approximately

An Invisible Thread

2012-01-29T22:43:00.000-06:00

I admittedly, and embarrassingly, don't read very much. In the past five years during college, I probably put away no more than five books. Sad. For some reason reading has never been a priority, and usually my gnat-sized attention span doesn't allow for it. But one thing about being here, as I mentioned in a previous post about An Object of Beauty, is there is plenty of opportunity to pick up a good book and feel really good about it. I have totally become excited about books again.

Having mastered the art of reading a thick book while holding onto a subway pole, I've decided that reading a paperback book is just too, well, predictable. Today I ventured into the world of e-books! I utilized my Nook app, scoured the e-store of Barnes & Noble, and picked out a delightful work of non-fiction that I've quickly become engulfed in.

I've been gravitating toward books that take place in New York City. My first read, An Object of Beauty, took place in the city and my new book is no different. An Invisible Thread is an incredible story of a successful businesswoman in Manhattan, and her chance run-in with an 11-year old boy begging for food on the streets. The book prefaces with a beautiful Chinese proverb:

An invisible thread connects those who are destined to meet, regardless of time, place, or circumstances. The thread may stretch or tangle, but it will never break.

That got me thinking right from the start, of all the people that have had invisible threads in my life, and maybe those whose lives I have entered as well.

I'm only one-quarter through the book, so I can't say much more at this point (I should learn to save my book reviews until I've finished books, but I just get too excited)! I can tell you now, however, that I would recommend it!

(Not to mention, reading on the iPad is glorious. I am skeptical about taking it on the subway — I can already picture myself dropping it — but it sure makes books seem archaic.)

xo
j

2012-01-27T21:31:00.000-06:00

I woke up this morning and it was pouring rain. Someone on the street corner was having an intense shouting match with another person, while people on the street stopped and stared. There is really no such thing as silence here.

life + art

2012-01-26T21:12:00.000-06:00

I have been seriously stressing over the past few weeks about this artist lecture I needed to put together for a colloquium. The lecture was this evening at MSUM, and I finished this video at 5am this morning (luckily I'm in New York gained a few hours to complete it for a Midwest deadline).

I really love talking about my work, but I was so nervous to put this together. Sometimes things are hard for me to put into words — here is my best effort to talk about life + art. Enjoy.

xo
j

2012-01-24T20:26:00.003-06:00

13th Street, East Village

Misty Monday

2012-01-23T18:00:00.001-06:00

A rainy day in the city (wait…wasn't it just snowing yesterday?!) and an exhausting one at that.

I'm spent.

Empire State Building in the mist. The outline of the building can barely be traced in the sky.

Little Chinese restaurant seen in Williamsburg while running a work errand. I love the character: "Chinese Food to Take Out."

Returned from running around the dreary city to find Dunkin' Donuts and hot chocolate for the office — !!!

Weekend Wrap-Up: No Business Like Snow Business

2012-01-22T18:14:00.000-06:00

This weekend I saw my first snow since arriving in New York. Nothing substantial, but it still reminds me of being in Minnesota.

I wish I had more news to report, but life has been quiet…

Spaces + Places

2012-01-19T23:30:00.000-06:00

A few quick shots from today —

This is what I wake up to every morning. White. My room is all white — white walls, white ceiling, white curtains, white doors and white fixtures. When I first arrived, my uncertainties caused me to the link all the surrounding white to an institution, but as I've grown comfortable, I associate this white place with refreshing warmth.

This white room makes me feel safe. I can come here at any time and it's all mine. I can look out the window and see all the neighborhood happenings, of people walking dogs and pushing strollers and listening to music. I can crash here with warmth and silence after a long day.

I was just thinking this evening of the first feeling I got when I entered the room. A while back I showed how a room tells a story about the person that inhabits it. I love that a person's physical and mental presence can be felt in a space, even if they are not physically present, simply by the objects in the room. I will never forget the feeling upon entering my grandparents' old house and seeing the coffee table — it always had a game on it, and always a game that Grandpa would play. I still get chills when I see the coffee table with a game on it, even after it's been moved to a new room in a different place. To me, that coffee table holds part of Grandpa's story, no matter where it is.

But this room — when I entered this room, I couldn't attach it to anything. All of the white left a void, all clues erased of who the former occupants could have been. There are the typical nail holes on the wall, and spots of red wax indicating a candle's burning. Other than those clues, I've been left to wonder.

I've been creating my own story for this room of mine. Sure, I don't spend a lot of time in it, but it is something for me: my first place in New York, a spot of independence, and a home far away. I don't think I could ever forget the events of the night I got here. After sitting in the lobby at the airport guarding my suitcases and waiting for time to pass, I took a cab here. I felt too sick from the long cab ride to feel any excitement. After a half hour, the cab dropped me off at my place. Perched atop my suitcase on the front stoop in the cold, I waited to be let in. Twenty minutes passed and finally I was relieved.

I began unpacking my things — slowly, with some uncertainty. Could I make it here? I tried not to get too comfortable. All the things left in the room — the bed, the lamp, lampshade, and nightstand — they were all white, too. The bed was stripped bare and I realized I had nothing to sleep with. I absorbed my new surroundings for a while before turning out the light and falling asleep in my coat, covered with a towel in place of a blanket. Here I was.

There is a certain philosophy about rooms that I have learned over the past years from frequent moves. That is, it is easier for rooms to hold feelings than possessions, as feelings are better to carry. They are steadfast and lightweight. They withstand time, distance, weather and can be kept safe in your mind. I brought 38 pounds of my life with me in a suitcase to this place and have picked up a few since. But I also gained the most liberating sense of freedom from having so little! That feeling is what I will remember.

Finally,

I visited the Pier today in Brooklyn Heights. It was so cold, but so beautiful. One of those moments where it hits you…I'm here!

love,

An Object of Beauty

2012-01-18T22:43:00.002-06:00

I'm currently reading Steve Martin's book An Object of Beauty. I like to dig it out during my morning/evening subway rides from Brooklyn to Manhattan, biting off a few short chapters at a time.

When I went to the book store to look for a book, I couldn't make up my mind. I am so out of the loop as to what's good and what's mediocre that I often rely on the New York Times Bestseller seal of approval to guide my way.

I read the synopsis on the back cover of An Object of Beauty, and immediately knew it was the book I needed. The story is about a young woman named Lacey who, like me, is living in New York City. The story is set in the early- to mid-90's and chases Lacey around the city, where she works for Sotheby's. Initially starting out working with the forgotten artwork in the basement, witty Lacey works her way up the ladder in the art dealing world and gains the respect of gallery giants. The story starts to build when she makes her first $7,000 off a cunning art sale, moves to an expensive flat and begins purchasing expensive works. I'm about one third through the book and eager to know how her life continues to unfold.

Anyway, Lacey is so intriguing to me because at the beginning of the story, she's barely getting by and garners little recognition. But once she realizes that everything is in front of her, and she merely has to say the right things to the right people; that she is capable of doing what no one expected of her; and how to apply herself amidst opportunity; she soars.

Lacey gives me a lot of hope, because right now I feel that I am sifting through forgotten works in the Sotheby's basement, hoping to strike a land mine of wealth. There is so much opportunity here, it's just a matter of time before I can hopefully climb to the first floor and see the light…

I am happy to start somewhere, and I'm happy it's here.

View of Manhattan from Manhattan Bridge during a taxi ride home. I love evening cab rides where you can sit and enjoy all the pretty lights.

In the reception area at work.

xo
j

Weekend Wrap-up

2012-01-15T22:55:00.000-06:00

My mom asked me today if I was lonely. I didn't think about it very long before I responded, "No."

There is too much to discover here to be bored or lonely. Not to say that I don't miss the people and familiarity I left behind — I do. I have just been so absorbed by this new place and to feel alone. The city has kept me company!

It was an extremely lazy weekend. I got tons of sleep and poked around the neighborhood. Hopefully next weekend is more eventful as I get a jump-start at finding events to attend…

Bleecker…always reminds me of Simon and Garfunkel.

Walk home from the subway station.

Park Slope drugs.

Fashion statement in Park Slope

Pizza & PDA at Roma Pizzeria.

love,
jc

Week in Review: Geographic Familiarization + More

2012-01-12T22:17:00.002-06:00

Greetings! I've officially wrapped up my first week in NYC and am heading into round two! Week one was a mix of terror and delight, but I must say the overall impression that New York City gives me is WOW!

How did I make it through my first week? For starters, I learned which neighborhoods you DON'T want to get on a subway to, and the general directions that most trains travel. A few things I'm trying to be proactive about:

Learning the subway system. As I mentioned in my previous post, I had quite the debacle during my first few days out. Last week I met up with a college friend (who coincidentally also was my hairdresser in Fargo…convenient much?) and being super cautious, left a half hour early to meet up with her in the event that I got lost. Well, guess what? I got lost. After stepping on the wrong train (on the wrong LINE, too) I was tugged into a carousel of subway dizziness. It was frustrating to say the least, and a great learning experience. I'm never going through that again! (Don't quote me on this.) The rest of the week was smooth as far as subway rides go, and I've managed to let go of my "personal bubble" I always felt entitled to. "Personal bubbles" do not exist in the subway world. You grab on to that greasy, lubed-up pole, plant your feet and hold on for dear life. Accepting the fact that people are going to rub against you (and they may not be pretty, showered people) comes with experience.

Acquainting myself with the districts of Manhattan and Brooklyn.

I enjoy the puzzle-like geography of the Manhattan districts, and am currently trying to commit them to memory so when I look at my coordinates, I know what neighborhood I'm in. Little things make sense once you think about them: SoHo is South of Houston Street, while NoHo is north of Houston. Yesterday I ran a work errand on West 23rd — the heart of Chelsea! Can you guess where the Upper West Side and the Lower East Side are located!? Right where they should be! Thank you, common sense!

