Soul of a Rose

Design Candy: IAAH Website

2010-10-16T10:43:00.001-04:00

IAAH (acronym for "I Am Always Hungry") is the creative website of Nessim Higson. To say that the website is interactive is an understatement. Higson allows the reader to dictate the appearance of the website from a list of themes while navigating by clicking and dragging. These "themes" are actually exhibitions of Higson's portfolio. The wide range of "themes" illustrate Higson's talent; the website remains cohesive by subtle blue circular logo of IAAH.

The website is innovative and downright awesome. My main critique is that as a platform for finding future clients, it is not exactly easy to find Higson's contact information. I also wonder how this site would function on a mobile platform.

RacingMinds

2010-10-15T15:16:00.001-04:00

I just finished my submission for RacingMinds. I'll post more images once I get the okay from the editor (Sarah). Sarah is amazing to work with and so talented. The unique layout of images and text continues to impress me! Below is the October issue...

Open publication - Free publishing - More racing minds

Design Candy: NEPOMUK

2010-10-15T11:46:00.001-04:00

I've been very busy redesigning my website. This process required me to research other creative's websites. I've found some amazing inspiration all over the internet.

NEPOMUK especially caught my attention. I love the horizontal navigation. I love the colors, the pencil menu, the simple categorical menu. The overall design of the website itself truly gives the viewer a taste of their style and work.

New Blog, Website, Brand, oh my!

2010-10-08T10:10:00.000-04:00

My dear and darling husband bought me a domain. This is on par, or exceeding, my excitement for our apartment! How shall I decorate my website? What color theme (greys, I think) and look (minimalist?) shall I go for? I'm quite excited, even though I do like how my above portfolio was looking. My hubby is amazing with his techy magic!

GalaHouse, you inspire me...

2010-10-08T10:00:00.000-04:00

Dear GalaHouse, you inspire me. I feel liquid in your watercolors. I love your fresh colors. I love the fashionista prints. Thank you for sharing your art.

(PS Go see more at her website or etsy and drool...)

Bottled Up Hopes

2010-10-07T23:06:00.000-04:00

Today I completed my first wholesale order of bottled fairies (click on the image above) and a line of stationery. I'm really looking forward to expanding my creative business - both writing and creating art. Going back and forth between writing and mixed media art forces me to think more creatively as well as preventing me from burning out!

Today felt somewhat surreal. As I put the finishing touches on my "bottled wishes" collection, I thought about how my art was going to "live" in someone else's home. I filled these bottles with my own secret hopes and wishes... I hope they bless someone else's life as well.

2010 Logo Trends (via LogoLounge)

2010-10-02T08:00:00.000-04:00

Yesterday's post on LogoLounge lead me to more (and more and more...) surfing on the LogoLounge website. They have some great resources. I wanted to highlight their post on 2010 logo trends. Here are a few samples, curtesy of LogoLounge, but check out the many others as well.

Logo Lounge's Holiday Cards for Aspen Boutique

2010-10-01T10:35:00.004-04:00

I found this (very old) interview with Bill Gardner regarding the designs he makes for Aspen Boutique's Christmas cards. The cards are amazing. Each year, the company and the designer work together to have the cards represent the popular merchandise of the season. Here are a few of my favorites. Check out the interview to see 19 more cards!! I'm in love.

Papaya Printable

2010-09-21T16:26:00.003-04:00

Oh my, how I adore Papaya everything. I want to live in Papaya-land! Here is a lovely envelope printable for you, thanks to the creative folks at Papaya!

issuu

2010-09-19T10:36:00.002-04:00

Open publication - Free publishing - More style

I've recently become kind of addicted to finding digital versions of zines, those diy publications of the 60's and 70's. In my searches, I came across Issuu.com, which allows you to browse online magazines. There are so many uber-talented people working on all sorts of cool projects. This is definitely my newest addiction.

Open publication - Free publishing - More illustration

SEGURA Inc.

2010-09-18T12:00:00.003-04:00

Newest design crush: SEGURA INC. They do everything. Beautifully.

Illustration Friday: Practice

2010-09-17T12:14:00.003-04:00

"Practice makes perfect..."

Retro Birthday Card

2010-09-16T11:56:00.006-04:00

Birthday Card, originally uploaded by soulofarose.

I'm in a uber-retro mood recently... Image from Duke University. Font from dafont.com.

Coco Quote

2010-09-15T13:07:00.002-04:00

Coco Quote, originally uploaded by soulofarose.

This is a little inspiration poster I made for myself. I love this quote from Coco Chanel. I was inspired by the two Coco Chanel movies that came out recently. What a cool lady!

Anyways, please feel free to print one out for yourself. However, please be nice, give credit where it's due, and don't sell what ain't yours to sell. Gracias, amigos!

2009-12-27T07:00:00.002-05:00

Post 19

2009-12-23T07:00:00.004-05:00

The simplest things become exquisite with twinkle lights. Most things can become beautiful when viewed in the right light... even the most difficult situations.

post 18

2009-12-22T07:00:00.002-05:00

post 17

2009-12-21T07:00:00.002-05:00

post 16

2009-12-20T13:28:00.004-05:00

Um, so this whole creativity challenge isn't working out in a very timely manner. I'm going to keep posting as much as possible. Like, really, really try. Keep me to it.

