Wolf Moon.

Tonight is the first full moon of the new year. It is the Wolf Moon, the biggest and brightest full moon of 2010.

The moon has always held special meaning for me. I guess you could say it's become a personal symbol over the years. My mother always had pet names for my sister and I growing up. April was Sunshine because she was always happy and singing and up at the break of dawn ready to start the day. And I was the darker (ok moodier) child who stayed up playing all night and slept all day... so I was Moonbeam. One of my favorite stories growing up was a book that my Aunt Lee gave me called Little Daylight about a little princess who slept all day and played all night and whose beauty waxed and waned with the moon. I have never outgrown my love of nighttime escapades. I feel like I am on a completely different time schedule from the rest of the world. When everyone else is ready to relax and sleep I'm ready to go out dancing.

As I've gotten older the moon has come to represent a lot more for me. The ever changing moon phases and their power over the tides and earth fascinate me. One of my biggest challenges in life, and something that I work towards every day, has been to accept change and trust in the cycle of life...to know that there is light and dark in everything and that even when the world is at it's darkest point...a sliver of moon will appear the next night and the cycle will continue.

Native Americans called January's full moon The Wolf Moon because of the long, cold winter nights that left hungry wolves howling at the moon. In Native American folklore the wolf symbolized death and reincarnation. The wolf, though portrayed as an aggressive hunter in modern culture, is actually a very shy animal. It is said that if a person has Wolf represented in their totem, they have a natural psychic ability and should listen to their inner wisdom and will feel most at peace when at one with nature and when they learn to trust their intuition.

So it seems to me that while I admire the beautiful silver Wolf Moon tonight and while my New Years Resolutions are still fresh, it would be a perfect time to start over...to reincarnate (so to speak) into a new person....to let go of old habits and begin healthier ones, commit to accepting challenges and changes with grace and to make a pact with myself to always listen to that inner voice that I know is in there. Enjoy the full moon!

Tim Burton's Alice In Wonderland.

I haven't anticipated a movie this much in a long time! Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland is due in theaters March 5th 2010. Check out these photos of the main characters...so creative!

 

 

New Art!

I finally painted something! My boyfriend Andrew has been asking me since we started dating to paint him something. I finally got around to it. This piece is based on Odilon Redon's painting from my previous post. I used acrylic, pen and gesso on a 12"x16" canvas board. Though the man in the painting was not intended to be Andy, it came out eerily similar to him. I wanted the floral motif on mine to be more comic book-esque so I added pen details instead of leaving raw edges.

New Beginnings.

Happy New Year! One of my resolutions is to get back to blogging. There are already a lot of changes for the upcoming year in the works. The major change being that I am moving. I've been here in my little cottage about 2 years which doesn't seem like long, but when you've moved as much as I have it seems like an eternity! It's been very bittersweet packing and getting ready for the move home in February. I really left my mark on this place and was finally able to sink my roots in here but the move will allow me to save some cash and possible even head back to school....which has been a long term goal. So as I'm packing I took a few pictures and used some old photos and compiled a little mosaic to remember my first real 'home' by. Here is to new beginnings and fresh starts!

Music of the Soul- Au Revoir SImone

I am posting about Au Revoir Simone today. Their album The Bird of Music has been on repeat in my car and in my head for a few weeks now. There is one song in particular that I am just in love with. Here are the lyrics to Stars:

And since we met I simply cannot forget You are on my mind Yeah since the day we met I think I haven't slept More than an hour at a time You make wanna measure stars in the backyard with a calculator and a ruler baby I found a letter that describes how the moonlight will lead me to the distant place that you will be I don't know how but there's a power For now, it conveys a subtle mystery And from my house As I look out The stars align You make wanna measure stars in the backyard with a calculator and a ruler baby I found a letter that describes how the moonlight will lead me to the distant place that you will be The open sky Is mine tonight It gives a sign Of what I'll find The open sky Is mine tonight It gives a sign Of what I'll find You make wanna measure stars in the backyard with a calculator and a ruler baby I found a letter that describes how the moonlight will lead me to the distant place that you will be You make wanna measure stars in the backyard with a calculator and a ruler baby I found a letter that describes how the moonlight will lead me to the distant place that you will be

