The Simmering Romanticism of Singleness

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Why is having an amazingly full life contingent upon having a mate? I've pondered more now than ever before. I can see how someone who has already been blessed to enter courtship would view this as true--But, what of those of us who have entered into a later stage in life (whatever stage you are in), and have yet to connect with eyes that are different from our own, at the right place and time? Shall we abandon all hope for a life full of worth and passion?

I've decided that twenty thirteen is the year that I stop pining for romance, and instead think of what romance already envelopes my life. What if there is a simmering romanticism in singleness because the adventure is ours and ours alone? Though the calling of being with someone carries it's own weight and courage, what if that path is an easier life, and those who forge this life on their own, an act of bravery? Not a lifestyle to be pitied.

Those who know me know that I've imbibed romance from a babe, believing that life without such cannot be born. But, I've realized that the Lord purposely knitted my life partially the opposite of what is ideal. And even more, He completed me (and you) {Colossians 2:10} so that when a good man does come around, I will not look to him to perform a task that is not humanly possible. Placing all of my hopes and dreams on his shoulders. I've come to think that because God has completed me, and not allowed me to cross paths with the one I think I need, perhaps, he is not who I need to have an unbelievably romantic life. When I think of romance, aside from the obvious chivalric picture synonymous with the term, I think of passion, living in the moment, going for this life with every bit inside of you. Of connecting with people, whether, on a romantic or platonic level, in a way that could change lives.

What if the romanticism of singleness is that, if we're doing it right, we get to impact and connect with more lives than just one. This year, I embrace the blessings that God has given me through singleness: The world is wide and mine for the taking. I can unfold a map and fly on without restraint. I can steep myself in reveries that need only God's approval, and dedicate life to achieving them. I can cause wide smiles to  crease the faces of strangers and never take a break. I want to travel to Brittany, a coastal town in France, and make a best friend. I want to perform one hundred ukulele videos because each one is a kickbox with fear, and I'm winning. Most importantly, I've a life to spend giving God glory, this will never change. I have a novel to write and stories to tell, and I'm sure that you are teeming with an adventure to rival The Lord of The Rings.

There is a marvelous statement by J.R.R. Tolkien, that not all who wander are lost. I cannot wait for my true love to come before I see and seize the beauty all around me. Maybe "having it all" isn't always what we thought it was. Perhaps it is whatever you make that "all" to be. As you're waiting for your great love, don't forget to take off your shoes and race into the glorious foaming surf.

DreamCatcher 2012 Spotlight: The World Needs More Love Letters

What if you filed into a train car on a Monday morning, tired, and more than a little disheartened by the day that hadn't even started yet? You slip into a cold seat, and find a letter addressed to you personally? What if right at that moment, the declaration that you're okay, and more than okay, spectacular, lay etched on the paper, a memento to cherish from a stranger who totally gets you? That is what the folks at The World Needs More Love Letters have in mind with their movement to get everyday people unplugged from the bustle of social networking, and smudged with ink as they pen smiles to strangers.

I really wanted to find a penpal this year. Someone I didn't know, who I could actually take the time out to buy beautiful stationary, dreamy stamps, and send them something special. No sooner had I tweeted: 'Penpal Wanted' on Twitter, I suddenly glanced at someone else's tweet highlighting a link to: The World Needs More Love Letters. Although, TWNMLL's does not specialize in matching people with a writing buddy, they focus on something all the more extraordinary. A letter writing movement of love between strangers.

The World Needs More Love Letters is a movement created by Hannah Brencher, a young woman who began writing letters to strangers on the train with hopes to brighten their day, and find some encouragement for her own. Over 2,000+ love letters later, Hannah has created a lovely hub of letter writing love exchanged, posted, and left in random places to send a smile to an unsuspecting stranger. The folks at TWNMLL's encourage you to write random letters, and slip them in places for other dreamers to find. Or subscribe to their Love Letter Alert List which showcases specific people who need some love folded into an envelope and sent in a bundle to brighten their day. If you know of someone in your life who's day would be brightened by a friendly letter from a stranger, you can also fill out their 'Request A Love Letter' (scroll to the bottom of the page) form to add them to the queue. 

I feel as if I have 'chanced upon' one of the most glorious spots on the internet. Think of the opportunity this presents to really act out the love of Christ by sending something lovely to a person you don't even know. It's like gaining a new connection to the people around you, and being a part of something that is actually building people up one letter at a time. This is exactly the kind of awesomeness that living a 'Forelsket' life represents! I'm honored to send out my first letter to TWNMLL's so that it can brighten the day of this month's recipient. I also can't wait to get creative and leave little snips of endorphin charged sunlight around the city (I see a trip to The Strand coming in the future, wink wink.)

I encourage you all to visit The World Needs More Love Letters, explore the background, and discover how you can get involved.

A Treatise Dipped in Dark Chocolate

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"I went into her closet. I pushed past the coats to open the safe. I moved the gun out of the way. I took a chocolate bar: Balanchine Special Dark. I put the gun back. I closed the safe."

