Recommended reading..

When my student started reading off the table of contents to me, she also began reading aloud the "recommended list of reading" to me.  Then she realized, Oh!  That's the recommended reading list.  Must be the best story in the whole book (self-directed sarcasm).  So we came up with the idea that there should be a book with that title.  Here it goes:

RECOMMENDED READING

By: Me.

The sky is blue.  I am happy.

The End.


....Aren't the possibilities for the interpretation ENDLESS!?  lol

Back to the Pandemonium...

So yesterday was the first day back to teaching regular school...

I'm teaching three English classes, one Creative Writing class, and... Gods know why... a Social Studies Class.

EEK!

In other news... two of my absolute best friends--Julian and Teejay-- are moving back into the area this weekend!  I'm pumped!  My friend Steve went to Italy for the next six weeks (I miss him!) and my friend Joel is gallivanting about the country with his parents on a family road trip (miss him too!) and I'm going home to St. Marys next weekend for the Wild Wind Folk Art Festival.  Huzzah!  With a trip to the Flickerwood Winery included!  WOOT WOOT!

Hijack City official Trailer 48hfp 2013

ETSY SHOP OPEN!

Hey all!

My Etsy shop is now open!

Go to: www.etsy.com and search for "PhotoTrinket"!!!!

Or click this: PhotoTrinket

Spread the word!

Etsy Shop

For those of us in the know, Etsy is the place to find cool, affordable items handmade and unique.  I recently purchased a custom-made black Japanese Sailor Knot necklace for $20.

Announcement:

I'm going to open my own Etsy shop.  I haven't decided what to call it yet, but there I will sell my photographs, hand-made earrings and scrapbook-style recipes.  Grand opening in less than a week, I hope. I just need to settle on a name, and I'm all set.

Suggestions?

Oklahoma

Dear Oklahoma,

Your suffering is heartbreaking.  If I could hug you, I would.  If I could feed, clothe, and shelter you... I would.  If I could kiss it and make it better, I would.

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of need.  I'm sending positive energy your way.

Sincerely,

JeanZ.

Mind of a Chef on PBS

Quote from former pastry chef  [i forget his name] from Mind of a Chef on PBS focusing on Straweberries:

"At the end of the day, creativity is more about taking a second look at something."

Goals

It's Goal Time, babies.

1) Be more spiritual.

2) Get back into reading Tarot (see above).

3) Read more.

4) Do more research.

5) Work on meditations.

6) Actually go on a vacation.

Where is my good deal?

What makes a good deal?

Good question.

Last week, I ordered this from Amazon.  It was a good deal, I thought; it was something I needed badly, and it was about $19 (about $24 after tax and shipping) when I normally pay about $50 for similar items, and it could be in my home in about a week.

It was supposedly delivered yesterday.

It wasn't.

The tracking information says it was delivered at my doorstep at 3:42pm.  I was home around 3:30 and left around 4:15 and THERE WAS NEVER ANY PACKAGE.

So where is my good deal?!

I call USPS customer service and informed them of the issue.  They gave me a case number and took all of the details so.... in all of my years living at this address, I have never had an issue with deliveries.  Everything was on time, everything was safe at my door... I recall only one time in the last five years that something like this happened.  One package (not for me) was broken into after laying around the door for over a week.  Some cosmetics were stolen.

*headdesk*

I hope this is just a case of oops-I-set-this-down-at-the-wrong-place or hey-I'll-scan-this-as-delivered-and-get-it-there-tomorrow and NOT a case of Oooh-Amazon-package-let-me-take-this-because-it-might-be-cool!

But most of all... I hope I get my good deal.

Boston

Boston, my thoughts and prayers are with you tonight.

Cure for the Broken Stove Blues

My broken stove is getting replaced on Wednesday, but at EIGHT O'CLOCK IN THE MORNING.  Dear Gods.

Frustrated, I went for a walk and shot these.

Frustrations of life.....

Life can be F R U S T R A T I N G!

My stove has officially bit the dust.  On the weekend that my parents are visiting, no less.

Life: major points

Jean: no points

Blaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaargh.....

Somebody nice take me out to dinner?  Please?  When my stove is fixed, I'll cook you dinner in return!

Recent Pictures

Greetings.  Been a while.

So the weather in the 'burgh as finally (FINALLY) turned to Spring-appropriate degrees.  As a result, I was able to go out and about to forage for some pretty new shots.

Not much else going on in my life-- I continue to work far more than I play, though I resolve to change that, and celebrated my 29th Birthday last week (4/3).

As the weather improves, I will post more new pictures.  Hopefully, next time I roam about, somebody will come with me!  Picnic anyone? Kite flying?  Dinner?  Drinks?  Let's do it all!

joy quote

"Find the place inside where there's joy, and the joy will burn out the pain." 