Day 15

2009-11-19T21:34:00.003-05:00

Life to Your Years by Hjspencer on Polyvore.com

Hide and Seek by Hjspencer on Polyvore.com

Day 14

2009-11-15T11:26:00.003-05:00

Smile More Please by Hjspencer on Polyvore.com

Vintage Scrapbooking by Hjspencer featuring 1928 jewelry

Day 13

2009-11-15T11:25:00.003-05:00

Life by Hjspencer on Polyvore.com

Days 6-12

2009-11-12T13:16:00.011-05:00

Today, I'm playing catch-up. I have been keeping up (mostly...) day-by-day; however, I have been so busy creating that I haven't posted any. Oops.

I made 14 of these pinwheels to decorate the pews of the church for the wedding. I found the tutorial for all the pinwheels on StyleMePretty. The paper is torn from hymn books. The trailing ribbons are made from old curtains and some upcycled tablecloths. My grandmother would be so happy that I'm reusing some of her goods. I wish she could be there for the wedding. I plan on adding some paper, sparkly embellishments I just bought on Etsy. I'll show you the finished product when I get them.

Also for the wedding... not sure for where, but they're pretty.

Day 5

2009-11-08T23:33:00.001-05:00

Browning Romance by Hjspencer on Polyvore.com

Day 5

2009-11-08T23:01:00.002-05:00

Shine for all to see by Hjspencer on Polyvore.com

Day 4

2009-11-07T17:09:00.007-05:00

I just finished making these save-the-dates for our wedding this June. My aunt gave me this Martha Stewart kit

I then used my Gocco machine (an engagement present from my fiance - just an amazing guy, let me tell you!) to Gocco the dove magnets. I then decoupaged the silver stationary card. Wrap that with a little silver thread and ta-da! All done. It took quite a long time to get the Gocco to match up with the dove shapes. I only made the one set (20 cards), but it was a lot of fun.

Day 3

2009-11-06T07:00:00.003-05:00

Take an Autumnal walk with me...

Day 2: Part Two

2009-11-05T07:05:00.002-05:00

Here is my second part of Day 2 so you don't think to dreadfully of me for my stop-motion escapades!

Day 2

2009-11-05T07:00:00.002-05:00

My first experiment in stop-motion animation. It's definitely quite difficult. I made a slideshow in iPhoto and then exported it, uploading it then to youtube. All these buttons are from my late grandmother's button collection. I've always loved the birdies and I'm happy to share them with you today!

Day 1: Part Due

2009-11-04T17:42:00.003-05:00

I recently decorated my bedroom with some twinkle lights. They add such warmth and sparkle to the room. I wanted to share this cozy time of day with you. I took some close-ups of some furry friends. Each one has a story to tell.

My fiance made this little guy, staying up all night to affix the doll's hair. It's a miniature of fiance - made before I left for Europe for several months. My boy is such a sweetie.

This little dog on the right was given to me by my dad when I was in the hospital. The tiny chap continues to brighten my day everyday.

I hope you are enjoying some cozy time for yourself now. Pour a cup of tea and snuggle with up with loved ones.

Day 1

2009-11-04T14:47:00.004-05:00

"[A]nd then I will sing, I will always sing, even if I must gather my roses in the very midst of thorns - and the longer and sharper the thorns the sweeter shall be my song." - St. Therese of Lisieux

Creativity and Resurrecting the Blog

2009-11-04T14:18:00.005-05:00

Hello there. I've decided to take myself up on my own challenge. I've been writing quite a bit on creativity here. I've decided I'm going to try to do one creative thing every day for one month and see what happens. As I've had this blog for years and it has always served as an outlet for creativity wherever I am in my life, I decided to continue using it. We'll see where this goes. Wish me luck!

EDIT: You can see how well that went... :)

Etsy Store Update

2008-08-21T00:24:00.006-04:00

Tonight I closed my Etsy store. I am officially going back to college for my sixth semester of undergraduate education. I decided that while I am at school, I am unable to give my business and customers the full attention they truly deserve. My little venture into the world of selling handmade goods was a wonderful experience. It gave me a focus during a time when my life seemed to be spinning around of kilter. In a way, the closing of my shop marks the end of serious illness and recuperation at home. Etsy provided a much needed focus for me during this time. Thus, I am excited with continuing my education and living more independently; however, I will also miss the support of my dear family and the freedom to expand my artistic creativity to new levels. I am very proud of the success of my little shop so I'm going to ask the reader to humor me in letting me boast.

In five months...
- I sold ten items (ten more than I originally thought possible...)
- One of my products was listed in a Treasury!
- I received one commission (which totally made my year!)
- My store racked up hundreds of views.
- I received 18 store "hearts"
- I received more than 12 individual item "hearts"

I hope to come back to Etsy soon. I dream of one day being listed in the Storque as one of the artists who is able to work full-time as an Etsy artisan after quitting their day job (see here for more details). More realistically, I plan to continue to be a part of the Etsy community and maybe take a class at Etsy Labs (!!).

