January drifts.

"The shortest day has passed, and whatever nastiness of weather we may look forward to in January and February, at least we notice that the days are getting longer. Minute by minute they lengthen out. It takes some weeks before we become aware of the change. It is imperceptible even as the growth of a child, as you watch it day by day, until the moment comes when with a start of delighted surprise we realize that we can stay out of doors in a twilight lasting for another quarter of a precious hour."
-Vita Sackville-West

The thermometer currently reads 24 degrees in our coastal town. Combined with the wind that is inevitable this close to the ocean, I don't think that I've been warm in a solid week. (Walking my dog Gracie at 6:30 every morning doesn't help!) I'm already counting down the days until my 80 degree weather returns, but until then, I've compiled a list things on my current favorite things to remind me that life is good, regardless of the windchill.

1. Tall Steve Madden boots.

The "Intyce" style in Cognac. Perfect for the days when I don't feel like wearing the worlds ugliest shoes (Uggs... we have a love/hate relationship) and my jeans or leggings are too skinny to wear my Wallabees (Y'all know what I'm talking about.)

2. Modest Mouse.

I recently rekindled my love for these guys. Go throw on "Float On" and tell me your day doesn't get exponentially better.

3. Sally Hansen's Commander in Chic nail polish.

It's brownish in the sunlight, greyish brownish taupe indoors. I am absolutely addicted.

(photo courtesy of http://never-unpolished.blogspot.com)

4. Burberry Sunglasses.

Mine are the Burberry tortoise 4051's and I absolutely adore them. I couldn't find a picture that does them justice, but my favorite detail is the gold Burberry label on the side.... it resembles the leather ties on my Sperrys & on most boat shoes. Perfect.

5. Story People Prints.

Brian Andreas is an incredible artist and writer that combines these talents to produce books and prints. I own 5 of his books, and just received my 2nd print from my A

unt Julie for Christmas. They're now both frames and hanging in my bathroom! Check his site & his work out here.

6. Lilly Pulitzer Candles.

Every boy that walks into my apartment tells me it smells "just like a girl." I take this as a compliment. These candles smell so amazing that I didn't even want to burn mine, but I think I'm just going to have to stock up instead.

7. Southern Marsh.

This new brand has my seal of frat-proval. Their "About Us" section reads:

"The South is an area of the country that still finds time to escape the hustle and bustle of big city life. Southern Marsh was inspired by that idea and influenced by those who understand the lifestyle as they take it with them everywhere they go. The friends getting up at 4 a.m. to make it to the blind before sunrise, the father cashing in vacation days to go fishing with his family, or the southern belle spending a timeless afternoon with great friends."

Built on the lifestyle that I love the most and with really unique designs, they won me over with their awesome t-shirts... I've already ordered two. They run pretty small, so I'd recommend ordering a size up. Especially if you plan on wearing them with leggings like I do! Check them out here!

(photo and quote courtesy of www.southern-marsh.com)

8. "The Girl's Guide to Hunting and Fishing" by Melissa Bank.

Don't be fooled by the title. This bestseller won't actually give you instructions on the art of killing a prize buck, but I guarantee that the collection of fictional short stories (tied together into a larger plot) will draw you in and make you fall in and out of love up until the feel-good ending. It's extremely relateable and an easy read. Pick up a copy next time you're in Barnes & Noble & let me know what you think.

9. Not having Friday classes this semester.

No explaination necessary.

Farmhouse.

The eventual point of this entire blog is to hopefully get my name and some of my work "out there," mixed in with all of the "fun" posts that I love to write. I am the first to tell you that I hate my own work 99.9% of the time, and the thought of actually posting it is terrifying. So here's the first piece I'll share, and I am only doing so because I found it on my computer & because it is incredibly relevant to the last year of my life. When I originally wrote it almost 2 years ago for my first creative writing class, it's intent was to capture the pain that I imagine my grandmother must have had over losing my grandfather years ago. I honestly don't even remember my biological grandfather that I intended for the piece to be about, but this past year we also lost her 2nd husband, my step-grandfather who had been married to her for the past 13 years. I hadn't thought about my poem again until I stumbled upon it, and I haven't revised it (although it probably needs it) but I figured I might as well start with a piece that I've seperated myself from for a while... so here goes nothing.

Farmhouse.

Amelia Beamer 11.20.09

The old porch still sings

when persuaded by wind.

Decorated by time,

kissed

by neglect.

It’s still ninety-seven steps

to where he lies blanketed

in dirt,

wrapped in the roots

of his favorite ginkgo tree

If her hip isn’t betraying her

That day.

I’ve seen her cry

all of never,

her face the same yet changed,

weathered.

The modest diamond

graces her finger still,

two years of labor

poured into the thought of it

and her

seventy years before.

I am a creation of their love,

a reflection.

His eyes, her hair,

both gone or grayed by now.

A breeze tugs, slamming

at the chipped screen door

and a tired heart.

She turns,

realizing again

that it is not,

will not

ever again be him.

CLASSY: My Southern Amendments.

Happy New Year, y'all!

For Christmas, I received the book "Classy" by Derek Blasberg. It offers "exceptional advice for the extremely modern lady," and is a ballsy and humorous take on etiquette regarding everything from table manners to sex tapes. Every woman who takes herself seriously should go purchase this book RIGHT THIS MINUTE. I've pulled out a few of my favorite "rules" to share, along with my own amendments to the rules that might apply a little bit differently south of the Mason-Dixon!

1. A lady says nice things about nice people in public; but she can be brutally honest about not nice people in private.

-Southern amendment: A lady says nice things about nice people in public; but she just says "bless his/her heart" about not nice people in public. She can be brutally honest and use the "B word" or wish a man to Hell as soon as the not nice person is no longer around.

2. A lady can put on mascara in the back of a car and on an airplane.

-Southern amendment: A lady can put on mascara in the back of a car or on an airplane, but she would never leave the house without it already applied anyway in the off-chance that she run into someone worth impressing or someone that is prone to talking poorly of her.

3. A lady doesn't cheat-- on cards, tests, or boyfriends.

-Southern amendment: A lady doesn't cheat on cards, tests, or boyfriends. But she might sometimes cheat on her diet. Especially if it's with homemade, southern dishes.

4. A lady does not wish to be defined by her purchases.

-Southern amendment: A lady does not wish to be defined by her purchases, but still monograms some of them-- her jewelry, car, shirts, tote bags, etc. because it is a classic, cute way of showing that she is proud of being defined as herself.

5. A lady can drink beer, but she better like the beer.

-Southern amendment: A lady can drink beer, but she better like the beer and be able to argue with the boys about which brand is better while still looking beautiful and feminine in her sundress and/or heels. Also, the said beer had better be kept cold in a cute koozie.

6. A lady knows when to say "Excuse me." And she says it.

-Southern amendment: A lady knows when to say "Excuse me." And she says it. But she also knows that it is ALWAYS the right time to say "Ma'am," or "Sir."

7. A lady isn't afraid of arriving before a date, and she waits at the bar before being seated.

-Southern amendment: A lady isn't afraid of arriving before a date, but a true southern gentleman would never allow this to happen in the first place.