Featured Poet: Jessica

Somebody Doesn't Exist
by Jessica of The Midwest Muse


Will somebody remember us?
When  the oceans dry up,
and the finest art decays,
the stars burn out and modernization never happened.
And there's the jasmine scented room,
where we laid our coats and our bodies,
and you caught me looking at that man,
that wasn't you and I smiled.

When there are no trees left to be wheeled away,
buildings aren't constructed out of brick and mortar.
And the midsummer nights are riddles,
where you seduced the warmth with a broken banjo.
And I gambled the night away with a drink,
a false smirk and the skin under my favorite dress.

Will somebody remember us?
When the food chain shifts,
the leaves stop changing.
And children are never granted innocence.
The grass vanishes,
replaced by sand,
And the landlocked blues
fade into the Earth.

When the color drains from my wine stained cheeks,
and the world has no color palette.
The plethora of choices become a single option,
and like the scones I never ate,
we crumble into crumbs.

Will somebody remember us?
When the birds can no longer fly,
and your once bright eyes have dimmed
like the moon that forgets to set,
and the sun that never rises.
We were young once,
when we dressed up in our Sunday's finest,
and we stole from the house by the sea.

When the heat never returns,
and seasons are a foreign concept,
like the film we watched that first night,
and the fireworks we created before we understood,
what the tears really meant.

Will somebody remember us?
When time was a concept built by a man,
but the man died and took his secrets to the grave,
The vegetables cannot grow without water,
and water only existed to wash away our dreams,
like the paint we used on the bridge that collapsed.

When harmonies cannot be heard,
because the world is tone deaf.
Like the night I sang out of tune,
to your broken banjo.


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Featured Poet: Jessica is a lovely lady, who was kind enough to feature my blog on hers not too long ago. Her style is always colorful and well thought out. To get to know her better, visit her blog here.
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Are you a poet? I'd love to feature your original work!
Submission Guidelines:
Subject matter is not limited, though profanity is discouraged.
Submissions are subject to editing if deemed necessary.
You must be a follower of The Quirky Poet via Bloglovin' or Google Friend Connect.
You may send your poems to rachelmarie@thequirkypoet.com.


Thanks for reading!

New York City: a Tale of Adventure and Anxiety

Upon arriving in New York City, panic tightened in my chest -- the buildings are so tall and I'm so small and look at all the people and OHMYGOD THAT BLACK SUV ALMOST KILLED ME!!! I was ready to tell the shuttle driver I'd pay him $100 to take me back to the airport so I could go home. But, like all the other New Yorkers, he was too quick and had already driven away by the time my brain had calmed enough to process my fight or flight response. So I stayed. And I'm glad I did. After visiting Times Square, feeling the calm, openness of the wind, the long streets and tall buildings seemed to shrink a little. Claustrophobia subsided and I felt my normal size again.

 

My most favorite stop in Times Square was, unsurprisingly, the Disney store. It was the only store in which all the employees were happy and friendly. I skipped my way through the two story haven and came out with a delightful Cheshire Cat mug which makes my hot tea even more wonderous. I do so wish they made dreamy princess dresses in my size.

Across the street from the hotel was a quaint French restaurant where I enjoyed ratatouille with goat cheese. MMMMM...favorite meal of the trip. Well, besides all the cupcakes I ate. And I ate a lot of cupcakes: white chocolate blueberry, apple crisp, cookie dough, and raspberry swirl cupcakes to be exact.

Central Park was a mere three blocks away from the hotel, and it was much more lovely than I imagined it would be. I got to see the Balto statue, which pleased me so greatly. I never had guessed that visiting New York would fulfill so many of my childhood aspirations. I also visited the John Lennon memorial. The sign here says that musical instruments and machine-projected sound are prohibited, which I find rather ironic. John Lennon would have a fit I think. So I just started singing Strawberry Fields as loud as I could without embarrassing myself.

By the second day of shopping in New York, I was rather depressed that I couldn't have any of the gorgeous dresses. I absolutely adored the Anthropologie store, and oh goodness, they had the most beautiful minidress. But it was $300. So I left the beautiful shop empty handed and feeling rather disappointed in our gimme-more culture. I ought to be more grateful for the lovely things I have. They are enough.

I was assured by dozens of parties that it is quite impossible to lose your way in New York City, and I assured these parties that I of all people would find a way. And I did just that. On two occasions. Both of which took me at least an hour beyond my destination. Oh, it was delightful. Just delightful. My feet hate me for it still. 

 

After meandering hopelessly off track, I eventually made it to the proper subway, which apparently has new switches and less hitches and witty poets who frequent it. This filthy subway took me to Staten Island, where I saw the statue of Liberty in all her glowing, evening glory. She was breathtaking. Unfortunately, I was unable to capture her beauty with my chintzy camera. BUT I did get this serendipitous shot of the city. Look at all the little blurry music notes my camera's bad exposure made! It pleases my whimsical heart.  

