And maybe I just need a change

Necklace - antique, dress - Plenty by Tracy Reese from Anthropologie, cuff - gift purchased in Saudi Arabia, shoes - Madewell

Today is oddly bittersweet. My brother graduated from high school today, which has had close to no impact on me other than that it’s been making me think about the past year since I’ve been out of high school. I graduated. I spent a summer frolicking in the sun and doing whatever before I flew off to London. And then I lived there for four months, then I returned. I started my American undergraduate education in suburban Philadelphia, and I finished my first year of university. I went to - and fell in love with - Los Angeles and discussed plans to move there by next summer.

I’ve done a lot - it’s been quite a year. But I feel like I’m in the same position I was in on this day in 2011. Only without hometown “friends” I spent time with in years past, and without the excitement of going to a foreign country, obviously. I just want to be somewhere else, several thousand miles west or east.



On another note, I haven't been up to all that much lately. I've been working quite a bit and not doing much else. My summer has been very lazy so far. I'm hoping to go to the beach sometime in the next week or two, but I don't know the likelihood of that actually happening...

Well, until later.

xox Catherine

2011: A Year in Outfits

I welcomed 2011 as a year of surprise and mystery, both of which were fulfilled beyond my expectations. I agonized over the college decision process, I graduated high school, I spent a summer loving life before I flew across the pond to spend my first semester of university in London. Last year, I would have found this very idea to be entirely absurd, but even in my 2010 review post I accepted that things often work out in the craziest ways possible. At this point, I'm quite glad some things didn't happen. I had my heart set on attending RISD in autumn of 2011, but I ended up thousands of miles away from home instead. I wouldn't change that for anything. 2011 has been a year of decisions and transitions, all of which I suppose are quite natural for someone my age.


January: I just can't quit now, you really got a hold on me.
I dyed my hair red and enjoyed wearing my Docs with floral prints.

February: Zigzag and plaid
After a few weeks of staying home sick with glandular fever, I returned to school and mixed prints. While wearing Doc Martens.


March: All the styrofoam began to melt away.
I enjoyed the stoned-librarian turn my style began to take, and I ended up as Teen Vogue's pick of the day.

April: Philly Frolicking
Weeks after a rejection from a certain school whose colors are brown and red, I took a trip into Philly and explored NoLibs.


May: Last Day
I enjoyed my last day of high school...

June: Graduation Day
...and a month later, I graduated.


July: Back to school vibes
I pondered life in a park, and it started to sink in that I would be quite far away come autumn.

August: Going away party
My friend threw a going away party in my honor, and a few days later I packed by bags and left the country.


September: Sun is in the sky, oh why, oh why would I want to be anywhere else?
I took a cue from a famous British songstress and enjoyed a few sunny days in London town.

October: Return from the countryside
After a weekend retreat to the Malvern Hills, I returned to London with a sense of rejuvenation.


November: Hilsener fra København
I went to Copenhagen, Denmark! I've long been enthralled with Scandinavia, so this was quite a treat (although very cold).

December: Home is wherever I'm with you
Three and a half months, four countries later, I returned to a wintery Philadelphia. Home.

Here's to a 2012 full of surprises!

xox Catherine

Earl Grey Tea and Brief Reflecting

Coat - Modcloth, cardigan - H&M, dress - Volcom, belt - thrifted, leggings - Forever 21, shoes - Topshop

I wore this to grab lunch with a family friend (whom I hadn't seen in months!) and my siblings. It was quite nice - we went to Panera, where I always order the Mediterranean Veggie sandwich. I also had some earl grey tea, undoubtedly influenced by the prominence of tea in England. It's so much better than coffee. Ever hear of "coffee time"? Exactly.




A few weeks back, someone asked me on Tumblr about school, specifically if it was giving me a hard time because my outfits seemed less inspired. I replied that was indeed true, based on a variety of factors, naturally. I'm reunited with my over-stocked closet, I have no qualms about wearing heels because I walk much less, afternoon naps aren't nighttime naps (it is dark in England by 4pm), I haven't really had the time to delve into posts on my Google reader feed, etc. Though I can't help but feel (paradoxically) less pressure to dress a certain way. London is a very, very stylish city - my excursions nowadays involve wondering where all the brogues went and where all these sweatpants came from - but it's a little overwhelming to me in that sense.

