Throwback Thursday- Visions in Versailles.

I was suddenly struck with the inspiration for this post whilst at work today. I had my iPod on the "Feist" station on Pandora (you should totally check it out, it has some great tunes), and this song came on that made me stop in my tracks. Memories started to flood back. The song, "Indifference (Valse)" by Dan Newton's Accordion, instantly reminded me of my time in Versailles, so I'd like to share with you that incredible day.
So although there are pickpocketers (we would know, on the last day we were stolen from), crowds that make you feel like a smashed sardine, and the heat sometimes became unbearable, I had a spectacular experience in France. I love to travel anyway, and it was my first time in Europe, and I have nothing to say but good things about the trip! This little excursion was nearing the end of our trip and so we were a little more accustomed to the ways of the french in terms of how to get around, speak, act, etc. We were also with my sister's dancing group on this particular occasion so all we had to do was follow the red balloon. I know, cliche, right? So instead of taking various trips and switches through the metro (which was all fine and dandy, but with a group of 80, it could get somewhat difficult), we took a straight shot trip on a train. A train. Now it wasn't as fancy as through a countryside with mountains and villas because Versailles is in Paris (the city), but still! To say, "Ah yes, going to Versailles on a train ce matin".. there's just something glamorous and Parisian chic about it. So as we sat down on the upper level of the train and we began moving, the clichest of cliches happened. Accordions began playing. At first, I thought that it was just from the speakers, but when my dad told me to look behind me, sure enough, there were a couple of accordion players. That is what I call the ultimate traveling experience. And although they were obviously doing it for money, I say bravo and thank you! It was simply stupendous to be on a train, on the way to Versailles, with live accordionists playing french tunes.
Anyhow, upon arriving at the station, we took a short walk and then there. BAM. The golden gates of Versailles were standing there in all its opulence and glory. Let me just straight up say one thing about Versailles- it is one incredibly rich and overly decorated palace of excess and extravagance. I mean, there comes a point where six different drawing rooms each with a different color and style becomes a little bit much. And the size. I thought that the palace was just what was hidden behind those gates, but once you come out the other end, a massive runway of fountains, forested groves, gardens, and even a stream where rowboats paddle, lay ahead. There's more? No wonder the french beheaded Marie Antoinette. Living like this, even today, is completely absurd and selfish. Especially with the rest of the nation starving for bread. My goodness.
So we took a journey on down to the water, and after being helped into the paddle boats by some very lovely french lads, we were off. It's just incredible to imagine the queen of France out here at one point, followed by servants with her billowing dress and fans to cool her. To imagine that she stepped where we were, or sat where we were is such an incredible thought.
Over? Not exactly. Unbeknownst to moi, Marie Antoinette also had a little countryside village built for her to escape the pressures and glamorous walls of Versailles. Oh, much better! She had multiple little chateau's, a mini farm, passageways leading through the forest, and mini gardens.
Overall, the day was a stunner. It did involve tons of walking and being on the feet, but I think it was worth it. It was a history lesson for me, an eye shock as well (seeing all the extravagance that can be wholly possessed by one family), and it made me appreciate what I have. Truly, I had a lovely time witnessing the visions that Versailles had to offer.

Walk in the Woods.

So this is not at all a glamorous post. It's more of a thoughtful and deep one. Yes, I can be thoughtful! Haha. Anyhow, I decided, out of pure boredom, to take a walk this evening. The sun was still out, the air was clear with bits of wind sparkng up, an overall beautiful time for a little romp in the woods. Warned against bears and highly advised not to go into the woods, what did I end up doing? Going into the woods. I was prepared, my phone was on me. Anyhow, I discovered absolute beauty on my walk. The trees have mostly turned bare and spindly due to our ravaging winds lately, so the ground was scattered with the colorful remnants of once blooming leaves. The air was damp and behind the smell of decaying and wet plants, a faint whiff of smoke could be smelled. Not the nasty smoke, but like a fire. That woodsy cozy stuff that triggers memories of cabins and s'mores. Looking this way and that, in case a bear did decide to make a showing, I found myself at the edge of the bluff. Now where I live, the bluff is literally our backyard to the famous Kenai River, home of the king salmon. Looking down at the winding stairs that lead to the river, I plopped on down there in my cozy Ugg boots. * I used to detest these boots back in the middle school, but have found them to be quite cozy and comfortable* Sitting on the grating of these metal stairs was more comfortable than I thought, for I ended up spending quite a but of time there. With my head resting on the bars and my feet dangling over the sloping bluff, I got to look out at the moving river and think. Gosh, I realized I live in a beautiful place. Simply amazes me sometimes. I found myself to be so blessed to live on a bloody river in the state of Alaska! Ever just take a moment to look around you and realize how lucky you have it? Today was one of those days for me. Appreciation and gratitude for what I am and what I have. And I was even inspired enough to sing aloud to some Ed Sheeran and Passenger! Always a must on my iPod. This act of boredom turned into an act of appreciation. It's the little things that one takes for granted that end up bringing one a surprising gift of happiness. 

And I found these adorable pinecones that looked frosted! Sweet. 

Singing in the Rain.

