sound advice

I've had this idea percolating for awhile, and I decided it's time to act on it. So I headed to the fabric store today to enrich my stash, and am getting ready for a sewing marathon as I prepare to open... my very own etsy shop!

I was feeling excited this afternoon, but really nervous too. I've never invested in myself this way, never felt supported enough to try such a venture. I spent a pretty good chunk of change on the fabrics, and afterward I was like, Oh no! *bites fingernails* What if I made a mistake? What if I totally blow it?!

Then I opened my fortune cookie after dinner, and I had to laugh.

Thanks, fortune cookie! Sometimes all I really need are a few words of encouragement.

by popular demand

Well, here it is. My room, filled with things that I love...
Thanks for caring. You guys are the best. <3

Hold shift + click to view larger image

much excitement

I've got a lead on a nanny job... Eeep! Interview this weekend. Fingers crossed.

UPDATE: The interview on Sunday went well. Could be a really good fit, if only I can figure out my transportation issues. Here's hoping!

and NYC

Look, another! I do love a good timelapse...


video by Mindrelic, discovered via SwissMiss


Speaking of lapses in time, however: it's been a difficult couple of days. Most of it is kind of a blur. I got a voicemail on Tuesday night, and needed to return the call the following morning and talk about some really unpleasant family/legal stuff. And it was upsetting. It made me sick to my stomach, in fact. But you know what? I made that phonecall. All by myself. I called the lady back, with no prodding or stalling, even though I (really really really) didn't want to. And that, my friends, is enormous progress. When I hung up, I felt all trembly and sick inside -- but I felt a little bit like a lion, too.

I spent most of the rest of the day playing Free Cell on the computer (my main coping superpower) and didn't get anything else accomplished, and next thing I knew it was nighttime; but I am totally okay with that. I am still just so proud of myself for picking up the phone, and dialing the number, and doing what needed to be done. Tuesday night was definitely hard, and last night was hard too. But I am doing better now.

I am feeling more and more like a lion.

Le Flâneur

video by Luke Shepard, discovered via {bits of beauty}

Omg...! *swoon*

tres chic

I got an award! For being stylish! Ooh la la.



I was chosen for this award by Jessica of Too Beautiful for Earth. Thanks, Jess! (You should all go see her, by the way. She's so very nice.)

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Now, as per my instructions, here are some random things about me:

1. This is secret, ok? Well it won't be anymore, I guess, but whatever. When anyone near me sneezes, I say "bisou!" intead of "bless you" and then giggle to myself, because I just exclaimed 'kiss' in French, and they say "thank you" because they have no idea that I am a nerd and get a silly kick out of homophones. And for some reason I just think that's a great little inside joke -- every time.

2. I rearrange my furniture about every three months. Except I've been in my current room for only 7 months, and I'm on my third arrangement already. This way is my favorite so far. Maybe I'll show you some photos... Do you want to see photos? (Leave a comment, please.)

3. When I was growing up, we never had nice linens, so ever since I've been on my own that is one thing that's really important to me. I love pretty sheets and towels and blankets! I have to be careful not go overboard when I'm shopping for them.

4. Speaking of shopping... Omg. I love shopping. Shopping is my favourite.

5. Spelling words with an unnecessary 'u' is also my favourite.
(Harbour! Colour! Catalogue! FAVOURITE!)

6. I like most veggies, but I hate green beans -- because they are gross!!
Ugh, green beans... *shudder*

7. Since I began working at age 15, I have been: a childcare worker, a fitting room attendant, a nanny, a sales associate, an archives assistant, a preschool teacher, an office manager, a housecleaner (homes), a housekeeper (hotel), a newspaper delivery person, an administrative assistant, a childcare supervisor, a professional photographer, a museum rep, an office administrator, a personal assistant, and a customer service supervisor. Also possibly maybe a few other things I can't remember right now. And sometimes I did two or more of those things at the same time. (Whew! Not sure how I managed that, actually, but I know that I did.)

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So, those were my seven random facts about me, and now I would like to pay it forward by highlighting a few of the 'Stylish' ladies recently added to my blogroll. They rock! THXTHXTHX, Smile and Wave, Enjoying the Small Things, Made by Rae, One Charming Party, and -- last but not least -- A Field Journal

you're a bold kid

+


I can feel myself taking up more space these days, and I like it. But when other people notice, it comes as a shock. I have this need to joke about it, especially when I get hit on by some random guy, because it makes me so damn nervous. I come back from a solo foray to the restroom or the grocery store, mention it in passing to whoever is around, and then shrug: Crazy, right? Heh heh...

I'm really just looking for someone else to shrug too, to agree that yeah, being hit on by a total stranger is kinda weird but still, it happens. No harm done. The wrinkles in my forehead are begging you for comfirmation. No harm done, right? I'm okay, and he's gonna forget about me in two seconds, right?

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I am positive the increased notice I've been garnering lately is because of this whole "confidence" thing I'm trying out. In the past, any time I was more bold or open in public I'd get attention right away -- and that would make me promptly clam back up. (Like New Year's Eve, Pammy! Omg, mortifying.)

Anyway, I don't want to do that any more. And I don't want to be afraid. I think I've said that a million times by now: I don't want to be afraid. So I'll be brave, instead. And I'll keep up with my experiment. And I'll make eye contact with strangers and fend off unwanted advances (with wit, I hope) and believe that yes, most guys will forget me in two seconds.

Because as it turns out, there are actually very, very few people in this world who want to hurt me. In fact, most of the people on the planet do not actively want to hurt me! Which is pretty awesome, don't you think? I feel so much safer, when I think of it like that. And it makes me happy, that I can feel safe.



*big points for you, if you know the title reference ;)

take a breath, take it in

A little bit of fizzy sweetness for your afternoon. :)

because it is within you

Nothing is as real as a dream. The world can change around you, but your dream will not. Responsibilities need not erase it. Duties need not obscure it. Because the dream is within you, no one can take it away.

Tom Clancy

now we are six

When I was one, I had just begun.




When I was two, I was nearly new.




When I was three, I was hardly me.




When I was four, I was not much more.





When I was five, I was just alive.




But now I am six! I'm as clever as clever...

So I think I'll be six: now and forever.





Love you, sister-friend!
XOXOXOXOXOXOX FOREVER -- vera


Poem "Now We Are Six" by A.A. Milne
All photos © Vera Kate Hadley
DO NOT USE WITHOUT PERMISSION