{palestine} the gaza conflict

Though I try and bring light to the many wonders of life on this blog, there are unfortunately things happening in this world that aren't so lovely. Events that cannot be ignored. Today, I am referring to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the current occupation in the Gaza Strip. This past week I attended a bridge vigil for Palestine and was inspired by the support from non-violence advocates of all ages.

The conflict is no longer about the "religious rights" of Israelis or Arabs--it has transformed into violent racism and terrorism. Neither government wholesomely represents the true sentiments of its general population, and instead they are advocating the hatred and oppression of the other. I do not pretend to know every detail about the current situation in Gaza but I have intensely studied the history of Arab-Israeli tensions (which go back hundreds of years) and do my best to stay updated.

Protests like these are not held to insult either religion or ethnic identity, but rather to bring awareness to the horrific results of the fighting between these two governments: the unnecessary suffering of innocent civilians. 

june in instagram

1. As per tradition, the seniors who have participated in the Cooper Theatre Program paint a brick in the dressing room to leave their legacy. Three artistically inspired hours of painting.
2. Surprise twinning with fourth grade teacher whom I've fondly nicknamed Jo. She's awesome.
3. Mama and I at  Orpheum in downtown Minneapolis to see "GHOST", the musical. Front & center balcony seats = great. Show = dreadful. I do not recommend. 
4. Sleepover with Camille. Lavender cupcakes + a honey & cream cheese frosting. Love spending time with her and her family, for not only are they lovely people, but I get a chance to be immersed in a bit of French-American culture. For breakfast, Camille's maman made delicious crêpes which we topped with Nutella and fresh framboises. 
5. Brother and I visiting godmother Teri + her adorable Shiba Inu, Sukha at her new flat in downtown St. Paul. Though everything is flooded after these torrential downpours, the skyline is still gorgeous.
6. Dinner at Snuffy's Malt Shop, only the best 50's themed restaurant ever, with Grams and brother. Yum.
7. Throwback to my graduation party and a happy birthday/father's day to my awesome dad, who put in so much effort into the party!
8. Outer gardens of The St. Paul Hotel, definitely one of if not the most beautiful and historic lodging quarters in Minnesota. With Grams for scholarship reception ceremony & luncheon provided by Comcast. President Obama definitely arrived in the area an hour after we left.
9. "Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson" at New Century Theatre on Hennipen. Cheap student rush. Totally worth it. Absolutely phenomenal.

This awesome idea of summarizing my month via my Instagram feed came from Nikki at Dream in Neon. 
You can follow my instagram at soniamo.

Thanks for reading! ~Sonia

marjon // senior

Say hello to Marjon! I recently had my first official senior portrait session with my cousin Marjon at Purgatory Park in Minnetonka, Minnesota. Though we trudged through swamp flooded trails filled with thousands of squirming tadpoles and ended up at least three miles away from the car, every sticky, itchy moment in the great outdoors was worth it--cause these photos turned out beautifully. 

I do not promote myself as a private business, but I do truly love photography. If you enjoyed these senior portraits and are looking to have your photos taken for a reasonable, low cost price, feel free to shoot me an e-mail at soni.mo250@gmail.com or visit "Finding the Lovely" on Facebook.

meet claire

Last week I had a fabulous evening catching up with my beautiful friend Claire. After coffee and a movie, we went for a walk through the nearby nature center and I snapped some pictures of her before the sun set. Isn't she stunning?!

time for a change // welcome to Finding the Lovely

The new blog is finally here! Rather than starting completely from scratch, I've decided to give a new name and a new face to my old blog "Write. Sing. Coffee."
The title Finding the Lovely embodies everything I want to blog about and I thought it was time for a change as I embark on this new path in my life: COLLEGE. This fall, I will be starting my post-secondary education at Mount Holyoke in South Hadley, Massachusetts. I can't wait! Filled with some of the most intelligent & fierce females I have ever encountered (yes, it's an all girls college), I know I will make wonderful memories and long lasting friendships. The staff is renowned and the campus is absolutely breathtaking.
With reference to blogging, I want this space to be a place where I can not only update family and friends on my life out east, but track all of the beautiful people I meet and insightful adventures I have on this journey. Wish me luck and keep reading!

crochet // DIY

One of my all time favorite things to do is to crochet while watching some Downton Abbey. I taught myself how to do a few basic stitches a few years back with a learner's guide I found at the local thrift store, but I decided it was time to pick it up again and re-spark that creative outlet. It's amazing how much one can find on Youtube, Pinterest and other blogs! The photos below feature a few of my most recent projects: coffee cozies, coasters, scarves, flower embellishments, and pyramid berets.
I'm working my way up to being able to read patterns; it takes a bit of translating to understand the abbreviations and lingo used by experienced crocheters. Though the visual videos are useful and make the projects much easier to create, there just aren't videos made for all of the creative stitches and designs that are out there. These projects make wonderful gifts, especially during the holiday season.
I've also embedded the YouTube videos I used to make these crafts; they are great for beginners, so feel free to try them yourself!

minnesnowta // & some frost

"Always the same, when on a fated night

At last the gathered snow lets down as white

As may be in dark woods, and with a song

It shall not make again all winter long..."

Excerpt from Robert Frost's The Onset

Here ya have it folks, Minnesota's first real snowfall of the season!

I am perfectly happy inside, cozy and warm next to a fire drinking my chai!

throwback // x-mas 2012

Last December, the family and I went on our annual trip to FL for the holidays. I realized I didn't post any of the pictures I took, but I figure it's better late than never! Here are a few from our various adventures, including the animals and coasters at Busch Gardens, the sponge docks in Greektown, and Medeira Beach.

{The beautiful poinsettia bush outside the house}

Well, this year, my parents and brother will be heading down to FL and I will be staying here in MN with Grams. It'll be strange without the familia, but it will be nice to enjoy Christmas and the New Year with some snow!