In My Solitude Boutique Blog

Digging up old roots & sowing seeds in the new year

A new year is almost upon us! A time for renewal and a fresh start. For me, it's a great excuse to get organized and get rid of what I don't need in my closet and life. I give away things on a regular basis because I don't like clutter.  Throwing things away has never been a problem... my issue is letting go of the things I love when the season has come for change.                                                                                                                           

The last time I wrote a blog was July 5, 2008.  A lot has happened in almost four years... some of it expected, but much of it was not.  After caring for my dad during a long battle with cancer, he died in 2009. Just a month before he passed away, I met my soon to be husband!  It was a bittersweet time in my life.  I was like a ping pong ball, bouncing back and forth between sadness and happiness on a daily basis. But during this tumultuous period, I learned a lot about managing loss and change from this amazing book called Deep Survival: Who Lives, Who Dies, and Why by Laurence Gonzales.

When you're going through an emotional crisis, sometimes it's difficult to be creative. I only had so much stored energy and and the reserve fuel in my tank was for managing my life from one day to the next.  I had a lot of thoughts in my head, but I just couldn't put them on paper.  When I came across this quote in the book, I finally understood why I felt so blocked creatively. "When You're in it, " Gonzales says, "You're not sure what you're learning or what you have to say until the situation is over."                                                                                          

Staying Connected To Your Vision!

My online boutique In My Solitude turned one year old on June 13th! I'm really excited to have birthed such a venture, but like anything worthwhile, it's a labor of love. I think the biggest challenge for me has been trying to stay engaged to the idea that initially inspired me when so many other things in life demand my creative attention.

My vision for In My Solitude is to validate the artistic spirit and hand crafted work of women in my family and around the globe. But there are times, when the only thing I can visualize is a new way to get out of working on my vision.

One night in particular when I should have been sewing, I was flipping channels and eating Pinkberry. I stopped for a moment to watch Dr. Drew Lapinsky talk about addiction. I was hoping to hear some nugget of truth that might help me deal with my procrastination and also kick my Pinkberry habit when he said these fabulous words, "It doesn't matter how many times you fall off the wagon as long as you stay engaged in the process of getting better... as long as you don't quit."

His comment really spoke to me and that night I had a much needed breakthrough AND breakup with Pinkberry! Instead of feeling guilty about becoming distracted from my craft, I could simply decide in that moment to re-engage... so I did! I received further confirmation on the importance of meaningful engagement the next day when I was downtown shopping at the Los Angeles Flower Mart.

I met a woman named Roxanne Kremer who was selling beautiful crystals and fossils. We started talking and I discovered that for 27 years she has been working with indigenous people in the Peruvian Amazon while also trying to save endangered monkeys and pink dolphins. Many documentaries have been produced on her amazing humanitarian and environmental work. Now, that my friends is incredible commitment! I mean who does that?

I felt re-energized after meeting Roxanne because I realized that the key to staying connected with work you love is to continually make sure that the work you're doing is bigger than you. When your enthusiasm starts to wane, it might be time to connect with a higher purpose. Lately, whenever I feel like I'm losing focus, I think about the idea that initially inspired me and then I work on coming up with new ways to take it to the next level! As a result, I'm really looking forward to a new year of In My Solitude and I'm truly grateful for all of the love I've received and lessons I've learned over the past 12 months! And as Maya Angelou declared in the title of one of my favorite inspirational books, "I wouldn't take nothing for my journey now!"

Abundantly yours,

Evolyn

Grand Opening!

Birthing a business or any creative endeavor is such an exciting journey, but it's a true balancing act that requires lots of support. So, when you get a moment check out the new websites of several of my good friends. Alisa Payne-Clarke started a new company called GreeTeez. It's a really cute, customizable apparel line for all ages. You can design your own T-shirt and other items by writing or drawing on them with Sharpie brand markers. Alisa is a talented television producer who recently appeared on The Big Idea with Donny Deutsch promoting GreeTeez!

Wardrobe stylist and costume designer Sharon Pendana created a fab new website and a cool culture and style blog that you must check out! Sharon is an expert in her field and works with the best names in the business of art and fashion.

The incomparable journalist Ed Gordon launched an inspiring new website called Daddy's Promise. It's a site dedicated to celebrating and supporting the relationships of fathers and their daughters. I worked with Ed for several years and witnessed firsthand the incredible bond he has with his daughter, Taylor. Ed's website holds a special place in my heart because I cherish my dad and his presence makes a huge difference in my life. Congratulations Ed, Alisa and Sharon!

Cool Crafters

If you live in L.A., you probably know about the flea market at Fairfax and Melrose. I like to stop by there every other month or so to see what new artists are there selling their one-of a-kind wares. This weekend I came across two booths I liked. If you're into leather, look for an accessories line called Mutante. The designer's name is Juan C. He makes cool bracelets out of a variety of skins and stones. My beautiful burgandy and pearl colored bracelet is made out of the skin of a stingray. I can't tell you exactly where to find him every week, but just walk around the flea market it's not that big. You can also reach Juan C. by email at mutys@msn.com

I also found a cute eco-friendly clutch made out of recycled newspaper at the flea market. The line is called The News Los Angeles. The creator, Dahli Coles made a tote bag for a class while attending Cal State and got such a great response that she kept making them. A really nice guy named Dameon sold me this piece. The next time I visit their booth, I'm really hoping to find a recycled bag made out of Obama news headlines. Now, how hot and historical would that be? To check out the line go to www.thenewsla.com

Easy Summer Ceviche

By Derek

I made this recipe this weekend - It's really good and inexpensive - serve on tostadas or tortilla chips

INGREDIENTS
* 1 (8 ounce) package imitation crabmeat, flaked
* 2 large tomatoes, chopped
* 1 red onion, finely chopped
* 1/2 bunch cilantro, chopped
* 2 limes, juiced
* 3 serrano peppers, finely chopped
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* salt and pepper to taste
DIRECTIONS
1. Place the shredded imitation crab into a glass or porcelain bowl. Plastic or metal are not recommended. Stir olive oil into the crabmeat until well coated, then stir in the cilantro, onion, tomato and serrano peppers. Squeeze the lime juice over everything, and mix well. Season with plenty of salt and pepper. Refrigerate for about 1 hour before serving.

Leggo My Ego!

So, I finally finished reading A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle. The book has been everywhere for months and it seems like everyone is reading it, but finishing it is another story. I was completely immersed in his first book The Power of Now. But at times, reading A New Earth was like drinking wheat grass juice. You know it's good for you, but it's pretty hard to swallow. Nevertheless, I muddled through the book. I picked it up... I put it down... skipped ahead... and sometimes just straight up fell asleep! In the end, I definitely learned a lot about my mind and it's attachment to the ego, especially after I stopped reading the book with other people's flaws and dysfunction in mind. For the first 30 pages, I was thinking stuff like, "That sounds just like so and so. He/she needs to read this." Like it couldn't possibly be my issue, too!

I think the book was instrumental in helping me let go of some old baggage for good. When I was growing up, I was involved in a lot of playground disputes and while those days are long gone, when I feel threatened, my ego will definitely rise to the occasion. It was great to be able to see how to redirect the energy of an old survival skill into a more positive direction. Anyway, what did you get out of A New Earth? Did you finish the book or are you still flipping through it? Better yet, what are you reading now? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

The In My Solitude Boutique Blog is updated on the 1st of every month.