Designing soft goods for large projects is probably one of my favorite tasks. When you are also doing period design, double happiness (as they would say in China). I am becoming somewhat of a Georgian expert in the design of windows and their layers. There is nothing like a combination of swags, jabots, tails, draperies, under draperies and tied back sheers to make you a believer. I love the combination of fabrics, trims and treatments. I love the tone on tone expressions, the lux textiles and the installation meetings to strategize attachments, fullness, and puddling.
I have a wonderful task in front of me this week in the design and technical detailing of two large homes in New Albany. The soft goods are coming together in sync with the project. Large pieces are becoming established, layouts are becoming a reality and now the soft goods are pulling these rooms together with aplumb. I am enjoying my little berg more and more everyday.
This labor of love will live as long as I do. Draperies lasting 20 -30 years is not uncommon. New Albany homes typically are redone every 7 years (when the wood has to be replaced on the exterior, typically draperies are redone, as well. But the quality of what I am doing is beyond those short life spans. This is textile design art.
I truly love my work.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Saturday, February 20, 2010
February in New Albany
Folks say that this is the wildest winter on record in Ohio. We have enjoyed over 38" of snow in the last three weeks. As people have fussed and fumed, I have watched a different reaction emerge. The snow melts a little now everyday. Sun on brick pavers tends to do that no matter what the temperatures. My driveway is going from a picturesque series of 5' trenches and piles to a manageable 3' of snow piled on the sides. I honestly feel that I will miss it. It had a nice cuddle and glow feeling about it, that kind of protected my little family and the joy that takes place in this little house.
The weather gurus are promising snow again this week. We can all hardly wait. I doubt if it will reach the epic proportions of what we have experienced, but if we can hit 40" of snow in one month in Ohio, I am pretty impressed. Makes me kind of hope that spring holds off just a bit longer. I want to enjoy every historical moment of this.
The weather gurus are promising snow again this week. We can all hardly wait. I doubt if it will reach the epic proportions of what we have experienced, but if we can hit 40" of snow in one month in Ohio, I am pretty impressed. Makes me kind of hope that spring holds off just a bit longer. I want to enjoy every historical moment of this.
Friday, February 19, 2010
New Albany - The Design Mecca
I am so pleased to be working and living in New Albany Ohio. The client base that I have established in New Albany, and many diverse areas of Columbus affords me an extremely diverse list of suppliers and manufacturers that are critical for the success of my interior design practice.
I have been so fortunate in the wonderful people that have sought me out, and hired me to do design work in their homes, offices, and places of work. My design practice continues to grow, and succeed, in spite of national crisis and international trauma.
We are in a magical little berg that is created for maximum impact of quality of life. It is a joy to be here and be practicing good design with amazing clients. Thanks for letting us into your lives.
I have been so fortunate in the wonderful people that have sought me out, and hired me to do design work in their homes, offices, and places of work. My design practice continues to grow, and succeed, in spite of national crisis and international trauma.
We are in a magical little berg that is created for maximum impact of quality of life. It is a joy to be here and be practicing good design with amazing clients. Thanks for letting us into your lives.
Moving in New Albany
The act of moving in New Albany has become second nature to me now. I have been somewhat of a nomad since moving out of the "marital house" in East Lansing, five short years ago. It was huge. It was perfect. It was a creation for a life that was lived with gusto and no regrets.
I now get to experience many different Georgian houses in New Albany with typically one year leases and new neighbors and adventure. I actually do not mind moving. I am not a pack rat and use it as an opportunity to clean out the old and donate it, find uses for it, and reconsider whether it is worth moving at all. Up until 50 years ago, people sold their homes furnished, and I think I understand why. Moving wears most people out. There is something about moving my art, china, casegoods and crystal that inspires me. It can make any of these Georgian homes look great. I always take it on as a personal challenge to inspire myself with how to effectively lay out the house with a different flair, or approach than is typical. I love the creative aspect of moving. I love finding recognizable places for everything. I love the adventure of setting up rooms with layouts that are different each time.
My friends tell me that I must have been from a Nomadic tribe in a former life. No, I am part of one now. Celine, Baxter and I are enjoying this. We scope out the houses, and make joint decisions about how to use which areas. We entertain constantly, and know we must support that with our choices. Poker parties on one floor, while twelve year olds cook and watch movies on another floor. We love being the destination of choice. We love inviting everyone in.
