A Saturday Afternoon at Kew Gardens

I spent the afternoon at Kew Gardens - looking mostly at the grasses, but trying to see other parts as well. The gardens are massive! It will probably take me several visits before I am able to see all of the grounds. 

Although it was a bit cold and I was a tad underprepared, it was still a very enjoyable outing. 

Now if you are as ambitious as I was in posting all of these - you can view the next set of pictures, all grasses...(okay, I am posting these tomorrow, due to the time required to resize and label them. And I want to go to bed!)

Friday Night

All I want to do is write about garden design and eat shortbread cookies. 

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Anthony Paul Talks

“I learned to appreciate space and solitude. To walk for miles on empty beaches looking for seabirds or observing the beauty of lonely places where the sky meets sea.”
— Anthony Paul

Today was an I-can't-believe-this-is-really-my-life (of the positive variety), kind of day. It seems like every day is like that here in London, but today was especially special. We had a guest come to the Inchbald to talk to us, and that guest was Anthony Paul, international garden designer extraordinaire!

From 10am until 4pm he imparted his knowledge, insight, passion, reverence, and energy for garden design. I made sure to sit on the front row so I wouldn't miss a thing whether it be a facial expression or a slight change in tone of voice. I was ready and eager to learn from the man! 

I did my research before the day began and read through his statements and gazed through his impressive online portfolio. This is what I learned from his website.

  • He has been working as a landscape designer for over 30 years
  • He was born and raised in New Zealand, which heavily influences his work
  • He loves the creative use of water and uses it in all his designs
  • His garden studio is in Surrey - it's in his wife's sculpture park, which is open to the public on the weekends. Their place is called Black and White Cottage.
  • He always includes art and sculpture into the garden
  • He is inclined towards planting perennials en masse and using strong vertical forms in his plantings
  • Very neat details
  • He has a caring and tender approach to designing the garden, and does it with creative enthusiasm

He took us through a few of his projects, and the one I would like to feature here is one he designed in the south of France.   

He gave two talks. The one before lunch was titled Genius Loci, and the talk after lunch was titled Design Philosophy. I was very much invested into every word he said. Here's another bullet point list which is based off of the 12 pages of notes I took while he was talking/showing pictures, etc. It's worth the read!

  • Genius loci: the protective spirit of the place, every place has an atmosphere
  • He was greatly inspired by the story of King Arthur, the Excalibur, and the Lady of the Lake in his younger years as reading was an escape (I believe it's still his favorite story), and that's partly why he loves to work with the enchantment of water. It is his penchant.
  • On growing up in NZ (and not being into Rugby at all) "I learned to appreciate space and solitude. To walk for miles on empty beaches looking for seabirds or observing the beauty of lonely places where the sky meets sea."
  • Plants have a history, read up about plant explorers
  • He's a fan of Captain Cook
  • Find your own north arrow, a spiritual connection or contact
  • Biggest mistake of new designers is that they over-design
  • Gimmicks are out - find the magic
  • Inner strength, passion, come from the heart
  • Garden design is gardening, you need a knowledge of horticulture
  • Where did your life begin? Draw from that
  • Don't copy other designers, have an opinion
  • It's all about imagery
  • "I want to be tender with my space, treat it like it is totally precious" 
  • You plant as you paint
  • "Sometimes it is important not to think, but to feel" 
  • "I am not looking to copy nature, otherwise, why build a garden at all" 
  • Swimming pools are water features, think of them that way
  • Placement is so vital to the structure of a garden - it's all about placement, that's what garden design is
  • On Lake Luzern, "If you get up early enough in the morning, you can hear Wagner's Ride of the Valkyries coming across the lake."
  • Every garden has a narrative, you are the story-teller
  • Look first at what is already there
  • Find artists, painters and sculptors that you love - be inspired by them
  • "Each tree is a little seed that's held it's ground"
  • How much can you deduct from your design
  • "I do believe a society grows great when old men plant trees that they will never sit in the shade of" 
  • "I want my gardens to be looking out where possible, rather than looking in." 
  • People seldom know what they want until you give them what they don't want
  • Too many varieties of plants are unnecessary in your design
  • No more lawns! Unless it's absolutely vital
  • Choose/combine plants that have a similar language
  • Water spouts only need to be simple
  • Why be a garden designer? 
  • Why does the world need us? 

*******

I think when 4 o'clock rolled around he was pretty worn out - I think we all were, but it was in the best way possible. What an honor for me to be able to experience this day! And how awesome of Anthony Paul to take the time to share with us! It was enlightening, encouraging, hopeful, motivating and insightful. I really appreciated the day and it gave me the courage to hold on to my dream of becoming an international designer.

