VT (for all of my design-obsessed peeps)

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...

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 affe...

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 a...