Moda di Magno - Accessories for Stylish Living now Blogging for Stylish Living. Yammering about jewelry, design, metalsmithing, modadimagno.com, Boston, politics, bad fashion and Thomas Magno Photography. Whatever.
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Latest Posts
Thankful For
Happy Thanksgiving. Enjoying my day and thankful for Thomas, Badcat, Blanche, both families, Janet, Peter, Beth, my Cindys, my customers, friends who love and reserve judgment and people who who work for good. Sending thoughts of peace and hope to all in Mumbai and those with friends and family in the middle of conflict.
Badcat says peace.
Yeah, Still Swamped
Yeah, still a littlesomewhatkind of totally, insanely busy. Lot's of stuff barreling down the tracks between now and the new year. I'll try to do keep ya'll informed of the what & where. Here's a few things from the last week or so.
Red-Roo for Becky, design by Heath. Is is not the cutest creature ever? Happy Birthday Becky!
DLS version 1. DLS version 2. The Hartford Family bracelets. (Thanks Nancy!)
Got Art?
My beloved Thomas Magno Photography is featured on the Etsy Showcase today! To celebrate this special honor, he is offering a buy two framed prints get a third FREE special.
There are 15 images available on the site, but check out this portfolio of nearly 300 images that qualify for this special deal. Go check it out!
Another one of my favorites - The old Teddie Peanut Butter factory in Everett, MA (BTW, it is the best peanut butter - nothing but peanuts & salt!)
Tommy's First Showcase Day Tomorrow!
Tommy is so excited I am pleased to announce on Tom's behalf that he will be featured on the Etsy Showcase tomorrow!
To celebrate Tom's first showcase we have a special offer: Buy two framed & matted prints, receive the third free! That is a chance to own Thomas Magno prints, signed by the artist (and in time for your holiday gift giving needs) at a special price! Hop on it peeps! You know you want art in your life and I want you to have it.
The Freddy Mercury statue on the shores of Lake Geneva (Lac Leman) in Montreux, Switzerland
The Edward Hopper House in Truro, Massachusetts.
Sandwiches: Vevey, Switzerland
The Frank Gehry designed Stata building on the campus of MIT in Cambridge, MA
Winter Approaches
Inspired by Alex Guarnaschelli's recipe for Potato & Brussel Sprouts Gratin in New York Magazine I put together Potato, Brussel Sprouts & Mushroom (kind of) gratin. I didn't have several of the ingredients in Alex's recipe, so I vamped with ingredients I had on hand.
Tom roasted brussel sprouts, mushrooms and garlic the other night, so tonight I made some mashed russet potatoes (a little butter, a little milk, salt & pepper) and added some Parmeseano Regiano to the potatoes, added the sprouts and 'shrooms, sprinkled a little bit of shredded mozzarella on top, added a tiny spot of butter on top and baked at 375 for 15 minutes until the tops were golden brown. I did not butter the ramekins, I figured anything that got stuck would still be delicious when licked off.
Rating: Thank God I made 4 of them - totally delicious on this cold, pre-winter night. And I'm not sure I really love brussel sprouts unless Tom roasts them with garlic and cuts them into just the right-size pieces. That's not weird at all - right?
Oh Hello!
Wow. It's been a little crazy around ModadiMagno land. The election (yay!) Big stuff at work (aye!) Prepping for holiday mania (aye yiyi!)
Here are some snaps of new pieces. The "Drop Letters" will go on Etsy tomorrow. Snap some up! I have a couple of showcases coming up on Etsy (and Tom's got a couple too - more details tomorrow.) There's another version of the Family Bracelet down below too.
Would the world kindly slow down just a wee bit for a couple of weeks?
A New Day Dawns, World Remains Hopeful
I'm still processing the election results of Tuesday. Feeling like a battered person, it is hard to fully let go and believe that hope triumphed over, um - not hope? Foolishness? Continued insanity? It doesn't matter - hope won. A vision for the future won. A president and vice president that the world has welcomed and many Americans seem prepared to stand by and help fix the mess won. They won! By a theft-proof (and still growing) margin. Hallelujah.
