(Life) Still Out There

I am still out here, I have just been very very busy.
I will soon, but not quite yet post some really good news- I want to wait for things to fall into place more. Right now I'm so happy & thankful.
Will be posting again soon!

(Life) Full time commitment

I wanted to share this with you all because sometimes it's nice to know what bloggers actually do besides blog. 

I work on my art & my blog part time, & work at a "real job" full time. 

My art & my blog are fun for me & my passion, & having a steady, reliable job is my other passion. I enjoy work, I honestly do. It gives me a sense of pride in myself. 

My art & my blog provide me with an outlet to be creative. 

Being a creative person doesn't mean you only have to want to have a job with art or fashion, in fact your creativity can give you a skill set that will greatly benefit you at any job. I love working, & then being able to come home & work on my art. Knowing I have a bunch of things I know how to do gives me confidence. 

I'm also writing this because, if you have just graduated college like me, you've probably realized that the world of "going to school" & the world of "I graduated & now I work" are completely different and change, even though it's in this case very good- can be extremely overwhelming! 

I'm grateful to have an excellent support system, and these are the things they have told me: 

-be proud of what you've accomplished

-it's okay to be nervous

-don't get too ahead of yourself

-count your blessings you already have

-life works out 

-don't stop your passions (like me, I keep working on my art! :D) 

-you do not need a job that matches your degree. (This is very true, all kinds of jobs can make you happy, and they make me happy) 

-don't give up. 

About that last tip, don't give up looking for a job. Sometimes it takes a while, but you can do it, anyone can do it. 

Hopefully I've shown at least someone that bloggers do normal things besides what they put on their blog, & maybe helped another recent college grad feel more confident :) 

Good luck to everyone, & may we all find happiness! 

(Life) The new Buffalo waterfront, Miss Josie's Antiques & the Army Navy Outlet

One of my favorite stores in all of Buffalo is Miss Josie's Antiques on Delaware in Kenmore. This store is the most amazing vintage store I have ever seen! They have clothing from the 1800's all the way up to more current vintage. 

I always love trying on everything when I go there & taking pictures of myself in all the clothes that I wish were mine! 

A very fluffy lovely feather shrug- I felt so luxurious. 

A beautifully detailed vintage bed jacket, that I ended up purchasing. I think it will look very unique with jeans and very pretty over a dress. 

Another one of my favorite things in Buffalo is the new waterfront development that has been going on! It's so thrilling, I love my city so much and I'm glad it's going through a revival. 

These pictures are from the waterfront from Ghallager Beach down to Times Beach Nature Preserve. 

I collect feathers, so needless to say I was thrilled to find all these. 

They have pieces from an old building set up to form a sculpture/seating area- pretty neat. 

A view of Downtown through a field by the Lake. 

The moving sculptures are so cool! 

A closer view. 

My Ma & I! She is honestly one of my best friends ever. When we hang out, she's so much fun I forget sometimes that she is older than me & my Ma. She feels like my friend whom I can always trust. I mean, we have our days just as all parents & children do when we don't get along as well- but 99% of the time we do get along. I'm very blessed to have her in my life.

Lastly, on one of my adventures I went to the Army/Navy surplus outlet right off of Seneca Street. I am forever and always coming back to shop here. They have really snappy basics and really durable bags/backpacks. Honestly how could you expect anything less from our countries finest? 

I purchased a wool sweater & an old army shirt with some patches still on it. I know the sweater does not fit into my no new clothes challenge (which is going excellent by the way) but it does support the men & women who keep us free. 

Here are a few pictures from the outlet, they are kind of silly: 

All kinds of uniforms/clothing from many different countries. 

They had these funny little hats there! And these pretty intense helmets: 

I highly recommend visiting here. 

And, if you haven't been to Buffalo, it's a great city with a small town feel. That sounds contradictory but it's true. We have tons of Mom & Pop shops here and the country or Lake is only a short drive away. Buffalove! 

(Life) Getting myself back out there & dealing with nerves

Since my dear friend & grandmother figure Patricia Lukaszewski took a turn for the worst with her brain cancer & passed away, I have been giving myself time to grieve & I've been thinking about all the ways she inspires me.

She got her degree in Anthropology in her 60's and was a docent at the Burchfield Penny Art Gallery for 20 years- giving tours to visitors and teaching them about the artworks there.

I loved talking about art with her, and going to lectures with her at the Memorial Art Gallery in Rochester with her.

