I'm Stronger Than The Picture That You Took Before You Left

It has been quite a while since I have been here. Before I go into anything I would just like to direct your attention to the incredibly beautiful blog design that the super talented Bri of The Secret Life of Bee put together for me. I am beside myself with how fantastic it is and would highly recommend her design services, as well as her blog (it's one of my favorites). I feel like the design perfectly suits me and this space and am so happy about it.

Lately life has been all sorts of wonderful. I feel so thankful all the time for the great people that I get to spend it with. I have been documenting less and living more. There are a lot of things that I haven't shared on here, that I have meant to. So here are some photos from last summer that were taken to share on this space.



They never made it here last year, just like a lot of things have failed to arrive, but here they are now. They are special in a way that is hard to explain. In these photos, I was unaware of how my life would so quickly uproot and shift to one so unrecognizable, and I mean that in the best way. There is a strong, confident woman inside of the person in these photos just waiting to be triggered. This was the end and the beginning all at once. 

Skirt: Modcloth
Blouse: Forever 21
Tote: Vanilla & Lace
Sunglasses: Target
Flats: Journeys

In Your Heart There's A Spark That Just Screams

I've always liked Valentine's Day, but it's definitely a tough day if you're single. Instead of being bitter about the holiday, I decided to celebrate this year by being my own date. I had a really great time. I planned it all out earlier in the week, so I was actually looking forward to it!

This is really the first time that I've been single since I was fifteen. I've been in two long-term relationships, and I really enjoy being in a committed relationship. I like having someone who wants to hang out all the time, someone to talk to about anything, and someone to do life with. So, this single life has been strange, but I've actually been enjoying it thus far. It's nice to get to know myself, and figure things out alone, spend a lot of time with great friends, and get a chance to work on that sense of gratitude and self love that was in need of attention. I feel like it's really important to focus on ourselves sometimes. A relationship will suffer if one or both parties are coming into it expecting to be completed by the other. So right now I'm focusing on making myself whole, and I feel really great about being alone. That being said, I decided to go on a solo date with myself!

The day before Valentine's my brothers and I drove to Ithaca to see Jeff Mangum play with The Music Tapes and Tall Firs. I bought the tickets months ago, and gave them to my brothers as Christmas gifts, so the anticipation had been building for a while! 

It was more than I could have ever imagined. It was nice just spending quality time with my best friends and having great conversation. Then we got to see Jeff Mangum. He was incredible. I can't even put into words how wonderful it was to see and hear him play. Everyone was singing along and it felt like there was respect and gratitude just hanging in the air of the State Theatre. I was in awe of his talent and courage, and felt so lucky to be given the opportunity to see him. When he played my favorite of his songs, (Two Headed Boy Pt. 2) I was overcome by emotion and spent the rest of the song unsuccessfully holding back tears. So far, I still can't listen to it without tearing up. Seeing Jeff Mangum was probably my favorite concert experience that I've ever had. Since there was no photographing/recording allowed, my brother Josh drew his recollection of him. It's perfect.

On Valentine's Day I did a bunch of my favorite things to treat myself (and all the purchases I made were kept local too - score!). I started off by getting myself sesame chocolate bark and the cutest stuffed dino from Hedonist. 

Then I went to take these outfit photos. It was a little frustrating because it was raining and I had to use a tripod, but I powered through, and ended up having a good time with the challenge of self-portraits. I am so happy I got to document this special day. 

Next I went to my favorite Rochester restaurant, Open Face, to have my favorite soft brie and pear sandwich, pickled beets, and a hot rose matcha.

 After that, I went to my favorite theatre, The Little, to see the live action and animated Oscar nominated shorts. They were really great, as always.

 My favorite live action short was Henry, which had me fighting back tears, and my favorite animated short was Paperman, which made me smile the whole way through. It's actually nice to go to the movies alone. I think I'll make it a more regular thing. 

This Valentine's Day was really wonderful. I'm glad I chose to celebrate rather than be cynical.

Skirt: Forever 21

Top: H&M

Tights: Target

Shoes: Vintage, thrifted

Bow: Belle and Whistle

Coat: H&M

Umbrella: Thrifted

Stuffed Dino: Charging Hearts

So Goes Another Winter Slowly, Hands In The Pockets Of My Coat

Well, before we get on to the next holiday, I'm going to reflect on Christmas first, and I feel pretty okay with that. I had a really great holiday season this year spent with wonderful family. The photos below were taken on a very cold day during the one week of the year that I will wear red and green together. 

My mom suggested that I spend my holidays doing things that aren't traditional to make sure that I didn't get too wrapped up in sad feelings. So, that's exactly what I did! 

We had a family Christmas party this year with my grandparents, who usually spend the holiday in Colorado. There were lots of homemade, heartfelt gifts shared (the best kind). On Christmas Eve, my big brother came to spend the night with me at our dad's house, and we watched Moonrise Kingdom together.

 I got up and got ready, put on a fresh pair of pajamas, and left to spend the morning at our Mom's with our little brother, mom, grandma, and her dog Emily. We listened to the White Stripes, because we were both sick of Christmas music, and had a beautiful drive out to the country. My mom had a great brunch spread and too much candy to enjoy while we were silly and exchanged gifts. It's nice to spend time with my grandma. I always wish I saw her more often. 

After that, us siblings were off to go spend Christmas evening at our dad's house. We listened to Neutral Milk Hotel, stopped at Canandaigua Lake to admire her beauty along the way, and ate Harry & David pears in the car (which is really difficult/messy, but worth it). 

We got really wonderful gifts from our stepmom Linda and our dad. I got a pair of beautiful Frye boots! Eep! Then we had a wonderful dinner and shared music with each other. We went to see This Is 40 later that evening, and were all exhausted after that. It was a really special holiday spent with truly wonderful people.

Dress: Modcloth
Cardigan: H&M
Tights: Target
Coat: H&M
Shoes: Vintage, Etsy
Hair Bow: Belle & Whistle
Pin: Cecelia Hayes

Also, I bought this dress because it reminded me of the first couch I've ever owned. Totally not the first time I've bought clothing that reminded me of couches from my past either.

All outfit photos taken by my rad brother Josh. All other photos taken by me on my iPhone, (except the one of my old couch).

Wind On The Fields, Blowin' Your Hair

These photos were taken almost a month ago when the last few autumn leaves were still clinging to the trees. I always hate to say goodbye to autumn.

The vibrant leaves are long gone now, but I'm ready for the holiday season to begin. My favorite Christmas music is the collection of Sufjan Stevens' Songs for Christmas. I'm pretty anxious to listen to that on a pretty, snowy commute.

Things have been going really well lately. I had a great weekend with sweet friends. I've been keeping busy with fun activities. ALSO, I only have two weeks left to this semester. It feels surreal and exciting. I just need to power through a few more long nights of studying - I've almost made it!

Dress: Target

Cardigan: H&M

Tights: TJ Maxx

Boots: Vintage, Etsy

All of these photos were taken by my little brother, Josh. I'm a huge fan of his photography, and it's wonderful to keep seeing his improvement.