Just Imagine

March 26, 2013

‘Imagine one day the hateful world around you collapses. And it is your attitude, words, and actions that put an end to it.’      ai weiwei

Could it be that simple?  It’s worth a try.

Ai Weiwei’s Instagram   

The Homies 2013

February 4, 2013

Apartment Therapy’s 5th Annual Homies…and simplequietmodern has been nominated in the category of  “Best Home Design And Inspiration Blog”. It’s pretty exciting. The voting will continue until February 8, 2013. For those of you that follow and have voted…a big Thank You. If you’d like to cast you vote now, please do and feel free to share sqm with your friends and associates. There’s always something new here, and as I like to say…simplequietmodern… read it, learn it, live it

homiescrop2113http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/best-home-design-inspiration-blog-the-homies-2013-183531#nominate

Listen

February 3, 2013

No matter what this New Year has brought…or the last few years for that matter… there is hope. Financial stress, relationships crumbling, personal losses, natural disasters, stalled projects,workplace rudeness…we have all been there…all been affected. Still, as we assess what this first month of the New Year has (or hasn’t) brought, we can benefit from these simple yet powereful words. And, an early Spring is at hand so things are already looking up.11_ black friday habituallychic 

Thanks to Heather @ Habitualy Chic for providing this photo:http://habituallychic.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2012-11-28T07:00:00-05:00

Mother Nature…Modernist

January 19, 2013

 A  fallen tree,  a single river rock worn  smooth by the passage of time and rushing water, both modern minimalist inspiration found in nature.  A quick walk through the yard or a relaxed meander through the woods or shore can ignite a creative spark that can’t be found sitting at the desk. Muted tones to bright colorations that only she can produce…materials, form and texture that seem impossible get those creative juices flowing. Is it your garden or your interior you need to rework? A room in your garden or a room in your home can both benefit from a leisurely stroll with both eyes wide open. Leave your iPhone behind, open the door, take a deep breath and head out. This exercise is not only simplequietmodern…it’s free. You might be surpised where it takes you.Copy of wntrAM3fCopy of yrnknll3FCopy (2) of log3FCopy of knitcapFJaehyo_lee

Visit artist Jaehyo Lee ( work pictured above) here:http://www.leeart.nameCopy of Terrain_gill_cookiewodcut

This Bryan Nash Gill woodblock print can be found here:http://www.shopterrain.com/art-accents/cookie-woodcut-print/searchString/gilllinghamstnFrivrrxpaleFCopy of MVC-025LCopy of snopondFHive_whitewomb

Speaking of…

January 4, 2013

time, OMG…one year of sqm come and gone. Yep, simplequietmodern is one year old today. Someone once said that ” If you genuinely have something to say, there is someone out there who genuinely needs to hear it”. That’s pretty simple. Apparently I spoke and you listened…I’m so very grateful…for that, and most especially for  my new friends around the world who have touched me with their inspiration, their support, their kind words. I have received every compliment humbly, felt every hug, laughed out loud when it was needed the most. I hope I am able to do likewise for you. Thank You. Now, let’s get back to the business of living life simplequietmodern. Hey, should we be having cake?sprk2aFKirstenChocCkw_stwbrrieswhtWntrPrrtsF

Cake and photo courtesy of Kirsten Johnstone http://www.kirstenjohnstone.com/blog/

OK, and maybe some flowers.

It’s a miracle…

December 2, 2012

and it’s a boy! How this happened is just bigger than I could have imagined. Grandson of Jack, son of Jaxx…brother of my Buddy, nearly a twin (11 years later) right down to the tiny white tuft on that ball of black fluff. Unbelievable. And, I am unbelieveably grateful. Baby Jaxon.

“City sidewalks,

November 23, 2012

Busy sidewalks *… you know the rest of the lyrics.

But,  did you know that  “It’s OK to cross the street to avoid making small talk.”  ?  When time is at a premium and tedious chatter seems never ending this idea is simply good to know.

Check out Susan Cain’s complete manifesto here.   http://www.thepowerofintroverts.com/sixteen-things-i-believe/

* Silver Bells by Jay Livingston & Ray Evans

http://blog.newsok.com/okccentral/2011/12/25/merry-christmas-3/oklahoma-city-downtown/

The Fall Clean Up. In order to get the maximum beauty and enjoyment from your outdoor environment next year you have to extend a little effort now. Turn that afternoon of raking and picking up fallen twigs and debris into a little creative exercise. If you need to adjust things…remove a tree or overgrown shrub, come up with an effective plan to keep the deer from tearing the place up or plant some new tulip variety to usher in next spring… take the opportunity to make those adjustments or additions now. If everything seems to be in good order why not give some thought to your holiday decorations. A bit of well spent time now will make the whole process much simpler once the holidays kick into gear. Need a little incentive? How about  whipping up a sample batch of this  Boiled  Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail  by Lillie at Butter Me Up Brooklyn…just a smart little something to add to the special blend of sights, smells and tastes that are Fall.

http://buttermeupbrooklyn.com/2012/10/boiled-apple-cider-syrup-bourbon-cocktail/#more-4166

Thinking outside the box…

October 12, 2012

can really only be achieved effectively when one is completely proficient at thinking inside the box.

And,there was light…

September 27, 2012

and another light and another..and yes…another. While I can appreciate the trend of multiple pendants over a kitchen work surface I have to wonder how these trends continue. Sure, the repetition can be pleasing to the eye,but  fixtures that are hung this low over your prep area are only workable if your kitchen posts a warning, ” Must be under 5 feet tall to work at this counter”.  I love most everything about this kitchen; the simplicity, the material and finish selections, the 1955 Arne Jacobsen stools in warm tan belting leather and the restraint in accessories. At 6’4″ I would, however, have to make a change and replace the assembled drops with something like my simplequietmodern staple; the white porcelain socket. Add the bulb of your choice and you will have provided adequate  illumination of quiet style without the obvious obstruction. What a great space to pull up a stool, pour yourself a cup and check some e-mail…or….do I smell pie?

http://charmingtrinity.com/2012/08/page/2/

http://hivemodern.com/pages/product1634/fritz-hansen-series-7-stool