Seeking out great places to eat. I admittedly haven't done a lot of eating out at this point, partly because my budget doesn't allow for it, and also because I don't know where to begin. I've been using Yelp to direct me toward a few places. Last week I had an awesome meal at a Brooklyn Tex-Mex joint right up the street called Gueros, and today I found a great pizza joint, Roma Pizzeria, in Park Slope. But I'm still seeking out good, cheap eats that won't leave me sick.

Studying style. Where you have a city of diverse people, you also have diverse style. One of my favorite things about walking the streets of NYC is seeing what people are wearing! I've noticed that New Yorkers always have on nice, practical shoes — it's an investment. Not to mention the variation in hairstyles, colors, and the intricate layering of clothing items (simultaneously very coordinated and effortless). I hope I can take away something in the wardrobe department!

Getting out of my apartment. I didn't come here to sit — I came to move, and to explore. When I was searching for a place to live, my requirements were: safety first, then a roof over my head and a place to sleep at night. I'm lucky to have found just that, and have a place to crash after a long day in the city. It's best for me to just walk intuitively — to see a street and feel it's a good one to walk down, feel the lefts and the rights and perhaps stumbling upon a gem. There is so much ground to cover here, I feel that sitting around is using up valuable time.

Speaking of things that get me out of my apartment…

I also began my internship this week with 20x200. I should first explain how I came across them, ended up in New York City, and now am living every day (or at least the past week!) like there's no tomorrow!

My wonderful cousin Erin tipped me off about 20x200 back in November. I promptly applied for the position and received a quick response. After an intense Skype conference call interview in mid-November, I took a deep breath and hoped that all my years of thinking about how to sound professional might actually come to fruition.

A month passed, and my hands were still empty of an internship. My fellow classmates and I would bemoan the task of finding work, as we were all in the same, empty boat — something that made me feel better about my lack of success. I continued to apply coast to coast at anything or anywhere remotely viable, but always thought, "Gee, it'd be sweet to work with 20x200." As Christmas approached, I was still empty-handed. I made plans to pack up my belongings in Moorhead and move to my parents' in Minot, half-expecting that I'd be there for a month at minimum. Finally, in mid-December, I received the good news. I quickly made plans to move to New York to work alongside the fine folks at 20x200.

If you aren't familiar with them, 20x200 does a really wonderful thing for artists and collectors alike. They offer beautiful, original, limited edition archival prints at exceptional prices. What does that translate to? If you have $20 to spare — I know most people do — you can own a one-of-a-kind print that supports both the artist and the supporter of artists, 20x200! It's (this phrase is my pet peeve, but I honestly believe it applies here) *the perfect gift* for practically everyone!

If you've never visited their site before, now is the chance to take in some fantastic art and think about which wall in your home each piece could and would look good on!

(End of shameless advertising.)

A few more things from this week:

Window display at Bergdorf Goodman on 58th and 5th…so creative, so inspiring, so incredible.

Designer clothing in the windows of Bergdorf Goodman. Fashion I could only dream of affording at this point!

Lighting up the sidewalks of East 57th Street

Paid a visit to Times Square at dusk to experience the lights come alive!

The Flatiron Building at Fifth Avenue, Broadway, and East 22nd Street, as seen during a morning errand.

Running in errand in Chelsea, I ran across the legendary Hotel Chelsea.

This advertisement says it all!

From a quiet evening in Park Slope, Brooklyn.

This has been a week in review, live from Brooklyn, New York where I feel completely cozy and absolutely at home. Keep tuning in for more adventures!

xo
jc

Finding my Footing

2012-01-05T23:34:00.000-06:00

Well, I made it to New York! It's really an unbelievable feeling to have this dream sneak up on me, tap on my shoulder and suddenly become a reality.

To start, I was lucky enough to find a place to stay. I'm currently in Brooklyn in the Prospect Heights area, living in an apartment with three other young ladies (whom I was not acquainted with prior to moving). I have my own little space and it's all I need for now! As for the area, it is a mix of tiny shops, coffee spots, restaurants, and the typical grocers, laundromats and apartments of a city — all with a worn-in feel of a well-used neighborhood. There are gems littered throughout; for example, I went to a taqueria several blocks up the street this evening and it was every bit outstanding, and found a neat cafe to grab a snack or coffee.

I have been somewhat struggling with the transportation aspect of things. While the New York subway system is every bit efficient and effective (as far as I can see), I am heavily relying on my phone to get me solid directions from A to B. On my first day out, I walked to the nearest subway station from my apartment (about a 5 minute walk), bought a metro card and proceeded to play "eenie-meenie-miney-mo" as to which platform I'd stand on. My first shot, I guessed wrong.

Now, I've used subways in some of the world's largest cities — London and Paris — and was quick to catch on. But New York? Struggle. As I waited on what I was 33% sure was the right platform, my doubt set in. A man approached me and asked me if I was a teacher. A teacher? "'Scuse me miss, are you a teacher?" I was the only white girl waiting for the train, so someone was going to say something sooner or later.

Tail between my legs, I retraced my steps and let go of my stubbornness. I asked for directions and was well on my way. Since then I've become a little more familiar, but encouraging myself to ride as often as I can to get into the swing of things.

In the meantime, I'll be scouring over this:

See what I mean?

I begin my internship with 20x200 on Monday and am looking forward to meeting new people and learning new things! I am excited to be a part of something in this great city.

It's so refreshing to be in a new place, surrounded by things yet to be discovered. This is the start of something incredible.

xo
j

Of New York Life

2012-01-05T00:36:00.001-06:00

A few from today...REAL life update soon to come!

View from my apartment window, waking up on my first morning in Brooklyn after a weary day of travel

New York tchotchke/souvenirs

Empire State Building from a distance. Shortly afterward I had to walk past Kleinfeld (bridal store made famous by TLC's Say Yes to the Dress that my sister Heidi is in love with).

With cousin Adam — we spent the night wandering the city on foot!

2012-01-02T21:11:00.001-06:00

Well, tomorrow I'm off to live in the Big Apple! Here goes something!!

A Small Taste of Christmas

2011-12-26T11:04:00.001-06:00

Just a few snaps of life with baby around for the holidays! It's been such a treat!

Dive Deep, Swim Far

2011-12-21T16:10:00.001-06:00

I feel that today is just as good as any to make a small (or big) announcement. Things have drastically changed in my life over the past six days, and they are going to continue to change as I move forward. In two weeks I'll be moving to New York to fulfill an internship. A month ago I couldn't have imagined this would be the direction my life was to go!

I am at once: terrified, excited, and curious. I have become so comfortable with this easy-breezy wide-open Midwest lifestyle that I foresee a mild case of culture shock. I can't imagine what my mind and eyes are about to be filled with, the paths I'm going to cross and the people that might affect my life. I have no great way of describing it.

Throughout the past few months, there have been several quotes taped to my wall. One read, "All in good time," that reminded me that good things come with patience, and that this period in my life is not my life forever. When I needed to reassure myself that stress does not control my life and things always work out, I'd recite "Slow down, calm down, don't worry, don't hurry, trust the process." Eleanor Roosevelt's saying, "The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience" has always held a place in my mind. But perhaps the most meaningful words toward my life:

"Be not the slave of your own past; plunge into the sublime seas, dive deep and swim far, so you shall come back with new self-respect, with new power, and with an advanced experience that shall explain and overlook the old." —Ralph Waldo Emerson

Today I packed up every possession into my car. I don't live here anymore. I will never understand why I stayed around these parts for so long, but trust that the future will reveal the purpose to every decision I've made in this place. I am thankful in so many ways that life has lead me here, to the people that have changed me. Now I am thankful that circumstances are leading me to new experiences. I have grown tired of thinking I'm not capable of doing great things, because I know I have what it takes to do what it takes to make happiness. I've doubted myself for too long!

The world is waiting, and I'm coming. The feeling is like perching on a tree's limb, high in the air, dangling your legs and waiting to jump to the ground, feel the momentum, and run for it. Here goes.

my iphone-crazed list of favorite apps

2011-12-12T15:53:00.003-06:00

I wish I remembered what life was like before I got my iPhone this past February. Sadly, I can't imagine the 22 years that I lived without it. I know, I know…ridiculous. But as soon as I try to distance myself from the little gadget becoming an integral part of my life, Apple adds another app that blows my mind.

I haven't extensively searched the App Store — not even kind of. Maybe if I'm in an awkward elevator ride or stuck at the train crossing, I might peruse to see what's new. I rarely pay for apps, so that really limits what I have. The apps that I have found, however, are gems.

It goes without saying that some apps don't need to make this list under the popular acceptance of them being awesome. Among these apps: Pandora (long live Internet radio), YouTube, Twitter, Shazam (identifies songs through recording a short clip) and the classic Maps, which has gotten me out of numerous sticky situations (even in the booming metropolis of Fargo/Moorhead.)

My favorite apps for iPhone (many of these are available for iPad as well!) in no particular order:

Pulse News
I love me a streamlined newsfeed. Pulse allows you to choose your sources (anything from NY Times to Perez Hilton to design*sponge) and organizes them in a visual of chronological stories. You can even organize your sources into different pages (local news, design related, sports, etc.). With SO many sources to pick from, I find it impossible not to get what you need out of this app.

Starbucks Mobile

Well, big surprise here. Of all the apps on my phone, this one gets utilized daily at minimal. By loading up my Starbucks mobile card instead of paying with my debit card or cash, I get REWARDED! With the app, my soy milk is free (a $0.60 value, folks) and after every 15 drinks, I get a free handcrafted beverage of my choice! They even mail me a postcard that says HERE'S A FREE DRINK FOR YOU!

So maybe you don't drink as much Starbucks as I do, but this app is way cool anyway. You can experiment with drinks (kind of makes me feel like the barista I never was), craft your own and add them to your favorites. It's a total time waster, but if you're looking to kill 20 minutes, this is for you!

