The Weekend

This weekend I'm going to be fighting the clock on far too many writing things - uni, work, and internship - but I'm going to make the time to stop and smell the flowers. For this I'll need a little of the above: a cute floral dress that only requires me to wear lipstick, a playful (and protective) clashing sunhat, golden wedges for daytime swish, and a random assortment of goodies for the rest of the adventures -- nourishment, caffeine, and a little reminder to work hard (and play too).

Tonight we're going to Akron/Family at GOMA for the final Surrealism up late. We're going to have a picnic on the river first, then meet up with some friends for some wine and a little dancing. I'm thinking I'll pack a sweet salad, and a savoury one, plus some yummy dips and breads.  Tomorrow afternoon I'm going to high tea with some of my favourite ladies for our version of storytime (lots of giggles and unlimited French champagne). It should be so lovely and certainly memorable.

What are your plans? Have a fabulous weekend xx

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Clockwise top left image credits 

etsy print, etsy hat + dress,

modcloth seychelles wedges, 

blog strawberries, & blog tea

What Is Strange Is Wonderful

A snippet, or rather the actual handful, of pictures from our anniversary. We had a deluxe home breakfast, wandered into the city for the Mad Men exhibit, acquired some Nespresso pods, took an Oasis smoothie with us to GOMA, enjoyed the Surrealism exhibit and made plans for Friday night, went back to the city to read a little at Brew, were indecisive about dinner before admitting we both wanted Fantasia laksa, then went home to overload on a 1.134 kg Whitman's Sampler.  Oh yes.

We also had a smoothie and a honey, lemon, and ginger tea in there..but I forgot to take a photo.

Some other things I didn't get photos of..

- His hand falling into mine

- Giggling like crazy over most things

- The quietness you find when exploring a gallery

- A warm day and cool night

- Having him as my best friend

- Looking up at the sky throughout the day

- New playlists

- Talking and drinking tea on the couch

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Post title is an Irish saying - I love it

Leslie.

It's here! Well, kind of, or almost as good as. Though its official release is 3rd/4th October - AU isn't actually included in that list - Feist's new album is streaming from here! Just sign on to the mailing list, follow the link, and it's all there for you. 

I've only given it one spin, so I wouldn't say I'm ready for a proper evaluation, but I did notice something pretty interesting. I pressed play, then left the computer. It was blissfully surreal to feel so excited by the new, unfamiliar sounds, but once Leslie's vocals came in it was like a sip of perfectly made tea. The timbre of her voice isn't necessarily a haunting one, it's more of a state of being that threatens supernatural qualities. To understand more of this, and her magic, I can't recommend this enough. Listening to her music is kind of like a state of being.

I will have Metals on repeat for the next little while, so as to give a proper review, while pretending to write essays, and constructing my own colouring in, of course..how much do you want it?!  

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Metals cover via

Rainy Day

Hard work or hardly working? All I feel like doing is pretending that I'm one of those pandas, and going straight back to bed. It's a rose tea, soup, and Jane Eyre kind of day.

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Image via smh via AFP

Recuperation Wednesday

For your Wednesday evening, how about bruschetta? The fun thing about this meal is that it isn't limited to dinner, doesn't require a stove, and can be prepared in advance (except for toasting the bread - I like to be able to taste the heated oil).

My parents have always enjoyed casual, bread and produce-based meals, and it's especially good for really hot days at the beach. You can expand the toppings - roast the tomatoes, make a few different types of pesto, purchase some ham - or just leave it at basil and tomato (interpreted as you wish). This time around, I had bought a lot of fresh vegetables from the farmers markets and wanted to make a tasty, nourishing dinner.

What we had:

Pan-fried eggplant slices with some 

dried oregano and a little extra virgin olive oil 

(remember to salt before cooking).

Fresh basil pesto, made in a blender with cashews, 

more extra virgin olive oil, salt and pepper.

Fresh tomato mix, basil, minced garlic, 

extra virgin olive oil, salt and pepper.

Rocket salad, with pear, parmesan, 

and balsamic olive oil dressing.

Pane di casa, rubbed with garlic,

sprayed with oil, and toasted. 