All These Things I've Done by Gabrielle Zevin

What if we lived in a world where chocolate is contraband. A world that meant we all had to skulk around in hidden corners and alleyways, quietly tearing a corner wrapper of our Choxie Special Dark? What if the police could spot you on the street, and arrest you at the mere inkling, or smell of cacao on your breath? How about extra special speakeasy's planned surreptitiously in dark bars down historic side streets that once gleamed with freedom. (I would actually love that). What if the news consisted of crazed humans, eyes bloodshot for Herseys, M & Ms, dark chocolate covered Espresso beans, and glances that seem to giveaway that they know when the next chocolaty infraction will occur. How about cocoa sold by the bottle, manufactured in bathtubs hidden in secret dens somewhere, beneath cold solid buildings that we pass everyday. If you couldn't go to the store and pick up your favorite chocolate bar because the law deemed it illegal to produce, purchase, or gift, what would you do?

I write this entirely made up scenario, courtesy of being enamored by All These Things I've Done by Gabrielle Zevin, to propose a great 'what if' to the things that we take for granted. The simple things. The things we never expect to have to choose, give up, or watch in horror as they are stripped away from us. That last is an exaggeration, given the improbable scenario above, but my desire is to merely encourage you to enjoy the simple things in life. Be grateful for them, long for them, take part in them proudly, whatever they may be to you. Sure, the possibility of such an event occurring seems slim, but you never know what could happen in a blink. Celebrate everything. Love and embrace the magic of every moment. Take the time to really taste, listen, feel, touch every significant thing God brings into your life. And by all means, get out there and buy some chocolate!

This is my treatise to Dark Chocolate.

This is my treatise to summer and to YOLO (because I've only recently found out what it means.)

These are the words of a nut with a crazy imagination, enamored with others who have crazed imaginations.

Happy Summer.  

The Burning Question: What Boat Do You Need To Burn?

One of my favorite inspirational bloggers, Danielle Laporte, has taken to writing a weekly series entitled 'The Burning Question,' where she asks herself and others, questions that perhaps hold keys to why we hold up our blessings in life. This week, the question is: What Boat Do You Need To Burn?

This question has actually been circling around in my world lately. In a sermon by Bishop T.D. Jakes, he details the fact that as human beings, we tend to cling to certain people, places, or things that we go back to in order to feel comforted--especially during times of challenge: our boats. The very thing that the Lord will ask you to do, the very thing that will be the most fulfilling thing in the world to do, will make you feel uncomfortable. Of course, as humans, we cling to comfort, like cheesy mac in your favorite bowl on a free Saturday. But some boats, stop up creativity like corked wine, and instead of cultivating depth, it only serves as a numbing agent. Something to stop us from living that exciting, exhilarating life.

My Boat: Apologizing. Apologizing for my tendencies that I don't want anyone else to see. Apologizing for not being like you, or her, or that cool guy with the awesome jacket. Apologizing that I don't like the same books, or music, or that I don't seem to be as put together or fashionable. Apologizing that I don't know how to do eleventy-seven things at once, and that I like to savor each sentence slowly. My nervousness around various groups of people, especially guys I want to impress, or women I want to take me seriously. Apologizing. And insecurities. I clung to these frenemies for so long, because in my mind, to apologize is to be polite to those around me. It is my excuse to remain sorry for myself, to indulge in senseless, thoughtless, masochistic jabs at myself. This in turn, harvests insecurity, which then makes me both encourage the blessing in other people, and feel challenged because I wish I could have those blessings, but I don't. Really? 

So, to both Apologizing and Insecurity, I say, 'Sayonara, sweetie.' I pierce a hole on the bottom of the little tug boat, tie the monochromatic sail to a tree with treasures proving how much I've overcome through God, and I watch it sink beneath the murky surface. 

What Boat (s) do you need to burn? Check out Danielle's post, and if you answer The Burning Question on your blog, tack it to the linky tool! 

DreamCatcher Series 2012: Cheers to New Starts

Hello my darling dreamers! I hope that your New Years weekend was awesomely blessed!

I wanted to start my first post of the year off with a positive, effervescent bang! First off, I wanted to alert you of a new feature that I have been considering over the past year. If you read Forelsket, you know that one of my absolute passions is to inspire, and encourage you to live an amazing life, to conquer gargantuan feats through God, and to go after your dreams with fervor and abandon. That being said, the latest feature on Forelsket will be the DreamCatcher Series 2012. With this feature, I will spotlight one special DreamCatcher a month who is going after their dreams with gusto. There are so many people around us everyday who live their lives with stars in their eyes, hearts brimming to love, to inspire, and working hard to see the realized dream. I wanted to shine the spotlight on them, knowing that their stories encourage me, and will hopefully encourage you to do the same.

