chiarashine.com

Autumn Hue Art Show

2011-12-17T10:08:00.000-08:00

Hello all,

Recently I participated in an art show :] It was a pretty awesome experience. I'll let the pictures do the talking.

A few of my students visited as well :]

Really thankful of all my friends and family who came out to support! Will probably host another event there in a few months ^^

Love,
Chiara

Published in New Identity Magazine

2011-06-09T08:10:00.000-07:00

A few days ago, New Identity contacted me that they published one of my photographs in their magazine! :] Really happy that I could contribute to their non-profit mag, especially after discovering how awesome their articles were. I could not put it down :] Go read guys, their content is solid. Here's a tidbit of what their magazine is all about taken from their "about us" page.

Purpose

Our purpose is that you may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that you may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that you may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
Colossians 2:2-3

Audience

The age of our primary audience ranges from 18-34, often a time when people face much growth both mentally, emotionally and spiritually. New Identity Magazine hopes to aid readers in their time of growth to expand their understanding and enhance communication between Christians and non-Christians and the world around them.

Goal

Our goal is to represent true-to-life followers of Christ that have questions, wonder, ponder, dream and have a willingness to learn about varying viewpoints. We desire to dissolve the rules, categories and stereotypes placed on Christians and non-Christians, shed God’s light into the areas that may be forgotten or rarely talked about but are vital in many people’s lives, and provide coverage of topics often overlooked by the mainstream media or in religious circles.

In any case, my photograph can be found on page 27 of their current Summer 2011 issue, Issue 11 along with a playlist of some inspirational tracks for missions :]

This was my original photo:

Thank you New Identity Magazine for publishing my photo :]

Please check out their magazine and website: newidentitymagazine.com
There you can access free digital versions of their magazine or support them by purchasing a print copy :]

-Chiara

Captive

2011-06-02T07:45:00.000-07:00

One of my students found her stuck behind a window.
"She's not dead yet?"
"No, not yet"
"She doesn't know she can't fly through glass, someone needs to help her"
"Why is she here? It looks like she's waiting for something"
And then she opened up her colors to us
"Oh goodness, she's so pretty! Let's keep her!"
"But she'll die"
"We need to let her go"
When we took her outside, she flew back towards us,
as if she wished to be inside again.
A few days later, we found her inside again
at the same windowsill
as beautiful as before
but lifeless

Glimpse of SF

2011-05-18T23:51:00.000-07:00

A peek of my neighborhood during sunset.

Protected.

2011-05-18T23:48:00.000-07:00

the return of spring

2011-03-15T15:27:00.000-07:00

two photographs i took around this time last year. i remember taking this right before driving down to san jose to drive back up to davis two hours later. many things have changed since then, many things remain the same. i think i'm happy

life via iphone, film

2011-01-23T01:55:00.000-08:00

I know, I don't post nearly as much as I did before :P Sorry sorryyyy :P Thank you everyone who left me a message checking up on me :] This update is for you guys :D

For the past month, I got to spend a lot of time with my family, it'd been quite nice :] I've been busy with work, student teaching and night classes will begin this week as well to add to my workload, so until all of that settles down a bit, I may not be able to do a substantial post until then.... though I do have a tendency to do posts when I really shouldn't be-- we'll see what happens :]

In terms of photography, I've been experimenting a lot with film, playing with my lovely Canon AE-1. I've had the body for awhile, but finally found myself a 50 1.4 lens for it haha :P Shooting with film definitely has a different feeling compared to digital photography. I spend a lot more time setting up a shot, figuring out the right exposure settings and focus which is pretty tedious, but I realize that feel a lot more attached to the finished product in the end.

Oh yes, I have also been actively using my iphone as a camera :] I process and post through my iPhone a lot more efficiently haha :P If you're interested enough to look, I post my photographs on Instagram almost daily! If you have an iPhone, get the app, it's quite awesome and it's free :D If you don't, you can find my Instagram updates on my tumblr or twitter.

Anywaysss, I shall share some of the photos that I've taken over the holidays. Most of these are from phone and film. Pictures from he DSLR will come in another post :]

My sister and me. She has quite an evil-looking glare. [film]

[film]

I think my new favorite flowers are orchids. [film]

Victreebell

random doodles

Sunsets and Shadows

MOGO Korean Taco Truck :D [film]

Giant Pink Guy xD

A stormy dayy

Paulette's loveeee.

Miette's Macarons

My other addiction

Sister came up to play in SF :]

On a stroll down Santana Row :D [T1i]

Picture. OVERLOAD.
Again, more frequent, photo-only posts on my tumblr or twitter.
That is all for now.

-Chiara

{bottled up}

2010-12-06T00:33:00.000-08:00

a philosophy? a habit perhaps?