It is so satisfying to be around people who, no matter how exhausted and tired you/they are, physically or mentally - you still want to talk about garden design. So you do. 

And for that reason alone, I belong here. 

 

Ah, Anthony Paul did tell me I have beautiful eyes. :) 

 

The man himself

The man himself

D1: Mood Board

Here's my mood board for D1! The first mood board I have EVER created - I loved the process! Never again will I design without one.

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The inspiration: light and shadow, texture, passing time, art work by michael honnor (a client favourite), structure contrasted/combined with chaos (peacock feather), organic, mediative, spiritual.

The coloring shown was a happy accident. The printer ran out of a certain color - so the images came out with very cool yellows and cool blues...at first I was embarrassed and apologetic, but then learned that this could be turned into a strength. My apparent misfortune set a unique atmosphere for the garden I would develop, which ended up being my strength.

Make No Little Plans

Make no little plans. They have no magic to stir men's blood and probably themselves will not be realized. Make big plans; aim high in hope and work, remembering that a noble, logical diagram once recorded will never die, but long after we are gone will be a living thing, asserting itself with ever-growing insistency. Remember that our sons and grandsons are going to do things that would stagger us. Let your watchword be order and your beacon beauty. Think big. 
 - Daniel Burnham

It is Wednesday, which means no class. I am here at the school regardless, organizing my brain, files, calendars, papers, and due dates. For me, Wednesdays are the best day to come to school! Very few people are here to interrupt my thoughts and I can work on what I need to for as long as I need to. It's very productive.  

The weather has been GORGEOUS lately...not much rain at all and fairly warm. All you really need is a jacket and maybe a scarf, which is my preferred setting.  

I can't believe I have been here over a month. School started 1 month ago today and I can't hardly believe that the time has passed so quickly. Kind of makes me nervous for how quickly the other months will go by.  

Here is an excerpt from an email I wrote to a friend last night... 

"The school is amazing. The Inchbald School of Design is near Victoria Station. There are 8 full-time students and 5 of us are Postgrad. The age range is from 24-50ish with 3 males and 5 females from all over including England, Switzerland, Greece, the Netherlands, Ukraine and of course me from the States. We are all so different from each other, but are already great friends and very supportive and love learning different ways of seeing the world through each others eyes and thoughts.

The course work is challenging and enlightening. In some regards, I feel like I am having to take apart and deconstruct everything I had established in prior years and reconfigure my thinking as a designer and artist in a new way. This is very exciting to me. I feel a lot of empty pockets in my foundation are starting to fill in. The method of teaching at this school is refreshing and so different than my undergrad course work - I feel it is much more effective (though my undergrad was a great base to jump from). It's very hands-on - applied learning everyday. We go to museums and learn from the great painters of the past and present or to parks and plazas to interpret and analyze the mass and void created by great landscape architects and designers. We do lots of sketching, discussing and mental exercising to help our brains develop and see differently. This is such a unique experience, and one I feel I am meant to have. From the time I learned that this school existed, I knew I belonged here. I get to be saturated in gardens, art, architecture and design for a whole year which will surely go by too quickly!

I am currently working on the first design/project, a small residential garden. It is an actual site with a "client" whom we met with to practice effective questioning in order to obtain/create a brief. After we each created mood boards with images we felt were an interpretation of the brief - each students mood board was so unique, even though we all had the same experience with the client, very interesting - then we explored the design process based off a custom grid we developed by using the house and the boundary lines. We moved quickly into rough 3D models (scale 1:50 and I am not sure if that's m, cm, or mm) to work out mass and void and were inspired by watching a bit of a documentary on Frank Gehry. Today we went and laid out our designs in a large grassy area in a square adjacent the school. It was a wonderful learning experience and I was able to make changes to my design on paper as I realized some issues after "pegging" it out in the square, especially the ergonomic bit of it.

One thing I am having a time adjusting to is the metric system. I have never used it before, so that is creating some spatial issues. But I am so glad I am having to do this. If I ever want to design internationally I must be able to easily go from feet and inches to meters and centimeters, etc. and understand what they each mean in real life and how the space feels. I think I will be walking around London always with a tape measure on me...measuring rise and tread, handrails, walls, columns, etc, etc, etc!

I am so happy here. Always a park or garden to see, always a museum to visit, or a street to explore and wander down. I love the international presence of London and I always ride on the upper level of the big red buses. The fashion is very fun to observe as well."

******* 

Well, I am back to organizing... and making big plans.

