HELLO DECEMBER

Well, it's the last month of 2014. I'm not sure if you think like me, but the first thought that entered my mind was how in the world is it already December?! Like, seriously. I can vividly recall when it was January and I proposed many things to accomplish and aspire to do throughout the year, and yet, I've come to the end of the year. Did I accomplish what I wanted to? Was it how I thought it was going to turn out? Am I satisfied with 2014? What can I change in the 29 days left in December? Questions buzzing around in my head, numb like the sound of incessant bees circling around my ears, I attempt to file them away and focus on the present while reflecting on the past. My immediate reflex is to constantly look forward, even at the expense of enjoying the present, so with 2015 literally around the corner, I'm puzzled at how quickly time passed by and how it was slow and progressive at the same time. Since I'm introspective by nature, I'm processing everything that's happened this year, what I've done, what I wish I did, and all the things that were thrown my way.

I began this blog with the intention of documenting my new chapter in my life--moving and living in Europe, and including things I am comfortable sharing with the Internet. That includes fashion, food, travel, and thoughts. So I suppose I should begin by including that life sometimes gets in the way. Sometimes life doesn't exactly work out the way I had hoped, I planned for it to occur, and it takes me by surprise by how the ultimate chapter played out. And since I am human and not a robot, trying to understand sometimes unfortunate circumstances can cause a miniature lapse in one's life--whether emotionally, mentally, socially, or even spiritually. Comprehending life's events is not something I have mastered, nor do I think I will ever reach that point, but prompting some questions that I must painfully reflect on is something that I must do, even when avoiding it becomes more visceral when it does happen. I'm sure everyone can relate to a time, or a few times, when life just threw you a curveball and you're thinking, how and why? You're puzzled, you're upset, and you're irritated, because that's not how you thought that it was going to turn out. And that's ok. Life indeed is unpredictable and that does certainly add to its magic, charm, and enigma, but it can also be frustrating as well. So taking some time off to think, to reflect, to remember, and move forward is a very good thing. Grant yourself patience and gentleness to really let it go and go forward in life. Plus, having Taylor Swift's 1989 on repeat is helpful in that process.

I've settled nicely in my life in Romania, but that doesn't come without its struggles. Perhaps the biggest, or the biggest ones, is the cultural differences. One of these being language. It's frustrating sometimes having to think in English, then speak in Romanian, butcher the sentence and grammar, then somehow save your words in a carefully sculpted sentence. I feel lost in translation sometimes. People do understand and speak English here, but it doesn't compare to speaking English freely in an English-speaking country. Then, as you look closer, the differences between Eastern Europe and Canada are so vastly different, that you try to assimilate both so that you don't go insane but you also don't forget the upbringing. The way people think, how they act, how they speak, how they dress, how they treat people, and how they see things is entirely different than with what I was brought up. This isn't necessarily a bad thing; however, there are always pros and cons, certain things that I grapple with and struggle to accept. Living in a country different than what I was brought up in has its own challenges, but I imagine it's a little harder when it's a culture that you were aware growing up but never accepted. There are things that I miss people did in America, the societal norms that were accepted warmly, and how people interacted. On the other hand, there are things in Romania that I wouldn't necessarily trade and value, appreciate, and cherish being here. In this long and congested paragraph, I am really communicating that living in a different country for a period of my life is an overwhelming enriching experience. You learn new customs, you develop a new language, you learn new things about yourself that you wouldn't have found otherwise, and you learn new tools when you're stripped of the comfort of your previous home life. It's definitely challenging and exhaustingly aggravating at times, but it is so enriching. I wholly recommend to anyone to spend considerable time abroad in a different country, in a different culture, and in a different part of the world. Do it. You will feel all the range of emotions you possess, but it is truly something you will not regret.

On a brighter note, now that it's December, it is no longer shameful to put up Christmas decorations and wholly immerse myself in all things Christmas. Hot chocolate, lovely stringy lights hung up in my room, tinsel strung along my curtains...In other Christmas-y news, Oradea put up its Christmas lights in town and it is a beautiful sight to behold. The lights make me so happy; it elicits warm fuzzy feelings. My friends and I decided to venture through these decorations in the cold and pouring rain, and while it was entirely spontaneous, I would not have minded in the rain was exchanged for fresh powdery snow. This creates a bubbly sense of excitement because I'm eagerly awaiting the new year, the joys and pains that it will invariably bring, but also the adventures that I will embark on in 2015. So, December, you sneaked up rather quickly on me, but the last month of 2014, the last moments in this year will be wasted carefully.

