Putting It Together

I think about where I want to end up. I know, I know. It's about the journey. But I think about how to put together
all
the
right
steps
to end up in the place I want to be.

Right now, it's still a rural setting.  I really do not care for the city - so many people, noise, pollution, overpriced living. People don't seem to care of each other anymore.  It's feels like too much. Maybe, I just need a break. But deep down, I know I will always be a country girl.

Me, an old house, a kayak, and hopefully, a family who wants to live in the country too! I feel like I've written about this before but I am constantly going over in my head how it's all going to end up.

Of course, now I have to conjure a career that will enable me to move to the country.

I think the country means moving home to Maine at some point. But other days, my soul longs for the English countryside.

I lived in England for a year and it's my happy place (that and Prince Edward Island). It's been so long since I have been back (fingers crossed for next year). I read Artemis' gorgeous blog to live, vicariously, a rustic, charming British life.

So, as usual, no conclusions. Only ideas. If I had a nickel for every life idea of mine, I could finally afford a kayak and a car to transport said kayak.

Do you think about where you want to end up and how to put it all together to reach that point?

Image credits: Emily Bowen

Design Inspiration: Jane Eyre (2011)

The exquisite movie poster for Jane Eyre

I finally made it to the theater to see the latest adaptation of Jane Eyre. Friends, I am much more an Austen girl versus a Brontë girl, but give me a period English film and I am at the theater regardless of my literary preferences.  The day was perfect to see such a film - blustery and moody, dark clouds dispersed with stray lines of sunlight. I felt as though I was traversing an English moor as I crossed the Mall to get to the Landmark Theater in downtown DC.

I think the film did a service to Brontë's novel while casting it in a new, interesting light. Mia Wasikowsa does justice to the role of Jane -- being both reserved and revealing of her inner passions. Michael Fassbender as Rochester...well, let's just say I really enjoyed watching him smolder on screen in this role. Their passion was evident and well-portrayed. And Judy Dench was just adorable as Mrs. Fairfax.

Jane and Mrs. Fairfax looking lovely with their lace fashions

I adored the film's soundtrack by Dario Marianelli, which perfectly captured the mood of the film. The set and costume design were spot on, and I was so inspired by their use of lace -- curtains, dress embellishments. It made me consider how I can use lace in my own apartment in tribute to this fine English tradition. I could not find an image of the scene where Jane looks out a window decorated with the most exquisite lace curtains, but it was in that moment that I found inspiration.

The film also had the most beautiful flowers -- violets, cherry blossoms, and others -- a true tribute to an English spring. A floral influence is a heavy theme for my apartment decoration plan.

Jane and Rochester flirt amongst the blooms

Images found here, here, and here (copyright by Focus Features).