Lonely Audience

Would you go to the theater by yourself? Normally, I think of the theater as a very social outing. I go with friends and family to see different shows on vacations, so normally when I think of a show, I think of getting dressed up, having a fancy dinner, and enjoying a night of sparkly shoes, velvet theater seats and glamour.

However, for one of my English classes I need to see a showing of The Twelfth Night at The Guthrie Theater. Despite showing for over a month and a half, my schedule is so busy that I need to see it pronto. And I'll probably see it by myself. I've never done it before. I've not even seen a movie by myself! So wish me luck! I think it might be fun to take everything in on my own. Get there early, wander around, check out the sites, wait to see the cast afterward...you get the idea!

Would you go see a show by yourself, or would you feel lost and lonely in a big theater?

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One Art

I hope you have been having a lovely week! I've really been enjoying the warmer breezes mixed with overcast skies. It is quite moody and delightful. In case your week has been really arduous, here is a nice poem to get you through the rest of your week. 

P.S. I read some nice Emily Dickinson over the weekend. I'll share a favorite of mine next week. 

One Art

Elizabeth Bishop

The art of losing isn't hard to master;

so many things seem filled with the intent
to be lost that their loss is no disaster.

Lose something every day. Accept the fluster
of lost door keys, the hour badly spent.
The art of losing isn't hard to master.

Then practice losing farther, losing faster:
places, and names, and where it was you meant 
to travel. None of these will bring disaster.

I lost my mother's watch. And look! my last, or
next-to-last, of three loved houses went.
The art of losing isn't hard to master.

I lost two cities, lovely ones. And, vaster,
some realms I owned, two rivers, a continent.
I miss them, but it wasn't a disaster.


—Even losing you (the joking voice, a gesture
I love) I shan't have lied.  It's evident
the art of losing's not too hard to master
though it may look like (Write it!) like disaster.

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Do You Still Like Chivalry?

Despite living in the Midwest, I find the whole "Minnesota nice" thing somewhat absent. Most of the time, people are rushing across the cross walks, busting through bus doors hoping to the first one to get a seat, or dashing into the elevator. People even seem to be anxious to get in and out of classrooms first. But the other day a class mate actually held the door open for me as I was leaving class. And it was so refreshing. I felt so pampered, because that never happens on a college campus.

So. Lots of people ask if chivalry is dead. I think not. My question is, does it matter? With women craving strict equality, should we encourage old fashioned ideals? I have to admit, I really enjoy when a man holds the door, lets you go first, pays for the first date, etc. I know I'm capable of opening a door, but it's nice to be pampered.

And...if you're not for the whole man-kindness thing, we should implement this for everyone. Hold the door for the woman straggling behind you, let the other guy go first on the bus when it's cold. Be nice. Chivalry is not dead. Nor is it confined.

P.S. Hugh Jackman is the most chivalrous celebrity, don't you agree?
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{Weekend Update}...Bridal Shower

This weekend I went home with Abby to throw my best friend Becca her bridal shower. My mom is amazing and had the house decorated in the most beautiful purples, tulle, candles and gems. Bonus: the food was amazing. Think almond cake and frosting with a raspberry filling. Right? We had tons of fun doing the traditional "dress the bride" toilet paper game, had engagement ring pops, and enjoyed lots of paper and bows from present time!

P.S. The weather was gorgeous; I really started craving spring.

Photos via @sarahcarlsonetc Instagram

{Friday Challenge}...Have a Book Fling

I'm cheating on my other books this weekend, and here's why:

Confession: I am somewhat of a slow reader. I love to read and write, but both processes are for me, well, a process. It seems a little backwards then that I'm an English major, right? The thing is, when I sit down to read, it might take me longer than others to finish the book, but I got to enjoy it that much longer. I like to think of it as I love it so much, I want to revel it it; just stay there. The same goes for writing. My friends all say, "My final draft is just my rough draft with a cover page." But there's not much sense in that for me. I have a very detailed (and kind of crazy) set up. I write the rough draft, and then for two or three days, I make edits. It's organized, calming, and I know I'm doing my best work. Also, it allows me to fully invest myself in it, which I love. 

But since I'm an English major, always reading and writing, I find I don't read outside of class requirements as much as I like. So this weekend, I'm having a fling. You should do the same. Pick a shorter book, perhaps a short story or a book of poems to read. There's a smaller commitment, because you could finish them in less the an hour! But it's great to give your brain a break and experience something new. 

