Happy New Years Eve!

It's the most anticlimactic holiday of the year and I am thrilled to be spending it with the Page family for our annual (or semi-annual celebration. Let's just not talk about last year).

I will say that I am in a bit of a panic because I have nothing sparkly/silver/gold in my closet anymore since I returned those shoes the other day and now I am le screwed. What's New Years Eve without a little sparkle?

It's just like any other night then, I suppose.

PS- Patton family, doesn't this remind you of what we were talking about last night? But in a funnier way.

Year End Giving

Tonight, we are wrapping up all things Christmas by celebrating with the my dad's side of the family this afternoon. I can't wait to close my eyes and pretend that it's Christmas morning again when it clearly is not, but it makes the fact that real Christmas is a whopping 360 days away less painful. I also can't wait to eat a bunch of these pulled pork tacos I have been hearing about the last couple days because not only is this the end of year end giving, but year end eating as well. Lookout, waistband, the war is far from over!

Also.

My loving mother also brought it to my attention yesterday that my adorable jr. high picture bears a striking resemblance to Charlize Theron.

Hold on.



Not This Charlize Theron. Not hot Charlize Theron.

This Charlize Theron. The Charlize Theron who earned an Oscar portraying lesbian prostitute serial killer, Aileen Wuornos in the movie Monster.

It's ok. I see it too. 

Sad Goodbyes and Happy Hellos.

Last night I had some sort of panic attack when it hit me all of a sudden that I have 5 days until I leave for Savannah. With family still here from Christmas until tomorrow and New Years Eve/Day taking up two whole days, my relatively free social calendar for the last six weeks has suddenly filled up and I am running out of time to see and do and play and eat all things Newport for another 3 months. Like I said: panic attack.

On the other side of that coin comes major excitement that I will soon be reunited with my Savannah family and getting back into the swing of some very exciting classes and major creativity! Believe it or not, I kind of miss these crazy hoodlums and our shitty house.

There is this weird pull that I've been thinking about lately, when it comes to living on two coasts. Especially, when you are genuinely happy at both places for different reasons. It comes with this nasty pressure to spend a real, quality amount of time with people in spite of holidays and plans and school schedules and I can't deal with all the emotion right now. I smell an airport breakdown on the 2nd and I'm not ashamed. It happened last year, why no make it a tradition?

For a Morning Laugh

This is a real life picture of me the summer before 7th grade.

I found this sucker on my mom's computer the other day and I could not believe my eyes. Oh, sweet baby fat, you are a cruel mistress. Ever since, it has been sitting on my desktop making me laugh/cringe every time I see it. I have been debating making this my Facebook profile picture, but I feel like I look just enough the same that some may assume that it was taken recently. And I just can't take that chance. But, risking public humiliation and intense ridicule, this bad boy needed to be shared in some way. Behind the sun bleached hair, confusing blotchy skin patterns, holiday colored braces, and prematurely fast growing bosom, is a future fashion student screaming for air and a pair of red suede platforms recently stolen from a street walker.

Oh, I am so glad that I am getting old enough that my awkward jr. high pictures are finally becoming more funny than embarrassing.

By the Way...

I'm returning these suckers. Don't judge me.

They were sparkly and beautiful and Bill Cunningham would have been so proud, but ultimately, I was never going to wear them.

Sad day.

I exchanged them for a pair of black leather loafers. About as run of the mill as you can get. But I prefer to classify them as "classics."

Leave me alone.

I hope this isn't awkward.

It is 11:19 and Christmas is coming to a close. I am so sad. But also overwhelmed with thankfulness at what a beautiful day it turned out to be.

Quality time with family, laughter, presents, and food. What's not to love?

And I got these shoes from my mom and dad. (read: from my mom.)

