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Showing posts from April, 2012

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPSHOW presents IT'S A BOOK(ISH) WORLD / D...

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPSHOW presents IT'S A BOOK(ISH) WORLD / D... : imagecourtesyflavorwire “The one way of tolerating existence is to lose oneself in literature as in a perpetual orgy.”  — Gu...

The PEEPSHOW presents IT'S A BOOK(ISH) WORLD / Day 5 - GUSTAVE FLAUBERT

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imagecourtesyflavorwire “The one way of tolerating existence is to lose oneself in literature as in a perpetual orgy.”  — Gustave Flaubert

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPSHOW presents IT'S A BOOK(ISH) WORLD / D...

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPSHOW presents IT'S A BOOK(ISH) WORLD / D... : imagecourtesyflavorpill “It is what you read when you don’t have to that determines what you will be when you can’t help it.” ...

The PEEPSHOW presents IT'S A BOOK(ISH) WORLD / Day 4 - OSCAR WILDE

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imagecourtesyflavorpill “It is what you read when you don’t have to that determines what you will be when you can’t help it.”  — Oscar Wilde

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPSHOW presents IT'S A BOOK(ISH) WORLD / D...

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPSHOW presents IT'S A BOOK(ISH) WORLD / D... : imagecourtesycoloroutsidethelinesblog “In my view, nineteen pounds of old books are at least nineteen times as delicious as one ...

The PEEPSHOW presents IT'S A BOOK(ISH) WORLD / Day 3 - ANNE FADIMAN

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imagecourtesycoloroutsidethelinesblog “In my view, nineteen pounds of old books are at least nineteen times as delicious as one pound of fresh caviar.”  — Anne Fadiman

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPSHOW presents IT'S A BOOK(ISH) WORLD / D...

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPSHOW presents IT'S A BOOK(ISH) WORLD / D... : imagecourtesyathoughtfuleyeblog “When I look back, I am so impressed again with the life-giving power of literature. If I were a you...

The PEEPSHOW presents IT'S A BOOK(ISH) WORLD / Day 2 - MAYA ANGELOU

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imagecourtesyathoughtfuleyeblog “When I look back, I am so impressed again with the life-giving power of literature. If I were a young person today, trying to gain a sense of myself in the world, I would do that again by reading, just as I did when I was young.”  — Maya Angelou

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPSHOW presents IT'S A BOOK(ISH) WORLD / D...

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPSHOW presents IT'S A BOOK(ISH) WORLD / D... : photolukaswassman courtesyflavorwire “What a miracle it is that out of these small, flat, rigid squares of paper unfolds world a...

The PEEPSHOW presents IT'S A BOOK(ISH) WORLD / Day 1 - ANNE LAMOTT

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photolukaswassman courtesyflavorwire “What a miracle it is that out of these small, flat, rigid squares of paper unfolds world after world after world, worlds that sing to you, comfort and quiet or excite you. Books help us understand who we are and how we are to behave. They show us what community and friendship mean; they show us how to live and die.”  — Anne Lamott

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPSHOW celebrates EARTH WEEK / Day 3

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPSHOW celebrates EARTH WEEK / Day 3 : photomarkseelen Peeps, In spite of the actions of some, there is still much to celebrate.  We are now living in a time where ever...

The PEEPSHOW celebrates EARTH WEEK / Day 3

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photomarkseelen Peeps, In spite of the actions of some, there is still much to celebrate.  We are now living in a time where everyday individuals, common-place persons just like ourselves, have begun to look beyond the facade presented (and maintained) by big businesses, unscrupulous politicians, and 'the system' which sought to control free thought and speech, and movement(s).  And advances in technology should be given credit for much of the slow unraveling of a hegemony that stretches back through many decades.  The Internet (and social media) has allowed for many, who previously voice-less and thus inconsequential, to voice their displeasure and dissatisfaction at the status quo and the inequalities experienced by many in the world, save the privileged and powerful.  Information, flowing unrestricted across borders and barriers, now more clearly reveals the transactions and 'deals' once conducted under the cover of darkness, behind closed doors, or for th

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPSHOW celebrates EARTH WEEK / Day 2

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPSHOW celebrates EARTH WEEK / Day 2 : imagecourtesydesiretoinspire Peeps, Today, a friend and devoted blog reader remarked that the focus of the visual treats (blog-post...

