Two Films: Objectified & Between the Folds

While I haven't been creative, I have been inspired by the creativity of others. Two films caught my attention on Netflixs. In fact, my new subscription to Netflix may have been the start of my creative hiatus.

The first film, called Objectified is about design and how designers impact our lives. It features my beloved Target and also the amazing Ikea. I loved seeing the design process in progress and hearing designers think aloud.  Here is the trailer.


I watched this while doing some mundane school prep the other day and it was delightful.

The second film is called Between the Folds. This one is harder to watch while multitasking. The origami in this film is truly mind bending. In fact, it is so rich, I am watching this film a little at a time to absorb the images.
I bought two origami books and a "fold a day" calendar at our church book sale. I am hoping to do a little origami with the art club this year. I have also been thinking about making a thousand cranes. Anyway, here is the trailer for Between the Folds:


Both films are instant downloads on Netflix. Have a great day!

Breaking News

This morning I woke up to the breaking news that there is a major fire in one of my favorite LA neighborhoods.



One huge garment district building is absolutely consumed and is pouring black smoke in all directions. It makes for compelling TV. I should be getting ready for work, but I can't look away.



Cheif Doug Berry is talking about how dangerous this fire is. He doesn't have to tell me. Every time I go down there I think about fire. Wall to wall, floor to ceiling the goods are piled high. The aisles are narrow and the paths between bolts of fabric or shelves of notions are crooked. The buildings are old and crowded together.



Thankfully this is not a residential neighborhood.



Thank you firefighters!

Madmen and Glad Woman

I love vintage stuff from my Grandmother's day. The cheery designs and innocent depiction of life occasionally make me wonder... was I born in the wrong age?

So, I am really excited about the show Madmen. It aired on AMC but we watch it on DVD. There are many characters in this show about 1960's ad men in New York city, but the main character is the era itself.

I could drool over the clothes and the sets. Charming! To be the set designer for the series! What a dream job!

But, the reality that this show portrays is less than cheery, bright, or innocent.

It was a real eye opener for me to see just how far women have come in the last 40 years. I have a whole new appreciation for my grandmothers.

In one scene, a young woman goes to the gynecologist to get a prescription for birth control pills. Along with the prescription the doctor gives her a truly insulting lecture about becoming a slut.

The sexual harassment the young secretaries endure is appalling by today's standards.

Absolutely everyone on the show smokes.

While watching the show, I can hardly turn away for a second for fear of missing some subtle detail about life back then. Truly, I am transfixed by this show.

Yet, I am really relieved to live now.

I am thankful to collect Pyrex refrigerator glass, but to have plastic as an option.

I love to wear an apron and slow cook a meal, but thankful to have the option to order out or to microwave a something quick.

I am thankful to have the option to have a woman doctor.

I am thankful that smoking is not the norm. With my allergies, I would be constantly ill.

I am also thankful for the long distance phone calls, the internet, for email and the community of blogging. Women in the 50's were so isolated in many ways. I am so thankful that it is easy and affordable keep in touch with family and friends spread out across the country.