Quaint & Creative

Lately I have been fiening over the most glorious garden/living areas. Living in the simmering Oklahoma heat makes any gardening hardly enjoyable but I am still mesmerized by beautiful landscapes and the ambiance it creates.

I am someone who, to be inspired, needs to live in a place that coaxes me into being creative--that allows me to see and experience a vast array of new things. I've posted a few photographs of beautiful living spaces that are going into my "create list." The space doesn't have to be grand and luxurious, quaint and comfortable will do.



Victoria Leigh

The Forgotten Garden

My lust for fiction has never been so vibrant. Often my whole imagination becomes enwrapped in a story, and I become parallel to the character's thoughts and motivations... but this story runs so deep. I am reading The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton. Her descriptions of each scene in the book are both hypnotic and mesmerizing. I cannot put down the book hardly at work or at home. I won't tell you anything about the the story--I want it to be pure mystery but if you love delicious, imaginative and simply striking imagery, dare to read. And, perhaps, I will send this to the first person who seeks interest after I am done...


I'm going to Colorado the last week of July with Michael and his family and I am ECSTATIC. I can't wait to do all things outdoorsy--canoeing, mountain hiking, bicycle riding and observing the splendor that is Colorado. Less than two weeks away, yet if feels as if it's a lifetime.



Victoria

Play the Part

It is funny how one day, I cannot envision anything in my closet relatively worth wearing , and the next day, I try everything on and it all works! Attire really does depends on your mood and style. I styled my lovely mother yesterday for her big day (today) at her new job. My advice to her was to "play the part."

If you are feeling whimsical and capricious, wear the light and feathery summer dress. If you want to be fierce and bold, don't be afraid to throw the red lipstick on with your leather jacket. In my mother's case, she wants to become an executive at a global corporation, so you can be sure we dressed her that way. Now, it is up to her to "play the part."
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See You Monday black bandeau | See You Monday sheer black skirt | Blue Bird blouse | Betsy Johnson gold watch | turqoise and gold earrings

--On another note, I tried Phở  last week ( a long time coming, I know) and it was magnificent with its fresh ingredients and fall style warmth. It was a perfect outting for my sister and I. If you haven't tried it, go to lunch with a few friends today. I promise it won't disappoint.



Victoria Leigh

Typewriters

"I'm totally in control of this tiny, tiny world...right there at the typewriter." --JD



For the past few days, I have been fawning over the repertoire of Joan Didion and her brilliance as a literary artist as well as culture icon. I found this interview of her on the sands of an utterly gorgeous beach in Los Angeles. She describes her disposition toward her work ambiance and everything in-between. If only Typewriters could come back as a popular form of screenplay writing.



An artistically liberating work space is so vital to writers, artists, designers and the like. I imagine mine to be a furbellowed room, filled with little vintage notes and objects--every literary great bound to the walls of my room, tailing their illustrious lives. If only.

St. Tropez

sleepy by cassieella featuring a retro digital watch

Eberjey Delirious Triangle bralet
T by Alexander Wang Chunky Wool Pullover
Asos Retro Style Digital Watch
Skin Organic Pima Cotton boxer
MTWTFSS Weekday Cliff Shoe Beige
I have to say, I have been in a loungy mood--everything from playing a Department of Eagles record during my sleepy morning to falling into a  deep literary madness all day saturday. All of this relaxing has led me to discover this set put together on Polyvore. The monochromatic colors make me think of a cool, cloudy day in St. Tropez. If only.

Mid-Summer Sheer White

I wouldn't be a girl if I didn't have a million interests or inspirations. It is mid-summer and I am still in love with white sheer (I'll always fancy white sheer). Whether it be this white dress that adds so much movement or this button up sheer blouse, which would totally swallow me up but that would never hold me back from wearing it. Pairing it with a pair of gold earrings, a white bandeau and some black pumps  would be perfect for the sweltering Oklahoma heat.

Victoria Leigh

Truth and Beginnings

I am rather shocked at the quiet warmth in my house. With one lamp dimly lit across the room, I am finally able to take a deep breath and contemplate. I live with my boyfriend, black lab and sibe (Van and Bovice), both of which are sleeping at my heels.

My life is hectic but I try to keep my inner-self calm (only happens every once in awhile). I have worked odd jobs here and there, once a waitress at a Shabu Shabu restaurant, a transcriber for an Oral History Research Program and now an assistant at a chiropractor's offices. All of which are getting me nowhere fast.

I am a writer. I love writing. I've enjoyed it since I was a teenager and loved reading before that. I am currently reading The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin. "This should be a light read," I thought to myself. Yet, in fact, it has brought some of the most thought-provoking questions I have asked myself in a long time such as, "What do I purely enjoy doing?" "Am I choosing a career path because of its legitimacy or because it is my passion?" or "Who am I trying to impress in this one life I am given? Them? Or myself?" These are all questions I have a million answers, objections, sub-questions and the like. But what is the truth? Where is the truth in my life?

Am I actually being honest with myself, day in and day out?

I am starting something new--an interest log (inspired by Rubin's book) as well as this blog that is subject to my own personality/inspirations/aspirations/goals.

I hope you, dear reader, enjoy and find inspiration (at the very least) for your own self-contemplation.

Victoria Leigh