 

 

One Month: A Collection of Short Stories

FINDING A FLAT

It has been almost three weeks now and I am hoping that this time it works out. I am in London flat hunting and it has been an exhaustive process in every way. Each time I have an appointment to see a place, I arrive with such great anticipation that this is the one meant for me!

These viewings are always followed by a morose train ride home.

I had seen this flat the week prior and realized half way through the visit that I was being interviewed. I was a little caught off guard as I answered pageant-like questions and left wondering if I should have framed my answers a little bit better and smiled all the way through. I definitely forgot the "peace on Earth" bit.

I liked the flat a lot and felt comfortable there. My room would be shoebox-small should I "pass", but the kitchen and the bathroom seemed to make up for the lack of square footage. 

As I prepare for the second visit, I dress as if I may have just come from a show, which is emphasized by my short black wrap wool coat and shiny black shoes. It seems these people are quite cultured and a tad more on the serious side. They are members of museums and such, don't party or have really late nights, and probably want to live with such people. So I will tell them "I am just that" without necessarily saying so. 

"Would you like to sleep on it for a few more nights?" 

I do not. I know that I want to live there and the second visit has just confirmed my resolve. I tell him so. "I think it's you who needs to sleep on it, I have already made up my mind. I want to live here." 

He will get back to me in two days. 

The morning of the decision day I send him an email: The top 10 reasons why I would be a great flatmate. Number one is obvious. I am left-handed. 

 *******

As I look back over the past several weeks I remember a piece of paper that is now in my trash bin. It's all crumpled with big pink lips up in the corner from blotting my lipstick. I open it and read:  

What I Want: 

1. Character, not too formal/stuffy

2. Space, just enough for a desk too

3. Wooden floors

4. Great flatmates (30 yrs +) 

5. Located near school

6. Clean

7. Easy transport

8. Light and airy

 

What I Don't Want:

1. Dirty

2. Young, loud, annoying flatmates

3. Boring, uninspiring

4. Dark

 *******

I have been here a week now and I am very happy with my find! I live on Shaftesbury Avenue, near Piccadilly Circus. The first reaction I get from people when I tell them my whereabouts is - you live where!? I didn't know one could live there! But I do and I love it! It's a short bus ride away from school and so many of the interesting places in London are within walking distance.  There are always loads of people and lights and movement right out the front door of my building, but my 3rd story room is surprisingly very quiet with high ceilings and a south-facing window. My flatmates are very friendly and I know I will have a wonderful year here.

Everything on my list was fulfilled. Even the wooden floors.

JOHNNY

I am hurrying towards the art store to gather supplies for school. My face is buried in my phone to make sure I am on the right street when I am abruptly blocked by a person who stands right in front of me and doesn't move. I look up.

He's tall and lean with dirty blond hair and big blue eyes with generous eyelids and a pleasant smile. 

"Hey, I just saw you walking and I thought you were pretty and I wanted to get to know you. You seem interesting."  He thought I was British. But then I opened my mouth.  

...... 

We chat for awhile about what we are each doing here in London. And as he comes to find that I am indeed sticking around these parts for a while he asks if I would like to meet up for a coffee. Yes, why not! After all, he thought my smile was beautiful.

A few hours later I get a text. Three texts in he asks me if he can take me on a date. I reply, "let's start with tea/coffee first?" I think he was a little deflated, but agreed.  

We'll see if he ever texts me back.

RUCKSACK RUN AND M&M'S

I am sitting on a bench at Potter's Field's Park studying the plantings of Piet Oudolf when a pack of strong men come running by and stop in an area adjacent my bench. They are clearly athletes. Soccer? Rugby? Hmmm....Rugby.

They must be taking a breather from their morning run, although none of them remove their heavy packs while doing so.

"Who wants M&M's, who wants M&M's..." The man who must be their trainer has a large yellow bag open as he is walking around. I raise my hand.

"Sure thing," he holds the bag out.

I grab a couple, "thanks."

Several minutes pass before they line up as they prepare to head out for more running. They are carrying a large flag as well as a rams head. A real rams head that has been mounted to a piece of wood. It's wearing an Arsenal scarf.  

Right before they continue with their regimented run the trainer comes back to where I am sitting and hands me the bag, "here, have the rest - we won't be needing these anymore." 

I smile a big thank you.

******* 

Later, as I am eating a few more M&M's from the bag I have a visual image of all these men's sweaty hands reaching in as well. Suddenly they taste funny - old and smelly. I throw the rest away. But I am still happy about having been given them.

Go Rams! 