I am famous for "third day parties". Throwing a part on the third night that we are living in a house. This forces art to be hung, books to be shelved, and the kitchen organized. It always seems to be Cinco de Mayo. Sounds like we might do that again this year.
I now get to experience many different Georgian houses in New Albany with typically one year leases and new neighbors and adventure. I actually do not mind moving. I am not a pack rat and use it as an opportunity to clean out the old and donate it, find uses for it, and reconsider whether it is worth moving at all. Up until 50 years ago, people sold their homes furnished, and I think I understand why. Moving wears most people out. There is something about moving my art, china, casegoods and crystal that inspires me. It can make any of these Georgian homes look great. I always take it on as a personal challenge to inspire myself with how to effectively lay out the house with a different flair, or approach than is typical. I love the creative aspect of moving. I love finding recognizable places for everything. I love the adventure of setting up rooms with layouts that are different each time.
My friends tell me that I must have been from a Nomadic tribe in a former life. No, I am part of one now. Celine, Baxter and I are enjoying this. We scope out the houses, and make joint decisions about how to use which areas. We entertain constantly, and know we must support that with our choices. Poker parties on one floor, while twelve year olds cook and watch movies on another floor. We love being the destination of choice. We love inviting everyone in.
I am famous for "third day parties". Throwing a part on the third night that we are living in a house. This forces art to be hung, books to be shelved, and the kitchen organized. It always seems to be Cinco de Mayo. Sounds like we might do that again this year.
Getting on With It
Seems like most people that we meet in business are pretty clear about their initial intentions. It is later, when we meet obstacles that people become unsure and unsteadfast in their approach to problems. Design is one of those areas that proving oneself is a necessary part of the relationship. Often we must have successes in the early stages of a relationship to gain the momentum to be respected and eventually revered. I am quite used to this set of rules.
In my past life, in practice in Michigan, my reputation was better established and my voice had more impact. Today, I find that joyfully I am starting some of that over. No fear. I enjoy the proving of my talent, as much as the design process itself. I am a natural speaker and enjoy the communication aspect of design. Watching the lights come on with a client is a joy forever.
As we earn the confidence of our clients, and begin the real work on their home, their office, their hosptial or their church, we get to enjoy the fruits of our labors over and over again.
Design for the masses is of great influence. It encourages people to live better, move better through their environment and be able to keep it clean and well maintained. There is always a method to our madness of specifications, details and placement. Clients typically understand this after one small installation. The stage becomes set to do good things. Getting on with it.
In my past life, in practice in Michigan, my reputation was better established and my voice had more impact. Today, I find that joyfully I am starting some of that over. No fear. I enjoy the proving of my talent, as much as the design process itself. I am a natural speaker and enjoy the communication aspect of design. Watching the lights come on with a client is a joy forever.
As we earn the confidence of our clients, and begin the real work on their home, their office, their hosptial or their church, we get to enjoy the fruits of our labors over and over again.
Design for the masses is of great influence. It encourages people to live better, move better through their environment and be able to keep it clean and well maintained. There is always a method to our madness of specifications, details and placement. Clients typically understand this after one small installation. The stage becomes set to do good things. Getting on with it.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Brave and True
We must be brave to be an entrepreneur in a creative field. Our talent must always come through and speak the truth. If we try to do something that we do not believe in, it shows. This sounds like an easy thing to do and say. In a wonderful place like Columbus Ohio it is much less stressful than other places that I have practiced. I have the lucky position of doing work that I love, and being able to share it with people that believe in me and are willing to pay me to do it. I have had so much fun getting started in this thriving market. I brought a vast experience with me and honed it until it all fit together and is flourishing. I am very happy and fortunate to be here.
When designers are challenged sometimes they run away. It is easy to run away from confrontation if it intimidates you. Many people that lead with their art have a difficult time sticking to it when the client is a bit tough or the design challenge is beyond them. I find it intriguing with times get a bit more challenging. I like to find compromise and a happy client underneath it all. I like to dig through it and make it work. Most people think that designers do not compromise. Most people think that to work with a designer means that they are in charge and they must give up their own ideas to adapt to the creative side of someone that they hire. This is true to a point. But to us that thrive on client satisfaction, this is just not our style. I am true to my art. I will not do something that will not ultimately look great. But oftentimes listening is the most difficult task. We all have different ways that we communicate. Taking the time or the step back to really listen and understand someone else is crucial in the process. When we do listen we usually find common ground. We usually find a truth that we can live with.
