life – Page 2 – Leah Wise

week in review

March 24, 2013Posted in thoughtsTagged benji frank glasses, daffodil photo, dust tracks on a road, experience, life, list, march snow, mates of states, memories, reflection, scenic view, the wire, treme, week in review1 Comment

Haven’t done one of these in awhile. It’s interesting (to me at least) to see how my blog transitions and adapts over time. But I really do want to record my life as it happens, however broad that description of events turns out to be, so that I can look back on it and remember more of the details instead of letting the mood or feeling of the months and years fog the memories as they were actually experienced.

This week, I (and sometimes Daniel):

experienced more snow
had a few lovely spring days
got my new glasses in the mail
got my car fixed
got fitted for running shoes (that I may buy eventually)
went thrift shopping
updated Water Lily Thrift
celebrated the first day of spring by wearing pastels and floral prints
made Brunswick Stew (it was a success)
went to a potluck dinner
drank too much coffee
acknowledged my tendency to buy too much
took in two highway scenic views and breathed the cold air
started working on a Fair Trade Charlottesville blog

– Reading: Dust Tracks on a Road by Zora Neale Hurston; Sweatshops Still Make Your Clothes by Jake Blumgart for Salon
– Watching: Treme; The Wire
– Listening to: Mates of State
– Anticipating: Spring; starting my new job

food for thought

February 18, 2013February 18, 2013Posted in thoughtsTagged alan watts, aspirations, career, career advice, dreams, goals, life, meaning, money, video, what do you want to do, work, worth1 Comment

“If you do really like what you’re doing…you can eventually become a master of it…and then you’ll be able to get a good fee for whatever it is…it’s absolutely stupid to go on doing things you don’t like…and to teach your children to follow in the same track…to bring up their children to do the same things. It’s all retch and no vomit – it never gets there.” – Alan Watts

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?

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)

lately.

December 21, 2012Posted in thoughtsTagged christmas, december, holiday, lately, life, list, scrapbook, things, updateLeave a comment

I haven’t really talked about the day to day here lately and that’s really what this blog is all about. Here’s an update on the past couple of weeks:

I rediscovered my computer’s Recycle Bin after accidentally deleting it two+ years ago. It feels good to know those 3,761 items are gone for good.
A man walked into the shop near close last week and handed my coworker and me a single pink tulip each. It brightened my day.
Daniel survived the end-of-semester panic and is now safely within winter break.
Most of our friends left town to visit family for the holiday; it’s a bit sad.
A small portion of Daniel’s family is coming to visit just in time for Christmas.
I restarted work on a scrapbook of lithograph prints from nineteenth century biology books; it’s tedious work for someone who doesn’t enjoy scrapbooking, but I’m pleased with the results so far.
I started Reading Women’s Stories: Female Characters in the Hebrew Bible. It’s a nice introduction to literary theory and Biblical poetry.
Daniel introduced me to Deadwood, an HBO series about the post-Civil War, American gold rush. It’s fascinating, humorous, and disturbing.
I bought a few American Apparel pieces on ebay.
I made a few decisions regarding future educational and career goals.
A new friend (and former Zumba instructor) invited me over for a weekend Zumba class.
I miss ballet.
This is my first year formally partaking in the Advent season; I’m convinced it’s a necessary first step toward Christmas. It encourages contemplation and separation from the Christmas rush. I think participating in Advent is the reason I look forward to Christmas this year.
I’m loving British fashion blogs.

Things have been a bit dull, but there’s nothing to complain about. I am grateful to live in a place I love near wonderful people, even if the bulk of them are currently out of town.

a poem for Advent

December 6, 2012Posted in thoughtsTagged advent, christ, christianity, death, girl on fire, guilt, life, original, poem, poetry, salvation, vanity2 Comments

Light of Christ

She held it cupped in her wrinkled palms,
across her lifeline, it burned
And fragmented and grew.
She peered in, squinting hard,
Hands to nose
Stars igniting in her eyes.

