Lazy Days of Winter

A storm of swirling snow passed through yesterday. Listen to that wind! After braving the elements and getting a healthy dose of freezing fresh air, I remained indoors luxuriating by the contained conflagration in the wood stove.

Blouse and brooch: H&M, Cardigan: Old Navy, Corduroys: thrifted, Shoes: Target

Wearing Artwork

This is a ring I have worn nearly every day for a number of years now. Given as a gift while I was in my teens, it features part of the cherubim detail found on Raphael's early 16th-century painting the Sistine Madonna.


While the recognizable cherubim have become a pop culture mainstay, I have always preferred to admire the painting as a whole. I love the grace that radiates from Raphael's work, replete with soft lines and soft color. It was during my teenage years that I proclaimed Raphael as my favorite Italian Renaissance artist. I have been fortunate enough to see some of his unmatched mastery in person while on a trip to Italy in 2003. Housed in Room 26 of the Uffizi Gallery in Florence is a small collection of paintings owing their existence to this great master. A revelry for my eyes, I strolled from painting to painting making sure not to forget the moment. I haven't, and often look back on my delightful afternoon with the Uffizi with laughter. You see, I was only 17 at the time and under strict orders to "remain with your group at all times!" and "remember you are in a foreign country!" Well, as my group casually strolled past Botticelli's The Birth of Venus, I remained transfixed there under the painting's majesty for nearly 15 minutes - I couldn't help myself nor give up the opportunity to view this encyclopedia page come to life. It was then, after the Botticelli-admiring portion of my soul was full, that I made my way, alone, to see the works of Raphael entrusted to the Uffizi. I hope that someday future travels will lead me to other museums and galleries where his paintings are present.

Do you have a favorite artist and/or period in art history? A favorite painting? Let me know, I love to see what moves people!

A Quiet Interlude

I have just finished watching the BBC TV mini-series The Barchester Chronicles. I have not read the books upon which this adaptation was based, but nevertheless became enthralled by the story line and remarkable acting. The actors' portrayals of their respective characters were a pleasure to watch, especially that of Alan Rickman (this being one of his earliest roles).

I am in the midst of a rather lazy Monday contemplating what to do with myself.

• Nap?
• Read? (An activity that may just induce a nap whether I want it or not!)
• Watch another DVD?
  
• Write a letter?

I am feeling excessively indecisive. It would behoove me to spend some time organizing a few disheveled areas about my room (dresser, closet, bookshelf), but I do not think I can muster up the energy to do so. That aforementioned nap is beginning to sound a little more welcoming! ;)

Squinting In The Sunshine

Weather in upstate New York can be a fickle thing at times. The teasing temperature flirted with 40°F yesterday finally allowing me to saunter outdoors sans coat. I forgot to bring my sunglasses with me though, hence the squinting.

Dress: thrifted, Cardigan: Urban Outfitters, Hat: H&M
Cable knit tights: gift, Shoes: Target

This just might be the sweetest cardigan I have ever seen, or at least the sweetest one in my wardrobe. I have stitched together a few pictures highlighting its exemplary attributes:

And now for some awards!

The ever beautiful Ana B. at on dressing up has given me both the 'I Love Your Blog' and 'Proximidade' awards! Ana writes that she chose to pass both awards on to "some very special ladies who make blogging look like a breeze and charm me with every post they write, not to mention come up with inspiring, stylish outfits practically every day!"
Thank you, Ana! I reciprocate her sentiments exactly as I think she makes blogging look like a breeze! Her posts never cease to make me laugh or smile :)

The Proximidade also comes with a special write-up complimenting the heart & significance of the award:

"Blogs who receive this award are "exceedingly charming," says it's authors. This award is a fine one because it focuses not on the glory and fanfare of blogging, but in the PROXIMITY to one another through this online-world.

"This blog invests and believes in the PROXIMITY-nearness in space, time and relationships. These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in prizes or self-aggrandizement! Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut even more friendships are propagated.

Please give more attention to these writers! Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this clever-written text into into the body of their award."

I would like to pass both awards on to a few lovely ladies who charm the world of blogging daily with their creative and insightful glimpses of the world around them:

Nadine at Strawberry Kitten
Dearilou
The Yellow Elephant
Little Boat
Amelia at Ambiguous Alliterative Abomination
Ariella at Pearls In Your Hair
Erin at Ip and Aud

Toni at Bare Peppermint Fashions

Don't Sit Under The Apple Tree

Yesterday I watched the WWII musical comedy Private Buckaroo featuring The Andrews Sisters and Shemp Howard (from The Three Stooges. "Nyuk, nyuk, nyuk"). Patriotic (it was 1942, afterall) and lighthearted, the film was fun to watch especially with all the musical numbers. There's something refreshing in this day and age watching a film that was served to those hungry for a morale boost! :)



^ The Andrews Sisters performing "Don't Sit Under The Apple Tree (With Anyone Else But Me)"

Underground

I took today's photos in the basement where the lighting is of poor quality, hence the dim look to these photos. I quite like it though, as it gives off the essence of the faded and retro photos we have lying around from the 1970s.

Yay, lace tights!

Dress & tights: Target, Belt: thrifted, Shoes: H&M

I Was A Kaleidoscope

I was tagged by tis serendipity to share 6 random things about myself. Before I begin, be sure to check out her fun and fabulous blog!

1) I make my coffee each morning with cinnamon-sugar.

2) The most exotic foods I have ever eaten were boar-meat sausage and a truffle spread while in Perugia, Italy.

