A Year of Journey

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/TRrd6NBPT0I/AAAAAAAAGGk/Fv4KOfi29ws/s1600/a+volar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/TRrd6NBPT0I/AAAAAAAAGGk/Fv4KOfi29ws/s640/a+volar.jpg" width="468" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;"><i>These days, one must fly</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;"><i>-but where to?</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;"><i>without wings, </i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;"><i>without a plane, </i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;"><i>to fly </i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;"><i>without doubt:</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;"><i>Steps have now passed by </i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;"><i>to no avail, </i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;"><i>they did not </i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;"><i>lift the feet</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;"><i>of the passenger. </i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;"><i><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Pablo Neruda</span></u></i></span></span></div><blockquote style="text-align: justify;"></blockquote>January 11th marks the beginning of my new year. It is the anniversary of the passing of my Dad and the end of a very tumultuous year. In almost every sense, my life was turned upside down and inside out. In fact, I spent much of that time avoiding this blog; because I couldn't bring myself to express all that was going on. <br />Funny enough, I feel 2010 was a very difficult time for many, many people, not  just me. Because of that, I have spent ALOT of time soul searching and in prayer. I've been trying to answer the question, "Now what?"<br />One very good thing about trying times, is that you often come out of them stronger and more grounded. Thankfully, I feel that is true for me at this time. <br />So, why am I saying all this; you might ask. Partly, to explain where I was last year and partly to begin a new year of change. <br />I will be making changes to this blog that match the changes in my life. I am a very different person than when I first began <i><a href="http://carolinaeclectic.blogspot.com/">Carolina Eclectic</a></i> so I have to express different ideas.<br />I will still write about interior design, just in a slightly different manner. I will also write about art and explore where creativity comes from.<br />I want to understand how design can be used to express your true inner-self and to uplift your soul. Also, I have been allowing myself to branch out into other creative endeavors that I have always loved, but felt intimidated by. More on this later.<br />Another change I am making is to my secondary blog, <a href="http://carolinarandomthoughts.blogspot.com/">Random Thoughts</a>. I have ignored it even more than this one! The truth is, "Random Thoughts" was a sort of love letter to my Daddy. I wanted to post things I thought his eccentric sense of humor might enjoy, but because of his long illness; could not.<br />So, when he passed, my inspiration for it seemed to die too. I've decided to officially put it to rest. I'm going to leave it up, but I just don't know what to say anymore.<br />In its place, I began a Tumblr site. Taking a line from this poem, I called it <i><a href="http://a-volar.tumblr.com/">"A Volar"</a></i>. Which means, "To take flight". That's what I hope to do this year. Soar with hope and newly found inspiration:) I really have been enjoying it! In it I can express my <i>own</i> eccentric ideas freely. If I could open up my mind for everyone to see, I think it would look like <i><a href="http://a-volar.tumblr.com/">this site</a></i>. So, stop on by if you like.<br />Okay, thanks for those of you who bothered to read all this and thanks to all of you who kept reading throughout such a tough year. I pray that 2011 will be brighter for all of you, too!<br />Love<br />Carolina<br /><br />P.S. I will be taking tomorrow off. It is New Year's day, after all!

A Year of Journey

These days, one must fly -but where to? without wings,  without a plane,  to fly  without doubt: Steps have now passed by  to no avail,  the...

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Monday Morning Randomness

<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/SjZILZgQDrI/AAAAAAAAFLs/xVbX5chwwnI/s1600-h/random+collage.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347540968210960050" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/SjZILZgQDrI/AAAAAAAAFLs/xVbX5chwwnI/s800/random+collage.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 659px; height: 389px;" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Here are a couple of things that are on my mind this morning. First, I'm so excited about <a href="http://www.davidbyrne.com/tours/index.php"><span style="font-style: italic;">this concert,</span></a> I can't sit still!!!<br />Second, have you ever thought what your Ikea name would be if you were a piece of furniture? Well, wonder no more! Go <a href="http://www.blogadilla.com/2008/05/11/the-blogadilla-swedish-furniture-name-generator/"><span style="font-style: italic;">here and find out</span></a>. Apparently, I would also be a very minimal platform bed, hmmm?</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">I'll be back later today:)</span><br /></div>

Monday Morning Randomness

Here are a couple of things that are on my mind this morning. First, I'm so excited about this concert, I can't sit still!!! Second...

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Sunday Abstraction: I Know I've Mentioned This...

