SAVVY CAT

WELCOME 2013

2013-01-02T22:12:00.002-08:00

~MY RESOLUTION~

I vow to post at least once a week- and to capture street styles that I adore.

xx,

chey

DECOUPAGING TEA PARTY

2012-11-04T14:30:00.000-08:00

My dorm- Buchanan Towers had a Decoupaging Tea Party. Being VP of Publicity I made a few tiles whist milling around and snapping photos of others as they dove into their ripping, cutting, gluing, and tea sipping.

It has to have been my favorite event thus far.

Crafts and mint tea- right up my ally.
Above are the two tiles I created.

I recommend hosting a decoupaging tea party if the chance ever arises.

xx,

chey

FALL UPDATE

2012-11-04T13:24:00.001-08:00

Well haven't I just been a lazy little bugger- I've been in college for over a month and have only posted a mere few times. I apologize for the laziness, but I assure you that this past month has been hectic and wonderful.

I was exploring the Arboretum- when I discovered that there is a tower harboring this fantastic view ontop of the hill.

I literally stood with mouth agape as I neared the wooden fortress.

One of my favorite days~ Bellingham isn't known for having up-to-date well maintained movie theaters. But a big screen and fancy seats were not needed to find joy in one of my new favorite movies- The Perks of Being A Wallflower. We had the theater nearly to ourselves, save for a lnely old man. When the credits began rolling I cried my eyes out. All of a sudden I got extremely homesick for my friends- the film feature a group that was wonderfully similar to mine!

After the movie Tran and I headed to Goodwill in search of Vintage dresses and delightful oddities.

It has been one of my favorite days.

A near daily occurance- Vanilla Soy Latte... and what a delightful routine it is.

Anna Tran as a wild cat. The dress she is wearing was bought from Goodwill on our Perks of Being A Wallflower date :) Add a little tribal paint and some whisters- and you've got yourself a wildcat!

The dress I am wearing is actually one of my everyday dresses that I bought from a thrift store. After adding a red belt, from which a wooden spoon hung, and some red lipstick- my 50's houswife costume was complete. Even after a guy on my floor asked if I was a polygamist, I still loved the outfit!

The two next to me are my roommates. Baby= Julia, Alice=Jessica.

Bellingham sunset.

xx,

chey

A DAY FOR ME

2012-10-24T09:44:00.001-07:00

Know who you are

Be compassionate

Be kind

Love

Be open minded

Be fair

Smile

Do not let them take your smile

You know who you are

You're strong

You are not mean

Do not be mean

Let them get angry

Kill them with kindness

Drink coffee

Appreciate bodies of water

Resonate with music

Call your mom

She can calm you

Then calm down your father

Appreciate true friends

Don't forget who you are

xx,

Chey

HOGWARTS IS TRYING TO CONTACT ME

2012-10-19T13:35:00.000-07:00

while walking in the Arboretum- this owl attacked me.

It flew from behind me, dug its talons in my hair, and tried to fly away with my head.

When my head didn't move he sat on this log in front of me and had a staring showdown.

It was a rather confusing encounter.

There could only be one solution: Hogwarts is finally trying to reach me.

xx,

Chey

V.P. of Publicity

2012-10-15T13:29:00.000-07:00

after a week of voting, I can finally calm my poor heart.

xx,

chey

THE DRUMMER BOUGHT MY LATTE

2012-10-11T09:24:00.001-07:00

The Wednesday live concert at WWU Underground Coffeehouse was incredible.

I will definitely make it a point to attend the live music nights more often!

xx,

chey

MY WATERFRONT REFLECTION

2012-10-09T14:44:00.001-07:00

Savanna invited for a evening with her out in Gods masterpiece.

Sitting by the water we met dogs and seagulls- old men doing yoga and young couples.

Snacking on peanut butter banana chips, she read her bible and I sketched the view.

It was a wonderful sunset in Bellingham, WA.

Savanna's charismatic bible

This Woman was enthisastically hula hooping in the distance.

In her own world, she danced around- throwing the loop throughout the air.

Thank you Savanna for a wonderful day by the bay!

Any Bellinghamer's out there- I recomend you embraced this weather and soak up the salty fresh air!

xx,

chey

PUMPKIN PATCH 2012

2012-10-09T14:25:00.001-07:00

I found a pumpkin with a scar resembling Harry Potters- guess who's having a wizard pumpkin.

I brought Harry back to Western WA with me, and now he has a happy little spot beneath our common room window. While at Bi Zi Farms, the pumpkin patch, I was enthusiastically snapping photos of my sibling in front of an old red barn. Considering October has just started the pumpkins at the farm hadn't been too picked through leaving us with plenty of unique, large pumpkins to explore through and claim.