The Last Lecture

2008-07-22T11:40:00.003-04:00

I am in the midst of reading Randy Pausch's book, The Last Lecture. In many ways it is a quick read, written in a conversational style. However, this book should not be a quick read. It should be eaten slowly so one might savor every bite. It contains the life stories and life lessons of an incredibly inspiring man.

The author, Randy Pausch, was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer; he was given three to six months of health in late August 2007. Pausch was a well-known professor at Carnegie Mellon prior to his diagnosis. After much consideration, Pausch decided to give a last lecture at Carnegie Mellon which was the inspiration for the book. The Last Lecture is full of inspiring wisdom and strength. I can't say enough about the book; suffice it to say that I heartily recommend The Last Lecture.

Here are a few of my favorite quotes from the book:

"Experience is what you get when you didn't get what you wanted. And experience is often the most valuable thing you have to offer."
"Brick walls are there for a reason. They give us a chance to show how badly we want something."
"Time is all you have. And you may find one day that you have less than you think."
"Everyone of us must decide: Am I a fun-loving Tigger or am I a sad-sack Eeyore?"

Pausch was invited to give the charge to graduates at Carnegie Mellon this year. Here is his speech, courtesy of Youtube and Carnegie Mellon.

350 Creativity Challenge

2008-07-21T23:40:00.008-04:00

I learned about the 350 Creativity Challenge on Etsy (what else is new?) and decided to participate. So this morning, at an ungodly hour, I submitted my entry. You can also see it listed here on my Etsy store.

What is 350? 350 is an organization that seeks to educate people about the impact global warming has upon our planet. They write on the website:

350 is the red line for human beings, the most important number on the planet. The most recent science tells us that unless we can reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere to 350 parts per million, we will cause huge and irreversible damage to the earth.

350 challenges every person to do their part in helping our planet.

Our first step is to wean ourselves from coal and oil and we have to do it while still allowing the poor parts of the world to develop. We can do this by creating a global clean energy economy that is strong enough to lift the world's poor out of poverty. It won't be easy, and there are many possible approaches.

I hope that you will join this movement. I believe that it is incredibly important for each and everyone of us to do our part. If you would like to participate in the 350 Creativity Challenge, please click here for more information.

Poppytalk

2008-07-21T00:45:00.004-04:00

I am currently obsessed with Poppytalk, a combo website -- Poppytalk Homemade -- and blog. Poppytalk Homemade describes itself as " a monthly online street market curated by Poppytalk [the blog] to showcase, buy and sell handmade goods of emerging design talent from around the world." Pretty fantastic, huh? The beautiful artwork sold on Poppytalk is highlighted by the site/blog's chic design. The whole experience is inviting, alluring, and incredibly inspiring. It makes me want to grab the nearest paintbrush, pencil, camera, sewing machine, buttons, and glue and CREATE!

Collage Kit: Sample 2

2008-07-21T00:40:00.003-04:00

This is another sample of a collage made with the "Fire" collage kit. Soon to be posted on my Etsy store -- watch for more details!

Book Review: Offbeat Bride

2008-07-19T13:41:00.007-04:00

I just finished reading the book Offbeat Bride: Taffeta-Free Alternatives for Independent Brides by Ariel Meadow Stalling. I was excited to read the book as I enjoy the Offbeat Bride website. However, I found the book rather disappointing. I was hoping that this book would provide ideas for brides who don't want a McWedding. However, most of the book is simply Stalling's sharing about her own wedding experiences. Having recently become engaged and started the search for various wedding paraphernalia, I understand Stalling's distaste for the Wedding Industry and the cookie cutter wedding/reception. However, I do not agree with the author's approach to the independent wedding. Perhaps it is simply a personality clash. Unlike Stallings, I do not intend my wedding to be a symbol of my declaration of independence from the self-proclaimed sovereign Wedding Industry (or society). In my opinion, weddings should be a communal, joyful celebration which binds the community together. The author does not promote good communication skills among brides and their families; she encourages brides to hide details that their families might find offensive until the day of the wedding. While I believe that couples should plan weddings and reception that reflect their personal interests and beliefs, they should not at the cost of distancing their loved ones. The "F--- you" approach to weddings (and life in general) can only get you so far. (That being said, the level of cursing in this book is distracting and irritating.) Basically, I think Stallings encourages a Bridezilla approach to alternative weddings.

The Perfect Summer Day...

2008-07-16T22:08:00.004-04:00

Today my sister Mandy and I spent some time outside simply enjoying the beauty and splendor of our natural habitat. It was a gorgeous day! We brought a bowl of cherries with us and entertained ourselves seeing who could spit cherries the farthest. Mandy read her book while entertained myself writing away. We throughly ourselves sunbathing in our own backyard.

A New Etsy Product

2008-07-15T09:44:00.007-04:00

Recently, I started musing on how I could share the joy and wonder I experience through the creation of art. I thought I'd make some "collage kits" so the public can make their own beautiful creations. I will be selling these kits at some point in my Etsy store. My idea is to have a kit representing the elements of Earth, Wind, and Fire. I have not completed putting together these kits, but here is a sample of the Fire kit.