These girls are so talented. The lyrics on the CD remind me of someone who I would probably be best forgetting but it's so hard when you have such good music to remember and cry to. So that is what this CD is great for. Going through a breakup. It's not necessarily a heartbreaking CD or a breakup CD but when you are personally going through this, of course it seems as if the whole world is writing songs specifically for you. The Bird of Music has beautiful emotion laden lyrics and is just filled with sad love songs that leave you with a slight feeling of melancholy hope at the end of each one. I listened to it while painting constellations on my bedroom ceiling with glow in the dark paint...and yes crying.

I <3 Boxborough.

I am so lucky to live where I do. Not only is my apartment super unique and wonderful but I am surrounded by conservation land and horse farms. I took a walk a few days ago and thought I would share the view from down the street. Enjoy!

Bottle Necks.

Hey. Sorry I've been missing. A lot of changes have been taking place in my life right now. Some I have chosen to make....some have been unexpected ....I'm hoping that they are all for the best.

Before I get into all of that, I would like to announce that I am officially registered as a vendor at stART on the Street. This is a great arts and crafts festival in Worcester. This year it will be held on Sunday September 2oth from 11am-5pm. I'm super excited as this will be my first time vending on my own. To tell you the truth I don't have an awful lot of inventory so I am trying to motivate myself to get going on a few key pieces. I'll mainly be selling whimsical home decor and furnishings and a few pieces of wearable art. SO......I hope to see you all there!

For those who aren't able to make it to the festival, I am also creating an Etsy site (to be launched shortly) where you will be able to view and buy some of the items I am creating.
So....there you have it...the next step in my life...laid right out in blog form!

The first items up for sale are Bottle Necks-remember these? I had a few left overs from last year and I improved upon the design a bit. Each unique necklace is made from a vintage soda bottle cap. The cap frames a picture printed on high quality gloss paper and sealed with clear resin and hangs on a gold and black cord. I am selling them for $15 each plus shipping and handling. If you are interested in ordering a Bottle Neck before they are swiped up from the Etsy shop please contact me via email at ajoykennedy@gmail.com and specify: Moon, heart, skull, black cat, palmistry hand or rose. Limited quantities of each are available.

Thanks for being such a patient group of readers and I promise promise to post on a more regular basis!

The Uniform Project.

This is the most amazing idea! Akanksha is an extremely talented and creative girl with a great vision. She started The Uniform Project to fund education for slum children in India. She is blogging about her outfits each day for one year to raise awareness and money for these children. The catch? She is wearing the SAME DRESS for one full year! You have to check this out!

Day at Wingaersheek Beach.

Ben and I both had a rare day off together today. Even though it was chilly this morning we decided to take a trip to the beach. Our first adventure of the day was rescuing this pretty painted turtle from getting crushed by passing cars. This is the third turtle that we have rescued so far this summer. Mr. Turtle didn't appreciate the rescue mission. He hissed at Ben an then peed on him. Then we headed off to Wingaersheek Beach in Gloucester MA. It was a great, quiet beach in a little cove with plenty of rocks and tide pools to explore. It warmed up and ended up being a beautiful day. We had lunch at the beach and napped and read and then stopped at a few antique stores on the way home. All in all it was a nice, relaxing day. Here are a few pics.

Beauty product 'Must Have List'.

My Makeup Bag by Ajoi on Polyvore.com

Beauty products by Ajoi on Polyvore.com

Though it is no longer my profession, I am a licensed esthetician and makeup artist. I still thoroughly enjoy playing with makeup and will take the occasional wedding makeup or photo shoot makeup gig. I am a self-confessed 'product junkie' and am extremely particular when it comes to my favorite products. I try to use the most eco-friendly and natural products while still focusing on great results.

As soon as people find out that I am an esthetician they inevitably ask me to recommend products to them. It has occured to me that there are so many women out there in need of some real advice on beauty products. Because of this, as well as my LOVE of reading about celebrities 'Must Have' beauty essentials, I decided to compile and share with you my own list. I am a dedicated student of the 'less is more' and 'beauty is only skin deep' schools. However, these are my favorite products in case I flunk out.

