Wandering Fox

My Dearest So and So,

2011-05-13T11:59:00.000-07:00

My Dearest So and So,

It is Friday morning and I am tranquilly typing these words to you amidst birds chirping, flowers blooming, and a cool breeze making its way through my screen door to caress my face after traveling all the way from the salted ocean. The only black cloud hanging over my head is that I know this letter will come to an end and when it does I will be forced to choose one word to close this correspondence for good. One word to sum up the emotion and intention of everything I have said, everything I have proposed, everything I have weaved together. In that final stitch of a word hangs the power to unravel or strengthen everything I have previously stated. In my younger years when letters through the post were the primary form of communication, next to the telephone, I would end with statements of "Sincerely" or "Yours Truly". But ending with those now feels a bit archaic. If my letter was sincere to begin with, I shouldn't have to reiterate that I am "Sincere" about my sincerity. It's redundancy that no one has time for anymore. "Yours Truly" seems to suggest that I am committed to something which is an impossible combination for one such as I born in "Generation X". It seems too formal and, God forbid, personal. So what is left to say? "Fondly"? "Best Regards"? "Yours Faithfully"? It feels that all these words carry such depth, such sincerity, if you will. I feel our culture has lost these terms of endearment, these terms of weight, these terms that state that something is committed and absolute, and full of emotion, and passion, and time spent in thoughtful writing.

I have no solution for this my friend. I currently only end my letters in "Love" to those I truly love. I often end my business letters in "Thank You" as I feel thankful that they have read and will hopefully respond to my letter. I've toyed around with "All the Best" but it still doesn't sit right. All the best what? Maybe these days a letter should end in "Conveniently Yours" (this would replace "Truly Yours" and would be more truthful, when it's convenient.); "Seriously" could replace "Sincerely" and would be the exact statement needed to make sure the reader knows the items you have typed out are in fact to be taken serious, because sometimes they're not; "Namaste" is always a crowd pleaser and shows your diversity through speaking another language, mixed with the mysterious phonetics of the east which proclaim peace in a yoga, prayer flag sort of way. Who doesn't agree with that one? There is also the dreaded text message ending that I have been left with countless times, "TTYL" (Talk To You Later) or "C U L8er" (See You Later). WTFIHTU? (WTF Is Happening To Us?)

So I'm now left with the big decision to figure out how I will end this correspondence with you. I have given you my time, of carefully crafting my words to say exactly what I had hoped. The pressure is now on and maybe now you are also wondering how I will end this letter of concern. I won't keep you in suspense any longer.

Seriously,

L. M. Fox

VIDEO WEEK: Saturday

2010-08-28T01:21:00.000-07:00

This is where I want to spend Saturdays:

VIDEO WEEK: Friday

2010-08-27T01:27:00.000-07:00

"The concrete world is starting to get me."

VIDEO WEEK: Thursday

2010-08-26T01:14:00.000-07:00

Another day at the office:

VIDEO WEEK: Wednesday

2010-08-25T09:49:00.000-07:00

I think I spoke to this guy one time calling AT&T... This is a good mid-week video.

VIDEO WEEK: Tuesday

2010-08-24T00:37:00.000-07:00

When I die, I want to live here forever.

VIDEO WEEK: Monday

2010-08-23T12:35:00.000-07:00

This was sent to me from a friend to clear up the Monday blues. Watch it and delight:

MARCEL THE SHELL WITH SHOES ON from Dean Fleischer-Camp on Vimeo.

Outdoor Movie Night Fundraiser!

2010-08-09T00:21:00.001-07:00

Hope you can make it!

A Dream Come True...

2010-08-06T01:10:00.000-07:00

If you are in Los Angeles this Saturday please mark your calendar as "busy having fun."

We'll be there all day so come celebrate with us!

Lip Balm Lori

2010-08-02T18:16:00.000-07:00

http://www.anti-body.com/

This segment is brought to you by the connoisseur of lip balm herself: Lori. I am an addictive user of lip products. My history goes a little something like this: Chapstick (Grade School), Carmex (Jr. High), SoftLips (High School), Burts Bees (College), and now Anti-Body lip balm (I have arrived!).

I've always moved on to better products and now I have found a balm that fits my lips and my beliefs! Anti-body lip balm is Fair Trade certified and contains a few simple ingredients: unrefined virgin coconut oil, beeswax, unrefined shea butter, and vitamin E. It kept my lips soft like SoftLips, the peppermint flavor gave me the tingle of Carmex, the quality was comparable if not better than Burts Bees, and it lasted twice as long on my lips! I'm so excited about this new find I can't stop talking about it to everyone I meet. I bought mine at the fair trade store "Ten Thousand Villages" but you can also order it online.

What lip balm to you use? (post a comment here)

"The Fair Trade" Movie

2010-07-30T18:10:00.001-07:00

We had a Raven + Lily screening of "The Fair Trade: What is your life worth?" at my house. I thought it was a very inspiring movie, full of hope and no easy answers. I highly recommend it. Through the film I found out about a fair trade company called "Anti-Body: anti-poverty. beautiful body". I will do another post on them.