When designers are challenged sometimes they run away. It is easy to run away from confrontation if it intimidates you. Many people that lead with their art have a difficult time sticking to it when the client is a bit tough or the design challenge is beyond them. I find it intriguing with times get a bit more challenging. I like to find compromise and a happy client underneath it all. I like to dig through it and make it work. Most people think that designers do not compromise. Most people think that to work with a designer means that they are in charge and they must give up their own ideas to adapt to the creative side of someone that they hire. This is true to a point. But to us that thrive on client satisfaction, this is just not our style. I am true to my art. I will not do something that will not ultimately look great. But oftentimes listening is the most difficult task. We all have different ways that we communicate. Taking the time or the step back to really listen and understand someone else is crucial in the process. When we do listen we usually find common ground. We usually find a truth that we can live with.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
SNOW and Design Influence
When you have over 30" of snow on the ground and it just seems to keep falling everyday, you end up being drawn to cozy, warm spaces, with light flooding the corners, and accents of deeper metal and suptle textiles touching your skin.
I keep thinking that I am having a cocooning stage, but it is definitely influenced by the survival of the fittest and the weather surrounding us. We shovel daily. We come in and wrap ourselves in fleece blankets, drink hot tea, and cuddle alot more!
I think when this is all said and done, we will miss the closeness of this February. The fresh baked cookies, the nonstop working on projects and the focus that a snowy, cloistered day offers. It is a very productive winter, and will prove to be a great season for business.
Spring is just around the corner and we will all come out and stretch and start planting to get some green in our lives to replace all this stark cold white. But for now I will celebrate the SNOW and enjoy the sparkle and the blustery influences.
Four seasons are the best!!
I keep thinking that I am having a cocooning stage, but it is definitely influenced by the survival of the fittest and the weather surrounding us. We shovel daily. We come in and wrap ourselves in fleece blankets, drink hot tea, and cuddle alot more!
I think when this is all said and done, we will miss the closeness of this February. The fresh baked cookies, the nonstop working on projects and the focus that a snowy, cloistered day offers. It is a very productive winter, and will prove to be a great season for business.
Spring is just around the corner and we will all come out and stretch and start planting to get some green in our lives to replace all this stark cold white. But for now I will celebrate the SNOW and enjoy the sparkle and the blustery influences.
Four seasons are the best!!
Design is a Responsibillity
Today I had the pleasure of munching lunch with an interior designer who is not only totally respected and reveered by many, but also a dear friend. We talked about how to make a difference in our profession. We talked about licensing, testing, certification, and furthering Interior Design education. We talked about responsibility!
I was taught while still in school how important all this is. It was drummed into the heads of the Kendall College of Art & Design student body by the ASID Student Chapter Liasion that after five years in the field, you studied for the NCIDQ and just took it. We needed to "further the profession" and it was our professional responsibility to do just that. I studied on my own, took the two day, 16 hour test and passed it with flying colors. I did not think it was any big deal. I just thought it was what you did to practice in this wonderful field.
I have learned since being in Columbus Ohio and practicing Interior Design that it is not as common as we were taught in Michigan. In Ohio it is more rare to graduate from a FIDER accredited college, pass the NCIDQ exam, become certifed and licensed in the profession and call yourself an interior designer. I have learned that there are shortcuts that people take. I have learned that some folks sneek through.
I was taught that it is a professional responsibility to create a "top the profession" attitude about life learning and continuing to be at the top of the heap with your peers. I learned early that if you are not current, you are dangerous. Life, health and safety was always stressed more than any aesthetic in training. Electrical loads, plumbing stacks, barrier free / universal design, ample aisles for spacing of traffic patterns, and fabrics and finishes that stand the test of time.
I have designed for such demanding populations as Alzheimers Care Units/ Memory Care Units in nursing homes, long term care facilities, and hospitals. I have designed many churches that have congregations of over 3000 people. Layout, and exit traffic patterns are not only nice, they are life safety code relevant. I have designed every nook and cranny of hospitals, schools, hotels, and retail spaces. This affords me respect for the whole process of interior design.