Skin Care~
Cleanser: Aveda All-Sensitive Cleanser- $21
I pre-wash my face with this creamy cleanser (that's right, my skin care routine is like a car wash). It has no irritating fragrance and doesn't leave a residue or dry skin.

Acne: Glymed Serious Action Pac- price varies
A kit for acne prone skin that comes in different stages for different levels of acne. More intensive but I find most people have better results with this kit than with Proactiv. Includes cleanser, toner, and medicating lotion.

Exfoliant: Cosmedix Pure Enzymes-$50
This brand is amazing but very pricey. I love this exfoliating gel mask. You can feel it dissolving dead skin cells and it leaves your skin so smooth and fresh feeling.

Blemish Control: Desert Essence Tea Tree Oil- $8.99
Just a drop on a damp Q-tip helps to dry up blemishes naturally.

Eye Makeup Remover: Aveda Pure Comfort Eye M/U Remover- $16
Very gentle. Works great. That's all you need to know!

Moisturizer: Bio-elements Beyond Hydration-$33
I have very oily skin so this light-weight, lavender scented, gel moisturizer is great to smooth on under makeup. It doesn't make my skin look like an oil slick.

Moisturizer with sunscreen: Glymed Photo-Age Environmental Protection Gel- $35
Not really a gel at all. Creamier lotion with an SPF of 15. Great for if you need a little extra moisture. And it smells like the beach!

Eye Cream: Cosmedix Eye Believe- $90
Anti-Aging eye serum. The tiniest dab firms skin around eyes...thank goodness because at $90 it needs to last a year!

Makeup~
Concealer: Jane Iredale Disappear Concealer in Medium Light- $24
Thick, creamy concealer and a little goes a long way. I tend to thin it out with a bit of moisturizer and blend over problem areas. A tube lasts forever!

Foundation: Bare Minerals Foundation in Medium Beige- $25
I will never go back to liquid foundation. I recommend trying to Get Started Kit ($60) to find your shade and to test out the products. Works well with other brands.

Blush: Nars blush in Orgasm- $25
I know, I know- everyone loves this blush. The most amazing peachy gold color, it works on so many skin types from fair to African-American.

Lip Balm: Jane Iredale Lip Drink- $12
Addicting. Silky smooth and very moistuizing. Plus it doesn't leave that gross film on your lips that so many balms an chapsticks do. Light citrusy flavor.

Lip color: Stila Lip Rouge in Baci- $20
I can't seem to find this at Sephora anymore and it was my favorite. I'm not super into lipsticks as they wear off so quickly and even use lip stains on brides. This one was like a felt tip pen in a great natural flushed peach color. Let me know if you can find it!

Lip Gloss: Jane Iredale Pure Gloss in Apricot Fizz and Cotton Candy- $15
Just the right amount of shine. Not sticky. Great sheer colors with a hint of shimmer.

Eye Liner: Ecco Bella Soft Eye Liner Pencil in Seal and Velvet- $15.95
I really like how soft and blendable this pencil is. Made with natural flower waxes.

Mascara: Maybelline Define-a-Lash Mascara- $8
Maybelline knows lashes man! This really does define and doesn't clump at all. Also comes in water-proof.

Bronzer: Bronzy Babe Fake Bake- $18
I'm not an advocate of bronzer, I'd rather use a swipe of a shade darker foundation followed by a shimmer powder. However, this one is actually natural looking and not orangey.

Shimmer Powder: Bare Escentuals Clear Radiance- $18
Natural, dewey shimmer that doesn't overpower.

Nail Polish: Essie Nail Laquer in Mademoiselle and Canteloupe- $8 each
Essie has great, formaldehyde-free colors that stay on really well. These are my two favorite shades. A delicate, french pink and a fun, coral that's great for summer. They also have a nail strengthener that works wonders.