It was the comforting sound of rain sprinkling from my window that kept me awake and thinking of fall and the washing away of impurities and sadness. And it continued to do so for the entirety of the day, and I loved every minute of it. Now I don't know if its just me, but I know that when rainy days like these come along, and especially in the fall season, I pull out one of my all time favorite movies. You guessed it! "Singin' in the Rain." Staring Gene Kelly, Donald O'Connor and Debbie Reynolds, this classic always puts a smile on my face. There are so many epic scenes, whether its the "Good Morning", "Make em Laugh," the tap scenes, and of course the scene which this movie is famous for where Gene Kelly actually sings in the rain. It's a movie to me that means that no matter how dreary the circumstances may seem, one can always find happiness, and a smile that will come out of it. Yeah, I may curse the rain for getting my straightened hair wet or the soppiness of my shoes, but I'll always love the rain and will always appreciate the memories and smiles that it brings to me. 

What I wore: mustard lace COLOR STORY tank, butterfly ELEVENSES blazer (used and given to me by my sister), khaki KUT capris (used), navy SACHELLE boots (used), and a vintage pearly necklace (used). 

A Song for Sunday- I Think It's Going to Rain Today.

So I'm always on the lookout for discovering new music, especially music from the heart. The emptiness of today's pop songs just don't do anything for me anymore. Yeah, I enjoy a good pop song every now and then, but what really intrigues and impresses me are the songwriters that write their own stuff that touches its listeners. I was watching "Almost Famous" yesterday, the one with Kate Hudson? Well I like how they differentiated true fans from the groupies. I guess I could be called a fan. I like a group, or an artist for their music and their message they send. That's the stuff that makes me truly love an artists music. I think the term "fan" today has been so misconstrued into posters, screaming, stalking, fan fiction, liking posts to the extreme, naming pets like the person, liking what they like, and being all consumed with who they are as an image, but to me, being a fan is loving the music, sound, and meaning of the songs. I'm all for being a little fan crazy at times, but in the end, appreciating the music instead of the image is what's important to me. I found an Adele quote that I quite enjoyed. 

Isn't that what music is about? And I am not saying that I haven't had those moments where I fan girl to some group (ahem One Direction), but I still have valid reasons for enjoying music, whether its lyrics, harmonies, or what the artist stands for. I don't know. It's difficult to explain sometimes. Anyhow, like I said about the discovery of new artists, I was looking in my Marie Claire magazine from a few months back and found an up and coming artist named Tom Odell. Intrigued that he was a British singer/songwriter, I immediately looked up his stuff and was amazed. His sound, the lyrics, it's so amazing and raw. His voice isn't technical (which I love), and it's powerful and you can feel emotion out of his songs. 

And ironically, when I introduced him to my friend who introduced me to British music in the first place (Ed, 1D, Passenger, etc), she ended up being luckily chosen to win a signed record for signing up for his newsletter. So not only do I get to enjoy his unique music, I introduced him to a fellow friend who enjoys his music as well. There's some satisfaction that means a lot to me about sharing an artist with someone who later loves them like I do. So today's song choice comes from his first album "Long Way Down" (of which I bought the hard copy cd of because I like hard copies!), and is chosen because it did indeed sprinkle down today. Now all of his songs are amazing in their own way and I'll probably go on and on about them in the feature, but today's choice is "I Think It's Going to Rain Today." Starting slow, the lyrics are kind of depressing and sad, but the chorus kind of lightens the mood a bit, when it mentions the overflowing human kindness. And then comes the-almost-choir-but-really-musical-sound that starts building and it feels like coming in top of that hill with the feelings, then settles down. It's beautiful and sad, like rain, I suppose. 

Throwback Thursday- Falling For Fall.

A couple years ago, one of my mom's good friends had this lovely antique shop just outside of town and it was kind of our little fall treat to drive on out there to do some shopping. With a signature Starbucks pumpkin spice latte in hand, and fall colors adorning my body, we were prepared and ready. Now this gal is one of the best interior decorators I have ever met. She should be designing for Anthropology or something. I want to live inside of her store- it's so quaint and perfectly antique.  And her house is the same way. Ninety percent of my antique necklace collection comes from her store- Little Depression Girl. Unfortunately, she closed it, much to our broken hearts, but the memories will forever live with me as I think of this special treat during fall season. 

What a Hoot.

Seeing as it is officially October 1st (when the monkey did time fly by so fast?), I thought it would be a smashing idea to dedicate this day to one of my favorite creatures- owls. Now they have become somewhat of a trend recently, along with Rachel Berry animal sweaters and Peter Pan collars, but my love for owls goes way back. I've always loved these guys for their creepy, yet simultaneously classically adorable being. I love their big eyes and their silent watching. It's also the creature of fall, along with bats for when Halloween comes closer. So one can imagine that I've collected quite a few owl memorabilia throughout the years, including a couple owl necklaces here and there. They represent mystery to me and I love that. Plus, they make other people smile and getting to share the holiday spirit with others is always a satisfying reward.   

What I wore: vintage owl necklace (used),  black sheer LA MADE top (used), cream CAbi vest (used), mustard HUE jeggings, and animal print PAULO flats.