silent storyteller

Lent day 5: Why 'moan-less' lent?

2012-02-26T15:11:00Z

So what's the deal with this 'moan-less' lent challenge?

I have never done lent before and I don't get it...but it's 'moan less lent', so I won't go into a whole rant why I don't get it.

I thought to myself...OK you want a challenge for lent????...STOP MOANING!

Specially with Facebook and Twitter...they have become in someway my wailing walls. Unconsciously it becomes your voice and translates into the real world

I really do believe there is some truth in how we program ourselves to feel and as a consequence how we live. We are predisposed by genes, culture and environment to be a certain way. But I do think we can reprogram some part of the brain to seeing the glass half full, instead of half empty. I have heard there is scientific evidence to prove this, but I can't find it! : P

I usually swing from an empty glass, to one which is overflowing. So the challenge for the next 40 days (now 35) is really about self control and to force my brain to distract from the negative and focus on the positive. There is a lot happening around me to be really excited about, so I think it's doable.

Photo via 52 week marathon

We'll see if after 40 days I find myself surrounded by unicorns, rainbows and waterfalls

instead of rain, clutter and VAT bills. ; )

Lent day 4: Random image and changes

2012-02-25T19:16:09Z

"However vague they are, dreams have a way of concealing themselves and leave us no peace until they are translated into reality, like seeds germinating underground, sure to sprout in their search for the sunlight."

Lin Yutang

Quietasoxen

I wanted to write a post today about looking for inspiration for my new studio space.

Well, not exactly new...but repurposed space!

But I found this picture and just had to share it...not sure when or where it's from...possibly Mongolia? Isn't their hair incredible?

Some of you know I've decided to park making dresses for now and focus on my new calling. Not sure what that is yet, but I know it will be related to the internet and visual storytelling...

I haven't given up making my collection, I'm still producing one ongoing knitwear collection a year which I'll export to Japan, through my website and in Bow. I don't think I could ever stop working with cashmere. It's magic! Also collaborating with Molloy & Sons to make some garments which are 100% spun, woven and sewn in Ireland.

But I'm more excited about this new direction, than I have been, lately, about making clothes.

I've always thought you must follow what your heart and gut tells you. So I've given myself some time to absorb new passions and interests. I did consider going back to college, but I don't think I could cope being told what to do, or what to study and when. I'm self directing my training and have a heap of books and a few sites I'm using to learn as much as I can, on my own. Being obsessive and disciplined helps.

At the moment my head is exploding with all the information , but I'm hoping it will all fall into place, in some vacant portion of my brain. And as Lin Yutang said...hoping the seeds will sprout looking for sunlight!

I've already had my first 'client' meeting and I'm working on a new website for them.

: )

Lent day 3 : Yoga baby

2012-02-24T09:00:00Z

The first time I remember meeting someone who practiced yoga was probably in the early nineties.

Whilst studying college in Madrid, I was frequently invited to have dinner at the home of my friends Lara and Julieta. Dinner at 'Casa Hernandez' was called 'El Sistema' (The system). Every evening they would have the same meal, an assortment of cured hams, chorizo, cheese, a magnificent salad and the most delicious fresh bread.

I sometimes dream (and drool) I could have a similar set up here in Ireland.

It was at these dinners that Santos, Lara and Julieta's dad, would amuse us with his newly acquired yoga skills.

(I could actually write several posts about Santos, who collected The Little Prince books in every single language / edition he could find and had the most diverse library which covered many walls from floor to ceiling)

His demonstrations didn't include downward dog or sun salutations, he would entertain us with yoga exercises for the eyes! Fully controlled eye movements, which of course had us in stitches.

Despite the laughs, curiosity was triggered and I have tried yoga many times throughout the years but hadn't really embraced or enjoyed the experience. My head is/was too wired and distracted to sit still, focus and meditate or exercise.

Things have changed. I tried yoga again in 2011 and have become hooked. I think I'm more relaxed now and credit is really due to my teacher Dee who is just brilliant.