When an accident kills her fiancé, 25 year old Tamara Johnston quits a dream job to try to make sense of her new unwanted life. Grief intensifies both a desire to die and her deepening faith, resulting in a fierce deadline: show me something better than death, or I am out of here. Johnston launches a business, becomes an activist, develops her artistic passion, and risks love again but none of it is enough. As time passes in her bargain with God, an opportune trip to Africa gives her a glimpse of what is required of her in exchange for a sustainable life. Written by Lauralee Farrer

Raven + Lily Outreach Trip 2010

2010-07-30T15:38:00.000-07:00

Due to my current flexible schedule Raven + Lily has asked me to visit all of our women's co-ops in India and Africa during the months of October and November! My schedule is roughly:

October 1-11: London England (Ethical Fashion Forum Expo where manufacturers and representatives showcase all fair trade items. On this trip I will be researching what it will take for us to get the official "Fair Trade" seal put on our items. This will be an opportunity to network with others who are passionate about the same issues as we are. I will also be researching partnerships with local businesses around town as we seek to take R+L international!)

Oct 11-30: India (I will be meeting up with Kirsten- pictured above- as we bring the women new designs and survey what we can do better to help the women.)

Nov 1-22: Ethiopia, Kenya, Burundi (Here I will reconnect with our women's groups and survey what is working and what isn't. I will bring them new designs and teach them some new design skills!)

This will be a long trip but being able to combine India and Africa will save us tremendously on travel expenses in the long run. Please say a prayer for our work here and if you are interested in making a tax deductible donation go to www.ravenandlily.com , and include the dollar amount along with my name, "LORI FOX DESIGN OUTREACH 2010". Thank you for your support!

Not That Funny: The Movie

2010-07-30T15:22:00.000-07:00

As soon as I returned from Waco as Assistant Wardrobe to Costume Designer/ Stylist Corban Poorboy for Sironia, I was offered a job as a Costume Designer on my first feature film, "Not That Funny". I instantly fell in love with the script and can't wait for everyone to see it! It's a realistic romance comedy full of smart humor and sharp wit. I'm not a fan of "rom.com's" but I love this one. I'm not sure what distribution will be like, as far as if it will end up in theaters, but I will keep you posted. In the mean time you can keep up with our progress on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/notthatfunnymovie

(Director of Photography, Costume Designer Lori Fox, and Director Lauralee Farrer)

kikaPaprika Fall/Winter 2010 Preview Photoshoot by Nicole Caldwell

2010-07-30T15:13:00.000-07:00

I love working for kikaPaprika! This is the launch of our new Fall/Winter 2010 season. It is eco-friendly, organic women's clothing for all shapes, ages, and styles. They give back to women and families in need through kikaCares, AND it's made in the USA sweatshop free! It is only sold through home parties so let me know if you are interested in being a hostess!

Must Have...

2010-07-30T15:06:00.000-07:00

As soon as I get an extra $99.oo I'm heading to Amazon.com to get one of these. It is a toilet sink. When you flush your waste away, the tank fills with clean water (as you know). This lid offers a chance to make use of that otherwise wasted water: as the tank fills, the clean water is shot through the spigot for you to wash your hands and the soapy water returns to the tank to be flushed. The water shuts off automatically when the tank is full! Genius. By: Gaiam

I'm Back.

2010-07-30T15:04:00.000-07:00

(Sign from a fabric store in Nairobi Kenya... So stop worrying!)

Apologies it's been since Valentine's Day that I have updated this blog. There has been so much going on, mainly recently, that I haven't been able to keep up. I'll do a few postings to to fill in the gaps.

Sironia Movie: Waco, Texas

2010-07-30T13:25:00.000-07:00

The end of April to the end of May I was working as Assistant Wardrobe to Costume Designer Corban Poorboy on the feature film "Sironia" which was shot in Waco, Texas and Los Angeles, California. "Sironia" stars musician/actor Wes Cunningham and is set to hit the festival circuit in August.

Team Sironia is as follows:

Corban Poorboy: Costume Desinger/ Wardrobe Wizardress

Lori Fox: Wardrobe Assistant/ Wonder Wardrober

Kristin Hardin: Wardrobe PA/ Wardrobe Wand Waver

Happy Valentine's Day

2010-02-14T04:00:00.000-08:00

http://www.redcapcards.com/store/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&product_ID=619

Tee Shirt:

2010-02-09T21:17:00.000-08:00

I have a tee shirt like this. One day my mom was standing close to me and said, "Lori, your shirt is so cute with those little girls and their dog." I said, "You like it?" I asked her multiple times to get an emphatic YES! out of her. I then went across the room, turned around and said "How do you like it now?" Giving an evil laugh as she shrieked in horror. Heh heh heh. I love this shirt.

House:

2010-02-09T20:59:00.000-08:00

I love going to Billy and Sarah's house. There is always good food, conversation, and a spontaneous song or dance waiting to erupt.

Dinner Time:

2010-02-09T20:18:00.000-08:00

My most favorite dinner I ever ate. Banana's, Choco Ice Cream, and Rainbow Sprinkles in a 1964 Mikasa yellow flower bowl. What could be better?

Farewell Conan.

