My Favorite Things and Loves: The March Edition

"My painting is visible images which conceal nothing; they evoke mystery and, indeed, when one sees one of my pictures, one asks oneself this simple question 'What does that mean'? It does not mean anything, because mystery means nothing either, it is unknowable."

-René Magritte

Hello all!

I look forward to this monthly post every time, as it's a collection of inspirational images, reads, music, words, and so much more that I would come across, which perfectly stirs the nostalgic romantic in me and would love to share with you all- enjoy!

Read:

Anyone who's a fan of Jane Eyre, particularly with the recent film that just came out (which is beautiful, with a haunting score to complement it- composed by a favorite of mine, Dario Marianelli (who did Pride and Prejudice and Atonement)- it's a must-see).

The latest edition of W Magazine features Jane and Rochester (the lovely Mia Wasikowska and the very handsome Michael Fassbender) is definitely one of my favorite covers and shots. I must admit, right now I am very much smitten by Michael Fassbender and can't wait to see him in upcoming films.

New Paris Vogue Editor Emmanuelle Alt's debut issue. I love the cover.

I came across this in a bookstore one day and fell in love with the stunning images inside the book, and even the title itself brought out an small inner rush of bliss. I need to go visit Nantucket Island someday- add that to my Life list.

A very charming story for those who ever wondered what it's like to live a life by the lighthouse- I know at one point in my life, I certainly wanted to live in such a intricate setting, and thought it would be utterly magical if I did.

Love:

This image of Jackie O:

These lovely Mirotaine postcards from Basic French that makes you yearn for bright Spring afternoons.

Love this from Keep Calm Gallery

The wonderful world of René Magritte

The Mysteries of the Horizon, 1955

Walk:

Among these places

(Photo: Wet Behind the Ears)

(Photo: Fairybread)

Watch:

The new Coco Mademoislle short film from Chanel, featuring the always lovely and talented Keira Knightley.

Listen:

This album is on my favorite playlist- "Spring"- and is so endearing. It's one of my favorite albums at the moment. Give a listen, and I'm sure it'll melt a bit of your heart as it did with mine. I am loving the album's title: The Day We Ran Into the Sea.... makes me yearn for the seaside, where I would go discover lighthouses and have picnics, swapping stories under the night sky....

Words to live by:

“Neither a lofty degree of intelligence nor imagination nor both together go to the making of genius.

Love, love, love, that is the soul of genius.”

-Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart



Joie de vivre,

Joanne

Practical Magic

"Love knows no past tense. You either never loved or never stopped." -Noah Calhoun, The Notebook

(Photo by me)

Hello all!

(Photo by Rachel )

These past few days have just been what I needed in a long time. Not only was I able to finish tasks that were long overdue, but dive into events and things that I love!

Adding the sprinkle on top was the amazing good Spring weather that has taken place the past couple of days- the sheer joy of not having to wear a peacoat was enough to have me do an inner "Yes!" in my head.

(Photo: Pretty Red Ribbon)

This is something which I never bothered doing until now- I decided to get a pair of pretty rain boots and a floral umbrella- seriously it does wonders on a rainy day! I actually look forward to it now, and I know it's the little girl in me, but I would step on puddles without a second's thought and a holding a huge smile afterwards.

(Photo by: My Exquisite Life)

As the weather slowly improves, I feel my mood shifting towards that positivity- gone are the Winter's blues, and knowing what's to come- especially among friends, we're coming up with potential trips once the academic year draws to a close- I feel a sense of stirring delight- it stays with me as I wake up in the morning, until evening when I finish my last thoughts in my letters.

(Photo: Kristine Gulden)

The start of this weekend has me itching to paint. So with ballet adagios playing in the background, I took out my watercolors, my canvas, and paintbrushes. So far it is not yet in completion, but I will post a picture of it once it's finished!

(Photo: Yann Pendaries Photography)

On Friday I had the opportunity to check out Canada Blooms- a Flower and Garden Festival that I go every year. When I was a little girl, I grew up seeing my grandmother's love for flowers and gardening, her wide backyard with a little forest had her growing a variety of vegetables- I'll never forget how huge her zucchini's were!

(Photo by me)

As I start to get older, I find myself drawn back to nature, back to my grandmother's passion for things as gardening. Canada Blooms was something I used to go with my Uncle, my Mom, my Sister, and my Grandmother.

(Photo by me)

This year had a lot of beautiful designs and flowers, with the marketplace bustling with activity.

I loved this one place in particular called Kate's Garden Studio- it had a lot of interesting things for gardening, and bath and beauty products- best of all, they had Lavender products that I simply adored.

I ended up scooping a satchel's worth of Provence Lavender buds, as its natural properties have always been well. The scent in its natural form is one of my favorite- the artificial kinds I have found in certain beauty products, to be all too heavy and never as good as the real thing. I love having Lavender bunches in the house- and it's lovely in its color for decor as well.

(Photo by me)

This design has got to be one of my favorites. I love piano works and gardening- combining those two together and you get an idea of what my future garden would consist of!

(Photo by me)

(Photo by me)

(Photo by me)

This setting reminds me a bit of Alice in Wonderland!

(Photo by me)

(Photo by me)

I loved how when you're walking throughout this exhibition, the air itself is laden with the scent of florals.

(Photo by me)

(Photo by me)

(Photo by me)

Have a wonderful upcoming week!

Joie de vivre,

Joanne

The Age of Wonder

"Know your own Happiness, want for nothing but patience, or give it a more fascinating name: call it hope."

- Jane Austen

Lately I've been carried away. I've been carried away by a swarm of ideas, inspirations, and being absorbed by the little things that just take our breath away.

Apart from writing my novel, I've been going on a little personal project of my own- currently it's in the development process and there's still much to go before I can bounce around in sheer joy and love.

I'm only going to say that it will fulfill one of my little dreams of creating my own small establishment which collaborates on my artworks, writings, and love of stationaries and other such lovely curiosities.

As soon as there is more substance, I will make sure to post it right here and via Twitter. I can't wait to share it with you all.

What I'm loving:

Eisley's new album "The Valley"!!!

Everyone must listen to this album. I've loved them from the very start since hearing "Come Clean"- and in this recent album, songs like "Smarter", "Kind", "I Wish" carried me away and even better- I thought lovely thoughts as the activities and events I'd immerse myself in during the Spring and Summertime.

Photo: 谁收录

And because it's close to Spring it means:

More of amazing jazz tunes as Madeline Peyroux!

More cafe conversations among friends.

Picking up flowers on the way home.

The sound of rain falling against the window in the early morning.

Taking up a book and reading it outside by the Harbourfront.

Photo by JessaMae

Wearing floral prints on clothing and ballet flats- yay ballet flats!!

Releasing beautiful umbrellas in the rain.

Longer strolls in the city and taking the time to notice small buds.

Exploring historical places in the city!

Taking more pictures!!

Photo: Libre

Now more than ever, I feel the urge to go and carry out on all those "I would love to!" and "Wouldn't it be nice?" ideas.

As it has been said many times, life is short. To live the life we lead is the greatest joy of all. So take a risk, do what you love, and in the words of Ms. Frizzle from one of my favorite childhood shows The Magic School Bus: "Take chances, get messy and make mistakes!"

Joie de vivre,

Joanne