A New Start

It has been a rather long time sense I have blogged. I have spent my time watching Harry Potter movies, attempting to exercise, dancing and sewing.

This brings me to my next topic. After spending the day sewing I have arrived in a creative funk. Yes. A funk. Combined with everything else that is going on in my life at the moment, this is too much. I have been trying to come up with a fall clothing line and it at the moment is not quite turning out, considering that when and if I finish, I will have probably now one to model the clothes! Yuck Scheduling!

So, I have decided on something better. I am just going to randomly create stuff. Especially accessories and jewelry. This actually makes even more sense, for I really have been feeling the urge to make accessories and so on.

From now on, I am going to try to post all my latest creations and photographs!

Tonight, is the last night in Barcelona and Spain. However, I am sad, but not not depressed that I am leaving, and the reason is this. I know, and with no doubt, that I will be coming back to Europe in the near future. It's not like I have plans right this minute, but I just know, I will be back here soon!

I really don't think that words can describe how inspired I am at this moment. I think some of this can be explained by the fact that I am excited to be coming home, but honestly, I am truly inspired!

This is the reason why I can not fall asleep! I have finished packing for tomorrow's flight but am far from being tired. Every inch of me is excited and ready for a new adventure. One in which I can apply all the lessons I have learned traveling in Spain.

It is sort of funny that my trip in Spain involved me wearing only my convertible hiking pants and a t-shirt! Normally, I would NEVER do this, but really, I had no other option. And even walking around Barcelona, one of the greatest places in the world for fashion, I was wearing cut-offs and a t-shirt. Yikes! But i had to deal with it. And everything was ok. I also had expectations of what I would buy while shopping in Barcelona. I had quite a long list. But after trying on many different things and many different stores, I decided upon an flattering grey skirt, Benetton tee and tank, simple. However, at the last minute, my dad brought a little Benetton suitcase to mind and we rode the mettro back to the crazy tourist filled Plaza de Catalunya and got it. Great buy! I also got a pair of pants with pleats in the front and a prominent style in Spain right now. Overall, I think I got some really nice things, things that are special.

Anyway, I don't think that this trip was about buying cute clothing or seeing the best sights. I think it was  more an internal journey, one to think things over and learn. And really, I got the chance to really study people, their clothing and their character. Now, I can come home and use all those observations and inspiration and just create!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This whole trip, I don't really think that I have realized I am actually in Spain! WOW! It seems like something I have dreamed about and wanted but now that I have been here, I can't believe it! This really isn't a bad thing, because I have taken in every moment, but it just proves that dreams and hopes do come true(that sounds so cheesy, but it's really the truth)!

It has also been amazing to spend this time with my dad, we have grown closer over these last weeks. There have been some really difficult times, but fantastic ones as well. I really want to thank him so much for working so very hard to make this trip happen! I am really quite proud of you dad!!!

I am still not tired! Rats!

Oh, speaking of rats! We walked down Las Ramblas today. It's a big tourist attraction and actually rather boring and hectic. But, we did pass the bird market. A shop full of pet turtles and birds and rabbits. Rabbits. They were so CUTE!!! I  mean extraordinarily cute!!!!!!!! I wanted one so much, but that was something that would definitely not happen.

I am getting a bit more tired.

The culture in Europe in amazing. For one, people hang out with each other. And I don't mean having a couple of beers while watching Sarah Palin's Alaska! I mean people sit down at a cafe, have a coffee and just talk to each other. Unlike in America, it's not some rushed thing at Starbucks!

Everything here is smaller. Smaller kitchen, washing machine, coffees, cars, you name it, and it is probably smaller than what we have in the states! And because the houses are smaller, space is used so much more efficiently! If we could be more efficient in the U.S. maybe things would be a wee bit better!!!!!!

Maybe because it is all new, but most everything seems way cooler here! Even the trash cans are more interesting!