The PEEPSHOW celebrates EARTH WEEK / Day 2

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imagecourtesydesiretoinspire Peeps, Today, a friend and devoted blog reader remarked that the focus of the visual treats (blog-posts) seemed to have shifted considerably since our launch back in June of last year; he noted that my short essays on interior design, art, and gardens had gradually expanded to a wider range of topics, of which an emphasis on social equalities seemed prevalent.  And I must admit that perhaps his observation is spot-on.  While I certainly enjoy gazing and rhapsodizing about a beautiful room, it just seems to me that I would be a bit of a Pollyanna if I failed to acknowledge the challenges faced by all of us today, whether or not we are inhabiting the said room.  A lovely modern beach-house on a private stretch of sea-shore is certainly inspiring--for a few moments or more.  Then my thoughts turn to the tsunami that swept over parts of the Japanese coast, and the nuclear disaster that occurred shortly after, leaving most of the affected area contamina

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPSHOW celebrates EARTH WEEK / Day 1

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPSHOW celebrates EARTH WEEK / Day 1 : imagecourtesycoloroutsidethelinesblog Peeps, Earth Day 2012 was celebrated on Saturday, and hopefully, the myriad reasons for its pu...

The PEEPSHOW celebrates EARTH WEEK / Day 1

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imagecourtesycoloroutsidethelinesblog Peeps, Earth Day 2012 was celebrated on Saturday, and hopefully, the myriad reasons for its purpose won't be forgotten a fortnight later.  It's so important that we all participate in efforts to halt further destruction of our planet, as every passing day it becomes more imperative that we continue to advocate for policy changes regarding how nations around the world approach the planet and our natural resources.  An archaic philosophy of rape and pillage has contributed greatly to such perils as global warning, the poisoning of the oceans, the destruction of natural forests and other areas vital to wildlife, mass contamination of mountain waterways and lakes due to oil exploration and extraction.  Sadly, the continued use of harmful bio-chemicals disrupt vital ecosystems and adversely affect food production, habitable lands, and the quality of life we have come to expect from what is considered by some to be one of the more advance

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPSHOW presents MORE EYE CANDY, PART VI / ...

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPSHOW presents MORE EYE CANDY, PART VI / ... : photocourtesyhousebeautiful Peeps, Just wanted to thank you all for your kind emails and phone calls this week.  The weather f...

The PEEPSHOW presents MORE EYE CANDY, PART VI / Day 5

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photocourtesyhousebeautiful Peeps, Just wanted to thank you all for your kind emails and phone calls this week.  The weather forecast is sunny tomorrow with the possibility of rain-showers on Sunday; I look forward to not having to water all the beds recently planted with herbs, Big Boy tomato plants, and numerous groups of drought-tolerant annuals installed in long, continuous drifts so as resemble nature at its best.  Maybe I'll catch a movie tomorrow, or at least take a walk through the neighborhood where some front gardens are bursting with color from columbines, irises, peonies, early roses, and wild indigo.  I finally found the perfect spot for a magnolia (Elizabeth), which is similar to the butterfly magnolia, but a third of the price, and I know that next spring I'm probably going to burst from pure joy.  I hope that you all have a great weekend. Thanks, Shane PS:  Today's soundtrack is Gotan Project's Mil Millones (Tango 3.0)

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPSHOW presents MORE EYE CANDY, PART VI / ...

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPSHOW presents MORE EYE CANDY, PART VI / ... : imagecourtesyarchitecturaldigest Peeps, Finally, a designer who doesn't indulge in the cliched and stereotypical to convey clas...