I have an idea of how I want to present myself, both in real life and on my blog, but I felt I couldn't quite live up to my own expectations. I hate to admit it, but I felt a bit (perhaps an understatement) inferior to native Londoners in regards to aesthetics. It's so funny because London has a reputation that "anything goes" - it's evident that street style is a friendly competition to see who can dress quirkier. And that's just the thing; though I may feel out of place in my small hometown, I felt invisible in London. And that feeling didn't exactly motivate me to put on a pair of five inch heels.

I hope to further reflect upon my time abroad before the New Year, but that's it for now. Might go see the Girl With the Dragon Tattoo at the cinema if it isn't sold out! Enjoy your evening!

xox Catherine

Thoughts for Tuesday, v.6: Is Fashion Art? Or Just Plain Useless?

I recently visited the Roberto Capucci "Art Into Fashion" exhibit at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. For those unfamiliar with his work, he came to fame in the 1950's as a brilliant young Italian designer. Over the years, his work became more sculptural. Garments from his recent collections (not shown on a regular basis, just when he has a solid round-up) are hardly even wearable. They're art.

What we see in mass-retail stores is obviously not on par with Capucci or other couturiers' work. Regardless, some consider fashion superficial, or completely consumerist based. Only a self-obsessed, insecure woman would spend $1000 on a pair of structural Balenciaga heels (A/W 2010), right? However, for just as many that blindly follow fashion, there are those women and men that value design and craftsmanship. Yet such aspects of fashion go unnoticed by many, and the fashion world remains impenetrable.

Some cannot justify spending a couple thousand dollars on any single item, nor may they have the funds to do so. (Myself included.) But in this context, fashion is comparable to any functional art. However, as I've mentioned, it's looked down upon. As stated by Oscar Wilde, "fashion is a form of ugliness so intolerable that we have to alter it every six months." Then again, it's constantly evolving, not merely changing. Fashion exists for aesthetic value as well as basic necessity, but it also mirrors the state of society. It can push boundaries or stay within the social norms.

Obviously, contemporary lines are more commercial than ready-to-wear, and ready-to-wear is more commercial than haute couture. In most of these, we see design instead of simple knockoffs. While contemporary and ready-to-wear fashion are marketed to a specific consumer, it is evident that there is thought behind the fabric (especially in the latter). Haute couture, though not for everyday use, is undeniably art in the sense of thought and technique.

With that being said, someone can dress herself or himself creatively, no matter where the clothing comes from. Wearing expensive clothes doesn't even guarantee that person will be dressed creatively. As we know, it's completely possible to put together an artistic ensemble using any sort of garments. But I digress.

Let's return to the claims that fashion is materialistic and essentially useless. If that's true, isn't all art materialist? Especially that which serves no purpose to the audience other than aesthetic value? And useless? If you live in the US, chances are, there's a few laws applicable regarding clothing oneself.

There's nothing wrong with not having a favorite designer or simply not giving a damn about the industry itself, as it's not everyone's cup of tea. Following fashion obsessively isn't necessary to appreciate or respect what it is.

xox Catherine

Thoughts for Tuesday, v.3: The Irony of Midi Skirts

We've seen it all over the runways these past few seasons - the mid-length skirt. Rebellious, isn't it? After all, it's a sure departure from the mini skirts my age group favors. On a recent post showcasing my favorite outfits from other bloggers, a reader commented stating she wished she could pull off long skirts.

In my head, I said the same thing. I'm considerably short, and many "experts" advise petite girls against wearing longer lengths. Midi skirts may come to an awkward, unflattering length; while maxi skirts may drag on the ground and make one seem a tiny but frumpy cat lady. Or so we're told.

I've worn both - a pleated white skirt with a bubble hem, and a simple, body-hugging maxi dress. I've received compliments on both, and I didn't fidget throughout the day or feel the need to wear shorts underneath to prevent exposure. It was comfortable. However, nearly every compliment was accompanied with an "...oh, but I could never pull that off". And then there's the "what is she wearing?!" glares from my peers. Yeah, you know the ones.

So enters the irony of the midi skirt. Perhaps not as trendy or beach-friendly as its longer counterpart, it offers a middle ground, as the name implies. No one would dare call a girl wearing a calve-grazing skirt a whore (nothing I condone, for the record), though one wearing a super-short skirt may be subjected to such. Instead, it's cute in a womanly sort of way, and comparatively modest.

