We Are Each Other Keepers

When I was a young intern at the Environmental Protection Agency, there was a very nice, jovial and humorous man who worked in my division.  Although, all I can remember now is his  first name was Robert and he commuted daily into DC from Fredericksburg, VA.  As far as i knew, he was happily married and was a doting father to 3 children.  Appearance wise, he reminded me a lot of the actor how played Mel on the Dick Van Dyke Show, except he had a much kinder face.  One Friday, as we were all packing up for  the weekend, Robert left at his usual time and wished us all to have a great weekend, smiling on his way out.  On Monday morning, I got word that Robert committed suicide over the weekend.  No one in the office had a clue to any distress in his life that would lead him to this end.

Robin Williams death, along with the recent death of Phillip Seymour Hoffman, is shocking, tragic and in some ways incomprehensible.  How do people who seemingly have everything make the decision to end their lives?  If these people, who have the best resources in the world at their disposal choose suicide as their final solution, what does the teenager grappling with his/her sexuality, the kid who is getting bullied or is so stressed out because they feel like failures do?

After we all get past the shock and grief of Mr. William's death, we need to take steps to take a close look at our family and friends, reach out to them and try to get them the help they need.  It's not always easy since we all have our public and private personas.  It's hard to imagine that there are some of us who will wake up one morning and decide to check out of life.  Maybe I'm being a Pollyanna, but I don't believe it has to be that way.

If you know someone suffering from depression and they may be contemplating suicide, please put them in touch with a mental health professional.  There is also the National Suicide Prevention Hotline http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org.

Locally, NBC4 has a mental health campaign for suicide prevention and mental health awareness (http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/health/Changing-Minds-255300401.html).

Stay healthy, my friends.

Growing Up is Hard to Do...

Glory days???

One of my favorite clients sent me the link below this morning, noting  that she and her husband have a ways to go.  At least they are a young couple on the path of salvation!  It's is more unsettling for me to go into the homes of people in their 40s and 50s that probably don't look that much different from their first apartment after college.

I get it.  Design isn't (or people don't think it is ) important to everyone.  However, if you are in the above mentioned age group and you're still making excuses for the way your home looks that's a bit problematic.

For the record, I agree with all of the offenses except for number 11.  While I am not a fan of the  painted accent wall, a wallpapered accent wall can be quite stunning.

http://www.housebeautiful.com/decorating/ideas/things-should-never-have-in-home-after-30-Elle-decor

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When You Make Your Bed...

Over 3 years since my last post?  I'll never make it to a Blogger's conference at that rate!  Perhaps I am about to turn a corner.

Each commencement season, we are inundated with "inspirational" speakers giving their sage advice on leading and aspiring to a fulfilling life.  Every now and then, I come across an article about such a speech and heed the words, albeit, temporarily.  This one, however, really resonated with me.  Simple advice and a simple chore to start your day because at the end of  the day, you get to lay in it.
http://www.navytimes.com/article/20140520/NEWS/305200043/Top-Navy-SEAL-s-life-advice-Make-your-bed-

A Glass Slipper Day

The usefulness of Facebook is an often debated topic.  It's a source that can be used for good and evil.  In it's worse state, when things go  wrong, it can go very, very wrong.  On the other hand, in it's most idllyic state, it can be kismet and you meet a kindred spirit.

A few weeks ago, I was contacted by fellow (and much more consistent) blogger, Shane Castillini Sjtorm.  We'd met at this year's DC Design House.  Shane's blog, (Visual Treats) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps, which I always look forward to reading, is a beautifully, ethereally written commentary on all things related to the world of design and life.  I was quite honored when Shane asked to feature me in his blog and the result is in Shane's post today (http://forallofmydesign-obsessedpeeps.blogspot.com/2011/12/almost-almost-famous-designers-working.html?spref=fb ).

I hope you all enjoy and will also follow Shane's delightful blog.  He had a posting last week on the advantages of being a mature woman that made my day (http://forallofmydesign-obsessedpeeps.blogspot.com/2011/12/december-issue-forgotten-ones.html?spref=fb).

It's great ending the year on such a high note.  I feel like Cinderella trying on the glass slipper and it fits.

Subtlety Reigns Supreme



Adele



                       

I've been home sick for the past couple of days with what feels like the flu.  The upside of being homebound is it gives me the opportunity to catch up on reading and TV.  I've heard and read a lot about Adele's performance at the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards this past weekend.  No autotune, no lasers or flashing lights.  No gyrating dancers, and the performer, herself, was fully clothed (looking quite beautiful by the way).

I quess when you have true talent and confidence in what you do, you don't need distractions.

Click on the link below to enjoy Adele's performance.  Enjoy!

http://www.usmagazine.com/moviestvmusic/news/watch-adeles-heartbreaking-vma-performance-of-someone-like-you-2011308

The Days Can Be Long, But the Years Are Short

First day of school - 1999

Today, is the first day in 18 years that I did not have to take one or both of my children to school. My son, Ian, is now 17 and a high school senior, is driving and my daughter, Gabi, 19, is starting her junior year at Haverford College. Those who know me will vouch that I'm not a "the world revolves around my children" type. I've always looked at myself as their life coach. Don't get me wrong. I love and enjoy my children more than anything in this world, but always felt it was my responsibility to them to let them fall and pick themselves up, experience disappointments as well as joy. I'd just hover in the background just in case I was needed.

So today, I sit here, with tears and a bittersweet feeling. My day-to-day mothering is coming to an end and now my children are encouraging me to go forth and prosper. For months, I've been toying with the prospect of beginning a blog. Now, I've got a bit of a empty nest syndrome creeping in, so I reckon I should find an activity to fill the void.

Gabi and Ian - Summer 2011

So very much like almost 20 years ago, as I brought Gabi home from the hospital, I'm giving birth to my new "baby". Bear with me as I figure this whole thing out. I didn't know much about raising children and everything has turned out wonderfully well. I hope you will join me on my new adventure!