Monday, August 13, 2018

Summer Patchwork and Back to Who We Are


Just as quilt makers collect various scraps and fabric pieces which may or may not end up being a part of a quilt, as a style blogger I am also left with a variety of "scraps" - pictures of my outfits which were sometimes created purposefully and thoughtfully, with an intention to become a "quilt" - a post about a particular ensemble; while other times happened almost unintentionally, randomly, on the way to an event (or sometimes at the event), with very limited time and/or lighting for a decent photo shoot. I collect such picture "scraps", Justin's photographs of my outfits (my form of art) and from time to time combine them to create a post-quilt with all those lovely scraps... And so I've done with this post, showcasing 5 outfits which will tell you a few more stories of my Summer. Many pictures and words!


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Red Dress

Most of these clothing items you have seen before, just like this dress (JULY 2018), but combined with my Russian platok (one of a dozen in my collection) it takes on a very different personality, don't you think? I wore it to see Romeo and Juliet, a wonderful performance at the beautiful Bloedel Reserve located on Bainbridge Island (I wrote a post about this unique garden HERE. More posts about parks and gardens we love HERE).





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Double Embroidery

For the next outfit, I've only got one picture - but it's a memorable one! When I say "I am a writer and storyteller", what's usually left behind is...my whole family are writers and storytellers! Each of us has our own interests and focus, but the essence of what we love doing is indeed storytelling. And as such, we participated in a couple of free workshops that PowellsWood Garden Storytelling Festival gifted us. Unfortunately, the festival was cancelled this year (it would have been the 7th year for it in PowellsWood, the intimate and beautiful Northwest garden, located in the city of Federal Way), but we are looking forward to next year's festival! We absolutely loved our fellow storytellers, both teachers and students of the workshops, and on the photo below you can see my daughter and I with two of four Santa Clauses in our group! (Yep, real deal, no fake Santas there! I can attest - I've seen the driver's license!) 

The embroidered pants I wore in this old post - AUGUST 2017.

The two workshops were taught by Milbre Burch of Kind Crone and Sherry Norfolk. Both were just fantastic, and if you are interested in storytelling as an art-form - I highly recommend to look up these performers and educators. One of the most valuable lessons from Sherry was about confidence: "Don't worry about yourself. You are just a messenger." As a storyteller, as well as writer, or any kind of artist really, we put confidence in our message rather than in ourselves - we are confident in the story that we want to tell, in the ideas that we are passionate about! That was exactly how I felt for years when I did storytelling and all sorts of cultural, educational and community work bringing the Russian speaking community together - I was so on fire with my ideas that, to my own surprise, I really didn't worry about myself! 

What we truly love and care about is so infinitely bigger than our ego, 
that it allows us forget our worries! 

I've been doing this work since 2009, and after a much needed hiatus which I took to take care of my family and myself, I wrote and published four beautiful bilingual children's BOOKS, to which you, my friends and readers, were witnesses for the past couple of years, and I am very grateful for your love and support! And now I am eager to share my books with kids and their parents, as well as restart my story time program. The first one is coming very, very soon, this Saturday, August 18, 2018! (See the poster with all the details at the end of my post.) 


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Fruit Print

Back to my outfits. This summery dress, I bought at eShakti, with a huge discount this past Winter. It was made to my measurements, out of cotton, has a little stretch to the fabric, and fits me like a glove. I love the watermelon pattern and refreshing colors, and wear this dress quite a lot. Often, I pair it with my recently thrifted coral denim jacket (previously shown HERE), in fact, I wore this combination with some different accessories just yesterday. The beauty of the Pacific Northwest Summer is that even on the hottest day, it cools down a lot by the evening, especially here by Puget Sound, so it is always a good idea to bring a jacket (or a cardigan, or a shawl) with you, no matter how hot it seems. You probably recognized this location by the Knutzen Family Theater where our community enjoyed wonderful live theater by the Centerstage! Theatre, as well as other performers for many, many years. In fact, Knutzen was a synonym for Centerstage for so many of us, and even when you google Knutzen Theater in Federal Way, the link will bring you to the Centerstage! page... But it won't be the case as of the new 2018-2019 season. Unfortunately, the theater will be moving out soon and is looking for a new home now. It was such a privilege to have you here, and my family (even though we are not residents of Federal Way) have been your patrons for many years. I wrote about some of our favorite family performances here: DECEMBER 2017 and DECEMBER 2014. I also featured the beautiful park by the Knutzen Theater recently HERE and in my old post in JULY 2016.

