SONGS + FLOWERS

SUN. Sept 30, 2012

 

Last Spring, my college roommate Hannah received these beautiful tulips from our friend. They looked wonderful in our plastic-straw-holder-turned-vase, so of course I had to snap a few photos. I've always loved tulips. I have always thought of them as classic, clean, crisp and "springy". Once upon a time a past high school boyfriend bought me some. But sadly, have not received any since. Oh someone, please buy me some tulips! They are definitely in my top five favorite kinds of flowers. I used to say I hated receiving flowers because they were a waste and belonged with Mother Nature, not in my home.

I was such a liar.

You know when you hear 2.5 seconds of a song and know you are going to just love it? Well, it happened with this song. I have been waiting for a musical moment like this. When I heard the song "Bloom" by the newly-discovered band The Paper Kites, it make me think of passing these tulips everyday in our kitchen and watching them bloom in our little mountain home. The photos I took of them were tucked away in an album labeled "March 29, 2012" on my computer so naturally I forgot they existed! This perfect little song made me remember those perfect little flowers and for that, I accuse fate.

The model in the photo is my beautiful college roommate Kaleigh. I have a weird obsession with taking photos of her hands, although her face is quite breathtaking, too.

Boone: Bittersweet goodbye (for now)

Dear Boone,

Not many people can appreciate your hidden beauty, but every day since I first moved here four years ago, I have been falling in love with you more each day. You changed my world. You changed my perspective. You changed me. Who knew that a little town in the High County, whose population doubles when school is in session, could have such a lasting impact on a girl trying to find her way in the world. You may not have had the hip clubs, Target, student discount at the movie theater or the other million things the world likes to use to distract themselves, but you had heart. You had a culture of people that cared, cared about one another and cared about leaving the world better than how they left it. You became my home when I was 18 and as much as it hurts to say goodbye to my home, I think you have prepared me to take on the rest of my life. It is silly how attached I've become to you. After four years of holding hands with such a place, I guess it is really time to let go.

I thought I knew everything when I first moved to Boone. I thought I was just so "mature" for my age and knew everything about life, love and everything in between, but doesn't every 17-18 year old? Boy was I wrong. You taught me to stay grounded, become more patient, breathe every once in a while and appreciate the little things in life. You showed me a different kind of love. A kind of love that does not stay the same but grows. A love that involves much more than simply caring but respect, trust and understanding. You have put me in situations that tested my character. You let me make mistakes in order to learn from them because it is not the act of making mistakes that define your character, but how you react and learn from them that does. You enabled me to listen to the other side of the argument by getting off my stubborn high horse. You inspire me. You gave me opportunities to show what kind of person I am personally and professionally. Most of all, you gave me lasting friendships and gave me the courage, resources and drive to follow my dreams.

Not all days were good. Your winters realllllllly tested my patience. I admit to cursing your name under my breath every time I had to walk outside in your snow globe. Your winters are beautiful when I am inside with a coffee mug sitting by the fire, but man you were a bit brutal with your wind (admit it). But once you shed your winter blues and leaves starting showing their true colors, you made it all worth the wait. I can't even describe how absolutely breathtaking it was to hike your mountains and see the Blue Ridge Parkway or to feel SO close to the constellations, you felt they were in reach. You have been one heck of a back drop to my life. You let me understand the natural beauty of our surroundings. Forget those man-made skyscrapers or malls built to buy your happiness and find peace through retail therapy (although it does work temporarily). Seeing your inner peace and beauty every day has helped me to continue to find mine.
 
I have learned that we never stop growing ...and this is truly the beginning. I am not the same person I was four years ago and it would be silly if I was. It would be even more silly if I was the same person 10 years from now as I am today. Boone, you have helped me grow up and have led me to choose the path of greater resistance. There are no shortcuts in life and it is truly about the journey rather than the destination. I used to focus so much on the goal that I lost sight of the beauty about everything in between. You bring me back to reality but always made sure I knew my dreams were within reach. 

I still have a novel of things to learn, but Boone you have been one heck of a chapter. I will continue to write about you for years because you have been one of my true loves. Thank you for the lessons. Thank for your the change. You were everything I needed and so much more. This college graduate is going to share the beauty and strength you showed me and really make a difference in the world. I may not be able to reach the whole world, but if I can just change one life, that will be perfect enough for me. Thank for your some the best four years of my life.

This is only the beginning dearest Boone.
 Keep changing lives like you changed mine.
Plus, did I mention how kick butt your local restaurants and stores are? My goodness I am going to miss stuffing my face.


Now, excuse me while I go have a little emotional breakdown about moving. There a few happy tears in there, too. I promise. Like Dr. Suess says, "Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened."

Photo details: Photo was taken July 26, 2011, in Moses Cone off of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Once upon a time my friends and I were involved in a local band. We went out for a walk about took some band pictures showcasing the beauty that stood right outside our door, literally. This was one of scenic photos. Isn't Boone a beauty?

SELF-LOVE

April 28, 2012

I just wanted to pop in for a few moments to remind everyone about the importance of self-love.

