Watch Your Language

As the AMC series "Mad Men" kicks off its fourth season, I have just learned that some of the show's fans are gearing up to play another round of an unusual language game in which they try to spot the flaws in the meticulously constructed dialogue portraying 1960's Madison Avenue.

It is probably safe to say that Mad Men has put in more effort into maintaining historical accuracy with regard to language, than any other show in American television - and no show has received such a scrutinizing eye. Online forums such as Basket of Kisses are host to endless debate regarding concerns over words such as intense, lifestyle, self-worth, regroup and recon and phrases such as "I know you have to be on the same page as him" and "I'm in a very good place right now."

Such goofs do sneak through the painstakingly developed script and executive producer and creative director, Matthew Weiner says he welcomes the fault-finding from fans as he considers himself a perfectionist and "one of the most nit picky people in the world." Weiner has his own timely phrases and states he is glad that "we're held to a high standard" and "that people get pleasure from picking it apart."

It's thought provoking to contemplate the significance of language in relation to different time frames, eras and even world events. I just don't necessarily want to be the editor.

For me, Mad Men is an enjoyable show for the style, fashion and home decor - but now I feel compelled to pay closer attention to its voice.

Happy Fourth Season!

Past Imperfections are Perfect for Today

I am all for a form of progress that embraces flaws - I view this as modern technology's take on the wisdom found in the perfection of imperfection.

For vintage lovers this a great thing and here are some ways the urge to return to warmth, soul, depth, personality and the human touch are being made available in today's tools. Makes me breath a sigh of relief knowing that some of the things I yearn for are making their way into our life via creative minds and like-minded souls.

First up is the $1.99 Hipstamatic iPhone application, which as one review put it, filters images made with the device's camera "to make them look as though they were taken with an unreliable plastic camera...rather than this complex mobile smart phone." In mid-July it was the 17th most popular paid app in the iTunes store. Stop on by the Hipstamitic on Flickr to browse digital images, with pleasingly washed-out colors or other beguiling imperfections resembling those created by glitches in the analog process.


Next up is IZotope Vinyl recording software the lets users "create authentic 'vinyl' simulation" right down to filters to suggest the amount of dust on a record and the degree of warping.

Users of digital cameras can can "unperfect" their images with products from Holgamods and Lomoography that recreate the unplanned effects of cheap cameras. Lensbaby mounts do the same and include an option for making pictures that resemble those from a pinhole camera. Silver Efex software aims to make color photographs into convincing black-and-white pictures.

As for moving film, Vintage Video Maker app converts iPhone videos to resemble a 1960's movie or even a 1920's silent movie.

The link between all of these, to me is deeper meaning. These tools tap into a time and language that makes a lasting impression. One that transcends taking a thousand pictures in a single weekend just because it's possible into something with more significance.

Although comparatively, the population that cling to ideas and ways of doing things "so last century" is small, I remain optimistic as options for making "mistakes" are finding their way into today's way of doing things and excited about exploring the ways to self-express in ways that say "found in grandma's attic".

The New Adventures of Misfit and Muse

Today is the beginning of the new adventures of "misfit and muse" - the vital forces behind who I am and what I do.

This journey comes on the heels of the launch of my little shoppe, Misfit and Muse Studio on Etsy and is a way to enhance the way I follow my bliss and share this experience with you.

Here, I would like to share behind the scenes happenings at Misfit and Muse Studio. This will also be a place to share random inspirations, thoughts and ideas that foster the love of vintage and reflections that fit within the Misfit and Muse philosophy of fearless self-expression and creative living.

I look forward to developing a meaningful connection with you!

Creative joy to you,
Christine