architect & orient

Independence Day, not for the faint of heart

2009-07-05T17:42:00.000-07:00

Fireworks from the rooftop, expletives in sparkler form, sparkler bike contests, food, friends and puppy love. In general, a bunch of shenanigans. Happy 4th.

A day at the beach

2009-07-05T17:28:00.000-07:00

Summer should be one long day at the beach. But until then - forever lives in a moment, a deep breath of sea air, laughing with friends until your belly hurts.

Around town

2009-07-05T11:12:00.000-07:00

A moped adventure that led to pinball and N. 3rd. Summer is upon us. Quietly so.

New York, Part 4

2009-07-05T10:54:00.000-07:00

Dinner with friends, Lula's Sweet Apothecary and late night, windows open, good times.

New York, Part 3

2009-07-05T10:30:00.000-07:00

New York, Part 2

2009-07-05T10:19:00.000-07:00

A rainy stroll through Brooklyn neighborhoods.

New York, Part 1

2009-07-05T09:45:00.000-07:00

Weekends of getting away.

And a long walk

2009-07-01T20:13:00.000-07:00

Content in laying in the grass, and spending the afternoon with my little gentleman.

A long ride

2009-07-01T20:01:00.000-07:00

Spring is for discovering the fun of bike riding for something other than transportation. Kelly Drive to Falls Bridge and back around again.

Wandering home

2009-07-01T19:59:00.001-07:00

District of Columbia: Part 4

2009-06-30T21:44:00.001-07:00

Final afternoon. An outdoor market, treasures, and sweet vegan goodness.

But I'll be back for more.

District of Columbia: Part 3

2009-06-30T21:24:00.000-07:00

Such good time with family and friends. So many perfect tulips, perfectly aligned. I struggled to find a blemish in this town.

Last bits of D.C. next.

District of Columbia: Part 2

2009-06-30T21:16:00.000-07:00

Waking with the break of day, seeing sights, and the most stunning cherry blossoms I've ever laid eyes on. March in D.C.

District of Columbia: Part 1

2009-06-30T20:16:00.000-07:00

Arriving late, and already like a kid in a candy store.

Before the sun, before the winter coat was shed

2009-06-30T19:33:00.000-07:00

Back from when it was almost too cold for photos, freezing hands fumbling with the foreign task of shooting, and the promise of spring in the air.

A visit from a friend

2009-03-22T18:38:00.000-07:00

{Just before the break of spring; just before the sun can play; just before petals and leaves break the ground and branches. A good friend always warms the soul.}

Florida in February

2009-03-22T17:48:00.000-07:00

My first visit home, spanish moss, grass to lie in.

Catching up

2009-03-22T17:18:00.000-07:00

Our first snow in the new place, back in January, little did we know that we would get pummeled several times after this.

Snug, part II:

2009-01-04T22:41:00.000-08:00

Enjoying non-holiday home time with the boys. <3

It's a new year

2009-01-01T22:29:00.000-08:00

Celebrations are in order, for many good reasons.

[friends:]

[girlfriends who travel by chinatown bus to be with you:]

[love:]

[piggyback rides:]

[popcorn made on the fire:]

[sass:]

[more sass:]

[loving life:]

Phila. bound

2008-12-29T22:00:00.000-08:00

The drive home, the George Washington bridge in NY and the Philadelpha skyline at sunset (sigh.)

Cambridge art

2008-12-28T21:10:00.000-08:00

Just between the T and sisty's house.

A walk on the Esplanade

2008-12-28T20:41:00.000-08:00

Breakfast in, a beautiful walk with the family and Vinyl, more Bikram with sister in Harvard Square, Christmas cookie making, Grasshopper and drinks with new friends!

Watertown, Mass.

2008-12-27T20:04:00.000-08:00

Vegan brunch at an amazing diner, crunching through snow in my new boots, treats at a middle eastern grocery, Bikram in Harvard Square, homemade chili and cornbread and Elf!