2010-01-19T21:30:00.000-08:00

Spoon got to play on Conan during the last week of the show. Eric got us in so Ariel and I lived the high life in the green room for a few hours. They had a pop-corn machine, buckets of candy, "Sprinkles" cupcakes, coffee, tea, soda, EVERYTHING!! AND MASSAGE CHAIRS! I never wanted to leave that place.

Conan was awesome to see live. He's my favorite late night show guy. Spoon played a flawless show. My only complaint was our guest Tom Hanks got switched out for Quentin Tarantino. L.A.M.E. But an extra cup-cake made up for that. Ha!

Afterwards we got to talk to most of the crew (they were all so friendly like a big family!) and hear what a great guy Conan really is. They all couldn't say enough good things about him and his character. What a rare breed. He will be missed.

Birthday 2: Echo Park

2010-01-09T21:05:00.000-08:00

I had a video scavenger hunt birthday party that made me feel like I was 13 again. We broke up into three teams and scoured the city for victims to join with us in hugs, human pyramids, and songs. One of our team members had to jump in a motel pool. Everyone did it. The videos afterwards were hilarious. I have the most awesome friends. I feel very blessed.

Art and War

2010-01-08T11:58:00.000-08:00

24 year old Ukrainian Kseniya Simonova says:

"I find it difficult enough to create art using paper and pencils or paintbrushes, but using sand and fingers is beyond me. The art, especially when the war is used as the subject matter, even brings some audience members to tears. And there’s surely no bigger compliment."

Food Inc

2010-01-07T22:52:00.000-08:00

I watched this movie three times over the holidays. Most people, when I ask if they have seen it, say "I don't want to watch that because I'll have to stop eating meat." NOT TRUE. This movie was really powerful in the way that it shows what is currently going on with our food industry and why there is so much sickness involved. It didn't feel like one of those one sided Michael Moore films that leave you feeling depressed and hopeless. Food Inc ends on a hopeful

note that we as consumers can make a difference and a change in this broken system. After all, isn't that what America is about? I'm excited to start off my year with some perspective on what I am eating. The plans of action at the end included buying foods that are in season (I will post a chart for this), buying from local farmer markets, buy organic, buy grain fed, free range meat.

I could go on and on about this film but I won't. PLEASE GO SEE IT!

Birthday 1: Dallas

2010-01-06T21:02:00.000-08:00

Dinner and the aftermath.

32 never tasted so good.

I'm glad I have friends to help taste moments like these.

Raven + Lily Cards

2009-12-17T20:36:00.000-08:00

I love volunteering with www.ravenandlily.com We get together and eat cookies and drink and make stuff. It's one of my favorite things.

Tuesday

2009-12-15T20:21:00.000-08:00

It's Tuesday, a pretty mundane day, other than the fact that I came across this butterfly on my lunch break. The spots in it's feathery brown wings were like drops of aluminum. So beautiful, that nature. Today has been redeemed.

RIP Dusty

2009-12-14T22:08:00.000-08:00

One of my dear friends passed away on Saturday after battling cancer for the past 5 years. We were friends since I was in high school, lost touch for about 10 years then reconnected a little over a year ago. It was like no time had passed. During that time I had the chance to visit him in NYC where he was living. (Who in their right mind moves to NYC when they are sick?!) That just shows what a fighter he was. I spent a week with him at NIH in DC for his chemo treatments, and to celebrate his one year immune system transplant. We met up a few times in L.A. and Dallas too. We always texted and emailed, and I kept up our old tradition of letter writing; Something I have recently gotten out of the habit of doing, but was glad to pick it up again. I let him know early on I was thankful for his presence in my life again. The past five years had brought me a different kind of hardship in the form of depression and burn out. Seeing him was like seeing the opposite of myself; He was dying on the outside but alive on the inside while I felt I was alive on the outside but dying on the inside. I needed this so desperately, this terrible, beautiful visual to remind me that life is worth living. Till the end he fought hard. The last time I heard from him was two weeks ago. I knew from update emails he wasn't doing well, so his text shocked me. I was at work and instantly burst into tears. He just said, "Are you still in Cali? I miss you." I honestly never thought I would hear from him again, but even so I had been texting and calling him every few days just to let him know I was thinking and praying for him. I rushed outside to call him. I left him a message saying, "I am so proud of you Justin. What I love about you is that you are such a strong, fighting spirit, and the beautiful thing is that that is what will live forever. You are such an inspiration to me and a dear friend. I am so thankful for you in my life. I love and miss you. Good-bye." And now bravely yet reluctantly he has moved on before us. We will all be with him before we know it, time goes so fast. But in the mean time I will take the time I have left to live on the inside too. Thank you Justin Sullivan, for who you were here on this earth; for driving me crazy, for making me laugh, for being creative, for singing me rap songs, and for always being you. You will be greatly missed.

Twilight

2009-11-26T20:39:00.000-08:00

It's the truth. But I still love it.

Sharing:

2009-11-26T08:41:00.000-08:00

I walked by the most beautiful flowering tree today. As if it was spring it was all decked out in pink and frills. I cut a piece off to add to my wardrobe. Such a fancy tree with bountiful flowers should share. Wouldn't you agree?

Sat. 21 Nov.

2009-11-17T23:03:00.000-08:00

Beauty

2009-11-13T19:42:00.000-08:00

http://www.timflach.com

Raven + Lily Online Store Launch TODAY!!

