One Sock Syndrome

(Le Syndrome d’une Chaussette)

            Quand on tricote une chaussette, c’est nécessaire à tricoter une autre.  C’est très facile d’arrêter et de ne pas finir tous les deux chaussettes.  C’est le syndrome d’unechaussette.  Le syndrome, c’est une malade de beaucoup de tricoteurs.  On commence très bien la première chaussette, on finit une chaussette, et on est content.  Mais, alors, on doit commencer l’autre chaussette! Beaucoup de tricoteurs arrêtent avec avoir fait seulement une chaussette.  Mais, les tricoteurs déterminés finissent l’autre chaussette !

Le milieu est difficile. Au début, on peut être fort, mais on est fatigue au milieu.  On a travaille dur, mais au milieu, on ne veut pas travailler dur. Maintenaient, c’est le milieu du semestre !  Les étudiants sont fatigues (et peut-être aussi les professeurs). Courage !  Nous pouvons continuer à travailler bien ! Nous pouvons aussi finir bien.

Finissez l’autre chaussette !

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Google Translation*********

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When knitting a sock, it is convenient to knit another. It’s very easy to stop and not finishingtwo socks. It’s one sock syndrome. The syndrome is an illness of many knitters. We startvery well the first sock, we finish a sock, and we’re happy. But then you have to startanother sock! Many knitters stop with just one sock. But knitters determined the other sockfinish!

The middle is difficult. At the beginning, we can be strong, but we are tired in the middle.We work hard, but in the middle, we do not want to work hard. Now it’s the middle of thesemester! The students are a little tired (and perhaps the teachers). Courage! We can continue to work well! We can also finish well.

Bonus:

I FINISHED!

Merry Christmas // Joyeux Noël

Notre Dame d'Amiens 2011

My Christmas Card to all of my family and friends

Un Même Français

Pour tous mes amis Lolita français, j’ai écrit un même. Je pratique ma français. C’est plus facile si j’écris de quelque chose que j’aime.

(For my English friends, I provide a translation at the end.)

1. Le meilleur conseil lolita qu’on vous ait donné ?

« On doit faire avec confidence. » – Ma Prof d’art

Et : « La chose la plus importante est de savoir jusqu’où vous êtes allé dans votre cœur. » -Kira Imai - L’Emiprie des Dentelles #4

2. Icônes “fashion”

Misako Aoki et mon amie, Dieu-Ly,  and Dotthy

3. Décrire votre style personnel

J’aime les modes de Lolita, Mori Girl, Otome, et Victorian.

J’aime la dentelle et le ruban.

Je préfère les couleurs rose, noir, et bleu. Aussi, j’aime bien les couleurs jaune et violet.

4. Marque/Styliste préférés

J’aime Baby the Stars Shine Bright, Angelic Pretty, Innocent World, Emily Temple Cute.

5. Votre habit le plus chéri

Mon habit le plus chéri est mon jupe s’appelle « MaCherie » de Baby, the Stars Shine Bright (BtSSB) en rose cerise. Je l’acheté a Paris 1^re Octobre, 2011.

6. La tenue dans laquelle vous sentez le mieux

J’aime la jupe Lolita (avec ou sans le jupon).

7. La pièce que vous avez le plus porté

Chez moi, j’ai porte ma jupe de BtSSB qui s’appelle « Classical Rose » en noir. En France, je porte souvent mon jupe de BtSSB qui n’a pas un nom. Mais, c’est très facile à porter car la jupe est noire. C’est très joli.

BtSSB- Classical Rose

BtSSB - no name

8. La première que vous regardez dans une coordination lolita

Les couleurs est la première que je regarde dans une coordination. C’est très important !

9. Une règle lolita que vous respectez toujours?

La règle lolita que je respecte est qu’il n’y a jamais de règle pour le mode.

10. On ne vous verra jamais porter…

Je ne verrai jamais porter la lolita « punk ».

11. Vous vous habillez pour impressionner…

Ne Personne. Je m’habille seulement pour moi.

12. Votre prochain achat vital

Je voudrais acheter un « cutsew » de mon ami et le sac de lapin à Paris BtSSB. SVP !

