New York, Part 2: Museum of Sex + the Bibliothek

I went to the Museum of Sex with Priscilla. Needless to say, we were very amused. There were three galleries: animals, sex in films, then weird porn/toys. Strangely enough, only the animal gallery was of any interest (you should see below). But I did learn that Japanese people are very interested in octopus erotica (why?)

Loungin' and scratchin' - livin' it up!:

The interior of the map room in the main library. Nearly too ornate to stand, but still tasteful I think.

The MoMA and interior decor stores to come.

Say What You Need to Say

Mr. Holland’s’ Opus is one of the few movies I find to be a true tear jerker. (I’m amazed at my inability to make it through that movie without crying!)

It’s a story about a teacher, who only ever wanted to write a great symphony, but life happens and he never has time to complete this symphony. He gets married, fathers a deaf child (whom he feels disconnected with) and begins teaching music and driving lessons to pay the bills! In the end after 25 years of dedicating his life to a school they decide to cut his program because of budget cost. This leaves him feeling like his life was meaningless. Unbeknown to him he actually does write an incredible symphony in his 25 years of teaching – he has fruitfully influenced a copious amount of students’ lives. They ARE his symphony!

I have a personal relationship with this movie because I had a high school music teacher (Mr. Thompson) who was also my Driver’s Ed. teacher! I see a lot of similarities between him and that of the protagonist in Mr. Holland’s Opus. His belief, guidance and demand from me, has undoubtedly had a profound influence in shaping me. Learning various instruments, difficult pieces with the occasional spotlight solo, taught me that any skill could be learned and not to run from the chance to display perfection.

I always remember him selecting me as a Bass Clarinetist to regionally represent Ontario in a selected symphony of various talented musicians. I was flabbergasted (I certainly didn’t have that much belief in myself at the time!).

My point in this run-on story is that I never got the chance to tell him how he had influenced my life and growth. 2 years ago, he was driving and ran out of gas on the highway. He was crossing a major highway for gas when he was struck and killed. His death has filled me with grief and regrets.

I realize now how important it is to say what you feel as oppose to not saying anything. (Unless it’s extremely nasty like, “You little F@#ker, I wish you dropped dead and your carcass was so bad that not even flies didn’t wanted to land on you and you were buried in an unmark grave as a disease to society!).. wow, where did that come from??? …lol :p (an image of The Usual Suspects just flew into my head…lol).

But, being serious all we have is today so I don’t like holding back thoughts especially good thoughts. Why wait for a funeral to stand over someone’s grave and say how wonderful that person was. Say it now! Say it loud! And say it proud, while they can appreciate it! This is probably the reason why I like the song “Say” by John Mayer. There is a line in the song that says:

“It's better to say too muchThen never to say what you need to say againEven if your hands are shakingAnd your faith is brokenEven as the eyes are closingDo it with a heart wide open”

…I love it!

Saying what I need to say,
Nicole

Fröhliche Erntedankfest!

Berried branches and persimmons! This table looks a bit too busy w the printed runner and the second plate though.

Cornhusk votives. Purplish and softly glowing and so lovely.

Imprint swatches of cane for custom place cards.

I know orange and brown are overused around this time of year, but little acorns on napkin ribbons are simple and v cute.

If you have gold spray paint at hand..

I like me some feathers.

Very cheap and very simple. Just as a hollowed-out pumpkin makes a great vase, a mini pumpkin makes a great base for candles or nearly any height.

Three easy napkin folds.

From Country Living and Martha Stewart.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

HAVE A GREAT TURKEY DAY! I MEAN IT!

TRAINING (in Canada), STITCHES and VIDEO

Well, I’ve been home in Canada for a week now training. My training base location is Ann Arbor, Michigan. Between my coach, the facilities at hand and my short 3km drive to practice it makes for an excellent set-up. To me this is my Olympic Training Centre. However, I am close enough to my Canadian home that I can hop in my car and drive 4 hours and be in Toronto.

Due to some obligations, I’ve had to be home in Canada last week and this week. Juggling scheduled appointments, my training obviously takes president. Leaving the house at 8am, I usually do not return until 9 or 10pm. Driving between Aurora, Toronto and Orillia, I’m probably managing 250km a day on my Toyota RAV4. Although, my schedule is jam packed, I absolutely love being home!

But, as much as I love home, training at home can be challenging. For one, it takes me on a good day 40 minutes to make it to practice and parking comes with a hefty $9 parking fee per day. And my inability to find boxes and/or equipments I need for my workout can sometimes result in alternate workout plan taking effect. Still, this kind of training I believe toughens you up.

So, I thought I’d enlighten you with an inside look at my training here at home.