Not to mention one of the most pertinent features of the app: The store locator. How many times have you been somewhere and wanted to know where the nearest Starbucks is? Never? Well, I have this problem frequently (it's a First World problem, I know). I once got lost searching for a Starbucks in San Francisco and wandered in circles for three miles until I found one. Could have used this app!

I don't think I need to promote this any more, because any faithful coffee drinker will appreciate it!

Songify

I've had a lifelong dream (well, it's kind of always been Plan B) of becoming a rap artist, and nothing makes this easier than Songify. Simply tap, record, and Songify will put your words to a beat (albeit a good one). You have to sacrifice your singing voice for a robotic overlay (which is okay with me, mine is crap anyway), but the results are potentially amazing.

PostSecret

I really got into this app when it came out, partially because I've been a longtime follower of the Sunday Secrets posted weekly on PostSecret.com. I also find the PostSecret mission completely incredible in it's ability to bring people together all over the world through something as simple as a secret. I really believe it changes lives, and I know there's been times I've read certain secrets and felt a deep connection. I quickly downloaded this app and posted my own secrets, and was totally thrilled to get all sorts of responses and 'hearts' from viewers.

The one downside to the app is the filtering. There is hardly any censorship, and sometimes people abuse the instantaneous live upload of the secrets. There is a lot of sadness in the secrets, and little spots of optimism. One thing I have realized through this app is how many people are hurting. All kinds of people going through tough times with lovers, friends, family, children, or even their pets. It is a humbling and awakening experience if you truly open yourself up to the words and put yourself in another's place.

This app can do no harm. I often read it for several minutes at night before I go to bed, to see how other people are feeling at that moment, and the problems they are carrying. It gives life meaning.

RunKeeper

If there's one app you want to get some mileage out of — literally — this is it. I swear by this app because it's so tech-y and fun that it actually made me want to work out. I was running nearly every day this past summer and this baby tracked my every step!

So, what's cool about this app? You can choose your activity (biking, hiking, running, walking, etc.) and RunKeeper will count your calories, distance, and pace (including your split times). The best feature, though, is it's GPS that tracks your route! And even allows you to take snapshots of certain places. You can save all of your activities in a file, look back at them and admire all your hard work!

RunKeeper can function without being open, so even if you're in the office all day and are curious how much you're burning off that bum, you can start the app in the morning and have it counting in your pocket all day! Like, wow!

Offender Locator (Free)

Just when you thought we'd run the entire gamut of app categories, we come to this: a sex offender app! Now, before you laugh let me give you a little back story: I grew up next door to a sex offender and never realized it until recent years! It's good to know what's going on around you. This app shows exactly where each offender lives and their offenses. It also pinpoints where police stations and fire stations are located in the even that you should need them.

I don't live in fear, but I am a small lady and anything can happen. Even if it's a little peace of mind, or more informative than anything, this app is helpful.

Phoster

This is hands down one of my favorite apps. Choosing from a variety of templates, you can make beautiful posters in seconds — that's right, seconds. Once saved, you can message, e-mail, even make high-quality prints of your creation!

The reason why I enjoy this app so much is it isn't complicated. It has two things in mind and accomplishes them well:

1. Help people make posters

2. Keep it simple.

There is nothing overly-elaborate about the process. Check out this app and you'll be making posters like a pro in NO TIME!

Quiption

It's no secret that the postal service is going downhill because of technology. But how about an app that brings you the best of both worlds — snailmail and technology? Quiption is the postcard version of Phoster, allowing users to simply and easily create fun postcards and send them at a small cost!

How simple is this? 1. Plug in your own photograph and 2. Stamp it with a caption. The phrases are universal: "Carpe Diem," "Wish You Were Here," "Greetings from Here," even "Oh Baby You, You Got What I Need." Safe enough to send to your sister, your mom, even your grandma.

If you can't tell, I really enjoy apps that are simple and easy. Thanks, Quiption.

(PS, Another nice postcard app is Postagram! Check that one out, too!)

Pocketbooth

This is a portable party if I ever saw one. Pocketbooth is exactly what it sounds like: A pocket-sized photobooth! Choose from a variety of strip styles, then snap, snap, snap, snap away! You've got an authentic-looking photo strip that can be easily shared…or printed! (I like things that can be printed!)

Instagram

This app is so rad, so groovy, so instatastically incredible, it deserves a cake, or a plaque, or a trophy of somesuch. Or just a card that says: "YOU. BEST. APP. EVER." This goes without mentioning that it was just named APP OF THE YEAR. Yes, it's that good.

Why do you think this app is so successful? Because it's simple and universal? Ding ding ding! Instagram lets you take an ordinary photograph, apply any number of gorgeous filters, borders, and perspectival effects (but not too many…which is a good thing!) and instantly share it with followers. It's a thing of beauty.

Now's my time for shameless advertising: You can see all of my Instagram pictures right here!

All Recipes

If there's one app I could teach my mom to use, it would be All Recipes. I haven't had extensive time to actually cook many things I've found through this app, but I can't imagine a more helpful resource in the kitchen. I've used it to make appetizers on several occasions and it's never failed me. The best part (besides the Dinner Spinner itself, which gives you meal suggestions) is the rating system and reviews that tell you if the recipe is a hit or miss.

• • • • •

There are tons more I could add to this list, but I'll keep it at these – what are your favorite apps?

life, lately.

2011-12-11T20:28:00.001-06:00

There is something so different about these days, likely the notion of things coming to a close. Every week feels languid as each hour drips by with closure. I have begun packing up my bedroom to move in a few weeks and am dealing with the next step.

Knowing that I'm leaving has been such a rush of remembrance. I think back to my very first day of college, when the alarm clock my mom packed for me demanded in an electronic voice, "Out of bed, sleepyhead! Time to get up!" It's so incredible to think of all the days between then and now. It's so unbelievable to think of how many times I wanted to give up, and every single time I made it through. Despite every obstacle. Every bad day. Every bout with uncertainty.

I've found much solace in knowing that those years are behind me, and look toward years of what's to come (whatever that may be) with excitement and fear. You know what you're getting with college: Exams, projects, 9am classes, and essays. I can imagine the days ahead won't be nearly as predictable.

And through experience I've learned, college wasn't the best time of my life. A lot of great things happened, but I'm convinced the years to come will hold more beauty and discovery. That is what I'm looking forward to.

All of my journals from college. I tried to write whenever I could.

• • • • •

I wrote this on August 30, 2006 — my first week of college:

art:

what i breathe. what i think.
what i came to school for.
what i love. my fuel
my motivation
my escape.
what i crave. what i put everything into.
what i dream about.

what i want to do the rest of my life ---

----and i can't wait.

Isn't it amazing that I still feel that way?

With love,

two weeks later…let's hear it for thanksgiving!

2011-12-10T21:56:00.001-06:00

You know that phrase, "Better late than never"? Well, I am living proof that it's true. In fact, I'm really hoping to dazzle you with these long-awaited photographs of my family's Thanksgiving dinner that occurred over two weeks ago!

Please! Check them, and give me some credit for posting them before 2012!

Not much variety, but you get the idea. Food, family, and Butterball turkey hairnets. I really love photographing my Grandma. Her facial expressions are priceless. I'll be quicker to post Christmas photos for my kin in blogland!

xo
j

pinteresting

2011-12-05T16:43:00.001-06:00

I honestly can't believe it's taken me this long to get into Pinterest. It just goes to show how busy I've been / out of touch with the Interweb of creative goodness. Lately I've been trying to fill up my Pinterest page with pretty and inspiring things!

You can join Pinterest through receiving an invite from another Pinterest member, so if you're not on it yet — let me know and I will send an email invite link your way! Serious goodness!

2011-12-05T16:39:00.001-06:00

I meant to post this a long time ago…but, like most things I want to do, I'm finally getting around to it now.

World, if you haven't met him already, Joshua McKinley. Project Runway Season 9 Runner-Up/Diva.

This clip makes me smile so huge and seriously "LOL."

2011-12-05T15:38:00.001-06:00

slow

down

calm

down

don't

worry

don't

hurry

trust

the

process.

— alexandra stoddard

here's to everything working out.

50 Most Influential American Designers of 2011

2011-11-14T22:00:00.001-06:00

Check out this link for some inspiring names! Creatives dream of making a list like this…

What a Week

2011-11-14T11:46:00.001-06:00

I'M JUST COMING DOWN FROM A WEEK OFF EVERYTHING: No school, no work, nothing. Having some time at my disposal, I decided to take a quick overnight getaway to Grand Forks to visit high school friends Kelli and MacKenzie. Both ladies are engaged and it was fun to hear about their future wedding arrangements, check out their bling, and just overall relax for 24 hours.

I also had family pass through town this weekend! Grandma, aunts, uncles, cousins — the gang was here! It was really what I needed after these past months of school, to see familiar people and have a good laugh.

* * * * *

I need to make it through *FOUR* more weeks and finally, after five and a half years, I am basically home free! (Unless anyone knows of an internship somewhere…anywhere?) Wow…

Take care & be well!

It's the "I'm Alive: Consumed by School" Edition!

2011-11-07T15:57:00.000-06:00

I'VE (CLEARLY) BEEN SLACKING HARD IN THE BLOG WORLD. Why, you ask? I haven't been off gallivanting throughout the country, or leisurely strolling along beaches. I've been in my garage/studio…cozying by the warmth of a fake electric fire, layered to the nines, and working my cold little fingers to finish what I started…my B.F.A. project.

Now, I'm a worrier. A big one. I've learned through lost time and energy that worrying gets you nowhere but, well, nowhere. So you can imagine what a RELIEF I'm feeling at the moment as the project that I've been worrying about since MAY (yes, May) has finally come to fruition and exists in physicality in the really real world (not just in my head). At times I was finding difficulty sleeping because the "to-do" list in my head would take over my mind!

