woven inspiration

Brook & Lyn

tropical paradise

It's been so cold here - although Portland's snow storm is barely evident anymore. Only a few blackened peaks of icy snow exist on the occasional intersection. But since I've been spending so much time indoors, I've justified introducing more plant life into my home. Most recently, a few tropical plants that I purchased at Portland Flower Market. I've also been taking advantage of having some fresh blooming quince branches on my dining room table. With my new leafy friends and a hot cup of Creme de la Earl Grey from Townshend Tea - home feels a little bit more like paradise.

take II

Although I feel, and know, that this blog's only audience is myself and whoever might stumble upon it while lost among the cobwebs of cyberspace, I've decided that I want to begin posting again as a way to document my thoughts, dreams, and adventures. After all, documentation used to be an extremely important part of this (retired/resigned/wandering?) journalist's life.

So here it begins again. Or so the intention goes. 

More to come...

nothing

The numbers of my debts and credits, yesterday's spilt coffee on the kitchen floor, piles of objects that I deem of value or not. It doesn't matter, not really. On days like this there is a calmness that exists; out of necessity, out of having given everything that I have to give.

This peacefulness is refreshing. It is more real than anything I try to manufacture or manipulate.

icon

<3 u AW

band of outsiders, fall 2013... yes

fashion week looks i love

I love nude with pops of neon - that is also subtle and feminine. I also love the contrast of the two neutrals and two neons with each other that's happening here.

The colorblock phenomenon is great - but sometimes a little too clownish for me to pull off in an everyday look. But this..LOVE. Going to combine these colors for sure.

Coat: searching for the perfect camel piece.

I love the bohemian look: Isabel Marant - case in point. I like the idea of a bohemian summer dress with a cozy cardigan over it all. Ankle boots and hats, so hot.

I'm into the denim craze - but I like this mix of blue patterns to soften it up.

Skinny jeans, printed blouse, colored pumps = yes.

Photos: Harpers Bazaar

outlook

Spending a beautiful day on the coast midweek. It's so quiet here in Cannon Beach as I sit in a comfy green leather chair at Insomnia Coffee Co. Rays of sunlight streaming through the large windows behind me and hitting my right hand as I type on Alexei's MacBook. Alexei is in Seaside today attending several lectures with Pacific University, a MFA creative writing program that he is considering for Fall. I am excited for him and this exploration. Right now, I am also considering my own -- 

This is what seems true:

Deal with disappointment

Exude compassion, love and joy

Work at connection

Recognize and relish all things beautiful

Take responsibility

Relinquish control

Be goofy and wild

Celebrate

Start something

Read, listen, watch

Have the time of your life

Some things that are making me smile:

Favorites List

• Structured clothing. For years, I've been into the oversized look -- which I still love. But recently I've found such pleasure in things that are fitted, with strong lines. The other night, a friend told me that I looked "sparkly" and "clean" -- and that's kind of how I feel. Loving these boots, a Christmas present from my honey, and this shirt which I want to wear every day, because it's so classic and perfect -- but also because it reminds my of the chambray shirts my father often wore. 

• Like many foodies, I recently got my hands on the new Ottolenghi cookbook Jerusalem. I've been making my way through the recipes and I am so in love. I shop for ingredients at Barbur World Foods, which is the most amazing grocery store and has everything I need to make a meal from this book and beyond. I spent time in Jerusalem and this food brings back such strong and wonderful memories. 

Resolutions

• Visit: British Columbia -- Austin, Texas -- Maine.
• Rent a studio space. Start my fashion line. 
• Decrease credit card debt.

fall farmer's market

(c) Lauren McNerney, 2012

mixing materials

I am loving this collection by Ann Yee. Her lines and use of materials is really inspiring me to do something with a mix of silk and wool fabrics + chunky knits. I have been really interested in all three materials (starting multiple projects with each) but after seeing Ann's pieces I thought "Of course! They are even better together"!

fabric samples

Some fabric designs I worked on today to use for a possible clothing collection -- all inspiration from my travels. Are you drawn to any in particular?

Polonio

Tiberias1

Granada2

Granada1

Salta

self portraits in loudun, france

I've been harboring a lot of creative energy - and summer trips, obligations, and travel have taken me away from the world of textiles - at least temporarily. But a camera, coupled with many late nights and lazy afternoons, gave me an opportunity to explore my world a little bit -- while in Loudun, France.