Extra:

Shop-bought beetroot dip,

Parmesan cheese

Some notes:

I prefer not to add parmesan when I make my pesto. For me, it is lush enough without it in the cooking (though you can see we didn't hold back with it as a finishing touch..). For the tomato mix, I have had it with red onion, but it doesn't really work for my tastebuds. For that sort of a mix, I would sub out the basil for coriander, and the olive oil for lemon juice (to make it a bit more Mexican). That is just me, and the best thing about this is the fool-proof experimentation, and enjoyment.

Nutella

 

Just lying in bed contemplating some nutella.. I'm starting to think I might be turning into some type of the above furred animal.

Available at one too many food outlets near you. Or 2 for $10, 1Kg Jars at Woolworths now.*

Edit: I just remembered one of my favourite lines from Sex and the City -- Carrie (to Aidan): "You can't be friends with a squirrel! It's just a rat with a cuter outfit!" Hehh.

...

*HELP ME!!!

Image via, original source unknown

Three

Today it is our three-year anniversary. Our epic celebration plans have been fine-tuned to a suitably rad mixture of food, coffee, and exhibitions. We had already decided to brunch, go for coffee, hit up the Surrealism exhibit at GOMA, do some park reading, then dinner (we are never this organised - the couple of times we have pre-booked anything have been pretty disastrous), however fate took a strange turn yesterday.

In a "hypothetical gift" conversation Simon asked what I'd like, and I said the new series of Game of Thrones and Mad Men. When he told me it wasn't possible, being a total goose, I told him not to bother then. It was an awesome surprise when I was doing my morning SMH reading and I read a blog post about the Icons of Style exhibit, featuring costumes from Mad Men! I'd read last month that they would be going to Melbourne so this news is doubly awesome. I adore everything about Mad Men - costumes, characterisation, plot, cast, cinematography - so this will hopefully fill the void until season five arrives.

I'll just be happy dancing in the kitchen 'til we reconvene, mmk?

Compare/Contrast

How breathtaking are these videos for the Vanessa Bruno Løv AW11/12 campaign? I first saw the shorter one version a few weeks ago on That's Chic so the second one was a great find. What a difference those two-and-a-half minutes make. My senses are ravished by the raw beauty and emotion conveyed, from the Nordic land through to the sharp, classic tailoring.

From here the initial elements are juxtaposed further by the additional urban environment, the classical music, with one of the most significant contrasts is the sense of the story. Usually I'll make this up for myself, and I'll stick with it even if I find out the actual explanation, but with this video I just get lost. I particularly love how this longer one both clarifies the collection, and mood, while adding to the mystery - especially with the interactions between Bosworth's persona(s) and the faceless man.  It also reminds me of Lykke Li's I Follow Rivers, crossed with a grown up version of Rodarte's A11 campaign with Elle Fanning, what with the modern feel and the integral use of landscape. 

Moreover, I feel incredibly inspired by how limitless the arts can be, particularly when you consider how this video (among others) marries so many differing, yet complementary elements. It's definitely a manifestation of Yann Martel's ethos:

"If we, citizens, do not support our artists, 

then we sacrifice our imagination on the altar of crude reality 

and we end up believing in nothing and having worthless dreams."

...

What do you think of it? Love it? Or something else entirely?

...

Martel quote from Life of Pi introduction

Also, I love That's Chic - gorgeous and minimalist perfection

Just Now

I'm so thrilled about this! Just two weeks until the announcement!
Even though history will undoubtedly repeat itself for an exceptional, otherworldly day,
the excitement is doubled by the fact that Laneway 2012 will fall on my birthday (!!!).


Oh happy day!


I've been stalking the act rumours here, but my fingers are crossed for:
M83
Feist
Tennis
Oh Land (love recorded here)
Bon Iver
Toro Y Moi
Zola Jesus
Battles
Tokyo Police Club
PJ Harvey (in a perfect world)
She & Him
Broken Social Scene
Emeralds 

...

I'm just far too amped for the coming months,
and I kind of love it.

Manifesto.

"He who seeks beauty will find it."

Bill Cunningham, April 2011

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quote via Gala Darling (to be inspired, supported, and encouraged)
pic via me

What To Rent

Tonight we decided that even though we kind of wanted to go out, we'd prefer to stay in and watch a movie (with delicious food!). We were both being moody and picky about the flick, then I remembered What To Rent - the site that will help you decide on a movie based on your cinematic tastes.