Because the project is about consumption — or hyperconsumption, the excessive consumption that most employ in their lifestyles — it was quick to overwhelm and in a way, turn on me. The "simple" lifestyle that I insist upon became increasingly consumed by the collection of materials I'd accrued to get my message across. The project had done to me the very thing I wanted to bring awareness to others about: I had unreasonable amounts of resources at my disposal. I had to tell myself that at some point, all of my collecting would come together to make something transformed. Months later, I think I achieved what I set out to do.

While the project doesn't go as in-depth as I would have liked (for sanity's sake, you have to draw a line somewhere) I hope that the message and information presented is enough for viewers to desire to investigate further. I looked to Annie Leonard's The Story of Stuff as a great source of information, inspiration and motivation for the project. Check it out at your local library and you will be amazed. It is tragic and fascinating how our systems operate, how our goods are made, and who is affected by what we buy and use. The stories and figures presented will make you think twice about what you buy — which, really, is what we should begin to do.

I'd invite you all to visit the gallery at MSUM's Center for the Arts between today and 18 Nov to see the work of my fellow graphic designers and myself. We have all poured our days into making this show happen and the dedication shines through.

A little sneak peak for you:

Lastly, when I installed the project the other day, I told an onlooking professor that it was "just a little something that I whipped together over the weekend." When he asked what I'd been doing with all my time, I told him "sleeping and eating my feelings." (Which isn't what I've been doing at all, but I decided it's what I'm going to do now that I'm done with what I did.)

Take care everyone. Life feels good.

xo
j

hey hey halloween!

2011-10-27T19:14:00.001-05:00

Paul, Brookelle (one of my lovely roommates) and I carved pumpkins last night! It was something I'd been looking forward to since the beginning of fall. When I sat down to carve, I drew a blank and carved the first thing to come to mind…

Happy End-of-October! I am spending more hours in studio than I would like, but I've just got to hang on another eight days…!!!

Love to you—

SPECIAL DAY ALERT (PART II)

2011-10-24T12:11:00.001-05:00

I HAVE BEEN KEEPING AS BUSY AS POSSIBLE LATELY. Feeling the crunch big time. But good news should never go unnoticed, and this past weekend there was good news to be had.

As if my older sister and her husband Matt welcoming Baby Scout to the family last month wasn't enough excitement for one year (I still can't get over how darn cute he is and I haven't even seen him in real life yet) more happy news came along. My younger sister Heidi and her boyfriend Paul became engaged on Saturday! Wow. I had known about the engagement for about a month but had to keep it a close secret. Heidi was surprised when Paul rolled unannounced into Fargo from Minneapolis, showed up at her house and popped the question. I can breathe in relief that I don't have to keep the secret from her any longer!

In addition to being my sister, Heidi is one of my best friends. I am so happy she found someone that will treat her the way she deserves. Paul is a special guy and I am happy to see him become part of my family!

• • • • •

If bad news comes in threes, I am hoping that good news does as well. In which case…more good things are on their way!

Congratulations. I love you two.

for shiloh.

2011-10-15T22:07:00.000-05:00

I'VE POSTED MANY PHOTOS OF SHILOH in the past, but he is the most accessible subject to me and I just love his demeanor. He is always waiting by the door when I come home, nearby when I need something to talk to, and ready to crawl into bed when I do. I always look forward to walks and talks and companionship in general. He is always happy and he makes me feel happy, too.

Thanks Shiloh. You're not mine, but I'm sure glad you're around! (PS. Unless you read…you'll never read this.)

word from the woman cave (aka studio)

2011-10-11T19:43:00.003-05:00

Things are coming along and I'm in the final *3* weeks of my project. Starting to feel the pinch a little. As long as I go to bed at night feeling that I'm in a decent place work-wise, I can wake up in the morning and get things done.

That said, I'm really excited about this jazz.

at buffalo river

2011-10-07T19:26:00.000-05:00

Yesterday Paul, Shiloh and I visited Buffalo River State Park, just north of Moorhead. It was a little windy, but such a relief to walk for miles without seeing a car, building, or any sight other than nature. A great way to decompress after another week of school.

• • • • •

the whole love

2011-10-05T23:43:00.003-05:00

Today I bought Wilco's newest album, The Whole Love

Wilco always takes me back to early college days, long drives, summer afternoons and evenings, windows down just…living.

This album is no exception, except it is now — and it is going to remind me of these days, right before the college chapter closes and I begin again…

• • • • •

Also, I saw this guy today. Made me smile.

2011-10-03T01:00:00.000-05:00

I am in love with these fall days — dreaming of the perpetual state of autumn.

01 :: Cute building spotted during late afternoon stroll, Moorhead

02 :: Side of our garage (my studio!) + fall colors

03 :: Spent all afternoon working on Project BFA, namely 3D type I'm preparing

Enjoy these days, they are so very numbered —

2011-09-29T22:07:00.000-05:00

I took this photo while sitting in the park this afternoon. Stress is setting in a little and I'm trying to decompress and enjoy the fall.

Tomorrow I have my 30-day evaluation with my project committee. I'm hoping they have positive things to say about what I've done so far, but I'm preparing for a reality check. I haven't been working and focusing nearly as much as I should, and I need to seriously buckle down for the next month and make greatness.

Fingers crossed I can make it work!

quite the distance

2011-09-28T17:31:00.000-05:00

When I see this picture — taken today — I feel as though I can look straight past 15 years and see myself at eight years old again. I can imagine what I'd be wearing and how greasy my hair was and how my voice sounded. I remember what I looked forward to then — recess and running around the neighborhood, building forts and reading Goosebumps books. I remember who I looked up to then: my family, my older sister, my second grade teacher, my next door neighbor.

Yet it is so hard to believe that I am the same person. I was eating dinner at home last night and had this strange moment where I wondered, "How did I get to this moment?" Trying to backtrack through each year and decision that lead me to last night, eating my spaghetti at a house in Moorhead while typing a paper. I remembered at eight years old I never bought my own groceries, paid my bills or had a real agenda past school getting out at 2:45, now I have all these amendments and appendages to my life. I guess it was just a moment of awareness, a realization that while I feel stuck in these past few years, I've actually come quite the distance.

But isn't this the common thread of each day? To look back at those days before it?

BDOML / London, 2009

2011-09-27T19:28:00.002-05:00

Feel like reposting a photo from one of the best days of my life —

In front of St. Paul's Cathedral in London, 08 April 2009.

* * *

So many beautiful memories.

better every day

2011-09-27T13:22:00.001-05:00

Flowers from boyfriend…

Beautiful best friend coming to visit…

and meeting the sensational, inspirational Dr. Tammaro for lunch!

Just a few things of late—things get better every day…

so this begins

2011-09-22T23:33:00.000-05:00

So begins the whim
of dates and grins
story-swapping
morning coffee
glory wrapped
interests, tapped
lunches and
bunches and bunches of ways
in which
I am happy.

• • • • •

This is my 1100th post. Wow, wow, and wow — what nearly four years can create!

x
j

back to you, monday

2011-09-19T21:32:00.002-05:00

It was a super laid-back weekend. We always have a flux of visitors at our house so things stay interesting.

New developments in life that I may have to introduce soon…until then, I am happy and productive and things are smooth and calm…

Time is a wonderful healer and seasons have a way of revival.

wind, snap, wind, snap : baby disposables

2011-09-16T22:51:00.000-05:00

BEFORE MOM & DAD headed to Ohio to visit Kacy, Matt and little Scout, I requested that they bring along a disposable camera to document their time at the hospital.

There is something about photos from disposables that is so fun and true — not similar to a stark digital image. Enjoy.

Love to all —and word is that Scout it out of the hospital at long last!

2011-09-16T20:34:00.000-05:00

I wish I could look forward to someone this cute every day!

It's exciting to see what the days will hold…

SPECIAL DAY ALERT

2011-09-08T22:54:00.002-05:00

Today is a very special day.

Today my sister became a mother, my brother-in-law became a dad, my parents became grandparents, my brothers became uncles, and my sister and I became AUNTS!

Today, after many days (or two extra weeks) and much anticipation, we welcomed a handsome little man into our lives!

Please meet and welcome to the earth Scout Minot Ferrara, my nephew!

I am learning little things about Scout every hour. He was over 8 pounds and 21 inches. He has brown eyes. And he has a full head of dark hair!

Kacy and Matt, I am so thrilled for you and your new, cute little family! I am looking forward to years of getting to know Scout and watching him grow up!

My parents get to fly to Ohio tomorrow to see Mom, Dad and Scout, but photographs will have to do for me!

Wow! It's been a special day. I am so thankful. How beautiful. How lovely. How wonderful.

jenny

of labor-day's weekend

2011-09-06T23:30:00.002-05:00

This past weekend I decided last-minute to make the journey back to my parents' house in Minot for a few days. I hitched a ride with my good pal Paul, and we took the scenic route through small town, ND. Usually when I go to Minot, I'll head north then west, or west then north — but we took the backroads, clear-cut diagonal route.

From our stop in Harvey, ND — payphones, roast beef sandwiches, and the most delicious and gigantic ice cream cone of the decade — for just $1.50!

Me & my delectable treat. Drooling thinking about it.

A farm in Harvey, ND

• • • • •

I was invited to attend the Black Eyed Peas concert with family and we had a blast. Good music and great company for such a worthy cause — Minot flood relief. Josh Duhamel made an appearance and some heartfelt opening remarks, then Fergie and her crew rocked the stage. It was unforgettable!

My sister & I before the Black Eyed Peas concert

Waiting for the concert to begin…with thousands of other people! The turnout was unbelievable.

BEP lit up the sky with lasers and confetti! **WOW**

Aunt Kelly, me, cousin Lindsey and Uncle David after the concert!

• • • • •

There was plenty of family time and relaxing — grilling, games, and good company! I was never bored, hungry, or tired. Just right.

Mom & Grandma ponder garden things. Wish I could have gotten a soundbyte from this conversation.

