"No more dreaming like a girl so in love with the wrong world"

The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and science.

-Albert Einstein

Hello all!

This long weekend has opened my eyes to a lot of things, with much free time to tap into different worlds locked in books, what I see outside my window, the landscape in films, the ripple of a sigh, the faded sound of laughter from a long-lost companion- all unearthed the stirrings of my heart.

As of late, I have been really enchanted by certain time periods- of which in particular, Regency and Victorian England.

"Watch your step. Keep your wits about you; you will need them. This city I am bringing you to is vast and intricate, and you have not been here before. You may imagine, from other stories you've read, that you know it well, but those stories flattered you, welcoming you as a friend, treating you as if you belonged. The truth is that you are an alien from another time and place altogether."

As soon as I finished reading those very words, it has been impossible to put down "The Crimson Petal and the White" since. One thing I have often done while reading a book, is arrange a soundtrack of sorts to accompany the background of the story, and it further heightens the world I've entered. For this particular read, Florence + The Machine's "Heavy In Your Arms" and "Blinding" have been the perfect companion. I recommend giving a listen to them both... I find that they have a certain allure and an underlying sinking momentum similar to sensual embraces- perfect for the dark and often imperfect Victorian setting the book sets in place.

Even better, BBC has accomplished a series based on the book featuring Romola Garai, Chris O'Dowd and Gillian Anderson. It is brilliant in capturing the atmosphere of the book, and the actors have played their parts perfectly. Always loved whatever Romola does, I definitely place her as one of my favorite actresses. As I read the book, Romola he is what I pictured Sugar to be, however I pictured William as a rougher, older looking Chris Evans (although Chris O'Dowd was brilliant) - it is my version of characters after all!

(Photo: Explore the World)

This summer is dedicated to as much travel as I can muster. Through fine company, we have come up with many ways to explore places that are well-known, and some that are not. Each has a story to tell, and I will do my best to capture it as much as I can. First destination up- Niagara Falls! As popular as it may seem, I intend to wander through the historic districts, staying at the the hotel that Marilyn Monroe has once stayed while filming a movie. I made sure my friend brought her good shutters- for there will be many pictures to take.

(Photo: Architecture Digest)

Some reflections that has been going through my mind this week:

What does it mean to be incandescently happy? Often when I walk through the streets of this city, I look for signs. Signs which will lead the way and will reveal to me what it means to have one's heart filled with the purpose of existence. Yes, I've walked by couples who clearly portray their love for one another, an individual who offers an act of kindness to another, groups of people heading in hundreds of directions, a mental destination awaiting them. For that, the glow emanates from the liveliness of these individuals, a thousand whispers of joy, loss, listlessness, satisfied desires and unwanted tragedy issues woven in a swirl before it evaporates into the air.

I've always believed that everything happens for a reason. The tribulations one has fallen into and and rises above from in the past will wrap its advantageous strength around your shoulders.

The people that come and go in the doorsteps of one's life- those that are true will always hold steadfast as the stars against the night sky, no matter how severe or beautiful the atmosphere you find yourself surrounded by.

The approaching months hold so much promise, I fear it may be too perfect and some form of wreckage will soon reveal its deformed face. So I tread through careful waters, holding the candle of Hope which I've let it burn bright all these years, even when I thought it could not hold on much longer.

We are all that we can be, so let us breathe.

Joie de vivre,

Joanne

An Adoring Heart

"If one dream should fall and break into a thousand pieces, never be afraid to pick one of those pieces up and begin again." ~Flavia Weedn, Flavia and the Dream Maker

Hello all!

This past weekend has been very enjoyable and relaxing. I managed to accomplish some of the things I've wanted to work on, but just never had the time. This month seems to be quite fulfilling and promising with many things to come including:

The Royal Wedding

As the big day approaches, I find the little girl in me bouncing at the delight of being able to witness something spectacular, as the last great Royal Wedding was Diana and Charles's in our mother's time.

Who didn't think of marrying a Prince someday-and now Kate Middleton will be able to achieve such a dream. I've kept tabs on the events going on throughout, and I couldn't help loving some of the interesting Kate and William memorabilia for this joyous occasion:

What better way to remember this occasion, if not a tote bag from Cath Kidston? The design is so very cute.

When I first saw this from Not On The High Street, I couldn't help but take an instant liking to it.

I thought it was adorable that Roger Hargreaves, author of the "Mr. Men" series have come up with a character that has the Royal Wedding theme in mind!

