When did I wake....

Musique: Ludovico Einaudi- I Due Fiumi

"First there is a time when we believe everything, then for a little while we believe with discrimination, then we believe nothing whatever, and then we believe everything again - and, moreover, give reasons why we believe. " -Georg Christoph Lichtenberg(1742 - 1799)


Bonjour luves!

Lately, I've been finding myself heading towards specific places to which I can say, is like a second home to me. Especially in some places around the university where there are marvellous old buildings that house fun! For example, my friend and I decided to play a haughty round of chess.

Of course, towards the end of the game, my friend from New York bumped into us, and from there, they began a game of their own. I must say, they were both really good at it. It was quite awhile before one of them won. I like the chess picture I took as one of them look like their clapping their hands really fast, haha.

As well, within the past week, a couple of my friends and I would opt to go play some pool. I love to play pool, but I'm utterly terrible at it and is just starting to get better with aim and whatnot. It's quite fun, playing it every night into the late evening.

I think from 10 until midnight are the best times to just be in a grand room and either play a round of pool, or what I've also done, sit and read out loud in french to my french friend, in order to perfect my accent.

On Wednesday, on a lunch date, my friend took me to this place known as "The Old Spaghetti Factory" He has been there before and mentioned to me that when he did, he knew I would like it.

And he was quite right! I mean inside really swaps you away from modernity. They even have this really interesting old telephone booth, which I pretended to make an Important Call, haha.

I liked how they had these old posters and items from the earlier eras.

They even had that old-fashioned trolley which I found that you can eat inside. Now that was pretty neat, I shall do that the next time I come.

Of course, as soon as we finished lunch, we stepped off into the partly sunny day and strolled around the St. Lawrence.

The area on the Esplanade is really beautiful. The fact that I love how even in such an urbanized area such as Toronto, you can still find hidden jewels of either buildings or places that just completely stops time and takes you away from here.

Last night, I was with a good friend of mine. We walked around campus, just talking and he let me in on some of his travels that he's been to. From South Africa, to Argentina, the people he's met, the things he have done. It made me yearn for more of that sort of lifestyle, to just drop everything and go travelling. He said that I was still young that there will be plenty more of that. I claimed to disagree and saddened at the thought that I might be in school forever (not that I don't mind, I do love school and its lovely atmosphere).

The best moments in life would probably be best remembered with a cherry on top.

I would say from dusk until dawn, i indeed saw the sun rise and with that, a sense of accomplishment.

Lingering on the soft days of summer, it can be very trying and at the same time very sensible indeed.

But these are early days, mind you.

And that's all for now, ciao!

What's left, after the gold dust fades...

Musique: Tori Amos- A Sorta Fairytale

There are two types of people--those who come into a room and say, 'Well, here I am!' and those who come in and say, 'Ah, there you are.'

Frederick L Collins

Bonjour loves!



Every so often, I would take a trip to my favorite bookstore on the St. Lawrence, which is Nicholas Hoare and that day I couldn't help wanting to purchase a hundred different books ( as usual to no one's surprise that day ).




I was with my friends Geoffrey and Tiff to go along to spend out day out in the great weather that day. I love picking out particular favorites and from there sit on one of the couches near the fireplace. I love how they have those ladders against the shelves. I made my friend read The Velveteen Rabbit- a childhood precious story to which she never even read it! Everyone should read this story before they die, its that good.





They had great selection of music in the background- from Mozart, to the Flower Duet from Lakmé.



Shortly afterwards, we literally went from one bookstore... into the other! Only because I meant to pay a visit to all unique bookstores in the city (adding the fact that yes, I am a big bookworm and not afraid to admit it! I'm proud!) But this time it was on Bay St. and it is called Ben McNally.
The interior was nice enough, a black couch here and there. Overall it was not so bad, so I might pay more future visits there.


Yesterday, I did meet with my friend Paris, whom I knew back in the day when I was working for a higher end fashion company, and it felt great catching up. We went around Yorkville and to Holt Renfrew, grabbing some Starbucks. I'm so happy for her as she's having her own fashion line out, which is pretty neat.


