I’m so thankful for my beautiful friends who are some of the most wonderful people on the planet. There isn’t a day that goes by as of late where I don’t realize that I am loved and appreciated, even in spite of myself and some of the inelegant choices of the not so distant past.

The notion of success is such a personal thing and I’ve been struggling with my perception of it for quite some time. Instead of figuring out what it is NOT, I am finding that I’m already successful in many ways. Maybe it’s old world with new eyes cliche or that I’ve let go of some crippling beliefs. I saw a bumper sticker today that said DON’T BELIEVE EVERYTHING THAT YOU THINK and I believe that it’s appropriate to mention right now. I’ve been redefining my thoughts so that I reach for the better feeling ones instead of negativity.

My personal definition of success, for me, as of this moment, is in appreciating everything around me. Here are but a mere few of the many things that I am appreciating right now:

The last one, maybe two, are particular lessons that I relearn with each passing moment. I’m grateful for the knowledge that seems to find me at the right moment. A book that I need to read at the right time, silly jokes that I am a part of, random conversations on the bus that make me smile.

I’m going to Seattle this weekend to attend Emerald City Comic Con and perhaps the Moisture Festival. I’ll be hanging out with friends that I kept at arm’s distance for much of the time I was in Seattle. Silly, silly me, not reaching out before. I smell major adventures and possible mayhem as the weekend unfolds.

There are some modeling gigs that are coming to fruition. Oh, and the club that I work for has asked me to represent them in their newest ad! Oh noes, now I might be in a monthly print publication! Am I committing political career suicide? Stay tuned.

Also, you must check out and worship these SWEET and DIVINE LED shoes from Rodarte.

What do you think that you’d do to acquire them? I’m honestly not sure of my answer yet. Ok, how about a little something, something and them some!?

Strength, love and light, J.

Yesterday was another day and today is already that much brighter. Not because it’s not raining and actually happens to be sunny here in Portland right now. Ha.

I’ll start right with Temptations.

Some of you know my stance on children. I used to be in the someday camp until just a few months ago. I’m definitely in the yes camp and it took me awhile to admit that to myself. Children and I have always gotten along splendidly. Perhaps it’s this not so mythical biological clock. Either way, allow me to present to you something that I discovered via Web Urbanist:

Lethal Baby Stuff that Slices and Dices

I’ve got no words. You see, I’ve been fairly wildly impractical at times and I think that Graco and other baby companies could take some inspiration from Chinese artist Shi Jinsong. Click on the link to Web Urbanist, as there are many more pictures. Wow wow wow.

Onto Diversions. Some of you might already know about the mighty powerhouse that is Ignite. They have chapters in so very many cities and I’m pleased to attend my very first Ignite. It will be here in Portland, tomorrow, March 3rd.

What is Ignite?

Fast-paced, fun, thought-provoking, social, local, global—Ignite is all of these and more. It’s a high-energy evening of 5-minute talks by people who have an idea—and the guts to get onstage and share it with their hometown crowd. Run by local volunteers who are connected through the global Ignite network, Ignite is a force for raising the collective IQ and building connections in each city. And, via streaming and archived videos of local talks, local Ignites share all that knowledge and passion with the world.

I’m excited about many of the scheduled talks tomorrow. Have you ever attended an Ignite before?

Strength, love and light, J.

I’m so excited to do a major link post today as I’ve been sitting here ooooh-ing and ahhhhh-ing over stuff.

So I guess this post will be in the Temptation category. What a great way to start 2010!

Thanks to drxgirlfriend, I have embarked on my own 365 Project.

The first pic was taken today in front of the world famous Acropolis steakhouse in Portland.

Onto the neat links.

Pencils made from the carbon from a cremated human body. (!!!)

“Vertebrae” necklace project.

Self-defense items disguised as other things.

I’ve saved the best for last! Anti-sunburn drug protects fair skinned people from UVA rays. I can’t wait to find out more info about this product and see where it takes us in the future. It’s so imperative that one protect themselves from the sun, both for health and cosmetic reasons. Hi, Mr. Valentino, I love your designs, but I don’t want to look like you. Eeeeek!

Libby Smiths

Mattie Silks

Cana

Silverlake

Melrose

Which ones are your favorite?

This is Temptation and is via Mr. Fontaine and Gizmodo.

The Pandolin backpack is made from recycled inner tubes and is comprised of rubber, canvas and nylon. Made by Cyclus, available for purchase from Wannekes, an urban design backpack. Visually feast upon this with me and we can wonder together why it is not in our possession. The grabbing hands, grab all they can….

Look at how disarming it looks, once opened.

From the Wannekes website:

Description:
Handmade Fair trade backpack Pangolin for men and women. Urban backpack made of recycled inner tubes of trucks. The design of this backpack is very inventive and striking by using overlapping sliding parts, it seems like a Pangolin. The parts are alternately covered with recycled inner tubes of trucks attached to each other with a wing nut. Large capacity bag with pockets for notebooks, pens, MP3 and cell phone with double adjustable back straps and handle. Three-button closure with durable rip-stop lining. The interior has canvas storage pockets in different sizes, some close with Velcro. Equipped with a convenient to transit the earplugs of your mp3 player, I-Pod or phone. Closes with 3 magnetic closures. The back is anatomically shaped so that the back pack fits on your back very pleasantly. This backpack is made by people from Colombia with a social disadvantage, such as single mothers, refugees and Indians of the Camentsa tribe. They can count good working conditions and pay above the minimum wage. Fair trade! Shop online modern design bags and accessories.

Colour:
Black

Material:
Rubber, nylon and canvas

Dimensions:
44 x 37 x 27 cm

Brand:
Cyclus

Price:EUR 195.00

Delivery time:
6-7 weeks

Today, Mr. Fontaine linked me to a lovely site called Blik.

From their site:

blik is a line of self-adhesive wall decals that were created by and for people who like to change their mind. blik is a great alternative to wallpaper, paint or stencils and the DIY nature of blik lets you be the artist and create your own wall art. Within minutes, you can transform the look of a living or office space: choose your space, plan the design you’d like to make, and literally, just peel and stick. And when you’re tired of your design, say after years, a month, maybe a day – the decals are removable.

I’ve been on the decal tip for quite awhile and these look like a fine addition to an ever-growing collection. There are many designers to choose from as well, from the likes of Keith Haring to Threadless to I am 8-bit.

I’m so tempted to get this skin that I’ve been admiring for awhile by Stella Im Hulberg.

Onto the next part of this post.

Many of you remember the Alexander McQueen Knuckle Duster clutch, right?

Well, here’s an option that is almost as fabulous and might be a little more useful, haha. It appears to be slightly more “affordable” at only $550! I’d probably have to resize it as I have fairly small hands, but I wouldn’t mind having that problem.