MATSU

The Rainbow and it's Magic

There is nothing more breathtaking than realizing during a sun shower, one could be lucky enough to discover a rainbow ! This magical moment is triggered by the combination of rain and sun. Naturally, I am aware of the scientific complexity around the formation of the rainbow, but this is not the point in my sharing with you this experience.   My point as you will read, is a little background information on the mysterious rainbow, and also to share the feeling of being Peter Pan, or a princess in the forest  while observing this natural process in the sky.. I expected to see little elves, whirling dervishes and leprechauns all at once in my back yard during this magnificent experience on Monday evening.

This is when I begin to acknowledge the merging of fantasy and reality.  A wild place of comfort for my mind and my soul. Any inhibitions are unleashed during the viewing of a rainbow. It is infinite. It is freeing. It triggers any thing is possible in  your life. No barriers. Just imagination, promise, hope, healing and possibility.

 The rainbow is a natural phenomenon and metaphor noted for it's beauty, rene wal, hope and love. It's inexpressibility has been a favorite component of mythology through art history.

The rainbow has always captured the joy and imagination of the human spirit. From the Greek Goddess, Iris to the Rainbow Serpent of the Aborigines of Australia, the rainbow has been a symbol and tool of perception and the gentle power of diversity and creative energy . The rainbow personifies it's universally shared perception of coloras an "alphabet" expressing the range of human emotions. The association of colors easily translate into magical and perceptual technology applied to everything from psychotherapy to candle spells!The vision of the entire rainbow translates into an open road for that which is possible for human beings, as I just stated above. To me, one word comes to mind.  Magic !

In nature, the rainbow has few rare natural expressions. It's arc appearance reflects light and the water drops of the rain act like a prism. Consequently portraying that image we all have most likely seen on a box of Lucy Charms cereal.  In a more serious context, the rainbow is used as the base for an artist's pallet, and in healing, the energy centers of the body, known as the Chakras.

Sir Issac Newton's color wheel is red, orange, yellow, green , blue, indigo and violet. This being the universal language for painters and healers world wide.

The next time it rains, and the sun shines, breathe , believe and receive what ever the skies may be telling you at that very moment. Dream on and enjoy the vision that Mother Nature provides us.

Thank you for letting me share my experience with you, and for reading my blog.

Always in spirit and joy,

Dava

A fashionable Friday and delicious weekend

La Primavera. Fashion. Fundraiser. Fun. That is exactly what Friday evening , June 19 was. This benefit was to draw proceeds for Room to Grow; and indeed it did. A fashion show with 5 top Boston shops, all portraying their own individual looks for each.  In order of appearance: Stel's, Portobello Road, Stil, Crossing Main, and Matsu. From Stel's high powered women in men's wear looks, Portobello Road in  a chic bohemian mode, Stil always fun with color, Crossing Main portrayed a white beaching collection, and lastly, Matsu... Playful, sultry, and powerful shapes showing the mixed combinations on the models from Comme des Garcons, Lilith, and Nirva Couture. All in the matter of what seemed like a mila second. Strutting to the music and having fun. That was my mission . All for a wonderful cause.

The venue was at District on Lincoln Street in the Leather District.  Fantastic.  For me, it was an evening out, filled with lots of women wearing all sorts of colorful clothing and high heels. Me ?  High heels check.  My color for the night ?  Not black, but navy. A flirty little number from Comme des Garcons adorned with what I thought to be teasing those that came across my path through out the evening: 2 brand new pieces from Lisa Jenks.  Do any of you remember her ? She evolved back in the late 80s.. A true designer. Not someone that "wants to be a jewelry designer" as I find happening today. But a truly talented one with integrity, complex engineered pieces that are absolutely going to be available to you for the life time once you own one of her pieces.

I have been "consulting" Lisa on different levels of her newly designed collection. All of which carries the Lisa Jenks tribal flavor, as many of you may or may not remember her by. This time around, however, her pieces still with ample body express a primal yet feminine aura. Imagine that combination. I will be announcing the collection once it is at Matsu. Possibly even with a previewing of it. The pricing will be reasonable, adapting to these times, and also to compliment the statements in fashion today. I can not wait to share the pieces with you and to get your feed back.  Please watch for the E mail blast I will be creating to re introduce Lisa Jenks and her new work. I would say in about 1 month's time, or in early August. Please let me know what you think. I always welcome feedback. Your thoughts are inspiring and helpful.

