Does the World need another t-shirt?

This is a question that runs through my mind often. No, I think, the world doesn't. And that's what I use to justify my stuckness, the denial of what calls me. Because, the truth is, I love t-shirts. I might go as far as saying I'm passionate about them. I love that they are a simple, pervasive, universal garment that can be used as a means of self-expression. And, when designed and worn right, can be downright stylish. And just about everyone can afford one, so they are a fashion equalizer.

I felt this way when I started the be line. And I feel this way now as I work on ideas for the beU bookstore.

My sister introduced me to this quote which is one of the most profound ideas I've ever contemplated:

"Don't ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive and go do it. Because what this world needs is people who have come alive." - Howard Thurman

Designing t-shirts that express the rootsy, soulful voice of spirit is what makes me come alive. So be it.

I love the work of artist Tamara Hensick including this cleverly designed pewter "be" which allows you to switch out cards as a reminder of who you want to be on any given day. I have one of her "word bars" that look like these:

NEW! the beU bookstore

because every campus needs a bookstore...
at beU, everything is designed to support and inspire you to be and just to feel good.

Like this "I want to live a life of light" t-shirt - perfect for summer, don't you think? You can see this and more here.

Ria Ray

I love the look of these uplifting products, lip balm and "mantra ties," from artist and healer Ria Ray.

it's what's inside that smells so good

LIGHT comes from within (spirit), PEACE comes from within (mind), BEAUTY comes from within (soul), JOY comes from within (emotion), LOVE comes from within (heart)

I stopped in my tracks when I saw these perfumes at Anthropologie and stood there, smelling each one, touching the well designed packaging, and savoring that feeling of discovering something that resonates as brilliant and inspired. Hoping to love the smell of LIGHT most of all, I could not deny the beautiful fragrance of LOVE and PEACE, and so, undecided, I did not make a purchase.

I was still thinking about it after getting home, so I looked on line and became more smitten when I read about Sarah Horowitz-Thran who created the perfumes and says "Finding the perfect fragrance for you can bring you into the moment and remind you of who you are."

What an idea. And what if somebody had bottled and was selling the present moment, you could spray yourself and stay awake and grounded in your true self, giving you access to the potential that surrounds you in each moment? How much would you be willing to pay?

The irony is that it is free and available to us 24/7 if we choose it. But, while we're working on that, a brilliantly named beautiful scent couldn't hurt.

Is that a Buddha in your pocket?

Very cute little "pocket buddhas, only 1.5 inches tall, they come in 6 different colors with stickers and an inspirational quote. They could brighten someone's day.

I am not endorsing, merely reporting this product, Rescue Remedy, that claims to be "your inner calm, on call." Made of all natural ingredients including various flower essences, it comes in drops that can be added to water or a spray. Created over 60 years ago, the website says it has "centering energy and is now relied upon by people around the world to provide unconditional support during demanding times." What interests me the most is that this type of product is now showing up in magazines such as Harpers Bazaar, which is where I found it. Since my inner calm is available to me (if I choose to access it) at all times, but not shiny minty lips, I am more likely to pick up Cover Girl's new AmazeMint lip gloss than this, but I know that many people receive benefit from holistic remedies and would love to hear from anyone who has tried it.

Aurora Lopez Mejia Jewelry

I've got a thing for hearts...

so I would like this pillow even if it didn't have a "sophisticated micro-computer that sends out soothing vibrations timed to a heart in deep meditation for a peaceful and relaxing experience that makes you more in tune with your own beating heart." I saw these in the Uncommon Goods catalog. They are designed by artist Yury Gitman who says "so rarely does our culture ask us to stop, pause and reflect. We use our talents to create a world of distractions and diversions for ourselves. I challenged myself to make something hi-tech and cool that calms people down and even encourages us to be more aware of our surroundings and ourselves."

It's called "my beating heart" and here's their website.

Nothing...I just love them

from Pixie Market