Away for the holidays

2008-12-25T19:57:00.000-08:00

A trip up to Boston with Kellan and Vinyl, a lovely Christmas dinner with the family and many good times. More photos to come.

Christmas Eve

2008-12-24T18:44:00.000-08:00

Su Xing, a fire with the boys, presents, love.

Goofballing

2008-12-11T18:36:00.000-08:00

So disgusting, we just couldn't pass it up.

Such a square

2008-12-10T18:27:00.000-08:00

My first-ever quilt square, made for the quilt project at the Museum which was part of our holiday party. Employee-made squares will be sewn into a quilt and donated to a local women and children emergency shelter.

Bow machine

2008-12-09T18:16:00.000-08:00

Yep, I curled all those ribbons (for 350 bags.) But what this also symbolizes is the completion of the last of five events in six weeks that I planned for the Museum. Deep breath, exhale. Repeat.

Grab a shower and pull up the fire

2008-11-30T18:07:00.000-08:00

All moved in. After a long, wet moving weekend, we enjoyed a hot shower and our first fire together in the new place. Just lovely.
<3

A rainy day for a move

2008-11-29T17:59:00.000-08:00

We were so happy, the rain didn't matter one bit.

Last day

2008-11-28T17:55:00.000-08:00

Beautiful morning, ready for the move.

Thanksgiving: Part II

2008-11-27T17:32:00.000-08:00

Dinner: Tofurkey, mushroom gravy, merlot cranberry sauce, apple cranberry stuffing, balsamic roasted brussels sprouts, garlic roasted acorn squash, mashed cauliflower, deconstructed green bean casserole, vegan pumpkin cheesecake and my sweet boy. Perfect day.

Thanksgiving: Part I

2008-11-27T17:27:00.000-08:00

Our first day off together since my move to Philly. Breakfast: vegan cream cheese and peach danish with fresh coffee. (Yum!)

Packing

2008-11-25T17:18:00.000-08:00

Getting ready for the big move.

Snow!

2008-11-21T16:49:00.000-08:00

Our first little bits of snow this year, snugs and a warm cup of tea.
<3

Now you see me

2008-11-20T20:23:00.000-08:00

Now you don't.

Bikram today. Found the space between the last pose and the next: total meditation. Just by letting go.

Hello, sun

2008-11-19T19:05:00.000-08:00

Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful day.

Shadows and storm clouds

2008-11-18T17:32:00.000-08:00

The last photo was actually taken after I tore outside to discover our first snow of the year - light flurries that lasted about five minutes. So magical.

Today I had a Bikram class with James on his 1,001st day - as he met his goal. It was absolutely incredible to be there, the energy in the room was amazing. Very strong and focused class, a moment of intense meditation during tree and my first time balancing through toe stand with hands in prayer. So many good things.

Oh hi

2008-11-17T20:58:00.000-08:00

[For those in need of a little snuggle.]

Working late

2008-11-17T20:57:00.000-08:00

[This] moment made it worthwhile.

23rd and Green

2008-11-17T20:26:00.000-08:00

Along 23rd and Green is most magical right now. Static in the air, colors in the trees and leaves everywhere.

Tiny places

2008-11-12T20:18:00.000-08:00

Little bits

2008-11-11T20:08:00.000-08:00

Some early-week appreciation of the little things. Happy Tuesday.

Falling

2008-11-10T19:47:00.000-08:00

Chai + fall leaves + skinny trees. Long sigh.

Yeah, I'm going there

2008-11-07T19:45:00.000-08:00

So what?

Post rain

2008-11-06T19:30:00.000-08:00

I love the way the rainy day skies in Philly match the old buildings, seeming to almost highlight to their imperfections and bring character. For the hour after a rain, the air is cool and the wind stirs. It is amazing.

Buck shot

2008-11-05T19:26:00.000-08:00

Just a minute for fun.

Love is in the air

2008-11-04T19:21:00.000-08:00

Love can be found in the oddest of places.