One fantastic things about Europe, is the Public transportation! Buses, mettro, train, they have so many ways of getting around. My personal favorite is Bicing. It is basically a bike company that has bikes all around the city, one has a little card and can use a bike whenever, to get to wherever. When you are finished, you just bring back the bike to one of the storage places! Imagine if we had that back home, and with decent bike lanes! It would be totally fantastic!!! We could also save on gas and people would get more exercise!

Being away, has made me appreciate home a lot more! For instance, in Sebastopol, I can just walk down to the market and pick up some fresh, organic produce. However, here, besides the local market(which is totally amazing), there are just supermarcados and tiny, weird little fruit stores. So I am pretty darn lucky to live where I live for this reason. I have also learned to appreciate my own house. I love my house! And it is nice to feel settled and know where everything is.

Ok, I am pretty tired, and it is three in the morning here, I have to get up at seven and I have about ten hours of travel a head of me. I need to get at least a couple hours of sleep!

Thanks to everyone who has been reading my blog! It means a lot! I bid you good night from the amazing country of Espana!

SHORT, BUT SWEET

This is going to be a short but sweet post.

Well, Spain is amazing and I am savouring every precious moment here! I love the people, the fashion, the food and well, I love just about everything in this country! Later, when I don´t have a time limit, I will go into more detail of my adventures, but here is one tid bit.

Tonight, our last night in santiago, we went to an amazing resteraunt. Where, I literally had the BEST pasta I have ever tasted!!! I  don´t think words can describe it!! It was a cudle fish and shrimp pasta, but the actuall pasta was black. One would think that a complicated dish would be the best, but this simple pasta  totaally rocks!

A special note to those who have supported me over the last several weeks, you definitely know who you are! THANK YOU!!! Lots of love!! And thinking of you all while I eat churros and chocolate!

I am saying good night from the worlderful city of Santiago!

revision

Hello, I´m blogging from another refugio.

The last couple of days have been interesting. I say this because not only has this journey been hard physically, but mentally as well! And finall, through many discusions and perhaps arguments, we have decided to come back home about a week early.

After that really terrible day of walking through field after field of wheat, we came to the conclusion that being in the sun that much isn´t the best for us our fair skin. And thinking about lking through a desert type landscape was not at all exciting. So we decided to skìp that paart and walk to Santiago from the 100 kilometer mark. Sounds like a plan.

The people walking the camino are really, really interesting!!!! They are super cool, and very fun to talk to! Infact, we met these really cool Irish women on the trail, Heleñ and Irene! They were fabulous!!

Well, I got to go , the meter is finished,

adios!!

An Ok Day

Nothing exactly interesting happened today, except I got just a little hit farther to Santiago.

We got a late start, not my fault by the way! Left the Refugio and then walked onward to the town of viana. Luckily, it was cloudy, with little sunshine and actually a wee bit chilly

We stopped for a little while and then kept moving. That's jut how it goes on the Camino.

Finally after a long day of walking, we got to the town and found beds at a pretty big auberge. We then spent about an hour trying to figure out where and aha to eat, finally we decided upon making out own food! Apparently, we inspired this super fabulous Irish women to cook and then we all wound up eating at o e giant table tLking abou random stuff, like how to download iPhone apps.

Today was a good day, and plus I get more Wifi! Yay!!! I love wifi!

Anyway, I am going to go to sleep now!

Xo Taya

Wi-Fi gratis

Today, was really dreadful! It first started out when I was about three miles away from the Refugio when I realized that I forgot my scarf on the clothes line. Seeing as this was one of my favorite scarves, this was a rather unfortunate event!

So we kept going, not even entertaining the fact of going back. And as the day went on, it got warmer, and warmer and warmer! When finally we stopped at a little cafe for lunch. They had Internet and so I checked my email. I had gotten a facebook message and it put me in a really annoyed mood!!!!!!
After that, webjust kept walking, surprised? And as we were walking, the trail began to have less and less trees. Eventually there were absolutely no trees and field upon field of wheat.
Walking endlessly in he sun through neverending fields can be sort of disheartening.