It went like this:

Open box
Gasp at the amazingness of shoe
Instantly proud of my mom for buying something so daring
"Oh my gosh! I love them!"
Proudly hold them up to my family who are all looking on
Wonder why they all look so horrified
Realize to the untrained eye, they bare a striking resemblance to that of a hooker
Their shocked silence quickly turns into sarcasm and ridicule
They make fun of me
I slowly lower them back into the box
I close the box
...But I like them
Maybe I'll exchange them for flats
...But I like them
But I'm not a prostitute
Take them in my bedroom
Accidentally try them on while I'm switching from a dress to sweats and only wearing a black slip
This does nothing to convince me that I don't look like a whore
Leave them at time-out in my room while I carry on with the rest of Christmas festivities
The shoes haunt me
I wonder, will I wear these?
Will I wear these in Newport?
Will I wear these in Savannah?
Savannah
That's it
Emergency mass text to the roomies
"Keep or exchange"
Resounding unanimous "Keep"
I try them on again
I trip
Figures
Time passes
I try them on again
I am in love
Why did I ever doubt you, oh red platform wonders?
You are jazzy, and tall, and comfortable, and red.
I am ashamed, but you are merciful
My toes are warm in your arms
I go to bed happy.

SO THIS IS CHRISTMAS!

Good morning, Christmas! 

It's here! I just woke up and I can already smell my mom's signature egg dish baking in the oven.

I will be documenting every moment of today and posting it later, but wait! A Christmas miracle! Alyssa Burlingham is awake! And before 10:00! I can't believe my eyes! 

Maybe it's because I was jumping on the bed and singing Christmas songs to wake her up, buttt.... either way. This needs to be documented. 

Ahh, yes, those sparkly eyes are filled with the wonder of the holiday and the question on everyone's mind, "What did Santa get me for Christmas?" (Alyssa still believes-- everyone plays along. It's sad, in a way, that a 20 year old girl still thinks Santa exists, but what can I say? Alyssa leads a simple life.)

Anywho-- I'm going to go open my stocking. It's my favorite part of Christmas. Who am I kidding- I love everything about Christmas!!!

Ay yi yi! I am so happy! I love Christmas!!!!

Merry, Merry!

This week has been quite the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping, Holiday get togethers, sparkly decorations and sugary foods (lots and lots of food). I woke up this morning to the smell of bacon and pancakes and a smile on my face because the time is here; All of the preparation and planning for family guests is coming to a head and the Burlingham (mom's side) relatives are trickling in one by one. I am excited. But also overwhelmed. So much personality in one room. So many jokes and stories all being told at once to everyone at the same time. Something that can only be fully understood if witnessed with your own eyes. But to try and understand, put the thirst for adventure and sheer exuberance of Linda Patton, the volume and Christmas wonder of Kaitlin Patton, the dashing good looks of Julia Patton all into one person (with some spiked egg nog) and multiply by 14 different people, all of different ages with completely different interests and goals and there you have a glimpse of the holidays with the Burlingham family. (btw- take the COMPLETE opposite and you'll have an idea of Patton holidays). But, like I said: I am excited. I honestly wouldn't want this week to go any other way (except for if the missing cousins could be here. Amelia- are you sure you can't just hop on a quick plane ride from Germany to So Cal?)

Anywho- I will be taking tons of pictures and surely videos as well to compile into a delightful video to catch a glimpse the holiday spirit, but until then, Bushka will continue to be a lonely place for a few more days. 

Merry Christmas to you all!!! 

PS- If you are still looking for the perfect holiday music station, I strongly suggest R&B/Pop Holiday Pandora. Found it this morning. What a gem. Better late than never. 

I Wish I Was a Dancer

I have always thought that if I had a chance to be naturally gifted at one athletic niche, it would be dancing.

Not only do I not possess one ounce of natural rhythm, but dancing makes me so incredibly uncomfortable, that I do my best to avoid it at all costs. I have always loved watching other people dance, though. Whether it's a professional who's strength and grace is able to convey such beautiful emotion and precision or someone who is a complete novice, but is still able to let go of all inhibitions and have so much fun that it's impossible not to see it on their face, I just love it. Sometimes, when I challenge my insecurities and make my way out on the floor, halfway through a song, I catch myself awkwardly in a trance of one repeating dance move because I am too preoccupied with watching someone else. It is always uncomfortable when they catch me staring.

