Someone else's America

I got a chance to browse some local pieces of art a few weeks ago and just wanted to share my thoughts and own interpretations of what I encountered.

Underneath it all, the human skull has a jawline that's sculptured with a warm smile. Humans have the ability to go about their years positively or negatively, but at the end of life, everyone dies happy, technically... It may be a bit disturbing to think about but, honestly, there's beauty in life and death. Despite the sorrows and pain triggered by death, every soul is freed when this time comes; and, the human corpse rests peacefully, deteriorating down to the sturdy bones and bits that carried all that weight obtained through life's course. 

Anyway, it all comes down to this.. Smile folks. Keep on chasing your dreams and finding reasons to smile until the day you die. You only live once, so you might as well make the most of it. :)

Unfortunately, the world consists of several people, who claim this country is theirs in the most selfish manner. Thus, we have unnecessarily racist people, who bluntly taint the public with their rude remarks toward others... Others, who they distastefully view as contaminants in "their country". Truth of the matter is, this isn't just "your country".. This nation belongs to everyone whose first baby steps were taken on American regions, everyone who chases their dreams and fuels the economy with productivity, everyone who bares their heart and soul for the land, everyone who's died fighting on it, and everyone who's cherished their lost loved ones. 

So in response to the disturbing "my tram experience" youtube videos of racist rants, people like her need to stop claiming this place as just your country because, clearly, it's not. It's collectively "our country." Until you learn to accept this fact, you will only continue to taint any country with your racist presence, which is disfavored by the vast majority. Segregating yourself from society with your ignorant ways only continues to make this country LESS of a home to you, if anything. There goes a saying, "Home is where the heart is." So please give a little more heart and rid yourself of such racist attitudes to make our world, our home a better place. This world is a multicultural and undeniably diverse place, but, with selfishly ignorant people, it will always be "Someone else's America." 

Future generations will only continue to grow more diverse.

So...

Get over yourself.

perks of being a wallflower

(H&M faux fur hat, Nordstrom maroon cardigan, American Apparel bodysuit & mesh bottom, Urban Outfitters wedged boots, DIY chain ring-bracelet, Forever21 Cross ring)

Photo Credits: Joshua Dearing

Dearing Film Photography

One thing I've always liked about Los Angeles is the unexpected street art scattered across the town as though multiple visionary and passionate souls have painted the town red. These photos were taken at the most random places late into the night as we took our chances with a photography adventure. Upon spotting this random flower pot painted on the wall of the first photo, I attempted to imitate the flower's stance.... which got me thinking about the perks of being a wallflower. 

In the very known book, The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Charlie goes about sharing his most secretive and intimate thoughts via letters to a completely anonymous stranger, who he believes to be a friend. Although most of my friends would not view me as an introvert, I tend to feel as though I can relate to this kid. I would not necessarily classify myself as an introvert, but I do get those feelings at times. I'm sure everyone does whether they chose to admit it or not. It's just a part of being humane. Introverts, like flowers, are not loners. They bloom among others in their surroundings and are acquainted by many akin to themselves. Wallflowers just tend to not share all their deepest feelings to everyone and uphold the aspect of keeping certain things personal. That's all, really.

Anyway, drawing back on myself relating to this book, I sort of feel like Charlie in the sense that I'm sharing my random thoughts via blog postings to completely anonymous readers, whom I choose to welcome in a friendly manner. A major perk to being a wallflower is that, although you may be sharing your views with strangers, at least you are letting it all out... getting everything off your shoulders. It's never good to bottle everything up because every bottle can only hold so much before it overflows... 

Thus, I believe that..

Writing is relieving, formulating all that you're believing.

See, there are perks to being a wallflower just as there are perks to being a blogger. (:

free flow

(Lolita top, Luna Boutique fishtail skirt, Jessica Simpson Danys heels)

Photo Credits: Gian Carlo Torres

Gian C. Torres Photography

Fishtail skirts are a must have. They stand out in any outfit as their defiantly cut details are undeniably eye catching. I love the way such skirts flow in the wind, especially skirts made of chiffon or some sheer material. Easy, breezy, and beautiful. 

So I've been thinking...

Sometimes it's best to just go with the flow of things. Leave the questions and concerns behind. Doing so may grant you the most unforgettable memories and exhilarating experiences of your life.  

Everything should be fine as long as you follow one rule in terms of thinking before acting:

Rule of Thumb:

If someone were to ask you about it, and you feel like you'd hesitate at the truth, save yourself the trouble. Don't do it.  

If unexpected consequences arise, accept any guilt and learn from your faults.

Just always be true to yourself. 

You know...

Keep it real. 

bit of burgandy

(Metropark burgundy wool scarf, boutique slouchy, loose fitting top, H&M aztec print pants, vintage double finger ring, Luna Boutique bird ring, Ebay cross charms bracelet)

Photo Credits: Christopher Canon 

Every girl should own a pair of simple black pumps regardless of what brand they are. They really do add that final touch to any outfit and always come back in seasonal fashion, especially around Autumn. I also think that high waisted pants will always go well with slouchy, loose fitting tops. 

Burgundy happens to be my favorite color.... and my mom's.

Growing up as a family-oriented kid, I'll never forget the way my mother's starry eyes would sparkle with instant gratification whenever pretty flowers granted her simple happiness. Thus, while taking a stroll through Downtown Santa Ana, I was quickly reminded of my mom when we stumbled upon these burgundy paper flowers. I can still picture her reaction in my head today. It was so sincere and so genuinely ... happy. I think the biggest lesson I've appreciated learning from my mother is the fact that you've just got to enjoy the simple things in life. Such simplicity can really spark happiness like none other. 

I love you, Mom. 

extra extra

(Gifted sunglasses from Mother, H&M denim button up, boutique high waist shorts, H&M thin black belt, Jeffrey Campbell Black Leather Glitter Sabine)

Photo Credits: Pacino Oceano Furioso 

Pacino Furioso Photography 

Always go that extra mile...

with work, family, friends, and your relationship.

In the long run, appreciation will stand even if your ties fall. 

I'd like to push this message for the entire world to embrace. 

Okay... If not the entire world, at least the readers that stumble upon my blog. 

Going that extra mile can mean so many things. 

The beautiful style icon, Audrey Hepburn, once said,

"As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, 

one for helping yourself, the other for helping others."

I feel that it is very essential for everyone to lend out that extra hand to help others. 

Being willing to go out of your way for loved ones or even strangers just makes life a better place for everyone around you.  Yes, you may have done more work than you really had to... but, in the long run, the genuine appreciation that trails in response to your actions will always mean so much more in life. 

If anything, such actions can even make your life more meaningful. 

Think about it.

In regards to work, anyone that excels beyond their requirements is never forgotten. In fact, people with this trait usually gain recognition for their extra credit and obtain better recommendations for future opportunities. 

Going that extra mile only leads to countless doors of opportunities.

Even if your relationships with work, friends, or whomever wind up fading into nothing more than dusted memories, your extra efforts will always stand out to be appreciated by myriads of the random lives you've positively touched.

Extra extra :)