She always inspired me to do what I wanted, since she was 60 when she went back to school it showed me how fearless a person could be, & just exactly what a person can be capable of. 

She has left her mark big time on my life, I would not be who I am today without her. 

This week, I am being brave and going to an opening at a gallery by my home. 

I am excited to meet some fellow artists, and this show features artist's work from my hometown.

It's always wonderful to have artists to talk to. 

Networking is honestly nerve racking, but really anything worth something in life takes effort and I've found more often than not, things that make you nervous or excited-nervous have the greatest payoff. 

I love learning new things, and one of the best ways to learn is by actually doing things & exposing yourself to new experiences. 

One day, I hope to have a career that makes me really happy, as happy as Pat was when she was a docent. I know good things take time, and I've been having to remind myself of this the past few weeks. I just graduated in December, and have done very well for the short time I have had my degree.

I need to keep telling myself this more too! 

I just needed to write this post, by putting this down here, I have just lifted at least 100 pounds off my shoulders! Maybe this will even help another new graduate out there too, knowing they are not alone in how they feel. 

Everyone gets nervous about life. 

(Life) No New Clothes Update & About Blogging

Recently, I was watching the Today Show & they said blogging is an excellent way to build up your reputation! Well well, I am doing another thing right with this blog of mine. 

They said it's the best way for people to get to know you aside from talking to you because they are regarded as truthful glimpses into a person's life. Often times second hand information is very un-reliable so reading something one typed out on their own is considered very reliable. 

Yay for blogging!

My no new clothes challenge is going swimmingly, I've only bought a new pair of shoes, two cami's & a basic tee-shirt. I wear out my tee shirts so quickly since I generally always have one on underneath a cardigan or my work shirt. Also, I have only bought them on sale or from a thrift store. I love thrift stores because it helps the local community, & you get cute clothes for great prices. & who in their right minds do not love a good sale?

I am going to be getting rid of some of my especially worn in shoes- le shock!

I normally will wear shoes until they have holes, but I figure it's time to grow up & let them go. 

That hobo-chic thing was cute when I was a care-free kid- but now I just look like a hobo.

I was thinking of sharing a piece of my current wardrobe & writing a little bit about it once in a while on my blog here- just to honor my no new clothes challenge & hopefully help me get inspired to wear the pieces & put them together with other items in new ways. 

This seems kind of odd for my blog, which basically is mostly about my art, but honestly how you dress yourself each day reflects who you are- just as your artwork does. 

About my art, here is a picture of one of my drawings in progress. It's coming along slowly but I'm really liking it.

So far the materials I've used are pencil & acrylic paint. I free handed this without reference because sometimes I just want to create something really unique, not just copy something over. 

Also, I've been trying my hand at another one of the Albright Knox's photography contests- inspired by Andy Goldsworthy. Here's a few of my entries so far, you can see the rest on my Instagram: @Wistful_Victorian::

That's about all for the moment, but as usual that changes so fast because I'm always keeping busy & having new ideas pop up in my head. 

(Life) Tuesday Tunes Day

I have been obsessed with listening to Adele lately. 

I've also been obsessed with ways to keep myself calm & not stressed out. My friend has brain cancer & I've been very distraught. So far taking walks & hot showers works very well, as does keeping up with my art & playing my guitar. It's a day-to-day struggle but I just keep in mind that no matter what happens she will be my friend forever & that bad things in life often are followed by great things. It doesn't seem like that now however- but I'm just trying each day to stay strong. 

(Life) Working on my art & wanting more

I work on my art everyday, & so far- since December I have: been published in Artvoice, been in a local galleries show, sold 6 paintings, had my work shown & sold at Record Theatre for Record Store Day & my work is published in a children's book. My photograph was chosen by the Albright Knox to feature in their pictures of nature series on their website & I have been given a solo show for January. I am extremely thankful for all of these things! I am also very proud of myself, because I've kept going along and making my work & constantly trying new things. 

Currently I am trying out the new Albright Knox photography challenge, I'm not too sure I understand it- but I am trying my hardest! & I am going to enter some of my work in the Erie County Fair. Besides these things I am always looking for new art exhibits calling for work & for other contests to enter.

I am so blessed but I still want more! Not in an ungrateful way by any means, but I just want to be successful and happy. I know I can do it, & I know success takes time- I have been successful so far for the short amount of time it has been since I have graduated my undergrad school- but I want to keep working at it until I achieve even more great things. I love art so much, I have loved it my entire life.

