tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67594607537387534232024-02-19T06:44:58.646-08:00In The Writer's ClosetTapestry of Thoughts and Threads by Natalia LialinaNatalia Lialinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07552652475347261756noreply@blogger.comBlogger543125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759460753738753423.post-25525306328778472442022-12-14T20:18:00.007-08:002022-12-14T22:42:34.582-08:00I've Come Out of the Closet!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxsK3UyKRVNh2lKbW_gdIwipWRn96q6hwpgsMvXv6UOMGDN9mXnUgB-uokpQ3-WHYlPLIid-d2ZAuAF6EdU4xHKWZyddkQy6rclUaaGR7sUY_CdsliJWLhjRQkSXUBkA8GQJgc3YGn63j9VQan4YmjI--Q1Cb7E31Mya7PoG2P2SjZJOrryYPnp36A/s843/315993014_1603464286738706_9086623819936782577_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="799" data-original-width="843" height="606" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxsK3UyKRVNh2lKbW_gdIwipWRn96q6hwpgsMvXv6UOMGDN9mXnUgB-uokpQ3-WHYlPLIid-d2ZAuAF6EdU4xHKWZyddkQy6rclUaaGR7sUY_CdsliJWLhjRQkSXUBkA8GQJgc3YGn63j9VQan4YmjI--Q1Cb7E31Mya7PoG2P2SjZJOrryYPnp36A/w640-h606/315993014_1603464286738706_9086623819936782577_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Hello friends, </p><p style="text-align: center;">Long time no see! I've just realized that I haven't posted in this blog since May. I missed sharing my outfits! So please feel free to praise or critique me - from you, my loves, I accept it all. I missed you and this form of creativity and connection with like-minded people a lot! I can only hope that some of you have missed me too. :)</p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqwjajk-vLmtijL8t-PyuM8g6UVJpI7244W9OWfxXFr4GZtLcYKPcr4L86aCo28iBv5Wgjt9M1qjwxO1m73kaChbgKPHwk04riFenYsev22HxEI6j6obWd75m7c8X7d9COyRpmYHGaVbVF65z0jW-rBvHeMzJlYjecdZ68Dzp--TB_5fNmvzaxfTDY/s1800/316521525_1605555849862883_8393332332584155057_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqwjajk-vLmtijL8t-PyuM8g6UVJpI7244W9OWfxXFr4GZtLcYKPcr4L86aCo28iBv5Wgjt9M1qjwxO1m73kaChbgKPHwk04riFenYsev22HxEI6j6obWd75m7c8X7d9COyRpmYHGaVbVF65z0jW-rBvHeMzJlYjecdZ68Dzp--TB_5fNmvzaxfTDY/w512-h640/316521525_1605555849862883_8393332332584155057_n.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwJfNC0I-_fGsWZajSZIu5DWsozAUTRIyubH_MzX-JsF_iyYUg2r5tNp5aSG2HmN4dcP37FjVDAZwioQohxPNpIBXU103ZkMze0Pl9k7cHbmrQlrGEcejCXLP45dRLIPPlBCgz_ZAgL9B11yd1KdZqVV_cdBUknEz9PQYjPiG-NaDK7GutDaHfa2nd/s1800/316522859_1605555839862884_4040424907526061332_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwJfNC0I-_fGsWZajSZIu5DWsozAUTRIyubH_MzX-JsF_iyYUg2r5tNp5aSG2HmN4dcP37FjVDAZwioQohxPNpIBXU103ZkMze0Pl9k7cHbmrQlrGEcejCXLP45dRLIPPlBCgz_ZAgL9B11yd1KdZqVV_cdBUknEz9PQYjPiG-NaDK7GutDaHfa2nd/w512-h640/316522859_1605555839862884_4040424907526061332_n.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's not possible to tell you about all of my adventures in these seven months in one post, so I will focus on what happened last couple of months. And yes, I have come out of the closet! But you'll have to be patient and wait to hear my story. These pictures are taken at the Washington History Museum. We spent lots of time with Anya lately (her college classes are all online, and she lives at home). One of these days, she wanted to visit a museum and chose this one. Amongst the usual history related exhibitions, there was one dedicated to cartoons, which provided with plenty photo opportunities, hence the first photo in my post. It's a perfect image of my life, couldn't be any better really. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH-bN1q5ZZ7nyZ3rkHe27IbAD2U9RI1qWD5EW0PWPeSeKPo4c1pNPVfjoFvBtDblUjGSLcuduQt4N5OSgnX6iUTcPrPrIOfdsuTCB4sgdWDM2CxpsPQUVYYirZubnn4g6pfOJzCqJckdUHtgGnNu24QYosj-aZBfSTa1GoEWPLJjoYzgVN_n-qcB9f/s1800/317429807_1612149542536847_6554974685122765590_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH-bN1q5ZZ7nyZ3rkHe27IbAD2U9RI1qWD5EW0PWPeSeKPo4c1pNPVfjoFvBtDblUjGSLcuduQt4N5OSgnX6iUTcPrPrIOfdsuTCB4sgdWDM2CxpsPQUVYYirZubnn4g6pfOJzCqJckdUHtgGnNu24QYosj-aZBfSTa1GoEWPLJjoYzgVN_n-qcB9f/w512-h640/317429807_1612149542536847_6554974685122765590_n.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsCKUOI5bXcH7WXrD54vq1P0WgzY4-jdwz7-L1RVUsHNhwyM_oMYR-5XR0T48KGGkv0wCGdcaoDWfbBl0i3h8Mz_i3oRECafmwxSqwUE67WXhKzRum8Ew_eE0vRsHCNo2RrsOPaTsyt8Cy2TRQnWdF8xf2oGSuoA1iLibUcKUoPbEjT8PTXWsBhp5N/s1800/317515789_1612149569203511_2537153113439659680_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsCKUOI5bXcH7WXrD54vq1P0WgzY4-jdwz7-L1RVUsHNhwyM_oMYR-5XR0T48KGGkv0wCGdcaoDWfbBl0i3h8Mz_i3oRECafmwxSqwUE67WXhKzRum8Ew_eE0vRsHCNo2RrsOPaTsyt8Cy2TRQnWdF8xf2oGSuoA1iLibUcKUoPbEjT8PTXWsBhp5N/w512-h640/317515789_1612149569203511_2537153113439659680_n.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">On a more serious note, we were reminded once more that there were many terrible mistakes in the history. It's hard to forget it when the country where you grew up goes with war on its neighbor and creates such a cruel mess, as Russian government made in Ukraine. Because it all comes to focus and you as a Russian person, who is peaceful and a pacifist, struggle to accept that this could even happen. Justin and I still send our support to the people of Ukraine, and I love wearing this blue and yellow ribbon, a gift from my Ukrainian American friends, in support of their beautiful country and against the war. Evidently, it's not the only tragedy in the history of humankind, and in the US alone there were cruel events towards Native Americans, African Americans, Japanese, Chinese residents, war in Vietnam, bombing of Yugoslavia and more. Some of the permanent exhibits of the museum include the history of injustice towards Native Americans and Japanese. Learn more <a href="https://www.washingtonhistory.org/" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB74leKSLxzuVBlaiTJnktaVhByhk5poj5J06keJCa8jm7mVm4q448LFKMt3W-UAFPw6ikJ3vCWSE2kxclD8d98tPoiAgfVraxknH6Ma3yDZgApCMZsTTgFxbbVnWjTf0TPh0bjRQr3Sg1_q5u3lZ4CVzGIIeGwI47ueF2sEzjEKlVrzB99iNxVDHQ/s1800/317616504_1612149565870178_2595925830422648685_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB74leKSLxzuVBlaiTJnktaVhByhk5poj5J06keJCa8jm7mVm4q448LFKMt3W-UAFPw6ikJ3vCWSE2kxclD8d98tPoiAgfVraxknH6Ma3yDZgApCMZsTTgFxbbVnWjTf0TPh0bjRQr3Sg1_q5u3lZ4CVzGIIeGwI47ueF2sEzjEKlVrzB99iNxVDHQ/w512-h640/317616504_1612149565870178_2595925830422648685_n.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinPXqfFsJ81UYLlawKgn_SwZCgW-_bmrHuftxyvjDTm7wyhcWa_jtZH-8RaNEl1ea6uCUIIB4usv0yAaSwzjNNy0k4gcarfFeouf6LtBJA2hbSzD9FnLApNEr0AC6iipNnAZjHaJuhtfMmuDRFTcWREXRqb2U4M60AzWahH871NdxQ0yV3RBGcNKOK/s1800/316528871_1605555853196216_8051476690676622320_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinPXqfFsJ81UYLlawKgn_SwZCgW-_bmrHuftxyvjDTm7wyhcWa_jtZH-8RaNEl1ea6uCUIIB4usv0yAaSwzjNNy0k4gcarfFeouf6LtBJA2hbSzD9FnLApNEr0AC6iipNnAZjHaJuhtfMmuDRFTcWREXRqb2U4M60AzWahH871NdxQ0yV3RBGcNKOK/w512-h640/316528871_1605555853196216_8051476690676622320_n.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Another cultural event I've attended with my daughter, was a beautiful concert featuring a beloved Russian actress and philanthropist Chulpan Khamatova. (I wrote about her and her foundation helping children with cancer <a href="https://www.podari.life/" target="_blank">Podari Life</a> in <a href="http://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/2017/09/being-russian-in-usa-and-podarilife.html" target="_blank">THIS POST</a> a few years back.) Chulpan is one of those who escaped the cruel Putin's regime and left Russia after February 24 when his army attacked Ukraine. She is based in Riga, Latvia now. Many Russian artists, writers, musicians and people of other occupations were forced to emigrate because they couldn't express their protest without risking their lives and their families' safety. The opposition is severely repressed in Russia, and those few who have iron 'bills' (you get my meaning) to protest got several years prison sentence, such as famous politicians <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexei_Navalny" target="_blank">Alexei Navalny</a> and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ilya_Yashin" target="_blank">Ilya Yashin</a>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY3HQpFobVGtDg7fPbvrIM6H16lTjzMOQ3LlR97wMSQFSoX7xJ0H4LKBhTi1BB0AbxXdr0sZ_VlFYjs3zv4eAtVHFumJ59k9lSW2lyGUeo2lsjsZFGQUN5i-oujbMf9ZMUpGoA3jkKvI480MLsuJuA-pFBVXL77VHKqcpZ4uq6_V2nx_nR379NTkBp/s1799/317826628_1618731128545355_1088818728719165801_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1799" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY3HQpFobVGtDg7fPbvrIM6H16lTjzMOQ3LlR97wMSQFSoX7xJ0H4LKBhTi1BB0AbxXdr0sZ_VlFYjs3zv4eAtVHFumJ59k9lSW2lyGUeo2lsjsZFGQUN5i-oujbMf9ZMUpGoA3jkKvI480MLsuJuA-pFBVXL77VHKqcpZ4uq6_V2nx_nR379NTkBp/w512-h640/317826628_1618731128545355_1088818728719165801_n.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Anya loved the concert and found it almost avant-garde. For 90 minutes straight, the beautiful woman was reading Russian poetry non-stop. She was doing it to heal herself, as she put it in her speech before the show started. But, of course, the whole audience was healing too - in total silence, only with tender, magical sounds of a harp to intertwine with the poetry. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKNz3wQ0tnfz_6Oov9gso_P39v5AWnA8b567YQ2Ghhj5TaRgjRjtNladqIj7x574LpjKRZcTQKLyV4Egof-AhFJ9MEgDIgnbmIO5vlQNU3LqhBrdfJttUj01ypapbKnPxZ-xiJO-YNI1XtAJLKUeADfxsqKAl1_-y_iBPopH5TRtzuF3FmX6Vl5lOH/s1799/318081489_1618731138545354_2901883922702153399_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1799" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKNz3wQ0tnfz_6Oov9gso_P39v5AWnA8b567YQ2Ghhj5TaRgjRjtNladqIj7x574LpjKRZcTQKLyV4Egof-AhFJ9MEgDIgnbmIO5vlQNU3LqhBrdfJttUj01ypapbKnPxZ-xiJO-YNI1XtAJLKUeADfxsqKAl1_-y_iBPopH5TRtzuF3FmX6Vl5lOH/w512-h640/318081489_1618731138545354_2901883922702153399_n.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>We also had a chance to take some pics of the holiday decorations</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Edmonds, WA</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ZVQgSsdRxvZlwomfFCbyi77fxaGViz8QGLLChBiBaeYfer2ByAsmgOtVyV6lzmiEE1B53GQt2SbE1OJS-lRdKKojOyX3u5tBJtjNbsBgQMOCjsmNrw9-4z8Rsz3t0U-91y3G_03X267sYIzUQWJeoGmGMBTwvDTRzHjJrMoxxmASi1lawbhPgoyr/s1799/318762345_1618731135212021_4743499439352478084_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1799" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ZVQgSsdRxvZlwomfFCbyi77fxaGViz8QGLLChBiBaeYfer2ByAsmgOtVyV6lzmiEE1B53GQt2SbE1OJS-lRdKKojOyX3u5tBJtjNbsBgQMOCjsmNrw9-4z8Rsz3t0U-91y3G_03X267sYIzUQWJeoGmGMBTwvDTRzHjJrMoxxmASi1lawbhPgoyr/w512-h640/318762345_1618731135212021_4743499439352478084_n.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The war in Ukraine has changed the world and so many of us forever... Here I will only mention one way that it changed me. I cannot eat meat ever since the war started. Not after what I've seen, read and was forced to learn about the cruelty of fellow humans. I do love cooking, as you know, so I had to tweak my approach quite a bit to include protein in our mostly vegetarian diet. We still eat fish and seafood, but avoid dairy due to allergies in the family, so really it's quite a challenge since our diet is mostly vegan now (well, technically pescatarian, but no dairy products whatsoever).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8P-eei9IVGI6cGfzFHsXqdjXcLADXXi8e3xajzkalD9uDPihnIvlDuDMG7mE8kh6UbH7ZawgtvXjFvkL02D14kPThG0nE-mpnfS7_ZUUnqnl94gGezOox9ORS-5aLdTMRDYbbaqG03iAYOnGOvVVlxfE52-TykYIDYXvt4YI0SEKicdsddzESadX4/s1462/316537270_1607940732957728_380177297167503776_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1462" data-original-width="1440" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8P-eei9IVGI6cGfzFHsXqdjXcLADXXi8e3xajzkalD9uDPihnIvlDuDMG7mE8kh6UbH7ZawgtvXjFvkL02D14kPThG0nE-mpnfS7_ZUUnqnl94gGezOox9ORS-5aLdTMRDYbbaqG03iAYOnGOvVVlxfE52-TykYIDYXvt4YI0SEKicdsddzESadX4/w394-h400/316537270_1607940732957728_380177297167503776_n.jpg" width="394" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Vinegret is a traditional Russian salad, made with root vegetables, </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>such as potato, carrot, beet. Here I added cauliflower, </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>but usually it's sauerkraut, sometimes salty herring</i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCwjyOFGr571SbUJXZucVpHVwlaVfyCMBz2aip_0yhel_wVKvSheZuvEaiXwQm8h-AVGgeG8rzfDTFc3cgF0addnASV9Rktbgzv1eCW-7gGZyPrTxifAZmQ53M25s9-E9QqJkbjXEChNgy2P_Oyw8QzL-oGbU787KuopQOTMse5kLvho56A--YACLT/s1462/316681691_1607940729624395_3793255168237952921_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1462" data-original-width="1440" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCwjyOFGr571SbUJXZucVpHVwlaVfyCMBz2aip_0yhel_wVKvSheZuvEaiXwQm8h-AVGgeG8rzfDTFc3cgF0addnASV9Rktbgzv1eCW-7gGZyPrTxifAZmQ53M25s9-E9QqJkbjXEChNgy2P_Oyw8QzL-oGbU787KuopQOTMse5kLvho56A--YACLT/w394-h400/316681691_1607940729624395_3793255168237952921_n.jpg" width="394" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>My shepherd's pie is now made with vegan meat (pea protein), </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>we love the brand called Impossible. </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>We don't even miss meat, it's so delicious.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Sometimes, I add sweet potato to regular potato puree, </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>or cauliflower for variety</i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwD8TAN9lcq5VtBz_tjKL3JqZHJJopN3ws4_VtXIW6fCANkM6mMe7vskJWiDAK6kvlBsK_sc6f_SvQZ8upERz9qD0SKL4SBfxQ6IHJrj7HQgzFPGjJKEuQW48NoK97UTgQjwSffF26k5PXxhEuAKvrKrfQzbFdOZ6lHAkgRfBYLZu4b8yXGzVCL3aR/s1462/316684405_1607940749624393_2939100347740240970_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1462" data-original-width="1440" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwD8TAN9lcq5VtBz_tjKL3JqZHJJopN3ws4_VtXIW6fCANkM6mMe7vskJWiDAK6kvlBsK_sc6f_SvQZ8upERz9qD0SKL4SBfxQ6IHJrj7HQgzFPGjJKEuQW48NoK97UTgQjwSffF26k5PXxhEuAKvrKrfQzbFdOZ6lHAkgRfBYLZu4b8yXGzVCL3aR/w394-h400/316684405_1607940749624393_2939100347740240970_n.jpg" width="394" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidHCNJhDKRiNwGNauAI8ovUqXizE4i4cxJzuibHOzpM77gZBuEH2txMliRw1bD5VPc1fHHBEEVX-mmdD1F5tm_8I_9gRfr73_oTjfoN5O_EqEA2VKjGCc-STGnwHL9z8pQDIl3HFVzNNYVndqWrAcFgQBtDzm7eaUmv_StSYJ1J1sM3lBAf8MRaSyQ/s1458/316803875_1607940736291061_3106281097685821607_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1458" data-original-width="1440" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidHCNJhDKRiNwGNauAI8ovUqXizE4i4cxJzuibHOzpM77gZBuEH2txMliRw1bD5VPc1fHHBEEVX-mmdD1F5tm_8I_9gRfr73_oTjfoN5O_EqEA2VKjGCc-STGnwHL9z8pQDIl3HFVzNNYVndqWrAcFgQBtDzm7eaUmv_StSYJ1J1sM3lBAf8MRaSyQ/w395-h400/316803875_1607940736291061_3106281097685821607_n.jpg" width="395" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>I love lentil soup and often make Turkish recipe, </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>but this one is Italian for a change. Yummy!</i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Lptkl8Rl2poPqjG4_ytA1CxkAPKB_t7tcKmEqmzRlYYelcNLpWp43jWGU5qwAGmDznNZl-pUeFjt9yAktgoROLCeYzrTjC93eqjyNdteUcUTCJyDrMD4S-MIgyO6DQPE1hx8S7Hy-rlHKn2hrTF9FLLVGCFK1gLFdUtOWktpMKlGuQ_H2sBhHqgV/s1462/316937477_1607940726291062_2880040537288121688_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1462" data-original-width="1440" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Lptkl8Rl2poPqjG4_ytA1CxkAPKB_t7tcKmEqmzRlYYelcNLpWp43jWGU5qwAGmDznNZl-pUeFjt9yAktgoROLCeYzrTjC93eqjyNdteUcUTCJyDrMD4S-MIgyO6DQPE1hx8S7Hy-rlHKn2hrTF9FLLVGCFK1gLFdUtOWktpMKlGuQ_H2sBhHqgV/w394-h400/316937477_1607940726291062_2880040537288121688_n.jpg" width="394" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>One of many variation of Mannik I made recently.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>My recipe is <a href="http://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/2015/12/mannik-recipe.html" target="_blank">HERE</a></i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSCGcdtSVi849Mv6Whyge6FHVInjGRWS6UPsxakZ58Hk1ZaJHVy8UF3VUcuhFYuoYc0ocGQ2WjS1q-DRHWsuOnfG--X7bSylJsPSOiPUIfoU81P3xKTquZlzTLdy8sc3kLM20NVe6nrsBCypC7MmOtYmx4y6Do35271j-K7E96IklRozW1SMd3QyZ5/s1462/316947825_1607940739624394_4061270245740377115_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1462" data-original-width="1440" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSCGcdtSVi849Mv6Whyge6FHVInjGRWS6UPsxakZ58Hk1ZaJHVy8UF3VUcuhFYuoYc0ocGQ2WjS1q-DRHWsuOnfG--X7bSylJsPSOiPUIfoU81P3xKTquZlzTLdy8sc3kLM20NVe6nrsBCypC7MmOtYmx4y6Do35271j-K7E96IklRozW1SMd3QyZ5/w394-h400/316947825_1607940739624394_4061270245740377115_n.jpg" width="394" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Have you tried buckwheat as a side dish? </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>If not, I encourage you to try it - </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>it's a healthy and tasty alternative </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>to rice, noodles and potatoes, </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>VERY popular in both Russia and Ukraine</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you have any questions about the recipes, leave me a comment, I'd be happy to provide with more information. But for now, on to the the huge CONFESSION! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><b>So, I AM NOW OFICIALLY OUT OF THE CLOSET! </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF7p2rI_JiXSa9SBK5VJtu2elmfjfKJSzp9V6MDx1Z-oOc7BGh3Ld7L4qSeeTotkvETmN1zL-2i8kfFx6n7BOA95zxC21XeI1GF2_6hkiXDlJ0JPzc7A3pRRHoljm8mexWtFtAWI7KrMCJcUfjjU_65hOIIxjGJAZhzbzJlPicZgflU0VHIhxtaeBG/s853/317307095_1609924212759380_8145572756353142676_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF7p2rI_JiXSa9SBK5VJtu2elmfjfKJSzp9V6MDx1Z-oOc7BGh3Ld7L4qSeeTotkvETmN1zL-2i8kfFx6n7BOA95zxC21XeI1GF2_6hkiXDlJ0JPzc7A3pRRHoljm8mexWtFtAWI7KrMCJcUfjjU_65hOIIxjGJAZhzbzJlPicZgflU0VHIhxtaeBG/w300-h400/317307095_1609924212759380_8145572756353142676_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyn5YYXqp_iTw5Iz5VGVvLWq1cri9PPB-rEV71JdskdxsP3yZ3VUUR6Op9rF7XYR_PtwPSul8GVpwRNO-LDjqoucR4Drgk_l-bD0RceZdUv7tzleyNby2Mp3fOXj-m768ZbDVsTM9U4_Cn0j4GZ0V_cRHPn4rKh1iawbzQcijx5cbCBcAu1jk9vl5q/s1136/315637933_1609936902758111_4165694914219715227_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1136" data-original-width="640" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyn5YYXqp_iTw5Iz5VGVvLWq1cri9PPB-rEV71JdskdxsP3yZ3VUUR6Op9rF7XYR_PtwPSul8GVpwRNO-LDjqoucR4Drgk_l-bD0RceZdUv7tzleyNby2Mp3fOXj-m768ZbDVsTM9U4_Cn0j4GZ0V_cRHPn4rKh1iawbzQcijx5cbCBcAu1jk9vl5q/w360-h640/315637933_1609936902758111_4165694914219715227_n.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A few of my stories were published in the magazine! It's November/December issue. It is so absolutely thrilling to hold the magazine in my hands. I had my articles published in newspapers multiple times, both here in the US and Russia, but my creative writing is published for the first time ever! Wahoo!!! It's just beautiful, on glassy pages, and look - my name is on the cover too, next to fabulous Barbra Streisand! So, I was approached by Ellen, a very lovely lady who read my stories in a writer's group on FB and kindly offered to publish a few. Being a head of a creative writing group, she also manages a literature segment of a Russian language magazine SOVA (Atlanta, Georgia). So, if you're in that area, I suppose you can get it (for free) in places like Eurodeli, Russian markets etc. I know most of my blog readers don't speak/read Russian, but if you're interested, feel free to grab a copy! I would be happy to sign it for you if we meet. The stories are about my childhood growing up with my brother in a small town in Siberia, written with warmth, humor, and lots of love. I named this collection of short stories The Little Lialins, and wrote about ten so far, and am continuing working on others. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX60A3lZBK4WCJe2SyTrc1PqfUVTSDAyEDkf6l4_wkgawAfphEPdg6Lh6e7rkq4xE83BgEZ2hBeqSU13miyw67VIj6sJNm6psFNZhZwm_7VUHkeomvn-YQob9urQIxpbb4pndGm70goSjnOIpRHtiUMVceKwcqRa4u88x9_ZNRHDp68Ssoxxw0fXAp/s1800/318850475_884659872552953_5998407876313052787_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX60A3lZBK4WCJe2SyTrc1PqfUVTSDAyEDkf6l4_wkgawAfphEPdg6Lh6e7rkq4xE83BgEZ2hBeqSU13miyw67VIj6sJNm6psFNZhZwm_7VUHkeomvn-YQob9urQIxpbb4pndGm70goSjnOIpRHtiUMVceKwcqRa4u88x9_ZNRHDp68Ssoxxw0fXAp/w512-h640/318850475_884659872552953_5998407876313052787_n.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdAiglGwZEOELF9Z83RT5pU7yj1UGPuWwYeJLVzKoEAm6Pgj-iBVIg7_GXVXNJ78tfUzhx2geYIUgPDJ9R9KHT3f8y9Mdex_dUcpkudZu3B7Hnf5EUXA53Dpr03J5AZbOgdffeL8l_EfR8TzgzORc_0wNfWmek6F7ukJPtohGqOZOV3q4K4rBuRURG/s1800/319557229_1108213796504324_1594689143339911113_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdAiglGwZEOELF9Z83RT5pU7yj1UGPuWwYeJLVzKoEAm6Pgj-iBVIg7_GXVXNJ78tfUzhx2geYIUgPDJ9R9KHT3f8y9Mdex_dUcpkudZu3B7Hnf5EUXA53Dpr03J5AZbOgdffeL8l_EfR8TzgzORc_0wNfWmek6F7ukJPtohGqOZOV3q4K4rBuRURG/w512-h640/319557229_1108213796504324_1594689143339911113_n.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You might remember that it all started with this blog! In its title back in 2013, I've announced myself a writer and have been entertaining you with my writing ever since. I posted not only outfit posts, but essays on travel, culture, some short stories and even poems here. And thanks to you, my readers, I now write both in Russian and English, my second language (sorry for the mistakes!). At the time, I was overcoming a soul trauma, and you made me believe in myself. I am sincerely grateful for your friendship and support for so many years! Some of you even purchased my bilingual children's books, for which I send you my special thanks! If you don't know yet, here are the links to my bilingual books for children, which we cocreated with my brother Andrei 'not-so-little-anymore' Lialin. They are beautifully illustrated, heartwarming, whimsical and witty stories, a perfect and not trivial gift to your little ones. Let me just mention that we are The Wishing Shelf Book Awards finalists, highly praised by London UK school students and teachers, and I will leave you with some photos and links. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.chickenleghouse.com/books" target="_blank">HERE</a> is the link to all of our books.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLrI2mT5LAZfmzJQpeXKBhXtXVZBP1feR7qnzjM64m8dbcmKs9Pg0yVW4U2s2Gdjv0iBR0I1U6Sd6NyZ1Z9BVut3SHYUa17SF516JzkGunqBP17V6YvIkbFh_HaGsuuH145TQ0HJ1S0pg_JbJcRefc3Qe-uHdU-sfe3uoMB6zm165SYWGFAjxZZInb/s1799/319396059_1620180231733778_5944461219113332080_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1799" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLrI2mT5LAZfmzJQpeXKBhXtXVZBP1feR7qnzjM64m8dbcmKs9Pg0yVW4U2s2Gdjv0iBR0I1U6Sd6NyZ1Z9BVut3SHYUa17SF516JzkGunqBP17V6YvIkbFh_HaGsuuH145TQ0HJ1S0pg_JbJcRefc3Qe-uHdU-sfe3uoMB6zm165SYWGFAjxZZInb/w512-h640/319396059_1620180231733778_5944461219113332080_n.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>Anya and Her wings is available in TWO editions, Russian and English</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i><a href="https://www.chickenleghouse.com/books" target="_blank">HERE</a>. For ages 5 y.o. and up!</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZHbuDLYdKoqIeFRXqGOaKS2FiOqj2kefBiI6XlRR0UwuCf3D_N1x4o-XWC-vOgBzAKDscRQgkQSj17VvukxwyYFlVhY5RG65ndssEPlhfRV984q59XVpR9T1NpYFLjqgqmdxUKS5lfONd3yKGUCiTAdJVIykys0a3-d-6eWmYggcgbxufoLhcR4po/s1800/319094555_1620180218400446_7838347711103171430_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZHbuDLYdKoqIeFRXqGOaKS2FiOqj2kefBiI6XlRR0UwuCf3D_N1x4o-XWC-vOgBzAKDscRQgkQSj17VvukxwyYFlVhY5RG65ndssEPlhfRV984q59XVpR9T1NpYFLjqgqmdxUKS5lfONd3yKGUCiTAdJVIykys0a3-d-6eWmYggcgbxufoLhcR4po/w512-h640/319094555_1620180218400446_7838347711103171430_n.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>Superseal is a BILINGUAL BOOK </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>(both Russian and English parallel texts on every page)</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i><a href="https://www.chickenleghouse.com/books" target="_blank">HERE</a>. For ages 3 y.o. and up!</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0HWB8wSZ3KSKKgcKtlF6owN9QPy7ZqpR1fCpmCKFUZrzbOoUha8XuMriRas5D77LeGgKQf5GRHVOqbEQJoSJ_dUBrJKQ1rtNG7U86GpsrtpAjKycOLErNNqWr8pcli-TMHPk_VuUPDnmN9Td2qc_cM_a0Z07jV9-YU6nQ8C_3q10h6QvrAZvHZf2h/s1800/319178329_1620180215067113_8549773392681121333_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0HWB8wSZ3KSKKgcKtlF6owN9QPy7ZqpR1fCpmCKFUZrzbOoUha8XuMriRas5D77LeGgKQf5GRHVOqbEQJoSJ_dUBrJKQ1rtNG7U86GpsrtpAjKycOLErNNqWr8pcli-TMHPk_VuUPDnmN9Td2qc_cM_a0Z07jV9-YU6nQ8C_3q10h6QvrAZvHZf2h/w512-h640/319178329_1620180215067113_8549773392681121333_n.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWcWwPo2uDNsVQISbe4nhpiwyKFxTBm4k369v7ITx2xWrbu6ZZw6hYPCDNX4663-xtjhXt_ZdEJ-Ay_6YYLhjqWvSvbMNl9JwK2ypPtzncWOrcQJfXBkReIapVivUdGlKDTm2Eu5DFhCtx2xUtmznXVIIm7qVRpoOmunYVUIuPj_5HqNzY7SRyOGeT/s1800/319322338_1620180241733777_4305978255931703323_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWcWwPo2uDNsVQISbe4nhpiwyKFxTBm4k369v7ITx2xWrbu6ZZw6hYPCDNX4663-xtjhXt_ZdEJ-Ay_6YYLhjqWvSvbMNl9JwK2ypPtzncWOrcQJfXBkReIapVivUdGlKDTm2Eu5DFhCtx2xUtmznXVIIm7qVRpoOmunYVUIuPj_5HqNzY7SRyOGeT/w512-h640/319322338_1620180241733777_4305978255931703323_n.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>Anya and Her wings is available in TWO editions, Russian and English</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i><a href="https://www.chickenleghouse.com/books" target="_blank">HERE</a>, for ages 5 y.o. and up!</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSDd3iOGTeMAHnu5nzVNjDe3971vQ_H1uBb34UfuiJbZ6HTmc_L9yjuSH8lp11QZxHcNF_XYxHIF07W1Drhe-926bevU1cKc8cj76q6nu9YJzSz5U9T8UxlhQzqpg5_xzzH8hMAPy6j16YR55D5llxM7vQgHr1E_s9r7DfphUb7nBeb9dAYC56eBTC/s1800/319415230_1620180228400445_7452727237426968284_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSDd3iOGTeMAHnu5nzVNjDe3971vQ_H1uBb34UfuiJbZ6HTmc_L9yjuSH8lp11QZxHcNF_XYxHIF07W1Drhe-926bevU1cKc8cj76q6nu9YJzSz5U9T8UxlhQzqpg5_xzzH8hMAPy6j16YR55D5llxM7vQgHr1E_s9r7DfphUb7nBeb9dAYC56eBTC/w512-h640/319415230_1620180228400445_7452727237426968284_n.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Superseal is a BILINGUAL BOOK </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>(both Russian and English parallel texts on every page)</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://www.chickenleghouse.com/books" target="_blank">HERE</a>. For ages 3 y.o. and up!</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpUWo0cq7UzbG3Fmlozypp6qpgRQQKjELPghSgbbBwx3_YF0-tuGHSFmeSz3fhEOTrdjwxSY_o0fq5bJHgbLAImhl9wruLBYqIY9stGmdwol8Ogvfto4MN3QGA9TV4vxRtsVTF_5RafyVzlHrVcOph2MPH1i1oqcmuqHag1dn547QGeRpTZPNOhbM4/s1800/318789834_851500839436960_28302704920074264_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpUWo0cq7UzbG3Fmlozypp6qpgRQQKjELPghSgbbBwx3_YF0-tuGHSFmeSz3fhEOTrdjwxSY_o0fq5bJHgbLAImhl9wruLBYqIY9stGmdwol8Ogvfto4MN3QGA9TV4vxRtsVTF_5RafyVzlHrVcOph2MPH1i1oqcmuqHag1dn547QGeRpTZPNOhbM4/w512-h640/318789834_851500839436960_28302704920074264_n.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0NEHSMt7zQ4i4b7FnkXAk22hwJ0Z4ItI2oJCmHpe5iHEym6QYaVguvBK38TG0Y7dMxL1Gg9a9DM2Rftt7Thb42FYC93xT4AFrYkeJAciNE_GmM6LdmFWSuODxu-UpAB2kQV7IRnVXNCxZ84xpgpTS-AiHlBMZQGyCLz7eI3n_jsrkX927YDuESZn0/s1800/318855099_781675846858944_3785996784696851856_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0NEHSMt7zQ4i4b7FnkXAk22hwJ0Z4ItI2oJCmHpe5iHEym6QYaVguvBK38TG0Y7dMxL1Gg9a9DM2Rftt7Thb42FYC93xT4AFrYkeJAciNE_GmM6LdmFWSuODxu-UpAB2kQV7IRnVXNCxZ84xpgpTS-AiHlBMZQGyCLz7eI3n_jsrkX927YDuESZn0/w512-h640/318855099_781675846858944_3785996784696851856_n.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So, this is my story of the recent adventures of this out-of-the-closet writer. All of them I continue making with my one true love and soulmate JUSTIN! Sorry for the teasing, guys, have you had any doubt in me!? It feels amazing to live life freely, do what I love doing and be appreciated for who I am! I would say that I would be a 100% happy person, if only there was no war in the world... no war at all, let alone the war started by the government of my country. My heart goes to the Ukrainians who lost their lives, homes, family and friends, and fight for their freedom every day since the bleakest day in history - February 24, 2022. My heart goes to all the Russians who had to escape the injustice of the Russian government or who are trapped in their country with very little hope for a change. It hurts every single day. And yet I am fully aware that none of us can put our own lives on hold. We have to make our life meaningful every single day. Life is beautiful. Life is fragile. Life is precious. Just like these flowers which suddenly started blooming during the commonly coldest and darkest time, at the end of November. I can't help but believe in light at the end of the tunnel.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ2FvJ1UpWVdy6g4_5Vj7DlnCTaxGWVmiGcuDjPvj8S8s5E5iXfZj6iHMOMO26Lg5XZT_cAskvSURoTskSQFByy2QqvtOYhKmXEbjDs-Jtp5ImfCp3Wqgu4ceRrFNQ4oHDcNPx0P6K5rAbnOOz29i6Pd1WNm53-OIGe09MP3dmlkoDr5CVFMNo_X70/s1800/319098611_1756717118040180_9113385123225771247_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ2FvJ1UpWVdy6g4_5Vj7DlnCTaxGWVmiGcuDjPvj8S8s5E5iXfZj6iHMOMO26Lg5XZT_cAskvSURoTskSQFByy2QqvtOYhKmXEbjDs-Jtp5ImfCp3Wqgu4ceRrFNQ4oHDcNPx0P6K5rAbnOOz29i6Pd1WNm53-OIGe09MP3dmlkoDr5CVFMNo_X70/w512-h640/319098611_1756717118040180_9113385123225771247_n.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Love,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Natalia</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you'd like to join the ongoing conversation with me, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I am easily found at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100012254497074" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/talesoflialina/" target="_blank">Instagram</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My books <a href="https://www.chickenleghouse.com/books" target="_blank">HERE</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRsMSt17vOUJ0Y8A2zskxWTY7-r_s-ocRJSO6WIrnxDrKc4JgncdX5e1kL4JL1YfjHVOJcNpurErbnDhiTdO_Z8lOZjY2KF-k1DCQfV5qH9IjG5T32euSaUavmwKNyBdH-kChoPR6kC9wzV7pG3S5-neeVNNCUlDqnUL5DsBEIj35Osr4h8torIFDT/s603/317717242_1612149552536846_8304358765876990695_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="603" data-original-width="482" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRsMSt17vOUJ0Y8A2zskxWTY7-r_s-ocRJSO6WIrnxDrKc4JgncdX5e1kL4JL1YfjHVOJcNpurErbnDhiTdO_Z8lOZjY2KF-k1DCQfV5qH9IjG5T32euSaUavmwKNyBdH-kChoPR6kC9wzV7pG3S5-neeVNNCUlDqnUL5DsBEIj35Osr4h8torIFDT/s320/317717242_1612149552536846_8304358765876990695_n.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you're looking for a trusted non-profit that helps Ukraine, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">here is the one I recommend:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.sunflowerseedsukraine.org/" target="_blank">SUNFLOWERS SEEDS UKRAINE</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Natalia Lialinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07552652475347261756noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759460753738753423.post-4649744102291743902022-05-13T14:14:00.007-07:002022-05-13T14:17:47.460-07:00Happy Belated Mother's Day and Thank You for Your Help!<p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2bLP1CCYqDBG3M9TilzdqXErTAXIbvfwEvG-igQOwrI4mZ3hWXBJOSjDr4pQpRjuFTeVKpTcTkisWgErQn1WNnCEk_lL2ZZMjrt5wsbQZLWOcpXgb02QEswWr4jDg2CGswgViTyvqkYKX6psT4hpcPI2Lof8Rc2vc5WxCXFnLA4pPWCvjnMOJfkRe/s1800/280476037_1461896137562189_3948235314886391953_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2bLP1CCYqDBG3M9TilzdqXErTAXIbvfwEvG-igQOwrI4mZ3hWXBJOSjDr4pQpRjuFTeVKpTcTkisWgErQn1WNnCEk_lL2ZZMjrt5wsbQZLWOcpXgb02QEswWr4jDg2CGswgViTyvqkYKX6psT4hpcPI2Lof8Rc2vc5WxCXFnLA4pPWCvjnMOJfkRe/w320-h400/280476037_1461896137562189_3948235314886391953_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hello dear friends,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Happy belated Mother's Day to all Moms and Grandmas! I hope you had a beautiful day. I spent it with my family in a gorgeous <a href="https://rhodygarden.org/" target="_blank">Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden</a> which is home to the largest collection of rhody species in the world! If you're happen to be in the Seattle area, I highly recommend visiting it in May or early June (bonus: free bonsai museum).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I thought I'd give you a quick update on my friend Irina's fundraiser </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/2j8jn-help-ukrainian-refugees?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=p_lico%2Bupdate&fbclid=IwAR0iW4TTltzzO1KgevUmViuUC_mWnKvcJ8GWc9BjiiEjrdgxfVfqS8oW5_M" target="_blank">HELP UKRAINIAN REFUGEES</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After successfully raising $10,000, Irina continued with a new goal of $20,000 and as of now is at $16,650. She reports that the money goes directly to the families helping refugees with their rent and food, as well as directly to hospitals and purchasing medication kits. And the exciting news is that Irina and her family are going to fly from the US to Poland to help refugees personally!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ff00fe;"><b>Thank you to all and each of you who are able to help in any possible way to save lives and wellbeing of families and children who are in the most heart-wrenching situation since February 24.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And despite popular opinion, my heart also goes to the Russian citizens who are against this horrible unjust regime, but cannot leave the country. Some of them still protest risking their life and freedom. All of them live in great grief and fear over the two tragedies: war with Ukraine and destroying our own beloved country. Some fled the country and now are considered enemies by Russian government. And the actions of the most of the world are against them. Somehow, to most of the world, they aren't victims like Ukrainians, but supporters of the criminal regime which is a horrible misjudgment. Just like not all Germans supported Nazi and not every Nazi was German, not every Russian supports Putin. Do not believe that 80% of population support him - the officials in Russia are professionals liars! I doubt there is even 30% of those who actually believe in Putin. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I don't know whether I will be back regularly blogging any time soon, but f you'd like to stay in touch, you can always find me at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100012254497074" target="_blank">Facebook</a> or <a href="https://www.instagram.com/talesoflialina/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>. I will be happy if you do so.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ff00fe;"><b>Слава Украине!</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ff00fe;"><b>Жыве Беларусь!</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ff00fe;"><b>Россия будет счастливой!</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sincerely,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Natalia</div><p></p>Natalia Lialinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07552652475347261756noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759460753738753423.post-52022797634447130512022-03-20T18:21:00.001-07:002022-03-20T18:23:54.080-07:00Help Ukrainian Refugees<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjWiimgrSXgfUAw3YbRze2JjSqeDxCJd40EO_DFZ2aoehYbhx69Z7q7kc4rp9htnkUVgv9oe244wESCz-ON3uJ8Ll-w1VgiMrN_puMn1FgA3JeIUufzmY5KQacyixIpZkH1KkmBJXfPjL1fPDGvmP_Ld1NOFdkFGmZTUzofpuh0EiQxeMTejPovWyjn=s600" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="339" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjWiimgrSXgfUAw3YbRze2JjSqeDxCJd40EO_DFZ2aoehYbhx69Z7q7kc4rp9htnkUVgv9oe244wESCz-ON3uJ8Ll-w1VgiMrN_puMn1FgA3JeIUufzmY5KQacyixIpZkH1KkmBJXfPjL1fPDGvmP_Ld1NOFdkFGmZTUzofpuh0EiQxeMTejPovWyjn=s16000" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiexfRTKhvaF8p5jlQ74_8cc1jb7qPxH4MMJfkRSmYqkEC2xrDMYLhrda_6zKG8AlizNTCGGFD6MoQeSSVzv2odYNGLCrmUwfPvaXYiRWBk1xGiQ2TwZiLmG6EV0Me7JbaawpOmfMpm-BHDq0r3rcrHFCA-Uzxf4eZ5NUC6BswdoGbqAeR10XtDJUCI=s600" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="339" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiexfRTKhvaF8p5jlQ74_8cc1jb7qPxH4MMJfkRSmYqkEC2xrDMYLhrda_6zKG8AlizNTCGGFD6MoQeSSVzv2odYNGLCrmUwfPvaXYiRWBk1xGiQ2TwZiLmG6EV0Me7JbaawpOmfMpm-BHDq0r3rcrHFCA-Uzxf4eZ5NUC6BswdoGbqAeR10XtDJUCI=s16000" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Dear friends and readers,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I am grateful to each of you who read and reached out to me with comments and messages, sharing your feelings, thoughts and stories regarding my last post <a href="http://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/2022/03/stop-war-in-ukraine-how-we-can-help.html" target="_blank">STOP THE WAR IN UKRAINE</a>. I know that wrapping one's head around politics isn't everyone's cup of tea at the best times, not to mention the times of darkness and true tragedies, when unthinkable things happen, such as now. I understand the desire to look the other way, but the naked truth is that whether we look at this horrible wound done to Ukraine and humanity by greedy, bloodthirsty politicians of Russia, or not, the wound is still there. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The first couple of photos look just like another family reunion or a company picnic, don't they? The truth is that it's Dream Land, a summer camp in Western Ukraine, which is now transformed into a refuge camp by the very kind and caring people who run Dream Land. And people you see on these photos are those regular Ukrainian citizens who arrived here to escape from the horrors happening in their home towns in other Ukrainian regions. The photo above is just one of the cars arrived there. You can see the bullet holes all over it. Sadly, the green corridors created especially for peaceful citizens to move out of danger zones, don't always work. Very often, people leave their hometowns in a hurry and under bullets. And not everyone survives. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiBxHNsTQLwjAZAoHqQ9SY3mawKHw8Umm2J2Dx4JOzwYJjWcYgGLflE5SxS7oRIA5UyUkS84Y9sgLphu3zNxZFDrCsXuZW4D_RoThYUIP3NFTNbsF2X-Dus1YzXDktvc8bjmBUm6G7siAtaa9dvzpk2F4B2pVKkelhyS9hk_cy94gs3W9NwI2L0Gh5H=s600" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="339" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiBxHNsTQLwjAZAoHqQ9SY3mawKHw8Umm2J2Dx4JOzwYJjWcYgGLflE5SxS7oRIA5UyUkS84Y9sgLphu3zNxZFDrCsXuZW4D_RoThYUIP3NFTNbsF2X-Dus1YzXDktvc8bjmBUm6G7siAtaa9dvzpk2F4B2pVKkelhyS9hk_cy94gs3W9NwI2L0Gh5H=s16000" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Never in my life have I written about war. And never in my life have I thought that I would write about war. I really don't know how to write about it - I am not a trained journalist, and war isn't a topic that ever interested me. Even in my native language, I have difficulties writing about war. All I know is I cannot be silent seeing all these horrors happening to peaceful people. Seeing children being killed. What kind of a monster one has to be to let it happen and find reason for it? The news of war is unbearable. But I know that my wounded soul can heal its wounds by helping others - those who really need our help right now. As you know, my good friend Irina started her own fundraiser to help families with children directly. Very quickly, Irina reached her goal of raising $10,000! This money helped several families to start their new life in a few European countries. Irina is doing an amazing job, and she also posts updates about her fundraiser - you can read them and see more photos of real people who received assistance. But Irina isn't stopping there and has a new goal now of raising more money to help refugees. At the moment, she is assisting Dream Land, and this really feels like the hand of fate. In the process of sending money, Irina discovered that one of the camp organizers is her neighbor in Kyiv (Kiev in Russian tradition) - she literally grew up in the building next to where he lives now! It truly is amazing since Irina and her family have lived on another continent for over 20 years now, and Kyiv isn't a small town (3 mln population).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Please consider donating to Irina's fundraiser to help Ukrainian refugees directly!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/2j8jn-help-ukrainian-refugees?viewupdates=1&rcid=r01-164780424235-6352cfc4a88311ec&utm_medium=email&utm_source=customer&utm_campaign=p_email%2B1137-update-supporters-v5b" target="_blank">HELP UKRAINIAN REFUGEES</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj5nxg0sEGgjTNx8NJSvoyeNhVPAKp7nCU5e_rkR3mH3BKULKKnFIgLraoX85wXo3z7CChWHOZeBOdDyisrsZSkqJoZz8ZpgvdMzLbVSOOd4pFalQqUkr5ZHi817WfCGhpG24DaunYwX8fSKhR1VkeyKw-rzd-_TnLOvhL5bt5UrXc_uQl46b7GN43K=s800" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj5nxg0sEGgjTNx8NJSvoyeNhVPAKp7nCU5e_rkR3mH3BKULKKnFIgLraoX85wXo3z7CChWHOZeBOdDyisrsZSkqJoZz8ZpgvdMzLbVSOOd4pFalQqUkr5ZHi817WfCGhpG24DaunYwX8fSKhR1VkeyKw-rzd-_TnLOvhL5bt5UrXc_uQl46b7GN43K=s16000" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEitiMjEP9Vsd0JVLK3ZFSysfLd2h7I325GrlDIceTDXBprcIIVKSUoWoXGEXP4QoPnyt9fIfxqXWeuIL5i8ayGZagz_hKddpbVNAAH0ddOJ-AOP3kHrY0AFvsT5Zyi5pv-i_6hLJKjCI6pgQ8mR3X4cj7BUZbAC4znU7kt4u5Y17jK6ymZP8uwvGHrJ=s600" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEitiMjEP9Vsd0JVLK3ZFSysfLd2h7I325GrlDIceTDXBprcIIVKSUoWoXGEXP4QoPnyt9fIfxqXWeuIL5i8ayGZagz_hKddpbVNAAH0ddOJ-AOP3kHrY0AFvsT5Zyi5pv-i_6hLJKjCI6pgQ8mR3X4cj7BUZbAC4znU7kt4u5Y17jK6ymZP8uwvGHrJ=s16000" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In my <a href="http://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/2022/03/stop-war-in-ukraine-how-we-can-help.html" target="_blank">PREVIOUS POST</a>, you will also find other fundraisers (including both Ukrainian funds and global humanitarian organizations), as well as a petition to sign to allow Ukrainian refugees in the US. On the photos above, Irina's own family support their home country Ukraine in Denver, Colorado. Many people around the world combine their efforts to help people by working directly with refugees (providing housing, food, transportation and all the necessities), donating money, sending medical help, signing petitions and letters to authorities. I am proud of my friends and all the people who contribute to this case. I know there are fundraisers who help pets (so many of them are suffering during this terror too!). Truly, there are many ways to help. In pretty much every American town you will find organizers who will tell you exactly what help they need (search for Ukrainian/Slavic churches, schools or cultural centers). We all chipped in - Justin, Anya and I. Every voice matters, and any help is very welcome. Please, if you haven't signed the petition below, consider doing so and spread the word about it among your friends and family, as well as my friend's fundraiser!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.change.org/p/u-s-needs-to-accept-ukrainian-refugees-immediately-especially-those-who-have-families-in-the-u-s-who-can-support-and-help-them-rebuild-their-lives?recruiter=838490458&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=facebook&utm_campaign=psf_combo_share_initial&utm_term=psf_combo_share_initial&recruited_by_id=d1cb5fd0-d53c-11e7-8250-81c758191d33&share_bandit_exp=initial-32509726-en-US&utm_content=fht-32509726-en-us%3A0" target="_blank">U.S. needs to ACCEPT UKRAINIAN REFUGEES IMMEDIATELY!</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEijOd4t43wpKgEJYuDUOZsEYTR2D9H9qY0bLIzf1QQ1wMMEwEqtHREm2_U7p92AmaCXHfRMsa4N9y2Ea1B4yl2x4GL1-Z-kJfDOIe13jEiqljYzbLABgYhmPf7fAP7g295TUMpKmrp8VP5Pn59a4om61lsoTMyrIX_18THuPOKLzC43CZjzJhaHRhD5=s1440" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1440" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEijOd4t43wpKgEJYuDUOZsEYTR2D9H9qY0bLIzf1QQ1wMMEwEqtHREm2_U7p92AmaCXHfRMsa4N9y2Ea1B4yl2x4GL1-Z-kJfDOIe13jEiqljYzbLABgYhmPf7fAP7g295TUMpKmrp8VP5Pn59a4om61lsoTMyrIX_18THuPOKLzC43CZjzJhaHRhD5=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Photo from the website Change.org</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">XOX</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Natalia</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p>Natalia Lialinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07552652475347261756noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759460753738753423.post-34589469335739608052022-03-14T19:56:00.005-07:002022-03-20T15:21:48.113-07:00Stop the War in Ukraine: How We Can Help Ukrainians and Things to Know about Russians<p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi1-6tKQbqR_AOXQIrLahKY3JKypMqH_Gg5yzr5zmqS7fZXilPZFhmWAzF3Ne7nCMAZ7IwreS1CKMoO-cpF53cjRQjofhkGqUMoQBFeisixK3wBCcaj-eRr2y7wuwN_E6GztekaRQQtnrXocpTp4hen1mObMD2wiYd0rllI47tdlRs1zFEstcJbSNcJ=s802" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="802" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi1-6tKQbqR_AOXQIrLahKY3JKypMqH_Gg5yzr5zmqS7fZXilPZFhmWAzF3Ne7nCMAZ7IwreS1CKMoO-cpF53cjRQjofhkGqUMoQBFeisixK3wBCcaj-eRr2y7wuwN_E6GztekaRQQtnrXocpTp4hen1mObMD2wiYd0rllI47tdlRs1zFEstcJbSNcJ=s16000" /></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hello my dear friends and readers,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Never in my life could I imagine that the reason and circumstances I write in my peaceful creative blog will be WAR. Not war in the past (in which many of the older generation of my own family members fought, were wounded or killed), but the war here and now. Let alone, the war my beloved home country started against our brothers and sisters (we were raised to think of each other as brotherly people) in Ukraine. And the first thing that I want to say on my blog is:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">STOP WAR IN UKRAINE! </span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">НЕТ ВОЙНЕ!</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As an empath and highly sensitive person, I literally feel like am right there, with the Ukrainians who fight for their homeland, who have to hide in shelters (usually, basements of their own tall apartment buildings), see their cities and towns being destroyed, run as far as they can and try to save the lives of their children, parents, spouses and pets. I also feel like I am right there with those Russians who are absolutely against the horrible Putin regime and the war he started on our behalf. I have NEVER voted for Putin! And millions of Russians who are able to think and whose spirit is aware, have NEVER voted for Putin. He is NOT our President! Yet the official version is that the majority of the Russian population support Putin. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My heart hasn't stopped crying since February 24th, when we woke up to the unthinkable news - Russian army invaded Ukraine. But my mind has never been as clear as it is all this time, for almost 3 weeks now. In this post, I am going to write about two things that I believe are the most important right now. First, the ways each of us can help Ukrainians right now. Second, the political regime in Russia and why Russian citizens cannot stop Putin.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">UKR</span><span style="color: #fcff01;">AINE</span></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I know my readers. You are intelligent, sensitive, heartfelt women and independent thinkers. I am sure that you follow the news and see with your eyes the tragedy that has been a part of every Ukrainian, a citizen of the country with 44 mln population, the second largest country in Europe right after the European part of Russia. I believe there is no need to sum it up for you. I simply want to sum up some of the ways each of us can help. Of course, if you are in Europe, you know that over 2.5 mln refugees (BBC data) are being assisted by regular citizens as well as governments. A lot of my Russian and Ukrainian friends who live in European countries and the US either send financial help (Justin and I are not rich, but we do it practically on daily basis since February 24th) or provide with information, housing, translating and of course just the bare minimum such as clothes, food, and all the necessities. Yes, even though there is governmental help, they are not able to help every single refugee - since people escape with absolutely nothing but the clothes they wear. Please consider donating to the wide variety of funds, from personal fundraisers (such as my good friend Irina) to organizations. Below is a list of some of them.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u>FINANCIAL WAYS TO HELP UKRAINIAN REFUGEES</u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My good old friend Irina who lives in the US was born in Kiev. Her husband and she still have friends and family in Ukraine. Irina started her own fundraiser and helps Ukrainian women with children to start their new life in Europe:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/2j8jn-help-ukrainian-refugees?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link_all&utm_campaign=m_pd%20share-sheet&fbclid=IwAR15lIISPf05rUZTkQJhkoDZ49QUExVulFNnC6OMZrCrvZgAgFtiAfkjb1g" target="_blank">HELP UKRAINIAN REFUGEES</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">At this point, she is very close to her goal of $10,000. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here are some updates from Irina:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><header class="m-update-info" style="align-items: center; background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; display: flex; flex-direction: row; font-family: CircularXXWeb, Trebuchet, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0.5rem; margin-left: 1rem;"><span class="heading-5 mr" style="box-sizing: inherit; display: block; font-size: 1rem; font-weight: 900; line-height: 1.5; margin-right: 0.5rem; text-align: center;">March 8, 2022</span><span class="color-gray text-small" color="rgb(118, 118, 118) !important" style="box-sizing: inherit; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 1.71; text-align: center;">by Irina Fedorchuk<span style="box-sizing: inherit;">, <span class="m-update-info-name" style="box-sizing: inherit; text-transform: capitalize;">Organizer</span></span></span></header><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="m-update-content" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: CircularXXWeb, Trebuchet, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-left: 1rem; overflow-wrap: anywhere; text-align: left; word-break: break-word;"><div style="text-align: center;">Here is a photo of the family we were able to help. They were greeted by my coworker in Warsaw who helped them find a temporary place.</div><span style="box-sizing: inherit;"><div style="text-align: center;">The mom - Oksana -started work today as a family doctor.</div><div style="text-align: center;">These are real people who just need a little boost.</div></span></div></div><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><header class="m-update-info" style="align-items: center; box-sizing: inherit; display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 0.5rem;"><span class="heading-5 mr" style="box-sizing: inherit; display: block; font-size: 1rem; font-weight: 900; line-height: 1.5; margin-right: 0.5rem; text-align: center;">March 10, 2022</span><span class="color-gray text-small" color="rgb(118, 118, 118) !important" style="box-sizing: inherit; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 1.71; text-align: center;">by Irina Fedorchuk<span style="box-sizing: inherit;">, <span class="m-update-info-name" style="box-sizing: inherit; text-transform: capitalize;">Organizer</span></span></span></header><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="m-update-content" style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: anywhere; word-break: break-word;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span face="CircularXXWeb, Trebuchet, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;">Olga and her family needed some help paying for their temporary place in Lublin. They just needed a place to stay for a few weeks and breathe: regroup and decide what to do next.</span></div><span face="CircularXXWeb, Trebuchet, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;"><div style="text-align: center;">Olga is a licensed psychologist and has been a Red Cross volunteer since 2015. She is a certified instructor in first aid psychosocial support .</div><div style="text-align: center;">They arrived in Poland on March 6th, and on March 8th Olga already signed up to volunteer with the local chapter of the Red Cross and Psychology Association.</div></span></div></div><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Other fundraisers:</b> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://truerussia.org/?fbclid=IwAR3xBAyE8G2-z1c97ey4UAS9ED4nZJju-HiYgk6UolUmFvw0Ro0OpiE7ijM" target="_blank">TRUE RUSSIA</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The fundraiser founded by the Russian intelligencia, including such legendary people as Mikhail Baryshnikov and Boris Akunin.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/donate/337101825010055/1417357682016035/" target="_blank">UNITED HELP UKRAINE</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://support.savethechildren.org/site/Donation2?df_id=5746&mfc_pref=T&5746.donation=form1&cid=Paid_Search%3AGoogle_Paid%3AEmer_CEF%3ABrand%3A022522&s_kwcid=AL%219048%213%21260706327279%21e%21%21g%21%21save+the+children&gclsrc=aw.ds&&gclid=Cj0KCQjwz7uRBhDRARIsAFqjulkDD-WQQjg2m-LOR7Lyn-pciVKlGKC9goXThgXKCwIGf1Cvb6qj9KkaAp_-EALw_wcB" target="_blank">SAVE THE CHILDREN</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Info from their page:</div><p></p><ul style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgba(34, 34, 33, 0.8); font-family: Lato, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px;"><li style="box-sizing: border-box;">$50 can provide 10 warm, cozy blankets to children affected by conflict</li><li style="box-sizing: border-box;">$100 helps supply a month’s worth of nutritious food to a family in crisis</li><li style="box-sizing: border-box;">$175 can provide five families with emergency shelter materials</li></ul><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.unicefusa.org/stories/unicef-children-crossfire-ukraine-crisis/39542?utm_content=Ukraine1&ms=cpc_dig_2021_Ukraine1_20210801_google_Ukraine1_delve_None&initialms=cpc_dig_2020_Ukraine1_20210801_google_Ukraine1_delve_None&gclid=Cj0KCQjwz7uRBhDRARIsAFqjulksOPiII4U8JT6YUaZW9yOv1p2MjTOb3-0DxWh47XhH5KB-YtmUjS8aAuwjEALw_wcB" target="_blank">UNICEF</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://razomforukraine.org/" target="_blank">RAZOM FOR UKRAINE</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/lelekafoundation/" target="_blank">LELECA FOUNDATION</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Some of these are well known humanitarian organizations, others are less so, but they came recommended by my trusty Ukrainian friends.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u>NON-FINANCIAL WAYS TO HELP from the US</u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Please consider writing to your representatives and President Biden, as well as signing the petitions. I asked my friends, US citizens born in Ukraine, just last night, what are right now the most important questions to rise, and here are a couple for your consideration:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.change.org/p/u-s-needs-to-accept-ukrainian-refugees-immediately-especially-those-who-have-families-in-the-u-s-who-can-support-and-help-them-rebuild-their-lives?recruiter=838490458&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=facebook&utm_campaign=psf_combo_share_initial&utm_term=psf_combo_share_initial&recruited_by_id=d1cb5fd0-d53c-11e7-8250-81c758191d33&share_bandit_exp=initial-32509726-en-US&utm_content=fht-32509726-en-us%3A0" target="_blank">U.S. Needs to Accept Ukrainian Refugees Immediately</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.petition2congress.com/ctas/allow-transfer-combat-jets-to-ukraine?fbclid=IwAR1w7mjB8NUuamOeBDtZaipUkAIS3TOr9R-MaXsBpvWse6riu9MyLK1x7CU" target="_blank">Allow Transfer of Combat Jets to Ukraine</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">RUSSIA</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">While there is ongoing tragedy happening before the eyes of the world in the Ukraine, there is another more hidden tragedy happening in Russia. As you might know the last couple of weeks, my home country received the highest number of sanctions known in the history of the world (5,500). People who will suffer the most from them aren't personally Putin or his corrupted government, but the 144 mln regular people, such as my own family, friends, former coworkers, classmates, and neighbors. I left Russia exactly 20 years ago this March. I built my life here in America and became a US citizen, but a half of my heart is always there - in Russia. Russia is beautiful. I love my people, culture and language (as you know very well, Russian language is not only my passion, but my profession). And it hurts like hell to see what has been happening in my country for all these years. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The corrupted government lead by Mad Vlad (I refuse to call this person Russian President) has been telling people for whom they are supposed to care, "Just wait a little more. It's just tough times" for 22 years straight. By letting oligarchs and regular businessmen earn their money, without holding them accountable for paying proper taxes, they bought their loyalty. The majority of the population live in poverty. The older generation who grew up in the USSR with a completely different set of economical rules and expectations, simply couldn't adapt to the new economy. Free media which started developing in Russia in the 1990s, after the collapse of the USSR, was forcibly closed in the last couple of weeks. Though the process started much earlier, when Alexei Navalny, the only opposition to Putin, was poisoned and almost killed, then after a rehabilitation in Germany came back to Moscow to continue his anti-corruption and anti-Putin work, was arrested right in the airport and sent to prison over a year ago. Navalny is in a "general regime colony" (working prison) still, and under yet another prosecution for crimes he never committed - Putin is making sure that he will never come out of it. At this point, all Russian democratic media (TV and radio stations, journalists and bloggers) are officially labeled "foreign agents" and in danger of being arrested at any time. Many of them escaped the country and continue working from abroad.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZ8Z8Ad0URGtOcYzepSzH4p0UZkttyQY5u4uyI0gbup3uwveWfTwg3HIRN7R3x8abZ7PbDu7tr7h343H-enFNPkwIIjdjxiY1q2GkccOKCds0bJjRM-ADaCCbHWAbAhGjC2Z0uJpsG49gfyM2Bw-B07GeevS5iDdlZWKG5W8RQleAUHFXHeclIPcrn=s623" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="623" data-original-width="498" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZ8Z8Ad0URGtOcYzepSzH4p0UZkttyQY5u4uyI0gbup3uwveWfTwg3HIRN7R3x8abZ7PbDu7tr7h343H-enFNPkwIIjdjxiY1q2GkccOKCds0bJjRM-ADaCCbHWAbAhGjC2Z0uJpsG49gfyM2Bw-B07GeevS5iDdlZWKG5W8RQleAUHFXHeclIPcrn=w320-h400" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>My grandfather Prokopii Shadrin, the World War II veteran, was heavily wounded and was sent home just a few months before the war ended. He was never able to overcome the shock and horror he had experienced, became an alcoholic and later killed himself. Many millions were killed or injured both physically and mentally during the war, defending their country.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjGfzQNhyS3UUQtzaY8izwffDrXi2_Go4mdQ2fJV4rPqTfdsYh3NbplqBLLst-HfyjrZgBgSbjMh2I6P2QZgXN4-m6yhUZaiS3lKDUZzK4JE7E7MWEX6fLY1WwPtsCHxJEp_eS22uBwrVS264UJ9HRtZmScV0loCPJO7KduSoMUCVXXURooKlW1u33G=s1242" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1242" data-original-width="993" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjGfzQNhyS3UUQtzaY8izwffDrXi2_Go4mdQ2fJV4rPqTfdsYh3NbplqBLLst-HfyjrZgBgSbjMh2I6P2QZgXN4-m6yhUZaiS3lKDUZzK4JE7E7MWEX6fLY1WwPtsCHxJEp_eS22uBwrVS264UJ9HRtZmScV0loCPJO7KduSoMUCVXXURooKlW1u33G=w512-h640" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>My grandfather Alexei Lialin was the kindest man I knew. He was never able to fight in World War II defending Russia - Stalin arrested him twice and kept him in the labor camp for years as an "enemy of the folk", the label which only after Stalin died people were able to officially remove. He also wasn't able to overcome the horrors he lived through during his years in GULAG and became an alcoholic. Many millions were killed or injured both physically and mentally in Stalin's GULAG.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I just recently wrote about my grandfathers on my IG and FB (links above). They represent millions with crumbled lives, and they are the generation who raised my parents. And my parents are the generation that raised mine - 40-to 50 year old Russians. The history of my country is not a happy one. Of course, what part of history in any country is nice and happy, you might say - and I agree with you, humankind has done a tremendous amount of cruel, unhuman mistakes. But particularly in Russia, there is over a 100 years history of revolution, civil war, and World Wars I and II, Stalin's genocide and repression against his own folk, lies and repressions of the late Soviet period, a short breath of fresh air during the 1990s (on the background of poverty and crimes at the same time), and then - yes, Putin. The 22 years of Putin. This is the last century of Russia in a nutshell.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Unfortunately, most people in Russia (perhaps, not only in Russia) choose to believe lies. It is easier to think that someone knows better - so "they" are responsible for everything, not "us", we are just "little people". My decision to leave Russia was not a political one, but it definitely was affected by the difference in mentality of a huge part of Russians with whom I have very little in common. I love thinking for myself. I believe that EVERYTHING is my responsibility. And when I say that Russia does not equal Putin, I still say that all of us are responsible for everything that is done on the behalf of Russia, even those of us who disagree. The grief, guilt and shame millions of Russians feel seem bottomless. We understand that neither ourselves, nor our children will be able to atone for this guilt. Do you know what we hear from the part of Russians who I call "citizens of Putin"? That we are NOT Russians. That we support Nazis. I personally heard it for expressing my civil position.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The word "war" is forbidden in Russia. Yet, still many people try to protest in Russia. They go outside and protest against the war. But even if you display just an empty white page, or just stars or pictures instead of words, you get arrested and tortured by the cruel state police. You can't say anything in Russia without risking your life and freedom. You can get 15 years in colony for saying that you disagree with your government. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">People in Russia have no access to free media, or even Facebook and Instagram - all are blocked in Russia now. Some are leaving the country in a hurry as the iron curtain is closing right behind their feet. The economical sanctions which the Western world put on Russia will soon destroy the lives of millions - those who support Putin and those who don't. Combined with our compassion to people of Ukraine and our own grief, guilt and shame we are going through, Russia as we knew it does not exist any longer. And it is a national tragedy we all pay for, both innocent and not so innocent. In one night, we all became criminals for the rest of the world.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I know that one day, this cruel regime will fall. I know that one day, millions of Russians will regret their own blindness. But at this point, we all are hostage of Putin. The only news that people hear in Russia, is the official propaganda. Which tells people that there are Nazis in Ukraine who kill their own citizens, and so if we don't want them to come to Russia to kill us, we have to stop them. People believe this. If you doubt that it's possible to do it with millions of people, think of what was happening in Nazi Germany not that long ago. Read what Goebbels said about fear. Then maybe you will understand what's happening in Russia a little better.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p>Natalia Lialinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07552652475347261756noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759460753738753423.post-42221437867913421102022-03-11T19:00:00.001-08:002022-03-11T19:00:22.966-08:00My Personal Message to All Friends: Help Ukrainian refuges and stop the war in Ukraine!<p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6YJx4TyYaGQ" width="320" youtube-src-id="6YJx4TyYaGQ"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Dear friends,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You've known me for many years. I've always been the one to support and inspire you in different ways - to be creative, to live in harmony, to wear what you like, to be accepting. Today, I ask for your help - for the first time in all these years. Please be aware what a horrible regime Putin set in Russia, my beloved home country. People do not have any freedom to express their opinions any longer. A lot of us are against this criminal regime and war in Ukraine! Millions are suffering right now. Please help Ukrainian refugees and please help to stop the war in Ukraine. Join me on Facebook (link above)! I regularly post about the ways to help financially, by signing petitions and other ways too.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Love and Peace,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Natalia</div><br /><p></p>Natalia Lialinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07552652475347261756noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759460753738753423.post-20122081859401500422021-12-06T18:00:00.003-08:002021-12-06T18:00:41.994-08:00Beauty of Gray and Vintage<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEitv-ebl-zpBej7-wi-9HhGOb3UkbRIeOuPfMovFVl8_swbForpd5xwIcuwXnLGY3Al-NqWE993M6BKZcvj_03pmlp3PVMMB4kQuuSUzrRF3SR2_gzPmyDt9oHKKHhRvUQPdSzaa1f4-4beYoWWZquutTZclVrd_eexeinobV_UAf_0WAZ3aGFYgxW7=s834" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="834" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEitv-ebl-zpBej7-wi-9HhGOb3UkbRIeOuPfMovFVl8_swbForpd5xwIcuwXnLGY3Al-NqWE993M6BKZcvj_03pmlp3PVMMB4kQuuSUzrRF3SR2_gzPmyDt9oHKKHhRvUQPdSzaa1f4-4beYoWWZquutTZclVrd_eexeinobV_UAf_0WAZ3aGFYgxW7=s16000" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Why not post the most recent outfit and tell you a vintage story. So, Justin and I took these pictures last weekend, and it was quite freezing outside! It would really be wiser to wear one of my parkas on a day like this, but I wanted to show off my elegant all-gray attire before I show off my coats and parkas. </div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhwkII1w0AOppfn0CWoSmV_ndoCy6xJjIO5kGbzl-dXI0h84Bt3pPvQ1VxFsh77Y1yBaIUiUzmfRHvuyUo_kMKjmifS4HJ1deOTqgjPMexbctI8FaU9V4N0w2CoXmOMiTzS4mK6Babau3Ns-mdl1dNJOaV-MoFn0uk_RzgI3iMhv1Edqvqn8dob67KT=s932" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="932" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhwkII1w0AOppfn0CWoSmV_ndoCy6xJjIO5kGbzl-dXI0h84Bt3pPvQ1VxFsh77Y1yBaIUiUzmfRHvuyUo_kMKjmifS4HJ1deOTqgjPMexbctI8FaU9V4N0w2CoXmOMiTzS4mK6Babau3Ns-mdl1dNJOaV-MoFn0uk_RzgI3iMhv1Edqvqn8dob67KT=s16000" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I've always loved a good sweater dress or a sweater+skirt set, so when this set went on clearance sale, I jumped into the last wagon and snapped it. I love everything about it. It's very soft and feels good on my skin, and the sophisticated knitted pattern goes all the way around, not just on the front part of the outfit as they often do these days. Obviously, it's a bonus that you can wear the skirt separately from the sweater and vice versa, but at the same time when worn together, they have a look of a dress. When I looked at pictures, this outfit reminded me of a somewhat similar layered look I created years ago in <a href="http://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/2015/01/just-keep-playing.html" target="_blank">JANUARY 2015</a> - not so bad!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEijyPo6rwcgnIlJ3fWL6kcEDLzoW8-LNhI9h-royv1Nh_pwxPRhGLayzoDAXT3evaziHt3pz7yhR9C9PhsvxwCj_sJyeuIIUG6GSYJzDppo6rwpSp-szmNfllE8asRl3-e0JQqtsXJIl2pgHzZIhSLCnZbRQQKcLniyLAT76R7kPJx3kfudG3NGAwGn=s800" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEijyPo6rwcgnIlJ3fWL6kcEDLzoW8-LNhI9h-royv1Nh_pwxPRhGLayzoDAXT3evaziHt3pz7yhR9C9PhsvxwCj_sJyeuIIUG6GSYJzDppo6rwpSp-szmNfllE8asRl3-e0JQqtsXJIl2pgHzZIhSLCnZbRQQKcLniyLAT76R7kPJx3kfudG3NGAwGn=s16000" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiTqmxEgIcxD8F4DyL-qdnQVdaxm8fea7S4NIMYzujlzgcBK2_fz_17nRmqXXIEMl148xo4P0266w8RgovdSQDze3NAue3loPLgGbJwZgDVMIFHUJEqd_h9DNW62H-f9Rd05MJFa5xSJYanFPirjYHJByj8ziT-VbVWMBe4YProJCdj-_qwJiszBX-3=s800" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiTqmxEgIcxD8F4DyL-qdnQVdaxm8fea7S4NIMYzujlzgcBK2_fz_17nRmqXXIEMl148xo4P0266w8RgovdSQDze3NAue3loPLgGbJwZgDVMIFHUJEqd_h9DNW62H-f9Rd05MJFa5xSJYanFPirjYHJByj8ziT-VbVWMBe4YProJCdj-_qwJiszBX-3=s16000" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Speaking of layers, I chose to top my outfit with a wool blazer with a faux fur collar which I also bough on clearance having this particular look in mind. Obviously, there are many more options, and all the three items are versatile, but I really enjoy this combination. I know it isn't what you got used to - bold colors and lots of bling - to see on my blog. But I love all colors, and these shades of gray are beautiful.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhhcfHW7o2NT7pjBjBRe551jVKdBVduklP8_Dvc7RCurbqB6jD9bC73cF7ECzGnc1neSHo9RUjsK5EP4bwOT_zZg7OrLlBPbN3D4VzCYzNRNapxV2doCZcXCWKWPGrxFcVdneAdavRTn5NQxvyXh8qAAupwDna9-1Z_SXi_KS9V3B-TauLoPHbMhsf7=s800" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhhcfHW7o2NT7pjBjBRe551jVKdBVduklP8_Dvc7RCurbqB6jD9bC73cF7ECzGnc1neSHo9RUjsK5EP4bwOT_zZg7OrLlBPbN3D4VzCYzNRNapxV2doCZcXCWKWPGrxFcVdneAdavRTn5NQxvyXh8qAAupwDna9-1Z_SXi_KS9V3B-TauLoPHbMhsf7=s16000" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjQi85AbprQggR1C_ec9Q9DVzeM3Ja1XkS1Vr-R_ECLF6ev_-N5LITErIwO1XsrTYagqCz1gq7AWwBFY3ylhAqbDWBIdcwJUIURQk97EK73ddR0XOpWzysRWgEJlL9_-1NG0MheTmnbkLOB4diY-75kkHoUbN0ozY5FEOA78V2R7tJQDGuyBIOZocn6=s800" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjQi85AbprQggR1C_ec9Q9DVzeM3Ja1XkS1Vr-R_ECLF6ev_-N5LITErIwO1XsrTYagqCz1gq7AWwBFY3ylhAqbDWBIdcwJUIURQk97EK73ddR0XOpWzysRWgEJlL9_-1NG0MheTmnbkLOB4diY-75kkHoUbN0ozY5FEOA78V2R7tJQDGuyBIOZocn6=s16000" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Let's skip talking about my jewels this time, and jump right to this timeless beauty - genuine vintage lizard skin purse. It's not something we necessarily want to do in our times, but back in midcentury times they used reptile skins instead of traditional leather. As I understand, it started in the WWII period when fashion was the last thing on the menu since all the manufacturers and majority of world resources were spent on the war. And so there wasn't traditional leather available for purses, and fashion turned to alternative ways. Lately, I am more intently and intensely into vintage shopping than I've ever been before, mostly finding things to decorate out home. But I have a few vintage fashion finds, and on the top of my lucky finds is this lizard skin purse made by a vintage brand Bellestone. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgYCBkGqhjlnMpKla8cNwyJo7nshlQ7mqbWO76qP9ea2fvctwLvUE46I3VIbaCi_o2IVoup262X_MIdDpf0xZ0tFqh5u8Vv8IyXEM5RWqj4ySKbTen9ivJuZJ0A_ulal9C-cf6dhLjrCUo1575-nTdSpBDF0I-Mf20dt0r5dJl88Hozpa6fCxy3geAH=s849" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="849" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgYCBkGqhjlnMpKla8cNwyJo7nshlQ7mqbWO76qP9ea2fvctwLvUE46I3VIbaCi_o2IVoup262X_MIdDpf0xZ0tFqh5u8Vv8IyXEM5RWqj4ySKbTen9ivJuZJ0A_ulal9C-cf6dhLjrCUo1575-nTdSpBDF0I-Mf20dt0r5dJl88Hozpa6fCxy3geAH=s16000" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiNtu3MRDJta0sAEwzsxIyY92N_gRPQ24q-Gtn5WnptiS0NH_NdkT2YFHl0692B3IvHAp63crcr55w0rChpQ33aESPDwiwF_wPGJT7jom5kJ85gBwtAprtgzSjmcmg0BSdr6CG2O5RIXqTBnKTDkphYJ7kw652prVKRAYSuhHXOH2aN4GLlBe9t8vs1=s871" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="871" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiNtu3MRDJta0sAEwzsxIyY92N_gRPQ24q-Gtn5WnptiS0NH_NdkT2YFHl0692B3IvHAp63crcr55w0rChpQ33aESPDwiwF_wPGJT7jom5kJ85gBwtAprtgzSjmcmg0BSdr6CG2O5RIXqTBnKTDkphYJ7kw652prVKRAYSuhHXOH2aN4GLlBe9t8vs1=s16000" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I read that it's from 1940-1960 and was a reputable brand with high quality alligator and lizard skin purses, premium hardware, metal feet, completed with a comb, coin purse and mirror. They were sold in fancy stores, such as Saks Fifth Avenue, Bonwit Teller. I found my purse at Goodwill for $25. Their prices are higher for collectibles, but it's a great price for owning a piece of history. It's in absolutely pristine condition with no bad smell, no stains or broken skin. In the creases (on the sides of the purse), the leather still has high gloss as if it was brand new. I believe mine is from the 1960s, and inside is vinyl. I imagine that a fashionable woman had it in her wardrobe and took good care of it, so now I can enjoy wearing it too, and some day perhaps my daughter will appreciate it.