The other side of education, testing, certification, and licensing is the value that it brings the client. If anyone can call themselves an interior designer, and practice parts of design, then we are all dilluted. We all suffer as a profession. Honestly how do people know who is and who isn't? An informed client is a joy forever, and they do know. But for every one of those delights, there are ten more that have neither the time or interest to sort it all out. For those people I offer up simplicity from us design professionals.
If a designer uses the letters ASID after their name with no additional words or phrases, they are a professional interior designer, educated and tested, with CEU requirements and certification. (we are talking minimums here, not a real big deal) If they say something else, you need to just ask good questions and see if their level of training, education and professionalism is what you are needing. It may be. But we are all pretty much the same per hour. So the educated designer is actually a bargain. We must educate continually. We must not be afraid to blow our own horn. We must practice honesty and communication that explains differences and let the client make their own decisions.
It is a big complicated world out there with everyone trying to make a living, and sometimes labels matter. So do your homework, ask the right questions and get references.
Life is difficult enough!!
I was taught while still in school how important all this is. It was drummed into the heads of the Kendall College of Art & Design student body by the ASID Student Chapter Liasion that after five years in the field, you studied for the NCIDQ and just took it. We needed to "further the profession" and it was our professional responsibility to do just that. I studied on my own, took the two day, 16 hour test and passed it with flying colors. I did not think it was any big deal. I just thought it was what you did to practice in this wonderful field.
I have learned since being in Columbus Ohio and practicing Interior Design that it is not as common as we were taught in Michigan. In Ohio it is more rare to graduate from a FIDER accredited college, pass the NCIDQ exam, become certifed and licensed in the profession and call yourself an interior designer. I have learned that there are shortcuts that people take. I have learned that some folks sneek through.
I was taught that it is a professional responsibility to create a "top the profession" attitude about life learning and continuing to be at the top of the heap with your peers. I learned early that if you are not current, you are dangerous. Life, health and safety was always stressed more than any aesthetic in training. Electrical loads, plumbing stacks, barrier free / universal design, ample aisles for spacing of traffic patterns, and fabrics and finishes that stand the test of time.
I have designed for such demanding populations as Alzheimers Care Units/ Memory Care Units in nursing homes, long term care facilities, and hospitals. I have designed many churches that have congregations of over 3000 people. Layout, and exit traffic patterns are not only nice, they are life safety code relevant. I have designed every nook and cranny of hospitals, schools, hotels, and retail spaces. This affords me respect for the whole process of interior design.
The other side of education, testing, certification, and licensing is the value that it brings the client. If anyone can call themselves an interior designer, and practice parts of design, then we are all dilluted. We all suffer as a profession. Honestly how do people know who is and who isn't? An informed client is a joy forever, and they do know. But for every one of those delights, there are ten more that have neither the time or interest to sort it all out. For those people I offer up simplicity from us design professionals.
If a designer uses the letters ASID after their name with no additional words or phrases, they are a professional interior designer, educated and tested, with CEU requirements and certification. (we are talking minimums here, not a real big deal) If they say something else, you need to just ask good questions and see if their level of training, education and professionalism is what you are needing. It may be. But we are all pretty much the same per hour. So the educated designer is actually a bargain. We must educate continually. We must not be afraid to blow our own horn. We must practice honesty and communication that explains differences and let the client make their own decisions.
It is a big complicated world out there with everyone trying to make a living, and sometimes labels matter. So do your homework, ask the right questions and get references.
Life is difficult enough!!
Friday, February 12, 2010
Linking all Social Networks
This is a huge task to undertake. I am moving all my recommendations from Linked In to my website and to my Facebook page this weekend. It is a huge endeavor, but one must remember that the website is still the "mother ship" of online research. Technology and the acceptance of social netorking sites to research history and backgrounds of people that you might hire is a new advancement that has many people over 25 boggled. The "I don't know how to do this" response is always first. If we could be more childlike in our approach, we would find that it is truly more like play, than work. Think video game simplified. And it really is alot of fun.
I just had a friend tell me that they were totally against Facebook, and spent no time at it, until they started reconnecting with middle school, and high school friends and really had a good time doing it. It became the social part of the social networking that most people really enjoy.
So as I link my sites, and start on two new projects, I will be thankful for a respite from more snow for a couple of days.
