Bookstores: An Escape from Busyness

Over the course of my seventeen years, I have never felt so hipster. I wear patterned pants, buy myself flowers, and dream about owning a collection of records, old books, cacti, and mason jars. I realize how much I stand out from a crowd of my own friends and here’s the weird part-- I actually enjoy it. It’s really been full circle from my freshman years where I would do anything to blend in with any crowd. I was talking to my friend at lunch about clothing trends and these days it seems like you’re either hipster or preppy and I am far into the hipster trend. The hipster trend goes beyond clothing though and in many cases, it’s become a way of life. I am a hipster because to me, it means being an individual and enjoying the small little things. I don’t do things because they’re not mainstream or because it’s a hipster thing. I have an appreciation for Wes Anderson because he pays so much attention to detail and sticks to his own unique type of movie. If hipsterdom had a statement, I believe it would be “you do you.” Hipster culture is an embrace of obscurity and how okay it is to like things that are strange and nonsensical. Things don’t always have to make sense and there is a willingness to stray from a certain path.

In such a busy world, where we are constantly moving but not constantly thinking, I love going to hipster/“artsy” places. I have realized the importance of leaving the house and quitting an addiction to Netflix. There is just so much present and available that is wasted. Besides the touristy people at places like farmer’s market, art museums, and bookstores, there is always a stream of people talking, appreciating, and not distracted. As much as I love technology, it’s made our culture absentminded. I can no longer stand the awkwardness of being alone. Skimming Facebook or Twitter is the perfect solution and somehow we’ve accepted a person on their phone by themselves as social. Bookstores remain one of my favorite places because people are off their phones, willing to have a discussion with a stranger or enjoying a book that represents who they are. You are free to be whoever you want in a bookstore and no one will judge you. I never feel like any time passes because I’m so lost in the world that I’m presently in. Bookstores have always created a cozy little environment shaded away from the reality of the present.

I’m not sure why we’re busier now as a culture than ever before. In some cases, I overplay my own busyness because it’s not acceptable to be idyll. In art museums or little ramen shops, it’s okay to not be doing something productive. It’s okay to be having a simple conversation or looking at the beauitful thinks from past to present.

I want to do something meaningful with the rest of my summer so hopefully art class and Mandarin class will inspire me. I think I’ll post short travel diaries of my day to day life and I will try to take some photos. xx

Retro Rad Faves

I love this city. I love my friends. I love hydrangeas. 

From a single photo, can you tell which one is me? I have come to accept and feel invigorated by being an individual. From printed pants to a spontaneous purchase of beautiful hydrangeas, I am one of a kind and it is not a bad thing. So in this blog post, I've decided to write a little "how to" on being retro-rad, as I so often brand myself.

Sidenote: This week has been magical, truly fantastic. It's been one of the most social and fun weeks that I've ever led in my four years of high school. I haven't had the time or energy to sit down and write a thoughtful post, which I hope can change very soon. I'm leaving for Korea on July 2nd, so we all know about the spotty internet connection. I hope to reign the inner shopaholic and throw all my energy into art and Mandarin, an odd combo I know. I think this blog will function best under short little travel diaries instead of the traditional schedule that I'm soooo good at following. Thanks for your patience xx

I don't know how to do a tutorial on how to be an individual so instead, I'm going to highlight some of the things that I've fallen in love with in this past week.

➊ WES ANDERSON

Wes Anderson is truly my favorite. He is the hero of hipster culture everywhere. I don't know where to begin with his greatness. He is a movie producer/director that has always lived by his own vision. His first goal in making a movie is not to make money but to display art across a screen. He is wildly talented but chooses to make small, independent movies that people don't normally know about. All of his movies are so beautiful and meticulous. Every single detail looks purposeful. Each has a bizarre plot that only works in the Wes Anderson world. In his personal style, he is no different. He embodies individuality and charm through his fashion and quirky preferences. Like me, he is stuck in the past. He enjoys novelties such as typewriters and record players. The world he creates is so absurd and whimsical. It's both obscure and delightful. I appreciate the fact that he is able to be himself in every single way. I hope that when I get a job, I find something that I truly enjoy doing. I want to do something that represents every single facet of my personality and skills. 

➋ SHOPPING

I, like any good hipster, enjoy buying things. Here is a little snapshot of some things that have captured my attention.
-Kate Spade black bag: who knew I would ever buy a black bag? It's so fierce.
-printed pants: I am now a proud owner of 2 pairs of awesome printed pants
-flowers: always buy yourself flowers. who needs men in a world where women are fully capable of buying themselves flowers?
-cute little headband/bandana thing
-pineapple printed merchandise
-cat paintings
-books: you can never have too many books

➌ LIVE TO YOUR OWN RHYTHM 

I have a lot of strange interests that are uniquely mine but can be respected by other people. I love cacti, baking, pretty things, and flowers. I love aimlessly walking through buildings without a set purpose. I enjoy mason jars, cookware, and cats. Record players, cassette tapes, and typewriters are all my jam. You just have to be willing to smile while standing out. Stay tuned soon for more retro-rad finds.