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi4I-wVcTz-lUHXgdmTyzBc3dXoY3iuZWIJw-i-ZGp8ldX96oujvznU45H1svVVTHCu0JRhKqn1X1FoV-TGW_fgXluiT2P3QGBGA6VqGg9nukQvqu1HEqLnDRTutZ_LyoPJxZd50NFCaIV70LiYMwuy3CkfsucDDQ7eUrCmgPa5cciNquGb_6w5I-op=s800" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi4I-wVcTz-lUHXgdmTyzBc3dXoY3iuZWIJw-i-ZGp8ldX96oujvznU45H1svVVTHCu0JRhKqn1X1FoV-TGW_fgXluiT2P3QGBGA6VqGg9nukQvqu1HEqLnDRTutZ_LyoPJxZd50NFCaIV70LiYMwuy3CkfsucDDQ7eUrCmgPa5cciNquGb_6w5I-op=s16000" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiN2X58Ovv14vVGYM3hXJTAjjEYnVpbjuZSBssot9flZoYSgZ87JHbjIlvvigZURuF0hSyyfMt7awmyWfpZCxhugAHPyW51j4HnuuWXbJ9ngjRHQJ3OR7MaRdOynZctI83xer4HEg09U_ic0BRUHbLwrf4UPe2O2wRE1LSKrZbuwjIEuE4HYN0LYXyZ=s800" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiN2X58Ovv14vVGYM3hXJTAjjEYnVpbjuZSBssot9flZoYSgZ87JHbjIlvvigZURuF0hSyyfMt7awmyWfpZCxhugAHPyW51j4HnuuWXbJ9ngjRHQJ3OR7MaRdOynZctI83xer4HEg09U_ic0BRUHbLwrf4UPe2O2wRE1LSKrZbuwjIEuE4HYN0LYXyZ=s16000" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My outfit is retail, bought on clearance. Other than the purse, my clip-on earrings are vintage as well, most probably from the 1980s - love them. Photos by Justin.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">That's my story for today, and I'd like to hear your vintage stories. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Let's meet in comments!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">XO</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Natalia</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p>Natalia Lialinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07552652475347261756noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759460753738753423.post-35819253830460839642021-12-02T12:04:00.000-08:002021-12-02T12:04:13.023-08:00Boho Military Chic in September<p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjMvTPmYGiyQdw4zSxH5onF2T29y6QAbK8vbHWqVDUAc6BBlO3ksuZD2j8Tc4_v67PjIC3IxU8c79yaEBWPcPlltsU7vDbM6H6aIkexIy-hGZvxdl7C1lBmZeKCMpQelUtLlkqhbPPoc1Q5-pyCxUiPtu6I3iZj6xDKufcl3chnsYXUIYUgnYV5Ghyk=s650" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="488" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjMvTPmYGiyQdw4zSxH5onF2T29y6QAbK8vbHWqVDUAc6BBlO3ksuZD2j8Tc4_v67PjIC3IxU8c79yaEBWPcPlltsU7vDbM6H6aIkexIy-hGZvxdl7C1lBmZeKCMpQelUtLlkqhbPPoc1Q5-pyCxUiPtu6I3iZj6xDKufcl3chnsYXUIYUgnYV5Ghyk=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">Hello my style tribe,</p><p style="text-align: center;">There are four photo shoots from late September through October which I haven't shared with you yet. A bit out of season, but I figured that better late then never! So I'll pick up just where I left, when late Summer barely started transforming into early Fall, and I was eager to wear this fabulous trench coat by Altuzarra for Target. </p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEivqIKUi3cZxMbxSrrShMDumWxwfPWFtFEixOzTN-8VU1K6-uT6XbiANF2pGqOG0aKo8wWbbJzv9AerXJ2XdwVsutSEb1U9YrGgrauPSrZnjbFSWbOwYM-4na_73mKLrJAdKY3zJA5h_kVh5zaClzfh3mZAuRv5g5lUBUD56r632dG7i6kwNQtF8rJ9=s650" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="488" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEivqIKUi3cZxMbxSrrShMDumWxwfPWFtFEixOzTN-8VU1K6-uT6XbiANF2pGqOG0aKo8wWbbJzv9AerXJ2XdwVsutSEb1U9YrGgrauPSrZnjbFSWbOwYM-4na_73mKLrJAdKY3zJA5h_kVh5zaClzfh3mZAuRv5g5lUBUD56r632dG7i6kwNQtF8rJ9=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgsqGGPejZv4teYcHED6nsEcD7qmslLwSXRcu2mIzL4QvN6E2buIXPZghuyI091Dn2jRyMh6WpfZdzQs5RM81RcSJBgqrWjslbyEg0v08MRyAhVzhPp8qJcBwMUXK2mq70zgMbfkk75LtExZVBV3lvM1we94XOWs3Z41XN6xEbAQ5JesE2DldbtSQuC=s650" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="488" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgsqGGPejZv4teYcHED6nsEcD7qmslLwSXRcu2mIzL4QvN6E2buIXPZghuyI091Dn2jRyMh6WpfZdzQs5RM81RcSJBgqrWjslbyEg0v08MRyAhVzhPp8qJcBwMUXK2mq70zgMbfkk75LtExZVBV3lvM1we94XOWs3Z41XN6xEbAQ5JesE2DldbtSQuC=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">Not being a big expert on fashion, I wasn't even familiar with the name. But the stylish trench almost jumped out of my computer screen when I was browsing on a second hand website one day. Nothing went amiss: the unusually feminine silhouette with traditional trench design, the black sleeves (rock on!) combined with military green color, the amount of thoughtful detail and 100% cotton fabric. Apparently, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Altuzarra" target="_blank">Joseph Altuzarra</a> is a big deal (items sell for thousands of dollars). Collabs with big stores are usually not too expensive though, so we can get a high fashion name for a low price. There was a collaboration with <a href="https://wwd.com/eye/parties/gallery/toasting-joseph-altuzarra-for-target/altuzarra-target-wwd-eye-2014-7870799-portrait/" target="_blank">Target a few years ago</a>, and (fun fact!) beautiful Kerri Russel appeared in this very trench. Kerri played a Russian spy in the fascinating TV show <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Americans" target="_blank">The Americans</a> along with her charming and talented husband Matthew Rhys - actually, that's how they've met. Back then, I've just watched the show and became such a fan.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh3GvHm8bovlR6vNcyGsIyVDQ8RPNI-JFDhBlEnPAuvxGwpJkU4k3Ia1VHLGx7JcRuBsigZjpOqNIYuuzz33ll3DVDmZWa0otlz0t7IY1EVsv661wqjr7oXaTD7BCQVAv-fO-yRZaSLP3rj0keNZhWkogWkXhofIJcngxbHVuPaXotr7NgSANr2dYt7=s2018" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2018" data-original-width="1280" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh3GvHm8bovlR6vNcyGsIyVDQ8RPNI-JFDhBlEnPAuvxGwpJkU4k3Ia1VHLGx7JcRuBsigZjpOqNIYuuzz33ll3DVDmZWa0otlz0t7IY1EVsv661wqjr7oXaTD7BCQVAv-fO-yRZaSLP3rj0keNZhWkogWkXhofIJcngxbHVuPaXotr7NgSANr2dYt7=w406-h640" width="406" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: center;">So you should understand how excited I was to find this trench in a new-like condition (I think there were still tags attached if I remember it right). I wore it a few times since then, even just for going on a walk. It's very versatile and will dress up any casual outfit. But it wouldn't be me if I didn't take it up a notch and wear with something less expected, like boho.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgn7BkqYZh2gn7x3Jp9TMGrssm1DLCfQ4TKMPt4GHnL-_aTTceguZpYAWjgvkq9m1pYwJzBrzOKuRpxhkI8q6kQraymOSxk8sTpRvYoTPvkUP2jlOJpfz9XYuEvOoS6KHkpOgUNNJ-GvJRYO8v6QX_sIQ4PL77nM_P0vQhrZf5hrIgoSCgt-E3VD1_V=s650" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="488" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgn7BkqYZh2gn7x3Jp9TMGrssm1DLCfQ4TKMPt4GHnL-_aTTceguZpYAWjgvkq9m1pYwJzBrzOKuRpxhkI8q6kQraymOSxk8sTpRvYoTPvkUP2jlOJpfz9XYuEvOoS6KHkpOgUNNJ-GvJRYO8v6QX_sIQ4PL77nM_P0vQhrZf5hrIgoSCgt-E3VD1_V=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgW_PlT7WbNoRDWnwaAkGS-WSSPJ7DKBof1v3pb45RyBBwg22hwxmYa53P286MTBVmzY7PsmJkWRhvIC0our0TXxNFKsM5zRlvFO3tV3-ixVpubBtBLPIZGQvA1drpxibQQvx6A7d3YLHsvFilxvNyX109oDfVkqWxLB2RCOR3AptldaiXwE77-Uxj1=s650" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="488" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgW_PlT7WbNoRDWnwaAkGS-WSSPJ7DKBof1v3pb45RyBBwg22hwxmYa53P286MTBVmzY7PsmJkWRhvIC0our0TXxNFKsM5zRlvFO3tV3-ixVpubBtBLPIZGQvA1drpxibQQvx6A7d3YLHsvFilxvNyX109oDfVkqWxLB2RCOR3AptldaiXwE77-Uxj1=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh9OUjq9Sqz4cWgSAZmba2CC3fMBsQDxnW1FD7Yj2zS_E13M8If7N5i3ZZQjo1nrpquL-QuOtuUzVzwML24L1MuiE-M2HiWrFm-cSOwRPMcM2VmgEofwNyR0PCBq9tY_QWdxulViqvwWhoI_gKQ9EECbD-SdvVXY1cbTzxkz0B477xKu3-upTi8S92Y=s650" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="488" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh9OUjq9Sqz4cWgSAZmba2CC3fMBsQDxnW1FD7Yj2zS_E13M8If7N5i3ZZQjo1nrpquL-QuOtuUzVzwML24L1MuiE-M2HiWrFm-cSOwRPMcM2VmgEofwNyR0PCBq9tY_QWdxulViqvwWhoI_gKQ9EECbD-SdvVXY1cbTzxkz0B477xKu3-upTi8S92Y=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Semi-precious stones became a bit of obsession of mine for a while. I don't remember whether I've already talked about it here on the blog. I found a few silver vintage pieces made in USSR, the amber ring I believe is from the 1960s. The purple stone is Charoite, rock that was found only in Siberia, on the River Chara, east of the Baikal Lake. If you'd like to learn more about this unique stone, I found an article in English <a href="https://capecodcrystals.com/pages/charoite" target="_blank">HERE</a>. If I understand it right, they do not mine charoite these days, so I am not sure where all these inexpensive modern day silver jewelry get their rocks from (perhaps, artificially grown). I took my ring and earrings to our jeweler, and he confirmed that they are real charoite. The earrings come from a set with another ring, which was too small for me. I gave the smaller size ring to my daughter - she loves purple, she loves silver, and she is mad about minerals.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjXTaXkM-MVOQw_0OHktQ3MswDPHDTLPzyQIQNRXqO7VH5gMFWMhdYb2O6tD3w0jvgbmAbNt5hd30UqxOj3J6kokAdQMp_RSwVEtFp-y3xDBJUrihm4McWzl7QxbnmbVBVNj2oQrWIlNP2yM2myFd66ZUQlgQwxIEEMS5KFHncnBkNNA7Ka82AxGz96=s650" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="488" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjXTaXkM-MVOQw_0OHktQ3MswDPHDTLPzyQIQNRXqO7VH5gMFWMhdYb2O6tD3w0jvgbmAbNt5hd30UqxOj3J6kokAdQMp_RSwVEtFp-y3xDBJUrihm4McWzl7QxbnmbVBVNj2oQrWIlNP2yM2myFd66ZUQlgQwxIEEMS5KFHncnBkNNA7Ka82AxGz96=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjg0lsswknLY_L4F48nWnIn6oD-6tQvZCH9Cww-LMDtWAMo_X84v4VurHv2kwwJOiLhSPY1Tb1NPIzUnxwHie64oRzHVW2lxA-YxfgTe6qiySYgmOxPHsciiTgQOm7rI0GHmyE1nfnYDMuqBtO1q23yg_cAj1G_PaUvoD-68nqqfjKtpaE_6hkPP7C1=s650" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="488" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjg0lsswknLY_L4F48nWnIn6oD-6tQvZCH9Cww-LMDtWAMo_X84v4VurHv2kwwJOiLhSPY1Tb1NPIzUnxwHie64oRzHVW2lxA-YxfgTe6qiySYgmOxPHsciiTgQOm7rI0GHmyE1nfnYDMuqBtO1q23yg_cAj1G_PaUvoD-68nqqfjKtpaE_6hkPP7C1=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The bracelet is a gift I was given many years ago (close to 20), and the rocks are jasper from Russia as well, made by an American craftsman. The two rings on my other hand are absolutely unique - they are custom made for me (bespoke in the truest sense of the word - there are no other rings in the world like these two). Both are Justin's gifts, made by our talented friends <a href="https://www.underhilljewelers.com/" target="_blank">Underhill Jewelers</a>, a husband and wife team Paul and Yeun. They are not only skillful and creative, and will work with you on the design that makes your heart sing, but also very kind and fun people to work with. The purple rectangular ring is Calcedony (article <a href="https://tinyrituals.co/blogs/tiny-rituals/chalcedony-meaning" target="_blank">HERE</a>) and two small ones on the sides are <a href="https://www.jewelsforme.com/garnet-meaning" target="_blank">garnets</a>. It was inspired by a ring I've seen, but Paul not just recreated it - he made it his own. The green oval ring is <a href="https://trulyexperiences.com/blog/aquamarine-stone/" target="_blank">Aquamarine</a>, and Yeun created a few custom designs to choose from. I loved the one with ocean-inspired details. Both rings are silver with some gold details. I love that they both are chunky, heavy and whimsical, but one is more streamline and somewhat minimalistic, while another one has intricate design. They go well together, combine with my other jewelry, and most important they reflect my personality.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg2cMVY1kJpaMgBvGuxvcb6ECN9yG2jU3s3B2SXC395HYz2ZjkoPozSDoG1lWfRij0sBp3BwHOfz8JQL1b7qdTRwFeNj_IGZG-RXO9KJ5_vDk0tGfMklTd-BZPQxKg8XRYVlLxLbI-MPU5cBA-c6uxzC-49fv_cIAlRSor_acMBA-2QtE1swEJXe7Yz=s650" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="488" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg2cMVY1kJpaMgBvGuxvcb6ECN9yG2jU3s3B2SXC395HYz2ZjkoPozSDoG1lWfRij0sBp3BwHOfz8JQL1b7qdTRwFeNj_IGZG-RXO9KJ5_vDk0tGfMklTd-BZPQxKg8XRYVlLxLbI-MPU5cBA-c6uxzC-49fv_cIAlRSor_acMBA-2QtE1swEJXe7Yz=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiA2j2V5oyRXVb4UZoU3_DbIvpPARbH1SfFl-eljYhUz35fETl4ZCG1botV772mlQT3sjmjU2xRuKjISjTr5zfOoVhdt0c0wbZphk8lQLp-B7r4MBXwhxWikaYalUV8XTS3tA7a6sOCaHEwGPG88FMVvuNAxz4TlKTcTBMqQ0hJkxCrECZq17mLRcZ7=s650" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="488" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiA2j2V5oyRXVb4UZoU3_DbIvpPARbH1SfFl-eljYhUz35fETl4ZCG1botV772mlQT3sjmjU2xRuKjISjTr5zfOoVhdt0c0wbZphk8lQLp-B7r4MBXwhxWikaYalUV8XTS3tA7a6sOCaHEwGPG88FMVvuNAxz4TlKTcTBMqQ0hJkxCrECZq17mLRcZ7=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">For the rest of the outfit, you could recognize the 100% heavy lace skirt (previously shown in <a href="http://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/2018/09/playing-with-neutrals.html" target="_blank">SEPTEMBER 2018</a>) and secondhand embroidered velvet purse. The green blouse is also cotton, bought some time ago, but wasn't worn yet. The boots are by Born, love wearing them with many of my outfits - so comfy and bohemian! Flowers are courtesy of Mother Nature. Photos by Justin.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjO_2VJQ-V9H_Gv3WSF-dJIzsvUqa5O8Dm-w_oJ193amR9zB4cWWbwZYFO00HN7sg1t-P9X_vWbVBgt4kby--eUfEXGJKlarGaTtrY14TusIXnKkyxSZwMTsPalUS7vzeLDU7GPFyxJGehK24pcvX2Pq_DDdIpiYtvY5699gY8yxtHQbc0zqSZg7RjN=s723" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="723" data-original-width="542" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjO_2VJQ-V9H_Gv3WSF-dJIzsvUqa5O8Dm-w_oJ193amR9zB4cWWbwZYFO00HN7sg1t-P9X_vWbVBgt4kby--eUfEXGJKlarGaTtrY14TusIXnKkyxSZwMTsPalUS7vzeLDU7GPFyxJGehK24pcvX2Pq_DDdIpiYtvY5699gY8yxtHQbc0zqSZg7RjN=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I've missed you, guys!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The next outfit post is coming soon!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">XO</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Natalia</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Natalia Lialinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07552652475347261756noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759460753738753423.post-80391689509616552652021-10-10T23:46:00.000-07:002021-10-10T23:46:10.455-07:00Taking the Next Step<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2gzo5kf44br2uufRnP7iyVZdZcuFu8ff4PBWUfTigljmibRSkombmWjr9gmMW9ryNuta11Z8iS1UAX4EwO5i0fXWadgZzfl1bdwPovFLR4lmt1EFfabB5lNxmct2lC4VVs_F11MJ19AE/s650/P1020483.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="488" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2gzo5kf44br2uufRnP7iyVZdZcuFu8ff4PBWUfTigljmibRSkombmWjr9gmMW9ryNuta11Z8iS1UAX4EwO5i0fXWadgZzfl1bdwPovFLR4lmt1EFfabB5lNxmct2lC4VVs_F11MJ19AE/w480-h640/P1020483.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hello friends,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's always a bit difficult to restart a conversation after a pause, isn't it? So let me jump right in, without a long introduction. We're old friends, after all. Thanks to blogging, you've known me for the past eight years. You've literally witnessed my little kid growing up. She was still in elementary school back in 2013 when I started this blog. This year, she graduated from school and started college. I'm often asked what she chose to study. Well, there is no simple answer to it. College education is very different here compared to mine back home in Russia in the 1990s. We had to choose our professional direction right away, and pretty much from day one, we knew what general field in which we'd be working once we graduate. Back then, I only wanted to study literature, so I chose philology. Pretty much all of my classes were related to this field, with some extras like Philosophy, Sociology, History and Economics. The rest was history of the Russian and world literature (mostly Western), modern European languages (German and Czech in my case), everything about modern Russian language and literature in depth, and ancient languages like Latin, old Russian and Old Slavic. Anya's classes at this point are pretty broad, some related to Arts and others to Science, and she doesn't have to choose her vocation till couple years later. Which is smart and generous for those who have many interests and not sure what to choose at 18. Which is, I believe, the majority.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtlpIinvsNFPGAHxuKWpHT87trFdF6JrewvOJwWp92ssPwTJ9mk1tvSm1wpa5rDY1GpqcT-JfzbVtxKyzXZU001z-F3odWG4LogAPMJ4Qong_FPIJgr7lVbDuY5ItTrxKP5_5ydKN7shE/s867/P1020357.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="867" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtlpIinvsNFPGAHxuKWpHT87trFdF6JrewvOJwWp92ssPwTJ9mk1tvSm1wpa5rDY1GpqcT-JfzbVtxKyzXZU001z-F3odWG4LogAPMJ4Qong_FPIJgr7lVbDuY5ItTrxKP5_5ydKN7shE/w640-h480/P1020357.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDPjIsrlWUvwhmfJVmDhsioKByNe8j1qPd4nERbc6fr3ToWHvuG88jPMeB3rzcjw3mkPblaYjvouXryVHk05aH29OsRPIR3uCDR7ssr_1Ff058h1MrBsIR3Ib1rL60U9uVHQgOdWLMfJQ/s867/P1020358.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="867" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDPjIsrlWUvwhmfJVmDhsioKByNe8j1qPd4nERbc6fr3ToWHvuG88jPMeB3rzcjw3mkPblaYjvouXryVHk05aH29OsRPIR3uCDR7ssr_1Ff058h1MrBsIR3Ib1rL60U9uVHQgOdWLMfJQ/w640-h480/P1020358.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7rrE1kDidYgXofZlOFnN6jB6u3GBVD5D3-Yfm5NnXla6mBVj-ZWznx5t-6BhF1F60LBzKcj3HKSXDrglgWhyphenhyphenjDU1xAlWJgxDQMbsArqDjwlOePTt6leicCJhFP6UY63MDQLJ96LLFpZs/s867/P1020364.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="867" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7rrE1kDidYgXofZlOFnN6jB6u3GBVD5D3-Yfm5NnXla6mBVj-ZWznx5t-6BhF1F60LBzKcj3HKSXDrglgWhyphenhyphenjDU1xAlWJgxDQMbsArqDjwlOePTt6leicCJhFP6UY63MDQLJ96LLFpZs/w640-h480/P1020364.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWYD-T1w4_0jEtQSWR8E0hb_69A01uK74HGStdNMD2aOmstbvmppyvUbU994Vd9t5Xb9MdNzCqQid1Xw6CWfNAJpzGhybj4qTU2_UBJN4S6mr40dG8A_neSt6EAIM-u7cdfGkRuuf1JbI/s867/P1020366.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="867" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWYD-T1w4_0jEtQSWR8E0hb_69A01uK74HGStdNMD2aOmstbvmppyvUbU994Vd9t5Xb9MdNzCqQid1Xw6CWfNAJpzGhybj4qTU2_UBJN4S6mr40dG8A_neSt6EAIM-u7cdfGkRuuf1JbI/w640-h480/P1020366.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's pretty rare when kids at 18 know what they want to pursue for the rest of their life, and even more so - very often, we find new interests in life and want to launch a new career at 38, and at 48, and at 58. I'm glad that in modern society it is more and more common to redevelop the sense of who you are and what you want to do with your life at any given stage and age. So Justin and I as parents don't expect that our daughter has a clear plan for the future and has her vocation all figured out. At 48, I am still trying to figure out who I am and what I want to do. I might see some parts, but not the whole picture. But then, at 18, I thought I knew it, and I was fortunate to study what I loved. Though I never knew what work I wanted to do in the future. It unfolded naturally - I was just taking one step at a time, following my nose and not rejecting the opportunities life offered. This morning, I read an interesting quote by Sophia Joan Short, "If you weren't ready, you wouldn't have the opportunity." It reminded me of the old saying, attributed to Buddha, "When the student is ready, the teacher will appear." It rings true to me. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>When we are ready, all we need to do is to take the next step.</i> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There was a brief encounter with the academic world. I know I was intelligent enough for this type of work, but I wouldn't withstand the intrigues and intriguers. So at the end, I'm glad life took me another way. There was also a public school job opportunity. But honestly, teaching in general and public schools in particular never attracted me. But when I was offered a job in publishing before I even defended my thesis, that seemed perfect. I loved working with texts. It was a good position all around, good people and good pay, and I stayed there for several years. But I knew that I'd end up working for myself some day. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My lovely and talented daughter, age 10...to 18.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> The first photo is from her blogpost in 2013 <a href="http://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/2013/10/a-girls-rainbow.html" target="_blank">HERE</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(still loving all the rainbow colors)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh7ZEWLOXQjXfWmHUFHPWjHEZIsAZZI3a0y-wgVjyH2Vn_O5W9FwBH43MMKbMJ0Y9Vk5Uy8-4KPgjp0K390PDQGVs9YUsJ5nUk_cNnPL65R3GMD96a05WMAUJIMmPZoqt5NtBZjmdz90QKKyXzG4MvhJ5g206t-SF0uN2u6aEOA01tk-odNO8KnI7lg=s800" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh7ZEWLOXQjXfWmHUFHPWjHEZIsAZZI3a0y-wgVjyH2Vn_O5W9FwBH43MMKbMJ0Y9Vk5Uy8-4KPgjp0K390PDQGVs9YUsJ5nUk_cNnPL65R3GMD96a05WMAUJIMmPZoqt5NtBZjmdz90QKKyXzG4MvhJ5g206t-SF0uN2u6aEOA01tk-odNO8KnI7lg=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg99W-IqlmTraR1MmNLfc9y10gscw_ZByN00GYHNcT4WAjSrZgNX6bZJfcQV5AH8EFImJvi2FG_obOq2Njg7USqtGHTmz0ePMJLuWK5ardnlV5tKIXs610zU0PIxs96ijclIlGwSVcxzHtvv6Z7mx98_g-_IKg-RliZAarF0Y3NFBrI1LCdvOeTOBDE=s719" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="719" data-original-width="539" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg99W-IqlmTraR1MmNLfc9y10gscw_ZByN00GYHNcT4WAjSrZgNX6bZJfcQV5AH8EFImJvi2FG_obOq2Njg7USqtGHTmz0ePMJLuWK5ardnlV5tKIXs610zU0PIxs96ijclIlGwSVcxzHtvv6Z7mx98_g-_IKg-RliZAarF0Y3NFBrI1LCdvOeTOBDE=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVjneQHrAAAuqY7_L7fKR3aEZKnNSDQqJRkEFxNmv1py-3w9ELl_EUpxTfDiGuwSQy5hRvIPkpik_75CJxihm4kcSfxXljVsPpg-3qut7w027gyAH5fxSWOa9etoO9abjMsKybjOuJ1-4/s650/P1020368.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="488" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVjneQHrAAAuqY7_L7fKR3aEZKnNSDQqJRkEFxNmv1py-3w9ELl_EUpxTfDiGuwSQy5hRvIPkpik_75CJxihm4kcSfxXljVsPpg-3qut7w027gyAH5fxSWOa9etoO9abjMsKybjOuJ1-4/w480-h640/P1020368.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik0WhNHt_72UkuvGVZf8tld4fEW_bbPNU9tHoIJVuSujHs-v-sGsrl5pRYvJz59R9MSKBbXsYdOagI7CM8aNstdOIfSLN3IbDTuSSZuVgr2rqK3UBId3paguVgw0lLtNPcHjqsn8UZmYU/s650/P1020381.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; 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text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGM19F3_JBMeupQFCjdchCESxr95mkOWKP1md9glj1-807QKVFGfhpR6ES8bF-eLXP2y6CM4iMJNpblxju1GiPKTe08TpFT89yI0hQiUz8NHuQh0vUnhjalp7IOsK0TooQAMgLo0kDbRg/s650/P1020400.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="488" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGM19F3_JBMeupQFCjdchCESxr95mkOWKP1md9glj1-807QKVFGfhpR6ES8bF-eLXP2y6CM4iMJNpblxju1GiPKTe08TpFT89yI0hQiUz8NHuQh0vUnhjalp7IOsK0TooQAMgLo0kDbRg/w480-h640/P1020400.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmUERxszIbOMkbS0Y64Qh2p3RFXZzND_ZdBjCIqbLLSCQrMT39vLlhg4FMk_BIfl8bDChFLLdHdtV04okSkzbbpptxMdDl72Do2W39NGS0YpsORqMYaIMFp1wvhYbqtZfcyG11fK-X6Lg/s650/P1020410.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="488" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmUERxszIbOMkbS0Y64Qh2p3RFXZzND_ZdBjCIqbLLSCQrMT39vLlhg4FMk_BIfl8bDChFLLdHdtV04okSkzbbpptxMdDl72Do2W39NGS0YpsORqMYaIMFp1wvhYbqtZfcyG11fK-X6Lg/w480-h640/P1020410.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOYFByQGbUeduhiFh108OHV6uJ0t78UIJXB0vnwU9KxTpTLT_XKyy4C0z7hLeAgFQs5JYbUGOZ8_B_56wsYMBMoVsd2vFONW7XqgxXpIFfAspafAY2Yn_ua7jl31cHbfBCGs9f0OZgQog/s650/P1020419.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="488" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOYFByQGbUeduhiFh108OHV6uJ0t78UIJXB0vnwU9KxTpTLT_XKyy4C0z7hLeAgFQs5JYbUGOZ8_B_56wsYMBMoVsd2vFONW7XqgxXpIFfAspafAY2Yn_ua7jl31cHbfBCGs9f0OZgQog/w480-h640/P1020419.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">That day came when I moved to the US. When you find yourself in a completely new environment, where you know absolutely nothing about the surrounding world, and the world doesn't know about you either, the questions of who you are and what you want to do come up to the surface with new intensity. I've tried a few things, some related to my educational and cultural background, and others unrelated. I worked for others briefly, but realized that I work better on my own, collaborating with a few people who are creative and likeminded. Those are extremely rare to find, and I am so fortunate that these people are my closest family and true soulmates. I love coming up with my own ideas and working on them. But I value all the experiences I've been gathering over the years working for and with other people, because they taught me a lot. And even though I am still in the process of figuring out all the pieces of who I am, some pieces I've found. Some of them weren't surprising to find, like my native language and creative writing. They just always were there since I can remember myself. Others surprised me, to say the least, like leadership when I founded a whole new community and school. And like teaching. I just was so sure that I'd never teach in my life, that it's just <i>not me</i> at all. Until one day, I couldn't say that it wasn't me any more. Ever since then, I work with students and enjoy it. Knowing everything I know about bilingualism from raising my own daughter and helping my students, I wanted to come up with fun and unique materials. So I called up my brother one day with the idea of making our own animation. And we started working on Russian for Beginners cartoon series, some of which are now available on my YouTube channel:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QrS50vAHG_8" width="320" youtube-src-id="QrS50vAHG_8"></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Did any of us, my brother Andrei or my husband Justin or even myself knew that we'd be creating our own books and cartoons? Nope. They didn't teach that at our universities. Yet it was the next step to take, and we did and continue taking these next steps. So no, I would never expect my daughter or anyone else at 18 to know who they are and choose once and forever what they want to do. It's very cool if you find yourself, as they say, when you are young. But it's equally cool to find pieces of who you are throughout your life. It's difficult, but rewarding. I'd love to find more "pieces" of me, no matter when, and even if it happens at 68 or at 88, I'd be thrilled. Finding these precious pieces of myself reminds me of creating a beautiful garden. It includes everything, from planning and researching to working in the soil and planting. And later enjoying both our and nature's work, admiring, beholding, meditating. No matter how many times I visit a garden and during what season, there is always something new to discover. Nature is amazing, and while it repeats its cycles, it never fully repeats itself. There is always a place for wonder. And for wander. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiiJ7sKchGT661dAmIU_tfOLUPpC7Mm8bnCCjnymFcJyck1HLllVmQgOWM5a1j2fkaiDmJ4phTgrmoGsFuwBE0fFAArNy5f0CYbSSrDHvyj6xs5tYKPYtpgCmNuciGI4WKbevsOYcIv4I/s650/P1020432.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="488" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiiJ7sKchGT661dAmIU_tfOLUPpC7Mm8bnCCjnymFcJyck1HLllVmQgOWM5a1j2fkaiDmJ4phTgrmoGsFuwBE0fFAArNy5f0CYbSSrDHvyj6xs5tYKPYtpgCmNuciGI4WKbevsOYcIv4I/w480-h640/P1020432.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAoPExBnAXz9r_XLtDiiv0TXD-AOifexWxHaY6jYwQZ3ul9KgJOIF5fX61Z35zrxr6ixBQpKH8zShz3nZoeEnKJPAfpJ1zvWSVzwRWc81TPLHFTEb8yf1nM_wZk10iMMJ_VrfJi3xT0Kg/s650/P1020438.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="488" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAoPExBnAXz9r_XLtDiiv0TXD-AOifexWxHaY6jYwQZ3ul9KgJOIF5fX61Z35zrxr6ixBQpKH8zShz3nZoeEnKJPAfpJ1zvWSVzwRWc81TPLHFTEb8yf1nM_wZk10iMMJ_VrfJi3xT0Kg/w480-h640/P1020438.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3oQ6aNQPVLmoev7ZaK4Pqu2FHtY2BUx0xn-4BUxlKZi7MjP21ITe2YPgePDtV9LjC2qSr7TKFPwJb-VHtmSu8yV_KWqArXWFQkV_VmoEzbOU6ljfmMiQSm-ut0dXBq9b9OWPDIryVrGs/s650/P1020446.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="488" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3oQ6aNQPVLmoev7ZaK4Pqu2FHtY2BUx0xn-4BUxlKZi7MjP21ITe2YPgePDtV9LjC2qSr7TKFPwJb-VHtmSu8yV_KWqArXWFQkV_VmoEzbOU6ljfmMiQSm-ut0dXBq9b9OWPDIryVrGs/w480-h640/P1020446.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGaQxJv-yI1l089AVv8FtsuvWqQLdXodFYNvNwShLDhC__EAmb78riPArUNlAeQBh437sBEtEJVTTWYSW3PjnZZMoC0OXuC_dGWlUJYG_uih3I-bfFB-7bCPCVgB1vK1T5JojlQQl0y4k/s650/P1020459.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="488" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGaQxJv-yI1l089AVv8FtsuvWqQLdXodFYNvNwShLDhC__EAmb78riPArUNlAeQBh437sBEtEJVTTWYSW3PjnZZMoC0OXuC_dGWlUJYG_uih3I-bfFB-7bCPCVgB1vK1T5JojlQQl0y4k/w480-h640/P1020459.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">That sunny 85 F day at the end of September, Justin and I decided to do just that, to wonder and wander in a garden. Bellevue Botanical Garden is one of our favorite places for a stroll. I shared photos from it a couple of years back (check out my old post <a href="http://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/2018/09/dahlia-display.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>). They had an amazing extended dahlia display that year which, unfortunately, was much smaller this year, but sill quite beautiful. As an amateur gardener I pay attention to what plants local gardeners use each season and what different ways flower beds are arranged. I love these series of photographs Justin took - the evening light playing with petals tenderly. Justin was definitely on fire, as were many photographers and models: young girls, expecting mothers and whole families...</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX-g5VdvaH9NgSf7bCCqo1IRtKINBdTVag_hPLWC5vWsis3KxFSty0WtNWUK7-OgxdBQyD61EpNQ72GsZxq7XP137irAxYCt7OzzQv-3ieV1lSpXmdmYORBX745wBTIN-vxnTNVnBZS0A/s867/P1020456.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="867" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX-g5VdvaH9NgSf7bCCqo1IRtKINBdTVag_hPLWC5vWsis3KxFSty0WtNWUK7-OgxdBQyD61EpNQ72GsZxq7XP137irAxYCt7OzzQv-3ieV1lSpXmdmYORBX745wBTIN-vxnTNVnBZS0A/w640-h480/P1020456.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFePSqJwMESzdXvibounPEYJ2Yitb6y8Cs6htVwPxedG62LAeh01R5IH8bTNoJJM5OaC10sGr9t8cEWkwiiBGyxbFXCiAZwEJUuuAAE8TIKg3LDiYfM000t2mtdrurcqKOAKZeJP-0JN4/s867/P1020468.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="867" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFePSqJwMESzdXvibounPEYJ2Yitb6y8Cs6htVwPxedG62LAeh01R5IH8bTNoJJM5OaC10sGr9t8cEWkwiiBGyxbFXCiAZwEJUuuAAE8TIKg3LDiYfM000t2mtdrurcqKOAKZeJP-0JN4/w640-h480/P1020468.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-_SLP8GqYFvMeoigkjxDS9crBSIu6xq9iqef3q9vJJqMNPfXr_2DMeWw6_gRPpKNqvvYhbLwnZ2JLUKskvYnxeh6ZoxAf57Rrn84Kb1D2CGQWqc53HmXVS-unNEltnnT0-OLa8gD0ECQ/s867/P1020472.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="867" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-_SLP8GqYFvMeoigkjxDS9crBSIu6xq9iqef3q9vJJqMNPfXr_2DMeWw6_gRPpKNqvvYhbLwnZ2JLUKskvYnxeh6ZoxAf57Rrn84Kb1D2CGQWqc53HmXVS-unNEltnnT0-OLa8gD0ECQ/w640-h480/P1020472.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRZ6CAmXMfdfkQdO-wwTNjuDTiv6TSks4qgphfNsfXwvYMayQlXNUfUCXCFdskhHsK7MEZvwgO2B4xiHATnFVe1CGinF8pfq9s-2JqyY5thheOF0Rp3sGTmddC4DHnXjRmo-szjtzr8rw/s867/P1020508.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="867" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRZ6CAmXMfdfkQdO-wwTNjuDTiv6TSks4qgphfNsfXwvYMayQlXNUfUCXCFdskhHsK7MEZvwgO2B4xiHATnFVe1CGinF8pfq9s-2JqyY5thheOF0Rp3sGTmddC4DHnXjRmo-szjtzr8rw/w640-h480/P1020508.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM5fvujGHXUnqH6UTvgYSzvP5fuskze5jEwIT5GHRo3QrG6mEHu9B37ds8e1HhTS-NznuO5V_qTH1OWes2_fhRJcdA4pd-HihgU7pDksqocz-T40IQP45QbUq4MKpSDN671MmjXwCZwho/s867/P1020509.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="867" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM5fvujGHXUnqH6UTvgYSzvP5fuskze5jEwIT5GHRo3QrG6mEHu9B37ds8e1HhTS-NznuO5V_qTH1OWes2_fhRJcdA4pd-HihgU7pDksqocz-T40IQP45QbUq4MKpSDN671MmjXwCZwho/w640-h480/P1020509.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw3NE8z3Ci0i-sthLMDU-IRmMuF1R3qgE2kkGRxeFtn7QDbjiepZCki_Kyf459CBTEmL1lXizcfTreDYD0pGzc_ki71ABBBR9SqBr1mdkI4vnboPeF8aeFfPff-faanBFqzWTaKeDn65Y/s867/P1020512.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="867" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw3NE8z3Ci0i-sthLMDU-IRmMuF1R3qgE2kkGRxeFtn7QDbjiepZCki_Kyf459CBTEmL1lXizcfTreDYD0pGzc_ki71ABBBR9SqBr1mdkI4vnboPeF8aeFfPff-faanBFqzWTaKeDn65Y/w640-h480/P1020512.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The cotton dress became a strong favorite during late Summer / early Fall days, so pleasant and easy to wear. I styled it with my old red sandals, embroidered thrifted bag and red beads which are made of some kind of seeds I believe. I'm loving this dress so much - I'm going to take it into Fall, just by adding boots and a coat or cardigan. And then, who knows, we might take another stroll in a garden and take you with us again. So we can wonder and wander together, and talk more about life and finding who we are.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtguejRK0FV8LXnZhw34F_3bLDWoeHsNtJ8thovGMBzCKDViZvAvC-5TROWcaUl-pDyBUJMZy5QBGm-ulwdba7sjiflHD19x6xyKaUYcPZR4CCuwxF6gBDOVnaf_rYrhna4RTjsLFpGIE/s650/P1020491.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="488" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtguejRK0FV8LXnZhw34F_3bLDWoeHsNtJ8thovGMBzCKDViZvAvC-5TROWcaUl-pDyBUJMZy5QBGm-ulwdba7sjiflHD19x6xyKaUYcPZR4CCuwxF6gBDOVnaf_rYrhna4RTjsLFpGIE/w480-h640/P1020491.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIVPNstTm9fBDI39Ks2oN6VRtUmrbuP54iduk5YLNRH-tob__Rrbf65R8MHotBUrh8B0IDaBsh1howagzB7wltHhWoX_HA4pyhrXo3lihPzh1eF0m5ODqYXlTazgNfB8SGQ453S4lhHHs/s650/P1020515.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="488" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIVPNstTm9fBDI39Ks2oN6VRtUmrbuP54iduk5YLNRH-tob__Rrbf65R8MHotBUrh8B0IDaBsh1howagzB7wltHhWoX_HA4pyhrXo3lihPzh1eF0m5ODqYXlTazgNfB8SGQ453S4lhHHs/w480-h640/P1020515.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZceolPyl-DRbDhqyj2E9b_7VCe7f_9P9ld65rqUz4vgwerb4_3bm3pkozP7nW8dwg1jzGBMGcdwas-29VEO375W_Q70STBM24ktUMFrzEAhPYk9UkEP-0aPnBcfL2Lr1RH4_KrrxGANQ/s650/P1020530.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="488" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZceolPyl-DRbDhqyj2E9b_7VCe7f_9P9ld65rqUz4vgwerb4_3bm3pkozP7nW8dwg1jzGBMGcdwas-29VEO375W_Q70STBM24ktUMFrzEAhPYk9UkEP-0aPnBcfL2Lr1RH4_KrrxGANQ/w480-h640/P1020530.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZXsT1sQQ3b8OSX1iUskk8LyOkfuM6o__2LH4ccwtFEegEtoX24M1uFYJC0RAC7s6oUVGbRlsWoO3k8Cm8Y6O6fuvSopyjhb_3z8U7DQ8P9ccPo1UQwCoCfJtdVBom-MQGy22pVM-1l5E/s650/P1020537.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="488" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZXsT1sQQ3b8OSX1iUskk8LyOkfuM6o__2LH4ccwtFEegEtoX24M1uFYJC0RAC7s6oUVGbRlsWoO3k8Cm8Y6O6fuvSopyjhb_3z8U7DQ8P9ccPo1UQwCoCfJtdVBom-MQGy22pVM-1l5E/w480-h640/P1020537.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Dress - Eloquii</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Accessories - vintage, thrifted or custom-made</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Photos by Justin</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Catch me on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/natalia.lialina.author/" target="_blank">HERE</a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My brother and I create beautiful and meaningful tales. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our books (The Wishing Shelf Book Awards 2018, London UK) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">are available in Russian and English at the US libraries <a href="https://outofthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/p/our-books-in-libraries.html" target="_blank">HERE</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Or choose to support independent artists and</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">purchase online from anywhere in the world - America, Europe, Australia!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Order our books as a gift to</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> your children, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">grandchildren, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">neighborhood,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">school, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">library,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">friends, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">family, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">yourself,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">your community </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.chickenleghouse.com/books" target="_blank">HERE</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here is our garden walk on my YouTube channel (in Russian):</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Y_hrqygxmec" width="320" youtube-src-id="Y_hrqygxmec"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixyGDqHZiZEZgS93_hdLIi41-w_R2___KPlI-vmp4Q7qpsxQyZxvJibkyWF9V_xIhQQ0sHLAVMFHkUDGbUWDxNO9Z-lFx2wrlfyoVUidhUuJwdkrol6l2EBSY2sEYC4vA1TFf9kTLTbkA/s800/XOX.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixyGDqHZiZEZgS93_hdLIi41-w_R2___KPlI-vmp4Q7qpsxQyZxvJibkyWF9V_xIhQQ0sHLAVMFHkUDGbUWDxNO9Z-lFx2wrlfyoVUidhUuJwdkrol6l2EBSY2sEYC4vA1TFf9kTLTbkA/s320/XOX.