un poète pauvre, mais libre

For so long I was so certain that I would grow up and become a famous writer of short stories or novels or maybe witty magazine features. And if that didn't work out, I knew for certain I would become an editor, a professional and vigilant grammar Nazi. But now I'm second-guessing that future.

After attending the media conference in New York and meeting the nation's most prestigious editors, I felt unimpressed. I can't imagine myself associating with them, and I surely don't want to become like them: boring, condescending, and -- did I mention boring?

I always have loved stories and writing, and I still do! Though I have written some fiction, I've always preferred writing poetry, and I've always been better at that. But, in case you weren't aware, poets don't make any money. Quite literally. None. Even when they have their work published, they still usually make none.

I haven't quite given up the notion of becoming a writer or editor, but I'm keeping my mind open to new ideas. With all my interests, I imagine I will experience multiple careers in my lifetime.

Oddly enough, this uncertainty feels good. I feel free not knowing what it is I want. I feel like dancing. I feel like exploring. I want to try everything.

Outfit Details:

(It deeply irks me that the waistline of my dress peeked out in these photos. I'm trying not to be OCD about it, but it's very very hard.)

Linked up at Not Dead Yet Style.

Necklace//Target (Surprised? I was.)
Dress (worn as blouse)//Vintage, 1980s
Cardigan//Charlotte Russe
Ring//Antique - Sara Coventry
Skirt//Vintage, Ralph Lauren, 1980s
Shoes//Vintage via The Paraders

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.

Mon petit placard.

So this is my little bedroom and my closet. The reason the closet appears so sparse is because all the clothes are piled on the bed after laundry day. My room tends to be rather chaotic, and none of my bedding matches. But what did you expect of a quirky poet?

I kind of like taking photos in here...being inside means I get to listen to music. And then pose ridiculously because I’m dancing around like a five year old watching Spongebob. 

I also get to be with my bestemest furry friend Pea, who likes all my mismatched blankets.

Outfit Details:

Earrings//Vintage

Ring//Antique

T-shirt//Target

Cardigan//Vintage

Shorts//Vintage, BONGO 1980s

Tights//Vera Wang for Kohl's

Boots//Vintage, Ebay

It's my birthday. I can wear what I want to.

Since being 20 years old means I sort of have to be a grown up, I have to spend my birthday at my internship and in college classes. So this outfit is a bit polished and includes a blazer...because I try to look serious when I’m at my internship.

Although I’m twenty years old now and am told I’m rather sophisticated for a girl my age, I still am a whimsical, young spirit. Proof:

1. I still sleep with a teddy bear
2. my favorite book is a children’s book (Alice in Wonderland)
3. I wear t-shirts with animals on them, and this dress has foxes on it
4. I own a substantial owl collection (which is a step up from the Barbie collection of my tenth year) and each of them have names
5. my favorite food is cupcakes
6. and doing headstands is probably my favorite activity right now

Later today I have to do "show and tell" for my French class, and I'm taking along this purse. This is probably the first time I've ever been thrilled about the prospect of talking in front of people. I'm hoping my professor will be impressed when I say Mon sac à main a quatre-vingt ans. An "A" would be a nice birthday present.

Thank you everybody for the sweet wishes yesterday. Someday I will invent a device that will allow me to share cupcakes with you through my computer monitor.


Outfit Details:

Blazer//Zara, thrifted
Dress//ModCloth
Owl Necklace//Gift from Josh
Pocketwatch Necklace//ModCloth
Tights//Worthington
Purse//Antique, 1930s
Boots//Vintage, Ebay

The Adventures of Meep and Merp

Josh's gift was by far my favorite to give this year. I invested much time into it, and it is such a perfect manifestation of our relationship. Seeing Josh laughing so hard was the highlight of my Christmas. All the doodles, which I made into a sweet little book, are by me, and they are snapshots of our adventures together. The girl owl is Meep, and the boy is Merp. 

I hope my little owls have brightened your day :)

What was the highlight of your Christmas?

Christmas Festivities

I trust you all enjoyed a delightful holiday :) 

Here are some snapshots from my weekend... 

Friday night Josh and I celebrated Christmas and exchanged gifts with his family. His mom always has a lovely tree and delicious food. (MMM cheesecake *drool*) I gave Courtney some items from ModCloth and one of my handmade hair bows, which she put on immediately. I just knew it would look adorable with her pixie hair cut. Then there was some baked goods and coffee for his mom and dad, the coffee fanatics. And Josh's gift was utterly epic. I'll post pictures tomorrow, so you can witness for yourself how glorious it is. 

