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Archive for the ‘Writing’ Category

Lovely Letters.

Posted in Crafting, Inspiration, Things I Love, Writing, tagged , , , , , on November 10, 2012 | 2 Comments »

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Corresponding with my pen-pal, Felicity (Flick for short) has been wonderful!

Shell of Kitty + Buck has worked so hard with Nat of Modern Buttercup to manage this letter exchange, and I’m so very grateful for the effort that’s been put in! My pen-pal is so much fun! We’re having a blast writing and decorating letters to send to one another and the ice-breakers that are posted for us to try are insanely fun.

One of the tasks we were given was to ask each other 10 questions. I love how Flick packaged up each of my questions separately! Each was so thoughtful and exciting to open. This project has been such an inspiration for me and although I haven’t had much time to dedicate to my letter writing, I try my very best!

When my brother was living in Germany, the letters we got from him had these red, white, and blue stripes around the edge. I was thrilled to see them grace the border of my first letter from Felicity. Somehow that’s what it took to really sunk in that she was on the other side of the Earth from me. Funny how little things like that can make such a huge impression. This is such a big world!

I’ve always loved getting mail, but I think the letters I get from her are my favourite. And even though we’re grown ups, I still think having a pen-pal does something really great for a lady. Check out the flickr page for snapshots of other Lovely Letters!

Have a wonderful weekend!

xx.

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NaNoWriMo Essentials

Posted in My portfolio, New Hampshire, Our personal history, Things I Love, Writing, tagged , , , on October 31, 2012 | 7 Comments »

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Tomorrow is the big day!

November 1st – let the noveling begin! Every year I look forward to National Novel Writing Month with such eagerness. The fairytales and characters that climb around inside my head throughout the whole year are appreciated, even encouraged, during November when I, along with thousands of other writers across the globe, type ’til my fingers bleed with the intention of writing 50,000 words in just 30 days. A novel in a month. It is quite the undertaking, but with the assistance of coffee, a comfy chair, and a little inspiration, it’s entirely possible. 2012 will be my fifth year participating and hopefully my fourth year of reaching that lofty goal. Keep up with my progress, or add me as a writing buddy here.

Won’t you join me in this crazy affair?

xx.

P.s. Here and here you can find out a little about the novel I wrote last year!

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Lesser Known Tales

Posted in Our personal history, Writing, tagged , , , , , , , on February 25, 2012 | Leave a Comment »

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Have you ever had something happen that you just can’t explain?

Have you seen something, heard something, felt something strange? Ever had a story told that just chilled you to the bone? Every one of us has had something happen in the past that is unusual in some eerie way. Whether it is an unbelievable ghost story or a sighting still unexplained, your story is waiting to be shared.

My Mister has been dreaming up a podcast idea for quite some time in which he passes on tales just like yours. No matter how simple your story may be, we’re ready and waiting to hear it. Type it up with as much detail as you can recall and email it to me at Jeeze.Julia@gmail.com. Then, tune in and listen as Ryan shares it out loud with the world on his new podcast Lesser Known Tales. I’ll provide the link as soon as his first episode is ready to be aired!

Can’t wait for some new scaries!

xx.

P.s. Might I suggest you type it up by candlelight? Everything is spookier by candlelight.

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No. 1 Way To Make Valentine’s Day Last

Posted in Lists, The Holidays, Writing, tagged , , , , , , on January 29, 2012 | 4 Comments »

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Get in the habit of writing love letters.

This is something that Ryan is really good at. He often leaves me little notes to welcome me home from work or to tell me that he’s thinking of me while he’s away. I think about him often, too, but for some reason it never occurs to me to write it down! That’s why one of the things I want to work on to make Valentine’s Day last all year is this:

I started by penning this message the other day. From here on out, every time I have a little thought about our future, or a sweet memory from our past, I’m going to try to jot it down and leave it somewhere for him to find { think lunchbox, pillow top, pockets }. It’s so nice to know that you’re being thought of, thus, this doesn’t have to only be for a partner. Try this for a family member that you love, or a co-worker that deserves a “thank you”!

