design, Life

The Lost Process of Ironing

Does anyone iron anymore? Picking out cotton fabric or dry fit clothing is easy. There are high powered steamers and settings on dryers to eliminate wrinkles.

Do you iron? If you do iron, how do you iron? Who taught you how to iron? Was that person patient with you? Did you know that your ironing sensei passed on a process of highest achievement?

On Sundays, I’ve been ironing my son’s shirts for church. I start with the collar. Next are the front panels along with the plackets. I continue the back of the shirt. Finally, I finish with both sleeves. The left front panel seems to have a wrinkle in it every time I iron. The process has a gap, but it is quickly smoothed out.

iron and ironing board

I learned the process from my sensei, my mother, and I can’t remember the first time I ironed. I must have been young because it’s ingrained in me. My mother would sew dresses for weddings or events for her clients, and I would iron out the puckered material. Anyone can be efficient when you have 14 dresses to iron in a few hours.

I was thinking of many processes that are lost due to technology or innovation. Like the process of talking to people for the sake of talking to people. My husband is comfortable going up to people and asking anything about them. The art of conversation and the process of getting to know someone is not prevalent in this world. Did we learn to have a conversation with Youtube videos, our parents, or our friends? Are we a century away from having meaningful connection without an agenda or achieving a goal?

What other processes are being lost?

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business, design, Life

Closeups and Cameras

I don’t feel like I am ready to do a photo shoot.  I feel vulnerable in front of a camera.  Despite my confidence on stage when I speak or when I conduct training with a group my old demons of being a teenager comes out.

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The sad story of a girl with a disability never had dates, never went to the prom, didn’t deserve to have straight teeth – “Who would want to marry or even date her?” I was constantly bullied in the shadows or whispers.

When someone in college said I was pretty, I gravitated towards that and was taken advantage of again and again and again. I finally let go of all that stress on the day I was married. No more being judged, no more being criticized but it didn’t stop. The criticisms never end because the voices from the past keep coming back like a ghost.

Now I look at my wrinkles and my fat and thank God for Photoshop. Then again, should I show you what I look like with all my flaws?  I’m already teetering on one leg with crutches in front of you.

Despite all of my flaws, I am content.  I am in a career I love.  I have jewelry and a clothing business that gives back to families and nonprofits. I love my husband, kids, dog, house, church, community (Mililani), networking groups (especially BNI), clients, etc.  I have so much to be grateful for.  That may show up in the photos and that may not.  I know that this contentment is in my heart.

If you have a chance, please check out my jewelry boutique. https://www.chloeandisabel.com/boutique/vince

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I’m only a $1000 away from earning a trip to Paris.  I’ve never been out of the country. You can help me get to Paris.  Share my page and of course purchasing any jewelry pieces.  Think of Valentine’s Day!

The sales of jewelry, clothing, training, or coaching helps to keep this contentment. Thank you so much for your support and purchase!

Next blog: Tie Your Roots

design

Design Aficionados

I am always fascinated when people see the design in art, clothing, programs, processes, and strategy. I am on the outskirts of a tribe who appreciate the uniqueness and have pushed their limitations beyond their imagination.  I am enthralled by the beauty of database programs that a person can change with coding and improve the function of a simple multiple choice question.

I geek out when a program has discovered steps to redirect an area that has been stagnant, or people have accepted that procedure as status quo. In my mind, these design aficionados are micro disruptors for good.  These design disruptors are the heart of change.

When a designer notices something unusual in a piece, and a composition catches their eye, they fully appreciate the other designers’ thought process and for a moment step into that artists’ eye.  They ask thoughtful questions like, “How did they come up with this piece?” or “What made them think of inserting that there?”

In a past blog, I wrote about my mother who could design a clothing pattern just by seeing it.  My father had similar traits when he built houses. Every aspect of the build is a design and in small ways would figure out problems and create solutions.

For me, the ultimate designer is God. How did He come up with us?  What made Him think of giving man free will? How will we design a world where we can live in peace? Design aficionados and design disruptors, it’s our time, for our tribe to triumph.