LotusHaus

Lotus sighting

Hello LotusHaus readers! Just wanted to share a quick tidbit from my recent birthday in August. This year I turned 36 and on my birthday, the hubby and I took a stroll at the new Seattle Chinese Garden.  I was fortunate enough to spot a single white lotus in one of the ponds... needless to say, I felt so much clarity in that one moment. Since then I continue to feel very blessed for each and every day of beauty and discovery. I wish all of you moments of peace, clarity and infinite possibilities. The world is yours! Oh and thank you so much for reading my blog!

Thought for Today

Ahh, it's sunny outside and I will take this advise from myserendipities & khawro.

Thought for the Day } If you Feel it, It will Come...

Here's an excerpt from Danielle La Porte, co-founder of Style Statements:

Feelings are magnetic. Each feeling is a beacon that attracts a reality. Love attracts love. Gratitude attracts more reasons to be grateful. Generosity creates a generous response. What we focus on expands. So choosing to focus on feelings that, well, feel good, is a sure way to create the experience you want.

So let me ask you... How do you want to feel in the different areas of your life? (home, work, play, etc). What do you want to experience in life? Read more about manifesting through your feelings at this wonderful guest post by Danielle La Porte for the blog Zen Habits.

Here are my thoughts...

In my family life, I desire to experience womanhood through pregnancy and discover what kind of parent I will be...

In my personal life, I desire to feel even more connected and share more of my life with my loved ones and circle of friends...

In my body, mind and soul, I desire to feel healthy, beautiful and care free like a butterfly...inspired, fulfilled, creative, uplifted, sexy, self-aware, one with the universe, in awe of nature and in tune with my body...

In my bank account, I desire to feel wealthy, prosperous, abundant, charitable, giving and endless...

Photo Info: This is me and my dainty muse from the Tropical Butterfly House at the Pacific Science Center. I go there every few months to remind myself that, "Not what we have, but what we enjoy, constitutes our abundance." - Anonymous

*P.S. My song for today is Closer by Goapele...

Much respect } Martin Luther King, Jr.

Image Source: Design*Sponge 

Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or in the darkness of destructive selfishness. ~Martin Luther King, Jr.

Lotus Zone of Zero } Installation by Kim Sooja

If I can ever get to Seoul, Korea, I would love to attend the Lotus Festival of Lanterns, which happens every year in honor of Buddha's birth on the 8th day of the 4th month of the Lunar calendar. This magnificent installation of lotus shaped lanterns shown above carries the same spirit as the Lotus Festival...

The "Lotus Zone of Zero" was created by Kim Sooja, a Korean born New York based artist, and is on view at Galerie Ravenstein in Brussels. It consists of a steel structure and cables and 2000 lotus shaped lanterns suspended in a circular pattern. "The installation is accompanied by sounds of Gregorian, Tibetan and Islamic chants. Utilizing space and time, Sooja's installation is a call for peace, love and understanding amongst human beings."

Spirit Candle } Reveal Your Inner Light

These amazing candles burn down to reveal enlightening bronze sculptures that express Strength, Self Expression and Companionship! Find them at Wrapables. The bronze sculpture hidden inside this pristine white wax candle was formed by a lost-wax casting process. As you burn the candle, the statue will emerge from its surroundings. Whether you’re overcoming one of life’s struggles or celebrating a joyous milestone, let the Spirit Candle be a source of inspiration and ever-present hope.

Inspiration for the Week...and all the days of your life

To all of you, my wonderful and gracious readers, I wish you all the peace in the world and...

May the sun
Bring you new energy by day,
May the moon
Softly restore you by night,
May the rain
Wash away your worries
May the breeze
Blow new strength into your being
May you walk
Gently through the world and know
Its beauty all the days of your life
-Apache Blessing

Pick Your Design Mood at Stylkist } Naturally Modern Styling

Get emotional with your decor...Pick Your Mood at Stylkist, a naturally modern online decor boutique based in Mumbai, India. I love the calming colors and natural materials found at this easy to use website. Today, I'm seeking inner peace via An India Summer, one of my favorite blogs.