In the midst of hectic schedules, piling deadlines, tending to others, taking orders and endless to-do lists, don't forget to love yourself. I have noticed I've taken the short stick lately when to comes to truly paying attention to myself and what my body and mind needs. I force them to handle four hours of sleep a night and starring for hours on a computer screen when my body needs rest, relaxation, meditation, silence and a break. My body and mind have been on over-time for how many years now and if I don't slow down, I may forget what's truly important in life. Self-love encompasses self-care, self-awareness and self-confidence. It is about feeling beautiful from the inside out and embracing everything that encompasses you.

Forgive your flaws.
Challenge your views.
Reward your good deeds.
Dedicate time for true relaxation.
Accept a compliment.

Give a compliment.
Leave room for improvement.

Be confident.
Don't sell yourself short.
Be mindful.

Take a step back in order to take steps forward.

Practicing self-love is an ongoing process and challenge that we will face every day of our lives, but we can't expect to fully love one another if we can't love ourselves. Do me a favor, and yourself a favor, by taking a step back from the stresses of your life and nurture yourself. Take a walk, avoid multitasking, drink tea from a mug...not a to go cup, silence your phones, drive with the windows down, order dessert first, anything! Just remember to take care of yourself once in a while. Sometimes you just need to put yourself first.

_____

The next couple weeks are crunch time for my college career. I will officially be graduating on May 12, 2012 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Relations with a minor in Sociology. It hasn't exactly hit me that college is over, but I already feel heavy moments of nostalgia weighing in on me. With every check mark on my to-do list is a breathe of fresh air so I'm working hard to keep sane for the next couple weeks.

I do thank you all for your patience as I ease back slowly into blogging. I just wanted to spend time re-branding and truly finding my online voice. I hope everyone is doing wonderfully! Good luck on everyone's endeavors, whether it is work related, school related or just in general life related. Remember to practice self-love!

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*This photograph was taken March 1, 2011 in Boone, North Carolina. This is one of my favorite views from our back porch. The quote was from a fortune cookie I received many moons ago, but has come to mean a lot of to me over the years.

I'M ALIVE. I PROMISE.

Say hello to Alexis!
She is probably the cutest little nine year old...ever. I had the pleasure of taking her pictures along with her older brother Jalen (equally as cute) a few weeks ago. That's what I've been doing during my blog hiatus... lots of photo taking along with a lot of other things. College has seriously worn me out. I still just have a few more weeks left. Come on Melissa, you can do this. It is absolute crunch time but all I want to go is start my life, after college.

I just wanted to check in with you all and say that I miss you dearly. Here's a little preview of the photo shoot we had and just to let you know, I have loads more to share that I absolutely can't wait to! The focus on the blog will be shifting a little bit, if you couldn't tell by the changes.

AND LOOK!
I'm so fancy and got my OWN domain name! It's like I'm officially an adult.
www.the-25thhour.com

If we have swapped buttons or you have a link to my blog on your site, kindly switch over to the new name :) I will make buttons soon, but not sure if I'll be doing the button swap thing...at least not right now. The 25th hour is still a work in progress, but I promise I will be back soon.

Sending you lots of love, patience, good health and incredible joy.

Please excuse my dear hiatus

My dearest friends & readers,

Please excuse my hiatus until the next Tuesday Tunes.
I will out of town this weekend and planning my best friend's bridal shower! School has definitely kept me busy these last few weeks and before I tend to the blog, I need to tend to my studies! Hope you understand :) I definitely have a lot of posts in mind for the upcoming weeks, if I could just sit long enough to write them! Trust me, I would love to just blog and read all of yours all day.

Very soon this blog is going to have somewhat of a major makeover. (Details to come soon-ish!) I've thought a lot more about branding myself in the blogging world and think I came up with something that encompasses me as an individual and as a blogger. Hopefully I'll have time to fully work on everything. Hope you'll be patient with me along the way :)

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend ahead! The weather is looking nice over here in the mountains of the Appalachia. [Hopefully] no more snow storms ahead...some times Boone weather can be crazy like that. I already want to pack up all my wool sweaters and wear my sandals + chacos every day.

Also, one of the big campaigns that I am working on for my senior classes is a collaboration between Appalachian Industrial Design Students and Perennial Wood. If you all could be a doll and support our Facebook page, Twitter and blog, that would be fantastic! We've been working hard to promote all our social media (we launched earlier this morning!) and would appreciate your support!

Take care.
Love and other four letter words,

Melissa

*Photo by Melissa Vega.
It was taken on a beautiful spring day in front of my friends apartment in Boone. We had a picnic filled with hummus, potato salad and sun chips. Then we went on a mini hike and met a beautiful butterfly who modeled for us. See the post of the picnic here.

OUTFIT POST | ROOMMATE EDITION

I haven't done much of outfit posts in like...four months, my apologies. I don't exactly find myself much of a fashion blogger anyway, but I'll throw ya a few outfit posts every now and then :p

Being in college I don't exactly give my closet much love. As you see from the above "bun" I have going on, I don't exactly spend much time on my appearance. For all you fashion bloggers who look so great all the time, kudos to you, but looking good and taking pictures to just too much work! The reason we "dressed" up was because we had a special little date at Ruby Tuesday! Even after working there for seven months, I can't believe I still go there to eat...what can I say, they have some good burgers.

