1. March Studio
2. Independence and Interdependence
3. March Links
4. Wrap-Up
This past month I had my mother in town for 2 weeks, visited a new island and kept my "title" of fastest female from St. John in the annual 8 Tuff Miles road race. Mom flew in on Valentine's Day to rescue me from worrying about any Valentine's this year. We went with my friend Liz to Virgin Gorda for the first time to explore the baths, huge rock formations jutting up from the sea on the edge of the island. That day was the rainiest day we've had this year. With waves hitting the boat, wind hitting us along the way and rain soaking our stuff, even mom admitted it was cold. However, never underestimate the power of a plastic trash bag: they proved very useful and warm to wrap up in to climb the rocks. All part of the experience. The 12th annual 8 Tuff Miles just took place, with 726 finishers completing the course from one end of STJ to the other. I was proud to finish as 6th overall female, but even more proud of my mother for finishing the course! (If you'd like to see photos, check out the latest gallery at ChelseaRocks.info: http://chelsearocks.info/gallery.html.) We also had a new contemporary art gallery open in St. Thomas, gaining new excitement and interest. Perhaps in a future newsletter I'll be able to invite you to a show with my work in it...
Being sensitive to others’ opinions and wishes is part of life, crucial to developing strong relationships both professionally and personally. But sometimes it can go to far, when you act or speak in a way another person wants, suppressing your own wishes. When you stifle your desires, your words or your actions in order to please others or avoid being judged, you’ve become fragmented. You’re no longer acting authentically and you start to question yourself. When you question yourself, you lose your confidence and then your enthusiasm.
Most of us wonder why the populations in the world who seem to have the greatest mobility and most material possessions are suffering from despair and depression. Perhaps one of the biggest causes, I think, is inauthenticity. As human beings we need to be both independent and interdependent. We need to feel a sense of love and of contribution. You need to feel that you count for something, that you are valued. If you’re acting on behalf of others, you’re essentially saying to yourself that you’re not good enough. When you feel worthless, your relationships, your job and your daily life become frustrating.Yet if you find the confidence to live, speak, dress and act on what you feel is right for you, your life has purpose and spirit. Other people can quickly sense your authenticity.The majority of people are drawn to a person with self-confidence, integrity and enthusiasm, for business as well as personal matters. Your relationships will strengthen; your energy will attract more of what you want. You can be more effective and “valuable”, offering inspiration, enthusiasm and encouragement to others to do the same--independence and interdependence.
Smashing Magazine
Smashing magazine: "We smash you with the information that will make your life easier. Really." For graphic designers, web developers, etc.:
http://www.smashingmagazine.com/
Best Fashion Blogs
This isn't for everyone but this month is about independence and authenticity, right? I'm a big fan of fashion blogs, often finding fun ideas and inspiration that carries into both my outfits and my design work.This list is some of the top ones as picked by the New York Times:
http://mahalofashion.blogspot.com/2008/02/fba.html
If you enjoyed this newsletter, great! Please
pass it along to others who might as well.
If you decide this is not your cup of tea,
send a blank e-mail with UNSUBSCRIBE as the subject back to me.
If you have any comments, suggestions for
future newsletters, questions, etc., please feel free to e-mail. Or, for
further information about my design or illustration studio and services, please
e-mail me or check out my websites.
Asolare
Design
Chelsea Rocks