's probably more - it always seems to be. And more than that - why did put 4 different takes on it in there? It's almost asking for confusion and skepticism. Or is it? Maybe it's teaching us something about multiple perspectives - maybe no one's wrong, but they saw different things, and heard different things.
Rarely do 4 different people walk away having heard the same thing. I'm realizing two people can sit down and have a conversation and hear different things. In fact, it's hard for them to hear the same thing. We are incredibly complicated creatures. And we have got so many filters - how silly to pretend we don't. How naive to quickly point as "accurate" and "inaccurate" - especially with a God who is big enough to say once sentence and speak to the hearts of many men. Hearts He created and understands the diversity and depth of each.
As of now, I think we get to read the story of Christ and His words, from four different hearts and four different life stories and sets of filters. How kind of Him to us, to seek to reach us in so many ways, to make a way for us no matter our set of filters and our history. I'm sure across my life, it will be John that speaks most clearly to my heart the words of Christ, and years later, Matthew, Mark, or Luke. They each captured a glimpse of a man who is The Word. And apparently, He saw their four as fit, and the Gospel as complete.
That is a marvel to me. One I am sure I will be wondering about for the rest of my life.
You probably know I love surprises. Love them. Love getting them, love giving them. Love trying to figure them out! This weekend we're heading to Portland, where the Beau went to school and spent the next few years. Besides that, I don't really know much. I know I'll get to see a couple of his old friends. I know there is a garden in a city involved. I know we are going to Powells. And on a hike. I know there is some evening event that is very unique to Portland that includes "a little bit of everything" and only takes place in September. I know we are taking a train and I'm leaving work at 2. I know we get back Sunday evening. And I know what I was told to pack. I know I am ridiculously excited to explore Portland this weekend with my Beau. And I know I'm a very, very lucky young woman. 
Leaving for the train in 3.5 hours. Suffice to say, I'm having a hard time focusing at work today. Two cups of coffee, a waterbottle and a plum later and one hour and 27 minutes have passed.
....
My backpack is sitting behind my chair, my purse is tucked away in it, bus pass and wallet in the outside pocket. I'm ready. :)
.....
Last night was full of laundry, cleaning and errands. By 9pm we were dropping off my mom's vacuum and grabbing a few of my left behind belongings. And then, we were standing with a flashlight and a giant pole picking plums from the yard. I have a delicious bag to prove it. My mom was laughing at us most of the time. And I think John might have realized I'm crazy finally. But I love plums! I'm kind of greedy about them too.
Have I already shared this? If so, just skip to the next paragraph. The house I was born in in Edmonds had a kid's dreamland backyard. The perfect reading tree. A sport court. A green lawn that I always remember green. And best yet, cherry trees, a huge apple tree and a number of dwarf plum trees. The birds got the cherries before we ever had a chance, but the apples and plums were ours for the picking! I wasn't much about the sour taste of the green apples. Today, I'd probably love them for pies and glazes. But plums are like candy! They are so sweet, without being overwhelming. And if just right, they have the tiniest tang of tart to surprise you. When we moved my first grade year, I missed those trees. Eventually, somewhere around high school, my mom planted me a plum tree at the new house. I think she planted two actually. :/ A few years ago, it finally started growing fruit. And this year, it is dripping with deep red plums! I keep getting giddy at the sight of it. I think one more week and all lower fruit (reachable) will all be ready for the picking!
One day I wil have a house. And it will have a plum tree.
.......
13 more minutes passed...
....
My backpack is sitting behind my chair, my purse is tucked away in it, bus pass and wallet in the outside pocket. I'm ready. :)
.....
Last night was full of laundry, cleaning and errands. By 9pm we were dropping off my mom's vacuum and grabbing a few of my left behind belongings. And then, we were standing with a flashlight and a giant pole picking plums from the yard. I have a delicious bag to prove it. My mom was laughing at us most of the time. And I think John might have realized I'm crazy finally. But I love plums! I'm kind of greedy about them too.
