Fragment: DETOUR

"When you come to a roadblock, take a detour." -Mary Kay Ash from THE 12 SECRETS OF HIGHLY CREATIVE WOMEN book

I believe in this fiercely!

Every time I feel stuck, any kind of movement creates opportunities; adds new things to my life. Something as little as finding a quote in a book that provides insight, a photo in a magazine that brings inspiration, or an article that inspires ideas. Just as in my walk-abouts, movement places you on a path of hidden treasures.

Yesterday, while working on my homework for hours (WHAT? homework?? yes, I know, I still have to blog about it), I came to a roadblock! I didn't feel satisfied with the way it was coming out. My hands were getting tired from coloring tiny squares. My brain was drained, and ideas just stopped flowing.

(Above right: the homework without the finishing touch)

So, I stood up and went out.

This time, instead of a walkabout, I went directly to one of my favorite spots in this town: BARNES AND NOBLE.

Chai tea in hand, a bunch of books and magazines on the table, the smell of coffee in the air, chattering from all kinds of strangers as background noise. *SIGH* What an inspiring place to be!

I found cool quotes and ideas, and relaxed while dreaming of places and things I saw in the magazines.

I wore beautiful dresses and hats. Visited an ice cream parlor in Brooklyn. I met an artist, a writer, a photographer, a home decorator, the owner of a coffee shop and received great advice from all of them. I traveled to Cambodia and Greece. I was walking around each page in high heels, until I finally brought my tea to a beautiful English garden. There I sat surrounded with butterflies and fairies, and read my books all over again. I became the artist, the writer, the photographer, the home decorator, and the owner of the coffee shop ;)

Yup! I forgot about my homework COMPLETELY! When I got home, I felt brand new...and was able to come back to my tiny, colorful squares with a fresh approach.

Taking detours works wonders for me!

NOTE: I do have to give dad and sister some props. They gave my homework the finishing touch that made it work ;) Help is always needed!

"4th of July!"

Someone said to me yesterday, "HAPPY 4th OF JULY!", as I waited for the show to start. This actually reminded me that......I AM AN AMERICAN :)

I wasn't all that excited about watching the fireworks last night. My parents and I had plans, but for some reason, my attitude was more on the side of "Uhuuu, fireworks" (in a sarcastic tone, that is). In past July 4th celebrations, I'd seen the fireworks from granny's apartment, from where they looked nice...but just that: Oh, nice.

But this time, when the first fireworks loudly popped and illuminated the skies with beautiful images and colors, I was STUPEFIED!

I caught my breath; my lips parted; my eyes were fixed...I was falling in love with that moment!

BONUS! I got to see the show from a building nearby (aka by the Hudson River *wink, wink*), which added to the unexpected excitement (totally!). Certainly looks amazing up close.

I thought of my design class while watching the show. I mean, there were happy faces, planets and 3-dimensional shapes popping up in the sky! "Who creates these things?! and HOW!", I thought.

It was awesome! I had a good time :)

Thanks family for showing me a wonderful night! And.....yes, wine and yummy Dominican food is always nice. Mmmmm!

NOTE: Design class? Yes...gotta catch up on that fragment! Oh, and......I'm in New York, by the way, for those who didn't know ;)

Fragment: ART

My heart stirs in such a way when I come across things like these:

Expressive Arts Teacher Training program

http://creativejuicesarts.com/teacher-training/

Jennifer Lee's blog LIFE UNFOLDS

http://www.lifeunfoldsblog.com/about-me/

"Wreck this Journal" by Keri Smith

What is it that my heart keeps TELLING me?!

"a FRAGMENTED painting"

I accidentally came across this painting and it is SO perfect for my blog!

The name of this work by David Bowers is "FRAGMENTED Homemaker". :D

I'm not really sure of its meaning; but somehow, I SEE myself in her, so I like it. It is MEANT to be HERE...with the rest of my fragments!

You can check out more of his work at http://www.dmbowers.com

Fragment: LETTERING ART

Going through old e-mails yesterday, I ran through this motivating quote:

"To get something you never had, you have to do something you never did..."

