Reader, welcome to Afternoon Tea! As a self-confessed hopeless romantic and anglophile to the highest degree, it is one of my deepest sorrows that I am not one to regularly partake in the privilege that is afternoon tea. Although I often enjoy a cup of Earl Grey on slow afternoons, my chipped mugs and sliced bananas are poor substitutions for the Spode china and brilliantly colored petit fours that would abound in an authentic ceremony. As such, I invite you to a virtual celebration of the elegant pastime that begs us to appreciate beauty and focus on being present. Here, you will find a somewhat jumbled collection of my revelations, reflections, and that which I relish from the week. So please, brew a warm pot of tea, procure for yourself an array of scones and biscuits, and peruse with me what is lovely in life.
Thanking the Academy
What does it mean to thank the Academy? To do so is to extend a breathless word of overwhelming appreciation to a higher power, to a force second only to the Universe in terms of its ubiquitous and enigmatic presence. As such, here you will find my own earnest appeal to make my gratitude known – a profound and dreamlike thank-you to that manifestation which is omnipresent, alluring, and all-encompassing.
- Being reminded of important lessons, even when it hurts.
- Old (and old-ish) friends.
- New friends!
- A party celebrating the colour pink.
- Rest, even when forcibly induced by a bout of horrible allergies.
- Putting my stickers on the calendar. I am not at liberty to disclose why I was finally permitted to put my stickers on the famed calendar, as it is a closely guarded secret among my friends, but I am honored to have done so at last.
- Watching all the Oscar-nominated “Best Picture” films. So far, I am partial to “Elvis”.
- My wonderful mother’s birthday. Every day I am more aware of what a great privilege it has been to be raised by someone who embodies love, service, and kindness so deeply.
- Shopping with my older sister.
- Galentines! Reader, it was only at said party that I realised the word is a play on “gal” (as in female) and not “gallon” (as in the measurement). I have been confused for years, but no more.
- Bar hopping with lovely, fun women.
- Ordering pizza…three nights in a row…at two in the morning…
- Getting to know a new co-worker!
- The feeling of fullness. I would like to take credit for my own happiness, but I admit I am indebted to the school which I currently attend, the people who surround me, and the lessons I have learned in its absence for my joy.
These Are a Few of My Favorite Things…
In an unending effort to live just as my icon, Ms. Julie Andrews, below you will find my own weekly compilation of that which brings me just as much joy as “raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens”.
- Amy’s Ice Cream – Mexican Vanilla with strawberries is my dearest love, although my roommate is partial to their Chocoberry Shake.
- The Count of Monte Cristo. Magic in a thick tome.
- The most precious restaurant (think limoge-inspired porcelain, colourful books, patterned china, and old photographs as the aesthetic) with delightful cocktails and delectable snacks. I can not wait to return for dinner!
- Reader, The Last of Us is a compelling show with my favourite hero – Mr. Pedro Pascal. Although I warn you, do not watch if you are interested in preserving your appetite.
- The Dyson Airwrap. I loathe myself for loving it, but my roommates used theirs on me this past weekend and I have never seen my hair so transformed in so little time.
- Beehive! My sister and I took an excursion to the boutique in search of a pink dress for the aforementioned pink party, and I could have bought the entire store, funds permitting.
- Nothing feels more elegant to me than a coupe champagne glass, and with St. Valentine’s day approaching, nothing feels more romantic than holding one a la Jay Gatsby and sipping golden sparkles. If I had my pick, I would take these, these, and these (they look far too small to hold more than a single sip but they are pink and it is the holiday of love).
- This hokey dog toy that is not a want, but a need.
- My mother’s friend from school created her own chocolatier line, and would you just look at her Valentine’s collection? It is art.
Seven-Day Design
A word (or two) of wisdom to guide the upcoming week.
Immortal Echoes
- “People who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those who are doing it.” – George Bernard Shaw
Evanescent Intentions
- This week, I will do it.
Reader, I spent the first two years of college engrossed in work. As an acting major, I found my collegiate work to be inextricable from my personal life – effort onstage translated to personal growth, and vice versa. The emotional energy that was required every day to learn and operate was enormous, although there is no greater reward.
Here, as a film major, there is a clear line between my personal and academic life. If I choose to spend time with friends, I am not being furthered as a student. If I choose to stay in and work, I am not being furthered in my relationships. There is no blend between the two – whereas when studying to be an actor, no events were isolated.
I am never someone who has done well with finding balance, especially in terms of my passions. I worked around the clock as an acting major, and although I am a better and more developed person because of it, and although I would not have wanted to do anything else, upon arriving to a new school I learned very quickly there are other facets of life that are just as important to personal growth as is hard work. Taking risks, meeting new people, having new experiences, engaging in a larger culture… these are the things I have begun to try and enjoy.
As a result, I am off-kilter in my personal-academic balance. I do not mean to imply I am neglecting my studies – this is not the case, nor is it something I would ever presume to do. My meaning is this: that I am not rooted in a sense of balance – I am getting done what must be done, and doing what I would like to do, without any sense of organization or plan. It is hectic, and fun, and educational, but not exactly sustainable.
This week, I will do it. I will figure this (and I am not entirely sure what “this” is) as I go. I will do the work, have the fun, and practice habits that allow me to pursue both. I will re-devote myself to what has fallen off my plate, and I will most certainly keep you along for the journey.
I hope you give yourself grace, Reader, and enjoy the beautiful week that is coming your way.
Love,
Lettie Anne