Smythson had recently created novelty teapots by Stephen Johnson called "Now Isn't That Lovely", portray all the "Great British Things"- lovely indeed!

And now, for your iTouch or iPhone, or iPad, The Royal Collection created a very neat "Royal App" that details previous Royal Weddings.

In a lot of ways, I'm such an Anglophile at heart.

I can't wait to watch this film. First off, anyone who has read David Nicholl's novel which the film is based on, has shed a tear or two. It was honestly one of those books where as soon as I started reading the first page, I couldn't put it down. It was real, and it was raw, and I felt many stirrings of emotions where moments in the book can relate to some of those in my life. I highly recommend reading the novel before watching the film, and I really hope the film would be a good complementary element with the book.

(Photo: Makeup and Beauty)

Recently, I've paid a visit to Sephora, where many will openly admit that it is a haven.

I was browsing through the sections, eventually making my way towards where Dior was being displayed, when I paused at the section where "Bite Beauty" was held and immediately recognized the product right away, having heard of its invention awhile back.

Always the one to give something new and innovating a try- Bite products really do have a health benefit in mind. As women, we apply lipgloss and lipstick constantly, taking in it's ingredients. With Bite Beauty's products, it contains organic fruit butters, and has Antioxidant-rich Resveratrol- 5 MG of Resveratrol in the lip product delivers the Antioxident equivalent of 5 glasses of red wine.

What better way to ingest something that's good for you through a product such as lipgloss and lipstick? Amused wanting to do my "Try, Tested, and True" factor as I do with beauty products, I bought the "Line and Define Lip Trio", the shades as seen below.

It's also made in Canada, so extra bonus points for that!

(Photo: Makeup and Beauty)

I will admit, it really is moisturizing, and when it comes to the taste, I find that it has a sort of cherry chapstick sort of taste, which I didn't mind at all. I think their "Rose" shade in the lipstick is slowly growing on me!

(Photo: Film still from The Edge of Love)

I spent this past weekend taking out a blank canvas and my watercolors while listening to the Jane Eyre soundtrack or piano works of Ludovico Einaudi, immersing myself into worlds I've yet to see or those which cannot be seen except with my own eyes.

I take great comfort and release when I'm painting. I get really into the zone of it, ignoring phone calls, texts, or people calling my name. I'm just in the midst of colors, brush strokes, and the music in the background.

I'm not fully done this painting in which I call it "By the Lighthouse in the Summertime", but once I do, I will post an image!

Until next time!

Joie de vivre,

Joanne

Hello April...

"And Spring arose on the garden fair,

Like the Spirit of Love felt everywhere;

And each flower and herb on Earth's dark breast rose from the dreams of its wintry rest."

- Percy Bysshe Shelley, The Sensitive Plant

Hello all!

(Photo: Tamiih)

At last, we have arrived at one of the most promising months that will ease us into brighter days and resplendent nights- but before that, there will be showers!

I am happy to announce that I have joined Pinterest! So drop by often for daily doses of inspiration, and better yet, follow!

(Photo: Fantastic Pics)

As of late, I have been smitten by some wonderful things which I would love to share with you all: Fall in love with BBC's Women in Love, a two-part drama starring Rosamund Pike, Rachael Stirling, and Rory Kinnear. Women in Love is based on D.H. Lawrence's adaptation of novels The Rainbow and Women in Love where it portrays the lives of two sisters, as they deal with passion and love in the build-up to the First World War. Rosamund Pike is definitely one of my favorite actresses, especially in films as Pride and Prejudice and An Education. I can't wait to watch this:

I can't get enough of this! As a big perfume lover, I've collected perfume bottles and have elegantly displayed them in a old-fashioned cabinet, and this Happ and Stahns Perfume is just utterly beautiful. It was inspired by The Grand Tour - a trip across Europe enjoyed by young ladies in the 19th century as a finishing course to their educations- how very lovely indeed!

(Photo: Anthropologie)

Ever wondered what the real story was behind the beloved "The Little Prince"? Well I happened to be browsing at my favorite bookstore and I came across this book, which instantly drew me in as probably one of the most romantic stories to be told. Antoine De Saint-Exupery's love for his wife Consuelo was like no other, and there are actually images of telegraphs and letters they had sent to one another inside the book- what they have written left my heart bruised. Knowing that there was a real-life person behind the "rose" was inspiring.

Until next time!

Joie de vivre,

Joanne