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.
- A wonderful lunch with my cousins, full of laughter and followed by perusing the book store and comparing literary finds.
- Making plans to dye my hair red… exciting and scary all at once!
- Exciting rehearsals for two brilliant shows.
- The birthday party of a dear friend, which was too much fun after too long apart.
- A sunset that changed as I drove along its length, becoming more beautiful with each shift in color.
- Perfect, overcast, freezing weather.
- Spending time with my ever-busy older sister.
- Snuggles from my darling cat, Luna.
- No snuggles but a few slobbery kisses from my precious dog, Major.
- Visiting my father at his office and getting to spend my last few moments before leaving for college with him.
- A sleepover for the ages, spent watching spooky television programs and eating Christmas chocolate.
- A dance party at three in the morning to nostalgic hits.
- Ice cream adventures with my mother.
- A truly beautiful moon, perfectly framed by the most delicate of clouds.
- Watching my little sister’s college journey.
- Chocolate chip waffles!
- Cleaning my apartment… is there a better feeling?
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”.
- The pillow I can not help but feel I need, made in collaboration with my absolute favourite contemporary artist.
- These beautiful rolling pins, perfect for any baking adventure (only available to be bought, I believe, by contacting the seller directly).
- Perfect design, as always, in the likes of this blouse and this sweater by Alice and Olivia.
- Encanto! I was not expecting to love this movie as much as I did, but I assure you it far surpasses all expectations.
- Tik, Tik, Boom… another movie I absolutely adored, and for which I hope Mr. Manuel-Miranda receives an Oscar nomination. The newest Spiderman film was also nothing short of incredible. Reader, I am beginning to think it might be simpler just to write “Andrew Garfield” on my list of Favourite Things and be done with it.
- This honey bear apron! How sweet, how silly, how fun.
- I am slightly embarrassed to admit that I have been reading the first installment of George R. R. Martin’s Game of Thrones series… and my nerdy self is enjoying it very much.
- Inspired by the above, I deviated from my typical listening routine and played a Celtic Woman album one day while driving around the city, and once again, I was pleasantly surprised. Perhaps I was meant to be an Irish lady instead of an American actress.
- This hair mask I have been instructed to use in preparation for my pending colour change, which has made my hair look and feel as pretty as it ever has.
- A dress for the modern Modern Millie.
Seven-Day Design
A word (or two) of wisdom to guide the upcoming week.
Immortal Echoes
- “Hustle culture will make you believe you’re wrong.” – Sydney Cooper
Evanescent Intentions
- This week, I will live with joy.
Reader, this week’s immortal echo is attributable to a rising star who just so happens to live down the hall, my most wonderful roommate and talented friend, Sydney Cooper.
I have always been the type of person to be on my “A Game” even as I sleep – not once in my academic career have been comfortable letting the flames of constant vigilance die out. However, as is evident in my sporadic blog posts, over the past year my ability to work and work without ever ceasing has fluctuated, some may say even waned. My strong resolve remains, and my hope of achieving my goals is as prominent as ever, but I believe my ability to work as relentlessly as I once did has been damaged by a rather damaging year.
Upon initially observing this reality, I was frustrated with myself. I vowed to do whatever necessary to be reunited with that old workhorse persona. I was explaining this to my friends just a few nights ago, talking about how I felt guilty taking the first few days of term slowly and I needed to push myself harder, when Sydney replied with, “Hustle culture will make you believe you’re wrong.”
This was sent over text, of course, in letters all capitalised to emphasize her great wisdom, but the truth remains. I am learning not to be the person who neglects herself in favour of pushing herself too hard, or being unkind to herself over small mistakes. I am learning to work as diligently, as intelligently, and as reliably as ever, but this time with joy. I am learning to live with nuance, work with nuance, and bring nuance to my joy.
This week, I am going to live with joy – as I employ my strong work ethic, as I live fully, as I grow. I hope the same for you.
Love,
Lettie Anne