Book Worm

With a new year well underway, it's always tempting to peek behind the curtain of the past year- in what happened and what was learned. Regarding books, what happened was that I finished more than I thought I could, and what I learned was that it's always good to read a book, or take it with you during your day since you'll never know when you will need it to be your companion and friend for those 20 minutes waiting or wanting some needed inspiration. So finally I will share the finished books I read in 2016, and will specifically highlight the ones I read this Fall.

I have my favorites that I read this year, and that really put a spark in me. These included The Blessed Eucharist, The Pioneer Woman, When Breath Becomes Air, Start Something That Matters, Led By Faith, The Diana I Knew, On The Noodle Road, The Introvert's Way, Our Lady Of Kibeho, Traveling To Infinity, White Jacket Required, and Spiritual Lessons along the Camino. Whew. Great titles and books that stirred up inspiring juices that uplifted, encouraged and gave me a new perspective and world to look into. It's always a treat when books can do that for you. :)

Now for the ones that I read this Fall. My goal was to read 8, but I finished 7.
Looking back at the ones I read this Fall, I realized that most of them are spiritual books, which I also found to be helpful and inspiring:)

The Virgin Mary of Guadalupe

This little book was amazing. I learned a lot about the life of Juan Diego and more about the occurrence of The Virgin Mary visiting him. It was also an easy and quick read. Happens to be one of my favorite apparitions of Mary:)






India Calling: An Intimate Portrait of a Nation's Remaking
Right from the start, this book hooked me into a deeper and hidden perspective of the history of India. I found it to be very interesting, as the author was raised with two different cultures, and going back to India as an adult was an interesting and riveting experience for him. I would like to read more books like this.

Our Lady of Kibeho

A very, very engaging and uplifting book about Mary coming into the city of Kibeho, on the Eastern side of Africa. There was so much power and hope in this book, it was difficult to put down. This was also a fast read, and to be honest was a little sad when it was over. Now I can say that I've read all of her books (Immaculee Ilibagiza's). Such a strong, beautiful and inspiring woman.

The Name of God is Mercy 

Another spiritual read! This one was also quite short, and easy to flip through and read. I liked that I read it at the end of the year of Mercy, and overall an insightful and uplifting book.

Travelling to Infinity

I was so glad to finish this long, detailed and heart hooking book! I had been meaning to read and finish this book for sometime, and even bought it for my Mom for Christmas two years ago. I've seen the movie and really liked it. When my sister read it, I was more inspired to read it as well. Jane Hawking is such an amazing writer and storyteller, this too was a page turner. I recall reading 100 pages in a day practically fluidly. Highly recommended.

Make it Messy 

Aww, Marcus Sameulsson. I always enjoy looking at his cookbooks- I got one of them for Christmas this past year! I've also read his other memoir, Yes, Chef. This book was similar to Yes, Chef, a condensed version. It was also nice because I kind of forgot parts of the story, and what an interesting story he has. He's an interesting, creative and inspiring person and chef. 

White Jacket Required

I found this interesting book first at B&N and remembered and wrote the title down. I was inspired by the author's tenacity, passion and determination in the culinary and then later the pastry field. I could relate with some of those moments and situations of quarter life crises and uphill and downhill battles. She has an inspiring journey.

And lastly, right before Fall ended and Winter started, I finished reading Spiritual Lessons along the Camino.

This spiritual read, hence the title, was one I read in preparation for the Christmas season. She decides to go to Spain, to go on a personal and intimate retreat with herself and learns new things about herself, her faith and others along the way. It was a nice and enriching read when the gloominess of December stopped by for a visit.

So, those were all the books that I read this Fall, and this year. I'm excited for all the reading I will do in 2017, and want to read more this year, finding more time for it and covering more subject areas.

Till next time...

The Piece of the Pie

I do not do well with uniforms, so I've learned. The realization that putting together an outfit all on my own, with my innovative and artsy mind to help, is what lifts up my mood and helps create a world full of ideas and inspiration to reign in.

One of my first posts on Plum Tree http://plummtree.blogspot.com/2016/08/i-remember.html had to do with a job of mine that I soon discovered I did not like, mainly becasue it was not a fit for me in the slightest. Some days, I find myself reflecting on this particluar time in my life, this season and job where finding what I needed to thrive was somewhere in the dark, and needed to be found and revitalized again. This job, among many customer service type jobs had a uniform- it's own particular and strict uniform guidelines, in order to look and play the part. It's true, I was playing a role, all the while not feeling like myself in the process, yet felt like how all eyes percieved me to be.

My creative, self expression was out the door, and I had to literally leave it there once I came into this noisy, intimadating and unsure environment that I called work. Day in and day out, my mind and attitude about this place began to spiral, not to mention my well- being and confidence. The connection that I wanted to create with this small stucture of a place, it's inviting demeanor and sense of hospitality left a different impression than ever before, since I was slowly but swiftly discovering what it's like to be behind the scenes, to play the part and get paid to act it for those 6 hours, and to see the outside world taking it all in, appreciating every motion, smell and tired smile.