In theory, it's safe. When mini skirts came about, they were rebellious, daring, etc. But I think we can agree upon the monotony produced by tons and tons of denim mini skirts from mall favorites, no? With this being said, and for the sake of my argument, midi-skirts are more daring among a younger set. And as we know, any young person going against the grain puts herself (or himself) at a supposed target for insecure peers.

We can accept or reject comments from peers, but many times, such acknowledgments can result in self-consciousness. I've long told myself that anyone who cares about what I wear isn't worth my time, but still, there's that voice suggesting I can't pull it off even though I have and I most certainly can again.

Going against the grain just gets one noticed - positively or negatively - even if the object isn't too far from the original norm.

xox Catherine

PS Please excuse any spelling or grammatical errors. I'm tired and my attention is scattered in a million different places. On a positive note, I took the plunge and bought a D3000. Expect outfit post tomorrow if I decide against taking my frustrations out on clay, or if I miraculously don't end up covered.

Thoughts for Tuesday, v.1: Femininity in Fashion

"A lot of people in fashion don't love women. They impose their own ego upon women, whether they're men or self-hating women." - Zac Posen

While perusing through Cosmopolitan, I came across an article about nightgowns. I'm willing to believe most young people wear t-shirts and sweatpants to sleep nowadays, but I read on. Strangely enough, the article wasn't instructing me to purchase anything to make my man go crazy (I don't even have a man, for that matter), but rather what I should burn to please him. Apparently, men don't like women who wear frumpy nightgowns.

I'm a feminist, which has earned me personal criticism, as well as impersonal criticism from nonbelievers who just associate feminism with hairy legs and such. Cosmo is akin to the woman/girl who I almost feel bad for because she seems to hate herself so much, but what right does anyone have to tell another that it's unacceptable to wear whatever she or he pleases?

A nightgown is immensely different from a dress designated for public wear, but the message struck a chord. Why is it assumed readers will listen to this advice? A possible theory: in some cases, fashion is misogynistic. Yes, yes, this may sound extreme, and indeed it feels a little ludicrous to make such a claim. But let's explore this argument.

High heels and tight dresses may be restricting and flashy, so in order to demand respect, a woman might opt for a pants suit and more sensible shoes. This esteemed look is derived from typical menswear, suggesting that feminine shapes are incapable of earning respect. Of course, many women enjoy menswear-inspired styles - to each her own. But to make oneself seem competent, capable? It's unnecessary.

Of course, things are changing, and this may no longer be the case. I'll admit that I'm not really in the market for career-wear, so maybe I have no idea what I'm talking about. However, any spectator can agree with my next point: most runway models have boyish shapes. I wholeheartedly support embracing whatever size or shape one is, but someone is making a decision to employ these models as opposed to women who resemble the designer's clientele.

I don't know that designers are always attempting to capture femininity. What does that mean, anyway? Women can be masculine, and men can be feminine. (Neither of these should have a negative connotation, in any context.) But during a fashion show - in an industry which has received fire for implying that thin is the only beautiful - displaying pure masculinity directed at women seems insulting.

It's important to take any message sent to us with a grain of salt. If a woman wants to wear a smart blazer with tailored pants, that's just as well as a woman wearing a cardigan a silk dress in a New Look silhouette. Or anything else. We can accept or reject advice at our own discretion, but associating one particular style with power is just bullshit.

xox Catherine

F/W 2011: Balenciaga

images via style.com

Out of all the collections I've posted so far, Balenciaga's 2011 autumn is by far the least wearable. Incidentally, it happens to be a particularly tamer collection from the brand, led by Nicolas Ghesquière. Indeed, it is more refined and a little less out there, but I still get a hallucinatory feeling from it. The floral print on those flowy skirts is a little trippy, though not reminiscent of typical "trippy" art.

Looking at this has continued my thoughts about fashion as an art. Of course, many are quick to categorize all artists as the starving/painting type, but still, fashion is regarded by some as being frivolous. I've pondered this issue before, but haven't come to any final decision. If fashion is frivolous, isn't buying an expensive contemporary painting? And pardon my stereotyping - most of the opposition I've heard has come from the middle-America-sports-obsessed type. With that being said, isn't paying $500 for a "good" seat at a football game a little absurd?

