Happy Interruptions

The sun woke me up this morning, and for the first time in a while, it held both light and warmth. After a satisfyingly resourceful breakfast, and truly abandoning tights for spring air, I tra-la-la-ed to my workspace all set to take in the sea of Siberian Squill that are blooming outside my workspace door!  I even planned to title today's post "True Blue Content-mint".  For real, that's what a cheeseball, joyful mood I was in.

Yep, I said was.

In hindsight, I'm glad my happy gait was interrupted.  Not because cheesy joy is bad (far from it, this girl needs to allow herself more), but because the realization that stalled mine was worthwhile.

Not long after my arrival, I went to check an Instagram notification only to see a new post by an inspiring person that I follow-- the post, and the little face pictured in it, were beautiful and heartbreaking.  Joy-giving and convicting.  Inspiring and frustrating, because I feel stuck where I am, and long for opportunities to walk alongside hurting people.  

The picture was of a little girl named Angali, at a school in Bangladesh-- brilliant, full of life, but held down by the socioeconomic plights of her reality.  The post went on to express the true, true thought that our belongings and money are really not our own, and that they exist merely to meet our needs and to overflow into those who are without.

It's reminders like these that help clear the fluff from my vision.  I war with myself on a pretty regular basis about my existence and involvement in the complacency of our culture. Day in and day out I'm shocked to see people around me content in (and distracted by) a life of the corporate rat race, entertainment and good food.  I love fresh produce and a mean burrito like the next person, but I've reached a point in my life where my hunger is really for purpose-- for these hands of mine to do work that lasts, and the only things that do are the hearts of people.

These thoughts have been ever before me lately, and with them opportunities to go.  It's unclear yet where I'll end up, but I have such peace in the process, and confidence that the Father will show me when it's time.  Australia, California, Colorado, or here in Chicago-- I'm praying over these places at the moment, and being as present as I can be where I am. 

I think that's the biggest challenge, at times: to know that whatever work we are currently doing (even if it feels not 110% full of purpose), that it does not go to waste if we do it in love.

Spring Equinox

Yesterday, on the first day of Spring, I went on a mini-adventure to one of the many historical towns in my area-- really just to get a latte, check out a reclaimed furniture shop and drive through the streets lined with adorable older houses.  On the way out of town, my Mom and I spotted this enormous beauty, and had to turn around for a closer look.

Turns out, this is a historic mansion that's now used for all sorts of arts related purposes-- pretty cool if you ask me!  Sometimes I think I would love to someday own and run some sort of a Victorian estate, either as an event venue, school, or for some other purpose.  I just love the history and quality (beautiful!) craftsmanship of places like this.  If you are a kindred spirit in that way, you should really check out this awesome real estate site that's specifically old houses and buildings.

I must note, I find it tragically sad when people mar the history of places such as this by claiming that it is haunted!  Perhaps my incredulity at a claim like that comes from what scripture clearly says about such things, and my belief in that (if you want more info, let me know), but I digress.  The point is, that there's nothing dumber than being afraid of history (and succumbing to fear in general), and lots of people actually are, in my experience.  It's quite a shame.

I'll definitely be returning to this lovely place as the weather warms, to further explore and understand what it's used for today.  Truth is, though, there are so many beautiful Victorian structures in my area (and all over the country) that I want to check out too!  Who knows, maybe that'll be one of my goals for the summer, Victorian house visiting mania. ;)

Details

{tights} - Target

{sweater} - H&M, thrifted

{jacket} - gift, Michael Kors

{pin} - vintage 50's, inherited

{dress} - vintage late 50's, thrifted

{oxfords} - Julianne Hough for Sole Society

Spring

Because, as usual, it's been too long. :)

And more adventures to come, that I can always be sure of.

I read a simple expression just now that dissolved the smidgen of tension that I unknowingly had between my shoulders: "Let things happen". Isn't is funny (and whenever I say that, I really mean peculiar) that such few words could make such sense, and remind me of the faithful, freedom-giving ways of God?

So often I think we are (or at least I am) afraid to take risks, and just engage with what comes our way. There's this expectation our society has that we need to be safe and responsible to our means, but I'm now reminded that I'm actually responsible to God's means-- what he can provide from me, not what I can provide for me! 