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p>Natalia Lialinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07552652475347261756noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759460753738753423.post-25054866641027775562021-04-24T19:10:00.008-07:002021-04-24T22:19:21.966-07:00Ms. Moon, Mr. Lamp and Other Stories<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyvfmxr66kPHvF6p7XCpyUzBFMz0lHzN83CU9-mnA7QpkSg9J81vwhRm8iLt-02-LP9iuPh1oe3M-vSDjljRbLYgnmzxnVqGdoxT2DAScTggGdGFIq7aoNGuk1Q6gMCr6CiqORSikAS-k/s898/eP1010252.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="898" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyvfmxr66kPHvF6p7XCpyUzBFMz0lHzN83CU9-mnA7QpkSg9J81vwhRm8iLt-02-LP9iuPh1oe3M-vSDjljRbLYgnmzxnVqGdoxT2DAScTggGdGFIq7aoNGuk1Q6gMCr6CiqORSikAS-k/s16000/eP1010252.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It is cool and drizzly out as I'm writing this now, but just recently we had a stretch of glorious sunny days which felt like Summer. To celebrate it, Justin and I went out a few times and even ate at a restaurant, on a patio to enjoy sunshine and be safe. With gorgeous weather and opened restaurants, it felt as if there was no pandemic, even though we all still wear masks. It's hard to explain, but driving down a busy highway, coming home after a day of adventure, I caught myself thinking that for brief moments life seemed just as it was before, as if there was no long weird year of isolation and anxiety... Have you had such a feeling lately or is it just me?</div><span></span><span><a name='more'></a></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyWCMmeKjfkftl5Y92bHBc2dMA9cPqnwiv9rsLaQp-h6Jwm2LOYWgjs22phqBg0NrhGdyFiCgpUE21mjTwsx9vvxsw8G5ArLcQ01yCUP_sNDzad4IyKzVJbHAMo6JGRc_I3PhyphenhyphenbEL5X48/s898/eP1010241.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="898" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyWCMmeKjfkftl5Y92bHBc2dMA9cPqnwiv9rsLaQp-h6Jwm2LOYWgjs22phqBg0NrhGdyFiCgpUE21mjTwsx9vvxsw8G5ArLcQ01yCUP_sNDzad4IyKzVJbHAMo6JGRc_I3PhyphenhyphenbEL5X48/s16000/eP1010241.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjokc1qp_gOv2dpVEB4HBLL6wWD1YeqRZhXF8plteGrK2yfJYl2m5B79VwrA8HCM3QvHce6jBIb3OJuJ9kU2onkpnIg72obYq0OQXaDSJVsukM99XjryXDibDB2fuDqJusmLweYH7gCIGE/s600/eP1010261.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="505" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjokc1qp_gOv2dpVEB4HBLL6wWD1YeqRZhXF8plteGrK2yfJYl2m5B79VwrA8HCM3QvHce6jBIb3OJuJ9kU2onkpnIg72obYq0OQXaDSJVsukM99XjryXDibDB2fuDqJusmLweYH7gCIGE/s16000/eP1010261.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">On one such beautiful day, we decided to escape to Edmonds, a lovely town just north of Seattle, for thrift shopping and some downtime at the beach. I wore this African inspired dress by Eloquii (one of my favorite themes - you know my love for earthy tones, bold patterns and all that). Isn't it a great design? I just love the subtle colorblocking and diagonal cut, I think it would look flattering literally on everybody. I even received compliments (oh such a forgotten feeling during the time of isolation). I combined it with my old striped straw hat and chunky glass necklace by Chico's which was waiting for it's 15 minutes of fame for probably 5 or 6 years since <a href="http://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/2015/07/night-owl-in-early-bird-world.html" target="_blank">THIS 2015 OUTFIT</a> (apparently I also have matching earrings - totally forgot about them). I bought the golden sandals last year I believe, but hardly had a chance to wear them. The purse is from Eloquii as well, snapped during sales - and I am glad I did, it's such a stylish bag! It also happens to have a diagonal cut and mixed textures, a happy coincidence with my dress design. My denim jacket is by Old Navy - I like their classic and affordable denim. It's funny but only now looking back at the pictures I realized that it supports the blue necklace. I never really analyze my outfits while putting them together, I just go by feeling, and it often works out just fine. (Come to think, it's pretty much my approach to everything. so if you ask me why I did what I did, I get in a stupor, and never really have a comprehensive answer. How about, 'Just because?' Haha.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnsdQ6l8qiFmZ1fxYMHdc1n3zvPQ-KgBpRYetey9g23vs70UukCUa3TSVHlaSy6jfbD78CIEyjWlaJvo687CAE1N-01vFm8Kz0v2dgWT8Rck7nM2fLl1q-rapedWPO5O8Mxy6M9z3KXYM/s898/eP1010226.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="898" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnsdQ6l8qiFmZ1fxYMHdc1n3zvPQ-KgBpRYetey9g23vs70UukCUa3TSVHlaSy6jfbD78CIEyjWlaJvo687CAE1N-01vFm8Kz0v2dgWT8Rck7nM2fLl1q-rapedWPO5O8Mxy6M9z3KXYM/s16000/eP1010226.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg79xP1rFtm75rxUBS2GCfz-a_HpwH6VCIib021xlWc5hzgqyeDFgUN66eJf2cYkYQskl9Zv0PHlbzRI6dG2TvgR0xy33a4JrV3r6MCyQB0cTop-c_vCAD1FhwK45jVzjetT2nb2M_JAKU/s900/eP1010306.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg79xP1rFtm75rxUBS2GCfz-a_HpwH6VCIib021xlWc5hzgqyeDFgUN66eJf2cYkYQskl9Zv0PHlbzRI6dG2TvgR0xy33a4JrV3r6MCyQB0cTop-c_vCAD1FhwK45jVzjetT2nb2M_JAKU/s16000/eP1010306.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now you're expecting me to tell you what I found at thrift shops, right? Well, that's a whole other story. We visited a few in the last couple of weeks, and the list of finds would be too long. But I'll share one of my favorite discoveries - this lamp. It's a vintage Stiffel, a trusty old American lighting brand with a good reputation for solid brass lamp base. Justin said his parents had a few at their home (and it was an elegant home made with love and artistic attention to detail since his Mom was a true artist, and both of his parents loved history and antiques, and designed their home from scratch together. Something that we'd love to be able to do one day).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfeFzidVCK5ygVCT2PniiuQd2FyNcaib3VEYZAAHclvXyVwDOIurk0PkEojk-7vJrNZyn_dByq4dReGlLrXM0l8newltAplzxlAqBuedjJkqPDuOcGN8do7_P2WwpZVT9VhE3fIJiq1Lc/s800/eIMG-2265.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfeFzidVCK5ygVCT2PniiuQd2FyNcaib3VEYZAAHclvXyVwDOIurk0PkEojk-7vJrNZyn_dByq4dReGlLrXM0l8newltAplzxlAqBuedjJkqPDuOcGN8do7_P2WwpZVT9VhE3fIJiq1Lc/s16000/eIMG-2265.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0-Z6QlUJblsglN9PxXcfmHF_380Tpysd2c0i30v8CgnMgvNnMo_rdbrG5Fjfz5RF5USBVn-7-IzoGz8vdWJ4jXUDslqe4HxpjmI8Ps2QMmMYOEuQdbdaShxQP6oUU_WvXoweIfwZ7On4/s800/eIMG-2268.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0-Z6QlUJblsglN9PxXcfmHF_380Tpysd2c0i30v8CgnMgvNnMo_rdbrG5Fjfz5RF5USBVn-7-IzoGz8vdWJ4jXUDslqe4HxpjmI8Ps2QMmMYOEuQdbdaShxQP6oUU_WvXoweIfwZ7On4/s16000/eIMG-2268.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But going back to our lovely little cottage for the time being, you can see that we reposition my new vintage desk to nestle under the window - it fits perfectly between our porch glass door and a fireplace as if it was destined to be there. (You can see the desk in my previous post <a href="http://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/2021/04/spring-epitome-vintage-desk.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>.) The new lamp sits on it quite happily - I suspect that, just as the desk itself, the lamp is another mutt - a midcentury fantasy based on historic Victorian lamps (a student lamp, a candlestick lamp etc.) - you agree with me? Nevertheless, I love my new friends very much, and the quality is simply amazing. The new and even old vintage Stiffel brass lamps go for a couple hundred bucks and up. I found mine at a local Goodwill for only $12. Since that, I found more, but this one is the most unique and striking.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy100n0HKTidwrDVFHYHo6Oyn4-Vi0vy3H-UIqSDimqVPD1roY1M8g3T2VRqZxe07PTUrmm5ANhp6Wg8I7WhG97ErUhJAcsB0fEYYGkNNfONFdhOL-2ms4PVAKvC6P5avqi04RBbTic0E/s600/eP1010299.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="407" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy100n0HKTidwrDVFHYHo6Oyn4-Vi0vy3H-UIqSDimqVPD1roY1M8g3T2VRqZxe07PTUrmm5ANhp6Wg8I7WhG97ErUhJAcsB0fEYYGkNNfONFdhOL-2ms4PVAKvC6P5avqi04RBbTic0E/s16000/eP1010299.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our romantic outing wouldn't be complete without photos of a sunset beach and couples in love, and of course the Moon herself, lover's best friend. Can you see what Justin's new camera is capable of? You can actually observe what's going on up there!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgROa5uZQyWMXEv1hWUQepXAa78Uagw21EC_6EN4OaivUXuBabiEFBAkJ-hGmW4e-fNXeRA-FoXvYYB0CFMixYFmjNe0ECZB64gjxdHukbXHiK9TIiCzTKckV4UCzV9AgAmpTD-OWWBLiM/s600/eP1010296.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="511" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgROa5uZQyWMXEv1hWUQepXAa78Uagw21EC_6EN4OaivUXuBabiEFBAkJ-hGmW4e-fNXeRA-FoXvYYB0CFMixYFmjNe0ECZB64gjxdHukbXHiK9TIiCzTKckV4UCzV9AgAmpTD-OWWBLiM/s16000/eP1010296.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ufqJX6UD024ujh0rAVcbogLdt4p_yByZB3BpdzgZZhUVpsvdj7Lyq8Bvr2E396zUVEwseqjJ-cwRPoKx7Kd2XCtMnj2aPo0hwLg0RoBXSAw6ReM0pZSlsIDhC4wRBpUy2ttDKJyzdAY/s600/eP1010304.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="401" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ufqJX6UD024ujh0rAVcbogLdt4p_yByZB3BpdzgZZhUVpsvdj7Lyq8Bvr2E396zUVEwseqjJ-cwRPoKx7Kd2XCtMnj2aPo0hwLg0RoBXSAw6ReM0pZSlsIDhC4wRBpUy2ttDKJyzdAY/s16000/eP1010304.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you like this outfit, you might also enjoy these:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/2020/07/new-black-white.html" target="_blank">JULY 2020</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/2019/08/modish-matrons-38-mm-do-africa.html" target="_blank">AUGUST 2019</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/2019/07/modish-matrons-37-on-beach-by-pool.html" target="_blank">JULY 2019</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/2017/07/modish-matrons-13-safari.html" target="_blank">JULY 2017</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/2015/07/night-owl-in-early-bird-world.html" target="_blank">JULY 2015</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thank you so much for reading and coming back for a bit more of chit-chatting, educating me about cool old stuff, and hopefully inspiration for your own lives!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lots of love to you all!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMgRCFjGbx8rXDajAwtMCzFI-79PG1UkAe7IbASgeAZbzL8pjK7oqG-xhHoCLbUottYeJJHhcGRQ5feNGuXMPxOa_tDY1d8q4VzZw6kpauNWsDj6GkGUI3SZwXIuvE4n-nFMUYG3ClZ3g/s800/XOX.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMgRCFjGbx8rXDajAwtMCzFI-79PG1UkAe7IbASgeAZbzL8pjK7oqG-xhHoCLbUottYeJJHhcGRQ5feNGuXMPxOa_tDY1d8q4VzZw6kpauNWsDj6GkGUI3SZwXIuvE4n-nFMUYG3ClZ3g/w400-h300/XOX.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><br />Natalia Lialinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07552652475347261756noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759460753738753423.post-38669738167363453272021-04-10T16:50:00.000-07:002021-04-10T16:50:11.974-07:00Spring Epitome & Vintage Desk<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5XXvQEgO6aKcvG0p5wKI2TCh3_uNn1we0scot9cNOvGPfmdgp50RqysX0MVOsJXVcAEkHkbvHwDAIZjuaaB4ibJeq0h9LaEwh-Mh45TxwX7GU00cCU1bacX219r8CBKo39_XyrIRnnZI/s800/eP1010071.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5XXvQEgO6aKcvG0p5wKI2TCh3_uNn1we0scot9cNOvGPfmdgp50RqysX0MVOsJXVcAEkHkbvHwDAIZjuaaB4ibJeq0h9LaEwh-Mh45TxwX7GU00cCU1bacX219r8CBKo39_XyrIRnnZI/s16000/eP1010071.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Every Spring, with no exception, the world of fashion explodes with floral dresses - mostly in soft pastel colors. I confess, I am tempted to join the fun, but pastel tones don't work that well with my pale freckled skin. I am more of a jewel tone and warm earthy color girl who blossoms in bold pattern and strong color dresses. But this frock, I thought, offered a beautiful balance of fresh soft pastels and strong bold colors on a dark background reminiscent of the bareness of early Spring. I appreciate the comfy style of it while also being so striking. So you understand - it had to be done!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span><a name='more'></a></span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5PTsW6H9tiwZf3oB_0b6cnFg9BLBAfOPqcMYo4Y7KgeFkP9M1AOcvCJ3YVBk9AWUhotKdGrpBudWXA0iuGQeC01vyMfofgTG0nLje3giaWJToqkCfbT-zEikuN_P76SvoooFL3d0-Ytw/s800/eP1010058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5PTsW6H9tiwZf3oB_0b6cnFg9BLBAfOPqcMYo4Y7KgeFkP9M1AOcvCJ3YVBk9AWUhotKdGrpBudWXA0iuGQeC01vyMfofgTG0nLje3giaWJToqkCfbT-zEikuN_P76SvoooFL3d0-Ytw/s16000/eP1010058.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCgUFuE8yuirR2akvMc8asVHoE9jnyySrgyHP4SLrQiOTpKaF4cTBSMmJ5qLCyqo6NSRjI8X6ZJvzqY7GptcRet19ufAiS5Zn5VLsW3s5NkMKta4Vt83AK2R7FUmEPmhxocA_0iiLBL9Y/s800/eP1000998.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCgUFuE8yuirR2akvMc8asVHoE9jnyySrgyHP4SLrQiOTpKaF4cTBSMmJ5qLCyqo6NSRjI8X6ZJvzqY7GptcRet19ufAiS5Zn5VLsW3s5NkMKta4Vt83AK2R7FUmEPmhxocA_0iiLBL9Y/s16000/eP1000998.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I paired my new 'Spring epitome' dress with a faux leather moto jacket which I bought on sale (same style as my <a href="http://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/2021/02/meet-me-at-twilight.html" target="_blank">red oversized one</a>, but I got a size smaller for a slightly shorter length and closer fit). The pink earrings and silver ring with <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charoite" target="_blank">Chariote</a> (purple rock found only in Siberia) are vintage. Both the ring and the sterling silver angel necklace are new to me, the latest one is a vintage-inspired piece hand-crafted by the contemporary American brand Mondo Mondo. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhADgP2PxQALHNoAHwV8brMq6xkQN8mduytW1vEqvgO1ciZHilfVSektjaaJXGJBCwarlZctWyKTXHkKJfG3QiuJYiDUPnK-eHOnZANlWkR-_QS-_kTE6LauriRl0f-ULUdWBDo3xAUOrk/s800/eP1010039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhADgP2PxQALHNoAHwV8brMq6xkQN8mduytW1vEqvgO1ciZHilfVSektjaaJXGJBCwarlZctWyKTXHkKJfG3QiuJYiDUPnK-eHOnZANlWkR-_QS-_kTE6LauriRl0f-ULUdWBDo3xAUOrk/s16000/eP1010039.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The question, of course, is where did I go dressed up like this? The answer is simple as the truth itself - thrifting and vintage hunting with my fam, where else!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsbE0YJ0gfTZFgOi4-YF27HcjbZ3_LBFi52QP0X1gYvTFgsXYPa8EXNYDodMobFmeiW4ojLCbeWtJCawcGSMzJSKC14xLIpWM5C_kABrk3UEwztgJSMH72QnB3R15bHMZ6mp4ZpKyHHzo/s800/eIMG-2129.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsbE0YJ0gfTZFgOi4-YF27HcjbZ3_LBFi52QP0X1gYvTFgsXYPa8EXNYDodMobFmeiW4ojLCbeWtJCawcGSMzJSKC14xLIpWM5C_kABrk3UEwztgJSMH72QnB3R15bHMZ6mp4ZpKyHHzo/s16000/eIMG-2129.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfxWklTVX5xFirmG5V6y6yl3KOAQc6ekXyAMpHTzLL5ZR0-9SpTpF3AsnhK1sbaozX6sarfaosWUYEsuK0nf_OHOk6EersI8K9aAfBNXDWz1QbS1Rvx2JM20O4XuhzfXiUZi4_d199sSQ/s800/eIMG-2123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfxWklTVX5xFirmG5V6y6yl3KOAQc6ekXyAMpHTzLL5ZR0-9SpTpF3AsnhK1sbaozX6sarfaosWUYEsuK0nf_OHOk6EersI8K9aAfBNXDWz1QbS1Rvx2JM20O4XuhzfXiUZi4_d199sSQ/s16000/eIMG-2123.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaErExHKM-wi72XTogc-85wraiFpSMy8hWe5-MijuGsbIxbJ5wXUXygqbOTlZCXhmDBQIL5KCSeC2RGOup8wSKerjQhQBFeUsZku48ZU5lCi_dG15qsxtnnXmQbhS4-Ytyg8fy17F0vvs/s800/eIMG-2127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaErExHKM-wi72XTogc-85wraiFpSMy8hWe5-MijuGsbIxbJ5wXUXygqbOTlZCXhmDBQIL5KCSeC2RGOup8wSKerjQhQBFeUsZku48ZU5lCi_dG15qsxtnnXmQbhS4-Ytyg8fy17F0vvs/s16000/eIMG-2127.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV0pMYjoXCjXqGTpL707WYOjwBuduSzqWpvTFkMYBXm00vkhMfljwB4vG9Ya7KeJYVmEd-2aXVhwj0GRTxyR9dP0cEa9mNuBzutCxZxU3BMW84Qg6UZ2TX8UCcxpR-3jsjGXAHiWNu0Ns/s600/eIMG-2066cr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="488" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV0pMYjoXCjXqGTpL707WYOjwBuduSzqWpvTFkMYBXm00vkhMfljwB4vG9Ya7KeJYVmEd-2aXVhwj0GRTxyR9dP0cEa9mNuBzutCxZxU3BMW84Qg6UZ2TX8UCcxpR-3jsjGXAHiWNu0Ns/s16000/eIMG-2066cr.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here you are, enjoying the view of my new little desk. All the details are pretty much on the photos above, I have very little do add. I found it at antique mall and wanted to get it immediately. It's very compact which is what I needed for my space, made of beautiful solid wood (probably veneer panels on the drawers), with brass handles. It is made by an American company Simmons Furniture which is still in business and is famous for its art deco period metal desks, apparently. It looks like a vanity desk and most probably originally came with a mirror, but I did not find anything about the period when it was made. Could be any time between 1930 to 1980 I suppose. What do you think? I'm curious about it, but it doesn't matter too much - as long as I love a piece, age has no relevance. I just fell in love with all the lovely carved details and elegant shapes. No matter how much I adore mid-century, my eyes are always drawn to old classis styles, so my home will always be an eclectic mix of both. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdSAq5TX2ZEl8uIXdelOicf7uQhyphenhyphenteJCUDOQzCtvr0rEaap7B03UA6vIhD36N4GPPLky-CLwNh0XLjJG13BbDHdNfpExIT0pRVHNzlYi9iteVdpISwiSbck3o3N__6U_tleBSHVx8rS0g/s800/eIMG-2126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdSAq5TX2ZEl8uIXdelOicf7uQhyphenhyphenteJCUDOQzCtvr0rEaap7B03UA6vIhD36N4GPPLky-CLwNh0XLjJG13BbDHdNfpExIT0pRVHNzlYi9iteVdpISwiSbck3o3N__6U_tleBSHVx8rS0g/s16000/eIMG-2126.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaliP8i1slslPtC0Aw17K_ZhyphenhyphenVXoBi_td3KyjIGDrVW8SWaacMC8Hn1HlF3rs24v8DNCBCt89EhrBH0vmJVBM5FBWmgpF48ptrfpZP0ub1uBg7SPuhixuhWOlv8VmIeuentJO4MZe8UOo/s800/eIMG-2119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaliP8i1slslPtC0Aw17K_ZhyphenhyphenVXoBi_td3KyjIGDrVW8SWaacMC8Hn1HlF3rs24v8DNCBCt89EhrBH0vmJVBM5FBWmgpF48ptrfpZP0ub1uBg7SPuhixuhWOlv8VmIeuentJO4MZe8UOo/s16000/eIMG-2119.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The most charming pair of Beatrix-Potteresque English country rabbits jumped at me as I was getting ready to pay for my thrift finds at Goodwill later the same day, and the tapestry comes from the same place as well. I had a really good visit then, got some pretty 1970s Mikasa cups and a pitcher, a bunch of pretty fabrics, wooden boxes for Justin's collection... When it rains, it pours, they say - I've noticed that it works with vintage hunting too.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrQx-VaZFgar01-A6u59i21ntwd0tFFq3d7xbSXDfUumm7RMzoGNAFfZo8ayie3dZ3lBpWPZAxpk5_3w6n0wHjS95a3K1wyVaRg1qxkI7kAH9m6yOCAkKiYqdi_ctfpPC5tXa6E7UN9SY/s800/eP1010072.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrQx-VaZFgar01-A6u59i21ntwd0tFFq3d7xbSXDfUumm7RMzoGNAFfZo8ayie3dZ3lBpWPZAxpk5_3w6n0wHjS95a3K1wyVaRg1qxkI7kAH9m6yOCAkKiYqdi_ctfpPC5tXa6E7UN9SY/s16000/eP1010072.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPFym9GpjL07Au4SfB2nEaAdtKfH0KtEAN4mnYmOZQQbOcaB1HaonAuH0WEyesFtTbn2MA0MfR18hiH_NQXOp0usvDhEXFxsozqka71VIzLfg0SNp5PpLeWY4f52ZKZl8SjsOzYvSNuEI/s800/eP1010085.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPFym9GpjL07Au4SfB2nEaAdtKfH0KtEAN4mnYmOZQQbOcaB1HaonAuH0WEyesFtTbn2MA0MfR18hiH_NQXOp0usvDhEXFxsozqka71VIzLfg0SNp5PpLeWY4f52ZKZl8SjsOzYvSNuEI/s16000/eP1010085.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">How is Spring treating you, my dear friends and readers?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Any exciting vintage finds lately or a new dress perhaps?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Let's talk soon!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">MORE INSPIRATION FOR SPRING:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/2019/05/modish-matrons-35-trip-to-paris.html" target="_blank">MAY 2019</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/2019/04/outfits-and-buildings-telling-stories.html" target="_blank">APRIL 2019</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/2018/03/searching-for-sakura.html" target="_blank">MARCH 2018</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/2018/03/contrasts-and-variety.html" target="_blank">MARCH 2018 TWO</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/2017/04/new-friends-for-old-friends.html" target="_blank">APRIL 2017</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj96yWoON5sIdyCaQBgXV1gG6EbYwLixQDTMz-Sc2DzBc7O-CMlG82U9HJVveasxTtKwiQ-wpFo6aybfn7TQrM8lb7Em-R0V_VaSAhKq2MVSBo8S_bIR9tA71OXUPVDRGNh-AmxvhgdBvs/s800/XOX.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj96yWoON5sIdyCaQBgXV1gG6EbYwLixQDTMz-Sc2DzBc7O-CMlG82U9HJVveasxTtKwiQ-wpFo6aybfn7TQrM8lb7Em-R0V_VaSAhKq2MVSBo8S_bIR9tA71OXUPVDRGNh-AmxvhgdBvs/s320/XOX.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p>Natalia Lialinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07552652475347261756noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759460753738753423.post-75683844014349756622021-03-23T20:54:00.000-07:002021-03-23T20:54:22.790-07:00The Way We Vintage<p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi48pI6FhEOG1U-wwEjQnxNZAl6zNC9tAzhBdaBRqRomZeKlLEnBop7s2DtPHPGUz-L68eUbOlTAWzWNgItEYepboN9v-pDCOqg4nbKfxdqrA1VEDswu560gA7kEQ-YDcQFfCMZAfGkW1M/s800/eP1000890.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi48pI6FhEOG1U-wwEjQnxNZAl6zNC9tAzhBdaBRqRomZeKlLEnBop7s2DtPHPGUz-L68eUbOlTAWzWNgItEYepboN9v-pDCOqg4nbKfxdqrA1VEDswu560gA7kEQ-YDcQFfCMZAfGkW1M/s16000/eP1000890.jpg" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">Earlier in March, we hopped in the car and drove to the new location of our favorite antique mall. Some of you might remember that some time ago, the mall which was located in one spot for 26 or 27 years, had to find a new home. Well, they have finally re-opened, and the visit became the sort of event I've been missing, the one that inspired me to dress up a little.<span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXhmwxh-l337-ztCoOcghQMt33wUvlgJJgpDotHMMuOKrLtHIi6FuMTjCxD4bHhZR6RrDoXMNM4IHin8bDnQ0wVgPtYxVQ-SzlV3Hz115_kd6RNjzyVE1mtLgCdHCmxkp7-Ym_NzHP6Ao/s800/eP1000900.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXhmwxh-l337-ztCoOcghQMt33wUvlgJJgpDotHMMuOKrLtHIi6FuMTjCxD4bHhZR6RrDoXMNM4IHin8bDnQ0wVgPtYxVQ-SzlV3Hz115_kd6RNjzyVE1mtLgCdHCmxkp7-Ym_NzHP6Ao/s16000/eP1000900.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP3dCaOIRMxagPz8rxPsUpIRg_2vLleioEzTdxSKiMYo8m9dwHBeJ07lg_OxT0YfeTISUDHmFGwTn6pcXy9y5K_pwSZU3C-sSwbs9_8y3B1n-zIyfmQfqkCw1XFnGBJOFaD7SgDhXpWxQ/s800/eP1000884.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP3dCaOIRMxagPz8rxPsUpIRg_2vLleioEzTdxSKiMYo8m9dwHBeJ07lg_OxT0YfeTISUDHmFGwTn6pcXy9y5K_pwSZU3C-sSwbs9_8y3B1n-zIyfmQfqkCw1XFnGBJOFaD7SgDhXpWxQ/s16000/eP1000884.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I was craving something light and feminine just like early Spring itself, and my eye caught this shiny plisse or pleated skirt as it's commonly known. I loved the combination with the black-and-white light cape (it is actually a sleeveless jacket that can be worn on its own, the cape part is removable), the question was... what blouse to wear with it?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcck5OiGJDmLI3bD47B3fR0NpTYm7marbRo3laS14D3ldrZgSeLOd2XUX5fN6TlwKNlIUywPL4-gjV0nMtEZXhEuZ_6XjLOpA3AECrzb_hb3sCNNRqPs_5lsHncPfwUH9_klS5mmwnEH8/s800/eP1000875.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcck5OiGJDmLI3bD47B3fR0NpTYm7marbRo3laS14D3ldrZgSeLOd2XUX5fN6TlwKNlIUywPL4-gjV0nMtEZXhEuZ_6XjLOpA3AECrzb_hb3sCNNRqPs_5lsHncPfwUH9_klS5mmwnEH8/s16000/eP1000875.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2_0NGtKE3_f1uhZmwk_le8iqZaN9NpJfxA9quXYP2MJwevGH3tDfDlma_hmlFvZw39ov2kWlvmimkpY_UbaF0obLiKL6nHBobWc71EQkytKnXglOyhj17ONEOJBGf72eJ1NjDenkkuQQ/s800/eP1000803.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2_0NGtKE3_f1uhZmwk_le8iqZaN9NpJfxA9quXYP2MJwevGH3tDfDlma_hmlFvZw39ov2kWlvmimkpY_UbaF0obLiKL6nHBobWc71EQkytKnXglOyhj17ONEOJBGf72eJ1NjDenkkuQQ/s16000/eP1000803.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglzZVCsDgydMKmd9qzqyrWIVp41FtSf2lbFzlX_Mvd964LiN1x23Xb2EDB2rHjzioBMG64jkBpQYwaHCAJHEBUlZHCKZqT_KFrMzgyx35wEZD8dRNo5QqQaxsC8AbojMXnUZObibbxIi0/s600/eP1000914cr.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="468" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglzZVCsDgydMKmd9qzqyrWIVp41FtSf2lbFzlX_Mvd964LiN1x23Xb2EDB2rHjzioBMG64jkBpQYwaHCAJHEBUlZHCKZqT_KFrMzgyx35wEZD8dRNo5QqQaxsC8AbojMXnUZObibbxIi0/s16000/eP1000914cr.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then I realized that my relatively new animal print blouse friend went really well with the skirt and made a pretty cool pattern mix with the jacket. To top it off (for warmth as well, not purely for style), I added a dotted vintage scarf. It's been known to come up with an outfit similar to what I wore several years back (almost to the day!), and sure enough I found out that I did wear this skirt and even combined it with the same pearl necklace three years back. If you enjoy such over-the-top stylings, hop over to my post dedicated to <a href="https://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/2018/03/modish-matrons-21-baroque.html" target="_blank">BAROQUE</a>!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNZwaWtJkgvao3RjLImj1MPLVphDxUYSNfLK8SgTulQMIjLLoUZTL_PV2b3O0GkcLeEc9-9VqBKC1RFGA-il7FzAv050CntE5hTC6Dc3gGmdS902-is__4qaeNRL_iL8aW6AR2Af_DKpI/s800/eP1000793.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNZwaWtJkgvao3RjLImj1MPLVphDxUYSNfLK8SgTulQMIjLLoUZTL_PV2b3O0GkcLeEc9-9VqBKC1RFGA-il7FzAv050CntE5hTC6Dc3gGmdS902-is__4qaeNRL_iL8aW6AR2Af_DKpI/s16000/eP1000793.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0lRlkeUTRpGB-DZeZ03Z50bI-vh63_PIrhNWydgIpgBquZnyfhg0ObxqX3uLGoxcGGkJj0qevv87iofF4-XOizKaD7UvUaJ2ta7mr-5bE8ODXawUH66wEHCwa58YHKS1wOOkRhqzGuqA/s800/eP1000789.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0lRlkeUTRpGB-DZeZ03Z50bI-vh63_PIrhNWydgIpgBquZnyfhg0ObxqX3uLGoxcGGkJj0qevv87iofF4-XOizKaD7UvUaJ2ta7mr-5bE8ODXawUH66wEHCwa58YHKS1wOOkRhqzGuqA/s16000/eP1000789.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The new mall didn't disappoint. It is a smaller space, but well stocked and run by lovely people many of whom we have known for years. We also loved how they got a mural on the walls depicting all periods of material culture history, I believe from the Stone Age to the recent times. We sure didn't leave empty handed! Scroll down if you want to see my new vintage friends. Are you excited? You'd better be!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV64quAqI4lqeQcps51ax3mdS10eoUTElWFn5gcY_nyIlsKIusLxhcYdj3Zo2U3Ok14CE6x5UCAbBS-ry4rENAFm-6Xlq7Pu5soYRh68OfViqsOY44l7MY5QEb2hZhSZZ3V-6EUTAR0Kk/s800/eP1000784.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV64quAqI4lqeQcps51ax3mdS10eoUTElWFn5gcY_nyIlsKIusLxhcYdj3Zo2U3Ok14CE6x5UCAbBS-ry4rENAFm-6Xlq7Pu5soYRh68OfViqsOY44l7MY5QEb2hZhSZZ3V-6EUTAR0Kk/s16000/eP1000784.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiblYzxY0UhW9w0QZCubzO7rFreGHQMlO42G18xqCjOsc3RMRmmlKq8JdCnuA-QESrLU0FSe70JrPZQzaULLkV7CdXV00OvtQ_vDG9F-pWTNecifQX2xvGBrI9jA005smKPYcB0vAJ9qBM/s800/eP1000769.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiblYzxY0UhW9w0QZCubzO7rFreGHQMlO42G18xqCjOsc3RMRmmlKq8JdCnuA-QESrLU0FSe70JrPZQzaULLkV7CdXV00OvtQ_vDG9F-pWTNecifQX2xvGBrI9jA005smKPYcB0vAJ9qBM/s16000/eP1000769.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I love vintage glass and was happy to find these two gorgeous examples. The teal glass vase is a popular Whitehall pattern (photo below). Justin immediately recognized it as an item his factory used to make (he used to work at a glass factory years ago). I am lucky that I've got my own glass expert - so handy! I must say I own beautiful vintage glasses in this pattern, but didn't recognized it in the vase at all. All I knew was ... I wanted to find cool vintage glass, I needed a vase since Justin loves spoiling us with pretty bouquets, and I instantly fell in love with this one! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here is a bit of information from the Internet:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>"Indiana Glass introduced the Whitehall pattern in the early 1960's. ... Whitehall is VERY similar to the Fostoria American pattern. Whitehall is most often seen in the above colors, gold or amber, crystal and olive green. There is also a very pretty light blue, a teal blue and crystal with ruby stain."</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRPInIAYdh853s2v74itLrdOgvQKnm14u6Jwmg9_84vrGA26_MozuJntTOIiqFoWxM_my2u6Mqc7TpC_nSnP6a6i18aCc-m5ZfcHl4c6wHfs0eEy2JN8eJ7rXsOsmMA0ai9D90ImBBbTE/s800/eIMG-1785.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRPInIAYdh853s2v74itLrdOgvQKnm14u6Jwmg9_84vrGA26_MozuJntTOIiqFoWxM_my2u6Mqc7TpC_nSnP6a6i18aCc-m5ZfcHl4c6wHfs0eEy2JN8eJ7rXsOsmMA0ai9D90ImBBbTE/s16000/eIMG-1785.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghta-wKsNG0DgyA0KervSeJskTsIQjbQbaHsKY0OGBd-1Dla25Y2ViAngqQnUU8saKLMSDuQt5naITm18PECPyXqmpyRFUefBS-OoXJPWOezj3QbAcfk_krKel4XraWv1wVR_wn4By-48/s800/eIMG-1786.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghta-wKsNG0DgyA0KervSeJskTsIQjbQbaHsKY0OGBd-1Dla25Y2ViAngqQnUU8saKLMSDuQt5naITm18PECPyXqmpyRFUefBS-OoXJPWOezj3QbAcfk_krKel4XraWv1wVR_wn4By-48/s16000/eIMG-1786.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLC2PLevnKniI9lCfxY-zVUjNvjzRi2mpNghpoa8Qmz94jX8PUXb9_Fm-K8hlxpZcFMwjM_cD1HWf3bK47mXtdpbhig_77yAW8hV2qEYbh3-9iKazt54KXNCa8E9ykYQwKeZPJFyy0jPA/s800/eP1000926.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLC2PLevnKniI9lCfxY-zVUjNvjzRi2mpNghpoa8Qmz94jX8PUXb9_Fm-K8hlxpZcFMwjM_cD1HWf3bK47mXtdpbhig_77yAW8hV2qEYbh3-9iKazt54KXNCa8E9ykYQwKeZPJFyy0jPA/s16000/eP1000926.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The second piece is a Mid-century amber glass and is a very welcomed addition to my Mid-century glass collection. I have plates and glasses, and now this gorgeous vase with a lid. Vintage glass is amazing - such intensity of both color and design! It will bring to life any kind of interior and certainly feels right at home in our eclectic vintage cottage.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You can see the details of the boots in this <a href="https://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/2021/02/meet-me-at-twilight.html" target="_blank">RECENT POST</a>. The purse I wore had its first outing, and I got it almost a year ago as a present for my birthday... It's a Kate Spade design, and I love the shape and combination of white, beige and gray together - so classy and timeless. I needed a light leather purse, and this one is perfection!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUVgR3_IhFF-LqldN9-p_hYGjJcCx_lqL7QJt234TP3dnnU8uJU2hI4m_o9kE83E3Ps_tWG39mvDzThezmwdytkM6FF5WjhQ72_ghN6eTKkTbmwbFYCR3N-v0QzgneCxvB6oqzyD3qn6w/s800/eP1000706.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUVgR3_IhFF-LqldN9-p_hYGjJcCx_lqL7QJt234TP3dnnU8uJU2hI4m_o9kE83E3Ps_tWG39mvDzThezmwdytkM6FF5WjhQ72_ghN6eTKkTbmwbFYCR3N-v0QzgneCxvB6oqzyD3qn6w/s16000/eP1000706.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I really loved how these pictures turned out. I love the softness and bareness of the surroundings that are reflected in my outfit (intuitively, as always). Justin did a great job with his new camera, and I had a chance to twirl - the new camera goes click, click, click a thousand times per minute! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now it's your turn. What are your Spring discoveries? Inspirations? What are you watching these days? Justin and I have just started The Crown (I know, everyone has finished it by now, but that's the way we do things around here). And please tell me do you like vintage glass? What piece is your favorite of these two?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Happy Spring! and Lots of love!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCpmjGufXPMS0T4W4E1sDEvujSyztd76ZtCahH1YEwXH9XT40EkrblOFqYvYzpeg-dUv_PXBul0hpW8bj7ci26cyJeufa_U-DPK3-BMhn7NeOwXD12UOPfvUws1h-IKeVugUTAxYX4AJU/s800/XOX.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCpmjGufXPMS0T4W4E1sDEvujSyztd76ZtCahH1YEwXH9XT40EkrblOFqYvYzpeg-dUv_PXBul0hpW8bj7ci26cyJeufa_U-DPK3-BMhn7NeOwXD12UOPfvUws1h-IKeVugUTAxYX4AJU/w400-h300/XOX.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Natalia Lialinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07552652475347261756noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759460753738753423.post-45650898399926709992021-03-05T13:56:00.000-08:002021-03-05T13:56:11.684-08:00Darkest Before the Dawn<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLXmC32RsuYg87teD3_cVapjQG1E6BQ4ylV70D5O5MOeMQcZYU22ZdUUKOF8NFEjAzp_mSfs25TEp0iRrn0eGnup9FuwZqfi2O0tASFAJ53OkEqxPKYCoCPaoB5VwyF75Q5K5t1ll-EjI/s768/eP1000206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLXmC32RsuYg87teD3_cVapjQG1E6BQ4ylV70D5O5MOeMQcZYU22ZdUUKOF8NFEjAzp_mSfs25TEp0iRrn0eGnup9FuwZqfi2O0tASFAJ53OkEqxPKYCoCPaoB5VwyF75Q5K5t1ll-EjI/s16000/eP1000206.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Dressing up to me, perhaps unlike many of my lovely blogging friends, is 100% a social thing. I simply don't feel the need or craving to dress up when I am at home - I find many other things that bring me joy and occupy my time. I am a bit surprised when someone tries to change my mind about it. Is there really one right way to live our lives, and everything else is wrong? I don't sign up for that philosophy. Everyone is different, so whatever works. During the pandemic (and we're in the second year by today, as it started earlier in the Washington State compared to the rest of the country, as well as many other countries), so during the pandemic there was practically no reason for me to dress up. As a large part introvert, I initially didn't suffer from the lack of social life at all. Even though I lost some of my work contracts due to closures of our libraries, I still had my students and enjoyed figuring out the new ways of teaching. But by the arrival of Winter, I started missing our family outings and cultural events which used to inspire my creating of outfits and having photo shoots with Justin. </div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Ik9j-5toFcEmda41qQC0DQDW1oEXP8-p-dibbh5MI6x8p5oNoKQEeGSSaLsQDOVZ12OqYG8LP3kFyqnysZl6dQcVGEsPPRLZECoyb_jrxZ0v-s_sygKmpDhbLTwmGJgrTASO9tLPWL0/s768/eP1000214.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Ik9j-5toFcEmda41qQC0DQDW1oEXP8-p-dibbh5MI6x8p5oNoKQEeGSSaLsQDOVZ12OqYG8LP3kFyqnysZl6dQcVGEsPPRLZECoyb_jrxZ0v-s_sygKmpDhbLTwmGJgrTASO9tLPWL0/s16000/eP1000214.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Actually, we both have missed it - that's what we realized when it started snowing in mid-February which gave a creative sparkle to me and a chance for Justin to use his new camera. Snow is a rare visitor here by the shore of Puget Sound, we don't get it every year, and typically it only lasts for a few hours, then melts. This year, we got a significant amount of snow, especially up in the mountains, and it stayed by the shore for a couple of days. It was a lovely, beautiful and quiet weekend. No car noise, just voices of people playing in the snow outside our dwelling. Snow as a social event - how do you like that? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyf0DPQjd66uEd6IC9zcUlYCcS7eGOOSUQWWxLuMbIi6gdfLk2nz5lMVDZRzJTpSpzH9QnccFuYxKh6WabWrqtP7GoTxOl9KHkkeeVcFK9hzEAiLj19Z4rYYwV62Ln3XrEYp8wQ1ACkf0/s768/eP1000234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyf0DPQjd66uEd6IC9zcUlYCcS7eGOOSUQWWxLuMbIi6gdfLk2nz5lMVDZRzJTpSpzH9QnccFuYxKh6WabWrqtP7GoTxOl9KHkkeeVcFK9hzEAiLj19Z4rYYwV62Ln3XrEYp8wQ1ACkf0/s16000/eP1000234.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0jqAu8j7vSVZukZgYCQYgyYgByK8eORPwQWRx6tEnwwYVi91idYOLDTZnxmZX0Cgefnx22HDMsM6gFmzuDEvfXCsGeBmEZ_0QXsfeGThYAElOSs0kC3hJIZothOsRcBqy-0EfN4VErF4/s768/eP1000281.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0jqAu8j7vSVZukZgYCQYgyYgByK8eORPwQWRx6tEnwwYVi91idYOLDTZnxmZX0Cgefnx22HDMsM6gFmzuDEvfXCsGeBmEZ_0QXsfeGThYAElOSs0kC3hJIZothOsRcBqy-0EfN4VErF4/s16000/eP1000281.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghOTe-H8nh7HhqonJvOWR2uFTmxayj_dMYLG1IxC9S6RIk2cwfJIXuPJ5Tu5-8RwRP0PY6TtQM5RIv6-SHScRfbH-yTVX5AQfOXieqyyASps0tEr5fF6Zce5900f7oHworVVoP_alI0pw/s768/eP1000267.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghOTe-H8nh7HhqonJvOWR2uFTmxayj_dMYLG1IxC9S6RIk2cwfJIXuPJ5Tu5-8RwRP0PY6TtQM5RIv6-SHScRfbH-yTVX5AQfOXieqyyASps0tEr5fF6Zce5900f7oHworVVoP_alI0pw/s16000/eP1000267.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The soft pink tulips which Anya received from her sweet friend gave me the idea of this photo shoot. Snow and flowers, and the pretty prairie dress that I bought at Target last year. In fact, I bought a couple of them in different colors, but this proved to be my favorite. I am perfectly happy to wear comfy so-called athleisure clothes at home, a-la PJs, only a little more socially acceptable if a postman stops by or I decide to take a walk in the neighborhood. But I make an exception to these dresses - they are not only pretty and feminine, and dressy enough to wear outside or for my Zoom lessons, but unbelievably comfortable for a simple homey lifestyle. I dressed my outfit up with colorful Nordic socks (Justin bought us a ton of them for every outfit and occasion), hat and vintage jewelry with amber. The earrings are gorgeous, though heavy, so pretty much for wearing a brief time only, such as a photo shoot.