The Art of Knowing

Little Altars....all around...

2012-02-01T11:17:00.006-05:00

Altars are sacred but can be placed all over the home. You can have altars in little nooks and crannies as reminders of your daily practice, focus, meditation. Here is one of my favorite little altars in my home. I hope it inspires you to create your own with personal blessings, prayers and intentions! If you say a mantra over and over again each morning it will soon soak into your spirit and you will live it... write out your prayers, mantras, dreams and hopes and don't forget to envision greatness because after all, greatness is what you are destined for!

xo, Erica

The Bride

2012-01-31T16:49:00.001-05:00

, a photo by Esage7 on Flickr.

A new trading card that I recently finished... more to follow :)
xo, erica

Sarah McLachlan...an incredible voice.

2012-01-24T09:01:00.003-05:00

Dear Sarah McLachlan,

Can you please go on tour or release another album soon. I miss you and so do my friends and family.... Grazie, Erica

Sing it Etta... in memory of...

2012-01-21T16:08:00.004-05:00

When you hear the song "At Last" often times you are at a wedding watching the first dance between a bride and groom. While I appreciate young love, and the countless number of times I have heard Etta James voice singing "my love has come along..." over the diner radio, it is not the song I will remember her for. When I was in high school and I purchased my first Etta James cd, I remember hearing "Sunday Kind of Love" and that was the song that stopped me in my tracks. When I hear her belt out, "I want a Sunday kind of love..." at the end of the song, I cannot help but soak up the true essence of the late artist who will be remembered for her vocal honesty and her searching heart.

Mind Dump: TGIF

2012-01-20T10:26:00.001-05:00

I love this exercise.

Good Morning Sunshine!

2012-01-19T09:33:00.001-05:00

Spinning Glitter into Gold...

2012-01-13T17:05:00.014-05:00

These 8x10 gems are painted with acrylic paints on canvas and each one is personally signed and has a special inscription on the back. They will be for sale starting this weekend at Awakenings in Katonah, NY! I'm so happy to be spreading the love with my spirit art once again! Have a great weekend and Thanks for all of the positive feedback! xoxoxo, Erica

A Critical Step in a Spiritual Practice.... "No"

2012-01-12T09:40:00.003-05:00

Remembering to say "No" with grace and with ease is an essential part of having boundaries and maintaining healthy, honest relationships with others. Check out this video and have a great day!!!

xoxoxo,
Erica

...and she's so busy being free....

2012-01-10T16:27:00.000-05:00

Lighten up and enjoy the New Year!

2011-12-30T09:12:00.002-05:00

So many blessings to you all. Thank you for all of the support, love and feedback - it truly means a lot. I just wanted to share this adorable video... Enjoy!!! xoxoxo

Antler Widow Dress

2011-12-29T15:04:00.007-05:00

I consider myself a fairly normal person. Well I suppose that's up for debate but I can tell you with complete assurance that it hasn't been very normal that night after night I've been having dreams about a particular Alexander McQueen dress. "Antler Widow Dress" as it is called is from the spring/summer 2006-7 collection and has somehow weaseled it's way into each and every one of my nighttime escapes. While it makes for quite the visual, it seems that none of these dreams have been particularly easy to navigate. In one dream I'm living in an old victorian home and it is summertime; as I am standing in a dark hallway the sconces on the wall burst and start to catch fire. The hallway of this home is adorned with peeling damask wallpaper and when I look down there is a flood on the wooden planks below and my bare feet are wading with heavy lace through even heavier waters. This is quite the diversion from the reoccurring dream where I'm at center stage only to recognize that I've suddenly forgotten my lines, the later being one I now regrettably miss. I'm not complaining about being adorned from head to toe in the genius of the late McQueen but I will say that night after night it's started to become shall we say, mildly overwhelming. Like all great art "Antler Widow Dress" adds drama to my dreams, gives them direct storyline, flair, emotional heartache and even a little unprecedented mischief. While I am grateful for my vivid dreamtime and the influence it has had on my art I am not wearing the dress without repercussions of the widow herself. Like all great art the clothes of a designer such as McQueen are no different as they carry a story, an essence. While he was able to breathe life into all of his work (in my opinion in a way that has yet to be matched), I think that true art never rests. True art haunts, is alive and has a pulse in a way that it becomes part of who you are. I awoke this morning with relief only to find that I had not been haunted by the ruffles of lace and the lucite antlers yet in retrospect I recognize that a dream is only part of the day.

