Leah – Page 12 – Leah Wise

See! I am doing a new thing

January 15, 2013January 15, 2013Posted in thoughtsTagged biblical, christianity, creative writing, doubt, growth, isaiah, mums, new thing, new year, original poem, poem, poetry, transition, writing1 Comment

The planting is hard but
the Sprouting
it hurts.
Imagine! Writhing
Up against nature’s grounding force
through mildewing grime
Would you – human –
with free will, with choice
ever push? Eat dirt,
awaken?
The mums are stronger
It wasn’t their choice
It’s nature
Look! If it’s light and
dew you want
you already have it.
Dilluted/deluded
in your watery
thoughts, you were
already taken Up
You have already fought
You are a golden mum
echoing light on each
dewy drop.

“Forget the former things;
do not dwell on the past.
See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness
and streams in the wasteland.”

end of isolation

January 13, 2013Posted in thoughtsTagged beetle, charlottesville, fast, free photo session, goals, introspection, isolation, life, loneliness, paper lantern, photography, potluck, resolutions, winter breakLeave a comment

For the past two weeks it’s just been Daniel and me. And it’s nice to spend time together – to work and read and relax in the same room for hours on end – but almost everyone else left town and you kind of feel like you’re holed up in a room the size of Charlottesville with nothing to do and only your second half to talk to (which may really just be yourself).

Last night we broke the fast from socialization with a potluck dinner. I sat on a couch squished between two people, leaning forward to take in the conversation, and felt grateful – and lucky – to be a small part of such an interesting, dynamic, funny, and thoughtful group. The isolation was worth it for the chance to realize that.

That being said, the past few weeks have helped me think through and intensify my goals:

I’m eating (a little bit) healthier, eating in more, and saving money.
I’m taking more walks.
I’m considering delving back into the world of portrait photography (I’m offering free photo sessions in the Charlottesville area).
The advertisements I put out for my store are slowly but surely bringing in new customers and I’m staying on top of bookkeeping.
My fair trade blog venture is bringing me great satisfaction.
I’m in the process of working with Fair Trade Towns USA to approve the city of Charlottesville for their Fair Trade directory.

How do you work through periods of isolation? How are you achieving your short and long term goals?

walks

January 11, 2013January 11, 2013Posted in thoughtsTagged charlottesville, field, flower, landscape, meditation, nature, photography, telephone wire, virginia, walk, walking, winter3 Comments

It seems we’re addicted to walks, at least during this curiously warm week in the quiet days before regular life demands our attention again.

On Monday, I went for a walk by myself to clear my head, twisting and turning through residential roads. There’s been some drama – and some loss – in my circle of friends and I let it get to me. But walking is meditation. You go and you go on your own two feet. You’re tired but you keep moving. You’re farther away than you ever intended to be, but you have the stamina to press on. To compel yourself forward even when your legs grow tired and the sun glares into your eyes as it sets. Walking is uncomplicated, but not necessarily easy. I think that’s the best way to live.

last night at mockingbird

January 8, 2013Posted in newsTagged bluegrass, blues, closing, concert, hound dog hill, mockingbird, mumford & sons, music, roots music, shenandoah valley, staunton, the winter line, venue, virginia1 Comment

Mockingbird Restaurant and Music Hall in Staunton, VA closed its doors at the end of last weekend for reasons unknown to the public. They’ve been very hush hush about its closing and didn’t announce it until the beginning of the year. They made all of their events free last week so Daniel and I attended both an open mic night and their final concert featuring local folk bands, The Winter Line and Hound Dog Hill.

The Winter Line is relatively new to the music scene. Their music is reminiscent of Mumford & Sons in both lyrical themes and instrumentation. It’s encouraging to see such a young banjo player. We saw them perform at both events and think they have a lot of potential.

Hound Dog Hill is a seven member bluegrass, blues, and country band from the Shenandoah Valley. They played an enjoyable array of covers and originals from multiple genres. Their high energy and casual demeanor on stage made them immensely enjoyable to watch. Daniel even bought a t-shirt!

