Poor Moon - People In Her Mind

Hello, darlings!

I heard this nice little ditty in the car today from Poor Moon (thanks, KEXP), and immediately fell in love. But then again, what else could come from a collaboration between Fleet Foxes (ahem, favorite band) band members Christian Wargo and Casey Wescott, along with the brothers Ian and Peter Murray but pure musical bliss? Their EP is available on iTunes, so go give them a little listen :)

In other music-related news, the left bud of my earphones gave out this week, so I finally decided to splurge a bit and purchase some Urbanears headphones. Not only are they more comfortable on my ears, but, my gracious, the bass! I'm convinced that I've only ever heard about half of a song with my normal headphones before these babies came along. Such a difference! Bonus, they come in the cheeriest of colors (I chose a bold teal).

I hope you're enjoying spring!

Adoringly,
Yours

Don't Give Up The Ship

Hello, darlings!

Today has been showcasing some of my favorite weather - warm spring rains. The greens are so vibrant against so many shades of grey - and the rain is my home.

It's musical Wednesday, but I've decided to switch things up in honor of the mad amounts of study time I've been putting in lately... so here's a mix of some lovely tracks that have been getting me through.

1. Don't Leave Me (Ne me quitte pas) - Regina Spektor
2. Stubborn Love - The Lumineers
3. Model - Balanescu Quartet
4. Hang On Little Tomato - Pink Martini
5. Hang Loose - Alabama Shakes
6. Lover's Game - Geographers
7. Myth - Beach House
8. Suite for Solo Cello No. 1 in G Major - MW 1007: 1. Prelude Cello - Yo-Yo Ma
9. Your Bones - Of Monsters & Men
(Fun. and M. Ward's new albums for the after-study dance party sessions)

I hope you have a little bird who sings you awake each morning, just like the little one who sits outside my window and chirps me awake. The grass is growing, my dears, summer is near.

Adoringly,
Yours

p.s. This has appropriately become my motto this quarter.

11 Weeks (Until Summer)

Hello, darlings!

I hope you weren't fooled too terribly badly yesterday, but now that we've passed the fool's day, onwards to spring! Today was a refreshing (and quite unexpected) 61 (!!!!) degrees and, boy, was it lovely!

Thankfully I have developed quite a fondness of being a student in recent years, as my time these days is spent almost entirely working through my mathematics homework. It's interesting, actually, as before this quarter I thought I was only fond of being a student as long as it pertained to subjects that intrigued, but did not intimidate me. Well here I am in a 10 credit class that would have normally (and still does, at times) seize me with anxiety, and I find myself enjoying the challenge of it all. If I could just be a student for the rest of my days, I'd be one very happy clam. I'm actually anticipating attending a brief seminar tomorrow about mathematical patterns found in nature... no extra credit involved. Who IS this girl who's semi embracing math? I'm in shock.

I do find, however, that the busier my schedule is, the more I try to maximize my free time. I went to an art gallery on Sunday that I'd never been to, which was beyond wonderful for my soul. I will never tire of the stale walls and hushed hallways brimming with the works of people muddling through life - artists trying to find a way to express the world - their lives - sometimes their lives to the world. It's unsettling, graphic, moving, and beautiful. I can't get enough of it, and I can't wait to learn more. I have also begun to carve out time in the evenings to unwind and continue working through my eternal stack of books. I'm continuously trying to find the right balance, but aren't we all? (I know I say it again and again, but, my goodness, life truly is heart-filled quagmire.)

I hope you were able to break out your most summery sandals today, and reflect a little on this week leading up to Easter. We are all so very blessed.

Adoringly,
Yours

p.s. These darling little flats, and this song on repeat.

Of Monsters And Men - Dirty Paws

Happy mid-week, darlings!

So, I posted about this wonderful little Icelandic band a couple months ago, and since then they seemed to have grown in popularity quite a bit... and as they should!

I was fortunate enough to see them play live on Monday and, oh my stars, they are truly one of the most jovial bands I have ever had the pleasure of seeing. I absolutely love watching bands play that are touring from their first album release and are relatively new. Multiple times they would end a song and look out at the crowd and marvel at the amount of people in the venue, or that they were playing to a sold-out show. You never have to wonder at moments such as these if the band is in it for the love of the music or not - they seemed truly humbled and overjoyed to be sharing their music, which, in turn, made it an even greater joy to experience the moment with them.