One of my roommates Kaleigh (pictured above) wanted my other roommate Hannah and I to be her "personal stylists" so we picked through her closet and taught her to love belts and pull her skirt a little higher ;) I'd say she's learn a bit so far :) Well, we finally had a reason to get all dolled up since Appalachian's campus could give two craps what you wear, so it was a nice little reason to wear a skirt.

outfit deets:
[melissa] - blouse, banana republic | skirt, forever 21 | oxfords, forever 21 | belt, tj maxx
[kaleigh] - blouse and boots, unknown | skirt, downtown atlanta | butterfly clip, etsy


Hm, more outfit posts?
What else would you recommend I pair with this gorgeous light pink lacy skirt?

PS: I am officially on Spring Break! Weeeeee!

ATHENS, GA VIA FILM

Dear Athens,

Where did you come from? Where have you been hiding? I didn't know you existed but my goodness, since my first trip in October, you've introduced me to some lovely people and you never cease to host some unforgettable moments. Did you know you're only four hours away from Boone? It was bittersweet leaving you again this weekend. I'm not sure of our next reunion, but just know that everything that happened keeps me smiling at night.

This weekend was filled with late nights, seeing my friend's band Funk You play (everyone needs to check them out...NOW), windows down, running in the rain, rooftop bars, fish tacos, a failed attempt to watch Harry Potter, beautiful mornings, warmth, great company, completely sucking at darts, a very small tour of UGA, Jittery Joe's..twice, porch conversations, new inside jokes, winking, little moments, learning new things, meeting new people, staying out, sleeping in and just overall a new refreshing perspective.

I must say Athens, you threw me off this weekend and yet made everything make sense. I tried to capture some moments with disposable cameras. There's something authentic, wonderful and "road trippy" when using film cameras. Although I may not have much money, or any money at all, I will be investing into film a lot more.

Thank you for a [insert best adjective here] weekend.
I'm still smiling.

I REMEMBER: MY FIRST COLLEGE APARTMENT

All taken January 2010 in my first college apartment, J1

"I remember" is a photo series I started to look back at old photographs I've taken throughout the years. I've been feeling bittersweet about moving on to the next chapter in my life and I'd like to relive some of my favorite moments. Won't you come along? This weekend I'm in Athens, GA so you'll be getting a lot of "I remember posts"


Dear Apartment J1,

You were my first official college apartment and I thank you for truly teaching me a lot about life, relationships, friendships, roommates, cooking, laundry and of course being the ultimate place to hibernate during those winter months. Something about your wood paneled walls always kept me warm and safe. You were there for probably one of the toughest years in college and possibly my life. They call it the sophomore slump for a reason don't they? Even though you were much tinier than my townhouse now, you always felt like home. Plus, you were a two minute walk from campus! Such a stud you were Apartment J1.

When I look back to that year, there were a lot of things I could be angry about. On a small scale I could be angry at how loud I remember you being since we lived right by campus or on a bigger scale I could be angry at the constant confusion and feelings of lost I felt throughout that whole year...whether it was academically or emotionally, but I wouldn't be where I am today without it.

One thing I do appreciate you for is the constant inspiration I had that year with you. You were there when I got my DSLR camera and you were so patient with my desire to take thousands of pictures, even if close to 99% of them sucked. You were there when my passion took full speed and I will always remember that.

Do you remember when I got locked in the bathroom and when I called Vicki, our landlord, she laughed harder than anything I've ever heard before and that [hot] maintenance man came and got me out?
Do you remember when I spent the whole summer watching Weeds?
Do you remember I acted like a total college student, whatever that means?
Do you remember when I worked at Ruby Tuesday and hated it?
Do you remember when I started to truly fall in love?
Do you remember when I used to come home smelling like photo chemicals?
Do you remember when I tried taking a drawing class and was a-w-f-u-l?
Do you remember awful Biology class?
Do you remember when I tried to be a photo minor then switched to sociology?
Do you remember that hole in our bathroom door?
Do you remember when I picked up the guitar back up?
Do you remember when my roommate Chelsea and I would watch Maury and Jerry Springer?
Do you remember when we would stay up into the wee hours of the morning?
Do you remember when we had to attach the washer to the sink? (old school)

J1, although things were not all unicorns and rainbows, it was truly a wonderful year with you and that, I will always remember.

Sincerely,
Your 2009-2010 tenant

Snow day turned LL Bean Catalogue Photo Shoot

 

 

 

Yes, the rumors are true. Boone finally got snow last weekend. It's been a weird winter this season. Normally I am cursing at every snowflake as a trudge to class with foggy glasses and more layers than a bean salsa dip. Did that make sense? Whatever.

Of course I made my roommates go outside and take pictures with me. Yes, we intentionally wore red flannels. Yes we look like we're modeling for the LL Bean Catalog :) Gotta love it.  

Thank you Boone for not being a complete snow globe in the hands of a five year old this year.

Did I speak too soon?