AN IDYLLIC WEEKEND

I arrive at the train station in Ashford at 10:48 am. I roll my petite suitcase to the curb as the trunk pops open. Out of habit I head to the right side of the car, "you won't be driving just yet!" 

It is a beautiful day in Southeast England. The sun is out and it feels good on my face as the wind blows my hair. I love the wind and sun. 

We pass by fields and fields of countryside before arriving at a lovely place called Sissinghurst Castle. A very well known site among garden-lovers as it is one of the most famous in the land!  

I learn of it's history, it's story, and we spend a couple of hours exploring the gardens while making clever observations and commentary.  

It's time to head to the charming medieval town of Rye where we meet up with Graham's partner, Ewan, and their two friends, Stefan and Cristof, who arrived just last night on the train from Paris. It's the perfect place for lunch as we climb to the top of the hill to where the ancient church sits. More than one bride will be getting married today in this fairy-tale town. 

The restaurant is absolutely delightful and the lobster squash soup is prepared perfectly. You can feel the history all around as the black and white structures captivate and the unique cobble streets slow everything down.  

The church bells toll and toll. People in wonderful wedding garb pass by the window pane as they move down the hill in celebration. 

We have delightful conversation and cakes then move to the next part of the day: Great Dixter! 

There are 5 of us now exploring the garden as we weave in and out. Great Dixter has a different mood than Sissinghurst and I delight in getting to know each of them equally.

The sun is in perfect position - still a few hours away from sunset, but now we are entering the golden hour. Lovely time passes as we enjoy the garden in all it's September glory. Plant species are identified over and over (or at least an attempt, I am afraid I have a lot of plant material to learn in this climate) and now it is time to head back - for more guests arrive at 7:30 and dinner must be well on it's way by then. 

Giles and Mickey are practically punctual - everything is mostly prepared except the oysters are still being shucked. The table has been set. Beautiful floral china with more cutlery per person than the queen.

The house itself is amazing. It's the Calico House and the original part dates back to a 1300's farmhouse with other additions being built in the 14 and 1500's. Graham and Ewan have done a stunning job at restoring, furnishing, decoration and designing the space. It truly is one of the most fantastic places I have ever experienced. 

Dinner is ready so we leave the sitting room where we have been enjoying drinks and conversation and move into the dining room which is lit solely by candles. 

Gorgeous trays of large oysters on beds of ice are presented in front of us. They are local and fresh. And delicious. There definitely wasn't a shortage as we each had our fill. Meat and veggies were next. They had been cooking since that morning, so the beef was to that perfect point of falling apart on the plate at the touch of a fork. After the main course was some healthy conversation followed by the cheese - oh the cheese! Four kinds, all delicious. Then because you can't stop there we eventually ended with an apple crisp made from the apples off the tree picked just that evening. 

It was after midnight by the time the jovial evening ended. 

I retired to my bed worn but extremely satisfied and happy. I was given room in a building just off the house - I think where livestock might have been kept and where an old well used to be. The bed is comfy and I fall asleep quickly as I look up at the old black timbers against the white ceiling. Am I really here.....? Sleep.  

In the morning I shower, get ready and head to the kitchen. Graham is there waiting. I enjoy a bowl of muesli and toast with black currant jam before we head back to the train station to catch the 10:13 back to London. Out in the pebble drive I meet Stefan who has come to say goodbye. So sweet.

I wrap my scarf around my head loosely to keep my newly dried hair intact. The morning weather is a bit overcast, but still so pleasant as we drive past fields and pastures. We left a little later than planned so the drive back all passed so quickly, but I made the train with 1 minute to spare.

I napped on the way back, hoping - that maybe I would wake back up in Kent.

Source: https://www.facebook.com/messages/56570977...

A Garden's Identity

I don't think you need to match a garden too closely to the personality of the client(s). Why make a garden that is a repeat of your client? Why make another them for them to live with? What if instead a garden was like another member of the family. Related, but it's own distinct being. With it's own wants and desires, it's own merits.

You learn to love the garden - you learn to live with the garden.  

So relate it to the client, but don't design it to mimic the client. 

Those are my thoughts today, anyway. 

Photo Credit: Leaves N Bloom Fine Art & Photography

Hamamelis x intermedia 'Jelena'. 

Photo Credit: Leaves N Bloom Fine Art & Photography

Source: http://www.visitlondon.com/things-to-do/pl...

Haven't Had a Proper Bath for 2 Weeks

I have showered, yes. But a shower is not a bath. And as someone who (used) to take a bath everyday (and in the winter sometimes 2 times a day) - I am starting to shake and twitch from withdrawals. It's getting serious, folks. I really need to find a flat stat! 

