The Edge of Love

Hello all!

We are slowly approaching Valentine's Day- yes the day of romance and declaring one's love to the top of the highest mountain and other wonderful attributes ( well nowadays it seems that chocolates and cards will be just as much) and also a day for those single ladies such as myself, to have a fun time with good company and making it a fun "me" day. No one is left out and all will have cake.

As usual, I found myself listening to old jazz tunes or music from the Golden Age as I called it. I'm such an old soul- I love music from the 20's to the 50's and adore everything from the way people dressed down to the love of the radio back in the day where programs were enlightening and entertaining, and where going to the cinema meant seeing actors like Grace Kelly and Cary Grant light up the silver screen.

In a sense, I felt that love was more precious and magical back then, given tragic events such as war which many endured the effects of, and it seems that time and life itself was not to be taken granted.

While listening to Vera Lynn's "We'll Meet Again" on YouTube, I have the habit of reading all the comments before I start watching whatever it is that I am watching, and then begin the song.

One story which someone had commented, really touched my heart in a way where it pains me that such moments are indeed left in the past, and the urge to return to such moments is very real:

"Watching my father in uniform and my mother in her best dress walk out onto the dance floor , the music started and they flowed like a soft breeze. The next four years Mom danced with my aunts and and other ladies and they all sang and laughed . The men were gone and I never really understood the stresses of the times but I did know things would somehow work out. When it was over and my Dad came home, the block parties must have gone on for months and there they were , dancing to every tune."

He then goes on to say:

"In that generation, gratification was not instantaneous, nor was it expected. They waited for it, it was the wait that generated the thrill and when it finally arrived, it was really a thrill. Today we say its not better or worse, its different. I guess we all get very used to our comfort zone. But, I remember very clearly those days during the war, holding my Mothers hand waiting on long lines to get a small bag of sugar. Sugar in coffee was a thrill for Mom."

In a sense, I feel sad how it seems that today, no one seems to get a real thrill out of the smallest but most beautiful things- I know without a doubt that some of you readers are like me and are passionate in life and for the grandest moments that can often be simple moments- so to hear such a wonderful and very touching story which happened to someone very real, is truly inspiring.

I remember when there was that great big Blackout that occurred a few years ago in August, how the whole street seemed to take part in a huge BBQ as all the meat would have gone spoiled, and so everyone was just dropping by, people laughing and chatting, kids were playing with one another.

I felt a strange sense of happiness in taking pleasure that this is such a first for everyone- that it took the elimination of electricity to bring people together and the degree of interaction was surprising.

That evening, I'll never forget how bright the Moon looked, it's light poured on top of the rooftops and on the streets- illuminating everything. Everyone was outside on the lawn chairs, my sister and I lying on the grass, bathing in this quiet splendor.

And with love, I think I will always be such a hopeless romantic. There needs to be more of a Keatsian love in this lifetime, for we only have but one life to live.

Joie de vivre,

Joanne

Note: images via weheartit

A Sudden Manhattan Of The Mind

Hello all!

My goodness how time flies.

Often in the mornings when I see strays of light come pouring in from between the curtains, I realize how powerful the glow of light can be as it streaks on the edges of ceilings, corners behind the doorway, provides a ethereal spotlight on the drawings, postcards and paintings I would hang on the walls.

Walking into the brisk cold air, I find a sense of slow release, watching my breath sail away when I exhale, the tops of trees bare yet unashamed of it's nakedness to the world.

When I get the chance to walk, whether it be surrounded by the buzzing in the city, or a quiet stroll to the mailbox, I find myself reflecting on little orbs of everyday inspiration that illuminates life.

Here are some things that I've come to love these pasts few weeks:

~

I had a very fortunate opportunity to meet Tom Rachman, author of "The Imperfectionists", one of my favorite books I've read, this past Thursday. Rachman being a fellow U of T alumni, it was great to see those who have come before us, and gone off to accomplish extraordinary things.

Brad Pitt's production company, Plan B, is actually going to adapt this novel into a film, which I cannot wait to see the final product.

When I asked him thoughts about the film, and if there was any certain actors he had ever thought would play his characters, he says it differs from the image of the characters he had come up with, but will be excited to see how it would turn out. Towards the end I told him my aspiration with my book and the challenges I would often face. He gave me words of encouragement and ended up writing a lovely message:

The February 2011 issue of Harper's Bazaar featuring Nicole Kidman on the cover:

These editorials are simply wonderful and it was so delightful to find her on the cover. I love the whole summer garden feel and she looks absolutely beautiful. I have always admired how strong her roles are in films that illustrate her as a true actress, and she is simply golden.

I have watched her latest film, "Rabbit Hole" and it is truly a powerful film, having to deal with the theme of the aftermath of losing one's child. It is definitely a dark issue, but there is a sense of cope and faith and strength in the human heart that leaves you assured.