2009-11-03T18:01:00.000-08:00

Our products from our trip from Africa plus our India and Africa Collection

are now up on our new STORE site!!!

www.shop.ravenandlily.com

Happy Halloween!!!

2009-10-31T23:43:00.000-07:00

This year was out of control.

When I was a child I used to go to this place called Crystal's Pizza. It was a magical place full of miscellaneous oddities such as a "study" room full of books with a fish tank coffee table you would eat on, a movie theatre room you could eat in, a live singer/piano player in the "dining" room, loads of video games... And, on the way out there was one machine that always caught my eye. It was a little frightening, a little terrifying, and I liked it. It was ZOLTAR! Most people know him from the movie "Big" with Tom Hanks. It's a fortune teller in a box. Completely mechanical, completely chance fortunes, but he was going to make you pay. A dollar to be exact.

So, this year I decided I would become ZOLTAR. It's probably my most epic costume of my life. I will never top this one. I have reached the height of my Halloween years, and I will probably have to retire after this. But it was worth it. I hit up a party on Friday and Saturday night and won "Best Costume" at both.

How it worked was like this:

1. Put dollar in dollar slot (provided to the left)

2. Wait for Zoltar to respond

3. Zoltar will read your mind

4. Zoltar will choose your favorite candy and then deposit it through the candy slot

5. Zoltar is never wrong. If you don't think Zoltar chose the right candy, it is because you have been repressing your true candy urges.

6. Have a Happy Halloween

Zoltar out of the box with Flapper Girl, and Gold-digger

Maria Shriver's "The Women's Conference"

2009-10-25T21:05:00.000-07:00

Volunteers Lori Fox and Sarah Mark.

Sarah designed our awesome bamboo canopy out of Raven + Lily remnant fabric scraps

and pure imagination! The photos don't do it justice.

www.californiawomen.org Raven + Lily will have a booth this Monday and Tuesday at First Lady Maria Shriver's "The Women's Conference" in Long Beach, California. It is a conference that "empowers women to be architects of change." We are proud to represent our women's co-ops in India + East Africa + Los Angeles, sell their products, and sign up volunteers for our Los Angeles group! We are expecting 14,000 in foot traffic at the event. Just wanted to share what is going on and a photo of our booth!

Victoria & The Boss

2009-09-29T23:24:00.001-07:00

Book Front

Book Back w/ CD

My friends Billy and Sarah Mark were planing to sub-let their place to a nice British woman name "Victoria Bishop" which contacted them from a posting they placed on Craigslist. Her boss, called "The Boss" sent them a cheque and told them to go ahead and cash it. But, OOPS! He accidently put her spending $$ on the same check! They would have to send the couple thousand overage back to him. They did. It was a hot check. Billy and Sarah were now $2000 in the red. IDEA! Billy decides to make an art project out if it. He writes amazing music and Sarah sews amazing things! VOILA! A home made story book from two brilliant Los Angeles artists turning a terrible loss into a way to break even again.

Help a Brother and a Sister out!

Find out more at http://victoriaandboss.webs.com/

Book and CD set are $20 (autographs extra!)

My Friends Company on ABC this Sunday!

2009-08-25T12:12:00.000-07:00

A Friend of mine was chosen to represent her company on ABC's new series "Shark Tank", which will air this Sunday. I was working on the show as her assistant! Look for me in flip-flops and shorts! (-:

Soul's Calling appears on ABC's "Shark Tank"

Get ready happy people! Founder Gina Cotroneo will be appearing on ABC's new hit reality show "Shark Tank" this Sunday, August 30th! Gina will be pitching five independently wealthy "sharks" to invest in Soul's Calling.

Can't leak the outcome, but this is tremendous national exposure for the brand.

Tune in to ABC this Sunday at 9PM Eastern / 8PM Central to watch the action.

Learn more about the show and watch full episodes on ABC's Website.

Thanks to all who have helped the company come to be where it is today!

Shark Tank Dallas Viewing Party

Sunday, August 30th 7-9:30 pm

Kenny's Wood Fired Grill - Beltline & the Tollway in Addison

972-392-9663

Map »

Peace, love & sunshine,

: )

Gina

50% off f o x L O R ((this week only!!))

2009-08-25T11:33:00.000-07:00

www.foxlor.etsy.com!

Also check out this great blog by a fellow FIDM grad! www.stylemeetsy.blogspot.com

My Favorite Thing (Today)

2009-07-31T17:47:00.000-07:00

Airport Security: No bringing spoons into the Nairobi airport, ya hear?

My Favorite Thing (Today)

2009-07-29T19:11:00.000-07:00

The Cake Cutting Ceremony

There's this funny tradition all over East Africa where if you are a guest, they have a cake cutting ceremony to welcome you. I felt like we were getting married every few days!

Ethiopia

2009-07-29T15:57:00.000-07:00

Entoto is a mountain in Ethiopia where there is supposedly holy water that heals those with AIDS. The church there does not allow those on the mountain to use helpful drugs to treat HIV/AIDS saying they should instead have faith to be healed, and they do nothing to educate those living there about their disease. Most come there on their own or are dropped off by family members and left to die. It is a dark place of hopelessness as no one is ever healed. BEZA has been going to the mountain to educate the women there, get them the HIV/AIDS treatment that they need, and provide them with work through their jewelry making, chocolate, and yarn spinning programs. Being with the women it was easy to forget the hardships they suffer because they were so beautiful, lively, and full of hope. It is an honor to partner with them.