Have I already shared this? If so, just skip to the next paragraph. The house I was born in in Edmonds had a kid's dreamland backyard. The perfect reading tree. A sport court. A green lawn that I always remember green. And best yet, cherry trees, a huge apple tree and a number of dwarf plum trees. The birds got the cherries before we ever had a chance, but the apples and plums were ours for the picking! I wasn't much about the sour taste of the green apples. Today, I'd probably love them for pies and glazes. But plums are like candy! They are so sweet, without being overwhelming. And if just right, they have the tiniest tang of tart to surprise you. When we moved my first grade year, I missed those trees. Eventually, somewhere around high school, my mom planted me a plum tree at the new house. I think she planted two actually. :/ A few years ago, it finally started growing fruit. And this year, it is dripping with deep red plums! I keep getting giddy at the sight of it. I think one more week and all lower fruit (reachable) will all be ready for the picking!
One day I wil have a house. And it will have a plum tree.
.......
13 more minutes passed...
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Whenever we drive by a loading dock, John points and says "That's just like that place we had lunch that one time." And he's right. One day back in May he surprised me by having new keys made for my car at the dealership (they have chips that have to be programmed). We'd picked up sandwiches and drinks and grabbed a blanket out of my car and walked away from the dealership to find a nice place to picnic.... in Sodo. Around the corner and a block or two away, we stopped at an unused loading dock, laid out the blanket and climbed up onto the edge. Feet dangling and cars passing, we chatted about friendship and life and what the next step might look like for us. Seeing a guy who just might be as crazy, random and eccentric as me eating his sandwich to my left and talking about the guy he used to know who hopped trains... it's a moment I treasured, then and now.
This morning we bussed downtown together and as we passed yet another loading dock he signaled, "Hey look, that's just like our favorite spot. Wonder how the cuisine is." And then that smile.
This morning we bussed downtown together and as we passed yet another loading dock he signaled, "Hey look, that's just like our favorite spot. Wonder how the cuisine is." And then that smile.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
You didn't say anything about the new background and header. I figured it was past time to make a change. I'm in this odd "staging" season in so many aspects of my life - and I feel my blog even reflects that. But I've always been about transparency in the process, so here you are (again).
Many thoughts right now, and among them all is gratefulness for the people in my life. I've never been afraid of hard work really. Well, not never. But hard work doesn't deter me. And at this point in my life, I'm looking around and really grateful for the people who are willing to work hard with me.
I'm seeing the power in our response to situations. (Which is also hard work sometimes.)
I'm not sure what's next. I'm not sure how to get there since I don't know where "there" is for this season. But I also feel strongly that I'm not supposed to just start moving in order to feel progress (a danger to my personality - I love feeling I'm accomplishing something). So with that, I'm seeking the Lord right now for direction and trusting He will direct my steps.
I'm valuing counsel in a whole new dimension. And also recognizing that ultimately - I'm responsible for my life. Which is exactly what keeps pushing me more and more into seeking counsel.
I'm learning to listen and not speak sometimes. I'm seeing new facets of who I am, and how I want to grow. I'm practicing encouraging more than advising. I feel like I'm watching myself from the outside - where I'm developing and where I'm lacking.
And also - I'm throwing out that 25 for 25 list. There are still things I want to do and I will do, but over the last three days I've been praying about it and considering it and I think it's not helpful any more. It's a distraction. It's sending me in a dozen rushing directions. It's purpose was to get my out and going - help me live who I am and step into adventure right where I am. It's done that. It's been a success. And I want to keep that perspective. Thanks to my 25 for 25, I've pierced my nose, moved out with one of my best friends, payed off my car, read more current authors (strategic for my writing dreams), and opened up to the unknown that has lead to me beginning to build with one of the greatest men I know. I'm going to ride on a train, float up in a hot air balloon and backpack in the Olympics before the year is up. I'll visit a new city, hopefully the hometown of my beau. I've met dozens of new people. Made new friends. Learned better responses. Healthier perspectives. New motives. I've learned more about what I like and what I don't like. How I function best at work. And I'm working on being less "particular." My way isn't always the best way and it's always not the only way. Thanks largely to my "list" I've learned and grown and changed and risked and pushed myself outside of comfort and common. But I've only really done about 8 of those 25. I could either spend the next 4 months running every which way on a scavenger hunt of tasks, or I can be grateful that the list accomplished it's goal, even if I didn't accomplish all 25 of mine.
And that is exactly what I'm going to do. :) I'm 25 and this year my life has changed - and as always, the best changes were the ones I couldn't have written for myself anyways. I'm going to spend the next 4 months enjoying that and flourishing where I am, with those I'm joined to.
[I know. It just works so well to end with that darn preposition.]