AUTUMNAL ENNUI

Ennui, translated from old French, comes to mean utter weariness and dissatisfaction from a lack of interest. It also happens to accurately describe personal sentiments in this season, whether that be literal or metaphorical. Autumn is usually a perplexing season, since it transitions from summer to winter. Interpersonally, it can mean a lot of things, whether that be feeling lethargic, sensing a lack of drive for school or work, or coming to find out things didn't work out the way you wanted things to. But hey, that's ok, since it's part of life. Even so, autumn is like the in-between stage, and so that can be expressed in people's life in a myriad of methods. Regardless, it can also mean that you're getting burned out; you sense your depleting energy and have somehow expected that. School has found a rhythm, yet in its consistency, you find yourself bored and lacking a spontaneous spark. Friendships and relationships are also going through a transition period or a filtration process. No matter what it looks like, I believe we all go through a personal ennui period. I found myself extremely bored and dispassionate many times, and began slipping down a slippery slope. With the rain pelting against my window, a dreariness that I could not quite escape, it was very easy for my emotions to mirror the gloomy weather outside. It was usually then that I looked for ways to cheer me up, for my sentiments to rise and find my groove again.

1. Rearrange your room.

It sounds so simple, it has to be a crime, but really, rearranging your room can be quite therapeutic and remedial. You're used to your personal space looking a certain way, so spiffing it up can be as simple as rearranging the furniture, adding seasonal ornaments, colour-coding your bookshelf. Just the simple fact of changing the look of your room can bring some brightness to your life. Adding some pictures, taking outdated decorations down, adding lights, opting for a colour scheme...the possibilities are endless and the result is a jovial one. I usually rearrange my room at the beginning of every season, just so that my room fits the season--whether that be the physical seasons or ones of a personal or spiritual matter. On the same token, since Christmas is around the corner, a wonderful and inexpensive way to jazz up your room. Adding twinkly lights creates a cozy ambience that produces a cozy environment that encourages you to spend more time in your room. Your room is your personal sanctuary; it's better if you want it how you want and with what you want. 

2. Put flowers on display.

I absolutely love flowers. I didn't always like flowers or appreciate their beauty (I thought they were tacky and grossly cliche), but I recently learned to love them. Adding flowers in your room, or any room really, can do wonders. The fragrance of the petals, the vivid colours, and the vase in which it is placed are not only aesthetically pleasing, but it can light up your spirits as well. Even if you don't opt for real flowers, fake ones will do as well. They add a vibrant flavour to a room, as well as eluding to an inviting quality that people just can't quite put their finger on. Given, my obsession with flowers do have to do with the idea of romantic prospects, but it also has to with bring life to my room. With gray clouds, overcast weather, and plummeting temperatures usually having a dismal effect on people's cheery dispositions, flowers usually can ameliorate it. With the prospect of choosing several different types of flowers with various kinds of textures, smell, size, and colour, the additional bonus of having to select the perfect vase to place them in merely provide more fun.

3. Enjoy a cup of coffee or tea.

Sometimes, all you need is some time alone, and it doesn't hurt to have that delicious cup of coffee. While I don't have the propensity to drink as much coffee as Lorelei Gilmore, I do indeed happen to enjoy coffee. Even a little Dallmayr or Segafredo to put a little kick in your step, or staying at a coffee shop for some time is encouraged. This is healthy for several reasons (in my humble opinion). For the first and obvious reason, you have time to yourself, so you have the liberty to collect your thoughts, formulate your opinion about things, and have the time to process everything that has occurred in the recent time. Taking a more mellow approach to life permits you to enjoy the little moments a little more. Observing devoted couples in the corners, whispering sweet nothings in their lover's ears, laughing and adoring each other's presence, or watching how acquaintances grow to become close friends after some time conversing and disclosing personal information. Besides, it doesn't hurt to take a slower pace every once in a while. I made the point of discovering three or four coffee shops while I was in America to make it more adventurous but also so I can discover my own preferences in coffee and pastries. Plus, I get explore different places with different ambiances and different people. So, go on, take that hour to yourself and really enjoy sipping that cup of coffee.

