SUMMER STRIPES !

I don't know if it was the heat, but I was overwhelmed by the presence of stripes in, around and on Mirth (and myself). Then I got a little curious, what is the connection between the Parisian summer (that our dear Jessica is enjoying right now) and stripes?

so it goes....

In 1310, stripes were considered evil.... and it all started in France.

Apparently, two monks from Palestine came to Paris wearing brown and white horizontal striped cloaks. Quickly, they became to be called the barred brothers and Pope Boniface VIII banned the striped clothing from all religious orders.

[This is something that will obviously never repeat itself in French history…]

Even the zebra was perceived as an evil creature.[How many zebras were running around Paris in the 1300’s, or like ever?]

On March 27, 1858, the Act of France, introduced the navy and white uniform for all French seamen, in Brittany. Known as the Breton stripe, the original design featured 21 stripes, one for each of Napolean’s victories.

Things changed in 1905, when Queen Victoria dressed her four-year old son – Albert Edward – in a sailor suit to board the Royal Yacht. 

Everything was coming up stripes!

In 1917, Coco Chanel pioneered the striped sweater. The nautical look grew – swimmers took to the style and men’s fashion picked up on the trend.

In the 60’s stripes were daring and rebellious, now we don't even think twice when we see such a pattern.

- Alexsandra for Mirth

F FOR FAKE

Orson Welles's last directorial project, "F For Fake," delves into a dark world of fraud, scandal and lies with unabashed intrigue. Three distinct vignettes following painter Elmyr de Hory, writer Clifford Irving and Orson Welles himself, guide the viewer through Welles's erudite musings and ultimately, grand critique on film, art and creative manipulation. http://vimeo.com/46702565

The film hosts an endless number of take-aways but ironically, what rests on the surface is perhaps most poignant which is, things are not always as they appear to be. In the case of the above objects, utility is disguised by beauty and design.

-Jessica for Mirth

THE MIRTH CURE

Dig a hole for fresh roses.

Spin a top, play. 

Sip a cafe au lait, sugar stirred with a gold spoon. 

Prepare a bite to share and serve with friends. 

Light a candle.

Pouf recline!

Adorn your wrists with braided-bead bracelets.

Handwrite. Keep a journal. 

Eat chocolate, aphrodisiac.

Make room for order.

Give in to chaos. 

Suggestions for humans feeling less than mirthful...


-Jessica for Mirth

JAPANESE MANDOLIN

Renaissance painter, Giuseppe Arcimboldo composed busts from vegetable forms, flowers and roughage. The works trigger to memory a childhood proverb, an idea that used to haunt me which is, "You are what you eat." 

Upon unwrapping one of Mirth's newest objects, the Benriner Japanese Mandolin, I felt I needed it. The present grew distant as i shuffled through an archive of memories; memories in which i had the wrong kitchen utensil for the job and failed to achieve the perfect vegetable texture in my recipe.

To play off of Ariele's beautiful post from yesterday, here are three things you may want to consider: 

1.There is something inherently creative and wonderful about transforming vegetables into anything else. 

2. Including color in your diet is delicious and healthy.

3. Possessing the appropriate kitchen utensil for the job improves quality of life.

-Jessica for Mirth

THREE THINGS

A couple weeks ago, a dear friend arrived for an all too brief visit in Marfa. He seemed healthy, happy and focused, despite his somewhat erratic vagabond lifestyle. Having wrestled with insomnia and anxiety for much of his life (like so many of us from time to time), I was immediately interested in what had caused such a glittering and calm change in his outlook. Was he drinking more/less coffee? Was he newly gluten-free? Prescription drugs? Alas, it was none of the above. In fact, in addition to recent creative successes, he told me (in a low voice conveying his sincerity):

I know it sounds super cheesy, but a gentleman told me to starting writing down three things I'm grateful for every day. Even if it's just sunshine or ponies or whatever. Three things; every day. And it really works! It trains the brain to seek out the good and filter out the terrible, frustrating, no-good thoughts that so often pull me into a spiraling Vortex of Bad.  It's the best habit I've picked up in the last 6 months. 

What a fantastic exercise! It reminds me of a song I learned as a child--"Count your many blessings, name them one by one..." Focus on The Good. Appreciate the delicate pretty things around you, as well as the strength of the unique. Consider ocotillo in bloom, a monster with a heart of gold, or a cake with bunny ears. (FYI: Tina Frey's bunny cake-stand now at Mirth!)

I just acquired this lovely little Sakai notebook and a Blackwing pencil for jotting down my 3 things every day. Join me in focusing on the bright/good/mirthful?

-Ariele for Mirth

A LITTLE SUGAR...OR NOT

I don't like olives.  One of the new items here at Mirth is a gorgeous olive dish by Tina Frey, an oblong version of the delicate sugar bowl above.  But you don't have to put olives in it.  You could line it with tiny rosemary crackers, or roasted nuts, or tiny samplings of cheese.  The same thing goes for the sugar bowl--don't like sweet things?  Why you don't like sweet things is a conversation for another time, because I think you're missing out, but that's not the point.  The point is that you can put whatever you want in this bowl, and it will be beautiful.  The point is that one of the things I love about Mirth is the versatility of the objects in this lovely collection.  Sugar, herbs, olives, oil, a single boiled egg.  It's up to you.

-Claire for Mirth

MAMA

"Mama was my greatest teacher, a teacher of compassion, love and fearlessness. If love is sweet as a flower, then my mother is that sweet flower of love." -Stevie Wonder

-Jessica for Mirth

ROCK, PAPER, SCISSORS

-Jessica for Mirth

THREADS, AND AN OWL

I like it when a customer comes in and asks, "Who makes this?  And this?  And this?" only to discover that each object of interest is made by the same designer.  It's like discovering your aesthetic is somehow represented and valued.  One Friday visitor was loving everything Sakai—a customer after my own heart—and was pleased to learn that his favorites were linked by a common thread.  He walked away with the owl bottle opener above.

Another customer said that his dear friend was starting a boutique in Germany with a personality similar to Mirth's.  Should we start an international-sister-boutique program?

-Claire for Mirth

OPEN

Mirth acquired a hand-me-down sandwich board that says OPEN on Saturday April 28th. I can't help but wonder how much this sandwich board will do for us!

1. Sandwich boards that say OPEN are ideal for the drive-by because you don't have to leave your car to inquire further.

2. While walking down a street, you see a sandwich board that says OPEN on another street; are you more likely to turn the block? Yes!

3. Sandwich boards that say OPEN do not discriminate. They are all-inclusive.

4. If I were to wear a sandwich board that says OPEN, people may notice.

5. Teeter totterers!...on the edge of escaping or entering a store--a sandwich board that says OPEN may persuade you to enter, eh?

6. Our sandwich board that says OPEN was $10. If it turns out to be an ineffective marketing tool, Mirth will not suffer financially.

7. Our sandwich board that says OPEN will often be blocked by cars and mobile homes that park on the street next to the historic Hotel Paisano.

8. What's a bad reason to own a sandwich board that says OPEN?

9. Our sandwich board that says OPEN has added about 30 seconds to the daily opening routine.

10. There is something casual and calming about a sandwich board that says OPEN.

-Jessica for Mirth