A few stragglers

2008-11-03T19:02:00.000-08:00

Following Halloween, the Fairmount neighborhoods were still filled with pumpkins and spooky delights. The fall leaves everywhere just perfect my findings.

Happy Halloween

2008-10-31T18:56:00.000-07:00

Inspired

2008-10-28T18:00:00.000-07:00

On the windiest, rainiest day of the year yet, broken umbrella in tow, I set out for a walk after work -- I didn't have a choice except for walking -- yet found myself quite inspired along the way.

Sundays

2008-10-26T13:44:00.000-07:00

Maybe one of the last warm days, pumpkin waffles, coffee and vegan sausage, catching up, walks outside, Bikram, blogging and good news. Perfect day off.

Our new place

2008-10-24T13:28:00.000-07:00

December.

New bike rack

2008-10-22T13:34:00.000-07:00

And a sweet banana seat ride, right up front.

Fairmount west

2008-10-21T13:13:00.000-07:00

Feeling it out.

Getting away

2008-10-19T12:46:00.000-07:00

A hike on Forbidden Drive, Wissahickon Valley Park. Cold air and warm noses = love.

A time to breathe and start again

2008-10-16T19:58:00.000-07:00

Taking a minute to breathe, time to not even think about reflection -- just be. Everything I need will come on its own and trickle into my everyday life.

60 days, and a celebration

2008-10-15T19:47:00.000-07:00

Day 60 of continuous daily Bikram practice: I have met my goal. There's too much to say and even think about that has transpired. I have never done anything better for myself in my life and never thought I had the willpower to do such a thing. But I've never been stronger and more balanced. It has changed my whole life in many ways. More will resonate. Reflection to come.

We celebrated with pumpkin carving -- a dead Ben Franklin and the Philly skyline, a vegan cupcake and a bottle of wine.

Peace is where you hang your hat

2008-10-14T19:41:00.000-07:00

Day 59 of Bikram, an almost anxious feeling for tomorrow.

Transitioning

2008-10-13T19:31:00.000-07:00

Day 58 of Bikram.

Apple picking

2008-10-09T12:46:00.000-07:00

A personal day well spent. Apple picking at Linvilla Orchards with the girls, apple bowling and tree scaling, a lightning speed wagon race that ended with me under said wagon and apples everywhere. Pumpkin pies, apple butter, cider and warm rides home with the windows open. A perfect day.

Day 54 of Bikram.

Bridges and boundaries

2008-10-07T12:42:00.000-07:00

An intentional break from office pandemonium to clear my head.

Day 52 of Bikram.

Peeking around the corner

2008-10-06T12:09:00.000-07:00

Soon the leaves will make their transition from green to oranges, yellows and red before the cold nips them away. Winter is peeking around the corner. For now, cool mornings and sweater weather delight my fall fantasies.

Day 51 of Bikram.

Back on track

2008-10-05T12:05:00.000-07:00

Back in town, practiced in Rockville, MD yesterday. Nice Bikram studio, good food, amazing family time, sad and happy moments alike. This was so necessary.

Day 50 of Bikram.

A surprise delivery

2008-10-02T12:00:00.000-07:00

A week where unforeseen events can change all plans, and a surprise delivery of fall flowers from mom, complete with bats.

Day 47 of Bikram.

My kind of fall

2008-09-26T19:47:00.000-07:00

Day 41 of BIkram. Closer focus in tougher situations; a very challenging and awesome class. And then hearing this in final savasana:

"Learn from the tortoise. Cultivate the patience to move forward steadily, no matter how slow your progress. Remember as well that the benefits of hatha yoga go beyond getting stronger and more flexible, and that if you are monitoring only that realm, you may be disappointed. For any kind of beneficial result you have to be patient. The main culprit is thinking that you should be able to accomplish something without making consistent effort. That attitude has two unfortunate side effects: first, it diverts your attention from the work before you to what you believe you are entitled to; and second, it makes it impossible to learn and appreciate what is taking place this minute. So resolve to practice being with your experience in the present moment, enjoy yourself no matter what, and let go of expectations," (The Anatomy of Hatha Yoga.)

