Summer 2016 Musts

Earlier this week I was in the grocery store restocking up on sun lotion and sparkling water when I saw it. The end of season sale. The floor had been cleared and there stood all the gardening tools, grills, patio lights, and lawn chairs in their discounted glory.

As I write this—bum planted on a blanket in the grass, shoes off, hair up, the sun dipping low to the west leaving a warm humid breeze—I must say,

Summer’s not over.

I was an August baby, and have lived Indian summers my entire life. July is merely our midpoint. Our peak. And while this season has been a bit more tied up for the two of us due to Chris’ new position and our impending move, there are still a few things left on our non-negotiable list to round out this summer:

1     Go to a wine tasting and try something we've never had before.
2     Try stand-up paddle boarding. At sunset.
3     Hit a new trail north of here.
4     More beach days, more bonfire nights.
5     Shop all the indie art fairs.

Something I’ve recently been introduced to and now love is Eventbrite. You're able to look up any city, even remote areas up north, and save happenings you want to get to. One of my favorite finds is a free summer cocktail workshop that's just screaming for a backyard party under the stars (scroll through what else I’m planning to hit up and add to my non-negotiables right here).

So summer is not over babes. Grab your sunscreen, chill the aloe, and hit the road with me.

A BFA Graduate from Michigan State University

Last weekend I graduated. It’s taken me so long to write this post, to tell you how it feels, to wrap up four years of incredible growth, to relive a day that happened in a blink yet carries so much gravity… 

So I started thinking about the everyday.

Parking on Orchard Street, and walking the rest of the way to campus.

The magnolias.

Having drawing class on the sprawling lawn.

Painting in the studio before sunrise.

Meeting friends for lunch.

My heart skipping over Marcel Breuer, Helen Levitt, Mark Rothko, and Alexey Brodovitch.

My wildly feminist art history professor. She was too much while I had her, but I admire her tenacity in hindsight, and her prowess has stayed with me.

Having a meltdown in my graphic design professor’s office, and for once hearing everything I needed to hear.

Those in-between moments made it for me. All the walks, all the coffee, all the crying and long hours and creative messes between deadlines. It was a taste of perfect.

Family had arrived a couple days prior and filled our tiny house with love, excitement, and muddy puppy paws. The day of my ceremony, I felt lighter than air. My heart was full and surprisingly (for me) at peace. I expected to be a ball of nerves and sobbing incessantly during the coronation speech. Accepting my diploma didn’t feel real, as anyone can tell you, but it happened. And I swear I floated all day.

After the ceremony we opted to bypass the crowds at the Spartan Statue and the Beaumont Tower for private photos at my building—a gorgeous, linear, mid-century modern art center. Far from the bustle of west campus, it was quiet here, and the occasional jogger would run by along the riverbank, smiling as she passed. I’d pause to return the look. To anyone who passed by, it was just another day, just a normal afternoon getting their run in. While they were comfortable in their routine, mine was rumbling towards a glorious, tectonic shift.

We slowly walked back to the car and headed for a luncheon at the The Creole, our favorite little place in Old Town, Lansing. We sipped on champagne and talked about life as George Lewis played overhead.

Now then. We are all wildly different and one woman’s challenge is another woman’s cake walk. I’m not claiming to be the end-all of late-in-lifers, and I’m certainly not the oldest to have graduated among twenty year-olds frequenting Tinder. But there’s a couple of things I bet we can universally agree on, and I lovingly pass this on to anyone on the fence about taking a defining leap:

Let’s stop measuring life by age. Reread that. Reread that, again. We live in an exciting time where advanced aged women are splashed across the screen, you can be a first-time mother at 50, and Eat Pray Love is real. You will get to it, on your own terms. This isn’t a suggestion to put things off, and yes, certain things are much more suitable for the spry, but it’s a valid way of shifting the way we think about longevity. It doesn’t matter if you’re 30 or 65—you’re still on this planet and still have a life to celebrate and dreams to fulfill.

Before the mic drops, I have one more pearl of wisdom to pass off onto you. 

When you get blackout mad, and so frustrated and so fed up and things are just way too hard in the moment… dance. And dance hard. The sensation will be elevated if you’re alone, it’s after dark, and you have an amplifier. Nothing else will matter, I promise. It’s the craziest sugar.