Joseph Campbell

new picks

Picked up some new stuff over the last week and a half!

Last weekend, my a significant portion of my family stayed at my place off and on for a while.  I went shopping in order to escape for a bit. I bought these babies:

I seem to have a thing for kitten heels!

This pretty little thing keeps me organized!

This quirky magazine holder is now overflowing...I may have a fashion magazine addiction....

Picked up this floral trench from Target today.  I'm going to keep the tags on it and try it on with the vast majority of my spring wardrobe to make certain it will work.  By the way, in real life, these heels are not walkable.  At all.  To be worn only when sitting down.

I'm particularly partial to b/w prints, especially polka dots!  I nabbed this retro dress on my first excursion to Burlington Coat Factory today!

Isn't it grand!?

Monday Musings....

I'm nesting, I think.  The imminence of spring always makes me antsy to redo my entire apartment.  Recently, I purchased a new flatware set with red handles and a new red/gold towel.  I've been looking at beds, too, though I probably won't buy anything until I figure out if I'm moving or not.  I don't want to haul any furniture across the country!

However, I wanted to share a few special things that I dug up and loved....

This candelabra from Z Gallerie.  I adore how over-the-top it is, and the organic design is right up my alley.

I also love this vase from Z Gallerie; I firmly believe that just as handbags should never speak louder than the person wearing them, vases should never outshine the flowers they hold.  The vase that I have now is bubbly and clear.  This vase would be a perfect addition!

My love of Chinese screens and Victorian dressing screens gets combined with my love of candles and light with this little beauty, also from Z Gallerie!

If I had more room for dishes, I would get these square letterpress bowls from World Market.  So chic and vintage!

Weekend Shopping... all styled up!

Hi Everyone!  Today I went shopping and scored some cool new stuff.  Most of this stuff I plan on saving for teaching but some of it could be styled up differently for a more casual look.  Apologies for the weird lighting-- I had to do it all indoors since it was dark (and snowing! ugh!) when I got back.  Additional apologies for the odd hat and hair looks-- I dyed my hair last night and you can't wash it for 24hrs after.  Dry shampoo only works so many miracles, my friends!

 A Kate-Spade-esque polka-dot cardi!  So soft and pretty!  Would also look cute with my purple pencil skirt. $20 from TJ Maxx.

This was a real steal; Michael by Michael Kors striped top.  This pretty little classic is uber-soft and flattering.  Equally nice with jeans as with a pencil skirt or dress pants and blazer.  $21 from Ross.

This cropped green cardi will has awesome proportion play in its future!  I could see this working with a tunic and leggings for a date night, or even with a pencil skirt or over a dress for work.  $15 from Marshall's.

Another TJ Maxx find for $20.  This open-front white/black polka dot blazer will work with jeans (as seen here), dress pants, skirts and dresses.  

Some adorable gold kitten heels for dressing up any look.  Totally walkable and affordable at a clearance price of $30 from Marshall's.

unseasonable

You read that right... title is "Unseasonable" not "unreasonable."  The weather in the 'Burgh lately has been unseasonably warm, which even though it's rainy, suits me juuuuust fine!  Give me rainy and warm over freezing and icy or snowy ANY day.

Teaching has gone well today.  Tonight I have Rite Aid until late.  Grandpa Sherry's doing much better; all stablized and keeping the blood.  They're hopeful for his outcome.

Tomorrow will be more of the same, and Friday will be Art with the students, then my standing Friday appointment, then some quick errands and then BABYSITTING!  :)  Saturday will be wet and COLD (grrr) but that won't stop me!

Also, does anybody know how to fix scratches and scuffs on patent leather?

Wish List

Posting a WISH LIST... because some things are worth saving up for....

These Kate Spade Gloves... Polka Dot Kate Spade Gloves... As seen on Jessica Quirk of What I Wore today...  They are adorable, pretty affordable for Kate Spade, and useful.  Three desirable things in any accessory!  Perfect for dressing up any outfit!

This Steve Madden Snake Print Tote Bag, because I need a big, roomy tote to haul my laptop, lunch, textbooks, and dress hoes in when I go to work.  Or for professional interviews.

These Joan & David red leather pumps from Nordstrom's.  I adore the red patent leather and the heel height!  I could actually walk in this!  Super stylish and walkable.  I'm so there.

Also, I maaaaaaybe have enough money for these sexy Kate Spade goloshes... who would have though that rain boots could be so sexy?!

... I wish I had the money for these things NOW but I guess all good things are worth waiting for....

New Shoes

I almost forgot to post this pic of the new shoes I got for teaching and interviews...