Who are the special Dreamers I'm looking for? YOU! If you would like to be showcased on the DreamCatcher Series 2012, please feel free to email me with your story, and why you would like to be showcased.

I'm totally excited for this new feature, and for a fascinating year of firsts!

I also came across two inspirational posts that I believe you'll love:







Megan of Charade Style, has brought back her beautiful series "Make Your Life Amazing," where she will feature a soul searching, dream defining post every day of this month. Posts include: "How to Reclaim your True Individuality", "Getting to Know Your Productive Self," and "Take Yourself On A Creative Date."  I can't wait to launch into these posts, pen in hand, with an open heart.

The ever inspiring, Kandee Johnson, has dedicated her first video of the New Year to encouraging us all to see 2012 as a fresh start.

I hope that these lovelies give you the exciting burst you need to be energized for 2012! It's going to be Crazy|Beautiful, so get ready!

Analogue Life

Hello Dreamers!

I hope that your holidays have been blessed, and totally beautiful!

It's time for renewal once again as the New Year approaches, and I'm reevaluating how I would like to engage in life with the coming days. There are so many plans that I have for a more positive future, but the main one on my mind right now is to engage in a more 'analogue' life. Analogue, for me, has come to mean, the act of experiencing life hands on, without analyzing, and trying to work out every detail of it. Living life the way our elders experienced it: taking in the process and moving with it.

Over the holidays, I was blessed to finally take my LK (LomoKino) out for a spin, and I realized something. As much as I know the results are bound to be beautiful and fresh, there was a part of me that was impatient with the process of having to wait to get it developed; Of not knowing exactly how it would turn out. But this is how art, or really anything of such worth is created: time, effort, waiting, development. Living in our technologically spaced generation is a blessing and a curse. We're in a place to see anything come to fruition, but we want it to materialize in front of us instantly, as opposed to taking the time to infuse authenticity. 

We want friendships but we don't want the process of being a friend. We want to find true love, but romance has taught us to cleave on to love at first sight, instead of the time it will take to build love gradually after you've locked eyes, and time has stopped. We look in awe at sumptuous meals prepared, and wish that we could 'Bewitch' our noses, and watch as it magically appears on our dining room tables. We wonder at times why we may feel lonely, but we're strapped down to our computer chairs, hands all but soldered to our keyboards as we choose to connect over Tumblr, but not face to face.

That's why in 2012, I would like to change these aspects of myself that has come to value quantity over quality, and 'now now now' over the process.

I want to write letters, pen, sticky blue ink, and stationary with stamps and envelopes. I want to create quixotic little films with LK that take multiple rolls of 35mm film to piece together. I want to actually cook my meals, watch them simmer, package a dessert in ribboned celophane to give to my grandmother, or cupcakes for my friends. Explore museums and dive into art, take some time to watch selected films in theaters. Meander through my city without abrupt rushing from one train to another. Cultivate style like my grandmother, and great grandmother did. Connect with people without technology getting in the way. Flesh out all of my characters, and appreciate the feeling of my pen ingraining the page as I take down my novel. Trust God beyond what I can see or fathom, and watch Him bring the utmost to fruition.

Of course I'm not going to leave my trusty Macbook behind, I love my Tumblr/Twitter world, but I'm not in favor of watching it replace life experience. Life's too short to keep living in fear, don't you think?

What are your goals/resolutions for 2012? Let's dream together!

Source:  Drawing Rawker | Daily Diva Dish

Wait On Me

My Princess…Wait on Me

Wait on Me, My Princess, My timing is always perfect. I know you’re anxious about many things, and I see your passion for all the plans I have put in your heart. I know that you long to fly, and I see your enthusiasm. However, just as a vinedresser nurtures the vine and waits patiently for the right moment to harvest the grapes, so too am I working tirelessly to prepare you to bear much fruit. Don’t run ahead of Me or try to fly before My plans are complete. Your strength will fail you, and your dreams will wither away. Trust Me that My dreams for you are far greater than you can dream on your own. You will run farther and soar higher if you will patiently wait for the season of my blessing. Draw close to Me now, and I promise that this season of waiting will bring you the sweetest of rewards.

Love, Your King and Lord of perfect timings.

But those who wait on the Lord will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.- Isaiah 40:31

-Sheri Rose Shepherd

I've got my pen in hand, ready to scrawl all sorts of beauties and lives across parchment. Slather them across my screen, water-colored chimera for all the world to see. I have my vision in toe, written down, etched into my mind, an endless repetition of what I want to do, and what I want to see. However, it's not too long before I find myself looking back at the Lord, Who gave me the will to desire these dreams, as if He's looking at my baby and wants me to sacrifice it. Abraham to Isaac.  But one important factor lies in the midst of this significant account, the Lord stops Abraham from killing his gift, and says, "I wanted to see that at the end of the day, you are totally and completely willing to give Me everything."