4. Read.

It comes to no surprise that I truly enjoy reading. It is almost impossible for me to venture inside a bookstore and not buy a book. I have a notorious reputation of buying books, making my library grow ever so slightly each time I make that purchase. It's not necessarily the store itself that I gain pleasure, but it is the fact that I get to discover another world. I get to discover another's character's journey. I get to experience another rise and fall. Time is at a standstill while I'm reading and it is such a wonderful feeling. I like to venture through book stores to see what novels have been released, to see what books are in sale (books in sale are my kryptonite), and to discover new authors. Taking an hour or two to enjoy a good book is pure solitude, so while the coffee or tea is brewing, I make myself comfortable and enjoy the trek to another world. I'm currently reading The Time in Between by Maria Duenas. It is an engrossing read that captures my heart and mind whenever I open the page.

5. Update your wardrobe.

Fall is my favourite time for fashion. The comfy knits, the deep berry colours, the hats, the boots, the jackets...It's truly my preferred time to experiment. I am convinced that it is healthy for the soul that we treat ourselves every so often. So, it's high time you treat yo' self. If you saw a gorgeous jade sweater or a pair of beautiful pair of boots, then make the purchase (if it's feasible). Or, if adding contents your closet is not an option, then rearranging the closet is a perfect alternative. How the clothes are arranged, add velvet hangers, or add hanging air fresheners. Discover new ways to mix and match the pieces you already have while adding a flair of novelty.

6. Travel to your dream voyage.

Everyone has that one place they want to travel to and where they dream about going. Whether that be London, Paris, Barcelona, Rio de Janeiro, Sydney, or Bangkok, everyone has that one place they want to travel. Why not make that dream a reality? Make that place a goal in your life. One day, you'll visit that place, wherever in the world it may be. By making it a personal yet attainable goal, it will be easier to obtain that goal. That being said, I am not encouraging foolishly spending money that is not available, but rather judiciously put money so you can do something you've always dreamed about. For example, I long to visit Paris in my life. By putting away a fraction of money, however small it may be, in time (however long that will be), it will eventually add and I will permit myself to go. Dream, and dare to dream big. The world is a big and magnificent place and you deserve to see a piece of it, no matter how big or small that piece is.

Hopefully this post was remotely helpful to someone. This helped me whenever I get down or gloomy, and I find myself disturbingly bored with my life. I tend to think about my future, vicariously experience life through bloggers or friends who are really living out their dreams, and it encourages me to dream big and make my dreams a reality. Do something that twenty years in the future, you will be grateful you did it, regardless of how frightening it was then. Life is meant to be lived to the fullest extent. Don't let the annual autumnal ennui get you down. I sincerely hope that can bring a little spring your step. If not, then, at least there are pretty pictures to look at. That's something, at least.

{ all pictures via tumblr & pinterest }

ALWAYS AUDREY

This is Audrey Hepburn. She was a renowned actress, a UNICEF Ambassador, a style icon, and a beloved mother. She is also regarded to be one the most beautiful woman of all time. She also happens to be my favourite actress and my personal style icon. For the latter part of my adolescence, I looked to her for inspiration because I not only did not want to succumb to the fashion that was in style at the time, but I also wanted to gain my own style. One that was not contingent on the fads, trends, and current style trending on the runway, magazines, or on twitter. There was something original about her and while countless girls and women have copied her style, I attempted to merely gain inspiration from her ubiquitous use of clean lines, minimalistic design, yet bold colour. Despite the quickly changing fashion scene, Audrey remained herself, stable in her style and unwavering. This, among infinite others, is the reason why Audrey Hepburn will forever be someone that I admire. 

This only made sense that I would attempt to dress like her for Halloween (...for the third time...). For me (and those that know me), it comes to no surprise that I wanted to be Audrey for Halloween. But not in a conceited, oh-look-at-me-I'm-Audrey-for-Halloween-how-original type of way. While I did want to keep the essence of her look, I did want to add my own little mix in the costume. I should disclaim at this point that part of the reason why I dressed like her was because I admire her style and desire to be as stylish as she was (hopefully). That much is obvious. The other reason is because I wanted to dress up for Halloween, attempting to keep some North American traditions alive while living across the pond. I wasn't sure if Halloween was popular in Romania (aside from the clubbing scene), but regardless if it was or not, I still wanted to do it. Fortunately for me, all the key pieces of the costume were already present in my closet. The above picture is Audrey in her film, Funny Face. All black pieces, with white socks, and a voluminous ponytail. 

