Good Tidings

I couldn't resist sharing this sweet inscription from inside one of my great-grandmother's books. A book she received for Christmas in 1898, no less! I only happened upon this just recently and apart from how delighted I was at the discovery, it was rather seasonally appropriate.

Merry Christmas, dear readers. I hope your celebrations are happy and joyful. To those who may not celebrate Christmas, I wish you joy and peace all the same. Good tidings to you!

Sweaters and snow

Sweater: Forever 21, Skirt: Old Navy, Tights: Hue via TJ Maxx, Shoes: Bass

Lately all I've wanted to wear is this sweater with this skirt. It's so easy, comfortable and just makes me happy. And, unlike last time, I'm actually sharing a few head-to-toe photos. I don't know, maybe it's too matchy-matchy, but I really like wearing my navy tights to,erm, match this sweater. What do you think? Is it too much? I'm not convinced that my saddle shoes were the best shoe option with this outfit, but it was far too slippery that day to wear my beloved pointed-toe brown flats (which I really wish I bought a second pair of...).

The snow in the above photos is all but gone and people have been whining about not having a white Christmas. I don't really care either way. Sure, it looks nice and traditional and all that, but the stuff is such a nuisance. On the other hand, I know I should care that there's no snow in the mid-December in upstate New York what with melting ice caps and endangered species. I heard on the radio (specifically, Living on Earth, Air Date: Week of December 16, 2011) the other day that several species of North American caribou are being monitored by Canada's Species at Risk Act (the equivalent of the US's Endangered Species Act) and the International Fund for Animal Welfare. After hearing the piece I was really quite sad. Not caribou, too! I just want to know they exist healthily and be happy about it and not worry that future generations will only learn of them from seeing stuffed specimens at a museum. I find myself feeling insignificant when I think about big, important issues especially when so many people don't care at all. "Every little bit helps" and "everyone can make a difference" seem like rather cliched sayings these days. What are your thoughts?

In silhouette

Camera: Kodak VR35 K40
Film: Fujicolor Superia X-tra 400

While in my previous post I mourned the residual traces of Autumn and dressed accordingly, this one finds me celebrating relics of a bright and warm stretch of Summer (on film, of course).

Hanging On

Cardigan: TJ Maxx, Skirt: thrifted, Shoes: H&M

I'm hanging on to what's left of Autumn and decided today was as good a day as any to adorn myself with little bits of orange. A vestigial tribute of sorts to my favorite season now replaced by snow...

This and That

     I thought I'd share a little assortment of some of my favorite things at the moment:

1. While searching for a misplaced trinket, I came across this crocheted lace and ribbon barrette tucked away in a box. Unworn and still in its packaging, I remembered buying it at H&M some 6 or 7 years ago when my hair was much shorter and unable to hold a barrette. Finding it was such a nice surprise considering I didn't find what I was originally looking for! Side note: I didn't realize how long my hair is until taking the above photo today. I have been thinking of lopping a few inches off...
2. I haven't quite gotten into the "Christmas mood" yet, but I think this CD will help me get there. I ordered it from Amazon last week and, to be honest, I was really giddy when it arrived yesterday. It is such a beautiful compilation. One listen was all it took for me to love it. As corny as this is going to sound, I can't wait to play it while sitting next to the wood stove and watching the snow fall. Cozy thoughts!
3. Sshh! Don't tell my other favorite teas that this is my new favorite. It is so good.

Tell me, what are some of your favorite things right now?

The unmistakeable November gray (and taking outfit photos at odd angles)

The clamor of raindrops is all to be heard this afternoon. An incessant din that swathes the landscape: damp yet comforting, gray and unmistakeably November. A fine mist has settled amidst branches and the tops of trees, having first swirled in like steam rising off a teacup. The saturated grass boasts a shade of green reminiscent of Spring despite its impending sleep. Today feels like a prime candidate for a poem.

Sweater: Forever 21, Locket: antique mall, Ring: gift from Emily, Skirt: Old Navy, Shoes: Aldo

Solitary enjoyments

To make up for the silence on this blog as of late, here's a bit of what I've been up to instead of maintaining this little space:

No socks in November! It's been extremely nice and Indian Summer-like around these parts the last few days. The mild afternoons have been perfect for reading outside and soaking in the late Autumn sun.

Time has also been allotted for taking pictures and playing word games. I tried out the half-frame mode on my Diana Mini (though I keep forgetting to drop the film off for developing) and have my fingers crossed for the roll of expired film currently in my SLR.

 Bananagrams! Need I say more?

And last, but certainly not least, most days have called for cozy-ing up in a good sweater (especially those adorned with Autumnal pins/brooches, buttons or toggles). All in all, November has been good so far.

Tell me, how are things with you?