I'm never quite sure with myself anymore.

-----

Take a listen :D I miss this

Life is a road
And I want to keep going
Love is a river
I wanna keep flowing
Life is a road
Now and forever
Wonderful journey

I'll be there
When the world stops turning
I'll be there
When the storm is through
In the end I wanna be standing
At the beginning with you

Richard Marx and Donna Lewis - At the Beginning

-Chiara

iPhone snippets

2010-12-04T10:49:00.000-08:00

1. Baby cacti. One for me please?
2. My monster friends :]
3. Stationaries
4. Crazy-popsicle-colored-purple-tongue child.
5. DANA!
6. Someone gross
7. Patterns and prints!
8. Should I get the diamond ring?
9. Shabu House cravings

Through the Looking Glass

2010-12-03T09:31:00.000-08:00

Some shots from a recent beach trip.

This photo was actually an accident-- didn't realize that I had held sunglasses in front of the camera :] I love how it turned out though, it definitely has a double exposure, lomo-esque feel :] If I was teaching my art students, I'd tell them that this was a "Marvelous Mistake" in art haha :X

What a beautiful beach :]

Look who came along! :P

Woohoo :D A much needed break from schoolwork!

-Chiara

P.S. All photographs (except for the last one) were taken with an iPhone 4, processed with the Cross Process app :] I am quite impressed with its camera :]

A few thoughts :]

2010-11-27T21:30:00.000-08:00

Mmmm, guess who arrived the other day?!

The little one was quite excited when he discovered our new addition :]

---

Thank you thank you to IZUMI!

The wonderful Miss Izumi-chan was a complete sweetie and sent me the original Danboard all the way from Japan because she knew that I really liked it! Ahhh what a sweetheart! It arrived in the mail about a week ago, but I didn't really get a chance to post up photographs of it until now. Ahhhh, Izu-chan, you don't know how often I play with this guy haha :X I am such a little kid :] I will take a lot of photos of him for you yes?? :] Miss you missyou!! :D [hughug]

---
Also, a week or two ago, I was having kind of an icky day when I found the nicest email from a Miss Audrey Dao :]

Hi Chiara!

I just stumbled across your blog, and I absolutely love it! Your photos are so pretty. I wish I had the skills and knowledge to be able to take pretty photos like you. Sorry for this random email, but I just wanted to let you know how much I love your photos.

Hope you have a great week!

Audrey Dao
www.audreydao.com

Thanks for taking the time to email me Audrey! :] I must say that I feel quite special when my readers leave me messages be it in the form of comments, chatbox, or email xD It was quite encouraging to hear your nice words :] It definitely brightened up my day :D Thank you x]

Further thoughts:
My blog has underwent many changes over the years -- it started out as a space for my random thoughts back in... 2007! and since then it's gone through many changes! From just a personal outlet to a makeup/fashion/beauty blog, and then it became my photography blog for my 365 project, and then reverted back to a space for my random thoughts again, this time incorporating my photography :] I suppose what I am trying to say is that I am surprised that people still stop by my tiny corner of the web and find it interesting even if I'm not writing about beauty or fashion-- though, I'm kind of satisfied with what my blog has become :] In any caseee, thank you all for sticking around it has been a blessing to have such a supportive online network of lovelies :D

I hope you all had an amazing Thanksgiving with your loved ones :]

-Chiara

PS: I had originally written this post on Nov 21st but didn't post it up because my internet wasn't working at the time haha :X I feel like the timing of it is kind of weird but maybe it's just me being silly.

Oh noes!

2010-11-19T12:07:00.000-08:00

What happens to cardboard when it gets wet?!

Parisian Macarons

2010-11-17T15:18:00.000-08:00

Mmm, what am I going to spend my half hour break doing? Blogging of course -__- Urges to write a post always come at the weirdest times -- when I am at the library, in class, when I have a midterm/paper to study/type up. I'm strange and awesome like that. Anyways.

My lovely sister made some amazing French macarons (macaroons? depending on where you're from I think) for me the other day, she is quite the chef. She packaged it in a gorgeous little box for me too :] What a nice girl. She made it by herself from scratch! Most impressive. My box guy robot had fun playing in it. (Still taking suggestions for a name btw :X)

Yes, I still play with toys. :X

.
.
.

I'm sure a lot of people still do...... right? D:

.
.
.
.
.
.
.

or not.

Oh well :] I guess that's why I'm an elementary school teacher!

-Chiara

Never Give Up.