The PEEPSHOW presents MORE EYE CANDY, PART VI / Day 4

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imagecourtesyarchitecturaldigest Peeps, Finally, a designer who doesn't indulge in the cliched and stereotypical to convey class or masculinity.  As of late, actually for quite some time now, the pages of every design magazine have been filled with photos of rooms where a mummified version of death reigns supreme, meaning the stuffed/pickled/taxidermied carcasses of every species of fauna and fowl known to mankind have been trotted out and propped up to the adulation of the masses.  Adding yet more injury to the insult (against humanity or morality), or, contributing further to the annihilation of wild-life, is the 'glam aura' of the adventure-hunt where jaded/bored/thrill-seeking tourists pay to kill game in their natural habitat, with the assistance of native guides, advanced technology in the forms of high-powered weapons and tracking devices, lots of money, and/or influential contacts in the host-country.  King Juan Carlos of Spain, reigning monarch and hon

The PEEPSHOW presents MORE EYE CANDY, PART VI / Day 3

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imagecourtesydesiretoinspireblog Peeps, Sometimes I have difficulty getting to sleep at night.  Thoughts continue to crowd my mind even after sleepy-time tea and repeated attempts at TM.  Things press upon me, such as snippets of talk radio heard earlier in the day or bars of random music I remember from a week past, or last month, or years ago.  While some individuals carefully compile their 'bucket list,' you know, the list of things/places/activities/meals/movies/books to be experienced prior to one's death, Peru or Bali aren't to be found on my list, nor is dining at some 5-star eatery in Paris or Madrid.  I must confide that I am haunted by a particular song that I've heard only three times in my life, and I can clearly remember the time, place, and my mood at each incident.  Lately I've gotten into the habit of flipping though radio-stations on internet-radio which feature disco-mixes from the 70's, this in the hope of maybe chancing upon that p

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPSHOW presents MORE EYE CANDY, PART VI / ...

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPSHOW presents MORE EYE CANDY, PART VI / ... : imagecourtesyofdesiretoinspireblog Peeps, Whether it's pure whimsy or a post-modern masterpiece imbued with symbolism not readily app...

The PEEPSHOW presents MORE EYE CANDY, PART VI / Day 2

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imagecourtesyofdesiretoinspireblog Peeps, Whether it's pure whimsy or a post-modern masterpiece imbued with symbolism not readily apparent to the casual observer, the large painting hanging in today's featured interior is certainly arresting, and transforms this dining-room from what could have been merely 'nice' into something extra-ordinary and worthy of prolonged study.  Funny how original art is able to present without any hesitancy, or apology, the reality of representation it purports to illuminate (for the viewer(s)).  Many theorists, philosophers, and critics have written extensively about the aura dispelled by an original work of art; burgeoning volumes and heated debates still ensue as to whether aura(s) of a lesser degree (or simply non-existent) is the price we pay when the image is manipulated through the various levels and layers of reproduction or technology.  Possibly a loss of immediacy, and just maybe a deflection of intent, or so I am prepared

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPSHOW presents MORE EYE CANDY, PART VI / D...

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPSHOW presents MORE EYE CANDY, PART VI / D... : imagecourtesymurielbrandolini.com Peeps, Besides all the usual distinctions, such as:  pattern or none/color or simply white/highly a...

The PEEPSHOW presents MORE EYE CANDY, PART VI / Day 1

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imagecourtesymurielbrandolini.com Peeps, Besides all the usual distinctions, such as:  pattern or none/color or simply white/highly and tightly edited. or stuff and more stuff and yet more stuff (you know, salon style), perhaps homeowners may be divided into two camps: those individuals who regard a bit of dust and the stains of everyday wear as all contributors towards the charm and character of a well-lived life; and then there are other individuals who are fanatic about dusting/polishing/vacuuming, and are well versed in all manner of cleaning portions and remedies for removing anything that belies age, or is a departure from the internalized image(s) all too often perpetuated by the creations featured and sanctioned in the model-showroom/the magazine layout/the carefully crafted movie, where subliminally success/peace-of-mind/happiness is best experienced via a matching bedroom suite just perfect for romance/a gleaming dining-table sans finger-prints/a spacious bath where to

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPSHOW presents POETIC VOICES / Day 4 -- R...

