An amazing first week of school

It's been a while guys. I just completed a quick take-home quiz for German and I'm going to do my readings for Comm. and Society. Hopefully I can finally go visit the gym tonight as well, while everyone else is out partying! So many things to do.
I'm sitting alone in my dorm while many of my friends are out at the Carousel Mall, which is apparently huge. Lucky them! I knew that I had to update my blog though, and tell the details of my move-in process.
To say it simply, the move-in was a mess. It was great meeting and hugging my roommate Julia, but it took us a while to finish unpacking everything. We came in at the exact time, so our boxes and suitcases were everywhere. I didn't bring as much clothes and items as she did, so I ventured off onto campus to meet some friends.
I first met Isaac, Justin and Jocelyn who I've been chatting with frequently online. They really are exactly as I expected: approachable, funny and amazing. Jackie, who I met later on the day, is quickly becoming my go-to girl. We have such fun times together, though I'm worried that her constant partying might start distancing us already. We'll see what becomes of our friendship.
On the first day Isaac, Jocelyn, Jackie, Daniel and I went out to eat at a Chinese restaurant; the food was mediocre at best. The dumplings were dry and tasteless, though I admit it was vegetarian. I planned to attend to many of the events there, such as the Ice Cream Social and Move at the Quad, but I had so much fun just hanging out with them. We laughed, talked about the past, play cards, and tried to go swimming (fail). Needless to say, it felt like I knew them for years. The first day was definitely the best, and I wouldn't have wanted it any other way.


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What am I trying to prove to myself?

I've been staring at this blank page for a while now, unsure of what to write.
What did I expect from this summer? Not much. However, the last couple of weeks made this summer the best summer thus far. Never have I felt so happy, rebellious, fufilled, and...free. A 180 degree turn from the last few weeks of high school.
I'm leaving to college on Wednesday, and I never looked forward to anything more in my life...besides finishing up the packing. It still didn't hit me yet. My walls are bare from the lack of posters, my closet is empty with the exception of summer clothes, and my living room is a mess right now because of the suitcases and boxes. However, I don't feel scared yet. I guess I'm a late bloomer. I'm ready for change. Chances are, however, when I walk into my dorm at Sadler Hall after the first day of orientation and sit on my new bed, I will feel that pit in my stomach we all know too well: homesickness.
I will miss the home-cooked Korean food, the comfort of my own bed and bathroom, the soft carpeted floors, and privacy. Most of all, I will miss my family and friends.
Two days left. Let it all soak in.

The following passage came from her0in_chic's facebook group (her0in_chic being a blog I follow religiously). Filled with quotes, inspirational pictures, and moral support, no site has ever pulled me through the worst of times like this site. Don't judge the site by its name. I highly recommend you to follow it. I hope it lifts your spirits like it has lifted mine.


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On this day, you read something that moved you and made you realize there were no more fears to fear. No tears to cry. No head to hang in shame. That every time you thought you’d offended someone, it was all just in your head and really, they love you with all their heart and nothing will ever change that. That everyone and everything lives on inside you. That that doesn’t make any of it any less real.

That soft touches will change you and stay with you longer than hard ones.

That being alone means you’re free. That old lovers miss you and new lovers want you and the one you’re with is the one you’re meant to be with. That the tingles running down your arms are angel feathers and they whisper in your ear, constantly, if you choose to hear them. That everything you want to happen, will happen, if you decide you want it enough. That every time you think a sad thought, you can think a happy one instead.

That you control that completely.

That the people who make you laugh are more beautiful than beautiful people. That you laugh more than you cry. That crying is good for you. That the people you hate wish you would stop and you do too.

That your friends are reflections of the best parts of you. That you are more than the sum total of the things you know and how you react to them. That dancing is sometimes more important than listening to the music.

That the most embarrassing, awkward moments of your life are only remembered by you and no one else. That no one judges you when you walk into a room and all they really want to know, is if you’re judging them. That what you make and what you do with your time is more important than you’ll ever fathom and should be treated as such. That the difference between a job and art is passion. That neither defines who you are. That talking to strangers is how you make friends.

That bad days end but a smile can go around the world. That life contradicts itself, constantly. That that’s why it’s worth living.

That the difference between pain and love is time. That love is only as real as you want it to be. That if you feel good, you look good but it doesn’t always work the other way around.