This is so relevant to my outside life that hearing it in class at that moment can only be described as a gift.

It's official: I'm going.

2008-09-25T19:39:00.000-07:00

In the spirit of day 40 of Bikram, my great news is that I have the honor of spending a whole day learning from the man who invented my practice. I feel very, very thankful for this. And for my whole experience so far, and far more than I can even express.

Rodin. Kristall. Whippersnappers.

2008-09-24T19:13:00.000-07:00

Have fun with what you got.

Day 39 of Bikram.

Make it worth it

2008-09-23T18:45:00.000-07:00

This is the only photo I took today. One one hand it could be a sad thought, because it means that I worked through lunch again and put no importance into the small loves in my day. But on the other hand, I have wanted to photograph this stencil for a while now -- and I did, and I love it.

Day 38 of Bikram: In a conversation today about my practice, about it being day 38, it was concluded that "you're all set, now you just have to work as hard as you can." This resonated with me after yesterday, and is simply and exactly right. Make your time worth it. I love that when you're tuned in to life, you learn/hear/absorb exactly what you need to just when you need it.

Beam me up

2008-09-22T22:45:00.000-07:00

Day 37 of Bikram: don't be afraid, just do it.

Sunday drivers

2008-09-21T22:03:00.000-07:00

And day 36 of Bikram.

Things

2008-09-20T20:51:00.000-07:00

I won't begin to pretend that I saw the light of day at all last week, that I enjoyed lunch away from my desk and took lovely photos for you. But I did dream about it.

And by Saturday, I found delight in several things, redirecting focus from big things to small:

"The city of Beirut in geometric form so as to convey the feeling of a city filled with skyscrapers. Design produced by Almohtaraf Design House Ltd." From Arabic for Designers.

And day 35 of Bikram.

In.

2008-09-16T19:32:00.000-07:00

My home for the day.

Come 6:30, Bikram was a much needed release. Day 31.

Shadow play

2008-09-15T18:50:00.000-07:00

In and out of shadows, light rises and falls. Blink and the moment is already gone. Keep focus, breathe and enjoy the shadows.

Day 30 of Bikram, my original promise kept yet I'm not stopping here. There's something in me that needs this, and I'm not finished yet.

A smile.

2008-09-14T18:45:00.000-07:00

But really, a laugh out loud (and hysterically) moment.

Hot, end-of-summer days call for farmer's marketing, smoothies and indoors.

Day 29 of Bikram.

Want.

2008-09-13T13:00:00.000-07:00

Someone to take me here:

Deetjen's Big Sur Inn, Calif.

My favorite Saturday find.

And day 28 of Bikram, second 9 a.m. class, it was wonderful. Much better focus, balance and meditation.

In protest of the rain.

2008-09-12T12:46:00.000-07:00

And missing the 5:30 class because of the rain, and spending a few good soggy hours in Center City.

[From earlier in the week. Beauty.]

And day 27 of Bikram, an amazing class with the sounds of sacred chanting floating from the fourth floor studio down to us.

They don't match, they "go."

2008-09-11T12:31:00.000-07:00

Black? Tan? Mustard? Brown? Yes, please!

And also, day 26 of Bikram.

The Politics of Dating

2008-09-10T12:21:00.000-07:00

Phone dating, that is. Lunch time phone dates brighten my day.

And today, day 25 of Bikram.

Everything in moderation

2008-09-09T21:33:00.000-07:00

No lunch today, but I did find two things that made me smile:

Today was day 24 of Bikram. A fast-winded class resulted in quick thinking about posture corrections and left me energized and happy.

Lemonade

2008-09-08T19:01:00.001-07:00

When life gives you lemons:
1. Being followed by a stranger on the way to the bus,
2. A broken hole puncher followed by
3. A broken printer, followed by
4. A broken fax machine

Deep breath, exhale, repeat:

(There are always little treasures to be found, like confetti. And Billy Idol on repeat in your head is never a bad thing.)

