February. In Photographs

journey unknown

sweet dreams

pretty lights

little flower

sisters. my sisters

on the side of the road

yellow suits you

the road less taken

on the other side

Ode to Period Dramas

In honor of the upcoming release of the new Jane Eyre film, I am paying homage to some of the best historical romance novels of all time. I can't help that I am like nearly every other female who loves a good period drama. They not only give us romance long gone, but also tend to point out what is good in this world. I always get in a good laugh, a good cry, and a good feeling once I read the last page.

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

Bronte's famous novel about a downtrodden, but spirited governess takes second place in my all-time favorite historical romances. Anyone who has read Jane Eyre knows it is a little darker and a lot more passionate than most of Jane Austen's work. Not only does it tell the story of Jane's love for Mr. Rochester, but delves into themes of independence, forgiveness, moral convictions, social and gender roles, and the part of family or lack thereof. Though hints of the Gothic can be found in Jane Eyre, Bronte was ahead of her time in her writing, her characters, and her themes.

North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell
Not only does North and South tell a beautiful love story reminiscent of Pride and Prejudice, it includes striking and truthful social commentary on Industrial Age England. Gaskell unflinchingly points out the harshness of working conditions, the poverty of the working class, and the stark contrast between the industrial north and the wealthier south. North and South's heroine, Margaret Hale, is a prime example of  an independent, headstrong, and courageous woman of the 19th century. On a side note, Mr. Thornton rivals Mr. Darcy for his brooding ways and Mr. Rochester for his handsome hardness.




Wives and Daughters by Elizabeth Gaskell
Gaskell's second novel on our list is a little lighter than North and South and the love not quite so passionate as that of Margaret Hale and Mr. Thornton. However, it is still a lovely, but long narrative. There are numerous characters, plot twists, and unexpected turns to keep you on your toes and wondering where Molly Gibson will end up.

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Pride and Prejudice needs no introduction or plot summary. Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy stand on their own as two of the greatest and most unforgettable characters in all of literature. Their love story is unconventional and nail-biting, but it is Austen's witty commentary on society and its characters that makes this "comedy of manners" one of a kind.

Others Worth Reading: Emma and Mansfield Park by Jane Austen; Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell

The Personal Statement

Applying to medical school is complicated enough; the additional task of translating yourself to 1-2 pages of an essay is more than complicated. It is nearly impossible. How on earth is one to explain oneself so precisely and in such a condensed way; and not only explain, but sell yourself as an attractive package? The personal statement has for years been a frustrating barrier for many students applying to professional schools. For me, it is ever-present and looming in my near future. I find myself mulling over ideas, sentences, words in my head for the day (very soon) I will sit down and begin the task of "writing myself". I am scared senseless.

Recently, I guided my friend in writing her own personal statement for law school. As anyone can probably guess, it is much easier to write about another than to write about yourself. After two long nights of brainstorming, editing, and heavy thesaurus usage, we stared at the final product: two pages of "Pamela". As she breathed a sigh of relief, I felt the load of my own personal statement become heavier.

This, dear reader, is where you come in. Have you ever had to write your own personal statement or something similar? Do you have a wonderfully unique idea that would set me apart from the rest of my peers? Or do you know me well and have a gist of how I would look on paper? I welcome your input with open arms.

[The Purdue Online Writing Lab defines the personal statement as "an opportunity to sell yourself in the application process"; tell a story, find an angle, avoid cliches, and write what you know.]

Three Things

In my sister's most recent blog post [see The Education of Emily], she gave a series of "shout-outs" to some things that have recently inspired her. I'm following in her footsteps and introducing a book, a poem, and a musical goddess who have gotten my creative juices flowing and given me a little everyday joy. Enjoy!

My latest romp through Books A Million had an unexpected, but wonderful outcome: I went home with Nicole Krauss's The History of Love. I had intended on purchasing another book, but was disappointed to find it was not in stock. I picked up The History of Love on a whim and have been enthralled by it since. Krauss is able to weave together separate stories and characters in a delicate and not overly obvious way which is a crime often found in novels. Her language is both blunt and beautiful in painting the lives of two very different people linked together by a common thread. Thus far, it is wonderful-- both heartbreaking and hopeful.

I seem to be following a trend when it comes to discovering things; I stumble upon great finds without searching or expecting. Agnes Obel is one of those finds. I am no music critic, and I am certain I would not be able to find the words to describe Obel's sound even if I was. She has successfully combined off the map indie sounds with strong hints of the classical. Her voice and the accompanying piano melodies are heartbreakingly beautiful. Listen and see what I mean...

