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Well, this has been a month of craziness for many people, including myself! Renegade Chicago…well, read the rainy post. haha. Modeling for my dear friend, Amy. Picking up a new part time job, beginning training for fitness certification….and raising kids! All in all – I think I’m crazy. Oh, yes, and trying to write music in the midst. Yes, I think it’s clinical. haha. Not much today, just a few links to pictures for you all to enjoy (and hopefully get some good laughs at.)
For me, my 27th year has been one of great changes, awesome new experiences and instense direction shifts in life. I’m hoping to express some of those in my current musical compositions as well as in some new photography that I’ve not had the pleasure of sharing due to a down-and-out scanner. Soon, my friends, soon. I hope to have some link to my music up in the next few months – still figuring out how to complete, record and post. Hmmm. It will all come, I suppose! I thought this photo fitting – blurry, yet…direction. Sort of like my current season. Happy, happy Friday!
A bit from the month:
We are crazy in Chicago
it was the only available umbrella
My hair, my hair
Oh, Amy, we feel the same!
I did love those tights
yes, ladies and gents…the one and only time this will happen
Ciao! Anna
Today has been a day of catharsis for me – much needed….much treasured. Hitting a cross roads of direction changing in my life (the major decision to pursue a personal training career vs. keep the business going) and pursuing composition again (life saver)….leaves a lot of stress in the wake. But, sprinkled in the midst of those stress filled and heavy decision laden days, has come a few very deep and satisfying breaths of fresh air. First, I reconnected with a dear friend, kindred spirit and completely lovely soul all around….who is here and as always, so inspiring and beautiful. (ALL the best.) Then, was able to discover an amazing composer who has given me hope that my classical style might, in fact, make it to the classical world after all. haha. Surrounding yourself with people that appreciate the depth of beauty that surrounds them – whether it be food, music, wine….light, trees…the list could go on for eternity – is one thing I’ve determined that is a must in life…..because good things like this come of it. A life of growing.
Also, this past week, I had the great pleasure of being a part of my awesome friend Amy’s style week…helping her with her ’style battle’ for Omaha’s Fashion Week and later modeling for her in the Omaha Fashion show. What an experience! One of these days, I’ll have some pictures from the runway to put up…there are pictures of the style battle here, here and here.
Okay, I’m going to leave you with a verse that I had forgotten, but heard again while literally drinking in the clip on Portal Films (Max Richter – composer) site currently (recommendation from Nectar and Light blog – thank you again!) It’s been one that has sort of kept me glued together during this trying year….and when I read the last line….well…I feel significantly peaceful – and that, maybe…just maybe….if I close my eyes and breath for a second…I’ll realize that God is there – all around me.
Ciao~
Anna
1 Corinthians 13
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If
I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all
knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not
love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love
never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where
there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it
will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. When
I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I
reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind
me. Now we see but a poor
reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know
in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
(yes, it’s raining!)
I wish I could say the trip to Renegade over this last weekend was amazing, but it was more of a wash – literally. Thank you, hurricane Ike and your blow off – we got rained out! Though, in the midst of the rain, I did manage to sell a few garments and make a large amount of potentially awesome contacts. All in all, seeing Chicago was amazing and being among a group of super ladies was fun, as well. All in all, I’m thankful to add this experience to my roster. And, as usual, I had to whip out the camera and photo the places I visited….to capture Chicago – it’s such an amazing city. They are in my flickr (link to the right) if you’re interested!
It will be hard to narrow down which creative geniuses make the link cut for this posting, but I can try! So many amazing vendors at Renegade this year. Here are my tops, in no particular order:
Catia Chien – one of the loveliest people I met in Chicago – brilliant artist. Something about her work makes my heart laugh and cry at the same time – especially this and this, and not least – this. I could go on and on about her work…in person, its some of the most breathtaking art I’ve ever seen. And, I’m not typically an art buyer. We talked briefly about how deeply personal her work is, as well….which is why, in fact, my heart may skip a little beat. Just so beautiful!)