I have been thinking this over more and more lately after Dancing and I had a run-in a few weeks ago at a fancy shmancy Christmas party I got to attend with my family; After avoiding the dance floor all night, My Grandpa, an amazing dancer, all dressed up in his tux, asked me to dance with him and I, of course, said yes. As we made our way from our table, I noticed that there were literally no other couples dancing at the moment. Panic set in. Trying to avoid my biggest fear of all eyes being on me while simultaneously doing something I felt absolutely zero confidence in, I suggested that we wait until a few more people started dancing too. But, completely seeing right through my empty strategy, he stated that this was actually better, in fact, because with no one on the dance floor, "We would have more room to really show our stuff." He strongly grabbed my hand and, all thanks to him, we glided effortlessly around and round. Halfway through the song, after fumbling a bit, I justified my shakiness by telling him that I was sorry for all the teetering and that I blame two left feet for the missteps. In seconds, without even a reply to my statement and completely ignoring any of my shallow self doubt, he seamlessly guided me into an effortless twirl so graceful and light, that all of the eyes that had been the center of my thoughts and concerns disappeared and, for a moment, I was Ginger Rogers to his Fred Estaire. I felt a cool mix of brave and in control with femininity and charm. And just as quickly as he spun me out, I was back in the safety of his arms. With such confidence and poise that can only be earned by a man with stripes of a true Gentlemen, he looked down at me and he whispered in my ear,"You're doing great, kid." For the rest of the song, I was on air.



I seem to have quite the collection of dance inspired videos saved on my computer and I have about 10 more (believe it or not) but here are my faves. I promise you that they are worth it.

P.S. Remember this sweet ballerina?

It Feels So Good to Give a Present

Christmas is in five days. How in the world did that happen?

I'm at the stage in the Christmas process of finally knowing what all of my gifts will be, but not quite having them in my possession or wrapped under the tree yet. All in due time, children. All in due time.

Today I came across a little video my animator Kirsten Lepore (Yo Gabba Gabba anyone?) about the fun of giving presents. It's adorable. And happy. And just the motivation I needed to change out of my pajamas at 10:45 and get my butt over to the mall to finish my shopping.

Realization

I don't give myself enough credit for my own potential.

Still floundering...

Saturday

Sorry about being a little blog light lately. A few reasons for this- one being that I have been uncommonly busy this last week with extreme productivity! Finally, right? And the second being that, although busy, there has been some considerable writers block of some sort. Ironically, this writer's block came the same day I finally took the plunge and added a writing class to my schedule next quarter and it has hung around ever since. Hmm. Quite suspect, if you ask me. 

My annual floundering of minds is back and I'm starting to question my major. (It's about that time again, right?) I've been finding myself overwhelmed with questions of the future and how what I want versus what I am good at fits together. 

Geez. 

Haven't we been here before? I am sort of getting sick of this. No. I am sick of this. 

Ugh. But you know what I need? I need to be more trusting in God's plan instead of trying to forge my own. And I need to pray for patience. Why am I trying to do this alone? Come on, Julia. Pull it together. 

Oh, Tenenbaum.

The Patton Christmas tree is officially complete and it stands tall and bright with the splendor of a thousand suns.

Being in a new house every Christmas typically poses some fun challenges like where in the world to put all of our boxes and boxes of christmas decorations. With this house being significantly smaller than usual, lil' Lindy and I considered downsizing the decor and sticking with the Christmas theme of less is more. But, after deciding that downsizing decor also proportionally downsizes Christmas Cheer, we ended up putting out all we had to give and never looking back.

A major example of the opulence is seen in our beautiful, hand picked delivered tree that we adorned with colorful lights and hundreds of ornaments that my mother has collected over the last 30 years.

My favorites are always the adorable wooden Bavarian men she got when she lived in Germany in college. They are presh. 

After we put up the final ornament, we took a step back and stood in awe of our creation. But we both agreed that there was something missing. The tree, although beautiful needed one more touch of Christmas Joy.

Eventually it was decided that I crochet some cheerful yarn garland (or, as I like to call it: yarland).

