Autumn Is Here

Lovely walks during the changing of colours.

At the Conservatory of Flowers, San Francisco

Beautiful day with beautiful flowers with my sweetie.

Sweet Treats

Growing Things

Loving the little plants I bought which are thriving in my apartment.

Palomar Hotel, San Francisco

While exploring San Francisco during my visit this Christmas, I came across this beautiful hotel. The color of it reminds me of macarons, those lovely little French pastries that taste so good.

Macarons from my last trip to Paris.

The woods are lovely

I’m a city girl, but how I often long for nature.

More photos from Muir Woods.

At Muir Woods, California

Sun shining through the Red Wood trees.

Hiked till sun down and the moon appeared.

Art and Life

Visited a museum shop today and while browsing, I came across some handmade jewelry by a local artist. Although the jewelry was beautiful, I really loved her artist statement:

I love the way the Russian writer, Leo Tolstoy, described the importance of art; that it was a means of union among men, joining them together in the same feelings, and was indispensable for the life and progress towards the well-being of individuals and of humanity. Art has purpose. It can capture historical events or aspects of nature. It can symbolize a devotion to the divine, protection from evil spirits, the love of two people, or a commitment to a common cause. It can stir our senses and call us to action. Art contributes to our collective spirit. As the worlds economic forces drive people towards homogeneity, our hunger for the special, the unique, and the innovative will most assuredly grow. Art is the antidote to a bland world.

~Franny. E. Strathern

Christmas Shopping Mall Decorations Done Right

I was passing through my local mall the other day and was awestruck by the hundreds of strings of lights suspended from the skylight. The lights spanned across at least 3 levels.

It reminded me of a sky full of stars. Christmas decorations at their classiest.

Christmas Snowflake Ornament

Purchase of the day. I love this so much that I’ll probably keep it out all year round!

A Museum of Personal Objects part II

I’d like to think that my things don’t own me, and have imagined the freedom that would come with living a Spartan existence. Every few months I take stock of my belonging and throw away or donate things I never use. But it seems to me I am always collecting more than I throw away.

My love for history and museums and the innate curator in me though, likes to imagine things are more than just things. Some things can tell you a lot about a person.

Here is part 2 of my collection of things.

Seasons in the city

Autumn passes and one remembers one’s reverence.
Winter passes and one remembers one’s perseverance.

~Yoko Ono

Selfie Pop-Art

I’ve avoided posting selfies or photos of myself since I started this blog two years ago. These are more “creative” selfies, that I can simply appreciate (or not) artistically in an objective way, without my usual private need to remain anonymous. Anyways, we’re all friends here, so no need to be shy!

Part II: 3 Rules to live by

1. Be gentle even when you don’t feel like it.

2. Choose one thing to look forward to at the beginning of your day no matter how simple or small.

3. When you don’t have a friend around, chocolate and books are always good options.

Temporary Jewelry Tattoos

I have always loved the idea of getting a permanent tattoo – something delicate and flowery. In particular,  jewelry design tattoos have always appealed to me for their feminine, simple, and understated look. However, I am a big baby when it comes to pain, so I’ll probably never have the courage to go through with it.

In the mean time, these gorgeous temporary gold tattoos are great substitutes, and I think are even better than the real thing!

Gardens

Old photos from my day at the Devonian Gardens in my city.

Making origami turtles

Who can resist cute little origami turtles?

October

This morning, a beautiful autumn day.

I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.

~Anne of Green Gables

On the Caltrain

Train ride to San Francisco.

California Academy of Sciences