Here I am again, perfect timing...

Holy heatwave, batman! I have to admit that I've found it quite difficult to dress in the heat we've been experiencing the past few weeks. Honestly, I think we should all get to stay home and sit around in our skivvies (if we're not at the beach) in this weather!

... You might say I don't function very well in this stifling, airless heat. I've mostly been living in a uniform of shorts and tanks (Target. Target. Target. So comfy). Choosing which wedges and vintage scarf to wear are really the only thoughts I've been putting into my daily outfits recently. But! It seems perhaps the heat has broken a wee bit. The past couple days have been around eighty degrees and glorious.

I do apologize for such an extended absence. Now that I've got most of my school stuff figured out and my job isn't at risk (for now) I hope to get back to posting on a more regular basis.

Anyway! This is a dress I've had all summer but never photographed. And some pretty flowers just because.


(ModCloth Begonia Bloom Dress and Market Run Wedge)






Any Spinal Tap fans out there? "Who's in here? No one. And in here there's a little guy, look!"




This one says, "Hi, I'm a sweaty mess!"

Title from "Perfect Timing" by the Drive-By Truckers.

Don't let this fading summer pass you by...

Guys, it's July! How did this happen?! The days and weeks keep getting away from me. Did you know that I haven't done my laundry on over a month?! (Honestly, I can't believe my laundry bag hasn't broken yet.) Where has the time gone???


(Random mint tank, Jack by BB Dakota top, Tulle shorts)

My grandma spoiled me while we were in Vermont (almost a month ago! How?!) and bought me this gorgeous top.



I love how it looks with the mint tank underneath. Quite ethereal, yes? I'm sure it would look just fine tucked in as well but I didn't want to hide any of it; it's too pretty!



This weekend will be filled with barbecues and fireworks and the beach. It's going to be wonderful. Happy July, and I hope you all have a lovely weekend!

The title of this post is from "Magpie to the Morning" by Neko Case.

Summer's here and the time is right...

Happy first day of summer, doves! (And if it's not summer where you are... Happy Tuesday!)

I hope every one is enjoying the official start of summer! Go outside! Have an iced coffee or a lemonade or a beer! Go swimming! Climb a tree! Frolic! And if it's raining go play in the rain!


(ModCloth T-shirt, Forever21 Shorts)

Shorts, t-shirt, messy ponytail, and bare feet. Hello, summer!



Please excuse the bug bite and my wonky double-jointed arm! These things happen.

Can I say summer one more time in this post? Summer!


Okay, now I'm switching gears for a second...

The title of this post is from "Racing in the Streets" by Bruce Springsteen. I'm a Jersey girl. I love my Bruce and I love my E-Street Band. And neither would be complete without the legendary talent and energy of Clarence Clemons. I had just finished watching fireworks down at the lake on Saturday evening when I learned of his passing. It's always strange when a musical legend passes... In my head they're all still kids. I wasn't there to see it all happen so when I watch the documentaries and listen to the albums, there they are, forever young. That's how I saw him in life and that's how I'm going to remember him. Rest in peace, Big Man.

I'm going to go have a drink to celebrate summer and life and music. Cheers!

I ain't comin' down. No, never, I'm not!

Hi! Apologies for such light posting lately. Life has been (more than) a wee bit hectic!

After catching Amanda Shires's shows in Philly and New York (Wonderful! Go listen to her!) I spent the first weekend of June in Vermont. It's been five years since I was there last! I love it up there. I don't know if I could handle the winters but it really is gorgeous. The whole drive home I had Loretta Lynn's "High on a Mountain Top" playing in my head.

What else? Last weekend my boyfriend completed his first triathlon! He did a fantastic job, and I'm super proud of him. I spent the weekend a bit sick and with no voice so that's pretty much it. I've been trying to get school stuff straightened out. I'll be putting a portfolio together this weekend and hopefully signing up for classes soon. After some thought I think I've decided to go for my MFA in web design. Quite exciting and overwhelming!


(Forever21 top & belt, thrifted skirt)

I love this outfit. It's perfect for hot, humid days. The top is very light and cool. I'm probably going to wind up wearing it quite often this summer.




(CL by Laundry wedges from DSW)

I hope you're all having a great week so far!

