I felt like Alice, because this was surely wonderland.
I wished that I didn’t have to leave. When I was here (alone) all afternoon, I was calm. Even happy. A wonderful way to recollect myself. I love that there is a small slice of nature to escape to, not too far from my home. I don’t go nearly as much as I should, but when I do, it’s usually because I absolutely need it.
My Dad with my half brother and half sister.
My Dad went to Indiana (his home state) recently, and brought back some photos (I insisted). He’s still scanning them, but I took some photos with my iPhone of the photos. Growing up, I had never seen a photograph of him younger than about 40.
I really love Joshua Tree National Park. One of my absolute favorite things to do is be out after dark, looking up at the stars. Some time ago, when there was a meteor shower, I visited Joshua Tree with my ex-boyfriend. A segment on NPR said that it would take the eyes 45 minutes to adjust to the dark. I will testify to that, due to experience. Now I have a new, secret weapon.
I read an awesome bit in the latest Scientific American Mind about dark chocolate:
New research shows that the cocoa flavanols in dark chocolate can briefly sharpen vision – and even cognitive function - by temporarily increasing blood flow to the eye and brain.
So… I’ll be bringing dark chocolate to my next trip out to the desert. I might even go ahead and make sure I eat some on my break at work on those earlier shifts, when I am having trouble focusing!! I wonder how much you have to actually eat… And what percentage of cocoa. 60% enough? 70%?
Ok, it’s not dark chocolate, but it’s chocolate and it’s one of my photographs. I had to shoot Hershey chocolate specifically for an assignment a couple of semesters ago!
Coachella tickets went on sale and I am so bummed that I was unable to get them (I was at work all day! Not to mention I spent my hour lunch with my face planted to a screen, hoping I’d get to check out with my pass!) This was the first year I had actually wanted to go. I never did previously because I could not get enough people to want to go with me!! Maybe it’s not the worst. I’ll save more money this way. Getting my Jeffrey Campbell shoes in the mail totally and completely cheered me up anway… Yeah… Right… Well anyway… These shoes seriously weigh a pound each, it’s insane. They’re comfy though. And awesome. So good. Too good. It’s a problem, how good they are. So yeah, sarcasm aside, it was nice to get these today.
Jeffrey Campbell
They’re pretty much my new favorite shoes and better than any previously owned shoe. They’re not even heels. That’s saying something, coming from me.
I got a couple other pairs a little while ago. I had some gift certificates and hit up some sales. Gotta love gift certificates and sales… Still. I’m done on shoes for a while. Hah.
Steve Madden
Seychelles
I’ve been spending a lot of time alone outside of work lately (been tired and working lots of long hours). I’m left with some time to think. Reflecting, deciding, creating, annnnd reading. Did you know that red foxes mate for life? They don’t live in packs. They may socialize when they want. And, when they find the right one, it’s forever. What makes a life long bond? According to the article I read in “Scientific American Mind”: open communication, respect, common interest, deep friendship. What I want to know is… Is there such thing as a successful relationship without those things…?
Haruki Murakami’s book has been out for a few weeks now and I haven’t read it. In case you’re wondering: He’s one of my favorite fictional writers. All of his books are a bit strange, and definitely surreal. And reading a good book once in a while, even if it’s every blue moon, is good for you. According to an article by Professor of Cognitive Psychology at the University of Toronto, Keith Oatly…
“We internalize what a character experiences by mirroring those feelings and actions.“
Basically, fiction teaches us. Develops us. I admit, it’s been a while since I’ve read some good ‘ol fiction since I am a full time college student, but I try when I can. Mostly though, my time is eaten by reading text books (which lately have been pretty darned good anyway). Thankfully this Keith Oatly character also found that, “the act of holding a book is an exercise in human interaction.“
It’s been a while since I’ve taken some time to blog. Went into the new year with a sinus cold though and have been picking up a few more hours at work! Working is not so bad however because I love my work. I had an amazing New Year’s Eve though!! Hope you all did too! Best wishes for 2012. It can only be better than 2011. And lately, I’ve just been such a happy girl. I feel so lucky.
I really wish that you could see the detail in the lace on this dress! It actually has a shine to it that is absolutely lovely. I’m sure had I taken the photos in the sun, I would have been able to get a better picture of the material. I’m certain that I will be wearing this again though! I adore this dress. I bought it months ago, but it sat in my closet. I kept thinking, “Oh, I’ll wear it at a museum or nice dinner, etc.” I was worried about getting it dirty or something… Buuuuut then realized that I’d probably never wear it if I didn’t just stop obsessing about when to wear and wear the damn thing! I felt so girly and feminine. Too bad I can really curse like a sailor sometimes… This dress makes me want to watch my language. More pictures. Continue reading
Glenn Lignon
Went to LACMA today with the fam to view “California Design, 1930 – 1965: ‘Living in a Modern Way.’” Phew. Long title. Truly amazing pieces of furniture, jewelry, cutlery and kitchenware, and clothing. Although that was the primary reason for visiting LACMA, we did a round at the Broad Contemporary Art Museum across the way before heading out for dinner. The Broad Museum includes such favorites as Warhol and Baldessari. There were a few pieces out for a limited time from Monet and Lichtenstein that were absolutely amazing. And finally, one of my absolute favorites of the day: Glenn Lignon: AMERICA. If you have not visited LACMA lately, I highly encourage you make time soon. These exhibits and installations are amazing.
Took a number of photos today with my trusty point and shoot… Aka my iPhone 4S! Did not bring anything else. Most of these photos are taken off of my instagram, and you might recognize them as instagram photos. If you have instagram, feel free to follow me: per_lux_lucis. Continue reading
After a long and rather challenging day at work, I decided to wind down with a refreshing, extra large beverage. Then onto some shoe shopping, which will be followed by Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword. Interesting combo.
I don’t know what it is about these shoes, but I think I love them! Thankfully, they are out of my size, because they are totally out of my budget. I can dream. But you can make that dream a reality if you’re about a 5.5 or 6. (I’m a 6 – 6.5… Too afraid to order the 36 since the description says that they run small and they’re super expensi!) Get them at Anthropologie. There are a GAZILLION spiked and studded shoes out there right now. All the rage. I’m picky about them though. These ones take the cake for style.
Twinkle Heels Booties from Anthropologie.
I guess I have to set my sights realistic. These Jeffrey Campbell shoes are a close second. Since I just got a Nordstrom Note int the mail today, I just might go ahead and take the plunge. Continue reading