During this June Drizzle, as we all know, unique weather we are having. What else can one say about it?  There is nothing we can do. Other than try to relish in it. Imagine our inner souls being replenished. Just as all the rain is nurturing the earth we stand on.

This weekend as rainy as it was, peace for me was discovered by cooking. This was so therapeutic. I needed to celebrate the Summer Solstice, the 21st being the longest day of light for the year. My homage to this was my retreat to the kitchen. I haven't been that inspired to cook in a while until this weekend. Last night's meal consisted of sauteed asparagus, yellow summer squash, shitake mushrooms, and shrimp.  The main element pulling this combination together were wild mushroom stuffed ravioli.  Yum.  The fresh pasta bar at Whole Foods in Framingham is one to definitely see. They have a wonderful array of different styles of freshly made pasta. Rather than boiling, I also sauteed the ravioli. What a flavor they have when you approach cooking them in this manner.  Oddly unique... Delicious.

Fresh figs and baby romaine leaves finished off this meal. The dressing of lightly sauteed shallots in olive oil then adding a rich aged balsamic was just what was needed to balance the greens, the fresh figs and the entire meal..   I am thrilled to share this with you.   Oh, this was paired with a wonderful St. Emillion Bordeau...   Deep and rich. A wonderful compliment to this meal.  

Enjoy the clouds ; the alternative could be snow. Hopefully the sun will appear soon. Otherwise, just enjoy each day as though it was your last.   Hope to see you soon. Our semi annual summer sale is beginning on June 26th.   Time to indulge !  IF you are on needing an excuse, that is, if not come in anyway and splurge. It really does feel good.

Yours in spirit,

Dava

The Journey is the Reward

Class of 2009. The whole education cycle flew by. Faster than I can even imagine. It honestly seems like a couple weeks ago Aya was waiting for the Kindergarten bus... Oh, that's right, she went to Montessori Kindergarten.. Excuse me. First grade bus. Never-mind. It is all a blur nearly. The little worm turns butterfly in a matter of minutes it seems.

We moved to the rural suburbs from the city of Boston so that she could attend the public schools. Check. Too bad we didn't realize how focused they would be on sports of all kinds.  We were in the minority.  I have a ballerina ~ dancer. As long as the expression is there, and in our case, we took the challenging way out with regards to transportation to her out of school activities. Driving her to dance. No car pooling opportunity for us. I am thrilled that we stuck with it. Aya's dad and I supported her all through out her school life with dancing. She consequently is going to major in this field at a wonderful private college in New York City. Right smack in the middle of Manhattan. How exciting for us. New York and not California. 

 

The thought of Aya leaving in the first place is rather devastating. You see, having had a career first prior to having a child alters our way of thinking. Rather than most people, we are not thrilled about the empty nest syndrome. Why ? Perhaps because she is our one and only, or maybe because of the delay that existed prior to her birth. Not intentionally, it is just the way of our life, and the timing the universe provided.

The kids all think this is the end. Yes the end of one cycle, yet the beautiful beginning of another. They have no idea how large their potential oyster can be. I suppose being on the outside and older, with this life experience of my own, comes wisdom. I am so happy for her class of 450 graduates. The potential that lies ahead is thrilling.

I didn't cry. I shed a few tears but the celebration was actually such a positive high energy ceremony, that even for me, I surprised my self. I didn't even use one kleenex from the prepared pile I had "just in case".

I share with you a few photos from Senior Prom, ( short dresses is the trend) Graduation Party and the Graduation ceremony. This sequence of events have been where my energy has been the past several weeks, with the climax Monday, June 8th 2009 with the actual ceremony.

The group photo of the daughters and the mothers are Aya's best friend Jess, and her mom ( along with Aya and myself) at Nashawtuc Country Club as we had a joint celebration with live goldfish as table centerpieces and all... What fun.

Enjoy your children each breathing moment. Smile and relish the growth process. It does move fast. Once it is over, regret about anything is the last sense you wish to have, so be in the moment as much as you can.  Just being conscious of it will certainly help.

