Believe.Hope.Dream.

On the Road Again :)

Travel holds a very special key to my heart, mind, and soul... it unlocks things in me, my art, my perspective, and my connection to this planet. As the final weeks of 2011 were coming to a close, I spent hours upon hours creating pages of the goals and intentions for what I wanted 2012 to hold. And here... here I am.  In Switzerland. 

I hope to travel around a bit further. Maybe to Italy? France? Germany? The UK? I have no plan which is both terrifying and exhilerating.

I have little internet at the moment. But, soon, I will post photos and words documenting this special time.

How has your 2012 been so far?

 XO

T

Welcome Back!

Well hi! I've missed you!!

BHD has undergone a few changes - and more Changes are arriving over the next few weeks. I've got a delicious new Etsy store opening , new topics, a new website to announce, 2012 inspiration for goal setting, and more. 

In the meantime here is a gorge mix from DJ Brian Bacchus! Enjoy!!! Opus Bacchanal by Brian Bacchus

See you soon!

An Autumn Mixtape

Here is an Autumn Playlist. For busy days. For creative days. For days when misty morning fog gently awakens you. For when you are burning Autumn scented candles, and baking, or dreaming, or writing in your sketchbook.

come alive

Link VIA.

On the verge of the Autumn Equinox... September's Music Mix!

45 Minute Vacation by Brian Bacchus My dear, talented friend Brian has done it again. September's mix is a bit more tribal, a bit more worldly, and every bit inspiring.

I'm so lucky to have one of the world's most talented, and soulful DJ's contributing here. Give this mix a listen.

Happy Fall, to all!

T

PS: In our family, we like making the Autumn Equinox special by having a little Fall celebration. We welcome in this new season, we burn sage, we eat yummy food, and we focus on goals for this lovely season. Maybe you should try doing the same?

manifesting dreams

I was looking through photo albums the other day of my time owning a theatre, traveling throughout the UK, and taking on various new projects.  I think at the back of my mind was always - I want to do this. Whatever it was. All I could think of was - I want to experience, expand, explore, learn... if not now, then when? 

This got me thinking... how do dreams manifest? How can we actualize our goals? What can we do that helps to create a life of goal setting and goal creating?

So here are my rules for making dreams:

1. The Have To's

Your dreams are something you pursue because it's part of your raison d'etre. You have to pursue your dreams because the world, your life, your everything relies on this dream. So, in spite of all seeming obstacles you plod forward. This inexplicable desire should move you forward every day, in spite of pitfalls. You must take one more step.

2. Be Fearless

Trust that everything will work out for your (and others') greater good. Trust yourself, the powers that be, Fate, destiny, what have you, to conspire in your favor.  Approach your art, your ideas, your sense of timing with this trust, and you'll find yourself freed from needless doubts and worries, and continue to DO, CREATE, and LIVE with the full trust of a new born babe. 

3. Desire

You must find your way to the spark inside you. Find your Passion, your Bliss, that part of you that excites at the very thought of DOING. Whether it's picking up a paintbrush, your camera, acting, writing, starting a grassroots movement, pinpoint your interests and that tug on your heart and you've found your calling. 

4. Risk

I understand wanting to play it safe. But some of life's greatest rewards occur because of taking risks, jumping when there is no net in sight, and being brave. Risks expand our sense of worth, power, and show us that we are stronger than we might have otherwise believed.  

5. Love

Love is really the turnkey. I advise you to Love your life, what you are pursuing, with all your heart. LOVE it. And know this love is there to keep you going. Think of love as oxygen. We breathe in because we need to breathe, have oxygen in our lungs. Love is this way with dreams. LOVE and you breathe in. You fill your endeavors with energy and time, and hope and belief... and trust.

6. Let Go

To the universe. To your greater good. To your God, the cosmos, the Divine, or your Highest Self. Whatever your belief  - Just let go. Believe so much, hope so much, that you just, let it go. Life has a very interesting way of just making things happen in their own perfect time, in their own perfect way .