For quite a while, I've had a burning desire to take a class of some sort. I haven't been sure of exactly what kind of class, but I've just been wanting to learn something new, use my brain a bit more, and have homework to do ;)

I've thought about dance classes, french, sculpture, lettering art, creative writing, or perhaps, get my masters? (hmmm...)

Ok, so the french class I already got on with. Although, I have to admit I've left it behind and must resume it :p I have taken up yoga instead of a dance class and absolutely LOVE IT! ;) I've thought of the masters subject, but don't think it makes much sense at this point in my life (why? this will take another post!).

So, I looked for information on a LETTERING ART course and found a cute, little art school not too far from my house...I am soooo excited! It is a 6 week program, 3 hours of practicing calligraphy each day..ufff! I went this weekend, and felt like I was in 1st grade learning how to write! My hand was shaky and all, WHAT?! :) But I must say, for those three hours, my mind did not wander off ANYWHERE. What a relieve!

I need more of these...CLASSES!

"ARTe Libre"

A couple of days ago, I came across an event being announced on Facebook called "ARTE LIBRE" (Free Art-free as in freedom). I got so excited when I saw it! It appealed to me instantly, especially because of my focus on art lately, thanks to etsy :)

All hyped, I immediately told my sister about it. She then found an article on the newspaper also announcing the event, and showed it to me; it read something like this: "The gardens of the Modern Art Museum will be full of ART today! Those free spirits that feel the need to be nurtured with different art forms will find exhibitions, flea markets, performances, visuals, music, picnics and lots of fresh air at ARTE LIBRE. There will be designers such as...........such and such.....Oh! The entrance is free, and don't forget to bring your blanket to sit on the grass!" OH---MY---GOD!!!!!! This article definitely spoke to MY free spirit!

After a whole day with my mom running -her- errands (and anxiously thinking about ARTE LIBRE the whole time), I finally was free to go! I would've preferred getting there before sunset, but it was not possible :-/ However, it did not take away its charm and its impact on me!

(Right: Tabu and me)

I invited my sister, but she had a wedding to attend; I called my friend Lemay, but she was apartment hunting with her man; I would've taken my mom, but she had to babysit my niece and nephew; wow...I felt so ALONE! Pushy, where are you?! I need you here with me :( Well, Tabu came to my mind; he's a very good friend of mine that got a girlfriend recently and has forgotten about a friendship with ME (grrr)! I thought he wouldn't be available, but to my surprise, he was!! So, YEY! I finally had an option ;)

I was excited throughout the day, but when the time came to go to ARTE LIBRE, I was a bit out of it. So, I decided to go alone and check out if the event was even worth staying more than 5 minutes.


I arrived, parked my car, got out, started walking...and as I approached the garden, I was swept off my feet! IMMEDIATE CONNECTION!


There were sofas and coffee tables scattered on the grass, people laying and sitting on blankets, all dressed very bohemian and artsy, a DJ playing chill out music, peculiar-small stands of food vendors, 2 guys painting a huge mural, flat screen TV's hanging from trees, artists showcasing their art and handmade goods...It was a perfect scene...one I felt I belonged to.


"Where had all these people been hiding this whole year and half that I've been here?! Am I even in DR right now?" I felt like I just stepped into a whole new place! I was so happy, and wanted so badly to share this with someone that would FEEL me! Pushy would...but couldn't really think of anybody else, there, at that moment. I did call Tabu, though. He wouldn't exactly feel me, but I knew he would stand it and be good company........and he was :)

(Above left: the stand I spent most time at and bought most. Below right: Tabu and me chilling on grass.)


I took my bamboo mat out of the car, opened it on the grass, bought 2 beers and 2 kipes, sat with Tabu, and talked away! Of course, this happened after I bought myself a couple of beautiful works of art!!!!!!!!!

I met the girl that was responsible for this fabulous idea, and congratulated her and thanked her for providing us 'free spirits' a space of this kind, at least for one beautiful day...I had a blissful couple of hours.





(Above left: me trying on stuff, and of course, buying it right after this picture was taken! Below right: me browsing around.)