A beautiful sampling of papers.

Bobbles and various notions.

A sample collaged card.

Wordie: Eliot's "Little Gidding"

2008-07-08T02:56:00.002-04:00

This wordie is composed of the words from T. S. Eliot's "Little Gidding" (No. 4 of the Quartets), IV.

Wordie: Design

2008-07-08T02:50:00.001-04:00

What I Try to Remember...

2008-03-10T17:38:00.015-04:00

Almost a year and a half ago, I was diagnosed with a chronic disease called Ulcerative Colitis. I had been struggling with pain, exhaustion, and frustration. At that time, I wrote a list of things I to try to remember. Since then, the list has hung in my bedroom. I thought I'd share with you an abbreviated version.

View setbacks as opportunities to grow. By striving to overcome difficulties in your life, you will gain strength, virtue, and character.

People have different limitations, so do not compare your capabilities (or incapabilities) to others'. Your life is not made of limits, but of freedom. Focus on what you can do, rather than what you are unable to do. Your individuality is specific and unique. Offer the world your individual gifts and talents. Live your life abundantly.

Everything will work out, maybe not the way you originally planned, but it will resolve itself. View the situation with long term vision. This will often make the present clearer. Be patient. Things often take longer than we think they should.

Transcend yourself and love one another. Love is not a feeling, but a continual choice to work for the beloved's ultimate happiness. Love means giving a continual self-gift freely.

God never gives us more than we can handle. He always provides the necessary grace.

Build one another up; do not tear down. Do not worry what others think of you. They are probably worrying about what you think of them. Live confidently, knowing that you were created with intrinsically unique qualities.

God loves you more than you can possibly imagine. He is always with you. Prayer is a mutual conversation; remember to shut up.

An Etsy Preview

2008-02-28T15:09:00.010-05:00

Here's a little preview of my Etsy store.

My Etsy Store

2008-02-21T19:17:00.005-05:00

I would like to announce that I will be hosting the Grand Opening of my Etsy store, Soul of a Rose, on March 1, 2008. On that date, I will be offering great sales on beautiful homemade cards and stationary. I will be posting a direct link soon. Also, I will try to post some previews of my merchandise.

In the meantime, please check out Etsy for lovely homemade items!

Illustration Friday: Theory

2008-02-21T18:04:00.002-05:00

Illustration Friday: Theory, originally uploaded by soulofarose.

This is my submission for Illustration Friday's theme of "Theory." Pictured here is Jacques Derrida, the well-known twentieth-century literary theorist. "Différance" is a word that Derrida coined; it is a complicated concept/word that I will not attempt to explain here. In any case, the word "theory" reminded me of this great theorist.

The writing that serves as the background in this image is actually a portion of the work of Derrida. Thanks to this page, I was able to get the French as well as the English translation of Derrida's description of différance.

I hope you enjoy!

The Sea

2008-02-18T21:49:00.002-05:00

A Slight Change of Plans...

2008-02-17T00:20:00.008-05:00

Well, a great deal has happened in the past few months. I will not even try to catch you up on the news. Quick summary: first I was very busy, then I was very sick, and am now not so very busy. I was forced to take a semester off, a medical leave of absence to recover. This has been a trying period, not only the whole getting better bit, but the absence of academia and friends (proximity-wise) has been rather difficult for me.

So. What have I been doing with all this free time? Well, not too much as of yet, but I have been crafting some great plans for the next few months. All shall be revealed in good time.

In the meantime, here are some photos of what I have been "cooking up" literally. It should be noted, that while I was enduring the "very sick" part of my recent past I was on a clear liquid diet. I was also taking medication that made me excruciatingly hungry. I began watching the Food Network religiously as well as reading as many cooking magazines as I could lay my hands on. When I finally was released from the hospital, I began to cook. Here, for your perusal, are some of my recent culinary creations.

This is a chickpea salad with a homemade white wine citrus dressing.

This is my version of vegetarian "ribs" with sage risotto (Mom's creation) and some honey-balsamic roasted root vegetables. The "ribs" are made with seitan, marinated with my own special recipe of marinade and then simmered in a pot and served with some of the marinade on top. The root vegetables were really fun to make; the sweetness of the honey contrasted nicely with the balsamic vinegar. This was also my first time preparing, cooking, and eating parsnips -- quite an enjoyable experience.

This is the infamous Angel Food cake I attempted to make. My mom, sister, and I all took turns beating that batter for an hour and an half until it finally whipped into peaks. I ended up killing our little hand-held beater (it had lived a good long life of over twenty years). Thus, this cake was very precious as a beater had sacrificed its life to give birth this dessert.