But, David Byrne Is My Hero!<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/SUVrqE2I83I/AAAAAAAAEGY/w5PoLBwjumA/s1600-h/Picture+16.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279744508761273202" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/SUVrqE2I83I/AAAAAAAAEGY/w5PoLBwjumA/s800/Picture+16.png" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 323px; height: 400px;" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/M1D30gS7Z8U&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/M1D30gS7Z8U&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="425"></embed></object><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/SUVro9gRI_I/AAAAAAAAEGI/4fxJyIwfW1M/s1600-h/Picture+13.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279744489610617842" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/SUVro9gRI_I/AAAAAAAAEGI/4fxJyIwfW1M/s800/Picture+13.png" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 313px; height: 400px;" /></a><br /></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/SUVrjJ_fidI/AAAAAAAAEGA/1qS0AOtQFWw/s1600-h/Picture+10.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279744389883595218" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/SUVrjJ_fidI/AAAAAAAAEGA/1qS0AOtQFWw/s800/Picture+10.png" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 292px; height: 400px;" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/SUVri2fAFlI/AAAAAAAAEF4/6RU1-CDjVe0/s1600-h/Picture+11.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279744384647042642" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/SUVri2fAFlI/AAAAAAAAEF4/6RU1-CDjVe0/s800/Picture+11.png" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 295px; height: 400px;" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/SUVrMmtWahI/AAAAAAAAEFo/5ZiURRkyUTo/s1600-h/Picture+12.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279744002455136786" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/SUVrMmtWahI/AAAAAAAAEFo/5ZiURRkyUTo/s800/Picture+12.png" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 319px; height: 400px;" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/6DQyusKTAh4&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/6DQyusKTAh4&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="425"></embed></object><br /><br />An oldie, but ...you know.<br /></div><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/tZONBKy7qNw&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/tZONBKy7qNw&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="425"></embed></object>

Sunday Abstraction: I Know I've Mentioned This...

But, David Byrne Is My Hero! An oldie, but ...you know.

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Sunday Abstraction.

<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/STtGvtxuraI/AAAAAAAAEEE/HGo7TbSaEMw/s1600-h/Picture+1.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276889173950639522" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/STtGvtxuraI/AAAAAAAAEEE/HGo7TbSaEMw/s800/Picture+1.png" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 385px; height: 400px;" /></a>Hi everyone! I'm trying to get up and running again.<br />I decided to do something that<br />will make me feel better.<br />I'm starting a new series called, <span style="font-weight: bold;">"Sunday Abstraction"</span>.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/STtGvHOBJCI/AAAAAAAAED8/PKPbu2dYfd0/s1600-h/Picture+5.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276889163600307234" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/STtGvHOBJCI/AAAAAAAAED8/PKPbu2dYfd0/s800/Picture+5.png" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 326px; height: 400px;" /></a><br />Why abstraction?<br /></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/STtGi909L7I/AAAAAAAAED0/ZHpRQzxszn8/s1600-h/Picture+2.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276888954920841138" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/STtGi909L7I/AAAAAAAAED0/ZHpRQzxszn8/s800/Picture+2.png" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 399px; height: 400px;" /></a>For one thing<br />because I love the definition of the word...<br />Abstraction is the thought process wherein ideas are distanced from objects.<br />It uses a strategy of simplification, wherein formerly concrete details<br />are left ambiguous, vague, or undefined.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/STtGi2zueuI/AAAAAAAAEDs/_ZR3r0gqxQM/s1600-h/Picture+7.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276888953036634850" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/STtGi2zueuI/AAAAAAAAEDs/_ZR3r0gqxQM/s800/Picture+7.png" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/STtGibvZZoI/AAAAAAAAEDk/MQ4qn-q9ikA/s1600-h/Picture+6.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276888945770718850" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/STtGibvZZoI/AAAAAAAAEDk/MQ4qn-q9ikA/s800/Picture+6.png" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 318px; height: 400px;" /></a>So.<br />These posts won't mean anything<br />They are just ambiguous images and thoughts.<br /></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/STtGh13CxfI/AAAAAAAAEDc/sIJJXW-IYCg/s1600-h/Picture+9.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276888935602243058" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/STtGh13CxfI/AAAAAAAAEDc/sIJJXW-IYCg/s800/Picture+9.png" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 399px;" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/STtGhv14blI/AAAAAAAAEDU/BVrK4hlKpPU/s1600-h/Picture+8.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276888933986758226" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/STtGhv14blI/AAAAAAAAEDU/BVrK4hlKpPU/s800/Picture+8.png" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 398px; height: 400px;" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/8nTFjVm9sTQ&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/8nTFjVm9sTQ&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="425"></embed></object><br />I'm including this video that I am currently OBSESSED with!!<br /><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Go </span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22429780@N02/favorites/" style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">here</span></a><span style="font-family: georgia;"> to find the sources of these Flickr photos.</span></span><br /></div></div>

Sunday Abstraction.