So combined with the forgotten scarf, Facebook message and the hot sun, I lost it! And literally started crying in the middle of the trail mumbling about how I hated the sun. This didn't really do any good, so I just kept walking. For, walking is really the only thing one can do while on the Camino.

It really seemed like forever until we reached the town of Los Arcos and then wandered around trying to find a Refugio. We found one!! Yay!! It is very cute and has free Wi-Fi, thus the title.

At the Refugio, we are eating dinner and enjoying the church bells ring!


Adios, I am going to eat some much needed food!

Fashion on the Camino

Hi...again.

Well the fashion is interesting, most "pilgrims" are wearin convertible, quick drying pants and a base layer or quick dry shirt. I am also wearing the quick dry pants yet am keeping to cotton t-shirts and tanks.

I normally wouldn't wearing these Flores but indon't think a vintage dress, cardigan and conversebis exactly practical! What is really quite anoying is the fact hat in the bigger cities, most people are dressed very well and I am walking through with hiking pants, a t-shirt and am super tired and sweaty from hiking tons of miles. But, I am working through it. That sounds sort of pathetic!!!!

Anyway, guess why? Lacoste is incesibly popular here in Spain! Everyone from bus drivers to old guys outside local cafes are wearing it!! Absolutely super!!!

I am getting a bit hungry...again, so I think I should eat something. Actually, we bought some lemon Dannom yogurt at the charcuterie and it is really good!

Adios!

Photography note

Oh, for those who are reading this blog and actually want to see what I am talking about, I am going to upload pictures when I get back! So keep checking the blog!

Three days of walking and a lot more left to go!

Hi everyone!! Well I finally have time and am actually able to blog!

The past few days have been really exhausting, yet amazing!!!

On the first day of the camino we hiked up and through the Pyrenees mountains. It was beautiful, yet really difficult! On the way, there were many herds of sheep, and walking a little father there was horses grazing! It was picture perfect, many of the horses were mares and had foals by there side! It definitely was a kodak moment...I took a bunch of pictures! Later in the day, the clouds came in and made everything that much more magnificent!

After hiking about 15 miles, we entered the town of Roncesvalles. It was rather small but had a really awesome hostel. The hostel was huge, clean and well thought out, imagine a huge cobblestone building, with an IKEA interior!!

The next morning was dreadfully, I ached all over and my feet were throbbing, yet we still had to walk. The day wasn't exactly spectacular, here was a lot of walking and some whining. And finally after it seemed like forever, we arrived at our destination. Sadly, all the nice places to stay were full so we had to go to the municipal hostel. I had a suspicion that there might intact be bed bugs, so I looked under and around each bed and found that my suspicions were probably correct.
But with a little luck, we found a really cute place to stay.

Day three was equally as hard, maybe a little less painful!! And then it started to rain!! Oh my goodness, I was on the brink of a serious emotional breakdown when we saw this little auberge and thought it was worth a Ty, and it was lovely!! They were extremely nice, and the rooms were very clean! To make things even better, he lady, Doris made me hot coco! So very lovely! We had a good sleep and then woke up in the morning to my dad's feet really hurting from blisters. We decided we needed a wee bit of a break, so we took a bus to Puento de la Rena. Some could consider this cheating, but I think it is better to rest and then charge a head, rather then pushing ones self to the limit and then facing the consequences!

So now I am here and after eating a really, really good bocadillo(sandwich) I am happy as a clam!

Tomorrow we will power onward walking on actual roman roads, pretty cool!

Well, toodles!!!

Hi! I am blogging from a refugio, which is kind of like a youth hostel.

Anyway, I hiked up the Pyrenees Mountains today...sort of crazy! It was incredibly hard, and at many points very frustrating!

I really wish I could blog more...but my meter on the computer is at one minute!

A small glimpse of Barcelona

So, today, after having an emotional breakdown, I felt better about being in Spain. I am still getting used to the city and being in a new place.