Make no mistake, we are in a hole. The economy; whacked. The wars (pick one) must stop. Health care - whoa, where to even begin the assessment let alone fix it. Energy; we are at the crossroads - the right decisions now could lead us to energy independence or send us deeper into the mire. Climate change; likely to move to the bottom of the list in the short term but desperately requires leadership, innovation and investment.
Political discourse has to change. The problems we face cannot be solved by democrats or republicans or independents or greens or any party alone. These groups must work together and keep their focus on the issues. Focus on the issues. FOCUS PEOPLE.
Cut the bullshit and dedicate yourselves to fixing something. No one, not even the most hopeful believes that everything can be solved in one term. It will take many minds, hearts, hands, countries, leaders, workers and the will to change things. Something. Some things. And everyone whose eyes welled at the dream of hope must step up. Plans are being formulated now. Opportunities will present themselves to serve in many ways both large and small. Could you volunteer an hour a week to teach someone to read? To help improve a life or lives in some small way? Stay tuned and visit the official site of the transition team at www.change.gov (special thanks to the always divine Paul McEnany for the turn on.)
I'm going to find something to do to make this country better. I don't know what yet, but I'll let you know when I've figured out how to be useful. I'm guessing there is no Director of Accessory selection in the administration, but perhaps something a little more local will fit the bill. When I find it I'll blog the living hell out of it. It would be so wrong to waste the opportunity so many friends worked for; from voter protection in Florida to campaigning in Missouri and New Hampshire - we worked too hard to squander this opportunity.
In the meantime, enjoy this:
The world rejoiced, but a piece of my world was rejoicing in Times Square. Marketing beauty Christina "CK" Kerley was prowling NYC with her friend Tim (visiting from the UK.) CK updated her Blogger Social crown for great purpose and it landed her (being hugged) and Tim in The Guardian. Nice.
Pre-election crown madness - yeah baby, we rocked the foam in April. (I was rocking mine over a Red Sox World Champions hat - because what better to wear when you are in NYC?)
Can You Believe It?!
I am flabbergasted. Amazed, amused, shocked, happy. After an evening of quiet hope and expectations (and great friends who prepared a wonderful meal,) to finally see the election called for Barack Obama was stunning. My friend Watson is calling from New YOrk City right now - he can't believe it. How to believe it? Just have to I guess.
Congratulations Senator Obama and Senator Biden - our President and Vice President elect. I hope your amazing victory (by a theft-proof margin) and warm thanks & acceptance speech set the tone for good things to come. Call on us, call on me - ask the citizens of the United States and the world to step and and make change happen.
As I Predicted!
As I boldly predicted late last night I voted for Barack Obama for President of the United States of America. It took 40 minutes (after 10 minutes of looking for a parking space and hiking to the Lynch School in Winchester, MA.) My election experience courtesy of iPhone:
My actual ballot. Count this!
I voted, got my sticker and am heading for my free Starbucks coffee.
The bake sale table at the Lynch School in Winchester, MA. BEST BANANA BREAD EVER!
Getting close - I have never seen a crowd more in control of itself. The lines at the primary were all of three people deep and there were whiners - no whiners today. A lot of crossed fingers and silent prayers.
The long line now longer after I make the turn. Crowd in good humor, generally surprised at the turnout.
The long line upon arrival. Excitement and buzz in the air. The woman in line behind me tells me that she saw the election supervisor last night who told her that 12% of Winchester residents had voted early - that's more than voted in the primary!
My Prediction for Election Day
I hope you get out and vote early. And then you call your friends and family and ask them to vote. Dixville Notch, New Hampshire is voting right now - the rest of us in a few hours. In a little more than 24 hours we will know who will lead the United States of America through one of the most difficult periods in many decades. It is your right, it is your duty as a citizen - please go and vote.
Starbucks Rewards Patriotism with Caffeine! (Take them up on it!)
I'll give the big corporate coffee guys some props here and say that 'Bucky's wants you to vote. They don't care how you vote, they just want you to vote.
To encourage that positive, life-affirming, American-patriotic behavior they will reward you with a cup of coffee after you have voted.
So vote, take America up on your right to vote and then proudly walk into your favorite Starbucks and announce to your barista "I HAVE VOTED AND I NEED A CUPPA!"