Living our lives like our own means determine what is possible, is a shortsighted power trip. Not only is it giving ourselves way too much credit (and responsibility), it allows us only to be, do, or become what is within our human scope of reason.

Not me, friends. I would so much rather stand up in the power and ability of my Maker, surrendering self sufficiency, but also embracing the resources of the creator of the universe. 

I'm sure I'll need to return to this post in the coming months and years, to be reminded of this-- but I suppose that's exactly why I write.

Dying Town

My hometown is well and truly dying.  I don't live in the town any longer, but close enough to still walk its sidewalks from time to time and remind myself of its sad state.  Once a busy little historic village, Long Grove now stands in stillness most days-- maybe a person here or there.  Its trademark Strawberry and Apple festivals still happen each year at their appointed times, but seem only like raucous bandages to me.  They cover over the true and bleeding state of my little town, beautiful, but growing more vacant by the day.

Growing up, my Dad sat on the village board and many times I've thought about going to listen and participate-- to understand the issues, and lend a younger mind.  I even have a somewhat fanciful, crack-brained scheme about opening a vintage shop there-- crazy, because the town has proven to be a business killer.  I just feel in my bones that all it needs is a couple new, successful shops to create a healthy business culture there.  Small business, handmade and vintage are on the rise and Long Grove seems the perfect place to foster that.

Only time will tell, but my heart does hope.

Details

{tee} - J.Crew

{tank} - Kohls

{skirt} - vintage 1940's, thrifted

{shoes} - Call It Spring, via Zappos

{necklace} - handmade by My Selveged Life, gift

If you follow me on Instagram, this is the skirt I attached that adorable vintage Scottish terrier button to a few weeks ago! :)

Hunter Gatherer

It's been a bit since I last wrote, but I'm back to normal (or some semblance of it)!  This past weekend was largely spent with family; my Dad flew in, we celebrated my sister-in-law's birthday and my parents and I did some local sightseeing.  I thoroughly love to spend time with my family, but it also feels good to have some alone time today and sort my thoughts out.

I love to mix hard and soft and this outfit is no exception, pairing my shooting patch polo with a floral skirt feels like an inside joke with a large dose of truth.  What can I say, I enjoy irony.  I know it's not something everyone connects with-- my own Mother tends to tilt her head to the side and say, "hmmm." when I don ensembles like this one-- but I love the ironic blend.  I even think it's a metaphor for myself.  One half strong and capable, one half thoughtful and gentle.

Silly as it might be, I dare say it fits.

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Details

{skirt} - vintage 50's skirt, for sale at Curio Vintage!

{polo} - Ralph Lauren

{tights} - ModCloth

{ankle boots} - handmade by me

{necklace} - thrifted

Busy Waiting

Do you ever feel like there are a million things happening at once, and at the same time the opposite?  That's my life of late.  I've actually had a good deal of work to occupy my time, both commissioned and personal.  I've been designing the header and logo for another blog, a wedding invitation, and I completed a (relatively simple) leather project that's totally opened my eyes to the possibilities there!  Now I just need to get the sewing machine in my apartment working! I've been pushing my comfort with my recent art work (I seem to do the best work on the fly, and with complete abandon)-- pictured above is just a tiny corner of a mixed media piece I've been experimenting with.  The gist is something like laying on your back and deciding what clouds look like. :)

This skirt has become my favorite and I've worn it a lot lately in case it's too heavy to wear in the summer months.  I love the way it looks with all warm hues, I did a post pairing it with lavender a bit ago and I love it equally with blush.

Back to my busy waiting.

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Details

{cashmere sweater} - vintage 50's, thifted

{skirt} - Rock Steady, via Modcloth

{tights} - via ModCloth

{oxfords} - Call It Spring, via Zappos

{necklace} - vintage 40's, thrifted

Inner Child

Spring is inching closer, but I am, alas still in long sleeves and tights.  I know it'll pass, so I'm trying to embrace the cozy layering while I still need it.  Goodness knows I do, it snowed again last night.  50 degrees should be in effect by Friday though, yippee!

I've been surprised at myself for taking so long to do an outfit post with this dress, as it's one of my favorites.  I wear it year round, but the variety of rosy cheeked faces seem extra appropriate for Spring.  Which reminds me, I felt my nephew Gunnar kick for the first time on Saturday!  Spring '14 is going to bring with it life, joy and change, which yours truly is quite glad for.