As we move forward with our dreams, it's very important to remember Who has filled us with those dreams and desires in the first place. It's so easy for many of us to take the reigns towards an uncertain future, instead of allowing the One Who has, without doubt, planned such an extraordinary journey for you, He can't wait to show you. He only needs for you to take His hand, and let Him guide you into His miraculous dream.

Don't be afraid, because the Lord has a hope and a future for you. In His timing, it will all come to fruition in such a manner as cannot be comprehended.

How are you doing, Dream Catchers? Keep Going, your almost at the finish line!

P.S.: Today's Excerpt comes from a book entitled: "His Princess- Love Letters from Your King" by Sheri Rose Shepherd. I purchased it around two weeks ago, and I can't tell you how much it's blessed my life! Also, check out Sheri's website for daily letters from your King!

p.s.s: Happy Nanowrimo, dearies!


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Dream Again, Dream Catcher

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.- Jeremiah 29:11

So, you've started....and stopped. Started with gusto, fervor, zest....and then life got in the way. Insecurity, and voices from people less than thrilled that you've decide to jump out into oceans and obtain what's yours, have infiltrated your mind.

I've been writing my novel for the past five years. I began with such enthusiasm that no one could tell me I wouldn't have been a New York Times Bestseller by the end of that year. Then, I started to wonder if my writing could stand with all of those writer/geniuses out there. I took it to school, where I was affirmed, but I couldn't get the critiques out of my mind. I have since completed Graduate School where I was truly challenged to the point that I wondered if I should find another passion. One thing stands true now: I still want to write, and I will be published by this time next year, God Willing.

What do you want to do? What do you dream about? What sets your heart on fire, and captures your imagination in a way that nothing else has? This is your dream. This is one of the things you were created to do. It's taken me a long while to distance my actions from the critiques and negativity of others. You should always keep your ears open for constructive criticism of those who desire to see you succeed, but I recommend you obstinately close your ears to those who have negative intentions.

The Lord has created beauty even out of your short comings, your failings, and your seeming defeat. He has planned the grandest future of all for you. Trust Him, and look to His affirmation more than you look to the words of others to dictate your destiny. I challenge you today to sit down, and write out three of your greatest goals that you would love to see accomplished by next year this time. Pray about each one according to the Will of the Lord. And then...make sure to take one step towards completing one of them before the day ends.

You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you. I love you, and I'm supporting you! I would love to know your progress. Do not lose heart.

As much as I affirm the dreamer, it's time to catch all of your sparkling, wonderful dreams, and push them into reality. Go on, you can do it!

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Happy Whimsy Day to Me: Meanderings + an Outfit post...well sort of...

Happy Birthday to me! I praise God for life, and for allowing me to turn another glorious year: 26. I must say that this years' birthday came easy with a sparkling sun and warm breezes, right before plunging into the crisp wind, burnt sienna colored Autumn it is today. I was privileged to share it with my sister and crime, Ash, as we made our way from 71st street to 23rd street (on foot, mind you!). 

What's that I'm reading? The Hidden by Jessica Verday. Such a wonderful series, and a beautiful
accessory to my vintage look.

Dress and Earrings: Forever 21
Makeup: MAC and Rimmel London Lipstick in Diva Red
Flower Hair Clip: H&M
Dedicated to Jen @ Style Through Her Eyes.

I had the MOST fun getting myself all dolled up to saunter through city streets slowly...as if I was someone to observe. I had to get my mom to help me fix my Victory Rolls, they prove most challenging, but in the end, I was happy with the result. My Dad bought me this lovely dress as a birthday present, and I admit, it's a little different than I'm used to, but change is inevitable. 

First stop...Ladurée New York! 

My last trip to the infamous Ladurée was in the majestically lovely tea room on the Champs Élysées. Pure Brilliance! I never imagined that my next visit would be on Madison Avenue, my own backyard. It's great to know I can have true macaroons whenever I get a taste for them. Whew, expensive though. This small luxury box of six ran for around $21, nevertheless, the birthday girl will have what she wants!

I love that if you look too closely at the outside of the shop, you'd never know it wasn't Paris! Ash got the chance to try them for the very first time, and she loved them! Now I can add a black box to my collection, which I plan to decorate my inspiration room/area with!

Our next stops took us to a long block of Thrift shops on 23 St and 2nd avenue. We frenzied through each one, hoping to find some thrifted treasures, and in some we did, but none would compare to the dream we found in the Opera House Thrift Shop. It's seriously, one of the best thrifting experiences in New York City. It's chock full of wonderful antiques, quirky odds and ends, and clothes that could've seriously been purchased on Madison at affordable rates. The beauty of it is that all of the sale proceeds go to the upkeep and creation of costumes for performances at the New York City Opera House. I love to know I'm taking part in someone's artistically profound experience at the Opera House.  Ash and I went through their collection with glee, and she even found me a lovely pink dress from Forever 21 for $10! I can't get over it! Even though I'll now have to wait until next summer, God Willing, it's well worth it! I'll definitely be taking multiple trips there, and considering laying off of the commercial shops for a while.

