living in sunshine

Top (on ebay): Anthropologie, Skirt (remixed): LOFT, 
Earrings (remixed): Ruche, Booties: Urbanog, Ring (similar): Ebay

It's amazing how working in a space of sunshiney natural light can quite literally illuminate you.
Your soul, your well-being, your general happiness.
It seems like a small thing, but there's a certain power to the sun that gives me a whole new respect for like...coal miners. And Alaskans. And subway workers. And sunshine-less people, like me, up until last month.

My office used to be a windowless closet that sapped me of my energy and it was such a huge surprise to me when I moved into the new building and sat staring out my window for hours, feeling like -- I'm alive. 
I felt a renewed sense of self, like I could do anything, go anywhere. I felt productive and excited.
There's a new heartbeat to this building, and I can feel it!
There are terraces and windows galore, so much light and activity and newness.

It has been really easy for me to get used to, but I will try my best not to take it for granted. 

It makes me realize what a difference joy can make in the midst of the daily grind. Having pride in your work and feeling like you're a part of something special.

Where do you find your joy? 

It's a conscious effort, but it shouldn't be easily shaken. I hope I'm always able to find joy in my work, whatever it may be. Whether it's becoming an author like I sometimes (always) dream about, or working at a cafe. 

All I know right now is that I hope there's sunshine there.

lady librarian

I work in a library.

Have I mentioned that?

It's a lovely job, really, although for the last two years I have worked in an office that is closer to resembling a closet than an actual workplace. 

Until now!

Over the past few weeks we have been settling into the brand new library building on campus.

It's absolutely stunning, and I have to say it has been rather thrilling being a part of the process. A small part, but a part nonetheless!

Before the official grand opening, Dusty and I wandered around the library after work one evening, taking in the peace and quiet before the onslaught of students in the upcoming days.
As you can see, there's a plethora of windows and it's a rather magnificent structure.
And there's a Starbucks.
Which is the only reason why I'm here.

Top: Old Navy, Jeans: Forever21, Boots: Zulily
Sweater/Vest: Gifted, Necklace: Inspired Tales on Etsy

This necklace was a completely unexpected gift from a friend of mine who owns an Etsy shop out of Canada. She's so creative and I always love seeing what she comes up with. 

She makes these little creature figurines using polymer clay for necklaces and other things (how cute is this Hedwig brooch?)

She does custom orders, and I had talked last year about how fun it would be to get a little necklace done of our two kittens, Luna and Eva.

She made it without telling me and sent it to me for Christmas!

It was such a sweet gift and she did such adorable detail on the little figurines. I would highly recommend her stuff, I love everything I've ever gotten from her (like this, this, these, all this, these, and this "i heart tea" mini painting!)

The bottom line is, I'm a cat lady, I work in a library, and I'm currently looking to buy a cozy cottage in the woods where I can wear shawls and make pottery and homemade stews.