She clenched it then, tightly
Pushed it away with the force of her now
elongated arm, like a sigh, or fainting,
or a fervent dance.

She didn’t let go.
Afraid, though, of
The Revealing:
over-exposure,
Conviction – no trial necessary

But it hurt, holding its
heat, its heaviness
She shuttered her eyes

Release.
She knows it’s gone.
She can see the sun with her eyelids pinched tight.
A whisper, a knowing – she musters the courage to
Look.

She is enwrapped in a gown of radiance
frothy and feathered and laden with silk,
A light that imparts light
A glow that reveals, not her own:
griminess, despair, darkness.
The light of truth and love,
The light of Christ encroaching on:
decay, vanity, deceit,
Death.

Embraced, ignited,
A girl on fire
Enshrouded in the revealing and
Holy Light of Christ.

here and heaven

November 9, 2012November 9, 2012Posted in thoughtsTagged beauty, bluegrass, Chris Thile, Edgar Meyer, folk, heaven and here, here and heaven, life, music, strings, Stuart Duncan, the goat rodeo, yo-yo maLeave a comment

A series of clicks on amazon brought me to an incredible, folksy album called The Goat Rodeo Sessions on which string greats Yo-Yo Ma, Stuart Duncan, Edgar Meyer, and Chris Thile play 11 nuanced, melodically complex, introspective songs. Singer Aoife O’Donavan joins them on a couple of songs and Here and Heaven in particular hit me in that place where music becomes more than just organized frequencies – where life is explained, where beauty is at the forefront and, until the music stops, nothing else matters.

good things

October 19, 2012Posted in thoughtsTagged bad mood, fall, good things, life, list, thankfulLeave a comment

I have been inexplicably crabby this week. I’m tired – of what I don’t know. Just unhappy, feeling stuck, getting down on myself for not having better hair, reading better literature, making better food, taking more photos, etc.

During weeks like these, I especially need to recall the good things.

I got another raise at work.
After two weeks of heightened customer traffic through the shop, I finally feel at ease making multiple drinks in a small amount of time.
The mattress pad I bought through Groupon arrived and I cleaned all the bedding, so now we have a cushy, clean bed in which to sleep.
I finished reading the book, Camilla, by Madeline L’Engle.
The landscape is alive with vibrant, warm, falling leaves.
The weather has been perfect.
I found a vintage, handmade ceramic plate at the thrift store today to complete the living room decor.
I have a car in working condition.
I have really enjoyed planning outfits and getting dressed lately.
I made Pumpkin Cake.
I have a day off to do whatever I please.

How is your week going? What are you thankful for?

two months in C-ville

October 1, 2012November 1, 2012Posted in thoughtsTagged barista, birthday, camera, charlottesville, etsy, interior design, isle of man, life, month, monthly summary, september, staunton, updateLeave a comment

I think I’ll continue the monthly update in this fashion for 6 months. At that point, I may wrap up each month by its name rather than by how long I’ve lived in Charlottesville. To see my one month post, click here.

Daniel and I by a wildflower field

This month, I (and sometimes Daniel):

updated my license and registration. It was surprisingly easy – I got it done in one afternoon!
actually started calling people my friends, to their faces
hung out on several occasions with some wonderful people
started ballet classes
unpacked and organized (almost) everything
made 4 curtains
bought a new mouse; we named her Chantico after the Aztec goddess of “fires in the family hearth.” Yes, we are beginning to realize we are pet rodent hoarders.
finished the layout and design of the dining room and craft room
hung up all of our artwork
made a connection with a local vintage shop owner
sold lots of great vintage on etsy and eBay
joined the church choir and learned how to chant the Psalms
ate at a delicious local pastry restaurant (3 times so far!)
bought a delightful vintage tea towel
“celebrated” my 24th birthday
received a twin lens reflex camera, boots, a candle, various Bakelite pieces, and more cat coins from the Isle of Man (there’s one for every year of my life)
ate at Red Lobster with my grandparents’ gift card (thanks, guys)
visited Waynesboro and Staunton
got significantly better at making lattes
took and edited photos for my workplace’s website

