We're constantly hit with distractions and attractions
Looking from this way to that
Hoping and wanting that one or this one
Wishing this would happen or that
But who makes those decisions
Who chooses to give us what we get
We do and we can
Through our thoughts and actions
We make true what is in our hearts and minds
Be it fear or love, it comes to life
Whether we realize it or not
Want it or not
What's in our inner sanctum is what comes forth
So be mindful of what you think, want, say, do
Be mindful of what your mind is full of
Be mind full instead of what is in your heart
And know that what is then there, will be what's you.
* Had the urge to take take to keyboard and type what came to my head. Not claiming it to be more then that. Thanks.
Mind full
Happy Holidays!
Hope everyone has a great New Year! Love, good health, and lasting happiness to you! Please be safe. See you in 2011!
Adam & Eve and the Empathic Civilization
A couple points boggle the mind. Gets a little deep so you are forewarned.
Jeremy Rifkin mentions how we did all come from Adam and Eve but it's not what we think. I had to look this up too but the Mitochondrial "Eve" and Y-Chromosomal "Adam" that Jeremy Rifkin talks about did not actually live in the same time period nor did they mate. Mitochondrial "Eve" lived 50,000 years before Y-Chomosomal "Adam" but the theory is that every human today can trace their mitochondrial DNA through their mothers to this one female, and all males can trace their paternal lineage to this one male. Crazy ain't it? If you're curious as to how, watch this documentary on the Y-Chromosomal "Adam".
The point was made to show how similar we humans really are. Jeremy Rifkin talks about saving our species and our planet by extending our empathy - thinking of the entire human race as our extended family, all creatures as our evolutionary family, and the biosphere as our common community. Something to think about.
Stripping
In any case, here's a quick and dirty from Design Sponge on how to strip paint if you so choose to try this yourself. Good to know that there are less toxic stippers like citristrip and peel away. Don't care to kill myself or the environment with toxic fumes.
The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us
Below is a talk from Dan Pink given at RSA, illustrated by RSA about the hidden truth behind what motivates us. Surprisingly or not, money alone doesn't make the world go round. But the question is to what degree are you motivated by the various factors? I believe some are more motivated by money while others are more motivated to have a purpose. Where do you stand? Check the vid and article below.
Excerpt from Core77, "In the video above, author Daniel Pink cites 50 years worth of behavioral science research demonstrating that money is only a motivating factor to a point for getting good results. After that people seek autonomy, mastery and purpose to be fully productive and indeed happy."
Further discussion between Clay Shirky and Daniel Pink, who both have books on the topic, on Wired Mag.
G Yamazawa Spoken Word
Damn... brought the house down.
About his Grandma - George "G" Yamazawa Jr.
via JoyceY
Back in da Days Vol.10
For Yuka: Party this Friday @ Diety
Deity 368 Atlantic Ave ( between Hoyt & Bond)
7/9 (Friday) 10PM-4AM
$10 (Free until 11PM)
Guest DJ : DJ Mista Sinista (X-ECUTIONERS)
Resident DJs : DJ Peace (Good life Crew)
DJ JAMI (DJ WORLD CHAMPION/NOCTURNAL SOUND KREW)
Supporters: Technics Japan, Panasonic, The Brooklyn Label, HOMAGE, Brooklyn Renaissance, About time, Bader Israel
Graduation
Google's latest Search Story has hit home for many... myself included. Thank you to our parents for their love, strength, struggle, and sacrifice to make sure we have a better life. Because of their success, we don't have to face many of the hardships they had to. We certainly have it easy in comparison.
Create your own Search Story here.
Levi Maestro - years younger but wiser then most
I don't remember how I came upon Levi Maestro but it's been a while since I watched his videos. He's an old soul in a young dude's body. He's wiser then most people I know, fully comfortable in his skin, stays true to himself knowing what he wants and working hard to get it. In this video he talks about authenticity and going for what you want.