My birthday was beautiful, and I look forward to other whimsy days!

Hope you guys are priming for an awesome weekend!

A Rainy little evening at the Blue Note + Updates

Tonight was quite a beautiful night indeed. My Sis, Ashley, took me out to see the lovely Jane Monheit at the legendary Blue Note lounge. The Blue Note is an iconic jazz lounge in New York City. Every jazz great has stepped inside of its' walls with their bass,' saxophones, and lulling piano melodies to perform.

Jane Monheit has one of the most classic voices...almost like the Judy Garland of our time, except in Jazz. It was lovely to sit merely steps from her, and her band, and hear the most beautifully smooth music. She performed one of the greatest renditions of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," that I've ever heard. At the end of the night, Ash and I even got her to autograph our books and cd! She's a wonderfully down to earth person, it's refreshing to see!

I'm sure that a great deal of my wedding songs will be collected from her portfolio of masterpieces! You fall in love, you dance a jig, you dream...all of the things done when in the presence of an Artist with clearly God given talent.

Here's a video of Jane Monheit singing 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow':

During the past week, I've also achieved a huge goal of mine: Interviewed an author for a Q&A! Novel Day's has only been open for one week and already it has 21 followers, 4 book reviews, and an interview with the awesome Rebecca Donovan. Rebecca has written an ambitious, heart wrenching, and astounding novel called Reason to Breathe, about a young woman dealing with abuse and the people in her life who remind her to love. I couldn't put it down, and the ending is mind-blowing. After I finished I had to seek out the author to discover more answers about her cast of characters and writing process, and I was blessed to get in contact and have her gladly accept my request of an interview! It was a brilliant experience.  By God's Grace, there will be many more to come!

Have a lovely week, and keep on dreaming!

Uke|Affairs: Evergreen Love by Misty Miller & Before You Know by All Young Girls Are Machine Guns

Hello Darlings!

My world's been all aflutter with my upcoming move back home! There will be an epic scroll of a post dedicated to my time in Bangor, Gwynedd and the wondrous places I've grown to love whilst being here. But I've taken some seconds away from packing to record two ukulele covers!

I wrote of my love for Misty Miller in this ukulele spirited post! Her voice is so soothing, along with the rich, tinkling strums of her fingers across ukulele strings! It makes for magic, my friends. I adore songs that are simplistically beautiful, with the intrigue of a kindred spirit sitting in front of you whilst laying themselves bare as they read out a scribbled poem. I learned Evergreen Love, both because it's lovely, and to continue on my fingerpicking quest. I've gotten ton's better at it!

This next band may receive a post entirely dedicated to their awesomeness! Before You Know is a cover by All Young Girls Are Machine Guns. I was drawn to them upon first glance of their genius name, but their music is totally not what I expected. I think the name seems to conjure the image of a hell raising Riot Grrl, but reality shows it to be the pseudonym of the brilliant Rebecca Lowry, AYGAMG's front woman! She is a Riot Grrl but in an entirely different way. Rebecca picked up the ukulele, and just started writing songs. Of female musicianship she says: "I think ladies are finally realizing that it's okay not to be Christina Aguilera, it's okay not to be Siouxie Sioux and the Banshees. It's okay to just be a girl with a ukulele who sings some folk songs." Here's a podcast of this interview that Rebecca did for X-Rated: Women in Music. You'll hear how she got into playing, and some of her beautiful songs!

AYGAMG's songs are acoustic dreams, that speak of first loves, dances, a crush, and a myriad of other fascinating stories! She has a soulful, folky sound that meshes beautifully. I think, in a way she tells all our stories. But of her songs, at least for the moment, I was moved by Before You Know! There's nothing like being with the one you know is made for you, and feeling as if the entire world is yours and no one else exists...at least for a second. Here's a lovely live video of AYGAMG's performing the song! I never knew a violin could sound so awesome with a ukulele until I saw this band at play!

If you're interested, checkout their latest album All Young Girl's Are Machine Guns, and the former album The Secret Attic Recordings

Enjoy you're day! I hope you love the covers! These were the first two that didn't take AGES to make!

Happy Dreaming

How To Be Alone

Happy Week Lovies!

25 Before 26: Au Natural

For me, being 25 has become a great deal about stripping. Of course not in the lurid sense! But I've been stripping the things that clutter my life, and learning confidence by accepting certain facets of myself that just are what they are.

