Storybook

Today I wanted to steal away into my imagination. 

My sense of invention was one of the things that kept me occupied as a kid and as a teenager. I did a lot of daydreaming then (and now), which is why I often cite my fantastical imagination as the spark that lit my powder keg of prose. I read, and then I wrote about the worlds I read about—for books are so terminal and finite, and they leave so many avenues unexplored. 

I have been thinking about this a lot lately as I have been asked many times by professors to contemplate my "point in the disciplinary landscape:" to think about what has brought me to the field of rhetoric and composition.

As I think about the sense of wonderment that began it all, I also think of my former roommate, Ashley, who has a similar passion for fantasy. Ashley moved to Japan late last summer to start teaching English at a school in the Hokkaido countryside (see her blog about those adventures here), and I miss her monstrously. Today's outfit is inspired by her love for wild, fantastical scenes; it makes me feel like I belong in Hansel and Gretel, or maybe Narnia. I even brought props that Ashley could oft be found curled up in a corner with: a teacup and a well-loved book. 

Blouse: Thrifted

Jumper: Forever 21
Tights: ???
Boots: Forever 21, well-loved (read: falling apart)

Brooch: Painted by my great-aunt
Ring: Grandma's class ring
Nails: Maybelline Express Finish "Minty"
Photos: Hakala Imagery

If you look at previous photos, you'll see that I really do have thumbs! Promise.

Also, I love the pattern and texture on this jumper. The fabric looks like it belongs on some grandmother's couch, along with a couple of cats and a doily or something.

Of course, all these adventures are happening inside my head, but why on earth should that mean that they are not real?

"Teach me to be more adaptive!"

Today's lesson: do not make jambalaya in your class clothes. If you do, you will inevitably splatter vegetable oil all over your new skirt, because that is the way that the universe works (this is why we cannot have nice things, coincidentally).

I was able to salvage the skirt, thanks to the saintly folks at WikiHow, but my pride remains wounded. I once had a boyfriend whose mother refused to wear aprons because they were purportedly a tool of the patriarchy, but now I feel that I truly understand their value.

Top: H&M
Skirt: Banana Republic
Belt: Forever 21
Shoes: Forever 21
Necklace: Forever 21 (probably?)
Ring: Vintage

Nails: Sinful Colors "Verbena" and OPI "Pamplona Purple"

I am still learning ~*appropriate fashion blogger hand placement*~ so that I don't look like an ape, obviously.

Thanks for taking these photos and making me your forest nymph, Jill.

I had planned for a cutesy rain photoshoot, but by the time we got outside, the sun was peeking out. Today was truly a day of flexibility—between the jambalaya fiasco, listening to tales of dynamic research questions in seminar, and consulting with my first client ever at the campus writing center. I struggled with the consultation at first: without revealing too many details, this client had a range of difficulties facing him as he attempted to compose his paper. I found it difficult to prescribe specific solutions to the issues that he was struggling with, so instead I highlighted the strengths that were already present. I offered praise and encouragement. I expanded upon the good parts. 

I did what I knew best—and what I could with what I was given. Sometimes that is all that you can do. Sometimes you can just scrub your skirt with a little dish soap and hope that the rest will come out in the wash.

PS: I am watching one of my favorite concert recordings as I blog, hence the title. Name that musical?!