13. Votre accessoire de cheveu préféré

J’aime les nœuds roses ou noirs dans mes cheveux blonds. J’adore le « headbow » rose de BtSSB que j’ai acheté à Paris. C’est spécial. Je veux le porter plus.

BtSSB- bow

14. Coupe préférée (shirring, taille haute, etc)?

Je préfère les jupes. C’est plus facile pour moi car je suis grande- 5’9’’ ! Aussi, c’est moins formel.

15. Obsession du moment?

J’adore la boutique Baby, the Stars Shine Bright à Paris et DecoDen.

16. Le meilleur conseil lolita que vous pouvez donner

On doit les acheter d’occasion.

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English:

1. The best advice that you gave lolita? “It has to do with confidence. “- My Art Prof And: “The most important thing is how far you went in your heart. ” -Kira-Imai – The Emiprie of Lace # 4

2. Icons “fashion” Misako Aoki And my friend, Dieu-Ly

3. Describe your personal style I love the fashions Lolita, Mori Girl, Otome, and Victorian.

I love lace and ribbon. I prefer the color pink, black, and blue. Also, I like the colors yellow and purple.

4. Brand / Designer favorite I love Baby the Stars Shine Bright, Angelic Pretty, Innocent World, Emily Temple Cute.

5. Your dress the most beloved My most cherished is my skirt called “Macheri” from Baby, the Stars Shine Bright (BtSSB) in cherry pink. I bought it in Paris on October 1st, 2011.

6. The holding in which you feel better I love Lolita skirt (with or without the petti).

7. The part that you are more likely In the USA, I wore my skirt BtSSB called “Classical Rose” in black. In France, I often wear my skirt BtSSB which does not a name. But it’s very easy to wear because the skirt is black. It’s very pretty.

8. First you look in coordination lolita The color is the first I look in coordination. It is very important!

9. A rule that you always follow lolita? Rule lolita that I respect is that it is never a rule for fashion.

10. We will see you never wear … I will never see wear lolita “punk.”

11. You dress to impress … No one. I dress just for me.

12. Your next purchase vital I want to buy a “cutsew” from my friend and the bunny bag from BtSSB in Paris. Please!

13. Your favorite hair accessory I love the pink or black ribbons in my blonde hair. I love the Pink Headbow from BtSSB that I bought in Paris. It’s special. I want to wear it more.

14. Cup favorite (shirring, high waist, etc.)? I prefer skirts. It’s easier for me because I’m tall, 5’9”! Also, it is less formal.

15. Obsession of the moment? I love the store Baby, the Stars Shine Bright in Paris and DecoDen.

16. The best advice you can give lolita They should purchase 2nd hand .

I hope you enjoyed this! Bye for now, Princesses!

When not in Paris…

When not in Paris, what do I do?

Oh, how I love Paris, but it is always there waiting for me. As the end of the semester crept up, I slacked. I have not set foot in Paris in December. Horrible. Ghastly.
However, what do I do? I do one of the most important things. I love Paris, but seeing my friends is more special, then the cold city of Paris.

Amiens in Christmas lights - Top: Perfum d'Hiver -Middle: Hotel de Ville d'Amiens -Bottom: Cathedral in the background with lights

On the 3rd of December, it was not only International Lolita Day, but Pauline’s birthday. Pauline is a native of Amiens who I meet through Vasilisa.  Pauline has studied in the US and Russia. She speaks perfect English and clear French. I am thankful for her patience when I speak French.

Top: Vasilisa and Pauline with Hot Cider Bottom: My Roasted Chestnuts

 

We walked around the center of town. The center of Amiens has a lot of common European chain stores, same as Paris. There is H&M, Cache-Cache, Jennifer, and more! There was a large crowd of Christmas shoppers! It was overwhelming! But I was more interested in the new decorations for “Parfums d’Hiver”! There were Christmas light and red Christmas huts with gifts or food. We each bought something warm to fight the approaching cold night air. I bought roasted chestnuts (rare to find in the US), and Pauline and Vaslisa bought hot apple cider- which had a little something, something in it. (I sipped it but I guess since I’m from Tennessee with Scot- Irish background, I prefer a little stronger.)