 *****

Last night I went out and ended up on Bond Street wandering around hungry (need a bath...hungry...this is looking more dismal that it's supposed to). I took some side roads and ended up at an Indian restaurant. They seated me at a table next to the only other person in the place - a guy in his 40's who was also eating alone. It was a little awkward. The two of us in the entire restaurant - right next to each other but each eating alone. I thought about introducing myself, but then they brought him his check. 

Next time someone asks me why I'm single...I missed out on fate at an Indian restaurant.

After dinner I got a short steamer at Starbucks (free Wifi) and checked my email, etc. Closing time came and we were all kicked out. Time to head to Keanan's flat - I had a big project due Monday and was struggling to find a starting point but really needed to get going.

I got off the tube at Finchley Road and as I was leaving the station I noticed a young blond girl, about 17 or 18 with two pieces of luggage looking rather distressed while reading through signs, trying to figure out where she was. It was dark out and getting late. I put my hand on her shoulder and asked if she needed help. Tears came to her eyes and before I could start crying as well I said, "I know how you feel. Where are you trying to go?" 

"The Hampstead Residence." 

 "I have no idea where that is, but I'll stay with you til you get there."

She was from Germany and had just arrived for college - freshman year. She came alone and had just gotten off the train from Heathrow airport. Being lost at night in a new place with luggage is definitely not fun. She had poor directions she had pulled off the internet that we used to catch a bus that would hopefully take us in the right direction. We got off the bus at the same station as a lady who said she lived on the road that was written on the young girl's paper, although she had never heard of Hampstead Residence. 

We found ourselves alone, on some street corner with no one around. But when you are lost together, it's not so bad. A few people passed by, but we asked for help to no avail. We tried flagging down a taxi, but none were passing by this area this time of night. The last person was able to point us to some store that was still open - finally something of help! We wandered down a winding residential street to a mini-mart - I went to the line at the cashiers and asked everyone in line if they knew of the place we wanted to go. A young guy in line for smokes and a drink says, "I live right behind it - I'll take you." Finally!

We followed him for a bit - rolling the luggage, rolling the luggage - he was a soccer coach for young kids who was going to go professional but then had a knee injury that took him out of the game. It was his roommates birthday, hence the smokes.  

He led us down a little street - along a path - up a set of winding stairs and there it was in front of us. Glorious - a huge building for student housing. "People!" the girl said excitedly. 

***** 

I decided to skip the bus even though it would be a decent distance back to Frognal Court and I was worn out. I had a lot to do and it was getting later, but I just wanted to walk and walk a lot. At that point I did start to cry. I was happy that the girl was somewhere safe with people, and would be in her bed tonight. I was still looking for mine. 

***** 

My project is ready for tomorrow and a new week is ahead of me. Last week we spent the entire time wandering around the city studying various parks, gardens and public spaces (applied learning!). This week we will be in the studio.

#Nervous #Excited #ThisIsTheWeekIWillFindMyFlat! #PositiveThinking

 

 

Day Three is Day Free

Each Wednesday we don't have school - it's a day to study, research, and in my case - flat hunt. (Darn flat hunting!)

However - today all the Postgraduate Diploma students from the two different disciplines (Garden Design and Architecture/Interiors) met to discuss the requirements and the gist of the PG programme. (I know that looks weird to you all, but I am leaving that "extra" "m" and "e")

We will meet together every so often to discuss, think, share, debate, learn, experience. And then there will be papers to write...and I will have to think deep thoughts that will probably change the world. I think that's how this goes.

It's perfect and awesome that we are combining the two groups, as I am very keen on architecture and interior spaces. I believe they are an integral part and a major influence/motivator on outside design. Not to mention the networking between all of us PGs! Literally the world was represented in that class room. It's really something. 

So while the school and this coming year keeps getting better each day, my search for a place to live, well, is hopefully getting better. I saw a good (shoe box) place tonight - have another viewing Friday evening. I am REALLY hoping that one of these two works out - I have spent SO MUCH TIME looking for a flat but should have I expected any different?  

I suppose I should say no. 

And now off to my first late-night-sorry-I-procrastinated-homework - which is due in the morning. Dur. It was not my intention to start the year out this way. And I am convinced if I was in my own place, all settled in, it wouldn't be like this (yet). I hear sleep deprived days and nights are ahead, but I didn't want them to start this soon.

 

First Day of School!

You know - I never thought I would say those words again once I had finished with my Bachelors degree from BYU (I swore I never would!). But 7 years later...here I am.  

