One of the great things about NC that I’ve noticed is that there is green everywhere. I don’t know why I worried that moving back to the US would be like moving back to a bit more of an urban jungle. But there is lush foliage everywhere. The grass may have given up her fight, but I’m never short of a shrub or tree to remind me that not everything crumples under the weight of Jack Frost.
I’m loving that I can actually see my styling tendencies shift towards more autumnal and winter colors. Let it be known, however, that I will fight the wintery chill until the last breath is in my body, wearing my dresses until my legs freeze and my teeth start to chatter like a cartoon mouse. But, the colors of gold and orange, deep greens and purples, those I embrace with no trouble. Hello, winter. How lovely to see you again.
Although I love a day when I can get fancy – lacquering my nails and cinching myself into heavenly chiffon – there are other days when a gal needs a dress that’s going to get the job done. Today I’m finding myself racing around, running errands, which includes a meeting on campus. Thus, I need my outfit to serve double duty today – to be comfortable and practical, but also professional and put together.
I haven’t officially started yet at my new University, but I’ve been made an Adjunct Professor and therefore have access to my new lab and office. I’ve also been taking advantage of getting here a bit early to learn the campus (a sense of direction jumped a generation in my family) and get to know my colleagues. Most members of my Department I met during my interview, but there are dozens of other faculty members from different Departments who I’ve had the chance to shake hands with. I usually greet them and we do the standard small talk. And after…
Have you ever noticed how particular clothing items can evoke certain kinds of food? Like a cocktail dress and a perfect martini (that one’s a given). Or an ocean print dress and a clambake. And if this beautiful 1950’s dress from a newly discovered shop Sweet Life Vintage were a culinary delight, she would almost certainly be apple pie. Warm and sweet with just a little bit of tarty sass.
My big sister was and has always been my hero and favorite teacher. When we were little, she was my protector. She would shield me from the demons under the bed (though she usually made me sleep on the outer side, just in case). She would protect me from bully’s on my way home from school. She would be my shoulder to cry on and my hero to emulate.
The past week has me thinking a lot about unity and divisiveness. After my last post, I found it very interesting that I lost a fair few subscribers. Nothing crazy, but a noticeable number. And I’m really okay with that. As I’ve said before, I personally believe discussion incites progress. Difference of opinion is healthy and should be championed, but hate should not. I didn’t feel that there was anything inflammatory in my post – rather, I wanted to share a message of unity. Of coming together. Of finding a way through. But, if any of my followers much preferred me…
Let’s face it, every now and then a gal gets in a Princess State of Mind. Don’t get me wrong – this is not a mood that solely inspires lounging on a throne while being fed grapes (though that sounds nice too). No, in my world, Princesses get things done. But, some days I wake up from a long, deep sleep and the birds are singing (alas, they don’t help me get dressed) and the day feels imbued with a hint of magic. It’s the kind of mood where I feel inspired to wear a tiara and bejeweled slippers (and no one bats an eyelash). And it certainly doesn’t hurt to have the perfect…
Getting used to new surroundings can be a bit daunting. Luckily, as I spent the majority of my life in the US, it’s not quite as much of a culture shock as it may be to some. But being abroad will always give you new perspectives on the places that were once so familiar. How large everything seems here – portion sizes and cars and pretty much everything you buy comes in a super sized pack. But there are also the odd little luxuries I completely forgot about while living in Australia – washing machines living next to dryers (dryers are…
Well, it’s official. We have finally made it to our new home in North Carolina! This is not to say that our work is done, but I can finally breathe a sigh of relief that all of the major To Do Items have been ticked off – nearly everything we own is on a boat and Mr. Dressed, Willie and Finn and I are tucked into our temporary rental, ready to explore our surroundings.