My outfit for International Lolita Day Skirt: BTSSB (I curled my hair)

On Sunday, I had tea with Dieu-Ly - said like the word “Joli” in Fernch, which means “pretty”. She is so sweet! She baked gingerbread men! They were so yummy and cute! Also, we had full leaf Christmas tea. I love spicy teas the best! We talked about everything under the sun- in English.  I was going to practice my French, but I was so caught up in seeing her. I can not express how sweet she is to me!  I had such a nice time. Her family can and went in her home. This made me feel like I was back at home too! She also gave me #2 and #3 of L’Empire Dentelle! However, Dieu-Ly had a cold! I hope she is better by now!

I think I ate him!

 

After a week of classes, the 11th came around- Vasilisa’s Birthday!! After a confusing meet up, she took Pauline and me to a warm café I’ve had my eye since I came to France! Everything was on the Birthday Girl! We all ordered tea. Our tea was very warm and full of spice. And, we each had our sweets! Pauline had a crêpe Nutella, Vasilisa a chocolate brownie, and me a crêpe sucre. I’ve had chocolate on crêpes over and over, but never a nice plain sugar crêpe. The sugar crêpe was divine!

Left to Right: Vasilisa // my crepe // Pauline

All together!

UPDATE: I was picked by a local student doing a project on the contrast of French fashion and Japanese Kawaii Fashion. He has taken pictures of me, and he says he will give them to me. And, we have planed an interview. I hope to post about this event. Till then!

Breathe In, Breathe Out

This is a wonderful video that can introduce the sorrow of Downton Abbey’s Mary and Matthew. I show this series to everyone, and everyone loves it.

Breathe in, breathe out
Tell me all of your doubts
Everybody bleeds this way, just the same
Breathe in, breathe out
Move on and break down
If everyone goes away, I will stay
We push and pull
And I fall down sometimes
And I’m not letting go
You hold the other line
Cause there is a light in your eyes, in your eyes

Hold on, hold tight
If I’m out of your sight
And everything keeps moving on, moving on
Hold on, hold tight
Make it through another night
In every day there comes a song with the dawn
We push and pull

And I fall down sometimes
And I’m not letting go
You hold the other line
Cause there is a light in your eyes, in your eyes
There is a light in your eyes, in your eyes

Breathe in and breathe out
Breathe in and breathe out
Breathe in and breathe out
Breathe in and breathe out

Look left, look right
To the moon and the night
Everything under the stars is in your arms

Cause there is a light in your eyes, in your eyes
There is a light in your eyes, in your eyes
There is a light in your eyes, in your eyes

Mat Kearney – “Breathe In, Breathe Out”

Le Commencement

Le commencement est très important.  Sans le commencement, il n’y a rien – pas de fin, pas de milieu. Rien. Le commencement peut être effrayant.

Moi, quelquefois j’ai peur du commencement.  Je ne sais pas pour quoi. Mais, j’ai peur de la toile blanche.  Je ne vois pas la fin. Je ne veux pas commencer.  Le blanc est trop grand. Je suis triste. Mais, j’ai une idée super ! Je viens à cote le visage de ma peur.  Finalement, je commence.  J’utilise mes pinceaux et je couvris la toile blanche. Je fais quelque chose beau.

Dans ma photo, il y a une fille, un pont, et un pinceau. La fille a le pinceau dans les mains. Elle commence à traverser le pont. Mais, le pont n’a pas une fin. C’est difficile pour la fille à commencer traverser le pont.

Sous le pont, il y a un fleuve des idées. N’inquiétez pas. Je pense qu’elle va commencer et elle va faire quelque chose beau. Et, vous ? Qu’est- ce vous pensez ? Elle va commencer ? Elle va faire quelque chose beau ?

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English (google translated)

The Start

The beginning is very important. Without the beginning, there is nothing – not an end, not the middle. Nothing. The beginning can be frightening.

Me, no matter what time I’m afraid of starting. I do not know why. But I am afraid of the white canvas. I do not see the end. I do not want to start. White is too large. I’m sad. But I have an idea great! I come to score the face of my fear. Finally, I begin. I use my brushes and I covered the white canvas. I do something beautiful.