Falling, Catching

Brother Sparrow

The craziness of my life forces me to search for some small place of peace. I find myself unloading at the end of the day, searching for somewhere to lay my cares in order to lighten the toll they take on me. Ralph Waldo Emerson seemed to know exactly what I mean and penned solution and solace in precise words.

"Finish every day and be done with it.

You have done what you could.

Some blunders and absurdities

no doubt have crept in;

forget them as soon as you can.

Tomorrow is a new day;

begin it well and serenely

and with too high a spirit

to be cumbered with

your old nonsense.

This day is all that is

good and fair.

It is too dear,

with its hopes and invitations,

to waste a moment on yesterdays."

And so I find myself daily reading this and feeling some release and ease as I savor the words. It's truly amazing how words can soothe the soul. 

What is Auburn?

Auburn is my home these days; I live on the lovely plains. Everyday I pass Samford Hall in all its glory. Everyday I walk under Toomer's Oaks to class and marvel as they silently guard my little town of Auburn and all that it means; for Auburn is much more than a winning football team, a National Championship, or even the game of football itself. Auburn thrives on simplistic ways and values. We are a small town... not an Auburn nation, but an Auburn family. Our small rituals and traditions are giant to us and giant in our hearts. It is Tiger Walk, the eagle circling the stadium, the "War Eagle" on kickoff, and the rolling of Toomer's Corner that brings us together and engenders a common feeling of awe. Here, tradition and ritual bring a sense of self while reminding us that we are part of something bigger. In all that we do, we do it as family and along the way, we find ourselves. Auburn is home-- a warm and personal feeling of comfort and being where you belong.  Struggle only makes us stronger and more devout in our belief that it is the little rituals that wind a common thread through our hearts. So, to my Auburn, thanks for giving me a home, an identity, and a love that never falters.

Contentedly Content... For Now

Today was a good day. The weather was beautiful-- bright, warm, and clear like a good day should be. Even though I am consistently finding my nose stuck in a book these days (and not the kind of book you want your nose to be stuck in), I am content. Productivity gives me a sense of well-being and keeps me from constant worrying. So, maybe I was studying all day (two tests and the MCAT looming near will do that to you), but I had every window in the house open. Cool breezes and endorphins were flowing. I would like to thank the weather and my productivity for such a marvelously unmarvelous day. May there be many more to come. That's all for now, my friends.

                                                      

Listography: Valentine's Style

In honor of Valentine's Day, I'm going a little out of the norm and making a list of things I love or love doing. I celebrate the love I have with my people daily. So, here's to mixing things up!

1) discovering an awesome, unheard of band or singer-songwriter
2) the perfect combination of creamer and sugar in my cup of coffee
3) buying a new book....
4) finishing a book and pondering upon it
5) writing exactly what I want to say and feeling as if I can finally stop holding my breath
6)seeing my brother and sisters content in their sleep
7) white hydrangeas
8) the burn from a good run
9) sushi that melts in your mouth it's so fresh
10) putting on my pjs after a long day
11) cooking dinner for somebody, anybody, or even just myself
12) the way piano keys feel at the tips of my fingers
13) capturing the perfect image behind the lens (still a work in progress)
14) the smell of sand and salt water
15) snuggling my little love mut, Sooki
16) what every woman loves: candlelit bubble bath with a glass of red wine
17) open windows on a beautiful day
18) learning something new and surprising about myself (another work in progress)

I'm certain I could go back every single day and add something to the list, and maybe I will. Happy Valentine's Day. May it be spent with someone you love or in solitary company doing something you love.

Pictures with Alex

My friend, Alex, is an amazing photographer. She explores creativity in every aspect of her life, and I truly admire her skills behind the camera! I'm sharing the result of our fun-time/ photo session from yesterday. Enjoy and admire her talent!

