Contents Extremely Imaginative

NaNoWriMo has arrived! As we speak, I'm a little behind on my self-imposed goal of 75k words, but still on target for the 50k, so no panic. I'll write later today, somewhere between finishing The Lovely Bones and editing a short story.

Aaaaaand these pictures were taken last Saturday, during our famous Kick-Off Party - you know, when we occupy a whole room in this townhouse-turned-tea-house in the so-called arts district and let our fingers run wild. This year was our fourth, and like the third and the second, it gave me a newfound appreciation for this challenge, and the people I've met through it. It's easy to think of writing as a lonely endeavour, but if you surround yourself with the right people, it's surprisingly easy to strike a balance between alone and together. Using headphones, mostly.

These are my poetic words for today, and I'll leave you with them since I'm not feeling too good - insomnia plus back pain plus a never-ending to-do list can do this to a person. Have a lovely week, everyone, and don't forget the NaNo motto.

If all else fails... add ninjas.
xx

Zana Bayne SS 2014

My love for buckles and harnesses and all things constricting and painful-looking is well documented, so it probably doesn't come as a surprise that I'm a big fan of Zana Bayne - and while it's been a long time since I've paid any attention to fashion week, as soon as I saw the first photos of her showcase in Paris, I knew I had to share them. They're right up my alley, from the elaborate leatherwork to the whimsical backdrop of roses, dead twigs and hydrangeas.

And I am absolutely in love with that leather harness skirt thing above. I'd wear it with vinyl leggings and a simple black shirt, I think.

But not right now, because NaNoWriMo has officially begun and I can't be bothered to wear real clothes. Bring on the pajamas and the thermal blankets and the fingerless mittens and the copious amounts of tea. I've got a novel to write.

xx




[images: Solestruck & Zana Bayne]

Times Like These #2

There's something about the end of October, you know? I bet you do. Maybe it's Halloween, or maybe it's the time change, or maybe it's NaNoWriMo looming in the distance. All I know is that, to me, this is the brightest time of the year, and no days feel quite as hopeful as these.

Well. To the pictures then. Mornings have been foggy. I decided I'd learn how to knit. I finally learnt the proper way to achieve the winged eyeliner look. My mom and my sister and I spent an afternoon, early in the month, setting up a huge Fall-themed flower arrangement for a school event. I dropped by Porto for a book launch and lunch with friends. I have officially unearthed my coziest lazying-around-the-house cardigan. Finishing up my butterfly lockets. My white orchid, fancy as ever. I need to organise my laptop.

And that last shot. It's not particularly good but I recently bought an adapter for M42 lenses, and can we please, please praise how great it is. The photo was taken with a Canon EOS 500D and a 42-year-old Helios 44-2 lens, and let me tell you... I think I've found my new default set-up for snapshots. Yes.

I'll go outside and take proper pictures with it one of these days.
xx