Waiting to return back to Ann Arbor,
Nicole

(Below) Sticthes being removed from a Plyometric Accident a few weeks ago.

New York, Part 1: Union Square Farmers' Market

Brussels sprouts! They are my favorite.

Bleahd

Beets! From Schrute Farms, I'm sure.

Can plants look architectural - or the the other way around?

I am not pretending to be The Sartorialist. I only like them a lot. I don't give a shit if ppl are chic and stylish - these old guys are so cute! How can you not like the fur hat, pudgy tummies, little feetsies, clever glasses frames, and walking stick, ah?

Holiday: Gumps

I was in San Francisco a couple of weeks ago for a book signing event ( more on the next week!) which was being held at the beautiful Gump's store near Union Square. These are some of the photos I took. Above is one of the many spectacular table displays on the second floor where the China and crystal are kept. I thought it was very festive for a Fall dinner or Thanksgiving.

Furniture is also on display in these wonderful vignettes. I love the color combination here with the burnt orange walls and dark grey silk on the Bergere chair and ottoman. The Moroccan tables definitely are on my wish list.

I love the large Foo dogs in this picture arranged with the sofa and live edged coffee table.

I think this "room" was my favorite with the black lacquered display etagere with the blue interior. I like the idea of two matching chairs with different fabrics. And the area rug, luscious silk!

Isn't this an amazing display of over scaled lanterns? If you are in San Francisco at all during the Holiday Season, do stop in at Gumps. The assortment of Christmas ornaments is to die for, and there is bound to be more than just one thing you won't be able to live without!

And if you are in the TV watching mood on your Turkey Day, stop on by:

SAY

Take all of your wasted honor

Every little past frustration

Take all your so called problems

Better put 'em in quotations

Say what you need to say

Say what you need to saaaay...

Walking like a one man army

Fighting with the shadows in your head

Living out the same old moment

Knowing you'd be better off instead

If you could only

Say what you need to say

Say what you need to saaay...

Have no fear

For giving in

Have no fear

For giving over

You better know that in the end

It's better to say too much

Then never to say what you need to say again

Even if your hands are shaking

And your faith is broken

Even as the eyes are closing

Do it with a heart wide open... wide...

Say what you need to say

Say what you need to

Say what you need to

Say what you need to say...

~John Mayer

Free Stuff: Martha Stewart through Apartment Therapy

I thought you should know:

Win Martha Stewart Home Decorating Products Every Friday Via Apartment Therapy’s Holiday Giveaway!

Friday Nov 28 – win a Constellation Rug (approximately 6’ x 9’ size) from Martha Stewart Rugs; select from five available colors.

Friday Dec 5 – win an occasional table from Martha Stewart Furniture with Bernhardt. Choose one of five selected styles!

Friday Dec 12 – win Martha Stewart Floor Designs with FLOR Needlepoint Stripe 30-tile rug in any color (approx. 8’ x 10’)

Friday Dec 19 – Win an exclusive signed print from Martha Stewart Framed Photography. Choose one of three prints!

To enter and visit, go to www.apartmenttherapy.com/holidaygiveaway2008 and click on the picture of the week’s Martha Stewart giveaway!
For even more home decorating ideas from Martha Stewart go to www.marthastewart.com/shop

The 4 year life of Amateur Sports

I understand that Athletics (Track & Field’s official name) receives much attention every 4 years, but there is a life that extends beyond the 4 year cycle of the Olympic Games. It’s called the circuit. There is a circuit of competitions that occur each year. I liken it to Tennis with their Grand Slams. The “circuit” consists of Golden League Meetings, Super Grand Prix, Grand Prix and World Athletic Tour Meetings in addition to other area permit competitions. The end of each season is concluded with the World Athletic Finals, where the top 8 athletes in each event compete. In addition to the World Athletic Finals, the Olympic Games are also sandwiched by the Commonwealth Games, World Championships, Francophone Games, World Cup and Pan-American Games. All of which are strong competitions in their own merit.

Another, interesting fact -- behind soccer (a.k.a football) track and field is the next most popular and participated sport in the world. It is the only sport in the world which every other sport uses in some fashion in their training. Often in some athlete’s off-season, they will choose to train with us to improve their fitness. I remember on one occasion an NFL player was training with me and my friends, and was struggling. At the end of the session, he exclaimed in disbelief of our ability to enjoy this form of training daily. It made us chuckle. I’m sure if we tried taking the hits he took on the field, we’d be struggling to understand that enjoyment.