I think this weekend I'll read part of my book of poems by Emily Dickinson. What will you read? I highly suggest anything short story by Raymond Caver or Ernest Hemingway. John Keats is always good for a poem, too!

Photo via Instagram

The Newsroom

Ever since I started my internship, my interest in news has flourished. It's no wonder; I scour news sites, blogs, and watch the nightly news every evening with my roommates. But something I've really gotten into is The Newsroom on HBO for times when I want a little less work. Jeff Daniels is amazing as the lead anchor of a cable news broadcast, and the writing is fantastic. 

The coolest part of the series is that they integrate real news events, like the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, the missing Apple iPhone prototype, etc. It's fascinating because the series is set up to look at the events as if they are reporting on them in real time, but there is definitely an influence of hindsight, allowing viewers to be relive and reflect upon past news. 

Also, it's incredible to see how much work it is to put on a news program that is factual, not sensational. Seriously, watch it. Your mind will be happy. I would highly recommend it.

Photos via 1/ 2

San Antonio

Valentines' Day may be over, but it's still a Wednesday in February, so let's have another, shall we? The first two were by men, and while completely lovely, there is something about a female poet that is just radiant. Women and men obviously experience very different emotions, especially when it comes to love. "San Antonio" by Naomi Shihab Nye is gorgeous and simple. It's very powerful, and I could automatically feel it.

San Antonio
by Naomi Shihab Nye

Tonight I lingered over you name,
the delicate assembly of vowels
a voice inside my head.
You were sleeping when I arrived.
I stood by your bed
and watched the streets rise gently.
I knew what slant of light
would make you turn over.
It was then I felt
the highways slide out of my hands.
I remembered the old men
in the west side cafe,
dealing dominoes like magical charms.
It was then I knew,
like a woman looking backward,
I could not leave you,
or find anyone I loved more.

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Time to Dye - Rodarte Fall 2013

Leave it to Rodarte: They make beachy waves, and hippie tie dyes look like rock star goddesses. I love the mix of California chic with edgy make up platform shoes. And can we just sit a gush about the colors for a little bit? Blood reds and little roses, taupes with electric limes and sunset blues. It is simply an inspiration. 

Photos via Vogue

{Friday Challenge}...Get Dressed Up

My good friends from my hometown will be visiting this weekend and I'm so excited to see them! We're getting up (kind of) early on Saturday to spend the day shopping around The Cities, and after we're having a fancy dinner together to celebrate! Most weekends, I hang out in cozy sweats and pajamas. However, since we're going out together for dinner and shopping, I'm getting dressed up! Perhaps I'll wear my favorite purple blazer...

Anyway, this weekend, find a reason to put something special on, whether it mean Saturday brunch, dancing at night, or Sunday church service. It makes everything feel more special. 

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XOXO

Happy Valentine's Day to you and yours! Our apartment was hit with the love-bug, so we have pink, red and purple just about everywhere! Abby and I reminisced about elementary school and made little valentine's for our roommates and even some were sent by post to family! We've had lots of pink heart cookies, chocolates, and Hello Kitty is pretty much our fifth roommate.

P.S. Thank you to the best mom in the world for sending a ridiculously awesome VDay care package. We love you!

P.P.S. Signing emails with xoxo is a new phenomenon, showing up in messages from close friends to work colleagues.

Photos via @sarahcarlsonetc and @classickitsch Instagram. 

When You are Old

Last Wednesday I posted about "Bright Star," and seeing as it's the month of love, I thought I'd post another lovely poem. Now, love poems, I find are increasingly rare, and exceedingly difficult to write. Here's a heart warming poem. This seems like something a lot of people dream of. Old, sweet love.

When You are Old
by W. B. Yeats

When you are old and grey and full of sleep,
And nodding by the fire, take down this book,
And slowly red, and dream of the soft look
Your eyes had once, and of their shadows deep;

How many loved your moments of glad grace,
And loved your beauty with love false or true,
But one man loved the pilgrim soul in you,
And loved the sorrows of your changing face;

And bending down beside the glowing bars,
Murmur, a little sadly, how Love fled
And paced upon the mountains overhead
And hid his face amid a crowd of star.