Title from "High on a Mountain Top" by Loretta Lynn.

Hi! I know I've been a terrible blogger of late but I've been so busy! In the past week I've been to Philly, New York, and Vermont. I was also accepted into art school! So I'm slowly getting all of that situated.




I'm home now, though, and I'll be back with a real post later todaysoon.


Photo by my dear cousin, Sarah Grace.

I look at myself but it's so chancy; I see things that I don't fancy...

I haven't got much to say today. I've got to admit I've been in a bit of a funk the past couple days. There was a hummingbird out back today, though! But it didn't want any of my flowers and so flew away.


(Cardigan from my aunt, Ruche dress, ModCloth heels)

I just noticed how strange the sleeves look. I had to roll them up to get my allergy shots this afternoon and I guess they stayed... bunchy? Whoops!



I've had this little green cardigan for so long I'm not sure I'll ever be able to give it up. I love the wee flowers.



This dress feels a smidge big even with the belt but it's too pretty not to wear!

The good thing about today is that tomorrow is Thursday, and Thursday is nearly Friday... So it's practically the weekend again, right??

Well, I hope every one is having a good week!


Title from "Talking in the Dark" by Elvis Costello.

I don't want to be an ant, you know?

It was eighty-six degrees today. EIGHTY-SIX. And humid as hell. This obviously required a light, comfortable outfit for work.


(ModCloth top and skirt, TJ Maxx heels)

When I got home I took these photos and then threw on a tee and shorts (see below). I sat outside and watched the wrens bop and flit and hop around before going in to make myself a drink (Gin and tonic today. I'm not a huge fan of gin but it can be refreshing at times).



Tomorrow's weather looks like more of the same, and I have one question... Why am I not going to the beach?! Ugh. Responsibilities.


(Shirt from Etsy, F21 shorts)

Yep, more birds!





The title of this post is from my favourite part of the movie Waking Life. I haven't seen this movie in a few years, and it's on the television right now (...with commercials. This is NOT a movie that should be cut up with commercials). The scene with this particular quote is pretty much how I feel about my life. I never want to be an ant. I don't want to look like every one else, act like every one else, have a mindless job, or have a life where my interaction with people is superficial at best. That scares the hell out of me. I think going back to school is going to help remedy the mindless job bit. Otherwise, I'd say I'm doing all right in my own way. There are things I would have done differently, would not have done at all, and should have done that I didn't but at least I can learn from those things. Anyway, I think I'm just happy to be reminded of my own ideals now and then. It's so incredibly easy to get bogged down by the rubbish that it's necessary to take a minute and remember who you are and what's important to you... I feel like I should thank Waking Life for being on at the precise moment I needed it. Good timing.

If you read all of that or even if you didn't, here, have a photo of me being a weirdo.



Yay!

The thrushes' bleating battle with the wrens disrupts my reverie again...

Well, another weekend has gone by, and I've had a busy few days!

Thursday evening we went to see Elvis Costello at the Tower Theatre! The traffic was rather hideous and stressful but the show was so much fun! He's absolutely incredible.

Friday we went to brunch and took a drive around the wildlife refuge. We had sun showers all day here so it was quite lovely. And so many baby birds!... Why, yes, this post does have a bit of a theme...

Saturday I dug up three wheel barrows full of day lilies that no longer bloom. How's that for fun? Then went to a barbecue at a friend's house where I learned how to play croquet. I wasn't too bad once I got the swing of it (womp womp)! We also played bean bag toss at which I don't think I'll ever be any good. It was a perfect day for an outdoor shindig.

Yesterday I just sort of bummed around and looked into schools. I've slooowly been talking myself into going back for graphic design. It's so intimidating! I've requested information from two school so far. We'll see!

We had a huge thunderstorm this morning but I managed to grab some photos once it cleared.


(Target cardigan and tights, Ruche dress and heels)

I'm none too happy that I've had to wear tights the past couple days. How easy it is to forget that the warm weather is just getting started!



I must say it's quite fitting that I'm putting together this post right now. The rain must have brought out all sorts of bugs and such because the mama and papa wrens that nest in the porch rafters keep flitting in and out (and occasionally pausing to perch above my head and yell at me) to feed their babies. And just a bit ago a blue jay took a bath in one of the gutters.