So, me and Ryan Gosling spent last night snuggled up by the fire, watching Cowboys and Aliens and putting the finishing touches on our tree. I couldn't ask for a better boyfriend. ❤

After I crocheted up all the red and green yarn Michael's had to offer, we hung it on the tree (so glad R.G. was there to reach the tall parts) and voila! It was perfect. What a Christmas Miracle! And look-- it compliments the adorable picture of Toddler Julia so nicely!

BAHAHAHAHAHA

HAHAHAHAHAHahahahahaaa...hahaha...ha...ahhh....hahahaha....haha....aaaahhhhhh.....

It's funny because it's true.

Kitchen Crisis

I'm in the middle of making dinner for all my favorite BIOLA girls to feed their overworked and undernourished bodies in their finals week madness and I am loving this cozy rainy weather, but something is going awry with the sauce on the chicken. I don't know what. But it's just off.

Then again, if anyone of you B-10 ladies is reading this, rest assured that you will be enjoying a delicious meal by tonight! I promise....

I think.

Walking on Sunshine

Remember how I told you little kidlets to hurry up and watch Bill Cunningham: New York? Because it was amazing and inspiring and because Bill Cunningham is weird and adorable? Well, even though none of you have watched it yet, I have taken the lessons of Bill and his crusade of fashion fun with me. Something kind of funny has happened and now whenever I get dressed in the morning (or... let's be honest... usually more around 11:00) I think of poor Bill riding around NY on his bike wondering where all of the creatively dressed people are. So I put down the jeans and indulge in a little more imaginative outfit.  

So the other day, when I was being fiscally responsible and returning an unneeded pair of shoes to the mall, I stumbled across these beauties. Typically, my wardrobe consists of lots of pattern and color while still standing firmly on the side of practical. I never buy anything that wouldn't match with lots of other colors. And I never buy anything that seems to attract a lot of attention. I smiled at them and thought of all of the great outfits they would complete, but then walked away leaving them for a more bold shopper to make the move. 

Then I heard the voice or Mr. Cunningham in my head whispering, "Why not? Don't be so dreary!" So, before the courage left me, I turned around, grabbed the pair, walked up to the salesman and confidently stated,"Size 8, please!"

10 minutes later, I walked out of the store with a new pair of glitter covered shoes. 

Somewhere in New York, Bill Cunningham is smiling. 

Now I just need to build up enough confidence again to actually wear them outside of my room. 

I'm still sick.

But I do feel somewhat better. Or. Wait. No. Not better. Just different. What was simply a throat thing yesterday has turned into a head whatever today. So hopefully by tomorrow, this sickness will have continued upwards in my body and will either attack  my hair or just leave my whole body for good.

Even though my day has so far consisted of one outfit change from pajamas to sweats, one Peet's run for my favorite Xiao's Blend Tea and a lot of couch sitting and internet surfing, I feel that I have picked up little random beads of information and joy that have kept this day from being a total loss.

Let me elaborate.

Here are the things that I have learned today:

1. I'm really starting to miss these goons. Olivia just sent me an onslaught of memories that made me go "Aww..." and reminisce over the last quarter.

2. I want to see this movie.


3. According to Frances, this is the "best song of the season." Let's see if you agree.

Meanwhile, my number 1 play of the holiday season is the Mamas and the Papas rendition of Dream a Little Dream.

4. SCAD was just ranked as 1 of the top 8 schools for a Fashion Education! How great! (How in the world did FIDM make the list...)

5. There's something really great about being sick at home during winter with nothing to do. Laziness is my forte and I feel that I am really excelling at it at the moment.

At the same time, I would love for the pounding in my head to stop so I can start doing something of actual merit. Hmm..

Well...

 

Now I know why I was so tired last night. The germs have attacked my throat and I woke up this morning with a terribly gnarly cold. Boo. I have spent the day being cozy and lazy with lots of tea and lots of bad TV. 

But! I have not let the unexpected icky-ness stop me from my earlier stated creative endeavors. My brain is still cranking out ideas and the second my head stops pulsating, I'm climbing back on the saddle. 

