Happiest

I just realised yesterday (or maybe today) that I’m happiest when I’m creating something. Whether that is baking or cooking something, entertaining friends with a themed party, binding a handmade book, designing a laptop bag, taking photos, art directing concepts, composing shots, styling or writing. I’m at my best when I’m creating something, producing something.

I don’t know why I studied Business Administration at uni. Though the business side of a (creative) business is extremely important, for me, it comes second to the passion of creating something. Growing up as Generation X in Singapore was a strange thing. Creativity was not encouraged, other than mandatory art classes that probably sucked all the creativity out of me as I was made to draw a bunch of bananas with a 2B pencil. Had I any inkling of what I wanted to do with my life then (not that I have a much better idea now; I’m still muddling through uncharted waters), I might have chosen not to go to JC. Or taken out a loan to study art & design in NYC or London. But, as they say, hindsight is 20/20 and regrets have no purpose other than weigh one’s heart down.

I can still do something with my life. I’m figuring that out, a little each day; some days yield a bumper crop and others are as dry as an abandoned well.

Yesterday, I realised I love making books. Coptic stitched and kettle stitched, cloth covered hardcovers. I also recently realised I love concepting a shoot and all the art direction that comes with it. In fact, Vanessa, from one of the indie shops I contacted - Plain Vanilla - has already agreed for us to use their premises (I’m foreseeing lots of chocolate hazelnut cupcakes - my favourite!) and I’m in talks with Ruth of The Little Happy Shop (which truly does make me happy).

Tomorrow brings a trip to Chinatown maybe for fabric remnants and thread (and length alteration of my gorgeous pink Uniqlo jeans which I just received today). And who knows what else? One days, I feel hope in me. Today is one of them. Today is an 8.

I want these shoes!

I want these shoes!

Words

I like words. I like pictures. While I can take pictures, I can’t write succinct, encouraging, uplifting yet honest words. So here are some of my favourite words.

Kayspace on Pinterest

Love and work are the cornerstones of our humanness.
Sigmund Freud

An ode to indie

Independent everything. That’s pretty much been my motto since I came back. And not consciously, I’ve just found myself drifting towards things that people make and believe in with all their heart, mind, soul and strength. Things that people pour their sweat and blood into. Things that are born out of passion

Here are some indie things that I love right now

1. Pure Vanilla Bakery

I had the red velvet, cinnamon, chocolate ganache an chocolate hazelnut (they should have called it a Nutella cupcake!)

2. Drips Bakery Cafe

The macadamia tart was amazing. Pear and cinnamon. And iced coffees - latte and mocha.

3. The Pigeon Hole Cafe & Bar

Open wifi. Decent coffee. They should really work on their sweet treats menu! Right now, they only offer over priced brownies and chocolate bread & butter pudding.

4. The Little Happy Shop

Where I made this fabric covered, hardcover, kettle stitch, tape bound handmade book with button bookmarks.

Indie stuff makes me happy. :)

Bookstores and a story

From http://www.twitter.com/AptTherapy, I found these delightful links about the history and background of the Keep Calm & Carry On poster, the 2nd hand bookstore Barter Books, and a link to the 20 most beautiful bookstores in the world according to Flavorwire. Amazing. Watch the video.

When you know that you know who you love, you can’t deny it.
Or go back, or give up, or pretend that you don’t buy it.
When it’s clear this time you’ve found the one, you’ll never let him go
Cos you know and you know that you know.
When You Know by Shawn Colvin

Change

A lot of stuff’s been changing in my life recently. Pretty much nothing external’s changed. The change has mainly been within me. Friends say that they can see a change; how big or small I don’t know but I know I’m different. I am seeing the world differently and I’m thinking differently. And for that I’m grateful.

My dad painted my room recently (after a big mess he made in my room even after I forewarned him) and with the leftover paint, he painted this pretty wooden tray for me. I’ve always wanted a white wooden tray but never found an appropriate one at an appropriate price so when we were in Eunos (seriously a Godforsaken place) one day at a furniture shop, I picked this tray up for $7. A touch more paint is needed but I love the distressed look.

Change.

Is in progress.