First day of school. And I showed up a few minutes late. Are we all not surprised? Actually, I would have been perfectly on time, but leaving Victoria Station is SO confusing and I got turned backwards so I had to run around a bit - and then when I did get to the building (in-time) I couldn't see the name (there was scaffolding up) and I couldn't remember the number so I ran to the other end of the long street and knew it wasn't on that end so I went back to the other end and realized I had been standing in front of it all along. O'well - the first day is the best day to be late. After today it is definitely more unforgiving. 

I don't feel overwhelmed, just excited. The class and the coursework appears to be just the perfect fit for me. There are only 8 full-time students (I think 3-4 are Postgrad like myself) and then there are 12 part-time students. The full-time students meet Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday from 10:00-4:00 with Wednesdays being work-on-your-own-projects/research-day. The part-time students come in on Wednesdays and then also for part of the day Thursdays when we have guest lecturers.  

This entire week we are all together so we can become familiar and comfortable with each other. And it's working out really well! I am making great friends from all over - Switzerland, Greece, Ukraine, England, Austria...and more to come. The age range is spread out as well - I being on the younger end it seems, although most of the younger students are doing the full-time which makes it super fun. Everyone is so interesting and has unique backgrounds - many seem well-traveled, but what European isn't?

I probably have the most experience in landscape/garden design - which I can't decide if that's a good or a bad thing...but I probably won't decide and not make it into a thing, and not let it make me feel like I have to prove myself to anyone but myself, because I am here to learn just as the rest of them.

Us full-time students have our own studio on the main floor and we were assigned drafting stations today which we will have until December. I was able to make it so that I can look out the window from mine. 

***** 

In other news I am still looking for housing, still need to set up a bank account, still need to get a phone and a student travel card, and a proper umbrella.....I plan on knocking a lot of this out on Wednesday. Cross my fingers.....XX. 

I am feeling mostly better - although my head isn't quite clear which has been making everything a bit harder to get done, including any sort of blogging, etc. I write in a daze really. Ugh. I think when I find a place I can settle into - it will help with my concentration.

***** 

Did I mention we have tea-time? One before lunch, and one after lunch. I don't know if it will be like this everyday...but I wouldn't complain. It's hobbit-esque. 

 *****

There is a female singer that lives in a flat nearby that practices regularly. Maybe she's a professional? Kind of makes me feel at home (Candice Hoyal). :)  

 

Day 4 of the Great Flat Hunt

It's the morning and it's raining. The first rainy morning (of many I am sure). 

And so I start the day with orange juice and flat hunting. And hope today will be more fruitful than the past 3. Although I realize that securing a place not so quickly is probably very normal. 

Do I stay in zone 1 & 2, or go further out to get cheaper rent but then have to pay more in transport? Should I be nearer the school so as to save on travel time, or just go wherever I find a good deal? A "good deal" is probably a bad deal to most of us. Even the cheap stuff is unaffordable, but should I be surprised? I am in London. 

So the past few days I have been looking up places online, then wandering around the city, becoming familiar with the areas to see if it's safe, likable, etc. If I were a typical student or professional, one of those matchbox rooms that literally only fits a bed and a dresser would be adequate. But since I will be doing a lot of designing from home (the school is not open after hours) I need space for a good desk/small drafting table and that's where things get really expensive. 

I am learning that if I like something I have to act fast. There are hundreds of people out there looking for a space and the best ones go before you even get a chance to see it it seems. Having cell phone service would help. I could text or call the landlord immediately rather than go through the website's email system. I'll have to look into phone plans today. 

I have been staying at Keanan's since I got here, which has been a huge blessing! I don't know what I would have done otherwise really. This gives me chance to get to know the areas better and to visit the places I am interested in before making a commitment. Hopefully I can find a place before I wear out my welcome. He and his flat mates are very gracious to let me stay here for the time being.

***** 

I am on a good sleep schedule already. I hit a wall about 2:30-3:00pm (but don't we all?) and then am ready for bed around 9:00pm but usually don't actually go to bed til after 10:30pm. I hope to hit it closer to 9:00 tonight. But it's Friday, and that may be difficult as I am not in my own place and staying in the lounge, therefore I need to accommodate the flats schedule and plans as well. 

***** 

I bought a blow drier yesterday. I thought I would wait until I got into my new place so as to not accumulate anything else before I made the move, but after seeing what it would be like to be sans, I resolutely made the purchase at a Sainsbury on my way back to Keanans.  No one in London should have to deal with my mega-frizzy-in-humidity-and-rain-hair, especially not I.