That the sun will rise each day and it’s up to you each day if you match it. That nothing matters up until this point. That what you decide now, in this moment, will change the future. Forever. That rain is beautiful.

And so are you.

To write, but not to read

Right now I'm listening to the NPR interview between Terry Gross and Gary Shteyngart, the author of Super Sad True Love Story. The novel is based on the future, where books no longer exist and people's attention are glued to the screens of their iPhone-like gadget, slowly watching society collapse into pulp.
What caught my attention is towards the end of the interview. What I found interesting in the conversation between Terry and Gary is the idea that everyone wants to write, but not read. Gary finds it funny how the publishing company is bombarded with new ideas for books, upcoming chapters in a memoir and potential/not so potential authors, while the authors themselves don't read. Everyone wants to express their opinion about something through writing a book, blog, etc., but no one wants to read.
I was always taught that the only way to improve my vocabulary, my writing, and my knowledge, is through reading. I've always loved reading ever since I read my first book, and I still do. I love reading anything that keeps me on my toes and interested. Right now, I'm reading Hunchback of Notre Dame and Gone with the Wind, two great classics. However, as I grew up, I spent more time on the computer, tv, and iTouch. Gary on NPR also brought up his opinion on technology. We are now always connected through the amazing, effective technology, but it doesn't make us any happier. I'm so caught up with my news feed on Facebook, tweets on Twitter, etc., and I truly don't realize how much time I waste on it. I need to learn how to monitor my time that's spent on the computer, especially when I'm leaving to college so soon. I love being connected, but in the end, the information that I read is not very useful and worthwhile. What's worthwhile? Curled up on a comfy chair and reading a book.

"There's more to life than books, you know but not much more." -Morrissey

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Motivation & what's new

It's been a while since I last updated with a book review. Again, I felt no motivation to update with even an old book review. It's too bad, since I've done many things this past week with some great friends.
So, what motivates me to update this blog?

1. Enjoyment Right now I'm not sure what topic or area I really enjoy to write about. I mean, I love blogging about myself and my awesome life, and it's fun writing my own perspective of different topics. In all seriousness, I love writing, and that's why I'm interested in going into the magazine industry.
2. For future reference It'll be fun rereading old blogspot entries 10 years from now when I'm successful, own my own magazine company and filthy rich. It's like now, when I read my Xanga blog entries way back from 7th grade. "Just came back from school...and I'm bored. Props plz." Or something like that.
3. Readers & supporters Who wouldn't want to read the epic, heartbreaking and staggering life of Vania E. Myers? That was only of slight exaggeration. My goal is not to get more readers; it's to show readers that I do write everyday, and that my writing can improve.

I think I'm going to stick this reminder up on the wall in front of me in my dorm room. I truly want to stick to this. Truly.


So what's new?

- I got a haircut a couple of days ago. I love it! It definitely takes off some of the weight of my hair; it's very layered now, and the length is practically the same. My bangs are also updated.
- My penpal wrote me the sweetest letter! I was so surprised when I opened my mailbox. She wrote way more than I did, and she told me that she never heard of a lot of my favorite bands/artists. So, I decided to send over a letter and a mix CD of some of my catchy tunes. A mix is not mine unless it has Sufjan and Vampire Weekend in it.
- I took up another penpal, and she's from Korea. She seems so sweet! I love how many Koreans know English enough to have conversations.
- I downloaded Urban Outfitter's LSTN #11 recently, and I love it! There are 21 songs from various artists/bands that go from catchy to mellow. I highly recommend it.
- In four days, I'm going to college. It's unbelievable.

This is the package I sent my penpal with the mix cd in it. I tried to decorate it by gluing on doilies on the sides.

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Vladimir Nabokov's Lolita

Lolita
by Vladimir Nabokov

I’ve wanted to read this book ever since I heard of Throw Me the Statue’s song, “Lolita.” The plotline, an older man falling in love with a child, although it was total blasphemy, was quite interesting and unheard of. The book’s first paragraph drew me in:

“Lolita, light of my life, fire of my lions. My sin, my soul. Lo-lee-ta: the tip of the tongue taking a trip of three steps down the palate to tap, at three, on the teeth. Lo. Lee. Ta.”