Seeing all of my clothes, accesories and everything that could make me feel more alive, just as simple as wearing my own clothes while not working, felt like a breath of fresh air. I no longer felt like a number, an identical among the coworkers, but like my good ol' self again. Once I decided to leave this job, there was no turning back. I began to heal the things that made me feel like not enough or underestimated. These toxic thoughts affected me, yet they soon began to disappear as my wardrobe was in use again, and no longer having to rush off to a crowded, noisy place, wondering if I'll remember how to pin this, and tuck in that and say the right things and not forgetting to smile at the exact moments. Flexibility is a quality of mine, but it didn't serve me much use in this environment where unpredicability is the name of the game.

Art, stlye, fashion, these all give me the inspiration I need to pull through the day, and to discover a side of myself that I was unaware of. Last night, I helped pick out my sister's clothes for her workday. the next day. These random, and ordinary times where I like and decide to help her out and find options- perhaps some that were new and never seen or discovered before and make it look like a whole new creation, just by shopping in her closet. Mixing and matching, and finding the right patterns, colors and textures all make me feel and be inspired. I find that it's a little different when you do this for someone else than yourself, since it's more like an act of charity, and making it easier for them, such as my sister who doesn't always enjoy the process of finding a new outfit for the next day.

I've learned and expereinced how it is to not have the piece of pie, and how much different it can make with that extra piece in the picture. I didn't realize how important this slice was until it was taken away. Hello 100% pie, hello inspiration!

November Reflections

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, for many reasons. It is a time for reflection, to give thanks to God and to others and a day to enjoy family, right before the rush of the holidays come into view. I think it's also a nice time to reflect on this year alone, and all that there is to be thankful for. I have fond memories of past Thanksgivings, getting together with family and having lots of people over at the house. But this year will be a little bit different. My sister and her husband are hosting at their place, and it will be a smaller and more intimate celebration and feast. Personally, that is more of my style. It can be easier to reflect and voice what and who you're thankful for. I remember last year, with all of the people we had- equal to three different tables, we had namecards and a question per card to make it easier for conversation. I remember my question was about cooking memoirs and why I like to read them so much. Some things haven't changed. Ha

This year, my goal for Fall was to contribute something for Thanksgiving dinner. I will be cooking an appetizer, Quiche. I think quiche is always great for almost any occassion, and a nice way to start out a hearty and delicious meal. I feel that this Thanksgiving has a different feel to it, perhaps a more reflective and melancholy tone, due to the happenings and challenges of this year. I think trials and challenges are another thing to be thankful for this year, a blessing in diguise.

Last year's dinner table. Elisabeth and I were conversing in a few languages at once - Italian, Chinese, Russian and Spanish. We should recreate it again soon!:)

I'm looking forward to putting my quiche together, reading a good book (getting closer to my goal for this Autumn), and going on a nice, Fall walk, and later sharing a nice and warm meal with the people I love most. In a way, it's weird to think that another Thanksgiving is here, and another liturgical year ending, and a new one soon beginning. The feeling in the air is slowly changing, a brisk, chilly air is coming in, and all things Fall are becoming more of the past. Winter and all things Happy Holidays and Seasons Greetings (which I particulary am not a fan of) are part of the hustle and bustle of the holiday cheer, and all that glitters. I'm just trying to enjoy the Thanksgiving season, and take it all in- the memories, the food, the company and the love. Happy Thanksgiving!

Anthropologie and Anthropology

This is my first time taking Anthropology. I wasn't even sure what it was about, and would consider myself someone who probably wouldn't be very interested in the subject either until this class. Anthropology of the Middle East. Like I mentioned in a post written a while ago, the Middle East interests me and with any region or country in the world, there is so much to learn about. I think that's what makes me excited and inspired to keep learning more. I would say Arabic is still an underlying and behind the scenes type of interest, but I know that Chinese and Hindi are more in the picture, and are the main actors on the stage- at least for now ;)

For this Anthro class, I've really enjoyed my Professor's lectures. Not only has it helped me learn in this particular field, but I've also come to understand more of this culture, the dominant religion in the region- Islam, as well as among other customs. My mind has been opened, and I alsways feel inspired after leaving this class, even with a smile that I recieved a good, hard laugh after another one of my Professor's humorous jokes. Although this class and the quarter aren't over yet, I know that I will remember this particular class for a while and how much I enjoyed it, aiting for it after my 4 hour breaks, ready to listen to an exciting lecture!

Anthropologie is a clothing store that I've been to a few times. I can recall visitng this store last November, on a rainy day in a fancy part of a city and feeling the warmth of inspiration and creativity around me, soaking me up and taking my mind to a different place. Some things are just better on a rainy day, like the library, a cafe, and anthropologie:).