For Aya, her Dad and I, what the future holds for her is now all up to her and her own heart and where she allows her head to travel, by listening to her heart at all times. We now are only hear to guide her.The foundation has been laid. Her morals, and the standards she takes with her will be her guide for the the rest of her life.

Best of Luck, Linclon Sudbury Class of 2009!

 

The old and the new.

I often catch myself teetering to and fro with how searching, scouting and discovering plays into my life and career. The hunt. The adventure around it all. Merchandise, furniture, scarves, jewelry. They all serve a purpose, but my deepest commitment is to share, spread and stage what I find onto the plateau of retail.  The real goal is to tap into people's hearts as well as their spirit.

I am consistently inspired to seek. Despite my state of mind, or the physical state I am in, which covers New York, New Hampshire and Vermont most recently. I am drawn to beautiful things both old and new.

What this teaches me is bringing a style, a flair and an appeal to the collection that is housed at Matsu. The choice is key. The editing is the most challenging part of scouting, shopping, seeking and discovering. The choices that result in this creative process I would like to think are what  motivates and also inspires our clientele to keep coming in for more.  The feeling  experienced along with the haunting scents create the ambiance and the memory., I would like to think this; the culmination of  where the old and the new merge is the result of what triggers the senses of anyone that walks in the front door, hopefully. There is such a feeling of achievement once the decision to choose an item is made. Most likely, because of the heap it was discovered in, or the condition of it. My imagination is stimulated because I can really feel the possibility of success and the potential pieces have. Removing them from their original environment and creating a new one is the key sharing it's potential. I am speaking of a chair that may have been hiding in a large pile of junk, or a cashmere scarf that is hanging with another 40 colors. Just the mere choice of discovering one piece in the mass is what I consider to be the most rewarding feeling. Then to share it on a larger scale, makes me feel so good, and then to have that spread into the lives of many, is so rewarding.

These are just some of the thoughts that trickle through my mind,and I share the process of how one gets merchandise to the state that it is discovered in by you, at Matsu.  I include some of my recent discoveries, and the state they were found it. It is astonishing how the before and the after transcend.

 

I hope you are all curious now, and will indeed visit us soon ! This makes my heart and mind smile, I am here sharing it with you, and hope you experience it too !

Yours in joy,

Dava

Listen to the sound of enchantment; set your spirit free

May used to mean nothing more to me than lilacs, alyssum  and magnolias blooming. Spring. New beginnings. It still holds this sentiment, but as we grow, the momentum of life resembles a snowball effect; rolling down the hill, faster and faster and is growing larger by the second.

My 18 year old is graduating next week from high school. She attended junior prom last weekend, with her current boyfriend ,a junior. Big deal, but not as big as the senior prom approaching. Graduation 2 days later. New York City for college in the late summer. It is flying right by. This is a real good time to be in the moment. Soak up each minute by being present. Present to life, present to the opportunities that prevail.

I think I am ready for her to leave.  Not. My only consolation is the fact she will be studying dance and communication in New York City, and not California.

 

New York is so a part of my life as well as her Dad's.  Thank God. You think you are mentally and emotionally prepared, and realize once the college decision/ direction is chosen that you can handle it. This is not something meditation will soothe or make disappear. No, being with the unusual feeling is what happens, and here it is late May with a few more months to go. Realizing that her comfort zone as we all have known it the past 18 years has the possibility in taking a 180 turn.

 Oh, I know new opportunities so large are waiting for her. I relish the thought. We all pray that the foundation of home life, religion the morals and standards taught are "baked" inside her soul. I must have faith, and more importantly surrender to her growth. Not only hers, but ours too as her parents. We all transform in this magnificent time.  Time to embrace it, and be in the moment,accepting life as it unfurls. 

As a mother, my desire is to comfort her and to love her, but as I do this my grip must lessen and my heart must see her as a fly away bird, and to set her free.

On a side note, Aya's Dad and I held the post prom party at our home last Friday night. As we awoke, they began to go to sleep at the crack of dawn.  This was a wholesome, safe and fun filled evening, despite the skeptical phone calls I received prior by several parents. We created an atmosphere that any adult would have enjoyed, right down to the breakfast food!