One thing: My hair! The UK has matured me so much, and caused me to overcome some serious hurtles in my life. The last two weeks have been dedicated to my hair. Unfortunately, being in Wales puts me at a distance from hair salons that can give me a quick touch-up. Not to mention, it's pretty pricey to even think about getting a relaxer. My hair is a beast. It is the impenetrable forest that little pygmies live in. In other words, pretty hard to deal with. Yet in the last two weeks, I've been fed up with how I've given myself and excuse to hide beneath a beanie from H&M in a scrunchie. The sun's coming out, there's more light hours, and it's getting warmer, and therefore, time for a change. I scoured Youtube for some inspiration, before chancing upon a guru called Gracie (The Ugly Face Of Beauty-her new channel, filled with beauty, encouragement and hauls!), in which she gives a bit of a tutorial on how to achieve her natural curls. When I tried it, I didn't get her curls right off the bat, which irritated me. But finally, with some tweaking and fiddling around with my hair, I've come up with a look thats pretty easy, and allows me to wear my hair in beautiful waves. (Not to mention, my hair is the softest it's been since I got here...check out Gracie's hair routine video)

Being 25 has been one of those landmark years in my life, where I've finally decided that it's fine just being who I am. Where I don't have to go outside in a perpetually painted mask, or embrace insecurities as I once did in high school. I don't have to hide behind beanies just because my hair hasn't been chemically straightened, or pretend to wear a specific style to fit in with the masses. Have I clenched this entirely? Of course not...it's a constant act of living it out each day. But this is what becoming a mature woman is: Finally embracing the bits that everyone else wants to castrate, and making them beautiful (God already made them beautiful, it's just up to you to accept it). It's never comparing yourself to anyone else, because in the end there is no comparison. It's moving from the teenager in you that want's all the guys to think she's hot, to the woman in you who's radiant because she's fully in her own skin regardless of insecurities, and understands that she can show the world no other self.

Cheers to moving forward, and embracing ourselves as mature, and radiant women!

"Then came the sound of a single person clapping."

In the short while that I've played the ukulele it has become quite the highlight of my time here in Wales! It began as a mere aspiration spawning from my desire to rock out on guitar. However, guitars tend to be quite expensive, so I began to look for an alternative that would get me playing some music. A whimsy gal like myself tends to fall for ukuleles upon sight as they are the tea cup of stringed instruments.

During the Christmas break, I checked out some players on youtube, and tried to acquaint myself with terms and chords. I really enjoyed it's tinkling notes, each one brimming of sunlight and the joy of spring walks. When I came back, I popped into the music shop up the street from my flat and pointed at a violet Ariana (an affordable brand). I remember the sardonic look on the shop owner's face as he wrapped it up, and asked my why, of all instruments, had I chosen the ukulele. I told him I chose it because it was one quirky little instrument that always gets overlooked because of the guitar; I wanted to crack the mold and be the odd egg. When I told him I had no prior music training, he nodded, handed me my brand new instrument, and told me that he loved my reasons for buying it, and encouraged me to take on the world. With such affirmations, why not take the world by storm?

The next week, I practiced, and endured dubious looks from the few who believed it would only collect dust on a shelf somewhere. By the next week, I'd memorized chords to a few songs, and the week after, I recorded my first video covering Hometown Glory by Adele. I learned how to play in a few short weeks, and it was exhilarating and lovely to find that I was 'creating' music. Also a great way to pass the time in the smallest town on earth!

Picking up any instrument feels like the beginning of some great artistic journey. It will always be a little bit of a challenge, but a worthy one. As I learned, I felt like I had some sort of connection with some of my favorite artists like Kate Nash, or Joan Jett when she decided she would be that girl who played rock and roll. Of course, I'm not playing for any sort of music career, just for the sheer beauty of playing.

There's something about being in the UK that drives you to get creative. One of my reasons for moving out here was the novel I'm writing. It's saturated in music, and when I started it, I had no idea that the London I was painting was actually the truth. Every other person out here is in a band, or plays an instrument, or is a singer/songwriter. One can't help but be affected by such an environment. 

There is an individual flare that is encouraged here, and that is something I feel while playing the ukulele. It is such and odd little instrument that you must be creative, and dare yourself not to be afraid of looking silly. They call it the instrument of the underdog,  and that adds to it's allure. Why strum the same tunes as everyone else, on the same instrument as everyone else? Why not start a band, and become one of the only ones with a uke player? 

To learn, I went to the website Ukulele Hunt. It is one of the only things you need to get started! There are guides from Beginner to Expert stages, and chords to get started on. Also, there's information on the various types, brands, and models of ukuleles out there.  Upon first hearing, I had no idea how to tune my uke, thankfully this wonderful online tuner exists! Next, I went to Ukulele Tabs, to find all of the songs I could ever want to cover. As you become fluent with the chords, you can go to any guitar chord website, and play them as well!

Misty Miller is one of my serendipitous finds in Uke Land. She's only sixteen years old, but her folky pop music contains such maturity and insight. Her voice is poetic along with the ukulele's simplistic sound. It's awesome to see such a sublime uke player show that uke's are more than just toy guitars. Although, I haven't heard the whole of her self-titled brand new album, I have heard a few stellar songs that give me hope for the rest. My fav's at the moment are Little Thing Called Love and Vampire. It's also pretty interesting to see how she composes songs that are a bit heavier, like Bones, on the ukulele. The combination creates for an intriguing sound. Here is a gorgeous interview of Misty by Vogue Italia:

This is probably one of many ponderings on the whimsy ukulele! I've decided to continue my uke cover videos in a series entitled Uke Affairs (Youtube|Vimeo), and I can't wait to start!

