Everyday things
My last semester is underway, and I’m just starting to get my bearings. The outline of my daily and weekly routines is coming into view. I’m wondering which things will make the cut and which things will go by the wayside as I try to keep things simple and tie up loose ends.
This is what my world looks like lately.
I have beach fever.
I know. It’s still January. And summer feels like a million miles away, even here in Atlanta. I can’t help dreaming of a breezy beach, a good book, and a little sand in my hair. (And of course, a classy wide-brimmed hat and plenty of sunscreen.)
Lately I can’t get enough of these vintage-inspired suits, and I thought you might like them too. Marilyn-style glamour, plenty of coverage—what’s not to love?
Which would you wear?
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Wide-stripe bandeau tank, $88, at JCREW.
Marilyn one-piece in Black, $94, by Harajuku on Etsy.
Convertible Halter/Bandeau Swimsuit in White, $12.99, at Land’s End Canvas.
Bathing Beauty one-piece in Cherry Pie, $89.99, at Modcloth
Field Guide: Naturalist Lifestyle
1. My last semester starts in a week, and I am in search of the perfect bag. This natural one with cheery handles would be just perfect, don’t you think?
Handmade Leather Tote Bag by Lou Collection.
2. At last, the illustrated produce calendar I’ve been searching for. It even includes suggestions for preparing the featured fruits/vegetables.
Seasonal Produce Desk Calendar by Lily Jane Stationary.
3. Well, now that you’ve picked up that fabulous rustic farmer’s market loaf, you might as well give it a nice home on this whimsical bread board, right?
Cloud Bread Board by Snug Studio.
Friday Favorites
Happy Friday! Here’s a little list of my latest favorite things. All of the items shown are handmade and available through Etsy. Click the links below to view item listings.
1. Colorful Scarves
Scarf 02, $96, by Leah Goren
2. Bunting
Good Will Bunting, $15.95, by Heidi Adnum.
3. Geometric jewelry and recycled materials
Nomad Necklace, $35, by Under a New Light.
» On stillness, quiet, and joy
A response to Pico Iyer, “The Joy of Quiet” (New York Times).
I guess it’s a little ironic to be posting this on Tumblr, since it’s an article about disconnecting. But I wondered so many things as I read it.
What brings you joy? How important is it to you to disconnect? What do you do to find peace, or stillness, or even just to maintain your sanity?
After many months of involuntary stillness last year, my perspective shifted profoundly. On the one hand, I returned to find the world louder and more chaotic than I’d remembered. On the other hand, I welcomed the reassurance of noise, the excitement of speed, and the warmth of abundant company.
For me, what matters is a balance. Equal parts noise and quiet, movement and stillness, indulgence and restraint, connection and aloneness. These are the contrasting spaces in which I find joy and peace.
I am nourished by homemade meals with new and old friends. I thrive on creative mornings and quiet evenings.
Sometimes I find it a little strange when technology is portrayed as the enemy of peace. While I was sick, I found a great deal of comfort via the internet. Kind emails, funny videos, and pretty pictures helped to break up the long solitude of each day.
Of course these things are different from the physical presence of another human being. Of course the internet won’t cure the discomfort that sometimes accompanies solitude.
The internet is simply a tool, to be used for whatever purposes we see fit. Like anything, it is most effective when used in thoughtful moderation. It is neither the answer to all of our problems nor the obstacle in the way of our sanity.
I also find it interesting that the author mentions and practices extreme measures in the quest for peace. Do we really have to run away to the ends of the earth to find a little peace and quiet?
I realize our environments can deeply affect our minds and bodies. But I think we have the ability to create a more lasting peace when we choose to incorporate quiet and stillness into our everyday lives, rather than searching for peace in some far off, mysterious place.
What about you? Do you think peace is a place? A state of mind? A process?
Check out the original article here in the New York Times. Photo by Nathan Trivette on Etsy.
Season of Light
Happy Chanukah / Merry Christmas!
Brighten up your nest with these vintage/handmade chandeliers from Etsy.
1. Spiraling Mason Jar Chandelier, $200, by Boots N Gus.
2. Custom Camellia Chandelier, $75 per shade, by Khalima Lights.
3. Hanging Chandelier with Crystals, $59, by This Other Thing.
4. Clear Halophane Chandelier Trio, $189, by Lamp Goods.
Hello from ATL. I’m writing my last paper of the semester, with my sweetheart close by. Can’t wait to see you on the other side. In the meantime, here’s a little handmade Etsy love to brighten up your day.
- Star Mobile, by littlenestbox.
- Block Print Tea Towel, by papatoro.
- Oversized Ego Scarf, by topher & co.
- Chocolate From 100 Yards Tote Bag, by joy of ex foundation.
The Other 99%: An Update on the Glass Ceiling
While studying for an Art History exam this week, I grouped the artists I had to memorize by first name. Johns, Jeans, and Jans in one group. Pauls and Pablos in another. Davids, Peters/Pietrs, Franks/François—you get the idea.
In an attempt to find some order in a list of over 100 names, spanning all of Western art since 1450, I noticed one name that didn’t fit any of my categorizations: An-My Lê. She’s a Vietnamese American artist living and working in New York. And unlike all of the other artists we studied this semester, she happens to be a woman and a minority.
I was a little shocked and very disappointed. I found it hard to believe that the group of Harvard professors who taught the course could only come up with one female artist since 1450 whose work seemed worth acknowledging. Even a simple Wikipedia search yields quite a number of notable female artists.
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