This month went by incredibly quickly. I’m in disbelief that it’s October already. Things have begun to take on a consistent rhythm, which is nice and makes here feel more like home. I was struck with a small existential crisis last week, however, lamenting over the fact that being an adult is often harder than it is easy, often more annoying than it is enjoyable. There are, of course, many enjoyable moments that take place throughout each day, especially working as a barista and coming in contact with so many sorts of people. But I feel like the last several years have consisted largely of missing my childhood, of envying youth and ignorance. I’m glad to be able to think critically, be aware, and join in the conversation, but it’s mentally taxing and emotionally draining. There is so much to know, to take in, to come to terms with, to change – and we either have to do something about it or waste away. It’s a burden we have to bear if we plan on being responsible, useful adults.

lately.

September 12, 2012Posted in thoughtsTagged ballet, charlottesville, church, life, update, work1 Comment

Things have settled into a rhythm of relative normalcy lately. Work, church, pick Daniel up from school, thrift, eat, clean. It’s not bad, but I don’t want to get stuck. We still have a lot to see and do in Charlottesville and we need to prioritize exploring over sleeping in, I think.

We’ve become regular church-goers again after a year long hiatus. I had little hope of finding a church full of friendly people with which I could be open and honest about my beliefs, doubts, and criticisms. In Tallahassee, we seemed to find one or the other, but not both. Or it’d be a Goldilocks situation: we were too liberal for many churches (theologically and politically) and too conservative for others. Here, so far, we feel just right. The members in our age group are almost all Religious Studies nerds, too, so we have a lot to talk about. Charlottesville is a well-educated city, which makes for a positive daily environment and promotes many thoughtful conversations. Thomas Jefferson would be proud.

September here apparently signals an almost immediate turn to fall. Although a few more days in the low 80s have been forecast for the month, summer is clearly departing. I’m excited, as the season change is supposed to be incredibly beautiful. And my new boots should be arriving any day now.

I’ve been working hard to make my online store a success, and I’m seeing positive results so far. I really like where I am in terms of work. The coffee shop atmosphere is a positive one and working for myself on the side is empowering.

I also signed up for adult ballet classes at the local Rec center! One of my short term goals was to start taking ballet. I’m surprised that it actually happened. I tend to make plans and then excuse myself from them.

Life is good here. I have days of loneliness and doubt, moments of sadness, but I can see and appreciate all the blessings. Moving has been good to us.

exploring

August 4, 2012Posted in thoughtsTagged antiques, bodos bagels, carpe donut, charlottesville, circa, life, moving, the book room2 Comments

Today, after a successful meeting with possible employers at a local shop, Daniel and I headed out for an afternoon of exploring Charlottesville.

Our first stop was Bodo’s Bagels, a local favorite, where Daniel had the lox and I had tuna salad on a garlic bagel. It was delicious and both of our meals combined were $10.00.

A woman from the shop this morning recommended an antique store called Circa, which turned out to be full of gems. Despite the fact that they had hundreds of items, it was well curated (and well priced). We bought a nice vinyl arm chair and then headed out to explore the surrounding shops (reluctantly – if we could have, we would have bought the place out).

We happened upon a shop called Carpe Donut and bought a donut and an iced cider to share. Since the donut she gave us was small, she voluntarily gave us a second one for free! People are so nice around here!

After having a wonderful chat with the owner of the local Wild Birds Unlimited, we went to The Bookroom, a local used bookstore, to check out their stock. By the time we got home, our armchair was being delivered by two deceptively strong women from the antique shop.

I’m so thankful that my mom helped me get the duplex in shape yesterday so that I can feel a bit more at ease in my new home. Knowing I can come home to artwork on the walls, food in the fridge, and clothes properly placed in the closet helps me get motivated to explore. Charlottesville is pretty great so far.