3) One of my fondest memories from childhood is my mother reading Charlotte Zolotow's Over and Over to me.

4) I am by no means a "bird nerd," but I highly enjoy watching their graceful movements while outside or gazing through a window.

5) Two of my favorite magazines are Archaeology and British Heritage. My grandmother subscribes to both, so there is always good reading material when I stop in to visit.

6) I have a Jane Austen action figure. She was a birthday gift several years ago from a friend (Thanks again, Corey!)

I am tagging: dearilou, little boat, Ip and Aud and Pearls In Your Hair.

* For inquiring minds: The Jane Austen action figure is available at Amazon.com

Ice cold

The outside of the house dons a curtain of icicles

glistening in the sunshine.

Water's rival to the prism,
a frozen dazzling veil.

Time travel

Just like the photo in my header, this small collection is from a photo album my great-grandmother put together nearly 100 years ago. The entire album, delicate in condition, is full of gorgeous photos and these are just some of my favorites. I love the rustic charm that greets my senses upon looking at them - making me feel as if I'm having a silent conversation with the photos!

Taking on new things

I've compiled a small list of things I would like to do in 2009 -- experiences that I think are worth having.

1. Ride a horse.
Simple enough. I find it somewhat funny that I grew up and live in the countryside, yet have never ridden a horse before. It seems as though it would be quite exhilarating.

2. Try snowshoeing.
This is something I've been wanting to do for a while now, but often shy away from because I have weak knees and don't care for extreme over-exertion. Then I remind myself that I can always wear an athletic knee brace and stick with flat terrain. L.L. Bean has some terrific, drool-worthy snowshoeing equipment and winter gear!

3. Set some of my poems to music.
This is an idea my friend Erin and I threw around a few years ago when I was writing poems like it was my job (there's a notion!). I still think it sounds like something fun to dabble in. Erin possesses the musical skills, but I'm game to take on another challenge. I have always been impatient when it comes to instruments. I'd really like to overcome that and learn to play the guitar and auto harp.

4. Try learning another language.
I studied Spanish in high school and wouldn't call myself proficient, but I could manage speaking it and writing assignments without immense difficulty. Unfortunately, most of my knowledge of the language has slipped away. I can still recognize basic words, but have lost my grasp on the grammar and such. I recently stumbled upon e-mail based language courses for beginners through the BBC website. It looks worthwhile, so I may sign up for one in conjunction with other methods for teaching myself (most likely books).

A fairly modest list, in my opinion. Hopefully by year's end I'll have corresponding check marks to go with it! Until then ...

I'll spend some time reading;
a definite favorite pastime, as often exhibited in my pictures.


I took this shot twice, but oddly enough both tries came out blurry. I rather like the end result.

I pulled these cable knit tights out today after nearly forgetting that I had them! They are very cozy.

Blouse and shoes: H&M, Skirt: Gap, Tights: gift

Pearly Pair

I found this lovely pair of brooches while thrift shopping the other day. I have been looking for a dainty leaf brooch for some time now and was exceedingly happy to come across these two!

Have you made any perfect purchases recently?

At dusk

The last few days have brought more ice and snow. It is a cold 24 degrees, but the windchill makes it feel half that! Temperatures like this require serious sweater snuggling! In order to comply, my favorite (chunky knit) cardigan was worn and makes its second appearance on the blog.

Cardigan sweater, shirt, skirt, & necklace: H&M, Tights: Marshall's, Moccasins: Minnetonka

I have also received my first blog tag! Andrea and Amelia have tagged me with the 4 Things tag.

Rules:

1. Go to the 4th folder in your computer where you store your pictures.
2. Pick the 4th picture in that folder.
3. Explain the picture.
4. Tag 4 people to do the same!

The 4th folder on my computer surprisingly only has one picture in it. The picture (from November 2006) was taken in a supermarket parking lot in La Mesa, California. Quick geography lesson: La Mesa is a city in San Diego County. My sister was living in sunny California at the time and I had traveled out there to visit her. The picture is actually quite fitting for today's post seeing as it, too, was taken at dusk.

Erin, Lauren, Jen and Ana B. are my 4 choices to complete the tag, should they feel so inclined to do so! :)

A Blackout And New Beginnings

Shortly after making my post on New Year's Eve our electricity went out. Needless to say, it was completely unexpected! So, I lit my oil lamp and some candles and continued to read until I got a headache. Note-to-self: Use unscented candles when the lights go out!

I've been thinking a lot over the last few days about the fresh start the New Year brings. My pondering has led me to this quote by J.K. Rowling:

"It is our choices... that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities."

I tend to agree, but find myself struggling with the lingering effects of a series of choices I made back in the summer of 2007. Now, they weren't necessarily bad choices and I truly believe that the choices we make are done so because we feel them to be the best given our circumstance(s). However, the unknown and uncertainty following our choices is always a risk to take.

For most of 2008 I felt as though I wasn't really living my life. If that makes any sense. I felt flat in all regards -- creatively, spiritually, you name it; mulling around in this pseudo-existence waiting for the fog to clear and the anxious inner-workings of my life to sprout up and live again. With that said, I am stretching forth my hands to greet and welcome 2009 with hopes that the wrinkles will iron themselves out and that my soul will carry a joyous tune.

My breaths are rhythmic
like water lapping against the shore
constant
whilst I wade in tepid currents
unsure of where I am being led,
yet mirthful to know
I am safe on my journey.