Hollow Upon Hollow

I was travelling again over the weekend, can't seem to be able to stay out of Helsinki for very long. After seeing some live music, friends and family I came back  in the hours of the night, and found a package of pages waiting for me. Some books and comics, the usual vice. My mind said a resounding "NO" for the order as it saw the stacks of books piling next to the bookshelf, but curiosity didn't listen to any rational thoughts. And so the pile grew.

I started with Hollow City this morning, the sequel for Peculiar Children. (Thank you Marie S for the hint, I may not have noticed the publication without you!) Peculiar Children was a treat to read, so we'll see if this book can hold the candle to its predecessor. This book also has those wonderful, bizarre vintage photos inside, carrying the plot forward and tickling the mind.

blouse & deer brooch vintage /  skirt , belt & pumps second hand 

I mashed today's outfit here as well, as it was slightly inspired by the feeling of the story. I can sense a mild granny mode kicking in again, recently I've been wearing my vintage blouses and curls and drinking tea a little more than usual. The velvet pumps are a recent gift from a friend. I only wish I could use them outside or on some festive occasion already! That, and being able to levitate. 

What kind of peculiar skill would you pick, if you could? I'm curious! I think I'd go with telekinesis.

Buda+Pest

It occurred to me that some travel adventures are still in my sketch files! Haven't shown you stories about Budapest or Transylvania (oh yes) yet, now have I? How wicked of me. Well, I'll continue with some photos and feelings regarding Budapest, a city with two sides. I went there to see my friend Laura, the gorgeous lady in the photo below.

The guard dogs of Budapest. Anubis, times two.

At first impression Budapest felt like a city of sleepwalkers. I can't really explain why, maybe it was due to the grey weather, maybe something deeper. Budapest also had a distinct scent of its own, something I haven't encountered in other cities. 

I was really excited to see the city, entering new places feels like unwrapping a massive present with surprises inside! Turning around new corners, hearing the language that feels somehow familiar but you still can't grasp anything (all I remember is kicsit fekete), visiting a bar in the ruins of an old building, receiving the kindness of strangers in trams and most of all; having adventures with a friend. A constant faint fluttering of happy moths in the stomach.

Bullet holes, a common mural.

Wine, not blood, I swear. ;)

At the antique market, wearing antique glasses. 

It was a real treasure hold, I got the horns, the bracelet and the medical bottle from there.

I wish I could've stuffed that dreamy couch in my pocket too, but there's only so much that hand luggage can contain!

I can't say that I know the city at all based on the scarce days I was there, but I did sense a certain edge. Mostly attached to the core of the city soul, but it was also very visible at some parts. The bullet holes in the faces of old buildings and the decaying mortar told tales of the past, and I really enjoyed the way the city wasn't too clinical. It felt like life feels, a little banged up but still beautiful. I could easily see other gothlings feel cozy there, in the middle of the tarnished buildings and hints of lovely murkiness in the air. And I would be lying if I said I didn't equally enjoy the cheap wine and delicious falafels.

The place called "The road that leads to nowhere".

I hope I get a second adventure with Budapest some day! So much was left unseen.

Fog of the World

Foggy roads and foggy mind have been a frequent guest in the past two weeks.

Don't get me wrong, I'm actually feeling pretty excited and happy although the images speak the contrary!

This is just much needed grey calmness before the plunge.

I feel like many things are about to change and so I've kept to myself a lot - gathering energy for the changes to come. Maybe even too much,  watching so many FMA episodes in a row and having solitary conversations in japanese can't be a healthy sign, hehe! This week I've mostly been decluttering the insides of my head and home, cleaning out ill thoughts and unnecessary things from my surroundings. Breaking barriers and letting go feels like the thing to do right now. I'm not aiming for complete minimalism, just a lot more space. Possessions are nice as long as you don't ever get possessed by them.

How has your new year started? Well, I hope! ♥

New Year!

Happy belated new year's wishes, dears! May the new year grant us with grand mistakes, new knowledge, wild dreams and bravery of the first degree.

New year's look!

transformer dress Noctex / pants  second hand (from sister's closet) 

 earrings Blood Milk / harness Tyra Therman

Unlucky 13 wasn't the easiest year on my list, not to get too much in the details but it was momentarily very rough. Above all it made me learn many things and for that I'm grateful. It would be too easy to blame the dark days and old wounds, so I choose to focus on the good parts and let the rest shed off. I don't want to jinx anything, but I have a feeling this year will be good and exciting! Did you make any resolutions?