After waking up at about ten o'clock my time, I took a shower, got dressed and went to eat breakfast. My dad and I went to this cute little bakery, sadly I didn't take any pictures because I didn't know if it was ok with the lady in the shop. Anyway, then we walked back to the apartment were I slept. I normally don't do this but considering that it was about four in the morning U.S. time, I was really tired.

My dad woke my up and I slowly got ready to go out in to the world again. See, I don't really like big cities, something I really need to work on if I am going to go to London for college. So we walked around for a little while, and then ate at a pleasant little cafe.

While sitting down outside, I was able to get a small idea of the fashion in Barcelona. It is really quite fantastic.

One thing I noticed was that many people are wearing lighter wash jeans instead of dark. Personally, I prefer dark wash as they are classic and flattering, however when I get back home, I will definitely start wearing lighter wash jeans.
Another thing is that, suer tight jeans aren't exactly the thing to wear here! Instead some of the pants are baggy, yet still really flattering. This isn't to say everyone in Spain in wearing super loose pants, for I did see some really cute tighter pants in some really cute colors!

There is also a lot of tank tops. Not exactly ribbed ones, rather longer, racer back and loose fitting ones, and the ones I have seen are in more grey, white tones. This brings me to another point which is that, some of the people I have seen are wearing neutral shades, beige, white, grey and brown. One might think this is boring, however it is quite the contrary(in my opinion). To me it seems to compliment ones natural beauty, not distracting with a bunch of neon colors!

Brands also seem important. For example I am seeing a lot of Puma and Ralph Lauren. Oh...and Lacoste. I really, really, really LOVE Lacoste.

I have noticed that many guys are wearing polo shirt with the collars popped. Something American guys just can't really pull off.

Anyway, I have become super inspired and excited. Oh... and they are so many CUTE bags and purses! All these adorable things make me want to go home and starting sewing and crafting until I fall over from exhaustion. I am really excited for when I go home and can start making my visions into actual things(if that makes sense)!

Well, I am going to sign off. But before I do so, I just wanted to say that sometime soon I will post some photographs, I haven't yet worked up enough nerve to randomly take pictures of people while they walk by...I mean what if they get mad and start yelling at me, well that probably won't happen, but still.

Barcelona

Well, I am in Barcelona, Spain!! It is a mixed bag of feelings, super homesick, tired, excited... Anyway, while on the metro I was looking at what people were wearing, it was fabulous!! Most people here have really fantastic shoes! I mean totally amazing, whether it be heels or sneakers, they are so very stylish! However, I have only seen two people wearing converse!

Sadly, right now I really want to be back home...in my own house, with my mom and dogs. Yet this is entirely pointless, because I am here, thousands of miles from home! I thinknitnis because everything is completely new and different, thus scary!

Just a note

Hi everyone! Just wanted to say that if you are so inclined, please comment on my posts! It nice to see what people write and to get feedback!

Anyway, that is all, thanks!!!

Writing on a Whim

Hello.

I have a very small amount of time to write this post. In fact this idea to write a post was really just a whim.

Anyway, everything has been rather busy, thus the limited posts.

Tech rehearsal for dance was today and went better than expected! I am choreographing two dances this time and it is twice as much work!!!

Toodles!

IMPROMPTU

Because I am so very tired from choreography, loads of math homework and freaking out about the situation in Japan, this is going to be a very short post.

Last weekend I finished the dance show! Yay! And yet, there is another one just around the corner.  My point is that I came home with fantastic hair and make-up and saw the opportunity for an impromptu photo shoot, here is the result.

I bid all you lovely blog readers good night. And many good thoughts to those in Japan!

My blue Valentines

I am writing from my oversized chair while listening to the familiar sound of rain. Familiar because thats all it been doing is raining. And its not just rainy but really cold and windy.

Yesterday was Valentines Day, yay. I bet for those who read my last post I'm not so very excited about boys. Nothing really has changed except for the fact that I've decided I can no longer be so very annoyed with the male gender. I also came to the conclusion that maybe I'm just unapproachable and seem mean. However, I am actually rather approachable and nice when you get to know me. I think I can seem this way due to the fact that I'm really shy.