The displays in this store are always fun to look at, with green soda cans hanging by the window- (with the backdrop of the pounding rain outside, so cool!), or a strew of paintbrushes hanging upsidedown in the middle part of the ceiling, capturing the eyes of all the new customers. Just like my Anthropology class, I feel that I also learn  while in this creative and inticing store. I learn about myself, and what I need and what I crave at times, and even how I recieve and regain my energy. The feeling of possibility, even randomness, and eclectic taste are all wrapped up in this store, and making it special and exciting each time.

My sister used to work for Anthropologie- kept the associate's handbook, and had the perk of a discount!

I hope to go back to this neat store soon, especially on a chilly Fall day. There are some other stores and places that give me this special feel and enjoyment. Maybe I'll write about them sometime, and also find some new places in the mean time:)

Creating Inspiration

This time of year always comes with inspiration-seeking, a dive for interesting books,a love for fall fashion, and always feeling ready to pack my bags for a day at a cafe, or talk a walk wherever the red, orange and semi-green leaves take me! Fall gives me plenty to do and think about, which makes life that much more interesting.

A year ago during this time I was thinking about traveling to Taiwan for study abroad. In the end, it didn't feel right or work out which was meant to be, and am grateful for all that did happen. Fall comes with reflection and contemplation, it can help slow down time and to really focus on the present moment.

Now here is some inspiration!

Yayy for Plaid

Love them!

Love their makeup

My kinda thing

One of my favorites:)

Clementine's, an inspiration through time

Having lunch out is always a treat. And going to a place that has good food and nice memories associated with it is like adding an extra douse of sugar. The fact that I like this place so much doesn't seem to surprise me. I would pass by it every time I was on my way to work, cringing that I was actually working where I was, and wanting to turn right and go to that nice New Olreans restaurant on th corner and just sit in a booth and not have to worry about all my fears flooding into my mind. I came across this place, thinking about it for a while and never seeming to make the trip there.

So finally, after a year in half my Mom and I had lunch at Clementine's. It's known for it's New Orleans ambianence, style and influenced food. My stomach was growling and was becoming sloshy and loud and annoyingbeforehand but the food seemed to cure that almost immediately.

What drew me to this place this time wasn't the uncrowed tables, the quick service or even the nice decorations, instead it was more about remebering what was happening in my life the last time I was here. I had just changed my major from English Literature to International Studies, unsure of where it would take me and all that I would learn, overall I was excited and filled with encouraging thoughts and inspiration. It was the time close to Spring, and the onset of Easter Break, with much to look forward and a week off never seemed better. Going to that nice and enticing book store nearby, I stocked up on ideas, adventures and books and couldn't seem to get enough of books and inspiration from the World History section, nonfiction and memoirs disperesed from different parts of the world, I was captivated.

This free and enjoyable time with my Mom never seems to add up to enough, as well as these Summer days. One after another goes by, and I will look back knowing what a good time I had.

I remember

Do you ever have your mind go back to a year ago? I think mine draws more to the past rather than the future. My memory somehow remembers all the little details from the days of yesteryear. When I think of a year ago, I instintly get pulled back into my old job. All the memories flood back into my mind, like a strong river that twists and churns and flows, creating a wet land for all the fish and people trying to walk in it. Time can make things less painful and almost more enjoyable to look back on compared to the recent past.

Now I may have scared you, since I mentioned painful. But isn't it true that pain can have a negative feeling with it as well as a postive one, in retrospect? My old job did both for me, and I must say that I am grateful for the experience.  A job that can give you stress, pressure, and anxiety is never a good thing, yet you learn what to do and how to cope with it in the end.

As a creative person, I need inspiration in my life, I breathe it, and without it I wilt. This job didn't have an ounce of that, and I could see that pretty qucikly, working there day in and day out. I must say uniforms are not my cup of tea, especially the kind that is from head to toe. Talk about no creativity! Personal space is huge for me. Again, this job didn't cater to that either. I felt like I was a fish living in a fish bowl, with all my coworkers around me, not much room to maneover around. The customers inside could practically see everything, as well as the ones outside. I think I have some more sympathy for fish living in a fish tank.

But I think one of the worst things was the eternal awareness of time. Yes, time. Clocks, minutes, break times, moving fast never slow, and getting there on time as well as ready within a matter of minutes is something that always gave me extra sweat that I couldn't handle or for that matter wanted.
Name tag, check. Hat, check, Hair pins, check. Hair up and pulled back, check.   Apron, check. Shirt, check. Pants, check. Belt, check. Socks, high white socks that is, check. Large pin, check. Shoes, check. Make up natural, check. No big earrings or rings, or jewelery for that matter, check. Nails clipped short, check. No nail polish on nails, check. Smile, check.

Dreading to meet face to face with all my cowotkers and male bosses was something that gave my hert an extra beat. The encounter of doom happened right when I walked into the work environment and said goodbye to my comfort zone for the next 6 hours. Joy. Please God help me get through this day, this moment. St. Joan of Arc, Isidore, and Raymond, give me the courage and strength that I need for today. It always helped me, even though people could read fear in my eyes, my voice, and my actions. But I didn't care, I just pulled through.

I'll stop here for now, more to come soon. Thanks for reading!