After the main part of the day, we went to fright town- a haunted house in Portland. My family normally goes to a different haunt called Scream at The Beach (not actually at the beach, but at Jansen Beach on the Columbia). Fright town however managed to rattle my bones by featuring one of my fears. When I was little I collected china dolls- which eventually grew into a fear of them. At Universal Studios a couple years ago- when the line got congested, I got stuck in the Chuckie room. A small human dressed as the doll decided that I would be the person whom he would surprise by jumping from a crate. Little did he know I would trample the entire line to free myself from the attraction. My family came out of the haunt laughing about how Chuckie and Frankenstein where helping up the people I'd knocked over- only to find me in tears. Needless to say my love for dolls in long over, so- when Fright Town had me walking through a hall of deformed, demon dolls- I was less than enthused.

xx,

chey

2nd WEEK DOWN

2012-10-05T14:24:00.001-07:00

Study

Bake

Study

Eat

Run

Study

xx,

Chey

CAPTURE THE FLAG ~2012

2012-10-05T14:20:00.002-07:00

{source}

My dorm (BT) challenged a fellow southern campus dorm to capture the flag. Decked out in glow sticks- we battled... and lost three times in a row.

What doesn't kill you makes you stronger!

xx,

Chey

MY FIRST TIME TO PEL'MENI

2012-10-05T13:32:00.000-07:00

Discovered this Russian dumpling resaurant.

This is the start of a wonderfully unhealthy relationship.

xx,

chey

EMBRACE & BE ODD

2012-09-23T12:35:00.000-07:00

If everyone would embrace their inner oddball, than the world would be perfectly balanced with a wide spectrum of uniqueness.

~I don't have a source for these photos, due to having saved them a while ago~

xx,

chey

THE HARDEST GOODBYE

2012-09-23T12:28:00.001-07:00

It's official- I'm all moved in at Western Washington University. I couldn't be more happy with the choice either. I spent the last couple days exploring downtown and Fairhaven- eating Thai and Indian food with the sisters. I have the sweetest roommates whom tomorrow I will be going out to dinner with. I am all together- happy. Except, there was one goodbye that I will never be able to fully cope with.

My cat Albus.

I spent my last few days at home photographing his every outrageous sleeping position, and scratching his belly.

Albus sleeping with my college boxes- he wanted to come along, I could tell.

See you at Thanksgiving Albus... and family.

xx,

chey

MY IDAHO LOVES

2012-09-19T17:33:00.001-07:00

Er had been feeling homesick, and I missed her something terrible.

We had been Skyping nightly, but electronic hugs have not yet been invented- so naturally a trip was in order. We spent 13 hours in the car, over the course of the 3 day trip, to go visit our Idaho beauties.

Erin didn't know we were coming, so when she walked to the back of the bistro with her Americano and saw her best friends and mama lower the books in front of their faces- she broke down in tears.

it was fantastic.

(thank you coffee shop guys for video taping this for me!)

sorority life

grandpas cookies

coffee

cats

the market

frat parties

coffee

consignment stores

coffee

Mexican restaurants

henna

late night chats

early morning chats

tea

moire coffee

~~IT WAS A FANTASTIC WEEKEND~~

I miss and love my Idaho family- come visit me in Northen Washington! We'll explore the bay :)

xx,

Chey

LUSTING AFTER LONDON

2012-09-04T22:09:00.001-07:00

{source}

I've never been to England, but I yearn for it.

One day, one day I WILL board a plane that unloads in London.

xx, chey

A POTTERHEADS HUMOR

2012-09-02T13:40:00.001-07:00

day made.

x, chey

MY FUTURE HOME~

2012-08-22T17:35:00.004-07:00

I haven't posted since I got home from France, and honestly remembering my old routine is difficult. A little after flying home I headed to Bellingham, WA for my college orientation. At first I was unsure of this choice, then I discovered that in the top floor of the library- the ladies room housed a Harry Potter and Cat toilet stall. I am now confident in my future school being the right match.

Walking around campus, I saw a deer within spitting distance. Excited I boasted my story to other future vikings, and discovered that deer on campus is a common occurrence... I'm still really excited about the encounter though.

xx,

Chey

PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE

2012-08-22T17:28:00.002-07:00

I discovered this story on Facebook, and found it worth a re-telling. Many people may put me down for believe a story that has been floating around on walls- however, I honestly don't care whether it's true or not. Such a wonderful story can only be fabricated by a warm heart.

