HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2014 set off with a bang! We joined 20,000 of our closest friends on a cold San Francisco night, waiting 2 hours to watch a 10 minute display of lights exploding in the sky. And... it was definitely worth it!

If it is indeed true that what you do on New Year's Eve will set the tone for the new year, then I better get ready for an activity packed 2014!

The day began by convincing my dad to climb to the top of the barely visible path and take in expansive 360 degree views of plunging cliffs and crashing waves. We walked on the precarious ridge, surveying the beauty of the Tennessee valley landscape. San Francisco 's beauty is unrivaled, and everytime I am home I appreciate the beauty of the city by the bay. Christmas is my favorite time to be home, and this year was especially fun. 

Somehow we managed to cram in a long uphill hike in Marin's Tennessee Valley, a delicious turkey burger along the festively decorated Union Street, ice skating under the ferry building's watchful eye, and a sparkling waterfront spectacle. Even more incredible than watching the fireworks extravaganza was finding an free parking spot right along the Embarcadero. 

It was a slight contrast to last year's ice skating, chicken sausage eating, bar hopping friend filled New Year's Eve. Definitely nice being home in San Francisco, and enjoying the city during its twinkling winter festivities. Our new year was full of wandering, discovering, experiencing, learning, risk taking, appreciating, enjoying and  savoring. Hopefully 2014 will be full of the same!

BEST OF 2013

Wow, 2013 definitely flew by! I wanted the last post of 2013 to go out in style. I hope to do a more detailed analysis of the best moments of 2013, but in the mean time this Instagram loop does a fairly good job. From the New York Stationery show and Istanbul Spice Markets to San Diego beach hotels and San Francisco Holidays, 2013 seemed like the year filled with a ton of travel inspiration. Here's to an even better 2014!

PURPOSE OF LIFE?

As I am enjoying some time off for the holidays, posting will go on short break until Monday. Until then, wanted to share a powerful message that really resonated with me.

As our annual Christmas movie watching tradition, we went to see the new Ben Stiller movie, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. It was a beautifully constructed and thought provoking piece. Although the critics seem to be giving it mixed reviews, we thoroughly enjoyed the creative film. Even more interesting than the stunning cinematography, was a quote that kept appearing throughout the film. Turns out the the central message of the movie was actually based on a poem commissioned for Life magazine. 

According to the article, Publisher Henry Luce wanted to create a magazine that didn’t just talk about the news. He wanted people to live it through stunning photographs. The prolific publisher wrote a prospectus for Life with poet Archibald MacLeish.

“To see life; to see the world; to eyewitness great events; to watch the faces of the poor and the gestures of the proud; to see strange things — machines, armies, multitudes, shadows in the jungle and on the moon; to see man’s work — his paintings, towers and discoveries; to see things thousands of miles away, things hidden behind walls and within rooms, things dangerous to come to; the women that men love and many children; to see and to take pleasure in seeing; to see and be amazed; to see and be instructed; Thus to see, and to be shown, is now the will and new expectancy of half of humankind. To see, and to show is the mission now undertaken by a new kind of publication… "

That message sets a pretty extraordinary mission for a magazine, for the movie, and maybe for our 2014 resolutions? Food for thought! See you next week!

Original photo by my brother Kris Pierscieniak 
See more inspirational quotes on my new Pinterest Board, Bold Quotes. 

HAVE A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS

Wishing all of you a very merry Christmas! 

I want to send out truly heartfelt love and gratitude for all my friends and readers. This blog has connected me with so many interesting and talented people. I never could have imagined the people I would meet, and the stories I would hear. What started in December 2011 as a site to share colorful photos with friends and coworkers, has turned into an incredible platform for connection and inspiration. I am continuously inspired by all the stores I visit and the artists I meet. I have had the chance to chat and befriend talented Turkish painters, Los Angeles jewelry designers and San Francisco ceramic artists. I have even met local designers and bloggers to collaborate with. Through my blog I connectd with Evite Postmark, where I now work as the Art Director. So, it's been quite the year and this blog is at the heart of what I love and appreciate.

CHRISTMAS CHEER

These colorful vignettes really evoke the festive holiday spirit. Loved the decor in Solana Beach's Solo shop. Merry Christmas and to all a good night!