The Everyday

The Everyday is a discovery of beauty in the boring. Life is something to value and to celebrate, and I’d love to share in the beauty of your Everyday. Throw some my way by using the hashtag #BeautyInBoring on Instagram.

— Dusty miller is going in the flowerbeds this spring. I’m going to make that happen with a spiked lemonade beside me.

— Stretching—stretching always. I didn’t believe in its power until I felt myself unthaw for the first time after logging so many hours in front of the screen (which I do all day, every day). Awareness of your spine, your back, and your joints is an incredible gift that I encourage you to tap into, especially if you sit at a desk regularly.

— Cantaloupe! Guys! We went out for groceries the other night, and when I spotted these back in season, I danced all over inside. Summertime y’all.

— Shared lattes with my mother and uncle near their alma mater in one of my favorite spots of Ann Arbor, Mighty Good Coffee. Their concoctions never disappoint, and the vibe is perfect for relaxed conversation.

An Evening Walk in Ossineke

Last week we packed our suitcases and headed for my parents’ home up north. Ossineke (pronounced by locals, aw-seh-neek) is just south of Alpena, and holds some of my younger memories. As a family, we’d always drive through Ossineke en route to Harrisville to visit relatives—another northern village on the lake filled with charm (which I highly recommend you visiting for an ice cream and a trip to Modern Craft Winery’s tasting room).

I pulled a wool sweater from my mom’s drawer—something my grandmother gifted her when she was a teenager. It was the perfect layer for an evening on the beach. 

When we reached the water, the sand was dense from the rain and the air was filled with moisture. There was no longer an icy chill, and with the occasional light breeze, I was finally feeling spring. It was that feeling of everything slowly awakening and coming out from the heavy, cold winter, including our own senses.

We walked and combed the beach, and I found a shimmery, intact clam. One of my favorite things about beaches on the east side of the state is the color palette and textures found in the sand.

On our way back, we met a father who was out near the bank with his little girl. They were looking for minnows for her turtle who had slept all winter. Her dad said something like, “I’m not seeing any, babe,” and she shrieked in this tiny, adorable voice, “Where are all the minnows!?” I laughed right out loud. She’s going to be a good, concerned mama.

Three Things: College + Life

I wouldn’t call what I’m about to say groundbreaking, or even new. Honestly, I’m sure many of you use variations of these objects in your day-to-day, post-graduate life. But I’ve only just embraced these brilliant, obvious inventions in my final year of college (and I’m a lifer as you recall—what does that say). I’d love to go back and find myself as a freshman, only to hand these items over into her arms with a resounding, “You’re Welcome.”

Three indispensable things for merging college and a full life:

The shoe bag. Michigan State University’s campus is sprawling, and walking up to 20 or 30 minutes between classes is the norm. The winters and springs can be particularly dirty, salty, or just deep with snow, and wearing the same boots day in and day out becomes a drag. So many crisp and beautiful options in the closet remain untouched for months on end because the elements would just kill them. So I pack them! The key for me is something that slips on. Since I commute in boots without any laces or zippers, it makes for a quick changeout when I reach my building.

Evernote. I’m a list person. I’ll write it all down, and continuously revert back to my notes as I work. Evernote keeps me effortlessly organized as I shift from open-ended personal projects to planning a weekend visit to academic design deadlines. We all play 100 different roles, and Evernote keeps all of my roles at the forefront of my mind, everywhere, across all devices, all at once. My favorite thing about the app is that when I’m burned out with one project, I have a seamless, creative refresh by looking through another notebook of things to do.

A convertible clutch. I used to use a clutch that was big enough to hold the necessities and then some, and it would bounce from my backpack to a tote on my days off campus. That was fine, but let’s face it, who wants to take a tote on a quick coffee run—every time? Not only did the clutch lack a hands-free option, but I’d leave it in one bag, forget, and run out with another.

The clutch I use now is a game changer. It’s genuine leather and a year later, still looks brand new. The special touches, like the sleek profile and angled zipper keeps it edgy enough for evenings out, but is basic enough for the everyday run. On a school day I detach the strap and toss it in my backpack where it’s so slender it barely takes up any space. I can’t tell you how many people have asked me about it while at the art shop’s counter buying coffee after coffee, or when I’m out at night and a friend excitedly discovers it has a strap.

What's something that has made your life easier? Is there anything you would have loved to tell yourself?

