July Calendar

The July 4th holiday weekend is almost here! The BBQ is ready, beach bags are packed, and I'm ready for some serious paperback mystery reading time. But first, I'm going to print out this charming 3-D paper calendar and you should too. After all, you need to keep track of all those summer fiestas, no? - l.o.d.

Color and Texture

I needed a short break from the normal lunchtime routine today - something in the air was making me a bit crazy and restless. Perhaps it's the tug of the upcoming holiday weekend or the warmth of the sun on a perfect day today. Either way, I found myself wander to the U-M Art Museum, a veritable oasis of calmness and inspiration. Up to the modern galleries I go; to see mid-century Hepworth, Moore, Picasso, Calder and post-modern mixed media works by names lesser known. These snaps are tokens of the experience as reminders to create something that lasts. - l.o.d.

PSA

This is a great visual reminder to get up and move around every once in a while, especially for those of us who sit at a desk all day. I'm going to go get on my bike right now. Also isn't the Vertigo-esque graphic simply fabulous? - l.o.d.


Via: Medical Billing And Coding

100 Words

Today over my morning coffee, I really enjoyed this compilation on NPR of photographers explaining their work in 100 words.  I find it incredibly difficult to explain the background and presence in my paintings.  This makes me even more impressed with their words and pictures, together, creating a story.  I love a story.  And these pictures are approachable prose, the perfect setting to start the day. - l.o.d.

Synesthesia

Ever since reading this article on Synesthesia I have been struck by two provocative thoughts; do I have a sense of Synesthesia, and do I want it?  Synesthesia is when stimulation in one sensory area leads to a second unrelated sensory or cognitive experience, such as associating a color with a number.  Kooky, right?  But then, as I think about it, and I have a sense of the colors of words (“complicated” is violet, “spa” is red) and days/months (August 2 is orange and Mondays are shades of yellow.) But I don’t put much stock in my associations, after all, they may come from life experiences more than anything innate.  I guess that’s what I find so fascinating; does it matter if I see these connections instinctively or if I’m simply able to express myself in these abstract ways?  These are fun philosophical thoughts for your Friday happy hour which, by the way, is very much a crisp apple green time of the day. – l.o.d.

Beauty, unparalleled

The beauty of Northern Michigan in the summertime is unparalleled.  The air is clean and warm, the breezes are refreshing, and everything seems to be bursting with energy.  A quiet bike ride through the tunnel of trees, visiting houses that are still dormant and towns that are just beginning to open their shutters.  Sailboats floating as small batches of white triangles on the cerulean blue bay.  Afternoon potluck parties inspiring local townfolk to flock together, renewing their interest in each other and chatter about tourist season.  The afternoon sunshine making the spring trees hazy with warm light and illuminating all the specs of microscopic elements.  Finally, an orange sunset over the water, so bright that I’m blinded, immediately followed by the crispness of the evening air.  – l.o.d.

June Calendar

Every time I see a whale logo it reminds me of the many summers that I spent with my family on Cape Cod and Nantucket.  I am lucky to still have many close family members on the Cape and smile when I see the blue whale icon on store and car windows, and adorning many beach bags.  This whale of a calendar is going on my desk as a reminder of the beachy summers of my past and many more still to come.  - l.o.d.

The Curiosity Group - the June Calendar