There's a weird part of me that quite enjoys filling out questionnaires, so it seemed the perfect way to decide on a movie. The only problem was that in between eating a wondrous amount of Blue Castello and finding a favourable one, it took so long that Simon face-planted asleep on the couch before we could "acquire" our compromise, Pi:

I've since spent the night playing with the suggestion feed, and this thing is scarily accurate and hilarious. Based on the mix of arthouse and Kubrick films that "I might like", if you don't mind gore, you're therefore a Full Metal Jacket or Clockwork Orange kind of girl. Hahaha!

So how do you usually pick a movie? Do you use Youtube or IMDB?
Ooh, and have you seen Pi? I think we're going to watch it tomorrow..

Pitter Patter

Can I share some things that are making my heart beat fast? Girls like these constantly inspire me with their fantastic style - I love when you can tell how comfortable people are with themselves through their dressing. I love how style is as much an internal as external expression. The strength of self it can take to really be true to your individuality (and therefore taste) is a challenge at the best of times, but literally "wearing it on your sleeve" is so breathtaking. One of my favourite things about finishing high school was finally having the confidence to wear the clothes I'd always wanted to - vintage, girlie, label-free - while actually feeling happy with who I was, inside and out. Plus, I love how you can tell when someone feels fabulous in what they're wearing..to put it more aptly, you got that swagger.  

Ps, I know it's almost summer but occasionally it's still just cool enough for tights without needing a coat or scarf - joyness!

Pretty pictures via:

TickTockVintage - Veronika is stunning and fixes up op-shop clothes (truly amazing)

HomeRunBallerina - I adore her style (she's a tight addict too)

FancyFine - a visit here will make you happy and rather jelly!

Here'sLookinAtMeKid - Mandi is simply luminous

DeLune - I just stumbled across Claire's page, and it is a haven for fashion adventure and originality

I Could Sleep

With the warm, hot days that have already begun, I've been lethargic and not up to running. The consequence is mostly sleepless nights, then a few hours of sleep so deep that I find it almost impossible to get up. Last night when sleep took too long to come again, I started to make a mental list of things that were making me happy. Before long I'd rolled over, found my phone, and started tapping a text message to myself. It's silly, but I find it easy to keep track of things this way, and I send emails to myself just as often - the limited body of text I add to the latter so as not to get error messages in my sending/running out the door flurry is always very funny. After relaxing my thoughts, emptying my head, and "writing" a little, I fell straight to sleep. Fingers crossed it's not the same tonight.    

A list of terribly happy things*..

1. fruit and vegetable boxes

2. afternoons around wooden tables with friends

3. the smell of candles just after you've blown them out - smoky with a potent scent

4. a new favourite song - repeated, repeated, repeated

5. leaving windows open again

6. a book so good you read standing up

7. a lime or lemon tree for the garden

8. someone leaning their head on your shoulder

9. choosing the movie

10. making up a recipe that tastes as good as you'd imagined

I hope your day has been just what you needed.

...

Image via the wonderful and beautiful Lulu Letty - 

even if they're annoying, I covet Mr Seagull's seaside life

Post title "Is There A Ghost" - Band of Horses
* List inspiration from here - I find this blog has guided me back to
really identifying the important things 

Stargazer, Moonwalker

What I'd wear for a night under the sky's sparkly blanket..

A 60s dress - the candy shade of pink would make me feel like a Bond girl, 

especially with a bouffant up-do and winged eyeliner.

A vintage-modern necklace worn as a belt - to show respect to the night gods

A custom pair of moccasins - cosy comfort for the nomad within 

...

Ps - how about that necklace? 

Taylor from the little deer - a gorgeous blog & shop -

now runs Willow and Sioux Jewellery as well.

She says:

"I adore vintage yet love modern and natural design, 

so this is a combination of all those elements."

 Sometimes I find it hard to work the vintage jewellery

I own into my outfits but I think the dainty bohemian vibe

curated in her pieces would add that perfectly whimsical touch.

xx

Jenny Packham

Oh, Jenny Packham! Did you say that there's a ball at the magical faraway tree? And, Anne of Green Gables will be there? Wear sparkles? Really, you brought some dresses you thought might be right? How perfect they look for champagne, gelati, rose tea, and strawberries!