 The artist herself.... (picture by me)

The Art of Discord

So, I've touched on the joys brought by good people in life - the feeling of harmony and content. Shall I dare delve into the subject of bad karma and discord brought by the not so great people in life? Let's dive in. Everyone knows of what or whom I speak: those people that perhaps make you cringe or that you avoid, but cannot seem to escape. Toxic "waste" at times pervades your warm little life despite your best efforts and your firmest resolutions of being above the tangled mess that is discord. We'll call it discord because I despise the term drama as fervently as I avoid what it describes, and I am, perhaps, a little kinder than some in my descriptions.
I have looked into various ways of coping with discord or shunting it in the first place. Some of the things I have come across include "picking the right people and right situations," dealing head-on, the always mentioned ignoring the problem or person, and a little more organic, tantric solutions like chants, hymns, and rearranging my furniture for better feng shui. Let's go with the first thing mentioned-- the prevention method of avoiding bad situations or, keeping with the proper vocab, discordant people. We all seemingly have an inner sensor that detects something/someone that gives us internal pleasure, and by pleasure I mean the tiniest pleasing sensation: steaming, cheesy pizza or sharing common interests in conversation with a person we find ourselves attracted to (for simplicity's sake, let's just keep this nonromantic). So, it is not genius to surmise that we as humans pick our situation and our people based on the pleasing feelings these render. (Our inner sensor is dinging as we take a bite of that pizza.) This reasoning would lead us to believe that avoiding uncomfortable, unpleasing situations and people would naturally come easily because these go against our grain. I identify that I do not enjoy the taste of an olive; so from here on out I will avoid olives. I identify a person who does not bring me pleasing feelings or harmony, and, therefore, I avoid he or she. Right? To the majority of us out there, this is our reasoning, and, yes, it is true. It is simple human nature. Then why are we presented over and over again with the unpleasantries that we are supposed to be able and willing to so strenuously avoid?

Here's the explanation I give to myself:
Yes, this is simple human nature, but humans, people are not simple. We are complicated and contradictory. So, maybe someone senses something or someone unpleasant, but continues to expose him/herself to it because of a twisted, sado-masochist sense of extended pleasure. This is all together in a different realm from the pleasure from that pizza. This, my friends, is something we go to the psychology books to find. This is why, despite our desperate attempts to avoid unpleasantries, we are presented with them almost daily. Maybe it is ourselves that enjoy this twisted, toxic pleasure despite its harmful effect on ourselves and others, but often it is another's faults, failings, and peculiar ways that cause us pain and discord. So, when you can't avoid it how do you deal with it? Laugh. Laugh and write. 

For "My People"

Today, I am thankful. Maybe I am a little late (3 months late to be nearly exact) in feeling an overwhelming realization of the great joys in my life, mainly the people who populate my everyday shenanigans, but better late than never. I admit that I am unconsciously thankful for my people always, but forget to tell them how full and complete they make me. It is with great happiness and sadness that one realizes the near frivolity of everyday life and how small things seemingly make the world go round... how joy is brought to you in the tiniest of packages, but the great things ever present are somehow forgotten or unseen because they are beyond comprehension. I can watch a sunset of smoldering colors and feel warm, tingly, and grateful to have witnessed such simple beauty, but seldom do I recognize that such pleasure would be unattainable without the happiness brought every moment by loving people. Your people make you whole. It is with their presence that one can see the small joys in everyday life... the smell of your coffee brewing in the morning as you wade into semi-consciousness, the wonderful taste of a small memory you roll around and savor, the tingles from that orange and blue sunset as you are driving home. I find I am unable to appreciate my little beauties when I am not in harmony with someone I love and by extension, I am not in harmony with myself. So, thanks, my people. You make me... me.

On a brighter note...

Not to take any credit away from my boots, but one other thing has been a lifesaver during the drab and dreary rainy days: The Hangout Music Fest. Here's the lowdown... it started last year in Gulf Shores, AL and had a pretty good turnout. However, this year's banging lineup is sure to blow last year's ticket sales out of the water! Who knew that Alabama could host a 3-day fest with such talent that it could be pinned as the "mini Bonnaroo"? Get ready for Paul Simon, The Black Keys, Drive-By Truckers, Amos Lee, My Morning Jacket, Umphrey's McGee, and a slew of others nearly as worthy! My ticket is already en route to my doorstep. Happy listening!

Everything you need to know.

Wading through the Water

Drab weather brings drab musings. I always expect everything to slow down and perhaps come to a stop so I might lounge in bed for the length of the day. Since this is not the case, I have invested in a pair of rocking galoshes, or rain boots if you prefer. After wading through the mud in said boots, I ended up in a class absorbing some presentation on the environmental factors affecting genes. Conclusion: My genes are going to be permanently altered from so much rain! I'm beginning to think that I will forever want to inhabit my bed, feel drab, and write blogs on the weather. So much for a smashing first post! What can I say? The only thing saving me is my boots.... If you want your own pair of lifesaving boots