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhAgfoGbAcuPuZ29vHXdlvkWf5s3_F6daeJ6PFIMm34RcJzCOe7KENzDX7zxD1z5wY47VBu0lBXB7lb1T5exvP7kr5nELjLRDkxVap1nlZe9UQI5rnP_KEZqtNn29pOpqP6ftMap6DhYU/s768/eP1000324.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhAgfoGbAcuPuZ29vHXdlvkWf5s3_F6daeJ6PFIMm34RcJzCOe7KENzDX7zxD1z5wY47VBu0lBXB7lb1T5exvP7kr5nELjLRDkxVap1nlZe9UQI5rnP_KEZqtNn29pOpqP6ftMap6DhYU/s16000/eP1000324.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUbFwCLoGocd6sTe6OgL-quMyaVJquXoObIDLSjZp8upV3JJtA6c1rN23PWhn19UrrrHYFct3ZBTPYRYviDd0_3n4NSt1r3sZoWRkiAEJNZYQEPa7NZ5so1-slYnqMHqyWLKl7NrxJZ5s/s768/eP1000213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUbFwCLoGocd6sTe6OgL-quMyaVJquXoObIDLSjZp8upV3JJtA6c1rN23PWhn19UrrrHYFct3ZBTPYRYviDd0_3n4NSt1r3sZoWRkiAEJNZYQEPa7NZ5so1-slYnqMHqyWLKl7NrxJZ5s/s16000/eP1000213.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The snow melted, and we are welcoming the first signs of Spring - plants reawakening in my little garden, birds chirping cheerfully, there is more sunlight in the day and warmth in the atmosphere. And just like Mother Nature, I am also wakening from the long hibernation caused not only by Winter, but the sadness of social and political life in my home country. It was a tough Winter for everyone, and I am glad it's almost over. As a highly sensitive person, I can empathize with those whom the social and political turmoil hit the hardest during this time. It is difficult to both stay tuned with what is going on with the world and at the same time turn off our anxious thoughts, and as a result we deal with restlessness that is constantly in the background. At some point my sleep schedule became so chaotic that I was lacking energy and often feeling down which of course interfered with my daily tasks. I knew I needed a change, and I also knew that it wasn't going to happen quickly... But I think I am on the other side by now. With the healthy dose of vitamins and gradual change of my sleep routine, I am feeling much more energetic and, as always in Spring, not just hopeful, but optimistic. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsCQJVQbrGN0Bg0np1LEvIrAGIcCXKD8lpWezjNql45xM-tuRatF33ltrnnpnPm956hWFx2JvkcJgCP3xKGP6CWok13B_NXI2ejithkoDXUhIRH9ZRdzwJE15T6_XAdJu16VMwRxwnkaU/s768/eP1000263.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsCQJVQbrGN0Bg0np1LEvIrAGIcCXKD8lpWezjNql45xM-tuRatF33ltrnnpnPm956hWFx2JvkcJgCP3xKGP6CWok13B_NXI2ejithkoDXUhIRH9ZRdzwJE15T6_XAdJu16VMwRxwnkaU/s16000/eP1000263.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Dear reader, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you are going through a difficult period yourself, you have my sympathy. Hang in there and remind yourself that it's always darkest before the dawn. And if you'd like to talk it over with someone, I am starting this conversation here on my blog. I am here not to judge you or give you sound advice. I am here to listen and to share. I believe with my whole heart that the only good advice always comes from within. Much like with fashion and style, there is no right or wrong way to live our life. Each of us is unique, and only we can feel our way out of darkness and fall in love with life once again. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Dress and cardigan - Target (2020)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Amber/silver jewelry, birch bark pendant - vintage from Russia</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A little heart-shaped white rock - I found by my feet during the photo shoot</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Photos by Justin</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitNK2E1zIHI4tvA_g3bVLBUBCYNqrDO_caxe8-2ALatY9v-8KTzrPWq6fh8x_RP_y_-2NnC46JLgCJSi6mq9H5UIyFnAY1A2VNb7bnjd8GQ_aR-WNAokbFNzKPAIqgZ6o_mvmrRxbmCtw/s1136/eP1000346.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="1136" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitNK2E1zIHI4tvA_g3bVLBUBCYNqrDO_caxe8-2ALatY9v-8KTzrPWq6fh8x_RP_y_-2NnC46JLgCJSi6mq9H5UIyFnAY1A2VNb7bnjd8GQ_aR-WNAokbFNzKPAIqgZ6o_mvmrRxbmCtw/w400-h225/eP1000346.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBKHZplcgCQ1ICLfjrUuOZgsBECM_8Lo5HIYJkGUZpsE74aaTy_8_z5n2_W9FKOfbZN439ZYN60LAmCq5aVNFS0Sdm4nbX3oTbXK-Ql7Lic_8wjD3ui2dmCxonaYsxbRLsWtd4_D6DnrQ/s800/XOX.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBKHZplcgCQ1ICLfjrUuOZgsBECM_8Lo5HIYJkGUZpsE74aaTy_8_z5n2_W9FKOfbZN439ZYN60LAmCq5aVNFS0Sdm4nbX3oTbXK-Ql7Lic_8wjD3ui2dmCxonaYsxbRLsWtd4_D6DnrQ/w400-h300/XOX.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p>Natalia Lialinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07552652475347261756noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759460753738753423.post-65434855140446317972021-02-11T03:01:00.000-08:002021-02-11T03:01:42.230-08:00Meet Me at Twilight<p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFTF7j5S3_RAHg9jCDilEa0dUG66HlBxMdn8mKe6XYb5RpopLTE1TikptqU5lT1aWMob1J4I8HMP_kV0uHnICdpcHZKj9zPWpTK0QeM6dhq3HoTGk-Grqnqaa4OcliqBO3Qs92j2PmB1k/s800/eP1460986.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFTF7j5S3_RAHg9jCDilEa0dUG66HlBxMdn8mKe6XYb5RpopLTE1TikptqU5lT1aWMob1J4I8HMP_kV0uHnICdpcHZKj9zPWpTK0QeM6dhq3HoTGk-Grqnqaa4OcliqBO3Qs92j2PmB1k/s16000/eP1460986.jpg" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">Sometimes, to get unstuck, all we need is to break loose from the tension of the old patterns. That will allow us to see a new possibility, a new opening that most probably was always there, dismissed as unsuitable, as "not good enough"...</p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqrV8r5Gw0hBqmsbY4jw7AULjnL8MWE32dakqHd2fTA15OWA8f80QlAtN-zUr2s4PphpPmN2lCO5Flyqz6Pne9Uiw8duZtUY5oGRjPQh-RBVCKqUMqCgs_aNqw4FZ6ir_4nTUluEPjcgQ/s800/eP1460985.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqrV8r5Gw0hBqmsbY4jw7AULjnL8MWE32dakqHd2fTA15OWA8f80QlAtN-zUr2s4PphpPmN2lCO5Flyqz6Pne9Uiw8duZtUY5oGRjPQh-RBVCKqUMqCgs_aNqw4FZ6ir_4nTUluEPjcgQ/s16000/eP1460985.jpg" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT0btjOC76SILUZ-fbyEXY3imLs8cYylU_XiNAcoiwrJVzAlJ9AbvIhfHhA9qv7RApMjgah_a9xcenTXWK5J6FGmnrXkERiT2rQWkz5dUq6TFOVpYHZ_4XAxytEjCwv330jSB2AGRix3k/s800/eP1470016.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT0btjOC76SILUZ-fbyEXY3imLs8cYylU_XiNAcoiwrJVzAlJ9AbvIhfHhA9qv7RApMjgah_a9xcenTXWK5J6FGmnrXkERiT2rQWkz5dUq6TFOVpYHZ_4XAxytEjCwv330jSB2AGRix3k/s16000/eP1470016.jpg" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Hr9T8sBIxXfY7SQcpVyfQCmssHeIW1uX0a_Hb6CGICV1t-3NJcb06rt5rpR1K8PNIC2oYepVNS2LmHnxVKynC6LzybqZ5M7LtrHl-K32IOB0qtQOrqEFOYYApAG4xnEBQwzk97DvxjY/s762/eP1470019cr.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="762" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Hr9T8sBIxXfY7SQcpVyfQCmssHeIW1uX0a_Hb6CGICV1t-3NJcb06rt5rpR1K8PNIC2oYepVNS2LmHnxVKynC6LzybqZ5M7LtrHl-K32IOB0qtQOrqEFOYYApAG4xnEBQwzk97DvxjY/s16000/eP1470019cr.jpg" /></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">That small opening is an entryway for a breath of fresh air - a new inspiration. No need to look for a small opening if the inspiration arrives as a powerful waterfall, whirlpool, tornado with the unstoppable if somewhat destructive flow of energy which opens any blocked gates on its way. But what if it's not arriving? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghMt-N7tW3FOXY0o2pp3SFRhsA-0XQ8LFaCKrlCUUOMTNVxhE7UJ6nOXhLgIfpLB12hSeNzJXrTayUUnPYnLyKOv_a-xq4476sTahNm75_hdSxBrSfOFfXYlh7Q3C3N-jmQjCdWtWVdoc/s807/eP1460979.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="807" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghMt-N7tW3FOXY0o2pp3SFRhsA-0XQ8LFaCKrlCUUOMTNVxhE7UJ6nOXhLgIfpLB12hSeNzJXrTayUUnPYnLyKOv_a-xq4476sTahNm75_hdSxBrSfOFfXYlh7Q3C3N-jmQjCdWtWVdoc/s16000/eP1460979.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJmW7fTXxVwfrIDo9z3SzKBDjwgDfzrun5frZPt-ma_NJMoJcTIZaiFtDQmXL9VBYG43XzvkOXE-x6qpC6F36jF7bX6k9rF47socmj_vlnTfbLnzNhC9JYMrHwm-42fYDWlVSTi1_-2jQ/s811/eP1460975.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="811" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJmW7fTXxVwfrIDo9z3SzKBDjwgDfzrun5frZPt-ma_NJMoJcTIZaiFtDQmXL9VBYG43XzvkOXE-x6qpC6F36jF7bX6k9rF47socmj_vlnTfbLnzNhC9JYMrHwm-42fYDWlVSTi1_-2jQ/s16000/eP1460975.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQbqtYjVbu6uGHPLTSR6EVi_u-9UwmYHAPX4obv9lChzUtBtByaFomm-xnvi0IeS00F5XrWIT4Z56zUIRxR93wLWeqCpQOW8s994e6LFWXRoSO3OIigs6VdqMcdchH-6eTW8fIWzZ80TU/s821/eP1460994.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="821" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQbqtYjVbu6uGHPLTSR6EVi_u-9UwmYHAPX4obv9lChzUtBtByaFomm-xnvi0IeS00F5XrWIT4Z56zUIRxR93wLWeqCpQOW8s994e6LFWXRoSO3OIigs6VdqMcdchH-6eTW8fIWzZ80TU/s16000/eP1460994.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Find that very thing that blocks it and right there in the heart of it there always is a small opening just enough for a tiny movement of airflow. It won't be perfect, but it will be live and genuine. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMbgh3Aaz7sD1SZAsPLRcbHTeZDDlUc6eJDyXQ3jwTSC-INwj4UBMx5ccKcRU21tqp1FxztB7pgKvtEpHZpjnGaBQXl5JZqeRVS5mrCBASxPhLBHT0B94Y0MxaojMzZE2KaCXPXS0OEm0/s800/eP1460999.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMbgh3Aaz7sD1SZAsPLRcbHTeZDDlUc6eJDyXQ3jwTSC-INwj4UBMx5ccKcRU21tqp1FxztB7pgKvtEpHZpjnGaBQXl5JZqeRVS5mrCBASxPhLBHT0B94Y0MxaojMzZE2KaCXPXS0OEm0/s16000/eP1460999.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBcHueB1nxAzxmX9MtqQO2HtZ-9I2QdMcXwH_iR8BBaqHGYXfotqyXk-cdd1zcdvbZy6uKBzXDM5VD7i4tPvaij72O8KJ_wQbl3o4luQMgihQqYhRufOtrfqyS9HK8sjTsbR7LK9ahKDI/s800/eP1470023.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBcHueB1nxAzxmX9MtqQO2HtZ-9I2QdMcXwH_iR8BBaqHGYXfotqyXk-cdd1zcdvbZy6uKBzXDM5VD7i4tPvaij72O8KJ_wQbl3o4luQMgihQqYhRufOtrfqyS9HK8sjTsbR7LK9ahKDI/s16000/eP1470023.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2qy4Tohr4fmodtlaRN5BQkWfDtpF3iv4ktqbmt6gaz4WeAiqbfK5Zh1oGnBLfHmi7CYKL4TiWyrULAWhtKerM7G9w2tb6BRR-LewmAJuO9HNZwrv9B1SbjBeCSqYxoYUQZKm38FGmCEc/s800/eP1470026.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2qy4Tohr4fmodtlaRN5BQkWfDtpF3iv4ktqbmt6gaz4WeAiqbfK5Zh1oGnBLfHmi7CYKL4TiWyrULAWhtKerM7G9w2tb6BRR-LewmAJuO9HNZwrv9B1SbjBeCSqYxoYUQZKm38FGmCEc/s16000/eP1470026.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Just like taking pictures on a dusty veranda, crowded with outdoor furniture waiting for warmer weather. At twilight, because there is never enough time during short winter days for a night creature who goes to bed when most of the world starts their busy life. Because it's just the thing to do to awake creativity. And because it's absolutely magical.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5FM_8DVhvJg1P2XGmC1lP0BgyTApNWoR-GA1uFi9YlefW9aX97n0PE3wffmEdcl2bhhzuHBHt5VbOAVPH10FTWrSWKqZtlRousPKQPcBgdOLZG266DzyfX9JMGWcZQs9bHHAqazgslKc/s800/eP1470005.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5FM_8DVhvJg1P2XGmC1lP0BgyTApNWoR-GA1uFi9YlefW9aX97n0PE3wffmEdcl2bhhzuHBHt5VbOAVPH10FTWrSWKqZtlRousPKQPcBgdOLZG266DzyfX9JMGWcZQs9bHHAqazgslKc/s16000/eP1470005.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">All the items are remixed from my closet, bought on sale, thrifted, vintage.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Photos by Justin</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">who always meets me at twilight</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you enjoy the retro vibe of this outfit, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">check out these posts for more style and soul inspiration:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/2019/02/modish-matrons-32-knits.html" target="_blank">FEBRUARY 2019</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/2019/01/thats-thing-to-do.html" target="_blank">JANUARY 2019</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/2018/12/modish-matrons-30-iceland.html" target="_blank">DECEMBER 2018</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/2018/03/contrasts-and-variety.html" target="_blank">MARCH 2018</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyw1IfLi9HaI0Cobndr9EDOHzL0D0Pyj0l_m6fiSLk9h68XLP6qNHqlxhMYes88GzAxzJ8qBuBtnzwmwKHwv659nMqgc-bZoPiI2sn01fBCg5DgDeP87CDXKBPBbu-CeqPttg1zeFXCeU/s800/XOX.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyw1IfLi9HaI0Cobndr9EDOHzL0D0Pyj0l_m6fiSLk9h68XLP6qNHqlxhMYes88GzAxzJ8qBuBtnzwmwKHwv659nMqgc-bZoPiI2sn01fBCg5DgDeP87CDXKBPBbu-CeqPttg1zeFXCeU/w400-h300/XOX.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p>Natalia Lialinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07552652475347261756noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759460753738753423.post-75716228530505321482020-12-31T03:25:00.000-08:002020-12-31T03:25:47.444-08:00Happy New Year!<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDfnA9l-z0tsMxQuBbwUF8raByMMEnTMHQpOCXr41MzlkgsJKC5x07bnweSrLSN4YN4IOxkRp4x2qciuIo3UScXNy0n2l8i4-qxiv5AdFzlBck1Cer2OL4mQGBDOtxLMnmo3TnNbwgsvY/s800/eP1460967.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDfnA9l-z0tsMxQuBbwUF8raByMMEnTMHQpOCXr41MzlkgsJKC5x07bnweSrLSN4YN4IOxkRp4x2qciuIo3UScXNy0n2l8i4-qxiv5AdFzlBck1Cer2OL4mQGBDOtxLMnmo3TnNbwgsvY/s16000/eP1460967.jpg" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">To all my friends and readers, a very <span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><b>Happy New Year!</b></span> </p><p style="text-align: center;">May it be kind and healthy to you and yours! </p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg18bpzOwKXQoROnPwGmBJWq476v4iFkiRRsuaXPFe1A1f4WeTINQNkuIc4Q-HPIiK_6xJkHfg68c6gec63lKz2UMSkfWh3rjJSWP4XQgoIcNMptX-_ojJKna0zuNFefG7T-ibzIdQAldU/s800/eP1460963.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg18bpzOwKXQoROnPwGmBJWq476v4iFkiRRsuaXPFe1A1f4WeTINQNkuIc4Q-HPIiK_6xJkHfg68c6gec63lKz2UMSkfWh3rjJSWP4XQgoIcNMptX-_ojJKna0zuNFefG7T-ibzIdQAldU/s16000/eP1460963.jpg" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">There was a lot of chaos, grief and sorrow in the world this year, and like you I'm feeling completely overwhelmed at times. There were some losses and disappointments, and a lot of frustration. But there also were some extremely important lessons we've learned and continue learning both as a society and as individuals. So while we are eager to drop all the unpleasantness, leave it behind ourselves, some of those painful lessons of 2020 we ought to take with us moving forward as humanity. We must always remember just how fragile and how significant every person's life is. How much depends on ourselves, how powerful our choices are. We must be kinder to one another, to learn to appreciate each other more sincerely and love more deeply. We must remember that home is where we are, both in the most literal and the broader sense, remember that if we are not happy with ourselves, we won't be happy anywhere.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh31FrQjFTwR4utd7m03d4tRIkjSGRvfIwiV-A3V5SRnMahpTPClp86BstPbde61FxdsGFmqzSQfZ9E4CCmO6uhdse5CgoseMyk0_QYHpNiyom-OGsMgrbRzVBR4MXOGXqN5DYfYu0aJ78/s857/eP1460949.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="857" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh31FrQjFTwR4utd7m03d4tRIkjSGRvfIwiV-A3V5SRnMahpTPClp86BstPbde61FxdsGFmqzSQfZ9E4CCmO6uhdse5CgoseMyk0_QYHpNiyom-OGsMgrbRzVBR4MXOGXqN5DYfYu0aJ78/s16000/eP1460949.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl9D5NHaxP8N4DehArabPPMVWwUgCQhnw4xWNdaChGKE6e9um1_WFe9G5r_0Nq38Yrl__XeU3ff81W1rk4UKz5XhL8CpEOcPeL9hUpox5zLNFTRnjnpCTQzpXnhffF-c8JhKfqeeQ6268/s800/eP1460961.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl9D5NHaxP8N4DehArabPPMVWwUgCQhnw4xWNdaChGKE6e9um1_WFe9G5r_0Nq38Yrl__XeU3ff81W1rk4UKz5XhL8CpEOcPeL9hUpox5zLNFTRnjnpCTQzpXnhffF-c8JhKfqeeQ6268/s16000/eP1460961.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And even though I'm feeling overwhelmed and anxious at times, just as are so many of you in all the corners of the world, I am also thankful to the old year. It made so much clearer what is really important. I'm thankful for my family here in America and my family back in Russia, for being able to have our home, for the old friends, their number is small, who are loyal and choose to remain close even though there are thousands of miles and oceans between us. I'm thankful for my students who give me the inspiration for my work, asking to send them homework even though they are officially on a break. I'm thankful for the return of some old hobbies, and gaining one or two new ones which brighten the long winter evenings. I'm thankful for the beautiful vintage piano which was a huge surprise just a couple days before Christmas, and for my fingers that remember music after almost 40 years of not even touching the instrument. And I am thankful that I can play with my wardrobe, write and hopefully inspire you, even if only rarely these days. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKFkL1Q2RFMY6ZIcXJIKJGL0LUudeEKm5hTdDQN0LdU_kidtQMZEYjdNjUYFXYCLBDF6plfl7bXlj2yD0EE75A85yH99RxE1lSWhLmRyuDoh95pdNNvA9pKtj7x1_qSrnvQd4shhu0D28/s800/eP1460956.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKFkL1Q2RFMY6ZIcXJIKJGL0LUudeEKm5hTdDQN0LdU_kidtQMZEYjdNjUYFXYCLBDF6plfl7bXlj2yD0EE75A85yH99RxE1lSWhLmRyuDoh95pdNNvA9pKtj7x1_qSrnvQd4shhu0D28/s16000/eP1460956.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I hope that each of you, my friends, can find things to be thankful for. And if it's hard to find even one, remember that you are not alone. We all go through hard times in our lives. These things to be grateful for, they don't have to be grandiose, just something that warms your heart when you think about it. Hold on to it, and like tending a fire, your gratitude will grow as well. Happy, peaceful, beautiful New Year to you!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1WMFIolYq9pxKHnxl9I-WynC_ooP7l5le9mgdmggi1MTUqXZE9bqjI97Js-a2ynk4_4X29m3RxO8wF7SXP6NpzqCbhXvr5ufBbq2CH3cHLSJb32hjfcoCvJ7R92Dg0bJNFyuAOYjf0BE/s800/XOX.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1WMFIolYq9pxKHnxl9I-WynC_ooP7l5le9mgdmggi1MTUqXZE9bqjI97Js-a2ynk4_4X29m3RxO8wF7SXP6NpzqCbhXvr5ufBbq2CH3cHLSJb32hjfcoCvJ7R92Dg0bJNFyuAOYjf0BE/w400-h300/XOX.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Dress and coat - Eloquii</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Jewelry - vintage finds</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">shoes - AGL (old)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">haircut by Erica</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Photos by Justin</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p>Natalia Lialinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07552652475347261756noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759460753738753423.post-67819553117088314032020-11-03T00:55:00.002-08:002020-11-03T00:55:42.426-08:00I Voted! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0qcVNobHAA7GqSaAkUC6LJdLr8_Y2pbRu1wARV2A-XCTBWvbPhZapMTGHzBiFPe-LL6Eqa6u865COpyeDylJFm93FjtkByIUCMVISSKaX8ntJ5U-66GWyMrPOwtiyCtroiq0tcQcC6g4/s1600/e20190925_164937.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="879" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0qcVNobHAA7GqSaAkUC6LJdLr8_Y2pbRu1wARV2A-XCTBWvbPhZapMTGHzBiFPe-LL6Eqa6u865COpyeDylJFm93FjtkByIUCMVISSKaX8ntJ5U-66GWyMrPOwtiyCtroiq0tcQcC6g4/s1600/e20190925_164937.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So it happened, my friends - I voted! Justin and I received our ballots in the mail, filled them out and dropped them at the official voter's drop box this very evening. (Anya is not old enough to vote just yet, but she will be very soon, just in a couple of months, ready for the next election.) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6XmSAnoz934iTzmFWcJsBKk_D-85T5mUdW1LGgPHkeQCY9FfZS6KNSmL-_OXsnhyphenhyphen6b4BM_9brQ6odDO6M6yL-Nn715hzOkx1X4N_cjbOfxP9qAbn3DG3OJTl9iheRFBKS7H1Jb5wrrn4/s600/eil_1140xN.2599250952_33bh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="522" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6XmSAnoz934iTzmFWcJsBKk_D-85T5mUdW1LGgPHkeQCY9FfZS6KNSmL-_OXsnhyphenhyphen6b4BM_9brQ6odDO6M6yL-Nn715hzOkx1X4N_cjbOfxP9qAbn3DG3OJTl9iheRFBKS7H1Jb5wrrn4/s16000/eil_1140xN.2599250952_33bh.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>I was looking for an I Voted 2020 illustration for my post and found this </i><i>adorable vintage inspired sticker on Etsy (<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/875242712/vintage-inspired-i-voted-2020-election?gpla=1" target="_blank">HERE</a>). If you like to see stickers from all 50 states, click <a href="https://www.cnn.com/interactive/2020/11/politics/vote-stickers-trnd/index.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBHctNC8CxneJWyGAWSF4tn6oxDpT-Wc1xKixSqxuZlQneTCWsw59-NrSmFwe6GRvR9B2sdo15EH2owdJ-iygOP2QEOBXttV-9NEGs48huE5nynmhKUvJ0_MPFVXNcay_WXO2A36m5mEc/s1600/eP1440550.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBHctNC8CxneJWyGAWSF4tn6oxDpT-Wc1xKixSqxuZlQneTCWsw59-NrSmFwe6GRvR9B2sdo15EH2owdJ-iygOP2QEOBXttV-9NEGs48huE5nynmhKUvJ0_MPFVXNcay_WXO2A36m5mEc/s1600/eP1440550.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I participated in the federal elections for the first time because only US citizens can vote, and one of the several very important things that I managed to complete before the pandemic started, was getting my citizenship. It's a long process that all together takes several years, but I could have done it many years ago. I don't know why I didn't - I guess it wasn't a priority for me. Except for a short period in the early 1990s when millions in Russia hoped that the breath of fresh air was there to stay, I too was very optimistic and even politically involved. Never before or after that I was even remotely interested in politics. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWGZPNdokeJnBLO33Fr4ZJPSthylBNu_Aevip3IViSn0nI_bnwuu6OUGL2IRhSiBJyMfXxuferXzpm9p5O9jMm4kRiITE0zvkElBGRDXV3S4F0z57NHt7XohAqEdlT_vDhN3ozWLzU8MA/s826/e20190826_173507.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="826" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWGZPNdokeJnBLO33Fr4ZJPSthylBNu_Aevip3IViSn0nI_bnwuu6OUGL2IRhSiBJyMfXxuferXzpm9p5O9jMm4kRiITE0zvkElBGRDXV3S4F0z57NHt7XohAqEdlT_vDhN3ozWLzU8MA/s16000/e20190826_173507.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have lived in America since 2002, and only a couple of years ago I finally decided that becoming a US citizen was the right thing for me. Justin had an opportunity to work with a very nice guy, an experienced immigration lawyer who helped me to fill out the application, and the process began. Like I have said earlier, it's a long complicated process, and has a few stages. First, you have an appointment with a local immigration office where they take your fingerprints. Then a long wait, and finally you're invited to an interview. In my case, it took 15 months or so. There were already delays with documents because of government reorganizations back then, and when I finally got a letter from them, apparently due to a large number of applicants, instead of having our interview here in Seattle, we had to go to either Yakima, a city 140 miles southeast of Seattle, or to Portland, Oregon - a city in a neighboring state, 170 miles south of Seattle. I was sent to Portland and was glad simply because we all love it, and took it as an opportunity for a little family vacation. </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUP4NcWZqpb2aMlKNj5Aq1hRHM2IQyxr4zCjelE_ejE0wJLFfTNkj0N36BLnS8GHcTwh3WHSyKhLefiHg-PFz10W6GpWPiuUniZnxS-3FpLXSFYKq8fEiCbEdnv4mnLxiPy5oO9VZVZpQ/s806/e20190826_185128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="806" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUP4NcWZqpb2aMlKNj5Aq1hRHM2IQyxr4zCjelE_ejE0wJLFfTNkj0N36BLnS8GHcTwh3WHSyKhLefiHg-PFz10W6GpWPiuUniZnxS-3FpLXSFYKq8fEiCbEdnv4mnLxiPy5oO9VZVZpQ/s16000/e20190826_185128.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We booked a sweet and very stylish hotel near the interview office - a bit fancier than our usual. My appointment was early in the morning, and on the way to Oregon, I had time (two or three hours in fact) to overview the one hundred historical and political questions which I had to learn last Summer. I believe it was the first time since I graduated from my university that I had a sort of a test. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI7KHnvglkRLz9OryfptlbHzFi6y-a06B5Ifh623kVLT2UrzCEaSCYlwhtrJEg_mPj2wIuvpoTdo2O-zXgNTmWSFbx0kw9jprz6iTB7-YTl3viRmRcL9XQ6LbunpoKo_3iu0QhrXvO3_U/s1000/e20190826_193031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="657" data-original-width="1000" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI7KHnvglkRLz9OryfptlbHzFi6y-a06B5Ifh623kVLT2UrzCEaSCYlwhtrJEg_mPj2wIuvpoTdo2O-zXgNTmWSFbx0kw9jprz6iTB7-YTl3viRmRcL9XQ6LbunpoKo_3iu0QhrXvO3_U/w640-h420/e20190826_193031.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5pVKzVjGC660UL1gpYv3prdfGwys5U9lqkeEbuJMFLHYUjKrgtLaLtL3NbkOQl4WQG4tSO53w5g_t5ZzrEBOr1T1-X0ZbYpHa_MISAJoMGHk3HCMoH3TznuS2OnNZ3AbRGe_SLjpyk4w/s1000/e20190826_222054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="383" data-original-width="1000" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5pVKzVjGC660UL1gpYv3prdfGwys5U9lqkeEbuJMFLHYUjKrgtLaLtL3NbkOQl4WQG4tSO53w5g_t5ZzrEBOr1T1-X0ZbYpHa_MISAJoMGHk3HCMoH3TznuS2OnNZ3AbRGe_SLjpyk4w/w640-h246/e20190826_222054.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We had a light evening meal in the bar downstairs, went up the roof top overlooking city preparing for a new work week on a hot summer night, and went to bed early. In the morning, we had coffee and walked to the office where I was going to have the interview. I was really pleased with how friendly and polite all the officers were (not always the case with government offices, to say the least). My officer was an immigrant herself, and we had a nice chat rather than a strict questioning. It reminded me about my Green card interview many years ago, which took place on the Victory Day (May 9th) in Michigan. When the officer asked me whether I was involved with any crime, I playfully asked, "Do I look like a criminal?" to which he playfully replied, "Yes" and approved my Green card. Not this kind of humor in the Portland office, but we had some giggles and discovered that we both loved style and had cats. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQUm4pPT74kbdeoZGyQCbEfVuScQ_CXbU5SLJ4niE-lZUdVoJz5UmBk7tSfabYz1bFi_IURqnPZ83cdeQrKQdl-f1tP6sI_1VBUVEl1eIhdzNWEeTfcxZwgbD80JvnbpFph_iWtlH57S0/s811/e20190826_173434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="811" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQUm4pPT74kbdeoZGyQCbEfVuScQ_CXbU5SLJ4niE-lZUdVoJz5UmBk7tSfabYz1bFi_IURqnPZ83cdeQrKQdl-f1tP6sI_1VBUVEl1eIhdzNWEeTfcxZwgbD80JvnbpFph_iWtlH57S0/s16000/e20190826_173434.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>A rare hot Summer day in Washington State</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The reading and writing tests were easy, and then I was asked whether I wanted to have an oath ceremony later that day or be invited to a later one. We didn't have time because Anya had her own commitments, so we had to go back home to Washington. Besides, I have already purchased a ticket to Russia to visit my parents, and needed my Green card just one more time before I would have to give it up to become a US citizen. Fortunately, I do not have to give up my Russian citizenship - both countries allow a dual citizenship (some countries do not). So I flew to Siberia, and while there I actually received an invitation letter to my oath ceremony... Everything that I planned, all the dates were so close to one another that I worried how it all would play, but at the end everything lined up and worked out without a hitch - без сучка, без задоринки as we say in my native language, or, as one popular Soviet comedy character would say, "без шума и пыли" (without noise and dust). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIhqmGtdu6VsxQbuDVGfv7TMgyeQo5fst2ER7tHaqf9zw5J8dW4rSJ2DJuxUEcuN8-xQxqhDp1dyvxKwDZLXkrG1ppslmG-aIrE5OWNHXa-DYnzsYn6fsGS8twDiWkl6QLzcv0WXI622U/s800/eP1440543.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIhqmGtdu6VsxQbuDVGfv7TMgyeQo5fst2ER7tHaqf9zw5J8dW4rSJ2DJuxUEcuN8-xQxqhDp1dyvxKwDZLXkrG1ppslmG-aIrE5OWNHXa-DYnzsYn6fsGS8twDiWkl6QLzcv0WXI622U/s16000/eP1440543.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We were prepared to make another trip to Portland for my oath ceremony, but the Portland office surprised us once again. Instead of inviting hundreds of people to drive from Washington to Oregon, THEY CAME TO US! They booked a venue in Olympia, WA and made three ceremonies to accommodate over 500 applicants if my memory is right. It was well organized, beautiful and touching. For the national anthem they had a record of a Mariachi band singing which was deeply meaningful, if you know a little about the US politics in the past four years. "Cool dress," said the officer who was helping us to find our seats (mine was close to the stage). He was stylish himself with a fun necktie - even in official situations, it's important to stay lighthearted! My favorite people in the whole world were near me, and once more I felt like everything was happening in just the right time, in just the right manner and with the right people. I didn't become a citizen simply because I could. I became a citizen because I was deeply thankful to this country for the life I built here, for somehow treating me kindly as if I was her native child, for supporting my dreams, for my family. I finally felt rooted.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSuj-NItMNeR9bBZW9qGFzyPEn2FXLX0OJehzoySwJE8lm5lSpXLizlx_0ImrxeWuJ44H3OwbSLFnJv120rtMJLn32pxXXR-wtUrENaM3YAUEagn2uas9UKOUVFFWGKODXyNR8TZMAOQM/s600/eeP1440564.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="462" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSuj-NItMNeR9bBZW9qGFzyPEn2FXLX0OJehzoySwJE8lm5lSpXLizlx_0ImrxeWuJ44H3OwbSLFnJv120rtMJLn32pxXXR-wtUrENaM3YAUEagn2uas9UKOUVFFWGKODXyNR8TZMAOQM/s16000/eeP1440564.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghMhDkHhsl0WfGimCqbdjmaoBgv2lvteYuzjR_JKVqhrZpcvjdJR_M7HJzzD_OYiMlFKhBHil5jMk7NeeJQP1hA7ehSWl2Tn-mWsJ4uoy0rR4bxJTooYzqJVxs-MrCpzHTMaVEgB-Ezpg/s600/eP1440560cr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="504" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghMhDkHhsl0WfGimCqbdjmaoBgv2lvteYuzjR_JKVqhrZpcvjdJR_M7HJzzD_OYiMlFKhBHil5jMk7NeeJQP1hA7ehSWl2Tn-mWsJ4uoy0rR4bxJTooYzqJVxs-MrCpzHTMaVEgB-Ezpg/s16000/eP1440560cr.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi81hyphenhyphen2Kn3MwJoz-TVi8OOld8bBvUk2ZgHNDAZrT7iazScUqthvQLTEYYfuyue72Sq_AE4_FyA6LVdQZ5qd1PKa-SkShVPkHYKR9PXyKjBLseWXqdB_RYu_wHf9FXpUHLnm21R4UCX-KVw/s756/eIMG-0854.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="756" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi81hyphenhyphen2Kn3MwJoz-TVi8OOld8bBvUk2ZgHNDAZrT7iazScUqthvQLTEYYfuyue72Sq_AE4_FyA6LVdQZ5qd1PKa-SkShVPkHYKR9PXyKjBLseWXqdB_RYu_wHf9FXpUHLnm21R4UCX-KVw/s16000/eIMG-0854.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLKAd8-7fTXVHgLy2YNa8jGTcm7d1AZowBFeIMuTdIx9RtZi5m-HQZamkwvJPMy0T-gr0VTNNLqbr23H0f4WOhKLwgEksyx9ft8BTOfQDKzRFYmk1D8L9yPuBjZlWgs2xAbBQlv2QYtWU/s716/eIMG-0856.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="716" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLKAd8-7fTXVHgLy2YNa8jGTcm7d1AZowBFeIMuTdIx9RtZi5m-HQZamkwvJPMy0T-gr0VTNNLqbr23H0f4WOhKLwgEksyx9ft8BTOfQDKzRFYmk1D8L9yPuBjZlWgs2xAbBQlv2QYtWU/s16000/eIMG-0856.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk8oe7iR5ghkc-tFLHQFbgCYgDUEKO4XapfvCeT4mXPFyDdsEehvjFfQGwOk5FNMhCoahGyUMnH5ZUoP7arMtOqVlrrP7UTUJszQttkD32JjJMjLOExujdecdlrdM8kqtlVDpEiIu707o/s600/eIMG-0861.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="557" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk8oe7iR5ghkc-tFLHQFbgCYgDUEKO4XapfvCeT4mXPFyDdsEehvjFfQGwOk5FNMhCoahGyUMnH5ZUoP7arMtOqVlrrP7UTUJszQttkD32JjJMjLOExujdecdlrdM8kqtlVDpEiIu707o/s16000/eIMG-0861.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The oath ceremony is an official event during which you as a citizen-to-be make a promise to love and respect your country, and in exchange for your loyalty the country basically adopts you as a family would adopt a child, by giving you a certificate of naturalization. And one of the most significant rights it gives you is the right to participate in federal elections which is a privilege of every person born in this country. So this year, for the first time in my life, with my beloved husband and millions of other Americans, wearing nothing but my comfy home clothes, colorful cardigan and wooly slippers, I voiced my choice of the future of the USA. I voted for the brighter future of my country. I voted for the happier, more enlightened and progressive future for my child.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6bwZ32wCvpCnAEU9HhOKmBQcC9Sh83NXxgQAO4mVJct80oK4_ND6luH0JgtKJZMeJdNzcgwSwY6ho47mQr0sWWJri5M2KrFV6zysDJJeygDFT6R6Ik9LuUxz-G4eKX0xZItnb3E3sEcA/s791/ee20201102_232543.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="791" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6bwZ32wCvpCnAEU9HhOKmBQcC9Sh83NXxgQAO4mVJct80oK4_ND6luH0JgtKJZMeJdNzcgwSwY6ho47mQr0sWWJri5M2KrFV6zysDJJeygDFT6R6Ik9LuUxz-G4eKX0xZItnb3E3sEcA/s16000/ee20201102_232543.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thank you for your lovely comments, dear friends! Oh how I've missed you all!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I will be visiting you soon, give me a couple of days.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Outfits from 2019:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">both dresses - Eloquii</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">denim jacket - Old Navy (old)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">accessories - variety collected over the years</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My "voting" (actually, my homey) 2020 outfit:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">cardigan - Old Navy</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">slippers - Nordstrom</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">lounging pants and tee - Calvin Klein via Macy's</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRaVgH99k8GkFo9TW1MboQKa2bhc-VgUJd5kz9CrSpzNuaVgt2SfiOUsNOISFMCS2PpUza0XeCZF50NCrTpPseqlzKpFZcw0pio7WtVHXzulahgdUdF_3oXc7z2vqsHUNJ8RkEWG3u41w/s800/XOX.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRaVgH99k8GkFo9TW1MboQKa2bhc-VgUJd5kz9CrSpzNuaVgt2SfiOUsNOISFMCS2PpUza0XeCZF50NCrTpPseqlzKpFZcw0pio7WtVHXzulahgdUdF_3oXc7z2vqsHUNJ8RkEWG3u41w/w400-h300/XOX.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>