Lolita is about a pedophile named Humbert Humbert, a middle-aged man who has a fetish for young girls known as nymphets. Humbert finds himself as the lodger at the home of a lonely widow, Charlotte Haze and 12-year-old daughter, Dolores. His fetish became an unhealthy, sick obsession when Dolores, his Lolita, became the subject of his fantasies. This is a story about his forbidden love affair, which ultimately leads to his psychological demise.
Lolita is one of the most well-written novels I’ve read yet. I never would have guessed that English is Nabokov’s second language; it’s such an accomplishment to be fluent in another language and write a novel in it so beautifully, especially when the storyline causes such controversy. Nabokov brought Humbert’s obsession to life as his chilling desires and needs controlled Humbert like a drug.
Although the book dragged a bit in the middle as Nabokov described every detail of the “couple’s” cross-country trip, the ending made everything worthwhile. It's interesting how Nabokov portrays this "fantasy" lolita and how she would behave and act. It makes you wonder...is it really okay that love is blind in every way?

Wrapping up the graduation parties

During these past two days, I did nothing but party all night long. Thursday was Amy's surprise graduation held by the lovelyyy Xin, and yesterday was Denise's Luau-themed graduation party. Those two days were filled with laughter, joy, and catching up with amazing high school friends.

Amy's surprise graduation party
I have to admit, Xin's skill of barbecuing was pure art. Okay, I can't really be a judge since I didn't eat the chicken bbq, but the veggie burgers were delish! The original plan of me arriving with the graduate didn't work out because of her parents insisting on eating dinner as a family before her parents leave for the cruise, but then we still surprised her when she arrived...about two hours later. We stayed until dark playing games, catching up with everyone and just having a good time. I really hope I will see everyone again sometime during/after college. I'm going to miss you guys!


Denise's graduation party
I don't even know where to start! The location was beautiful: right by a lake. There were white Christmas lights lighting up the place as well as strobe lights and a disco ball. The tables were decorated with goldfish (yes, live!) swimming amuck in a glass bowl as well as underwater animal floaties. That party is probably going to be the last party where I'm dancing like an idiot with my high school friends, but I hope I'm wrong. Denise, the hostess, dressed up as a mermaid while I attempted the Hawaiian look with my floral dress. I hope I passed, haha. The food was all prepared by Denise's mom, and I had the time of my life eating and dancing. Of course there was the Electric Slide, the Macarena, and the more modern music like Usher's "Oh My God." There was a little boy who's definitely going to win some dance contests with his moves; we were all shocked! It was adorable though. At the party, I learned how much I forgot German (basically everything) when I talked to someone who just came from Germany. I really need to brush up on it at college; at least I took level 1 haha. Ein, zwei, drei...
It was great seeing everyone again; it was like prom with the dancing, but more craziness and definitely less stressful. I took home some luau necklaces, a dolphin and fish floaty and a bubble blower!

Billionaires pledge to donate half of wealth to charity

Forty U.S. billionaires pledged Wednesday to give at least half of their wealth to charity — either during their lifetimes or after death.
That could be a big boost to nonprofits, which have suffered from the recent economic downturn.
The list of those taking the pledge includes some of the nation's wealthiest individuals: Bill and Melinda Gates, Warren Buffett, T. Boone Pickens, Michael Bloomberg and George Lucas of Star Wars fame.
Buffett says the purpose of the public pledge isn't just to increase how much these people give — many had already planned to give a lot — but to inspire others to give as well.
- NPR's 40 U.S. Billionaires Pledge Half Of Wealth To Charity, Pam Fessler

During a series of private meetings held by Bill Gates and other billionaire philanthropists, forty billionaires agreed on donating at least half of their wealth to various charities. Different billionaires are interested in different non-profit organizations-public health, education, the arts, the environment, etc. Undoubtedly the donations will help the charities that suffered from the economic recession. $500 million dollars x 40 billionaires. That's a lot of money.
Of course, this brings up many concerns. Will the money go to the people who need it the most? According to NPR, many large donations are given to wealthier institutions and organizations like universities and hospitals. They tend to leave out the poor and disadvantaged.
What I'm worried about is that, although these donations are needed, what about donating what might be just as important as money: your time? This reminds me of what happened with the earthquake in Haiti. People could have easily donated money via text and pat themselves on the back, but will it have the same effect as actually getting "down at dirty with your hands" at Haiti? Haiti is different, since it's at a foreign country, but I believe volunteering your time rather than money is just as rewarding. By volunteering at the Lionsgate retirement center or the Voorhees Animal Shelter. I got to know the residents, animals, and volunteers. I played bingo, went to parties, played with the dogs, etc. I built a relationship with them, and it was rewarding. Is it the same as giving money? No, it's different, and you can't compare the two. However, I think it's a great alternative that should also be talked about. I think it would be interesting how the billionaires would react if they chose to donate their time as well. Maybe they already have.