In my photo, there is a girl, a bridge, and a brush. The girl has the brush in his hands.She starts to cross the bridge. But the bridge is not an end. It’s hard for girls to begin crossing the bridge.

Under the bridge, there is a river of ideas. Do not worry. I think she will begin and it will do something beautiful. And you? What do you think? It will start? She’ll do something nice?

Louvre: Cupid’s and Psyche’s Secret

A tale as old as time, written in Latin in the book called The Golden Ass, Cupid and Psyche’s love story is set in stone. It is a simple story, really. I will tell you the story line as simply as I can:

unknown picture

Venus, the goddess of love, grew jealous of Psyche. Venus looked into her mirror and asked, “Mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the fairest of them all?” (Just making a parallel to the Grimms’ Snow White.)
The Mirror said, to Venus’ horror, “Not you! It is Psyche! Your ID should have told you that! Why do you bother me with this!”

Venus threw out her mirror which was found later by an evil witch. Anyways, the humans started to compare Psyche to her. “Princess Psyche is as pretty as Venus!”, “What I would do to be with Psyche!”, “I had a dream of Psyche last night!”, “Look at her glowing young, pure, bright human face!”, and “Shh, we’re near the Temple, you idiot!”  Venus cursed these people with AIDs, and then turned her fury to Princess Psyche.

Venus gave her son Cupid the task of shooting Psyche with he golden arrows to make her fall in love with some awful, stinky, ugly, horrible, terrible creature. Cupid, a young man at the time, agreed to do his mother’s will. Thus, one night he climbed, invisible, into Psyche’s sleeping chamber. Psyche slept with her hair spread out on the pillow and dew drops in her eye lashes. She kept her windows open on the warm nights, and the curtains billowed in the wind. Cupid drew his bow and arrows. He pointed the arrow at her heart, but the golden bow and arrow flashed in the moon light. Psyche awoke suddenly. Although Cupid was invisible, Psyche looked him in the eyes without seeing him. Cupid lower his bow keeping his eyes on her’s. He pricked himself with his arrow. He fell in love with Psyche. He flow off in the night, ashamed, but in love.

Because of this failure from her son, Venus decided to curse Psyche. Venus made it so that Psyche could not find a husband. Cupid depressed from watching his love, Psyche, in pain, shot no more arrows. The world of humans grew old. The days of good old sex was gone, and no babies were made for the humans. Soon, Venus’ Temple became dusty. Venus too lazy to dust her own temple told her son to marry Psyche, but Psyche was to never see Cupid. He was to make to her invisibly.

Lets just say, Psyche was ok with a few dark nights, but her evil, ugly sisters made her curious. So, one night she turned the lights on. Oh my, she found a god with wings in her bed. “Oh, my Zeus!” she cried, and with this cry Cupid flow away. Thus, Psyche made her marriage null unless she did a few chores for Venus. Psyche dusts Venus’ Temple and risks her life to get golden sheep wool.  Finally, Psyche has to make a visit to Proserpina, Queen of the Underworld. Psyche almost kills herself to get there, but a tower (yeah, a building) gives her directions. After a nice visit, Psyche gets a box of her own beauty to give to Venus.

Cupid and Psyche / Artist:Corvi Domenico / Location:Hermitage Museum

On the way back, Psyche, being a woman, opens the box. The box was really a music box that made Psyche fall asleep. She is quickly falling into the sleep of death. Suddenly, Cupid realizes that his mother is a mean, awful goddess. He flies to Psyche and wakes her up with a kiss. Together, they go to Zeus and begs to make Psyche a goddess! Zeus agrees; Psyche drinks Magic Potion n.9. She glows and POP! SPARKLE! She has butterfly wings to fly with her love!

Venus and Psyche make up. The End.

Credit to my Psychological Teacher, Wiki for filling in the details, and my sleepy head’s creativity.