Fancy and Frida

Be sure to check out Jubella's beautiful post about the amazing artist, Frida Kahlo...her life is an inspiration to me and this post really made my day! (image via Jubella)

Zen's 7 Ruling Design Principles

Today I am inspired by these Zen design principles adapted from The Wabi-Sabi House book via Care2.com.

Zen’s seven ruling principles are guiding lights of design. Once you read them they make real sense for an authentic design plan for your home.

Asymmetry (Fukinsei): Stiff, formal symmetry, suggesting frozen finality and artificial perfection, can be fatal to the imagination. Asymmetry lets us be loose and spontaneous—more human than godlike. It means we can get by with one—or three—candlesticks, and all the china doesn’t have to match.

Simplicity (Kanos): Zen eschews gaudy, ornate, and over embellished in favor of sparse, fresh, and neat. It’s the triumph of craftsman style over the cluttered Victorian parlor.

Austerity (Koko): Zen asks us to reduce everything to “the pith of essence.” Don’t love it? Can’t find a use for it? Let it go.

Naturalness (Shizen): Zen is artless, without pretense or self-consciousness. It’s bare wood, unpolished stone, and flowers from the backyard.

Subtle Profundity (Yugen): Within Zen lies a deep reserve, a mysterious, shadowy darkness. The hint of soft moonlight thorugh a skylight would be yugen.

Freedom from Worldly Attachments (Datsuzoku): The Buddha taught us not to be bound to life, things, or rules. “It is not a strong bond, say the wise, that is made of iron, wood, or hemp,” he said. “Far greater an attachment than that is the longing for jewels and ornaments, children and wives.” It’s the simplicity movement, not keeping up with the Joneses.

Silence (Sejaku): Inwardly oriented, Zen embraces the quiet calm of dawn, dusk, late autumn, and early spring.

Aromatherapy on the Go

When I was small, my mom always had Vick's vapor rub (and the inhaler) for me and my bro when we had stuffy noses or a chest cold. But now, I swear by these Aromatherapy Inhalers by Earth Solutions! I picked up the Stress Less and Appetite Control inhalers at the Herbalist in Seattle before one of my big presentations in New York awhile back. I needed something to calm my nerves and control my bad habit of eating when I'm stressed. It really made me feel comforted. Plus, who could resist the uplifting illustrations reminiscent of the worldly Putumayo Compilations? Now I have them by my computer when I'm working and I regularly indulge a sniff every hour or so. Also, there is a helpful affirmation that you can reflect upon when you inhale. Stress Less: “As I breathe in lavender, sandalwood, patchouli and bergamot, I feel calm, cool and collected.” Appetite Control  “As I breathe in lemon, orange, bergamot, sandalwood and ylang ylang I feel greater control over my appetite.” Next on my wish list is the Crown Chakra Aromatherapy Pendant Set!

Happy Mother's Day!

I hope you all enjoy spending time with the women that have shaped your lives! Many peace and blessings to the women of the world. May you continue to shine your light and your love!

Mother's Day Gifts from Carol's Daughter

Carol's Daughter is an amazing hair and beauty product line with roots in Brooklyn and an awesome story of dedication and entrepreneurship (read her memoir! Success Never Smelled So Sweet: How I Followed My Nose and Found my Passion). In the mid 90s, the Tui Hair Oil was given to me by a friend in Brooklyn (Guava, mango and passionfruit ~ smells so good!). At that time all of the products were handmade and packaged in the kitchen of Carol's Daughter, Lisa Price, and you could only get it at a small shop in Brooklyn. Now, Carol's Daughter has an amazing Body Shop-like store in Harlem on 125th St., many locations nationwide and celebrity support from the likes of Mary J. Blige and Jada Pinkett Smith. I highly recommend all of the gift sets available and promise that your mom and you with both enjoy the tantalizing scents and luxurious butters!

