Hello Folks!
How's your life going? I hope everyone's doing well. Enjoying life, having a blast. Partaking in all the wonderful things that come with having a brain and body. The bread and butter of existence, no?!
Me, I've been ok... Man, this year has been off to such a rocky start. I've got so many things going on and a whole 'nother slew of things I don't want to deal with. The ups and downs have been taking their tolls. I have days where the ups are enough to keep me floating and others where the tide just pulls me down to the deep end. I've been so focused on just surviving I haven't even given my creative side much thought. But keeping that in mind, I'm going to be real honest with you all. I'm in a bit of a funk. The funk about my blog. I'm not really sure what I want to do with it anymore. I started out with such a clear vision: crafts, DIY, art, done. But looking at the labels, I went all over the place and kinda did everything but that. lol. Guess I got pretty lost.
I think I just need to have a clearer vision before I dive in. Perhaps I should focus a bit more on fashion, clothes, and stuff? Do OOTDs and all that jazz? Or maybe it's time I devote to sewing, take the plunge and post only bout that? Or pay better attention to my subculture? I'm not sure. But I promise, I'm trying to figure it out. It's kinda tricky but I've resolved that I'm going to do it. Side tangent: Weirdly enough, whatever I do end up doing just doesn't satisfy me. I'm just unhappy and unsatisfied by whatever end result I do churn out. Maybe it's the curse of being a perfectionist. But nothing is ever good enough. I always just focus on how I could've done it better if I just had more (time, better camera, etc. etc.).
This year's going to be different, I swear.
But, these are all really lousy and crappy excuses. I can't keep going on like this making one measly decent post a month and every other post is an apology for my sub-par content and lack of updates otherwise. Nope that's just depressing. It won't do. As such, I'm going to take care of this matter myself. I promise to get to the bottom of it. As tempting as it is to just quit and call it a day, I'm not taking that easy way out. You can't just quit a blog every time things get ugly and start over. No, that's cowardly in my book. I'm going to trudge forward no matter how icky it gets. So my apologies if I continue to stumble and sporadic post or suddenly change my layout/theme colors/etc. Know it isn't a demonstration of fickleness more so just my thrashing and kicking from trying to navigate the mess and confusion of my own waters. So I hope you don't mind if I let things sit in frost and snow until the spring rains wake me up. I'll have this settled by the first day of spring, promise. Until then, I hope you can bear with me. As always, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support and I shall see you again when the sun shines stronger! Lots of Love!
Hey Everyone!
Sooo I found a cute little linkup hosted by the gorgeous Erin and I just could've resist doing one myself. It's for Valentine's Day and I know I'm pretty late but I figured it'd be fun anyways.
Click to enlarge (it makes reading easier)
If you really want to know what I did this Valentine's Day, I was actually very productive. I volunteered to supervise one event at the Science Olympiad and it was really fun and exciting but took up most of the day. I also did a little work but nothing too exciting. Now enough about me, what did you all do? Anyone have some lovey-dovey stuff with their special someone? Let me know in the comments below! :)
Dear Readers,I would like to interrupt our regularly scheduled (boring) broadcasting of "Sara's sorry she hasn't posted in forever but still has nothing good to share"to bring you a sincere session of GOTH GUSHING.
Today's topic is the oh-so-amazing new trailer out for the year's upcoming film Crimson Peak.
In case anyone hasn't watched this glorious piece of media, here's the 2 minutes of perfection:
If you want a bit of story to this too short clip, the site basically sums it up as, "a haunting gothic horror story... In the aftermath of a family tragedy, an aspiring author is torn between love for her childhood friend and the temptation of a mysterious outsider. Trying to escape the ghosts of her past, she is swept away to a house that breathes, bleeds… and remembers."
Isn't it just fabulous? I honestly cannot get enough of it. I've
already rewatched it a few times: playing, pausing, fawning, playing
(and then repeating). There are so many elements of this film I'm digging. The atmosphere, music, costuming, set design, actors, etc. etc. I just need to take a minute to admire this.
Like, let's start with the stellar lineup they've got. First off, I'll literally watch anything if it's got Tom Hiddleston in it (he's like a pale, high cheek-boned Adonis). But then they had to go put him in these beautiful dark, time period clothes (dat black satin) and bam, he's like a Victorian Goth God. I'm literally swooning over here. And if that wasn't good enough the film's got Charlie Hunnam too?! And he's got this manly yet earnest boy-next-door look to him that's just so fresh. Charlie's been playing all these rugged, gritty guys lately so it's nice to see him in this role (granted, I feel like he's still pretty manly but I think that's on purpose so he can be a love interest and/or prince rescuer). Tom & Charlie might just be my two favorite men in Hollywood and now they're in the same film?! It's too awesome. Tom just looks sooo exquisite. I feel like the comments sum it up rather nicely. That much eye candy in one film should be a crime.
And let's not forget Mia Wasikowska (who's super fantastic at quirky) and Jim Beaver (Supernatural, anyone?). And, of course, it's all orchestrated by none other than Guillermo del Toro (this guy's tortured genius just gets creepy down so well. I even liked Pacific Rim!). The people they got together for this is just amazing. If they're any indicator at how the film will be, count me in.