Alas, at the end of the day I can’t deny my boasting of Athletics embodiment of the Olympic Spirit – 'Citius, Altius, Fortius' (swifter, faster, and higher). It is a sport that all body types can participate. You don’t need to necessarily be tall, short, fat or thin. There is an event for anyone to try. You are the captain of your own fate.. It’s just you and the clock, or measuring stick. And if you can’t be the fastest in the world, you can certainly use the training to become faster to chase a soccer ball down the field. Yes, I am proud to be an athlete in Athletics (track and field)! Not to take anything from any other sport, of course.

Loving my Sport,
Nicole W. Forrester

Cabo Beach House and Environment Furniture

Living Room: Malena Armchair, DWR; Coffee tables, Viva Terra; Lamps, Arteriors Home

I am working on the design of a beach house in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico right now. My clients are an energetic couple with a family who are looking for a warm contemporary home where they don't have to worry about sandy feet. Unique design with very little hassle were the criteria. These are the sample inspiration boards for the project.

The main materials consist of natural concrete floors and rustic walnut cabinetry. The Capiz shell light fixtures, mosaic tiles and rough wood provide texture and contrast with other clean contemporary furnishings for a balanced and casual design. The plan is to add accent furniture, accessories and art from local artisans.

Dining Room and Powder Room: Live Edge Walnut Dining Table, Hudson Furniture; Panton Dining Chair; Capiz Shell Dining Room Pendent, Oly Studio; Lotus Pendant for Powder Room, Roost, Powder Room LuLu faucet, Dornbracht; Orbit Mosaic tile for Powder Room, Walker Zanger.

Kitchen and Bar Area: Heath Ceramic Tile, Ann Sacks; Ceasarstone counters; Meri Drum Chandelier, Oly Studio; Faucet by Blanco

Master Bedroom and Master Bath: Bed by Hudson Furniture; Tolemeo light fixture by Artimede; Womb Chair by Eero Saarinen; Toilet by Toto; Sink by Wetstyle; Skyline Glass Tile by Walker Zanger

Secondary Bedrooms: Headboards by West Elm; Lamps by Arteriors Home; Chest by Environment Furniture; Bertoia Chair available through DWR; Glass Tile by Akdo.

Many of the things I have chosen for this beach house are classics. I wanted to introduce a line of furniture that could be known for the classics of the future: Environment Furniture. Their mission statement says it all:

Environment Furniture strives to create beautiful furniture that balances innovation and sustainability and to work in ways that value humanity and the environment now and in the future.

Here are a few pieces from their beautiful line:

Gazebo Bed

Strip Dresser

Parati Buffet

Campinas Console Table

If you have a moment, hop on over the their website. There are many more fabulous earth friendly peices to see. I hope you enjoy!

The Animals at the Faire

Aubergine 18" high porcelain Dragon with forehead horn.

On my last visit to the Sacramento Antique Faire, I came across a number of interesting creatures. I had originally gone to find a table, and to hunt for additions for my various collections. Also, I do like to take pictures of the more unique finds I stumble upon for you all to see. This trip, I noticed a distinct trend to the photos as I was sorting through them for a post. Animals of various kinds stood out from the rest of the photos, and I began to think about finding homes for all of these strays.

I saw this porcelain dragon, which was quite large and fantastically colored. And I imagined that he would enjoy a home like this:

House and Garden, June 2004, Photo by Francois Dishinger

Art dealer Gian Enzo Sperone might find a spot for him among the ceramic figures by Paolo Maione in his New York loft, above.

I spied this two foot high plaster pug just hanging around. I think he would be right at home in Liz Lambert's bunkhouse outside of Marfa, Texas. The slate colored walls and salvaged billboard would provide the perfect setting for this comical pup:

House and Garden, September 2006, Photo by Francois Halard

The brown ceramic elephant standing about a foot high (top), and the vintage metal elephant penny bank both have a rustic natural quality that appealed to me.

Elle Decor, Jan/Feb 2006, Photo by William Waldron

I don't think that designer T. Keller Donovan would mind too terribly if these pachyderms made themselves at home on his antique Irish pub table. I love the mix of natural textures and colors here, and the mix of objects.

This sheepdog was one of my favorites. I like to think of him as a "faux-Jeff-Koons-puppy" (I posted about this puppy here). Maybe if I painted the nose and tongue white? No? Well anyway, this pup might still look cool in a house like this:

Elle Decor, August/September 2003, Photo by Fernando Bengoechea

This very chic house is owned by taste makers Franco Mariotti and Alessandra Tabacchi Mariotti, owners of the very stylish modern and antique furnishing shop, FLAIR ( Florence, Milan, Capri and New York locations).

So tell me....do you all do this too? I mean, do you see something that catches your eye and immediately imagine the sort of place it should call home? It seems to be a little game I play, and perhaps it just comes with the territory of the creative world.