There are only a handful of designers whose work I could happily wear forever and always: Chloe, Miu Miu, Lover, Liberty, Nadinoo, Willow (to name a few), and Jenny Packham.

The adventures I imagine having in her magical, fairy-woven garments is a grown up page from my childhood stories. Thankfully, these design take up from where the girl put down the books. She make the type of dresses that warrant fresh flowers in my hair, zero jewellery, sensational - yet surprisingly comfortable - shoes, dewy make-up, and a quietly playful spirit. They're the type of supernaturally lovely gowns that I've coveted for those once-in-a-blue-moon nights of long ago dreams..

In essence, the SS12 collection shown at NYFW takes the beauty of SS11 one step further - ideal for an extended trip down the rabbit hole. These frocks take you down the garden path with sparkly, sheer, yet understated numbers that are proper Turkish Delight - not the chocolate-covered Cadbury kind. The sexy sweetness lingers but it's handled with flair and class. The pieces above are perfect for both girly and girlish women - light and pretty for all types of frolicking. Exactly what this woman asks for.

... 

Images via Style.com

Recuperation Wednesday

It's Wednesday, approximately almost mid-semester, rapidly approaching mid-month, and you can more than feel summer in the breath of the morning, in the softening warmth of the air. There are buckets of strawberries, two for one avocado deals, iced coffees, new flavours of Weis-cream, salad-heavy dinners, tomatoes that only require salt. There are friends at every turn, family reunions, flights to book, the sweet knowledge that every day feels like Sunday.

I thought I'd make another playlist. I'm glued to my iTunes, and every lyric has a multitude of memories that can be attached to it.

Postcards From Italy - Beirut

Across The Universe - The Beatles

Braid Of Voices - DM Stith

Belly Of June - Horse Feathers

Between Two Lungs - Florence + The Machine
Two Of Us - Aimee Mann

Remain - Jose Gonzalez
Coffee & TV - Blur

Sunny Road - Emiliana Torrini

...

I apologise for the plethora of tunes-related posts,
but it's all I can think about right now.

Have a rad hump day, my pandas 

xx

Like A Jungle Drum

I'm feeling very inspired by Lauren's music memories post - I love any opportunity to make a list.

I first heard this song at a Year 12 "study night" after a friend said that I could probably relate to it a lot. I remember drinking Asti Riccadonna, writing poetry, and linking hands over the craziness, fear, and stress that defined 2006. My friendships from that year remain one of the most precious things in my life, and the memories tied to these lyrics are still reassuring.

'We Own The Sky' is one of those songs that only needs to begin to change your mood, mindset, and feelings. Taken from the album Saturdays = Youth, it reassured me when I was in Europe that my relationship with Simon had wings, regardless of distance. Introducing this band to my brother was so special too, and I loved how he described the magical atmosphere it created when he put it on for dinner parties. It remains so special that music can be shared that way.

This song was apparently a limited release track for a Wonder Years compilation - one of our family CDs, played continually, 'til we knew every single word. I loved twirling to this song, on the worn floorboards of our living room, in the hot evenings of the seemingly endless summers of my childhood. Each year I look forward to our beach house, to days between the river and sea, long evenings, the unceasing music and laughter.

This song has dominated my iPod, speakers, playlists, and mix tapes for the last three years. It makes me feel like I'm living in New York or Brooklyn, and demands me to devote my life to art. The video evokes a sense of longing I can never quite pinpoint, but since I moved in with Simon, I play it more than ever. It's like every sense of being is tangled in the web of being together, and I do long to stay together in our home for always. For this reason I can't separate this song from my romantic ideals, instead I relish the creative unity we have, and the sweetness of sharing our lives. I love that we "hold ourselves together with our arms around the stereo for hours".

Hey Jude, was my maternal Grandmother's song. My mother says that Granny Juju (her wonderful name), loved it, and though we never met, I know her through it. Plus, the breakdown is one of the most wonderful ever. It also reminds me of one my oldest, best friends. And all in all - to live joyfully, and love doing so.