After dinner, a ginormous and somewhat competitive game of croquet occurred. No one was hurt.

Croquet champs, "Team Alice"

Olive: still cute, still doing Olive things

• • • • •

I am back in the studio — which isn't too far, since I just converted the garage at my house into my studio space! (!!!!!) I am so excited about this. I literally walk 25 feet from my studio and I'm at my house. Can I get an AMEN to NO MORE DRIVING HOME FROM SCHOOL AT 3am?!?

I hope you enjoyed Labor Day Weekend as much as I did. I am so happy to be in a new place (finally settled) and loving the season. This. Is. My. Favorite. Time of year! Fall, fall, fall, fall, fall.

best,

snaps

2011-08-31T22:03:00.001-05:00

A few from today…

Looking forward to the long Labor Day weekend (where I will be doing…hopefully nothing). Have to make it through the week first!

best—

the lowdown, down low

2011-08-30T00:40:00.004-05:00

I won't lie — today was tough. There was nothing particularly tough about it, but I couldn't quite feel okay. Blame it on the disorientation of a new home, the piles upon stacks of items I have no place for in my room, and homework that I couldn't find time to complete. About had a meltdown over I-Don't-Know, but managed to keep it together. I just had a mediocre day.

Self-pity aside, I have some great roommates (four of them!). There is also a friendly dog in the house that has taken to me…

A friendly dog, brought to you by Instagram

…and the shower works better than my last place. I am learning the art of downsizing, and over the course of the past few weeks have given, given, given away like crazy — something that makes me feel so good. Less is more.

Finally, my sister Kacy (and her husband Matt) is due to have her first baby any moment now (and my first nephew!) and I am getting extremely antsy!

And finally finally, here are a few things I found quite neat:

01. Freecycle
B. These numbers from the exclusively B&W Shiro to Kiro:

III. This magical place from Design Love Fest:

(PS: I love everything about this lady's blog! Everything!)

04. Oh. My. Gosh. Lab Partners:

e // The Branding 10,000 Lakes Project by Nicole Meyer! Branding a lake a day with some groovy design. So, neat! Too neat!

Take care, be well —

ready, set, go

2011-08-28T23:53:00.001-05:00

I am in a new place — it's uncomfortable as new can be. It's exciting. It's…new, to me.

Just looking for patience and kindness and determination and rest. I'm exhausted.

The only thing today — and moving — has made me long to do is give away everything I own and travel anywhere. Sometime.

Here are a few snaps from this weekend…

Be well, friends!

2011-08-26T02:34:00.001-05:00

School…moving…school…work…moving…school…

You get the idea.

Good news is, I'm feeling fresh and inspired!

Love to you, friends—
j

2011-08-24T17:33:00.000-05:00

It would be wonderful to be immersed in a place where fashion like these styles are the norm!

(All photos via Sartorialist)

really digging: mikey burton

2011-08-23T13:55:00.000-05:00

Graphic designer Mikey Burton has plenty of neat typography and concepts. Do I know him? No. But I stumbled upon his site today and think if you like what you see, check out more of Mikey here!

the jubilation that is…the last day of my summer!

2011-08-21T21:44:00.001-05:00

I don't map my days out very well. I actually don't really think about what I'll be doing until my alarm goes off and I think, "I have nothing on my agenda today. Splendid."

Today was one of those days, I decided (contrary to yesterday's suggestion that today would be hectic). I did little to nothing of importance and it was beautiful.

Goodbye, free time. Goodbye, summer. Goodbye.

worth mentioning: my parents

2011-08-21T00:59:00.002-05:00

I completely failed to address a momentous occasion that occurred this past week. My parents celebrated 30 years of marriage on 14 August. That's 30 years of hanging out with each other all the time, raising kids, dogs, (and at one point, a duck), kids that acted like dogs, and picking up after kids and dogs.

All joking aside, I am extremely privileged to have such wonderful parents. I recall days when Dad had more hair and Mom had three toddlers in tow at any given time, two of them crying (on behalf of all the times it was me crying, I'm sorry Mom). Oh, the things they've been through…

• Orchestrating a family of seven for church every Sunday, and getting there on time (or seven minutes late)

• Single-handedly raising five children through:
   * Diapers
   * Surly childhood days
   * Sugar highs
   * Cooking lessons (24/7 supervision of the stove)
   * Surly Pre-teen years
   * Surly Post-teen years
   * Etc.

• About 23948719234 birthday parties

• Talking their girls out of wearing boys' clothes, talking their boys out of wearing girls' clothes

• Driving lessons

• Plenty of car accidents (I will take the blunt of the blame on this one)

• Buying a lake cabin, knocking said lake cabin down, building a new lake cabin

• Moving kids around (or in some cases, kids moving back in :) )

• Florida, New York, and Oregon family vacations (In Dad's words, "We were there!")

• One child's wedding

• Two minivans

• Three dogs, 90 billion turtles

• Four other childrens' breakups (not mentioning any names here)

• Proms x 1001349

• Five high school graduations

• Zero children joining the circus

• Coordinating 2349587 dentist, doctor, chiropractor, and orthodontist appointments as well as emergency room visits

• There isn't even a number that exists to explain how many times the toilet overflowed

• Etc.

I haven't been around all 30 years to witness the extent of their marriage, but from what I have seen I am completely enamored. I could only hope to be as lucky to someday experience their kind of love and happiness.

Without them…there would be no me!

2011-08-20T15:57:00.002-05:00

TODAY COULD POSSIBLY BE THE LAST TRUE FREE DAY OF MY LIFE. I mean it…kind of…okay, it's an exaggeration. But right now all I can consider is life is about shift gears from Fun in the Summer.

See, today is the second to last day of summer before I begin my BFA year on Monday. That means:

01) Tomorrow I'll be sweating like a mad woman trying to gather my things for the first day of class, so it can look like I was very productive (design-wise) over the summer (which in some ways, I truly was)

II) Monday - Thursday I will have class, and am expected to work 8-hour days on my project until November

C) Fridays I am expected to work 8 hour days on my project

4) Saturdays and Sundays will be catchup days (except for every other Saturday and Sunday, when I'll be working a 24 hr shift at my job)

V) Come November when my project is said and done, I will hopefully have/be knees deep in finding an internship ANYWHERE for the spring semester (I would really love to go anywhere but this area…to be somewhere new and fun!) Which means getting my portfolio to the gym for a workout to GET IN SHAPE.

F) Come said internship time (January-ish) I will be, well, interning! Until approximately whenever. Forever?

Seven) In May, I get a shiny diploma/walk across a stage in my younger sister's college graduation garb (yes, I said younger sister).

VIII) Then it's Look-for-Big-Person-Job Time!

So you can see exactly why I'm sitting at Starbucks right now drinking tea and waving off flies that are attacking me, because they probably know that I'm hanging by an emotional thread and want to crawl in bed and wake up next June!

• • • • •

Enjoy today — I know I am especially. I've been making trips back and forth to the thrift store, dropping off donations from apartment cleaning/moving prep.

xo
j

the eternal pick-me-up

2011-08-20T01:09:00.000-05:00

Because the past seven days have been one big fat Emotionfest / lamenting the end of summer (woe is me):

Mondo. Mondo makes everything in the world seem right.

the path is not straight

2011-08-19T13:00:00.003-05:00

Mom sent me a card yesterday with these words:

“ 1. the path is not straight
2. mistakes need not be fatal

3. people are more important than achievements or possessions

4. be gentle with your parents.

5. never stop doing what you care most about

6. learn to use a semi-colon

7. you will find love

—marion winik

Numbers one, three, and seven resonate the most at the moment. Which do you think makes the greatest advice?

2011-08-19T12:55:00.000-05:00

Love it will not betray you, dismay or enslave you,
It will set you free
Be more like the man you were made to be.
There is a design,
An alignment to cry,
Of my heart to see,
The beauty of love as it was made to be

—Sigh No More, Mumford & Sons

of lying in grass

2011-08-16T23:54:00.001-05:00

Lying on my back in the grass. It was something I hadn't done for so many years that hadn't occurred to me, my second thought being, I usually only do this with boys. Lying on my back in the grass, stretching my torso as far as it would go without exposing the stomach from beneath my shirt, I made a grass angel. The thick blades of grass wandered over my arms as soft bristles, comforting like a mother.

"Take me to Walmart. Just take me to Walmart and trade me in for a T-shirt. I want to be a T-shirt. I don't want to be a person."

I responded to the remark with something of, "T-shirts don't have freedom, family or friends. You don't want to be a T-shirt." We continued reasoning until I decided not to fuel the quandary, and instead continued to look at the sky.

They persisted. "I'd be an eagle. If I were an animal, I'd be an eagle. Yes…an eagle. Then no one could shoot me…"

Grass angels. Sky. My mind transfered to a hill in San Francisco, where I once lay on my back in the grass. The same clouds skidded around the big blue. A bird flew by, a woozy monarch butterfly, and several neighbors came and went.

Do you remember the last time you had lain on your back in the grass? I felt as though I should have been holding a hand, and busied my fingers with plucking blades and watching them bend in my grip.

And on a day like today, I'm trying to understand why someone could desire to be a T-shirt at Walmart, not to be bought or sold, or an eagle overhead. Why would anyone in this place want to be doing anything other than lying on their back in the grass?

That's what I did today. Swinging, too.

curious cases

2011-08-16T11:57:00.006-05:00

Last night I watched The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. It only took me three years to get around to seeing the movie, and I thought it was a fantastic film. (I should really be more current with these things, I know). I wanted to see it at a time when I could set aside three hours and actually watch it.

So, a contemplation that is three years late: How strange and radical would life be if we progressed as Benjamin Button? It presents many conundrums. Two people "growing old" — or rather, young — together could not care for one another once they reached an infant age, but would have to be looked after by their young-yet-elderly children. And as you progress backwards (an oxymoron) in the aging process, you'd learn backwards and eventually, like Mr. Button, fall into a state of dementia — much like the way we are hard-pressed to remember many people from our very early years.