  


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Blue Dress

Another impromptu July photo shoot. I wore this wonderful dress by Teresa Maccapani Missoni, made of lightest cotton, with gorgeous sealife lace detail, to an important appointment up in Seattle. You can see details of the design in my old post here - JUNE 2017. I felt both put together and office-appropriate,  and at the same time true to myself while also staying cool on a hot day. For accessories, I chose mother-of-pearl earrings and raffia clutch (both thrifted). The only thing you will probably not see anymore on my blog is this pair of orange wedges. Don't get me wrong - I love them, and they are very comfortable! I was wearing them on some happy evening back in July, strutting the streets while having a lively conversation with Justin...when I suddenly fell down.  It all happened so quickly that we both were rather shocked. I don't know whether it was an uneven pavement, or my ankle somehow made a twisty twist, who knows. I had a significant scrape on my knee, but everything else was well and sound, except for these wedges - they are damaged irreparably I think. Oh well, time to look for new shoes, I guess!




-5-
Gingham on Gingham

I believe that at this point, I showed you all outfits from July, nothing is left in store, and finally, the only outfit I shoot in August is this. You have probably seen this cotton skirt in my old post in MAY 2018 - and by the way, you can see the clutch from this and previous outfit in that post too. Both the skirt and the top are from Target (the top was on clearance for only $7). Gingham on gingham! I added plastic earrings (vintage from Goodwill I think) and a floppy hat for even more bohemian vibe.



That's all about my Summer so far, darling friends! Let me know what outfit was your favorite, and share with me what a Russian storyteller looks like in your opinion! I have my own ideas what to wear to my very first event, but I am curious and would love to hear from your too! Speaking of the first event, in the flyer below you will find all the necessary information for those of you who live locally and would like to come and celebrate world cultures. Join us! Bring a friend or two! Spread the word about this event! I would love to meet you!

My grandmother, Antonina "Tonya" Lialina, 
my brother Andrei Lialin, (age 7) and me (age 2) in 1975.
Andrei is the illustrator of all OUR BOOKS and designer of our WEBSITE.

I feel deeply rooted in my family and my childhood. To me, my childhood is the definition of my native culture... My grandma, babushka Tonya, would have turn 100 years this year. Born in 1918, one of the hardest years in Russia, she as a young child growing in a large farmer's family, did not have an opportunity to get a proper education. Little redhead Tonya with adorable freckles all over her face, barely learned how to read, and after a year in school had to help her family with household work and raising her younger siblings. Two of them are still alive! Olga is in her 90s now - she lives in Kazakhstan with her children and grandchildren, and until just recently she lived in her own house and did most of the work herself, including growing a vegetable garden. Babushka's youngest brother Tikhon is in his late 80s and lives with his family in the Ural Mountains region of Russia. Their family came from a village near the Vyatka River which is in Central Russia. Babushka spoke Northern dialect of the Russian language which sounds quite different from the literary Russian, and all of her life Tonya was sure that Siberia is NOT Russia. (She moved to Siberia with her husband in the 1950s (Misha, their oldest son and my father, was only 11 y.o. then.) 

My Dad, Andrei, me, babushka Tonya and my Mom at our apartment. Babushka lived with her two other children in a small town on Angara River, but used to spend a few months with us every couple of years or so. 
I think I am 7 or 8, and Andrei is 11 or 12 here (early 1980s)

My Grandma would've been happy seeing her granddaughter on the stage 40 years since she had to sit through many a performance back in the 1970s, when I was about four and my auntie Lida's floral mini dress looked like a maxi on me, and I would come out of a heavy, velvety, cherry red table skirt, as if it was a stage curtain, read poems and dance for my family, and made them clap their hands. I guess we don't change all that much, eh?



