Saturday, March 29, 2014

EXTENSIONS/EXPRESSIONS OF INNER SELVES

My desk top image at work:



I love this as it makes me smile a knowing grin every morning; only I know the naughty meaning it holds.  Everything I surround myself with has meaning and is an extension of me as an individual and a form of self expression; personal, honest, authentic, without excess.  My medium of choice is mainly fine art, but not limited, and it has purpose and meaning to me as each piece I choose to surround myself has it's own story (step into any space I inhabit and you'll understand).  

I LOVE this piece: IRRATIONAL EXUBERANCE by Mark Ulriksen
2014, oil on canvas, 48 x 36 in.

Exhibit is still on if you are in SF @ MODERNISM INC. 685 Market St. 
  
For some it maybe dance, music, words, film, wildlife, and an array of other means of self expression, but I want you to ask yourself if what you are surrounding yourself with are those/that which support, encourage, fill your soul and being.  It doesn't have to be positive or good; it can be a dark shadowy poster, but can you relate to it?  As I believe that the people and things we share our lives with are a reflection of our inner selves.

This piece by Priscilla Rattazzi, THE KISS, from 'Luna & Lola', 2009, at my desk at work, along with a photocopied article of PLEASE TAKE CARE by Sophie Calle (which I completely fell in love with and can relate in meaning, concept, and execution), amongst others. 

As I haven't had time to post in a few weeks, there maybe a few to follow in short succession.  Thank you so much for stopping by, I truly appreciate it.

  

*Smile* 
Marie 



  

Monday, March 10, 2014

Slight Gems Filling My Soul

The littlest things in life bring me joy.  I only had a teeny tiny mug/bowl for such things as soup, and cereal so today I picked this up.  The bowl isn't the subject in discussion, but the store and encounter I had with the very elderly woman still keeping shop.  

I was heading towards the hundred yen shop to pick up something similar down the road, but on my way I saw the small family owned store, with ceramics and china stacked to the ceiling, with the lights hardly on.  I wasn't even sure they were open, but the little old lady was sitting in the back all wrapped up in a cozy red plaid blanket, and the sliding glass doors weren't locked.  Her daughter came to check in once in a while, especially as her Mom could hardly lift the bowls let alone put newspaper around them and put them into a plastic bag as I paid; but she was determined and I was happy to just speak with them, and let her take as long a she needed.      


As it was a bit nippy out I said something like 'Stay warm and cozy inside today' (just small talk, but in my slightly funny Japanese), but I swear the most beautiful, heart warming, and BIGGEST smile came across her face.  THAT made my day!  


I treasure these small moments in life, where true human heart and soul are revealed, and understanding shared.  I'd rather support these family run shops and pay a few hundred yen extra than go to a chain/commercial store.  You get to speak to individuals, to share and gain insight into who they are, their stories, lives they've journeyed.  And when someone opens up to share a bit of them selves, you can't help but be affected and touched by their legacy.

So here is a bit from this side of Tokyo, where it transitions into 'shitamachi' (lower city), Suitengu Shrine area; gems of family owned shops remain, filling my soul:)  


Have a wonderful week!

*SMILE*
-M
     


Sunday, March 2, 2014

VALUE OF LIFE Existentialist Thought PERSPECTIVE Nail Polish and Bath Products

This is what happens when I paint my nails; monotone gradation!   




Thumb: CND Gold Sparkle 
http://www.cnd.com (I'm low maintenance; just the original effects polish, never tried the gels/vinylux/other nail polish developments...)
Index: Clinique Fizzy
http://www.clinique.com/product/1592/25256/index.tmpl (different colours at http://www.sephora.com which now ships to Japan FYI and other clinique counters).
Middle: Ciate Sharp Tailoring 
Ring: OPI Haven't the Foggiest 
Pinky: CND Asphalt 

Base: CND Sticky base coat http://www.cnd.com
Top: Seche Vite Fast Dry top coat http://seche.com

I usually have my toe nails painted but can't be bothered with my finger nails, for some reason the thought of no one else knowing that I've got crazy coloured toe nails pleases me.  *a knowing grin*  My brain works in odd ways:)  It was a kaleidoscopic midnight blue before (OPI Play Til Midnight http://www.opi.com  with CND effects in Sapphire Sparkle http://www.cnd.com), and now they are a summery shimmery orange/coral (Deborah Lippman Girls Want to Have Fun http://www.deborahlippmann.com/nail-color/creme?___store=default below Christian Dior Spring Ball http://www.dior.com/beauty/ja_jp/fragrance-and-beauty/makeup/nails/nail-lacquers/fr-naillacquers-nail-lacquers.html).  