Hi everyone! I'm trying to get up and running again. I decided to do something that will make me feel better. I'm starting a new ser...

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Weekend Reading.

<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/STG5fOAW0JI/AAAAAAAAECE/i_gfZIyg8w0/s1600-h/Picture+6.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274200584614236306" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/STG5fOAW0JI/AAAAAAAAECE/i_gfZIyg8w0/s400/Picture+6.png" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Hi everyone! Today is Saturday and I am still in the middle of visiting all of my relatives. I came home only for an hour or two and found a refreshing site, I wanted to share. "</span><a href="http://www.booooooom.com/2008/11/13/project-5-submissions-part-3/" style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-style: italic;">The Free Encouragement Project" started by Booooooom</span></a><span style="font-family: georgia;"> and </span><a href="http://www.designformankind.com/" style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Design For Mankind</span></a><span style="font-family: georgia;">, is a collection of uplifting phrases submitted by readers. Who couldn't use some encouragement lately? Here are a few of my favorite phrases. Check out the site for smile! Hope everyone is enjoying their weekend:)</span></span><br /></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/STG5eo9srEI/AAAAAAAAEB8/CbKWWEGNsmE/s1600-h/Picture+7.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274200574670974018" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/STG5eo9srEI/AAAAAAAAEB8/CbKWWEGNsmE/s400/Picture+7.png" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 263px;" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/STG5eEtG_9I/AAAAAAAAEB0/ZgWIa3IWNKc/s1600-h/Picture+8.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274200564937719762" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/STG5eEtG_9I/AAAAAAAAEB0/ZgWIa3IWNKc/s400/Picture+8.png" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/STG5mAJTE0I/AAAAAAAAECM/TH-aDiTPMaM/s1600-h/Picture+11.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274200701152727874" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/STG5mAJTE0I/AAAAAAAAECM/TH-aDiTPMaM/s400/Picture+11.png" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 259px;" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/STG5eBcFElI/AAAAAAAAEBs/zLQXs1dr25Y/s1600-h/Picture+9.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274200564060983890" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/STG5eBcFElI/AAAAAAAAEBs/zLQXs1dr25Y/s400/Picture+9.png" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" /></a>

Weekend Reading.

Hi everyone! Today is Saturday and I am still in the middle of visiting all of my relatives. I came home only for an hour or two and found a...

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Can Someone Explain This To Me?

<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/SPFssxbVIJI/AAAAAAAADzc/KHPN8T7jj8E/s1600-h/Picture+32.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256101756556091538" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/SPFssxbVIJI/AAAAAAAADzc/KHPN8T7jj8E/s320/Picture+32.png" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" /></a>When I was a kid growing up in a small town, I was often the target of mean kids because of things about me that they found to be "too different". I remember taking <a href="http://mexicanfood.about.com/od/sweetsanddesserts/r/pandulce.htm"><span style="font-style: italic;">pan dulce</span></a> in my lunch box and kids literally gathering around me to make gagging sounds and to tell me how "gross" my food looked. Or listening to Spanish music and getting strange looks. Okay, so take the same exact music and have it recorded by an American artist, and all-of-a-sudden its genius! Have someone change the shape of the pan dulce, and give it a French name or something...now its a delicacy. I have often found this baffling. When you grow up as part of a minority, you learn to hide a lot of your cultural traditions while in the "Anglo" world, because otherwise you often run into discrimination. But if a well known artist or whatever, blatantly copies those same cultural references they are hailed as original and truly creative. If you are wondering why I'm on such a soap box, its because I was scrolling through the web, when I ran across this article about the latest <a href="http://www.style.com/fashionshows/review/S2009RTW-HERMES"><span style="font-style: italic;">Hermes collection</span></a>. I admit that I chuckled at the details of the collection, because it all looked and felt suspiciously familiar to me.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/SPFs4tLmqFI/AAAAAAAADzk/gvVykgB9n9Y/s1600-h/***A+little+clarification.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256101961574819922" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/SPFs4tLmqFI/AAAAAAAADzk/gvVykgB9n9Y/s800/***A+little+clarification.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 501px; height: 375px;" /></a>Hmm, I wonder what in the world could have inspired such a collection? Maybe all the folks who actually sew the clothes, clean up the main offices, and build the massive sky-scrapers? I don't know...maybe. When I was younger I used to think that this sort of thing was a sort of acceptance of cultural differences...but now I'm not so sure. I can imagine the reaction I would get if I walked around wearing these clothes. Hermes or not, I probably wouldn't get the nicest treatment if I walked in to a high end department store.<br />My intention is not to be divisive because I love where I live and my parents had to sacrifice a lot for us to be here...and I am very grateful. I guess I just wanted to point one of those curiosities of life. My point of view is of growing up Mexican-American, but I know anyone who grew up here with a family from somewhere else has experienced the same thing.<br />So there is yet another of my <a href="http://carolinaeclectic.blogspot.com/search/label/Random%20Thoughts"><span style="font-style: italic;">random thoughts</span></a> that has nothing to do with interior design...I know, I have a lot of them.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/SPFs4xIDJYI/AAAAAAAADzs/zkSKc637OC8/s1600-h/Picture+31.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256101962633651586" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/SPFs4xIDJYI/AAAAAAAADzs/zkSKc637OC8/s800/Picture+31.png" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 382px; height: 247px;" /><span style="display: block;" id="formatbar_Buttons"><span class="on" style="display: block;" id="formatbar_CreateLink" title="Link" onmouseover="ButtonHoverOn(this);" onmouseout="ButtonHoverOff(this);" onmouseup="" onmousedown="CheckFormatting(event);FormatbarButton('richeditorframe', this, 8);ButtonMouseDown(this);"></span></span></a>P.S. I posted this photo with only the utmost respect, because I think <a href="http://www.lostigresdelnorte.com/espanol/"><span style="font-style: italic;">Los Tigres Del Norte</span></a> is one of the best bands ever! (Even if I don't agree w/ the outfits)<br />P.P.S. Anyone reading this who isn't from the U.S. probably doesn't know what I am talking about. These clothes are a reference to a part of Mexican culture known as <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tejanos"><span style="font-style: italic;">Tejano</span></a> or <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norte%C3%B1o_%28music%29"><span style="font-style: italic;">Norteño</span></a>. It is basically a fusion of Northern Mexican and Southwest American traditions.<br /></div>