So while my costume is wholly unoriginal (and my reenactment of the first photo is not that great), it was still a fun thing for me to do. Hopefully you all, my lovely readers, had a wonderful Halloween! 

ARMY GREEN & FOREST GREEN

Usually, the rules of fashion are that similar colours, such as blue or green, usually do not go well together. Unless, however, there are different hues of the same colour. With this theory in mind, I decided to venture into some very unweathered seas: wearing the same colour in different hues. It's not exactly a very adventurous feat, per se, but it nonetheless something I wouldn't have otherwise attempted to do. I usually stick to complementary hues, with flattering patterns, or a pop of colour. This may be partly inspired by the fact that it is deliciously frigid outside. With the temperature regulating around 10 C, this Canadian is feeling so good. Crisp air, cold air, and arctic breeze...it's just how I like it. Although Romania may be entirely different climate wise than Canada, whenever it does come close, such as when it's snowing, or when it's dreadfully cold (or exactly how it should be), or constantly raining, it brings me back to Canada. 

On a side note, I was ecstatic to bring out my favourite hat: my deep purple wool hat. More than that, I like matching my hat with my lips. So with different hues of green and purple, I decided to see how this outfit would play out in the real world. (Meaning, not necessarily circulating on Tumblr or Pinterest.) Fashion isn't necessarily dictated by what the designers make this season, or what your favourite celebrity is wearing, or how people on blogs decided to dress. It's as simple as this: if you like what you're wearing and it makes you feel good and pretty, then wear it.

{ jacket: Joe Fresh; pants: Zara; boots: Ecco; scarf: Sfera; bag: Metter; hat: Target }

FOOD IS LIFE

There is something I noticed recently. Well, actually, it's something I've noticed for a while, but I've really cemented how I feel about this subject: food. I've long seen how food is not merely sustenance that one is required to have throughout the day in a means of survival. It is rather a way of life. I can recall the very time I visited Europe and how people would gather in a restaurant and stay for hours. I can remember thinking, in my inexperienced 14-year-old self, how can people talk for that long? Surely, there must be a time when the conversation ends and people return home. Whenever I visited Zurich, there were clusters of people gathered on the seats and tables outside if the weather permitted such a pleasure, or inside, when the temperature plummeted and the apples of people's cheeks were bright red. People would still gather to talk, to catch up, to discuss important matters, to inquire pertinent information, or to discover whether a romantic interest is worth pursuing. There was just something magical, enticing, and enigmatic regarding the faces of people I would pass that would laugh, drink warm coffee, or politely discuss important subjects over pastries.

Whenever I visited the continent, whether it was for vacation or an extended stay, the food was the first thing that I was always excited about trying and experimenting. The ingredients were different, the flavour was more intense, and the experience was much more savoury. The coffee, the bread (oh, goodness, the bread), the cheese, the chocolate, the pastries, the cold meats, and the croissants. Every country is different, and yet, every country has a particular taste that I have yet to forget. So again, I was entirely ecstatic to learn that by living in Europe would mean constant indulging in delicious foods (and subsequently, constantly exercising self-control). Going out for pizza, grabbing a shaorma, eating a croissant, sipping a Fanta, nibbling on some snacks while with friends...it all adds up eventually.

While going out with small group members, we ventured to a patisserie to talk, get to know each other better, and just simply to hang out in a less obstructive environment. I initially thought that it would last an hour, an hour and a half max. But, oh, I learned that was not so. Lasting longer than two hours, we discussed many things and the funny thing was that it was never about the food or what we're eating. It's the atmosphere that it creates. Drinking a fizzy pop while eating a chocolate mousse cake makes a discussion less stiff and informal. Moreover, it provides a safe place where we can share and talk, strengthening relationships and friendships. It is so common for people to meet and to stay hours while talking over coffee, or a pastry, or a drink. It's a small thing, if you think about it, going out and grabbing a small portion of cake or a cappuccino, but the effect is ostentatiously profound. You disclose information, you sense a more fortified bond, and the time spent is genuinely pleasurable.