Natalia Lialinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07552652475347261756noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759460753738753423.post-16319439317357363502020-10-27T17:18:00.002-07:002020-10-27T17:18:57.398-07:00Two Autumns, Two Ways to Live <p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZeoxYPXyIcY8HCs70Ja65x8WtVp5wXHVPYp-flBVm37j5OiXEogQk-RXG71i9EIZsLqVhXkU0fhv2di8jP39nUMhRcOmOhHy7A5QtKaxKFaLvqJ5DkKpp_ni-59LgBR3kVGsVNkmPW8g/s800/eIMG-0686.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZeoxYPXyIcY8HCs70Ja65x8WtVp5wXHVPYp-flBVm37j5OiXEogQk-RXG71i9EIZsLqVhXkU0fhv2di8jP39nUMhRcOmOhHy7A5QtKaxKFaLvqJ5DkKpp_ni-59LgBR3kVGsVNkmPW8g/s16000/eIMG-0686.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"Have you ever dreamt that you'd be living in such a beautiful place?" asked Justin on our last forest walk. And here is my honest answer.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><span><a name='more'></a></span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNYE8Y-MD8ej501J3ZqeUlfCjVkpleXZVyOVhlW074B8T8pHrPgNXN0CFj-3AvUVowkrWH69bV3zG8AS7j7NelNwkBD6wjG4kQhCFau2dCPxc85v6Fz3pPpoddE09L5htGpG9BOZERTBc/s800/eIMG-0685.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNYE8Y-MD8ej501J3ZqeUlfCjVkpleXZVyOVhlW074B8T8pHrPgNXN0CFj-3AvUVowkrWH69bV3zG8AS7j7NelNwkBD6wjG4kQhCFau2dCPxc85v6Fz3pPpoddE09L5htGpG9BOZERTBc/s16000/eIMG-0685.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHaGr4YSb4AaDEB7_cho-lKGiX-LqgrsJCd-CCOwSPGwLAiMBLGDS-O2mG8YVAFio0DhvUNFoBS7HUHrFVchifoYozSSG_Ts8LEUrAnc0huySKyVia6O-D-ebc4aMnPOcvB5AL_S6icfo/s800/eIMG-0687.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHaGr4YSb4AaDEB7_cho-lKGiX-LqgrsJCd-CCOwSPGwLAiMBLGDS-O2mG8YVAFio0DhvUNFoBS7HUHrFVchifoYozSSG_Ts8LEUrAnc0huySKyVia6O-D-ebc4aMnPOcvB5AL_S6icfo/s16000/eIMG-0687.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifeewk2OzF7ces0DWTdTw4GkksNFY1QAwPGkFTpirQArnc2hpWS0krW0jxkg2A6s8vAIE9iaoePdDTyj0rjU8J7eK8OOqGAWTbkPP-2B0pZXR0HcMqWvJ5dTOhpoqrjtF3TxoD09Q2JDs/s800/eIMG-0688.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifeewk2OzF7ces0DWTdTw4GkksNFY1QAwPGkFTpirQArnc2hpWS0krW0jxkg2A6s8vAIE9iaoePdDTyj0rjU8J7eK8OOqGAWTbkPP-2B0pZXR0HcMqWvJ5dTOhpoqrjtF3TxoD09Q2JDs/s16000/eIMG-0688.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8K6h48xd1BjWFQAVdXvOmCZfTCtnEoXLtthlnhs48Z51hsWi04awjFMRw2LvTkJi9-KmnngHhhCUSlquwS3CX7vZt-eJgweYbid8-lyswM5-xovAPYcu2q7XXeOf_GP3NEVPeJb6M9T4/s800/eIMG-0683.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8K6h48xd1BjWFQAVdXvOmCZfTCtnEoXLtthlnhs48Z51hsWi04awjFMRw2LvTkJi9-KmnngHhhCUSlquwS3CX7vZt-eJgweYbid8-lyswM5-xovAPYcu2q7XXeOf_GP3NEVPeJb6M9T4/s16000/eIMG-0683.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1LLsL2FRjKOuF7qmAQynXpfkD49H04d8PmOJL8g-T994R8bxIrkVBQopQU_Gyu3x6hTpZQqbx9B1feUJseG5OBF2fbvHiNAExppY3bbiqpRSEjX8bkujmVXgWQoh5EHfanp8fbHhgflo/s740/eIMG-0689.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="740" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1LLsL2FRjKOuF7qmAQynXpfkD49H04d8PmOJL8g-T994R8bxIrkVBQopQU_Gyu3x6hTpZQqbx9B1feUJseG5OBF2fbvHiNAExppY3bbiqpRSEjX8bkujmVXgWQoh5EHfanp8fbHhgflo/s16000/eIMG-0689.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When we moved out here over a dozen years ago, we both were struck by just how gorgeous this area is. When I first visited Seattle back in 2007, I could hardly believe that people just lived here, walked, drove, going out and about doing regular things in a casual manner without being in a constant state of amazement. I remember having exact the same reaction when I first visited St Petersburg, Russia many years ago: do people actually live here?! Some places on our beautiful planet strike us as not just pretty, but breathtakingly, miraculously beautiful, and even more than that - some places resonate with our inner selves so much that we both believe and disbelieve that these marvels are real and within our reach.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUPyRklslEOqLW-nGNF6ZAo2wFDxldSfqbLx4gGTzNQ31f_qC5OeR77whIGCopaju-jrhXcMn8_yUOMnFCbDRtwnI5PIivC-Q_yyXUAitl6MKs3nM525cywsT-jQLbSW-EtS17jc2vZ2U/s800/eIMG-0690.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUPyRklslEOqLW-nGNF6ZAo2wFDxldSfqbLx4gGTzNQ31f_qC5OeR77whIGCopaju-jrhXcMn8_yUOMnFCbDRtwnI5PIivC-Q_yyXUAitl6MKs3nM525cywsT-jQLbSW-EtS17jc2vZ2U/s16000/eIMG-0690.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMbMLOjY7iRapNdy2NQqM7ONRKs7jBDXGuVEEv4zqk6dLsnyua7TYtqkLBiA_d8o3MtTFDTqSFYNUsYLraJWKFLVGuUa_VUlxnL1PCp1yl7NQZjdhSITujokA1e4FLIa7JW-9lmr3DEjM/s600/eIMG-0692.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="477" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMbMLOjY7iRapNdy2NQqM7ONRKs7jBDXGuVEEv4zqk6dLsnyua7TYtqkLBiA_d8o3MtTFDTqSFYNUsYLraJWKFLVGuUa_VUlxnL1PCp1yl7NQZjdhSITujokA1e4FLIa7JW-9lmr3DEjM/s16000/eIMG-0692.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTV8L1NiwT_ak_EH7KGNiJ9PLENrRiyfTNIywZsgsjYVBpjaiByqLNo5gZICqLVyTSd3DquZ-N98yxQDW4RewX6YYWM59AFH6NcfRUChytb_gpi5D43Hmo_3q93O4Q5ayZAzsS7Ajji8k/s759/eIMG-0694.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="759" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTV8L1NiwT_ak_EH7KGNiJ9PLENrRiyfTNIywZsgsjYVBpjaiByqLNo5gZICqLVyTSd3DquZ-N98yxQDW4RewX6YYWM59AFH6NcfRUChytb_gpi5D43Hmo_3q93O4Q5ayZAzsS7Ajji8k/s16000/eIMG-0694.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOlKLpW1z8pq7uDAtOlOUjJH1r6FXt_5kJAZ_D08iUpI29p-_2HQVksPU68ttKCxlmIyFJL2MCdtO1IWOlVZqZhJbFnUznMAH-Ggjdw_rsX2B6hcTykepYHEwnHT8B0Fk_7yLizPBVDEQ/s760/eIMG-0696.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="760" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOlKLpW1z8pq7uDAtOlOUjJH1r6FXt_5kJAZ_D08iUpI29p-_2HQVksPU68ttKCxlmIyFJL2MCdtO1IWOlVZqZhJbFnUznMAH-Ggjdw_rsX2B6hcTykepYHEwnHT8B0Fk_7yLizPBVDEQ/s16000/eIMG-0696.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIi1TmUQIm_wZF9i-e8c2Ty2p5EHGr3qoz_41xVbxvYKWv3wMIadi4w1OdE7HFzqYckxVZPHxhhwLqbzKpwuTjC5n55WY0YeSBjA3D-EOjX5iTokOraPJxHbkSeFXWcG3X_x36hLuf1Ss/s800/eIMG-0697.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIi1TmUQIm_wZF9i-e8c2Ty2p5EHGr3qoz_41xVbxvYKWv3wMIadi4w1OdE7HFzqYckxVZPHxhhwLqbzKpwuTjC5n55WY0YeSBjA3D-EOjX5iTokOraPJxHbkSeFXWcG3X_x36hLuf1Ss/s16000/eIMG-0697.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHRIUgypMt7p6jFfLXmA4hqwshYfEA9BNnRqRgBUmdrNoP6uCTV3TjKk5VThoOszAO2wPZllYgOWXJFT3Z-4W0Z5n4RVZRzCicPlY89HH9GaXmzzcvFLsloB0hCmCpvC1YCu9VpK3ncyo/s800/eIMG-0698.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHRIUgypMt7p6jFfLXmA4hqwshYfEA9BNnRqRgBUmdrNoP6uCTV3TjKk5VThoOszAO2wPZllYgOWXJFT3Z-4W0Z5n4RVZRzCicPlY89HH9GaXmzzcvFLsloB0hCmCpvC1YCu9VpK3ncyo/s16000/eIMG-0698.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The exotic side of this place for me, a girl who grew up in Siberia, was first of all the fjord called Puget Sound, neatly tucked away in tall mountains, and secondly the abundantly blooming colorful trees - rhododendrons that burst into flowering every single Spring (the time of year we arrived here), hidden between tall firs, making this area look rather like a gorgeous resort than a regular city. We loved living by the sea for all these years, seeing it from our windows, and for a few years even literally feeling the waves knocking at the walls of our beach house and hearing nothing but ships, seagulls and bald eagles outside of our tiny home. All of that really felt like an impossible dream came true. The closeness of wildlife just at our doorstep, both sea and the hilly woods surrounding us, only deepened the sense of just how miraculous life really is. <i>"There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle,"</i> said Albert Einstein. And I couldn't say it better. There are only two ways, and the choice is ours. We don't have to decide once and forever. Just like with choosing an outfit, you can change it later. Choose, try it on, play with it, pay attention to how you feel, and see how you like it. The happier you feel in your outfit, the more likely you will wear it again. And again. And again. And it's no different with choosing the way of living your life.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSS3Mm-LwpYaL2NQr4zW1pberNGOlr77OuycLCL2kSEgri28TxQKXqP6oPOKS-OOt2S87LxkIyCvMCJ_vjT2TXOFf7rSPHvWFUDerwb4p20O5Q_z_ONb5SR6AJ0YzwVr3nZsBNO_fLJoU/s800/eIMG-0700.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSS3Mm-LwpYaL2NQr4zW1pberNGOlr77OuycLCL2kSEgri28TxQKXqP6oPOKS-OOt2S87LxkIyCvMCJ_vjT2TXOFf7rSPHvWFUDerwb4p20O5Q_z_ONb5SR6AJ0YzwVr3nZsBNO_fLJoU/s16000/eIMG-0700.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_9DXHVt3SCOm0vTVNS7QKVtpqpRusdZkRaO9ajLmo4Wqz10uHgsh1CZqwKmUwdunazVYBO-WA1zKYDByhoAEpeQgxEs7kIpBJ-wfZxUfncFKeyjOdfF6daitJqwBN-Ex9wSkOfhJYMZ8/s762/eIMG-0702.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="762" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_9DXHVt3SCOm0vTVNS7QKVtpqpRusdZkRaO9ajLmo4Wqz10uHgsh1CZqwKmUwdunazVYBO-WA1zKYDByhoAEpeQgxEs7kIpBJ-wfZxUfncFKeyjOdfF6daitJqwBN-Ex9wSkOfhJYMZ8/s16000/eIMG-0702.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRy6R0X0_-N-PmuTlaQVeos1LOO4wWuPLyjL2mitwERmHbBiM48XZKpIQpzujuTOkAM9wbN56GfUiKy1n7fYT8Jhx0N-494mqZsm7QEgk26XGbSjcu0ujWpnqg2WjPRNYx8_FDYAIr63o/s800/eIMG-0703.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRy6R0X0_-N-PmuTlaQVeos1LOO4wWuPLyjL2mitwERmHbBiM48XZKpIQpzujuTOkAM9wbN56GfUiKy1n7fYT8Jhx0N-494mqZsm7QEgk26XGbSjcu0ujWpnqg2WjPRNYx8_FDYAIr63o/s16000/eIMG-0703.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCPZtJpdUJa5npWtPG4KG7eKh0vpchyfX4Zh6puHCUJaE-SjA9pqGl2s_J_nt6H3szOqvYHp4rGEXASICrl4E3RG2xp8ydWrUiGoyiwKb8zzOyaQU7jmHJ1ibzgqOQ6HsALV9nKjetbQw/s800/eIMG-0704.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCPZtJpdUJa5npWtPG4KG7eKh0vpchyfX4Zh6puHCUJaE-SjA9pqGl2s_J_nt6H3szOqvYHp4rGEXASICrl4E3RG2xp8ydWrUiGoyiwKb8zzOyaQU7jmHJ1ibzgqOQ6HsALV9nKjetbQw/s16000/eIMG-0704.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But even though it seemed exotic, this area at the same time always felt like home to me. The landscape of the Pacific Northwest is actually surprisingly similar to my native Siberia. Now, don't get me wrong - Siberia is huge, and there are a few different climate zones there, from steppes in the south to high mountains, to taiga, to tundra up north. The city of Krasnoyarsk where I am from is hilly, with rich mixed forest, largely evergreen thanks to conifers, with mountains nearby and one of the largest rivers in the world, the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yenisey" target="_blank">Yenisey</a>. The wiggly hilly roads, views of water, and evergreen forest around here remind me so much of my homeland. But only now when we live literally a few feet from the woods, I realized how much they make me feel at home. The open space and perspective which comes with living by the sea is precious, and we wouldn't mind to have the best of both worlds some day. The beach where we landed years ago is still within just a few minutes walk from us, so I know I can always get there and even if I don't, I realize that I don't miss seeing it on daily basis. What surprises me even more is how the closeness of forest makes me feel... as if I came back home, totally at ease, cozy and protected.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVEvdmfT2mc-LdahFX0_bdN_XR8vvnE5XikRSlN4IuNVkwP_JYqpKC7-nXeHlJsH_tSIaZLyGL6_E2gvjNOFIOzhGhmXxg6ScJw2cImtUAjE7RRaYQ2dr6ZNozEvidx0DQA_UKqLDG_9Q/s800/eIMG-0705.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVEvdmfT2mc-LdahFX0_bdN_XR8vvnE5XikRSlN4IuNVkwP_JYqpKC7-nXeHlJsH_tSIaZLyGL6_E2gvjNOFIOzhGhmXxg6ScJw2cImtUAjE7RRaYQ2dr6ZNozEvidx0DQA_UKqLDG_9Q/s16000/eIMG-0705.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnfPw2CkhdIyvzed5dT52ln3WueRehSf03GIAMkUO9bcrYqblUe6tQ92Fa4NA60fiZI_sO1aJPJ2SSVX_s7M1c_JcOgdtChY9vWZHtW60htQfmaV8aikW_M_Mt2_a5gc5jbDkZ7_xU9Ww/s800/eIMG-0706.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnfPw2CkhdIyvzed5dT52ln3WueRehSf03GIAMkUO9bcrYqblUe6tQ92Fa4NA60fiZI_sO1aJPJ2SSVX_s7M1c_JcOgdtChY9vWZHtW60htQfmaV8aikW_M_Mt2_a5gc5jbDkZ7_xU9Ww/s16000/eIMG-0706.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm wearing my waterproof raincoat (not all of them are these days) which I purchased especially for traveling to Russia a little over a year ago. I really loved the quality and color of it, it was the only coat in the store, hugely discounted and... in my size. I bought it without second guessing myself, and it's been serving me well ever since my spontaneous trip back in September 2019. I was so happy that I made this decision and was able to see my dear parents. I's a veeeeery long and tiring trip, and I was there for a few short days and came back to my family literally a day before I started working, so I didn't have time and energy to meet with many friends and extended family. But I was so incredibly happy that I made this decision and traveled there just to spend 5 or 6 days with my loved ones, and even more so now because again, who knew that only a year later we would find ourselves in these weird circumstances, not being able traveling for a long time. I didn't know any of it last Fall. I knew neither why I had this urge to visit Russia, nor why exactly it was the best time to buy a house (I don't keep up with economic or political reasons to make such decisions), all I knew was the strong inner feeling that told me: now or never - and I trusted it. However flaky it might sound to some of my practically oriented, sensible friends, I trust that the Universe provides us with signs, and if we learn to read them, we don't really need logical explanations. If you enjoy logic and analysis, more power to you. But my point is, they are not the only way to experience life, not the only way to know.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivlT739BJy5UzDUsl8T-W7B7zbnb0CcJjGTHwicEsaU5S-_SKcB3MwhBtkP7gkfqgja83OZcLiU5teGVsyMMbkV3TGD65dI2WKcqxeMiGilLpN7MliKYKVMpU7LjLB9UvwnCIGBkz_QWc/s600/e20190911_024809cr.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="419" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivlT739BJy5UzDUsl8T-W7B7zbnb0CcJjGTHwicEsaU5S-_SKcB3MwhBtkP7gkfqgja83OZcLiU5teGVsyMMbkV3TGD65dI2WKcqxeMiGilLpN7MliKYKVMpU7LjLB9UvwnCIGBkz_QWc/s16000/e20190911_024809cr.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRzRmHBUSh3Qpwpg_y5Ziu4w0dC9Mx_Zss5orquAijAOJydOUv1DMR_BOmHkufSTLkyAw3chhyphenhyphenDXTCWasGwmGRV9HVLBO77MJMdI1-D60_YDhJ0V2cq2cVZKR0_XASdldE5IJSzXE_5w8/s719/e20190911_024919cr.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="719" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRzRmHBUSh3Qpwpg_y5Ziu4w0dC9Mx_Zss5orquAijAOJydOUv1DMR_BOmHkufSTLkyAw3chhyphenhyphenDXTCWasGwmGRV9HVLBO77MJMdI1-D60_YDhJ0V2cq2cVZKR0_XASdldE5IJSzXE_5w8/s16000/e20190911_024919cr.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiye7643WfqgCyfJc4lmwHozZn_eDPd9bGqai_0vO0wJmNGHNFBrHjT5JbJC0CZcw7D2XuJtYfOG2itH1j3-4F63PCthaS4ShZI9l299fGVPwYXaTq5apTy_0T4EOgstcCTAOp7Go2rImE/s788/e20190911_025002.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiye7643WfqgCyfJc4lmwHozZn_eDPd9bGqai_0vO0wJmNGHNFBrHjT5JbJC0CZcw7D2XuJtYfOG2itH1j3-4F63PCthaS4ShZI9l299fGVPwYXaTq5apTy_0T4EOgstcCTAOp7Go2rImE/s16000/e20190911_025002.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwbIqyTvr8WBvWkh42t-jtYmpuwaEoE08OmwlbxysbARed5wrgoxzbuFECwamdiGs2YyJ-Vmy0BCkH9zd3mnxjJ41GOu1EtD3UQl_K_M9ROUqXR_wyt9BvuNApgmMtCQxpANKfzsuaWfg/s600/e20190911_025332.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="388" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwbIqyTvr8WBvWkh42t-jtYmpuwaEoE08OmwlbxysbARed5wrgoxzbuFECwamdiGs2YyJ-Vmy0BCkH9zd3mnxjJ41GOu1EtD3UQl_K_M9ROUqXR_wyt9BvuNApgmMtCQxpANKfzsuaWfg/s16000/e20190911_025332.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyxWhEnpK5RN4onagavt_8FVrw3s90rDU__Pc98fcn5DY0r-GoQVNAdwQzYB5plcDO-czL6VY_3iDz-uOcjibkdi5zq8I81sC6z_PIKpDyv7rzt7UL_5q1gnaU9ju9hVzzP4vngUuiwhg/s600/e20190912_033624cr.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyxWhEnpK5RN4onagavt_8FVrw3s90rDU__Pc98fcn5DY0r-GoQVNAdwQzYB5plcDO-czL6VY_3iDz-uOcjibkdi5zq8I81sC6z_PIKpDyv7rzt7UL_5q1gnaU9ju9hVzzP4vngUuiwhg/s16000/e20190912_033624cr.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Have you met my brother yet? I bet you haven't - he doesn't take pictures of himself much, and even I don't see him too often. So here he is, my fantastic brother, original artist, visual storyteller and co-author of all my <a href="https://www.chickenleghouse.com/books" target="_blank">CHILDREN'S BOOKS</a>. I've always adored and admired him, he was the best company to grow up with, and as you can see we still love playing together. I wish that more people knew just how amazing Andrei and his work are! Though I understand that some genius is not for everyone to recognize. I love this photo - I took it at the airport, right before I left, so it was a very sensitive time for all four of us, my wonderful, one of a kind, marvelous family. One Siberian artist in the gallery of another (very famous!) Siberian artist Vasily Surikov who was born in Krasnoyarsk in 1848. Both amazingly talented, each in their own way, they even share the same birthday, January 24. They are 120 years apart, but it's only a blink of an eye for history. You can learn more about Andrei Lialin <a href="https://www.chickenleghouse.com/" target="_blank">HERE</a> and Vasily Surikov <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vasily_Surikov" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRheBfvKmfq0zmk-rcJ15X9BatFklLYaOCXzbHRIgnXZrM5Vayb06SIqbKliFwjFzm1DM3ByWO-RnpryxrLUfOQePXQDb4y2rO0T4hsu_v3_DbDy4zUFsorj5sqzxmb8_CQnbx8RmN2cE/s800/eIMG-0711.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRheBfvKmfq0zmk-rcJ15X9BatFklLYaOCXzbHRIgnXZrM5Vayb06SIqbKliFwjFzm1DM3ByWO-RnpryxrLUfOQePXQDb4y2rO0T4hsu_v3_DbDy4zUFsorj5sqzxmb8_CQnbx8RmN2cE/s16000/eIMG-0711.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR_8UD3nB9_ijlHK1n_rmCMIF4S3GrgL8qru5CqyNYTzD7dMtFwf71r2O-bXtL0PK-atmsYDHD-bPdW_CW4OpeThBJqhUMyTAQgDBJpJispsg1AOVbJ_W1sMjxKf6ec6tHtqB7t_Ds7yc/s800/eIMG-0709.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR_8UD3nB9_ijlHK1n_rmCMIF4S3GrgL8qru5CqyNYTzD7dMtFwf71r2O-bXtL0PK-atmsYDHD-bPdW_CW4OpeThBJqhUMyTAQgDBJpJispsg1AOVbJ_W1sMjxKf6ec6tHtqB7t_Ds7yc/s16000/eIMG-0709.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My short but sweet trip down memory lane (which this raincoat always manages to accomplish) is over, and I find myself back in America, at my other homeland, the one I love no less because here I gave a birth to my beautiful daughter and met my one true love which is another miracle. Remember the way I felt about Seattle and St Petersburg? It was the same feeling when I met Justin, only the connection was even stronger. I felt as if I knew him already, maybe centuries ago, as if I was coming home, but I didn't even know what that home was... But how likely it is for two people who feel fairly lonely and misunderstood in this world, for these two white crows to meet? Seems really unlikely, right? No wonder that from time to time I found myself asking... can it really be true? And <i>that</i> is the definition of a miracle to me. When something in life is very unlikely by all logical reasons, but just as you dreamt it would be, only even better. When something feels so right and so wonderful that you almost can't believe it at times, at the same time knowing that it's the only way it can be. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip1MDo7Lpa6MzWrpWsl5_xKdi6ILIkqxHYrtRfbdGfdDrjfUyMEE2kjGIByd8hSOSdEC0-2haj5hzAwOvI1KqjAoyhIRlMDFCtUY-qAYlSq4ZUZLADUkkbiAihG4hmR-eO1KozHNEe-qk/s800/eIMG-0713.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip1MDo7Lpa6MzWrpWsl5_xKdi6ILIkqxHYrtRfbdGfdDrjfUyMEE2kjGIByd8hSOSdEC0-2haj5hzAwOvI1KqjAoyhIRlMDFCtUY-qAYlSq4ZUZLADUkkbiAihG4hmR-eO1KozHNEe-qk/s16000/eIMG-0713.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsvFjxtx9EnMcHjIceGIhSoPwaWRMmFcsjqIgmapQgV8HYTlGoKSt7qiiazcUDKC0wZrGRpM5XJkGEZQvw_qFi8NZuxh-BqY7kYBwrtXmtdADDqRb1BaNsRliLgDXUb8fFAI64VXAvQic/s800/eIMG-0714.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsvFjxtx9EnMcHjIceGIhSoPwaWRMmFcsjqIgmapQgV8HYTlGoKSt7qiiazcUDKC0wZrGRpM5XJkGEZQvw_qFi8NZuxh-BqY7kYBwrtXmtdADDqRb1BaNsRliLgDXUb8fFAI64VXAvQic/s16000/eIMG-0714.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So to answer Justin's question, have I ever dreamt of living in such a beautiful place, I would say yes and no. I was born and raised in a beautiful place to begin with, and ended up in a place that reminds me of home, only with a milder, friendlier climate and lovely sea breeze. But I've always as far as I remember dreamt of an amazing, unordinary life which I would share with my true soulmate. I didn't know how, when or where it would happen, I just knew that it would. And that is really all you have to know if you ask me. There are only two ways to live your life... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSWNI0jXLoMOFjjUtxqrvE8meeMmehrLC1Fs4lJVKQsBX3dPHE2w1NwTfdmA5p2nZwYD1j2va8WT8iuzH6ZUCDYyTEzUrhifsducqs9miesrotOgSIdQLeDNNOVuablKcDfit79ivrgcQ/s800/eIMG-0716.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSWNI0jXLoMOFjjUtxqrvE8meeMmehrLC1Fs4lJVKQsBX3dPHE2w1NwTfdmA5p2nZwYD1j2va8WT8iuzH6ZUCDYyTEzUrhifsducqs9miesrotOgSIdQLeDNNOVuablKcDfit79ivrgcQ/s16000/eIMG-0716.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">On the old wooden bridge over a forest creek bubbling with icy cold water from the mountains, Justin reached out to kiss me - that's just the romantic he is, <a href="http://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/2014/07/kubota-garden-real-adventure-man.html" target="_blank">the Real Adventure Man</a> if you remember (more of some our adventures <a href="http://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/2015/09/deception-without-deceit.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>, <a href="http://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/2017/09/outside-my-window.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>, <a href="http://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/2015/08/a-place-to-listen-to-silence.html" target="_blank">HERE</a> and <a href="http://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/2016/11/airplanes-first-then-girls.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>). So he reached out to me and... almost lost his balance on the tatty little bridge... Oh no! Watch out, Justin, the gully is deep, and besides, one can never be sure what's on the other side, especially this time of year!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoCeAmbyN-lHtF9yl6Ws36PaG3Nxipa_izgfSWvmYJLI8hznyzctK179ALsOy2WlVhbZ7w9t1a6aEdMwIUjtPPggwwJ3VlmHGGOnZQt7mnTwhjRkA1PX-D7Ve6YytVDN8mpq4aySPlS0Y/s800/eIMG-0718.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoCeAmbyN-lHtF9yl6Ws36PaG3Nxipa_izgfSWvmYJLI8hznyzctK179ALsOy2WlVhbZ7w9t1a6aEdMwIUjtPPggwwJ3VlmHGGOnZQt7mnTwhjRkA1PX-D7Ve6YytVDN8mpq4aySPlS0Y/s16000/eIMG-0718.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I hope you enjoyed the story of our forest walk as much as I did writing it. I have to tell you that I've decided to make a conscious attempt to make time in a busy life and write my blog regularly again. For what it's worth, writing it makes me a happier person. So let's talk! Do let me know what are your favorite walks, and also whether you'd like to see the photos of my trip to Russia last Fall - I'll be happy to dedicate a whole post to it!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH0ifjpbOBnubHE4g0q7BUX2G2XNnb5PR3ugdVELXBmrVjjBC2aBE4Cvrtan_GnE9RCDKrHpkDbv8jbOqtEJDCL9vb7So84NkNqdGCElZys3L-UuKMn7c0H7BHbF9kDqc1QQ_Kgy4NmHc/s800/XOX.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH0ifjpbOBnubHE4g0q7BUX2G2XNnb5PR3ugdVELXBmrVjjBC2aBE4Cvrtan_GnE9RCDKrHpkDbv8jbOqtEJDCL9vb7So84NkNqdGCElZys3L-UuKMn7c0H7BHbF9kDqc1QQ_Kgy4NmHc/w400-h300/XOX.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p>Natalia Lialinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07552652475347261756noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759460753738753423.post-4993782447085673162020-10-24T23:10:00.004-07:002020-10-26T14:28:54.384-07:00Family in Fall, Sauerkraut Recipe and New Home<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLFbQJOVN9N2DTCQRkF8UMuhfC1CZcZxP7rv5EbbYQeFbvFUZUCVN4ukv9KEb3aq-CYM_N5d5My2-ZsToZ_sxbrN3vTKm8llNTM21RrTC_kskDYiN5ZV7L6hp5sfJdj5GGRQxUao4pvnA/s800/eIMG-0666.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLFbQJOVN9N2DTCQRkF8UMuhfC1CZcZxP7rv5EbbYQeFbvFUZUCVN4ukv9KEb3aq-CYM_N5d5My2-ZsToZ_sxbrN3vTKm8llNTM21RrTC_kskDYiN5ZV7L6hp5sfJdj5GGRQxUao4pvnA/s16000/eIMG-0666.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In my last post, I wrote about traditional Fall celebrations in the US which my family and I love, but this time of year is even more precious and beautiful to me for many personal reasons. You might notice it too, life usually brings us things in clusters. One such "cluster" is birthdays in my family. Of course, whenever a few people gather, some of them most probably were born reasonably close to each other, and it's especially true when we talk about a large family. I mean, there are only 12 months in the year, aren't there? But some such coincidences seem more like serendipity or kismet, if you will.</div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiCO-67OzW4zRiuHHHTGlErsBgUvmdNfPutfKYjTxeKgIsvSttEIL-phHNXArZniJjvpg-n1Jn19HZ5dRbO4oaKkYKcfalngmLp3C03P3xeTSBNa3gFvUjNjB-sdW5MGIe8cL51-ZKuIg/s800/eIMG-0646.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiCO-67OzW4zRiuHHHTGlErsBgUvmdNfPutfKYjTxeKgIsvSttEIL-phHNXArZniJjvpg-n1Jn19HZ5dRbO4oaKkYKcfalngmLp3C03P3xeTSBNa3gFvUjNjB-sdW5MGIe8cL51-ZKuIg/s16000/eIMG-0646.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAYlcOWBgYPdORyp-6nIKn33yAMlcFt_8IljdxTiCnDqMQfb3GJfR4ZKd5fFQi5_LrfojssF3BHAEK328AlmyNy6_Oww72YfJlqdUbeK_f8VQNPjcKwVRaccUqdR6x1EyTWJAfVGV68A8/s800/eIMG-0650.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAYlcOWBgYPdORyp-6nIKn33yAMlcFt_8IljdxTiCnDqMQfb3GJfR4ZKd5fFQi5_LrfojssF3BHAEK328AlmyNy6_Oww72YfJlqdUbeK_f8VQNPjcKwVRaccUqdR6x1EyTWJAfVGV68A8/s16000/eIMG-0650.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And in both my immediate and my extended family we have plenty of such happy coincidences, especially in Fall. My Mom who just turned 75 today, shares her birthday with her youngest twin sisters (12 years apart from her), and my Dad's birthday is just a week after that. In between these two dates, Justin's late Mother's birthday, and Justin himself share a birthday with my nephew - the only son of my only brother (you can read more about my brother, talented artist Andrei Lialin and our books <a href="https://www.chickenleghouse.com/" target="_blank">HERE</a>). Be it traditional or personal, with its colorful confetti of foliage, Autumn is a perfect time to celebrate, and these days any time we get out of the house seems like a little celebration anyway... So on Justin's birthday, we went out and about, took some pictures of pretty leaves and each other. Justin's wearing a new shirt which he bought via Duluth Trading Company. He likes their quality, and they have extended sizes. I'm not sure whether or not I've shared this dress on the blog before, but it's by Eloquii, and is at least one year old. The green suede jacket is new to my closet. I purchased it in a secondhand online shop, but the jacket was brand new with tags still attached. My outerwear collection is growing - I went a little crazy and got several amazing jackets and coats this Fall.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1QoKslvwX7Amg-W8A6nCMn-mnfVo4rvvFTWWCKGjvMILevbPpkK2Q8xh3jyQGBtoDI3nV8REN1IwWSeHBRYHnrp_BUde2Lvf2TXQZPonERiPlk8TjyO7H6410h0m28j7I2oZn-oC4evE/s800/eIMG-0655.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1QoKslvwX7Amg-W8A6nCMn-mnfVo4rvvFTWWCKGjvMILevbPpkK2Q8xh3jyQGBtoDI3nV8REN1IwWSeHBRYHnrp_BUde2Lvf2TXQZPonERiPlk8TjyO7H6410h0m28j7I2oZn-oC4evE/s16000/eIMG-0655.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghgVSh_8XH1fmv9G-HCoDG7TtPod08ICB-TdkMHM4AIMrbb5hcIiYd4C-Vpwr_-1cISsEhUIdNYWIjBVaYCmxTMv6s73Gnn4x6Q9kXyCeHZdRIyYkukZ_WOJBdx6iv8whAymJyDsXeum0/s800/eIMG-0667.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="636" data-original-width="800" height="509" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghgVSh_8XH1fmv9G-HCoDG7TtPod08ICB-TdkMHM4AIMrbb5hcIiYd4C-Vpwr_-1cISsEhUIdNYWIjBVaYCmxTMv6s73Gnn4x6Q9kXyCeHZdRIyYkukZ_WOJBdx6iv8whAymJyDsXeum0/w640-h509/eIMG-0667.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJmwOZSmmLeKb66jUon8Ey7blUpDiwNkt2gpX7xQOEM6uBVFkq6rw60kzDdGYBqUW_UbRWMdiKcSxQ3wZ44eFtGePYDJ18knPIoJMXgKPm5R0OUoD3LvxMVX0_hA7mKP2lhY_KFTmOISI/s800/eIMG-0669.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="625" data-original-width="800" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJmwOZSmmLeKb66jUon8Ey7blUpDiwNkt2gpX7xQOEM6uBVFkq6rw60kzDdGYBqUW_UbRWMdiKcSxQ3wZ44eFtGePYDJ18knPIoJMXgKPm5R0OUoD3LvxMVX0_hA7mKP2lhY_KFTmOISI/w640-h500/eIMG-0669.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I promised to tell you a little about our new home. Yes, we did it! Justin and I bought our very first home together. The long story short, I came to the conclusion that a townhouse will work best for our lifestyle, and pretty fast we landed at the most charming cottage style house which is surrounded by a beautiful mature garden and near the woods and Puget Sound, in the area where we've lived for over 12 years... I admired this neighborhood since we first moved here from Ohio, and was over the moon happy when I saw this home on the market. Both Justin and Anya loved it too, so the day we saw it we made an offer and soon it was ours! It was literally love from the first sight, and a dream come true. It took a while to get our stuff moved from the old cottage to our new home, but you know what was spooky? As soon as we moved the last bits, everything started shutting down due to the Covid-19 pandemic - Anya started online learning, and Justin and I working from home. On many occasions, we said to each other in amazement just how timely it was. Who knew, right?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdxOM6fwlyzZPTzeTlIVrnUxpsWuOxSr2MvdxY7YocnZplRgoiQE3PQXskO6ucXBjjVPrQ0N9gYdev_4fcYT5z70IK8fva6x17x-ple2Gwzz0NOtDu7tFhl9vVL6V_3mwLaQPOpYpM2xs/s832/eeIMG-0618.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="832" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdxOM6fwlyzZPTzeTlIVrnUxpsWuOxSr2MvdxY7YocnZplRgoiQE3PQXskO6ucXBjjVPrQ0N9gYdev_4fcYT5z70IK8fva6x17x-ple2Gwzz0NOtDu7tFhl9vVL6V_3mwLaQPOpYpM2xs/s16000/eeIMG-0618.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFTNPDXh1lDg1xezgEF3Leh6RQXKJJs-2jFZ7uQnronXn3EZMLrO7jImr2VMJqrVMWoRB8vdloVWjh9jHIR_7wsjiLKI6dWmGNS7Xjy4_59tKwwgacQQy-vP_MZmsN9HLEI-WajLKOFqE/s800/eIMG-0591.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFTNPDXh1lDg1xezgEF3Leh6RQXKJJs-2jFZ7uQnronXn3EZMLrO7jImr2VMJqrVMWoRB8vdloVWjh9jHIR_7wsjiLKI6dWmGNS7Xjy4_59tKwwgacQQy-vP_MZmsN9HLEI-WajLKOFqE/s16000/eIMG-0591.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6M3OV0tuoV8XmYubwxaWASlwlBmHW5IbtwbMRNAlir0D51nIh3NzE6zbTyDxCph-etJenZOuKV-g0WstGnj_qBvkHwhnCtn9PTZxWHzxCWK4eEWBEIJV0yCuFs9P4P2nXpAd6Dtuj-3E/s689/eeIMG-0618.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="689" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6M3OV0tuoV8XmYubwxaWASlwlBmHW5IbtwbMRNAlir0D51nIh3NzE6zbTyDxCph-etJenZOuKV-g0WstGnj_qBvkHwhnCtn9PTZxWHzxCWK4eEWBEIJV0yCuFs9P4P2nXpAd6Dtuj-3E/s16000/eeIMG-0618.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Not everything is in its place yet, but we're getting there. So far, we've invested in IKEA shelves for the garage, deck furniture for our veranda, and some lovely vintage curtains from the 1960s that remind me so much about my childhood! I went for a layering look in the living room - the way it was common when I was growing up in the 1970s-1980s. (Photos above.) On the photos below, you can see our dining room nook. The sofa was bought a couple of years ago, and I didn't even have a place for it in our old house, but I knew I'd find it some day. Not sure about the age of it, but it's in pristine condition (well, it was before our cats had their pointy paws on it!), so perhaps not too old, like 1980s - what do you think? In any case, it fits just perfectly right with our home which was built in the late 1970s/early 1980s, and with my eclectic midcentury / cottage style interior. The hand-woven rug, just like the curtains, are vintage from Sweden, and was never used before. The style of the rug reminds me very much of what my Babushka (grandmother) used to make when I was a kid. The painting on the wall is only a tiny part of my art collection, and is a recent antique mall find. There are many more wonderful things to share, but I think that's enough about my home for now.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW_ln5ogXX_mX6GSyZzjJOUmLq1RzmJ56lJsjHy0IoA0Mf-FcosISSt9DJLHcSpwB_m5HL03b5FTJxjyJmH3quniPCJfyMqx1eSn7B5pY67lfV9onEPPozW0EPXff2EdMRQJcU_q4-MCI/s800/eIMG-0465.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW_ln5ogXX_mX6GSyZzjJOUmLq1RzmJ56lJsjHy0IoA0Mf-FcosISSt9DJLHcSpwB_m5HL03b5FTJxjyJmH3quniPCJfyMqx1eSn7B5pY67lfV9onEPPozW0EPXff2EdMRQJcU_q4-MCI/s16000/eIMG-0465.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj872r8PamTAr-LBARfBO_QIuf7DTs1zF_r4aVwemHoHjeBLnxrP6cXpsh4pbsOQehn6k4vijQ5K5Q4ABHz-Mh0dnqGD7Ls9QN1ZIwCHPqK_LjsGMg-jTT0HzD4oxPHg6VKx3rnoquZ2JU/s800/eIMG-0470.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj872r8PamTAr-LBARfBO_QIuf7DTs1zF_r4aVwemHoHjeBLnxrP6cXpsh4pbsOQehn6k4vijQ5K5Q4ABHz-Mh0dnqGD7Ls9QN1ZIwCHPqK_LjsGMg-jTT0HzD4oxPHg6VKx3rnoquZ2JU/s16000/eIMG-0470.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Autumn is so inspiring to me, and I always have an outburst of creative energy when the weather cools down, but it's still nice and sunny out. Some of you might know that I used to be an extremely crafty person who enjoyed making her own clothes, and did a lot of knitting and sewing since I was a teenager. I also had a brief romance with embroidery in my late 20s, but haven't touched this stuff for over 15 years. I don't know exactly why I lost interest in this type of work, perhaps because other things took priority and kept me pretty occupied. But this Fall I suddenly had an urge to start embroidering again, and invested in several adorable cross stitch kits. This is the first one I chose to work on. Isn't he the loveliest hedgehog you've ever seen?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh77rHUOhCDg91OJnOFg4_thWucfq8U829b4AQWhMj2HYHUAvxGtfQgfu2YPtxzGK2g9qBGmsK7wsFJWvCAyZ0_YiOT1EqWl0nO7rGNvA6mQfa-4JDClFoXsSrt4ke3u73kIC2hMEmtyjo/s600/eeIMG-0638.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh77rHUOhCDg91OJnOFg4_thWucfq8U829b4AQWhMj2HYHUAvxGtfQgfu2YPtxzGK2g9qBGmsK7wsFJWvCAyZ0_YiOT1EqWl0nO7rGNvA6mQfa-4JDClFoXsSrt4ke3u73kIC2hMEmtyjo/s16000/eeIMG-0638.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our new home has been surprising us in many ways, but one of most unexpected ones was to find wild mushrooms right in our front yard! At first, when Justin showed up at the doorstep exclaiming in my native language, "Natasha! Грибы! Грибы!" (mushrooms in Russian), I thought it hardly would be something edible. "Мухоморы," I thought lazily. (Never ever try to eat <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amanita_muscaria" target="_blank">them</a>!) But, to my big surprise, they were some of my favorite little mushrooms - маслята, or <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suillus_luteus" target="_blank">slippery jacks</a> as they are commonly known here. I went mushroom hunting with my Dad since I was a little girl and loved it! I am definitely not an expert on mushrooms, but I am familiar with some kinds and will recognize them practically with closed eyes - I know their shape and size, their smell, and in this particular case their very specific feel (they literally are slippery). Back home, my parents would marinate them, but here I just don't have too many - so I washed and froze them for some special occasion. If you love wild mushrooms, remember to always make sure what you have is what you can safely eat. Consult with knowledgeable people, books, websites, and don't ever eat what you don't know, that's the main rule of healthy and wise foraging.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm-QdyfEk4wv8EB21ZelIMf3p2jhyAKX8GeAv4atM8DHRc7QWQxWRBVomuBvegYX6N2rpQbmJ3K68G3xRyr6EkBbODcJDCN7GJjqJjFTr5rB_wVTViOA8fvPV4NeaDfCreGgUznT5dwOM/s600/eeIMG-0579.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="490" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm-QdyfEk4wv8EB21ZelIMf3p2jhyAKX8GeAv4atM8DHRc7QWQxWRBVomuBvegYX6N2rpQbmJ3K68G3xRyr6EkBbODcJDCN7GJjqJjFTr5rB_wVTViOA8fvPV4NeaDfCreGgUznT5dwOM/s16000/eeIMG-0579.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhwUruJNOGG_00__Uv7EamEDjiJODTtG76OEy-9jwBMNMsueHfuTtXg_V9nQbLLJvvJmoXH4_mrY9CN6VrNrgwFL-tRXRr9CanY115ViqvHoom0wfZesaxkmWw01Rv-Nn0xy9CWfF_brs/s800/eIMG-0642.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhwUruJNOGG_00__Uv7EamEDjiJODTtG76OEy-9jwBMNMsueHfuTtXg_V9nQbLLJvvJmoXH4_mrY9CN6VrNrgwFL-tRXRr9CanY115ViqvHoom0wfZesaxkmWw01Rv-Nn0xy9CWfF_brs/s16000/eIMG-0642.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Remember the cabbage from my previous post? I did make sauerkraut (квашеная капуста) out of ONE of the two huge heads of cabbages. The recipe is from my Dad, and it's very simple and very tasty. Shred cabbage and a handful of carrots, kneed them with your hands as much as you have strength to do. Then pack the vegetables tightly into glass jars (I just used jars from cornichons - of course, you have to wash them first). I had enough to fill 3 jars (all together probably about 4 liters). Anyway, the recipe is for <b><u>3 liters of shredded, tightly packed cabbage</u></b>, so please adjust as you need:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1 TBS of salt</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">0.5 cup of sugar</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1 liter of cooled boiled water</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Put salt over the cabbage, just on top. Add sugar to a liter of cooled down boiled water. Fill the jars (already pre-packed with cabbage) with the sugary water. Leave the open jars on the counter for 2-3 days. Place each jar into a bowl because there will be lots of juices coming out of the jars. (You just pour it right back in the jars.) VERY IMPORTANT: you need to poke your cabbage several times with a long knife or a wooden stick to help gases to come out. Do it as many times as you can remember (5-10 times per day is appropriate.) You will see when the process is finished: no more juice is coming out of the jars. Then clean them, close and put in the fridge. It only sounds like a lot of work, actually it's quite easy, and the result is crunchy, sweet sour cabbage. Russians have tons of uses: salads, soups, sautéed cabbage, pastry (pirozhki), and just eat it as is - just add some onion and aromatic sunflower oil. Have it with some good rustic bread, and you have a wonderfully refreshing, full of vitamins meal!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5BidXyqJ2jiiUPSOOUUMdJYx4ZyHFFuVwENlO4ROHNHLHOI36ethu8JDbdzf1sMq6ApkyUp9I0cbnh1XaVsLz9DKZmPHagMbRgzYnX6W86Stj_5DLgy-qfJwiqIu8WUOj-xt0Mb2FDzk/s752/eeIMG-0391.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="752" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5BidXyqJ2jiiUPSOOUUMdJYx4ZyHFFuVwENlO4ROHNHLHOI36ethu8JDbdzf1sMq6ApkyUp9I0cbnh1XaVsLz9DKZmPHagMbRgzYnX6W86Stj_5DLgy-qfJwiqIu8WUOj-xt0Mb2FDzk/s16000/eeIMG-0391.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG_tx75HcwlqHKAXz7CyUYqFGTJG_D99ABpzWDQLZT4-VgE4kMmGuP3UJIpYVgxTdutIbm64bQDDIj0GFXT3QzD9kdbooWHMweQdxIR5B-tOZu9hvJGQlhPP07HpUYEYp2HP7EgPC1ec8/s800/eIMG-0433.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG_tx75HcwlqHKAXz7CyUYqFGTJG_D99ABpzWDQLZT4-VgE4kMmGuP3UJIpYVgxTdutIbm64bQDDIj0GFXT3QzD9kdbooWHMweQdxIR5B-tOZu9hvJGQlhPP07HpUYEYp2HP7EgPC1ec8/s16000/eIMG-0433.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlQLSfpmgnRRwPnI2PrONMFNkMZXHbc4cjhNxDuem-SOUpruLTupk5h7O1hAL1sw1g1gCWqCJwju-huPkYDDKx-2hmtO-E0hEUbxwFiUn7bjzjVGNsVyyTfujBIyenYie6LYc3ibQvi8g/s800/eIMG-0434.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlQLSfpmgnRRwPnI2PrONMFNkMZXHbc4cjhNxDuem-SOUpruLTupk5h7O1hAL1sw1g1gCWqCJwju-huPkYDDKx-2hmtO-E0hEUbxwFiUn7bjzjVGNsVyyTfujBIyenYie6LYc3ibQvi8g/w640-h480/eIMG-0434.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiLJRurtuIgmqT-Ao_th0bQ4dNSu6AGqDSSm8Bbcl0Fbr-_ixr8_yOMrWm3vk0Tl-hj16EIAF10Kivq9KWMtveLRVcUPdp3SipcohTWKI_qMJwoZjjGrfLQM389mEQnpWSfWEsq3qYGIY/s800/eIMG-0435.