Armstrong Industry Journal

Inspiration

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I just received the latest issue of Selvedge Magazine and as always it offered the perfect inspiration for me at this time.  I had collected my color ideas for the fall designs and it was surprising that the cover was just what I have had in my head and all the threads and swatches on my design boards.  It is such a great magazine and even though it is expensive, I have given up a lot of other mags to be able to get this one and it is always worth the cost. 

What books or magazines or other things inspire you?

Update I see someone else is inspired by Selvedge Betz White has some great little flowers.

Quotes and Creativity

"To see what is in front of one's nose requires a constant struggle."  George Orwell

In todays world this seem so appropriate.  Marketing and commercialism can make the truth to many people seen unreal.  When you try to talk with them they can't seem to see what is so obvious. 

The Orwell Prize site is offering his Personal diary pages, from 70 years ago,over the next several weeks and the political diaries next month.  My boys have been reading

"Animal Farm" and "1984" these books are so important to read,

even more so in todays mixed up world.

Sunday Supper

Sundays are usually my food days.  I have always prepared for the week this way, when I was single, it would be planning the lunches to take and where I would eat for dinner and trying to have wardrobe ready and materials I would need.  Taking time to think about what will be happening and making sure food and clothing are easily available to prepare make my life just a little easier, especially now with two teenage boys and SA involved in their own activities as well as helping with the Design business. 

I spend time planning a basic menu for the week and we cook several large dishes that can be served as another meal during busy days when there is little time for cooking.  It also makes it easier to serve healthy and allergy free meals that keep everyones mood happy.  I try to shop for local ingredients as possible and we have our small "salsa: garden going this year.

I spent many years studying these subjects-nutrition, food allergies, and natural health,lifestyle.  My daily life is very hectic right now and the "healthy lifestyle" has suffered and this is going to change.  I have just about finished my studio remake and finally can unpack the boxes, especially the books.  One of the best books that really gave a overview of the type of food and lifestyle changes I wanted to make was  Judith Benn Hurley's "Savoring the Day."   It is a cookbook, but much more, written in two parts, it is a wealth of information.  Part One: Recipes for Savoring the Day breaks you day up into six time areas of the day it brings recipes and remedies - herbal teas, yoga postures, self-massage tips, and aromatherapy ideas - to help you feel energized, de-stress, stay healthy, and sleep better. Part Two: Remedies for Savoring the Day provides remedies to help with common ailments - and some can be linked to the seasons and body's cycles. The author tells many stories travels to exotic parts of the world in search of new tastes and healing ideas.