Eyeshadow and other: M.A.C.- prices vary
I use M.A.C. pigments for eyeshadows, colored mascaras and liners, lipsticks and anything else. Their colors are superior to anything I've tried and though I love the colors that mineral makeup brands have out there, they don't tend to stay put as well.

Tweezers: Tweezerman Slant Tweezer-$20

Makeup Brushes: The Body Shop Makeup Brushes- prices vary
These brushes are all vegan and still work wonderfully. I always use brushes to apply makeup and sometimes even skincare products.

Hair Care~
Shampoo and Conditioner: Pureology Hydrate duo- about $55
I can't afford this stuff but ohhh how I love it. Has a minty tingle on the scalp and makes my hair feel like silk. The greatest thing is that it is completely vegan. Little do you know but I really only chopped my hair off because I couldn't afford Pureology anymore ;)

Runner Up: Giovanni Tea Tree Triple Treat Shampoo and Conditioner- $7.95 each

Styling Product: Giovanni Wicked Wax- $9.99
I don't like a lot in my hair but this pomade has just the right amount of soft hold when I want to have fun with my hair. This and a spritz of their hairspray and I'm good to go.

Body~
Body Lotion: Giovanni Body Lotion in Grapefruit Sky- $9.95
I don't use body lotion too often because I hate feeling greasy. This one is great though. I bought it because the smell is amazing but it's actually absorbs very well and is non-greasy and all natural.

Exfoliant: Sea Salt- price varies
Yup. Plain old sea salt. Just scoop a handful and rub over damp skin. Works great, it's cheap and it doesn't have any unnecessary ingredients. Add a drop of essential oil if you'd like.

Body Wash: EO Shower Gel in Rose Chamomile- $6.99
Great soothing smell. Rinses clean. Wonderful ingredients.

Fragrance: Aura Cacia Essential Oils- price varies
These are all natural and pure. Great fragrances. I put a drop or two in the shower for a spa experience and use them in homemade face masks and moisturizers.

Dior Miss Cherie Perfume-$56-$92
My current summer time favorite. Light and feminine.

Aveda Balancing Body Mist (Chakra 5)- $30
This herbal infused body mist comes in 7 fragrances to represent the 7 chakras. I like Chakra 5 which represents self-expression and creativity. Use after a warm shower, before and after yoga or spritz on a warmed towel and drape around your neck before meditating.

So there you go. Those are my absolute favorites. I'd love to know if you have tried any of these products and what you think. I'd also love to hear reviews of your top beauty product picks!

Hobbit House.

Check out this adorable little hobbit house! I want to live here! Simon Dale and his family built this eco-friendly home in the Wales countryside with natural, recycled and repurposed materials. This family is just adorable...I want to squeeze them! Learn how to build your own and check out their inspirational story here.

Bilbo Baggins' House in Bag End from the film trilogy Lord of the Rings.

Music of the Soul-Michael Jackson

Music of the Soul is back and of course I am starting with Michael Jackson.

There is too much to even say. I have always been a fan. My earliest memories of his music were learning his moves and listening to tapes with my cousins Rozlin and Johanna. They were older and my sister and I were their human barbie dolls. The two of them would dress us up, style our hair and do our makeup. Then they would teach us the lyrics and dance moves to "Beat It" and we would be sent upstairs to perform our "show" for the adults. I remember exactly where I was when I first heard of and saw a photo of Michael Jackson....in my Aunt Laurie's bedroom using her curling iron. Roz and Johanna were having a debate over who liked him more. I must have been 7 and my cousins were my idols. For them to be obsessed with a boy meant he must be the coolest person ever. I was hooked.

Now I will never forget the day that I heard he had passed away. I guess he was so much a part of American culture as I have come to know it that I never thought of him not being in the world anymore. I don't remember a party that I've been to that one of his songs hasn't been played and I don't think I will ever stop trying to do the moonwalk.

No matter what opinion you have of his eccentricities and the controversy surrounding him, there is no denying he is a legend. He contributed to over 39 different charities throughout his career by raising and donating millions of dollars and using his larger than life persona to draw attention to some of the most important issues of the 80's and 90's. His dancing completely mesmerizes me and even though every radio and television station has been playing his videos and songs non stop for almost 3 days, I still can't get enough.

