Great American Outdoors

The United States is home to a vast and stunningly diverse system of national parks. Each offers unique opportunities for outdoor exploration, conservation, and education.  Our nation has a rich history of champions of the great American outdoors ...

Native Americans were the original conservationists, their practices embodying a deep connection to and respect of the land. "We must protect the forests for our children, grandchildren and children yet to be born. We must protect the forests for those who can't speak for themselves such as the birds, animals, fish and trees" (Qwatsinas, Nuxalk Nation).

In post-colonial early America, ideas of conservation were shaped by essayists like Henry David Thoreau and Ralph Waldo Emerson. “Every creature is better alive than dead, men and moose and pine trees, and he who understands it aright will rather preserve its life than destroy it” (Thoreau).

And it is the profound and enduring conservation legacies of presidents like Theodore Roosevelt and Jimmy Carter that tangibly express the importance of preserving natural landscapes, protecting wildlife and practicing sustainability within the management of natural resources. “We have become great because of the lavish use of our resources. But the time has come to inquire seriously what will happen when our forests are gone, when the coal, the iron, the oil, and the gas are exhausted, when the soils have still further impoverished and washed into the streams, polluting the rivers, denuding the fields and obstructing navigation” (Theodore Roosevelt).

Among the earliest established national parks were Mackinac National Park (Michigan, 1875) Sequoia National Park (California, 1890) and Crater Lake National Park (Oregon, 1902).  Today the U.S. national park system encompasses over 400 sites, each offering an irreplaceable respite from daily routines and hectic lifestyles. As the current stewards of these natural havens, we must support ongoing efforts to protect our national parks from challenges including air and water pollution, climate change and overuse by visitors.

lotus27™ proudly carries a comfortable, stylish and incredibly well-made selection of items from The Landmark Project. The Landmark Project is dedicated to good ethical and environmental practices, a beautifully utilitarian representation of our national parks, and responsible and inclusive support of enthusiasts within the great American outdoors community. A number of their products are licensed through the US Forest Service, 1% of their gross revenue benefits charities registered with 1% for the Planet, and 10% of proceeds from products featuring Smokey Bear, Woodsy Owl or Ranger Rick go directly to conservation organizations and educational programs.

Raise the Red Lantern

As a young woman, I was moved by a number of Asian films shown at a local Chicago theatre. Gong Li was often the heroine, or tragic heroine, of these. Raise the Red Lantern, a 1991 film directed by Zhang Yimou and adapted from the novel A Crowd of Wives and Concubines by Su Tong, was one such movie. I remember it being a hauntingly beautiful, stark portrayal of the fourth wife of the affluent Chen family and her hopeless attempts to escape the prison that this traditional life afforded. The red lantern symbolized the control and order of the traditional Chinese Confucian system, under which the value of women was often reduced to a commodity.

Though an entirely different time and culture, I find that many women (myself included) still struggle to find their inner truth and strength. In the past I have designed clothing.  Now I design and create jewelry.  I create because it is my innate nature. But one underlying motivation has always been to offer women a quiet way to express their own truth, outside of the mandates of fast fashion. I hand made and remade this pair of “Red Lantern” earrings until they felt whole. I hope that these red lanterns will symbolize the power of inner beauty, peace and knowing for women living within these modern times.

Contemplating Plates

Though some vintage and antique plates made prior to 1971 may contain unsafe levels of lead, making them unsuitable for food, they can still be an incredibly charming addition to your home. Whether as wall art, as a receptacle for keys or jewelry or simply as an item of visual interest on a shelf, their often intricate patterns and nostalgic designs offer a timeless and unique aesthetic that can be tailored to fit your personal space and taste.

Decorative serveware and souvenir plates capture the beauty of historical periods and artistic movements ... Victorian, Art Deco, Art Nouveau, Mid-Century Modern, etc. Which style brings you the most joy? Or do you prefer an eclectic mix of periods and movements, brought together by a specific color family? Hand painted botanicals, scenic landscapes, geometric patterns, written recipes, etc. can wonderfully come together to enhance your kitchen, office or reading nook.

When considering a collection of plates for a wall, I find it easiest to do a mock layout on the floor. Begin by marking out the boundaries with painter’s tape. Next, center or anchor the arrangement with the most prominent or interesting piece. Then take your time in positioning and repositioning the other pieces in a manner that you find to be visually pleasing. Think about the negative space in between ... allow the eye to focus on the allure and detail of the plates rather than getting caught in a busy display. When you are satisfied, use your math skills, a tape measure, tiny pieces of the painter’s tape and a pen to mark where the nails need to go (it’s a much smaller commitment to put a pen mark on the painter’s tape than on the wall!). Have some fun and remember that the curator from the Guggenheim Museum will likely not be coming over to inspect your choices!

Masumoto Peach + Lemon Verbena

Masumoto Farm photos: New York Times + Los Angeles Times | Epitaph for a Peach, book by David Mas Masumoto

Organic farming in the United States faces a number of challenges, including high costs, a rigorous certification process, limited availability of organic seeds + fertilizers and increasing vulnerability to climate change. And yet it remains an important and growing segment of the American agricultural industry as more consumers become interested in organic and sustainable food.