A NYC Taxi driver wrote:

I arrived at the address and honked the horn. After waiting a few minutes I honked again. Since this was going to be my last ride of my shift I thought about just driving away, but instead I put the car in park and walked up to the door and knocked.. 'Just a minute', answered a frail, elderly voice. I could hear something being dragged across

the floor.

After a long pause, the door opened. A small woman in her 90's stood before me. She was wearing a print dress and a pillbox hat with a veil pinned on it, like somebody out of a 1940's movie.

By her side was a small nylon suitcase. The apartment looked as if no one had lived in it for years. All the furniture was covered with sheets.

There were no clocks on the walls, no knickknacks or utensils on the counters. In the corner was a cardboard

box filled with photos and glassware.

'Would you carry my bag out to the car?' she said. I took the suitcase to the cab, then returned to assist the woman.

She took my arm and we walked slowly toward the curb.

She kept thanking me for my kindness. 'It's nothing', I told her.. 'I just try to treat my passengers the way I would want my mother to be treated.'

'Oh, you're such a good boy, she said. When we got in the cab, she gave me an address and then asked, 'Could you drive

through downtown?'

'It's not the shortest way,' I answered quickly..

'Oh, I don't mind,' she said. 'I'm in no hurry. I'm on my way to a hospice.

I looked in the rear-view mirror. Her eyes were glistening. 'I don't have any family left,' she continued in a soft voice..'The doctor says I don't have very long.' I quietly reached over and shut off the meter.

'What route would you like me to take?' I asked.

For the next two hours, we drove through the city. She showed me the building where she had once worked as an elevator operator.

We drove through the neighborhood where she and her husband had lived when they were newlyweds She had me pull up in front of a furniture warehouse that had once been a ballroom where she had gone dancing as a girl.

Sometimes she'd ask me to slow in front of a particular building or corner and would sit staring into the darkness, saying nothing.

As the first hint of sun was creasing the horizon, she suddenly said, 'I'm tired.Let's go now'.

We drove in silence to the address she had given me. It was a low building, like a small convalescent home, with a driveway that passed under a portico.

Two orderlies came out to the cab as soon as we pulled up. They were solicitous and intent, watching her every move.

They must have been expecting her.

I opened the trunk and took the small suitcase to the door. The woman was already seated in a wheelchair.

'How much do I owe you?' She asked, reaching into her purse.

'Nothing,' I said

'You have to make a living,' she answered.

'There are other passengers,' I responded.

Almost without thinking, I bent and gave her a hug.She held onto me tightly.

'You gave an old woman a little moment of joy,' she said. 'Thank you.'

I squeezed her hand, and then walked into the dim morning light.. Behind me, a door shut.It was the sound of the closing of a life..

I didn't pick up any more passengers that shift. I drove aimlessly lost in thought. For the rest of that day,I could hardly talk.What if that woman had gotten an angry driver,or one who was impatient to end his shift? What if I had refused to take the run, or had honked once, then driven away?

On a quick review, I don't think that I have done anything more important in my life.

We're conditioned to think that our lives revolve around great moments.

But great moments often catch us unaware-beautifully wrapped in what others may consider a small one.

XX,
Chey (":

SAINT EMILION

2012-07-24T12:19:00.000-07:00

Wine tasting

Pizza eating

Jazz listening

Architect appreciating

Stone walking

Hill hiking

Market visiting

Cheese eating

People watching

Art exploring

It was a wonderful day!

Xx,

Chey

DAY WITH KLAUDIA AND NIGHT WITH THE GUYS

2012-07-22T12:16:00.000-07:00

I was wide awake.

Lena was taking her second nap of the day.

It was sunny out and I need to escape- so, I went to find Klaudia. In case I haven't clarified this yet. Klaudia is the one in the photos with dark brown hair, and she is a Polish exchange student staying with Lena's family.

The two of us set out for downtown Bordeaux to drink coffee, try pastries, and most importantly visit my favorite store- Pull and Bear. I have fallen head-over-heels for the shop throughout my time here in Europe.

At night we went to play drinking games with the friends of Lena's elder brother. They are an incredibly sweet group of guys, and a lot of fun as well- at times they remind me of my friends at home. Communications often turned into laughter due to lack of understanding.

I also spent a portion of the night chasing a cat that had a drooling problem.

With love- xx,

Chey

TAKE A DAY TO BE A LADY

2012-07-20T12:15:00.000-07:00

Lena and I just needed a day to relax after the trip to the beach. My hair had progressed, and by morning was beyond unmanageable. The beach wind and salty sea tossed and tangled my hair- until eventually, it looked like the burrow of a wild animal. After conditioning it past the required time and attacking the matted mess with a brush I decided it was time for a haircut.

