Marrakech: the universe and a tale of so nice media mentions

Dear friends,

It has been a bad, sad, and not-so-good couple of weeks. Let's just say that I've had disappointments.  {The kind that totally threw me for a loop and took my breath away.} 

But you know how when things go wrong, the universe intervenes and tries to make things right? 

Because in addition to the bad, sad and not-so-good news, I have had the good, very good and even-a-little-bit-great news.  Speaking of which, a few media shout outs in my world... 

There were three (!) very kind media mentions due to the uber-talented Stephanie Von Watzdorf of global chic brand, Figue.  Stephanie is a favorite friend and client.  I couldn't be more excited about her new store in Soho!  I shrieked when I saw my name mentioned in yesterday's Women's Wear Daily as the contributing interior designer for the Figue store's look and feel. (And yes, those are copies of my book, Marrakesh by Design on the shelf!)

I am also so happy to see Peacock Pavilions in the September issue of Zink Magazine!  And even closer to my heart is the mention of my little non-profit association, Project Soar, that benefits girls between the ages of 6-12 in my Moroccan village.  Many thanks to adorable writer, Ariane Marder and photographer Christine Johnson!

Also, it's ridiculously thrilling to see my shop, Red Thread Souk, as well as Peacock Pavilions mentioned in the September Harper's Bazaar (pinch me!)!  

Finally, loved seeing this super nice review of Peacock Pavilions in The Independent!  Thank you, thank you Sarah Gilbert!

*********

{And thank you, universe.  You always know how to pick me up when I'm feeling down.  I won't soon forget the lessons you send my way -- bad, good, and somewhere in between.}

love from an olive grove in Marrakesh,

Maryam

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: and a tale of the weavers

In Addis Ababa, they’re everywhere.  The weavers. 

With their warps and wefts a pristine white, the weavers’ hands move smoothly across the looms.  Their shuttles whirring back and forth are silent but efficient.  But it takes time for the pattern to emerge -- there are no shortcuts. 

I’ve returned from Ethiopia.  I’ve brought back with me many lessons.  About people, about work, about life.  There are things I won’t soon forget.  There has been beauty but there has also been pain.  There were moments where I felt alone and moments where I felt misunderstood.  And as I sat in my hotel room with a long distance phone in my hand, I sometimes wondered if it was all worth it.

But I’ve learned from the weavers that there are no shortcuts.  And despite the broken strings and the blistered fingers, faith in oneself is often rewarded...

with goodness, with truth, and yes, with beauty.  

If not this time, then the next.

I hope I will remember that.  And I hope that you will, too.

Johannesburg,South Africa: and a tale of change and images

It feels different somehow. Johannesburg.  It's been years since I've been here but I used to live next door in Namibia, and so South Africa was a destination for conferences and vacations.  Everyone talked about the violence back then.  About the gated compounds and safe rooms and car jackings.  There was a kind of tension in the air -- a low level alert, a static electricity that wouldn't go away.   As my cab driver pointed out, Those years right after apartheid we didn't know each other.  We just assumed about each other.  And what we assumed wasn't good.  

That suspicion, that worry, that constant looking over the shoulder seems to have dissipated.  It's easier now.  There's more mixing between people and colors and neighborhoods. Everyone says, Oh, it's much better now.  Much better.  And it seems, really, to be.

I've been working and working.  But a few photos I've taken.

**************************************

PS If you read this blog from time to time, please, please like it on Facebook here. I'd so appreciate it:-)

Morocco: and a tale of {finally} on Instagram

{Sigh} I'm a late bloomer, behind the 8 ball, last to the party. But yes, I'm finally on Instagram. It' a little behind the scenes look at my day-to-day life, all taken with my iphone.....Family, friends, travel, food. Love.

Here glimpses of last week, spent at the beach in Mirleft, Morocco.

My  husband, Chris, and his pink surfboard.

My son, Tristan and his board.

A bestie and me:-) 

 

And yes, I even did a little video!  Cough, don't mind my singing.

So, come visit me here, on Instagram and follow along if you'd like.  

PS Are you on Instagram?  Do you have recommendations of lovely feeds to follow?  I'd love your advice.