Kiss The Earth } Happy Earth Day!

Kiss The Earth poem adapted from Thich Nhat Hanh: Buddhism in Action, by Maura D. Shaw (Skylight Paths, 2004).  For some additional inspiration I highly recommend any book by Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh.  Peace is Every Step is one of my favorite reads.

Take a moment now to watch this earth inspiring clip from the Planet Earth Series by BBC via KarmaTube

Organic Floral Decor } On a Mission to Celebrate Earth Day in Style!

Uphold the well being of the planet & celebrate Earth Day in style...enliven your inner space with some modern organic green! Treat the planet, it's inhabitants and yourself to these charitable & eco-chic floral arrangements. Each of these beautiful organic bouquets not only support the environment, but they give back to the beautiful people of the world. Pick up some flowers this week and feel good about the world you live in! You'll be happy to know that these blooms are also delivered in gorgeous sustainable packaging. Trust me, this will be an awesome experience! Don't forget to compost these lovely things of beauty and they will be enjoyed forever.

Rainforest Green Bouquet The mission of Rainforest Foundation-US is to support the efforts of indigenous and traditional populations of the rainforest to protect their environment and fulfill their rights. The Foundation helps indigenous communities secure land rights, manage natural resources and strengthen their capacity to defend and sustain their ways of life. Now you can support the Foundation through the purchase of these magnificent chartreuse colored roses. With each one dozen purchase 5% will be donated to the Rainforest Foundation-US. $49.95

Earth Share Oriental Lilies Earth Share is a nationwide network of America’s most respected environmental and conservation non-profit organizations. Earth Share is dedicated to promoting environmental awareness and supporting the vital charities that work to protect the environment and our well-being every day. Now, you can help support Earth Share in its vital mission simply by purchasing this unique and fragrant bouquet of Oriental white lilies – 5% will be donated to Earth Share for each purchase. $59.95

A Bouquet to Save Plants United Plant Savers' mission is to protect native medicinal plants of the United States and Canada and their native habitat while ensuring an abundant and renewable supply of medicinal plants for generations to come. Now you can support United Plant Savers through the purchase of these beautiful mauve colored long-stem lavender roses. With each purchase 5% will be donated to United Plant Savers. $49.95

Asiatic Lilies that CARE CARE’s mission is to serve individuals and families in the poorest communities in the world. Drawing strength from CARE’s global diversity, resources and experience, CARE promotes innovative solutions and are advocates for global responsibility. Now you can support their humanitarian efforts with the purchase of these vibrant yellow and orange Asiatic Lilies. Each bouquet is hand selected and shipped fresh from the farm. Plus a portion of the proceeds of this sale will be donated to CARE. $59.95

Healthy Child Healthy World Roses Healthy Child Healthy World (HCHW) is a national non-profit organization dedicated to educating the public, specifically parents and caregivers, about environmental toxins that affect children's health. Goals are met through increased scientific research, government policies which are more protective of children, and educating and mobilizing individuals around the country. Support Healthy Child Healthy World through the purchase of these spectacular bright pink roses. With each purchase 5% will be donated to HCHW. Includes two-dozen long stem roses. $69.95

Be Happiness Itself } Eco-Friendly Greetings by Compendium

Please have a look at these inspiring greeting cards by Compendium. The card shown here has a nice lotus graphic and reads "Be Happiness itself." on the outside and "Be a Birthday." on the inside.  There are many other wonderful expressions and best of all of these cards are printed with soy ink and the paper is FSC certified 100% recycled stock. Each card has a different environmental tip on the back and a portion of your purchase goes directly to organizations that protect the environment.

Jill Barton } Beauty and Truth in Painting

Above is a Quan Yin inspired painting by an amazing artist named Jill Barton. Having inspired a whole family of artists, Jill's daughter Paris Gerrard thought I might like some of her mother's work. She was absolutely right! Such amazing talent in mother & daughter! So inspiring! I love Jill's personal philosophy...