Apart from slaving away at school studying Fine Arts History and Political Science, I'm excited as being newly chosen for the position of Layout Editor for VIVE magazine for the upcoming school year.
Looking forward to it. Busy busy, not just trying to add more extracurricular activities (like Pre-Law society) while doing undergrad studies, I really honestly think this is my last summer where I have the absolute freedom and relaxation. Not ready to let that go just yet.




Films- Can't wait to see: An Education



I came upon the trailer while I was wondering around YouTube and took a delight as I started to read the summary for this film.


In the post-war, pre-Beatles London suburbs, a bright schoolgirl is torn between studying for a place at Oxford and the more exciting alternative offered to her by a charismatic older man.


It stars Peter Sarsgaard, Carey Mulligan, Alfred Molina, Dominic Cooper, Rosamund Pike, and Emma Thompson.



I am itching to watch this. Apart from 500 Days of Summer, this is one of those films which I know will drive me nuts with love as a part of this film has bits which reflects some parts of my life. Its smart, its fun, and it really makes me wish I could go back in time to live in that era, the golden years. I really do think I was born in the wrong era.

When things seemed carefree enough, or it wasn't as fast-paced nor technology driven. Where evenings out did not mean going to a club, but dancing in a ballroom with a big band, and a stunning-looking singer. Where men were men, dressed handsomely enough with suitable manners, the gentleman. Call me old-fashioned, but it seems that there's very few of them nowadays and its a dear shame. What happened to grace, elegance and grand times? Dressing good doesn't mean you have to hitch up your dress by three inches and reveal all of your cleavage. Less is more. Always.




I feel happy and feel lucky for those who have their love of their lives and can find that Great Feeling. I guess I've yet to encounter mine. I mean, I'm pretty happy being single and liberated and all that jazz, but once in a while I can't help but wonder how there are times where it's great to share things with that someone. No wonder I'm starting to get so drawn to those sappy heartfelt stories, lord oh lord.


On a whole other note!
Looking at: Ballet




Since I was young, I have been a fan of Ballet, alongside Opera and watching symphonies. I was looking at the site of The National Ballet of Canada, and I'm a big supporter for them.

(Edgar Degas, Ballet Rehearsal, 1873)

Ballet is always timeless. I can't wait to see Sleeping Beauty which takes place in the fall season. I would like to catch a show, that and to see under the Opera category, Madama Butterfly, or even Carmen.


And on that note, that's all for now! Ciao!

Stares and love affairs

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams. " -Eleanor Roosevelt

Hello luves!

Things has happened since the last time I wrote something so here goes.

The weekend is here, and I plan to make do of my time. The weather isn't cooperating which is a big downer, considering the fact that it is indeed July and it feels like early fall! Depressing? Oui.

The last week or so, I went to this great place called Canoe, which has absolute stunning view from the 51st floor of the city. Spectacular.

It felt good, chatting with my friend and hearing good music in the background. As much as there has been many episodes involving friends dealing with dramatic cases and a whirlwind of whatnots, its good to take some time off and just de-clutter yourself.

You can't really see it at a good view but while I was looking out at this view, the sailboats looked so intriguing, sailing away at a snail's pace, drifting along... when it grouped together it looked as though they were a group of settled birds, haha.

Came with several others for dinner. We had an amazing corner to which you can see everything on both sides.

The fact that the CN Tower was directly in front where we were was very nice indeed.

The atmosphere was exactly how I liked it, it was not great surprise that there was a chicer crowd, what with couples or friends dining the sound of glass tinkling and conversations eluding throughout.

As the sun was setting, you can begin to see how that had a wondrous effect on the the buildings below. It was lovely to see the wide expanse of how great the stretch of the world can be. I could just imagine if there was ever a condo, whose  room with such a view as this would take a toll on my heart, haha.

And so, night fell. I grew tired, and retired back to my place.  More on this week later on.

That's all for now! Ciao!

She darkens her lashes, adjusting the strap of her gown...

Musique: Claude Debussy- Clair De Lune

"A man sees in the world what he carries in his heart." - Johann Wolfgang Goethe

Bonjour luves!