Many thoughts right now, and among them all is gratefulness for the people in my life. I've never been afraid of hard work really. Well, not never. But hard work doesn't deter me. And at this point in my life, I'm looking around and really grateful for the people who are willing to work hard with me.
I'm seeing the power in our response to situations. (Which is also hard work sometimes.)
I'm not sure what's next. I'm not sure how to get there since I don't know where "there" is for this season. But I also feel strongly that I'm not supposed to just start moving in order to feel progress (a danger to my personality - I love feeling I'm accomplishing something). So with that, I'm seeking the Lord right now for direction and trusting He will direct my steps.
I'm valuing counsel in a whole new dimension. And also recognizing that ultimately - I'm responsible for my life. Which is exactly what keeps pushing me more and more into seeking counsel.
I'm learning to listen and not speak sometimes. I'm seeing new facets of who I am, and how I want to grow. I'm practicing encouraging more than advising. I feel like I'm watching myself from the outside - where I'm developing and where I'm lacking.
And also - I'm throwing out that 25 for 25 list. There are still things I want to do and I will do, but over the last three days I've been praying about it and considering it and I think it's not helpful any more. It's a distraction. It's sending me in a dozen rushing directions. It's purpose was to get my out and going - help me live who I am and step into adventure right where I am. It's done that. It's been a success. And I want to keep that perspective. Thanks to my 25 for 25, I've pierced my nose, moved out with one of my best friends, payed off my car, read more current authors (strategic for my writing dreams), and opened up to the unknown that has lead to me beginning to build with one of the greatest men I know. I'm going to ride on a train, float up in a hot air balloon and backpack in the Olympics before the year is up. I'll visit a new city, hopefully the hometown of my beau. I've met dozens of new people. Made new friends. Learned better responses. Healthier perspectives. New motives. I've learned more about what I like and what I don't like. How I function best at work. And I'm working on being less "particular." My way isn't always the best way and it's always not the only way. Thanks largely to my "list" I've learned and grown and changed and risked and pushed myself outside of comfort and common. But I've only really done about 8 of those 25. I could either spend the next 4 months running every which way on a scavenger hunt of tasks, or I can be grateful that the list accomplished it's goal, even if I didn't accomplish all 25 of mine.
And that is exactly what I'm going to do. :) I'm 25 and this year my life has changed - and as always, the best changes were the ones I couldn't have written for myself anyways. I'm going to spend the next 4 months enjoying that and flourishing where I am, with those I'm joined to.
[I know. It just works so well to end with that darn preposition.]
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Mars Hill buying Tacoma church; plans to do $1.5M renovation
By JOURNAL STAFF
[Seattle DJC - September 11]
Photo courtesy of Mars Hill Church [enlarge]Mars Hill Church said it has a contract to purchase the First Congregational Church at 918 Division Ave. in Tacoma.
The 104-year-old building had been up for sale and was in danger of demolition. Mars Hill's bid was accepted in the summer.
Mars Hill did not disclose the sales price, though the asking price was $1.9 million. Pierce County's assessed value is $1.4 million.
Mars Hill officials said they plan to spend about $1.5 million on repairs and improvements before opening the church in the fall of 2013. A spokesman said he didn't believe an architect or general contractor had been selected.
With the addition of the Tacoma church, Mars Hill will have a 15 locations in Washington, Oregon, California and New Mexico.
Church officials said the Everett branch will move into the 40,000-square-foot Everett Armory at 2730 Oakes Ave. this fall.
In August the church announced the downtown Seattle branch will move from Belltown to the First United Methodist Church at Fifth Avenue and Marion Street. The church is now known as Daniels Recital Hall. (THIS IS THE BEAUTIFUL BUILDING I WORKED ACROSS FROM AT LLF!)
Monday, September 10, 2012
You know when you watch a movie or a show with another person - and they've seen it before - and you haven't. Sometimes that other person will overrun you in such a way that you feel none of the experience is new or special. They've already thought it, seen it, loved it, obssessed over it and you basically end up wishing you hadn't seen it? Is that just me who sometimes gets that feeling? Well, I do. And it's probably got a lot to do with my pride or something. And I have to make sure I don't do it to others too when I watch films that I've seen and they haven't.
Well, sometimes, you watch a show with someone who's seen it before - and you don't feel any of that. They are quietly grinning next to you, and you're just glad they're there. Glad they've seen it before, but are watching it again with you. I realized this morning I have one of those people in my life. And I think I'll keep him around for a while. He's better than anyone I know at letting people be and enjoy. Something about his presense just makes people comfortable and confident. Gosh, his girlfriend must be super lucky. And you can say I'm biased, but if you've met him you won't.