Enough with the nails... 

Last night while having a nice relaxing bubble bath in my Japanese style deep soaker that sings to me when the water is filled to the top, and reheats itself when needed: 
This shower is any Gemini's worst nightmare; which to use!?  So dumb I know.  But every time.  LOL!

Add Laura Mercier's Almond Coconut Milk Honey bath bubbles (I can't get enough of their scented bath and body products, yummy and delightful!) http://www.lauramercier.com/store/shop/Body%20Cleansers_Almond%20Coconut%20Milk%20Honey%20Bath_prod80027?currentSkuId=sku100015 or This Works Deep Sleep Body Wash http://www.thisworks.com/sleep/sleep-category/sleep-bath-and-home/deep-sleep-shower-gel-250ml.html (I only have the body wash but I know they have a Bath Soak http://www.thisworks.com/sleep/deep-sleep-bath-soak.html, right now they have a limited edition, larger size of the Deep Sleep Pillow Spray too http://www.thisworks.com/sleep/deep-sleep-pillow-spray-limited-edition.html)  or Aroma Therapy Associates in Relax Deep bath and shower oil http://www.aromatherapyassociates.com/bath-and-body/collections/relax/deep-relax-bath-and-shower-oil.html, a few candles (like http://www.jomalone.com/for-home/candles, or http://www.voluspa.com, or http://uk.spacenk.com/mandarin-grapefruit-candle/MUK400005440.html) and you're set to go; makes you smell delicious, all soft and cozy.  

As I was saying... whilst taking a bath my mind was just cranking out; VALUING YOUR LIFE.  See, day in and day out I encounter business men on the train in Tokyo either totally wasted, looking sallow like the overworked walking dead, or those with obvious mental health issues due to the body's inability to handle the stresses of daily life, and don't even get me started on the women I see on the trains; I'm filled with a sense of sadness, shame, wonder, a bit of disdain, maybe some intrigue.  BUT, how much can one abuse their body and be oblivious to the daily routines of our lives, and its effect on our soul and future selves?  I mean, how do you feel about this phenomenon?  The realities of operating in modern society, within the systems, and the way it is?   

Coming from a place where my perspective of the value of life has been challenged and dissected ad nauseum, I can't help but question and wonder; the true value of our selves and lives.  The perspective of a parent who's speeding down the high way in the middle of the night, as they know an ambulance will take too long, and their child slamming head first into the cold, concrete, hospital emergency waiting room floor, as the doctors and nurses rush to their child's side proclaiming; not breathing, where's the pulse, possible fractured skull, on top of possible irreparable brain damage from the multiple seizures... at that moment the parent doesn't think of their finances, reputation, possessions, where they've travelled, or how much they have done, and unless you have a psychopathic personality, I can only imagine them holding their child in their arms hoping for dear life that a miracle will save their loved one, give them enough strength to pull through and that their bodies can contain the exploding sensations within their chests.  

or

Their child falsely accused of a crime, with possibility of a criminal sentence, that could affect the rest of their life.  They don't think 'hmm, I wonder if I should dip into my retirement savings, how much will I have left over?' or 'what would others think of me?' 'how much time is this going to take?' or any of these trivial things that we often get numbed out from thinking while we go about our daily lives.  NO, everything is done to hire the best criminal lawyer possible to refute the charges and fight for their child's life and future.  And if that's not possible, to go about in every other way possible to save their child.  

I'm just trying to bring back into perspective and try to convey the value of ones life, what it is that is truly important and worth being mindful.  Life is way too precious to abuse, to be unaware and not acknowledge the weight of responsibility and go about without a care or thought in our actions, behaviours, choices, and life journeys.  

I can see the various angles from which to consider, and I know that my stance on this is unforgiving, and a bit stubborn, I also often catch myself off guard on autopilot too, but I just couldn't go without sharing the infinitely grateful responsibility, that I'm conscious of, as my life, to exist and to never forget the true value of BEING.  Being, without the having, doing, going, achieving, earning, getting... the bare essence of humanity and life.  

Are you happy to be alive?  I know that must sound so odd to some, but I'm serious, take a moment to acknowledge and be aware of one truth a day, and be.    

                    
So there's a post discussing everything from nail polish, to existentialist thought... I know, impossible...  Hahaha~  

Until the next post; I am glad that you ARE.  

-M