I intend to continue this thought at a later date, but for now, enjoy your weekend!

xox Catherine

Quick Note

I'm feeling severely under the weather. I have lab results coming in tomorrow, but I've pretty much self-diagnosed (along with everyone else). I'm in so much pain... probably the worst I've experienced in my seventeen years (or fourteen, if you exclude the years I haven't accumulated conscious memories). I'm bed bound for at least the next couple of days, but hopefully I'll muster up some energy for a few inspiration posts. And not to get too personal, but I think it hurts almost just as badly (exaggeration, but regardless) that I told a few friends what's up and I received minimal well-wishes. A remark expressing disgust, and the infamous "haha"... I think I need better friends. So for my sake... wish me well?

xox Catherine

PS I've created a Formspring account for the blog... Ask me questions!

Saturday Night

Just pulled a homemade pizza out of the oven - loaded with veggies because vegan cheese is damn expensive. I'll probably experiment with a different crust recipe, and perhaps try to make sauce myself, but for a half hour prep, I won't complain. If a pizzeria has vegan pizza (or if any restaurants have edible vegan food), I'm not one to complain, but I've moved away from basic alternatives in favor of "real" food.

Last night I made super-simple-but-super-delicious yaki udon and it's probably going to be my new go-to recipe. I'm rather surprised at myself for preparing food three days in a row... Thursday I baked yet another apple pie (and brought it to a friend's house, where we also made pizza), yesterday I made noodles, and now pizza. It's been some time that I've been motivated to make food... now I'm hoping a more permanent source of inspiration for my art will come about.

In other news, Erin from Spreading the Sunshine tagged me in a post! So with this award, I get to write seven things about myself!

1. I love exploring cities, but nothing makes me feel more free than situating myself in nature, such as a field, woods, or the beach. I suppose I'm not really the nature-freak type, but such adventures make me feel in tune with myself.

2. It's been almost two years since I've been fully vegan, and it's forced me to get creative with cooking. Ironically, prior to the switch, I was a terrible cook... I'd started several fires in my kitchen and burnt almost anything from a store-bought mix.

3. I doubt myself, and I'm terribly self-critical.

4. I'm borderline obsessed with my pets - Sadie the ginger dog, and Ashley, my pretty kitty. I have no idea what I want to do in the future or where I might end up, but I'm nearly certain I will be a crazy cat lady.

5. I am a self-proclaimed nerd. Big time. Instead of playing video games or burying myself in comic books, I write. A lot. I thoroughly enjoy writing essays about current events or other issues.

6. Dealing with my depression and anxiety has been rather difficult. I suppose it seems common for a teenage girl to be self-absorbed and seem to inflict problems upon herself, but that isn't the case. I despise the stigma associated with mental illnesses.

7. I am terribly sarcastic.

I tag... you!

xox Catherine

1.20.11

Cardigan - sister's, top - Pacsun, skirt - Forever 21, tights - Target, necklace - handmade, boots - Dr. Martens

I'm behind on posting! I wore this Thursday to class, then went over to my friend's school so she could trim my hair. She did a good job, no?

I honestly forget if anything remotely exciting occurred on this day. I do know it was the day after I went on an adventure to take photos with some friends. Let's just say walking up and down a snow covered hill can result in falling. Several times. And ending up covered in mud... and then going to a Thai restaurant in that condition.




I had been seeking an adventure of the sort. I sincerely love exploring when the weather is nice - even rain is fine, as long as I'm not freezing. But standing on top of the hill, looking at nothing but snowy suburbia as dusk was creeping... it struck me. I cannot stay here. It hit me in a way sweeter than previously, though. Instead of just being absorbed in a moment and growing upset that, frankly, in a year I might not be remotely close to here - I managed to cherish what I had in that second. I had climbed the same steep hill I discovered during summer, which is evidently a feat regardless of season. My boots were filled with snow and I couldn't feel my fingers. My friend took photos until it was too dark. I trudged down, grabbing onto long strands of grass for support. My face was too cold to smile, but I don't even know if I would have. It's still bittersweet.

xox Catherine

PS Fifty five days until spring! But even sooner: my two year blog anniversary! Crazy.

