lowelldown

Hi Everybody,

Sorry, I’ve been working on a new book and the agent is getting restless. It’s the real behind the scenes story of my experience working in both the residential design world and now the commercial design world has really been a revelation. It’s an inside look at how these two worlds are starting to sync up. Everything I’ve been taking about for the last five years is beginning to come true. And now it’s time to teach how you can turn your home from motel to hotel.

I was in Waterloo, Iowa last week shooting for a new book on kitchen design with my friends at Omega Cabinets. It was really cold there but I doubt as cold as it will be next week when I’m off, once again, to Boise, Idaho for yet another Jo-Ann Store Grand Opening. I like to meet the new employees and a few of the new neighborhood customers. Jo-Ann Stores are doing well, where other retailers are not, because they understand the need for creativity at a time when things are iffy. Speaking of cold, we had a spell here in LA right after I planted my herbs—whoops. Some did not make it especially the basil. So I’m replanting a few pots this weekend. At three bucks a plant, that turns into food later, no big whoop!

Yesterday I did a few live appearances on the Game Show Network. We’re doing a sweepstakes. For more details, click here:GSN Sweepstakes If you enter, we’ll design a room in your house with up to$5,000 from Smith + Noble Window Treatments, where I have my new window treatments, and up to $5,000 in furniture we select for you. Cool, right? I’ll be back on April 1 for the final drawing. So, you better start watching if you wanna be eligible.

I scooted into Sur La Table—a “Williams-Sonoma” style cooking store. I was looking for white ceramic mixing bowls. It’s an attempt not to waste water. The glass bowls that I use a lot require very hot water and lots of suds to get them clean and streak-free the way I like them. I’m not running the dishwasher anymore in efforts to conserve. So I’m hoping the white bowls will require far less care and water. I’ll let you know.

Source: Sur La Table

I saw some of you clicked over to Mary Ahearn’s site. She was thrilled so, thanks. She’s doing a bang up job and rating high with the Google folks. She’s reinvented herself and showcasing her passions. Ain’t the web amazing?

Speaking of which, now that our site has been redone, we’re going to start running cameras so I can video blog a bit. We’re also in the midsts of putting together a new web calendar of some really cool ideas we’ve been thinking about. One of which will be a series shot right in my own home. A get back to basics series about how to create a home that really works. More on that when we get closer to the launch date.

Ovation TV is expanding which I’m thrilled about. That means more people will get a creative jolt as most of the programming is really about creativity and the arts—but hipper the PBS. So, if you suddenly discovered it (OVA) watch and be inspired. There’s a series on the art of Spain that’s amazing. Check-it out, you’ll not regret it. It’s really fascinating and shot gorgeously.

Well, back to the book folks! Bye for now!

Later,
CL

Hi Everyone,

I can’t tell you how seemingly polarizing so many of my recent conversations with friends, fellow business owners and many of you have been. There’s one group who seems to focus on “Wall Street” as the great barometer of economic hardship and pending doom. While others, like me, are embracing the idea that great individual change could transform our country through renewed spirit and creativity. Because of the media, people who’ve never even invested in Wall Street seem to be suddenly caught up in the drama of a system that has been out of control for a very long time. I too can orbit into anger as story after story of corporate wasteful spending and power abuse gets reported at every turn. But these men are a product of the past, not the beacon of the future. Yes they should pay, but they probably won’t. Yes they should be held accountable—but that’s a fight between these men, their hearts, their Gods and the Feds—not ours.

I say turn off the TV for a while and make quiet time to create a sense of peace and safety within your own lives. Let’s not waist valuable soul-searching time getting caught up in the ‘editorial fear’ that’s saturating our media while promoting feelings of anger, victimization, vigilantism, despair and divide. Our creativity comes from within—not out there—or on TV, which has for too long been our ‘easy’ view of the world created, by others rather than our having the courage to spend time searching our own hearts. I’ve asked myself many times (daily actually) questions like:

• Can I reinvent again, do I have the energy for it?
• How can I create days in search of thoughts that rekindle my personal sense of humanity, optimism, compassion and gratitude?
• If it all went to hell-in-a-hand basket, could I let go and begin again lighter, less encumbered and fortified by a greater purpose?
• Can I step beyond my own comfort-zone and have a healing effect on everyone who shares my day?
• Can I be the momentary antidote to negativity?
• Could I step out in faith alone if asked?

These are questions that can’t surface while flipping from station to station looking for commentary that you agree with. These are the hard individual questions that ask us to forge our own personal realities based on the power of our indomitable human spirit. While this country offers freedom of speech, our creativity and very souls offer that still and quiet voice within. But it cannot be heard over the nightly news.

ANYWAY…..

I too get in the dumps now and then, but not as much and not as long. The other day after a photo shoot for the game show network (we’re doing a give-away sweepstakes GSN Live) I was feeling a little emotionally tender after yet another pending financial meeting –now the daily plight of all we smaller businesses.

I could feel the shadow of anger trying to creep in. So on my way home, I stopped at a local nursery. For a moment the sun was shinning as I walked the rows of fresh lavender and hibiscus. I gave a prayer of thanks. The air was fragrant as I found myself in the fresh herb section. I’d remembered complaining about how expensive the pre-packaged fresh herbs were in the grocery store. Lately I noticed that their shelf life in the refrigerator was getting shorter and shorter. Since I use a ton of fresh herbs to replace calories and add flavor, I did the math. Well, as a result I found myself buying several inexpensive terracotta pots and fresh rosemary, thyme, sage, oregano, basil and mint. About $70.00 total—the same price I spend per month at the store. Who knew? I brought them home put them in my garage and went back to work.
Yesterday, I got more gloomy economic news. I stepped away from my lap top went to the garage and hauled the herbs, pots and planting soil up to the steps leading to the kitchen. With my hands in the warm earth and the smell of fresh living herbs the connection to nature and the beauty of my accomplishments, it made my day. In short of an hour, it had cleared my head and got me out of the real world and back to the marvel of nature. —Great cheap therapy that made me ‘right’ with the planet once again. Last night I used them to make a chicken dish and felt blessed.

My friend Mary has just posted a photo or two on her website of my visit with she and her husband George. Along with it is a great recipe for London broil, which I’m addicted to now. Cheap and satisfying so check it out on maryahearn.com.

Seize the day my friends! Your home is in your head and your power is in you soul.

Bye for now,
CL