Simon and I have many a song, but the ones he's introduced me to live closest to me. He showed Giver to me early on, and I remember him hugging me as we listened to it with our eyes closed. In those first weeks together, it said the things we felt but weren't yet ready to say. When I listen to it I remember that while those memories were just starting to be created, we were also in the process of building a world. 

Arcade Fire were my reason for buying tickets to the 2008 Big Day Out, and this was the song I needed to be played. The moment the piano notes began, I saw a couple in the front row look at one another, while embracing simultaneously. That look added yet another layer of meaning to this magical song. Not only is it my favourite of theirs, it's one of my favourite love songs. The raw sound brings me to tears nearly every time, plus the perfection of the lyrics; I love that Win and Régine are colleagues as well as lovers. Such an amazing team.    

This song defined Year 12 as well. How do you capture the collective imagination of stressed, wannabe poets? One, start with an awe-inspiring lyric. Two, have a Shakespearean actor (your father) quote it. Three, lulling melodica. Four, an Eternal Sunshine-esque video. Five, male-female vocalists. Six,  heartbreaking, dance party lyrics. I loved this song so much I used it as an English text, and played it daily. The OC mixes have been more than influential on the music I love so well.

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Title from Emiliana Torrini    

Hey There, Sunshine In My Heart

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Lately life has been bittersweet -- insanely busy with pockets of happy times. That's not to say that commitments, work, and study are downers, more that working hard and playing hard strike a balance all their own. Now that our Harvest tickets have arrived, I am counting down the flying weeks to Summer and beyond. Already there have been rooftop parties, trampolines,(expensive) tropical fruit breakfasts, visits from fluffy cats, planning of frolicsome outfits, naps, Mexican beverages and food, plenty of Lindt and Nutella.

I'm also contemplating tunes for the next few months. I fell in love with the song below via this video, but I'm still hungry for music that's anytime listening, would you have any suggestions? I'd love to hear what you're liking.

Have a swoon-filled Saturday

I'm sorry - I've been alliterating all evening.

All About My Mother

Today I'd like to share some of my favourite dresses. They're very precious, and I wouldn't dream of parting with them. I don't have a lot of money but I'm always hunting for wardrobe essentials that I'll never grow out of. For me these essentials are interesting tights, rings I never take off, then there's the vintage pieces that fit perfectly -- something I owe completely to my mother.

When I visit the mid-North Coast, one of the first things things I do is head for her wardrobe. After years of daily opping*, she has four separate wardrobes, and I love playing dress ups. Though I detested op-shops growing up, and found it embarrassing, the beauty of vintage and uniquely sourced items is so inspiring. Over the years my mother has become one of my style icons and I love that bond we share. Christmas and birthdays now consist of a box of treasures she's collected specially for me.

My collection now includes cashmere cardigans and shorts, Laura Ashley skirts, silk blouses, Liberty print sundresses, and Glomesh - bags and purses - all opped, and courtesy of my mother.

* My parents live in a small town in NSW that's full of amazing op-shops -- there's one across the road from their house, as well as one just up from my mother's work.

...

Have a wondrous weekend

xx

...

The Dresses 

(a mix of vintage, op, Etsy, and mum's circa 1970s)

We Could Dream This Night Away

So, the second announcement for Harvest came out yesterday..

 

I have to be honest when I understate how breathtaking this announcement is.. Clap Your Hands Say Yeah. Mogwai. TV On The Radio. Kevin Devine. Seekae. The people over at Harvest have more than outdone themselves, and I get more excited daily.

What's to love? The notion of seeing Tunde Adimbimpe dance "like he's having a sugar freak-out", knowing how mental people will get to 'Satan Said Dance', and (tentatively) crossing fingers that Mogwai will play at sunset. Then, remembering the rest of the line-up -- The Flaming Lips, Portishead, The National, Mercury Rev, Bright Eyes, Holy Fuck, Death In Vegas, Dappled Cities, The Walkmen, The Holidays, Phosphorescent..

It's fair to say this day will mark the beginning of a long, magical summer.

For now, I'll leave you with a little extra goodness..

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Clap Your Hands Say Yeah via
Mogwai via
TV On The Radio via
Adimbimpe via Frankie 43 

Title from Harvest Moon - Neil Young

Recuperation Wednesday

These Jaffa Cheesecake Cupcakes (Cheesecupcakes?), might give you a coronary but they will also make you a very happy bear.