Inauguration

Today Barak Obama is ceremonially sworn in as president again.  Taking a few moments to look back as the former presidents Carter and Clinton walk on screen, and watching the lively bounce in Hilary Clinton's step.... Wow.

So much power and determination in one place today.  We all want the same thing: a great and sturdy America, capable of not only being all that she can be, but of empowering other countries to be the same.

Why must politics complicate such an honorable, reachable goal?

Do we all need to go back to the sandbox, and re-learn basic human courtesy?  Jeez.

This could be a very hopeless, meaningless, fraudulent moment in American history, where the world looks at us and sees through the ceremony and the circumstance to the arguing and name-calling and nit-picking that makes up American politics.  But you know what?  It doesn't feel that way.  This feels real and hopeful and determined.  American politicians all over are setting aside everything for just a few minutes of unity, and whether or not you support Obama, it doesn't matter; the PEOPLE chose him, and the direction he has set for this journey agrees with majority of Americans.  So let's see where it goes, and if in four years we don't like it, we'll change our minds and our president.  If we like it, we'll elect somebody who will continue this journey.

No matter what, we'll do this as we always have: as Americans.

And that's a darned cool thing to be.

organizing ideas

So lately I've been re-organizing everything in my life: my career options, my dishes, my bathroom, everything.  As some of you know, I have a scarf obsession, and they are currently spilling out of their cloth storage box.  I need a new solution.  I considered pretty hat boxes, but if the scarves are all shut away, then I won't see them and hence won't wear them.  I also need storage solutions for my fellow obsessions: tights, foundation garments, and socks.  My earrings have been relegated to an open-format jewelry organizer tray, but I really could use more organization for my necklaces.  Currently, I'm storing them in plastic baggies (to keep them from tangling) in a drawer.  Not getting any wear out of them lately, partially because it's winter and necklaces get COLD when you're outside waiting for the bus (which always runs late), and partially because I can't see them.

Below is some ideas that I've been considering:

Scarf hangers!

as seen here: http://orgjunkie.com/2012/04/4-inexpensive-ways-to-organize-scarves.html

Towel racks!
as seen here: http://www.livesimplybyannie.com/2012/05/30/6-12-systems-for-organizing-scarves/

I've also toyed with the idea of keeping them in a storage bin, like I do now, only buying a bigger one.  For my foundation garments, I may still do the hat box thing.  The other idea that my Mom had was to get a storage bench sturdy enough to sit on, and put dividers inside to keep bras/panties/socks/tights separate.  My concern with that method is the tendency I have to not always put my clothes away properly (i..e. throwing them on the nearest surface until a pile forms).  Any other ideas?

Best. Quote. Ever.

I'm sitting at home, working on the semester exams to give my students and the letters of application to various colleges searching for English professors... and the Golden Globes are on.  The director of "Brave" just said the Best. Quote. Ever:

"Being 'brave' is all about being true to yourself, and allowing your loved ones the same freedom."


Exactly right, my man; exactly right.

Shoe Kick

Recently, I've been on an obsessive shoe kick!  I don't normally enjoy shopping for shoes because they are so hard to fit correctly.  I have wobbly ankles, bad arches, a wide ball to my foot and a narrow heel.  I adore the looks of high heels, but CANNOT wear/walk in them very well.  I don't have the balance or strength of knees.

So I'm naturally thrilled to death, tickled pink, and twitterpated over the return of KITTEN HEELS!  Below are some of my favorite versions from DSW's website:

 from Mix No. 6

Tahari Alex suede pump
 Anne Kleine "Poppin" pump
 Mix No. 6 "Barbara" pump
 Bandolino Zadina Leopard pump
 Liz Claiborne "Johnnie" floral pump

All of these shoes are available through DSW here: DSW mid and low heeled pumps

Joy to the World, the Walkable Cute Heel has come!

New Steps

Today started out a bit later than I'd liked--I slept in, the bus was full of people who didn't have the right cash or who took FOREVER to dig it out of their bottomless purses and bookbags-- and as I waltzed into my first class ten minutes after it was supposed to start.... I logged onto my email and... voila:

My PA Private School Certification in Secondary Education: English has been granted.

Boo-yah!

A new step in a hopefully more financially secure future.  Someplace warm.

NEW FINDS!

Hi!  Sorry it's been so long since I've posted... lots and lots of life has been going on around my corner of the world.  A new year is here: 2013.  Hopefully the year I get my professorship!  With that in mind, I've been searching out both lovely new clothes for my personal life, and new duds for any potential interviews.  Here's what I've found this week:

Vince Camuto emerald green snakeskin top.

some sassy seventies wooden-heeled shoes

 a new mustard yellow summer purse

a gorgeous red/black Ralph Lauren Chaps purse

a cool new scarf in leopard/skull print