[photos from my trip to paris]

Sometimes, I dream about moving to a foreign city, with hidden streets and secrets woven into the plaster. I intertwine my fantasy with the memories of Europe I have tucked away in my mind. Slipping in and out of shops and wandering the cobblestoned paths with no particular destination. Walking about, seeing but not being seen; just watching the masses of people going about their daily business. People fascinate me.
My favorite cafe in Paris is the one in Montmartre, the pastries and breads lined up artfully behind the shiny glass. Sitting at a little table with a buttery, flaky pain au chocolat and frothy cafe au lait, I'd rest my feet and record my observations. I'd gather up my notebook and camera to explore and wander some more, then head back to my little flat to sit on the roof and watch the sun set, only to repeat it all over again the next day.

It sounds terribly romantic, does it? Simply being an observer of life? Because sometimes being a wallflower in a bustling city sounds so tempting.

[sweater: target / dress: target / scarf: unknown / belt: thrifted / tights: forever21]

I got this crazy notion in my head to build a wooden backdrop for my photography out of an old pallet. Over the course of a few days, Jeremiah and I (but mainly J) pieced together exactly what I had in mind -- all without instructions or splinters. A brother that builds things for you...what's not to love?

On a side note, I don't have much of a green thumb, but my little succulent is thriving marvelously. I feel like a proud mama.

Continuing the things to be happy about list, here's installment two.

that sweet relieving feeling of being all done with exams // 77 degree weather and tomatoes from the garden in january (yes really) // the excitement of packing for a trip // that state of mourning you enter when you finish a good book // sweater tights // planning for summer // the knowledge that God has a plan // being productive // salted caramel hot chocolate at starbucks // brothers that help you with your crazy ideas 


What are some things you're happy about?

much love.

It fell. I stood there at the window, curtains parted, and watched as it fell in big, soft, powdery flakes. The snow drifted lazily down to the earth and blanketed the grass and trees and bushes. It was beautiful. There's something magical about the first snow, exciting and cozy and happy all rolled into one. I like waking up to an enchanted world the next morning, seeing the world transformed from drab greys and browns to sparkling white.












It's almost a sacred event, being the first to make footprints in that stunning, smooth, untouched layer in a quiet, muffled world. Sometimes I feel guilty about ruining it, but feeling the satisfying crunch-crunch underfoot, breath swirling about my head like a wispy cloud...it's worth it. But still, I always retrace my steps exactly, so the rest of the snow is still left pure.

It's all melted now, just a few remnants laying in shady patches. But oh, it was so beautiful while it lasted.



Have you had your first snow yet?

I made cookies today -- because when that chocolate craving strikes, you can't possibly ignore it. An hour, a few spoonfuls of dough, and a mess of a kitchen later, I bit into a warm cookie. The perfectly crackly crust gave way to a soft, chewy interior...and there was much rejoicing in the land. (see the recipe for chocolate chunk cookies)

It's safe to say I've hit that inevitable January slump (which is most likely why I've been consuming so much chocolate). It's only the second week back to class and I'm already wishing for a second Christmas break. I've become a pro at stressing over exams and, consequently, finding ways to evade studying. It's an art, really. Needless to say, I'll be more than relieved once January is over.

In the meantime, though, I'm making due by enjoying the unseasonably warm weather and watching this Lucy Chadwick video over and over. Magical.