(clearly, his arm was moving quite fast)

Since I don’t know the details of their closing, I don’t know whether to say goodbye or hope for a swift reopening. Rumor has it that there are a few buyers lined up to take over the place. We appreciate Mockingbird’s focus on local Roots music. We saw Ralph Stanley there back in August and we’d hate to never be able to visit again.

by the creek at golden hour

January 7, 2013Posted in life in photosTagged 50mm lens, adventure, charlottesville, creek, golden hour, nature, outdoor, park, photography, virginia3 Comments

When our original plans of visiting a nearby park were dashed, we simply ventured over to another one. It wasn’t much for looks until the sun started pooling at that magic golden hour angle in the sky. Daniel found a beaten down pathway across the creek and we had a brief but satisfying outdoor adventure.

introducing Style Wise

January 6, 2013January 6, 2013Posted in newsTagged blog, consumerism, ethics, fair trade, personal style, shopping, style wiseLeave a comment

Style Wise is my new blog dedicated to providing fair trade resources for the conscientious consumer. From now on, all fair trade posts will be posted on Style Wise. You can access it anytime by clicking on the Fair Trade category on the sidebar of this blog. I hope you’ll follow along.

good morning

January 6, 2013Posted in life in photosTagged 50mm lens, bouquet, breakfast, canon eos rebel xs, coffee, croissant, flowers, grocery, mason jar, mums, photography, still life, trader joes2 Comments

Picked up a bouquet of white and yellow mums and a box of chocolate croissants from Trader Joe’s on Friday. Enjoying them both – and the light streaming in from our wood-framed window – this morning.

The first week of 2013 was wonderful and the second one is off to a good start.

lipstick for slaves

January 5, 2013January 5, 2013Posted in newsTagged beauty, campaign, charity, feminism, kiss slavery goodbye, makeup, modern slavery, politically correct, PR, radiant cosmetics, rant, sex trafficking4 Comments

I was introduced to Radiant Cosmetics’ “Kiss Slavery Goodbye” campaign through a fashion blogger I’ve been following for some time. As I mindlessly scanned the blurb (because no one actually reads fashion blogs), I was suddenly forced to engage when I read the following:

For every lipstick purchased, we’ll donate a lipstick on your behalf to a survivor or current victim of trafficking.

Wait. What? You will donate some lipstick to a prostitute or child slave?

I can imagine how that conversation will go:

“Hey! Are you a slave?”

“Yes. I suffer daily at the hands of tyrants. I am violated, stripped of human rights, treated like a dog.”

“Great! Leah in Charlottesville donated this lipstick to you. It’s definitely your color.”

I’d like to give Radiant Cosmetics the benefit of the doubt. Maybe it was a typo? Maybe they’re giving lipstick to Texas preteens in the hopes that they’ll recruit them for the virtuous cause of ending human trafficking?

Except they don’t say that. They say they’re going to hand sexually violated and demeaned and desperate people some lipstick, then maybe smoosh their glossy lips together and blow them a kiss before bidding them adieu.

I hope they realize that something as serious as human trafficking doesn’t really pair well with the American beauty industry, that it’s inappropriate – and frankly, bizarre – to put a cutesy spin on slavery. (To their credit, they do donate 20% of all proceeds to charities that work to end human trafficking.)

(On only a slightly different note, I recommend watching the documentary, Whores’ Glory)

Revision 1/5: My husband discovered this excerpt from a British soldier’s journal that has a very different firsthand take on giving lipstick to slaves. I don’t know if this particular incident directly correlates to the one above, but it’s still worth a read for reflection’s sake.

closure

January 2, 2013January 2, 2013Posted in thoughtsTagged 2012, 20s, adventure, change, friends, life, list, photography, questions, summary, virginia, year in review, young adultLeave a comment

The new year always throws me for a loop. I spent yesterday at home, off work, in a miserable mood, lashing out anytime Daniel so much as spoke to me. I guess a new year makes me feel obligated: to change bad habits, develop good ones, get motivated, achieve everything at once. In the final weeks of a year, I’m in full relaxation mode; not enough time to worry about accomplishing major goals or making significant decisions. It’s the only time, possibly all year, that I feel at ease and live day by day. All that being said, I don’t think I gave myself enough time for closure, and I’m hoping this list will help me sort 2012 out, close the book, and move forward.