As I'm out to get pizza with some of my friends, again, I was under the impression that it would be at most two hours. However, I was severely underestimating two things: how much we can talk about and how much we can talk. So, with this combined and food, it was a recipe for a long night out (no pun intended). Ordering a simple margarita pizza with a Pepsi, the discussion veered from various subjects to a very serious one that included similar opinions from everyone in the group. The restaurant was small in comparison to other restaurants, since it could seat, at most, twenty people. But the owner is related to one of my friends. As a result, he constantly came over to us, explaining what he did that day, how he hand-prepares the desserts, and ensures that all the ingredients are fresh and wholesome. At the same time, a group of men seated besides us were avidly watching a soccer game, cheering when their team scored and jeered when the opposing team scored.

Even going to Carrefour to get some snacks--some biscuits, cookies, and apple-flavoured water--to eat while talking in a park in the evening is not something that should be understated. I would be remiss if I did not add that it was not the fact that we had food, but that we were eating together. Eating snacks together lead to people sharing tales from their childhood, things they aspire to do, and astute observations from everyday life. When people get together to eat, life happens. A normal meal can last anywhere between thirty minutes to three and a half hours. I noticed that people bond over food in a way that produces a profound effect. People laugh, people cry, people share, and people express themselves over food. Food is not just something that we need to survive, but it gives us the privilege of thriving as well.

WEEKEND ADVENTURES // THANKSGIVING

Hello my lovely readers! I apologize for a lack of postings this week. This past week was finals week, so that meant an exorbitant amount of studying, reading, and frantically finishing assignments. On top of that, there was an invasion of mice! The cute little mouse that I grew up seeing on Disney is not anything like it is in real life. The sounds of little paws scurrying on the floor and hearing them move around my room as I'm asleep. Thankfully, that entire episode came to a very quick end. But that, with studying about my psychology courses, took up the majority of my time. This essentially means that my entire week was absolutely without any news, excitement, or events (at least, ones that I have liberty of sharing publicly). I really couldn't wait for it to be the weekend because that meant actually doing something. The thought of being cooped up in my room and not really going out got old quickly.

Then the weekend came.
Oh, thank God. Something to do, people to see, things to talk about, events to go to. On Friday evening, my friends and I decided on a whim to go out and get some shaorma. The sight of being in the town's center and it was relatively empty was a puzzling scene. Usually, centru is filled with people Friday evening, but not this time. Perhaps it was because the temperature drops low at night, but there were few people strolling downtown. The purple, pink, rose, and gold lighting lighting up the cobblestone street was serene and besotting to my eye. The amalgam of the colours produced a vibrant yet drained effect; I just stared at the colours, taking its intensity in. On top of that, I considered the hour. It wasn't even late--it was around 10 pm, but still, only a handful of people were brave enough to brave the not-quite-so cold temperature and enjoy a brisk walk. Regardless, it was nothing for a Canadian, who has braced countless cold evenings, so the Romanian autumn is nothing I can't handle. With our meals in tow, we veered towards a nearby park, because eating them a couple of meters away was a no-no. We should be different and not eat it so close by (because that would mean we're tourists, and God forbid we give that impressions to others). So we went a park instead. The scene before me was something out of a children's novel. Something akin to C.S. Lewis's description of autumn, it was jarringly eerie due the hour, yet hauntingly beautiful. The fluorescent lighting of the street lamps, with its archaic design and dark colour gave the impression of a deserted castle. The park bench is illuminated by the nearby lamp, the fallen leaves paving a path towards the seat. The crinkling of the leaves underneath your foot echoes throughout the park, crunching incessantly as you walk. The intermingling colours of burnt orange, smoky yellow, and vibrant red were hazy under the hazy light. Meanwhile, in the midst of this beautiful scenery, we ate the warm shaorma while discussing pertinent matters. We were the only ones in the park, so we had the liberty of talking about whatever our hearts desired. Precious moments such as this are ones I'll cherish later on in life, pointing out the importance of the location when I recollect because that was where an important moment happened.