One of my favorite scenes from the movie is a scenario about Button's love interest, Daisy. It puts forth the value of every second, and how our actions and those of others are affected by one another:

Sometimes we're on a collision course, and we just don't know it. Whether it's by accident or by design, there's not a thing we can do about it. A woman in Paris was on her way to go shopping, but she had forgotten her coat - went back to get it. When she had gotten her coat, the phone had rung, so she'd stopped to answer it; talked for a couple of minutes. While the woman was on the phone, Daisy was rehearsing for a performance at the Paris Opera House. And while she was rehearsing, the woman, off the phone now, had gone outside to get a taxi. Now a taxi driver had dropped off a fare earlier and had stopped to get a cup of coffee. And all the while, Daisy was rehearsing. And this cab driver, who dropped off the earlier fare; who'd stopped to get the cup of coffee, had picked up the lady who was going to shopping, and had missed getting an earlier cab. The taxi had to stop for a man crossing the street, who had left for work five minutes later than he normally did, because he forgot to set off his alarm. While that man, late for work, was crossing the street, Daisy had finished rehearsing, and was taking a shower. And while Daisy was showering, the taxi was waiting outside a boutique for the woman to pick up a package, which hadn't been wrapped yet, because the girl who was supposed to wrap it had broken up with her boyfriend the night before, and forgot.

When the package was wrapped, the woman, who was back in the cab, was blocked by a delivery truck, all the while Daisy was getting dressed. The delivery truck pulled away and the taxi was able to move, while Daisy, the last to be dressed, waited for one of her friends, who had broken a shoelace. While the taxi was stopped, waiting for a traffic light, Daisy and her friend came out the back of the theater. And if only one thing had happened differently: if that shoelace hadn't broken; or that delivery truck had moved moments earlier; or that package had been wrapped and ready, because the girl hadn't broken up with her boyfriend; or that man had set his alarm and got up five minutes earlier; or that taxi driver hadn't stopped for a cup of coffee; or that woman had remembered her coat, and got into an earlier cab, Daisy and her friend would've crossed the street, and the taxi would've driven by. But life being what it is - a series of intersecting lives and incidents, out of anyone's control - that taxi did not go by, and that driver was momentarily distracted, and that taxi hit Daisy, and her leg was crushed.

As I was preparing to go out this morning, I thought about if my day would play out different had I slept in 10 minutes later. Or, if I had to wait for the shower's water to heat up for 30 seconds more. If I hadn't spilled milk on the floor, would I have made it to the coffee shop sooner and crossed paths with someone that decided to stay an extra 10 minutes, someone I hadn't seen in 10 years? Life is so curious.

Button's most memorable quote was toward the end, as we learn that the narrative letter being read throughout the film are words from Button to his daughter:

For what it's worth: it's never too late or, in my case, too early to be whoever you want to be. There's no time limit, stop whenever you want. You can change or stay the same, there are no rules to this thing. We can make the best or the worst of it. I hope you make the best of it. And I hope you see things that startle you. I hope you feel things you never felt before. I hope you meet people with a different point of view. I hope you live a life you're proud of. If you find that you're not, I hope you have the strength to start all over again.

That single quote made the whole three-hour movie worth it!

If you, like me, haven't seen this movie after three years — and if I haven't spoiled the movie for you — I might recommend that you go to your local library (where I frugally rent all my movies from) and check. It. Out. (Better late than never!)

Here's to promising that next time I write about something more current…

xo
j

2011-08-16T11:20:00.001-05:00

Heidi and I are working on a little collaborative project right now. I was sketching something for it and she looked at my work and said, "It's funny, your drawings still look the same as they did growing up." Which made me feel slightly odd, because I've been through five years of art schooling without improvement to my sketching! Oh, well.

School = less than a week = me trying to accomplish a lot of things in a little amount of time!

Timshel

2011-08-15T13:27:00.000-05:00

I've been on a Mumford & Sons frenzy lately, and they've got me feeling pretty calm. I'm especially enjoying this song, "Timshel."

And you have your choices
And these are what make man great
His ladder to the stars

forward

2011-08-14T18:33:00.000-05:00

A
thought
a
lot
a
weight
off
my
shoulders.

good quotes

2011-08-13T00:51:00.000-05:00

Feeling like I need a little motivation right now. Here are some good quotes that push me through:

Jez Burrows:

This beauty (artist unknown):

Steve Lambert:

Nick van Woert:

Micah Lidberg:

These three by Dan Cassaro:

This shirt:

Seb Lester:

friday, friday

2011-08-12T23:04:00.003-05:00

Nothing too exciting from today — quite a bit of schoolwork and a visit to the library where I snagged the first season of Flight of the Concords to put a smile on my face. Tomorrow I have a 30-hour shift beginning at 9am. See you Sunday!

Also, I know I've posted this song before, but I've had it on my mind the past few days…

"Goodbye's too good a word, babe
So I'll just say, fare thee well —"

xo
j

2011-08-12T01:49:00.001-05:00

Right now I need to feel that really good things are on their way if I'm patient. That's all. You know?

"olive" this

2011-08-11T00:52:00.003-05:00

My sister and brother-in-law sent me olive oil from the olive tree they adopted through Nudo in Ardelio grove, Italy. What a neat concept. Thanks, Kacy + Matt!

Check out Nudo and adopt your own tree! (I'd love to if I could afford it!) It pays for itself!

2011-08-10T23:43:00.000-05:00

I'm moving full speed ahead into my upcoming BFA project. School begins in less than two weeks and I have to present my proposal and progress very shortly thereafter. So far I'm having a great time laying things out!

mi casa

2011-08-10T20:44:00.000-05:00

I'm moving in the next few weeks to a house in north Moorhead, so I wanted to document my living space once more before I pack everything up and settle elsewhere. My room has evolved quite a bit since I first moved in last September and I really feel comfortable here. It seems that I'm constantly uprooting myself once I've just gotten settled…isn't that always the case?

Here's how I live,

Rooms tell so many stories. Mine says a lot about what's on my mind…colors and shapes and type. And jewelry.

love to you,
j

of minot

2011-08-10T02:04:00.001-05:00

Hello friends, I'm fresh off a week long excursion to Minot to see my parents & co.! It was certainly a different experience, with the flood's presence still very fresh and prominent throughout the city. It is a disaster to say the least, and I believe that before visiting I had underestimated the damage.

On the night of my arrival my dad made mention to me that I should get involved in the cleanup, to feel the force in which the flood affected homes. Being that my own family wasn't directly affected by the water, I turned to my parents to direct me to people that were.

I visited the home of an 80-something year old man who is a member of my parents' church and father to several of their high school classmates. His family came to town to help, most of them daughters from Iowa, and together began ripping apart his severely damaged home situated a block from the river. Meanwhile he lived in a small trailer in his driveway, outside his window a torn home and reminder of a loss of normality. We piled his curb with insulation and foil, dumping load upon load atop the strips of warped hardwood floors already discarded. Everything was trash — the walls, the ceilings, the floors, even the toilet. His windows were shattered and his home was an empty cave, much like the house to his left, and the same as the tumbledown houses across the street.

The next day my mom and I returned with dinner for the weary workers, and quickly converted the garage from a living room to a dining room.

Several days later, my mom asked if I'd be interested in helping out at a fellow teacher's house, Patrice. She said they'd be working on the basement and it'd be quick "only an hour." No part of a flood cleanup takes an hour, I've learned. I started by sweeping her mud-caked front steps and thought about how long it'd be before she could have guests walk up them again without sensing the disaster. I stood at her front door and looked into her house; it was a skeleton with nothing but wooden beams and bare floors. I mentally mapped out where each room might have been, and what I thought might have been on the walls or what floor coverings where.

We moved to the basement and were overtaken by the smell of old river water and dirt that coated every surface. Without electricity and in dim light, we sprayed and scraped the floors clean until they appeared mud-free.

Many people lost many things. They no longer have their bedroom to sleep in, their kitchen to cook in, or their backyard to mow or garden. They have sheds that drifted to neighbor's yards, muddy lawns and windowless windows.

There is nothing more humbling than seeing the livelihood of a person's home taken from them, and watching them tear out their hard work, gut their hearth, and throw everything to the curb knowing they'll have to wake up and relive the same day over and over with hopes of getting their life back.

Please continue to keep these people in your hearts and minds, for they are no doubt in struggle.

Holiday decorations on the curb for disposal.

Curbs everywhere lined like this.

Traces of the flood

A moldy ceiling in a friend's home.

The living room of the home of one of my good friend's parents.

Mom climbing over what's left of a dike.

Mom standing in the doorway of her friend Patrice's home.

This is my grandparents' former home.

The bridge, now quiet and waterless.

• • •

Of course there is plenty of beauty in Minot as well. I had more than enough time to relax and completely enjoy myself. I can't remember the last time I paid attention to a sunset and actually appreciated it, or spent so much time dissecting the things around me. Minot did that for me.

Dad's garage will always be a great memory of mine. So many night's I've pulled into the driveway to this scene: The garage door wide open, light spilling out, and Dad (not pictured here) sitting in an old recliner, staring about or tinkering with something, munching on peanuts. It's his time and his time only.

View of Minot from my parents' backyard

From the window, driving home from a walk with my mom.

Heidi came to visit for a few days, too. Olive loves when more girls are around to throw her a bone or crawl into bed with.

My parents' house.

Minot by day + night

I took Olive for many walks, equally enjoyed by the both of us.

More scenes from Dad's garage

Mom and I took a quick jaunt to Velva, North Dakota for their city-wide garage sale. We found several treasures and didn't spend over $7 between the two of us! This house is in a field between Minot and Velva.

A building in Velva, North Dakota.