It's natural to want more of what makes you happy- and I just want to make more art & enter more shows & do more commissions! I am having so much fun & I am so happy & thankful. 

(Life) Photos of Chautauqua

(Life) Thoughts on Creativity

I am always thinking of ways to be more creative. Why? because my job is to be creative, I need to be creative in order to make new art, being creative helps me in all areas of my life. But sometimes I need a little help with this.
What to do when I cannot seem to think of anything, when I feel as if I am stuck?
I take lots of pictures wherever I go, I talk to my friends about my ideas and I just force myself to put myself out there and be myself.
Taking pictures gives me a physical reminder of the things that inspire me. Talking to my friends is always fun, and having the perspective of others keeps my ideas fresh. By being myself, well sometimes it can be scary but it's always better than ending the day knowing I didn't let myself be me.
I also watch TV that takes thought to watch, the Discovery Channel, BBC,  things like those. Garbage TV helps no one. As does watching TV too much. If I watch TV too much I get lazy, and also if I go on social media too much I get nervous. It's not natural to be so connected to everyone. I remember the times before social media- gasp! People had a few people they were close with & kept in regular contact with- and people had.... alone time! Now, everyone knows everything about everyone & can get in touch with everyone anytime of the day.
By choice I do not have Facebook on my phone, I do not check it everyday. I don't constantly text people, I actually do go places & never look at my phone, I have days where I don't talk to anyone besides my parents & my dog. Seriously, alone time is good for the soul. Especially in today's time where everyone is hyper connected.
These are just my thoughts, take them or leave them.

(Life) People who inspire me

Rod Stewart- because he is outrageous.

Stevie Nicks- because she has great style, & she's very smart. Watch an interview .

Janis Joplin-Because she was a complete bad ass & always stayed true to herself.

If you know me, you know why. But... George Harrison- he was an incredibly talented musician, he was smart, aware of world problems, funny- hello Monty Python, I love learning to play his music. Just yes.

Courtney Love! Because she isn't afraid to be herself, she admits when she acted like a complete train wreck- honestly she did, and when I was in kindergarden I dressed as her for picture day. She rocks- literally & figuratively. 

(Life) Tuesday Tunes Day & 700 Cats

I'm going to the Goo Goo Dolls concert this August! I'm so excited, I've seen them about 6 times now- they're my ultimate favorite band! So this Tuesday I've decided to post some of my favorite songs by them. 

As I'm typing this, I'm watching the documentary "The Lady With 700 Cats". She is honestly slightly crazy I think but in the best way. This woman has a no kill shelter- complete with human sized beds for the kitties! We need more people like her. 

She takes in other animals too it seems- judging from the incredible amount of doggies walking alongside her. 

Apparently this documentary first aired in 2011- I've never seen it before! How?? I just googled the sanctuary- it's still open thank God! Here is the link:

http://www.cathouseonthekings.com/

This woman is incredible, I'm in awe as I'm watching this!! 

 She has the means & a team helping her. The means being money & a team being people who know how to properly care for the cats- including vets. She's not just some crazed woman going into this half cocked. 

Kind of a random post, yes. But Goo Goo Dolls + animals= the best stuff ever.

ps: check out this great post by Kaylah of The Dainty Squid about Niagara Falls & Buffalo! Also, check out Elycia's post of <3 Elycia about Buffalo & Niagara Falls!!
Buffalo, Niagara Falls & the surrounding towns up here in WNY have so much to offer- way more than snow. This area & the cities often get a bad rap as "dying" cities & communities. We are not as big as NYC- but we have great small towns, architecture & history. There are THE BEST antique shops up here, as well as amazing food! 

So, come & visit us :)

(Life) Clean Room & Clean Closet

I've been meaning to write about this for months- exactly how long it has taken me to get my space of our home into shape again. I was attending a very stressful department at my undergrad school & honestly was just too exhausted- truly exhausted to clean. My mother helped me fold my laundry and we both vacuumed & dusted my room. 

If you are currently in a situation such as I was in, do not fret- it will come to an end & your life will get back to normal, just stay brave.

The first part of my post will be about my closet, specifically how to

CLEAN YOUR CLOSET:

1. Think about how much you wear an item. Don't feel guilty about wanting to go through perfectly nice clothes & give them away. It's okay to be lucky enough to have a closet to clean out. Remember how finding something at a thrift shop makes you feel? Someone else will get the same feeling when they find what you have donated to their local shop.