One of the women hard at work!

A women in the Entoto Project Program modeling one of our designs that she was crafting.

Kirsten and I working with the women to finalize the designs.

Sophi and Emily at BEZA International. Sophi and her husband started BEZA.

Bujumbura, Burundi Women's Group

2009-07-28T19:35:00.000-07:00

PACWA/WOGA Women's Centre

2009-07-28T18:35:00.000-07:00

Everyone here has an unbelievable and miracle story of survival. Our host Peace began this project after she had fled to Canada during the genocide with her kids. After rebuilding her life there, and after her children were adults, she felt God tell her to return to Burundi to help the women there. This program was the result. It was this program that pulled on my heart the most, causing me to want to come on this trip. I have met Peace twice as she has come to speak to our Women of Global Action group in Los Angeles. She is the strongest women I have ever met. Two days before we arrived here another tragedy struck her life. For security reasons I won't say much, but one of her family members was murdered, and they believe it was politically motivated.

As I sat in this sewing room and salon with all these women they began to tell us there stories. All of them have either been raped, widowed, starving, HIV/AIDS +, or all the above. Yet there is a fierce hope and peace like I have never seen before. It is the Gospel in action. Alive. Transforming. Even now I am crying as I write this. They have touched me deeply by their faith. They are roll models to me. And their Joy is contagious.

My Favorite TWO Things (Today)

2009-07-27T17:46:00.000-07:00

African Crane Bird, in the wild, at the pool. SO BEAUTIFUL! (this place is wild.)

Kirsten under the Novotel hotel pool-side umbrella

Burundi Market

2009-07-26T17:49:00.000-07:00

This was the primary market in Bujumbura. Westerners never go here. Some of the local's don't even come here. Our host Peace apologized for bringing us here but said this was the best place to buy fabric. Before we stepped out of the car she made us empty everything we had on us into her bag. When we got out, something told me to "hold on tight." The streets were crowded and all eyes were on us. When we walked into the market, a large, sprawling awning with make-shift stalls as "stores", Kirsten had something thrown at her face, and I had my pockets patted down. The dirt on the floor created a permanent dust cloud in the air. We waded through the haze until the fabric stalls began to appear.

Most of the people looked like the guy in the photo to the right. Beady eyes full of darkness, hopelessness, and survival. It's impossible not to feel the tension in the air. Two genocides have left this country socially, economically, and tribally unstable. Anyone could "snap" at anytime and there is nothing to protect you. Don't tell my mom, but it's a little scary being here. There are no safety nets only survival of the fittest. This morning before we came here we attended a church service. The message was from the Old Testament: The story of Amos raping his sister. My first thought was, "Where is he going with this?". My second thought was, "...We're not in Kansas anymore." The entire sermon was on rape and murder. That if you have been raped God still values you. You are pure in His site and He still has a plan for you. If you have raped someone you need to repent and turn from your wicked ways and accept Christ's forgiveness. You are a new creation in Him. Also if you have murdered someone or plan to murder someone you also need to repent. It was a heavy and intense message. Many people came forward afterwards for prayer. It was very sobering to see these tough issues that Burundians face on a daily basis.

Jet Lag

2009-07-25T08:38:00.000-07:00

ps- my staying up late jet-lag experiment worked!

Normally when I travel East I arrive at my destination in the morning. I sleep on the plane as much as possible so by the time I get there I am ready to go. This time we arrived at night so I had to reconfigure my plan. I stayed up all night the night before. Flew from Los Angeles-DC with no sleep, then from DC- Switzerland slept as much as I could. From Switzerland to Kenya tried not to sleep though narcolepsy kicked in a few times. It worked. Totally. Loads of water too. And Swiss Chocolate. All secrets to success.

Beautiful Burundi

2009-07-25T08:35:00.000-07:00

One of the women making a children's soft toy block

Kirsten and Lori working on a purse pattern

Showing the leaders how we want the baby bib to look...

Today we went with Peace to meet the women at the sewing cooperative that we will be working with. They welcomed us in song and dance and then introduced themselves to us. Even now as I type it brings tears to my eyes to think about all their stories of how this program has completely changed their lives. They are all so talented and full of potential and just need the opportunity to grow. Nobel Peace Prize Winner Muhammed Yunus said,

"Poor people are a like bonsai tree, a little tree. You pick the seed of the tallest tree in the forest and take the best seed out of it, and plant it in a flower pot. You get a tiny little tree, we call it a bonsai. Nothing wrong with the seed, you've got the best seed possible. Nothing wrong with the tree, because you actually picked the tallest tree in the forest. But actually it grows [small]... why? Because we put them in the flower pot. The base. Society is the base. And society is so stingy it doesn't give the poor ppl the space to grow..."