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="524" data-original-width="800" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiLJRurtuIgmqT-Ao_th0bQ4dNSu6AGqDSSm8Bbcl0Fbr-_ixr8_yOMrWm3vk0Tl-hj16EIAF10Kivq9KWMtveLRVcUPdp3SipcohTWKI_qMJwoZjjGrfLQM389mEQnpWSfWEsq3qYGIY/w640-h420/eIMG-0435.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEtW47tBw7t4AUp2lCfdrTLzd4Ii2v4nlJ9q4dMhyKgjksE6QKAMRtHMo9anqDLkBJl9S0KIyzxVtfPbjZn88Oqnit7qQxvN2_jXvuqowyhBBNZelOQqnzhQvZmBcff3-6IPdTw6zHp7M/s762/eeIMG-0444.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="762" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEtW47tBw7t4AUp2lCfdrTLzd4Ii2v4nlJ9q4dMhyKgjksE6QKAMRtHMo9anqDLkBJl9S0KIyzxVtfPbjZn88Oqnit7qQxvN2_jXvuqowyhBBNZelOQqnzhQvZmBcff3-6IPdTw6zHp7M/s16000/eeIMG-0444.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Finally, a couple of warm sunny early Fall day outfits and a couple of photos from downtown Seattle. Then my freshly cut and colored hair by Erica, as always for the past 12 years or so, and I think I'm done for today! I'm most thankful for all your sweet comments, and as always will see you on the other side!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_4j2yNYhwmPalSVH7UwaEv-kSD3vRo6tUwJ8gf8bGZ_wozbkwkfzucmx-zMkj9_Ctl0aaJ8-OM5MuOCUmFOxLE-3g9wrRuUWCQKBW8IYzmIT6V09qujOb5E1AD6XAk-7mMrBc2nWXeBQ/s799/eIMG-0574.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="799" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_4j2yNYhwmPalSVH7UwaEv-kSD3vRo6tUwJ8gf8bGZ_wozbkwkfzucmx-zMkj9_Ctl0aaJ8-OM5MuOCUmFOxLE-3g9wrRuUWCQKBW8IYzmIT6V09qujOb5E1AD6XAk-7mMrBc2nWXeBQ/s16000/eIMG-0574.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_kfARau7zPt6l3wqDV1XGSvLE9vWd6cXK5mwTSiK3-cIgLb_T-1QQGXx64SLuHFMlYeq1w_rVj9dRHYeLhnA6bsNeuzq6vIHeD47F7KBhWaPqt2WkDL9Xhyc1oNn5L9c-pLEyKGC976I/s834/eIMG-0664.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="834" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_kfARau7zPt6l3wqDV1XGSvLE9vWd6cXK5mwTSiK3-cIgLb_T-1QQGXx64SLuHFMlYeq1w_rVj9dRHYeLhnA6bsNeuzq6vIHeD47F7KBhWaPqt2WkDL9Xhyc1oNn5L9c-pLEyKGC976I/s16000/eIMG-0664.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you enjoyed this post, you might also want to check out </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">these posts about Fall and boho style:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/2017/03/winter-boho.html" target="_blank">MARCH 2017</a> ~ <a href="http://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/2017/10/autumn-textures.html" target="_blank">OCTOBER 2017</a> ~ <a href="http://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/2017/10/replace-with-goodness.html" target="_blank">OCTOBER 2017 #2</a> ~</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/2017/10/northwest-does-southwest.html" target="_blank">OCTOBER 2017 #3</a> ~ <a href="http://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/2017/11/feeling-festive.html" target="_blank">NOVEMBER 2017</a> ~ </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/2017/09/arboretum-in-autumn.html" target="_blank">SEPTEMBER 2017</a> ~ <a href="http://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/2017/01/bohemian-with-fringes-hipster-with.html" target="_blank">JANUARY 2017</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Taking my hedgehogs, wild mushrooms and animal print masks to <a href="https://www.ue30blogger.de/2020/10/wild-thing-ue30blogger.html" target="_blank">THIS BLOGGER PARTY</a> for the Wild Thins theme! See you there!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6dDNgYld0AL2fOO7part5y_YyBfneAiy200J3gXEwtG0u77_-BRtcjUGPSrJ7rGPkVU26_2TNVWUOdPN-yZFV-bAdsWODgFRPsrWLcYotfdFR5w_7LawV0TWWQEUc89C64wnzpU0hAUc/s800/XOX.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6dDNgYld0AL2fOO7part5y_YyBfneAiy200J3gXEwtG0u77_-BRtcjUGPSrJ7rGPkVU26_2TNVWUOdPN-yZFV-bAdsWODgFRPsrWLcYotfdFR5w_7LawV0TWWQEUc89C64wnzpU0hAUc/w400-h300/XOX.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p>Natalia Lialinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07552652475347261756noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759460753738753423.post-56579692824721245122020-10-04T19:38:00.004-07:002020-10-07T11:53:04.331-07:00Autumn in America<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyPLkQb6mTN4NziYDms-K4eEgupENpm0ZTvH8iDj0srUuV8ulD9VI3llGiSWhdBN10-RODVB8WQRAls7qvHe8qeiiSkjniSPm8rE2lWGtkplWWcZTRl-nK_UEYHfIU9gjs3zhSYYvDhxQ/s800/eP1460836.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyPLkQb6mTN4NziYDms-K4eEgupENpm0ZTvH8iDj0srUuV8ulD9VI3llGiSWhdBN10-RODVB8WQRAls7qvHe8qeiiSkjniSPm8rE2lWGtkplWWcZTRl-nK_UEYHfIU9gjs3zhSYYvDhxQ/s16000/eP1460836.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I wouldn't be at all surprised if an all-American survey showed that majority of the population considers Fall their favorite season. Autumn in America is nothing short of amazing. September still feels like Summer, and in many states most of October too. Besides sunny warm days, it bursts into all shades of yellow, orange, red and purple. November brings one of the most beloved holidays, Thanksgiving, and preparation for the winter celebration extravaganza. And of course, we can't overlook Halloween which children and adults alike simply adore for its unique spooky spirit: costumes, candies, party fun and home décor. Speaking of which, I gave all the rights to decorate our home for Halloween to my daughter and husband since they absolutely love it. But one of the things that makes Autumn and October in particular really fun for everyone is visiting a pumpkin patch. Many farms open their imaginary doors to the public during the whole month, offering hey rides, corn mazes, petting zoos and of course pumpkins of all sorts, shapes and sizes. I would say that other than football and Halloween party games, America's favorite Fall game is playing farmers!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyqy_6LWq0aI2mOP_UYvS_fZ3ABQ7lRdqHmQqdqPf1Rlp-SHjpDuegPr1UymlLXInt6tRh1XKUEP6ncc3OAIunK7pJ_ORdSYBfmVWyo2rVRnj1hLYHAUx7BvGnfHCOYahQKc0s1bl630M/s800/eP1460837.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyqy_6LWq0aI2mOP_UYvS_fZ3ABQ7lRdqHmQqdqPf1Rlp-SHjpDuegPr1UymlLXInt6tRh1XKUEP6ncc3OAIunK7pJ_ORdSYBfmVWyo2rVRnj1hLYHAUx7BvGnfHCOYahQKc0s1bl630M/s16000/eP1460837.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpQ1HuKlJyEOnHSFOVI8P97M4BghqfhSY5heUUYKYO34J-lzeGAie8PZmCBXIuxY9v3qjo2PEUhVBwg62qied6og4Yy_AH1fr1sOdXg6mAjboBgIcmeLISGaA6p9ZoqV7AdLscJgyIZFE/s754/eP1460878.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="754" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpQ1HuKlJyEOnHSFOVI8P97M4BghqfhSY5heUUYKYO34J-lzeGAie8PZmCBXIuxY9v3qjo2PEUhVBwg62qied6og4Yy_AH1fr1sOdXg6mAjboBgIcmeLISGaA6p9ZoqV7AdLscJgyIZFE/s16000/eP1460878.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqRscob58Lr72EeTkoXj0wt0Gu1zRMSQmkq87VtnXtMpR__TUxuBXrmZ3NsHaYimbQemfopGUgwBKxAE1BDFvKBqLo0IaZ_xO7xcPahGVqhU-_RUt_yuJD9bi8PiPpxLHHMdh_lFpbL5I/s800/eP1460614.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqRscob58Lr72EeTkoXj0wt0Gu1zRMSQmkq87VtnXtMpR__TUxuBXrmZ3NsHaYimbQemfopGUgwBKxAE1BDFvKBqLo0IaZ_xO7xcPahGVqhU-_RUt_yuJD9bi8PiPpxLHHMdh_lFpbL5I/s16000/eP1460614.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDoP5XM0uY8JmaRca1xKvU1tBvfXtfBQpdaGlTMEZJ9XAIkFsJDzr5uxHihpVp5BBnC2PX2Y_H6Bn_oQyPPdUVSlE2gQ9tAEwPXCJ5k5dECXT9h5F7M_6kBknlrOnhg_K-bfWZY9mNSUY/s600/eP1460883.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDoP5XM0uY8JmaRca1xKvU1tBvfXtfBQpdaGlTMEZJ9XAIkFsJDzr5uxHihpVp5BBnC2PX2Y_H6Bn_oQyPPdUVSlE2gQ9tAEwPXCJ5k5dECXT9h5F7M_6kBknlrOnhg_K-bfWZY9mNSUY/s16000/eP1460883.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">To fully engage in this game, we love dressing the part as well - the pumpkin patch definitely brings out the best of country style clothing: cozy sweaters, tall boots, plaid shirts, boho skirts and dresses, and denim in all its wide variety. And do remember to top it off with a super fun hat, the best your heart desires, be it made of wool or straw. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQmOoK7WgNYMSOgXPHoHXypRF5eVPQOscthC2GRXI2E92VVCyhlDfsX40dWdUPtcoKIdC65avskD0lmf6o-X5ADW8ayMhrTVDlGVQUPOJ0yWAUjZYT4yC4e082es_xI5-Y5NV1Y9E-0rk/s600/eP1460888.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQmOoK7WgNYMSOgXPHoHXypRF5eVPQOscthC2GRXI2E92VVCyhlDfsX40dWdUPtcoKIdC65avskD0lmf6o-X5ADW8ayMhrTVDlGVQUPOJ0yWAUjZYT4yC4e082es_xI5-Y5NV1Y9E-0rk/s16000/eP1460888.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhELgGZGvI4ZfTWOBws0t3q45HBrhhTDxX_t7DMTY9vRYW6Do5DYgPFBjBLA2A7MJ0_YhfAf5RKRbyVpzZUpUcgCnQcL8lwVy3e6xnxacTAufv6hvcedbRzY_TZVTp9xzP11g_QeT78GPI/s800/eP1460887.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhELgGZGvI4ZfTWOBws0t3q45HBrhhTDxX_t7DMTY9vRYW6Do5DYgPFBjBLA2A7MJ0_YhfAf5RKRbyVpzZUpUcgCnQcL8lwVy3e6xnxacTAufv6hvcedbRzY_TZVTp9xzP11g_QeT78GPI/s16000/eP1460887.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjn086SU3VxK6zV22PeKR2LuG8KcuurXBbMOOhELFb6l7rHCRRBCqqGn0T4oxWp2GTTwihfEBwGAJjKHiqRmNvAqqW2b21rxWqrXt79KKhMCI2J98Ud8wSdPpsbQXwNpiIMeDZbYL5Yp0/s800/eP1460886.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjn086SU3VxK6zV22PeKR2LuG8KcuurXBbMOOhELFb6l7rHCRRBCqqGn0T4oxWp2GTTwihfEBwGAJjKHiqRmNvAqqW2b21rxWqrXt79KKhMCI2J98Ud8wSdPpsbQXwNpiIMeDZbYL5Yp0/s16000/eP1460886.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA9yT_a5SJuuadVSNJDJpAPSbXnWeyv9k5mZPMfK4LvYFGelSRui89BahzEGmniWeeufkXVkMnmDN7iBuGi0MJcehHOxi18718VmwqPKkqBj4io8w3Ey7jtgh4qcGkEwixweb8m2HfHKw/s800/eP1460898.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA9yT_a5SJuuadVSNJDJpAPSbXnWeyv9k5mZPMfK4LvYFGelSRui89BahzEGmniWeeufkXVkMnmDN7iBuGi0MJcehHOxi18718VmwqPKkqBj4io8w3Ey7jtgh4qcGkEwixweb8m2HfHKw/s16000/eP1460898.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Which hat do you like better, the one on me or the one on Justin? Oops... you totally caught me cheating! Yes, Justin and I are wearing the same hat! As a blogger I was fortunate to receive an offer to pick any hat from the line offered by a specialized store <a href="https://tenthstreethats.com/" target="_blank">Tenth Street Hats</a>. If you have followed me for a while, you know that I love hats both for the weather protection they provide (sun, rain, cold, snow - you name it) and for style because they have the ability to complete an outfit. (If you're new to my blog, feel free to check out my earlier posts under tagged <a href="http://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/search/label/hat" target="_blank">HAT</a>). But I'm not the only one who loves hats in my family: Justin wears hats year-round as well. So I thought why not choose something that we can share - something universal, classy, and good for both hot Summer days and transitional times from Spring to Fall?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7npSIAh8wDQ1IldxDBqWBN_JETvPRl2K_h0vQWQqc__mKVnLobe7PAoBbTgGH7HsoRxQqCRtbaVCcLKv6rTMCRui3FdEx-keWmrhInN-Eedf0qU2IXC0wBT-R6lidVWlD6jjEB4mbOsI/s800/eP1460863.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7npSIAh8wDQ1IldxDBqWBN_JETvPRl2K_h0vQWQqc__mKVnLobe7PAoBbTgGH7HsoRxQqCRtbaVCcLKv6rTMCRui3FdEx-keWmrhInN-Eedf0qU2IXC0wBT-R6lidVWlD6jjEB4mbOsI/s16000/eP1460863.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhflbwF8LuJkr4v9VZRyzEUoZo6PdYN2QNDCpxSJCr8QxzgRA99JyIgrP7A3FA4EBiR6afhCK7qIwFnZmPQf9ibwquJ2vaSa_XrrcLJOcJBNVQFOs3sYzcbkWFWmg0WvBH0O9EaJux3_2s/s800/eP1460868.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhflbwF8LuJkr4v9VZRyzEUoZo6PdYN2QNDCpxSJCr8QxzgRA99JyIgrP7A3FA4EBiR6afhCK7qIwFnZmPQf9ibwquJ2vaSa_XrrcLJOcJBNVQFOs3sYzcbkWFWmg0WvBH0O9EaJux3_2s/s16000/eP1460868.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As you enter the website, you are offered to take a short test, and judging by facial shape and style preferences, you'll be offered a few hats to consider. There are plenty of Fall styles to choose from for both men and women (over 375 as I understand), but our hearts were immediately stolen by the <a href="https://tenthstreethats.com/collections/straw-hats" target="_blank">straw hat</a> named <a href="https://tenthstreethats.com/products/scala-classico-straw-golf-outback-hat-puerto?variant=8099957211234" target="_blank">PUERTO</a> which was still perfect for early Fall here in the Pacific Northwest. It took us a while to take pictures because of the poor air quality caused by wild fires (the worst in recorded history!), and of course we wear masks at all times due to COVID-19 (I only took mine off for photos, and Justin has to be extra careful to protect his lungs, so he was still wearing his). Funnily enough, when Justin and I intuitively choose this hat, we realized that it fit both our styles and face shapes (round and diamond), so I could say that the <a href="https://tenthstreethats.com/" target="_blank">Tenth Street</a> test is pretty accurate. The quality of the hat is really superb, the size is correct (L/XL), and the decorative weaving provides excellent air flow. I really think that it works as a unisex hat, but for a feminine touch I can always add a scarf or a pin.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFqTPP_0_4nz5vggptyKtnv9SqtH1YdQ2KAHfGJkeHV2J5m9L46kW0yHcke1jE01dYU_fPVQpuiLrVS6NSTWxqaLBcImT_YQHMpf23oXa-wP_E4QCTLunxBl8KDGcJNSuwJDsgtbcRBwY/s800/eP1460862.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFqTPP_0_4nz5vggptyKtnv9SqtH1YdQ2KAHfGJkeHV2J5m9L46kW0yHcke1jE01dYU_fPVQpuiLrVS6NSTWxqaLBcImT_YQHMpf23oXa-wP_E4QCTLunxBl8KDGcJNSuwJDsgtbcRBwY/s16000/eP1460862.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixMTe2El1mkXyzb0fZJbo_FnsaTEXeyTqtrMJCdEVmF2uuO17hFAbBAAQud8gkReudUktnwQKf7BTP5Pc2Z254kwexdt2xgKmHlvEsA4GwJaFhmuf2VW5MDHokKa8JSKuk49QFCTAOgLQ/s800/eP1460871.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixMTe2El1mkXyzb0fZJbo_FnsaTEXeyTqtrMJCdEVmF2uuO17hFAbBAAQud8gkReudUktnwQKf7BTP5Pc2Z254kwexdt2xgKmHlvEsA4GwJaFhmuf2VW5MDHokKa8JSKuk49QFCTAOgLQ/s16000/eP1460871.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMnaOovVtf8wplilqOCNreqkEuC1Rf5auhAmmCK3y2dofcq40C6lJouRzgxujO9kwxoS8nXJJLQN7gvlx0W-aEdG0B-R78fReCeEZiJXkIwi46HGA0sVmlhHsqe_wsK6iRA5UE966iHd0/s800/eIMG-0511.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMnaOovVtf8wplilqOCNreqkEuC1Rf5auhAmmCK3y2dofcq40C6lJouRzgxujO9kwxoS8nXJJLQN7gvlx0W-aEdG0B-R78fReCeEZiJXkIwi46HGA0sVmlhHsqe_wsK6iRA5UE966iHd0/s16000/eIMG-0511.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizSOb5CGICLcOT9RHSabxHFRA9gZ69dKwUYG27q-tZHSa8phomQTAea0a64JKVgfMb11XBYkZsC2fn7SVxe2JaOxq_aRyg6H56GKr8hk6i04lH1YAXDLSUoLIg2vr0ouUDEiIzHEqILsQ/s800/eP1460893.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizSOb5CGICLcOT9RHSabxHFRA9gZ69dKwUYG27q-tZHSa8phomQTAea0a64JKVgfMb11XBYkZsC2fn7SVxe2JaOxq_aRyg6H56GKr8hk6i04lH1YAXDLSUoLIg2vr0ouUDEiIzHEqILsQ/s16000/eP1460893.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSsiz_HewsvybyDvhdFcKcvPRQM_hDjNncCGrgSuCmLaqpMsYlQEMFVM3XWIAkukPYpJSq0Hgf7nJxQav3LRuxNYBlnyyDidj8OTg6IkN-uKy0tV8Y7BGob92QkM3hwne9PB1xg6nABy0/s800/eIMG-0509.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSsiz_HewsvybyDvhdFcKcvPRQM_hDjNncCGrgSuCmLaqpMsYlQEMFVM3XWIAkukPYpJSq0Hgf7nJxQav3LRuxNYBlnyyDidj8OTg6IkN-uKy0tV8Y7BGob92QkM3hwne9PB1xg6nABy0/s16000/eIMG-0509.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Justin and I had such a wonderful day out! It reminded us the hundreds of outings we had together (and many have been documented on my blog for the past 7 years). Oh how we miss them this year! In fact, I realized how much I missed it all: choosing a fun outfit to create a special feeling, choosing a place to go by activity or just atmosphere, spending time together in a fun environment (of course, nothing is better than Home, but...you know!), taking pictures, and after all reflecting on our experience while working on photos and writing... We were so glad that we did it! And now, we practically have a small pumpkin farm shop at home. No worries, they will find a good use! There will be plenty of pumpkin soup, pumpkin bread, roasted pumpkin etc. And of course, those whimsical gourds to decorate for Autumn. I was delighted by the variety our local farms offer. And look at these spooky pumpkins on photos above (they were called simply Blue and Pink pumpkins) - aren't they awesome? And they really match Justin's gorgeous Southwestern shirt in smoky or foggy Autumn shades. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMXLV9HF7nWr1IQageRV7wqWnqQfCXrH-oD10Nn_AEVg848fklLsrNdAmgPPDf396T9AA9JprpcpQ8NgbVzShT0pMtj9v-LCRUv8vUuFXTvY7gB9MLQ_q9Yovt1xg2FqeDUxLMBxWYFtw/s800/eIMG-0517.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMXLV9HF7nWr1IQageRV7wqWnqQfCXrH-oD10Nn_AEVg848fklLsrNdAmgPPDf396T9AA9JprpcpQ8NgbVzShT0pMtj9v-LCRUv8vUuFXTvY7gB9MLQ_q9Yovt1xg2FqeDUxLMBxWYFtw/s16000/eIMG-0517.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAtyMdyMzLlBdWbv7LEuQlbGPN-Z5yRMkEss77q8tiXJURauuP3yGwC3yhS5jSGHNy97dCHNTO59UpDhQzG1gL_jSpO78wZ1WAHXrIcEo4Lydq1zY62h_A5trzBaYRZm74Aeb_GVtPW4M/s800/eIMG-0519.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAtyMdyMzLlBdWbv7LEuQlbGPN-Z5yRMkEss77q8tiXJURauuP3yGwC3yhS5jSGHNy97dCHNTO59UpDhQzG1gL_jSpO78wZ1WAHXrIcEo4Lydq1zY62h_A5trzBaYRZm74Aeb_GVtPW4M/s16000/eIMG-0519.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our harvest included a couple of huge cabbages which were $2 each. I love cabbage and am going to make Russian pickled cabbage salad as well as sour kraut (квашеная капуста). Do share if you know a good recipe! And if you're looking for more Fall inspirations, please check out my old post which includes more of pumpkin fun and seasonal cooking: <a href="http://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/2018/10/fall-fun-food.html" target="_blank">OCTOBER 2018</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9kK3jsRdmmXZohsDs0FFsCAMjINrtBiXWMNpgjVNexzNcM9bsXH8tYg2KjQHUnI72CNADjzPLBzNhyDpad-QQkPngMzRv8KkY6aEgtmSeCiw1Xxn0dOWtttkIZPCKWrhgN3z-mu_ZMtg/s800/eP1460844.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9kK3jsRdmmXZohsDs0FFsCAMjINrtBiXWMNpgjVNexzNcM9bsXH8tYg2KjQHUnI72CNADjzPLBzNhyDpad-QQkPngMzRv8KkY6aEgtmSeCiw1Xxn0dOWtttkIZPCKWrhgN3z-mu_ZMtg/s16000/eP1460844.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">That's all for now. I am looking forward to our next style adventure, and of course I plan to share our new home with you as soon as I complete some of the many projects and take time to photograph and write. I can't wait to hear what you think of our pumpkin adventures and outfits. I think Justin looks particularly gorgeous in this hat.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Puerto hat that we share - courtesy of Tenth Street Hats</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Everything else is remixed from our closets</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Natalia's outfit</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Denim jacket - Old Navy</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Red dress - Eloquii</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Embroidered booties - Kenneth Cole</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Necklace and earrings - Chico's</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Amber ring - 1960s vintage, USSR made</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Purse - Frye</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Justin's outfit:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Southwestern shirt - Cabela's</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Trousers - Duluth Trading Company</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Boots - Steve Madden</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(more on these boots in one of my very first blogposts back in October 2013 <a href="http://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/2013/10/russian-platok.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFUaqTM6IAaM6E4GzzTw24rKyYFKDKLdrbL2fnPe326ZzDL-pgm9q2O8rH583IcqT-4RAS9UYhISZTkR-5XsoVSMa2PYx6pX8TfqBPyT6kCOuNcw7wEpdKPq0uwzt_DQOhkd1bwtaqjXk/s800/XOX.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFUaqTM6IAaM6E4GzzTw24rKyYFKDKLdrbL2fnPe326ZzDL-pgm9q2O8rH583IcqT-4RAS9UYhISZTkR-5XsoVSMa2PYx6pX8TfqBPyT6kCOuNcw7wEpdKPq0uwzt_DQOhkd1bwtaqjXk/w320-h240/XOX.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>Natalia Lialinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07552652475347261756noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759460753738753423.post-36048796589552248562020-09-10T08:25:00.002-07:002020-09-10T23:43:07.115-07:00Red and White <p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj33nEpbkgbFdyYnV8bWSdwwctzO0GRUUfC2xrhUYoPxv9CVqo-v32bR9Gem1AyLa_KwoBRk-SKpVaqYLt5tvFMQPsk5tLFcxUxb0FEzn1AYUnT1Boxdca1_3i8mrJUdf58q_wFEt5FlcY/s2048/BELARUS.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1549" height="781" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj33nEpbkgbFdyYnV8bWSdwwctzO0GRUUfC2xrhUYoPxv9CVqo-v32bR9Gem1AyLa_KwoBRk-SKpVaqYLt5tvFMQPsk5tLFcxUxb0FEzn1AYUnT1Boxdca1_3i8mrJUdf58q_wFEt5FlcY/w593-h781/BELARUS.jpg" width="593" /></a><br /><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">In solidarity with people of Belarus fighting for their freedom.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Жыве Беларусь!</p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGiEjzKwCe6CesRbiRWn_6uGGdlgTIEVicDRGM4wepfE63G5Q-mLFZE8AAZmsL1T-GYDTieS0FqZGQT2k6MNfMGlFOS-RlacYikLue4B2XZYEFNJC95e2h1uMvYKrLKQNlsjdyq1HmG5o/s600/130335.947359.2507.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="338" data-original-width="600" height="351" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGiEjzKwCe6CesRbiRWn_6uGGdlgTIEVicDRGM4wepfE63G5Q-mLFZE8AAZmsL1T-GYDTieS0FqZGQT2k6MNfMGlFOS-RlacYikLue4B2XZYEFNJC95e2h1uMvYKrLKQNlsjdyq1HmG5o/w625-h351/130335.947359.2507.jpg" width="625" /></a></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://news.rambler.ru/world/44690040-organizator-protesta-rasskazal-o-2-mm-do-smerti/?updated" target="_blank"><i>Photo source</i></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">WHITE</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/2015/05/conscious.html" target="_blank">MAY 2015</a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/2016/01/snow-and-vintage-write-and-link.html" target="_blank">JANUARY 2016</a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/2018/03/modish-matrons-21-baroque.html" target="_blank">MARCH 2018</a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><b>RED</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/2018/02/modish-matrons-20-simply-red.html" target="_blank">FEBRUARY 2018</a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/2018/08/summer-patchwork-and-back-to-who-we-are.html" target="_blank">AUGUST 2018</a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/2018/09/modish-matrons-27-road-trip.html" target="_blank">SEPTEMBER 2018</a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">WHITE</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/2017/08/discoveries.html" target="_blank">AUGUST 2017</a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/2018/05/modish-matrons-23-all-white.html" target="_blank">MAY 2018</a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/2019/05/modish-matrons-35-trip-to-paris.html" target="_blank">MAY 2019</a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Natalia Lialinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07552652475347261756noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759460753738753423.post-60380056214133097462020-08-27T13:56:00.001-07:002020-08-27T13:58:00.530-07:00Transition Made Easy: 7 Outfits for 7th Blogiversary<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxmJtDn8vNS0XO9fvLJ2o-8D8P1yPuDzKXpAHhDdZ1NV2r2Fbeg6xUWeJTuBsCbCNS7tox6MKjIz6-UlaVMjja7TRodPkzNTIbb7gzheeE_dAU8AD1SLQFrtzNWPUldmlS_OMn3q98QFo/s800/eP1070417.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxmJtDn8vNS0XO9fvLJ2o-8D8P1yPuDzKXpAHhDdZ1NV2r2Fbeg6xUWeJTuBsCbCNS7tox6MKjIz6-UlaVMjja7TRodPkzNTIbb7gzheeE_dAU8AD1SLQFrtzNWPUldmlS_OMn3q98QFo/w600-h800/eP1070417.jpg" width="600" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/2013/09/first-trip-into-fall.html" target="_blank">SEPTEMBER 2013</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's hard to believe at times that I've been writing this blog for almost exactly 7 years (the actual anniversary is in early September). When I look back to these 7 years, I remember them with a fond heart, and I feel a little sad that I don't seem to find time for blogging these days. I certainly didn't loose interest in dressing up, and hopefully I'll continue taking pictures of my future outfits and posting them on a regular basis some day. But before I can do that, I'm in a transitional period - I'm not where I used to be any more, and not where I want to arrive yet. Which is an interesting place to be! Today, in honor of my upcoming 7 year Blogiversary, I went through my blog to find some of my favorite transitional outfits which I'm happy to share with you just as a reminder to myself and my readers that transitions don't have to be hard or boring. Let's see how we can play with them!<span><a name='more'></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi10-JwdZgeoDgARb5pW7E72QwO3C34s_fIKJbc-pRM7DHH6f-M1BuJ7y8jDbeNzA4hkBrgh7D-FgMyZYsAuECg4yfrfvPuu9wMRRThNn0HyQhb6BGkOVpwnb_XWmo-Ecwm-fWxEjVx9F8/s800/eP1410924.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi10-JwdZgeoDgARb5pW7E72QwO3C34s_fIKJbc-pRM7DHH6f-M1BuJ7y8jDbeNzA4hkBrgh7D-FgMyZYsAuECg4yfrfvPuu9wMRRThNn0HyQhb6BGkOVpwnb_XWmo-Ecwm-fWxEjVx9F8/w600-h800/eP1410924.jpg" width="600" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/2018/08/caution-fire-and-smoke.html" target="_blank">AUGUST 2018</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The two easiest ways to create an effective transitional outfit, I think, are these: </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A) LONG LENGTH:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">wearing everything long, just like I did on the opening photo. All I've done was add a long sleeve top to my wide linen trousers, and voila! Cool evenings, the first sign of Autumn in our climate, didn't bother me.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">B) LAYERS:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">adding a lightweight jacket to a summer dress as I did on the photo above. That day, I was wearing a sundress, but the linen jacket added an additional layer to protect my bare shoulders from getting shivers.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoY3LQDa3w-2mXWTf2BZGAigBL9Z5ybmcrSbTgk8W7_aqZH5ocwJFgj41p7nqoyAgGGL52vQpTJNu6k3Nmctiwgw_lLnAS_x2KQAFKurzGguzCCSBhXxXmOs98VWj9Vlsd8uxvUDTi9g4/s800/eP1360034.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoY3LQDa3w-2mXWTf2BZGAigBL9Z5ybmcrSbTgk8W7_aqZH5ocwJFgj41p7nqoyAgGGL52vQpTJNu6k3Nmctiwgw_lLnAS_x2KQAFKurzGguzCCSBhXxXmOs98VWj9Vlsd8uxvUDTi9g4/w600-h800/eP1360034.jpg" width="600" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/2017/08/the-kiss.html" target="_blank">AUGUST 2017</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Photo above: wearing summer cotton pants and long sleeve top again, a combination which is great for both Summer (sun protection) and transitional period (cool air or breeze). I'm still proud of the pattern mix on that one.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Photo below: wearing a dress with an elbow length sleeve, layered with a long denim jacket (thrifted). And my summer sandals (the same pair as in outfit #2) got an additional layer too - sparkly socks!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7SkbocT3J6MRCc9OF0X0dLJ2zgI1KD_dNIx77UipSrjppcRzdpL5jOqWQikP3WPpfCb71dcUyTKv141kR5_pocMEsMgJmGkdyG6H4povvCuc8YhZ9b5wuTmYIOyspkU7IkSAdlUkcIpw/s800/eP1420103.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7SkbocT3J6MRCc9OF0X0dLJ2zgI1KD_dNIx77UipSrjppcRzdpL5jOqWQikP3WPpfCb71dcUyTKv141kR5_pocMEsMgJmGkdyG6H4povvCuc8YhZ9b5wuTmYIOyspkU7IkSAdlUkcIpw/w600-h800/eP1420103.jpg" width="600" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/2018/09/better-late-than-never.html" target="_blank">SEPTEMBER 2018</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The next outfit is somewhat similar to the previous one, but instead of an informal denim coat, I wore a sleeveless long jacket over a long sleeved dress, and my toes were hidden in ballet shoes. Simple, elegant, versatile, transitional!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC83EFCkKdLicK1_AHUIsrh1VM08w2YXP8eZbi2ghTlYqJqp-hi_QwjG0Hc87m8tureqZ8u8-0fGlt6WCZhq4XKlZ0MJpxMgR9aGnce4OWkCRha2ZTYYeb00EmpBf768ttLXL8tsroqzk/s800/eP1420175.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC83EFCkKdLicK1_AHUIsrh1VM08w2YXP8eZbi2ghTlYqJqp-hi_QwjG0Hc87m8tureqZ8u8-0fGlt6WCZhq4XKlZ0MJpxMgR9aGnce4OWkCRha2ZTYYeb00EmpBf768ttLXL8tsroqzk/w600-h800/eP1420175.jpg" width="600" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/2018/09/flamboyant-in-office.html" target="_blank">SEPTEMBER 2018</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Photo below: similarly to the outfit #2, I wear a sundress and lined linen jacket here. Love this outfit, would wear it today too!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWt6nckUMsnDSlz2zN9YfF66LIYL8Xbp1Qvs1hE7rRK12R9jaRqtU5YPiVSkJQmV_4esn3z_yOGjbYLSYMg10nbHJwqf8fUnvRYXQFdQ8G4L_voi8SbPQbqgELam2em3jzQ6H6BaqPgCc/s800/eP1410341.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWt6nckUMsnDSlz2zN9YfF66LIYL8Xbp1Qvs1hE7rRK12R9jaRqtU5YPiVSkJQmV_4esn3z_yOGjbYLSYMg10nbHJwqf8fUnvRYXQFdQ8G4L_voi8SbPQbqgELam2em3jzQ6H6BaqPgCc/w600-h800/eP1410341.jpg" width="600" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/2018/07/having-fun-with-style.html" target="_blank">JULY 2018</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">For the final look, I chose this crazily striped outfit with a jumpsuit and light cardigan. As days get shorter and the possibility of rain gets higher, I would recommend to wear booties and remember to catch a stylish umbrella before you leave home!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh71uez2R1trsksaVKpOKKeUAtzrphiBJeJjYrnc6-veez3SknfS2Nc4FQQsaoXT0a2lR39HpvSLBsZE2_21vp_X6MixA1lbJFpaCq5wHzXtYsJ8764NAfgbKtKHJGM8uKpZBKBLojkto8/s800/eP1330769.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh71uez2R1trsksaVKpOKKeUAtzrphiBJeJjYrnc6-veez3SknfS2Nc4FQQsaoXT0a2lR39HpvSLBsZE2_21vp_X6MixA1lbJFpaCq5wHzXtYsJ8764NAfgbKtKHJGM8uKpZBKBLojkto8/w600-h800/eP1330769.jpg" width="600" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/2017/04/new-friends-for-old-friends.html" target="_blank">APRIL 2017</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Whatever the weather and circumstances are, let us remember that life is always a combination of stillness/sameness/stability/routine/repetition and CHANGE. And a change starts with a transitional period, when all is not quite as it seems, everything is pretty much up in the air, providing us with great opportunity to improvise and to not take ourselves too seriously.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lots of love,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Natalia</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Photos by Justin </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p>Natalia Lialinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07552652475347261756noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759460753738753423.post-24479701632565303212020-07-24T18:52:00.000-07:002020-07-25T00:40:34.254-07:00New Black & White<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In almost 7 years of blogging, you got to know me - I'm a dress and skirt kind of girl. But I've also always been a big fan of pant sets - they can look chic, powerful, artistic, and completely out of the ordinary, just like this one. First, I fell in love with the bold graphic design: black and white is always in style. But I am also mesmerized by those faces drawn practically with one line!</div>
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It wasn't sold as a set, but three separates: a shirt dress, wide pants and a bow blouse. The long dress with straight lines and short stand collar immediately got my attention. It's a versatile piece, can be worn practically year round, on its own or combined. Here I wear it as a long top over the matching pants, but I can also wear it as a duster with any pants or jeans, or even over a dress and skirt.</div>
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This outfit called for some bold accessories too. I reached for my old faithful floppy hat by Old Navy and the domino bracelet by the renowned designer Isabel Toledo, collaboration with Lane Bryant several years ago. </div>
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I'm happy to add to my collection of black and white outfits - it is definitely one of my strong personal favorites when it comes to color scheme. </div>
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Here are my 10 hand-picked ones: </div>
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<a href="http://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/2018/09/5-years-and-500-posts.html" target="_blank">SEPTEMBER 2018</a>, </div>
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<a href="http://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/2018/03/love-can-still-win.html" target="_blank">MARCH 2018</a>, </div>
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<a href="http://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/2017/12/modish-matrons-18-most-wonderful-time.html" target="_blank">DECEMBER 2017</a>, </div>
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<a href="http://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/2017/06/modish-matrons-12-wonderland.html" target="_blank">JUNE 2017</a>, </div>
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<a href="http://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/2017/04/new-friends-for-old-friends.html" target="_blank">APRIL 2017</a>, </div>
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<a href="http://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/2016/11/magic-formula.html" target="_blank">NOVEMBER 2016</a>, </div>
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<a href="http://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/2016/10/count-holmes-and-sherlock-dracula.html" target="_blank">OCTOBER 2016</a></div>
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<a href="http://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/2014/02/lighthearted.html" target="_blank">FEBRUARY 2014</a></div>
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<a href="http://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/2014/01/bold.html" target="_blank">JANUARY 2014</a></div>
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<a href="http://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/2013/11/pattern-play.html" target="_blank">NOVEMBER 2013</a></div>
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(Over 80 black and white combinations <a href="http://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/search/label/black%2Fwhite" target="_blank">HERE</a>.)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT82NIDHF4DrBHa5xLHXkjkpjqHf8PX47hd9YVwFX0A6SW07r2PU29HgLFtXEHoJ2K0CjGEgf_nDFgRWlPxtHGzlgOysY2eIvUk0-Z2m6e9KFNWOSqQ9OXIbphm3lnLONbTiNgv19UzHA/s1600/eP1460824.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT82NIDHF4DrBHa5xLHXkjkpjqHf8PX47hd9YVwFX0A6SW07r2PU29HgLFtXEHoJ2K0CjGEgf_nDFgRWlPxtHGzlgOysY2eIvUk0-Z2m6e9KFNWOSqQ9OXIbphm3lnLONbTiNgv19UzHA/s1600/eP1460824.jpg" /></a></div>
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You probably remember my faux leather purse thrifted ages ago in Goodwill in Oregon. I chose my new pair of shoes (Naturalizer, bought on sale at Nordstrom), though I'm not in love with blisters! </div>
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Photos by Justin</div>
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PS</div>
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I looked up the collaboration between Salvador Dali and Elsa Schiaparelli (read Beate's comment below), <a href="https://thedali.org/press-room/dali-schiaparelli-debuts/" target="_blank">HERE</a> you can read about it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje3smqFJGoesnd1bV0hVIkLT9D3p4sPon_FMAk6_VGN9CIyNhoby3QiZFcsmzgrllgrpJwBIbdYuWGWnHAgNQX_q9OBkl7oQP02R06CbiuWMRIsab2-GJ1tunqORUaUtOjHmWHVyHQ3AA/s1600/1969-232-7-CX_preview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1519" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje3smqFJGoesnd1bV0hVIkLT9D3p4sPon_FMAk6_VGN9CIyNhoby3QiZFcsmzgrllgrpJwBIbdYuWGWnHAgNQX_q9OBkl7oQP02R06CbiuWMRIsab2-GJ1tunqORUaUtOjHmWHVyHQ3AA/s640/1969-232-7-CX_preview.jpg" width="505" /></a></div>
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<i>Woman’s Dinner Dress. </i></div>
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<i>Philadelphia Museum of Art, Gift of Mme Elsa Schiaparelli, 1969-232-52.</i></div>
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<a href="https://thedali.org/press-room/dali-schiaparelli-debuts/" target="_blank"><i>PHOTO SOURCE</i></a></div>
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Natalia Lialinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07552652475347261756noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759460753738753423.post-59772589538173672212020-06-20T22:20:00.001-07:002020-06-20T22:20:27.030-07:00Solstice, New Hat and Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYMfptiAYjsy7F2FeWu2aN5J1CSLdTEM5HphM3MCe5WVqwrtrj64Of2aPgCP8xO3xvAnCWIBHkJBMxh_05zqY0WsfTsdjx0mlICK17LBP8G0wuh0w0WafpI57yx_j_AwblU6ZUJM6yfWA/s1600/eP1460701.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="806" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYMfptiAYjsy7F2FeWu2aN5J1CSLdTEM5HphM3MCe5WVqwrtrj64Of2aPgCP8xO3xvAnCWIBHkJBMxh_05zqY0WsfTsdjx0mlICK17LBP8G0wuh0w0WafpI57yx_j_AwblU6ZUJM6yfWA/s1600/eP1460701.jpg" /></a></div>
