Gettin my Mojo in Steinbeck Country...

Almost every day I am graced by the amazing rolling hills just a few miles away that have miles upon miles of dirt paths in which to explore and self reflect. I am always in awe of where I live and never take it for granite. I run in the hills for which John Steinbeck used as his muse in many of his books such as Pastures of Heaven and East of Eden, of Salinas, California., where he himself grew up.

I know a lot of runners do a lot of thinking on their runs, go thru their mental check list for the day, solve many problems etc. For me? I do the same, yet I also remember to stay connected with my surroundings, breathing in the fresh smells of the country side and watching as the sun moves across the hills and sets for the day. There are a few times a year that a sheep herder will guide the sheep where I run. They work feverishly feeding on the grass and taking space along the rolling paths, it is the most incredible feeling to be able to run amongst the sheep, I always feel like I am in another country it is so peaceful and takes you back to the real grass roots of our what is important in life and that there is so much going on around us that goes unnoticed. I feel a sense of Zen as I run and I seem to effortlessly float across the paths and a sense of connection with the universe. It is almost magical and the great thing about it? I get my mojo on AND a great work out!
Thanks Steinbeck for sharing the beauty that surrounds me every morning!

 

 

xoxo Mari

Fall Staple...the "And Then Some" staple...

Okay, so don't just a over 40 on this one...actually I'm on the cusp of 50 but whose tellin? Listen, I believe every one has an alter ego that they bring out every once in a while, well, this "staple" is just that...my alter ego. I am such a classic type dresser. just ask my 19 year daughter. I do love a classic with a twist but I tend to stay in the classic arena of choice. I have always, and I mean always admired Audrey Hepburn, she is my idol and I tend to not steer to far in her shadow. But, I do have the other side of me that longs for the rebel to come out and play! I just have to be very cautious on how it is perceived.
I was fortunate enough to go to the Met Museum this summer on a mother/daughter trip and we could not wait to see the 'Punk: Chaos To Couture' Exhibit. Can I say, that made our trip, like no, really I could have died right there and all would have been great. OMG, the outfits where so jaw-dropping amazing that I was left utterly speechless( which never happens). I yearned to be anyone of those designers; Alexander McQueen, Mocshino, Dior, Channel etc. What I would give to create those masterpieces is unsurpassed by the  desire to BE one of them. I appreciate talent as theirs, to take on a rebirth of the 70's from Vivienne Westwood's collaboration with the Sex Pistols and other Punk musician at the time to construct a kinda D.I.Y. creations. I wanted to take all the pieces home, I sincerely did. I never knew I had a deep connection with this era, but I have always wanted to look different, yet refined than those around me. I mean barring wearing a

lot of spikes and nose rings etc., i really don't mind all the safety pin closures, and metal embellishments.

I really wanted to come home, and I did/have looked into designing an Urban/Edgy line ...but that will be saved for another day... I get so side track. I have a pic of myself in my conservative look and my inspirations for the look. I hope you enjoy...

                                                                My Inspirations


My Interpretation


Okay so its conservative... I know...believe me I would like to walk around with safety pin closures, but you all would definitely judge me!

Dress by Kensie, boots by Zara, tights by Anthropologie

xoxo Mari