It was a lovely trip. But my body and I are happy to be home - at a consistent ground level! - in one piece.

Return of the [Vintage] Jedi

After many adventures in New York City, I have returned!

This is the delightful ensemble I wore to dinner with Josh the night before I departed.

He said, "Those shoes are really cool. You look really pretty tonight."

To which I said, "Thanks, love. I kinda thought so too."

False modesty never has suited me...

But don't you ever have days where you look in the mirror and think, Man, I look gooood?

Yeah, I like those days.

I'll be back later this week with some of my photos from New York :)

Outfit details:

Cardigan//Charlotte Russe
Dress//ModCloth
Necklace//Vintage
Purse//Charming Charlie's

Shoes//Vintage, 1960s

Why should I leave you?

The Taxi

by Amy Lowell

When I go away from you

The world beats dead

Like a slackened drum.

I call out for you against the jutted stars   

And shout into the ridges of the wind.   

Streets coming fast,

One after the other,

Wedge you away from me,

And the lamps of the city prick my eyes

So that I can no longer see your face.

Why should I leave you,

To wound myself upon the sharp edges of the night?

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I hate to disappoint, but while in NYC my blog shall remain on pause.

But when I get back, I promise to share all the snapshots I will have taken while away.

Don't miss me too much ;)

If you'd like to keep up with me while I'm on vacation, check out my facebook and twitter.

Happy As A Lark

Ok, so I look severely pouty in these photos, but that is the total opposite of how I'm feeling! 

This Saturday I leave for New York for the media arts conference, and I am completely thrilled!

I'm going with a group of people from my journalism class, which will be delightful because they are delightful people, but I still wish I could take my Josho with me (sigh).
But anyhow...I have a few plans formulating in my little curly head. I'm desperately wanting to visit central park and a few organic restaurants in the area. Unlike my town, NYC actually has options for people who hate eating chemicals. So as you can imagine, I'm happy as a lark ^_^

I'm also planning to visit whatever shops are in Times Square. Anyone know of a vintage shop in that area? I'd love an authentic 50s dress as a souvenir! In fact, I'm packing my suit case full of food so that I can save most of my food money for a dress instead. Priorities, people, priorities!

Outfit details:

Earrings//Charlotte Russe
Dress//ModCloth
Blazer//Vintage, 1980s
Necklace//Charming Charlie's
Ring//Antique
Shoes//Jeffrey Campbell

A Pauper's Instagram

I haven't had the patience for taking outfit photos lately. What with the clicking, self-timing, and not being able to wear stretchy pants. But then again I never intended this blog to be solely devoted to photos of me posing like a wannabe Kohl's model.
So here's a glimpse of my most recent shenanigans.
(I'm poor, so I don't have an iPhone or Instagram.)

Pea is quite pleased with springtime and open windows next to birds' nests. She chats with them on occasion. I imagine the conversation to be something along the lines of "Blast! If it were not for this screen, I would capture you and...make you my friends."

 Don't ask me the name of this yoga pose. I couldn't tell you. In my mind I remember it as the one where I make a triangle shape with my arms and leg.

Haha. Lois Lane. Get it. Ha. 

Nerd.

I've been making a lot of Meep and Merp doodles. I also ordered animation software, so soon there will be animated Meep and Merp cartoons floating around the internets. Yay!!

And these are hedgehog earrings that I scored for $2. Their names are Tina and Tino. They amuse me.


Alas, do not let your heart be troubled...I shall return on Thursday with an outfit post.
Because I really am just another wannabe Kohl's model.

Featured Poet: Jill McFee

Exodus

by Jill McFee

It would be easy

to lay down our lives

like spades after plowing

and walk away with nothing

but the stories on our backs

the vein maps to everywhere

we’ve already been

I would walk away with you

our hearts in hobo sacks

we trade and sling over our shoulders

as the dust of the road paints our faces

we’ll know when we’re there

because it is somewhere far from anywhere

and it is where we will plant

a flag and lie in the grass

without wondering where there

is a washing machine

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Featured Poet: Jill McFee is a bubbly, adorable multi-talented lady, and if you'd like to get to know her better (which obviously you do!) you can find her lovely blog here. 

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Are you a poet? I'd love to feature your original work!
Submission Guidelines:
Subject matter is not limited, though profanity is discouraged.
Submissions are subject to editing.
You must be a follower of The Quirky Poet via Bloglovin' or Google Friend Connect.
You may send your poems to rachelmarie@thequirkypoet.com.


Thanks for reading!