2007-03-01T14:51:00.001-05:00

I have recently been reading T. S. Eliot’s essay Tradition and the Individual Talent. The essay discusses the connection between the concept of tradition and innovation in the arts. I especially liked this passage:

“To conform merely would be for the new work not really to conform at all; it would not be new, and would therefore not be a work of art…. But the difference between the present and the past is that the conscious present is an awareness of the past in a way and to an extent which the past's awareness of itself cannot show….” (5, 6)

This part of the essay reminded me of what my friend Alex had been telling me about Ara Pacis, an example of very modern architecture in Rome. Ara Pacis is a stark white, geometrical building surrounded by the many warm-colored buildings along the Tiber. It had been argued that the building does not match its surroundings. Seen through the context of Eliot’s Tradition and the Individual Talent, Ara Pacis is actually “traditional” in the fact that it breaks the conventional mold.

Another facet of this dualistic thinking is the mix of Christianity and Roman symbols throughout the city. Many of the Roman monuments were Christianized during the Middle Ages when the popes were trying to erase the pagan memorials. The home of the Mother Church was built upon the great pagan city. Roma celebrates the synthesis the old within the new, the pagan within the Christian. The above picture is an ancient obelisk with a statue of (what I believe) is St. Peter on top. This illustrates what Eliot described as “This historical sense, which is a sense of the timeless as well as of the temporal...together, is what makes a writer [or any artist] traditional..” (3)

“No poet, no artist of any art, has his complete meaning alone. His significance, his appreciation is the appreciation of his relation to the dead poets and artists.” (4)

Some musings from a hopeful traditional…

For pictures of Ara Pacis, click here.
To read Tradition and the Individual Talent, click here.

Sketch of a Horse

2007-02-10T10:22:00.002-05:00

horse sketch
Originally uploaded by soulofarose.

This is a sketch I did at the on the fountains at Piazza Navona for my art class. (I confess, I did some basic editing on Photoshop before I uploaded it.)

Illustration Friday: Sprout

2007-02-08T12:07:00.002-05:00

Illustration Friday: Sprout
Originally uploaded by soulofarose.

Please click to view larger image.

Marseille, France

2007-02-04T18:02:00.000-05:00

From Marseille

We just got back from Marseille, France this morning. We had a whirlwind adventure in France, starting early on Friday morning (our flight left at 7:30AM) and ending back home in Rome early this morning (our flight left France at 6:25AM). We used Ryanair which offers some of the cheapest flights in Europe. Marseille is a Mediterranean city, built around a harbor. There are open fish markets in the mornings and the harbor is full of multitudes of boats. We arrived in Marseille at about 10:30AM and since we couldn't check into our hotel until 2:00PM, we decided to explore the city.

Our first stop was the Church of St. Vincent de Paul. We didn't know this at the time, but St. Vincent spent some time in Marseille before his conversion. It was comforting to see a "familiar face." I felt like St. Vincent was taking care of us.

We then decided to head towards Musée Cantini. Afterwards, we went to the Musée d'Histoire de Marseille. We managed to translate some of the information into English. Amy remembered quite a bit of her French which was a big help getting around the city. Most people in Marseille do not speak English, but are patient with tourists. I kept trying to speak Italian (which made me happy that Italian is becoming more of a habit, but it was the wrong language for this city!)I would say things like, "Si, oui. Grazie, merci."

The next day we began the morning with a stop at a local pastry shop. I instantly fell in love with almond pastry. Heaven in a bite! After consuming our breakfast, we visited Chateau d'If, the island where the Count of Monte Cristo takes place. The sun was luminous, blindingly bright and warm. The water was enchanting and exhilarating. I can not use enough adjectives to describe the island. It was a intoxicating place, magical and serene. We explored the castle and then sunbathed on the rocks. We had to take the ferry back to Marseille (unfortunately).

The literal summit of our trip was Basilique Notre Dame de la Garde which is 161m high. We were rewarded with spectacular views of the city and mountains. Later that evening we heard mass in French at the Basilique du Sacré-Coeur and cooked up a delicious dinner (soup, couscous, "vin," and serious amounts of chocolate.)

Marseille was an interesting comparison to Roma. There is much more ethnic diversity in Marseille, maybe because it is more south as well as being a large port. Amy and I enjoyed a nice meal at local Indian restaurant. People in France are equally clueless about lines as Italians. It seems to be an European epidemic that people act like kindergartners lining up to receive free ice cream any where lines would be routine in the USA. Dogs walk off leash up and down the streets in Marseille and France.

Marseille hosts a large fishing community and is surrounded by the sea. I loved watching the boats, hearing the gulls and waves. The colors of the homes reflect this nautical feel; the colors are cooler in general than the warm pinks, corals, and yellows of Roma. This magical port is a beautiful, enchanting little city.

Blind Contour Drawing: Learning How to See

2007-01-31T09:28:00.000-05:00

In my sketching class, we have had to do several blind contour drawings. This is a basic assignment designed to help one’s eye/hand coordination. Blind contour drawing is accomplished by tracing the outlines of a subject without looking at one’s paper. After sketching ten or more garlic cloves without achieving any satisfactory results, I was frustrated. I knew I could have drawn decent-looking vegetables if I had been able to see.