“I get my ideas out of my dreams… if you’re lucky enough to use something you see in a dream, it is purely original. It’s not in the world — it’s in your head. I think that is amazing.”
― Alexander McQueen

A Monday Morning Cover!

2011-12-19T09:06:00.005-05:00

La Dolce Vita

2011-12-08T17:14:00.001-05:00

La Dolce Vita, a set on Flickr.

Do you like the sound?

2011-12-07T10:33:00.012-05:00

Some more art...

oh, and a true classic in the spirit of the holiday...

Have you forgotten?

2011-12-06T17:00:00.023-05:00

...the sound of The Cranberries

I came up with some new art last night while listening to them.

Just sit back, relax and let their sound move across the room...

Monday Morning Moment

2011-12-05T09:34:00.003-05:00

Good Morning!!!

Keeping things in perspective is one of the keys to radiant happiness...

xoxoxo,
Erica

Staying Grounded: Accepting the Shadow

2011-11-30T14:16:00.008-05:00

We live in a time that makes it very challenging to stay grounded. With so much pain and suffering it feels easiest for our energy to move out from our bodies and float up to the ethers. Although it seems easier to float and not feel things, it is not healthy for our souls. As human beings it is critical that we stay connected to community, the earth, the night and day, to our light, to our shadows and to our fears. Self-acceptance is the breeding ground for self-love.

So disregard the labels - trust your gut and know that it is ok that things change, pain comes up, love moves in, and life flows out. There is light at the end of every tunnel and so much beauty to celebrate if we acknowledge and embrace the good, the bad and the ugly.
Strengthen the will -stay grounded & by all means beautiful friend trust your gut!!!
xoxoxoxo
Erica

The wise words of Sean Corne -

Who made you king...?

2011-11-28T16:20:00.005-05:00

Turn up your volume and dance around!

An Attitude of Gratitude

2011-11-23T11:34:00.005-05:00

I want to thank the many soldier's who will not be home this Thanksgiving. Thank you for putting your life on the line each and every day. May you come back home safe and sound very soon so that we can all enjoy our freedom and peace together. May you have some light in your day just knowing that you are missed across the miles. Thank you for your commitment and dedication.

An abundance of gratitude,
Erica

The voice lives on...

2011-11-22T15:49:00.003-05:00

The late Amy Winehouse performs "Valerie" - a stunning rendition

Ashes and Snow and Ryan Adams

2011-11-18T09:23:00.004-05:00

Here is the song "Lucky Now" off of Ryan Adams new album, Ashes and Snow.

Enjoy and Happy Friday!!!
xoxoxo

Knowing Photography Video

2011-11-11T14:46:00.013-05:00

Hello Friends!

Here is my latest project! "Storybook" is a video compilation of my photography set to some breathtaking music from Temper Trap. Please take the time to check it out and let me know what you think!
(just fyi: the video looks best when you watch in You Tube - Just click on the word Storybook at the top right of the video)

Please feel free to pass on to friends!

A Multitude of Blessings,
xoxoxoxoxo
Erica

Iron and Wine and a Full Moon

2011-11-10T20:01:00.003-05:00

Happy Full Moon in Taurus... enjoy what you have built. Take in family and friends and all solid relationships that have weathered the storms of time. Beautiful moon tonight my friends, I hope you are spell-bound by it...

The Remedy :)

2011-11-09T08:45:00.004-05:00

Good Morning Beautiful Friends,

"I said that tragedy is how you're gonna spend,
The rest of your nights with the light on
So shine the light on all of your friends
When it all amounts to nothing in the end."

Have a great day!
xoxoxo,
Erica

Support Independent Bookstores

2011-11-08T14:46:00.002-05:00

I couldn't agree more!!! While we are on that note, my favorite bookstore in all the world: www.awakeningskatonah.com
Please check it out in Katonah, NY! They have an incredible assortment of books, beautiful jewelry and an endless array of spiritually nourishing gifts. It's an amazing and sacred place*

Prayers for Stevie

2011-11-04T11:39:00.004-04:00

One of my hero's in this life has arrived in the form of a cat. My cat, Stevie. Stevie is a resilient feline who has lit up my life in ways that I cannot explain. She is truly my heart.

