Keep Calm and Then Some.

I never tire of the "Keep Calm and Carry On" mantra and have posted about it a few times before, oddly enough, also on a Wednesday (truly, it's a great hump day directive).
Lately I've encountered a few twists on this classic phrase that I thought I'd share to give everyone a mid-week chuckle.

Two takes on the reinvention of this maxim:

For those of you worried about the swine flu:


One of my favorites:


If you're feeling crafty:


A fun activity on a rainy day:


From the fine folks at Urban Outfitters:


And, the montage to end all montages, from blogger Remarks from Sparks:


"Raise Hell then Sleep Well."
Word up.
Cxx.

Things That Make Me Smile, Against All Odds.

Things aren't good, though God knows I'm trying.

The blog is now private.
If you're reading this, thank you.
Thank you for your interest, your loyalty, and for validating my thoughts.

I didn't start this blog for anyone but myself.
I think I live a good and interesting life and I felt like I wanted to record it so that on nostalgic or difficult days I could review everything and realize both how much I have to be grateful for and how much I have accomplished.
I consider it my good fortune, and a pleasant surprise, that others want to read what I have to say.

I have worked hard to carve out my own special place in a section of the world that matters to me, and I wanted to celebrate it. Sometimes friends have joked that I am like Charlotte York Goldenblatt from Sex and the City, and on bad days I like to tally our similarities:
-Art History education and work in the field in NYC (she, a gallerina; me, a Sotheby's girl)
-A good, solid Jewish boyfriend (a former lawyer, no less) who loves his family and loves me
-The good fortune to wear the fashions that make me happy
-Shiny hair
-I have even lived in a Penthouse on Park Avenue (South).

And this is my life.
Lately, some people have been trying to make me apologize for it.
It won't last forever. But this is where things are right now.

I'm running away from the City for a few days to clear my head. Therefore, I'm doing my usual Friday "Things That Make Me Smile" post today.

And what makes me smile?
YOU.

In keeping with my other posts on this topic, here are a few other things that make me smile too:

1) Taylor Swift.
Everything about this girl is perfection.
She is talented and beautiful, which, in a way, has nothing to do with her.
But she has chosen to be kind, generous, sensible, sophisticated and wise.
There aren't many celebrities--or civilians for that matter--who elect to value these qualities and I'm so grateful that amidst all of the shameful stories I read on celebrity blogs, all things associated with Taylor are positive, happy, reassuring.
She's 4 years younger than me, but I am constantly learning by her example.

2) Twists on a Classic.
As you know, I love the "Keep Calm and Carry On" mantra. But I believe that axioms only "work" at certain times. Life can get complicated and messy and the only thing to do when that happens is to go easy on yourself and have a little fun...hence the NOW PANIC and FREAK OUT mug. Everyone's entitled to a little freak out now and then.


3) 220 acres in Western Massachusetts.
The Bunny and I have friends who own a large mountaintop property that we have been lucky to be invited to a number of times. We have visited in every season and it's always beautiful and always refreshing; a few days in the country provides a much needed break from the city.
And, I can cartwheel to my heart's delight.

Take care and talk soon.
Cxx.

Keep On Keepin' On.

A few weeks ago I wrote about the importance (and history) of the "Keep Calm and Carry On" adage.

And I mentioned this phrase alone could induce me to buy a Jessica Kagan Cushman bracelet.

As luck would have it, Gilt Groupe had a JKC sale shortly thereafter....

(I always love Gilt Groupe's packaging; it takes the "sample sale" aspect out of, well, the sample sale!)

Look at that lovely hand: So calm. Carrying on with elan.

In honor of the Tour de France, which I will be catching the tail end of this very Sunday in Paris(!!), here's a little treat I found on Etsy:

Only Wednesday? Already Wednesday? Either way only a single day now stands between you and Friday, and between me and Paris!
Cxx.

An Important Mid-Week Reminder.

One of my favorite mantras is "Keep Calm and Carry On."

The phrase was coined in 1940s England to "stiffen resolve" during the war and printed on now-iconic posters (though, in their time, these posters were not widely distributed).

Rachel Ashwell, the Brit behind Shabby Chic, sold pale pink reprints of these posters in her shop before it closed. Fear not, you can still order a poster on Etsy, among other outlets.

Jessica Kagan Cushman has made a scrimshaw bracelet featuring this maxim that I just LOVE. (And, rude though this may sound, I've NEVER liked JKC's bracelets before, and generally eschew graphic apparel/accessories, but when the right piece comes along, I'm willing to change my tune!)

On a day where I find myself continually thinking "It's ONLY Wednesday?!" this is a good thing to bear in mind...

Chin up, Soldiers.
Cxx.