These women have all the brain power and will to do what needs to be done, but no where to grow. We are hoping we can make that flower pot a bit bigger by opening up a US market to them. They were very excited about the designs we showed them. We kinda are too! (-:

Burundi

2009-07-24T20:32:00.000-07:00

BELOW: (Emily (WOGA- Colorado), Kendra (WOGA- Colorado), Brandon (Film Maker),

Kirsten (Raven + Lily), Peace (PACWA leader, Burundi), Lori Fox (Raven + Lily)

We arrived in Burundi from Kenya. It was an amazing welcome for us as we went with our host Peace to her cousin's wedding and nephew's graduation celebration. The wedding was filled with tribal dancing and drumming and singing from Burundi and Rwandan traditions.

Next we went to the grad celebration and listened to a few speeches and were able to partake in a Burundian feast! What a way to dive into the culture!! It was a day none of us will forget.

We ate potatoes, boiled bananas that tasted like more potatoes, fish, rice, kale, salad, OH MY!

My New Favorite Airport In the World...

2009-07-24T05:45:00.000-07:00

Bujumbura, Burundi

aka: Star Wars

My Favorite Thing (Today)

2009-07-23T18:03:00.000-07:00

The "Lucky Bra" School Van

Nairobi, Kenya

Kenya Sweet Kenya

2009-07-23T12:31:00.000-07:00

It is the dead of winter here in Kenya. Temperatures drop into the lower 60's F. Somehow we are surviving. The constant flow of coffee and chai are helping.

(Ladies Homecare Retreat Center: Karen, Nairobi)

Emily, Kendra, Kirsten, and I arrived safely to the Nairobi airport after 24 hours of economy air plane food, layovers, and verticle naps. We were taken to Ladies Home Care Retreat Center in Karen, a village just outside of Nairobi, where we met Dr. Judy (who heads the groups we will work with), Brandon (documentary film maker and mosquito dodger who has been here sice last Thursday) and the staff. Good food, warm chai, smiling faces, and (at last) a proper bed filled with horizontal sleep.

(Kendra, Rev. Dr. Judy Mbugua, Kirsten, Chai)

The sun rose at 6am right on cue with the crowing rooster and flock of birds that nested outside our windows. After a quick breakfast we met with Dr. Judy to introduce her to the vision of "Raven and Lily". She was was overwhelmed with excitement and joy at this new venture that will be such a huge and practical help to the women here. As our meeting came to a close a van pulled up in the driveway. The tribal Maasai women, covered in traditional beads and blankets, filed out and came to meet us. They brought three tables full of their traditional bead work for us to see. Many of the women have little or no education and one of the leaders pointed to the jewelry and said, "This is the only education they know." And from the looks of it they are masters. After formal introductions, hand shakes, a few songs, and Maasai dancing, Kirsten and I received our bracelet order and began working on new designs. We created some solid pieces that we can't wait to share with you!

The women were so greatful and touched that we want to partner with them. They thanked us many times and shared with us that with this work they will be able to send their children to school and have food for their families. I had to keep myself from crying. It's so amazing to see first hand how something as simple as a bracelet can give so much life and dignity.

Tomorrow we will be venturing to the marketplace to gather samples and source fabrics for our time in Burundi.

From Antarctica, I mean Kenya (((bbrrrrrrr))),

lorifox

My Favorite Thing (Today)

2009-07-22T18:06:00.000-07:00

"Imperial Leather" Soap... for your skin or your boots.

I think they meant "Lather"

Zurich Airport

2009-07-21T15:57:00.000-07:00

This wall was made out of thousands of drinking straws stacked on top of each other.

It was so cool to walk through.

Me. My Passport. A maze. And an airport.

More photo fun at the airport (we had a few hours to kill)... Kirsten in front of the vine wall.

It's 2am

2009-07-20T02:00:00.000-07:00

I'm trying to stay up all night to beat the jet-lag when I arrive in Africa. I don't have a lot to say right now, other than I'm tired and trying to stay awake! All my bags are packed, accounts paid, bed made. I leave in 2 hours for the airport. LAX makes you get there 3 hours ahead for international flights. I'm going to need some coffee soon.

I found out Kirsten and I will be on the same flight from DC to Switzerland, so that is a relief. Will be nice to have someone to talk to! When we arrive in Switzerland we meet up with Emily and Kendra who are coming from Colorado. We will all leave for Nairobi from there!

Ironing Board Mirror

2009-07-15T23:57:00.000-07:00

by: http://www.aissalogerot.com/projects/madame-est-servie/

TWO MORE DAYS

2009-07-15T23:33:00.000-07:00

To get your etsy orders in!!

www.foxlor.etsy.com

Etsy
Buy Handmade
foxlor

ONE WEEK...

2009-07-13T23:31:00.000-07:00

...before I leave for Africa. The reality is setting in. I'm packing and preparing and sewing and making patterns and I'm thinking about it now. I'm nervous. Will I be able to help these women in the way they need? What if... What if.. What if. I don't know what to expect. What I do know is I'm about to help change these women's lives, and they are about to help change mine. My heart is heavy with sorrow for their situation, but I know there is hope.

Please keep us in your prayers if your the praying type, or thoughts if your the thinking type.

~health

~smooth travel

~favor with the groups we are meeting

~creative ideas that are realistic to the women's needs and skills

~that we are able to find the best sources for materials

Here is a rough itinerary. I'm not sure that I will have reliable internet access while there. We will be on twitter from what I hear if your into that sort of thing. Under the name Raven and Lily.

