Scribbles & Scrawls

There are certain things I love about a routine. A daily routine is really a healthy obsession. Sometimes I get a little disgusted with newfound habits like checking Instagram before getting out of bed. I miss blogging every day. Running too. And the discipline that came with those regimens. Breaking from a routine never makes me feel free, only guilty. But life is just a series of routine changes.

A couple of months ago I broke up my routine and headed to Long Beach with Virginia to see our friend John and his new project, The Written Word, Long Beach's first traveling bookstore. If you're like me and love the smell of an old book more than any scent, you must check it out. John tirelessly scours for books and resells them. He keeps that old routine of turning an actual page alive.

In part collaboration, in part inspired by his store, Virginia organized the Fullerton Artwork in September around books. It was called Scribbles and Scrawls and it featured writing activities, famous authors as works of art, zines, and even paper decor. I know I am late in writing this and perhaps even later to tell my friends, but the whole experience reminded me of the days when reading and writing were all I did and all I had time for. It seems so much has gotten in the way since then.

A good routine should be like an old friend. Always make time for it. Never neglect it completely. Nurture those familiar things that tug at your memory, those habits that die hard. Sometimes a routine isn't just a repetitive motion, it's part of who you are. That's why I am scrawling this here tonight. 

Support Your Local Art Walk

Once a month several cities hold an art walk. Galleries stay open late and it's a fun opportunity to get to know local artists and where they show their work. My dear friend, Virginia, created an author series featuring head illustrations of Marquez and Bukowski. Her work and those of several others showed at the Hibbleton Gallery in Fullerton.

I had my nails done the night before and couldn't help but notice that the squares reminded me of frames. I like the idea of art outside the frame. Sometimes the best work is not done between the lines, but rather on the edge of it. I encourage you to check out your local art walk for a night on the town that will pique your interest and get you involved in the community. And check out your local nail artist as well. This set was done by Sherri Traweek.

Art of the Matter

It's that weird limbo between Christmas and New Year's. I find myself content with things given and received, and suddenly look forward to the year ahead. There's a great energy that exists in this interim of time. Because of the days off work I finally feel like I can get back to my own art. Seeing all the unique artwork in Napa was such an inspiration, but I could''t find the time to blog about it until now. This interlude may very well be the most (if not only) relaxing time out of the whole year. 

But it struck me as I was writing this that I am most thankful for other people's art. It's because of those brave souls who are always so giving, so determined to make time for what they love to do that I have had the jobs I have been fortunate enough to have. I appreciate people who appreciate someone else's craft. So I was particularly happy with Sterling, Mumm, and Domaine Chandon wineries in Napa, all of whom promote the arts by having collections on their grounds. I saw everything from Ansel Adams photographs to Picasso doodles. 

When my mother gifted me with this beautiful necklace she made using vintage glass beads, it all came full-circle. Where would I be without the artwork of others? It has put food on the table, shoes on my feet, given me plenty to write about, and established such deep connections. It is my sincerest hope that 2015 brings even more artistic inspiration and outpouring for myself and anyone who else who feels the constant need to create and connect.

Start Spreading the News

When it comes to The Big Apple, I had set my expectations very high. I thought of every movie, book, and TV show set in this magical place that seemed to not even exist in reality. I remember Audrey Hepburn in "Breakfast at Tiffany's" looking up at skyscrapers and saying that her children "had to see this." 

New York is something I'm glad I saw. I was struck mostly by the art. Art is everywhere in New York, in the buildings, on the grounds, even the food is artistic. Larger than life churches, temples, department stores, greenery, statues of Liberty, Atlas, and Prometheus stand tall. Places like The Met, Broadway, and Rockefeller Center house so many timeless pieces that you recognize the insides of these plazas before you even get to the outside. New York is a place of giants lined on small streets, where you can walk to boutiques and bakeries all in a few minutes. There are crowds; there was sweltering heat; there are tourists covering every block. New York is gritty and alive; vibrant and busy. I felt like there was nowhere to take a breath. It's an overwhelming place. 

Unexpected charms of New York City: complimentary beer at Battery Park Garden Cafe, inspirational messages on the sidewalk, trunk shows at your hotel, wine and live music in The Met, jazz in the Empire State Building, performances in Central Park. Perhaps that's the biggest draw of them all when it comes to NYC: it's a place where expectations don't matter, because the city is full of surprises. 

I always thought once I went to New York I would never want to be anywhere else. While that didn't exactly happen, it did make me think a lot of the place I call home and the places I cherish. New York is very different from Laguna, but what I love about both is the artistry found in every local dive and large tourist attraction; tiny gems are everywhere, if you're willing to look.