Anyways, my real point is to introduce you to Psyche Revived by Cupid’s Kiss by Antonio Canova. As a result of my story telling, the name of the masterpiece is understandable.
“She is quickly falling into the sleep of death. Suddenly, Cupid realizes that his mother is a mean, awful goddess. He flies to Psyche and wakes her up with a kiss.” 
I learned in my Art History class that you can never understand a piece of work till you know the back story -which I’ve kindly wrote for you, and see the full details in person. There is a magic when you see details with you eye. For me, it is a connection with the real art, my eye, and my brain. I learn so much by just being in the present of art.
But sadly, not everyone can rush to the Louvre to view Psyche Revived by Cupid’s Kiss by Antonio Canova. So, I took pictures of my favorite details.

For my family, friends, fans, artists, and lovers:

Psyche Revived by Cupid's Kiss by Antonio Canova

Psyche Revived by Cupid's Kiss by Antonio Canova

Psyche Revived by Cupid's Kiss by Antonio Canova

Psyche Revived by Cupid's Kiss by Antonio Canova

Psyche Revived by Cupid's Kiss by Antonio Canova

☆Atelier création de bagues☆ – my first lolita meetup

Credit to Megu: Isn't the the cutest?

Megu from Candybox and saleslady at Baby the Stars Shine Bright in Paris held a Deco-den class on how to make whip cream rings. This was my first experience with Deco-den. I have been interested in Deco-den for sometime, but living abroad really cuts my crafting. I have limited my self to knitting and paper projects till I go back home. Anyways, I loved it! The rings were a great way to interduce someone to the craft. I had so much fun that I know for sure I will continue to learn Deco-den!

Credit to Megu: A sweet girl makes a sweet ring.

A little girl was curious about the shop and came in to Baby.  Her mom let her stay and make rings! Her mom is the coolest in the world -after mine. With her cute dress on I believe she might be a lolita in training! So cute!

Choosing our Sparkles!

First, Megu pulled out gems (flat backed crystals) and sticks with pictures at the end, and ribbon bows. We all sat and picked out what we wanted to use. I listen to the French conversation, but didn’t understand much because I was so busy picking out my sparkles! I took the longest to choose!

Credit to Megu: Marine whips the magic!

After we’ve chosen our “sparkles”, the “whip cream” must be put on the ring base! I was really nervous! I continued to pick out my “sparkles” and watch the others! I have had no experience with icing cakes, and my worrying continued! But, before we started on the ring we practiced on plastic. Thank goodness! After watching Megu’s example and the others, I had a firm grasp on the “whip cream” after a few trail runs!  I was very happy with my ring’s result! Finally, I began to place my sparkles onto the “whip cream”.

☆my ring☆

Afterwards, I got to know Marine and Marine. (Isn’t that cute? They have the same name and were twining Baby jumpskirts!) And I went to Princess Crepe with Megu and the girl in blue ( I can’t remember her name). I want to thank these girls for such a wonderful time! I didn’t realize it till later but it was my first Lolita meetup! How many American lolitas can say they had their first Lolita Meetup at Baby, the Stars Shine Bright in Paris!

Bonus Pictures of BtSSB Paris:

Baby's Jewels and Bows

Which one do I want?

For the Love of Lace

I such a great time! Also, I hope to continue to make Deco-den with Megu till I go back to the States!

Meeting Kira Imai

Kira Imai is a Lolita artist, if you want to limit her to this. Most Lolitas know her, maybe not by name, because of her work for Lolita brands like Angelic Pretty! I fell in love with her artwork. It is similar to my artwork. I like to draw girls covered in lace, but in still simple. She keeps this balance of detail and simplicity.
I read an interview with Kira Imai in L’Emiprie des Dentelles #4 that I bought at BtSSB Paris. After reading it once, I had to read it again. She seems like a deep person.