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The Penpal Project

After I received a letter from my Newhouse peer adviser via snail mail, I asked myself...why don't you have a penpal, Vania? I have had penpals through email, but it does seem a little impersonal. When I receive a hand-written letter, it's like getting a Christmas present; I eagerly open the letter. The blog that I follow religiously, Indiefixx, started a project called The Penpal Project where you leave a message and hope you find someone you're interested in becoming penpals with. Sounds wonderful, right? So I read through many of the people's descriptions; most of them were mothers over 25. I was looking for someone who's attending college, so we have something to relate to, and I found Maggie. We emailed each other, interested in becoming each others' penpals. I wrote my first penpal letter to her today (shown above left), and I'm sending it off tomorrow~ I absolutely love the envelope of Paris; the stamps and dreamy image definitely caught my attention at the bookstore. I immediately bought it. On the back of the card (where I drew the bird), I wrote my very long, crooked message. I hate having crooked handwriting, hahaha. I also send her a picture of me from last Sunday, when I went with friends to the Philadelphia Museum. I'm so excited for when she reads it!
I plan to also have a penpal from London, if I ever do plan to study abroad there. Maybe I can meet up with my penpal if so. Who knows!

The Death of Bookstores

"It's a difficult time for bookstores. Online booksellers offer seductively low prices and the convenience of ordering from home. eBooks are poised to change the business of publishing as we know it, allowing readers to bypass printed material altogether. There are news stories almost every day telling us about another independent bookstore that has shut down, a casualty of the changing book business."
- 9 of the most amazing bookstores in the world, Huffington Post, Caroline Eisenmann

If you can, I recommend reading through the list of 9 bookstores that are breathtaking. Unfortunately I've never went to any, but I hope that will change. This article does bring up a good point though: like newspapers, there's the death of bookstores.
It's no surprise that bookstores, especially indie bookstores, are going out of business. With all the enticing deals from Amazon, the 30% off coupons from Borders and the digital books, bookstores simply cannot keep up for the demand of cheaper books. Yes, I wouldn't think twice as to which retailer I should buy from: $8 at Amazon or $16 at Barnes & Noble. It would obviously be Amazon.
However, I do try to support physical bookstores by frequently inhabiting a local Borders bookstore. I love lounging around the cafe area, drinking my hazelnut coffee while reading a book. Honestly, the employees must be sick of me.
As far as I know, there aren't any independent bookstores in the area; disheartening, but not surprising. If I ever do visit Paris it will be my priority to visit Shakespeare and Co., which is pictured on the top.

"This legendary English language bookstore has served as a haunt for literary greats such as Hemingway and Fitzgerald. The store is generously stocked with both used and new books, and features an eclectic collection of not for sale books that can be enjoyed in the reading room upstairs. Often flooded with tourists, the bookstore still serves as go to spot for readers and writers alike"
- Huffington Post

To be surrounded by books; to smell the crisp pages of used and old books; and to see readers like me look around in complete awe...I want to be there.

Philly send-off for Syracuse

I just came back from the Philly send-off for Syracuse, and I'm now 2x more ecstatic for orientation. It's an annual event for incoming Syracuse freshmen hosted to welcome them into the 'Cuse family and to offer any advice and answer questions. I went with one of my best friends Chris (Unruffled Feathers), expecting many awkward moments, good food and incoming freshmen. The food "buffet" was disappointing, and there were quite a lot of awkward "uhhh" moments, but I'm certainly glad that I went...especially with a friend. I sat near an alumni who works for Comcast and was constantly reminded of how Newhouse has connections that will always help you when it comes to job hunting after you graduate, which is great to know. The alumni and current students who attended were so helpful, offering tips and assurance that I will do well in college.

1. Don't take freshman year too seriously. Many people repeated this tip numerous times, and I'm glad that the transition from high school to college wouldn't be as bumpy.
   
2. Don't be disappointed if you don't get a paid internship this upcoming summer. I'm going to compete against sophomores and juniors, so unless I have an extremely impressive resume, I shouldn't get my hopes up. Of course, that doesn't mean I won't try my best.
   