My homework assignment reminded me of a book I had read several years ago. There was a quote by a famous artist inside the front cover. I have since forgotten the artist’s name as well as the exact wording of the quote. It was something to the effect of, “In order to draw an apple, you must look at the apple as if it were first one you had ever seen.” I mused over this quote as I sat staring at my finished garlic sketches. Obviously, they were not proportionate or even aesthetic. The sketches looked like “impressions” of garlic. However, I had discovered the garlic in a new way. I had realized details about the garlic that I never would have noticed otherwise. When we started sketching statues yesterday, I tried recapturing that new vision and sketch according to sight and not to preconceived conceptions.

Living in Roma is like creating blind contour drawings. Suddenly (or so it seems), I am on a new continent and learning a new language, culture, and lifestyle. I am learning all the basics, outlining the subject. Later on, I can start filling in the contours with shading and details.

Besides this metaphorical and metaphysical musing, I have been keeping busy with other activities. I went on a tour to St. Peter's Basilica last night with my theology class. I learned a lot about all the individual altars and mosaics within the Basilica. There are only two frescos inside all of St. Peter's. The rest of the images are all mosaics! What I love about the Catholic religion is all the symbolism and imagery. St. Peter’s is overflowing with artwork and sacred relics. It is really a storehouse of spiritual and aesthetic wealth. Quite overwhelming, but heartily enjoyable. Afterwards, my friend Amy and I bought gelato, an amazingly addictive habit. I had hazelnut, bacci, and nutella flavored gelato. It was awesome!

Anyways, I must run along and do a little homework. This is after all, study abroad. Not sketch, eat gelato, philosophize and write abroad. Or so they say.

Taking the Time to...

2007-01-27T10:52:00.000-05:00

Today my friends and I went to visit the Vatican Museums. We spent several hours going up and down twisting, winding staircases and passageways. Much to Amy's dismay, we were unable to find any secret tunnels or the like. We did find the "School of Athens" fresco by Raphael and a room full of Fra Angelico's frescos. Surprisingly, the

Vatican

also boasts paintings by Salvador Dali and Diego Rivera. Of course a world-renowned museum should have pieces reflecting the modern art movement, but it was still surprising to find these painters among the Baroque and Renaissance artists.

We stopped on the way home from the museum at the fresh market. We have been told that the market is one of the freshest and best in Rome. I love it. Vendors line the streets every morning with fresh produce, dried herbs, cheese, meats, and, of course, many different wines. My poor pronunciation of the word “funghi” (“mushrooms” in Italian”) made the vendor think I was ordering a kilogram of fuji apples. Today we are making a potluck dinner at our apartment. We are making risotto, chicken, and green beans. I’m looking forward to a feast of delicious food, friends, and fun.

It is customary that all stores are closed for a few hours between the hours of 12 and 4 in the afternoon for siesta. Only touristy stores are open on Sundays. These Italians know how to enjoy life. The only buy the best food from the fresh markets. They take time to relax from daily tasks.

I’ve growing accustomed to the European lifestyle. By only taking 12 credits and not participating in any campus activities, I am left with quite a bit of time. I was just looking back at my calendar from this past semester. I usually had between five to 12 meetings a week besides working part-time and taking a full class load. I’m living in the moment of every day and enjoying it heartily.

To see more pictures from my adventures, visit my Picassa web album.

Illustration Friday: 80's

2007-01-18T13:06:00.001-05:00

80s copy
Originally uploaded by soulofarose.

Since I was born in the late 80's, I really don't know anything about the culture of this decade. All I could think of was Relient K's "In Love with the '80's" song.

"I am gonna wear a pink tux to the prom/
live without a care/
cause you threw it away to fall in love with the 80's"

This is my first time drawing over a photo with photoshop. I used a lot of different brushes and transparent gradients. The stock photo is from stock.xchng.com.

Bella Roma!

2007-01-13T10:32:00.000-05:00

I am studying abroad this semester in Rome. It has been an exciting adventure so far, so much to see and experience. I have had several forays with the Italian language (also an adventure) which were surprisingly fun. People actually understand my Italian. My friend, fellow sojourner, and room-mate, Amy, and I have a nice apartment here along with a couple other girls from our school. I hope to post photos frequently to show some of our adventures!

Duc in Altum (Before the Storm)

2007-01-02T17:35:00.000-05:00

Something Beautiful

2006-12-06T01:47:00.000-05:00

Recently, I have been feeling rather confused and helpless, caused by a number of circumstances and physical inaptitudes. As I sat here at my laptop, silently praying and thinking, “Something Beautiful” by Jars of Clay started to play on my iTunes. The lyrics seem so opportune and appropriate. The words are a melancholic surrender to hope, to a new reality.

If you put your arms around me,
Could it change the way I feel?
I guess I let myself believe
That the outside might just bleed its way in
Maybe stir the sleeping past
Lying under glass
Waiting for the kiss
That breaks this awful spell
Pull me out... of this lonely cell

Refrain: Close my eyes and hold my heart
Cover me and make me something
Change this something normal
Into something beautiful

What I get from my reflection
Isn't what I thought I'd see.
so, give me reason to believe
You'd never keep me incomplete
Will you untie this loss of mine?
It easily defines me,
Do you see it on my face?
And that all I can think about is how long
I've been waiting to feel you move me.