Faryn Davis of Fernworks – I was in this tent for a while, to say the least. Her found object pendants especially caught my attention, as did her lovely birds on the wire – such amazing talent with resin.
Love, lulu Mae – as most of you probably know by now, I’m a huge fan of vintage era style….and these hats were right up my alley. For a bob, the feather headbands…couldn’t pass them up! Love it!
Dust Furniture – I would outfit my house in this – the colors…the whimsy – and the incredible craftsmanship was amazing – solid, well made peices. Not something you find at your average furniture store!
The Foundling – beautiful handmade peices from found and vintage pieces.
Vein - not much on their etsy site, but they had a great deal of fabulous jewelry made from vintage and recycled parts. Very stunning.
Tru-Che - very impressed with their etching jewelry.
Class Attire NYC – if you have a child that can’t stop drawing on things…or an adult for that matter – a must. This was one of the coolest things I’ve seen in regards to tshirt ingenuity – truly an original idea.
Diana Sudyka - very beautiful birds…and nice site.
Figs and Ginger - what can I say, I love birds.
Things have been busy around here lately. My first post in a few weeks and so much has taken place. First and foremost, one of my favorite people in this world turned four. And, the perfect polaroid, with perfect cupcakes and his perfect face…well, it will have to wait for viewing as soon as my scanner is repaired. Yes, again, it bit the dust! Birthday pictures and more from the month can be seen on my flickr. All digital – not my favorite for a while now…in fact, I get bitter just taking my digital with me. Mind you, I’m thankful it’s there to capture memories….but the manuals and polaroids are piling up by the day and I have no way to scan them!
Anyway, this month has been one of trail, tears, laughter and joy for us. Saying goodbye to dad – off for the year to Iraq….welcoming a new year of growth and beauty on my son’s birthday and remembering all he has become this past season….a visit from one of my best friends – my sister, who I’ve not seen in over a year….it’s been a good month so far, and I’m looking forward to fall – even with it’s fast pace so far.
Coming up: Check out Amy Beck (our fearless leader of the Omaha Craft Mafia) Sept. 15 at Nomad (starts at 10 pm) as she competes in the Style Battle that is part of Omaha’s fashion week. I’m assisting her, so I need some prayer! I’ve not a seamstress bone in my body!
And, my sister is blogging! Watch out, she’s an incredible writer – a must read for you all.
- Ginjitsh on wordpress.
I hope the weeks have treated you all well…..Ciao! Anna
As always in my life, I’ve been amazed by artistry. In it’s purest forms – a great dancer, musician, composer, photographer…..doesn’t matter. It’s the element of it being pure – beautiful, unhindered and….on it’s way to being perfected, which is always – a life long process. It’s….well…overwhelming sometimes. I can get a bit carried away.
As always, the greatest inspiration today came from music. A beautiful song interpreted with such passion and depth…..I’ve been overcome….it’s like a tidal wave, only much more peaceful and dramatic.
Other bits of inspiration are as follows:
Commitments (oh, I’ve been feeling this one lately)
Poetry (the old and the young…captured so beautifully
Robert (because I find such growth in reading about artists that have depth and passion in their craft)
Another Robert 
(because it’s never too late to begin)
W.S. Merwin (His story combined with his poems….amazing…and some of the most beautiful love poems I’ve ever read.)
My father is home for a short stay before deployment….so I am not really here (or there) right now. If I don’t see you all for a few days, have a lovely, lovely weekend. Ciao! Anna
I’ve mentioned being in the Omaha Craft Mafia a few times, but I need to do a proper introduction (all around) for this lovely and incredible group of ladies. Over the course of this year, I’ve had the great pleasure of getting to know some (and regretfully saying goodbye to others)….but, check them out – they are all following:
Miss Cake (Jil)
PlaiderPillar (Amy)
Jayestar (Sandie)
Chuli Buli (Julie)
ElizabethSpace (Elizabeth)
Big Al Creations (Alicia)
Impulsive Works (Christy)
Three Golden Eyes (Rebecca)
Red Bicycle Studios (Tonya)
Bello Uccello photography (me)
(Oh, and for ‘group photos’…..some were missing, so this isn’t complete…but they are pretty hilarious!):
Balcony (mafia?)