3. Be involved in clubs or attend events that you wouldn't typically go to. Good tip! I'm definitely planning to join in a lot of clubs that I would've normally never even considered in high school, such as Mock Trial. Hopefully it'll be an interesting, fun and diverse freshman year for me.
   
4. Don't travel in groups of more than 4 or 5 friends. Apparently we'll get called out from the upperclassman driving or walking by; definitely do NOT want that to happen.
   
5. Don't drink on your floor, unless you're cool with your RA...because you will get caught. Not that I plan to do this but...good to know?

At the end, the President of the Philly Alumni Club announced the 4 winners of the scholarship awards, one of them being Chris! I am so unbelievably proud of her and the magazine she created. She wrote that as a philanthropist, she will donate her time and money towards the BP oil spill disaster because she believes that everyone should help preserve the environment. She undoubtedly deserved the $500.
To wrap it all up, the alumni decided to hold a 'Cuse trivia game, which I definitely need to brush up on. He had an awesome orange foam finger that I really wanted, but it was a sports question that I had no idea what the answer was. At least I know it exists, and that it's sold in the Syracuse bookstore. I'm definitely going on a bookstore shopping spree. I need t'shirts, sweatshirts, foam fingers, mugs...the list goes on!


the foam finger!

Jean Kwok's Girl in Translation

Girl in Translation
by Jean Kwok


Tired, penniless, and in the mercy of her aunt, Ah-Kim Chang, known as Kimberley in America, clutched onto her mother's hand, who doesn't speak any English. They just arrived to New York from China. Kimberly's aunt, who funded this trip, "generously" gave them an apartment to live in and a job to work in. The cramped apartment was condemned and infested in roaches and rats; it's unbearable to live in. The job at the Chinatown clothing factory forces Kim's mother, once a successful piano teacher, to work long hours for pennies. Indebted to her aunt, Kimberly and her mom agreed to these standards. Readers are exposed to the hardship of a new immigrants life, and as the book transitions to when Kimberley becomes a teenager, it becomes a coming-of-age story that leaves readers realizing that, maybe, light will always be found peeking through a seemingly dark room.
Girl in Translation weaves what it means to be an immigrant with family values, a sense of duty, and hope for the future. Although this is a work of fiction, Jean Kwok, also a Chinese immigrant, incorporated much of what she endured when she moved to America in this novel. Like Kimberly, she was penniless at her arrival, and her parents were forced to work in sweatshops. She lived in poverty, basically taking the description of the protagonist's apartment from her childhood apartment.
This novel kicked off my summer reading project. I loved how she incorporates the accents of Kimberly and her mother in their dialogues. Kimberly speaks and understands a Chinese schoolgirl's English; she understands most words, but struggles constantly. Thus, Kwok writes the dialogue the way Kimberly hears and interprets it. I was forced to be in Kimberly's place, feeling the sense of disorientation and bewilderment she feels. Jean Kwok puts you in Kimberly's worn shoes with ease, especially when you were an immigrant like her. Coming from Seoul, South Korea, I never distinguished myself as being different from everyone else...until I took ESL classes. I know how that feels: the shame and embarrassment of not being fluent in English. However, even through I was discouraged and felt "slow," I persevered and took regular classes in middle school. I sacrificed, however, my once fluent Korean. Still, this book truly inspired me to teach myself Korean every night, and even use a silly approach as to set the language on Facebook to Korean. Kimberly taught me to embrace and be proud of my oriental background, and that through hard work and persistence, you can move mountains.

Another ethics case plunges Democrats in deep water

"Formal ethics charges against 10-term Rep. Maxine Waters of California were filed Monday, just days after the House Ethics Committee, in a separate investigation, charged New York Rep. Charlie Rangel with 13 ethics violations.

The charges against Waters — and her immediate vow to follow Rangel's lead and challenge the findings — only confirmed the stark political reality that has emerged for Democrats over the past week.

'Democrats are facing the loss of control of the House, just owing to the economy,' says Darrell West of the liberal-leaning Brookings Institution. 'Adding the ethics problems on top of that is pouring gasoline on the fire.'"