Get out there, guys and gals. Start a band, start a revolution, or something. Be a force of positive radiation, and spread love like brush fires. As with the tragedies happening all over the world, more recently Japan, we can see how fragile life really is. But instead of being down, embrace your life, and literally live as if you didn't have the luxury of tomorrow. Be thankful and awed by God for keeping you and yours safe, and embrace the blessings and opportunities that He's blessed you with!

Constantly in prayer for Japan, New Zealand and the world!

J'adore Paris

Walking through an airport terminal in Charles De Gaulle is a bit like stepping into an alternate universe. It seems Paris is one of the most highly fantasized places on earth...little girls dreaming of fashion and frolicking, with hopes of one day gleaning something from their (the French) seeming unparalleled sophistication. Me...I just went for the macarons, and well...a glimpse of the Eiffel Tower!

The night my bestie, Charline and I decided to go to Paris was a fit of Carpe Diem; A spur of the moment decision to go that very next weekend. Then you hear the words, 'Yeah, I'll be in Paris next weekend,' float out of your mouth, and it's surreal, and a bit incomprehensible.

That first night we learned a great deal of Paris, that is, the outskirts: The Paris no one dreams about because they never see it. Upon stepping onto the Metro platform, you abandon the notion of being a tourist, and embody the French, otherwise, you will get lost (which we did). Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending upon which glass you favor), we went out there as dreamers, with only the Lord's favor, and 100 euros of which to keep us for two days.

 In those two days, we managed to float through opaque Parisian afternoons taking in the magnificence of the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, wander through street artists in Montmartre (which I later found out was the whimsical stomping ground of Amelie Poulain), and breathe in all the glitz of the Champs Elysees. In the evening, we got to experience why Paris is called the 'City of Lights.' After all the gray, everything seemed to take on a glow, like being in a field of fireflies, except a vast city of lovers, artists, and chimera. Every hour, the Eiffel Tower sparkles in the night, and upon sight, you suddenly feel wistful, as if you should take at least one chance that night.

Out of everything we encountered, we adored Montmartre the most. It's exactly what you think of when you think about Paris: little shops and cafe's clustered about it's center, artists admiring the Cathedral and jumping at the chance to turn you into art; Also, archaic looking restaurants that make you think this is how it was when the Moulin Rouge was in full effect and artists came far and wide just to sip green fairies, and write.

Laduree is everything is seems to be: beautiful and delicious. Every single dessert looks picture perfect, exactly as they did in the film Marie Antoinette. We had the pleasure of going to the Champs Elysees location, and it was a lovely choice. The queue of macaron enthusiasts lengthened until it was almost outside of the front door! Unfortunately, I did not get to purchase an official box, as they were a bit pricey, but I did have as many macarons as I could afford. My favorite was the vanilla flavored macaron: so creamy, and spotted with pure vanilla bean! Later on, we decided we couldn't leave without having a coffee in their decadent restaurant. We were met with suited staff, ready to take our orders, and who presented us with a little cup of coffee with heated milk (with a Laduree handle holder that is now pasted in my Life Book) and a Cinnamon Iced Frappe (which really means Iced coffee, not the blended iced Frappucinos we're used to). Our coffees, combined with soft light, 18th Century furnishings and gold etched ceilings, made for the perfect evening!

By the end of the trip, we had walked 20 hours total, gotten lost at least 6 times, jumped on and off of the Metro, eyed the handsomeness that is the French Man, bought Wine and two large bottles of water for only (around) 4 Euro, dined on mussels and roast chicken, a small cup of cookie gelato, been harassed by souvenir sellers under the Eiffel Tower (6 Keychains for 1 Euro), found two cool pink 'J'adore Paris' tanks, gorged ourselves on sweet croissants, felt our way through the dark hallways of our hotel before discovering a light switch, and were completely exhausted. Aches were discovered in placed we had no idea could hurt, but was it worth it? Absolutely!

Everyone should go even if it's only once in their lifetimes.

Hometown Glory: Ukulele Cover

After learning to play the ukulele for the last two weeks, I was so proud of my progress I had to provide and update here at Forelsket! Nikki (the uke) and I have been getting to know each other, and have become great friends and allies!

Enjoy, and leave comments because I would love to know what you think!


P.S: I have recently returned from Paris, and that post is coming in the next week or so! Can't wait to tell you guys of my adventures! Also, I've gone ahead and picked up Luella's Guide to English Style, so a review post will also be coming up, along with my Forelsket Spark interviews (being a grad student is a bit overwhelming, please forgive me for my glacial pace!).

