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.

Doing things in the New Year without resolutions

I'm not really a New Year's Resolution person because I think they only result in two things: the gym being annoyingly crowded for a month and people feeling disappointed in themselves because they had unrealistic expectations. I do however embrace self reflection as a way to welcome another year, another semester, and another life chapter. I am encouraging myself to do the things which make me feel better; this includes creating more, having more stimulating conversations, and making a new effort to change my diet so I don't feel sickly inside. So I've been instagramming about my "DIY-of-the-day" which isn't always daily, but has included this hairpin made from scrap broken jewelry  vegan banana nutella granola, and from-scratch black bean soup. Making something yourself has a beautiful potential to make one feel empowered.

I have been so excited for those around me lately. Sam has been out trying to make his dreams come true. It is exhilarating and inspiring to see him act on his passions. He i has gone to a handful of open mic nights over the last few weeks, and they have been great experiences. Another one of my friends is finally going back to school for his high school diploma and I am similarly inspired by this burst of motivation he has now.

 

Another thing that makes me feel good is being out in the woods, and being with my lovely partner, so when we were faced with unseasonably warm weather we did some hiking. These were taken on the Mason Dixon Trail, off the Wrightsville entrance. And that night we went out with our lovely couple friends one last time to do some bowling. Sam and I never resist and opportunity to dress for a decade. You can't completely see our wonderful outfits, but we were shooting for 70's and both wore more patterns in one outfit than most people wear in a week. That isn't quite out of the ordinary though. 

These pictures are from Apollo County Park in Brogue, PA.

 Sam won't stop wearing this vest.

 

Additionally, I went on a day trip to Philly by myself to do a tour of an apartment for next year. It's unreal to think that I'll be on my own this summer. The travelling alone was positive for my self assurance because I had a lot of time to develop even more confidence about my decision to move away. I got my tarot card read yesterday and I got the "Spiritual Healer Fairy," which told me to trust my intuition. But now I am less than a week away from going back to campus for a few months and I will miss it. I will miss the morning conversations with my mom, the constant companionship of Sam, the yelling and screaming of my siblings, and the free access to a fully functioning kitchen. The final week is mostly reflective, and has slowed down a good bit. Sam and I are spending our days going out for coffee, cooking breakfast food and reading in each other's company. Goodbyes don't even feel like they are approaching.

Smiles, Morgen.

West Virginia & Card Games, but most importantly peacefulness

After the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, I convinces my mom to make the trek out to West Virginia to surprise my oma.  My grandparents live in the middle of the woods, outside of Parkersburg. It is so peaceful out there, and a visit there is the perfect thing to help one feel re-centered  We were lucky enough to have some snow while there, making the landscape even more beautiful and adding an extra dose of serenity to Sam and I's morning walks. As you can see, we were all smiles building a snowman with my little cousin and playing in the snow. 

 We returned just in time for New years Eve, which is a holiday I'm not a huge fan of, thus why I volunteered to work on New Years Eve. Working holidays is actually kinda nice because all the customers are excited to be there, which makes it pleasant. After not seeing our best friends since before Christmas, we reunited after the week apart. We went to the movies on New Years day, after I had attempted to spend the day getting to know my sewing machine (basically getting half frustrated for six hours). And on Wednesday we went across the river to Lancaster to do some browsing and eat a really good meal. We stopped in at the Prince Street Cafe for dinner, one of my favorite places in Downtown Lancaster. Soups and sandwiches were used to warm up on the chilly evening, before we head back to York for dessert and card games.

 Now, for the first time over break, I'm spending time alone and in the quiet of my own company during the day. It feels amazing. The nipping thought of going back to school and dealing with the half-stress of assignments, the nagging guilt of expensive education, and the loneliness of dorm life are still here, but they seem far off still.

 I hope everyone is taking to enjoy just a little stillness as a way to great the new year.

Smiles, Morgen.

Holiday Part Two: Doing Stuff

These are the faces of two people who are very happy to be home and seeing each other again. It's incredible what a different closeness makes.

Once Sam made his way home, we kicked off break by decorating a baby sized tree and jamming. Then we went on a little movie date to see Lincoln - which was amazing. I'd like to point out that Sam is going through an adorable tie phase since being home, and I adore it. Now I'm not dressed up alone.