2010-11-11T10:11:00.000-08:00

Dear someone,
This message is for you. I hope it inspires you to keep pushing through, even though life can be really hard sometimes. Praying for you :] [hugg]

On another note...
I've been gone from blogging a good while. Moved to SF for school and work -- credential program, student teaching, and work. Soo I haven't had much time to pick up my camera and go shooting, let alone do a blog post. I have a bunch of photos that I have in my HD waiting to be edited and posted... iuno, the more I don't get on it, the more I fall behind. Perhaps when the semester is over I shall tackle editing and uploading all of my photos :] Till then.... some photos taken from my phone :]

-Chiara

Playing with toys... in gradschool.

2010-11-11T10:05:00.000-08:00

Quote from one of my students after watching Toy Story 3

Silly Child: I don't believe that a college student would still play with toys when he is that old!

Me: You have no idea.

The picture above is a photograph taken during class. You'd think that class would be less boring in gradschool but in reality.... class is still class. I wish I had taken a year off or something instead of going straight into a program after graduation. Meh. Silly decisions. I am pretty tired of school life.

-Chiara

PS: I am in love with this cardboard robot. Her real name is Danbo. But I think mine is a boy. Not sure of what to name it yet... One of my kids automatically called it a "Robox." Suggestions maybe?

hold on

2010-08-27T23:45:00.000-07:00

but that's exactly how i feel right now. i think the next time there is a big rainfall, a big gust of wind, maybe even the slightest breeze will put out the light. and then i'll forget that the light even existed in the first place. i see so many little candles being blown out that should last longer. iwantminetolast for a bit longer. i dont want it to ever go out.

-Chiara

Oh, don't you see that lonesome dove

2010-05-15T12:40:00.000-07:00

An old capture, but agonizingly representative

A message to my readers:
Sorry guys, I've been updating intermittently. My life has been in utter disarray and I'm still in the midst of sorting/waiting it out. Thank you for understanding. Also, thank you guys for continuing to visit even though I have not been updating regularly, and for checking up on me. It is really encouraging. As of no, my blog as evolved... or perhaps de-evolved (depending on how you look at it) into a primitive collection of my personal thoughts and emotions packaged up in the form of images because I am unable to put it to words. However, to hear that people enjoy them enough to visit this site every once in awhile (some people even visit daily :D) is a huge encouragement to me during this period of transition. So thank you to those who have stuck with me through all of this, your comments and thoughts have been very inspiring. I appreciate it immensely.

I've put up some photographs that I've uploaded to flickr but didn't get to posting. They're not that spectacular, which is why I was hesitant of posting them before. I don't really like coming back from a break with mediocre photographs. Anyways, perhaps I will post some more soon, or perhaps not so soon. I am never sure. For certain I'm not leaving, so no worries. I am not going to stop blogging, and I will not stop capturing either.

Sincerely,
Chiara

95 of 365

Dewdrops and Teardrops

2010-05-15T10:31:00.000-07:00

diamonds in the grass

97 of 365

lackadaisical

2010-05-15T10:27:00.000-07:00

91 of 365

Forget this.

2010-03-08T15:31:00.001-08:00

Old picture. Dropped a note in a puddle after a rainstorm. Post in photoshop.

Contest results up soon.

88 of 365

Music and Emotions

2010-03-01T13:52:00.000-08:00

I couldn't breathe through it
Like I need too and the words don't mean a thing
So I'll sing this song to you
For the last time
And my heart is torn in two
Thinking of days spent without you
And there is nothing left to prove
I'm counting all the things I could have done
To make you see
That I wanted us to be when I go to sleep and
dream of
I want you to know that I'd die for you
I'd die for you
I couldn't breathe through it
Like I need to and the words don't mean a thing

Last time - Secondhand Serenade

87 of 365

Contest results will be up soon.

Luxembourg

2010-02-28T14:24:00.000-08:00

Picture from last quarter

Don't forget! Today is the last day to enter my giveaway

86 of 365

Robot Brains

2010-02-25T08:00:00.000-08:00

My friends and have this ongoing joke about how I am actually a robot on the inside with a malfunctioning (or a missing) brain.

I guess in a sense, I have indeed turned into a robot. I haven't really been eating, and I haven't really been sleeping right, but I still diligently go to class everyday like a good little asian kid. My vision glitches way too often. It also doesn't help that I have a concussion, lol :P My friends always say that my robot brains are broken and need replacing.... anyone want to trade?

As for the concussion, Im trying to not really think too much about it anymore, although it still affects me quite often. Bus rides are icky because they make me dizzy and nauseous. Car rides are just as bad-- being jostled around scrambles my brains. The only thing I've been able to do is bike, so I've been trying to do that as often as possible except sometimes if I bike too hard, I'll get a headache and start feeling faint. As for dance, I'm technically not really supposed to dance, but I've been pushing myself for it. I hate having to sit out and watch from the sidelines. It'll be a long long time before I'll fully recover... a whole 6 months :/ The boyfriend keeps telling me that I need to stop pushing myself to the limit, that I need to learn to relax and chill out. I derno it's definitely not in my personality to. I feel like there are too many things going on right now to chill.