I am writing this post asking for you to send loving prayers her way - she's been having some health issues lately and I just want her to have a peaceful and relaxed healthy life. Stevie is predominantly blind and was found when she was only a few weeks old by my friend Sheila and her beautiful dog Flower. I am endlessly grateful to them both for finding my Stevie.

Being blind and challenged has never stopped her from showing me unconditional love, playing soccer with me (she's very good at this) and learning to bravely climb window sills so she could enjoy the birds in the morning with her brother Crush (my other cat). What I admire most about Stevie is amidst all of the road blocks she has faced in her young life, she has never given up.

Anyway, I believe in the power of prayer and I don't ask things like this often but please if you pray, meditate, dance, sing...please send some loving Stevie's way.

She deserves the very best. She is truly my hero and my heart.

Happy Thursday

2011-11-03T09:17:00.006-04:00

Sing it Patti Griffin!!! No bad news today!
Sending you all love and blessings and don't forget that there is light at the end of every tunnel...hold your head up high and keep on trucking!
xoxoxoxo,
Erica

Mom and Dad, Welcome Home!!!!

2011-11-01T18:41:00.003-04:00

There is nothing like seeing the two of you again...

xoxoxo

A Halloween Poem...

2011-10-30T09:21:00.010-04:00

All Hallows
By Louise Glück

Even now this landscape is assembling.
The hills darken. The oxen
sleep in their blue yoke,
the fields having been
picked clean, the sheaves
bound evenly and piled at the roadside
among cinquefoil, as the toothed moon rises:

This is the barrenness
of harvest or pestilence.
And the wife leaning out the window
with her hand extended, as in payment,
and the seeds
distinct, gold, calling
Come here
Come here, little one

And the soul creeps out of the tree.

Sweet Judy Blue Eyes...

2011-10-29T09:31:00.004-04:00

Judy Collins is a class act. period. She is a true beauty both inside and out and I admire her grace, humor and down to earth spirit after all of these years. I hope you enjoy this brief but poignant interview with the lovely Judy Collins also known by the name - sweet Judy blue eyes...

The Next 30 Days...

2011-10-24T22:14:00.011-04:00

With socks of lace...

2011-10-24T16:57:00.003-04:00

Disillusionment of Ten O'Clock
by Wallace Stevens

The houses are haunted
By white night-gowns.
None are green,
Or purple with green rings,
Or green with yellow rings,
Or yellow with blue rings.
None of them are strange,
With socks of lace
And beaded ceintures.
People are not going
To dream of baboons and periwinkles.
Only, here and there, an old sailor,
Drunk and asleep in his boots,
Catches Tigers
In red weather.

For Seth...

2011-10-21T20:20:00.008-04:00

I saw Almost Famous when it first came out with my dear friend Seth and I think of him every time I see this scene and it makes my heart smile.

I'm posting this video in memory of him and all of the magic he brought into so many lives during his time on this wild earth...

I miss you my sweet friend.
xoxo

Sweet Music for you my Sweet Friend!

2011-10-15T20:37:00.006-04:00

Sending prayers, love and trust to you my friends... "

What a wonderful world...

xoxoxox
Erica

I believe in second chances...

2011-10-14T09:13:00.007-04:00

I love this song by The Eagles, "No More Cloudy Days" - listen to the words, kick back and enjoy a mellow friday morning..

xoxoxo,
Erica

For you my dear friend...

2011-10-12T17:20:00.005-04:00

Remember... just breathe...

Revamping the Etsy Shop....

2011-10-12T15:04:00.006-04:00

Hi my beautiful friends!

So, I've been thinking of recreating my Etsy Shop and giving it a makeover... I'm wondering what you would like to see me include in this brand new shop of mine. I couldn't think of a more awesome community of artists to ask... so please vote and if you don't see a choice that you fancy, please comment and let me know your thoughts!! I'm listening... :)

Thank you!!!!
xoxoxoxo
Erica

The Full Moon in Aries -

2011-10-11T13:49:00.007-04:00

Happy Full Moon in Aries...

In honor of this fiery and wild moon I have posted the empowering Stevie Nicks singing Rhiannon. Soak it in! As a result of this full moon over the next few days you will likely have a new motivation for how to go forward on your path. Aries is great at paving the way by inspiring and helping you to start any creative ventures, travel or exciting new projects that you have been putting off.

