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 smooth and so-far successful adjustment from one University to another.
- The first football of the season. Reader, how very exciting!
- A week of rain and almost-chilly weather.
- The kindest invitation extended by a dear friend, to attend a fabulous concert.
- Sitting on the floor in the dorm of a new friend, joined by an old, most wonderful friend.
- Grocery shopping with my older sister, and getting bagels with my younger.
- A cozy, colourful bedroom to come to at the end of the day.
- The home-stretch of rehearsals to prepare to tell one of the greatest love stories ever written (tickets here)
- Seeing my beloved cats and dog! I am, of course, only slightly offended that my parents are assuming their roles are caretakers well enough that my darling animals were just moderately excited to see me.
- Late-night dinner with new friends.
- Two weeks of the most fascinating, engaging, soul-inspiring film classes.
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”.
- Reader, while I have points of contention with the programme, Outlander is undeniably a fabulous show. Please do watch and tell me of your thoughts.
- How I wish I was in San Francisco, Reader, that I might visit the Guo Pei exhibit. Peruse the preview images and feel the sheer genius of Ms. Pei’s work come to life.
- A new-to-me Spanish line, Coosy, with the prettiest dresses. I love this pink beauty and this absolutely precious gingham frock.
- The sweetest Instagram account for those who long for a mature rendition of the Richard Scarry collection.
- An Etsy shop full of beautiful embroidery work (and lovely gifts!). Admire with me this sweatshirt, dear Reader. And look at this gorgeous flower!
- How ridiculously fun is this hoodie? A modern retro moment, if you will.
- Reader, Everything Everywhere All At Once was a life-changing film. A blog post may be forthcoming, but in the meantime, you must watch this movie.
Seven-Day Design
A word (or two) of wisdom to guide the upcoming week.
Immortal Echoes
- “Bravery is never out of fashion.” – Lord Lovat
Evanescent Intentions
- This week, I will be brave.
Dear Reader, I have never fancied myself a coward. In fact, I would be so bold as to say I am certain that of many lacking qualities, courage is not one.
However, there comes a time when a person may find herself selecting when and where to brave, or worse, acting in safety and convincing herself the resulting feelings of satisfaction are attributable to the exhaustion of her courage, and not from the execution of a task in a way with which she was already comfortable.
Reader, this week I will face the unknown without hedging, without hiding, without shuffling off to the side, or making excuses when my plans do not go as I hoped. I will walk into the week with vulnerability, armored by the lessons I have acquired thus far and ready to feel the discomfort of learning new ones. I will be kind, I will be honest, I will be open to what comes my way and seek out what does not. If such actions do not require a great deal of bravery, then I am not sure what does.
I wish you bravery and peace, this week, dearest Reader, and every week thereafter.
Love,
Lettie Anne