I'm not sure what kind of yoga it is, it doesn't matter. I think it's some form of Vinyasa, or something like that. But what I do know is the last 10 minutes of the class, when the teacher asks us to wrap up and put our socks on, it's probably one of the highlights of my week.

I always bring along cashmere socks and my softest sweater,

and for a few moments I'm healed, and in heaven.

(I always have links/credit for the pictures I post, but I had this one in my files without a reference. If you know who or where it's from, so I can credit it properly, please let me know)

Lent day 2: Scruffy happiness

2012-02-23T13:56:11Z

As part of my 40 days of 'moan-less' lent

I had to share with you one of my biggest sources of happiness, relief and distraction.

His name is Haggis....and yes I've been given out in numerous occasions why would I give him such a dreadful name. But I named him on an impulse, and it stayed!

He's a 5 year old very grumpy and attention seeking West Highland Terrier.

I was 4 years old the last time I had a pet, so I really had no idea what to expect. But working from home, he has been the best company and listener, even though I never get a response back...

probably a good thing!

I love Offset

2012-02-23T09:50:00Z

Jessica Hische

Run by Peter O’Dwyer, Bren Byrne and Richard Seabrooke (all creatives living and working in Dublin) OFFSET has become Dublin’s premier creative festival attracting speakers and visitors from all over the world.

In the 2 years since inception OFFSET has produced over 100 hours of presentations, workshops, debates, interviews and Q&A’s with some of the leading creatives in the world, several large scale gallery shows.

I missed the the previous one because it clashed with Paris Fashion Week, this time it's on between the 9th and 11th of March and I have my ticket booked weeks ago.

There are so many talks I look forward too, including Jessica Hische, who created the brilliantly funny (and true) artwork shown above.

iloveoffset

Lent: 40 days of happiness

2012-02-22T16:02:00Z

I have decide to give up moaning for lent

40 days positng my favourite things

(sounds 'Oprahesque'...I may even give something away!!)

Hope you'll like them too

(I discovered this video when it was first shared by Peter O'Brien a few seasons ago)

The Reading Room

2012-02-21T20:23:11Z

Image via AniGolightly

PIVOT Dublin’s exhibition will be happening in Filmbase Temple Bar

from the 1st to the 8th March.

Included will be Visual Curiosities, Events, Lunch Time Conversations and a Reading Room.

To help complete the Reading Room PIVOT Dublin want you to lend them your favourite book

Your book will be on display for the duration of the exhibition alongside a host of other selections

I can't express how excited I am to be asked to be part of this exhibition. And I'm intrigued to see what books so many others have lent the exhibition.

If you'd like to be part of this you can drop off your book, post it or courier it for the attention of

Bob in Red&Grey Design, 32 Lennox Street, Portobello, Dublin 8 (no later than Thursday the 23rd)

If you have any other questions they're on Twitter

@Red&Grey Design

Lillian Bassman

2012-02-15T09:13:43Z

Photo via Staley Wise Gallery

Lillian Bassman

1917 -2012

Helen Steele

2012-02-10T12:17:00Z

It's hard to describe in words many of the posts I share with you...repeating myself with breathtaking, beautiful and inspiration, well .......that's what they are!

Posts come from the heart and what I share, is what I love. So when I saw these images of Helen Steele's new collection my heart palpitations started to increase in intensity.

I promised myself more colour this year, but colour doesn't come easy to me, even thought I love it.

If anyone masters color it's Helen. Contrast and print seem effortless and instinctive.

To see more of her collection :

www.helensteele.com

My secret for long life is simplicity

2012-02-03T14:03:00Z

My friend Maia from julia warr on Vimeo.

Shot in Fire Island, New York, this film (4min. 23 sec) captures the secrets of eternal youth as Maia Helles, a Russian ballet dancer turns 95 but still remains resolutely independent, healthy and as fit as a forty year old.

Made by Julia Warr, artist and film maker met Maia on a plane 4 years ago and became utterly convinced by the benefits of her daily exercise routine, which Maia perfected, together with her Mother, over 60 years ago, long before exercise classes were ever invented. (2011)

Film by Julia Warr
Music by Lola Perrin

www.juliawarr.com

For the boys!