Scenes from a hail storm one evening. I was driving at the time and had to pull my car over and wait for the weather to pass.

Another evening, another sunset.

Take care and be well —

Travel not to go anywhere, but to go.

2011-08-02T00:37:00.000-05:00

I found this on Tumblr some time ago (no source, regrettably) and find the words so true. I'm kind of bummed that both of my great travel affairs for the summer (California in June and Ohio last week) have passed. Also bummed that it's August and school begins in three weeks, but I'm going to bang out this semester like there's no tomorrow (I hope). My final traveling for the summer is a week trip to Minot starting tomorrow, where I hope I can put together a photographic diary of the flood aftermath.

Take care, friends —

Boom Boom POW

2011-07-31T21:25:00.001-05:00

I just caught word that none other than the Black Eyed Peas will be doing a benefit concert in Minot, for Minot on September 3rd! Wow. Josh and Fergie are really stepping up to help out!

But seriously…the Black Eyed Peas. If you knew how many times I've belted out their tunes in my car while driving alone, you'd be laughing at me. I've had a thing for them since…my early college days. I once held a door for Fergie during a visit to Minot, and hung on to Josh Duhamel's drink as he had his pictures taken for his sister's wedding (these are my only claims to fame and I'm really stretching out their validity). Did you know Fergie is really short? She gives me some hope of being in a hip hop group (what I want to do if my college career doesn't pan out).

Gotta get…get…get…a ticket.

One

2011-07-30T00:54:00.006-05:00

I'm just feeling this song tonight.

good morning

2011-07-29T23:27:00.000-05:00

I love waking up to this sight. The only thing that could make it better was if there was a really handsome man standing nearby with a plate of Oreos and a glass of milk. And a harp player. And a puppy. Maybe a rainbow.

ENTER PR9!!

2011-07-29T12:22:00.001-05:00

Yesterday was a day I've been waiting a looooooong time for: the Project Runway Season 9 premiere! I was getting really antsy to see the new crop of contestants and pick out new favorites (though it will be near impossible to top Season 8 contestant Mondo in my mind). The opener introduced twenty designers from across the country and quickly told five to pack their bags.

So, the original crew:

And where we now stand:

• • •

I'm going to pick premature favorites as Anya (from Trinidad and Tobago) who at the time of the competition had a mere four months of sewing experience; and Bert, the OTA designer who pulled out a challenge win last night using his boxer shorts to make a chic dress. I'm hoping that Julie will step it up a notch from being in the bottom three and making ill-fitting snowboarding pants, as her portfolio was one of the more interesting. These favorites are subject to change next week!

As for Rafael's elimination, I believe he was deserving of it — after all, anyone who won't take off their headscarf for the sake of winning a challenge (because he didn't want the world to see his hot mess hair), then taking it off and making a bib out of it, doesn't have what it takes to "make it work."

End commentary. Click on the designer photos to visit the Lifetime Project Runway page, watch this season and follow along with me! I love fellow fans.

"Herbs."

2011-07-29T00:49:00.004-05:00

With all of my newfound time this summer, I've delved into more than a few chapters of interests. There was my bread-and-jam making phase, a yoga phase, and a cooking phase (which I suppose I'm still in). I've recently entered my gardening phase, where I'm taking interest in plants and terrariums, and finding myself in a state of jealously toward those with real live yards to harvest things.

I bought a book a few weeks back — it's called Herbs. Can you guess what it's about? Wait…oh…yes, it's about herbs. I admittedly haven't read it yet, but when my best friend visited, I reviewed it with such strange enthusiasm that lead her to sporadic interjections of the word "herbs" in our conversations. Since then I've had herbs on the brain, just dreaming of the day I could snatch a handful of fresh mint from a plant conveniently located on my windowsill, then make a gargantuan mojito to drink the satisfaction.

I went to a garden center yesterday and paced around for a good hour. I was looking for the easiest and the hardest route simultaneously, which I found with plants often coexist. A seed might be "easy" to grow if, say, you have light, space, and time for it. With my dark apartment the size of a mouse hole coupled with a slight case of ADD, I manage to be the worst candidate for growing anything other than fungi on decaying fruit (which is beside the point). What is most disheartening to me is that the seed packets give you the recipe for success! Everything from directly stating what brand of soil ("We recommend (our brand of soil)") to the perfect time and place to plant, when to transfer the plant to a larger area, and what to expect. They even tell you to use the end of a pencil (specifically) to puncture the soil to plant the seed. It seems completely failsafe!

After eyeing an herb starter kit with eight different varieties, I brought myself back to the reality of, "Whoa, Jenny, let's not bite off more than we can chew." Nobody jumps into 10 feet of water if they don't know how to swim, and I certainly wasn't going to epic fail on this one. Maybe fail — but not epic fail. I found neat-o biodegradable planters in happy colors and with the help of a seasoned gardener, selected my three babies: Dill, Lemon Thyme, and Basil.

Okay, I cheated with the kickstarter plants. I'm not their real mother. But in my defense, I didn't grow the seeds because instant gratification got the best of me and let's be honest, I would have killed them. My herb garden is happily nested at my bedroom window. This morning I rubbed the lemon thyme between my fingers — it smells of spicy citrus, like a perfume or lotion!

My little guys have a little growing left to do, but until then I'll be dreaming of fresh pesto!

2011-07-27T23:58:00.009-05:00

Night at the VFW — 07. 26. 11

Ta-da! It's Adventures in Ohio!

2011-07-26T01:44:00.000-05:00

I'm back from a fabulous weekend in Ohio! Here's a peek at my journey…

Heidi making her way through the Minneapolis airport

Skies over Minnesota as we took off

• • •

Kacy & Matt have a really cool house!

Living room ( 1 )

Living room ( 2 )

Heidi lounging…of course

Bedroom…straight from a magazine!

Kacy & Matt win a cute couple award

Mom let her hair down and drank a lot of iced tea!

The ladies got pedicures. My toes are now neon pink!

Poppy is the sweetest dawg around!

We visited a lovely neighborhood garden

Ladies Christen!

Detroit airport psychedelic tunnel! On the way home.

Minneapolis airport waiting for flight to Fargo.

• • •

I have more photos that I will possibly put on in the near future! Until then…I'm wiped from the flying today! Take care, be well!

from here on

2011-07-20T18:35:00.000-05:00

from the oven

2011-07-20T02:13:00.000-05:00

*How hot it feels in my apartment right now. The Midwest is melting. A few months ago I was sleeping in my winter parka. Now this, life inside an oven.

North Dakota, you are in a midlife crisis.

2011-07-18T17:27:00.000-05:00

It's been a long day at work. But check out my colorful kicks!

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

I also started a new tumblr that you can find here! Happy Funday.

2011-07-18T00:26:00.000-05:00

Five important things I've learned from my clients:

01. We are all the same, just in different ways

B. Life can be taken day by day by day by day. If one day doesn't work out, start over the next.

III. A little planning can change each day tremendously

04. Each day is filled with little things we don't want to do, but we have to do them to get to the fun stuff

E. Students are teachers, teachers are students

today's bits

2011-07-16T16:52:00.000-05:00

Fruit pops in bed // trying to feel better

Seen on my walk home from the grocery store

Empty chairs // too hot to sit outside!

I'm off for another overnight with clients…I had yesterday off, my first full day off in about two weeks, and I ended up spending three-fourths of it in bed trying to get better.

The upcoming week is going to fly…then come the weekend I'm making a special getaway to Ohioland to see sister Kacy, brother-in-law Matthew and a baby bump (baby on the way)! Weeee! Something to look forward to!

for minot

2011-07-15T17:05:00.000-05:00

It would be complete negligence to go without mentioning the flood in my hometown of Minot, ND that began it's rapid ascent several weeks ago. My aunt Kelly recently sent me this photograph of a Minot neighborhood that was hit especially hard by the water. The yellow arrow is pointing at her (and my mother's) childhood home located a block from the Souris "Mouse" River. Thankfully Grandma moved out of the house several years ago and is safely situated in a home on the hill, but it saddens me to see this image and recall the decades that I spent visiting Grandma's home. She had gorgeous flowers lining the boulevard and poking through the cream picket fences, arched doorways and all sorts of fun nooks. There was a playhouse in the backyard by the garden — a miniature version of the house itself — that became a playtime dwelling for all my siblings and cousins. The backyard patio held countless back-to-school barbeques, birthdays and celebrations. I will never forget running to the basement to play the pinball machine, or yelling down the laundry chute from the top floor to a cousin in the basement.

I had to store a lot of these memories when Grandma moved after Grandpa's passing in 2003, but seeing the home under water has resurfaced many of the memories. Things won't be the same for Minot and all those affected, and my thoughts go toward their wellness; I hope that amidst what was lost, people might somehow find peace of mind, optimism and resilience.

I am so grateful that my loved ones — parents and grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings, cousins and friends — have largely avoided the impact of this tremendous outpouring. I have heard the good and the bad. One of my good friends that's been with me since Kindergarten called me up amidst the water's rising. Sobbing, she pleaded for me to tell her that everything was going to be okay. She later told me that her house was swallowed by water clear to the eaves. How do you start over from there?

Some 12,000 people are out of a place to live and the reality hasn't even begun. When these people enter their homes, businesses, parks, schools and churches again they'll discover a shell of their lives, water-logged and stained. They have to find a way to tear down, rebuild or restore. It tears me up to think of this place I've weaved through nearly every street of as destructed.

Please continue to keep the good people of Minot in your thoughts and if you can give, give what you can — they are fighters!