- For Democrats, Ethics Cases Add to Woes by Liz Halloran, NPR

Days after New York House of Representative Charlie Rangel was charged with 13 ethics violations, California Rep. Maxine Waters was accused of breaking House rules by using her status to get federal bailout money for a bank that has connections with her husband. Charges for Rangel include tax violations in his Dominican Republic villa and agreeing to do official favors for his benefit. The similarity? They're both Democrats. Rangel realizes that he's losing the trust and confidence of fellow Reps and even President Obama; many advise him to resign with some dignity, which he should wisely consider. However, Waters stands firm in her innocence. Nevertheless, the Democrats are already struggling to remain in power at the House, and these ethics cases might plunge them into deep waters.
Of course I don't know whether they're innocent or not, nor is it the focus in this blog post. The question I'm asking is whether this ethics cases will result in the Democrats losing some seats in the November election. The Democrats hold 255 seats in the House, 77 more members than Republican's 178. At least 65 House seats, according to NPR, may change hands in the upcoming elections. The Democrats hold most of those 65 seats. Both political parties have suffered from political scandals and embarrassment, costing them the House Majority in many cases. Rep. Speaker (D) Nancy Pelosi is undaunted, or at least gave that appearance. She said that she was confident she will remain in power of the House of Rep. I hope the voters aren't swayed from what two people have done, even if they're considered the "top members." Yet, I do believe that many will keep the ethics cases in the back of their minds for elections. Chances are, history will repeat itself, and the Democrats may lose control partially because of the scandals.


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Snail mail

I was pleasantly surprised when I opened my mailbox to find a letter addressed to me. Curious, I stood outside in my rainbow-patterned tank top and striped-pink pajama shorts and opened the letter from the unknown sender.
It was my Newhouse peer adviser! I smiled as I read through her long letter, congratulating and welcoming me into getting admitted to Newhouse. Introducing herself as an enthusiastic senior magazine journalism major, she wrote of her hobbies and assured that she's there for me whenever I need her. Enclosed in the letter is a small list of items that she advises that I should bring (I took note of the 3M Hooks with Command Adhesive).

It's amazing how a simple hand-written letter will probably help me through the craziness and stressfulness of moving in and orientation. I expected an email or Facebook message at most, but definitely not this. I'm too excited for college now.

LangDetectko>en GoogleDicC

[종종 , 【그림 사진】 가장 밝은 부분, [종종 , 【그림 사진】 〈화면의 일부를〉 특히 밝게 하다, 돋보이게 하다, 눈에 띄게 하다;강조하다(emphasize), …에 흥미를 집중시키다, 〈머리를〉 하이라이트하다 《일부를 탈색하거나 염색하거나 함》, If someone or something , To , The

Late Renoir

"I will not make a portrait of you, but I will paint a picture with you in it."