Day 23 of Bikram: Everyone needs a confidence-boosting day each week. Mine. Learning to bring balance to absorption of new knowledge in my practice. And how to let that knowledge sink in, while still moving forward. It brought great peace today, and it felt amazing.

Cheerleading

2008-09-07T13:45:00.000-07:00

The Spring 2008 edition of Ploughshares, the literary journal for Boston's Emerson college, features cover art by an amazing painter, and fellow barterer, Pete Shelby (and I get a copy!)

This is awesome, as I am a huge fan of Pete's paintings. They are comforting in their unsettling industrial Americana framework.

Black and white and gray inbetween

2008-09-07T12:50:00.000-07:00

A black and white cookie for gray days like yesterday. Vegan chocolate cookies with coconut glaze. Yumness.

Today is day 22 of Bikram, looking forward to a late-weekend day class.

Rainy Days

2008-09-06T13:54:00.001-07:00

Image from Popular Science magazine, May 1936. Blog.modernmechanix.com

A good rainy day can do wonders for the soul, and for our ability to catch up on lazing about and cat napping. Which I fully plan to do after I leave work today. Agenda: tea, movies and puppy snuggles. But for the way home, may I suggest the umbrella with a fold-out windshield, for all your commuting needs?

Today was day 21 of Bikram. It was my first-ever morning class, at 9 before work at the bookstore. After a week of very challenging classes, today pushed me further out of my comfort zone solely with the differences that occur in morning practice -- less flexibility, less focus and for me, less balance. There is a peace to achieve when working through what may feel or seem uncomfortable, to the point of not acknowledging that discomfort and just breathing and being in the time and space that is right now. I have known of this for some time, and have considered it an outcome of Bikram practice. But only today, after a week of pushing out of my comfort zone and working through challenging classes, have I felt that peace coming into my practice. And I love it.

Enjoy the rain, and the remaining weekend.

Sneak Peek: Neon Fun

2008-09-06T13:22:00.000-07:00

A strange glow is cast over the walls of the American Institute of Architects space on 12th and Arch, as a showcase of vintage neon signs line the walls of the bookstore and exhibition room. A rhythmic clicking and a low, slow buzz complete the sensory experience.

Featured are pieces from Len Davisdson's private collection, owner of Davidson Neon Design and founder of the Neon Museum of Philadelphia. Davidson published a collection of more than 350 signs in his book Vintage Neon, including peices from all over the U.S.

Davidson will be signing copies of his book at AIA's open house Sept. 17 at 3:30 p.m. The grand opening event is at AIA on 1218 Arch St., 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Friday fun

2008-09-05T20:14:00.000-07:00

Lunch in the park by Rodin:

And day 20 of Bikram, working hard through intense heat. "You work 100 percent in the pose so that you can relax 100 percent in between."

A forced break

2008-09-04T21:28:00.000-07:00

A late lunch, late summer heat. Relaxing in the shade, away from all things Swingline and payroll.

Day 19 of Bikram and first sushi in Phila. Both of equal awesomeness.

What makes the days go by

2008-09-03T09:24:00.001-07:00

The best thing I have ever found in the mail. It's a wonder it even made it to me. (Please note the multiple question marks in the address.) My first submission in and my formal introduction to the 'funny file' at work.

Translation:

To: Personnel on duty desk or counter
The souvenir and items for sale about the place section, such as relevant pamphlets, etc.
Phila. Museum of Art
(Ben F. Parkway?) or forward to correct address.
Phila., Pennsylvania Zip?

[Seriously (?)]

The letter inside is pointedly better:

Translation no. 2, page 1:

Hello,

First I need for you to hand this to a curator for American recent oil paintings, please.

Second, any pamphlets by mailings about here are most welcome.

From,
etc. on following page if you do mailings.

Thanks there!
A whole bunch too!

Translation no. 2, page 2:

If your concern is by this artwork "doer" I am 65 years of age and have been all about the Ms. America contest (which involves a talent division) what you might call in my hey-day. About one remaining oil on canvas board performed when I was in my teens or twenties. Since approx. a 2nd grader, I have achieved artwork right and left.

