La Langue Française

My beau A. and I have been together for about six and a half years. We began dating when we were only seventeen, so in a lot of ways we have grown up together. We have deeply influenced each other, and the adults we have become.

Because we have been together for so long, it feels like we know everything about one another. As a fun little experiment, each week I have been sharing one thing about myself that A. does not know. In return, A. has told me something new about himself. It has been a bit difficult, but the results have led to some wonderful discussions and an even deeper feeling of closeness between the two of us. The process has really helped me to be honest with myself and what I want out of life, which has been another surprising, positive effect.

The other night, I had a thought that really surprised me. My "plan" for the past few years was to receive my Masters and work for a year while I applied to PhD programs. Since receiving my MA, I haven't as yet had the urge to continue my formal education.

I have, interestingly, become very interested in learning another language. I have always wanted to learn French, but recently I have become much more serious about pursuing this goal. In fact, in this moment, if I had to choose between mastering French or receiving my PhD, I would choose the former. I never would have expected this of myself.

I shared this new-found perspective with A., and he smiled a little. He knew I wanted to learn French, because he does also. The fact that I was now considering this goal even more seriously than a PhD was new information. He left the room and returned with a little box. He told me that what he had was a CD drive to install Rosetta Stone on his computer so we could begin learning French. He was going to surprise me with it, but thought that moment was the best time to share the news!

I am so excited to begin the process. I love a new challenge, and this is a great goal for my beau and I to work toward together.

Have you learned a language as an adult? I would love to hear any suggestions you have!

{image via}

Save Jake, Buy An Apron

As a pet owner, this cause really touched me. The Apron Campaign is an effort by a talented seamstress named Anna to raise enough money to finance the necessary medical treatments for her companion Jake (pictured), who was recently diagnosed with mast cell cancer.  

Jake was rescued from the San Diego Humane Society as a puppy, and has remained Anna's loyal companion for the past four years. 

It only costs $20, and you will receive a lovely apron (also pictured), sewn by Anna in the pattern of your choice. Donating to save this pup's life, and receiving a handcrafted gift in return? What more can you ask for? I just placed my order!

Anna has almost reached her goal for Jake's surgery. Show your support, and let's make it happen!

{found via sfgirlbybay}

Read It: The Sound of Waves

This summer I am trying to get back into the habit of reading ... actual books. I forgot how enjoyable it can be getting comfortable on the couch with a nice beverage and a book!

I really wanted to find a book that had a great story, but wasn't too overwhelmingly long or inaccessible. I wanted a book that would welcome me back to the world of reading nicely, not knock me over the head with difficult language and complex metaphors.

I consulted A., my incredibly well-read beau, for advice. He immediately pulled this book by Yukio Mishima from his vast collection and encouraged me to read it.

This story is a wonderful story about young love. If you are looking for a light summer read, I urge you to give this book a try. It's short and simple, but absolutely fantastic. If you are like me and want to get back into the habit of reading, this is a great place to start!

Poppies and Summer Weekends

Happy Friday! The weekend is finally here, which for me means spending some time with A., a bit of shopping in preparation for an upcoming long weekend in NYC (!), and getting a few home projects done that I have been meaning to get to. 

I thought I would share a little doodle I did recently of some poppies, because it's summer, and poppies are pretty!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Bold Choices

How fantastic is this bathroom? I love to see decor that makes a big statement, without taking itself too seriously. As a renter, I have to live vicariously through the design choices adventurous homeowners. I am stuck with boring white walls. One day, one day...

{via modern antique}

A Handmade Thank You

Right now, I am in search of employment. Since I finished school in early May, I have been enjoying my time off, but reality is beginning to set in; I need to get a job!

It's not that I haven't been looking - I have. I have had some successful interviews, and I am optimistic that I will land something soon. In the meantime, I have been doing what I can to set myself apart from the other job seekers. What better way to do this than adding a personal touch to my correspondence with potential employers?

I have decided to put together handmade "Thank You" notes to send to those I interview with. Each card and envelope is hand-drawn and constructed by me. They don't take too long, as the illustrations I am doing are relatively simple.

Often it is the little things that really make a difference in the job search process. This is my little way of setting myself apart. Hopefully I will soon be able to report that I am gainfully employed. Who knows, perhaps I will have my handmade cards to thank!

Summer is Here!

It's Memorial Day weekend, which means an extra day off for most. The long weekend also marks the official beginning of the summer season!

I hope you all have fun, festive plans! A. and I will be picnicking again this weekend. We plan to dust off the frisbee, bring a few books and just relax for the afternoon. I may even bring my sketchbook along for some outdoor drawing.

I'm also looking forward to having lunch with a good friend on Sunday. I may try a homemade bread recipe from this amazing book as part of the lunch I am serving up for us.

This is a little picture I finished today. I thought I would share, as I think it has a summery, carefree feel to it.