I just had a friend tell me that they were totally against Facebook, and spent no time at it, until they started reconnecting with middle school, and high school friends and really had a good time doing it. It became the social part of the social networking that most people really enjoy.
So as I link my sites, and start on two new projects, I will be thankful for a respite from more snow for a couple of days.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Chasing the Dream
Interior Design is not just a spectator sport. Sometimes you have to get your hands dirty. Whether it is an installation, a mock up presentation, or just supervision of contractors, you have to be there to make sure it is right.
The worst situation happens when things move along without your involvement and there is no backing up. This has happened in stuations where younger less experienced designers were at the helm and did not have the face time with the client, or understand it's importance. That does not happen within the ranks of our company now. We get it. Face time = success. Client satisfaction comes with compliance to specifications and staying in budget. Client satisfaction is paramount in our day to day operation as a design firm. It is what we strive for and guarantee to our clients.
The worst situation happens when things move along without your involvement and there is no backing up. This has happened in stuations where younger less experienced designers were at the helm and did not have the face time with the client, or understand it's importance. That does not happen within the ranks of our company now. We get it. Face time = success. Client satisfaction comes with compliance to specifications and staying in budget. Client satisfaction is paramount in our day to day operation as a design firm. It is what we strive for and guarantee to our clients.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
We Are Adding More Product LInes
This is a huge announcement. We already have the most aggressive and amazing product lines out there. To be able to bring more products to market at net/net pricing is a dream come true. We will be making an announcement soon of introductory specials and market focus.
Stay tuned. Come grow with us. Join the team of designers in Columbus that enjoy putting the design focus on it's edge. We like pushing the envelope with manufacturers, suppliers, trades, and ourselves. We can all be better. We can all make a design difference by not following the status quo and not settling for mediocre anything.
Stay tuned. Come grow with us. Join the team of designers in Columbus that enjoy putting the design focus on it's edge. We like pushing the envelope with manufacturers, suppliers, trades, and ourselves. We can all be better. We can all make a design difference by not following the status quo and not settling for mediocre anything.
Freezing Rain is Coming - Time to sock in to Do Great Things
I was warned by a client this afternoon that we are getting a major winter storm. (It is February, after all.) So in running around today and gathering last minute details for a couple of installations tomorrow, I have a renewed sense of urgency. There is nothing like a winter storm to get folks to gather around the hearth to enjoy each other and have some quiet winter time. I really enjoy them. The possibility of the kids not having school tomorrow is also a joyous thing. We have a house full of noise and twelve year olds that is celebratory of anything that has potential of fun.
We have some wonderful projects in house right now. We are redesigning the interior of a twelve year old church that has such great potential. We have several phases of residential projects that we are working on that have some beautiful elements being addressed. We are doing accessories for several projects, including art and window treatments. And we are just starting two whole house projects that have unlimited potential.
I am once again stating publicly how thrilled we are to be in Columbus in such a thriving and heathly interior design market. We are grateful everyday of the faith and trust that our clients put in us. Everyday we attempt to earn it all over again.
We have some wonderful projects in house right now. We are redesigning the interior of a twelve year old church that has such great potential. We have several phases of residential projects that we are working on that have some beautiful elements being addressed. We are doing accessories for several projects, including art and window treatments. And we are just starting two whole house projects that have unlimited potential.
I am once again stating publicly how thrilled we are to be in Columbus in such a thriving and heathly interior design market. We are grateful everyday of the faith and trust that our clients put in us. Everyday we attempt to earn it all over again.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Sneeking in Some Spring Into your Day
What a glorious day in Columbus Ohio. We have mid forties, and some sun is creeping in. It is shaking out any personal cobwebs and giving us hope that warm weather and daffodils are coming soon. Fall and spring are wonderful in mid Ohio. We live for those days and dream of the warm sun coming inside and warming our winter interiors.
We had an installation this morning for one of our favorite clients. There is nothing more gratifying than seeing an interior come together that has been planned and staged. It make me
feel like there is hope in the world. Even the housekeeper was thrilled. It is absolutely beautiful to have such a lovely expression on this pre spring day in February.
So as I run out in the "small car" to pick up kids from school in less than an hour, I will stretch the legs of this little machine and enjoy the day. We are so lucky to live here, and experience the wonder of a great market, gracious clients, and opportunity to express ourselves.