I must say that so far, into my summer at this moment I'm really enjoying myself, and have such gratitude for Toronto, my city. It truly is spectacular. There is always something to do, festivals to attend, places to go, sights to see, whispers galore, laughter to release...

I particularly love it at night when all the lights look like that and it just feels so alive somehow.

I came across a childhood favorite and completely forgot how great the book and the episodes are! Makes me want to go back and read all these books now.

At the moment, I am loving this:

From Lanvin's Fall 2009 collection:

I keeping wanting more from Lanvin, because it is timeless, their pieces. I thank Alber Elbaz for returning to that whole old world glamour because that truly was a golden age and in some cases, I wish that society nowadays have stayed that way. To be honest, what people wear on the streets nowadays (the only city that does justice anyhow that I've been satisfied so far is Paris) it made me yearn for the days when men dressed fabulously in their attire and the ladies with their glitz and jazz. I would seriously go and wear this if I could.

From Jean Paul Gaultier's Fall 2009 Haute Couture:

This I would say is a bit more realistic in terms of wearing this around the city.

Of timeless elegance: Laetitia Casta

In my view, I think she is one of the few women I like who personifies the true essence of what it means to be elegant, to have a sense of style and class.

Beauty for me not only is something that comes from within, but it also takes intelligence in the heart of the matter, and be an overall Renaissance woman in that nothing limits the expectations of what you want to be, and how you define yourself.

In this era, I am glad to be living among such statures of beings. It takes much passion and force to do what you want in my heart. This is why I am hoping I will do exceedingly well on my LSATs which I will be doing really soon. International law really interests me. At the same time, I adore the world of fashion and art and love literature, love watching soccer, keep up to tabs in the political and financial world- Renaissance woman. ;)

And that's all for now, ciao!

x

The girl in the other room....

Musique: Billie Holiday- I'm A Fool To Want You

"Dost thou love life? Then do not squander time, for that is the stuff life is made of."
Benjamin Franklin

Bonjour loves!

So my dear friend who I had the pleasure of meeting this summer but took place in so little time, is leaving Toronto to go back home in Scotland... I wish her a safe trip and that I will hopefully see her very soon there! This evening was her goodbye party at the Fox and all was well.

A few days ago, me and a couple of friends went to this place called Panorama, which was located on the 51st floor at Manulife Centre in the city.

We had high expectations at first, seeing the site and the pictures, which looked promising. When we got there, the view of the city landscape blew me away, it was show-stopping. I would provide a good one, if I weren't all so blurry!!!

The service however, not so much... let's just say, I would just go for the view and that would be all.

As have previously mentioned, I am going to reveal to you the day where me and my friend stayed up all night to watch the sun rise... you would think I would have accomplished such a feat, but indeed I have not...until now! Be warned, there are tons of images coming at your way!

(Note, the pictures that I took were at 1 King West, my crawl space haha)

To be quite honest, I love the city at night, there's something so lively seeing the lights all sparkle up and a sense of calm washes over as your looking up at the moon, then looking down at the scenario below.

By around then, I recall going to this really neat diner with my friend called Fran's, which at around 4 ish in the morning, I knew I was craving breakfast.

It was funny how easily if you just looked away for a moment, how much change easily arises when you look back.... staring out for awhile, you begin to not notice any subtle changes.

"In my field of paper flowers, and candy clouds of lullaby. I lie inside myself for hours, and watch my purple sky fly over me."- Imaginary, Evanescence

During this entire segment, we brought out these vintage looking speakers I had lying around, which was able to hook up to the Ipod and listened to Hotel Costes and Michael Jackson songs...especially Billy Jean as that is one of my favorites from him.

It was absolutely stunning.

For some reason during those moments, a scene came across my thoughts which was retrieved from the film The Curious Case of Benjamin Button: Benjamin takes his father to Lake Pontchartrain and fulfills his father's wish to see the sun rise from there...

As the sun was rising, you hear him say this:

"You can be as mad as a mad dog at the way things went. You could swear, curse the fates, but when it comes to the end, you have to let go. "

From then on, those words never left my mind.

Some shots I took while I was at the beach later on during the day... so you can see why I napped and had that Very Bad Sunburn, haha. Overall a great day though.

And that's all for now! Ciao!