Boo! Supporting Obama? No treats for you Mich. woman shares sweets with only those who back McCain, Palin
GROSSE POINTE FARMS, Mich. - A woman refused Halloween candy to children whose parents support Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama.
Shirley Nagel passed out candy Friday on the scary U.S. holiday, but only to those who shared her support for Republican presidential candidate John McCain and his vice presidential pick Sarah Palin.
Television station WJBK reported that a sign posted outside Nagel's house in suburban Detroit served this notice to children seeking treats: "No handouts for Obama supporters, liars, tricksters or kids of supporters."
Nagel told WJBK that "Obama's scary." When asked about children who were turned away empty-handed and crying, she said: "Oh well. Everybody has a choice."
Regularly Scheduled Programming will Return Soon
I'll be campaigning in New Hampshire for Barack Obama and Joe Biden tomorrow. To be clear, Hillary was my candidate - but I'm looking forward to voting FOR Barack Obama and Joe Biden and not against McCain/Palin. (Though I am very much against what they stand for.)
Answer your own questions about the Obama/Biden team tax cut at the TAXCUT page on the Obama website.
It's time for some positive thinking. Hell, it's time for thinking period. I'm hopeful for a return to civility and sensibility and concern for all.
Silly me, but that's what I'm looking for in my presidential slate. I don't need someone to have a beer with (hello! I work in advertising - plenty of beer there!) I need someone to be the reasonable world moderator and calming influence. I need America to get out of places that don't want us and start to focus on rebuilding this country one brick and one job at a time.
So this will be my final plea for everyone to get off their butts and vote. Even if you aren't voting for my candidates you should exercise your hard fought privilege to vote. I ask you to think about this country when you go into that voting booth and decide if you want more of the same - war, poverty, crumbling infrastructure, economic collapse, inaccessible health care and more breaks for the richest among us; or something different. To quote Senator McCain, "My fellow prisoners..." From the party that brought you the original plumbers to Joe the Plumber I haven't heard an idea that will bring the urgent change America needs.
So how about some hope, some concern, some thought, kindness and care for others. Tax cuts that will benefit those truly in need and help drive us to a more stable economy. A new focus on alternative energy solutions (and energy conservation in the interim.) Time and attention on education that will elevate the next generation and our country as a whole.
World peace? I don't know about that - but there are worse dreams.
Get thee to the polls on Tuesday and bring a friend.
- VOTE
Newest Most Important Work - Available October 29th!
I am really excited to announce that The Age of Conversation 2 "Why Don't They Get It?" will hit the proverbial shelves tomorrow! (In the parlance of Paris Hilton; "My book drops tomorrow, bitches.") The book is an amazing compilation of essays from 237 of the world's top marketing, technology and creative leaders. And me - but don't let that stop you from buying a copy (it's for the kids you know!) and becoming enlightened.
In addition to nearly tripling the number of authors, the book has been divided into eight topics:
Age of Conversation Manifestos Keeping Secrets in the Age of Conversation Moving from Conversation to Action The Accidental Marketer A New Brand of Creative My Marketing Tragedy Business Model Evolution Life in the Conversation Lane
I selected the topic "A New Brand of Creative" and assembled some thoughts on what being creative in the social media age means.
The book really is "for the kids" as every dime generated by the book will be donated to Variety Children's Charity. Last year's book resulted in more than $15,000 directed to children's mobility programs. What could be more awesome than that?
The book is the crazy-awesome brainchild of Drew McLellan (the nicest man in Iowa) and Gavin Heaton (the original Thunder from Down Under.)
You can learn about last year's madness in this series of posts. Even better - you can join the conversation by purchasing a copy or 17. The holidays are coming... The book is available in large format paperback or as an ebook (for you kindle lovers!)
In addition to the awesomeness contained in the book, you can visit the author's websites (subscribe people!) and become even smarter.
Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you the authors of The Age of Conversation 2:
His and Hers pendants - "Triple J" for Jen, Jake and Jordan. The design is a Celtic-tinged mash of the letter "J" three times. Jake's pendant will hang from a leather cord; Jen's from a Sterling chain. Jordan is still a wee bit of an angel, so she'll just have to admire Mom & Dad's.
New Newer Things
Still a wee bit in the weeds, but a couple of new things completed this week. Company coming over soon and the Sox are on tonight at 8:05. Mood for tomorrow predicted after 11:30pm. Go you Red Sox, go you lazy bums! Go you Red Sox!