I identify with the Japanese aesthetic, wabi-sabi, which points always to what is authentic by acknowledging three simple realities: nothing lasts, nothing is finished, and nothing is perfect.  I am constantly experimenting with new techniques... I hope that my paintings will inspire, heal, open, connect and delight the viewer. ~Jill Barton

Bodanna } Gifts that Give Back

Via EcoChic Weddings, I was inspired by the story of goodwill and goods by Bodanna Studio, a New York non-profit that uplifts inner city kids through the art of pottery. Using the pottery enterprise as a real-life classroom, youth develop creativity, discipline and a strong work ethic while handcrafting ceramics and operating all aspects of the business, from product design and development, production, sales and marketing to shipping. 100% of the proceeds of every sale support Bodanna's mission of empowering youth through enterprise. What a great business model! The product is gorgeous and thoughtful!

Kokeshi Inspiration } Mirabel's Etsy Shop

Meet the beautiful, sweet and serene kokeshi characters from Maeve Donohue, a Vietnamese Irish American visual artist and designer living in Rhode Island. In her etsy shop, you will find original paintings, illustrations, prints, and lovely little items made out of her illustrations! I just love love love the NAMASTE card and all of her illustrations and cards!!!

Jim Denevan } The Zen of Sand Art

Take a deep breath and plunge into the beautiful work of Jim Denevan, a phenomenal artist that makes larger than life freehand drawings in the sand. Truly in touch with each moment and the law of impermanence, Jim's labor of love usually takes hours to complete. Once his freestyle design is done the ocean washes in to reclaim its canvas and to reinforce the awesome power of nature.

Arte Autismo } Love, Art & Autism in Brazil

Raimunda (Ray) Gonçalves Mélo is a talented floral artist and a dedicated mother in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. Through God's graces and a mother's undying love, Ray has found a way for her autistic son Filipe to express himself through painting. At home without any interference, Filipe chooses colors, determines compositions and becomes engaged in his artwork and mental process. The results are colorful, abstract paintings that convey his deepest emotions at each moment of conception. Please visit www.ArteAutismo.com to see Filipe's beautiful abstract artwork and to witness the art of rehabilitation and the power of human potential! (The site is in Portuguese)

For more love and art, please read my post about Liam of Satsuma Press in Oregon.
 

Current Inspiration } Seven Soulful Secrets

While searching for some self-employed and womanly inspiration at a bookstore, this book entitled, Seven Soulful Secrets whispered sweet somethings in my ear! Stephanie Stokes Oliver has an amazing story of perserverance with a journalism career that started at Glamour & Essence and continued with the launching of Heart & Soul magazine.  This book is very down-to-earth and contains lots of inspirational stories of creative and wise women. I highly recommend this book for those of you stuck in a rut!

Freedom® } A Rose in Honor of Rosa Parks

"I would like to be remembered as a person who wanted to be free... so other people would be also free." ~ Rosa Parks

This Valentine's Day remember your sweetheart as well as those women who have whole-heartedly given their lives to love and protect us. Buy your mother and grandmother the wonderful gift of Freedom® An Organic Rose Bouquet in Honor of Rosa Parks. 10% of the proceeds from the sale of this bouquet will be donated to the Rosa and Raymond Parks Institute for Self Development. Show your love and dedication with this gift of beauty and quiet strength.

Lotus Wish Necklace } For Brides to Be!

Here Comes The Bride! This gold dipped lotus flower necklace by Dogeared is the sweetest and most sentimental bridal shower gift I have ever come across! The simple act of making a wish and marking it with a heartfelt jewel is such an endearing act of intention. Your wishes are bound to come true! Thoughts and words are powerful when spoken aloud and focused upon in the material world. Check out the great selection of sentimental thoughts and jewel gifts available at Dogeared.

