A Media Must Have...

{Australia Challenge Day 3}

In high school, despite my social tendencies, one could typically find me secluded in my room. Bedroom door shut, stereo on, and a stack of magazines at my side. Glamour and Rolling Stone were among my favorites. 

 When I went away to college my magazine stacks slowly disappeared.  My academic classes urged me to think critically about the world.  And I soon felt disillusioned about the way in which the media presented "information" and portrayed women.

Within the past year, magazines have made a resurgence in my life. My ottoman yields stacks of The Atlantic, Runner's World, and Yoga Journal.

And after my Australia travels, I've added one more magazine to the decor of my ottoman; Frankie Magazine. The narratives, art work, photography and cultural insights are fresh, fun, and original. If you've never had the pleasure of flipping through this publication check out the website, or try to find a local store selling this Aussie gem. 

What magazines are sitting on your ottoman these days? What magazines did you read as an adolescent? I would love to read your thoughts! Please leave your lovely comments below.

Enjoy Underlined and Bold?
Click here to subscribe and become a follower.
I would love for you to become a part of the community! 

The Loss of a Living Treasure

Photo Credit: images of life -Chris Pike

Picks to Ponder:

A weekly post featuring a few notable items I've found to be thought provoking, and/or a positive influence on my outlook on life. 

{Click here to see where it all started.}

In Alaska

The Loss of a Living Treasure.

When I lived in Bethel, Alaska {a town of 6,000, only accessible by plane}, I had the privilege of attending Cama-i, a traditional native dance festival. Each year, the center piece of this festival is Maryann Sundown, a Yup'ik native elder from Scammon Bay {one of 56 villages surrounding Bethel}. At 91 I saw her dance. She commanded the stage with energy and enthusiasm, sitting front and center surrounded by fellow Scammon Bay dancers.

A few weeks ago, at 93, she passed away. The news of her passing greatly saddened me, as I know she was a source of light and wisdom in her community. The best way I can express the meaning of her loss is through an African proverb; "When a knowledgeable old person dies, a whole library disappears."

According to Anchorage Daily News, Sundown is survived by ten children, 60 grandchildren, 161 great-grandchildren, and 19 great-great grandchildren.

To learn more about Maryann Sundown click here.

In Music

Putting it on repeat.
A brunette New Yorker, put up this video from the The Non-Commissioned Officers on a recent blog post. It is so freakin' catchy, I can't help but keep it on repeat!

On D.I.Y.

Simple Crafts Only!

I love the D.I.Y movement. I love perusing Etsy, attending Renegade Craft Fairs, and adding D.I.Y. blogs to my Google reader. The only thing I don't love, is my lack of dedication to developing my own crafty skills. I find, when embarking upon a new craft, I get frustrated by step two. Then after over analyzing the situation for a while, I give up. Thus, I've decided to stop "book marking" just any craft that catches my eye, and note only ones that are relatively simple {until my skills and patience improve}.


Click here to see the first project I plan to embark upon!

I would love to read your thoughts on this weeks Picks to Ponder. 
Please leave comments & questions below, so we can discuss. 

{Missed last weeks Picks to Ponder? Click here}

Creativity, Halloween, & Jobs

Halloween 2011.

Picks to Ponder:

A weekly post featuring a few notable items I've found to be thought provoking, and/or a positive influence on my outlook on life. 

{Click here to see where it all started.}

On Steve Jobs

Two Sides to Every Story

Since Jobs' death, his name, famous quotes, accomplishments, and gadgets have penetrated my world at an unprecedented level. Whether I'm reading a small time blog on WordPress, or engaged in my daily perusal of the New York Times, his influence seems to be everywhere. I am not necessarily sad that a "genius" has left our world. I am sad to think of a man's life taken prematurely by cancer, leaving family and friends behind knowing there will be no more birthdays, weddings, or holidays in which they can make new memories together.

Beyond discussing the meaning of his death, I am most intrigued by how the media is analyzing his life; his legacy. His story, at least the one being told in print at the moment, reminds me that there are always (at least) two sides to every story.

Click here to read Ryan Tates' article discussing Jobs tyrannical leadership style, lack of interest in philanthropy, and un-American execution of censorship. 

Click here to read Mona Simpson's (Jobs' sister) loving eulogy. {Get the Kleenex ready!}

On Artistry
Anyone can be an Artist
This link is for all those who write, paint, and create. Click here, enjoy, and be inspired.

On Halloween

A Time for Creativity

Each year Halloween arrives, and the only thing I'd have ready is criticism. "Another holiday of excess and overindulgence," I'd moan. This year I put my negativity aside, prepared my ZOMBIE doctor costume, and "partied" with friends.  This year was much more fun. 

This year I also took my head out of the sand, and truly looked around. Friends, roommates, and fellow bloggers were bringing out their creativity rarely seen throughout the rest of the year. In a society focused on efficiency, profit, and scores on standardized "bubble" tests -- it's nice to see a holiday widely celebrated, that promotes creativity and fun. I'll drink to that any day!

Below features links illustrating how people got creative with Halloween in 2011. Enjoy!

• Some awesomely cute creative pumpkins!
• A scary short film {produced by a cute couple who blog about their travels & humanitarian media work.}
• The best Halloween make-up job I've seen to date. {first photo of the post!}

I would love to read your thoughts on this weeks Picks to Ponder. 
Please leave comments & questions below, so we can discuss. 

{Missed last weeks Picks to Ponder? Click here.}