One of the best things about Valentine’s Day is that it encourages us to be deliberate in our expression. When life gets in the way, it’s easy to forget to tell your partner that you really love them { and why }, even if you think it and feel it often. But, everyone needs to hear these things sometimes. And when it’s written down you have a great chance to really consider what makes your partner and your relationship so special and choose your words accordingly. Your notes, though, don’t always have to be formal! Even just scribbling something on the back of a receipt, on a chalkboard, or a calendar will get the sentiment across.

Stay tuned for six more ways!

xx.

No. 2 | No. 3 | No. 4 | No. 5 | No. 6

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I Finished My Novel.

Posted in New Hampshire, Writing, tagged , , , , , , , on December 3, 2011 | 2 Comments »

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PHEW! I finished my novel!

On November 1st, I undertook the challenge of writing a 50,000 word novel in just 30 days. The point of the exercise is to promote the skills of writing and imagination, and to help writers get past their “block” to form the skeleton of something that could be very good if it is then given more detailed attention.

There is a lot to do from here. I did the research, and I wrote the story, now I need to go back and fix it all up. When the goal is just to get out those 50,000 words, and to have the story in front of you, there are sometimes other things that are sacrificed leaving behind continuity errors, improper grammar, lack of detail or explanation, lack of character development, and the occasional spelling mistake. If I decide to finish up this novel and share it with others, then I still have many months of work ahead of me.

However, I’m incredibly proud of the feat that I have accomplished, and for the first time, I think my novel could actually turn into something worth reading (I’ve finished NaNoWriMo twice before, but wouldn’t pick up those stories again). I set this year’s story in 1966 – 1968 in a tiny New Hampshire town. A Tale For Autumn started out as a snapshot of life in rural New England, but ended up being a statement about the passing of time, the significance of place, and appreciating simplicity in life.

I put together a pinboard on Pinterest and a playlist on GrooveShark to inspire me when I didn’t feel like writing but really needed to. Check these out if you’re wondering what my story looks and feels like.

As for the story itself, I’ll let you know if it’s ever ready to share. For now the closest thing to reading it is the song below. Ryan wrote it and it feels perfect for my novel. Along with the other songs on the playlist and the images in the pinboard, you should be able to get a pretty good feel for the story.

Have a wonderful Saturday.

xx.

(Click images for sources!)

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My Halloween Costume!

Posted in Our personal history, The Holidays, Writing, tagged , , , , , , on November 1, 2011 | 4 Comments »

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This was a pretty obvious costume choice for me.

Considering I had all of these costume elements in my closet already, I had little work to do to pull it all together. And, I’m happy to say, I was delighted by the authenticity of it {if I do say so myself}. Sadly, I was an Olive Oyl without a Popeye, but maybe next year I can convince Ryan to be that burly spinach-loving sailor man!

To celebrate this most spooky of occasions, we joined our friends on the hill for a campfire and ghost stories! I think Ryan has become the official story teller of Fort Sheridan {our friends’ house}, so he wowed the crowd with an eerie story that was told to us straight from the lady who experienced it. I know it sent chills down my spine, and I’ve heard it more than once before!

Today I’m trying to get my bum in gear for NaNoWriMo. It has officially begun, and I can start typing away any minute now. Several of my friends are already pages deep into their novels, and I’m feeling a bit behind. But, I’ll get started shortly {once this coffee kicks in} and be on my way towards 50,000 words!

It’s not too late to join me, don’t forget!

xx.

Dress | Strawberry Waffles dress from ModCloth

Skirt | LAmade dress {I folded the top under}

Earrings | Vintage from my Great-Grandmother’s jewelry box

Shoes | Remnants of my high-school self

Tights | From childhood

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Anonymous | Things I Love!

Posted in Reading, Writing, tagged , , , , , , , on October 29, 2011 | 2 Comments »


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I have been waiting for this movie to come out for such a long time.