The girls by my side to translate the interactions, I went to chop off my locks.

I'm am an avid baker- cakes, cupcakes, pastries, breads, cookies- I love it. Once home there was a thirst in my gut to create something and pop it in the oven. Within the hour Lena's family had enough M&M yogurt cookies to snack on for days.

After cookies it was time for face masks- as I said, it was a girls day.

Bisou xxx,

Chey

BORDEAUX AND THE BEACH

2012-07-18T11:56:00.000-07:00

Lena's hometown is incredibly beautiful, in a unique way from Belgium- it shone a whole new light on France that I didn't see in Paris.

Living nearly downtown (just across a stone bridge) her house is vintage and constructed of old stone. Complete with a darling garden in the back and a spiral staircase greeting you at the entrance, it is easy to see why many people adore the French lifestyle.

I'm not kidding when I say that I've probably eaten half a baguette a day- my mouth is salivating just thinking about it. Over the course of this trip I have developed a bread belly...

The only thing that I'm truly missing is coffee. The US, and especially the Pacific Northwest have the best coffee I've ever had. I would do unforgivable things for a cup of Starbucks, Brewed Awakenings, Dutch Brothers, Tully's, or Stumptown.

One afternoon we ventured to the beach for some dune hiking and sun bathing. The beaches are packed with people who are escaping to the salty air for a breather. After a day of watching topless old ladies, children, and couples enjoy the ocean tides, and joining in myself- we hiked a monster dune. At the top you could turn in circles and see as far over the flat surface as one could ever hope to see.

Sitting down at the top I looked out over the ocean and wondered if I could find the direction of America- I got it wrong.

Ah, we went to the library and mailed out some post cards. Mine and Lena's reading levels are a little different..

Xoxo

Chey- the French beach bum

PARIS

2012-07-15T12:20:00.000-07:00

The city of romance often smells like pee. Il pue (it stinks). That aside- after leaving a country constructed of bricks, I entered a nation of stone. The stone buildings tower over the streets, above which one might see a chapel tower. The iron work on the balconies is fantastic.

Traveling underground via subway- we reached the Eiffle tower. Awestruck I stood under its majesty in a trance- until some wired guy pushed me. It's amazing the distance one must walk if they wish for a photo with the tower.

Eating much in a small cafe I turkey felt like I was in France. After finishing the lasagna we embarked on a hunt after monuments and chapels. Around dinner time I developed a severe headache. My favorite foods being crepes, sushi, and fruit- I was brought to a creperie. Due to my developing migraine the lights, chatter, and smell made me nauseous. only able to eat a few bites I wasted nearly my whole lunch. However that was nothing compared to wasting all my meals of the day when I thee up allover the outside of the car. Classy huh ;)

PARIS ROUND 2

The second day in Paris was much better. I learned how the subway system works- meaning I actually knew where we were instead of trailing behind like a lost puppy. Lena and me met many nice old couples whom were more than happy to take photos of two "belles". The Notre Dame cannot be put into words. I was originally worried that the he of the hunch back would be nothing like the splendor that Disney made it- but I was pleasantly surprised by reality. Oh, this next part is very important- I finally got my crepe!

Much love and well wishes

Chey

BRUGGE

2012-07-12T04:22:00.000-07:00

A compact, smaller city- Brugge has been my favorite of the many locations I visited. Walking the skinny stone streets, we passed small ice cream and chocolate shops. The cages offered outdoor seating in the cutest terraces. An extremely colorful city, it offered an upbeat and cozy feeling for visitors, tourists, and residents alike. Banners lined the sky- decorating the streets with painted messages.

I adored the waterfront. Standing on the bridge I understand why some call it the little Italy. Music from street performers and the festival happening in the square resonated through the alleys. Where music wasn't filling the air- the sound of hoves on cobblestone echoed.

The weather was sparatic, and although rain fell multiple times, the city was filled with life. The breath that filled this town was nothing like NY, Paris, or Brussles- people weren't rushing, pushing, running to attractions or work, stressing- they were smiling and interacting. I am a huge believer in human contact having to do with a persons happiness. I felt a part of the city and I was only walking its streets for half of a day.

In one of the stores, New Look, I was trying on a very frilly bathing suite. It was incredibly cute! I'd just taken the to off when my curtain was opened. A 3 year old boy yelled "mama" and ran away. For a very long 3 seconds I stood topless in front of a coed cord of nearly 20. Behind the closed curtain I heard those waiting in the line or for their companion laughing. Unable to contain myself I burst out in hysterical laughs as well.

Sending hugs and kisses from Europe.

The lovely traveler, and recently exposed Chey~ xx