Christmas Wish: Next Generation

It's almost time for Christmas. It's almost time to sit around and have laughs with family.

Individuality

"Individuality is not an end in itself; it is something that must enter into fructifying contact with the world, and in so doing must lose its separateness. An individuality which is kept in a glass case withers, whereas one that is freely expended in human contacts becomes enriched."  - Bertrand Russell

Exposure - Or Paying Artists, One Fashion Bloggers Rant

Let's be honest. Many of you who are online a lot have probably heard of Essena O'Neill and how she quit her instagram modelling account and came clean about the back deals with companies to promote brands.  There's a whole lot of controversy over whether it's real or a hoax, as well as general other thoughts about the validity of instagram/social media accounts.

Butterflies and Muscles Cars

At a street festival, there was a booth that was giving away balloons and stickers.  My Girl walked up and got a red balloon then stood in the line for stickers.  When her time came, the lady held out a large sheet of butterfly stickers.  My girl, ever observant, walked right past her and pointed to the other sheet - the sheet of stickers with cars and trucks on them.

Don't Text, Call.

 I used to hate the phone.  I hated it because you couldn't see the person when you talked to them.
I love those moments when you sit - coffee shop, park, whatever - and a silence falls.

Finding Something

What is it that we're trying to find? What is it? What is that thing we're all looking for?  Some say it's happiness. Others contentment. Some says it's excitement. Others peace. Some say it's silence. Others the noise of life.

Chase You?

Remember the chase?  That whole chase between men and women. The whole dance of he moves, and you either move with him or shut it down.  I like that chase.

Days of Contentment

The last few days, I danced for probably seven hours combined.  It's incredible how much energy and emotion is released into the world by the simple act of dance.  I've been saying it for years, "Dance it out." And I always understood Meredith's *from Grey's Anatomy* need to have a 30 second dance party. There's always a good time to dance. 

But more than that, I spent the weekend with the most wonderful people.  Friends, and peers, who despite everyone's flaws, accept and respect each other. No judgement and no expectations, except for the desire to 'suck the marrow out of life.' 

Dress - Spell Designs  //  Boots - F21  //  Bracelet & Small gold ring - ThreadSence  //  Large Gem ring - small fair trade company  //  Flash Tattoos - eBay

Lush Green Trees and a Little Creek

Finding little places like this, low in a valley and hidden from the city, is like entering a secret garden.
Logically, I know that this place is frequented by many.
But emotionally, it feels like my own secret place.
Quiet and undiscovered.

It just begs and cries out for a little twirling and dancing.

Kimono - Spell Designs  //  Top - SheIn  //  Shorts - Target  //  Sandals - Threadsence  //  Hat - I forget  //  Necklaces - Vanessa Mooney and Monserat de Lucca

Free Spirited and Willful Child

I love that my girl is strong willed and free spirited. But does she have to be soooo strong willed and free spirited?  About bed time? And about food?  And about, oh well, everything??? It's like corralling sheep where the sheep are baring their teeth, not listening, have spikes on their hides, and laser beams shooting at you from their heads.  It's just like that.

She's freakin' cute and sweet as hell, but when that other side comes out, watch out! Plus, you know there's only so many questions a woman can answer in a day before that questioning inflection at the end of a sentence makes your brains explode.

Obviously, I love that she's very inquisitive, but dear Lord do I breathe a sigh of relief once she goes to bed and I have no more questions being pelted at me in rapid fire succession.

Pass the wine.

Vest - H&M  //  Cardi - Old Navy  //  Dress - Ruche  //  Boots - Aldo  //  Socks - F21  //  Necklace - FreePeople

On the Road Again

On my bike that is.  My bicycle is tuned up and on the road. I know, I know, some people continue riding all year 'round. I admire those people.....those crazy people. Me? I like to ride my bike when it's warm - ride all around the city - but not when it's cold. So there's this moment in Spring that occurs when the days are reliably warm enough that me and my bike are traipsing about town getting errands done.

It's also really cool to be able to do that first 30 km ride and be totally fine afterwards.  Here's to cycle season!

Kimono - Arnhem  //  Romper - Ruche  //  Fedora - ThreadSence  //  Boots - Aldo  //  Necklace - FreePeople  //  Sunnies c/o Woodzee

Serenity

What do you think of when you hear 'Serenity'? That soft sun ray breezing through the curtains first thing in the morning.  The smell and feel of a great cuddle with your little one.  That brief humid pause of the world before the rains begin to fall and the clouds break for a thunderstorm.  That sip of tea before everyone else in the house is up and the bustle of the day begins.  A still lake without a ripple seen - untouched and full of potential.

Or if you're like me you think of Joss Whedon, Malcom Reynolds, River Tam, Zoe, and Wash.
"I am a leaf on the wind."

Cardigan - Arnhem *I added buttons to make it a dress*  //  Belt & Ring - F21  //  Necklace - Free People  //  Bracelets - Threadsence & Joseph Nogucci  //  Boots - Aldo

If I could Coachella...

 ....I would.  If I could take the time off. If I had the finances. If I lived closer.  I totally would.  But I can be there in sartorial spirit.  In fact, I pretty much live there in sartorial spirit.  Here's to all of us who wish to be there.  Here's to the dreamers, the lovers, the make believers.  I'm right there with you.

Love. Peace.

Duster & Tee - Spell Designs  //  Jeans - Dittosbrand //  Boots - Aldo  //  Necklace - bought in Spain   //  Belt - Lucky Brand  //  Sunnies - UO  // Bead Bracelet - Ruche  //  Silver cuffs - gifts from Poland. 

Fringe, Shift, and Beach

Dress - ThreadSence //  Cardigan - Ruche   //  Scarf - old, I forget  //  Boots - Aldo  //  Necklace - Vanessa Mooney  //  Socks - FreePeople

Still desolate, still snowy ice caps, but it's a beach. The wind was cold and howling but.... It's a beach and it's not covered with piles and piles of snow.  It's a beach.  That in itself makes me very happy.

What's making you happy today?