We had an installation this morning for one of our favorite clients. There is nothing more gratifying than seeing an interior come together that has been planned and staged. It make me
feel like there is hope in the world. Even the housekeeper was thrilled. It is absolutely beautiful to have such a lovely expression on this pre spring day in February.
So as I run out in the "small car" to pick up kids from school in less than an hour, I will stretch the legs of this little machine and enjoy the day. We are so lucky to live here, and experience the wonder of a great market, gracious clients, and opportunity to express ourselves.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
A Little February Thaw with Sunshine
What a gorgeous Columbus day. I am in the middle of so many projects and so many deadlines that a sunny day was a really nice distraction. As I rushed around to meet trucks, and inspect shipments, it was nice to have some sun on my face.
Business in Columbus is booming. So much for a so called recession. We are now receiving orders that were placed in early to mid December and my patient clients are finally seeing some relief. With industry shut downs, and holiday delays, this is as good as it gets in this industry.
If you close your eyes, and just absorb the sun, you can feel that spring is just around the corner. I know my clients can feel it too. That is why new projects are stacking up and we are hitting another wave of work. How exciting. 2010 is going to be a wild ride.
Business in Columbus is booming. So much for a so called recession. We are now receiving orders that were placed in early to mid December and my patient clients are finally seeing some relief. With industry shut downs, and holiday delays, this is as good as it gets in this industry.
If you close your eyes, and just absorb the sun, you can feel that spring is just around the corner. I know my clients can feel it too. That is why new projects are stacking up and we are hitting another wave of work. How exciting. 2010 is going to be a wild ride.
Monday, February 1, 2010
The BOOK
Those that know me know that I am writing a book. Probably just a little book like "Tuesdays with Morie" or "The Five People You'll Meet in Heaven". Of course if I added really BIG pictures it could be a great coffee table book. But instead I think I will stay with my original topic of adult life and trauma and the transitory life of marriage today.
It is a topic that I have almost forgot all the details of. Luckily I wrote them all down. I spent my weekend reading it from front to back. It brought back a flood of thoughts. It brought back memories that are all dusty and stacked on very high shelves. It brought back my old life.
Life has a funny way of using what you have learned. It has a way of helping you with the current stuff, by giving you understanding of the older stuff. It is a gift. I continue to want to embrace it, and learn from it. It is my history. It is really gone, especially since I left Michigan and closed the door on so much. But it supports me, soothes me and helps me get to where I need to be.
So writing this little book, and having it published is a huge accomplishment that I only dreamed of four years ago. Then I was up to my nostrils in grief. I was swimming against a current of sadness, loss, and longing. Now I have learned to float to the surface and just gaze at a blue clear sky and feel good things all around me. I am creating a life around me that just keeps smiling on me and gathering up current and soft winds. It is so lovely up here.
As the book becomes its own thing. As I step away and let others read it, and see that it stands on it's own. I get a little tingle up my spine. It is like giving birth again, but alone. There is nothing wrong with that, but you sure better appreciate all that it took to get here. Celebrating a huge accomplishment in life is so rich and firm. It makes your heart soar and you see such air all around you. It is such a great way to express what is in your spirit and embrace living in the here and now.
It is a topic that I have almost forgot all the details of. Luckily I wrote them all down. I spent my weekend reading it from front to back. It brought back a flood of thoughts. It brought back memories that are all dusty and stacked on very high shelves. It brought back my old life.
Life has a funny way of using what you have learned. It has a way of helping you with the current stuff, by giving you understanding of the older stuff. It is a gift. I continue to want to embrace it, and learn from it. It is my history. It is really gone, especially since I left Michigan and closed the door on so much. But it supports me, soothes me and helps me get to where I need to be.
So writing this little book, and having it published is a huge accomplishment that I only dreamed of four years ago. Then I was up to my nostrils in grief. I was swimming against a current of sadness, loss, and longing. Now I have learned to float to the surface and just gaze at a blue clear sky and feel good things all around me. I am creating a life around me that just keeps smiling on me and gathering up current and soft winds. It is so lovely up here.
As the book becomes its own thing. As I step away and let others read it, and see that it stands on it's own. I get a little tingle up my spine. It is like giving birth again, but alone. There is nothing wrong with that, but you sure better appreciate all that it took to get here. Celebrating a huge accomplishment in life is so rich and firm. It makes your heart soar and you see such air all around you. It is such a great way to express what is in your spirit and embrace living in the here and now.
