I see the moon these days from Paris, because I once saw Paris from the moon

Try to be happy in this present moment, and put not off being so to a time to come,—as though that time should be of another make from this which has already come and is ours.

Thomas Fuller

Hello all!

Hope everyone's been having a lovely September so far- again, sorry I haven't been updating as much as I'd like to... but I do miss writing and will try to as often as I can!

At this point of my life, I've come to find that I've been reflecting more and more on Life itself- in five years, what do I see myself as? Where am I going to be? Am I really happy?

As busy as the end of summer was and throughout this month, I've gone through tribulations where I was facing some dark storms in my skies.

It happens- it's just that when it came down to the actual moment, it really hits you, and your left feeling at a loss for words, let alone expression.

Regardless. what goes down, must go back up. Everything happens for a reason I believe, and that continues to be my personal motto.

The good things?

Well I've signed up as a Fashion Writer for The Mike, which is St. Michael's College newspaper at the University of Toronto. What makes it extra special is that I'm the first Fashion Writer since its establishment! I'll be covering everything from fashion's inspiration, history, to all things ephemeral in this fascinating sphere.

Second great thing: I've personally met Sophie Kinsella, author of the Shopaholic novels (in case you haven't heard of her, which I doubt it! And if you haven't, its worth to take some time to google her and browse through her works!)

She is such a sweet and talented individual, and is every bit as funny and lovely as the Shopaholic herself.

Hint: when asked about if there's a possible book in the near future after her latest, Mini Shopaholic- it's a yes!

As one talented author to one that is an aspiring one ( my Memories of an Evening is still in the works, but I will dedicate more time to it- and more excerpts to post!)

Even more inspiring she wrote this on my book, which was amazing:

I also had the opportunity to take part of the Toronto International Film Festival, in which I was able to attend the debut screening of Never Let Me Go.

All I have to say is that it's so hauntingly beautiful and a powerful film. Readers of the novel will not be disappointed as I thought that Mark Romanek did a superb job to capture the story. The actors all did a wonderful job to capture each of the characters. Worth to watch.

To Read: Tom Rachman's The Imperfectionists

A great read, where you're instantly transported from Paris to Rome. So far I'm at the beginning of the book, but already there's that catch.

I have this thing with books where I would read a paragraph at the beginning of a chapter or the synopsis, and if I feel this tug where I'm compelled to read further, or enchanted by the story, then I know it's a read I'll grow to enjoy and treasure.

I find myself loving stories that have what I call a "cinematically poetic" edge to it.

For example, The Winter Vault, Never Let Me Go, Bel Canto- all have that sheer brilliance of providing that extra half an inch of deep cinematic awe.

Joie de vivre,

Joanne

Note: the first and last images are courtesy of weheartit. All other images (apart from the Never Let Me Go poster of course) are by yours truly.

The Sounds of These Hours

Surely there is something in the unruffled calm of nature that overawes our little anxieties and doubts; the sight of the deep-blue sky and the clustering stars above seems to impart a quiet to the mind.

Jonathan Edwards

Hello all!

Im sorry I couldn't post as often as I would have liked it..it has been incredibly busy these last weeks..luckily I've taken pictures so I can give you a glimpse as to moments that I've tried to capture.

Only one more week until the last embrace of Summer... in a sense, I'm looking forward to Fall and the little exciting bits of events that I have the privilege to attend- it'll certainly carry a busy atmosphere, but after weeks of laid-back leisure, I'm ready to take the plunge.

Some of the reads that I've been catching up on over the course of this month. There's never a moment where I have gone into a bookstore and came out empty-handed. There's always so much more to acquire into my personal library, not to mention interesting reads that cuts through time and places!

I love moments when I take strolls about campus and I breathe in the quiet splendor that surrounds me. This was by Knox College down by the University of Toronto, and this was the first place I met my boyfriend as well, so it really has a significant attachment for me.

I love to explore the many places my campus has in store. For example, Trinity College on the inside and out, really looks like something from the Harry Potter novels or Oxford. This is the courtyard behind Trinity.

What a spectacular view. I entered a room that had a black grand piano in the corner and it was just so peaceful- the sort of setting I could take comfort in with a book and some music in the background.

On Sundays, I would often head to the Antique Market down at the St. Lawrence, where last week, I was able to find these amazing vintage postcards that literally got me bouncing up and down inside- take a look! It was fantastic coming across these treasures.

The best sort of walks are mostly towards the end of the day, just when there's enough daylight to fall through the trees and there's this glimmer from the remains of the sun that just radiates everywhere- from the tops of trees, to the blades of grass. I experienced such a small wonder when Tim and I took a walk near St. Clair West.

It was my first time exploring the area, and I couldn't believe I didn't think of coming here before- I'm glad I had the opportunity, or else I wouldn't be able to have felt the way I did.

It was so interesting seeing the wetlands as we approached deeper into path, and seeing aspects like this one, Tim and I pondered as to what sort of animal could inhabit this hole- a fox maybe? Or perhaps a family of bunnies- I wish!

Coming across huge trees such as these ones, and the intricacy of their roots left me in a bit of awe- to me, they reminded me of the trees in the story The Little Prince, where the Prince wonders off to explore other planets, and hears about a planet full of trees such as these.

To see this in real life... well it brought out the little girl in me in terms of leaving a smile on my face.

And just yesterday, I went to the Canadian National Exhibition, where Tim ended up winning a Domo for me which I simply adore, not to mention that there was without a doubt, cotton candy and ferris wheel moments. In my mind, I thought it was a great way to end the Summer. I took this shot while up on a larger ferris wheel- the view of the city was really lovely as well.

And that's all for now, ciao!

Note: All these pictures were taken by yours truly.