I Hate Jeans

It's true. I hate jeans. I own a few pairs so as not to seem like an American pariah, but I hate wearing them. Especially the hip huggers. With a long waist like mine, low-rise jeans = plumber's crack. And that's not lady-like or attractive by any means. (I know I'm not the only one this happens to! I've been to WalMart!)

So when I found this pair of retro bell-bottoms, I fell in love. They're corduroy and a delicious chocolate brown. So comfortable. Ahhh...my new pants and the spring sunshine have made for a very pleasant afternoon.

Outfit Details:

Earrings//ModCloth
Blouse//Vintage, 1980s
Owl Necklace//Antique
Bell-bottoms//Revolve Clothing
Shoes//ModCloth

Playing Dress Up

After an eternity (no exaggeration there) of devoting myself solely to workworkworkworkwork, I indulged in a brief round of dress up yesterday. I also spent time watching old episodes of House, made some muffins, and then decided I would do some painting with watercolor. Yep, I play dress up, write poetry and I paint too. 

Some people say that makes me a hippy. My brother says I have a chubby seven year old spirit trapped inside me. Which I suppose isn't too far off. I live off of sugar, and I mean, seriously, I'm wearing a t-shirt with a giraffe and a lion riding a tandem bike.

Outfit Details:

Hat//The Quirky Poet

Earrings//Kohl's

Necklace//The Quirky Poet

T-shirt//Modcloth

Skirt//Vintage

But there's nothing wrong with that :)

What sort of things do you like to do in your free time?

     

Aren't these dresses lovely? They would be perfect for a spring tea party.

They're for sale in my shop right now, and they could be yours for 40% off.

Just use code AUREVOIR40 :)

Featured Poet: Amber R. Nelson

The Redwood Children

by Amber R. Nelson

He said: I wouldn’t mind if you buried me on that knoll

under a red boulder from the ruins of the big house.

It was the discovery of two small graves in the Valley of the Moon.

Children of a pioneer, gripped by sickly root, lay underneath

fallen oak leaves and warm earth, tuned to the field mice

and bearded trees.  Their loneliness is expansive.

In this spot a father burst open on his knees

before trudging forth that silent morning over

newly-shaven hillsides.  A wilted lily, a redwood tree

reaching out of the ground marked with redwood tablets.

The wood oscillates.  In this soil are the hundred year old

hoofprints left by an appaloosa, the freshly-discarded

skin of a rattlesnake, the down a towhee shed in the thrust

of flight.  The boulder was rolled up to the burial ground.

The happy death: to let one’s remains give company to two others.

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Featured Poet: Amber R. Nelson is a published poet and keeps a stylish little blog called Un Petit Fauve. Her poetry always seems so sophisticated to me. If you'd like to read more of her beautiful words, you can visit her blog or purchase an exquisite broadside of this poem in her shop.

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Are you a poet? I'd love to feature your original work!
Submission Guidelines:
Subject matter is not limited, though profanity is discouraged.
Submissions are subject to editing.
You must be a follower of The Quirky Poet via Bloglovin' or Google Friend Connect.
You may send your poems to rachelmarie@thequirkypoet.com.


Thanks for reading!

 

Determining the Age of Vintage Treasures (Part 3)

And so I have imparted all the knowledge I have of vintage clothing labels to you. (If you've missed my previous posts, you may click here to catch up.) When you are shopping vintage or even browsing your local thrift shop, I encourage you to utilize these methods. It's like playing detective. It makes the experience that much more rewarding! Aside from reading clothing lables to determine a garment's age, there are some other tricks...



1. If the label does not have a RN or distinctive mark, Google the name on the garment's label. Etsy is also a great place to search lable names. You can normally get a good idea of how old something is based on what the consensus is. This label is from a dress of mine from the 1950s.

(source)

2. Watch old movies or period movies. Familiarizing yourself with the way a certain era looks allows you to eye a garment and quickly get an idea of how old it is.

(source)

3. Study old photographs; it works the same way.

(source)

4. Familiarize yourself with previous trends in fashion. But you have to be careful with this one since fashion is so cyclical. For instance, in the 1950s, women wore full skirts that usually fell mid-calf. In the 1980s, women wore similar skirts. It's tricky. The pattern above is from the 1980s.

(source)

5. Talk to your relatives! I have learned so much by talking with mine. If I'm not sure on a date for a piece of clothing, I can always consult my mom or chat with my grandma. It makes me feel closer to them, talking about what their favorite outfits were when they were younger.

Looking for more advice?
Well, I hope you aren't opposed to good old-fashioned books. I've learned so much from these:
Dressed for the Occasion by Brandon Marie Miller  
This book is full of gorgeous photos and fashion trends dating as far back as the 1600s.
Fashions of a Decade series (1920s-1990s) 
This one has beautiful color photos as well as written descriptions of fashion trends of each decade.

Happy researching! Be sure to let me know if you make any exciting discoveries :)