Well, this has been your bird appreciation blog for the day (I am the dictioncanary, after all); hope you enjoyed it!

PS I'm probably going to start redesigning the blog soon. This means I'm going to be playing with it a lot so please bear with me! I promise I'll try not to be too annoying about it.


Title from "June Hymn" by the Decemberists.

We were both hitchhikers but you had your ears tuned to the roar...

Did you all have a good weekend? I was expecting terrible weather but it turned out to be a lovely few days. I went to the May Fest down the road both Saturday and Sunday. Sunday was hot and humid but definitely the nicer day. Saturday evening I went to a graduation party for one of my best friends. And Sunday evening the boyfriend and I went to dinner and a movie.


(J. Crew floppy hat, ModCloth top, Tulle shorts, ModCloth Heels)



I'm in love with my new floppy hat! It's going to be glued to my head all summer.



These photos are from last week and, admittedly, a bit deceiving. It wasn't nearly as warm and summery as it looks! But I think these are some of my favourite photos yet.



All right, I'm keeping it short and sweet tonight, folks! I hope everybody's week is going well!

Edit:I should give credit where credit's due. Ed, one of my absolute best friends, found the hat for me while we were in J. Crew a couple weeks ago. I was on the hunt but he spotted it! Good eye, Edsel, dear.


Title from "For You" by Bruce Springsteen.

Brown paper packages tied up with strings...

Happy Friday! I'll admit I've had this post sitting for a while. I got sucked into the season finale of Justified so here we go...

Since Fridays universally seem to be a day for favourite things I figured I'd jump on the bandwagon. Today Okay, well, everyday I'm geeking out over music.

So! First, Amanda Shires' new video for "Ghostbird" was released. Watch it here! Animated videos can be wonderfully refreshing when they're done well and this one definitely is! The animation by Cory Basil is as charming and beautiful as the song. I love when collaborations turn out so perfectly.

Second, I'm going to see Emmylou Harris with the Levon Helm Band in Central Park this summer! Emmylou! Amazing. I can't even find the words to express my excitement.

I'm also going to see Elvis Costello next week, going to Philly to see Amanda Shires on June 1st, and going to a festival to see Justin Townes Earle (and Deer Tick and Leon Russell) on June 18th. This is going to be a wonderful summer. 

I hope you all had a great Friday the 13th!

Weeds spark through dark green enough to be blue...

It's getting rather overgrown back in my favourite spot. We'll mow the path soon but for now it's a bit of a jungle.


(Express (I think) Cardigan, Ruche Top, Forever21 Shorts, UO Flats)

I love wearing this outfit. I have a different version of it for every kind of weather. I wore the cool-weather version (black shorts, black tights, and black heels) for both my birthday last year and for beer fest this year.



This time I wore it to my aunt's house for beers, snacks, and playing with the pups in the backyard.



My hair decided to be stick straight yesterday. At the moment it's so wavy it's bordering on curly in places. Sometimes one half of my head will be wavy and the other straight. It does what it wants.



(Why do I keep locking my knees like that?? Yuck. My knees and elbows are double jointed; they do some pretty unattractive things at times.)


So who's ready for bare feet in the grass and swimming??? I know I am.


Title from "Side with the Seeds" by Wilco.

Mother's Day

I know I'm a day late with the Mother's Day post but I had to be sneaky about finding and scanning these photos.



This is my awesome mumma. I think these might be from my parents' honeymoon but I forgot to ask my dad earlier. She has no idea how pretty she is! I know she'd be none too happy with me if she knew I scanned and posted these. But what are daughters for?

You can tell that I get my reluctance to smile in photos from her. I've also got her attitude. We can be quiet but we don't let anyone walk over us.

I've always admired her for doing exactly what she wants to do when she wants to do it. When she decides to do something she just goes out and makes it happen. I'm trying to learn from that as I get older. I've always been a bit of a worrier and, admittedly, it has held me back at times. I'm trying to make opportunities for myself the way she always has.



This is my absolute favourite photo of my mum for a couple reasons. First of all, she's gorgeous! Second of all, our old dog Chelsea looks ridiculous sticking her tongue out like that. It makes me laugh every time.