May the seeds that you planted in the spring now be fully harvested with this incredible full moon and may your thoughts and prayers be in alignment with the universe. I am sending you great health, true love, an abundance of happiness and I continue to applaud your awesome integrity to stay true to your heart!!!

xoxoxo,
Erica

Jon Kabat-Zin on Awareness

2011-10-10T07:57:00.003-04:00

Happy Monday Morning - I hope you are bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. Here is a video by Jon Kabat-Zin...some insight for a wonderful week!

xoxoxo,
Erica

Good Morning Beautiful!!!

2011-10-08T10:07:00.005-04:00

Here is a video that I'm posting in honor of my friends and family and the awesome planet earth* May any anguish & afflictions that you are atoning for be gently resolved and may your wishes come to fruition, all in perfect time.

xoxoxoxo,
Erica

The Fortune Teller

2011-10-07T14:58:00.008-04:00

This painting by Ettori Tito is depicts "The Fortune Teller" and it's truly exquisite. When I saw it I connected with it immediately and wanted to share it with you. I love art that tells a story without having to say a word...

Remember:
"Good instincts usually tell you what to do long before your head has figured it out."
~Michael Burke

Trust your gut. Happy Friday!!!!
xoxoxo,
Erica

Thank You Steve Jobs

2011-10-06T16:28:00.010-04:00

"You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something — your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. This approach has never let me down, and it has made all the difference in my life."
-- Steve Jobs

(watch only if you've seen Toy Story 3)

Thank you Steve, I will continue to be inspired by your legacy.

All of my deepest gratitude,

Erica

I still love you New York...

2011-10-05T07:55:00.005-04:00

By far and away one of my favorite talents - Ryan Adams!
Here is his song "New York, New York" (the piano version)

A beautiful ode to a city of hope and promise....still after all of these years...
xoxoxoxoxo,
Erica

Happy Tuesday :)

2011-10-04T08:20:00.002-04:00

A little gift from Pete Yorn - "Life on a Chain"

Washington Irving

2011-09-29T10:11:00.007-04:00

I'm not sure if it's because we have both spent many happy years in Sleepy Hollow, NY or it is our mutual love of mystery, but I have always felt a kinship with the late Washington Irving. Unlike the damp, heavy home's of other great writers of his time, Sunnyside in Tarrytown, NY is filled with light and is noted to have been the hub for unlimited joyful gatherings. The walls hold the memory of Mr. Irving's spirit and the grounds overflow with lilacs in the spring and in the autumn, red and orange maples. Washington Irving was by no means a tortured artist but simply an artist who was able to write about fantasy and out of the box folklore. I admire his courage to write a timeless legend and to question many of the Puritan beliefs which still took precedent during the time in which when he wrote The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.
You can tell when you visit the grounds at Sunnyside (where he spent many of his years along the Hudson river), that Mr. Irving was a genuinely happy man with a creative gift. Every October I make it a point to visit Sleepy Hollow and Tarrytown and pay his old stomping grounds a special visit. I thank him for his legends, for Ichabod and Rip Van Winkle and the magic folklore which managed to canonize the glorious Hudson Valley.
Cheers to you Washington Irving!

"Local tales and superstitions thrive best in these sheltered, long settled retreats; but are trampled under foot, by the shifting throng that forms the population of most of our country places. Besides, there is no encouragement for ghosts in most of our villages, for they have scarce had time to finish their first nap, and turn themselves in their graves, before their surviving friends have traveled away from the neighborhood, so that when they turn out of a night to walk the rounds, they have no acquaintance left to call upon. This is perhaps the reason why we so seldom hear of ghosts except in our long established Dutch communities.." - excerpt from The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving

The Circle of Life

2011-09-27T09:47:00.003-04:00

This opening scene is still majestic after all of these years... Wishing you a beautiful Tuesday morning in this awesome circle of life!

Remember to connect with the earth each and every single day!

In honor of the Autumnal Equinox

2011-09-25T10:43:00.004-04:00

Ah, we kick off the Autumn Equinox (Sept. 23rd) with a quote:

"Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns." ~George Eliot

Make sure you get out there and go apple picking, make a scarecrow, carve pumpkins and take advantage of this beautiful time of year.