What I love about the music is that each of my favorite songs triggers very distinct memories for me. I absolutely love the earlier material from the Jackson 5 days. "I Want You Back" will always remind me of my very first summer job: blueberry picking with my sister and my friend Caitlin. We learned every word and tried to choreograph our own dance to it that summer. I cry every time I hear "Man in the Mirror". And "Thriller" and "Beat It" are on every playlist for every party I have ever thrown. I was in total awe by the video for "Bad". I don't know that I can actually pick a favorite but "Heal the World", "Ben" and "Bad" and "Dirty Diana" would be in my top 10. And though I love Thriller, the album that launched him into super stardom, I think my personal favorite album is Bad. His performances have, and always will be, incomparable and the passion he brought to not just music but to everything he did is overwhelming. I have never been too much into live music (mainly because the crowds get to me) but he will be the one entertainer I will regret never seeing live.

His life was an absolute mystery, full of passion and secrecy. Media scrutiny, adoration, obsession, accusations and criticism. Creepiness and hopefulness. Curiosity and love. By the end it seemed as if he was creating a fairy tale world for himself to escape into with a dark, tragic ending. I can't wait for Tim Burton to make a film about his life. I know that biopics are not Burton's forte but what a great project that would be!

What an amazing entertainer, what an amazing talent, what an amazing life, what an amazing legacy. The King of Pop will be missed!


My sister and I performing at my Aunt's house 1994

Turn on Billie.

Here is the new video from the talented Pierces. As you know from my previous post, I'm in love with them and I love this video. This is my absolute favorite song of theirs. It reminds me of an old Betty Grable film. Enjoy and share your love for them in the comments section, I want these girls to be around for awhile!

The Pierces - New Music - More Music Videos

Dream Bedroom.

My good friend Jen of Jenloveskev was recently featured on one of my favorite blogs Design*Sponge. She did an amazing bedroom makeover starting with a few sketches and pics of some of her favorite items. She got such wonderful feedback and inspired so many readers to undertake projects of their own (including me). Thanks Jen! So over the next couple of months here is my plan for our bedroom. Let me know what you think!

Bedroom by Ajoi on Polyvore.com

Tattoo.

Well hello there. Good to see you again. Sorry it's been so long. I have no excuses really...I guess I got a little discouraged with this blog. I feel like there are only a handful of people who actually follow this blog and I know I was started out doing this for myself like a journal...but it certainly encourages me to keep up with it more when I know that others enjoy it too. Well anyway...I realized the other day that the me and that handful of people are important enough to continue with it :)

Anyway, now that apologies are out of the way....Tattoos have been on my mind recently. I want more and I've finally made up my mind what I want (I'm not telling-it's a secret until I get it done).

I know that tattoos, piercings and body modification have a negative connotation to some people. Mainly that they "look trashy" or the cliched "You might like it now but you'll regret it when you're older". Yes, I can understand that if you get the tazmanian devil tattooed on your neck because your friends dared you to when you were drunk. However, I firmly believe that if you are getting a meaningful, self-representing tattoo, there is no reason that you'll regret it.

The history of tattoos and body modification goes so far back and is steeped in such meaning and sacred origin that I think that if you go about it the right way, the process of getting a tattoo can be a very deep or even spiritual experience. People always ask if my tattoo hurt. Of course it hurt but it was the type of pain that is self inflicted and because it is a repetitive pain it becomes almost like meditation. I actually really enjoyed it. I can see how people become addicted to them.

So, I will be saving for my next one and researching tattoo artists. If you have any suggestions let me know! I leave you with some of my favorite tattoo pics.

Odilon Redon.