**Confession: I was doing the obnoxious "What's happening? Wait - what is in the newspaper?! Are we going to find out?!" for a lot of the first episode. I'm pretty sure he didn't love it. And I can't blame him, because I hate when people do that to me. Ask the question that they're obviously not supposed to know the answer to yet... and if I have the answer from having seen the movie, they will soon enough too.
Well, sometimes, you watch a show with someone who's seen it before - and you don't feel any of that. They are quietly grinning next to you, and you're just glad they're there. Glad they've seen it before, but are watching it again with you. I realized this morning I have one of those people in my life. And I think I'll keep him around for a while. He's better than anyone I know at letting people be and enjoy. Something about his presense just makes people comfortable and confident. Gosh, his girlfriend must be super lucky. And you can say I'm biased, but if you've met him you won't.
**Confession: I was doing the obnoxious "What's happening? Wait - what is in the newspaper?! Are we going to find out?!" for a lot of the first episode. I'm pretty sure he didn't love it. And I can't blame him, because I hate when people do that to me. Ask the question that they're obviously not supposed to know the answer to yet... and if I have the answer from having seen the movie, they will soon enough too.
"What's in the paper?"
"I don't know."
"Are we ever going to find out!?"
"Nope."
"What?! How annoying is that!!?"
"So annoying."
"Are you lying?"
"Absolutely."
"Gah!"
My weekend looked a bit like this: dinner with the entire amazing Rankin family Friday night (they had to kick us out at midnight - quite literally). Saturday morning was filled with errands, a yard sale, Yakima fruit stand, and picking plums off the tree in my mom's yard. Then I got to spend the rest of the day with Morgs, Erik and John.
They are 10 sometimes. ^ And I rather enjoy it.
Sunday we grabbed brunch and coffee together in the afternoon (the 10 year olds and I) at Irwin's. We sipped Stumptown lattes from porcelain mugs. And as we walked out John made some surprised note about me not Instagraming the leaves. Of course, then I had to. Sunday, it was fall. We went from brunch to golf dates - me with my good friends Theresa & Kathryn and the fellas with one of John's college friends. That's right - more golfing. :)
It was a lovely weekend, until I got a text about one of my favorite baby girls being in the ER. We spent the rest of Sunday night (and a chunk of the morning) at the Rowles watching Fin. Please pray for sweet Sailor, she is in surgery right now.
Other notes: I renewed my lease on the boyfriend for the fall. I was really proud of my decision too when a short while later he managed to download an app that turns your phone into a Roku remote, then hacked into the Rowles Roku in essence by manually guessing IP addresses until he got it. Their Roku remote went missing a few weeks ago. Finleigh is currently the primary suspect. With the Roku newly accessible, I was introduced to Downtown Abbey. I know, I know, you've all been telling me to watch it - well, I finally did. :) And I get it. Three episodes in, and I'm pretty hooked.
Friday, September 07, 2012
Would it seem too honest for me to admit that just last night I stood in my kitchen thinking, $H**, why did I write that today?! Not that writing it or not writing it would have changed anything. But I felt it all stirring up inside me as I stood listening to an obvious comparison that no one ever wants to hear. And my consensus - if I'm comparing, I'm losing. No doubt about it. It's hard to listen about others who have accomplished your dreams, by your age. I found myself longing to do something truly great. And I found my motivation to be completely ungreat. I just wanted to make people regret not betting on me. I wanted all those who have treated me poorly, overlooked me or rejected me to wish they hadn't. Wrong. I know. I'm completely aware of it. But it was true. I was hurting and I just wanted to prove that I was better. Though I was being anything but better in that moment. All this was raging inside of me last night.
I have so many dreams. And I don't want to let my motivation in any of them become skewed. I want my goal to be to bring glory to God, healing and encouragement to others. And I want the people who did bet on me to smile. The ones who have told me all along that I could do it - I want them to be in my mind and my heart as I work toward those things.
Scary how quickly our motivation can get off. Scarier to think that we could accomplish our dreams and goals, and lose the joy we were meant to have amidst that moment.
Today, it is about who I am separate of the things I have accomplished or the letters after (or before) my name. We are what we do repeatedly - not just our one time accomplishments. We are made in our daily choices, and motivations. That's where we're forged. I want to be forged true. Someone who celebrates with others' accomplishments, weeps with their heartaches, and is always motivated to do the great thing out of love... and the small one.
