pictures in ink

I have fond memories of seeing him late nights at the Pink Pony when I first moved to New York City, and listening to his stories and little poems. He never remembered my name, but he always remembered my face when I saw him next. He was very kind.

Refusal by Maya Angelou

Beloved,
In what other lives or lands
Have I known your lips
Your Hands
Your Laughter brave
Irreverent.
Those sweet excesses that
I do adore.
What surety is there
That we will meet again,
On other worlds some
Future time undated.
I defy my body’s haste.
Without the promise
Of one more sweet encounter
I will not deign to die.

The first day of 2013 is done. The year 2012 is done. So many changes happened in my life. Some good. Some bad. Some needed. I ended the year on a happy note with my family. Though, deep down, I wish I’d been in fancy dress, sipping champagne with my friends in Los Angeles or NYC.
Do you believe in wishes? Do you believe in resolutions?
Last night, I made 12 wishes for the new year with each of the 12 grapes I ate. I ran out of wishes midway, so I made wishes for my friends and family.
Last year, I made resolutions on my other blog which I just went back and read. There was one resolution that started to take shape toward the end of the year.
Host a salon with music and poetry and conversation a la Left Bank!
The Sailor’s Muse Vintage Shoppe events are beginning to feel just that! This year I’d like to have the Shoppe evolve in to a proper salon. I’m very excited to watch the transition.

I’ve spent the last 2 weeks in Texas. I’ve thought about New York and Paris everyday. I want to live in Paris and maybe even go back to New York City. I miss it so very much. This year my only plan is to work my ass off to get myself to Paris. That means, build and work my business, as well as my vintage shoppe. That also means I have to become fluent in French. I’m currently a beginner/intermediate, so it shouldn’t be too hard to get myself to a higher level quickly.

Lastly, in 2013 I vow to be more cute, wear heels more, wear more skirts, do yoga more, hike more, fall in love with my body, have clearer skin, get back down to a size 8, get a cool haircut, take ballet, laugh more, don’t smoke, love more, blog more, be inspired, try new things, see more plays, write daily.

xo,
michelle

last night i had a layover in Paris.
I was on my way to New York, and had some time to kill.
I knew I arrived because when i walked out of the Walmart
i saw the brooklyn bridge as the sun set.
I stopped to admire the colors
until the rocket launch drew my attention east.
I stood in the crowd and looked up
and caught confetti in my mouth.