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Hello again, dear friends and followers!</div>
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<span style="color: lime; font-size: x-large;"><b>HAPPY SOLSTICE!</b></span></div>
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I know, it's been a while since my last post, and I can't tell you how many times I tried to reconnect with you all, but something just didn't click. Thank you to those of you who reached out via email, Instagram and Facebook, I really appreciate your thoughtfulness. I also would like to say thank you to people who buy my books. I don't know how you find them, whether you read my blog or not, but I want to say that it touches my heart every time when it happens, it just doesn't get old! I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Life has been a whirlpool of changes, events and emotions in the past several months for all of us, and even those who fortunately didn't have personal losses still experience loss and grief. Psychologists say it is normal at times like these.</div>
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Both health experts and spiritual gurus suggest sticking to a routine, meditation, walks (preferably in nature), a good night's sleep and connecting with family and friends, as well as a broader community. But even though the advice sounds really healthy and helpful, sometimes it is easier said than done. Our feelings run deep, and all the chaos that we hear from the news can result in anxiety and depression. If you find yourself feeling sad and anxious, I just wanted to say that I feel for you. With all my optimism and positive outlook on life, there are times when I feel completely overwhelmed, when all that's been going on just feels too much. </div>
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<i>Illustration source and the article about the movement </i></div>
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<i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Lives_Matter" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</i></div>
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I admit that for the first couple of months since the beginning of the pandemic, I was doing pretty well. There were some changes in our life routine, of course, but we still had loads of work and also enjoyed making the new house our home. Late May and June became harder to take and brought many tears. I know, it sounds naive, if not ignorant, but try not to be too quick to judge - not always silence means that we agree with injustice, sometimes we are just not ready to face the truth, all of us, and I am no exception. But when the truth stares you in the face, it is impossible to stay naive or ignorant any longer. I am heartbroken to realize how much hatred and even violence went unnoticed or barely noticed not only by myself, but by a huge part of our society for way too long, and it had to change. Nobody genuinely loves a crisis while it happens, but from both personal and historical points of view, we know that it is there for a reason, and not just any reason, but a good one, and the reason is </div>
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<span style="color: yellow; font-size: x-large;"><b>CHANGE</b></span>. </div>
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While it might still be a long way to attain world peace, we can take small, manageable steps. If more and more of us start with ourselves, finding more and more acceptance in our hearts, <i>it is the first step to a change</i>. I come from a multiracial, multinational country which has a long tragic history of genocide. One side of my family are Europeans, and the other are Asians. I myself have a multicultural, multiracial family - my own daughter is biracial, many of our family friends, neighbors, colleagues, my students come from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds. We all are a part of each other's lives. Racism and violence are barbarian. People, citizens, friends, brothers and sisters, we are better than that! While we all are unique people, living in different bodies, wearing different clothes, eating different foods, listening to different music and doing different things in different countries and on different continents, we at the same time, most and foremost, despite all the differences, underneath our appearances are</div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-size: x-large;"><b>SOULS</b></span> </div>
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having one common, universal experience - </div>
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we all came here to learn how to do one thing only, and it is... </div>
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<b><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">LOVE</span></b>.</div>
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Love those who are nearby and far away.</div>
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Love those who are like us and who are not.</div>
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Love in happy times and even more in sad, turbulent ones.</div>
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Love heals, understands and accepts.</div>
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Each day, every time, always.</div>
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Let us remind ourselves of this one simple truth. </div>
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That will be all for today. Just wanted to add that I've changed my header - it seems to reflect me better right now. </div>
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My outfit is a mix of old and new, from various brands. The hat is from Nordstrom, a collaboration with charming and talented Blair Eadie a.k.a. <a href="https://www.the-atlantic-pacific.com/" target="_blank">Atlantic-Pacific</a>, who was one of the first inspirations for my starting this blog.</div>
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Photos by Anya and Justin</div>
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Seattle, WA</div>
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<span style="color: lime; font-size: x-large;"><b>Thank you for reading!</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: lime; font-size: x-large;"><b>Love to each and all of you!</b></span></div>
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Natalia Lialinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07552652475347261756noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759460753738753423.post-33054915063433842752020-01-24T18:09:00.001-08:002020-01-24T18:09:36.523-08:00New Year, New Happenings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7GJQ4yIuaJOJvu37JmyXnItegIpAM1k_Y7iJ9eXMMWU_hrnqSRzzYcW5KDqDqsgaSfiqjbypc0d6yTXoQDgyIkArp2tpyDNCyUZ3p57i2XGoBUXHZKiQujZn3EpoxSaOeRBWeDR8Cz64/s1600/eP1460212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7GJQ4yIuaJOJvu37JmyXnItegIpAM1k_Y7iJ9eXMMWU_hrnqSRzzYcW5KDqDqsgaSfiqjbypc0d6yTXoQDgyIkArp2tpyDNCyUZ3p57i2XGoBUXHZKiQujZn3EpoxSaOeRBWeDR8Cz64/s1600/eP1460212.jpg" /></a></div>
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Hello beautiful friends,</div>
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I haven't had the chance to greet you and wish you a VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR yet!</div>
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They say that distance makes the heart grow fonder, and that's so true - the longer I don't post and chat with you, the more I miss blogging and all of you. At the same time, it's harder to go back to the old routine of posting regularly. So for a while at least, there won't be any regularity here. But I do want to share some of my life happenings as well as outfits with you.</div>
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No new clothing items here, but you can see a new addition to my tiny Soviet vintage jewelry collection - the silver ring with genuine amber. Judging by the bold design, I think the ring is from the 1970s or even 1960s. It was an eBay find, in a good condition and at the right price.</div>
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I also got a couple of pairs of water resistant boots on Winter sales. They are from Naturalizer, great comfortable walking shoes which I wear practically with everything. As you can see, they work both with romantic dresses and elegant wool coats, as well as with sporty outfits such as this forest green/neon green suit by Eloquii. </div>
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Justin and I have a tradition of a day trip around the New Year. It suits us well, since my homeland tradition of the biggest holiday in a calendar year gradually shifted to celebrating Thanksgiving and Christmas which is always a joy in our family. This past holiday season, Anya went on her first trip abroad since she was a little child, and we had a very low key Thanksgiving. But on her return, she amazed us with cooking both Christmas Eve dinner and Christmas lunch - and she is such a talented and accomplished cook already! Anyway, for New Year, we just skipped the feast and hit the road. Other than being fashionable and right on the 1980s trend, the green suit reminds me of a couple of other green suites that I used to wear back in the late 80s/early 90s. It also keeps me warm on a damp penetrating winter day!</div>
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We were going up north towards the lovely university town of Bellingham and visited the beautiful Whatcom Falls which were positively roaring that day, and the old stone bridge is always a sight for a sore eye. Since we've visited it in the past and I posted a couple of times, we didn't spend much time on taking photos. To tell the truth, one of the reasons I don't blog more often is that I don't feel the urge to constantly document my life. I really enjoy taking it all in and learning (or re-learning) to enjoy each moment. You can see more photos of the falls and the town in my previous posts: <a href="http://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/2014/12/rays-of-sun.html" target="_blank">DECEMBER 2014</a> (we traveled with my parents) and <a href="http://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/2014/03/the-color-of-your-soul.html" target="_blank">MARCH 2014</a> (my 2013 birthday celebration).</div>
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Oh, and I can't forget to mention this new quilted bag! I hear it's a replica of some famous designer bag, but I am not really knowledgeable in that field, I just enjoy the bag, it's roomy, fun and well made. Well, my post is coming to an end, I haven't even scratched the surface when it comes to life changes... Where to begin? I am quite busy with work and in addition to my contracts with three local libraries, I also have a few students for private Russian language classes. I absolutely love my job! I had to lease an office which is quite expensive and a huge leap of faith. So far, it isn't commercially viable yet, but I believe that I will grow in time. Andrei, as always, made this beautiful art for my Russian Language Center. Justin and I painted and furnished my cozy classroom with art and photos of world famous writers on the walls. I love my space and I miss it and my kids now when I have to stay at home with a cold. Right now, I have students from 3 to 10 y.o., but I am open to any ages and levels, including adults who want to learn Russian. We learn through play and stories, and use contemporary linguistic techniques (email me at inthewriterscloset at gmail dot com if you're interested).</div>
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This morning, right for my brother's birthday, we received a wonderful surprise from a fellow blogger Olga (many of you know her well). Other than a talented and unique fashionista, Olga is a coloring enthusiast, and I've always enjoyed her work which she shares on Instagram and YouTube. So I sent her our coloring book along with the fairy tale, for her to enjoy, and she was so kind to record an amazing book review where she also shares her take on Andrei's illustrations! Please watch and share Olga's review and follow her if you love fashion, style from around the world and/or coloring!</div>
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And to round up my life updates, I have to say that these are most probably the last photos from the location so familiar to you. I've been posting my outfit photos taken at my doorstep since the beginning of my blog back in September 2013, for over 6 years now. I am very fond of this location and our living in this old little cottage with a beautiful evergreen overgrown garden and a view of Puget Sound, but... as all things, this chapter of our life has run its course. We are moving! We are literally sitting on suitcases now, and as soon as I get better, I'll continue packing and moving to our new place. What it'll be? Is it another cozy old house? Is it a sleek modern apartment in the middle of a busy city? Is it by the sea, in the mountains, in fields or forest? Will I still have rhododendrons blooming at my doorstep, or a view of the next building right from my window? Do we rent or become homeowners? Feel free to ask me all these and possibly some other questions, so I can write another post when we pass this busy transitional time!</div>
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Photos by Justin</div>
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Natalia Lialinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07552652475347261756noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759460753738753423.post-35330700127865710802019-12-01T19:27:00.003-08:002020-10-04T21:37:12.744-07:00Rachmaninoff's Concerto No. 3 Played by George Li & Symphony Tacoma<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hello lovely friends and readers,</div>
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Are you still here? </div>
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Anyone? </div>
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Sorry for the long radio silence. I know it's been a while since I last posted or commented. It has been the most surprising Fall, life got busy, and I will tell you more as I get a chance, but today I offer to take you to one of the most memorable concerts I've been to in my entire life. And I'm pretty sure I'm not alone in this impression as the gorgeous Pantages Theater was packed to the fullest and burst into the longest standing ovation right after George Li played the last notes of one of the most technically challenging piano pieces ever created, Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 3. </div>
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But before I dive into writing about the unforgettable night of music which brought up so many deep contrasting feelings, tears and joy, let me just mention that I am not a musicologist or a music critic, and if you're looking for a professional review, I recommend you to read this detailed, in-depth piece by John Falskow: </div>
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<a href="https://symphonytacoma.org/updates/review-profound-artistry-with-george-li-and-symphony-tacoma" target="_blank">PROFOUND ARTISTRY WITH GEORGE LI AND SYMPHONY TACOMA</a>. </div>
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<i>Sergei Rachmaninoff, early 1900s (<a href="https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%A0%D0%B0%D1%85%D0%BC%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B8%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%B2,_%D0%A1%D0%B5%D1%80%D0%B3%D0%B5%D0%B9_%D0%92%D0%B0%D1%81%D0%B8%D0%BB%D1%8C%D0%B5%D0%B2%D0%B8%D1%87" target="_blank">photo source</a>)</i></div>
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While I can't provide you with a professional music review, I will offer you a personal essay about my experience of this magnificent music piece and amazing performance, and maybe just like me, you will discover gifted, inspired, world-class musicians in your own city. I studied the history of classical music for two years at university and had the most wonderful professor <a href="https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%9B%D0%BE%D0%B7%D0%B8%D0%BD%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B8%D0%B9,_%D0%95%D0%B2%D0%B3%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%B8%D0%B9_%D0%90%D0%BD%D0%B4%D1%80%D0%B5%D0%B5%D0%B2%D0%B8%D1%87" target="_blank">Evgeniy Andreevich Lozinsky</a> whom I grant with not just educating me, but opening my mind, heart and soul to the world of classical music. As a part of an end-of-the-year test, I wrote an essay about <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sergei_Rachmaninoff" target="_blank">Rachmaninoff</a>, who was not only a genius composer, but also one of best pianists and conductors of his time (he equally loved all the three gifts he owned and as a young person, as many of us, tortured himself, trying to pick one). Lozinsky highly appreciated and even recommended my essay for publication in a respected literary magazine, but I was so shy and unsure of myself back then that I didn't find the courage to bring my essay to the editor's attention. So in a way, this is one of those life moments that connects the disconnected dots and completes the cycle, for me. No, I won't write my 20-year-old thoughts here - I grew up, moved to another continent, built a life, got seasoned, and my views changed since then. This is what I actually wrote today, a week since the performance.</div>
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<i>Portrait of Rachmaninoff by Konstantin Somov (<a href="https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%A0%D0%B0%D1%85%D0%BC%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B8%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%B2,_%D0%A1%D0%B5%D1%80%D0%B3%D0%B5%D0%B9_%D0%92%D0%B0%D1%81%D0%B8%D0%BB%D1%8C%D0%B5%D0%B2%D0%B8%D1%87" target="_blank">source</a>)</i></div>
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I fell in love with Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 3 in the early 1990s when my city Krasnoyarsk was visited by <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikolai_Lugansky" target="_blank">Nikolai Lugansky</a>, then a talented young pianist and now a renowned musician, widely recognized in the world as one of best performers of Rachmaninoff. I listened to this piece so many times (a couple of times in person, and countless in recording) that soon I learned it by heart, remembering every little passage. It's a challenging piece to play, which only professionals can evaluate, but to a listener, it's also a mind-blowing whirlpool of feelings and emotions, from softest tenderness to melancholy, through deepest sadness and yearning for something out of reach, and finally to purest joy and triumph of the human spirit. And all of that in the most intense 40 minutes of a pianist and orchestra creating magic, taking us through this incredible emotional landscape. I truly don't know another piece quite like that, and the words that come to mind every single time I listen to it, are: <i>it's very Russian</i>. Don't get me wrong. I do believe that music, as a form of art, has no nationality - because the human spirit has no nationality. Yet with all the universality, with all that we have in common, we also have intricate differences, each of us individually and we as a whole, as a nation living on a particular slice of land in a particular part of the world. And there is no contradiction in it - we are the same and we are unique all at the same time. One of my favorite music quotes states,</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">“Beethoven tells you what it's like to be Beethoven and Mozart tells you what it's like to be human. </span><span style="font-size: large;">Bach tells you what it's like to be the universe.”</span></b></div>
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― Douglas Adams</div>
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To continue this thought, I would add that</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Rachmaninoff tells you what it's like to be Russian.</b></span></div>
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There are many studies of Rachmaninoff's music which explain what exactly makes this composer <i>the most Russian</i>, all I can say is that I feel his <i>Russianness</i> with every fiber of my soul. I believe that the talents and skill of a musician lay in the ability to understand (hear) and interpret the composer's ideas, to sort of be the translator between the composer and the listener - to translate not "from Russian to English", but from "Rachmaninoff to Li" and then "from Li to Lialina" in this particular case. It is an incredible gift to be not only technically educated and experienced, but also tuned in with that part of you which can translate/interpret from soul to soul. And here we finally got to George Li's performance which was truly magnificent. I felt the whole wide spectrum of feelings, the whole emotional roller-coaster, as if I listened to this Concerto for the first time. I simply couldn't stop the tears, a whole bucket of them! A couple of packs of tissues were very much needed, but I didn't have them and was so afraid to bother my neighbors' experience anyway, so I let the tears flow and eventually they dried out by themselves. </div>
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Obviously, I don't know what others heard and felt when listening to Rachmaninoff during Li's performance, but I'm pretty sure that everyone was on their own emotional journey, and that's the beauty of music - it fills our individual emotional and spiritual needs, which for most of the audience I bet weren't even remotely connected to Russia, and in that sense yes, music is above nationality, geography, language, religion or politics. Because it touches something so deeply personal, hidden from all eyes, and touches each of us individually. And truly it's amazing that such a young musician as George Li can bring each of us to that sacred place inside of us, known only to ourselves, and yet at the same time we all can experience it together and therefore be united in music. I can tell that there were no indifferent people in the audience because at the end everyone jumped up on their feet, and after long ovations George Li played a short piece encore. During the brief conversation after the concert, Sarah Ioannides said that she played with George when he was 12 (exactly 12 years ago) and back then he already impressed her with his talent. It was a curious fact that Symphony Tacoma played this piece back in the 1980s last time, and also that Rachmaninoff himself played right next to the Pantages from his railway carriage in 1925 (he wasn't crazy about journalists following him everywhere due to his fame, and often traveled in his own railway carriage).</div>
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<i>Sarah Ioannides and George Li after the concert</i></div>
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I also wanted to mention the wonderfully humorous piece that opened the concert that night - David Ludwig's Fanfare for Sam (a tribute to composer Samuel Barber). That was such a delightful surprise and the world's premier at that, which is something our music director Sarah Ioannides does regularly, opening music horizons and educating Tacoma. I was happy to hear that David Ludwig is also our composer in residence this year. Bravo! </div>
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If you live locally and haven't had a chance to see Pantages theater after the restoration yet, you will be amazed. Such a beautiful and careful historic restoration and renovation is rare and worth mentioning. The theater which always was beautiful, looks exceptional now, as if you are inside of a precious jewelry box where all the intricate interior details truly came to life, and timeless architectural beauty now matches the timeless beauty of music.</div>
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You know that Justin and I have been supporting local arts for years. Sometimes, we get season passes, which have their benefits, though most commonly we just purchase individual tickets through the box office, selecting events that interest us. I wrote about our adventures regularly, and in particular, about classical music performed by <a href="https://symphonytacoma.org/" target="_blank">Symphony Tacoma</a> (<a href="http://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/2013/10/classical.html" target="_blank">2013</a>, <a href="http://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/2014/11/adventures-in-music-and-deserted-city.html" target="_blank">2014</a>, <a href="http://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/2016/04/symphonic-django-us-premiere-in-tacoma.html" target="_blank">2016</a>, <a href="http://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/2017/05/only-jumpsuits.html" target="_blank">2017</a>), our wonderful local orchestra, for the last 5 years playing under the music direction of <a href="https://sarahioannides.net/wordpress/" target="_blank">Sarah Ioannides</a>, <i>"recognized as one of the most creative and inspiring young conductors" </i>and<i> "one of top female conductors worldwide."</i> When I was looking at the 2019-2020 season at Symphony Tacoma, this particular concert was high on my wish list, so you can imagine how amazed I was to be asked whether I was interested in writing a review of this concert! </div>
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I wore the dress which you could've seen in <a href="https://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/2019/03/from-january-to-march.html" target="_blank">THIS POST</a> (scroll down to see it at the very end of the post), but with different coat and shoes. We had a busy day and didn't have a chance to photograph the whole outfit - it gets dark early these days. But I'll include photos of other recent outfits which I wore to work and play this Fall. One new addition, I started wearing more pants and jeans. This fun pair of ripped/patched jeans is from Old Navy. I surprised Anya with my choice - she said my outfits with these jeans look like "teen style". I think she liked it. This Autumn was incredibly gorgeous! We had such a prolonged period of warm sunny days in October and early November, and leafage stayed colorful and vibrant for an unusually long time.</div>
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My approach to dressing has changed within this year or so. All of my outfits are in heavy rotation these days as my main focus switched to my work. It's not the boring "work work", but something that I got to call "my life work" where many pieces are coming together. I'm having so much fun with it, and all my creativity goes into it instead of a main focus on style. I have many thoughts on the "work/life outfits" vs. "style blog outfits" topic. There is no right and wrong approach, and I want to emphasize on that. </div>
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I believe that there is a season for everything, and it seems I am in a new season of my life now. To be honest with you, I wasn't sure whether to continue this blog or quit because style, even though it wasn't the singular focus of my blog, was definitely the main focus. Will you be as interested in the new season of Natalia as much as you were interested in looking at her playing dressing up for the past 6 years? The truth is, some of you will and some won't, and the final decision is still mine. I just want you to know that all is well and it isn't a goodbye (I am still learning not to make hurried decisions in life). Perhaps I will write here, but not as often as I used to. Perhaps it just will be a shift in themes or approach to blogging. Time will tell. </div>
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Lots of love to you all!</div>
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All items are remixed from my wardrobe, mix of retail, thrift finds, old and new.</div>
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Photos by Justin Donie </div>
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Natalia Lialinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07552652475347261756noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6759460753738753423.post-91364537833774650482019-10-01T00:00:00.000-07:002019-10-01T00:08:53.304-07:00Modish Matrons #40: Fifty Shades of Fall<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I love Summer, especially here in the Pacific Northwest, for its warm sunny days without extreme temperatures or humidity. But by the end of the season, I am really looking forward to Fall. I adore the Autumnal crisp fresh air and magical soft light, the changing colors of leaves, and the promise of a new beginning every single Fall, no exception... And I adore Fall fashion.</div>
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Visit lovely <a href="https://tinaspinkfriday.blogspot.com/2019/10/modish-matrons-oktober-2019-fifty.html" target="_blank">TINA</a> und <a href="http://bahnwaerterhaeuschen.blogspot.com/2019/10/modish-matrons-fifty-shades-of-fall-40.html" target="_blank">BEATE's</a> posts for their take on Fall fashion!</div>
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This Fall was especially kind to me because it showered with all shades of my favorite color which is usually hard to find - call it rust, pumpkin, orange, brown, cinnamon... I have a confession to make: I tried to do a challenge earlier this Summer, 3 months without buying any new clothes (secondhand allowed). I do support the idea of it - to lessen consumerism, to care for our planet, and of course my savings account could use some help. I did pretty well for about half of that period, but then started seeing all of the rust brown colors, and I gave up...when will it have the peak of popularity the next time in fashion history, in another 30 or 40 years? I wouldn't want to wait that long, honestly. So I got quite a few new items, all either in rust/cinnamon fabrics or in blue denim which goes so well with it. And I have absolutely no regrets. I intend to wear all of these new items (and a couple of secondhand items too) for a long, long time. These corduroy pants literally revolutionized my wardrobe - they go with practically everything, which gives a new life to my old beloved things, such as these vintage blouse and secondhand jacket.</div>
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I also paired my old jacket in a perfect Fall shade with my old red floral dress for a new combination, and because Anya loves rust/cinnamon colors too, we looked like two Fall goddesses the evening we had a family outing to a local theater.</div>
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But Fall has so many more brilliant shades to admire and use as an inspiration for outfits (for me, personally, year round, October just naturally provides us with a great reason to talk about that!)... Here are some of my Fall-inspired outfits from the past:</div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-size: x-large;"><b>PURPLE & PINK</b></span></div>
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<a href="http://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/2018/11/back-to-september.html" target="_blank">NOVEMBER 2018</a>, <a href="http://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/2017/10/fall-berries.html" target="_blank">OCTOBER 2017</a>, <a href="http://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/2016/10/midlife-fun-pumpkin-squash.html" target="_blank">OCTOBER 2016</a>, <a href="http://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/2016/09/tell-different-story.html" target="_blank">SEPTEMBER 2016</a>, <a href="http://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/2013/10/russian-platok.html" target="_blank">OCTOBER 2013</a></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><b>RED & RUST</b></span></div>
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<a href="http://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/2018/10/velvet-in-city.html" target="_blank">OCTOBER 2018</a>, <a href="http://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/2018/10/modish-matrons-28-colorblockingcolorblo.html" target="_blank">OCTOBER 2018 two</a>, <a href="http://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/2017/10/best-accessory.html" target="_blank">OCTOBER 2017</a>, <a href="http://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/2017/10/replace-with-goodness.html" target="_blank">OCTOBER 2017 two</a>, <a href="http://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/2017/09/arboretum-in-autumn.html" target="_blank">SEPTEMBER 2017</a>, <a href="http://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/2016/10/the-mamushka.html" target="_blank">OCTOBER 2016</a>, <a href="http://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/2014/11/words.html" target="_blank">NOVEMBER 2014</a>, <a href="http://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/2013/11/cold-days-old-days.html" target="_blank">NOVEMBER 2013</a>, <a href="http://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/2013/11/its-fun-to-have-secret.html" target="_blank">NOVEMBER 2013 two</a></div>
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<span style="color: yellow; font-size: x-large;"><b>GOLD</b></span></div>
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<a href="http://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/2018/11/sequins-are-girls-best-friend.html" target="_blank">NOVEMBER 2018</a>, <a href="http://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/2016/10/the-last-chord.html" target="_blank">OCTOBER 2016</a>, <a href="http://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/2016/10/is-it-sofa-is-it-bird.html" target="_blank">OCTOBER 2016 two</a>, <a href="http://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/2015/10/inspiring-exhausting-wonderful.html" target="_blank">OCTOBER 2015</a>, <a href="http://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/2015/10/autumn-sunshine.html" target="_blank">OCTOBER 2015 two</a>, <a href="http://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/2015/09/where-you-belong.html" target="_blank">SEPTEMBER 2015</a>, <a href="http://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/2013/11/pilgrim.html" target="_blank">NOVEMBER 2013</a></div>
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<span style="color: lime; font-size: x-large;"><b>GREEN & GRAYS</b></span></div>
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<a href="http://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/2018/10/fall-fun-food.html" target="_blank">OCTOBER 2018</a>, <a href="http://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/2018/10/library-happenings-and-secrets-of.html" target="_blank">OCTOBER 2018 two</a>, <a href="http://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/2018/09/dahlia-display.html" target="_blank">SEPTEMBER 2018</a>, <a href="http://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/2017/10/autumn-textures.html" target="_blank">OCTOBER 2017</a>, <a href="http://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/2016/10/playful-in-park.html" target="_blank">OCTOBER 2016</a></div>
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Perfect corduroy pants - Eloquii (sold out)</div>
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Vintage blouse (old)</div>
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Secondhand blazer (old)</div>
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Suede purple shoes - Dansko (old)</div>
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Earrings and sunglasses (old) - Lane Bryant</div>
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Purse - Frye (last year)</div>
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Red dress - Target (last year)</div>
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Green booties - Ecco (old)</div>
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Photos by Justin</div>
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Join Modish Matrons if you love Fall fashion!</div>
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* * *</div>
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<span style="background-color: #eceff1; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">You are invited to the </span><strong style="background-color: #eceff1; font-family: "helvetica neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Inlinkz</strong><span style="background-color: #eceff1; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> link party!</span></div>
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Natalia Lialinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07552652475347261756noreply@blogger.com10