If you pay attention, you will see my name in the list of the performers. 

Linking with all the ladies of  the wonderful Patti's Visible Monday

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26 comments:

  1. Oh dear Natalia,
    I nearly can`t get away from your pics of all those gorgeous dresses you are in there. You asked what we liked most. For me, that´s just a subjective opinion, it is the dark blue cotton dress. It`s top of all. But all the others do fit you as well very beautiful and let you shine. Thanks for the look into your wardrobe. If I only had the courage to dress in the same way and not only in my jeans and dark-blue striped shirts...if I only...Hugs and love! Sunni

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    1. Dear Sunni, thank you for your kind comment! The blue dress is definitely a stunner.
      I don't know whether you went through some of my old posts, but if you do, you'll see that I dressed very differently just 5 years ago. Prior to this blog, I also wore jeans for a few years and almost stopped wearing skirts and dresses (which I used to love as a young woman). Then for a while, in 2012-2013 I discovered style bloggers and watched all those other women wearing beautiful clothes, and admired them. I felt so inspired and moved by them that gradually started experimenting with my wardrobe, and one of the first things to me was color! I added colorful jeans and sweaters and just mixed and matched them. Colors bring so much joy to our soul, they have power to change our mood in the direction that we want, and therefore change our life.

      So today, if anyone asks for my advice, I say this. Don't overthink it, just dive in, play and have fun with it. I make "mistakes" all the time - so what? There is no fashion police. I play and learn. I just know that you will find your way to dress more creatively because this is what your soul is longing for. Our soul always finds the way to do what it needs to be done. Don't worry about it. All the very best wishes on your journey!

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  2. Your outfits are seriously so cute!!! I adore your round sunnies, your platok, and most def that gingham ruffled top and skirt. And the fruit dress! My great grandparents on my father's side immigrated from Russia and I think you look exactly like a Russian story teller. Have you seen unskilledworker's art? She is UK based, but something in her work reminds me of Russia (or my idea of it).

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    1. My dear, I am so touched by your comment! And it is very touching to learn that your ancestors come from Russia! I thought that your face looks like someone I would've seen in Russia. I am fascinated by faces and all the ethnical mixes that we all are! I am such a mix myself, with Vikings and Asians thrown in for a good measure.

      I don't know about unskilldworker's art, but I will look it up, thank you so much for the hint!

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  3. all this gorgeous outfits!! love all of them - they have tons of chic and are very individual at the same time. fabulous!!
    as for "the russian storyteller": a platok and a romantic dress and playful jewelry seems a good choice - but for me *russian style* is always a bit over the top - so it´s the last look - gingham on gingham with big earrings & big hat :-D
    sweet old photos!
    we will think of you on the 18.!
    much love! xxxxxx

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    1. Thank you, dear Beate! I am so blessed that Justin and Anya are going to be by my side. It takes a lot of courage to write and publish books, but to present and read them in front of public? But I know that I will do it and enjoy it because this is who I am - this is the rel Natasha.

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  4. Your stories completely draw me in, I want to know everything. How wonderful that you're starting your story telling hour again. And you know I adore your colorful, happy and authentic style, xox

    Patti
    http://notdeadyetstyle.com

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    1. Thank you, dear Patti! I will be offering a series of short story time sessions, 10-15 minutes each, and talk and read and play with my readers. I am a bit nervous since this is my very first such event (with my own books), but it's going to be great, I am looking forward to it! It is also the very first Multicultural Festival in the city of Federal Way, and I am eager to be there!

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  5. I'm loving your quilt of a post, composed of all these "scraps". I think that's the lot of all bloggers: I've got quite a few scraps lying around as well. My favourite, without any doubt, is the gingham on gingham one. That's totally gorgeous! So yes, please do wear that outfit. Love reading your childhood memories and seeing your family photos. Wishing you the best of luck for Saturday, my friend. I'm sure you'll be a huge success. Hugest of hugs xxx P.S. Jos's daughter is a storyteller too!