7. Perseverance 

In the past, I had a very definite sense of when I thought things should manifest in my life. I had notions of when I should get married, when my goals should occur, when I would have children, etc.  Only through this timing coming and going, yet these things occuring in my life after these dates did i realize that things happen in their own perfect time.  If something has not occurred when you thought it would, I ask that you not give up Hope. If I had given up on some of my dreams, I doubt that I would be able to stand here now telling you of how through my deep hope and resiliance many of my dreams manifested... and the reality actually is even better than my wildest dreams of my younger years. 

XO,

T

making a house a home

I just located the most charming home the other day for Mr Bird and I and the girls to move into. It's not too far from the ocean (3 minutes by car!). Surrounded by cypress and oak trees, with a walking/ biking/ rollerblading trail that leads all the way to the ocean! Now I have extra incentive to purchase that darned bike! (the dream home image above courtesy one of my favorite photographers!)

This will be the home we share as a newly married couple (which is coming up sooner than I can keep up with!).  Over the years, we've parted with many things that we brought into the relationship from our younger years. It's time to fill our home with things that are uniquely us. 

So... what makes a house a home? And how can I create a space that brings us comfort, inspires us, nurtures us, and makes us and others feel at home?

I've found a few lovely items that have inspired this new home of ours... Would you like to take a peek?

1. Michael Paul Photography. 2. Bedroom Forts!   3. Candlelight Branch  4. Windowseat Cozy  5. Driftwood Mirror   6. Palette Storage  7. West Elm  8. Enveloped By You  9. Little One.  10. Love!

Wednesday, we move in! I'm so excited. I'll make sure to update you on the progress of our little homes transformation.

With love, always!

T

risk taking and cloud stomping

Sometimes you just have to trust yourself so deeply that you risk everything just to move in a new direction, closer to your ideal.  I remember when I started my theater group years ago in Atlanta, I would begin every staff meeting with, "We do it because of the "have to's".

As in ... I can't give up because so many people are relying on me, so I have to.

I can't lose hope, because I risked everything to have a better life, so I have to.

I can't throw in the towel, flip out, hide under my bed, run away, because I owe it my life's purpose to remain strong, so...

I have to.

I've found that life has a way of placing other people as part of our responsibility pool to encourage us to do things which we might otherwise not do for ourselves. I'm not sure why, but when our own happiness depends on taking risks and remaining hopeful despite seeming odds, we are not as willing to fight for ourselves and our dreams as we would if others were also depending on us.

I've also found that in taking risks, even if those initial risks don't pan out, something new is planted in us.

I can't tell you how many times I attempted something, and truly fumbled. Only with the passage of time, have I seen that at each fumble, I've been nudged in a direction, a path, and thereby encountered people and experiences I would not have found if I had remained safely in my routines.

Lately, when I feel myself grow discouraged, I take a deep breath and remind myself that things will work out. They always do. One day of dismal does not equal a lifetime of dismal.

"If not this, something better." A good mantra to play over and over in your mind ...

Over time, I've personally become less fearful, less likely to jump to the conclusion that things are falling apart when I have an off day. And I do have them. Everyone does. Some days are just like that.

The key is... to rest when it's a hibernation season, jump when it's an activity season, and never give up, to see a change in direction, or a disappointment as a sign that something really amazing, even more incredible than your previous wants, is just around the bend.

I've been busy taking risks and stomping on clouds these past few days.  I've also been planning a little blog makeover.

I do miss you so, however.  I have so much to share with you... recipes, wandering ideas, DIY's... everything really. 

XO,

T

i've loved you from the first moment...

How very very true of my love for Mr. Bird.

Image source.

Gatherings // for summer lovers (guest Maria Valentin!)