Details

{dress} - Rusty Cuts

{sweater dress} - worn beneath, Asos

{tights} - Target

{boots} - handmade by me

Shorter Hems, Longer Days

Today is a blessed 45 degrees and sunny and I'm thoroughly soaking it in!  I'd shout, "Spring is here!" but I know it's probably not quite true yet.  Still, today I shed my heavy coat for a jacket and boy did it feel good.  Melting snow, iced lattes, being able to see earth again, this time of year always makes me want to stretch my limbs and breathe deeply.  

I painted my toes light pink yesterday and walked around my apartment barefoot just to remember the feeling-- similar I suppose to my first donning of sweater tights in early fall.  Change is something that I always seem to immerse myself in and anticipate largely.  Come at me Spring!

One thing however that is blessedly not changing is my living situation!  Though I'll be losing a roommate (for the joyful reason of matrimony) and gaining a new one, I'll happily be remaining in the little green house I've come to call home these past few months.  I've already started some spring cleaning here and there, hanging new artwork, replacing our winter-destroyed welcome mat, and getting ready to bring in a vintage table I love for the kitchen.

Oh, how I have loved this properly snowy Winter but it's time for a thaw. :)

Details

{t-shirt} - my 5th grade baseball jersey, really.

{sweater} - vintage 50's, thrifted

{skirt} - vintage 80's

{tights} - Tabbi Socks

{boots} - Steve Madden, via Nordstrom

{watch} - vintage 40's, Grandmother's

{necklace} - gift from Dad

Spring Cleaning

Much of my day off today was spent Spring cleaning.  For me that meant mainly organizing, and cleaning out my closet and my shop stock.  My own closet was pretty straightforward, as I pack away seasonal clothing when the weather changes.  It's always fun for me to pull out clothing I haven't seen in awhile, especially in the Spring!  So I unpacked my lighter colors and shorter sleeves, and packed away my velvet and warm sweaters until Autumn-- something I don't wan't to think about quite yet. :)

Going through my stock was a little more complicated, because honestly I've somewhat neglected upkeep on my shop in the last couple of months.  I do think I'm used to my new part time job enough now, that I can resume work on my shop on my days off-- and boy, do I need to!  I found quite a few dresses that haven't yet been listed, and a pile of cashmere sweaters that need washing (and listing) among other things.  I still haven't even listed a 50's wedding dress that I steamed and Instagramed a couple weeks ago.  Hopefully this weekend I can get some photos taken, and listings written!

As I was cleaning literally today, I started thinking about ways I can clean mentally, spiritually, and emotionally too.  I've decided to make a list of things (goals?) I want to implement, do, or otherwise acheive this Spring and Summer.  Perhaps I'll share it here when I'm finished.  

Ooo, I never thought of a blog as a way to hold one'self accountable...!  Nice.

Silver + Gold

Oh, what a weekend!  The past two days have been packed full of people I love!  I throughly enjoyed it, but my introverted self is pretty tuckered out at this point.  Saturday morning I got to meet with three of my dearest friends for our bi-weekly small group at one of my favorite local coffee shops.  That meeting every other Saturday is something I always look forward to, it's such a great source of community and mutual acceptance, laughter and accountability.  Lovlier lady friends I could not ask for. :)

Saturday afternoon, I attended a wedding and spent the evening catching up with some dear old friends.  My two best childhood friends, their families and other old neighbors.  Stories were told, photographs shown and life stories updated.  Haha, my Saturday reminds me of a song we used to sing in Girlscouts (yes, I was one): "Make new friends but keep the old, one is silver and the other is gold".  True words.

And of course, today was Mother's Day, which I had the opportunity to spend with my Mom!   This morning, we headed to the city for brunch at The Publican-- partially because of the great food, and partially to visit my brother who works across the street at PQM.  Afterwards, we headed to one of our favorite local antique markets and spent the afternoon browsing.  I have the most wonderful Mother, I truly don't know where I'd be without her loving, selfless, patient presence in my life.  Don't get me wrong, we have our ups and downs.  We are both flawed people, and very different individuals but I respect and love her with all my heart.

Happy Mother's Day!

{Skirt} - Vintage 40's, thrifted
{Blouse} - ? From high school
{Cardigan} - Vintage 50's, thrifted
{Tights} - Target
{Oxfords} - Zappos
{Necklace} - Seven Finches