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPSHOW presents POETIC VOICES / Day 4 -- R... : photomarufhossain courtesyathoughtfuleyeblog INDEPENDENCE When I am nine, the British quit India.  Headmaster says, "The Great Mu...

The PEEPSHOW presents POETIC VOICES / Day 4 -- REETIKA VAZIRANI

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photomarufhossain courtesyathoughtfuleyeblog INDEPENDENCE When I am nine, the British quit India.  Headmaster says, "The Great Mutiny started it."  We repeat, The Great Mutiny of 1857 in our booming voices.  Even Akbar was Great, even Catherine, Great!  We titter over History.  His back turns: we see his pink spotty neck. Sorry, the British leaving?  we beg. "This is hardly a joke or a quiz -- sit up and stay alert," he spits. "It is about the trains and ships you love and city names.  As for me, I'm old, I'll end in a library, I began in trade." But you must stay, we tell him.  He lived here as we have lived but longer.  He says he was alive in Calcutta in 1890.  He didn't have a rich father.  A third son, he came with the Tea Company:  we saw a statement in his office.  The company built the railroads to take the tea "home to England" so that Darjeeling and Assam could be sipped by everyone, us and

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPSHOW presents POETIC VOICES / Day 3 -- HO...

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPSHOW presents POETIC VOICES / Day 3 -- HO... : sisterwolf,ghadahalkandari courtesyindigenousdialogues AGAPE only christ could love a child so night black and tender rib meat fall...

The PEEPSHOW presents POETIC VOICES / Day 3 -- HOLLY BASS

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sisterwolf,ghadahalkandari courtesyindigenousdialogues AGAPE only christ could love a child so night black and tender rib meat falling off the bones into a saucy mouth slick with salvation the rendering of her image cast in Victorian silhouette onto a perfect ivory brooch was also cause for concern "he don't love me no more!" she was said to have shouted from her pinned position causing consternated looks from those nearby the bearer of her object beauty whatch'all lookin' at!? he snapped back dandy as ever, his grayed-in blue striped seer sucker shirt it was plain to see: the hard attention was gettin to 'em when she divulged her greatest asset yet- silence and it was into this weak wet gaze of bowlegs and jelly legs and gaping double jointed knees she regressed slipping back into his mind's recesses to redress herself pure white cotton lace panties the moist black loam of his need filtering through her Tara'd fingers oh tara taray  he whis

The PEEPSHOW presents POETIC VOICES / Day 2 -TLETL CHICAHTOC

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krishnastealingmilk,1998 paintingattilarichardlukacs courtesydianefarrisgallery BECAUSE, I AM In the ghetto we play the game of jugglin' potions that manipulate emotions. Where people of color pray to the gods of their white-conquerers ONLY because we are ignorant to the notions. So we steal & kill each because OUR choices of Universities aren't as wide as the choices we have in prisons. But, why lock a muthafucka' up when we already doing a life sentence in existence? In the time-length t hat California built 1 University, they build 32 prisons,  so why blame our youth when it is YOU who chooses NOT to listen. If your plans are to build MORE cells than schools, then your plan for us is evident. You claim to be fixing other Countries, but don't even help your fellow U.S. resident, simply because you aren't overseas to help, but to steal resources & build your companies. By the day they can defend themselves you've already colonized the

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPSHOW presents POETIC VOICES / Day 2 -TL...

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPSHOW presents POETIC VOICES / Day 2 -TL... : krishnastealingmilk,1998 paintingattilarichardlukacs courtesydianefarrisgallery BECAUSE, I AM In the ghetto we play the game of jug...

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPSHOW presents POETIC VOICES / Day 1 -- L...

