thanks for the ride, 2011

Camera: wide lens Superheadz, film: fujifilm 200

It's the last day of 2011 and to be honest, I'm a little sad of letting it go. Goodbyes are never easy (that was quite a theme for me throughout the whole year). It's been a pretty big year for me. It hasn't always been smooth sailing, in fact it's probably been one of the most challenging years I've had to go through, but it's those challenges that makes it exciting and made me learn and grow the most.

There are many things I'm grateful for in 2011. I landed my first ever full-time job in a field that I've been working towards for years. I feel like I'm taking the right step in my career. I became financially independent, and it felt right. I took part in Frocktober for the first time and reached my goal for the charity. I took too many photos, and bought a new camera to take even more. I learned so much that it's too difficult to list them all. I took a step closer to being a confident grown-up, yet ironically at the same time I feel I've grown more emotional than before, making me quite the crybaby sometimes! I met people who I connected with in ways I couldn't imagine, and I'm pretty sure they made my heart expand a little (which should explain my emotional moments). I met creative souls who inspired me; Sweet and funny people who constantly brigtened my days; Kind people who listened to me; Encouraging mentors who believed in me more than I believed in myself; Generous people who helped me raise money for charity; Neighbours became friends; Strangers became brothers; Old friends and family stay loyal and true. With hellos came goodbyes. Some come back, others won't. Some sting a lot more than others, but it's the one that stings the most that means they've just made a huge impact in my life, and I'm grateful for that.

Speaking of loyalty, thank you to all my loyal blog readers. I'm sorry I haven't been the best at regularly updating the blog and replying to comments, but I promise I'll be better next year. Thanks for sticking with me, and I truly hope you all have a happy new year!

So thanks for the ride, 2011. You've been awesome. On your way out, can you tell 2012 to take good care of me too? Yeah? Thanks. xo

once

If you've never seen the movie Once, do yourself a favour and see it. The soundtrack alone is excellent reason enough.

much love monday: 2011 round up!

2011 is quickly coming to an end, so I thought it would be fun for this year's last Much Love Monday post to be a collage of all the MLM hearts I've posted throughout the year.
2011 has been a huge year for me. It has been challenging, exhausting, emotional, wonderful, eye-opening, life-enriching... and I love it for all of that. I wouldn't change a single thing. Not a single tear or a single giggle. It was all worth it.

How has your twenty-eleven been?

and what are you loving?

Much Love Monday is a weekly blog post series, intended to start off each week with some positivity instead of the typical Monday blues!  
To join in Much Love Monday, simply do a blog post that includes a picture of a heart and mention something you love. Then leave a link of your blog post in the space below, by clicking on the "Add your link" button. If for any reason you can't add your link, please put it in the comments instead.

I'd really appreciate it if you do link back, 
either by a text link or simply grab this button:

<a href="http://muchlove-anna.blogspot.com/search/label/much%20love%20monday" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y3/anna3805/muchlovemonday.gif" /></a>
Please note and respect: this space is for Much Love Monday blog posts ONLY, not a promotional space. If I notice that your link has nothing to do with Much Love Monday (unfortunately this has happened from time to time), I will have to delete the link.

You can also add your Much Love Monday photos to the Much Love Monday Flickr pool.

japan

photos via Sleepwalking in Tokyo

I've booked my flights to go to Japan in January! JAPAN!! I've been dying to go for ages, and the opportunity is finally here. All the planning and everything is a bit last minute (it's almost January already!), and I still have things to take care of before I can go, but I'm so super duper excited and NEED to make this happen. I'll only have about 5 days there, so will likely spend most/all of my time in Tokyo... but I'll make the most of it! It's going to be brilliant.

I've been checking out these blogs for visual inspiration:
Narumi
Sleepwalking in Tokyo
jollygoo
Hello Sandwich

Any other blogs I should check out? Also, if anyone has any Japan/Tokyo travel tips...places to go, things to see, cute little shops I'd be a fool to miss, things I should take photos of (everything, right? hehe)..  please share with me!

hey life, I know you tease me sometimes, but you're still wonderful. I love you.

Camera: wide lens SuperHeadz. Film: Redscale XR 50-200

Chin up. These are great days.

much love monday

loves: ♥ playing with my new LC-A+ ♥ holiday travel plans (exciting details to come!) ♥ being trusted ♥ getting a cute frock from a generous friend ♥ that people are already saying 'Merry Christmas' ♥ my chocolate advent calendar ♥ fist bumps

what are you loving?

Much Love Monday is a weekly blog post series, intended to start off each week with some positivity instead of the typical Monday blues!  
To join in Much Love Monday, simply do a blog post that includes a picture of a heart and mention something you love. Then leave a link of your blog post in the space below, by clicking on the "Add your link" button. If for any reason you can't add your link, please put it in the comments instead.

