fear and happiness

"each time we choose safety, we reinforce fear"

Cheri Huber

let go

stop holding on to safety

you will find happiness in the end

All pictures are by Ryan McGinley

Last night I was scared to go snowmobiling with my husband in the dark in some deep deep snow ( 2 more inches and we'll beat the record high of snowfall in January since the 70's).  I was holding onto the safety of which my warm home provides and the safety of not taking any chances on a snowmobile.  Finally, I decided NOT to hold onto this safety and I went snowmobiling.  I had so much fun!  Yes, I did crash into a tree LOL, but I didn't get hurt.  I ended up seeing something that I wasn't expecting- my husband's sweet and caring side for me.  I need to remind myself to not hold onto safety- let go- and find happiness.

M. Ward's new album "Hold Time"

It's time to get warm and cozy with M. Ward's new album Hold Time, which will be released on Feb. 17.  Listen to the entire album NOW right hear on NPR's website.  I've listened to the album a few times and love it, with a few favorites already like "Never Had Nobody Like You".  We even get to hear a little of Zooey Deschanel on Hold Time.  Maybe M. Ward will come to Cleveland with his new album?

No more Domino?!?!

While drinking my morning coffee and browsing my favorite blogs I came to find out this is a sad day....Domino is going out of business they are saying.  The last issue will be the March 2009 issue.  I guess it's just another sign of the times.  A rumor is that if you have a subscription to Domino they will send you Lucky Magazine instead.  What will we do without Domino for our monthly inspiration?  It has given me so many design ideas for our new house.  All of those back issues will now become collectors items, good thing I have been saving them for the past 3 years.  Maybe we can save the magazine...write Domino here to tell them not to close their doors.  Hopefully they will at least keep their website up.  I heart Domino.

loveology

Loveology posted this on her blog the other day.  I think it something that we need to remind ourselves of.  Loveolog's blog is great to read, she posts beautiful pictures with poetry.  Check it out here.

iphone & itouch fun

Who doesn't love customizing your iphone or itouch?  Check out Poolga, where you can download free wallpapers for your iphone & itouch.  Each wallpaper image is created by designers, artists, and illustrators from all around and they add new images every couple of days.  First image is by LOV-E, second image is by Palo Lim, and the third image is by Maria Simavilla.  Have fun!

animal collective

One of the most original bands around which has a sound that is almost impossible to categorize, Animal Collective, just released their new album "Merriweather Post Pavilion".   My lil' bro Patric has been listening to them for a while now...he calls their music intelligent, which I can understand why.   However, I think some of their horror- like sounds kinda did not allow me to fully get into their music in the past.  Well after listening to "My girls" I think I am starting to feel it Patric.  I'd suggest you take a couple of minutes to check out My Girls here you won't regret it.

inspirational quotes from inauguration 2009 President Obama

"On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord." 

President Barack Obama

"Lord, in the memory of all the saints who from their labors rest, and in the joy of a new beginning, we ask you to help us work for that day when black will not be asked to get back, when brown can stick around -- (laughter) -- when yellow will be mellow -- (laughter) -- when the red man can get ahead, man -- (laughter) -- and when white will embrace what is right." 

Rev. Lowery

In today's sharp sparkle, this winter air,

any thing can be made, any sentence begun.

on the brink, on the brim, on the cusp,

praise song for walking forward in that light." 

poet Elizabeth Alexander 

still life sunday

These photos are photographed by Simply Photo.  You can check out her blog here and you can purchase the photos here.  I love her work!

inspirational prints

Jessica Gonacha brings us this set of 4 inspirational gocco prints which you can purchase here.  Great for Valentine's Day or anytime of the year.  

a quick room makeover

In House Beautiful this month 101 Designers gave us ideas on 101 makeovers that you can do right now.  There were a lot of great ideas...I took a pointer from Thomas Pheasant, "If you have a dining table that stands dormant most of the time, turn it into a library table.  Collect beautiful books and create small stacks around the perimeter of the table.  Place a large-scale object- like a globe, a piece of sculpture, or a fantastic topiary-in the center.  Then place a small object on top of each stack.  I have used tea caddies, magnifying lenses, crystal spheres.  Pick anything that interests you".  The pictures above our from Thomas Pheasant's portfolio.

The thing that I like about the "library table" is seeing your books...it makes you want to look at them when they are on display.  Thanks for the idea Mr. Pheasant.

Etsy Find

Hood Scarf by LittleHouses on Etsy.  How cute and creative is that!  I want it today when I go outside in the Artic Chill.

Still Life Sunday

A couple still life shots from a snowy Sunday.  This birds nest is real...the eggs however are not, still beautiful none the less.  I think it is very symbolic of my life right now...nesting :) My husband and I are building a house so mind is almost always thinking of something related to our home.  The second picture is a close up of our mantle that I re-decorated yesterday.  The vases are from Ikea, you can't go wrong when you buy a vase for $1.99 each.

A Beautiful Journal

Things To Make And Do A Journal by Nikki McClure is an inspiring journal with chapters dedicated to: PLAN, WISH, DREAM, BUILD, EXPLORE, LEARN, MAKE, GROW, GIVE, FIND. This journal has beautiful illustrations throughout.  If your like me, it helps to write down your thoughts and make lists of your desires to make sure they all come true.     

2009 Is Here!

Happy Happy Joy Joy! Best Wishes for 2009!

This is my first post to Give It Character and I'm very excited to get my blog started.  I've been a blog fan for a while now so I decided it's time to start my own.  I came to the name Give It Character because it seems that whenever I craft in the end I always say..."it gives it character", I've always loved that saying.  My intentions for this blog are to have posts on interior ideas and inspirations for your home, DIY craft projects, music inspirations for your daily life, beautiful photography, and cooking ideas....things that make my life more interesting and complete.  I work in a very non-creative field and I am hoping that by having my own blog it will keep me inspired to keep my life full of creative inspirations that will give my life character...and yours too!