I've asked my dear friend, Maria Valentin of Figmint Design to be my guest blogger this week.  With her attention to detail, and party planning expertise, I just knew we would be in for a special treat. Without further ado, I present you with this week's Gatherings post:

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(destination:: Greece) With long sun drenched days slowly slipping away, Summer lovers like myself are desperately clinging to the simple pleasures it brings. Like the last days of a dreamy vacation that has been spent soaking in the sun and exploring, gathering with family and friends, and eating delicious food, one wishes it could last forever.

Sources: Striped Dress, Gladiator Sandals, Gold & Turquoise Ring,  Coins on Pin, Nail Polish, Metal Vase Trio, Amalfi Turquoise Mug, Greece Image, Bougainvillea Bonsai Tree

It has been several years since I spent a Summer vacation in Greece, and the very thought of it stirs up wonderful emotions. There is something about that deep blue sea against the whitewashed buildings that creates a sense of awe and freedom. There is something about walking through those romantic cobblestone alleys rich with history and seeing a local holding a Komboloi (worry beads) while chatting with the neighboring shopkeeper. There is something about the people. They are so passionate, warm, and friendly that you feel like you have known them forever after only a few moments. And the food. Let's not forget the food, because everything in Greece revolves around the food. It's the center of all social gathering. Whether you are friends or family, having "parea" (company) over for a home cooked meal is not something that only happens on holidays or special occasions, it is a daily ritual. 

Images: Greek Komboloi, Seaside Alley

So, let's get a little sample of what a gathering in Greece tastes like. It all begins as you approach the front door (which will most likely be Blue). You are greeted by a bountiful lemon tree. Grab a lemon, because you will be squeezing it on almost everything. 

Sources: Blue Door Image, Lemon Tree Image

The setting is rustic and inviting as you sit on a veranda shaded by olive trees. You are surrounded by dripping bright magenta Bougainvillea and the scent of the sea in the air. The table is set with modest natural linens and vintage bottles holding water as blue glasses await for your choice of beverage. An array of Greek herbs are at each place setting for guests to take home as favors. The herbs are some of the most popular Greek flavors: Oregano, Parsley, Rosemary, and Sage. 

Sources: Table Setting, Gold Charger,  Turquoise Water Glasses,  Herb Centerpiece Favors

Here's where your lemon comes in. All of these light, easy summer friendly dishes can be accompanied by a squeeze of fresh lemon. I love a fresh traditional Greek salad, and putting it on a skewer makes for a beautiful presentation and great appetizer. Only, I would add some cucumbers to that skewer! Warm pita with fresh hummus...yum! Spicy keftedes (meatballs) are a great finger food too. Most people don't know that Dandelion greens are a very popular side dish in Greece. We used to grow dandelions growing up, so they were always plentiful in our house. They are one of my favorites!

Sources:  Skewered Greek Salad,  Pita and Hummus, Spicy Keftedes, Dandelion Greens

Figs always make for a refreshing dessert. This recipe calls for grilled figs, but if you don't want to go to the trouble of grilling, plain figs atop some gelato or greek yogurt with a drizzle of honey make for a simple delicious dessert too.

Sources: Grilled Figs with Honeyed Mascarpone

Olive oil soaps would make a lovely hostess gift for your gathering.

Sources: Olive Oil Soaps

I hope you enjoyed our Greek gathering and that you depart with a heart filled with joy and a stomach filled with delicious food. As I fill your arms with bags of leftovers, I kiss you on both cheeks and bid you farewell until we meet again.Yassou!

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Maria Valentin is the Founder and Creative Director of Figmint Design, a Los Angeles based boutique design studio. She spent ten years as a creative director working in the fashion industry before launching her beautiful dream. She shares her life with her technical guru/musician husband and her rambunctious Staffordshire Bull Terrier. 

 

 

 

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Thank you so much, Maria, for this inspiring post! You've inspired me to host a Greek gathering for sure! If you would like to hear more from Maria on style, decor, design, and Gatherings, please give her website and blog a visit!

XO, T