2012-01-31T15:22:45Z

Hold your breath.....

these are just some images of Edmund McNulty 's 2012 Collection.

I love it and celebrate his continuous and very deserved success.

It will be a busy year at his studio.

Photography by Jason McCarthy

Styling by Darren Monks

Model: Fionn O'Dhubhghaill

Assisted by Ste Downes

DAIS II

2012-01-26T11:18:00Z

DAIS II from christian ammann on Vimeo.

Feast your eyes with some of the best in Irish Fashion coming together to produce DAIS II. Master minds Sonya Lennon and Christian Ammann have done it again.

Thank you so much!!!!

Director/fashion photographer Christian Ammann

Stylist/ Mastermind Sonya Lennon

Soundtrack was composed by Annakin and produced by Jono Buchanan

Styling assistant Colm Corrigan

Make Up Christine Lucingano

Hair Zara Cox

Designers

Ann Carey

Kaitrina Elliot

Shot on location in Bantry House and environs, Co.cork.

If you a haven't seen DAIS I here is the link...

DAIS I

Making a list. Checking it twice, three and four times

2012-01-17T13:29:20Z

So it's been 4 seasons since I've done Showcase. I stopped doing it because many of the Japanese buyers would prefer to place their orders in Paris. But I've decided to make my life easier so I'm back in Showcase this year.

I'm really excited. I've always loved being associated and around craft people. I can relate to their product, business and vision more than in the fashion world.

A few more sleeps (or sleepless nights) ahead, I've started waking up thinking I'm going to forget something. So I've decided to write this post to remind myself and hope you all can add to this check list. It will help all of us!!

1. Samples

(these must be labelled and with swings tags...with all the information)

2. Price lists

(it helps if you have the currency conversion

in a few currencies..ie Yen, US$ etc)

3. Order forms

4. Colour cards and extra collection information

5. Pens

6. Calculator

7. Business cards or cards or something with your stand number so people can take with them if they like what they've seen

8. Double sided tape... not sure for what but it's great to have!

9. Stapler - with staples

(so you can staple your clients business card onto the order form)

10. Water and food

(Cafe at RDS is rubbish and way too expensive.

Nuts and easy fruit are great just in case you blood sugar drops and you can't leave the stand...sounds dramatic but you never know when you'll be busy

(usually when you least expect it)

6 words: Watched video, had to share it

2012-01-07T20:11:20Z

Beautiful yoga

2012-01-06T17:10:00Z

Sewing

2012-01-03T13:38:24Z

via flickr

Back in my monochromatic world..... 'temporarily'....

My second resolution is to spend more time doing things I love

cooking and sewing

and

taking photographs, knitting, reading, drawing, drinking coffee, eating chocolate, travelling and gardening

2012 : Resolution No. 1 - Embrace colour

2012-01-02T15:49:33Z

Klee via differnet

'Black is not a color'

Manet

Morrocan lights and things to come....

2012-01-01T21:31:18Z

Almost 24 hours into 2012 ...many plans ....many changes ....

a few resolutions...blogging more too!

I've neglected this space far too long.

So I'll keep you updated with everything that's happening at Silent HQ.

For now, I'm surrounded by books, yarn, fairy lights

and the scent of freshly baked gingerbread cookies.

(holding onto the holiday spirit for a few more days)

Molloy & Sons

2011-12-15T21:27:24Z

Molloy & Sons: Heritage Tweed on Nowness.com.

John Thomson's China Exhibition

2011-12-04T20:11:56Z

images via World Art Museum

To coincide with Chinese New Year celebrations in 2012, the photographic exhibition of Scottish explorer John Thomson will include over 50 stunning images with a wide variety of themes in China including people, architecture, domestic and street scenes. A selection of traditional Chinese clothing and accessories from the Library’s own collection will also be on display.

Cheaster Beatty Library

I cannot wait to see these photographs in person!!!!!!!!!!!