The Masumoto Organic Farm is a family-owned and operated farm located in the Central Valley of California, near the town of Del Rey. The farm is known for producing heirloom organic fruits, particularly peaches, nectarines, and grapes, using sustainable farming methods. Today, Masumoto Organic Farm is run by David Mas Masumoto and his family, who are committed to preserving the land and producing the highest quality fruit possible. “We are drawn back each summer by the intense flavor of the heirloom fruit, but even more by the unexpected attachments that have deepened over the harvests: bonds among members of our multigenerational team, ties with the Masumoto family, and a connection to our decades-old Elberta peach tree.” Pawel, Miriam. (“The Peaches Are Sweet, but Growing Them Isn't.” The New York Times, The New York Times, 24 Aug. 2019, https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/24/opinion/sunday/peaches-california-climate-change.html.)

Is a taste worth a thousand words? Try for yourself ... our extremely small batch of 220g Masumoto Peach + Lemon Verbena fruit spread by Sqirl is at lotus27™inc for your palatable delight!

Name it. Wear it. Own it.

An artist is someone who creates art ... painting, sculpture, drawing, music, literature, dance, theater, film, and more. Artists use their creativity and skill to express themselves and communicate their ideas, emotions, and experiences to others, drawing inspiration from the world around them, from their own thoughts and feelings, or from their imaginations. Working independently or collaboratively, they may create for personal expression, social or political commentary, entertainment, or for a living. The term "artist" can be applied to anyone who engages in creative expression, regardless of your level of training or recognition in the art world.

This is one of my favorite paintings, “The Little Girl in Blue,” by Amitra Sher-Gil. Influenced by the Parisian art scene of the 1930’s, particularly the work of Cezanne, Modigliani and Gauguin, her “stylistically simple yet visually complex (paintings) ... would fundamentally change the perception of Indian audiences towards contemporary art forever.” (Southeby’s, Nov. 26, 2018 | photo of the artist by Dalip Singh)

Name it. Wear it. Own it! We are talking about your passion, your life’s work, your identity! You don’t have to be Amedeo Modigliani; the term "artist" can be applied to anyone who engages in creative expression, regardless of your level of training or recognition in the art world. #youbeyou!

“All the better to smell you with!…”

...said the wolf! Migraines can be caused by a number of factors from processed meats and alcohol to anxiety and changes in barometric pressure. Environmental factors such as bright lights, loud noises and strong smells can also cause migraines. Artificial fragrances can trigger migraines in some people due to the chemicals they contain. Fragrances can cause inflammation and irritation in the nasal passages, leading to headaches and other unpleasant symptoms. Thankfully, essential oils offer a natural alternative to synthetic fragrances. Brands such as Province Apothecary, Among the Flowers and Soulistic Root offer those sensitive to strong synthetic perfumes a wonderfully subtle alternative for body and home.

a Wonderful Night for a Moondance

“Moon At Umagome” 馬込の月, Japanese woodblock by Kawase Hasui, 1930

“If you want the moon, do not hide from the night.
If you want a rose, do not run from the thorns.
If you want love, do not hide from yourself.” -Rumi

The moon has long been a source of fascination ... inspiring mythology, art, and literature throughout history. As a celestial object, it symbolizes mystery, magic, and even romance. Though the relationship between the full moon and mere mortals is a topic of much debate and speculation, with some giving her the power to control energy, emotion and restlessness while others find no scientific basis for any such lunar effects, her spellbinding allure is undeniable. Tonight I am joined by the lighthearted “Snow Moon,” or full moon of February. And as for myself, I do my best to hide from neither the night nor myself. I thank You, Luminous Snow, Moon. Your subtle glowing blanket provides a hint of what might be.

Beauty + Peace in Every Step

Yesterday while in my car, I caught a few minutes of Fresh Air on NPR and listened for a bit about 2023 Caldecott medal winner, Doug Salati.

“Hot Dog is about carrying that feeling of peace and contentment – whether it's a place, or the company of loved ones – with you. ‘It's a good thing if you can try and hold on to that feeling,’ Salati says.” (© 2023 npr)

Mindful moments of inner peace and contentment can lead to feelings of calm and fulfillment no matter the environment. Some practices to help achieve this state of mind include mindfulness meditation, gratitude journaling, practicing self-care, and surrounding oneself with positive influences.

This mindful notion of self-care, finding beauty and holding peace in every step is the main idea behind lotus27™. Life is a hectic blur for so many of us. Simple, unspoken, visual reminders offer a respite from the daily grind. A positive message on a laptop sticker, a beautiful, fragrant cup of tea, an elegant glint of light on your ear. Let us help you find that feeling ... and congratulations, Doug!

Mama Earth and her Children

Nature has a positive impact on children's mental health and well-being. Taking a break from the manmade world and fully experiencing nature can reduce stress levels and improve mood. Research has shown that nature can help children to develop a greater sense of self-esteem, self-worth and self-confidence. Additionally, spending time in nature can help in developing a greater sense of empathy and compassion for the natural world. At times in my life when I have lost my way, I have counted on the lessons in mindfulness that are so simply taught by the natural world to help me return to a place of inner peace. It is my dearest wish that our children will continue to thrive by finding inspiring pockets of calm and beauty in a natural world that also continues to thrive.

“Change: My Plan to Save the Planet is a fill-in journal that inspires kids to come up with a plan to help save the planet, starting with the choices they make every day. Created for budding eco-activists, Change is filled with digestible facts, stickers, postcards, and hands-on activities that encourage big and small actions — from avoiding vampire energy, to making solar s'mores, to upcycling trash, to making their own zine. Ultimately, it encourages kids to unleash their creativity to protect our planet.” - Wee Society, LLC