Man, just look at these two. So. much. awesome.
The narrative itself seems to follow a lot of typical conventions (aka fancy words for it's a tad cliche): the mysterious tall dark & handsome stranger, the innocent naive bride, her noble childhood flame, the eerie stern older sister (I have to confess tho I'm a real chump for the weird sibling trope. idk what it is about it; it just amplifies the overall sinister creepiness to me), etc. But I'm actually kinda excited and interested in seeing how Toro plays with these archetypes. Like, just watching his flavor of them looks interesting from this cliip. And come on, who doesn't love a good old spooky horror story? Even if the plot sounds a bit conventional, there's nothing wrong with a well done gothic story. I'm just dying to know how the story unfolds (what are those huge eerie machines that we see twice in the clip? what's with the sister and her piano? why were the kids kept in attic?). It might be a bit predictable but I like the genre so something tells me I'll probably like this.
Oh, and, of course, scary bathroom spooks! (in case you haven't seen that one before) But jokes aside, I actually think I like the creepy things in the film so far. The supernatural spooky elements have been handled rather nicely. Like, it isn't so frightening or disturbing that I just want to go hide and cry (oh hello amnesia and outlast) but it's not benign and childish either. They disturb you alright, just not that badly, I suppose (read: I think wimpy me might actually be able to handle this level of scariness). The creepiness is just right for this Gothilocks.
I have to confess though, in some ways Crimson Peak really reminds me a lot of the Tim Burton aesthetic. (Quick tangent: is anyone else low key devastated that Tim Burton and Helena Carter split up? Hollywood goth couple gone. It makes me so sad. I'm just going to curl up in my Sweeney Todd PJs and cry over ice cream while I rewatch Corpse Bride) Like the color scheme has more variety than Burton usually does (think Nightmare before Christmas) but Crimson Peak still has this vividly dark nature to everything that's placed in stark contrast to our heroine with her innocent, light, warm aura and white fairy-like dresses. Burton does that often in his films as well. He'll have a world of darker hues and then one singular female who's this glowing vision of white (White Queen, Johanna, etc. this article explains it better). But then again, Crimson Peak is a lot more serious and morbid than Burton. It takes itself very seriously. Burton, if i may dare say so, almost shies away from delivering blunt straightforward horror. He's always got this twang and quirky sass that makes his movies less spooky and more kooky. Crimson Peak is like the exact opposite. It's all spook. But I like that. It looks like a good addition to the genre.
Anyways, I'll stop the over-analyzing and just say I'm really looking forward to this movie. If the trailer is any indication, this movie looks like it's going to be great. It looks so incredibly good that I might actually want to go see it in a theatre. And THAT, is saying a lot for me (I almost never watch movies in the cinema so that's why it's a huge compliment). I'm already so excited for this. Is it okay if I start counting down the days from today? I know it's in October (Why is that month so far awayyy) but still... It sounds like the best Halloween present ever. I think I might just give myself a goth orgasm over it. LOL but all exaggerations aside, it looks like a great movie and I hope you all will give it a chance and check it out too! Well this fangirl is drained out so I'm out but I hope you had fun. Take care!
So I was just surfing the web and I came across urban dictionary's definition of rejection; it's actually pretty hilarious (and a good answer for all those people who keep asking about my relationship status and I don't know how to describe how one-sided/non-existent it is).
This is an accurate gif of my reaction to this:
Oh haha that's so funny *sobs uncontrollably*
Also this author gets me:
http://www.mcsweeneys.net/authors/connie-sun
So I usually like to post my own content but man, the internet has been bustling with fascinating things this month so without further ado, here's a quick "Around the Web" list of what I've been mesmerized with this hot, sticky August month.
1. Love
I just stumbled upon the greatest little collection of these beautiful photographs of LGBT couples. The photographer did a fabulous job encapsulating the beauty of gay couples and really bringing the nostalgic feeling of romance alive with these photos. I felt like I just had to share it because it's just so touching and breathtaking. You can hear more about the photographer's project here.
2. I want to live
In the wake of Robin William's death, there's been a multitude of emotions and opinions being passed around, but one of my favorite comic writers, Erika Moen, did a very fabulous job of providing her two cents on the topic. Two very intimate and personal cents but nonetheless, the emotion and intent of the piece cannot escape anyone who's been through depression or suicidal tendencies; it resonates with the darkness that many of us have seen. It's a very powerful message and I'm so glad she shared her struggle so beautifully and succinctly with the rest of the world.
3. Fatshion Peepshow
Dude, this blog is like the best thing to happen to the internet right now. And I'm not even exaggerating. I love the style, the body positive message, and the fun sass that Stina Scott brings into this website. It's got fabulous style combining the many elements I love about goth with my love for retro and vintage as well. One of my favorite posts is this one, it's got a nice compilation of many cool looks Stina has put together over the months. She really does a great job of running a cool show that really highlights how limitless beauty truly is. It's not about age, size, or clothing style; it's really all about you! Epic kudos to Stina. Keep rocking it!