Soon the leaves will be bright orange and red and Halloween will be on it's merry way. So enjoy the crisp entrance of this magical season, find a vintage scary movie and some warm cider and cozy up with friends and family - here is one of my favorite classic scenes from Beetlejuice:

Manifestation

2011-09-22T20:48:00.006-04:00

An inspiring article about crafting a vision board. Written by the always amazing Kris Carr:

http://crazysexylife.com/2009/vision-boards/

A Positive Attitude

2011-09-21T09:35:00.003-04:00

"A person who has good thoughts cannot ever be ugly. You can have a wonky nose and a crooked mouth and a double chin and stick-out teeth, but if you have good thoughts they will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely." ~Roald Dahl

the road less traveled by...

2011-09-15T17:03:00.005-04:00

The Road Not Taken
by Robert Frost

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim
Because it was grassy and wanted wear,
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I marked the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I,
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

Walkin' After Midnight

2011-09-05T20:44:00.006-04:00

When I was a kid I remember thinking that Patsy Cline's "Walking After Midnight" was timeless and now as an adult I believe it always will be. My dad used to play Patsy Cline cd's in his car when we would go on road trips and it was on those long car rides that he peaked my interest in her music. But more than anything there really is something about "Walking After Midnight" specifically as a song and the way that she sings it that gets me everytime. I'm not sure if it's the hopeful tone of the lyrics, or the honest heartache in her voice but the overall innocence keeps this song so timeless, classic, beautiful and untainted. I am so grateful for Patsy Cline -- her stunning delivery and a song that is so pure and true even after all of these years. Thanks Dad! xoxoxo

Another Great Voice....

2011-09-02T14:44:00.001-04:00

A Daydream for early September :)

2011-09-01T11:44:00.003-04:00

Goodbye Irene, Goodbye Irene....

2011-08-26T10:25:00.003-04:00

A word about fear. As Hurricane Irene approaches the east coast and people along the shoreline brace themselves for what is to come I can't help but offer some words of advice. I think that being cautious and aware in times like these (with the many earth changes occurring) can be helpful, but being fearful is of no use. Everywhere you turn these days the media is waiting to inject your bloodstream with a giant dose of good old-fashioned fear! Quick - Water is selling out at your local store and so are all of the canned foods, especially your favorite chicken noodle soup, you have to run and make sure you fight for the last bottle of Dasani?! All day long pictures of past hurricanes flash across both the television screen and the computer monitor as if they were past lovers swept away suddenly with the years; Ike and Gloria, oh and who could forget Floyd! But seriously, in a time when the Kardashian wedding gets more press than the widespread famine in the Sudan, I just seriously have trouble weeding out what to listen to and what to take seriously. So fellow east coasters here is my advice for prepping for hurricane Irene. First, Stay Grounded. Second, Trust your Intuition. Third, Make sure you've got some good grub in the house and perhaps maybe pick up some extra liquids just to err on the side of caution. And above all else let's focus on acknowledging this powerful storm and ask mother earth to help move this hurricane back out to the waters and be grateful to her for keeping us all safe and sound* and while we are at it let's send some loving to the Sudan. Thank you.

L E A R N

2011-08-25T12:43:00.003-04:00

Bellissimo!!! I love this video in particular but the series is beautiful as well... check it out*

LEARN from Rick Mereki on Vimeo.

If Everyone Cared

2011-08-23T20:46:00.003-04:00

Wow, great video...

So Beautiful...

2011-08-17T19:59:00.003-04:00

This is breathtaking...take time if you can to check it out, you won't be sorry...
Here is the link:Thought of You

New Photography Shoot Theme - Sign up Now!!!!!

2011-08-10T10:32:00.004-04:00

Friends and Family!

The time has come once again to extend an invitation to you all to be a part of my most current photography project.
The theme over the next three months (August-October) will be Day of the Dead- in celebration of the Mexican National Holiday that honors those who came before.

I am most excited about this project because it will involve full makeup and hair - men will be provided with top hats and women with glittery flowers and gypsy gear.
Think red sparkly lips, black and white, lace, ruffles, vests and golden eyes.

Please let me know if you are interested -- knowingphotography@gmail.com -- or if you will be in the tri-state area anytime within the next few months. I know this is time and energy on your behalf but in the end you will have some fabulous photographs and hey, it's fun!!!

My goal at the end of this is to have a photography show.
I would be so grateful and happy to include your beautiful face in my art and photography portfolio/exhibit.
xoxoxoxo
Love and Light,
Eri

Presenting One White Crow Design!!!!