2. Does the item still have tags on it but you've had it for a while? Donate it. Chances are you loved how it looked but didn't realize how it did not fit in with the rest of your wardrobe.

3. It is quite alright to keep sentimental pieces, just keep in mind what is actually sentimental vs. a "really pretty & a great deal" type of piece.

An Example: The dress you first kissed your boyfriend in (mine happens to be a floaty black number with purple violets all over it) vs. a cool scarf you got for $2 that is indeed pretty but you hardly ever wear it. 

4. Keep mental notes as you are cleaning out what you have. If you have tons of scarves- go through those. If you find a piece of clothing that surprises you- because you haven't seen it in forever- get rid of it. There is a reason you forgot about it.

5. Take time to have fun! Play dress up, enjoy the process. Try on different- even really crazy- combinations of clothing. Play your favorite music (mine is the Goo Goo Dolls) pour yourself your favorite drink (my favorite is black coffee). Remember this is a good thing you are doing! Why not let yourself have fun at the same time?

My collection of dresses on top with my tee shirts, & my blazers & coats on bottom.
I actually don't have a traditional closet- I have what I call my "Clothing Wonderland" Racks of clothes around my purple shag rug. When you walk into the space it really is like a clothing wonderland- to me at least :)

My dressier shirts & my skirts are on this rack- as are my shoes (some of them!) 

I put up some nails to hang my hats & belts off of. I like this a lot because I can see exactly what I have. 

Now how to

Clean Your Room:

(specifically how to keep your living area/art area/ small space livable)

I'd like to start this half of my post by saying- cleaning your room may be scary at times. I found a large beetle that wanted to bite me. Of course his mouth was not big enough, but bugs are part of life in a brick house. Also, you may find horribly large dust bunnies hiding in the most unusual places. 

1. Find creative ways to store items. I am using my stairwell as a wee gallery for my finished paintings. Also I'm using the walls in the laundry room.

2. Organize, organize organize! Keep a large contractor bag at hand and as soon as you pick up a questionable item (keep it or not?) throw it out. You honestly don't need it & if you wondered if you wanted to keep it it's a sign to just chuck it. With truly important things- that thought would never cross your mind.

3. Don't keep things just because others like them. Offer to give them to said person or just throw them out. It's your space, keep what you want in it.

4. Dedicate a space to your art. It does not have to be traditional. I do most of my painting in the middle of my clothing wonderland, & my drawing either on my bed or on my desk. Be creative & make sure to keep only the supplies you are using out- put everything else away.

5. Make areas in your space that are mini "shrines". What the heck? Yes. Make small spaces that are dedicated to things you love, that way- as your room starts to get messy again & these places become harder to access or harder to see- you have a reason to start cleaning again. 

6. Make your bed, it makes the space feel bigger, neater & after a day out coming home to a pretty bed is so calming.

7. Your room does not have to be super neat. Martha Stewart is not going to come over. Make sure your space stays dusted & vacuumed fairly well & it's not a complete pig pen & you are good. 

8. Again have fun, take a few minutes to look at pictures you like- a book that mysteriously slipped under a dresser. Have a snack, play music, pour yourself a drink (this time I had a beer ;)). It's not bad your space is messy, we are all human- so don't punish yourself while cleaning.

My artworks in my stairwell.

More artworks on the other side of the stairwell.

All my art supplies

My desk- I love my desk.

My bed- complete with a handmade Peter Rabbit quilt that has a purple twall pattern on the back featuring pirate ships! 

I love my music so I made a small "shrine" on the top of my stereo.

Another "shrine" of feathers I found on the beach, old books & one of my freshman year art projects.

My bookshelf. Yes, I have read all the books.

My art space in the middle of my clothing wonderland. I adore my mushroom stool.

Hope this was helpful, and good luck getting your spaces organized!

Instagram

What I've been taking pictures of lately (from top left):

A Salvia plant in my neighbors yard.

Columbine in my yard.

A wind surfer on Lake Eerie

My simple outfit

Poco & I in the garden

A collage of my paintings

One of my zombie-mutant drawings

A picture of me wearing one of my softest sweaters

Me, looking at False Indigo in the garden 

Also, I figured I'd feature some recent pictures on Instagram I liked that other users took: 

From Top Left:

A crow sitting on top of skulls

John Stamos 

An awesome collection of Pez Despensers

Super cute styling of shorts

A kitten hanging off a pretty white dress! also, I love those boots.