Refrain

And I'm still fighting for the word
To break these chains
And I still pray when I look in your eyes
You'd stare right back down
Into something beautiful

Maybe, if a perfect God can accept my imperfect body, mind, and spirit, I can as well. Maybe…

Butterfly

2006-10-15T22:03:00.000-04:00

butterfly
Originally uploaded by soulofarose.

Wonderbread

2006-09-14T23:43:00.000-04:00

Wonderbread
Originally uploaded by soulofarose.

This summer, I went to a retreat called Vincentian Experience 3. While there, we were asked to make a slogan for service. My friend Christine and I got very enthusiastic and made one for the Eucharist: the Real Wonder Bread. So here's my little prototype of the original, classic Wonder Bread!

"For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world" John 6:33

The Notebook: Revised

2006-08-07T21:58:00.000-04:00

I am witnessing a real-life adaptation of The Notebook. No, I haven’t had a steamy “fling” with a childhood friend (hard to accomplish, since I still consider myself a “kid”) while engaged. No, I have not been asked out on top of a ferris wheel while my potential beaux hangs by one hand. Instead, I have been privileged to witness the love between my maternal grandparents. My Grandma Gene has been seriously ill for more than a year. She’s been in and out of the hospital for many years for various health issues. Through it all, my grandpa has always been by my grandmother’s side. He has slowly taken over all the daily household tasks as well as Grandma’s basic, personal care.

I think back to the day of my grandparents’ wedding day, June 29, 1959. I imagine their hopes for the future. I imagine their joy as they say their vows, “In sickness and in health,… for as long as we both shall live.” They were two vibrant, healthy, young people excited to begin their lives together.

Now, Grandpa sits by Grandma’s bedside, holding her hand as they watch Turner Classic movies together on the hospital’s TV. My Grandma is slumped in the bed, tired and exhausted from a long night. She breathes oxygen from a tube in her nose while a heart monitor beeps in the background. Grandpa adjusts Grandma’s tubes and IV cords and then settles back in his chair. “Those were the good old days,” he says. “Look at how young Henry Fonda was! And Betty Davis!” Grandma opens her eyes and then starts breathing heavily. “Burt, give me some ice.” Grandpa spoons some ice chips in to her mouth to soothe her sore tongue. She sighs and looks over to my Grandpa. “Thank you,” she says. He smiles and they sit back and watch the old, romantic movie.

Thankfully, my Grandma does not have Alzheimer’s disease. However, the strong love portrayed in the movie and book The Notebook is alive in my grandparents’ relationship. Grandpa has dedicated the past few years of his life to serving my grandma’s basic needs. They have shared forty-six years of married life together, through the good and bad times of family life. Their example of commitment and sacrificial love is one that shines through with more brightly than the Hollywood version. My grandparents are living out their vow of “I do.”

Duc in Altum

2006-03-20T23:46:00.000-05:00

I am currently adding the final touches to a talk I am going to give at a retreat this Spring. The talk's theme is "Truth and Service." Here is a short exerpt...

The past few years I have been learning to sail on my dad’s Tartan 27. We sail on the Great South Bay which can be really shallow and dirty. Our boat is 40-years-old and currently in the process of being restored. When my dad bought the boat, both the depth detector and GPS were broken. This means we were unable to know the exact depth of the water or what our exact position was. Sailing became a guessing game. We tried to stay in the main channels, but often ran into shoal waters. We would peer over the rail and try to calculate for ourselves how deep the water was. One time, the boat grounded itself in a sandbar. The water was murky from the boat scrapping the bottom of the bay. We had to jump out of the boat in order to push this 27 foot boat back in to deeper water. Before I jumped off the deck, I looked down in to the waters. I couldn’t see the bottom. I was unable to judge if it was forty feet deep or four. I jumped into the murky water and was surprised to find the water only came up to my thigh. We pushed, and shoved, and pleaded, and wiggled the boat back and forth. Finally, the boat broke through and we scampered back aboard…. Just in time for the boat to wedge itself into another sandbar.

Sometimes, when you look over the rail of the boat and can not see the bottom, it can feel disconcerting. The waters of the Great South Bay can give the deception of being deeper than they truly are. When you sail through the sea of life, it can feel like we are sailing along with out the help of any guidance, without a GPS or depth detector. How deep is the water beneath your boat? What lies beneath your boat? What do you hold as truth? I want you to examine your life. Is the truth that supports your ship shallow? Where are you headed? Are you stuck in a sandbar? Perhaps you are fearful of beginning such a voyage with what you believe is a lack of equipment. I think this fear of the unknown is summed up well by Pope John Paul the Great.

“Have no fear of moving into the unknown. Simply step out fearlessly knowing that I am with you, therefore no harm can befall you; all is very, very well. Do this in complete faith and confidence.”
Don't be afraid. Push your boat into the sea, sail away. Go out into the deep waters towards your final end. Duc in altum.

Illustration Friday: Simple

2006-02-16T21:11:00.000-05:00

Illustration Friday: Simple
Originally uploaded by soulofarose.