2011-08-09T14:00:00.008-04:00

Check out my new Etsy Shop!!! One White Crow Design! I hope you enjoy the adornments, accessories and beautiful creations as much as I enjoyed crafting them. All were handmade with love!

The Gift of Friendship

2011-08-06T13:57:00.009-04:00

Thank you to my dear, dear family and friends. I cannot thank you enough.

"But friendship is precious, not only in the shade, but in the sunshine of life, and thanks to a benevolent arrangement the greater part of life is sunshine."
-- Thomas Jefferson

Ice Cream

2011-08-03T19:41:00.001-04:00

In honor of all of those who came before...

2011-08-01T10:02:00.003-04:00

So moving - please take a moment to watch this and remember...
Rufus Wainwright - Across the Universe

Good Morning Sunshine!!!!!

2011-07-30T10:01:00.003-04:00

Music to help you dance around your kitchen and wake up!!
Good morning sunshine*

2011-07-24T21:36:00.002-04:00

"Later that day I got to thinking about relationships. There are those that open you up to something new and exotic, those that are old and familiar, those that bring up lots of questions, those that bring you somewhere unexpected, those that bring you far from where you started, and those that bring you back. But the most exciting, challenging and significant relationship of all is the one you have with yourself. And if you can find someone to love the you you love, well, that's just fabulous." -- Carrie Bradshaw

Blame it on my wild heart...

2011-07-24T12:15:00.000-04:00

vintage frida

2011-07-23T22:41:00.000-04:00

make a wish.

2011-07-22T18:58:00.002-04:00

Find this print on Etsy!

Summer Moon

2011-07-22T10:48:00.006-04:00

Summer Moon Print Available on Etsy

The sound of one voice...

2011-07-20T19:43:00.005-04:00

The sound of tonight..the summer evening...

This is the sound of one voice
One spirit, one voice
The sound of one who makes a choice
This is the sound of one voice
This is the sound of one voice

This is the sound of voices two
The sound of me singin' with you
Helpin' each other to make it through
This is the sound of voices two
This is the sound of voices two

This is the sound of voices three
Singin' together in harmony
Surrendering to the mystery
This is the sound of voices three
This is the sound of voices three

This is the sound of all of us
Singin' with love and the will to trust
Leave the rest behind, it will turn to dust
This is the sound of all of us
This is the sound of all of us

This is the sound of one voice
One people, one voice
A song for every one of us
This is the sound of one voice
This is the sound of one voice

Erica Mazzeo Photography

2011-07-15T09:16:00.001-04:00

www.knowingphotography.com

What I love to do*

The Magic of the Late Jeff Buckley

2011-07-11T18:43:00.005-04:00

Jeff Buckley's music is some of the most inspiring music I've ever heard. I mean that. I sat down the other night to sort through my photographs and the album "grace" was playing in the background. Moving my photographs all around the coffee table and sipping my giant cup of tea I was so taken by the music, that I couldn't focus on my photography. I couldn't get past his haunting voice, the subtle truth in his words and the feeling that overcame me was overwhelming. Whenever that album is on in the background I feel parts of my life come flooding back. Some are strong joyful memories and some are more nostalgic and still others are simply ghosts of what once was, making their way into the room and lingering much like the notes of Buckley's music. When I listen to Jeff Buckley I am reminded of what great art is capable of creating - it's capable of actually transcending beyond time and space. Although I want my photographs, poetry, art to have this same type of powerful effect on people - in all honesty the album "Grace" is a snapshot of a moment in time when the universe lined up and everything was in sync. Some might refer to it as a momentary stroke of artistic genius, others might call it a stroke of luck - either way I don't really care, I'm just grateful it is around long after Buckley's death to continue to inspire and represent this beautiful man. As for all of the rest of us, I guess we create diligently and wait, create and then wait some more...and when/if the muse ever decides to inspire us, only then will we truly know the magic -
till' then have a great night.
xoxoxox,
Erica

Regina Spektor

2011-07-11T11:10:00.004-04:00

The rare talent of Regina Spektor is something not be missed - check out her album Begin to Hope. She is truly a talented musician and her unconventional lyrics and tone make this album a complete out of the box and unexpected joy.

Fidelity by Regina Spektor:

http://youtu.be/wigqKfLWjvM

Philip Larkin

2011-07-07T11:07:00.003-04:00

Days

By Philip Larkin

What are days for?
Days are where we live.
They come, they wake us
Time and time over.
They are to be happy in:
Where can we live but days?

