Think pink.

Apparently, in the design world, pink is in. Last year it was purple, so the only natural color to follow would be pink. I was subtly informed of this by a designer friend last weekend, and have been trying to think of ways to incorporate pink into my designs for customers. A pink toilette? A pink sink? Even as I think of these trendy possibilities, I cringe at the thought of plaguing one of my customers with a 1970's repeat of colored bathroom fixtures.

As we have been talking about worship at youth group this year, I have been answering questions about how I can worship God with my work. As a designer I want to improve people's lives through design. This may mean a pink toilette for someone who needs some color in their life to cheer them up, or it may mean a simplistic design of a kitchen to improve someone's efficiency and ease while cooking.

The worship comes in enriching peoples' lives through design; making their life easier and

hopefully reflecting God's design for joyful living.

(Thus, the creative and simple pink bathroom below.)

Trendir, laufen interiors, googleimages.com 2009

Just for the record...

I wanted to blog just now, but once again I don't have enough time to write anything of substance. Sorry.

I finally did it...

For almost nine months I have been avoiding it, but I finally got up the courage.  I went to the doctor, and spoke to him in German.  (Well, at least until he asked me if I really pronounce my name 'Nason' in perfect English.)

I have been so afraid to go to a German doctor because I didn't think I would understand, or that he wouldn't understand me.   

Despite all of my worrying the experience we so easy!  I even learned several new things.  So, do one thing that scares you everyday...

Some of my favorite memories of the last month...

The view outside our window in Salzburg...

Drew's parents and I in Schwäbisch Hall, where Drew proposed, after my soccer game.

We found this picture frame on the side of the road...then had so much fun taking random pictures with it.

We had Mexican with Andi and Ivan in Luzern...

Fred & Ginger

Last week, Drew and I spent the entire week road-tripping with his parents from Nürnberg to Prague, Salzburg, and Lucerne.  We were arriving late into Prague, and were trying hard to follow the GPS' directions when we happened upon this building by Frank Gehry and Czech architect Vlado Milunic.  

This very modern building adds excitement to a classic and linear city-scape.  It's movement inspires passion, creates a lively mood, and shows great creativity.  The design of the building was influenced by the famous dancing-pair, Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers from the 1930's.  Perhaps a hidden meaning since Prague was alive and dancing until the German Nazi occupation in the mid-1930's, and a modern symbol of a return to the city's most vibrant days.   

("Dancing House", www.wikipedia.com, 16.6.09)

Keep an eye out for design...

Sometimes the best design is found in the most unexpected places, and two Sundays ago this happened to me.  Hiding in the basement of an Idaho home, playing host to eight grown men, was this Charles & Rae Eames Lounge Chair.  

I have only studied this chair in classes, and have always appreciated it for its aesthetic value.  However, after getting the chance to sit in such a famous chair, I can now fully understand why this chair is so famous.  Not only does it look wise and classic, but also seems to be made for each sitter's individual body and transudes its qualities on the person enjoying a rest.

 

So, keep your eyes open for good design in random places...

(This is the Charles and Rae Eames Lounge Chair, produced by Herman Miller, and first sold in 1956.)  www.wikipedia.com

Love and Marriage!

As I was in Eagle, Idaho last weekend I was able to spend a few quick hours with some of the most incredible people in the world.  Ya, the kind of people you would drive four hours out of your way just to get to hang out with for a little bit.  Needless to say, my few hours with Becka, Maren, and the surprise guests Abbey and Marla were refreshing to my soul.  Being reminded of community and the love that others can have for people, made me wish I didn't have to return to Germany.   

However something more than these women's obvious love for others was a moment that will be remembered forever.  Of course, the topic of marriage came up, and Abbey was asking me about my relationship with Drew.  We had had some conversations before about where I used to be at with marriage, and although I have not talked with her for over a year she was getting tears in her eyes.  (Maybe she was just tired, and was getting watery eyes.)

Her reaction to Drew and I's redeemed relationship was shocking to me at first.  (Good thing I had the next twelve hours in a car alone to think about it.)  After thinking through the conversation, I began to learn something about marriage, which will probably happen a lot in the coming years.  My relationship with Drew is not only a blessing to me, but also to people around us.  This is what God wants us to know about marriage, and loving someone.  Through our love for each other, we are able to show love to others.  Although I don't truly understand this relationship of marriage...I know that this is the same way that God shows us love.  He loves others unconditionally so that we can see how others should be loved.  

Abbey, thank you for reminding me that this relationship is never just about me, nor is it about only Drew.  The love people share for each other is a blessing to those surrounding them, which I also saw in Josh and Bethany's relationship this weekend at their wedding in Idaho.  So many people are blessed by their love for each other.