{ top: H&M; cargidan: C&A; pants: Zara; flats: Enzo Angiolini; bag: Metter; watch: Tissot }

I should also mention that this weekend was Toamna Oradeana, a 9-day festival celebrating the 901th anniversary of the town. (Yes, you read that number correctly.) The festival consisted of renowned Romanian acts that came to town and attracted thousands of people. It was as if I was crawling through a sea of people. It was exhausting and overwhelming; there were so many people. I'm not a socially anxious person, but the sheer amount of people constantly moving and standing in one place was weird. In addition to the constant waves of people coming and going, there were various stands of food, merchandise, and local artists selling their portraits, photos, etc. There were various vendors selling mititei (traditional Romanian meats), French fries, grilled chicken and beef, and onion rings. Half of the vendors sold kurtos kalacs (traditional Hungarian pastry that consists of sugar, walnuts, or coconut shredding on sweet dough). Traditional Romanian beverages were also available to the masses, including beer, vin fiert, Fanta, Pepsi, etc. You essentially get the picture. So my friends and I sat on the bench indulging in the food while waiting for the concert to start. There were so many people that I struggled knowing where to look. Should I look ahead, left, right, behind me? We last for maybe 15 minutes, until the artist sang her popular songs. After that, we left and started walking around. Realizing that escaping the hoards of people was probably a good idea, we ventured towards a more secluded area. However, this innovative idea (to go to Ciuperca and witness the fireworks) was something that 150 other people thought of as well. Find a parking spot that is akin to a tetris block, we sat in the car and chatted until the fireworks started. Gazing at the plethora of colours exploding in the sky was extraordinary--it was so beautiful. This reminded me of Canada Day, when I would sit by Lake Simcoe and watch the fireworks lit up the sky and reflected on the lake, creating a glassy effect. The firework show lasted 10 minutes and then the evening came to a glorious close. 

On Monday, it was Thanksgiving in Canada. Even though I don't live in Canada anymore, I still like to celebrate many Canadian holidays. For example, having a day every year to remember all the things you are thankful is not a bad idea. It forces you to recollect all your blessings, all the good in your life, and everything that has produced good things. And so, I will introduce you to a family tradition: Every Thanksgiving, when we are sitting at the dinner table, we go around and say what we are thankful for this year.
This year, I'm thankful for: my family, my boyfriend, my friends, the fact that I got to move to Romania (and subsequently to Europe), that God is still working and will continue to work in my life, and that I'm constantly learning something new. It was a good weekend.

What are you thankful for?

NAVY IS THE NEW BLACK

Recently, I heard that a very popular combination to try this season is navy blue and berry. Unbeknownst to me, I wore that exact mix without realizing the season's hottest palette. With the weather settling into autumn, I was quite excited to bring out my darker clothing, so a navy dress with berry heels is an odd combination, with pleasant results. Since the dark palette contrasted the unusually sunny afternoon, I decided to venture a tad out of my comfort zone and decided to layer on a deep mauve/berry lipstick with simple yet natural makeup. Yet the weather strongly contrasts the weather at the moment. Cold, rainy, bleak, and dreary, cooped inside with little desire to venture outside, a wonderful remedy is watching Gilmore girls on Netflix. Regrettably, since Netflix is unavailable in my country (how dare they?), it's a fortunate thing that I have the entire show on DVD. So, without further ado, I leave the world of a rainy afternoon and enter the blissfully strange town of Stars Hallow.

{ dress: Zara; heels: Franco Sarto }

MY BEST FRIEND IS A PUBLISHED AUTHOR

Meet my best friend, Alex Goica. I have known her for seven years and we have been friends since that time. Our timeline of friends is a long one and it's quite an interesting one. Long story short, we started out as pen pals, writing each other e-mails periodically (back when writing e-mail was the form of communication on the Internet), spreading out over a period of two years. Then, when we discovered the world of Facebook, that's when we were able to keep up with each other. We could comment on each other's photos, write messages to each other, and check what the other person was doing. It was a lovely way of communication (and one of the reasons why I like Facebook, because it brought me and her together much closer than e-mail could). Then, she came to visit me in Canada in the summer of 2011 where we met for the first time. I remember meeting her at the airport in Toronto nervous because I would finally meet the friend that I've been writing to for three years. Then, I visited her in Romania every summer the past two years, while also making a pit spot in Spain when she studied near Madrid this past winter. 

Now she's a published author.

Wait, what?