It's me: A love letter to my blog

I visited you only once last year! My god, I am so sorry. I do love you, you know. I mean, I heavily edited your code; made you my own. You're gorgeous, and you deserve so much better. We'll take it slow, we'll make this work. Let's start fresh, shall we?

Graduation is fast approaching, which is why I find myself wanting to spend more time with you. I remember four years ago taking the leap when I was "supposed to be" just beginning my career. I remember making that definitive decision to begin a brand new degree in fine arts, to chase what I wanted, no matter the social stigma. I felt fierce, awakened, and fearless. I still do. Sure, I have my doubts and anxiety and days spent in sweatpants, but on fire. Always on fire.

I've been sewing more basics for my closet, which I can't wait to show you. I have this wild, distant dream of transitioning the majority of my closet into pieces I've made. It's a lovely thought, but in Michigan where lake-effect snow is very real, and Patagonia has perfected the parka, it's an impractical one.

There's so much more to tell you. What do you say? Be mine, again?

An Update

After my return from Paris and Arles, life was anything but a standstill so I took a small hiatus from blogging.

A (brief) catch-up:
My grandfather passed. My mother's family gave him a beautiful memorial service, which turned into a grand family gathering extending over an entire weekend.
My sister announced her engagement!
My love and I celebrated four years together, and another birthday of mine.
I completed another semester at MSU.
My European photography show opens today (which is also the start of the new semester).
And a very exciting announcement I'll soon be unveiling.

The last bit of news? We'll be out to sea in March on a cruise! Looks like a new swim suit is in order. Darn.

Jetset

I leave for Europe in a month. Everyone immediately asks how Chris and I will do without each other for so long. We're not sure ourselves honestly, but I'm looking forward to this new opportunity for personal growth. I'll be studying photography in London and Paris, while working on an independent photographic project of my own. There's also a week planned in the south of France where I'm hoping to steal away and soak sun for days.

Very surreal. I'll keep you posted on the planning process; if you haven't been overseas it will be a learning experience for us both! And if you have traveled abroad, I'm all about tips and advice from the well-traveled. Tip away.

New Kicks

Aren't these darling? My favorite part is the open heel.

I'm into nudes and pastel-y pinks lately, and since we're still having chilly days (it's forecasted to snow Monday... work it Michigan), these have become the perfect transition. What do you wear while winter lingers?

cooley gardens

Yesterday we explored the gardens after a warm rain. Reminiscent of English cottage gardens, the plants & blooms spill out here and there, naturally making rooms with hedges and shrubs and had me feeling like I was Mary Lennox in The Secret Garden. Cooley has this unkempt-sprawling feeling that makes it feel all the more secret and all the more stately. I still can't shake the desire to sit under a tree and read something Jane Austen.

Photos taken with an iPhone 4s

three years ago today...

I married my one. This evening we opened a bottle of the rosé we drank at our wedding and just stared, wrapped up in each other, incredulous of how far we've come. We've always had a deep connection in our silences, something that I've treasured since before our engagement.

And since we've been feeling extra sentimental, we've mashed our current favorite love ballads together and made this mixtape.


| Listen on Spotify here |


Lucky by Kat Edmonson
Silk by Giselle
Don't Go Slow by Benjamin Francis Leftwich
Chances by Jill Barber
And Then You by Greg Laswell
Come Away With Me by Norah Jones
Bella by Angus & Julia Stone
Stole You Away by Benjamin Francis Leftwich
Voice Memo by U.S. Royalty
Everything Happens to Me by Chet Baker

better each day: a 365 day challenge

I'm going to admit something.

I haven't been feeling the best. Maybe it's that my nearest and dearest aren't so near anymore. Maybe it's that I'm overcrowding my agenda. Whatever it is, I feel like I've been walking in a fog. I thrive on structure and routine, and lately, this domesticated life is getting me down.


I picked up my copy of Jessica Cassity's Better Each Day. I didn't intend to bring it home, but the more I thumbed through the pages, the more it spoke to me. Jessica offers 365 quick tips to put you on a path to live your best life. It's a guide chocked full of top-notch experts giving you the lowdown on health, relationships, happiness, sleep, and wellness in small little bits to live out each day.