2010: A Year in Outfits

Even in June I declared 2010 the best year I've experienced so far - and the subsequent months have proven this statement to be entirely true. I was determined to keep my head up, but I couldn't have anticipated anything that happened... going to New York during both Fashion Weeks, finally doing something about a two-year long secret crush (who has become a very good friend of mine), living freely, and letting my guard down. I rung 2010 in with friends, for the first time in years... the previous two, I had sat alone in my living room listening to music. I rarely mention such personal issues, but I feel that I've come a very long way and I'm finally breaking free from my longtime depression and anxiety that have plagued me since early middle school. Granted, there's still a sour day, but as a whole, this year has been nothing short of amazing. I'm glad to say I've been living my life - happiness, hurt, laughter, and tears.


January: I debuted my soon-to-be-favorite sweater and this body con rose printed dress, paired with my signature leaf necklace (which I've tragically misplaced...) and won a trip to NYC for the Chictopia 10 Conference.

February: A month later, I went to New York and had a blast. This was taken during a break in the conference. The night was followed with dinner at a cool restaurant and an after party at a hotel.


March: On an unseasonably warm March day, I broke out of my comfort zone yet again by wearing this tight dress - under a sweater, no less - and fell in love with spring all over again.

April: This spring was ridiculously nice. There was an appropriate amount of rain, and plenty of warm days to make up for the frigid winter. I showed off my handmade necklace.


May: And for more showing off, here we have a thrown-together outfit with a $1 Moschino skirt. I'm ashamed to say this was the only time I wore it, but my mysterious weight loss continued and I grew even smaller.

June: Ah, the DIY Miu Miu knock-offs I was so proud of... another piece I've only worn once. Summer doesn't really allow for polyester-lined heels that make feet sweaty. Just saying.


July: Sweet, almost-too-hot July... how I miss you. I couldn't tolerate wearing anything remotely fussy, so I threw on this sleeveless dress and my favorite platform sandals. Two days after this, I went to the beach with some friends, went night swimming, and made awesome memories.

August: I wore this in the middle of my trip to Cape May - nothing's better than late-summer pink sunsets. Nothing. Except for the warmth that inevitably accompanies it!... even if I did have to put on a sweater a little later.


September: Ah, the day I went to New York by myself to speak at the Chictopia.10 conference - during which I was numbingly nervous, but it was an experience I couldn't have dreamed of last year.

October: One of the last days I wore bare legs... I've worn this outfit three times this year, and I still think it's one of my favorite combinations I've put together.


November: I wore this after my weekend trip to Rhode Island - it might appear sunny and perhaps a bit windy, but don't be fooled. It was cold.

December: Merely a few days ago, I've been waiting to finalize this post until I could decide upon my favorite outfit of this month. I've only worn this dress twice, but I love it so. Can we note that my hair has changed minimally throughout the year? Bravo for signature hairstyles. Unless, of course, I want change...

I have no idea what 2011 holds. Until June, I am a high school student - then by late summer, I'll be going off to school in an undetermined place. It's scary to think that I don't know where I'm going, but I need to remind myself that nothing happens overnight - it's all a gradual process, and if anything like past experiences, everything falls into place. Even if it's in a chaotic and awkward sort of way.

So here's goodbye to a year of growth and love, and hello to a year of mystery.

xox Catherine

But that's what wrong, I guess I just misunderstood.

Cardigan - H&M, tunic - H&M, skirt - Target, necklace - antique, cuff - flea market, leggings - Forever 21, boots - Doc Marten

Look, my hair's shorter! The weather's colder! Etc.! But it's Friday! So I guess all of the stress from the week can temporarily halt itself!

I believe tomorrow morning I'll be heading to the city to take photos, but it's something I genuinely want to do, y'know? I'm sick of pretending to enjoy doing things just so I have something to do. Example: the play. The idea seemed great, but if something becomes a hassle, it's not worth it.





I'm trying to mentally stray away from oversize clothing, but I just tend to gravitate toward it when it's freezing in the morning and I want to wear something comfortable.

On another note, check out me and my neighbor's puppy. He was trying to bite my necklace, how sweet!

xox Catherine

Dress - vintage, cuffs - antique, shoes - Aldo

I'm glad to be wearing dresses again, with sandals no less. I'll admit, I'm the worst multitasker ever, but I'm catching a few moments of the new ABC show "My Generation." It seems staged and I can't tell if it's supposed to be reality or not - but I like the concept. But I'm a sucker for anything nostalgic... says the girl who still has months until graduation.

I think I should take a step back from the idea of applying to college and just reevaluate as much as possible while keeping the effectiveness of doing so. I feel that my extracurricular activities are sorely unimpressive, but I'm very passionate about what I am involved in... however, for the most part, my school is uninvolved.




