There is this age-old truism that travel is inspirational. Travel shakes up the stale thought patterns and brain grooves, jumbles them together and allows something fresh to emerge. This is true. But there are the practical realities of traveling as well, apart from the theoretical creative benefits. Bad food, depressing hotel rooms, too much time…
Author: Brook
Making Things: Jackets
I made my first tailored jacket when I was sixteen. It wasn’t very good, but I remember staying up all night, hand-stitching every seam, because that was how couturiers did it, right? Early on I developed an obsession with Chanel suits and jackets, of the 1960s and 70s era. I had never owned one, had…
Life Outside
There are authors who connect with different phases of one’s life. When I first started working in technology, I liked to read William Gibson and Neal Stephenson. When I was in art school, it was Alan Watts and Kant. Now it’s Edward Abbey, the outsider, the peaceful anarchist, the visionary of the southwest. His books…
Harvest Time
There is a quote that goes something like: “Always plant three times the quantity you expect to want, because you need to feed yourself, the animals, and your thieving neighbors.” Perhaps it is of Shaker origin? If you know the true source, please let me know. All of our family members have gardens, and graciously…
What is femininity?
Q. What is femininity? Because this is a question I have been asking myself. Because it is a question someone asked me once and I wasn’t quite sure how to answer. Because. Femininity is the mysterious, the teasing, the supple, the sparkling. It is powerful in its ability to manifest through a subtle manipulation of…
A Capsule Wardrobe for Your BodyMind
Get out your pens and notebooks, writing exercise ahead… Creating a capsule wardrobe of well-curated thoughts patterns and emotional structures: What are the thought patterns I want to encourage in my life? (eg: creativity, growth, inspiration, future-orientation, relationship-oriented, etc.) a. b. c. d. e. What are the thought patterns that I would like to remove?…
Rediscovering Simplicity
Q. How do I simplify my life? Because, like most, I have a plurality and diversity of interests that at times can get overwhelming. Think of it like selecting a capsule wardrobe for your mindbody. Start with an overview. Get a sense of the various aspects of your life which are feeling complicated. Review them…
Design Process 