Letters To You

Today I was able to finish up some cards for Valentines Day that I've been meaning to complete. Though we live in an age where e-mails and texts are a lot more ubiquitous than hand written notes, I think getting a letter by mail from a friend is so lovely. It seems that now, one's mailbox is filled with bills and advertisement and it doesn't feel personal anymore and has become just another mean of social media in analogue form. 

Bliss

I have myself a new little nook for the next two weeks fully furnished with all the knick knacks of my heart's desire. I have situated myself comfortably on the most adorable vintage couch with raspberries and my current read, The Goldfinch. I was a bit intimidated at first with the seven hundred page count and I'm still surprised at myself that I went forth with it, but everywhere I turned I would only hear wonderful things being said, so I decided to take the challenge. And since I am trying to read more this year, would it be so terribly wrong to count this as two books?

Rose et Rouge

Though I usually find my street mundane and uneventful, I was pleasantly surprised by these bushels of pink flowers in full bloom. The weekend usually lets me catch up a weeks worth of duties that I was unable to squeeze into my schedule and I tend to dress myself in a simple attire of a shirt, tights, and a very soft cardigan that I could fall asleep in at any moment.

{book: Art of the 20th Century}

I was also able to get some words written down for my Rothko essay which I am quite pleased. I've always wanted to gain a deeper understanding towards art but up until now I've been having the hardest time. When my professor offered me a different perspective on viewing art through spirituality it helped me approach a subject that I've been trying to grasp at for years suddenly become clear as day.

Schlump

I've been feeling somewhat somber with the skies grey and heavy with rain. Paired with this weather, today was my last day working with the family I have been taking care of the children for for the last couple months and I will miss the children terribly. It's strange the delight you get when you realize the babies you have been taking care of, recognize you every morning and run towards you squealing with glee when they are unable to even articulate the simplest words. That happiness they exudes is really the most genuine of all human kind. 

So wanting to get out of this schlump, I've decided to assemble a little guide for when feeling the blues. 

• Talk to someone. I've realized whenever I lack motivation, I always cheer right up when I talk to someone for a mere 5 or 10 minutes. 
• Making the day productive. By completing the simple tasks on my to-do list can be quite comforting end those pesky little responsibilities are most likely the ones that I tend to put off. 
• Reading my favorite book or blogs. The book I always turn to would most likely be The Happiness Project and the blog I read for a quick pick me up is A Cup Of Jo. The funny thing is I realized a lot of books or blogs that makes me optimistic again usually is set in New York City. 
• Change of scenery. Just driving to a different part of town that I haven't been in a while was a great way to get out of my head and rejuvenate. 

Beyond The Haze

This was the view I had this morning walking the dog. She walks awfully slow and I don't blame her since she dislikes the leash immensely, but it does give me time to stop and enjoy the quiet morning air. It's been foggy all week in the early hours, and though it can be a nuisance when driving, I enjoy the haziness of the fog and how it feels on my skin when I walk through. It carries me to a different realm even though the pavement I've been stepping on is the same as the countless days before. I find it quite interesting and at the same time peculiar how my emotions can change just with a simple touch of mother nature's will. Though the picture is not that clear, the spider webs dusted in morning dew was somehow extremely aesthetically pleasing and seemed to be in sync with the ambiance. 

Architecture Hunting

{top - forever 21, skirt - thrifted & altered (originally eddie bauer), shoes - urban outfitters, key chain - american apparel}

The rest of the country would probably be stunned if they saw what Southern Californians were wearing in the middle of January. Though I love being bundled up in warm coats and tweed jackets, it's definitely a perk that I do not need to shovel snow and and de-ice everything continuously during the winter season. 

These photos were from yesterday when I was exploring around my town for interesting architecture to capture. I have been smitten with skirts lately, mostly ones that hug me just right and fall straight down. Last fall Madewell came out with mini skirts with a felt like material and I fell in love. I've always been hesitant about wearing minis because their image has never been favorable, however the one I saw hanging in the store caught my eye. It was a deep forest green and very humbling, so unusual for a piece of garment that gets a bad reputation from time to time in magazines. I haven't taken a picture of me wearing it just yet but I can't wait to capture its subtle beauty.