road trips & dirty dancing

After 1352 miles and 22 hours of driving we finally made it! Since we made great time our first day driving, we decided to take a short detour to Niagara Falls in NY. My parents hadn't been there since an anniversary before I was born, and it was a first time experience for me. What an amazing sight to see!

Today concludes my first official day at college. As a traditional closer for us firsties, the school puts on a movie night, featuring Dirty Dancing in the auditorium. Watching a classic 80's chick flick in an auditorium filled with hundreds of excited young ladies is most definitely an experience. Whoops and hollers when slick Patrick Swayze enters the scene and loud cheers and whistles when Baby makes the first move. But nothing compares to the screams that erupt from everyone's mouths when we get to the best 5 seconds of the whole movie, cause "Baby's GOING TO MOUNT HOLYOKE IN THE FALL!"

Though today has been hectic with getting IDs and keys and moving all my stuff to the top floor of my dorm in 90 degree weather, it has been a wonderful journey so far. I have already met and reconnected with some pretty amazing young women from all over country (and the world!), and I know that my time here has only just started.

So let the adventure begin!

{packing}

One giant puzzle. That's what packing a car with my entire life feels like. Everything seems essential, and I do not trust shipping.
"Do you have to take your books?"
"Yep."
"Is bringing your cactus absolutely necessary?"
"Mhmm."
I ignored my family's attempts to explain that it was not physically possible to fit my many boxes of necessary crap into the car. BUT ALAS, IT HAS BEEN DONE.
Truthfully, I had my doubts about halfway through. But a bit of repackaging and reorganizing and the job was finished. Thankfully it didn't take as long as I thought it would; the heat and humidity got to me quickly. Walking outside felt like stepping into a lukewarm swimming pool.

{project completed}

These past few weeks I've felt so ready to move on to this new phase. The transition from high school to college has seemed so natural, and I couldn't be more excited for the independence and freedom coming my way. But my last day here in Minnesota has brought on the feels; neighbors, friends, and family members have all popped in to say goodbye and happy birthday, showering me with gifts, hugs and so much love. I realize how lucky I've been to grow up in such a caring environment, and it's inexplicably strange to think that tonight is my last night here for another 4.5 months. My brother is already planning his takeover of my room.

But at the same time, I know I really am ready to start my college journey at Mount Holyoke and become the confident, empowered woman that I have seen in each student and alum. I am ready to meet people from all over the world and make friendships that will last a lifetime. I am ready to pursue my academic passions and change the freaking world.
South Hadley, here I come!

{camille} Senior '15

So much variety on St. Anthony Main..we definitely took advantage of the quaint cafés, nooks in brightly colored buildings, bridges, ivy and graffiti covered walls. Welcome to your senior year, Camille!

{collaboration} practice makes perfect

Last week I explored all of the nooks and crannies of our little downtown Robbinsdale with fellow budding photographer, Aaron. Between his Canon and my Nikon, we had a bit of a language barrier, but we shared a few tips & tricks with each other as we both have senior shoots coming up. It was a nice treat to have my own smile captured!

july in instagram

1. arts & crafts with my girls across the street.
2. a bit of cookie patriotism. after frosting our fifth cookie, we got a bit more creative with our decorations: "MLK", "apple pie", "mystery meat", etc.
3. mother fell in love with yet another dog we can't have.
4. some more patriotism, feat. fruit.
5. soaking up some sun while reading a good book.
6. a BIG welcome home to Emma who was on a year long foreign exchange in Italy! check out a blog of her journey: The Italian Experience
7. a welcome to adulthood party with my favorite cookie making bud, celebrated with Indian food and 'walk through the art' outdoor festival in downtown minneapolis.
8. beautiful fireworks over a lake at Whizbang carnival.
9. a week of cat-sitting.
10. pool parties & adorable 10 yr olds.
11. beach day.
12. Vietnamese "pho". {yum x1000} But let's not talk about my chopstick skills, or lack thereof.
13. refer to previous post for details: Palestine
14. reunited with childhood friend Nicki at (probably) my last grad party of the summer.

diy // paper flowers

Fell in love with this diy featured on A Beautiful Mess the other day; they are so dainty and delicate! I'm jumping the gun on dorm decorating here...I still don't find out where and with whom I am living for at least another week. Crossing my fingers for one of the older (but still refurnished) Mount Holyoke dorm halls, though the antiquity and individual beauty is consistent in every one. Waiting so long to find out has been slightly irritating, but it's mostly because I cannot wait to make the space my own! Anyway, enjoy the craft and check back for more--I'm sure I'll continue to update once I'm moved in!

{original}

{my version}

>> placed on one of my handmade crochet doilies<<

Project by: 100 Layer Cake and Heart of Light. Videography: Scott Clark. Video editing: Buckshot Creative

{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