Monday, December 31, 2012


"May your coming year be filled with magic and dreams and good madness. I hope you read some fine books and kiss someone who thinks you're wonderful, and don't forget to make some art--write or draw or build or sing or live as only you can. And I hope, somewhere in the next year, you surprise yourself."
-Neil Gaiman 

Cheers to 2013!

Sunday, December 30, 2012

 I really dig Winter. Snow has covered the earth. And I wear my denim jacket almost daily. Basically I can't stop thinking about what I want to do in 2013. More than anything I keep thinking about a road trip where everyone could be young, wild and free as the west coast air would drench the face and mind. There's a difference between simply not being able to make the best of things where you are, and truly needing to see and do new things in undiscovered places. The latter is how I've been feeling lately. 
I am truly looking forward to 2013, as I look forward to every year. It makes me incredibly excited when I think of all the unrevealed opportunities of the new year. Reading Bob Dylan's autobiography as this year closes is incredibly inspiring. The magnetic way he describes his life in New York City makes me want to jump on a bus right now and move into some shabby apartment in Greenwich Village, going to concerts every other night.
But being here, right now, I do love the way things are and I'm incredibly thankful for the ones around me who I'd just about die without.
Cheers to 2013!

{New York nighttime photo by Grayson Vaughan}

Sunday, December 23, 2012


"Gloria! It speaks of pure devotion!"

If you desire pure Christmas goodness just listen to Sufjan Steven's - Silver & Gold. But especially Angels We Have Heard on High and Justice Delivers Its Death. Both can even bring tears.  

These days prior to Christmas it's all twinkle lights, cookies, late nights, gift wrapping, and most importantly being with everyone I love. Being with those I love is the best bit. They help make the fires warmer, the lights twinkle brighter, and once you're with them life can become even more wonderful.

I hope your days are full of Christmas magic. And remember, you're the Christmas unicorn too.

{all photos taken by me}

Friday, December 21, 2012

When you see the "Surfjohn Stevens Christmas Sing-a-Long: Seasonal Affective Disorder Yuletide Disaster Pageant On Ice", witness your best friend spin the "WHEEL! OF! CHRISTMAS!" alongside the big man Sufjan himself, and all of this while being with your best friends in the whole world, it's nearly impossible not to feel completely ready and excited for Christmas.
There was in infectious love and certain camaraderie in the air with the crowd at that show that left me pretty much beaming. It's carried on into this week and I truly feel that Christmas is here. 

There's a crazy wild blizzard happening right now and to see all the snow makes me feel pretty good inside especially when you can hibernate in a room like mine where twinkle lights, incense, and art supplies are in abundance. 

I hope you're all feeling what I feel:
that Christmas feeling. 

Sunday, December 16, 2012

I love my friends. I love being with any of them anytime, any day, anywhere, but especially at this time of year. I am almost overwhelmed by a warmth and glow from all the twinkling lights and decorations and how it affects me mentally and physically in such a good way. Despite the cold weather and sudden need to hibernate, I still find something lovely in the ritual of it. And right now I relish the cold sunset air and its energy. At least for now I do. At least for now I am loving everything just the way it is: friends, family, this time of year, and what the future holds.

{all photos taken by me}

Friday, December 7, 2012

Visiting the city just after Thanksgiving set all of my senses into a frenzy of energy. My eyes were sort of reopened to what I love and what dreams I wish to attain in my life. There's a certain firm purpose that envelops a city. When you're walking down those streets with the cold air all around, the lights glowing from the windows high and low, and the crowds pushing, one can't help but feel a fervor for life come over you.
Coming home, the pink sunsets outside and the twinkle lights in my room spoke to me in a refreshing way that has inspired me to sketch and record any ideas that come. 

{3rd image from bande a` part, 4th image via tumblr, all other photos taken by me}