Ah, solving that question
Brings the priest and the doctor
In their long coats
Running over the fields.

Summertime

2011-07-06T15:43:00.006-04:00

Some Tunes that make me think of Summer... :)

the field II

2011-07-05T15:51:00.005-04:00

"Those who dream by day are cognizant of many things
which escape those who dream only by night." - Edgar Allen Poe

Vintage Joni

2011-07-04T21:30:00.005-04:00

Since I can remember my mother played Joni Mitchell cd's in the background of our house growing up. There is something (to this day) about Joni's voice, her melancholy open-heart, her vulnerable yet powerful soul, her brilliant lyrics and her poetry. Case and point:

"He’s my sunshine in the morning
He’s my fireworks at the end of the day
He’s the warmest chord I ever heard
Play that warm chord, play and stay baby"

I had to share this video because Joni's voice, her art, it is all magic and I am so grateful I grew up knowing that true art and music coexist. She translates and expresses the complexities of her emotions and the depth. I can go months without listening to Joni and then as soon as I hear her again, I know that I am home.
Thanks Mom

xoxoxox
Erica

Sparks by Coldplay

2011-07-03T12:43:00.004-04:00

May you "see sparks" in your lifetime*
Blessings xoxoxo

here is the deepest secret...

2011-07-01T09:59:00.004-04:00

Untitled, a photo by Esage7 on Flickr.

i carry your heart
by e.e. cummings

i carry your heart with me (i carry it in
my heart) i am never without it (anywhere
i go you go, my dear; and whatever is done
by only me is your doing, my darling)
i fear
no fate (for you are my fate, my sweet) i want
no world (for beautiful you are my world, my true)
and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you

here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life; which grows
higher than soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart

i carry your heart (i carry it in my heart)

the tree with pink leaves.

2011-07-01T09:45:00.003-04:00

the tree with pink leaves., a photo by Esage7 on Flickr.

A love story...

2011-06-30T09:47:00.001-04:00

Splitscreen: A Love Story from JW Griffiths on Vimeo.

The Road...

2011-06-29T13:02:00.002-04:00

The Road Not Taken

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood
and sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveller, long I stood
and looked down one as far as I could
to where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
and having perhaps the better claim
because it was grassy and wanted wear;
though as for that, the passing there
had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
in leaves no feet had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I --
I took the one less traveled by,
and that has made all the difference.

by Robert Frost

A poem for you

2011-06-28T20:59:00.006-04:00

Married
by Jack Gilbert

I came back from the funeral and crawled
around the apartment, crying hard,
searching for my wife’s hair.
For two months got them from the drain,
from the vacuum cleaner, under the refrigerator,
and off the clothes in the closet.
But after other Japanese women came,
there was no way to be sure which were
hers, and I stopped. A year later,
repotting Michiko’s avocado, I find
a long black hair tangled in the dirt.

Sacred Photography

2011-06-27T10:00:00.001-04:00

The Biology of Love

2011-06-26T11:15:00.003-04:00

Ah, the Blue Grotto -

2011-06-25T08:43:00.002-04:00

The Heart

2011-06-24T14:57:00.001-04:00

"When you begin to touch your heart or let your heart be touched, you begin to discover that it's bottomless, that it doesn't have any resolution, that this heart is huge, vast, and limitless. You begin to discover how much warmth and gentleness is there, as well as how much space."
- Pema Chodron

Burn Bright Friends!

2011-06-24T13:28:00.001-04:00

Choosing an effective sunscreen

2011-06-23T08:03:00.004-04:00

Make sure you are wearing the right sunscreen - here is an informative website to check out if you are not sure: http://breakingnews.ewg.org/2011sunscreen/

Great tips and Plenty of Sunshine All Around
xoxoxox,
Erica

Fear and Fearlessness

2011-06-22T07:32:00.001-04:00

"Fear is a natural reaction to moving closer to the truth"
— Pema Chödrön

Rodney Yee & Colleen Saidman "Fearless" from Omega Institute on Vimeo.

Morning Music: Duffy -- "Mercy" Acoustic --

2011-06-15T07:25:00.003-04:00

May we all have a voice like this...