Video Your Vote
A neat idea for campaign 2008. I am worried about a theft-proof majority, other (better) people are worried about plain old election problems. Check out the "Video your vote" project, which has its own CHANNEL on YouTube (in conjunction with PBS.) AWESOME.
Sounds Like, GAH!
Too busy for words. Made a present for someone. Here is a photo. Back again soon.
I Have Lost My Mind
I'm certain I have completely lost it. I've been overworked, overwrought and overtired (and no, I'm not one of those idiot wedding dresses from Project Runway last night.) I digress, I must be losing it because Paris Hilton is making sense. Paris Hilton who can barely remember to wear panties and the location of her Chihuahua of the week. I am voting for Obama for President of the United States - but Paris Hilton totally has my vote as Fake President.
I've been super busy at work and all sorts of wound up in the presidential election, but I've managed to make a few new things. But more important than that is the Thomas Magno Photography mini shop on Etsy. It took a lot of prodding and whining on my part (SO hard to believe, I know) but I finally convinced Tom to let me put up a shop for him with a select group of prints in a small format. Perfect for gift giving (hello corporate titans!) or gifting yourself - we all need art in our lives, so get some Tommy Magno today! Go now! The first person to buy a print gets a special piece of jewelry from me!
Speaking of jewelry, a little madness from me:
Dima & Craig's Anniversary Pendants (commissioned by Craig)
That's Jason Bay sliding in for the winning run off Jed Lowrie's hit in game four of the ALDS playoffs against the Anaheim Kind-of-near-Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.
Bring on Tampa Bay - and really bring on the Los Angeles Dodgers of Los Angeles!
Really? This is What it's Come To?
William Ayers. Weather Underground. Domestic Terrorist. (The "gay marriage" buzzword for '08) That awful Hasselbeck girlon The View repeating DOMESTIC TERRORIST over and over until Barbara Walters had to stop the madness. (I'd be afraid of Babs' stiletto in my shin if I was Screechy McSillypants.)
I would insert the SNL video from this past weekend (Tina Fey as She-Devil Palin) but I can't stomach the voice that cannot, will not form a proper gerund.
I Thought It Was Just a Tic
The wink, I'm talking about the wink. I totally thought Sarah Palin (understandably under tremendous pressure to not implode during the Vice Presidential debate last night) had a nervous tic. I saw the winks, and except for the one when she mentioned her dad - I THOUGHT IT WAS A TIC.
So sue me.
She didn't fall off the stage or suffer nip slip, she managed to squeak out her memorized points. At no time did she directly answer any of Gwen Ifil's lame questions. If she was in a 9th grade forensic match I would give her C+ but as the next in line to the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (take that seriously) she gets a D- for lack of depth. In anything.
Senator Joe Biden won on the facts (for the most part getting them right.) Check your questions about the debate HERE.
Happy Anniversary Darling
Happy 14th wedding anniversary to my ceaselessly patient, kind, amazing, loving husband. I don't know how you continue to tolerate me, my stuff, my family, the crafts, the crappy movies, Project Whatever on Bravo and other mania too numerous to mention.
Thomas Magno, you are the love of my life, I am the luckiest girl ever.
MBTA/MBCR: This will require a blog post
Dear MBTA/MBCR,
This is the sign that greeted me this morning when I arrived at the Wedgemere station:
Let's break it down - shall we?
- Where is the date of this notice? (i.e. What date was it posted?)
- "Due to scheduled work" When is this work scheduled? Month/Day/Time(s)
- "All passengers are to board on the OTHER platform" What other platform is that? The outbound platform?
- Contact information for questions? Nope.
- Anticipated length of track work? Nope.
- Description of track work? Nope.
"We apologize for any inconvenience" Oh really?
Despite the train being late (feigns shock here) it did arrive on its normally scheduled INBOUND platform side. When the conductor stepped off I asked him what he knew about the sign and he just shook his head (trying not to chuckle) and suggested I speak to customer service at North Station. Feeling up for a challenge, I did stop by customer service and spoke to a nice young woman who asked me to forward the photograph so she could send it to her supervisor. I left my business card too in case they want to respond.