 For his Christmas present, Sam and I went on a day trip to South Philly to see Good Old War in concert again.This band's music is practically the soundtrack to our relationship, so it's beautiful to see it live. We went to the kitschy goofiness that is Johny Rockets for burgers & malts, before venturing through bookstores and record stores in the cold. We had fun, as always in Philly.

 On Saturday, we accompanied Sam's family to Washington D.C. to see the national Christmas tree. It was freezing cold and windy, but we made it and took some cheesy pictures that turned out pretty cute. Plus, we ate at one of the most delicious Italian restaurants I've been to in a long time. 

Sunday was spent doing five hours of baking with my best friend, while our boyfriends watched football and ate pizza on the couch. Plus we exchanged gifts with our favorite couple. As far as Christmas excitement goes, we spent Christmas Eve at Sam's grandmother's house (I regret not taking pictures because we looked pretty cute (Sam's still in the tie phase)). Christmas day was spent with our individual families till Sam came over for Christmas dinner. We're both not big on the fan fare of Christmas, so we are looking forward to spending non-holiday related time together. 

Hope you had a happy holiday, because we did. 

Now we're off to West Virginia for the weekend!

Smiles, Morgen.

Holidays Part One: Making Stuff

I kind of dropped the ball on blogging during the holiday anticipation time, sorry! But I promise I was making lots of fun things to show. I had to speed crochet a pile of presents for a few friends, which can be a little time consuming. Also, being back home with the family, friends and boyfriend is a little distracting, but I'm not complaining. 

 Christmas Cookies: From-Scratch Sugar Cookies, Brownie Peppermint Sandwiches, Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies, Cake Batter Confetti Cookies.

 Wine Cork Christmas Trees (Made with my cat's company).

Festive Christmas string light manicure.

Crocheted wrist-warmers with little bows

Punk Rock Flea Market

I had heard some talk about the Punk Rock Flea Market, which is a twice a year occurrence here in the city of Philadelphia. They fill a big warehouse near Chinatown with vendors - records, vintage clothes retailers, jewelry, crafts, knick knacks, even a section with roller derby. You have to pay an admission free but as soon as you walk in, there are hundreds of people and you can barely move. It was great!

I ended up with this sweet orange patterned button up from The Captain's Vintage. I'm looking forward to wearing it on Thursday when I see my dad. I also picked up a couple of pins to add to my jean jacket - specifically the one with the dancing Philly pretzel and the lobster. Before we went back to the subway, my friend Ben and I split this amazing pulled pork sandwich with pickled jalepenos and red cabbage slaw on a challah roll. It was a lovely afternoon for such a rainy city Sunday! (2 days till I go home!) Smiles, Morgen

Kicking off December

I dragged another victim along to my favorite area, just south of South Street. After meeting a cool chick with a Women's Studies degree working in a feminist-run sex education center, my roommate and I explored Bainbridge Street. We stumbled upon Anastasia's Antiques, where we were inspired by a beautiful collection of costume jewelry as well as the orchestra piece playing in the background. I forgot to figure out the name of this used book store but I was over the moon with 1) the sheer number and variety of books and 2) the great space, with exposed brick and handwritten signs. Our adventure ended with a stop for a killer panini and cup of joe at Anthony's Italian Coffee House in Italian Market.

Saturday and Sunday weren't quite as interesting, I enjoyed a day of coffee, newspaper reading and crocheting (finished my first ever hat, all in one day!) Following this day of peace, a new friend and I went to the museum and took advantage of the pay-what-you-want days that happen the first Sunday of every month at the art museum. I realized how much I've missed art in my life.

 

My Monday night blew away the entire weekend! I put on my 80's inspired outfit and finally got to use my birthday present from almost six months ago - I saw the musical gods and 80's royalty that is Daryll Hall & John Oates. My dad came with me, and I'm glad he did. We had a great time, I sang and danced while he sorta smiled.

 I am so grateful for how much closer him and I've gotten since I left for school.

Do yourself a favor and listen to "You Make My Dreams,"

 that's what I'm doing to get through the last 9 days till I get to go home for the holidays.

Smiles, Morgen.