Are we going for a cheesy girl band?
Don’t mess with Mafia
Fire escape…
My sister and I really miss each other. So, we decided to start a blog and photo/write together. She writes, I photo…and we combine them. I realized that any blog I’ve designed has a similar looking header. Oh well. Might have to take care of that…one day. Anyway, my sister is a brilliant, brilliant writer. Hopefully, we will be able to stay on top of this and will have much more to show you all.
("Rozz")
(these sort of say it all)
I’ve been reading a bit about the thought that there is only six degrees of separation between every human being. That somehow, some way, we all are connected. I don’t know how fully I believe this. In fact, I think it’s a bit absurd on many levels. But, I do believe that we all, as humans, have commonalities that make us connected. We all need water, we all have to eat, we all have to breath, we all think, we all feel (no matter how little for some), we all care about something, we all believe (something), we all touch…..and no matter how broad these may seem, for me…."we all feel" makes us all common to each other. And, to consider this in each other may just make it easier to love and understand one another. Anyway, then there are also unexplained connections. Similarities that seem nearly shocking. A simple ray of light that seems to illuminate one person’s heart to another…..it’s as though the difficulty of trying to comprehend or understand isn’t there…there is just knowing. A feeling more spiritual then real and as though it’s been alive for centuries. I read something recently that was sort of shocking. A story outlining a small portion of a brilliant journey….and the experience outlined and things perceived were so similar to my own that I again felt…..what are these connection points that seem to keep illuminating themselves?
This brings me to a story that I’ve told before, but in small form. And I was lucky enough to capture it on film. (They are above.) Last year, about this time, in fact, to this very day, I was in new york city visiting my dear Uncle. I had some time to myself, and in those times, I always head downtown…no questions asked…just head for the lower portion of Manhattan. After stopping at an amazing wine shop (and tucking a strategically chosen bottle deep into my bag), I began walking toward Greenwich. I passed the most curious playground…..tucked behind a gated wall and only accessible with a key. The thought of a semi-private, fully enclosed playground, to me, was brilliant (especially for one with fast boys!)…so I stopped to take pictures…and also thought this place looked to have history. Downing Street playground. Off to the side, was a card table and around the card table were three older men….and you would think them to be the stereotypical neighborhood guys…..Brooklyn accents, half way drunk by noon….totally hilarious conversation. They noticed me (wearing red shoes – they decided to call me ‘Red’ right away), and one of them motioned for me to approach….whispered into my ear (beer breath at noon is so lovely) "you ain’t gettin the real pictura here, Red. I’ll tell ya the real story." He went on to tell me about a group of boys who met there in grade school and formed ‘a gang’. His group…."The Original Tip’. And, they had all, at some point, etched their names into a brick on the side of the playground (I was actually speaking with ‘Rozz’ and ‘Butch’, whose names are on the brick….and who were both, at least, 2 inches shorter then I….well, with heels on..haha) ….he said someone had always come back to scratch a name off as they grew older, lived life and passed away….but he said there were some remaining…some that still lived in the city and some that didn’t. Well, as I snapped more pictures, they all got a bit interested and started asking me questions. One was upset because he asked me "doesn’t Rozz look ridiculous with this clothes?" I said, "oh, he can wear what he wants….who cares!" This apparently pissed off the group that I had just sided with the more colorful personality and they went back and sat down amid comments of ’she should walk down to the pier and jump. ha ha.’ This isn’t a conversation I would have ever had. Not people I would have approached out of the blue. But, it taught me something that day. Never miss an opportunity to connect….to relate….to inspire or be inspired by a story. Their story sent my imagination wild….to fill in the blanks between their little grade school gang all the way up to their 60 year old, card playing, beer drinking at noon group in the middle of downtown Manhattan. They all gave me hugs (some longer then others….still obviously not losing their fancy for the ladies at that age!) and sent me along with whistles and shouts…..and it was a simply glorious experience….people I would have never been able to speak with unless I had walked down that street, at that time. All because I had a camera and wanted to capture something historical…..and I certainly did.
