MYSTIC MARA HOFFMAN

It was love at first souk from the moment we stepped foot in the marketplace in Marrakech, the mecca of medinas. A dizzying maze of endless shops offering everything from spices to Berber jewelry to handwoven rugs, it's what gypsy huntress dreams are made of. We fell hard for the zillij tiles, beni ourain rugs, mashrabiya lattices, and interior courtyards. No wonder we've been ogling over Mara Hoffman's latest swimwear editorial all morning long. The clash of colors, prints, and textures epitomizes the eclectic while the step back into neutrals conjures up an idyllic princess in her desert oasis. 

Excuse us while we start scheming our next pilgrimage.

BEFORE THEY

Since first learning of his stunning imagery, I've been enamored to the point of obsession with Jimmy Nelson's photographs and, more precisely, his subjects whose existence reverberates with resilience in spite of "progress." Camera in hand, Jimmy set out to capture glimpses into the cultures and traditions of rare indigenous tribes from far, far away corners. After several years, his project culminated in the form of a book entitled Before They Pass Away, a photographic journey that elicits a grappling sense of identity and belonging. Distinct as they may be, in the piercing gaze of each tribal man, woman, and child is a deep, swelling warmth that transcends language and borders  and speaks at the level of humankind. Between the cosmos that link us all is this sudden, close sentiment of quiet intimacy.

In the spirit of podcasts, check out Ted Talks for a fascinating discussion on Jimmy's epic journey and the insights he gained. And for more striking images, visit www.beforethey.com. All images ©Jimmy Nelson Pictures B.V.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

What a year. We've been catching up with family and friends since returning home, recounting places we visited and things we saw. The faces we met on the road will forever be imprinted onto the folds of our imagination and the world as we see it will always be mapped by these individual stories. Reflecting on what we learned and how we hope to apply these lessons to our everyday lives, we realize the difficulty in pinpointing how we've changed, if at all.

Wisdom is tricky to qualify, isn't it? It doesn't come beautifully wrapped in gift boxes full of confetti and glitter, making an announcement as it enters the room. Even if it did, we'd be too stubborn anyway to welcome it with open arms. Instead, it has to be clever and mysteriously make its way into our lives, hitching a ride on our shadows when we're not paying attention. When we least expect it, it appears and with the help of some clarity, we have to recognize that it's been there all along, waiting for us to call upon it. If not, it goes back into hiding.

So, what are some of the things we were present enough to learn this past year?

Drink more water.
Take quick showers.
Call home frequently.
Pack light.
Layer up.
Eat in moderation.
Exercise regularly.
Smile often.
Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.
Pay more attention.

In 2016, we wish for more rain, less fire. More tolerance, less prejudice. More listening, less talking. More love, less hate. More clarity, less ambiguity.

Here's to a new year full of wisdom.

xx