Can Someone Explain This To Me?

When I was a kid growing up in a small town, I was often the target of mean kids because of things about me that they found to be "too ...

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PingPong Basketball

<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/SIgBgcAmRVI/AAAAAAAACWw/fB_l8mpkQL8/s1600-h/Picture+1.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226429024349603154" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/SIgBgcAmRVI/AAAAAAAACWw/fB_l8mpkQL8/s800/Picture+1.png" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a>This is the kind of thing that cracks me up, even though I'm not sure why. Maybe because its so absurd, or because it makes me wonder how someone came up with this idea. See the video <a href="http://www.sherbet.co.uk/directors/georgeGendi/pingpongs/"><span style="font-style: italic;">here</span>,</a> found via <a href="http://www.katespade.info/"><span style="font-style: italic;">Kate Spade's site</span></a>. I realize this has nothing to do with design, I'll post something else later.<br /></div>

PingPong Basketball

This is the kind of thing that cracks me up, even though I'm not sure why. Maybe because its so absurd, or because it makes me wonder ho...

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One Of My Favorites.

<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/SHwY_zYbH4I/AAAAAAAACTI/Fbd97tKkoEY/s1600-h/Picture+31.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223077152246407042" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/SHwY_zYbH4I/AAAAAAAACTI/Fbd97tKkoEY/s800/Picture+31.png" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 551px; height: 557px;" /></a>I know in "blog land" <a href="http://audrey-tautou.org/"><span style="font-style: italic;">Audrey Tautou </span></a>is a perennial favorite. I'm crazy about her too. She is just so charming. I love this photo of her by <a href="http://www.rouvre.com/main.php?lang=en"><span style="font-style: italic;">Denis Rouvre</span></a>. He is an amazing photographer, and <a href="http://carolinarandomthoughts.blogspot.com/2008/07/denis-rouvre.html"><span style="font-style: italic;">here</span></a> are few more amazing photos; I love.<br />(BTW: Only after I posted this, did I notice the striking resemblance this photo has to the one on the right. Hmm, I see a pattern here).<br /></div>

One Of My Favorites.

I know in "blog land" Audrey Tautou is a perennial favorite. I'm crazy about her too. She is just so charming. I love this pho...

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Random Ideas.

<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/SC4T5LN7MJI/AAAAAAAAByI/f-qCN2wpciA/s1600-h/Picture+41.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5201116492644167826" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/SC4T5LN7MJI/AAAAAAAAByI/f-qCN2wpciA/s800/Picture+41.png" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/SC4T5rN7MKI/AAAAAAAAByQ/rKY7PJL4tRI/s1600-h/Picture+43.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5201116501234102434" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/SC4T5rN7MKI/AAAAAAAAByQ/rKY7PJL4tRI/s800/Picture+43.png" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a>I'm not sure if most of you know this, but I have a second blog. I call it <a href="http://carolinarandomthoughts.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-style: italic;">Random Thoughts</span></a>. Like the title says, I post random things that catch my eye. I decided to use it to it to indulge my love of art and striking images. This is probably a dumb idea, but hey; I think its fun. So check it out <a href="http://carolinarandomthoughts.blogspot.com/" style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">here</span></a>...if you want. Please feel free to let me know what you think about it. <br /></div>

Random Ideas.

