watercolor maps

brooklyn konacoast bearbrook

Map tiles by Stamen Design, under CC BY 3.0. Data by OpenStreetMap, under CC BY SA.

I am the queen of procrastination. It’s true. I told myself I was going to do things differently during my last year of grad school and make sure I plan to do things ahead of time- not cramming my papers in at the last minute. But of course, distractions find me (even this post is taking me away from my thesis). Luckily, I’ve come to terms with the fact- this is just how I roll. So, while I was taking a break from my paper at Starbucks today, I came across this website. I had fun searching for the places that Karl and I have lived. Pictured above are a few of my favorites: Cobble Hill, the Kona Coast of Hawaii and Bear Brook State Park (where we met!).  Maybe when we’re back in our own place I will get them printed–I just love the colors.

Enjoy the distraction… I know I did!

wonder: book review

One of my favorite parts of teaching and studying literacy is getting to read children’s books. When I was little, I never really thought of myself as a reader, so I’m happy that I have really grown to love books (even if some of my favorites are meant for a younger audience). Who knows, maybe one day I will write a children’s book of my own? After taking a class at Columbia last semester with the author Sarah Weeks, I have really grown to love “middle-grade” books. 

wonder

The latest book I read, Wonder by P.J. Palacio, is about a smart, loving boy named August, who was born with several facial deformities, which delayed his entrance in school until the fifth grade. The book is told from the perspective of August, his sister and a few other characters. Palacio really captured the voice of August- I only wanted more of it! I loved that there were parts of the book that made me laugh and parts that made me cry. I guess those are the best kinds of books, right? So many times I found myself wondering, how can a fifth grader be stronger than an almost 30-year old? I think I need to be more like Auggie.


There were many memorable quotes, but I will leave you with this one, “Greatest lies not in being strong, but in the right using of strength. He is the greatest whose strength carries up the most hearts.”

read this. it will make you choose kindness ♡

happy spring break!

+ a glimpse into my parent’s kitchen + new project life pens + designing stamps
+ stealing mom’s new coach bag + preparing wedding invitations +

Although I have been busy with school work and wedding preparations, this has been a great spring break. I may not be sipping pina coladas on a beach like last year, but I can’t complain. Karl and I are looking forward to getting away for the weekend and spending Easter with our good friends. Then next week, I’m off to visit the Full Moon and pick up my wedding dress! It’s hard to believe our wedding is less than 5 months away!            Happy Spring!

6 years ago..

On this cold day in New York, I was reminded that 6 years ago, Karl and I spent 3 amazing months living in Hawaii. We volunteered through WWOOF at a start-up fruit and coffee farm called Earthly Delights. It was such a great way to see the island. We hitchhiked all around the Big Island (legal? yes, safe? questionable). We met lots of cool people, saw amazing scenery, walked on the freshest earth in the world (Volcano National Park) and swam alongside wild dolphins. We ate fresh fruit and avocados, plucked right off the tree. Hopefully it won’t be long until we go back.
Brooklyn will always be my home, but on this snowy day, it can’t compete with Hawaii. 😉
Aloha!