Tao Porchon-Lynch :)

2011-06-14T13:08:00.003-04:00

I have been lucky enough to take a yoga class with this woman - she is truly incredible. Enjoy! Oh, and she is currently 92 years old.

Top 5 Regrets...

2011-06-08T14:57:00.007-04:00

{Top 5 Regrets People Have on their Deathbed} Special Thank You to my magical sister Jess for passing this along*

Deepak Chopra - Life after death...

2011-06-07T09:18:00.004-04:00

Let's turn "this" around....

2011-06-02T12:38:00.003-04:00

Marianne Williamson "Overcoming Shadow" from Omega Institute on Vimeo.

Bridesmaids...a must see :)

2011-05-23T10:46:00.002-04:00

This movie was incredible - the equivalent of The Hangover meets My Best Friend's Wedding... I highly recommend you go see it if you are looking to laugh, relax and enjoy a surprisingly great movie!

Chanting for the beauty of the world...

2011-05-19T13:36:00.007-04:00

Ong Namo - Snatam Kaur by Hugues2

I first heard of Snatam Kaur at my favorite store Awakenings in Katonah, NY!
They have some of the greatest music available. Play this music in the background - so soothing and beautiful. A reminder to spread love to the universe and that every day is a good day.
xo Erica

Intimacy

2011-05-18T18:20:00.002-04:00

what do you really want...?

2011-05-17T00:01:00.004-04:00

Sometimes children teach us well

2011-05-15T12:28:00.002-04:00

Earth Song & Chief Seattle

2011-05-14T14:33:00.005-04:00

Chief Seattle wrote -

"The President in Washington sends word that he wishes to buy our land. But how can you buy or sell the sky? the land? The idea is strange to us. If we do not own the freshness of the air and the sparkle of the water, how can you buy them?

Every part of the earth is sacred to my people. Every shining pine needle, every sandy shore, every mist in the dark woods, every meadow, every humming insect. All are holy in the memory and experience of my people.

We know the sap which courses through the trees as we know the blood that courses through our veins. We are part of the earth and it is part of us. The perfumed flowers are our sisters. The bear, the deer, the great eagle, these are our brothers. The rocky crests, the dew in the meadow, the body heat of the pony, and man all belong to the same family.

The shining water that moves in the streams and rivers is not just water, but the blood of our ancestors. If we sell you our land, you must remember that it is sacred. Each glossy reflection in the clear waters of the lakes tells of events and memories in the life of my people. The water's murmur is the voice of my father's father.

The rivers are our brothers. They quench our thirst. They carry our canoes and feed our children. So you must give the rivers the kindness that you would give any brother.

If we sell you our land, remember that the air is precious to us, that the air shares its spirit with all the life that it supports. The wind that gave our grandfather his first breath also received his last sigh. The wind also gives our children the spirit of life. So if we sell our land, you must keep it apart and sacred, as a place where man can go to taste the wind that is sweetened by the meadow flowers.

Will you teach your children what we have taught our children? That the earth is our mother? What befalls the earth befalls all the sons of the earth.

This we know: the earth does not belong to man, man belongs to the earth. All things are connected like the blood that unites us all. Man did not weave the web of life, he is merely a strand in it. Whatever he does to the web, he does to himself.

One thing we know: our God is also your God. The earth is precious to him and to harm the earth is to heap contempt on its creator.

Your destiny is a mystery to us. What will happen when the buffalo are all slaughtered? The wild horses tamed? What will happen when the secret corners of the forest are heavy with the scent of many men and the view of the ripe hills is blotted with talking wires? Where will the thicket be? Gone! Where will the eagle be? Gone! And what is to say goodbye to the swift pony and then hunt? The end of living and the beginning of survival.

When the last red man has vanished with this wilderness, and his memory is only the shadow of a cloud moving across the prairie, will these shores and forests still be here? Will there be any of the spirit of my people left?

We love this earth as a newborn loves its mother's heartbeat. So, if we sell you our land, love it as we have loved it. Care for it, as we have cared for it. Hold in your mind the memory of the land as it is when you receive it. Preserve the land for all children, and love it, as God loves us.

As we are part of the land, you too are part of the land. This earth is precious to us. It is also precious to you.

One thing we know - there is only one God. No man, be he Red man or White man, can be apart. We ARE all brothers after all." - Chief Seattle

What should I sell in my Etsy Shop?
	photography prints
	paintings
	handmade necklaces