Catch them live, if you get the chance, but certainly go pre-order their album, My Head Is An Animal, which comes out this Tuesday!

Adoringly,
Yours

La-Dee-Da, Spring is here!

Happy Spring, my dears!

True to form, life really has been bursting at the seams with heart-filled quagmire as of late. I've tried so many times to post something, but if you only knew the butterflies and various other woodland and mythical creatures fluttering about inside me these days, well, you'd understand.
It's funny, thinking back on the calm seas which was 2011, and now seeing that it's only (nearly) April and how vastly different this year is going for me already. I much prefer this year - it's exhausting, challenging, thrilling, breathtaking, heartbreaking, and wondrous all at once. And that, for me, is the rub when it comes to blogging. I haven't been able to concentrate on one particular thought for ages. But here I am, and, although I may leave this blog lonely here and there, rest assured, I am not gone for good :)

Amongst the busyness, I will say that my personal challenge to myself (living my life overflowing and taking on more things afraid), has been in full swing. Along the lines of living a life overflowing, I have chosen to view pinterest only when in need of a clever DIY or for brief inspiration, and to actually LIVE my life the way I want it, instead of pinning it. Why would I choose to "pin" something cute but not wear it myself? Or eat a bowl of cereal while drooling over a picture on my screen of gourmet foods? Or stare at abs that I'm not willing to do sit-ups for? (No harm meant for anyone on pinterest, I think it's a fabulously entertaining and inspirational place... but, for me, I found myself doing a lot of coveting and not a lot of living :) )

Life is intimidating and daunting, this we know. I have been concentrating on waking up each day with a renewed mind by taking time to marvel at the little things, find the blessings in my life, and pray more often. But one thing I have discovered, is that it is intrinsic to who I am to create something new each day. It could be a little sketch in my art journal, a photograph, a new artist or song listened to, the assembling of a cheese platter, or even something as commonplace as a new instagram. I finally understand what Twyla Tharp was getting at in her book, ("The Creative Habit..." more on that later) that I read several years ago. You. Must. Be. Creative. Every. Day. It's part of who we are. And to take in something beautiful from the world, and to give it back in your own beautiful, unique way... That is art. That is beauty. That is living.

Here are some little snippets of my life right now (Thank you, iPhone). I will try to post again soon, although no promises. Life is better lived spontaneously, after all :)











Adoringly,
Yours

p.s. This song and this book and this necklace.

Walking After Midnight

Well hello, my dears! (Hope I haven't kept you waiting too terribly long :)

I hope all you lovebirds had a fabulous Love Day yesterday, and to those of us who are sans our other half at the moment, we made it through another year - bravo!

My dear friend, K, and myself were exchanging Valentines Day playlists, and Miss Patsy Cline made it to the tippy top of my list. (I have secretly always felt that Adele is a contemporary Patsy - maybe, yes, no?)
In any case, her raspy voice (which I hear was a result of a bad case of strep throat as a child) and wistful, heartfelt lyrics never cease to speak to me. She's truly a kindred spirit of mine.

Adoringly,
Yours

p.s. I shan't keep you waiting so long until the next post, darlings.

Snow Days and General Laze

Outfit details: Scarf - unknown, Sweater - Urban Outfitters, Maxi Skirt - Nordstrom
Hello my dears!

My goodness, this past weekend turned out to be a long one! In addition to Monday's holiday, we've also added two more "snow days" to the mix, making it seem like Christmas break all over again! This past weekend was quiet in that I was snowed in, and therefore not able to do my usual weekend venturing about, but was quite nice nevertheless.
I was able to squeeze in breakfast with my brother at the local bakery before the snow came, and have been living a hermit lifestyle ever since. I listened to this man and these ladies while studying, enjoyed beginning this book, drank more french press than I care to admit, and squealed for joy when these lovely shoes arrived on my doorstep (despite the snow!).
I hope you're staying warm and cozy, wherever you are! And if you're wondering, there's nothing quite as comfy, or warm (for the indoors, that is) than a maxi skirt and some wool knee-high socks! I would highly recommend it :)





(These photos brought to you by my new iPhone, also a part of my long weekend, but before the snow :) )

Adoringly,
Yours

Sunday Musings: Of Snow and the General Cold

"In the midst of winter, I finally learned that there was in me an invincible summer." - Albert Camus

Hello, darlings!