Erin Fetherston's Spring/Summer 2011 Collection:

As always, Erin never fails in delivering the feminine elegance that all her designs aspire and succeeds in portraying.

Love Scarlett Johansson's Moët & Chandon photo shoot:

I am in love with this music video. It's Taylor Swift's "Back to December" and the scene where she's in a white interior of a house, captures a simplistic loveliness-especially where she's in her room, and snow is carefully descending on her shoulder, on the white fireplace with the old books- I loved it. Also I can definitely relate to this song, as I too have let go of my first love long ago... I wish I knew what I know now.

I'm having wonderful time so far studying Fashion and Textiles at the Royal Ontario Museum. To be able to look upon actual artifacts acquired by the museum and being able to write about certain costumes and textile pieces is amusing!

Certain scenarios that always haunts my mind:

One of them would be how I would walk into a breathtaking place of splendor, rich in art and history that spills from all four corners of a room. I would then walk further into the room and find a gentleman working on a task or preoccupied, always with his back facing me.

I would then feel my heart churning as I would imagine he would be the missing fragment that I have been looking for all my life. Finally, his face would slowly turn to look at me, and I would picture faces that have melted my heart all these years, whether it would be an actor, a writer, or someone I know in my life, or better yet, a face I have conjured up in my mind. But always the straight and solid back greeting my view and then that significant slow turn.

Another would be that I would walk along the seaside. It would be one of those summer day's that fill you up with the highest trust of beauty life could portray. The warm wind tousling my hair, rippling my turquoise dress. I gaze outwards as far as I could see along the stretch of water to the distant line the meets the sea with sky. A rush of contentment and release would reach deep into the caverns of my heart, and I am complete.

Joie de vivre,

Joanne

-Note: images are from weheartit

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

Never Let Me Go

Hello all!

I find myself trapped in the midst of a small flurry of activities every so often- more often than not.

Still, I manage to tear myself away and focus on what really matters in life.

For example, I live for weekends, especially the ones that have been taking place lately. I spend time with amazing individuals that I'm so lucky to have, and those who stick with me on the weekdays- they're every bit as lovely as well- they're what keeps me pushing forward when there's lack of motivation.

November is a pleasant surprise for me this far. Certain moments, words, or music can revolve around me like a film of bliss, leaving me left to wonder.

I find myself even picking up certain reads that fill up the holes of the theme I'm currently in.

I did get the chance to take shots on places I've walked around these past couple of weeks. Certain places that were by chance encounters, or places I've known and loved.

I remember I was with a friend when I took this lovely scenery. We came across a small playground, and I instantly thought to sit on the swings, as we noticed two adults playfully laughing at the see-saw. It didn't occur to me until I sat on the swing, how amazing this landscape was. The sand, the edge of the lake at twilight- I loved seeing the blue on the water, an instant tug arising out from me as I looked outward.

Walking by the lake which was unbelievable. To capture that moment when the sun shined down, its rays of light unmistakable in the approaching darkness of evening.

I used to think that when the clouds separated and the rays of light shown through, invisible angels would be lifting souls into heaven, and that's the special place they would come to take them upward, and I would be compelled to run forward to that place, into a world we'll never know until the day we shut our own eyes.

Walking by a bridge- I've come across one where it's actually known as the Queen Street Viaduct. It has a Heraclitus quote that says "The river I step in, is not the river I stand in", and I thought that was incredible seeing that up on a bridge.

My passion for Opera has deepened. It's every bit as captivating as it has been when I was a little girl. Hearing songs as Rusalka: Song to the Moon, Tristan und Isolde- "Mild und leise", Madama Butterfly- "Un bel di vedremo", Gianni Schicci- "O mio babbino caro" - and as well, Sarah Brightman and Andrea Bocelli's "Con Te Partiro" - all release some form of grand memories I've had in my life, and so beautiful to the ears.

For those who love the world of opera and books, this stunning read will touch you immensely as it had been a joy (and a bit sad once I reached the end of the page).

'The Doctor and the Diva' is very beautifully written. I would read it an hour before I went to sleep, and I would be completely immersed in the story, then look up and realize it was three in the morning when I hesitantly put my bookmark on a chapter! The locations sweeps you away from Boston, Florence, Venezuela, Milan, and Trinidad during the early 20th century. There is something so rich about the intertwining of music with history, and how far love can go in time and places.

Love to find such interesting objects. I came across this wonderful looking teapot, and I actually did a full stop and just stared at it in awe- I need this for my home!

Lastly I am very excited for this film to come out- can't believe I missed my chance watching it during TIFF but won't miss it this time around!

Joie de vivre,

Joanne

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.