A young college graduate has published a novel, her very own. What's even more spectacular about this accomplishment is our mutual love for writing, reading, and stories. Talking about our favourite novels and books and bringing her beloved novels whenever I would visit her is something that occupied a great deal of our time. Her talking about wanting to write and share her love for writing has always been a goal for Alex. So when she told her that book, Jurnalul Soldatului Ranit (The Wounded Soldier's Journal in English), I was beyond excited. Happiness, being proud, elation, and utter joy were a few of the emotions that overwhelmed when my best friend told her that she is now a published author. Alex has always been a ferocious chaser after her dreams (studying in Spain, publishing her book, to name a few), so she not only encourages me to chase after my dreams, but actually do them. Having the utter privilege to interview her on behalf of her novel, her words speaks sheer wisdom and promise of a young author in the big, wide world of writing.

1. What inspired you to write your book and where did you draw the inspiration? 
I have always loved to write. No matter what happened in my life, I put everything on paper. I always dreamed to have my own book, my own novel. I admired other writers and only wished to become one of them. To go on with finishing my book inspired me the change of surroundings: travelling, change of people and culture. This is what always inspires me. With the help of my imagination, I managed to take notes, which were later transformed in pages.

2. Why did you decide to write about your book about a wounded soldier? 

A high school teacher from Oravita (a person that has always read my blog and texts throughout the years) gave me the idea. He said that my style of writing would go perfectly with a war story. Since history and me are not best friends, at first I said it's impossible to write something about any kind of war. Imagination knocked on my door and proved me wrong. The story is 100% fiction, although I was inspired from some true stories too (i.e. the stories of my 93-year old great-grandfather who fought in WWII; the stories of my mother and her mentally ill patients at her work). I  then combined them along with the fiction present in the novel. Time and space are not precise, simply because I wanted to leave them open. The war and "the wound" are nothing but a metaphorical meaning of our life.

3. What does writing mean for you and how does writing affect you? 

Every time I wrote a sentence or a page, I felt better. For me, writing is the best therapy in the world. I could not imagine myself without writing. The best gift that someone could offer me is a book, or a journal...or better: an idea for a new book! Writing helps me get through both happy and sad moments in my life. It makes me stronger!

4. When did you fall in love with writing? Was it a book or story? 

I first fell in love with writing in high school. Although I was used to writing before, in high school I "discovered" my inner author. From that day, we're best friends.

5. If you could give a word of advice to fellow writers, what would it be?

It's hard to be a writer nowadays. We live in the fear that we won't be acknowledged by the society. I think that's a risk any writer should take no matter what. Never stop writing! It doesn't take a thousand of readers to make you feel better, you will feel awesome after the first reader that shares with you his/her impressions. Good luck!

Psychologists say that if you wish to be a visionary, sound yourself with people who have vision. Their thinking, their comportment, and their ideas will rub off you, thereby inspiring you to have vision. Alex Goica has proved to not only be a visionary, but a dreamer. I've always bragged and told my friends about her, my best friend in Europe. Now, she is indeed someone I am proud of, someone I can't wait to tell what she has accomplished. Alex, never stop dreaming. You inspire people, myself included. 

Have I mentioned that she's my best friend?

AUTUMNAL SENTIMENTS

There's no denying the fact that autumn has quickly become a beloved season for me. Growing up in Canada, autumn was virtually nonexistent. Fall weather would last around two weeks and then it would immediately snow, transitioning fall too soon into winter. Being in Virginia, however, has given me a new appreciation for autumn. The leaves slowly changing color from green to burnt orange to smokey yellow, crinkling and covering the sidewalk with hues of orange, yellow, and red. The temperature plummeting to sweater weather, knit pullovers, scarves, hats, boots, and jackets, compromising an array of colour. The beverages served hotter, the apple of my cheeks a cherry red, the rain producing a sleepy disposition, and an atmosphere perfect for cuddling with a blanket and reading an adventurous novel. I have grown to love autumn, in that it carries everything that happened over the summer in a new fashion; it seals everything or it simply lets it go. I also happen to adore fall that plums, maroons, mauves, army green, and deeper, richer colours come out of hiding. Summer consists more of bright colours, a leisure chicness, and a bolder palette. Autumn, however, is about a richer sophistication that comes out when the weather in September drops and days becomes shorter.

{ jacket: Zara; bag: Metter (from Otter); boots: Manor; jeans: Zara; top: Joe Fresh }