However both my parents were the best Valentine ever! So my Valentines wasn't bad at all, I'm just whining.

A wee bit of spring sprouting up!

There isn't much to say on the fashion front, it's rainy so I've been wearing my super fab rain boots, jeans and oversized sweaters. I have been promised a wee bit of a shopping spree, just in time for spring!

Lately I've been frustrated! I don't really know what about, well maybe but I'm not going to spill my heart out on the internet(not such a great idea). So I've been taking this frustration out in random places. For instance today I decided that sense I couldn't go on a walk with Watson, I would just do a tiny work out in my living room. I listened to a bunch of uplifting music, stretched, did crunches, dances and so forth. In the end, well it didn't really help with my nervousness.

I guess it's time for me to bid you good night.

Pugs Not Drugs

So, the week overall has been boring, except for the fact that I'm still basking in the A- I have in Lab Bio!

Today, my friend and I tried to go to the movies, No Strings Attached. And as it is rated R we decided to get a ticket to True Grit and just go into the other movie. However, were caught by one of the movie theater people. I've never done any sort of law breaking, ever, needless to say I felt dreadful. And like a delinquent. So then my friend saw one of her school friends and we went into the square to talk. In the square there is always the normal stoner druggies. And there right before my eyes was a drug deal. I mean I've seen this before, but it just totally hit me, I never ever want to have anything to do with that sort of thing, it just doesn't seem worth it...at all! I really don't have any issues with people who smoke pot but I just don't think I'm into that stuff.

It also occured to me that there is a very small percentage of teenage boys that aren't like super horny, stupid or into stupid stuff. So, again it's just not worth the time.

I have some exciting news!!!! My mom called the University of the Arts London a little while ago and they finally called back. It wasn't a super exciting message but still.

I'm super tired and need to go to sleep, adios!

Slightly Grotesque

I'm blogging, sitting down by myself in the library hallway. Today has been fine, except that I really can't get the image of tiny, fetal pigs wrapped up in plastic bags. This was the scene in first period biology. Then to completely worsen the situation, my teacher happily brought out two cats, one of them a kitten. They were all stiff and dead(obviously. It was really terrible. I then asked if the pigs were killed humanely and after explaining what I meant, my teacher went of a tyrad. This tyrad was about how inhuman living and slaughter was a lie and it was drug addict liberals who thought that! Well, this is not true, have you seen the footage from inside these farms?

Other than this, the day was just a normal day. Except for the fact that I wore a really cute outfit! I woke up today feeling the urge to break out my moccasin boots and feather earrings.

As I am writing this, I am listening to Pandora. And it's kind of fabulous because just yesterday I was thinking about Nora Jones's album, the fall and what would happen to come but music from that exact record.

I am going to sing off, toodles

Lately, it has been rather apparent that my complexion hasn't been optimal. So I set out, with nothing but determination and the will to learn.

After googling things, I ended up with some very good advice. And if one needs some extremely good advice look no farther than Epic Beauty Guide! Just google it and you will find loads of super helpful natural beauty advice.
Today, I applied some of the things I've learned.

THE POWER OF WATER! I am now drinking water obsessively! It's amazing how many people including myself neglect the importance of drinking water. I've been drinking a lot of water for the past few days and can totally notice how it is helping my complexion.
First off, tee tree oil helps banish on coming blemishes, and if one needs to reduce blemish redness lemon juice actually really helps.
Later in the day, after a walk I made a clay mask and sat around my house with clay drying on my face, eventually it got really difficult to move my face at all. After taking off the mask, my face was totally renewed!

So I have decided to post my favorite cosmetics and such on my blog, it might be actually interesting.

On the topic of skin, skins...the best british tv series ever!

The show is about a bunch of british teenagers and the woes of life. I'm on season two and totally and completely in love with Freddie! He's so totally adorable and super sweet.
But really Skins is the best! And it's not like these sissy american shows with mellow dramatic scenes and bad acting. Skins is totally fabulous, and it's british.

