I am not my wheelchair
Portraits of Courage
Leave a comment
Very Smart
on 22 February 2017
South Korean start-up Dot will begin shipping their Dot smartwatch in March of this year to 100,000 customers (40,000 more are on the waitlist and can expect delivery in 2018). Foregoing audio prompts, the Dot watch displays four braille characters on its screen. A wearer can reply through two side buttons. The watch can receive smartphone information by way of Bluetooth—texts, notifications, directions—and translate to braille. This piece is only a portion of what Dot has in mind to aid blind or visually impaired people, with a tablet also in the works, made in partnership with Google.
Boxes
Not really sure why people collect boxes. There is something about them. Will do some research and get back later. If you like auctions, and you like boxes, I saw these on EBTH. Some unique stuff and some bargains, depending on how quirky your taste. www.ebth.com
bicycle breakthrough
cardboard bicycle by Israeli, Izhar Gafni (from good.is.com)
Found on the GOOD feed today. I have always been interested in bicycle and bike culture, and this cardboard bike just blew me away. Like the “one laptop per child” concept, this bike could conceivably be made easily available to children in developing countries who have to walk miles to school, or maybe don’t go because it’s too far. Cardboard . . . like $9.00 in materials, and able to hold 400 lbs.
Check out this video by Gioria Kariv: https://vimeo.com/37584656
practice makes perfect?
For what is perfection, especially when you are practicing yoga? I have never heard a yoga teacher talk of perfection, only practice, process and doing what feels right in that moment. There is always someplace further to go, and just because you could get there yesterday or last week, does not guarantee you will be there today. It's very humbling, and rewarding at the same time. Your balance improves a bit, your twist goes an inch further. My yoga practice has resumed after a long hiatus, and imperfect it is.
sublime coral branch
When I find a singular stone (not that coral is really a stone) that is one-of-a kind; shape, size, color. markings, etc., I usually prefer to let it take center stage by itself, so one can notice its unique characteristics and beauty. The simplicity of a minimal design and secondary materials allows that focus.
the rocks
Returned from a week in RI, where I grew up , but mostly visit now just once a year. Narragansett beaches beach are always amazing. And we always go to a place we call “the rocks”. (in fact, the photo atop of my blog is from there, another year). Climbing down a somewhat hidden path, you emerge to see the ocean from flat, walkable/climbable rocks, with little tidepools, views of New England beach estates, waves crashing, and a feeling I can’t really describe. I’m always surprised that it seems new and fresh every time (I’m kinda an experience junkie; always looking for the new), and liberating and calming, and beautiful. A few pics from this year’s trip.
without intention
I really didn't anticipate my blog being 'about' Japanese design, but I came across a process today that totally fits the wabisabi ideal, and it IS Japanese, although from what I read, it's catching on other places as well. It's a process called "shou-sugi-ban" and means 'the burning of Japanese cypress'. the wood is treated with this process and used to side houses. It is very dark, and supposedly very strong and I think quite stunning.
the power of great ideas
My daughter sent me this link from Apple. She was inspired. I am inspired. The technology is a bit overwhelming for me, but its impact is so easy to understand. http://www.apple.com/ios/videos/#developers
it’s not a food.
Sounds like you would eat it . . .right? Coming from the Japanese, wabi-sabi is an idea about beauty and aesthetics centering on imperfection, and impermanence. (Both of which I certainly am) But, actually, I have referred to and revered this concept as a designer, and think it quite powerful. It has informed my vision, and I believe in its value. The “fresh” part is hoping that my postings will be timely, interesting, and add something beautiful to your overcrowded world. I likely will be musing about design, food, my love for all things Asian, jewelry designing, and . . . . wabi-sabiness.
fresh wabisabi 