Vintage dresses

A funny fabric print

A striped sweater that reminds me of one of my favorite Kurt Cobain pictures

A sparkly peach dress!

Follow me on IG: Wistful_victorian

And on Facebook: 

My Facebook Page

And one last thing- I've posted more photos I've been taking in my gallery. They are of some especially lovely Irises. 

ifb

I've been accepted as an Independent Fashion Blogger!

Now, I have more confidence to create posts about my wardrobe however I choose to.

It may sound funny- but no matter how confident you are, getting some recognition for what you like to do is a great thing, a really great thing.

Also, I've been going through my posts from the past year and deleting the ones I had not really thought out- or ones that I personally think do not represent my point of view as clearly as I would like.

When I interviewed Brandon Boyd for one of my illustration assignments, he said that everything he does, is connected in some way. All of his creative projects are all intertwined.

At the time, I thought it was pretty incredible that one person had so much confidence to stand behind their idea so much that they weren't afraid of letting it into each part of their life. I thought- what if I tried this? I'd change my mind so much!! I'd drive myself nuts!

However I realize I was just looking at it wrong. I've found that having a theme to your life & creative endeavors can consist of many ideas- and that it is actually very grounding & calming when you figure out how to incorporate that theme into all that you do. I'm still figuring out ways to do this to this day, it's an ongoing process & I learn as I go along.

Speaking of someone making a theme to their life, Kate from Scathingly Brilliant does it very well!
I was just reading her blog, & thought I would share this with all of you. It's a post about her kitty- & it is very beautiful. After you read it, be sure to browse the rest of her pretty pastel blog.
http://www.scathingly-brilliant.blogspot.com/2013/05/remembering.html#idc-container

Summer 2013

This summer, since I do not have to put up with all the craziness from my undergrad school anymore, I am looking forward to enjoying my time. I made this list because it's always easier to stick to goals if you can see them written down- at least this is true for me.

Cooking is a creative thing, and being able to cook lots of things is fun & will serve me well in life. I love leeks of all things & want to make a recipe my Mom found, and I'd love to perfect homemade guacamole! 

Last summer I didn't get a chance to read much, so this summer I want to read a few books. Nothing crazy, not 50 books or anything- just a few books so I can learn some new things.

I love my mixed media paintings, and want to try something a little different for me. Drawing people is one of my favorite things ever to do- so trying to paint one seems like a natural next step.

My doggie, he is a wee bit plump. He is loosing weight thanks to the weight loss plan I wrote up for him- but I'd like to create a game that he'd enjoy playing outside where he can run about.

Speaking of my Poco running about, I want to exercise more not to loose weight but to maintain my figure & just for the fact that exercising is good for me. I really cannot go outside too much during the middle of the day when the sun is at it's highest-but I was toying with the idea of taking walks in the morning. It's peaceful then & not as sunny- so I won't get burned.

I really admire other bloggers/artists that can take creative self portraits. Getting the camera timer just right and posing just right is an artform I've yet to get a grasp on. This summer I'm going to try, maybe with hilarious results but I'm going to keep on trying until I start to get it right!

Finally, exploring more places is just a given. Wether it's places I've been before or a new place- I learn something new each time & get inspiration. 

Speaking of learning new things- today is day two of my five month self imposed ban on buying clothes. Honestly, I keep thinking about it- but I feel I can do it no problem. I'm looking forward to how creative I can get (well hopefully). Here is a great blog by a girl named Maeve about her adventures with a no new clothes challenge! 

http://therosewithnonewclothes.blogspot.com/

(Ps: her hair is fantastic.)

Phew! long post. I'm looking forward to this summer for sure.

1920's Wool Sweater

I recently purchased a US Navy sweater from an antique shop by my home. The lady at the shop said it was from either the 20's or 30's but could not remember exactly what the seller had told her. 

I loved the sweater so it didn't matter that much to me, but I did become curious & decided to do some further research. 

I posted up this picture on Instagram 

And a young man from Michigan, he tried on a sweater just like it that day! said that he was told it was from the 1920's or 1930's. 

I then went to the wizard of Google & found all these great pictures of my sweater on men from the 19-teens & 1920's! Get ready for a flood of awesome old photos:(which I do not own or did not take)::

My sweater does not have that snazzy tie.

I think it's so fun that I've found a sweater from a pivotal point not only in American History, but world history! 

Come Fall, or possibly a sooner chilly day- it is Buffalo after all- I cannot wait to wear it.