Anyway, I'm a bit indecisive - it occurred to me that for the past year and a half, I've been writing this blog. I think the amount of time I've put into it has shown dedication, and it definitely shows my creative side. I've spoken at a conference in NYC, I've written for an online magazine - but neither of those feats make much sense without mentioning this little blog of mine.

But it's rather personal - definitely more so than my Facebook profile or anything of the sort. I have only mentioned it to a few people, but they don't seem to "get" it. I can't decide if including my blog as a hobby is worthwhile/if it makes me stand out... but maybe I'm just being negative.

xox Catherine

PS I definitely feel like writing opinionated personal essays. I don't know that they'll show up here, but there's a good chance considering I don't really have a classroom to share them with...

via Flickr

Currently in Cape May, NJ until next Saturday. The weather today was sort of awful, so we left the beach early... and upon arrival back at the house, I showered then took a nap. Since waking up and discovering that everyone was eating at a very vegan-unfriendly restaurant, I've been catching up on True Blood and reflecting.

Before I start with any negativity, I must say, Cape May is unbelievably charming. Sure, it's just as touristy as any other shore point, but the buildings here are so lovely. There's gardens that are still fragrant, and there's antique shops strewn throughout town. If the beach isn't an option tomorrow, I think I'll set out on a bike with my camera to do some first-hand exploring.

I could use it. Right now, I just can't shake this feeling. I'm lonely. I know there's only so much you can expect from others, but it doesn't help to be thrown snide comments instead of (even meaningless) advice. I might not know what's best for me, and I might not know what I want, but I know I deserve more. But saying that I deserve the best turns me into some self-centered bitch. "Oh, why do you deserve the best?" Needless to say, there's a few relationships that need rethinking.

xox Catherine

PS Outfit post soon? Hopefully?

Things change, things stay the same.

Necklace - flea market, top - Kimchi Blue, skirt - vintage, ring - made by me, bracelets - various, shoes - Modcloth

I haven't worn this top in a while, but I quite like it. I guess pairing it with this skirt isn't too crazy or anything, but usually I wear this skirt with neutrals. I guess I'm finally wearing this necklace I picked up at the flea market a couple weeks ago. I think it's a little too dainty for me, but I suppose it's good for when I'm not trying to make statements with jewelry. Right?




I have strange expectations for this week - I'm having a scavenger hunt tomorrow until Wednesday, and I've been talking to a friend that I haven't communicated with in months... it's funny how things work out. Or rather, I should say, how things happen. Working out has a positive connotation, whereas I'm not entirely sure. And that's okay.




Hope all is well,
xox Catherine

Recent Purchases - 7.25.10

I don't believe I mentioned that I'd be going to a flea market this past weekend, but I did, and made out pretty well! I would've done more damage if my friends didn't want to leave. But in all honesty, it was ridiculously hot and pretty unbearable! I'm particularly pleased with the pretty-but-still-a-little-badass tank and the clunky Maryjane Doc Martens.

We got caught in the rain after stopping at Urban Outfitters...




So, I guess I'll give you a rundown of the prices I paid for these items, since I'm rather proud about how "well" I did.
Anna Sui tank - $1
Doc Martens - $10
Necklace - $3
Sandals - $10
Skirt - $10
...totaling at $34.

Again, I apologize for my lack of posts. I'm actually taking a day off from school since a few events from last night have left me feeling emotionally unstable. So don't expect an outfit post today. And I have to keep telling myself: I'm fine, it'll all blow over, it's for the better, but it's just hard because it's now. I guess the biggest drawback to learning to live in the present means feeling affected when stuff like this happens rather than trying to forget about it by providing myself the privilege of hoping too much for the future.

But I hold true to what I've been saying - this year remains the best year I've experienced yet. I wouldn't say I'm quite ready to take this as a learning opportunity just yet, but I'm hoping I'll look back in the future - remembering fondness as well as what I don't deserve. Because in the end, I feel there's nothing else to do. It might sound a little pessimistic, but if I'm able to keep the good memories I garnered with me, I'll be content. And you know what else? Happy.

Hope all is well for my lovely readers,
xox Catherine

PS I've reached 130 followers! And I don't think I can thank any one of you enough. But I'll just say it simply - thanks.