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    1. Thank you so much, dear Ann! I am glad you enjoyed my scraps! And I bet you do the same with yours - look and play and enjoy them! And you see, we are definitely related - even through storytelling! I would love to know what kind of storyteller Jos's daughter is, there are so many flavors of it. Does she work with kids or adults or both?

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  6. Oh yes I pay attention :) Natalia what a wonderful post! ❤️❤️❤️
    You are a storyteller with a warm and gentle family. It's great! Congratulations. You have worked it, not born into ;)
    I love all your wonderful outfits. So many stunning dresses and accessories. I would like to wear all :))
    By the way... you met Santa!!!!!! OMG... I have to tell it Sarah!
    I wish all your dreams vome true, you are on the best way... in wonderful outfits;)
    a huge hug and much love Tina

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    1. Thank you, my dear Tina! I am glad that you mentioned my family, they are the most wonderful and warm and supportive! I was so pleased when Anya wanted to come to the festival with me! It will be so much fun! And yes, please tell Sarah, not every day one meets Santa, especially in July. :)

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  7. I love your collection of scraps, I can imagine you - like me with my Ottoman stuffed with vintage fabric - pouring over your photos and delighting in the memories they bring back. xxx

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    1. Thank you, dear Vix! Yep, that feeling - I bet you know it too well! :)

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  8. I so enjoyed your patchwork of your wonderful Summer outfits, it is so hard to choose a favourite as they are all so charming. The family photos are delightful and must evoke so many memories.
    Wishing you all the best for the 18th , I am sure you will be in your element, enjoy every moment.

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    1. Thank you, dear Jill! I am almost there and I definitely am looking forward to be in my element once again! With a new twist to it of course - now I will read my own stories, as well as other writers' books!

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  9. lovely post, such a lot of beautiful outfits, interesting details and real life!. You look fabulous in all of them, even if I have to admit that my favorite is your red dress (I love a red dress!) but you look also gorgeous in the fruits dress or the blue one! and the gingham ensemble is so summery and fresh!
    I've really enjoyed this post and have a smile on my face just now!! so lovely you are!
    besos

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    1. Thank you, dear Monica, what a sweet comment! I can see why you love a red dress - it's just a must for any wardrobe, I think! Red is such a powerful color!

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  10. I spotted your name in the list of performers immediately. I'm so excited to read about all the projects and events connected with your books and writing...and as always I enjoy your outfits and personal style.

    Beautiful family photos! The history of your family is so interesting, alwaya a pleasure to read about it. Such a warm post! I'll write a bit longer comment some other time, it's time to go to bed:).

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    1. Thank you, dear Ivana! No worries, we'll talk soon. Sweet dreams! :)

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  11. Dear Natalia, I know you are at the great event right now and my fingers are crossed for you!!! I am so with you cause I also published books and read infront of the audience,that`s not the same as to have it printed and in a book shop...:-))) Thanks deep from my heart for your long and interesting answer about dressing and jeans and all that. I hope I will have the courage to do it once...And by the way, what I wanted to tell you: I was to Russia three times, and loved it so much! I still participate of all the memories from time to time, all equal its already "centuries" away. - Hope all will be fine today. Have a great time!Hugs, Sunni

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    1. Thank you for your kindness, dear Sunni! How wonderful to learn that you've been to Russia and you are a writer! What do you write? Can I read your books?

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    2. Dear Natalia, You can get one of my books via amazon ("Die Trollschen Schuljahre"), some are special books for the preparation of students`exams in German (Stark-Verlag, Sunnihild Schmidt) and the others have been printed privately. If I get your email, I will send you one of the children`s books via mail. 2 others are with short stories and poems, but sold out yet. Love, Sunni

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    3. Dear Sunni, that's fantastic! You can email me at inthewriterscloset at gmail dot com :)

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  12. Zawsze świetnie wyglądasz:))uwielbiam Twoje cudne dodatki:)))każdy zestaw skradł moje serce:))Pozdrawiam serdecznie:))

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