I'd really appreciate it if you do link back, 
either by a text link or simply grab this button:

<a href="http://muchlove-anna.blogspot.com/search/label/much%20love%20monday" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y3/anna3805/muchlovemonday.gif" /></a>
Please note and respect: this space is for Much Love Monday blog posts ONLY, not a promotional space. If I notice that your link has nothing to do with Much Love Monday (unfortunately this has happened from time to time), I will have to delete the link.

You can also add your Much Love Monday photos to the Much Love Monday Flickr pool.

take too many photos

Camera: wide lens SuperHeadz. Film: Redscale XR 50-200

What's that saying about life being too short so we should take too many photos? It's a good piece of advice, I guess. When you get that itching urge to document your surroundings, when there's that little detail that catches your eye that you know you won't come across again tomorrow, when something is happening right this very second and you want to remember it, go for it.

I think I've been developing a style that I can only describe as "quiet" (perhaps it's a reflection of my  personality, I don't know) - I like taking photos of wide empty spaces and tend to take a few seconds to slow down, and frame my photos just the way I like it. That being said, I'm thinking of trying something different and being more spontaneous. Action shots. People shots. Capturing more moments, more movements. It's always tricky with analogue photography, because you only get one go  - well 24 or 36 depending on your film roll, but you know what I mean - there's no delete button. Do you have a photography style? Do you like to take your time or go for a quick shot? Any tips on taking good action shots?

In related news, I just bought a new camera! I got the Lomo LC-A+!!!! EXCITED.

polly woodside

Camera: wide lens SuperHeadz. Film: Redscale XR 50-200

I finally used my 3rd, and last, redscale film. I don't know if 3rd time's a charm, or it was a good choice to take this roll to a different (and slightly more pricey) photo lab, but I'm much happier with the photos from this set compared the ones before - which usually had more misses than hits.

These photos are of the Polly Woodside at South Wharf, Melbourne. Stunning old thing. Extra dramatic in red, huh?

much love monday

love: making pizza with a pal on the weekend. Of course I had to make mine in a shape of heart! Then I can say "You can have a pizza my heart!" *giggles* I am lame :)

what are you loving?

Much Love Monday is a weekly blog post series, intended to start off each week with some positivity instead of the typical Monday blues!  
To join in Much Love Monday, simply do a blog post that includes a picture of a heart and mention something you love. Then leave a link of your blog post in the space below, by clicking on the "Add your link" button. If for any reason you can't add your link, please put it in the comments instead.

I'd really appreciate it if you do link back, 
either by a text link or simply grab this button:

<a href="http://muchlove-anna.blogspot.com/search/label/much%20love%20monday" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y3/anna3805/muchlovemonday.gif" /></a>
Please note and respect: this space is for Much Love Monday blog posts ONLY, not a promotional space. If I notice that your link has nothing to do with Much Love Monday (unfortunately this has happened from time to time), I will have to delete the link.

You can also add your Much Love Monday photos to the Much Love Monday Flickr pool.

featured in Huff magazine

I'm so happy to have my photos featured in Huff Magazine, which is an "online based collective magazine focusing on contemporary visual art", created by my dear friends Miy and Dito. Well done on a fantastic issue guys!!

Read/download the latest "dream" issue for free here (my feature is on page 20-25!). A few sections are in Indonesian.

More about the magazine and past issues can be found on the Huff Magazine website.

midnight in paris

Yes, Midnight in Paris was great! Really funny, different, and I like how it explores the concept of nostalgia and the delight of the past. Also must say that Marion Cottilard sure knows how to rock those cute 20s outfits.

angus & celeste

Gotta love the gorgeous jewellery by Australian label, Angus & Celeste. I have that love heart (of course) necklace!
You can browse and shop their collection online. They make amazing things for the home and garden too.

much love monday

Camera: Holga 120 GCFN, with a 35mm adapter. Film: Redscale XR 50-200, location: Queen Victoria Market

love: cheap movie tickets at Cinema Nova on Mondays. That's where I'm off to tonight. A couple of friends and I are going to see Midnight in Paris. Should be fun, and it's made me look forward to Monday (not something that happens very often!).

what are you loving?

Much Love Monday is a weekly blog post series, intended to start off each week with some positivity instead of the typical Monday blues!  
To join in Much Love Monday, simply do a blog post that includes a picture of a heart and mention something you love. Then leave a link of your blog post in the space below, by clicking on the "Add your link" button. If for any reason you can't add your link, please put it in the comments instead.

I'd really appreciate it if you do link back, 
either by a text link or simply grab this button:

<a href="http://muchlove-anna.blogspot.com/search/label/much%20love%20monday" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y3/anna3805/muchlovemonday.gif" /></a>
Please note and respect: this space is for Much Love Monday blog posts ONLY, not a promotional space. If I notice that your link has nothing to do with Much Love Monday (unfortunately this has happened from time to time), I will have to delete the link.

You can also add your Much Love Monday photos to the Much Love Monday Flickr pool.