Tattly

2011-07-15T16:05:00.002-05:00

I truly want this tattoo! Find this and more "designy" temporary tats at the new Tattly shop!

here's to you, heidi beth

2011-07-15T03:04:00.000-05:00

I have been utterly sick with an ugly cold lately, I think it's from working overtime…

Corn field — Moorhead, MN

It's my beloved sister Heidi Beth's birthday and she's crawling behind me at 22 years old! I could never imagine my life without Heidi, she drives me crazy and keeps me sane, she's the common sense to my daydreaming, she is the best friend I would never have if she weren't my little sister. We have never been far apart and have watched one another grow (or in my case, shrink). Sure, we've had our hair-pulling, pounding-on-the-bathroom-door-waiting-for-the-shower, hey-that's-my-shirt days, but we are of the same flesh, family forever.

Here's to you, Heidi, and 22 years!

Heidi & Paul…and the cake I made with Starbursts and white chocolate!

i don't care where you are, i miss you

2011-07-13T18:58:00.000-05:00

To the A-Z's of my brain, people you —

the one-timers, Kindergarten gang, my old housemates and flames —

To you, care-ers, mixers, harbors of love in my veins

To east coast, to west coast to all the days

I telephoned, airported, texted the sayings

of saying I miss you, for whatever it rang

I'm telling you, I miss you every day, every day

a fair time

2011-07-11T21:14:00.000-05:00

My client and I visited the Red River Valley Fair the other day. I admittedly wasn't too excited about the experience — I've never been much of a fair-goer —but it was actually really neat. I enjoyed people-watching, concert-going, and food-eating. There was so much activity and interesting folks of all ages. I loved photographing the little scenes. Here's what I caught…(all photos taken with iPhone and edited with Instagram)

I Didn't Know I had all these Muscles and other Yoga Tales

2011-07-11T20:49:00.000-05:00

A few days ago I gave in to about four years worth of inner nagging, broke down and bought a yoga mat.

Now, the last time I did anything that was remotely flexible occurred 10-16 years ago on my neighbors trampoline and/or at gymnastics practice, where I lasted a whole month before realizing no one was calling my name to participate in any of the games we played (this may or may not still be a sore spot).

I know what you're thinking: Small people by their very nature are supposed to be able to fold themselves into pretzels, overhead storage compartments, laundry chutes, or carry on luggage — and I can. The only issue is, I haven't exercised these muscles since being stuffed in a locker my sophomore year of high school. As far as I'm concerned I have three muscles in my body: one-half in each arm, one-half in each leg, and one in my jaw. My client was working out to a Richard Simmons video the other day, "Sweatin' to the Oldies," where she jubilantly kicked her sturdy calves back while holding onto the back of a chair for support. An hour later and into the next morning she was saying, "My hips hurt. I didn't know I had muscles in my hips. I didn't know I had all these muscles!" It's funny…or it was funny.

Being that I'm not fully invested in yoga yet, I only bought the mat and skimmed on the straps, bags, bricks, gloves, socks, and stretchy pants. I didn't buy the DVD either, and instead sought any sort of free tutoring I could muster through my computer or phone. I immediately downloaded some jargon of a free yoga app that offered a limited number of beginner poses and their given names, but cut me off and demanded money when I grew antsy to see the intermediate and advanced stuff. I decided I didn't care anyway, if they were going to blindly lead me into the darkness of stretching my body like Silly Putty and offer me no routine or advancement, then pish posh. You can't give someone a chess set and expect them to play the game if they don't know what a freaking pawn or knight is or does. I rested my case and moved on to other resources.

Beyond the censors and public computers of the Moorhead Public Library, I fell upon several shelves loaded with DVDs of children's singalong's and nature documentaries — and, after a slight dig, I came to my new yoga instructor: Chaos.

"Chaos," who has no other given name, is my "certified yoga instructor." Her name itself transcends the intentions of yoga, and certainly breaches my aims of calming my senses and getting in touch with my "inner self." A ripped twenty-something blonde with multiple piercings, a wrist full of sharp bangles, and a harsh hairstyle, Chaos has the physique of belly dancer and the attitude of stripper. Her sports bra might have fit in the seventh grade, but today she's blossoming out of it as she prepares to teach me the Sun Salutation.

Surrounded by three of her friends that could easily be mistaken as Barbie's Rockers vs. Cyndi Lauper, I take myself to the setting of Chaos' workout, a place only identifiable as a church basement. The girls position themselves on their colorful mats amongst a patterned brown linoleum sea, a stage behind them with a drum set that will tease me the entire video ("Will Chaos jump on stage and begin playing? When will the church band step in and take over? Better stay tuned…"). Sad indie music sets the mood, and Chaos rattles off her instructions with a preciseness I've never seen from a woman with her head between her legs.

What feels like three hours pass, and I'm questioning why I've demoted my exercise routine to touching my toes and raising my arms above my head to become "a triangle." I can't decide if I'm disoriented because of the sun worshippers I've been repeating, or from watching the DVD screen in an upside down position as I relaxed my muscles and bent backwards as far as possible without falling over. Checking the DVD's chapters, I realize I still have three left.

The Chaos did cease, eventually, and when she did it was the most triumphant closing of all: the solemn instruction to lay on my back, arms at my sides and legs straight, eyes closed. "Now, let go of everything that is not in your control," Chaos commanded. "Lay here as long as you need to and let go of your worries." I did, almost falling asleep in the process and keeping in time with her last wish of a final bow. Like a roller coaster cart coming to a rest at the bottom of the track's deepest drop, I got out in exhilaration and relief.

And the next day, I woke up sore as a beginner. The Chaos continues.

good exposure ≠ bad exposure

2011-07-11T18:31:00.000-05:00

For all you designers out there, I found this excellent article that really nudged my conscience into believing that my work is worth something…

In the past I've found myself doing extensive design projects "for my portfolio," but the time is definitely coming to begin calculating my time into money. (Of course, I always believe that there are certain exceptions, but for the most part design time = money.)

Check out the full article here!

this week's insta-gpoyw

2011-07-06T21:58:00.000-05:00

LET'S FACE IT: It's pretty fun to post pictures of ourselves. Okay, well it's fun when you have this little button on your camera that let's you flip the lens toward yourself so you can take a centered photo. And it's fun when you can have fun with it by running it through all sorts of rigamarole to get neat-o results:

So, today's GPOYW's:

it's a chiffon summer?!

2011-06-28T00:57:00.000-05:00

One thing I've been DROOLING over lately is chiffon. How delicate, beautiful and summery!

Now, I'm no great fan of American Apparel, mostly because I think their campaigns stink, their message is sleazy, and their clothes are the same t-shirts and hoodies I can find on the sale rack at Target. However, I did get roped in to AA the other day after seeing the above long, chiffon skirt on a sidewalk mannequin, blowing in the breeze.

Well, I had to try the skirt on. I grabbed the color I thought most appealing on my pasty Midwestern skin, then realized I had no idea where to go from there. Question mark on forehead, I flagged down one of the hipster-y girls working there and asked her what on earth I was supposed to wear under the translucent garment. She went over to the hosiery and grabbed me —no kidding—a pair of white lace bloomers. Like grandma's tablecloth stitched into granny panties. I shirked a little and went into the dressing room. The skirt was the most lovely see-through gown I've ever seen, but the bloomers beneath it peeked out and gave my rear end the volume of a lace diaper. Disastrous.

I happily went home without the chiffon skirt — or so I thought I was happy. Until Sartorialist posted a photo of this babe rocking her chiffon in Milan — and it all made so much sense to me, to never, ever listen to a hipster-y girl in rose colored Daisy Dukes and a denim blouse when she hands you a pair of doily bloomers.

Well-played, Milan Chiffon. You should have been working at American Apparel in San Francisco the day I tried on your skirt…

2011-06-28T00:38:00.000-05:00

Trying to be creative today! I found the motivation to go to the hardware store and purchase more materials for a —new— text sculpture. On top of that, I think I might —ACTUALLY— make some jewelry and start my BFA project! How about that for possible accomplishments!

Since it's almost July and I've been kicking back for over a month now (unbelievable), I'm actually less bored with summer than I thought I'd be. A few things I'm really looking forward to for the rest of the summer:

01 : Riding my bike!

B : Making sun tea

III : Reading…books I actually want to read

d : Working out, morning runs and evening walks

05 : Going to Ohio for a weekend getaway!

VI : Designing…things I actually want to design!

G : Cooking nice, tasty FOOD…none of this sandwiches all the time crap

Enjoy your days,

approximately

An Invisible Thread

life + art

Misty Monday

Weekend Wrap-Up: No Business Like Snow Business

Spaces + Places

An Object of Beauty

Weekend Wrap-up

Week in Review: Geographic Familiarization + More

Finding my Footing

Of New York Life

A Small Taste of Christmas

Dive Deep, Swim Far

my iphone-crazed list of favorite apps

life, lately.

two weeks later…let's hear it for thanksgiving!

pinteresting

50 Most Influential American Designers of 2011

What a Week

It's the "I'm Alive: Consumed by School" Edition!

hey hey halloween!

**SPECIAL DAY ALERT (PART II)**

for shiloh.

word from the woman cave (aka studio)

at buffalo river

the whole love

quite the distance

BDOML / London, 2009

better every day

so this begins

back to you, monday

wind, snap, wind, snap : baby disposables

**SPECIAL DAY ALERT**

of labor-day's weekend

snaps

the lowdown, down low

ready, set, go

really digging: mikey burton

the jubilation that is…the last day of my summer!

worth mentioning: my parents

the eternal pick-me-up

the path is not straight

of lying in grass

curious cases

Timshel

forward

good quotes

friday, friday

"olive" this

mi casa

of minot

Travel not to go anywhere, but to go.

Boom Boom POW

One

good morning

ENTER PR9!!

"Herbs."

Ta-da! It's Adventures in Ohio!

from here on

from the oven

today's bits

for minot

Tattly

here's to you, heidi beth

i don't care where you are, i miss you

a fair time

I Didn't Know I had all these Muscles and other Yoga Tales

good exposure ≠ bad exposure

this week's insta-gpoyw

it's a chiffon summer?!

SPECIAL DAY ALERT (PART II)

SPECIAL DAY ALERT