Maps

It wasn't too long ago when a road trip meant a large paper map unfolded on the floor, highlighters marking the route, the mystery of each town left to the imagination.  Now, like most people, I rely on the incredible technology behind Google maps and my GPS.  But this makes me wonder if I'm missing part of the journey - the part that involves a bigger picture of the planning process rather than the shortest or quickest way from point A to B.  My fondest road trip memories are when I got lost or decided to take the road less traveled.  All of these moments were caused by or remedied by a good old fashioned map.  I think maps themselves are works of beauty, the natural geography outlined and blocked by color.  Here are a few of my favorites maps from worldly places that amaze me, both on and off the map.  - l.o.d.

Kauai

Tuscany

London Underground

Paris

Treehotel

Treehotel, Sweeden

There's something eternally playful and imaginative about a tree house. Like a fortress of solitude in the sky, you chose for whom to lower the ladder or leave to daydream at ground level. The mystery of elevated nature unfolds at a birds-eye view. Part Swiss Family Robinson, part Lost, the escape offers both a sanctuary and study.

My next door neighbor when I was growing up had a tree fort in his yard - a unsteady and somewhat rickety one at that. We climbed up planks of wood affixed with one single nail to our tree fort in the sky. Barely enough room for the two of us, we'd drop acorns out the window and watch the birds flit around the nearby branches. One day my friend moved out and our new neighbors pulled the tree house down. I was a teenager with neither interest nor a small enough body to fit into it anymore. Although I would never have admitted it, a big part of me was saddened by the loss.

Needless to say, one day I will visit a tree house hotel, whether this one in Sweeden or closer to home, to relive those king of the jungle feelings anew. - l.o.d.

Post-modern Edwardianism

I'm rounding out this week with a continuation on my Edwardian theme from the past two days. I can't get enough! I made up today's blog title to convey the resurgence of Edwardian-themed fashion that I see in some boutique chains, though I'm pretty sure this really isn't an official trend. And I can only make a guess as to why these styles are coming back; economy? a love of texture? the pendulum shifting away from the bare-all trend? fall coats? Whatever the name or the reason, I find it exciting. The drape of the folds of clothing, the rich suede and leather, buttons and pleats and ruffles, lots and lots of ruffles. Romantic. Maybe an item or two will appeal to you in your shopping travels this weekend.  - l.o.d.

Anthropologie

Sherlock Holmes

Nina Ricci Spring 2011 Collection

Edwardian Fashionistas

The Edward Gorey post from yesterday must really be striking a chord with me because I can't get the fashions out of my mind.  What appeals to me right now is the sense of mystery with the layers, the tactile senses of the different materials, the rich yet subtle colors and the careful presentation of the proper dress for society.  And of course, I love the woman on a bike in a long dress.  Practical!  - l.o.d.

Edward Gorey

Today's post turns me to the macabre thanks to a thick morning fog over the countryside and reading a bit too much Edgar Allen Poe lately.  I feel that November is the spookiest month despite that fateful October day that steals its thunder and our turkey-obsessed holiday distraction.  The trees are bare, the skies are gray and somehow the drama of an Edwardian-dressed illustrated satire seems completely now.

Edward Gorey is one of my all-time favorite illustrators.  His macabre and whimsical illustrations convey as sense of literary nonsense, as he once described his style.  Upon the question of being called gothic, he replied, "If you're doing nonsense it has to be rather awful, because there'd be no point."  I fully respect and enjoy the surreal twist of his work.  Off to tea in the Zagava tree... - l.o.d.

Breathing Space

Las Almandas Resort - Mexico

Today I need a little warm space in my mind to calm some rough seas.  So I'm focusing on this small portal into paradise. The colors are instantly cheery, the promise of sugar sand between toes is meditative and I can hear the light ocean waves lapping the shore from here.  Have a restful evening, friends. - l.o.d.

Winter Nests

It's almost time to put the bird feeder out for winter, always a bittersweet chore for me.  I'm a novice birder and really take pleasure in watching the backyard birds during the summer and miss their presence in the winter.  The bird feeder is a bribe so that I can see them all year.  I noticed something missing over the past few days; the sounds of silence from the avian world.  They're starting to hunker-down in their winter nests.  So I've got to find some replacement birds for my home; these are a few of my favorites. - l.o.d.