I’m so fascinated by the debate about Shakespeare. Did he write or did he not? Was he even a real human? What’s the story behind one of the greatest storytellers in history? Of course, I know he was real, + an actor, but this whole mystique about him is captivating to me. And, no matter what conclusions I may draw, the truth is long lost + never to be uncovered.

So, you can imagine my excitement about Anonymous. I can’t wait to see it + get caught up in that world again. I highly suggest you see it, too, if you have any interest in this sort of thing. If the only bit of Shakespeare that you’ve gotten is from some droning high school English teacher, then you should try him again starting with the book above. Bryson’s wit + the simplicity of his writing style make Shakespeare totally approachable {and -gasp- interesting}! Go on, have a look, then!

Have a lovely Saturday!

xx.

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Put Your Imagination To Work!

Posted in My portfolio, Writing, tagged , , , , , , , on October 27, 2011 | Leave a Comment »

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Have you heard of NaNoWriMo?

It stands for National Novel Writing Month, + this will be {my 4th year} participating! Essentially, the task at hand is to write a 50,000 word novel in 30 days. Sounds tricky, right? It’s actually a lot of fun.

The first year I participated, I didn’t finish. I don’t even think I came close! I let my word count get away from me, + had to wait an entire year to start again. But, last year + the year before I crawled across the finish line. Now, for some reason I’m really excited to do it again. In fact, I may or may not be pretending that I’m writing my new novel right now…

But, the point of all of this is that I’d like to invite you to join me. It really isn’t hard! There are no guidelines, no editing — no one else even has to read your story! It’s a personal thing. It’s about setting goals + proving to yourself that you can attain them. Spelling doesn’t count, grammar doesn’t count, just strive for that perfect Kerouac-esque flow + reach those 50,000 words. In December, you can go back + fix stuff if you really want to.

So, start brainstorming! It’s not too late to think up a couple of characters, a setting, + a vague plot, then let your imagination loose! We set sail for adventure on Tuesday!

Oh, don’t forget to add me as a writing buddy!

xx.

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Follow Me On Bloglovin’

Posted in Writing on September 16, 2011 | 2 Comments »

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

♥ Hi, loves!

I’m not sure how many of you use Bloglovin’ to keep track of the blogs you read, but I’ve finally made myself official on the site (I use it every day to read other peoples’ blogs. Duh, Julia!). So, if you haven’t subscribed by email yet, or through WordPress, I’d love it if you subscribed via Bloglovin’!

As I mentioned earlier, Mod Night is tonight! I already have my beehive done — it still needs a bit of work. And I will be putting on my dress shortly! CAN’T WAIT!

Have a great Friday night!

xx.

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Feeling Special Today!

Posted in Crafting, Home Decor, My portfolio, Sewing, Style, Vintage + Thrift, Writing on September 1, 2011 | Leave a Comment »

Say, who’s that all the way down there in the right hand corner?

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That’s right, it’s me!

This month I am so happy to be able to sponsor Rachel Denbow’s blog Smile + Wave! She’s my absolute favourite blogger because she gracefully balances her life as a Momma, a vintage collector, a seamstress, an online instructor, among many other titles. She seems to be able to do anything!

Please head over and check out her blog! Also, don’t skip the other sponsors! We’re the ones on the right hand side that read daily and cheer Rachel on. And my goodness, it’s a good crowd over there. I’m so excited to see my little blog among the ranks of A Beautiful Mess, Bleubird Vintage, and Skunkboy Creatures! Amazing.

I also totally gushed when I noticed that I’m directly next to Ruche! I’ve been a huge fan of theirs for awhile now since they offer options that are eco-friendly and from independent designers!

Needless to say, once I saw my sponsor ad on her page, I was automatically in a great mood, but then my friend Chanel stopped by for tea — it’s been such a lovely day for me!

Hope you’re doing well, too!

xx. Julia

P.s. If you came across my blog via my ad on Smile + Wave; welcome! Please feel free to leave a comment, I’d love to meet you!

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