However, only so many; or, 7 things all toll. Some items (most) lost and gone forever. Name above to use, kindly.

[She also noted, "No phone calls, please. Telephone directly is misleading since years ago -- 2 and 1/2."]

Admittedly, I am grossly fascinated with this finding. Like a fantastical train wreck in my brain. Not certain my course of action, but very much enjoying for now the many ideas of this ex-Ms. America oil artist floating about in my head.

In the office

2008-09-02T20:33:00.000-07:00

Working through lunch can still be fun:

Also, day 17 of Bikram, nice to be back in Philly (again.)

A real weekend off

2008-09-01T19:54:00.000-07:00

This involves the following:
1. A coincidence moment Friday, and a good show (Sonic Youth)
2. Solid sister time
3. Lazing about in Prospect Park
4. Vegan biscuits and gravy and collard greens
5. Bikram days 14, 15, 16, in a NYC studio
6. Iced chais
7. Good eyes
8. More amazing vegan food from V-Spot
9. Non-drinking drunks
10. Sleeping in
11. 4 p.m brunch, and vegan french toast
12. Discovering we actually like NY
13. Hilarious Australians, too many drinks, great friends hilarious fun ensues.

Much more, certainly. But these are some highlights. This weekend changed my perspective in so many ways. It felt great to come back to Phila with that.

In the details:

2008-08-29T19:46:00.000-07:00

Pre-existing hugs.

And day 13 of Bikram. Now might be a good time to mention, I'm not stopping at 30. Sister and NY weekend.

Have a great weekend!

Winter, in my head at least

2008-08-28T19:49:00.000-07:00

Ice Skating on the Reflection Pool by Big Max's Studio

Last night I dreamed of ice skating in the middle of the ocean in the pitch dark. There was streams of light around, and when I looked down, I could see the ocean waves crashing beneath me and beneath the ice. It felt like this photo, and the lake scene from Eternal Sunshine rolled into one.

I love when dreams leave a lasting impression like this one did.

The summer/fall paradox

2008-08-28T19:11:00.000-07:00

The temperature is in the 50s when I wake up these mornings, then warm and sunny in the afternoons. This prelude to fall has had me donning tights all week.

Day 12 of Bikram. This weekend, I will experience Bikram in NYC, ironically after meeting an instructor who just moved back to Phila from NY.

Unplanned events

2008-08-27T18:52:00.000-07:00

Cutsey, surely. But happening upon them during lunchtime mishaps is just plain fun.

Also, day 11 of Bikram x 30.

A good book, the tenth

2008-08-26T18:32:00.000-07:00

Finally I own David Sedaris' book and may commence to some good reading.

Day 10 of Bikram: noting that too much food slows down the body and mind. Be mindful.

Format: Cut/Copy

2008-08-26T11:29:00.000-07:00

In thinking about bringing a focus to architect & orient, I've decided to include my daily "Lunchtime Mishaps" blogs that have been posted on a secondary blog site in the past. The Lunchtime series includes photos I collect on my daily lunch hour, beginning Aug. 18, my first week of work at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

I will be copying them over to a&o, and posting them here henceforth. Enjoy!

Inspiration

2008-08-26T07:47:00.001-07:00

Mama Cloud pendant light, designed by Frank Gehry.

Coffee, prison, day nine

2008-08-25T23:19:00.000-07:00

Lunchtime mishaps: Eastern State Pen., a new coffee shop (friends.)

And day nine of Bikram: blew my mind. Incredible doesn't quite cover it. Instructor sat on my back in Half Tortoise pose all the way down and up. Correcting form and surging energy. Oh, goodness. Contender for best class ever.

Off days

2008-08-24T19:18:00.000-07:00

Sundays are my only day off. Good, good Sundays:

Day 8 of Bikram: just be. Sidenote: Bikram is coming to my studio Oct. 4 to teach a class and seminar. Count me in.