 

The day I became a QPR fan and slept a lot

It has been over 4 hours and I am becoming increasingly delirious by the minute, I have not eaten well or slept well for quite some time. Plus my feet are killing me -  introducing a new pair of flats, no matter how comfortable the reviews say they are, with hours and hours of walking and travel isn't such a great idea.

Keanan is going to meet me at the airport to help me with my luggage. The Underground is the cheapest way back, and as I have too much for me to manage by myself - his offer to come help is definitely welcomed. But my suspicions are confirmed when I finally receive word that he has slept in. Working until 5am the night prior put him out. I don't blame him. 

***** 

I roll my luggage cart out to the curb and stand in the taxi line, hoping that the cost for fare isn't too ridiculous. It's almost ridiculous, but I have my luggage loaded anyway. Ready to get somewhere so I can rest and replenish. 

As we drive along I look out the window at the new setting which I will be surrounded by for a year - England! I chat with the cabbie about odds and ends and eventually ask if he is a football/soccer fan. Yes, he is. A QPR fan - Queens Park Rangers. And since I don't have a team yet, I should be one too. He talks about how the team and it's fans are all about community and all the other reasons why one should be a QPR fan. He offers to drive me past the stadium and take a picture of me in front of "my" teams stadium. He'll even knock off the fare for the extended mileage (I guess they don't say mileage here though). 

Sure.  I mean, now that I have team and all - I should have a picture of me at their stadium.

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We make the detour - arrive to the stadium - and take the picture. He tells me to wait right there! Just one second! 

It's not too long before he emerges with a QPR scarf! "Now you will never forget how you became a QPR fan." 

I am laughing and very happy as I pull the scarf around my neck, "now I have something to wear to the games." 

As we pull away from the stadium he sees his friend driving a taxi in front of him, we speed ahead and he tells me to wave my scarf at him. We grab his attention, they yell back and forth about QPR and we drive off! 

***** 

I've settled all my bags in, Keanan and I go find some food so as to keep me from passing out before he heads back to work - a delicious lemon herb chicken sandwich (Hey Tina and Cindy, it was Nando's!) with a side of peas - I love that you can get a side of peas! I come back to the flat and nap for 7 hours -  look for flats for a few hours, then go back to bed for another 7 hours. Finally - after all these months, some real rest.

***** 

I am now awake at 8:29 in the morning and am starving and could already use some more sleep and definitely a shower as I was too tired to take care of that yesterday. Today will be filled with finding housing, figuring out a phone, how to best get my American dollars into British pounds, getting set up with an Oyster Card, etc, etc, etc ( I think I said this already in my post from yesterday)....But I am very very content and so happy and peaceful at this moment. 

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Go Rangers! 

LHR

I am standing in the London Heathrow Airport waiting for the notoriously "punctual" Keanan to meet me here so my too many, too heavy bags can make it back to his flat until I can find my own place. I am famished and want to go get some food, but they tell me over the loud system that if I leave my bags, which I most certainly would need to, they will confiscate them. So I will remain hungry for the time being.

For all I know Keanan is still in bed. Which is where I wish I was right now.

It's amazing I made it here really. I was packing right up until the last minute in Salt Lake City and then ran onto the airplane in New York right before they shut the gates. I had a 14 hour layover at JFK, so of course I went into the city to nap (or crash) in Central Park, and then a snack and then the High Line. (!). When the time came to head back to the airport I was given all sorts of "helpful" advice as to the best way to get there, most of which were in vain. Add on top of that a main line being down and a holiday with Sunday transit hours? I was turning into a pickle. But I nail-biting made it!

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I probably packed too much. I wish I had packed less, but it was really hard condensing my life into 3 or 4 suitcases (I went with 3 checked and 1 carryon with a large personal item). Over the next few weeks I'll know better how well or how poorly I packed and what I would do differently could I do it over again.

The past few months have been NON-STOP exhausting making London happen and then preparing to go! I really could have used another week to wrap several things up - but even if I had I would probably say the same thing - if I just had one more week....

Now it's onto the adventure of finding housing, figuring out $ and my phone situation. 

But first I think I will just sleep and sleep and sleep. 