This has been the lesson of my last 2 years. And my fight last night... and this morning. But today, I remembered who I am.
I have so many dreams. And I don't want to let my motivation in any of them become skewed. I want my goal to be to bring glory to God, healing and encouragement to others. And I want the people who did bet on me to smile. The ones who have told me all along that I could do it - I want them to be in my mind and my heart as I work toward those things.
Scary how quickly our motivation can get off. Scarier to think that we could accomplish our dreams and goals, and lose the joy we were meant to have amidst that moment.
Today, it is about who I am separate of the things I have accomplished or the letters after (or before) my name. We are what we do repeatedly - not just our one time accomplishments. We are made in our daily choices, and motivations. That's where we're forged. I want to be forged true. Someone who celebrates with others' accomplishments, weeps with their heartaches, and is always motivated to do the great thing out of love... and the small one.
This has been the lesson of my last 2 years. And my fight last night... and this morning. But today, I remembered who I am.
Thursday, September 06, 2012
Seattle Daily Journal of Commerce
September 6, 2012
Wright house due for demo unless it sells
By JOURNAL STAFF
Photo by Scott Jarson
A house in Arizona designed by Frank Lloyd Wright that was the forerunner for his Guggenheim Museum may be demolished soon unless a buyer steps forward, according to a website called TopTenRealEstateDeals.
Wright designed and built the house between 1950 and 1952 for one of his sons on a 2.2-acre site in Phoenix, but a Nevada developer bought it and plans to build two new houses on the land.
The developer is 8081 Meridian Corp. and the website reports that the company has agreed to wait for a while to see if someone wants to buy the property so the house can be preserved.
The Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy has an online petition to save the house at http://www.change.org/petitions/city-of-phoenix-save-the-david-and-gladys-wright-house .
Neil Levine, an architectural historian and Harvard professor, called the house one of Wright's most innovative, unusual and personal works. The circular spiral plan was used six years later for the Guggenheim in New York City.
The 2,553-square-foot house is on a landscaped site with a pool near the foot of Camelback Mountain. It has 4 bedrooms, 4 baths, Philippine mahogany woodwork and a large fireplace. A curving ramp leads to the master suite and a rooftop terrace.
The Phoenix Planning Commission has voted to consider a preservation designation, which triggers a temporary delay in permits for demolition.
__________________________________________________________________
How sad is this?! And I'd wonder how his sons would feel? Watching a gift, and a piece of their dad's legacy be literally demolished!
September 6, 2012
Wright house due for demo unless it sells
By JOURNAL STAFF
A house in Arizona designed by Frank Lloyd Wright that was the forerunner for his Guggenheim Museum may be demolished soon unless a buyer steps forward, according to a website called TopTenRealEstateDeals.
Wright designed and built the house between 1950 and 1952 for one of his sons on a 2.2-acre site in Phoenix, but a Nevada developer bought it and plans to build two new houses on the land.
The developer is 8081 Meridian Corp. and the website reports that the company has agreed to wait for a while to see if someone wants to buy the property so the house can be preserved.
The Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy has an online petition to save the house at http://www.change.org/petitions/city-of-phoenix-save-the-david-and-gladys-wright-house .
Neil Levine, an architectural historian and Harvard professor, called the house one of Wright's most innovative, unusual and personal works. The circular spiral plan was used six years later for the Guggenheim in New York City.
The 2,553-square-foot house is on a landscaped site with a pool near the foot of Camelback Mountain. It has 4 bedrooms, 4 baths, Philippine mahogany woodwork and a large fireplace. A curving ramp leads to the master suite and a rooftop terrace.
The Phoenix Planning Commission has voted to consider a preservation designation, which triggers a temporary delay in permits for demolition.
__________________________________________________________________
How sad is this?! And I'd wonder how his sons would feel? Watching a gift, and a piece of their dad's legacy be literally demolished!