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Of Drugs and War

My latest article for The International was just published. Did you know there's a new law in Mexico that will pay the families of drug war victims up to $70,000? With over 65,000 victims in six years, this is already a multimillion dollar law, and from where the money will come is still pretty unclear.

Also, the drug war is still pretty contentious. A lot of effort has been put in my both the Mexican and American governments, but cartels are still committing grisly murders, transporting drugs, and creating a lot of violence. So will this law help?

READ MORE!

Photo via The International

{Weekend Update}...Snowed In

I had a luxurious weekend. I was home with my family and friends and enjoyed some simple pleasures that I normally don't indulge in.

My girlfriends and I baked a chocolate cake with a peanut butter frosting and chocolate ganache. I died and went to heaven. Along with decadent cake, came a little gossipy girl talk, giggles, and a fashion show of our bridesmaids dresses! (They're gorgeous.) I went on everyday errands with my family, braving the cold and slush and survived to enjoy a Grammy viewing night, breakfast for dinner, and pajama time with my mom and Abby. It was lovely.

I also got an extended weekend thanks to the buckets of snow! I'm heading back today, as opposed to last night! Better safe than sorry, right?

Photo via @sarahcarlsonetc Instagram

Das Leben der Anderen

My German class is currently studying film, so I just had to talk about Das Leben der Anderen today. The German film (pretty low budget) won an Oscar award and has a phenomenoal story. It follows Gerd Wiesler, who is with the Stasi (secret police) in East Berlin. He is assigned a mission to install microphones throughout the apartment of famous playwright, Georg Dreyman and his lover and popular stage actress, Christa-Maria Sieldand. Dreyman is convinced he is the only artist left in Berlin that isn't be watched, due to his strict adherence to only writing nationalistic plays that would please the government. However, as it turns out, they listen to everyone.

What will happen? You must watch it! I'm normally against sub-titles, because I feel disjointed when I'm reading the bottom of the screen and missing the action. However, this film is really beautiful, so I'd highly recommend it. 

Photos via 1 / 2

Bright Star

Halfway through the week can feel really arduous. Wednesdays are taxing and anything but beautiful, what with our haphazard calendars as we wearily roll out of bed. So on one of the most difficult days of the week, we should reward ourselves with lovely words.

"Bright Star" is one of those poems that I can always turn to and it still sparkles. Maybe a different way, but it's always special, no matter how many times I've read it.

Bright Star
by John Keats

Bright star! would I were steadfast as thou art--
    Not in lone splendour hung aloft the night,
And watching, with eternal lids apart,
    Like Nature's patient sleepless Eremite,
The moving waters at their priestlike task
    Of pure ablution round earth's human shores,
Or gazing on the new soft fallen mask
    Of snow upon the mountains and the moors--
No--yet still steadfast, still unchangeable,
    Pillow'd upon my fair love's ripening breast,
To feel for ever its soft fall and swell,
    Awake for ever in a sweet unrest,
Still, still to hear her tender-taken breath,
And so live ever--or else swoon to death.

P.S. Have you seen Bright Star the movie? It's heart-wrenchingly beautiful.

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Antibiotics Are....Scary

My latest article for The International is about antibiotic resistance. This issue is rampant, and as more and more bacteria gain strength, our miracle drugs are losing steam. Some experts are predicting an antibiotic armageddon with in the next decade. Can you imagine a post antibiotic world? Yikes!

The Americans

Have you seen The Americans on FX? After only one episode, my roommates and I are completely hooked. There's nothing better than a period drama, and The Cold War makes for a completely fascinating story. Not to mention, the show features groovy music, kudos to the music director! I'm usually several seasons behind when it comes to TV series, always watching reruns until I get into it, but this one has captivated my attention!

P.S. Keri Russell's Russian accent it amazing and she's completely gorgeous. 

Photos via here and here.

{Weekend Update}...TV Drama-Rama

Wow, this weekend was seriously cable-heavy. In the bitter winter, I always dream that amazing movies will air on TV, because broadcasters will feel bad for the chilly Midwesterners. However, once again, She's the Man and Easy A were on. So, we hunkered down with our favorite HDMI cord and watched copious amounts of Grey's Anatomy. Yes, it's still on. Yes, I still like it! Roommate made an enormous pizza, while I read Shakespeare and ate half a tub of garden hummus.

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Bottom photos via Instagram