The Road to Plan B Explodes

The Secret Garden located inside Plaza Athénée (Paris 8th)

Although my current novel is set in Paris, I have been geographically bound by the limitations of life. At the moment, I'm sick, which leaves me faint of motivation and heart to finish the last 70 pages of my book. But I am almost there and in the last few months I've managed to write well over a hundred pages. The sweet excitement that I have been getting is that the novel feels as if it is getting better with each page I write. I know that this might be a fool-hearted interpretation, but its better to lift your chin up than to grovel.  

Architecture by Michael Maltzan and Landscape Designs by Nancy Goslee Power

My deepest heart desire is to be a publishing author that brings entertainment to tons of readers. I love a good thriller because it can bring about an emotional justice that can be difficult to get in real life. We all know about the state of judicial practice without my heavy meditations on it, and that would just be boring anyhow. The funny thing is I have never really trusted my deep heart calling. I have always put a Plan B into effect it and strange as this might sound...it always falls apart. And things just fell apart for my last Friday, when a company I was working at tried to force me into signing a contract for less money and more work, or else take a hike. I took a hike, left the job, and found myself completely sick as a result of taking that leap of faith. The journey of life can get pretty stark at times, much like the above architecture, with forcing about hard decisions in difficult times. 

image source

As Julie wrote in The Julie and Julia Project, when you find your rabbit hole, you've got to take it. Life has presented me with the sweetest opportunity to finish my novel and make something of it. So what if I can't buy a new Coach handbag, sniff, or wake up in dream house in the sunny skies of my hometown, California. Less is more. Make a palace in your own home and besides I've got a rabbit hole to chase down! 

image source

I promise to keep you updated on the adventure! Now what about you? What rabbit holes have you been chasing down?

Love Letters of Sound

Need to find some space to allow your heart to roam and breathe? Grab these free mixes from the amazing The White Light Mixes and find the light. I love mixes No. 36 & No. 37. Discover your own favorite mixes and jet set off in a journey of the heart.

White Light 36 - Gigamesh by White Light Mixes on Mixcloud

Shopping Around Town: Timing is Everything

On a recent trip to Toronto's Eton Fashion Centre, my mother, in town from California, and I fell in love with the tick-tock display at Artizia. The display was a mixture of vintage clocks and new clocks that look vintage. Who doesn't love that?

It's interesting that a majority of the shops found in most Canadian Shopping Malls are indeed American business. Over the last three years, there has been an explosion of American business in Toronto. The Canadian women absolutely love it because typically their love of American fashion meant trips to NYC or expensive payments on customs and duties if clothes were shipped to them north of the border. It's not to say that there aren't fantastic Canadian designers, but the saying goes, the grass always seems greener on the other side. My mother and I headed to the historic and legendary Canadian big box store called The Bay. We headed to the third floor as fast as we could. What we found was more international shopping. I loved the light fixture at Pink Tartan. It almost looks like an abstract line drawing.

My mother suggesting a skirt selection that both she and I both knew would make us both laugh! Of course, she has to act at first very serious when showing me the selection!

At the mini Ralph Lauren shop at The Bay, everything seemed as usual. RL is all about consistency.

I was much more fascinated by this poster:

Only because of this...

Because this sweet doggie looks so much like my own!

Valentino, my very own little angel, is a mix of Carrin Terrier and Chinese Crested! You might be able to see the differences, but then again I am just another infatuated dog owner. Back to shopping, I loved these quilted dressing room curtain at the Free People shop. As a native Cali girl, I couldn't leave without picking up a few tops-thanks to my mom! 

Oh, but perhaps the biggest thrill happened a few weeks ago when I bought an old red clock at thrift store. I bought the clock in its broken state at a whooping $25! A big purchase for something you're not sure will ever work. It also contrasts against the modern style of furnishing that my husband and I own. Why, oh, why did I buy that old vintage clock! It just stole my heart, that's why! As it turns out, my mother and I toted it down to The Clock Factory to have it repaired. Nothing beats the ambience of a clock shop. I was enthralled, just like a kid, watching the tick-tock of cuckoo clocks. I wished we had been there on the hour! 

The average price for these german made clocks were about $900. No joking matter!

The most fortunate surprise came when the woman who repairs clocks started to heatedly question me. Why did I buy it? How much? Once she was satisfied, she started laughing. My beautiful broken red clock bought for $25 was actually worth $3000! I forgot to take a picture of my clock before it was taken to the back of the shop, but it is a swiss made clock that dates back to the early 20th century. Timing is everything, but perhaps the more important lesson is to always follow your heart. 

PS: I'll post a picture of my heirloom quality clock once I have it returned from the shop!

Color Theme: Greens for the Home, Heart, and Soul

image via Design Darling

Recently I have been obsessed with the color of fresh spring flowers  and an Elie Saab dress from the Spring 2011 Collection. The truth is that spring isn't so far away and there are vital ways to draw inspiration to the the home, body, and heart. Let's see if you don't agree?

image via Influence & Stardom

Tufted Chairs in apple green velvet can leave a sweet impression. 

image via Desire to Inspire: Tuft Love Post

These shoes at only $65 are going to be shortly arriving at my home. These are impossibly beautiful and take the simple black dress to fabulous in 30 seconds. 

Shoes available by Nina Electra at Zappos

Of course, there are other ways to express your love. It doesn't have to always be red hearts! I love these handmade pillows by Honey Pie Designs in NYC. This beautiful custom pillow retails at $46, which is something to love! 

Handmade pillow available at Honey Pie Designs NYC