I saw a painting at the Worcester Art Museum when I was really little. I couldn't have been more than 6 or 7 but I completely fell in love with it. When I wake up after a dream I always remember them as looking like that painting. I never knew the name of the painting or who the artist was but I have always remembered it. I decided yesterday I would try to figure it out. Let me tell you it is really difficult to find a painting based on my 6 year old description and nothing more....blue and green and blurry and mushy, and a face that could be Jesus or maybe a fairy...and some bright flower blobs....
Anyway after a lot of searching and using some of my adult knowledge of Art movements. I finally found the artist.....French Symbolist painter, Odilon Redon. I still cannot find a photo of the painting at the WAM but as soon as I saw the name and his style it all clicked. Though I realize now that I have seen Redon's work before, I guess I never put two and two together. Now I am completely obsessed. He may even surpass Gustave Klimt as my new favorite artist. I am even planning on using a painting as inspiration for my decorating scheme.

Antique Chair.

We have a big front entry way with a giant display cabinet/bookshelf but really nothing else. I have been keeping my eye open for a unique chair to display in the corner for sitting to put on shoes or to open mail. I FINALLY found one after searching for months on craigslist and not finding anything for under $300 or so. My sister and I stopped at an antique store in Grafton (I forgot the name of the place but I will update when I find out) where I picked up this great piece for next to nothing. It looks like a Victorian era Eastlake style chair, though I'm not too good at that kind of thing so I'm not sure. I know it has been reupholstered in this great fabric with crewel embroidery. That's why I fell in love with it. It looks like something that they would have at Anthropologie. The arms just need a little tightening but that's about it. Let me know if you know anything about this style of chair. I'd love to know. Lucky seems to be enjoying it anyway!

Lilacs.

I'm so sorry that I have been M.I.A. for awhile. I had a medical issue a few weeks ago and spent a few days in the hospital and it's taken me awhile to bounce back. I am fine now but needless to say I wasn't my usual self for a bit. I am finally feeling re-cooperated...just in time to see the whole world burst into bloom! I am so excited for the warm weather and all the flowers. There was a little baby bunny in my driveway the other morning and a newborn pony at the farm up the street. It's so refreshing and a I have a great sense of relief that the long winter is over and it's a time to start over. I think I'm most excited for the lilacs!

Happy Mother's Day.

I wasn't able to spend the day with my mom today because I was working but I did get to talk to her. We are planning to get together during the week to celebrate. We have had our trials and tribulations and ups and downs. We have given each other the silent treatment and at other times shared too much. We have laughed and cried and loved and hated. But through it all, I am so grateful that she is my mother. She has been through so much in her life and has overcome and become such an inspiration to me. She is the most creative, talented and genuinely beautiful and honest person I know. I can only hope to become half the woman she is. She is my best friend. I can't imagine it any other way. I love you so much mom!

Ma Maison-Studio.

I had an unexpected day off today so I did some spring cleaning in the studio. Here are a few pictures. This is my creative space where I paint, collage, and attempt to sew. It's always a mess and every inch of it is covered with glitter but that seems to be the best for inspiring art.

My work space:

A work in progress:
A mixed media piece I did of myself for inspiration:

Baubles:

Did you doubt that there would be Parisian influence?:

My paint box:

A cozy reading nook:

Well equipped with decorating magazines and tea:

Paintbrushes:

Odds and ends:

Fabric scraps:

Storage:

And more storage:

As messy as it is, I do really love creating here:

And finally, every studio needs a unicorn:

Music of the Soul-The Pierces.

They are sisters. They are super stylish. A little dark. A little bubble-gum pop. They are quirky and sexy all at the same time. Super talented.....no, no, no I'm not talking about April and I, silly. I'm talking about The Pierces, Catherine and Alison. (They do really remind me of us though.)

What I love about them is that they easily could have gone mainstream with their looks and their talent but they decided to do their own thing. On more than one occasion I've heard people say they are a little scary or weird...which I love, because I don't know how many times April and I have been described that way too.

In any case, I love their voices. They harmonize beautifully and have a very upbeat yet mystical sound. They incorporate a mixture of different instruments on the tracks which give their music an ethnic/gypsy vibe. Their third album Thirteen Tales of Love and Revenge is by far their best (as far as I know on this one they did all of the creative work themselves). Who wouldn't love a sister duo that sings "Don't be silly, turn on Billie, she's singin' us to sleep so we can dream our lives away. And if we wake up in full makeup, we'll paint the town pink cuz baby red is so passe"? Amazing. I'm not entirely sure why they haven't had more of a following...maybe because they are unusual but not so over the top eccentric that they fall into the Devendra Banhart category. And they are cute and poppy but not so much that they fall into the Britney Spears category. They are lost somewhere in the middle....but really aren't we all?

