McGlamorous Designs

The Painted Turtle :: Artistically Waiting

This morning, as I flipped through my devotional book from “Our Daily Bread”, I turned to a later date and for curiosity stayed on it. It got my attention due to the title : Waiting with the Turtle. Five years ago or more my life was completely different. Yours probably was too, but I distinctly remember hearing my dog bark ferociously at one of these creatures outside of my house. When I went to go check, there she was. Out of nowhere it seems. And now here she is again. Still waiting, but with a clearer vision. Guess what. The turtle. More beauty. And a story began.

The Waiting With The Turtle” article explains that every fall, when the painted turtle senses winter coming, she dives to the bottom of her pond, burning herself in the muck and mud. She pulls into her shell and goes still: her heart rate slows, almost stopping, and her body temperature drops just above freezing, she stops breathing, and she waits. For six months she is buried while her bones release calcium into her bloodstream. This can even cause her to lose her shape. But when the pond thaws, she floats up, again breathing. Her bones reform, and she will feel the warmth of sun on her shell.

Psalm 40:01-5, 14-17

I believe strongly that we sometimes go through a very long winter. Mine has certainly been long! It’s still going on but I am learning to be thankful, and see blessings everywhere. Hopefully I am becoming like the turtle, and will feel warmth on my shell again, and be a different creature.

~ McGlamorous

After enjoying this you may ask where to find the turtle jewelry in the post. It’s handmade and goes by the title of “Oliver”.

You can visit these and more in my boutique here.

Countries I’ve Desired to Visit

I’ve never completely settled on one country I would like to visit. It always changes when I think about the reasons I desire the visit. Firstly, coming from a dance background I have always desired to visit Spain for the art and architecture of Gaudi , the dance culture of Flamenco,and the guitar music of the region. After studying Flamenco one summer through Atlanta Ballet’s guest teachers and musicians and spending time conversing with them, I was hooked on the idea of staying up all night dancing and eating tapas if I visited. Also the music of the region of Tarifa, the costumes and the pure fiery emotions from travel photos inspire me to visit.

The next desire is based on music and dance of Vienna. Just the idea of experiencing a real waltz with a live outdoor orchestra seems heavenly.

Not to mention good food..

I wanted to start with either France or Italy. Depending on what course I would want to try first, pastries or pizza? Then again, there’s the art to consider.

Let’s talk about landscape next. Switzerland. The beautiful mountains and valleys in the photos are gorgeous. It looks like a place of rest each time I gaze on them. Postcards from family have shown icy white pictures of perfection during the Christmas season.

All of this is only a smidgen of what is out there, but it’s a start.

~McGlamorous

Styled H A I R and S T A R B U C K S

What’s the one luxury you can’t live without?

After a little thought I began this idea with styled hair, but ended with coffee. I guess it can be both, really. For several years my Mom and I have have set our funds aside for a coffee treat. For some reason the mixture of dark green umbrellas and jazz music playing just makes my day. And don’t forget Christmas! A cafe latte or iced chai latte are our specialties, and on Birthdays that gift card I get from a friend is reserved for a Caramel Macchiato. Coffee is not limited to Starbucks, but Caribou too. Either place its a special moment and a luxury.

Then again I believe that on the worst days , weeks, even months, a well-washed and dried hairstyle suits me just fine. Throw on the slop clothes and shoes, but if hair and makeup are ok, I’m good!

~ McGlamorous

I Am a Leader and a Follower

Are you a leader or a follower?

It’s always been weird for me and I’m ok by that. It’s how I’m wired. I like to learn in reverse and I love things that are discontinued in less than a year because no one else liked them! Particularly referring go to food choices.

I follow the word of God a work hard on following him, but it’s sometimes not easy when you have to live with him in the trenches of life. That’s what makes me a follower and a leader at the same time. To serve has very enjoyable consequences at times, therefore you are able to lead.

Fashionably I have always been a leader , ever since childhood. My parents would take me on shopping trips where I would pick out high quality unusual items and clothes or shoes. It would be such an exciting time to come home with an Esprit bag full of stirrup leggings right when they came into fashion. The only downfall was that when I appeared in class wearing my new wardrobe, i was only met with stinging comments and jealousy? by most except a few good friends.

In the end it’s all good. I’m happy being myself and always have been. Maybe one day all those ideas of choreography, art, graphics, fashion , jewelry, and everything else will be taken and used for good but will be credited to me in a good way. Probably in heavens account , but that’s ok!

~ McGlamorous

Art with Ms. Braun

Share a story about someone who had a positive impact on your life.

Going to school would have been nothing of pleasure without the instruction and wisdom coming from my high school art instructor, Ms. Peggy Braun. She was a typical artist temperament which was a needed break from the boring monotony before the bell rang each day, with the exception of my Language Arts or Theatre classes.

All of the above were somewhat of an artistic posse which melded together well, yet Ms. Braun left the most secure instructional impression on me, solidifying the basics of art instruction in a very small amount of time. Only two years of a foundation that has lasted my whole life in art. I’m sure there would have been much more to learn had I stayed until my Senior year, but perhaps she knew in advance what my path would be.

~ McGlamorous

PANTONE on Fashion :: A Century of Color in Design

It’s time for a new book review, which is pleasurable for McGlamorous, the PANTONE on Fashion :: A Century of Color in Design. I found this gem of a book at a Homegoods store on the clearance aisle and could not resist! At first glance, the photos will catch your eye, especially if you like older fashion.

The photos and sketches vary from the 1930s and beyond. It’s a little old mixed in with new, as the articles and photos vary in generations of design. Examples would be a designer such as Elsa Schiaparelli mixed in with Jean Paul Gaultier’s designs. Each page, beginning with cyber yellow (not a coincidence) describes a featured color, its Pantone number, and various hues, along with photos, fashion sketches, and descriptions of creation stemming from that color. The colors graduate from page to page, like being in a candy store for designers.

I find it a great book to pick up when you have a minute or two, or a nice coffee table accessory to have in place when you are ready for some research. It may come as a great resource for a designer or a fashion illustrator.

Thanks for taking a look at the blog. Subscribe to my site and media networks and spread the word if you enjoyed the review!

~McGlamorous