Green ink

Whenever I find myself procrastinating, I imagine Hermione's 

disapproving face and pretend I'm writing in green ink.

(Just a random quote found somewhere on the internet. Is it weird that this works for me too? Probably. But it does. And with that, I'm off to do some actual thesis writing.)

Art is

I went to see a contemporary art exhibition yesterday. Now, I'm first and foremost a lover of expressionists like Chagall or impressionist like Renoir, but that love is mainly about passive appreciation and admiration. Looking at contemporary art, on the other hand, is rarely as enjoyable, but it definitely kicks my own creativity into gear.

As a result, I'm now in that slightly pretentious, artsy mood where I just want to listen to Scarlett Johansson while being crafty. Right now I'm crocheting hippie-ish beaded bracelets and stitching together decorative hearts with little trinkets and words on them. Just because it's fun to actually create something, not because I actually know what to do with my creations. Oh, and I'm listening to Falling down on repeat. Anyway, it's a very nice way to spend a sunday evening.

Loving lent

Life is peaceful right now. I had a nice weekend with baking, concerts and one last bowl of mint ice cream before ash wednesday: I'm giving up all things sugary for lent this year. I've done it once, and it was definitely a challenge, but then again, that is kind of the point. The religious aspect of it all is a strong motivator for me, and of course, it's also about being healthier. Plus I want to prove to myself that I do have the willpower to do it. Mind over matter, and all that.

Just to warn you though, as a consequence of this, there might be whining. I'm going to miss my chocolate, that's for sure. But at the same time it's a relief, in a way, to be able to pass by the candy section in the grocery store and not even have to think about buying something. It's just not an option, it's like that whole decision is out of my hands for the next month and a half. Which is kind of liberating.

Are you giving up anything for lent?

Valentine's eve

In my language, we call tomorrow "All hearts day".

I'm going to paint my lips cherry red for no reason at all, and buy myself white chocolate with strawberries. I might also go get some roses and watch a movie, or simply go about my day as I always do. Whatever I do, I know I will enjoy my singledom tomorrow. My friends seem to be breaking up left and right at the moment, and while I'm happy to be their shoulder to cry on, I'm not at all jealous of their heartache.

On this Valentine's eve, I want to share three brief boy-related memories with you:

There once was this boy who unexpectedly picked me up and threw me into a huge pile of snow as we were out walking in the city. I could have been furious with him, but I wasn't - I loved it. Then there was this other boy who put his leather jacket over my shoulders after noticing that I was shivering as we were walking home from the cinema. Yet another one wanted to take me on a surprise date, which turned out to be an art vernissage.

I didn't even properly date anyone of these guys, but they all gave me some nice memories and taught me a lot about what I actually like and how I want to be treated. (Respect + playfulness + chivalry = Win!) I think it's a good thing to remember things like these on a day like Valentine's day. Or on any day, really. Remember that you deserve to be treated like the princess you are. Remember that there have indeed been boys in the past who have known how to treat you. And above all, remember that there most likely will be other boys, or men, in the future who will treat you even better.

Whishing you all a happy Valentine's day!

Anna Karenina style

We still don't get a lot of sunshine here, but the days are slowly getting longer - darkness doesn't fall until after four these days, which definitely makes a difference. I really don't mind the dark - I've never been one to be negatively affected by it - but it's still a funny feeling when you suddenly realize it's been three weeks since you last went for a walk in broad daylight.

Still, like I said, I'm fine with it. And it probably helps that I love, love, love winter clothes. There is something so romantic about the careful, time-consuming layering of knits, leggings and scarves that this season demands, even if you're only popping to the grocery store. I have a belted, hooded, knee-lenght black wool coat with a very wide skirt that I think of as my Anna Karenina coat, in which I've practically lived for three winters now. At a hundred euros it's by far the most expensive item in my wardrobe, but it was definitely worth it - it's wonderfully warm, it creates the most beautiful hourglass silhouette, and I'll probably wear it forever.

 This is not what the coat looks like, but this is how I feel when I wear it: 

Like an old-fashioned, glamourous tragedienne. 

And that's really what matters, isn't it?

I pair my beloved coat with a huge flower-patterned scarf in muted colours, and chocolate brown knee-high boots - or if it's really cold, black combat-style leather boots. Add a simple black hat and mittens with a folklore pattern (Leather gloves might look better, but I find knitted mittens so much warmer!), and you're perfectly ready to brave the cold.

On a wing and a prayer

My first week of February has consisted of thesis work, working out, Pan Am, gospel singing, marshmallow fluff and long lunches with friends. Not much else, but that's fine. It is now midnight, and I'm taking a study break to share with you a couple of pictures inspiring me this month:

Remember to stand tall, no matter what. 

(Even if the surroundings are intimidating...)

The conditions might not be perfect, but that's okay. It will not limit you.

You're still free to strive for perfection.

Do what Mary did - put your trust where it belongs.

Take ink and weep

 

February. Take ink and weep,
write February as you’re sobbing...

Okay, so Pasternak's poem is a little too sad. But it is now officially the shortest month of the year, which means it's time for me to get back into some kind of routine - regarding studying, workouts, sleeping, cooking, everything.

January was pretty great, and I was a little all over the place, not really focusing on anything. It was fun, it really was, but this month, I need to get things done. An absurd amount of things, to be specific. Still, it just might be a good month. Here's hoping!