Earth Day.

I am up waaaay too late! But I had to post a pic of my seedlings in time for Earth Day. Here they are! I planted a few flower, herb and veggie seeds in plastic egg cartons. They have been growing very well in their little makeshift green-houses. Hope you have a great Earth Day! Reduce. Reuse. Recycle!

Couch Surfing.

Our friends Matt and Paulette clued us into a site called Couch Surfing. It's basically a social network with a twist. It's for people who want to travel on a budget and experience culture on a deeper level. You can post a profile and either offer your couch for someone to crash on or you can search for someone who has a couch you can crash on. It sounds like such a great idea so I signed us up and offered our couch/guest room. We were a little hesitant about safety at first but Matt and Paulette had a great first experience with their first surfer. They had a girl, Frederieke, from Germany stay with them for awhile last month. We met her one night when we all went to see a movie and she was a very nice. We figured we'd invite someone into our home first before traveling elsewhere so we can get used to the idea. Well, there's the update (plus it was a totally good excuse to post this awesome couch from Anthropologie). I'm so excited! I hope someone wants to come visit us way out here in the sticks!

I carry your heart with me.

Many of my friends and family are curious about my tattoo. Though I'm sure there will be more to come, my one and only tattoo is a line from an ee cummings poem. The poem is called "i carry your heart with me".

My sister, April, is my best friend (as many of you know) and we are probably closer than a lot of siblings are so we wanted to get tattoos that represented our unique bond without having something too cheesy. We chose this poem because it is a beautiful love poem that best describes our relationship and incorporates nicknames that my mother has called us since we were little. I have always been "Moonbeam" since I was the moody night child. And April is "Sunshine" because she was the energetic day child. So April's tattoo says "You are whatever a moon has always meant". And mine says "and whatever a sun will always sing is you". Here is the full poem. It still makes me cry every time I read it.

i carry your heart with me

i carry your heart with me(i carry it in
my heart)i am never without it(anywhere
i go you go,my dear; and whatever is done
by only me is your doing,my darling)
i fear
no fate(for you are my fate,my sweet)i want
no world(for beautiful you are my world,my true)
and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you

here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life;which grows
higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart

i carry your heart(i carry it in my heart)

-ee cummings

I <3 Nebulae.

Ben is very into Astronomy....NOT Astrology, as I so eloquently call it. He is always showing me the latest pictures of gamma ray bursts or explaining that a comet's "tail" does not actually "follow" the comet as it appears to or discussing star nurseries, the Big Bang Theory (which is also our new favorite sitcom) or dwarf galaxies and how black holes are born (yes Ben I actually did retain all of this information). I really am fascinated with it all and even more fascinated at all he knows but in all honesty much of the science of it goes right over my head and sounds more like a twisted, cosmic, fairy tale than reality.

I do however always love the pictures. They are just absolutely stunning and so surreal. These photos look more like oil paintings to me than real life. They give me the sense of being very connected to this giant, infinite universe and being amazed that I belong to this, while at the same time making me feel so small and alone and insignificant. At times I feel as if I am swallowing the universe and other times that the universe is swallowing me.

Anyway, let's talk about Nebulae, which according to Wikipedia are "interstellar formations of dust, hydrogen gas and plasma." The way I understand it, nebulae are the beginning stages of stars and planets (Ben correct me if I am wrong). The dust, gasses and other matter start to bond creating larger and larger formations and eventually get large enough to create stars. The stars then have enough gravitational pull to attract more matter to them, creating plasma which forms the basis for other planetary objects. So there are many different types of nebulae which all have different characteristics. So here are a few of my favorites.


The Fox Fur Nebula:

Inside the Eagle Nebula:

The "Fairy" in the Eagle Nebula:

The Rosette Nebula:

The Keyhole Nebula:

And I don't care what anyone says, this is totally a unicorn: