Running a Business

On the Soap Queen, Anne-Maire has posted something that might be useful for all future business owners (hint,hint-Dad). Go check it out, and while you are at it, buy something form Brambleberry! Support a wonderful business, and send me some extras. :)

Fashion Book Read: The Classic Ten

Normally, I'm not that interested in women's fashion, but I was in the library looking for a non-fiction book for a project, and stumbled upon The Classic Ten The True Story of the Little Black Dress and Nine Other Fashion Favorites by Nancy MacDonell Smith. I am almost always interested in the history of modern culture, and so I was drawn toward this descriptively titled book. It did not disappoint. Written by fashion news and features director of NYLON magazine, Nancy MacDonell Smith explores the meaning of the little black dress, lipstick, high-heels, pearls, the trench coat, the cashmere sweater, jeans, sneakers, and the white shirt. She gives a detailed history of the meaning of these items that people wore, and how it reflected upon their culture and ours. When I read this, the meaning of fashion really struck a chord. I could understand a bit more why people dress the way they do "in fashion" in our culture. However, this book is also just a great read for a person who not only enjoys fashion and new styles, but likes classical pieces in a woman's closet (aka: not me). It was fun to read and interesting-a great book to read while at the airport or a rainy-day read.

Update

I have an update on the sewing machine scenario.My dad fixed it on Monday, yay! Now I don't have to spend $100 on a new one. On another note, I finally updated pictures from early November. It was still warm here then, but it has been getting chilly!

An iris blooming on the side of a small road, an artistic arrangement of a leaf, an interesting acorn, and a flower that looks to be one from the stylized design of a manga. (xxxHolic)


Our camera sucks like heck, and Blogger is being stupid, causing me to waste my storage because I needed to upload it five times when I accidentally deleted the picture. I don't even know where the storage went, since the pictures are not stored on my blog.

No Sewing Machine for Me

A few weeks ago, my grandma thought I should get my sewing machine repaired. The bottom of it wouldn't "catch" the thread, and so it would only half-stitch the fabric. Because of this, the thread from the top would also get clogged up at the bottom. Unfortunately, we could find no one to fix it. Now it has been relegated to the garage. I should have searched for a new sewing machine yesterday, but we ran out of time, and I don't think I should get one as an impulse buy. Boo. I will be looking for one now, as possibly a Christmas present? Any suggestions?

Sales Are Not Good For Your Wallet

Black Friday...such an ominous name, but such a strong attraction it holds...Tomorrow, when I should be doing my projects for school, my mother will be most likely be sailing through sales at Walmart. I might follow later, because I need a coat(or ski jacket) and a top for our school's trip this winter. Even if merchandise is marked down as "sale" most of the time they are still expensive when added up.

This Thanksgiving I was truly worried about a family member. The appointment is scheduled for the eighth of December, and we are waiting for the test results, but meanwhile his health is deteriorating. Thankfully, my parents say it is not critical, but this in between stage is the worst, when you are waiting, but now is not serious enough to be sent to the emergency room. I worry for what is to happen, because he will need surgery. I hope for a brighter day soon.

Giving thanks

For the world we live in.

The Rain

Language is really such a variable subject. Sometimes, gym class is physical education, "pro" and "skills", trousers are pants( but there are still trousers here), fashionista and reccesionista are mainstream now(my Language Arts teacher wouldn't probably approve, and who says that in real life?!), but I digress. My chosen word of the day is nascent.

Today, the weather forecast said it was to be rainy. I hoped that it would rain during physical education, because, really, who wants to run on a Friday? P.E. class came, and it was sunny here and warm. I remember thinking with vengeance, "The weather forecast lied!" Of course, we had to run a mile (not ameliorated by the nice name the teacher gave it). About two thirds of the way through, it started sprinkling. Then the wind picked up. After P.E., it started alternating between raining and drizzling throughout out classes. What a glorious day.

It might be nice to take photos of the rain, but our camera is severely lacking the thing known as quality. Here are things that remind me of today's rain:

Spring Rain. Aventurine and Freshwater Pearl Bracelet by DesignByMagriet

Sun Moon Stars Rain - embellished mixed media print on chipboard by mizkatie

Cloudy Day - hand painted silk crepe de chine luxury scarf by MuseSilkPaintings

Pretty, but the bracelet and the scarf are unaffordable. I need a silk scarf, too. However, this is why you go to flea markets.