So first, put some sweet tunes on - I've had these fun, romantic songs on repeat lately.

Now, take: 

250g Chocolate Biscuits

125g Salted Butter

250g Cream Cheese (full-fat)

1/3 Cup Brown Sugar

300ml Thickened Cream (full-fat)

100g Lindt Dark Orange Chocolate

Packet of Jaffas

2 tsp Gelatine

2 Tbsp Boiling Water

Pinch Salt

Splash Vanilla Essence

Chocolate Shavings

Step One,

Take cream cheese from fridge and allow to soften (approx. 30 min). Take patty liners and line 12-hole muffin tray (I like the double liners - outer al-foil, inner paper [see pic]).

Now, crush biscuits with rolling pin or in a food processor to crumbs. Melt butter at 10 second intervals until liquid.

Add butter to biscuits and mix thoroughly.

Spoon mixture into pan and press into the liners to form the base. Place in fridge.

Step Two,

Place cream cheese and sugar in a deep, large bowl. Beat together until completely combined.

Melt chocolate at 10 second intervals until liquid (keep an eye on this - can burn easily!).

Add cream to cream cheese mixture while chocolate is melting and beat together.

Fill kettle to boil, and then crush 1/2 cup of Jaffas (I used the bottom of a mug for this).

Now add chocolate, crushed jaffas, vanilla, and salt, and beat mixture thoroughly until evenly combined.

Step Three,

Place gelatine in a cup, add two tablespoons of boiled water and mix thoroughly. Immediately add to cake mix and beat thoroughly. 

Transfer mixture to a large jug, and remove chilled base tray from the fridge.

Gently divide mix among the bases, pouring and using a spoon. Place in fridge for five minutes.

Step Four,

Taste test the remaining mix while watching this,

 

Step Five, 

After watching the video, take tray from fridge, decorate with leftover Jaffas and chocolate shavings.

Return to fridge to chill overnight.

...

The recipe can be adjusted as you wish

with other yummy combos - 

Cherry Ripe, White Choc-Lime-Coconut, Oreo, 

Caramel Chocolate, Bounty, or Mocha!

 Nom nom! Have a splendid day! xx

Re: Stacks

The other day I came home and Simon had put a Jupiter bar and this quarter's Dumbo Feather under my pillow. While this more than served as a delicious treat, I took it a bit further the following week. First, my Frankie magically appeared on our verandah (mystery!), yet I still felt it necessary to snatch up Peppermint, Yen, and Women's Health the next day. The awesomely fortunate upside of this splurge is that I'm spreading my reading across all five (plus there's the Map I picked up from Verve around the same time). I love looking at my stack of magazines and imagining the pockets of inspiration, ideas, and stories still waiting to be consumed. Some of my favourite writers and artists work for these publications, and more than anything the creative growth they encourage is priceless.

So, what's to love?

Map is monthly street press, curated around the ideal of 'Be the change you want to see in the world'. Fantastic philosophy, themed issues, and the perfect hybrid of local (Brisbane) and international stories.

Peppermint also comes out of Brisbane and is published seasonally. It has a natural focus, and brings stories, and profiles of the people working in this area to the table. Chic and sustainable.

Frankie is a bimonthly honeypot of talented writers, stories, and DIY. Hop aboard for a funny, thoughtful, and unique change of pace.

[Australian] Women's Health is monthly, and presents a solid foundation for holistic health. My favourite part are the little facts popped in the articles, and the recipes are yum too.

Dumbo Feather is also published quarterly and interviews five individuals for content. These stories are always fascinating, and the design of DF is fantastic - once they made an article formatted to the shape of a rabbit!

Yen Magazine is the perfect balance of fashion, human interest, arts, and music. My pick is for first and last - their fashion shoots can be based around movies (always eye-opening), while their music section has a mixtape contribution from acts that makes me feel like we're close friends.

Any other votes for inspiring reading?    

Also, the entry for the Frankie internship is still open, 

so go here for more information - be quick, and good luck!

...

Title from Bon Iver

Just Now

Some days, like today, I pretend I'm living four to five decades ago.
Music like this more than guides the fantasy.

...

Via this video