France was wonderful. I had the chance to spend time with my sisters, my mother, and myself -- and away from the one person who sees me the most. This sort of change conjures up many feelings and thoughts.

My family and I stayed in a chateaux that belonged to a Saint who was martyred in Vietnam for his faith - beheaded and cut to pieces. The house still belongs to his distant family and the town is decorated with his name and figure. While there, I explored several series of self-portraits using a self-timer and the occasional help from my sister, Ellen. I'm not really sure how to introduce the few I chose to share... but they all harbor a strong emotional response I had to the spaces that I was in. 

Possibly some normal travel photos to come...

au revoir

I'm headed to France tomorrow with my two sisters, Ellen and Jenny! We will be meeting up with my mother in the Loire Valley for about a week and then going to Paris. I never thought i'd be going back this soon. 

Alexei has a theory about worldly places - he says that Paris is a 5-year city, meaning that you can find some excuse to go every 5 years. I don't know about that, but I'm happy to be visiting this amazing place once again. It's actually been 6 years for me (although I was in Bordeaux last year)! I found this picture of me at 22 years-old in front of the Eiffel Tower. I have no idea what I was doing. I think this was supposed to be a perspective shot that didn't quite work out. Nonetheless - I look at the person in this photo - traveling for the first time in her life: I was so young and my heart was so big for the world. I'm happy to say that it still is. Although the girl pictured could have nevered imagined what life had in store for her, I am happy that she, I, still have this same love and spark for life. 

I will try to write a little about my travels when I can. Au revoir for now. France, mon ami, here I come!

wonderful, yet conflicting news

It's been an emotional morning. I don't know why I am getting so worked up over this: but I got a call from the Oregon College of Art and Craft to let me know that I will be receiving a full scholarship to attend the course of my choice this term.  They are pretty much offering my dream class - but the workshop dates happen to coincide with the art-opening of someone very dear to me (and who coincidentally wrote me my letter of recommendation). After calming down about the dilemma, I am now convinced and excited that I will somehow attend the workshop and make it out to California to see the art show. 

Mina Stone

Dusen Dusen

Shabd

Raquel Allegra

fruit loop

I had been anticipating this day-trip for awhile. The Fruit Loop is a 35 mile scenic drive on the Columbia River Gorge just south of Hood River, Oregon. It's named quite appropriately since it's a loop in which you will find a treasure trove of fruit orchards, stands and u-pick farms - and much much more. 

My picks:

• Rasmussen Farms: Amazing u-pick sunflowers in so many varieties and colors. They give you a giant Coca-Cola cup and you can fill it as much as you want for $5.25 - my sister and I definitely picked our money's worth. They also had all these very creepy gourd people, most of them which were decapitated from their bodies and interacting in some sort of Olympic game trials. I mean, their were A LOT of these things. 
• Cascade Alpacas & Foothill Yarn & Fiber: I love alpacas! Ever since my time with them in Peru I have become smitten. They are just the coolest, most lively little guys. Plus, their fur makes amazing yarn. We got to feed and pet them and then sink our hands into a huge variety of fresh roving and spun yarns. A fiber lover's dream :)
• Hood River Lavender Farms: 70 varieties, u-pick (all you can fit in a zip tie for $5), views of Mt. Hood, awesome. 
• Draper Girls Country Farm: Great u-pick orchards. The only thing in season this late in summer were the peaches (although they sold lots of other pre-picked fruits and veggies). They give you a bin and you set out into acres of orchards and pick whatever you want. Really good prices. They also make their own unpasteurized apple cider, yum. 
• Apple Valley BBQ: Barbecue smoked ribs, period. 
• Apple Valley Country Store: Different location. Huckleberry milkshakes, yes please!

We also checked out a winery (there are several) and ate more than I care to mention. We finished our day in Hood River, watching the kiteboarders glide on the river. We sunk our toes into the water and bathed in the setting sun. Then we headed over to Double Mountain Brewery before making our way home to Portland. 

If you live in Oregon, or even if you don't, this trip is a must. Best times to go are July - mid-August, but they also have a Fall season with apples, pears, pumpkins, gourds and chestnuts. Oh, I'll be back...