I just want to go to bed.

It is 9:57 and I am literally forcing my eyes open. All I want is for the clock to make it to 10:00 so I can let myself go to bed. Why in the world am I so tired?

I am such an old lady.

Today is the Day

Today is the day that I begin productivity. I am going to sew, I am going to sketch and  I am going to research until I am happy with the results. No more of this monkey business.

Other details of the day include: 


Wearing- My new, über cool 'wolf wearing bow in fur sweater.'
Eating- Food Trucks with Casey and Mother at 11:30 during all of our respective mid day work breaks
Listening to- Pine Moon, Fiest (and probably a little country when I need a pick-me-up)
Room Temp- a balmy 72 degrees (to the chagrin of my sweaty parents)
Surrounded by- Beautiful Christmas decorations (Exhibit A: the iconic felt advent you see behind me)

My All Time Favorite Movie Scene

George: What is it you want, Mary? What do you want? You want the moon? Just say the word and I'll throw a lasso around it and pull it down. Hey. That's a pretty good idea. I'll give you the moon, Mary. 

Mary: I'll take it. Then what? 

George: Well, then you can swallow it, and it'll all dissolve, see... and the moonbeams would shoot out of your fingers and your toes and the ends of your hair... am I talking too much? 

Artist/Friend, Friend/Artist

Dear Frances has launched her very first official website to showcase her amazing art. The website and her art all look great and I am so excited for her. You should all clicky clicky right here and check it out! These are a few of my favorite pieces of hers.

Also (a few months late), while you're at it, take some time to look at my friend, Baille's website too. She is a fellow fashion major who's talent comes second only to her good looks and whitty sense of humor.

You guys are so talented and I am lucky to be surrounded by such creative women!

Thanksgiving 2011: Eat Until You Die

Ahhh, yes. Here it is. The Thanksgiving chronicles of the Patton family. We ate, we laughed, we cried.

I hope yours was as great as mine.

IT'S ALL ABOUT ME.

So, as many of you guessed, yes, that picture of my sexy legs was taken at the hair salon yesterday. And yes, I did dye my hairs.

I'm just going to come out and say it: 50% of why I dye my hair is for my own enjoyment, but the other solid 50% is definitely to find new and exciting ways to reveal it on my blog. I purposely do things in my life, just so I can blog about them later. There. I said it.

I had a pretty solid idea yesterday of how I wanted to unveil my new head. Then I had a conversation with my mom about the blog and how, like I've mentioned before, Bushka In The City is essentially just a daily  homage that I've constructed to myself. "Ode to Julia," if you will.

With that idea in mind, I decided to make this little ditty playing up that idea while simultaneously revealing my new do. (Which I love, by the way)

Before you watch it, let me just take a second to justify this ridiculous behavior with a few tidbits of information:

• This winter break I have no job and spend most of my days alone. Killing time. I am definitely not complaining, but this new found surplus of free time... well... it changes you. 
• With no one to hang out with comes resourcefulness. Exhibit A: McGiver'd Tripod for my iPhone to record this footage made out of a cup and a pad of paper. 
• I always feel amazing about myself after I get my hair cut. Not only do I allow the narcissism, but I welcome it. 
• I did get complimented on my outfit 4 separate times today (which only added fuel to the Ego Fire). I mean, not gonna lie... it was a pretty killer outfit. 
• Yes, I know this is embarrassing. I'm ok with that. 
• I secretly/ not so secretly want this video to become a viral sensation. TOGETHER, WE CAN!

Ok, now you can watch it. 

Wait! 

Nevermind. Whatever. Just watch it. But don't judge me. Or do. I don't even care. But seriously. I do care. Don't judge me. It's supposed to be funny! Gosh! Nobody laughs at anything anymore. People are so sensitive. And, like, think that they're way too cool for school. It's like, Oh my gosh. Lighten up! You know what, after you watch this video, don't feel sorry for me. I feel sorry for you. HA!

...I am such a loser. 

Ok. Just watch it. 

Funny, right? Or pathetic. I don't know. Either way, I like my new hair. You should, too.