// archives

Why You Can’t Take No For an Answer

Andy Warhol’s rejection letter from the Museum of Modern Art. Don’t give up.




Stepping Out in the Big City

I’m ready for the weekend. But not in these. There’s still time to GET WILD with our Contest. Winner announced next Wednesday. Stay tuned.

Big City Sneaker designed by Be&D




When You’re in Search of a Kind Word

Browsing in one of L.A.’s last remaining bookstores, I got my hands on Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon.  I follow Kleon’s blog for visual inspiration, and in keeping with his title, I’m going to steal an idea. In his book, he suggests keeping a “praise” file, which holds all the nice things that people say to you. It could be an actual manila folder, a digital one for email, or even metaphysical. We know how criticism tends to linger. Wouldn’t it be better to keep track of the compliments?

Friday, April 13, is the deadline for our CONTEST. Check it out!




The Power of Introverts

Reclaiming the power of solitude. This TED Talk, by Susan Cain, explains so much. Tell me if this resonates. (Unless you prefer to be quiet, which is okay, too.)

Photo by Peter Cornelius




On Match.com, What Are They Thinking?

Actual content:

“Deeply narcissistic, exaggerated sense of self-importance, and stunningly shallow. (I know: I had you at “Hello.”) Kidding aside…. “


Eraser
, 1967, by Vija Celmins

 




Vintage Marriage Fantasy

(Countdown to CONTEST. Last week to enter.)

Here’s a marriage fantasy from one man’s point of view, who happens to be a poet:

Continue reading »




Happy Renewal

Huevo by Fede Yankelevich




Retro Moment

Having arrived early for a lunch date with a friend, I waited in the car, catching up on the Home section of the NY Times. I was absorbed by a hand-carved shelf, thinking it would be perfect in my dining room (except for its $12,000 price tag), when I heard a rap on the window. My friend had spotted me on her way to the restaurant. There I was, caught, as the last person in L.A. reading a hard copy of the newspaper. I have got to move on.

Enter our CONTEST.

Illustration by Brent Couchman




Finding Exuberance in the Small Stuff

A handyman just installed a lighted makeup mirror on the wall of my bathroom, and fixed a slow drain in my sink. Oh joy! Speaking of which, check out Jump, an exhilarating book of photos (including this one of Eva Marie Saint) by Philippe Halsman. It’ll make you smile.




Let Go

Rewards await you. See CONTEST.

Escapement by Raqs Media Collective, New Delhi