Jonathan Adler - Pop Bird Box

West Elm - Bird Candle

CB2 - Red Bird Pillow

Etsy - DesignedDesigner

Ma Vie Parisienne

This weekend, the infamous Bathroom Project is just about to turn from the renovation phase to the decoration phase. I'm brimming with anticipation and all sorts of ideas are floating around my head. Right now I'm in the mood for some graphique du France, a whimsical Parisian look like Amelie or someone with an adorable curled mustachio and striped shirt.  I think these items below fit the bill and would completely charm the pants off of anyone visiting that room (pun intended).  Meanwhile, I think a nice french croissant with a demitasse cafe is in order for breakfast tomorrow.  Have a great weekend, mes amis! - l.o.d.

Freewheeling by Blanca Gomez

Rooftops switchplate - Anthropologie

Black&White hook - Anthropologie

Charcoal Study

 

The foundation to any great painting is a charcoal value study. I learned this through my current watercolor class, and the study is proving to be a nice challenge and time very well spent for refreshing my drawing skills.  What is a value study?  It's the placement of light and dark in relation to each other.  It's a map.  It takes the guesswork out of composition and color.  Here are a three of my recent sketches - the challenge is to work through them in less than 10 minutes so that I can get started on the painting.  This is no small feat!  I'll be practicing this art for a while but enjoying every minute of it. - l.o.d.

Holga Snaps

My trip Up North last weekend through the lens of a Holga.  It was my first go at a toy camera and I love the medium format film, the unpredictable details and the spooky moodiness.  What I don't love are the super obvious light leaks in the second shot (the red splashes at the top).  Next time I'm going to tape the camera to help avoid this.  The third shot has some nice shadowing and blurriness that I'm not quite sure how happened.  That's part of the fun, though.  I'm sold and already looking for a 35mm toy camera to stash in my everyday tote.  I'm sold on film; digital is great but film is worth the wait.  - l.o.d.

Day of the Dead Celebration in Color

The Day of the Dead

What I like about The Little Orange Desk is that it really inspires me to think about color, design and the aesthetics that surround me. It’s a terrific opportunity to take stock of how much creativity and art play a role in my life; and since today is the Latin celebration of the Day of the Dead, it seems like the l.o.d is a perfect place to share some Latin creativity.

One of the best parts of Latin culture in my opinion is the expressiveness of their celebration of life and relationships. Its easy to see when you look around a Latin neighborhood like Mexican Village or if you are in Mexico surrounded by brightly painted buildings and the crowds all wear festive, colorful fabrics but my favorite way to see this creativity is in the folk art that is so distinctly Mexican.  For me it is the playfulness and the colors of Day of the Dead art that really excites me.

Many people think of Day of the Dead artwork as being about devils and skeletons and so naturally they don’t see the playfulness of it. For example, the devil in this style of art is really meant to portray the fool rather than something sinister. Look at some of these playful examples, aren’t the colors vibrant? See the playfulness in the simplicity of shape?

 

The Day of the Dead is a celebration for loved ones lost so in such a vibrant culture the best way to celebrate is with color and a sense of playfulness. I never tire of the color and passion that’s a part of Mexican folk art. In Mexico today, family and friends will gather in cemeteries throughout the country for a time of celebration of the lives that once were; for the memories and stories that they have left behind. Most certainly there will be tears of longing but there will also be song, dance and laughter, there will be food and celebration of lives well lived and yes, there will also be art, this fantastic creative spirit of celebration of the dead and the memories they leave for us. I don’t know about you, but this seems like a much better way to be remembered! - Paul

Pay it Forward

This weekend we were consumed with the installation of 15 brand-new sparkling clean windows.  It was very exciting for us to watch and it was even more exciting for the two cranky black cats that were condemned to the basement for the duration of Saturday.  Part of the charm of owning a 140-year old house is the knowledge that it has a past and a future beyond my ownership.  I really feel like I'm just passing through and I'm certain that I'll feel this way even if we live there for another 20 years.  Putting in new windows makes me feel that I've done my part to pass it forward with the care and attention it deserves.  When finished, the bathroom remodel is going to feel even better.

I find a lot of inspiration from others who've taken on a challenging home renovation.  This Old House has some great before/after stories to read.  What's been your best home remodel/renovation? - l.o.d.