Conscious Strategies LLC

Tag: #livelocal

#LiveLocal: Breaking Bread
It occurred to me today that the expression ‘breaking bread’ may have stemmed from the fact that in the olden days (before white bread), the loaves were dense. Maybe their bread knives failed like mine and people had to literally tear a piece off the loaf. I visualize the bread being passed along a table in a room painted SALON DRAB (Farrow and Ball).
What Images Come to Mind When I Say “Breaking Bread”
Breaking Bread
Yes, ‘breaking bread’ is a play on ‘breaking bad’.
yes breaking bread is a play on breaking bad.
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I think it is usually an expression related to eating, and I have certainly enjoyed many shared tables of stimulating conversation and yummy food. The loaf above is from Lost Bread and I had it with this Big Spoon spread called chai spice.
On Community and Breaking Bread
Breaking bread with others has connotations of community. Community is my topic in this installment of #LiveLocal. This week I met a few new neighbors and we introduced two fellows (pilots) to each other who have crossed paths but never met. It felt fortuitous. And, it symbolizes what my husband has wanted for a long time – a neighborhood, community and roots.
I also met some neighbors from a few streets over. We were chatting about issues pertaining to a developer. Again, community. Getting together from across fences has a very powerful vibe. Especially when you share a concern like basement flooding. Half our block got water this week. Bye rug, you will be missed but not replaced.
On that note, I walked into a store in Old City (Parisa) just for fun and ended up meeting the lovely owner and taking a photo which is perfect for an upcoming article for my client, Homes.com. This after a trip to Moko Beauty where I met the talented Monique. It seemed like my day was replete with exchanges between people in the community. A day of breaking bread.
Thanks for reading

August 19, 2018
#Livelocal – Doorways of Philly
I am drawn to doors and doorways. The mere act of opening a door takes courage sometimes, in special occasions. As you open a door, who knows – you might confront the unknown.
What Do Doorways Make You Think Of?
There are cliches associated with opening a door too. And symbols. Like opportunity. Freedom – getting out or going in.
The experience of walking through a door can be unique. In the sense that sometimes when you open a door the experience on the other side can be transformative. First time meetings, feelings etc. You can fill in the blanks.
The Doors of Philly #Livelocal
Alternatively it can be routine or ordinary, like when you come home. Unless that stresses you out. Anyway, the doorways of Philly are really something to take notice of. I think many of them I must walk by dozens of times. Here are some stand-out doorways from around and about.
Big Red Door
This red door in Northern Liberties makes me think of the expression ‘opportunity knocks’ and has those high columns that feel like either wisdom or judgement. I had a meeting there. I also feel like it says ‘rehab’ on it. Some of the older features kept (it was a church) but it’s also modern, functional and bold.
Turquoise Door
This turquoise door is set in brick (with the sun just so…) says calm, and reminds me of space, sky and ocean. It’s in a building that has kept lots of its brickness and vibes of tech, yoga and a cross between Brooklyn and Old Montreal.
Brown Door – Rittenhouse Square
This elegantly carved wood doorway on Walnut Street seems to say ‘get grounded!’ Super earthly and elegant. I have some of this wood carving at home and it definitely reminds me of Montreal boutiques. Some of which I know are no longer around.
Stay tuned and #livelocal
August 1, 2018
#Livelocal: The Philadelphia Rowhome
The Philadelphia Rowhome is the predominant style of housing in the city. If you are buying or selling a house in Philadelphia, chances are it is a row house. Row houses are everywhere, from old city to Roxborough. They come in various shapes and sizes from the smallest that measure in at 400 square feet to the more modern styles that are graced with one car garages.
Under the El- Philadelphia Row homes
The Philadelphia Row Has History
To know the history of the Philly row and look beyond the (sometimes) homogeneous facade, offers some great insight into what you might look to own or, market to sell. Read more about Row homes in the full article for Homes.com here
I admit, as a Montrealer, when I got here I knew nothing about the row. I wasn’t used to narrow living. Or the idea that when you opened the front door, you were already inside. Here there are no vestibules. It was all too weird for me. For more, go here to read my article, “Where Have all the Vestibules Gone?”.
the Philadelphia Row and Where Have All the Vestibules Gone?
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Newer row homes
Then we bought – my first home ever. In the city of brotherly love and the Philadelphia row. My realtor basically said that while all the homes on a block may look the same from the outside, it was my blank slate to work with. I spent the first few days (weeks, months) running up and down the stairs. It gave me shin splints. I kept forgetting my phone and keys on the floor I wasn’t on. Not that I’m complaining- it is helping me work off the pastries from Cake Life.
Meghan at Cake Life
While the lack of foyer is not something I like, I’m starting to appreciate the compartments of the home. At times, the shared walls make me feel connected to some neighbors and community. At the same time, we all value our privacy.
Yes, the row is growing on me. Whereas I once thought the row home didn’t have any personality, I now look at at the facade and wonder what unique features lie behind them. How do the owners make use of their space? Does each floor have its own personality?

April 19, 2018