"Keep Your Curiosity Sacred"

Issue 4 £4.99

You often find treasures scattered around you when you're not looking, and Oh Comely is one of those magazines you want to savor.  I discovered it while in WHSmith, an English chain of bookstores, and I couldn't leave without taking it with me. Simplicity is more when it comes to it's layout, and grabs you like a handmade zine by one of your friends. 

Within, you'll find stories of geniuses that live next door, and cross paths with you during your daily life. You'll find music suggestions, articles on artists of all trades like Yann Tierson, the 'composer,' and Julia Pott, an animator/illustrator. This magazine prides itself on bringing out the treasures and curiosities of everyday life, like getting to know you're neighbors, and picking the brains of random passersby for the very last thing that surprised them. There are wonderfully random nuggets that will surprise you, and cause you to learn something you might not have otherwise known. The photography throughout is so artful and dreamy! They even provide you with a few recipes of which you can try out to discover new tastes. 

Oh Comely is a wonderful magazine that reads like a letter from your best friend, and encourages you to engage in the world around you, rather than looking to commercial satisfaction. A celebration of quirks and creativity!  Purchase?

On a side note: Let's support independent publishers, because in the end, they go above and beyond to provide you with heartfelt content, unique sights, and the work of artists who are most often overlooked by mainstream entities.  Support your fellow artists! 

P.S.S- And yes, that is Nikki Fierce, my brand new Ukulele making his cameo appearance!

Life Stories: No. 1- Dressed for no other reason save Living.

Have you ever rose for the day, pulled the curtains back really wide to take in the sun. Ate a breakfast that is simplistic and lovely as crisp toast slathered in blueberry preserves and a fluffy egg on a porcelain plate. Went into your bathroom, had a moment of meditation to God in thanks that you get to live these next moments. A moment of 'you' time to treasure the whole of your skin. Sprayed and saturated your body in your favorite fragrance and moisturizers, before dabbing your face in make up.

Walked to your wardrobe, and fished out one of the most beautiful dresses. Paired it with wonderful shoes, whether heels or flats. And opened your door to a day on the town, filled with spontaneous occurrences, with no 'real' reason to get dressed up other than you felt like it?

This year, I'm going to invite some of my besties to get dressed up with me, and go to London. We'll sit to tea. We'll shop. Take crazy/beautiful photographs. Simply flâneur, which Debra Ollivier defines as 'one who does not go places with a particular objective or precise schedule but allows the ambling course or general intentions to guide her into unplanned encounters and special unexpected pleasures.'




Source: CristinaMarq123

Two Nuggets of Dreamer Inspiration

Elizabeth Gilbert, author of insanely popular memoir Eat, Pray, Love, has quite profound thoughts on the concept of genius in terms of an artistic lifestyle.  She also talks about nurturing creativity so that it is not a negative force that overwhelms the artist, but that is brought forth in a life-giving, more communal manner. All artistic people seeking to live their lives, and work their craft minus all of the historically negative concepts of the lifestyle (such as mental instability and alcoholism) should watch this!

All talent, all art, and everything beautiful has been given to us by God for His Glory! It's about time we all embrace this freedom, and allow ourselves to write, or dance, or paint, journalize...whatever it is that you do. It might not live up to a genius that's already been presented, but it will expose a new genius, a new form of work worth paying attention to! I think we all fear that what we touch will crumble underneath us, but if we just show up, and do what we believe God has placed us on this earth to do, God will show up and fill in the rest. 

Elviin is one of my new English finds on the music scene. His music is so beautiful, each and every song! He has an inspiring positivity about his music, and it just reminds me of a dreamer who's remembering to  carry it out! His story is not very different, as he started in music after deciding that the regular 9 to 5 job was not for him. He purchased a piano and learned it within 10 months! Now he's offering his album 'Made Of' for free on his youtube profile.  I can only hope I catch on to the ukulele that quickly! (CAN'T WAIT!)

Enjoy!

Borrow A Page From a French Girls' Book: Body Love

As I read over this passage, I couldn't help but pass it on! It's so important to become comfortable in your own skin, to love your body, and embrace it in its whole. In Psalm 139:13-16, David spoke to God in awe and in gratefulness of how He created him fearfully and wonderfully. God, Himself, created each of us in His image. How astounding is this news once fully taken in? That means the whole of you is beautiful and lovely, and not in a vain way, but truthfully. He's placed too much in you, for you to allow media, magazines, and others to bring you to an insecure place. 

The excerpt was so inspiring to me, because once you reach this freedom where you love who you are, and the framework that God Himself sculpted, you cannot be touched by jarring negativity. I especially adored: 'Love your body, and your children will grow up loving theirs.' It just reminds us that our choices, not only affect us, but also those who will look up to us. I would love to watch my daughter carry on a healthy self-esteem and love for her body as a result of my cultivating it in her life! 

I thought the photograph was a beautiful representation of loving yourself. I pray that the nudity is not offensive to you. I just felt moved to find a tastefully nude photograph to enhance the point of embracing your full self. 

Bonne Nuit!

Source: Blackbyrd