The word "simple" made me think of sumi-e, Japanese painting. Sumi-e is a philosophical art style. The paintings are often monochromatic with simple, very thoughtful, and philosophical design. Balance is always important. Here, I tried to imitate the sumi-e styles by painting an "ayame" or Iris. The poorly written Kanji says, "hana" (flower -- my signature) and below in red “ayame.”

Purity

2006-02-13T23:49:00.000-05:00

purity
Originally uploaded by soulofarose.

This is one image I completed for my Graphics class. The assignment was to pick one of seven words and create an image to communicate that word (in this case, purity). I am surprisingly happy with how this came out. Also, I am very proud I managed to navigate myself around the Mac computer! Another image coming soon...

Stock photo sources:

http://morguefile.com/archive/?display=70448&

http://morguefile.com/archive/?display=79328&

The Loon

2006-02-10T01:37:00.000-05:00

Floating on the sea
The light reflects
The moon,
Mirroring brilliance,
And dancing on the waves.
The gentle song of the water,
Sings of time forsaken
And dreams of tomorrow.
Hopefully waiting,
The loon sleeps.

Dawn awakes,
And with the sun, the loon stirs.
The water murmurs lauds,
Rippling, rising, rolling.
The sky invites the loon to ascend,
Duc in altum.
Into the deep clouds, she soars.
Delighting in the speed.

On the wings of the wind,
The loon sings a hymn
Of the unutterable stillness of the heart:
The silent song.
Too powerful, too passionate for words,
A love song for a Savior.

Some Poetical Musings

2006-01-26T00:02:00.000-05:00

“Time present and time past
Are both perhaps present in time future,
And time future contained in time past.”

T. S. Eliot’s Four Quartets (http://www.tristan.icom43.net/quartets/index.html) keeps reminding me of talk I heard last winter on time. According to the speaker, there are two kinds of time, chronos and kairos time. Chronos time is filled with the busy platitudes of planners, blackberries, and cell phones. Chronos time looks ahead and fails to see the now. Kairos time is a moment of grace, an experience of “now-time” when you live in the moment. For me this has occurred over a long conversation with a dear friend (of course accompanied by tea), dinner with my family, sailing with the wind in my hair, during prayer, and so many more moments. Glimpses into the sacred and semipiternal.

“In my beginning is my end.” I begin this new semester with a glance behind at the old trodden path and step out to the “unknown, remembered gate.” This past fall was difficult because of the many chaotic events transpiring within my life. “However, this steep and sometimes rocky road was softened by times of relaxation. And these resting moments were kairos time for me. Hanging out with friends, watching Korean chick-flicks, praying with my roomie Maya at 2:00 AM before finals, campus ministry, OJS, and so much more.

And now, as I begin my second semester at St. John’s, I make a new beginning and end. I begin a new season, while also treasuring autumn’s fallen leaves. I am trying to continually utter my own small fiat to life and kairos.

"We shall not cease from exploration
And the end of all our exploring
Will be to arrive where we started
And know the place for the first time.
Through the unknown, unremembered gate
When the last of earth left to discover
Is that which was the beginning;
At the source of the longest river
The voice of the hidden waterfall
And the children in the apple-tree
Not known, because not looked for
But heard, half-heard, in the stillness
Between two waves of the sea.
Quick now, here, now, always—
A condition of complete simplicity
(Costing not less than everything)
And all shall be well and
All manner of thing shall be well
When the tongues of flame are in-folded
Into the crowned knot of fire
And the fire and the rose are one."

Illustration Friday: E is for...

2006-01-18T13:01:00.000-05:00

eliot
Originally uploaded by soulofarose.

E is for Eliot, T. S. Eliot. Over my break I finally finished Eliot's "Four Quartets," something I've wanted to do for years. They were really awesome! Thought-provoking and perspicacious. So here's my little tribute to the poet and writer, T. S. Eliot.

Illustration Friday: Holiday

2005-12-27T19:52:00.000-05:00

The awe and wonder of Christ's birth...

This is a rough sketch I did for http://www.illustrationfriday.com weekly post topic. This week the topic is "Holiday." I wanted to show the Blessed Mother and Jesus in a normal, everyday situation. Mary must have been exhausted on Christmas night, but maybe she stayed awake a few extra minutes to just gaze at her beautiful Baby Boy....

A Beginning...

2005-12-26T22:34:00.000-05:00

I am moving my on-line journal from http://oldfashionedgirl.deviantart.com to this blog. I will continue to add various sketches and such to the my deviantArt page, but I plan on using this blog to post my various and sundry musings on life in its particulars and generalities as expressed in words and the visual language. I also plan on participating in the weekly topic of http://www.illustrationfriday.com (as regularly as I possibly can) now that I have my own personal scanner (!!).

I hope that all had a very Merry Christmas...

And Joseph too went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth to Judea, to the city of David that is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.While they were there,the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to her firstborn son.She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. (Luke 2:4-6)

Resume

2005-12-25T09:00:00.002-05:00

Published Written Works:

“Anticipation," Great South Bay Magazine, May 2010. Distributed digitally and via print.

"Planning a Wedding with a Chronic Illness," A Practical Wedding, April 13, 2010

“Defining Self and Suffering,” Sainthood and Surrender, January 10, 2010