Happy New Year 2008

Chopra Center } Wellness in New York City

Ah, tomorrow's my 32nd birthday and I'm reminiscing about my two business trips to New York last August. During my second trip, I splurged on a glorious 60 minute Ayurvedic Spa Treatment at the New York Chopra Center. I have a little knowledge of Ayurveda and have read many of Deepak Chopra's books so it was a real treat to be in the physical presence of these sacred philosophies and rituals of wellness. The spa itself is absolutely beautiful and I felt so at home with the fusion of ancient and modern. Even the aroma of the essential oils and orange mint water, have left a lasting impression on me. As you can see from the pictures, the colors and architecture are so...umm...me! Wish I could zoom there right now...Have a restful weekend!

Satsuma Press } Portland Letterpress

Satsuma Press is an independent letterpress design company based in Portland. Owned and operated by Lynn Russell, Satsuma Press churns out beautiful and elegant paperworks impressed with images of magnolias, blossoms, gingko and other naturally modern inspirations. You can purchase her work here or view her showcase  and marvel at the subtle luxuries of letterpressed stationary and couture wedding invitations. Lynn's work is so inspiring!

But what's most inspiring to me is the story of her son, Liam. When Liam was only 14 months old, he was diagnosed with a rare neuromuscular disorder called Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type II (SMA). I didn't know this and maybe you don't either, but SMA is the leading genetic killer of babies and toddlers. SMA is an autosomal recessive genetic disease. In order for a child to be affected by SMA, both parents must be carriers of the abnormal gene and both must pass this gene on to their child. Although both parents are carriers the likelihood of a child inheriting the disorder is 25%, or 1 in 4. People with SMA either do not acquire, or progressively lose the ability to walk, stand, sit and eventually move. However, cognition, intellect and emotional development and sensory nerves are unaffected.

Liam has been blessed with a joyful heart and a sharp mind, and thanks to a loving family and friends he is able to enjoy life using his Snappie, the SnapDragon chair designed for those with mobility issues. Unfortunately, insurance does not cover all of Liam's financial and medical needs. So if you would like to make a donation, the family has set up the Liam Russell Supplemental Needs Trust. Please visit the Satsuma Press website and read the ABOUT page for more information. I am so moved that I will be sending a donation in today. Isn't Liam just the cutest little boy!

Aani and the Tree Huggers } Save a Beloved Forest

Aani and the Tree Huggers is based on a true event in northern India, and presents an enduring message of bravery and environmental action. Aani, a young girl in a large Indian family, makes a decisive move to save her special tree from the cutters that have stormed their beloved forest.

This story is based on actual events known as the Chipko Andolan (Hug the Tree Movement), which took place in northern India in the 1970s. These were the original Tree Huggers! Because of this movement councils in India meet within most villages to decide how many trees can be cut without endangering the land and those who live there, and also, new trees are planted each spring. There is much to be learned and remembered here.

Help our next generation cherish the wonders of our environment. Share this book with them and relive the spirit of the original Tree Hugger movement. Go here to purchase a copy and make it a cherished heirloom for generations to come.

*Organic Beginnings

Hi, my name is Joanna Dyckhoff. My last name is pronounced "dai-koff,"  and it's a german name courtesy of my husband. But I'm a Filipina (aka Pinay) and my friends call me Jojo. After a few premature blooms that didn't survive this winter, I'm really happy with the organic process of breaking through the web surface this spring. This webby pad will be my place to share inspirations, showcase design work, meet new people and let creativity blossom. Thanks for joining me in this celebration of life's dance! Here's a quote that sums up the feelings of this happy flower.

When flowers open up they offer their color, fragrance and beauty for all. It is the same with human flowering, when, in that joyous experience we feel in harmony with life. Surrounded and suffused with the divine, we glow from within, inviting others to join in the celebration of life's dance. ~ Osho Zen Tarot 

*photo of lotus flowers opening up on Mother's Day at the Seattle Japanese Garden.

I also offer sustainable design services so check out my portfolio of work: color & trend boards, fashion design, fashion identity, spa & wellness, and home & gift design. Also have a look at my recent floral decor and event design work.