Linked In - BIG Impact in Columbus
I joined Linked In about a two years ago. I was urged by a very organized friend that does workshops on social networking and how to use it in your business. She is a major member of Linked In. She is my hero.
In the past few months I vowed to increase my exposure on Linked In and expand my connections and thier impact on my life. I decided to invite my whole list of email addresses to become my connections. Every day one of them accepts and my list is growing and growing. Then I got the bright idea that I would recommend them for the work we have done together to thank them for being there for me, somehow and someway. Then they all reciprocated by recommending me. So my dream came true. The list of people that are helping me with my business is growing. My life and accomplishments in Michigan ARE actually following me here to
New Albany.
Life is good.
In the past few months I vowed to increase my exposure on Linked In and expand my connections and thier impact on my life. I decided to invite my whole list of email addresses to become my connections. Every day one of them accepts and my list is growing and growing. Then I got the bright idea that I would recommend them for the work we have done together to thank them for being there for me, somehow and someway. Then they all reciprocated by recommending me. So my dream came true. The list of people that are helping me with my business is growing. My life and accomplishments in Michigan ARE actually following me here to
New Albany.
Life is good.
Friends in the Industry
I always seem to have a little project or two going at my house. So what if for the last few years they have been rentals. Us designers cannot just sit and accept status quo. We must create, we must change where we are so that it is comfy, cozy or dramatic.
So I pulled a bunch of my friends in the industry and we are putting it all back. Must do it as this lease comes to an end. I chalk it up to playing around with a color pallette, or a technique.
It is time to make it vanilla again, and move on to hopefully one day own my own walls to play on. I can see it. The time is almost here. It may actually end up being in Indonesia, and then Greece, but the time is coming....and I can almost see it.
So I pulled a bunch of my friends in the industry and we are putting it all back. Must do it as this lease comes to an end. I chalk it up to playing around with a color pallette, or a technique.
It is time to make it vanilla again, and move on to hopefully one day own my own walls to play on. I can see it. The time is almost here. It may actually end up being in Indonesia, and then Greece, but the time is coming....and I can almost see it.
National Coverage about Community Outreach 2009
We just received a national magazing from ASID today and our little Community Outreach Project was showcased. It certainly made me proud to read a page of quotes, and spin on a project that was certainly near to my heart for a year.
I continue to be proud of the 100 volunteers that came together with 180,000 dollars worth of donations for a worthy cause. To make a difference with peers that I truly respect and admire, is a wonderful feeling.
I am so lucky to be in a community where giving back is common, and doing it with gusto and flair is appreciated.
Thanks to all of ASID, and thanks to my core group of volunteers that made this look so easy.
I continue to be proud of the 100 volunteers that came together with 180,000 dollars worth of donations for a worthy cause. To make a difference with peers that I truly respect and admire, is a wonderful feeling.
I am so lucky to be in a community where giving back is common, and doing it with gusto and flair is appreciated.
Thanks to all of ASID, and thanks to my core group of volunteers that made this look so easy.
Design Divas 2010
Okay okay okay... I know I seem to be ignoring all of you. I really am not. All of you that have written me, and sent me the HGTV Design Divas application, I have them. I have actually even read them. I have thought about a unique approach for the application for HGTV, and have some of this worked out. It is daunting. Your grasp of the techie part of this is paramount so I am asking for help. It is a tiny goal for 2010. And to do this, just like any production project, we must get started.
So gathering photos of all of my projects and looking at their photo quality is a first step. Then doing a small write up of the design intent, the issues, and the finished product. These are very important parts that take time, and PERMISSION. So that is what I need to focus on in 2010.
When doing this, it becomes a wheel rolling down a track, like my book has become.
I simply must finish. A true verbal and written labor of love, on both counts. Thanks for your encouragement.
So gathering photos of all of my projects and looking at their photo quality is a first step. Then doing a small write up of the design intent, the issues, and the finished product. These are very important parts that take time, and PERMISSION. So that is what I need to focus on in 2010.
When doing this, it becomes a wheel rolling down a track, like my book has become.
I simply must finish. A true verbal and written labor of love, on both counts. Thanks for your encouragement.
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