4. An Honest Drug
I'm very obsessed with Fee's blog here. There is so much inspiration abounding everywhere on this site, I love it!!!! She's got great blogging ideas, styling posts, cool DIYs, opinions, and more. Yup, her blog is really my addiction right now. You really just have to check it out to understand the amount of awesome going on. So go ahead, click that link! You won't regret it! (Now please excuse me while I fangirl and peruse more of her website)
5. Sweeney Todd
So I'm going to do a longer post on my love for Tim Burton's work and why I'm just now getting around to consume more of it. But for now I'll just leave you with the knowledge that I finally watched Sweeney Todd and I'm madly in love with it. Everything about that movie was fantastical! I've even delved a little bit into the play itself and I can respect and appreciate the artistic liberties Tim Burton took with a few segments (like that one scene with the Judge... yeah, I never got the literary point of that) and overall, I think it definitely did the play justice. In fact, I'm now a converted fan of musicals. Thank you, Sweeney Todd! :)
6. Offbeat Bride
I just started following this website on a spur of the moment feel and boy am I glad I did!! While I'm nowhere near marriage or wedding plans, just getting to see the fantastically amazing and beautiful weddings and celebrations of love people throw is so inspiring and joyful! It's like a fun celebration of alternative culture and people along with creativity and thriftiness all in one place! I'm so glad to be able to partake in this community! It's like a tiny internet party I get to attend all by myself with like-minded others! (While still in pajamas! How awesome is that!!) If you have a penchant for alternative, quirky ideas and love, definitely give this website a chance! It's full of fun surprises! :) (Personal recommendations: this one and this too!)
7. The Glamorous Housewife
Another somewhat random follow seeing as to how I'm neither a housewife nor a mother but don't be fooled into thinking that's a requirement to follow this site! It's for anyone with a taste in vintage and retro classics! It's exploding with fun and cool ideas infused with blast-from-the-past themes. I'm absolutely infatuated with everything on this blog plus the cute youtube videos that accompany it. As a proclaimed party planner, this site is a treasure chest for ideas and tips on how to throw the perfect dinner party and easy to follow recipes and looks for the night. Her blog has everything from cooking, parties, and fashion to DIY, it has something for everyone! Give it a taste! :)
Alright, well that's this month's roundup! I hope you enjoyed getting a look at where I spend my time online. Let me know what you think of these sites in the comments below! And send me any recommendations you have of websites of your own that you are in love with! :)
This is very very random but as I was studying for my limnology practical, I ran across this really interesting/weird jewelry phenomenon on the internet. Apparently, someone decided to employ this charming little aquatic critter known as a caddisfly to make jewelry! It took me a while to get used to the idea but check out the full story!
See, caddisflies spend most of their life as worm-like larvae dwelling happily in wetland/freshwater systems. Once they reach maturity, they spin a nice cocoon and emerge as winged adults on the water surface. Then they're off to life in the terrestrial setting: copulating, laying eggs (in water so the cycle of life can repeat itself), and eventually dying. Most species in the underwater larvae part of their life, use silk to make cute little protective covers from the material in their surroundings (e.g. gravel, sand, twigs, pebbles, etc.). And that is where humans come in.
It seems, this guy thought it would be fun to see what caddisfly larvae would do if you gave them gold, pearls, and other jewelry pieces to make their case instead of sand or other natural boring bits. The end results are pretty rad and interesting. Here are some of the photos:
So, as you can see, they're pretty cool and awesome but also a bit freaky. I mean, the idea is wickedly clever and smart. Plus the end result looks nice but it looks a bit odd when the caddisfly larvae are still living in it. At that moment it's more like a "Huh? what's going on here" moment. Overall, I think it's pretty cool and fascinating. Definitely a neat find but at the same time, I feel slightly bad for those poor little bugs. They have no idea what's happening. I guess (and hope) it's a mutualistic exchange though: this guy gets cool jewelry (and fame) while these caddisflies get food and lodging until they can fly away. Either way it's quite a sight and something interesting to think about.
What do you all think? Should this artist be using caddisflies to make jewelry? Do you think it's ethical? Is it cool or creepy? Would you buy or wear any of it? Tell me what's your reaction in the comments below! :)
If you want to read more on this, here are a few links! http://www.ecouterre.com/artists-enlist-caddisfly-larvae-to-build-jewelry-from-precious-metals/ http://all-that-is-interesting.com/hubert-duprat-caddis-fly http://www.odditycentral.com/art/french-artist-gives-insect-larvae-the-chance-to-make-their-own-jewelry.html http://seawayblog.blogspot.com/2008/12/amazing-caddisflies-and-curious-story.html
Just wanted to put this out there: I'm aiming to update this blog about once a week (or every other week) depending on time constraints (since I'm really busy right now).
I hope you don't mind! I just want to make sure I have enough time to post worthwhile quality content and this is my way of doing that. Plus it'll help give this blog some sort of schedule/structure. In the meantime, here's a cookie!
Credit to Daniela's blog for the picture.
Check out her delicious recipe for these here
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