Aquatic My Way

I have been gone forever! Life has been a hurricane and many times I felt the waves crash over me and pin me down. It knocked me over with such force that I couldn't tell which way was up. I found moments of respite in the eye of the hurricane and in those times, I floated on a life raft and paddled vigorously to keep my head above water, but it only left me parched. Anytime I found dry ground, my feet reached for safe harbor, but then something else would sweep me away as I struggled to keep up, gasping for air. But it was salty. Feeling alone, completely lost at sea, trying to make a difference but getting pulled back in the undertow, I was purely in survival mode. Too many times I struggled to breathe and didn't know how I was going to make it.

 But I'm coming back.

Did you hear me storm?! I always thought I was a strong swimmer, but this has been an endurance test. It's important for my well being to indulge in the therapeutic powers of creative mindfulness. Substance and purpose to enhance my life and those around me. After all, how can I extend a life raft if I can't even hang on to my own? But here, my little island... this helps me create goals, stay focused on lovely things and enhance my soul, so that I can face future storms that I know are coming. Allowing words, and visions of beauty and creation to wash over me. A baptism of growth. I'm ready to take a breath of fresh, crisp air and fill my lungs with a voice again. It's my turn to revel in my inner force of nature. No longer adrift, my compass is set.  I embrace my journey. Join me.

*post title borrowed from 311's  "Brodels"       *image, unkown

Bibliophiles Unite

 

shan man flickr

What's this? A post entitled bibliophiles unite, with no images of any books? That is correct my dear friends. Because being a book lover, one must also appreciate all things bookish, readerish, writerish.

Such as, oh so stylish pipe cleaner reading glasses (or are they crochet around a frame?). A placebo for all you poor folks out there who wear your glasses with scratched up, out of date prescription lenses and missing earpieces (such as mine), that gives you a headache beyond repair.

I was never taught about the "bossy r" until I watched the new Electric Company with my kid the other day. But obviously, the method was being taught as proven by this way awesome vintage poster. Or maybe I was being taught the bossy r, but wasn't in class that day. Yes, it must have been the one day I was home sick with a fever or the day I got 6 stitches in my face from a cat attack.

 wax seal tutorial by rage haus

Emails are so, impersonal, and quick, too easy. If and when I get my lazy self to script a romantical letter (or a bill) via snail mail, I shall send it with my own wax seal. Elitist? yes. Curious? you betcha. Memorable? ding ding ding!

 wax seal pendant necklace by Ritzy Misfit

Love wax seals, but not making your own? I get that. Fantastical wax seal jewelry is all the rage! Tons of different styles and colors, all over Etsy from different sellers.

  

can't erase my love pencil print by weber photo

I love to write. Perhaps I will pen a fabulous story worth publishing one day, or perhaps not, but either way, pencils and erasers are so much more forgiving then an ink pen scribbled out of entire paragraphs. (though writing with smooth, flowing ball point pens are amazing!) Perhaps writing with a quill and an ink well would make for a lovely sport.

little sailer bookplate by the little fox

Bookplates. I adore them. Fancy stickers that shows this little trophy of a book is mine, all mine. I know some people prefer the library, but I like books for keeps. Still though, I cannot spend full price on a book. I'm all about amazon, ebay, etsy for vintage, or finding my own at second hand shops. Where is your favorite book finding place? (lots of great bookplates on etsy... I LOVE this vintage blue bird one by oiseaux!)

Chiyogami Coptic Stitch Journal by brooklyn book binder

What about repairing books? Or binding your own. Does anyone possess that skill? I know there are tons and tons of ways to do this in this comprehensive list of compiled tutorials, it is something I would love to learn how to do one day. This coptic stitch how to video is pretty easy to follow! Or, you can get your own handmade book on Etsy. Tons of varieties and price ranges.

  

Vintage French Book Paper Wreath with Fleur De Lis by Simple Joys Paperie

What do you do with a book that has lost it's savor? Why, make something beautiful from the pages! I'm all about the little stamped mobiles and garlands, and even the novel page roses, what about a wreath? Just, how would one dust it?

Happy reading, writing and hoarding bookish delights!