Buuur! My, but it's chilly these days! We have smatterings of snow all around Seattle, and, while it is beautiful, it makes me long for the warm, summery days of August all the more. Don't get me wrong, I love nothing more than an oversized sweater, cup of coffee, and fireplace to sit beside but, as Camus said, there is in all of us an invincible summer that is constantly beckoning, or so it seems.
I have recently taken to exploring the "winterized" versions of some of my favorite activities: bundling up for the year-round farmer's markets (as seen in previous post), and also enjoying indoor (yes, indoor) picnics. I am also planning a future trip to a conservatory to get my garden-strolling fix in as well. While it doesn't seem quite the same without the warmth of the sun and the freshly mowed grass, I have found it does have it's own charm - and by charm I mean coziness.

So, what are some unusual ways that you are enjoying these first winter months? I'd love to know :)

Adoringly,
Yours

You Don't Know My Mind: Musical Wednesday

Happy mid-week, dears!

My first introduction to the phenomenal Hugh Laurie came unintentionally many, many years ago as I watched him play one of the bumbling villains in the 1996 version of 101 Dalmatians. I have since come to respect and enjoy his acting skills through his early staring role in the British series, Jeeves & Wooster, and the more recent, cynical Dr. Gregory House on the widely popular TV show, House (Phew, talk about having a wide range of acting skills!). Most recently, however, I have been enjoying him as a musician - yes, a musician. Here’s why.

His new(ish) record, Let Them Talk, showcases Bluesy tunes, some of which are well-known to the world of Blues, others perhaps slightly less familiar. But familiar or not, the album is full of both foot-stompingly good tracks and those that make you want to don a red dress and sway listlessly around a smoky, Mississippi bar as the flies buzz by (sorry to my gentlemen readers if the latter scenario doesn’t apply to you). Yet what really struck me about Mr. Laurie making a record, most especially considering the genre, was the juxtaposition of a well-to-do, white, British gentleman singing the Blues – and how incredibly well he does so. (In fact, is it just me, or does he channel some Chris Martin vocals here and there?)

Any which way, I would encourage you to give it a listen this week as you go about your days – heed the album booklet, as he addresses the aforementioned twist on the Blues… in fact, it’s this booklet that got me hooked before even giving it a listen. He’s quite a witty writer to boot, which is always appreciated. He seems to snuff out any would-be skeptic’s criticisms for being a “poser” by opening with the following:

“I was not born in Alabama in the 1890’s. You may as well know this now. I’ve never eaten grits… No gypsy woman attended my birth and there’s no hellhound on my trail, as far as I’m aware. Let this record show that I am a white, middle-class Englishman, openly trespassing on the music and myth of the American south.”

His enthusiasm for this particular genre of music is unmistakable, and makes for a darn good listen. Enjoy!

Adoringly,

Yours

Sunday at the Farmer's Market(s)

Hello! And how are you, my dears?

The weekend days can be fleeting, at best, for most of us. For me, "the weekend" actually consists of half of Sunday, due to my waitressing weekend work schedule. This being the case, I try to set out every Sunday to squeeze as much weekend as I can into one afternoon. It's usually hectic, whirlwindish, and utterly delightful. I was fortunate enough to have my beautiful friend, C, join me this past Sunday, as we sauntered through the Ballard and Fremont year-round farmer's markets! We were met with enticing smells, Seattle's always-present street musicians, and organic vegetables. Oh, the organic vegetables. C even purchased some muesli, which she hasn't had since our days spent in England! Cheers to that!






Lovely C: not sure on the outfit details
Outfit details: Sweater/boots/leggings - target, scarf - gifted,
bag - Trader Joes, Dress - let's call it vintage, because I can't remember ;)


Don't get me wrong, I love spending time in the heart of Seattle, but it always seems that some of the more charming, quirky areas lay hidden in the neighboring cities. Ballard's main street has no shortage of bricks, cozy cafe's, and is the home to our beloved Tractor Tavern! After shopping the market, C and I ate at this darling place before heading off to Fremont!