“Lolitas do not always feel good about themselves…It is not something that I am right now, but I used to! Actually, I think it has something to do with adolescence. I think that lolitas are way too attached to material things, and  this is the main difference with otomes. Otome is more of a way of living because what is in your heart is more important then the things you’re wearing. Of course, I dress in a particular way and that’s otome, but I thing that it’s still something different. I think it reflects my heart and not a brand or particular style, so it has nothing to do with commercial universe. I would describe an otome as a frail, charming but not especially pretty doll- can you see the difference between charming and lovely?- It’s something really different in the end. I think that when you are Lolita, you hold the potential in your heart to accomplish yourself and to become an otome. I guess it’s a question of maturity. Of course, these are only my ideas! On the contrary, Lolita love to buy and to have the latest clothes from their favorite brand and even the little useless things, a lot of useless things! This the difference that I noticed between the Lolitas in Tokyo who are obsessed with their shopping, and the Lolitas from the provinces that are much farther away: it’s really a way of living and thinking for them. The Lolitas outside of Tokyo do everything with their heart while the Lolitas in Tokyo do everything with their wallet. … The most important thing is how far you’ve gone in your heart. I think the same as Francois and Fumiko: Lolita is  not a fashion because fashion quickly falls out of favor, but lolitas have been here for a long time and will remain here.” 
-Kira Imai in L’Emiprie des Dentelles #4

This passage really touches me. I do not live near a big city with Lolita stores in the USA. When I came to live in Amiens, I found myself near BtSSB Paris and Angelic Pretty Paris! I was excited. But, I knew I could buy the most expensive dress in the stores, and I still would be no more Lolita then if I didn’t buy any thing from the stores! I did buy a skirt not because it was a popular print, but because I loved the cut and the fabric!  Later, I bought things online, and again I bought then things people past over. Wearing bows and and lace make me feel better. My heart sings. I am not follow the crowd in mainstream fashion or even in Lolita fashion. I pick what I like. My heart can fly.

Thus, to meet this artist was really special for me. No famous Japanese Lolita people ever come to Tennessee, USA. I was so excited that I could not help but smile as I waited to see her.

Kira holding my drawing to her and me holding her doll and my Totoro.

The night before I drew her a picture. She was so excited about it. She wanted a picture of me! She let me hold her doll too! You can see on my face how excited I am to meet her! I always can’t hold back my silly smile! After she signed everything, she took and my hand between her two warm hands and said, “Thank you for coming to see me on such a cold day. And thank you so very much for the drawing.” I replied, “The pleasure is mine, really!” ( all thanks to a translator) She and I were very flattered. I wish language did not separate us. There is so much I wan to say to her! So much, she has taught me in just a small passage from an interview!

Credit to my first Lolita friend who I ate lunch with in Starbucks!

The things I bought from her: Velour and Chiffon.  She also gave me a postcard and a sticker.

Velour and Chiffon, a free postcard and free sticker!

Kira Imai signed my books and postcard.

If you are curious about what I wore, I posted it here.

Thank you for looking!

Playing in Art

I never knew art museums to be boring. EVER.

My friends and I were talking about art museums one day. I told her that I fell in love with the Louvre at first sight when I was just 11 years old. She seemed astonished. She said she loved art museums only now in her 20′s, but at the age 11 she hated the endless rooms of art.

I never remember hating to go to an art museum, galley, or show. I would get lost in the art. The art was a story, the frame was the binding, and the brush strokes were the words. The best part was when I could react to the art and become part of the story. I am able to enjoy it as part of my life story.

"The Coronation of Napoleon" by David

When I was 11, I fell in love with this picture. It is so close to my heart. I gasp every time I see it or heard about it. When I was 11, my mom took a picture of me bowing before Napoleon like Josephine.  The picture became a quick favorite in our travel pictures.

"Portrait of Mariana Waldstein" by Francisco Goya

That day I was dressed up to meet an artist (another post!). My friend and I both realized that Mariana and I were dress similarly! I, of course, was the casual Lolita version of her Spanish dress.

Outfit:
Skirt: Baby the Stars Shine Bright – Black Lace Skirt in Black (no name)
Cutsew: Baby the Stars Shine Bright- 7 Keys Cutsew in Pink
Bow: Baby the Stars Shine Bright- Hello Kitty Pink Side Bow
Purse: Juice Culture- Pink
Shoes: Clarks Mary Janes- Black

I am becoming a Baby the Stars Shine Bright snob.

Egypt Monkeys

I made my friend pose as the monkeys! She and I had a lot of fun in the Louvre.

I can not help but play a little bit in art museums!