Five events that have been the best this year?

getting my name in the company newsletter at work
my last summer adventures with Florida friends
St. Augustine for our anniversary (even though it was brief)
seeing Obama in downtown Charlottesville
exploring Virginia

Five events that have been the worst this year?

dealing with corporate crap at my former jobs
getting poison ivy
moving away from close friends and family
my bad attitude during Thanksgiving
doubting myself so often

What have you learned this year?

I am surprised by my own selflessness and selfishness. The pressure to figure out life really got to me this year, but I think I’ve settled into a more moderate temperament, trying to take opportunity as it comes and not be too hard on myself lest I completely destroy myself with internal verbal harassment.

Was it the year that you had in mind?

I was so wrapped up in self doubt and work drama at the beginning of 2012 that I don’t really think I envisioned what the year would be like. I knew we might move, but I didn’t think too hard about it. If I had anything in mind, it was that I would become a successful fashion blogger and adored internet presence by the end of the year. It was my temporary solution to being miserable with my non-virtual life. Things were better than that, though, and I’m glad I moved.

What clothes did you wear the most?

My oatmeal colored Mossimo cardigan, like, every day.

What music did you listen to the most?

the Sherwood CD Jenny left in my car
Mates of State
Sufjan Stevens’ Illinoise album (I listen to it a lot every year)
various Bluegrass music
the Simon & Garfunkel Pandora channel

What have you watched?

TV: Friday Night Lights, The Office, The Middle, My So-Called Life, The Cosby Show
Movies: Bernie, Take This Waltz, Perks of Being a Wallflower…

Which people did you hang out with most?

Andrea and Mike in Tallahassee, a little group of church goers/PhD students here.

What new people did you come to know?

Many, many new people. We’ve met a lot of great people here: Daniel’s colleagues, church friends, small group friends, and my coworkers.

What is the best thing you’ve read?

Fiction: Ender’s Game and The Hunger Games triology.
Nonfiction: Still by Lauren Winner

Did you do anything this year that you’ve never done before?

I traveled to Virginia for the first time, moved far away from family for the first time, and became a barista.

Did some of your friends become parents this year?

Yes, but not close friends.

What was your biggest achievement in 2012?

Managing to make money selling vintage online.

Best bargain?

A limited edition print of Jacob’s Ladder from Israel that I got for .50.

What did you spend the most money on?

the U-Haul truck.

What do you wish you’d done more?

woken up earlier.
practiced the banjo.

Favorite video of the year?

Caine’s Arcade

What did you do on your birthday in 2012?

ate Chinese food at home and felt sad.

How would you describe your style in 2012?

uncertain. I spent a lot of time over-thinking my personal style. I think it’s settled down into a sort of casual-girly-grunge thing.

(list from happy, honey, & lark; from Rodeo)

new year, new listings

January 1, 2013January 1, 2013Posted in Water Lily ThriftTagged clothing, crochet dress, daisy print, dress, earrings, etsy, heart cut out, items, maxi, product, reading, romper, sale, shop, vintage, water lily thriftLeave a comment

Visit Water Lily Thrift to view new and relisted items.

2012 in review

December 31, 2012January 1, 2013Posted in thoughtsTagged 2012, 2013, ballet, barbies, growing, learning, new year, online shop, reflections, resolutions, vintage, virginia, year in reviewLeave a comment

2012 was a long year.

In 2012, I:

quit fashion blogging.
opened Water Lily Thrift (and sold more than 50 items on etsy alone!)
quit the craft store where I worked as a framer for nearly a year.
got poison ivy and experienced ‘roid rage.
celebrated Daniel’s and my two year anniversary in St. Augustine.
considered many academic and career options.
sewed a lot of things, including curtains, pillows, skirts, and a dress.
cooked more than ever before (and kind of enjoyed it).
became passionate about fair trade and buying second hand.
converted almost all of my makeup to organic.
learned barista skills.
photographed my newlywed friends.
became a better photographer.
won a couple giveaways.
wrote a few poems I’m proud of.
went antiquing often.
read 25 books!
moved to Charlottesville.
felt lonely, became better friends with myself, and made awesome new friends.
hosted Thanksgiving.
visited the Shenandoah Valley.
toured Florida Caverns and Luray Caverns.
kayaked with Andrea.
wrote 252 blog posts.
bought some pretty good clothes.
went on a country road adventure (and crossed the FL-GA line) with my sister to photograph old barns.
played a lot of Barbies with the seven year old I babysat (I miss her).
went to Lowry Park Zoo.
attended two weddings and a high school graduation.
had my wedding featured on Ruche’s blog.
was featured in the company newsletter for great customer service.
took nearly 1,000 photos (maybe more).
dyed my hair blonde (not doing that again).
ate lots of wonderful Asian food.
photographed some grad school graduate friends.
photographed a baptism.
quit church and found a church I love.
took adult ballet classes.
expanded my graphic tee collection (narwhals and elephants and cats, oh my).
painted, scrapbooked, modpodged, and canvas-stretched.
became a pet mice and rat owner. Oh, rodents.
saw a Bluegrass legend in concert.
felt defeated and uncertain.
felt confident and content.
had Christmas with part of Daniel’s family.
visited Baltimore.
experienced snow for the first time in a long time.
experimented with varied depths of field.
had horrible and wonderful work experiences.
felt humbled by the love of companions and the beauty of the natural world.

It’s not often that I feel that a year carried its full weight in time. But this year held a lot of change of both the psychological and the physical sort. I changed jobs three times, moved several states away, blogged a lot, opened an online business, doubted myself, loved myself, read many books, practiced patience and self-control, hosted parties, cooked real food, ate at good restaurants, played with Barbies, went to bars, discussed personal struggle with great vulnerability, put on fronts, argued, cried, practiced compassion, found a church community, adopted causes, voted, felt stupid, felt brilliant, slept in, woke up early, put my foot in my mouth, and spoke eloquently.

I overheard a woman at a restaurant in Baltimore telling her friend that she was glad 2012 was over. I have no desire to redo any part of this tumultuous year but I’m thankful for how the experience, transition, and room for contemplation have changed me. I feel that I, and my life situation, have changed for the better this year. There’s no reason things won’t keep getting better. Thanks for everything, 2012: the chaos and the calm, the tears and the laughter, the boredom and the ecstasy.

4 simple goals

December 31, 2012Posted in inspirationTagged 4 simple goals, a beautiful mess, fair trade, goal, graphic design, new year's resolutions, online marketplace, online presence, resolutions, savings, travel1 Comment

(based on a misreading of A Beautiful Mess blog’s challenge)

2013 goals:

Grow my online business: be intentional about advertising, sourcing items, bookkeeping, and having an online presence.
Put money in savings every month: emergency preparedness and stocking away for the future are always good things.
Buy fair trade/second hand as often as possible: stop making excuses and consider all my consumer options.
Travel to a new place: go somewhere I haven’t been before.

I did my best to establish achievable goals that I really want to pursue. 2013 will be a good year as long as I stay motivated and don’t overwhelm myself. One thing at a time.

Baltimore

December 30, 2012Posted in life in photosTagged abandoned buildings, adventure, America, Baltimore, city, foreclosures, human spirit, Maryland, old churches, photography, photojournalism, pride, recession, urban2 Comments

Land of poverty, yarn bombers, abandoned buildings, and a thousand beautiful churches.

There seem to be more abandoned buildings in Baltimore than occupied ones. People linger in crowds on street corners and in alleys, boards nailed to the entryways of row houses, barbershops, and neglected historical buildings. Church doors are locked. In Baltimore, you see the effects of the recession in every direction. In Baltimore you see what apathy looks like. But you also see pride – and a firm resolve to love your home unconditionally, to stick by it even though your lack of resources prevent you from restoring it yourself.

Beanie Boo’s Tiny Adventure

December 26, 2012Posted in life in photosTagged 50mm lens, adventure, beanie boo, canon, canon eos rebel xs, cat, photography, stuffed animal, ty, virginia7 Comments

Beanie Boo travels out of doors for the first time. Images captured with my new 50mm lens.

Beanie Boo traveled from a distant land in a big, brown crate to bring Christmas cheer to all in her new household. She journeyed out into the big world for the first time on Christmas day. First stop, the ledge by the door for a cautious look at her surroundings.