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

Ode to Spring

Reach high, for stars lie hidden in your soul. Dream deep, for every dream precedes the goal.
Pamela Vaull Starr

Hello all!

Here is something that I wrote recently- a friend actually came up with an idea where I can put my verses and writings in print (where I'll come up with many beautiful designs, etc) and possibly frame them, where I'll then put it up on Etsy... thoughts??

This is in dedication to one of my favorite seasons... the promise of loveliness to come!

Spring

Photo: Milkshake Dreams

I came across a wintry garden one day

The sky so fine I fear it would ripple should something fly across.

My nerves are riveting with a strange sense of numbness.

Cold is its presence, long forgotten traces of memory.

Should I enter the threshold of your belonging

I fear I may lose control.

And now I'm down on my knees

Holding you close, I long to dream again.

Photo: Wasted Youth

We arrive at the edge of the age of wonder,

I longed to reach my fears, rip the ends and its seams.

Light follows me and when night falls, I keep that light out for you.

Blanketed by tiny kisses of stars, I then lie low in search of our castles in the sky.

When hours fall into years beneath me,

I reach out to feel the warmth of the wind during summer days.

When I walk, I step closer to where your heart is.

Pages of significant remedies, words channel deep to the sound of my inner symphony.

Photo: Kate from I'll Blow Your Mind

When I went back to the garden once more,

Such strength left winter speechless and degenerated.

The swelling deep inside me will not disappear

And I see lilies everywhere.

Monet closes his eyes and releases a heartbreaking sigh.

Photo: Kate from I'll Blow Your Mind

Joie de vivre,

Joanne

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

The Chairman's Waltz

When I opened my eyes on the first day of February, I thought of a few things.

One of them was the fact that we are one step closer to the promise of warmer weather- as welcoming as it was in December, right now it feels more of a long-drawn affair to which one side already lost the early days of romance.

As February seem to be a month where the concept of love and light renewal is in full bloom, the past few days I've dedicated myself to a few things on some things I love!

I spent this past Friday with a girlfriend treating ourselves to two things: perfume and and a book. I'm very much a perfume lover, collecting all of my perfume bottles over the years which includes my very first Dior (Miss Dior Cherie), Chanel's "Coco Mademoiselle", Chanel's "Chance", Dolce and Gabbana's "The One", Vera Wang's "Glam Princess", to Bvlgari's "Voile de Jasmin".

Currently I am loving Twirl by Kate Spade- I thought the ad for Twirl by Kate Spade was very fun and elegant as well.

This perfume is described as "perfect cocktail for summer afternoon or evening party in the city"- perfect!

Shortly after, I dropped by the nearest bookstore and was browsing around some titles until I found the hardcover edition of The Wedding Girl. I have always loved Sophie Kinsella's works and so definitely took the chance to pick this one up. To be honest, I've always loved British Chick Lit over other Chick Lits- there's such a different sense of humor and taste which is distinct.

Apart from Hello Kitty (i'll never stop loving it- in fact, I even had the lipgloss from Hello Kitty by Sephora, before it hit the shelves!) I have a soft spot for Rilakkuma! I swear, I will be in so much trouble when I go to Japan- the things I love and want are pretty much close to endless.

This work is one of my paintings that I've done while listening to jazz music on the record player on a lazy weekend.

This work is named "So Bright and So Delicate"- it was inspired by the works of John Keats, especially "Bright Star"- it is of the imagined landscape one feels they are lost in within the the emotional capsule of love and lost. Like the mind, the trees are powerful memories which unlock nostalgia, and the landscape is imperfect- caresses of shadows appear. The ground like the subconscious, does not have a structural foothold- it can unravel at any given moment.

Lately, I have been dedicating my time in the morning to my novel, writing as much as my mind permits and found that devotion to things you love in the mornings usher out a quiet peace unlike anything else.

I have probably watched this more than a couple of times, but I found myself drawn to it once in a while and every time it would just literally make me melt- the score, the cinematography and the story captures me in a way that leaves me feeling how wonderful it is to be able to feel what we feel when we watch a film or read a book.

Love portrayed in this film is timeless.

One of my favorite quotes from Memoirs of a Geisha is when the Chairman said to the young Sayuri: "None of us find as much kindness in this life, as we should."

For some reason, that particular scene always gets me welled up with tears- in a sense, the Chairman reminds me of the gentlemen I have met in my life.

We are touched to think of all the great moments that have made us who we are, and are grateful for the individuals who have left a tremendous mark in our lives.

Joie de vivre,

Joanne

Note: images via weheartit