Little By Little Magazine - Spring 2021 Moving On
Welcome to Spring! We are trying something new for this issue. Our e-zine will start coming to you courtesy of our blog. Still filled with lovely and Inspiring photos, recipes and content but without the download. We hope you enjoy this new format and find it to be a more seamless experience. Please let us know what you think. A visual preview of our Table of Contents. Moving On is the top of mind topic as well as a statement with so many meanings. A physical move, letting go of the past, a relationship or a job; perhaps you are switching topics, careers or location. However this phrase resonates with you; we know it is with us on many levels this month. If you haven’t contemplated moving on perhaps you will after this issue. Wherever this month’s theme takes you we hope you enjoy the ride! Little By Little Magazine comes to you in full bloom now. If you are craving some culture be sure to indulge in art, books and music mentions. If you haven’t seen Loving Vincent (2017) it is the story of Vincent Van Gogh’s life recreated in 65,000 paintings created in his style. An outstanding creative feat that took 5 years to complete and resulted in a truly magnificent masterpiece. If you‘d like to see more Van Gogh be sure to check out Loving Vincent - The Impossible Dream a behind the scenes look at the making of this brilliant film and the Art Institute of Chicago’s Vincent Van Gogh exhibit. Missing live music? Michael has been getting his fill watching musicians play a variety of genres on Norm’s Rare Guitars- I’m particularly loving the Spanish guitar segments.
For bookish- a something old, something new selection but with one key thing in common: MUST READ.
Meditation Moment- In the backyard, in the flickering of a flame, on a walk or at home. Find your space even if it's the video here.
Writing is something I’ve done since I was a kid- starting with a journal and evolving to fictional stories in grade school. I’ve kept (and moved) these journals for 50 years thinking they will make for some amusement in my Golden years. Years ago I read The Artists Way by Julia Cameron and her ritual of starting her day by writing Morning Pages seemed like a process I wanted to try. While I haven’t been completely dedicated I have picked it up again recently and am amazed at the way it aids me in processing emotions and improves (I hope) my ability to stay more balanced and not displace negative emotions. With all of the focus on our emotional well-being during this pandemic it is a simple practice with a noticeable and powerful impact. Quest.on is an app that helps one avoid the anxiety of a blank page by stimulating writing topics by providing questions for reflection. As the writer you choose from a variety of categories such as career, emotions, spiritualit, etc. I am fortunate that the blank page and canvas have never paralyzed me but I have heard this from artists and writers I have known and studied.
So many lovely things to create by hand and wrapping a gift can be a creative self expression in itself. Not in the sense that you put pressure on yourself but rather in the way that you might approach an art project or the presentation of a delicious meal. Here are a plethora of ideas you can make for your loved ones. No time to make by hand? Check out Marigold and Grey's gorgeous ready to ship gifts.
It is the start of a new season and while many of us have been inside more than out; it’s a lovely excuse to hand-craft a Spring Refresh of your accessories. As I was finding inspiration for this article I was coming across a common theme- many of these embellished beauties came out of the Victorian era when folks had the luxury of time to make things by hand. Perhaps this is what makes these art forms standouts by today’s standards. It never ceases to amaze me what creatives can make when they have the time to allow their projects to flourish. Looking for inspiration? Be sure to check out STYLISH with Jenna Lyons - former J. Crew exec brings her creative vision to life in stylish outfits and spaces. Prefer to DIY?
Tracy Porter's Wanderlust collection of boho inspired fabrics should get you started.
It’s the season for planting seeds to prepare for growing and serving in abundance later in the year. The Spring brings with it so many enjoyable events and holidays to celebrate. Garden inspired table setting, recipes and planting suggestions come to you here to prepare for what lies ahead.
Geraniums- So many scents. Try them all!
We can all use a boost this Spring and the colorful energetic vibes of Positano are just what we need this season. Plenty of reasons to step out into the sunshine so why not do it in vibrant style? Sometimes you just need to brighten up to lighten up!
It’s true back in 2000 a small group of friends challenged themselves to a 500 mile bike ride from Minneapolis to Chicago. It was a life changing event and besides our 2 wheels what carried us through the thunderstorm, 98 degree centurion day, steep hills and across steaming fresh black top was the support, friendship, “can do” spirit and the belief in each other and ourselves. Little did I know the life lessons that would abound during those 6 days. The personal growth was incredible and by stepping out of our comfort zones we proved to ourselves just how capable we were. A milestone experience that reminds me nothing ventured nothing gained. How will you physically challenge yourself this Spring?
During the polar vortex coupled with a pandemic we were thinking outside of the box for things to do as a family. Thinking back on the salons that Parisian artists would set up in their homes to sell artwork to “pay the rent”.
So what is your home mood? How often does it change? Before I was married my home changed almost every weekend and with the seasons. Now I like things more steady. It is typically calm indoors and colorful outdoors. Are you feeling a touch more modern? Maximalist or minimalist? Vivid or neutral or perhaps something in between? What is influencing these home moods? Is a new collection acquired taking you towards maximalist or is a new interest in meditation finding you clearing out the clutter? It’s an interesting process and one that I believe flows directly from our most soulful selves.
Whether it’s Iron Trap Garage, Chasing Classic Cars, Hot Rodder’s Journal or surfing Pinterest there is plenty of motoring content available to choose from.
Thanks to Kylie & Guido & Ethan & Elizabeth - visiting Italy is still possible and so is finding a cheap old house!
Join Kylie Flavell on her adventures of renovating a ruin and to see what 10 years of living in Italy has taught her. Join Ethan & Elizabeth and the historic homes they discover a new show on HGTV.
Making it a point to get out for a walk or two each day. Connecting with nature has never been more crucial than it is right now. Besides lowering your stress level; a short walk can help realign a spine, allow you to soak up Vitamin D and naturally boost your mood.
Reconnecting with nature and solitude is part of how we will be moving on this year. Getting onto the water, into the woods and out in garden is all part of the plan. Picking up hobbies and a bit of leisure time that work has replaced for so many years is something Michael looks forward to in our new chapter of life. Getting back out into the natural environments as I once did during my years in Wisconsin is something I crave as well and a new location will bring new and memorable experience. How will you reconnect with nature this year?
