You're my Wonderwall...

"I will have poetry in my life. And adventure. And love. Love above all. No... not the artful postures of love, not playful and poetical games of love for the amusement of an evening, but love that... over-throws life. Unbiddable, ungovernable - like a riot in the heart, and nothing to be done, come ruin or rapture. Love - like there has never been in a play. "

-Shakespeare in Love

Hello all,

There's something so bright and so delicate about the turn of a new year. It reaps promise of a new beginning, illuminating those goals and hopes you've yet to stride and the feeling you get which starts to glow in your mind when you realize that Spring (which equals warmer weather) is not so far away.

January, you remind me of opportunities and happiness to come. We all one way or another attempt to hold onto resolutions throughout the months to come, and in particular with 2011, I want to really hold steadfast to it.

Looking back there were definitely some "What was I thinking?" moments, and this time around, I've learnt all the lessons and will stick to better judgement.

More than ever I've realized the importance of family and friends - individuals that really care about you and have truly been the light when all the others have gone out.

Recently I have come under the tide of being extremely ill- and am slowly recovering from it. The worst part was that I missed out on New Year's Eve celebrations- sleeping in by 10 pm was more of my festivity. This had really taught me the importance of getting better, and keeping things simple and moderate: eating well, sleeping well. Balance has never been so important as now.

Aspirations of being able to achieve one's goals- for example, I want to go back into ballet once more, and am thinking of taking lessons again sometime in the late Spring at Canada's National Ballet School. I'm very excited.

Also, being able to own and learn the violin is one of them- it would be really amazing to learn such an extraordinary instrument.

Learning better at my French-thank goodness I have close friends who are French and can properly refine this language- I grew up learning it but am not exceedingly fluent.

Finishing up my book- you wouldn't believe how hard it is for me to actually sit down and write words- some ideas come and go through different pages of Moleskines, or even on napkins- and so this time around, I must concentrate and follow it through.

The search for the perfect tiramisu in the city- always a fun goal.

Paint- to find the time in the busyness of my life to take the brush and bring the blank canvas into different worlds.

Can't wait to get a copy of the February issue of Elle UK- Cheryl Cole is on the cover. I've always liked her songs, and her new album I really enjoy. I especially love "The Flood" - she has a music video to accompany this single and it's so lovely by the seashore.

I melt when I hear the words Tom Ford. His vision for menswear is the very essence of what every gentleman should be and how he dresses women is how every women should be.

Joie de vivre,

Joanne

Note: images are via weheartit