My point is, I'm interested in this new structure Jessica offers - infusing some vibrancy into my day-to-day for my wellbeing. So once a day, I'm going to take one of her tips and apply it to my life. I'd love for you to join me on this year-long journey, especially if you're finding yourself feeling the same way. Better yet, find yourself a copy and treat your own life to a cleanse.

my toes in my father's woolens  /  the old granary on my folks' property

I left the capital for several weeks and headed northward to usher in springtime on the lake. The lilacs were in full bloom, which is absolutely breathtaking in Northern Michigan, and I'm so thankful I made the trip before the petals began to sprinkle the ground. It was rainy most of my stay, which lent itself to looking through old family albums and drifting in and out of naps on the porch swing as the storms rolled in. Others would disagree, but grey skies over the water & listening to gulls & songbirds is an amazing recharge. On the drier days, my dad & I took on a beautiful new project involving boards from the crumbling granary behind their home (more to come on that awesome venture).

Next week my sister flies in from Colorado with her beau, and the six of us are taking a grand vacation on Mackinac Island - nothing but sun, water, and sailing for days (and maybe some fudge. I mean, we'll be fudgies after all. Must live up to the title).

See more from my stay on my instagram.

It's Calling

I love looking down the road knowing summer is coming for us. It seems so perpetual, so unbridled. There's that something in the air that makes every plan seem possible and gives way to endless road trips, bonfires, and festivals.

I'm planning a lengthy stay at my parents' home near the lake this summer. Get out of the city, find a canoe, sleep on the beach, see the stars... build a teepee. Hey dad, we're building a teepee. 

Summer's coming, guys.

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an april snow

This morning was unsuspectingly warm.

I had spent much of my morning thinking up proposals on my next sculpture when it began to rain. The rain turned into the largest snowflakes I've seen in a long time. You would think I'd be so tired of snow by now, but maybe it's that I'm numb to it, and have accepted that spring is always a tease. Nevertheless, I ran out to the back of our home to capture it. The moment I got back inside, the fleeting snow turned back into a mist of rain and then subsided. I love those little moments.

the second line art parade

MSU's College of Arts and Letters is celebrating it's 50th Anniversary this year. To commemorate the occasion, the art department is putting on a dazzling Second Line parade, New Orleans style. Those involved are to create show-stopping costumes with their hands. I've been pulling inspiration for my festive number from haute couture, Kate Spade, and Ban.do.

I'll be wearing a paper headpiece I made last semester (think Chanel 2009), possibly with a pop of fun color and some shimmer. (And of course eyes à la Brigitte Bardot.)

clockwise from top left: 1  2  3  4  5  6 from my email inbox

back at home

Our pup Penny is home. She's plum tuckered out from her wonderful 'scripts (little tot is all drugged up), but hopefully it will be smooth sailing from here. She'll be getting on a more easily digested diet to ease the pancreatitis, but she's doing ok. A couple of questionable masses were found in her thigh however, so she'll have to see the doctor again to make sure they aren't cancerous. Talk about hard to swallow.

I'm super anxious for Chris to get back home; he's been in Traverse City on business and I think she's missing him. Me too, sweet fur baby of mine. 

Just over a month ago, we adopted Penelope. She's a five-year-old cocker-retriever, and just a match made in heaven. Her pint size fits into our little home, our sassy tortie approves of her temperament, and she pitter-pats behind us everywhere. Chris and I have had a ball picking out everything from shampoo to specialty canine frozen treats. It hasn't taken long for little Penny to completely steal our hearts.

Sunday morning we woke to something frightful. Vomit & accidents were everywhere. Penny was quivering. Scared half to death, we got her into the vet hospital on campus.

It may be Addison's. It may be pancreatitis. The blood tests are being evaluated, and she's spending her second night in the hospital (but I bring her home tomorrow!). It may not be as bad as we think, but we're all quite blue around here. 

  

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date night + benjamin francis leftwich

Chris & I went to Ben Leftwich's concert Sunday night. It was the best show I've ever been to (and if he wasn't my favorite before, he sure is now. I'm still wearing the wristband!). We haven't stopped playing his records at home.

For the last song of the night, he came down from the stage & we all sat around him on the dark floor of the venue as he sang Atlas Hands on his acoustic guitar.

Sigh... so surreal.

gallery 114

If you follow my instagram, you already know my work was placed in a gallery! Eeee! One of my classes last semester had us participating in a localized version of The Sketchbook Project. There were so many beautiful & fun entries... and mine was chosen to be on display inside the gallery of the university's art center! Feels stupendous.