MON 20 JULY Los Angeles >>Zurich

TUE 21 JULY Zurich >>Nairobi, Kenya

FRI 24 JULY Nairobi, Kenya >> Bujumbura, Burundi

MON 27 JULY Bujumbura, Burundi >>Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

FRI 31 JULY Addis Ababa, Ethiopia >>Nairobi, Kenya

WED 12 AUG Nairobi, Kenya >>Zurich

THUR 13 AUG Zurich >> DC

TUE 18 AUG DC>> Los Angeles

I have a feeling my life is never going to be the same.

I've Found My Dream House

2009-07-10T12:17:00.001-07:00

You are all invited.

2009-07-10T12:12:00.000-07:00

SECTA CHAMELEON feat. JUDIE JAY - MORE THAN A FEELIN' from Emil Goodman on Vimeo.

Split Key Ring Blank

2009-07-10T11:58:00.001-07:00

Purchase for $7 @ http://www.amronexperimental.com/Split-Ring-Key.html

Simply

2009-07-10T11:41:00.000-07:00

by: http://www.alexhulme.com/project/pencil/

It seems that making an ordinary thing in an extra-ordinary way has produced a brilliant design.

Way to go Alex.

Stop Motion w/ Post-It Notes!

2009-07-10T11:21:00.000-07:00

Students from the Savannah College of Art and Design created this stop motion animation with post-it notes!

2009-07-10T00:25:00.000-07:00

This is a flippin trip, looks like a radiohead video. This architectural video installation goes out to DLC and Mamun:

APPARATI EFFIMERI Tetragram for Enlargment from Apparati Effimeri on Vimeo.

"Surface"

2009-07-06T23:45:00.000-07:00

SURFACE : A film from underneath from tu on Vimeo.

Music + Fashion = Fun

2009-07-06T23:32:00.000-07:00

Martin Solveig feat. Dragonette - "Boys & Girls"

New Goodies @ foxlor.etsy.com!!

2009-06-26T00:23:00.001-07:00

Shoot Mustard, Not Bullets.

2009-06-24T00:26:00.000-07:00

This is what war should look like.

buy now @ http://condimentgun.com/

2009-06-20T23:21:00.000-07:00

Woofers

2009-06-18T02:28:00.001-07:00

By Dutch designer Sander Mulder

Finally, It All Makes Sense.

2009-06-18T02:11:00.001-07:00

found at : http://bitsandpieces.us

Today's Shoot

2009-06-14T23:48:00.000-07:00

+++look for the runway show of this collection at the Black Cat Gallery in Culver City on Saturday 20 June!+++

Model- LuLu Zhang

MUA & Hair Styling- Teal Druda

Clothing Designer- Lori Fox

Stylist - Tessa Stephensen

Photography- Nandi Alexander

I'm Inspired

2009-06-11T00:21:00.001-07:00

Check out the link, this is truly inspiring and amazing!!

Image: flickr user misterstf, A Giant Awakes In Nantes

http://www.socyberty.com/Folklore/A-Giant-Awakes-in-Nantes.763695

I want to be a puppet,

without any strings.

I'm Going To Africa! 20July-13Aug

2009-06-09T10:24:00.001-07:00

Some Treasures I found on My Walk....

2009-06-05T09:49:00.000-07:00

I'm Beyond Hugging. I Have Now Become....

2009-06-03T23:44:00.000-07:00

a tree.

Preview 1: In Process

2009-06-02T09:37:00.000-07:00

This is what I have been working on so far for the fashion show on June 20th...

This Week-End in the O.C. and L.A.(and I ain't talkin' TV)

2009-05-31T23:10:00.000-07:00

f o x L O R will have a booth at both craft shows June 06 + 27! Stop by and say hi and check out all the new summer goodies!

Rubbish

2009-05-31T23:06:00.000-07:00

By designer Grace Youngeun Lee.

My New Favorite Artist...

2009-05-29T10:03:00.000-07:00

Ryan Takaba

He crafts lovely bud vases and exquisite hooks with heads on top. I am in love.

www.ryantakaba.wordpress.com

www.ryantakaba.etsy.com

I feel the earth move under my feet...

2009-05-17T23:30:00.001-07:00

I felt my first earthquake. Was having cup-cakes and tea with some Raven and Lily ladies tonight. Cool california air, outside on the patio. Good conversation and a rumble. Felt like we were on a train going over some bumps. The lights threaded over our heads swayed, then it felt like we were sliding back and forth on a cruise ship. Wild. This is all interesting because for the last two nights I have dreamt of earthquakes. I hope I didn't make this one happen.

This Saturday Los Angeles!

2009-04-29T16:18:00.000-07:00

New Dresses + Shirts This Week!

2009-04-22T10:24:00.000-07:00

Etsy
Buy Handmade
foxlor

If I Believed in Reincarnation...

2009-04-18T17:12:00.001-07:00

I would want to come back as this. I WANT THIS DOG!!

What Are You Looking At?

