life according to the 5c

I just got a 5c a couple of weeks ago and am loving the camera on it. Can't wait to load up on more snaps while I'm in Europe. I leave with you with bits and pieces from the past few weeks while I'm gone. Adieu for now.

ready to fall

I've been Tumbling like a mad man of late. Perhaps it means I'm in need of an escape, inspiration to lead me into something new. All I know is that images can take you to another time and place. They can spark your dreams and conjure up emotions. I like to curate those dreams and heart-moving emotions onto my own Tumblr page. Here's a bit of what's been getting me of late...

Most of these come back to what I'm excited for coming up. Trips to Paris & Colorado...morning breakfasts with my love, locking myself up in my new studio to create...the new books waiting to be read, and beautiful hand-touched clothing for fall. Putting it all in writing, there is so much to be excited for! I love fall. The little moments. The perfect breeze. Each step outdoors feels like it oxygenates my soul, while each moment indoors warms me from the inside. Like I said, I love fall. I love it, I love it, I love it.

What is everyone else excited about this season?

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all image sources can be found on my Tumblr

weekly scenes

I've had a lot of quiet moments around the house lately. My new kitchen is one of my favorite places to be. Its neutral colors illuminated by the natural light refresh and engergize. I work away there on projects for the garden and cooking up experiments. My two companions, Marley & Dot, like to watch along as I do. 

I've made it out at times to enjoy little guilty pleasures with friends and lovers as well. It's always important that I do. I can get caught up in the calmness of independence, but laughing and discussing with others are two of the most healthy things. Sometimes I forget that my soul needs them; however, as soon as I find myself drained and emotional it quickly comes back to me.

The answer is in learning to balance. I'm learning more and more that it's not a passive thing. Finding balance is an active venture. It takes attention, understanding, and ability to act.

all roads design

I'm a huge fan a woven works, and when I came across All Roads Designs (on Instagram of all places) I was floored. Of the duo team that makes up All Roads - Robert & Janelle - Janelle is the textile expert and weaver. Her works are rustic, original and fun. I've flagged these guys as a major inspiration for my first weaving class that I'll be taking at the end of the month. I love that they are three dimensional and imperfect. Normally woven pieces are flat like a rug, but these guys get all fluffy, poofy, and stringy. I can't wait to try a hand at it myself! Be sure to check out their other work as well. It's all equally as fascinating and creative. 

a day at the museum

Last weekend my friends and I hit up one of my favorite Philly spots, the art museum. Housed in an iconic structure right on the water's edge and filled with some of the most beautiful artwork in the world, it's such an inspiring and entertaining place to be. Pieces include everything from my favorite Monets to Duchamp and Seurat. I love examining the textures - the skill and utter beauty. As someone who enjoys digital photography, I love thinking about the fact that each work is a realized vision. When I take a photo and then drop it into Photoshop, I can play around with it and let it become whatever strikes me in the moment. The end result isn't always something that springs out of a vision, but rather my current emotions and the way I'm interacting with a photo in that moment. These painters knew exactly what they wanted to paint: the light it would have and emotions it would trigger. It takes a lot of planning, skill, and intention - and that is just something I can't help but respect.

weekly scenes

There are points in life when you feel like you're really doing something. Those times when you look around and nod your head yes, happy with where you're at. I've been going through a hectic few weeks, but life has been very satisfying. The hours are packed with hard work, hobbies, adventures, and love. Busied with all good things and proud of my accomplishments, I've been feeling very content. 

Work has been a pile of projects and endless to-do's. It could have been daunting, and yes there were points where it was, but overall I breathed in and out and checked tasks off with calm.  There have been weekends at the office to crank out more, but actually it was serene. Little Marley hung beside me as I plowed through, getting to do a lot with my hands. Painting and making and crafting, the lavender and glitter can't seem to disappear from my desk. No matter how much I scrub, it's all a sign of enjoyment that I don't really mind lingering. 

When the sun has gone down and I've been able to finally rip myself from the office, I've managed to have a full life outside of work. I find that it's important to have this and keep living into the night. If all you experience is the daily grind, it gets monotonous and one-dimensional. You need to have those outside events - laughing, tasting, growing - to round out the experience of life and keep it full, bursting at the seams. I know this and I stand for it. I've been putting my foot down when I need to. After all, you're the only one who can watch out for yourself, and I make sure to protect what makes me happy.

The last cog in the puzzle that has kept me content, is the time I've maintained for myself. I have a lot of hobbies that I want to work on, and namely a few main focuses. I've been sticking to my yoga and gym sessions. I finished a good book. I kept my room clean, and I cooked up delicious, healthy meals using local fare. Making space for these things in my life keeps me grounded. It gives me energy and love to spread beyond into other areas of my day.

There's nothing like a life that has all three: hard work, good times, and personal betterment. You have to work to maintain them all. And, most importantly, I've found it's best to live in the present, keep a smile in your heart, and enjoy the presence of each.