I have begun to have a new fascination with all things British, or London for that matter.

I actually have to go to sleep! Bye

Hello again.

This past week was pretty anticlimactic and dull. However, auditions for the April Dance show were held and went well. It is always really nervous making, for you really have the slightest idea if you are going to get chosen.

Then on friday(this is my big story) we were sitting in fourth period english taking a vocab test and I was clicking my pen over and over. It helps me think, and I didn't realize that it was bothering people. So then after hearing some muttering, I turned around and the entire class was looking at me, that's absolutely wonderful!

Oh, I have a super awesome plan. Ok, so when my company becomes really famous and suer successful I am going to start an animal rescue!!!!! It is going to be called something like Sweet Pea Ranch and it will shelter all kinds of rescue animals! I think that it will specialize in rescue animals from high kill shelters, puppy mill dogs and abuse victims. There will also be an equine department with slaughter bound horses. But before all this I need to create an financially stable company because these rescue organizations take a lot of money! But I'm still super excited!

Lately, I have been thinking about spring time and this makes me want to start sewing spring clothing, but I want to wait until I get the correct sized dress form. I'm also super excited about photographing the clothes! The hair and make-up is going to be super fabulous, a 1920's style!

Toodles!

When Things Don't Go Quite as Planned

Hello.

For the last several weeks I have been working on a dance piece, choreographed to the song Eyes on Fire by Blue Foundation. And today I auditioned it to my dance teacher. Then, guess what the same song was already used a year ago and there is a rule about how much time goes by before you can use a song again. So basically I have to start over one way or another. And it is really hard to create a new concept when you are so invested in the one you had before.

In another note. I wish my life had a soundtrack. I mean it would be rather fabulous if you carry on with your life and suddenly a song began to play that related to your life at that specific moment. For instance, the song Endlessly by Duffy is definitely on my soundtrack. It's kind of like this one song is on repeat, just playing over and over again in my head. It's a really good song and for those who haven't already heard it, listen to it and it will be clear as to why it is on my life soundtrack.

And I if I could drive I would get in the car, pick a direction and drive away. I don't know where I would go, probably Maine or something and on the way there I would listen to all my favorite songs. Like in that movie Elizabeth Town when Claire makes him a giant roadmap and cds with songs that corresponded with the place he was in his trip. I love that movie.

Well, It is time that I went to sleep or attempted.

This is absolutely the best poster ever!

                        
Lately I have had so much on my mind, and sadly I have been neglecting my blog. And as I was going through the hundreds of pictures I have collected, I found this. I totally love this, and it is oh so true! It's weird going to a school that is almost all democratic to a school who I really have the vaguest idea who votes blue.

The whole reason this rant began is because in English class we were talking about Lord of the Flies and somehow the topic of Richard Nixon and JFK came up. It was said that Nixon was a better president but JFK won because he looked better.

Anyway, auditions for choreography for the april dance show are coming up! This time around I will audition two dances instead of just one. I am going to do another Bollywood and then a modern piece.
I'm using another song from one of my favorite movies Lagaan and my love for Bollywood has been restored!

Well, I am off to go see my Uncles and stay the night so I had best be going.
Jasq'a la prochaine fois mon ami!

Just before school

I am blogging right now, minutes before I have to leave for school. School. Oh no.

Well there is no point in fighting the system so I guess I just have to go. It's not that bad really, just not super good.

Anyway, I only have two more quarter, one semester and I will be finished with sophmore year. Hurray!

I didn't really sleep last night so right now I'm kind of tired. And because I didn't get any sleep and am super stressed out, my skin in totally freaking out. Thank the Lord for cover-up. I'm not religious or anything, but I really do thank the something way up in the heavens or wherever it is for somethings, including cover-up.

As you can tell from this post, I'm tired! I am kind of ramblong on...I have ten minutes before I have to leave.

This is a picture I took last summer, while at the clamoth river. I thought the moss was really cute!

I should probably just publish this post already.

Well, until next time friends!