 

Source: https://lhr.wifiservice.net/

One Republic's Life in Color: My Theme Song 2013

I do my best 
To find some kind of glow
I'm givin' it some heart and soul, now
From the darkest grays
The sun bursts, clouds break
Yeah, we see that fire
From the streets of Babylon
To the road that we've been on now
The kaleidoscope claims another

Whoa oh oh oh
Well this is life in color (color)
Today feels like no other (other)
And the darkest grays
The sun bursts, clouds break

Whoa oh oh oh
Well this is life in motion (motion)
And just when I could run this race no more
The sun bursts, clouds break
This is life in color

You've seen my worst 
Yet you see some hope in me
The black and white sets us free
Like the queen to the rook
Your decision is a sure thing
Honey yeah, a sure thing
No wonder I feel 
Like I'm missing a heavy load
But no matter what daylight brings to us
We all know

Whoa oh oh oh
Well this is life in color (color)
Today feels like no other (other)
And the darkest grays
The sun bursts, clouds break

Whoa oh oh oh
Well this is life in motion (motion)
And just when I could run this race no more
The sun bursts, clouds break
This is life in color

Ooooh ooh 
Ooooh ooh 
yeah

This is life in color
Today feels like no other
And the darkest grays
The sun bursts, cloud breaks

Whoa oh oh oh
Well this is life in motion (motion)
Just when I could run this race no more
The sun bursts, cloud breaks
This is life in color
This is life in color

Ooooh ooh

Water & Perspective

Yesterday's post showed an incredible resort in an exotic location (as you can see below) that only the wealthiest among us can afford to enjoy if they so choose. Locations like that are fun for me to fantasize over, though knowing I'll probably never step foot in one (unless it's for design work I suppose). 

Today's contrasting post includes two videos that give me cause to pause and think. Everyday I have safe, clean, fresh water available and most days I drink a lot of it without a thought that most people's water situation is quite different.  

Maybe to those without, my safe drinking water availability is just as luxurious or unfathomable as the resort in Bali is to me. But probably even more so - definitely even more so. We all need water to survive, grow and be healthy - none of us needs a fancy getaway to survive. 

So on those days I am feeling less-fortunate and probably ungrateful, I just need to take a drink of water and remember I am extremely fortunate.

And in our gratitude, maybe we can do something for those who are without.

Anything is Possible

I have had this coin taped to my drafting table lamp for a couple of years now. On the other side the word "dream" is engraved. 

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I see it most everyday. And have let this mantra influence my subconscious and my conscious.  

This past weekend I had a garage/yard sale out in front of L Street. It was a monumental task to tackle and only with the help of my family was I able to pull it off, and successfully at that.

Now I own less. MUCH LESS. And though I had many moments of panic while letting go of certain possessions...now that it is all over - I feel relief. I feel lighter. Happier. Freer.

Selling most of my stuff is a necessary step to making my Dream of studying in London come true. Anything is Possible - I do believe, but with that comes sacrifice. What are you willing to live without so that you can live with? What are you willing to let go, so that you may hold on? 

 

Open Forum Friday: Gravity Glue

I don't remember how I came across the work of Michael Grab - but several weeks ago I did and I still remember my first reaction. 

I have always had a love of cairns. A real love. But Michael Grab takes it to the next level times a million. There's something about balancing rocks in what seems impossible and delicate ways that makes you rethink life. 

These images are captivating. They are a wonderful visual for meditation and clearing your mind. As least, for me they are. I can't even think when I look at them - it's like being at the ocean or something.

And a great YouTube video to watch the man in action. 

Architecture Tuesday: Olson Kundig Architects

Jim Olson & Tom Kundig are my current architectural heroes. Their work, their philosophy, and their way of moving through the world is amazing and wonderful to me. And they live and work in my favorite geographical area in the United States - the Pacific Northwest.

The Shadowboxx video I featured in an earlier post comes from Olson Kundig Architects - and this video I am posting now let's you see a broad spectrum of their work as well as an introduction to the two geniuses creating astounding spaces.

Their devotion to their craft is remarkable and self-evident.

Jim: "The main reason that we're here is to try to do the best design that we possibly can, whatever that means to us. I think there's this earnestness about both of us about what we're doing....we're really into to - I mean, we really are into it." 

Tom:  "It's not just an architectural firm, it's not just an art firm, it's not a design firm. It's an attitude about making our world a better place."

I have similar sentiments about my work as a landscape designer. My work is my life - it's what I do - it's what I am about. And everyday I work towards it. Attending the Inchbald School of Design will be my life's game changer. I will receive the training and credentials I need to be able to work at the same level of Jim Olson and Tom Kundig. I hope to have the ear and respect of builders and architects when I get back because I know I can become an immense asset to them and their work. I know I can make a difference that matters. 

Less than 6 weeks until all that becomes a reality - I can hardly believe it!

P.S. Alan Maskin follows me on Twitter.  

P.P.S One of my favorite quotes from the video: "Architecture is about life." - Jim Olson