Amen, amen, amen! I could not agree more. There's a reason why you won't hear me say I'm jealous of something and why I dislike it when people say they're jealous of me. Don't be! That just tells me you're not happy with something in your life. Go and get what you want. That's all I'm doing. And I'm fully aware that the only person getting in the way of my happiness is me! So yes, the only person getting in your way is you and your fears. It is only as tough as you make it out to be. I still find times where I make it tough for myself but I eventually get over it otherwise I wouldn't be where I am. The greater the risk and the harder you work, the more rewarding it'll be.
A lack of authenticity is one of my pet peves. Sorry to be so harsh but people need to stop jocking other people's nuts! The only way to find your happiness is to figure out who you are and what makes you happy! Have the confidence to know that you don't need other people to validate what you like. It's cool to you and that's all that matters. That's my approach to life and my approach to design. It takes work to get there but it feels oh so good when you're there. Not to say it doesn't take work to maintain it but it's so worth it.
And by all means, don't compare, compete, imitate others. It's a lonely game to play, especially because you're the only one playing it. Just be you.
Here are the quotes from Maestro that I like:
"When people tell me 'You're so lucky. I wish I traveled as much as you.' I'm just like yo, I'm not stopping you. Go get it!"
"There's people who try to recreate authenticity. And there's creators of authenticity. You have the originals and then you have the people that see them and just try to be them. Some people only have that weak will to only want to repeat it. They don't want to be themselves and proudly create something even better."
"Saying imitation is the highest form of flattery is just an excuse to make someone feel good."
Gung Hay Fat Choy
Happy Year of the Tigrrr! Have a wonderful and blessed year! And may your hearts be filled with love.
Greetings from BK with Snow
Snow is absolutely beautiful in Brooklyn and so much fun too! Reminds me of Tahoe. Walking through fluffy white snow up to your calves with piles of it left untouched.
And kids with sleds and making snowmen. Apparently in Booklyn, snowmen come super-sized. The proportions are pretty funny.
Home less not hope less
This made my heart cry...
By Above.
100% of the profit from print sales went to T.P.I. Projects, helping the homeless transition out of the streets. Beautiful.
Oh My OHNY
This coming weekend is the annual Open House New York where you'll get rare access to New York behind the scenes; architectural landmarks, private homes, museums, etc. mostly all free. But what excites me more is Serious Eats' guide to OHNY. All those dots are overwhelming!
River Flows in You - Yiruma
Was introduced to Yiruma's River Flows in You by my little cousin. It's Twilight related but not on the soundtrack.
It is beautiful! Reminds me how therapeutic playing the piano is. I miss it. Wish I had a piano here.
New York I do's
I had a packed weekend of wedding festivities that began with the rehearsal dinner at Ping's Seafood on Friday and drinks at Revival, the beautiful wedding on Saturday (I was on guestbook duty which helped keep me occupied, flying solo can be awkward), and dinner with some Cali folks before they left on Sunday at Oh Taisho. It was very much a college reunion weekend for me. I haven't seen some of these people since we graduated!
Anyhow, here are some photos of the first NY wedding I've attended. A very simple and classy wedding at The Glasshouses. No dancing, just lots of food and cocktails. Congrats to Thuz & Rams! Thanks for letting me be a part of your special day!
Flowers at the simple and romantic ceremony on the 21st floor
View from the cocktail and hor dourve reception on 14th floor.
Some stylish rented furniture sets the mood for the 14th floor
Entrance to the dining area back on the 21st floor
Menu - we got to choose our main dish. Notice all the desserts? (invites etc. designed by Melissa)
Mediterranean salad - great presentation
Dover sole with corn pudding, yum (bad photo)
Desserts were passed around back on the 14th floor like hor dourves. Here's the lemon and rasberry wedding cake. Very moist.
Never have to change your number again
For those who don't already know, Google Voice, formerly GrandCentral is in beta and by invitation only. They're not handing out invites in the same way as gmail. Just leave your name and e-mail and wait a couple days.
Select one number to link your mobile, work, home phones, etc. You can also create settings for different callers (family, friends, co-workers, strangers) to ring different combinations of your various phones or to go to voicemail. Google Voice can also transcribe your voicemail and notify you via text and/or e-mail of a message received. Enjoy!
