{moving day}

Perhaps it's poor manners to advertise my new Wordpress blog on Blogger, but unfortunately the incompatibility between Blogger's Google platform and my Google-based university email has made posting on here too much of a hassle (and I can't seem to have both at the same time). 

So, check out my new blog, [consideration by design], where---instead of a mere personal blog filled with my own day-to-day interests---I will be focusing on the intersectionality of art, education, and advocacy. 

As it turns out, my personal interests have converged with my professional pursuits and I figured that if I'm going to spend the energy and time writing, it might as well be for a greater aim than just myself. I hope to address a variety of issues (ranging anywhere from social justice to sustainability) through creative expression and open dialogue, and I would greatly appreciate any feedback you might have. 

Thanks for your attention, and I look forward to hearing from you soon! 

{the sandiest toes}

First day running barefoot: apparently I've discovered calf muscles I never knew existed.

You know how I can tell?

Because they are currently so sore that I'm stepping around like a flamingo, trying to avoid a mutiny from the back of my legs.

If ever I'd seek out a lower-leg insurgency, though, today really was the perfect day for it. Initially the plan was to pick up some snazzy Vibram Five Fingers after reading through (admittedly, only) some of Christopher McDougall's Born To Run and then I'd sniff out some trails and break my "monkey shoes" in. However, a certain large-sporting-goods-chain-that-shall-remain-nameless was unable to deliver, and thus I was forced to reevaluate my plan for the day.

With the weather being as mild and sunny as it has been, I was itching to get outside and run, and the beach provided the perfect backdrop. Better yet? I even managed to get my stride. Look out, Tarahumara---there's a new barefoot sheriff in town.

View from my "finish line."

Unfortunately, I only got two miles out of myself before my calves went on strike. I've spent the majority of my afternoon coaxing them into a reconciliation and I believe they're finally willing to begin the negotiations process.

In summary, running barefoot is awesome. Tomorrow afternoon? Round two.

{feeling the love}

Despite not buying too much into that whole "Hallmark Holiday" thing, today still has provided an opportunity for me to surround myself with warm fuzzies by looking at lots of pretty things online.

Alice + Olivia's Spring 2012 Ready-To-Wear collection just happened to be the prettiest of my day. Here are a few of my favorites, and feel free to check out Style for the full collection!

{somebody that i used to know}

With over 64 million views, Gotye's "Somebody That I Used to Know" is probably old news by now. Indeed, by the time I stumbled across it, Gotye had already managed to grab hold of most of the independent music blogs and radio airwaves.

Regardless, after spending the past couple weeks working my way through an especially painful break-up, this song has become a sort of anthem for my January. While I realize 2012 is currently in its infant stages, Gotye's Making Mirrors--and this single in particular--has already captured the entire beginning of my year.

Over the past month, I've also come across some fantastically creative covers. I think that's when you know you've really reached an audience. Popularity and radio play can be attributed to a number of factors and can be explained away by something as simple as a "catchy tune," but it's when people are so inspired to learn the song and create their own arrangements that you know there's a certain connection being made that spans beyond mere musicality.

The other day, I was discussing this Gotye "phenomenon" with a good friend (check out his music blog! ) and he asked me how this song has managed to become "the new Grizzly Bear's 'Two Weeks.'" I think it really is the universality of this message. Considering that my finding this song coincided with my break-up, it was easy to connect the dots on a personal plane. However, it was only upon looking outside of my own experience to realize how many people Gotye's message has captivated. In a weird way, where I'm still sifting through much of my own stuff, there is a comfort in knowing I'm not the only one.

Check out my two favorite covers. One is by Walk Off The Earth (five people, one guitar--incredible), and the other is by an a cappella group, Pentatonix. Both are absolutely worth some attention.

{simple song}

I know this post is a little late in the game, but I am beside myself with excitement over The Shins' new album, "Port of Morrow." Even though it won't drop for another 3 months, the band has been kind enough to release their first single, "Simple Song," and it's definitely worthy of passing along.

Apparently this album release marks some significant changes for the band. I've been a Shins fan for a number of years, and I am sad to see such a switch in the line-up. From what I've read, it appears James Mercer is the only original member left---and it seems that's been Mercer's ultimate goal---but that also means Dave Hernandez is now out, and I really liked Dave.

(You know, because we were such good friends?)

Anyways, check out the single, and feel free to pay it forward. I'm looking forward to seeing The Shins release some tour dates. Despite having seeing them 3 times, their show never gets old.

Enjoy!

{monkey business}

Today, I'd really like to focus on highlighting MonkeyBiz, a nonprofit organization and handmade beading women's cooperative, as well as one of South Africa's great post-apartheid success stories.

Founded as a way to help foster economic self-sufficiency to independent and local bead artists, MonkeyBiz has grown into a much larger community force by teaching women the art of beading--thus providing them a way to obtain their own income--and maintaining a Wellness Clinic to educate and offer support to women that are HIV positive.

Apparently, MonkeyBiz has been featured in the 2006 documentary, "Bigger Than Barbie." (Guess we know which film is next on my "to-see" list!)

I am just fascinated by this cooperative---at the beadwork itself and, especially, at the determination of these women to forge better lives for themselves and their families. Definitely check out the MonkeyBiz shop to offer your support. The prices are posted in South African Rand, but considering it's about 8R to the US dollar, the prices span anywhere from $15-$100. That's hardly a steep cost considering you're helping the well-being and proliferation of a culture.

{the start of something}

"The Start of Something"

The beginning of a new year always holds so much promise, and I have to admit that this year--especially as I draw nearer to graduation--feels like the start of something profound.

In honor of this new year, I'd like to highlight some really neat prints by David Fleck (the first of which has kindly offered itself to the title of this post). Head on over to his page on Society6 and show some love.

"Jungle Book"

"Stolen Souls"

"Voyages over Edinburgh"

"Lucky Shot"