A Peek Into My Activism

This week has been a positive one, with great opportunities and even some poetry writing. I probably definitely do not take enough time in this space to blog about my feminist/activist life, and that is worth changing in my mind, being a women's studies major and all. So here's a look into the two really inspiring events I participated in as part of my school's Peer Education team. And then I'll share some pictures from First Friday on a lighter note.

On the left, is a picture of one of our participants in Temple University's Walk A Mile In Her Shoes. If you haven't heard of it or seen it before, it's a walk in heels for men to show their support in ending violence against women. We had all but a handful of the football players participate, as well as members of the Greek organizations, and many more men from around campus. Seeing this crowd of big, college men walking down campus in heels and with signs that say "Don't be that guy" or "These hands aren't for hurting" was great. On the right, is a picture from The Clothesline Project, which is done nationwide as well. The Clothesline is a living arts project where survivors of sexual and other types of assault are given an opportunity to decorate t-shirts as a therapeutic experience. It is beyond words how great of an opportunity this event is for survivors to feel strong, to empower other survivors, and to spread awareness of this experience that is all too common on college campuses. 

The gang spent last night in Olde City, which is in Center City East, for First Friday. I hadn't been to this one in particular before, so I was excited, especially because the weather is finally warming up. We explored some galleries and stores that weren't in our price range. Then we ended up finding a group of fellow friends in the alley and it was a very good time. Hanging around fellow creatives is always pleasant.

Grooving and Learning.

These are pictures from my friend Ben & his housemates big birthday bash last weekend. It was a blast. The next picture is me with my future roommate, Paige. We just heard back from the realtor this week and will officially be moving in, with two other friends, in June. Big adult type event!

The same weekend involved me working at Vagina Monologues on both Friday and Saturday nights - which was an incredible experience. I am finding it increasingly easier to socialize with my fellow HEART team members, even with my everpresent social anxiousness. My friends came out to the show on Friday night and then we went to IHOP, which was my first time at the pancake chain.

The week itself was spent appreciating the beauty in tiny things, like this chalk art for Eating Disorder Awareness Week - which reminded me to pay special attention to loving my body this week. The library, pictured below, is quickly becoming my favorite place on campus. I'll go in search of one book and end up finding a whole section on sex research or immigration history. Needless to say, I have ten books checked out right now. And look how pretty they look on the shelves.

This weekend I took myself on a me-date! I had bought a ticket to see Unkown Mortal Orchestra, Foxygen and Wampire at the First Unitarian about a month ago. I thought I may find someone else to come, but didn't mind the idea of going by myself. It is freeing to get to dance and enjoy music on your own. However I ended up running into some friends, which made it even more fun. Plus, the music was amazing.

Spring break is quickly approaching - FINALLY. 

I promise to do some cute things that are blog-worthy while home next week.

Smiles, Morgen.

Crafts, Cures and California

So this has been February. I know it's not actually the end of the month yet, but I haven't blogged in close to forever. The whole 17 credits thing is definitely an adequate challenge. These first pictures are from a night out in West Philly - which involved my first ever cab ride. Exciting new events in the life of a city girl, I know. 

Here's the hand full of crafty things I've been up to as of late. Starting from the left; I knit a tie for my boy. It was my first time working with that type of string and it went pretty okay - at least he likes it. Then I sewed a pocket onto my friend's sweatshirt while everyone was watching the Superbowl  Lastly, I have gotten into hand embroidery some and needed a feminist fist on my denim jacket pretty bad. I'm working on a lacey vest for my mom, but it's pretty tedious and hasn't gotten the attention it deserves.

Last weekend, I was in bed with the flu for a few days which was no fun - but I recovered on Sunday when we had some unseasonably warm weather. I drank plenty of green tea and then walked to Love Park to read and watch the skate boarders before checking out a female art exhibit and panel at Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts with an activist pal.

I was still half sick all of last week which was incredibly unpleasant. Runny noses are never fun. But the week was extremely busy and stimulating because I saw three speakers throughout the week. I got an adorable package from my mom for Valentines day and wore heart print tights, but otherwise kind of ignored the holiday. Sam and I are not very into holidays which leads to us barely acknowledging them as couple days. 

After a week full of anticipation and four weeks of not seeing each other, I made my first ever journey out to California, Pennsylvania to see Sam this past weekend. I took the Greyhound express bus and got to Pittsburgh about six hours later just to take three hours more of buses to get to little ol' California. 

It was exciting to meet Sam's new friends he's made over the last semester - but the bone chilling cold and constant snow could have been a little less intense. Nice to have a break from the city all the same.

It felt very normal to be back together - listening to records,watching my boy play guitar, drinking too much coffee and sewing patches on all the holes that Sam magically acquires. We went out and met people in the evenings but otherwise spent the afternoons relaxing.

 We went to the library on Sunday afternoon and pretended that we wouldn't be parting for a whole month in just a few hours. It was peaceful out there in coal country, but not quite somewhere I could see my myself. I'm glad Sam has learned to enjoy it out there and meeting these new people in his life was beautiful.

Our goodbyes were pretty sad this time around, as they seem to get more and more so that way. We are so good at being apart when we're apart, but the actual leaving is so rough. Here's a shout out to all the lovers out there that find ways to get through obstacles, like long distances. It makes us stronger as individuals - which makes for stronger loves.

