Enjoying some time at the drawing table with my son on a Saturday afternoon.
Quote by Pablo Picasso.
Before I Sleep.
Sometimes, when I don't get any sleep from staying up with an adorable and helpless baby, I recite this poem to myself. It's been one of my favorites since I learned it in high school at Cross Country running camp, from an English teacher coach. It applies to so many life scenarios, and contains such familiar imagery. Amazing that Frost wrote it in minutes after spending a long winter's night toiling over another (much less remembered) poem.
Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the village though;
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow.
My little horse must think it queer
To stop without a farmhouse near
Between the woods and frozen lake
The darkest evening of the year.
He gives his harness bells a shake
To ask if there is some mistake.
The only other sound’s the sweep
Of easy wind and downy flake.
The woods are lovely, dark and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.
Robert Frost, “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening”
Laughter.
The best part of watching a baby grow is seeing a personality develop. So far this little dude is aptly named. Always full of smiles.
Home of the Brave
Every Independence Day I try to take a few moments to think about the original Patriots, and how they founded a nation (after all, it's a federal holiday that asks us to do just that). I'm always amazed and inspired by the fact that those who signed the Declaration of Independence could be referred to as "those young punks". The average age was around 40, some of them still teens and twenty-something's. Puts into perspective some of the rash decisions of youth - all of mine pale in comparison to building a sovereign nation.
Daydream
Had some time to myself today. Doesn't happen very often.
Nike is a design company.
This week my company Maharam hosted a national gathering for all the sales reps, operations management, and designers - here in Chicago. Invited to speak was John Hoke III, who is the creative director and VP of Design at Nike. His outlook on the future via innovation and competition was striking. And his confidence and air of superiority was clearly that of an athlete. Here's a page of my notes.
A captivating public speaker, he certainly inspired many of us in the room. Almost enough to make you forget he was talking about the largest apparel and shoe company on the planet, almost.
Inspiration
Fingers crossed.
Ancora imparo.
Attributed to Michelangelo, "still I am learning."
A fine aspiration, and a truth.
Irish blessing
A coworker is celebrating her recent marriage, so my office threw a luncheon for her. I made this as part of the Irish-themed decor.
Girls just
Mother's Day / Birthday
I say it a little tongue-in-cheek, but today is truly a day to count your blessings. I have the occasion to celebrate both Mother's Day and my birthday today. Which means the dudes in my life are trying as hard as they can to make me feel special. That doesn't mean it goes perfectly, especially with a toddler and a baby in the house, but I do appreciate the effort.
I'm also blessed however, to be surrounded by a community of mothers. Of inspiring ladies and great friends, showing both me and my children what caregiving is. Some of these women I mostly connect with online these days, but it doesn't lessen their impact.
So here's to all the mothers. And another year of this family.
Gifts from my guys.
Sunday morning pile-up in bed.
LWA
I've long championed handwritten correspondence. And it took me some time to get organized, but I'm now a proud member of the Letter Writers Alliance.
As they note: In this era of instantaneous communication, a handwritten letter is a rare and wondrous item.
Based in Chicago, Kathy and Donovan, the founders, hold socials and workshops to help promote the art of letter writing. And they have a fantastic online shop (most of it just for members!) full of stationary, vintage stamps, and ephemera. Looking forward to taking advantage!