 The next phase of life... for us, will be the Senior Prom and the gathering of all relationships of our past that have been involved with Aya one way or another.  Stay tuned !

Yours, in spirit,

Dava

Scouting About

I am certain that my approach to this adventurous day was one of predetermined expectations..  Just when you feel like you know why, where and how, the universe can through you off course and all of a sudden that initial intent turns out to be or look like something completely different.

That is what my trip to the Brimfield Antique Fair was all about. I have heard about it for all the years I have lived in the Boston area. I knew this existed and how vast it was but never attended. Until this week.

I accompanied my partner to scout furniture for a project he is creating in Japan. We seeked oversize farm tables, various chairs with the hopes that each one would have a different characteristic all culminating into a harmonious collection for this life style bar/retail environment project for Japan We had a vision. We created an idea in our minds and on paper of what we needed to find.. .The approach didn't work.   What happens?  We wound up with any thing but.

The mantra by the day's end is to drop expectations.  Amazing what one goes through before recognizing it. Hours later I could see it. The good news was that as we got "visually addicted" to other sights, the realization finally was to be in the moment and look, listen and absorb what the message was.  It just didn't have the same intention as what we thought.

Drop the disappointment. Drop the pre conceived notion. Just enjoy. Finally.  This was the lesson for the day. 

Our vehicle was loaded with goodies, primarily ethnic ones !  Who would have thought ? Certainly not us!

The next thing you know, we were filmed and interviewed by Chronicle. Not sure if it aired that very night or not, but the main question was "Did you feel there were any deals?" My answer in the interview was absolutely not. But, as I chose some wonderful products for Matsu, my commitment was to keep the pricing as low as can be so that the products I edited for my shop can accessible by anyone pining the articles at a very reasonable price.

The day was fun, and addicting. I love the merchandise that we found. It spoke to me very loud and clear. I could visualize it very easily Matsu. Knowing how it would enhance our oasis. Feeling like these treasures from ancient times bring an old world energy into our lives. Yours as well as mine. The country that we found these items from was Pakistan. I never would have thought that going to the Brimfield Fair, thinking I would find old American furniture for our project, the day would lead us to the collections we wound up with. Many pictured here.

The day's mantra ?  Don't be afraid to drop expectations. Just go with the flow, have faith and trust. Be in the moment, and breathe into the opportunities that appear in front of you. Just don't take things for granted especially if you have an inner idea. One never knows where it can wind up, or what it can looklike.  Surprise is a grand thing.

Look forward to seeing you come and discover my discoveries all at Matsu now.

Yours In Spirit,

Dava

Beyond Temptation Event

What do you get when you combine Teuscher Chocolates & Too Timid The Romance Company with Matsu; life enriching style ?  Oodles of people teetering on the edge of their own untapped inhibitions.  Sub consciously seeking encouragement to take the leap into a place they don't dare speak about, act out or simply express ! An elegant evening with lots of ambience, fun and unexpected surprises. That's what !

 

This is what the evening on May 5th at Matsu was about.

Stephan from Teuscher Chocolates was generous in donating superb treats for the evening, and Chad from Too Timid set up his elegant array of Adult Toys. The Champagne and strawberries, flowing all evening.  I would like to express my appreciation to both men in their effort to make this event a success. I invite you to visit them both in their shops on Newbury Street nearby.

I would also like to thank my clientele for their support and enthusiasm which inspires me to continue seeking the enriching merchandise we are known for. I enjoy teaching you how to wear a scarf in a manner you may never of thought of in twisting, or placing around your neck, not to mention the variety of ways each individual piece of clothing can be worn and when.

Lastly, my appreciation goes to my staff of the night;  Aya, Diane, Saskia and Yasmin.

Without you all, this would not have occured. Thank you for  confidence and faith in me always.  It keeps me ticking everyday. I also thank those of you in my life that inspire me to push the unexpected and to live and love life to it's fullest always.

Truly, yours in joy,

Dava

These are a few of my favorite things !