Fremont is near and dear to my heart, and is probably one of the most relaxed, yet vibrant places around! I frequent the Flying Apron often (hop on in next time you're there, their gluton free baked goods will blow your taste bud's sophisticated minds!). C and I went for something a tad less healthy (see chocolate cake slice pictured above) from here, and, believe you me, their frosting is absolute perfection!

So how about you, my dear? Where are your favorite farmer's markets and/or cities?

Adoringly,
Yours

Wanderlust

Wan.der.lust
noun
a strong desire to travel: a man consumed by wanderlust.

Hello my dears!

I don't know about you, but I experience wanderlust like a weak immune system experiences the common cold - it seem relentless! Since I am a college student, and therefore not able to travel nearly as much as I would like, I've decided to take advantage of what surrounds me presently. I plan to travel more in the future, but right now I'm enjoying playing tourist around my own beautiful city, Seattle. I hope to start posting life reflections (such as this, maybe more in depth? More art related, for sure) on Sunday nights, and then report to you on Mondays about my Sunday adventures and activities about town. Thank you for walking beside me through this, my darling readers! I do so enjoy your company.

Adoringly,
Yours

p.s. I came across these three young gents (pictured above) on my last visit up to Vancouver this past summer. Their accents were rather difficult to pinpoint - I think I settled on Norwegian. Aren't they the essence of wanderlust with their backpacks, market sandwiches, and bare feet? I had to snap a picture. Love.

Of Monsters & Men, and Musical Wednesdays

Happy mid-week, darlings!

I hereby declare that Wednesdays shall be music sharing days. After all, who couldn't use a mid-week song to liven up the work/school days?

So, I was feeling like Iceland may have been neglected by me as far as the music scene is concerned as of late... lots of great sounds have been emanating from the likes of Australia recently (or perhaps for quite some time now, but I'm just lagging in catching up...), but I was thinking about the beautiful land of Ice and how very much I adore the mesmerizingly ethereal sounds of Sigur Ros... after some snooping, here we have it! One of the most promising (to me, at least) up-and-coming groups, their tumbler (which can be seen here) describes them as "...An amiable group of day dreamers who craft folkie pop songs." You had me at "amiable."

So, I would strongly encourage you, if you feel so inclined, to give them a listen as you journey through the quagmire of your week.

(Pssst! Their song "Little Talks" can be downloaded for free on iTunes this week, and sounds remarkably like an Edward Sharpe & The Magnectic Zeroes branch off. Mad bonus points for the whimsical album art as well, naturally. Love.)

Adoringly,
Yours

Shh! Beware, the doldrums of January!

"Even the grief he could have borne was left behind in the country of illusion, of youth, of the richness of life, where his winter dreams had flourished." Fitzgerald's Winter Dreams

Welcome to January, dears!


January is upon us, and I always tend to struggle with the sadness of the after-Christmas bleakness and the general grey, doldrums that organically seem to come with January.

That being said, it appears that January senses my general distaste for it, and has started off with a much appreciated, sunny disposition thus far... cheers to that!

May I suggest you bundle up, find a cozy spot and read F. Scott Fitzgerald's short story, Winter Dreams? It's breathtaking. And heartbreaking. A wonderful January's read. But please, don't read aloud, for things all around you and I are going into hibernation.

Adoringly,
Yours

Welcome, 2012!

"We must be willing to let go of the life we have planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us"
- E.M. Forster

Welcome to a fresh new year, my darlings!

I hope last night was an evening filled with sparkles, parties, and maybe even a midnight kiss, just for so!
I had to work, but was able to spend the last two hours of 2011 with my jeggings, a dear friend, and a glass of Prosecco... It was a wonderful, quiet way to ring in the new year. I'm a fan.

I have been giving new year's resolutions a great amount of thought lately, and have since concluded that they are quite a bunch of bunk. Truly. That isn't to say they aren't always a good thing, just perhaps not my thing. Instead of making a bunch of goals and promises to myself that I may not keep, I've decided to do the following: drink more coffee, breath deeper, and accept what comes my way. While 2011 wasn't necessarily a major year for me, looking back I can see what a major stepping stone it was for things to come in 2012. I'm so very excited to see what this new year brings, and hopefully you can follow along on this journey with me :)

Blessings on this new year!
Adoringly,
Yours