Then on Christmas Eve I went with my family to visit with my dad's side at my grandparents' house. This is me with my grandpa. I love his icy white hair and blue eyes. Since I was a little girl, he has always said, "I'm gonna dance at your wedding," each time he sees me.

Christmas day was spent at my house with my mom's side of the family. We all lounged around in our jammies, so I don't have any photos really, except for this close up of our tree, and then there's my sweet little Maddie. Excuse my disheveled hair.

I'll post photos of the outfits I wore later this week.  Don't forget to come back :)

Cheer Up, Dear

My dearest friend Angel and I decided this past weekend that we did not want to wait until Christmas, so we exchanged gifts early. Such children we are. This sweet owl-clock necklace was one of the delightful gifts she gave me. My time with her was undoubtedly the best part of the weekend. Everything else was rather meh.

Sunday was a particularly unhappy day. When days like that come about, I do my best to cheer myself. First I play dress up. Pretty dresses and frilly shirts usually have a way of improving a downcast heart.

But if that doesn't work, I cuddle with Pea. She can always tell when I'm upset. Such a little mother she is.

If I'm still feeling glum, I stuff my face with as much chocolate as is possible. (I know I'm not the only one who practices this solution.)

And when all else fails, I blare angry, heavy-metal music as loud as my ear drums will tolerate.

That does the trick :)

Outfit Details:

Earrings//Vintage

Blouse//Vintage, early 1970s

Necklace//Gift from Angel

Ring//Vintage - My mom's

Rope Ring and jeans//Charlotte Russe

Shoes//Vintage

An Original Poem: "Loose Change"

Loose Change
by Rachel Marie Talan

I don't keep track of dates
-- I never was good with numbers.

I measure time in moments:
some delicate,
some solid,
some old
and tattered.

I collect them
in glass mason jars
and line them up
in little cupboards.

But moments with you --
I cram those inside my pockets.

They sing against one another
like loose change.

_________________________________________________________________________________

It's been quite awhile since I've written a poem. It feels good to exercise that skill again.

Recently I was notified that my poem "Clumsy" is going to be published in Phi Theta Kappa's 2011 annual literary publication. So that was quite validating. After submitting to so many publications and being denied, it's relieving to be accepted. If you don't want to wait until the publication is printed to read it, you can find it here on my blog.

I hope you enjoy it.

Thanks for reading.

Time Traveling Sweater

Recently my mama was rummaging through some boxes in our basement, and she came across this gorgeous, extremely comfortable knit sweater from the 1980s. She also found an adorable sleep set with little butterflies on it, which she also bequeathed to me. So dainty. My mama is always shocked and thrilled when I tell her I want to wear something old of hers. 

I just love seeing her my age wearing something and then getting to see myself looking like her twin. It really does feel like time traveling. It blows my mind.

Isn't she beautiful? I'm told I look just like her ;)

What I'm wearing:

Sweater//Vintage 1980s

Jeans//ModCloth

Purple shoes//Vintage, Thrifted

Headband//ModCloth

Turquoise ring//Antique

Silver rope ring//Charlotte Russe

Earrings//??? Can't recall.

Linked up at Spunky Chateau

Autumn Adventures

Mid-October Josh and I ventured to Galena, IL to take in the shops and local scenery. Galena really is one of the few beautiful places in northern Illinois. I despise the Midwest. But Galena was rather pleasant. I enjoyed the little shops. I found one called Sushi which was a boutique that carried eclectic and bohemian styles. I would have gotten this lovely little owl purse if it had not been $140. Eek! I cannot justify spending that much money on a handbag. 

As promised, here are some snapshots of our escapade...bear in mind, I tend to notice awkward things even more so than the apparently beautiful ones. Also, you should know that I named the box elder bug Larry...I love all box elder bugs.

Then last weekend, I went to the apple orchard with my family. Going to the orchard and inhaling apple donuts is my favorite part of fall (well, besides Thanksgiving). Inside one of the barns there is a little shop where you may buy miscellaneous apple things and decor, and I found some adorable aprons here. If you've never been to an orchard, I would definitely say you need to make that your new fall tradition.

And to conclude the lovely month of October, I carved a pumpkin for the very first time. Well, Josh did most of the work, but I got to touch the pumpkin guts and create the design. I named her Penelope...Penelope the Punkin Owl.

Unfortunately Penelope's life was short...the squirrels in the neighborhood assumed she was a food offering. 

Looking forward to November and Thanksgiving...I love all occasions that involve consuming outrageous quantities of casserole and pie.

What's your favorite fall tradition?