I have 4 months to:This year was about pushing myself out of my comfort - jumping in and living the life I've been "meaning" to live for so long. I have accomplished so few of the goals I outlined for myself. And I'm trying not to get too hung up on that. Because looking over the things I have done, this has been a big year. An exciting year. And overall, I'm thrilled with how it has turned out and what my list of goals have pushed me into - all the risks and moments and gifts. I've been being that person on the outside and in action, that I've been dreaming up on the inside for years. I set out at the start to dream big, write down dozens of fun and wild things, and do them. Things I love. I dreamt wide. I think next year, I'll still be dreaming bigger, but also more precise. The word I'm hearing in my heart is "single-minded." Focused. I won't be setting 25 goals next year. I may have five. Or just one. We will see. Until last year, I always had goals for "four years from now" or "five years down the road". I turned 24 and it became a wild season (as many of you remember if you were following my blog) of no longer knowing exactly where I was going - not in the details at least. I was done with school. I wasn't even within earshot of marriage. The door to grad school closed. For the first time, I didn't have a clue where I'd be in one year - physically, mentally, what my life would be surrounded by and spent on. Nothing was as I'd anticipated. And I didn't feel like the Lord was giving me the next step or releasing that "five year plan" to me any more. I'd finished the semi-current goals I knew He'd told me to - and I had no idea when the long-term dreams He's given me would become reality. Just this past week, I've felt that changing. Maybe it's just because I'm soon to pass 25 and start looking forward to "30" - it's just 4 years away (oh my GOD! what?!!). Or maybe it's just time to dream again - time to set out a 4 year plan. Time to seek a longer season and no longer this day to day He's been keeping me in. Time to set my gaze. The past couple years have been about becoming who I am, in today. Whatever today looks like. And I can feel that heating up. But I also sense something in me shifting that it's going to become a lot more about where I'm going. It will always be about who I am. It always is about our identity. But, it's almost as if I can tell the next 4 months are a season to cement those qualities I've been fighting for, and recently feel so strongly struggling with - because whoever I am, there's somewhere to go next. And I'm finally going to know a big piece of how to get there. It's exciting. And it's frightening, because somewhere in the back of my mind I know if there's a new piece coming - there's first a big test. And there's 4 months left in this year. Power is guarded by problems - to ensure we are ready for the responsibility. If I know anything - I know this is true. And it's a blessing that He prepares us through these troubles. In one light, the past couple years have been the trouble... but somehow I know it's about to get forged. Because everything I want to be, feel called to be, or think I am seems harder to be suddenly. And all the inconsistencies in me are bubbling up.
Ride in a hot air balloon
Start a 401K
Visit a new city
Submit a poem for publishing
Submit a short story for publishing
Ride on a train
Get my concealed weapons permit
Read (most of) the New Testament
Read 12 (?) more books
Finish Don Quixote
Visit the Olympics
Get better at getting ready before leaving the house
Run a half marathon
Get my domain/website up
Learn a real piece on my violin (that I haven't touched in months)
...and the list goes on...
I can't stop thinking about fall. Let's be honest. It's here. It's sunny and warm, but fall is all over in the air. Leaves have already begun falling in Seattle. And a little birdie told me the Pumpkin Spice Latte is available. It's fall. And I couldn't be happier. Been plotting about fall decorations all morning. Been day dreaming about walks and scarves. I looked in my closet yesterday and thought, "Finally, the season I dress for." My closet looks like a pile of Autumn leaves - burnt oranges, greens, one or two yellows speckled. Mostly browns, tans and grays. And basically all, sweaters. :) Let's sit down and chat over a hot drink, take a walk, find every potentially crunchy leaf with our boots, add pumpkin to any and every possible recipe. Let's let the nights come as quick as they please, and the mornings linger. We'll share them all - let the night skies grow dark and the inner lights burn warm and long inside our homes. Let Seattle become an ember.
Autumn has always been my favorite - it's the climate my heart feels most comfortable. But this year, I have my own home to decorate. A very special roomie to relish it with. And a Beau to share it with. Fall, if I can figure out how to hug you - I'll throw my arms around you wide! I've been having fun with Summer and all, but secretly my ears been listening for your feet at the door. Unlike Summer, you're rarely late, and you never disappoint me. You're here. And I'm going to decorate the house and throw you a party! I think tonight I'll toast to you. You're more than a guest - you're family. You're in all my favorite memories. And I think this year we'll make a few favorite more.
Wednesday, September 05, 2012
After a 4.5 day weekend.... it hurts to be back at work. I had such an amazing time with my sister and brother-in-law in town. And today, I just cannot seem to pick up momentum at work. One hurdle after another to crawl over. I just keep reminding myself: It's already Wednesday. And then, it's another wonderful weekend with people I love.
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