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.
- Homework on the couch with my roommates. I am, once again, overwhelmed with gratitude for the moments I know will be soon forgotten.
- Piling in a car (perhaps not entirely safely) to see a new movie with friends.
- Celebrating sweet Amanda! My roommate turned 22 this week and she could not be more worthy of celebration.
- Sitting on my sister’s bed post-football game with pizza.
- Calling my long-distance friend to catch up on her adventures in Prague.
- A wonderfully fun date event with the precious women of Chi Omega.
- Spending an evening seeing a new movie with my dad. We had the best time, and I introduced him to Chick-Fil-A’s frosted lemonade (a delicacy second only to their frosted coffee).
- Nails and spring rolls with the most lovely friend.
- Texas game day – never have I had so much fun.
- Ice cream cake and funny new friends in celebration of my wonderful friend, Ivanna.
- Successful quiz grades (so far) in my classes. I only hope my luck continues.
- Returning to you, dear Reader, after a hiatus from writing.
- My perfect family dog’s 11th birthday. He certainly still acts like a puppy, which grows more and less charming with time.
- New friends. Reader, I feel that many new faces have popped in and out of my life lately, and it is most exciting to be surrounded by so many lovely people.
- Dinner and drinks with my roommates, followed by a sophisticated evening downtown where we talked and laughed for hours.
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”.
- These bizarre, fun heels that would make any LBD that much more distinct.
- This tiara. Miss McLaughlin is a saviour of excellent design.
- Oppenheimer and Bottoms. Barbie, of course, is the queen of the summer, but I saw these two films more recently and was so excited for the future of cinema upon leaving the theatre.
- Reader, this image made my jaw drop, and led me to explore Rosa Clara. This beaded gown is nothing short of fabulous, and this Gatsby-inspired beauty is jaw-dropping.
- These hats – one more profane than the other.
- I have been intensely interested in thrillers lately, and can not recommend enough “Seven”, “LA Confidential”, and “See How They Run” (easily the least intellectually engaging of three, but so much fun).
- Reader, at the risk of sounding completely lame, I will tell you I listened to “The Spins” by Mac Miller no fewer than ten thousand times this week. Something about the chord progression is so satisfying to me, not to mention it is a fun song. “Paint the Town Red” was a close runner-up.
- Reader, Lancome eyeshadows reign victorious when measured for their ability to blend easily and look beautiful for hours. This palette in particular is lovely.
Seven-Day Design
A word (or two) of wisdom to guide the upcoming week.
Immortal Echoes
- “Blame is for God and small children.” – Mr. Dustin Hoffman
Evanescent Intentions
- This week, I will be softhearted.
Reader, I am glad to report to you that I am exceptionally grateful for my life, and glad to be the lucky one living it. I am surrounded by wonderful people, studying a great art, supported by the greatest family, and nearly always engaged in something simply fun. I have very few complaints, indeed.
I want to take none of this happiness for granted, so this week I will aim to check in with my heart. I will be conscious of my gratitude and kindness, and reflect the energy I am so thankful to be receiving. I will work to be the woman who makes others feel the way I am so overjoyed to feel today.
I hope you feel equally fulfilled, Reader, and if you do not, that you know your cup will be filled very, very soon.
Love,
Lettie Anne
You are the desredt, most precious young woman! Thoughtful, sensitive, present, kind! I adore you!🥰