I was thinking all day about the line in Eat, Love, Pray that reads, "lets cross over." It’s so final, yet in that finality there is a large door opening somewhere and a flurry of laughter beginning. Something in my heart has felt heavy with passion these days. It’s more like longing. Yes, that’s the word. Lately, I’ve been longing to do what I’ve felt born to do since childhood and ‘get out there.’ (Again. Because you see, this longing is a constant and almost tangible reality in my life). I must see the world. I keep getting comments about how bad it is for the kids, or how ‘most children shouldn’t be moved around so much’ or this and that. I am of the opinion that as long as the family is together, then anywhere can be home. And, I am committed to this belief in raising my own children – no matter where we wind up in this world. Obviously, there are places more dangerous then others. Common sense, please. I just recall myself at 15 – closing my eyes as the spray of bay water refreshed my lungs as I was riding the Staten Island Ferry once, long ago. In that moment, I promised myself I would come back there…explore, discover, meet new people and someday transplant myself into the city. I did….I went back. Now, I long for it. I’m sure you’ve all heard people say New York City is more then just a place, it’s almost like a living, breathing person that you fall in love with. (And for me, after a series of torrid and very heart wrenching affairs – it’s like finding the ‘right’ one.) But, my heart has been wandering all over the globe lately, not just there. I burn with passion for everywhere I’ve never been. I don’t want to hit the tourist spots and sip cocktails somewhere as some sun drenched young boy dusts off my towel for me….no. I want to LIVE in as many places as possible – meeting new best friends, connecting with people all over the world, adoring new scenery, tasting new foods and in the end, storing up a lifetime of memories, relationships and even some tears that could fill the pages of a very long, amazing novel. So, in this longing, I find myself, today, asking ‘what about the kids?’ Is this something they would love, too? Living in Italy for a few years, then Ireland….maybe somewhere is Asia….or….wherever we fall in love next. I don’t know. I know others do this every single day. And, I also know that it just takes breaking the barriers of what is accepted and normal and carving out our own way. In the end of this process, I’m landing somewhere between that crazy artisan excitement of wanting experiences (as usual) and the idealistic zeal that follows it with ‘the kids will benefit from it.’ It helped to reflect on a guy I met while in college who had grown up in France, Germany, Italy, Spain and a few places in Asia that I can’t remember off hand. He was fluent in five languages and had a knowledge of the world that I have only dreamed of. He had been to more places in his childhood then most go in a lifetime and had built lasting friendships with some amazingly diverse people along the way. He said he wouldn’t have changed a minute of it for a white picket fence and wreath on the door. I lost touch with him over the years, but never forgot his story. It inspired me then and still does. This has been persistent today….and I just had to share. So yes, please, "Attraversiamo."
I finally saw the Sex and the City movie. Yes, there are a lot of labels – Gucci, Prada…Louis. They are all there. But, for me, it’s not about the labels and glitz – that show has always been a reminder of a place that captured(s) my heart….met me at a level I’ve not ever been met and introduced a bug to my system that has never died out….I love the city. With all of it’s larger then life emotions and gritty realities…..there isn’t a moment when I don’t wish to be carried away in the
embrace of it. The culture, people, smells, sounds….most people see it as foolishness – to be in love
with a place…but I guess the place has always found me. (It’s like finally
knowing myself out loud.)