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPSHOW presents POETIC VOICES / Day 1 -- L... : imagecourtesyvamooseblog CHANEL No 5 The scent before memory lies, the scent of fur and rhinestones, tinfoil stars taped to a mirror ...

The PEEPSHOW presents POETIC VOICES / Day 1 -- LANDON GODFREY

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imagecourtesyvamooseblog CHANEL No 5 The scent before memory lies, the scent of fur and rhinestones, tinfoil stars taped to a mirror and cigarettes extinguished on a half-eaten plate of eggs. The scent of sagging flesh, the scent with its hand in your pocket, the scent your mother warned you about, the bitter scent, the slut all the other girls loathe. The naked, starved scent of night. Drunken body of avarice. Mistress of empty gold-leaf frames and spilled champagne. Garter belt holding up ripped stockings: soon the skirt will be lifted. Light the fuse. A palace ruined by fire. A fire ruined by ash. SECOND-SKIN RHINESTONE-SPANGLED NUDE SOUFFLE CHIFFON GOWN CIDER PRESS REVIEW BOOK AWARD #6, 2009 * * *  " The secret of Landon Godfrey's fresh and compelling poems seems to lie in their unexpected combination of lushness and asperity.  How is it possible to be at once so lavish and so austere?  How delightful the finery put on in this splendid debut of a book,

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: IT'S EASTER TIME!!

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: IT'S EASTER TIME!! : photomilesglynn courtesyathoughtfuleye PEEPS, FRIENDS, AND FAMILY WISHING YOU ALL THE BEST ON THIS EASTER SUNDAY SINCERELY, SHA...

IT'S EASTER TIME!!

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photomilesglynn courtesyathoughtfuleye PEEPS, FRIENDS, AND FAMILY WISHING YOU ALL THE BEST ON THIS EASTER SUNDAY SINCERELY, SHANE

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPSHOW presents APRIL (EYE) CANDY / Day 5

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPSHOW presents APRIL (EYE) CANDY / Day 5 : photocourtesycoloroutsidethelines Peeps, All around the world the faithful gather in places traditionally regarded as holy spaces, to...

The PEEPSHOW presents APRIL (EYE) CANDY / Day 5

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photocourtesycoloroutsidethelines Peeps, All around the world the faithful gather in places traditionally regarded as holy spaces, to hear their respective leaders celebrate the rebirth of Christ, believed by many to represent the Almighty's promise of salvation through His Son (Our Lord).  While I respect the beliefs of these gentle souls, as well as admire the depth of their devotion to matters profane, I must confess to not a small amount of discontent at the state of affairs in no other than the Holy City. I find it very hard to accept the proclamations of the leader of the Roman Catholic Church on matters of the spirit (or the flesh), when I consider the less than admirable behavior on his part, as well as other senior officials regarding the issue of marriage equality, and the continued silence or denial vis-a-vis charges of sexual abuse by young boys at the hands of men (of the cloth).  Recent allegations about forced castration on Dutch youth in the 1950's by Cat

The PEEPSHOW presents APRIL (EYE) CANDY / Day 4

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imagecourtesycoloroutsidethelines Peeps, Easter is here again, and the selection of marshmallow bunnies and chocolate eggs, bonnets and baskets, culinary delights and vases brimming with star-gazer lilies/early hydrangea/bells-of-Ireland have never been so appealing.  The promise of redemption, and resurrection, keeps church-goers suitably engaged while the travel and hospitality industry pleasantly scrambles to meet the demands of school groups, destination tours, and lost baggage claimants.  Dewy-eyed brides-to-be everywhere resolve that right after Easter Sunday lunch, they plan to loose every extra inch in order to fit into  that Vera Wang bridal   gown; and her equally plump hand-maids smile knowingly, and proceed to have just another little sliver of the wedding-cake sample (sent over by the solicitous wedding-planner who is pressed to confirm the church and rental hall quickly less the celebrations instead have to be held at some hotel's banquet-room. Shame! Shame!).