Once upon a time there was a girl.  She loved to fantasize. In fact she loved it so much that she decided she would create a way to share them . Her love for life was all she needed to cultivate the means in which to express her passions.  Through her senses she could cultivate this very expression. What seemed liked fantasy became reality to her. How ?  Matsu !   A museum like gallery housed at 259 Newbury St. This boutique became her oasis. Here, she could play in the dirt, planting nature outdoors, nurture the plants and flowers that are indoors, and choose clothing, jewelry, sandals, handbags, scarves and wonderful vases.  Something for every aspect of her life.

In order to fulfill her internal wishes lead by her heart, she traveled around to Europe, and also right here in the United States to discover designers that spoke to her . Anyone can practically open a boutique, but aah, not with the   soul, complexity and layers of history, texture, color and nature would one find anything quite like this.

The husband and wife team of Jamin Puech have developed their line of bags this season, which have just arrived from Paris based on an African/Tribal sensibility.  Absolutely outstanding. The craftsmanship, the function and the intricacy all wrapped up in this collection. Shown here are a few samples of this.  More in the shop.

Stefano Mortari, known in Italy for their knit . This fantasy child discovers  the scarf and tunic pieces created in Tulle with chips of metal carefully stitched on the fabric to enhance her Spring collection at Matsu. Exclusively imported from Italy, this tight collection can enhance an outfit, or just fulfill any whim that you may not even be aware of.

 

All so rich and tempting.  Yes, that is what I was told. I am a temptress. I love to provoke. I love to inspire. I love to trigger. I love to push the envelope. I now wish to tempt YOU! In honor of this, I am holding a party from 5 ~8 on Tuesday, May 5th.  Beyond Temptation. The invite below. If you dare to fulfill your own fantasy, please RSVP.  I will live by my words, you will see. Shocking?  No, just true to my heart and living in my fantasy.

Yours, in true fantasy,

Dava

The perspective of life from another place

As I rest, relax and soak up the Sarasota weather, I bask in the thought of how replenishing this is for my soul. The weather here is surreal. It triggers my senses but I question why we live in the Northeast.  The quality of life . That's why. Florida is wonderful on a temporary basis. Visiting my Mom and brother and sister after my dad passed away, was the main reason for coming back here. I am making the most of it. after 7 days here with one day only of stormy skies and torrential rain, and with 4 days left to go, I notice trying to ignore the fact that my psyche begins to "squirm ". Being in another place, I can't help but notice gives me more time to de compress. We seem to forget how to do that living up in the New England area.

The sand, the sun and the salt. Stimulating my senses into being able to completely relax. I am ready to take Boston back on again! I will have a enormous amount of energy in which to thrive on once I return, and also open my mind to inspire those around me, not to mention my own soul.

Once I return, I will take photos of new merchandise to share with you that we receive at Matsu. Especially the juicy bags from Jamin Puech.  Ta Ta for now. 

Yours, in spirit,

Dava

Let's Play !

I took a big internal risk on Thursday. Huge. I wore Ivory. I felt like a frothy confection. I felt like a swan. I felt light and happy.  I seemed to have inspired smiles on anyone that walked by me. ( of course, with my modest nature, I didn't notice; my friend told me!)  We attended a Fashion Show at Nieman Marcus. In Natick. The venue is not that far for me, but to see all the familiar faces here was refreshing ! I thought the show was well executed. Not enough drama with the lighting, for my taste but I prefer theatrical productions. I just loved the energy here though.

I was inspired  to have a party !  a Matsu Spring Fling Party.  Yup. on May 5th, we shall celebrate the arrival of the long awaited season. Rebirth, New growth, new outlooks and a fresh start. The Matsu Spring Fling at 259 Newbury St. from 6~8.  We will be sending an Save the date e mail blast . Hope you can come, and be sure to RSVP.

I also would like to announce the re appearance of our Lapland Bracelet Collection. New colors, new designs and a very healthy presentation to choose from.. Back by popular requests ! See the photo below. Just a tease. We have designs for both men and women. The balance of our Faliero Sarti Scarves have also just arrived. Beautifully embroidery, colors and as usual, the organic texture. A wonderful staple and accent to enhance a stale feeling outfit, day or mood.

Hope to see you all very soon !

Yours in Spirit,

Dava Muramatsu