And this is my mum's ma, and she's pretty awesome, too. This photo must be pretty old because she quit smoking when I was a wee one. We have her wedding album around somewhere, I think. I should dig try to find it. Grandma was a stunner!



This is my grandma with my twin brother Danny. I think we were about two years old? I kind of love how much seventies style carried on well into the eighties.

I really had a lot of amazing photos I could have posted. It was so hard to choose! Ultimately I ruled out any high school photos of my mum (because I think she really might have killed me then) and just went with a few of my favourites.

So every Mother's Day we go out and let my mum go nuts at the local garden center. Saturday my mum and I went out and bought a ton of flowers, vegetables, and herbs. Yesterday we planted it all! It was a really lovely day. My parents went up to my grandma's today to take her out to dinner and giver her the mum's day gift we picked out.

Even though we do the same thing every year I think this was one of the nicest Mother's Days to date.

I'll be back later with an outfit post!

Stormy, luminous spring evening...

I watched the storm brewing as I drove into work this morning. By the time I walked in it had started spitting and just two minutes later it was pouring. Since I don't have windows at work I like to play music that (I feel) fits stormy days and imagine I'm out playing in the rain or still laying in bed instead of sitting in an underground office. Amanda Shires' new album "Carrying Lightning" was absolutely perfect today. (If you happen to have a thing for fiddle playing girls with beautifully unique voices and a way with words and somehow you haven't heard her yet, get on it!)


(ModCloth Top, Tulle Skirt, TJ Maxx Heels)

I'd wanted this high waisted lace skirt for ages but made myself wait for it to go on sale. It's lovely! The top gets extremely wrinkled in a matter of seconds. No matter what. That's all right, though. I love the colour and the details.



I might look a bit angry but I'm not! I've got a wicked case of bitchface a lot of the time but I'm trying to work on that. When I took these I'd just gotten home from having four (FOUR!) allergy shots and felt like a total space case (... which is quite evident in the first photo. I wish I knew what I was doing there).



I've had a long day and there just wasn't enough coffee in the world could wake me up. I could go for a wee bit o' whiskey before bed. I hope you're all having a good week!

The match of the century: Absence vs. Thin Air...

I'm back! I hope you all haven't forgotten me! I didn't mean to vanish for quite so long. We went out to visit a friend in San Diego until Thursday, and I just turned on my computer for the first time in a week (It took me two days to unpack, I'm just doing laundry now, and I still haven't put away my suitcase... So getting my photos on the computer this quickly is kind of amazing! For me, anyway)!

Since I've been severely slacking in the outfit department I'll post some photos of our trip. We walked a lot so I pretty much only wore shorts and t-shirts (boring, I know). Hopefully you guys won't mind?

We crammed a whole lot into three days. Let's see... We went to a couple different beaches (La Jolla was beautiful!), the San Diego Zoo (HUGE!), a Padres game (goodness, that was a bad game), had a couple nice dinners, played the first mini golf game of the year, and brought home a big ol' jug o' beer.



Okay, look. I love birds. BUT the pelicans creeped me out a bit. We do have them here in the northeast but I've never seen so many of them! Packs of prehistoric looking pelicans pacing back and forth over the beach. Silent gliding guardians. Yay, alliteration! (... Yes, yes, huge word geek right here.)





It was super windy out on the pier! Also, I lived in my striped cardigan the entire trip.





Seals! Okay, we have seals here, too. But I've never seen any come up onto the beach. And I've certainly never seen a whole slew of sleeping seals (ha, couldn't resist. I'm finished now, really).







The ocean was freezing! We went swimming for about ten minutes. We were definitely not used to that!



Please note: I can not stand having my photo taken by other people. I've hated it my whole life. Thus the cheesy tourist poses. He pretty much has to make me stand there like a little kid. Ah well.

Now I have a ton of blog reading to catch up on! I hope every one has been well this past week!


PS I'm so excited for summer that I snagged this beautiful bag from Sally Jane Vintage as soon as I saw it!



It's shipped already(!), and I can't wait to live out of it this summer.

Title from "Heart Cooks Brain" by Modest Mouse.