Have a good week, friends.

Smiles, Morgen.

Return to the city

It's back to Temple, back to Philadelphia, back to semi-adult life, back to long distance love and family separation. That description may make it sound like I'm dreading it, but I'm not at all. My excitement about my new classes is overwhelming and I am anticipating lots of wonderful new experiences over the course of the semester. 

 My mom was the one to bring me back to school this time, so I took her to Northern Liberties. We had 35 minute wait for Honey's Sit-and-Eat where we were eating lunch, so we walked around. Since it was and has been so cold, we didn't walk far but we did find this adorable plant store. I adore having members of my family in the city because I love being able to share the experience with them, especially my mom.

 It was a nice break from the cold and grey to be in this space with bright green plants & fairy gardens. I even picked up  a little baby succulent for my dorm room to keep me happy, because having green plants around is proven to improve your mood. We had delicious food at Honey's - I had berry and granola whole wheat pancakes & my mom had a warm salad with kale, parsnips, sweet potato, fennel and a poached egg.

Here I am, back to dorm life. I added a new wall hanging and my plant to spruce up the place a bit. The thing that makes me happiest is my book shelf - full of books I can't wait to read, including books by: Audre Lorde, Margaret Atwood, Angela Davis, and an assortment of Jewish writers who's books sound riveting. Needless to say, I'll be busy reading most of the semester.

To all my college student readers, enjoy the beginning of new classes.

Smiles, Morgen.

The boy & big city.

The first week of classes finished up on a very good note. All of my classes have been a great experience so far. I love that just about all my classes are things I am passionate about, especially my women's studies and human sexuality. I celebrated the weekend with a visit from the boy, but he got here quite late on Friday, so I got to spend some time relaxing on the empty campus while everyone was at the football game.

We spent some time catching up with his friends, ate at an adorable gelato place and exploring the city that has become my temporary home. It's always pleasant to get out of North Philly and see the more picturesque, older parts of Philly. Additionally, some green space in Rittenhouse is a nice break from the concrete. Now I'm winding down, doing some reading and listening to Voxtrot.I'll try to do an outfit post or something during the week this week.

Have a lovely week everyone, smiles,
Morgen

Dorming time.

I've been here since Thursday and it's already been an emotional adventure that I get equally excited and nervous about all the time. I thought I'd take this quiet Sunday off from going out to read some of my book (still loving Anna Karenina a lot) and to post about my living space as of now. It doesn't feel like home yet, but hopefully it does soon.

 I'm not really one of the matchy-matchy types, and my dorm isn't quite as cute as half the others I've seen but it's mine. As you can see, I had to bring my swing music CD and a copy of the Great Gatsby. Also, I have a cute little collage of photos of Sam and I from Prom which is nice for smiles. My jewelry containers have definitely been very convenient. I love my mixtape comforter too, it reminds me of one of my favorite books, "Love Is A Mixtape." If you haven't read it, look it up, I'm thinking of re-reading it soon.

I just started feeling a little homesick starting today. My little brother and I are texting a lot which is nice and keeps me from feeling far away. Living with three girls is much, much different from growing up with two brothers, that's for sure. Of course, I'm also adjusting to not being able to see Sam. It's not quite as dramatic as either of us imagined, but it'd still be nice to hold hands with my best friend. Anyone else going through this transition/remember going through it?

Smiles, Morgen.

See you later, York.

My apologies to anyone that cares that its been a couple of days since I posted but I’ve been all busy with my packing and moving efforts. I don’t anticipate having a very interesting weekend, will most likely just be continuing to settle in. Once I’m feeling at home in my space, Ill do a post about it.

Yesterday was my final day in York and it never felt like I was actually the last day. I went to lunch with my mom and friend of five years, Erin, at the restaurant I grew up in and worked in since I was six. We had a lovely time, joking about our boyfriends college futures and discussing our siblings school careers. But this familiarity and casual conversation is the type of thing I will miss about home. We had very yummy cupcakes after lunch at Just Cupcakes, on Philadelphia Street, which I recommend if you’re in the York area. Mine was cannoli flavored and had a chocolate chip ricotta filling. The goodbye I said to her didn’t hurt too bad because time apart is an integral part of our friendship, and we always come back together as if no time passes. I hope her time in Indiana, Pennsylvania is as lovely as she deserves.

 

That afternoon I picked up Sam and we did very normal things, as if our last day together wasn’t that day. We baked oatmeal chocolate chip cookies and watched Batman Begins. Easy, laid back days are the one’s I will miss because he makes things like that special. After dinner with my family, we went to Maple Donuts for one last hoorah and were honored to be treated like a couple of regulars. I wish we had started making a habit of going there earlier in the summer because it’s wonderful. Coffee and donuts were consumed and then we sat on the bleachers of my township park and talked about what was to come. We weren’t sad, we were both very stoked for each other. No tear drops feel until it was truly time to go. It felt impossible to say the words goodbye, because I know he’ll be visiting in a month, but that’s a long time to go without hugs and kisses. I am confident that everything will be lovely as always and that this time apart will only give us more strength as individuals, making us an even more kick ass couple.

Coming Soon: More details about the move in and new room.

Smiles, Morgen.