I'm not sure if most of you know this, but I have a second blog. I call it Random Thoughts . Like the title says, I post random things t...

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Will Trading Spaces Ever Die?

<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/R6fD7o-4nnI/AAAAAAAAAsg/c6q7oPd_gSw/s1600-h/Picture+51.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}">Excuse me while I gripe a bit.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5163310927184436850" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/R6fD7o-4nnI/AAAAAAAAAsg/c6q7oPd_gSw/s400/Picture+51.png" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a>I am not one to complain too often, but someone has to point out this television tragedy. As I was watching a program on TLC the other day, I was horrified to see a commercial, for the revamping of Trading Spaces. Their motto basically says, Remember years ago, when people liked this show, and it was hosted by Paige Davis? Well, she's back! Oh, and now ex spouses, and kids and parents will trade rooms. What! I got an immediate knot in my stomach. This show stopped being, even somewhat interesting years ago.<br />I admit that when Trading Spaces first aired, I though it was fun and creative because the designers had such a novel approach. Unfortunately, the program quickly took a turn for the worst. My personal belief is that this program and others like it are almost completely responsible for poorly designed homes in America. First of all, the idea that any type of design can be done for $1000.00, $500.00, or whatever is absolutely ridiculous. These programs can claim that is all they spend, but just the amount of labor it takes to pull off that kind of work, would blow their budgets out of the water. There have been times I've watched these programs, and known for a fact that what they claim an item costs, is not anywhere close to reality.<br />The thing that bothers me the most, is not the absurd budgets, but the absolutely HORRIBLE design. The results of these "makeovers", often make me shudder. I find myself thinking that the room looked better <span style="font-style: italic;">before</span> the makeover.<br />I'm sure some of you are thinking..."Well, if you don't like the programs; don't watch them!" I agree with this statement, but the problem is, how many people out there don't realize just how bad this design is? They think that if they see it on t.v. it must be good.<br />Wouldn't it be wonderful, if "Design" shows were hosted by actual designers, and not just t.v. personalities? Like, whatever happened to <a href="http://www.kennethbrowndesign.com/"><span style="font-style: italic;">Kenneth Brown's</span></a> show on HGTV, or <a href="http://www.sheilabridges.com/"><span style="font-style: italic;">Sheila Bridges</span></a>' program on Fine Living? Their programs were very interesting, and their designs were great. </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/R6fFEY-4nqI/AAAAAAAAAs4/izVE5-kFa6c/s1600-h/Good+design.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5163312177019920034" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/R6fFEY-4nqI/AAAAAAAAAs4/izVE5-kFa6c/s800/Good+design.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a>What if <a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/"><span style="font-style: italic;">Apartment Therapy</span></a>, produced a television show? That would be so cool, Or maybe; <a href="http://www.dominomag.com/"><span style="font-style: italic;">Domino Magazine</span></a>. Talk about two sources that have their finger on the pulse of modern design, never mind their huge built-in following. What about a reality show based on the life of <a href="http://kellywearstler.com/"><span style="font-style: italic;">Kelly Wearstler</span></a>? Imagine, following the style icon as she works on her amazing projects, while looking as fabulous as she does. I would kill to watch that! If there are any t.v. execs. reading this, here are a few suggestions from me.<br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/R6fFE4-4nrI/AAAAAAAAAtA/IPW4qapEOcY/s1600-h/Good+design-Kelly.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5163312185609854642" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/R6fFE4-4nrI/AAAAAAAAAtA/IPW4qapEOcY/s800/Good+design-Kelly.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a>I realize that not many designers can uproot their lives and businesses, to make a television program, but it would be nice if producers could offer a little more than goofy design for tiny budgets. Perhaps, I am only dreaming; but there is nothing wrong with that. I guess for now I wait for the few weeks a year when <a href="http://www.bravotv.com/Top_Design/"><span style="font-style: italic;">Top Design</span></a>, airs.<br />O.K. now that I have that out of my system, I will go back to being my more positive self :)<br /></div>

Will Trading Spaces Ever Die?

Excuse me while I gripe a bit. I am not one to complain too often, but someone has to point out this television tragedy. As I was watching a...

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