Late Renoir at the Philadelphia Museum of Art
June 17 - September 6, 2010


Regarded at the time as the greatest living painter in France, Pierre-Auguste Renoir is celebrated often from his Impressionist work. I knew of his work from visiting the Philadelphia Museum, but I never really appreciated his later works. When I was younger, I thought those who focused on drawing nudes often is art as an excuse to be able to do so. I was exposed to his work in high school history classes and movies that referenced his work, notably Amelie with Luncheon at Boating Party. However, I never looked seriously explored his other work until later. I admired some of his more famous, Impressionist paintings like Bal du moulin de la Galette and Girl with Watering Can.
My father went to the exhibit earlier this summer, and told me that he wasn't very impressed by the overflow of floral, romantic paintings. He knew that I would enjoy it though and recommended me to see it with some friends. With my "Starbucks crew" (Amy, Amber, Christina and I), we walked from the PATCO train station to the museum at around 10 am. There was some confusion while buying tickets, mostly my fault, but we managed to finally receive the tickets to the exhibit. With my audio-headphones on, but not prepared with a notepad I walked through the hall into the Renoir exhibit.
There was a wall of a Renoir's timeline from when he was born on February 1841 to his death on December 1919. I then walked into the gallery where the paintings were hung on bare, white walls. What I love about museums is tuning into other people's conversations and their opinions about each paintings. However, the exhibit was quiet; hardly any art enthusiasts uttered a word. I proceeded with caution.
His late style of work in the last 30 years of his life dubbed him as a semiclassicist: his paintings had softly blended colors and a rosy, romantic palette. Female nudes and members of Renoir's household are often the subjects to his paintings. He preferred observing them doing everyday activities such as bath, play with toys, etc., making it less of an "artificial scene." Residing in Southern France (Cagnes), in a house by the sea, he painted Arcadian landscapes as well as goddesses. He said, "The earth was the paradise of the gods...that is what I want to paint." The New Arcadia turned away from the modern world as his landscapes were inspired by the Mediterranean region.
My favorite paintings of Renoir's late works often consisted of a woman brushing or hair, or had her hair simply down. I don't know if I have a strange fascination with how Renoir paints the women's silky hair cascading down their backs or spilling into their hands, but I was mesmerized. So mesmerized, at the end of the exhibit I had to rush back to one painting that I truly found captivating: Bather sitting on a rock. I loved the use of the background, her rosy cheeks and strawberry-blond hair. That was, undoubtedly, my favorite painting in the museum.
Many paintings inspired by the late works of Renoir were also displayed in the exhibit. Each generation of art transitions to the next, and many considered Renoir a true hero and artist. An example is Picasso's Woman with a white hat. He regretted never meeting Renoir. Also an admirer of Renoir, Pierre Bonnard shared his love for Southern France which was reflected through the color and sensations in his Sunlight landscape painting. A good friend of Renoir, Henri Matisse lived in Nice, France near Renoir, and had painted works inspired by Renoir as well. Renoir, rather haughtily, criticized Matisse's use of black, which Renoir didn't even consider a color, in his paintings. Matisse may have been considered a terrible artist, but Renoir credited his use of using the "color" skillfully in his artworks.
What I found utterly inspiring and admirable about Renoir is his love for painting. Renoir suffered from rheumatoid arthritis towards the end of his life; his fingers bent like claws, eventually forcing the fingertips press against the palm of his hand. Like a musician becoming deaf, it's almost impossible for him to continue painting with ease. He had to choose between walking or painting, but he was undaunted. With a paintbrush in his hand, he forgot about the crippled and painful state he was in. "Pain passes, but beauty remains." Love triumphs, and his love for his work surpassed exceedingly what his arthritis tried to restrict.
The Bathers ended the painting exhibit. It's noted as the culmination of Renoir's career, like Monet's Water Lilies. This painting does capture the essence of his work with the beautiful women nudes, floral background and Van Gogh-esque sky. It brings a happy closure with the exhibit, which then a film of Renoir is shown of him towards the end of his life, laughing as he picks up a paintbrush and paints to his heart's content.

A fresh start

ka·lei·do·scop·ic
-adjective

1. of, pertaining to, or created by a kaleidoscope
2. changing form, pattern, color, etc., in a manner suggesting a kaleidoscope.
3. continually shifting from one set of relations to another; rapidly changing: the kaleidoscopic events of the past year.


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Hello bloggers, friends and dreamers. Yes, it's official: I'm blogging again. Probably the hundredth time I said and typed that, eh? After thinking about it for a bit, I realized that I really should take the advice of teachers and journalists who I talked to and blog again. I mean, how else am I going to expose my writing, prove to employers and professors that I'm serious about it? I love writing, and hopefully through self-motivation, I can stick to blogging.
Ever since I was in middle school, I blogged on and off. I would do it everyday, then get sick of it and go on a long hiatus, only to end up blogging again. I traveled from Xanga to Livejournal and now, Blogspot. I used to just write about my personal life, but now I think I'll expand that. What will I blog about?

1. My personal life
Of course! What's a blog without the dish on what I'm doing?
2. My two cents on current events (that rhymes!)
Seems obvious enough as an aspired journalist. I'm reading the news more often, at first just to please my professors, but I realized how...disconnected I am to the world. I lived in complete seclusion for most of my life, and I'm embarrassed to admit that it was hard to catch up on what's going on around the news. I want to address my opinion about the Arizona immigration law, BP paying scientists to be quiet about certain events, etc.
3. Book reviews
I'm trying to read at least fifteen books before I leave for college, and I'm writing my own amateur book reviews on each of them. I already finished four and I'm currently reading Elizabeth Gilbert's Eat Pray Love and Margaret Mitchell's Gone with the Wind. I'm focusing on Eat Pray Love in hopes to finish it before I watch the anticipated movie. I will publish my other our book reviews in my blog in the near future. Feel free to critique them and express your opinion about them!

Those are the main three topics I will focus on, however my blog won't be limited to those topics.

So you might be wondering, why the strange username? I posted up the definitions of kaleidoscopic according to dictionary.com, and I hope you can figure out which definition suits the blog. Especially in this important transition from high school student to college student, I'm like an empty canvas, first draft, a kaleidoscope: I'm growing up, changing and learning. That will never, ever change.


&c.