2009-04-15T18:15:00.000-07:00

An old woman, two actually. We are enjoying coffee and cake. Walked down the street from the retirement home to a local coffee shop. The sign on the counter says they won the "Best Roaster of the Year" award. I believe it, the coffee is pretty good. I'm looking at the old ladies watching the palm trees blow in the Santa Anna winds. The view to the mountains is clear. The sky is bright blue with a collage of white puffy clouds. Everything is so simple, so treasured at that age. It was a nice break to get away with them and be reminded.

What's a Girl To Do?

2009-04-14T17:46:00.001-07:00

From: www.foundshit.com

I'm Not Sure What Happened...

2009-04-02T23:31:00.000-07:00

But it started by being locked in my room all day alone... making patterns... cutting patterns... going crazy.

Then the eye appeared.

The Pool

2009-03-29T23:57:00.000-07:00

photo by: www.2or3things.blogspot.com/
I've been looking at the pool for a long time now. I got out a few years ago and now I'm all dried up. My skin is cracking. My soul is bored. Meanwhile everyone else is splashing around and playing marco polo without me. It's time to jump in... "Polo"

Bath Time

2009-03-29T23:42:00.000-07:00

I don't even like baths, but I Love this!

Kittens Inspired by Kittens

2009-03-28T16:50:00.001-07:00

Cry

2009-03-28T16:33:00.000-07:00

You're Invited:

2009-03-26T21:59:00.001-07:00

You Are So Beautiful

2009-03-26T21:58:00.001-07:00

To Me...

Bazaar

2009-03-24T20:46:00.001-07:00

Where Are We Going Again?

2009-03-19T22:28:00.001-07:00

I'm looping and plunging and trying not to get scared looking over the edge, but I gotta ask: "where are we going again?" Doesn't matter I guess. I'm on a road. Roads go places. There are many roads around. I like places. I hope I wake up in Japan.

photo from: http://2or3things.blogspot.com/

SCARF WEEK!

2009-03-18T12:23:00.000-07:00

It's SCARF WEEK! Whether it's for spring, summer, warmth or fashion, we've got you covered! Check out our vintage scarves!

She Has Been Found.

2009-03-05T22:30:00.000-08:00

Hallelujah, it is true. She has been found. I receive the call tonight. My room mate drove me to pick her up. Police station = open. Tow Yard = closed. So close, yet so far away. So tomorrow I will again attempt to retrieve my lost treasure. And I will be buying one of those dorky "club"s you put on the steering wheel. Or I'll change my insurance coverage to "full coverage" and pray someone steals her again! ha! (just kidding state farm.)

Stainless Steel Sharpie

2009-02-26T23:06:00.001-08:00

Anyone in the music biz will understand my elation. Or anyone who loves sharpies. And it's refillable. Holy grail. I've died and gone to permanent marker heaven.

I Still Have My Legs

2009-02-26T18:45:00.000-08:00

The glory years. 2006 road trip to OKC. A shadow of what once was.

I woke up today, same as yesterday. Did some sewing and prepared to go downtown to get my taxes done. I walk outside burrito in one hand, big bag of clothes for a friend in the other and look up to find my car is gone. Maybe i parked on the other ... GONE. I'm not crazy. My hankie from last nights Ash Wednesday service was laying where my car vanished: Like the rapture movies where theologians debate whether people vanish with or without their clothes when Jesus returns- They vanish without. The hankie was still there and assured me I wasn't loosing it. Numb, I told my room mate. Numb, I told my land lady. I still feel a bit numb, but it's starting to hit me.
Car-less. In the 21st Century.
Better yet car-less in Los Angeles.
Impossible? Maybe. I will soon find out.
My room mate said I was handling things very well considering. Honestly I'm still in shock. I don't want to commit to a feeling until I know it's a done deal. Till they find my lil Civic broken and hollowed out on a street corner in the middle of Compton. Luckily I don't have a job to worry about driving to, and lucky I don't have a big insurance check coming in to dig me out of this hole. Yes I said DON'T. With everything else going to hell in the economy I'm jobless (meaning I have no need for a car) and I'm pretty sure my insurance company doesn't have the money to replace something like a whole car (even though I have payed them for the past 13 years since I got it!) I called. The insurance lady gave her sympathies but I couldn't help but feel in the next room they were ordering balloons and a chocolate cake with sprinkles. Especially when she said, "Oh honey, your coverage doesn't cover anything." I could see her giving a thumbs up to everyone in the office! Not our problem! "Hope your evening gets better. Goodbye." P-A-R-T-Y!
I turned on Oprah as I was eating a late late lunch. Military men who had lost limbs and been injured in the line of duty. Really? Really. I don't have it that bad. I'm eating my second burrito of the day, this one with every random left over in the fridge doused in Sarracha Sauce so I can't taste whatever is going on between those tortillas. Munch munch. "I lost both my legs." I want to cry. I don't want to cry for my car, I want to cry for the man with no legs. It's not fair. If anything in this world is relative it is our problems. Mine are feeling pretty small at the moment.
My room mate says, "You want a ride to the grocery store with me?" I look at my leftover-cornucopia-burrito and say "Yes."
At least I still have friends.
At least I still have my legs.
I'll let you know what happens to my car....
(to be continued)

I've Been Coralined.

2009-02-23T10:20:00.001-08:00