I don't know.

-----
On another note, Don't forget to enter my giveaway!! xD It ends this week, so hop on it when you get the chance to!

85 of 365

Introducting: Chiarashine Photography Printshop! (GIVEAWAY!!!)

2010-02-19T18:16:00.000-08:00

Hi guys!! This has been in the works for quite a long time time now, but I'm finally ready to release it! Introducing the Chiarashine Photography Printshop!!

Basically, I've compiled of some of my best shots into a set on Flickr for you guys to choose from.
You'd select a photo, from the Flickr set: "Prints" Save the URL, decide on a print size and fill out the order form. I'll then invoice you through Paypal, and once payment has cleared, I'll ship out the print :D I think you'll find prices to be very reasonable I think :] Not really trying to make any money from this, just wanted to see how many people'd be interested :] Also, if there is a photo that I have not listed in the Flickr Set or if there's a different print size you want, let me know and we can probably work something out too :]

Hope to have a lot of fun with this!! :D
----------

Chiarashine Photography Printshop Giveaway!!

Anywayssss my birthday is TODAY!! and I've been getting so many birthday wishes and cheers that I thought that I'd launch Chiarashine Photography with a giveaway contest!! *hooray!!* I will give a winner a 8x10 size print of their favorite picture along with some of my favorite beauty goodies. Also, just for entering into this contest, you can get 50% off on a print until the start of March. (Oh man! what awesomeness!!)

Here are a couple more guidelines/requirements:

Prize:
1 8x10 print from Chiarashine Photography of choice
A few of my favorite beauty products :]

How to enter:
Comment to this post :] Tell me anything about chiarashine.com -- what you like/dislike, what you want to see, etc, or tell me something about yourself!!! -- tell me a secret, a silly tidbit of info about yourself... Anything really, I want to hear from you guys :] You comment will count as one entry :]

Earn more entries:
Be a follower of chiarashine.com (+ 1 entry)
Mention the giveaway on your blog (+ 1 entry)
Twitter/Tweet about the giveaway (+ 1 entry)
Let me know about about your extra entries with a link in comments :]

Get 50% off!
Just for entering, regardless of whether you win or not, type in Promo code: ChiaraBDAY50 on the order form to receive 50% off your order before March :]

Giveaway ends February 28, 2010 6PM PST :]
Winner will be chosen randomly.

Let me know if you have any questions :]
Thanks and good luck!!!! xD
-Chiara

WHAT?! It's Stephanie's birthday?!!

2010-02-14T17:58:00.001-08:00

It's Chinese New Year, Valentine's Day, AND my sister's birthday!!

Happy Birthday Stephanie. You're 19 this year!!

And of course... to continue tradition... EMBARRASSING PHOTOS!!

Happy Birthday Sis :P

I hope you have an amazing year :D

Happy Valentine's Day!

2010-02-14T17:15:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day everyone! I hope you guys are spending it with people you love-- I get to spend it with my family. It's Chinese New Years!! :]
Tony, I don't get to spend Valentine's Day with you which is annoying but it's okay... Sending all my love your wayy :] I'll see you in a few weeks <3
A picture of Tony and me at Santana Row from December...

Love,
Chiara

97 of 365
136 of 365

Chinese New Year!

2010-02-14T16:50:00.000-08:00

Today is Chinese New Year!! <3 I got to celebrate it with my family. We had dinner last night for New Years Eve

I always love going to my grandma's house... I love her :]

Grandma giving a red envelope to Grandpa xD So cuteee

Firecrackers are illegal in San Jose, but we played with sparklers!!

What did you guys do for Lunar New Year??

156 of 365

Joshua.

2010-02-10T14:20:00.000-08:00

Joshua is a boy I know from my kindergarten class and from church. He is quite possibly one of my favorite kids.

Our dialogue from today:
Joshua: I'm going to move to New York next year...
Me: Oh no! That means I won't see you at church anymore! I'm going to be so sad... ><
Joshua: It's okay, We'll both know Jesus!! and I'll bring my Bible.

I love this boy.

Don't ever change, okay?

153 of 365

Amidst all the Madness

2010-02-07T13:52:00.000-08:00

Plenty of crazies going on lately. Don't even remember when I took this photograph. But I suppose that's a bit reflective of life right now. I feel an eating disorder coming on.

77 of 365

Savory Delights

2010-02-07T00:08:00.000-08:00

these are old... from thanksgiving. My aunt is an amazing cook.

76 of 365

... and everything WILL be okay.

2010-02-03T19:49:00.000-08:00

I took a photograph a couple days ago and had wanted to post but didn't because I had a lot of trouble finding an application for it. Today I came across a narrative written by one of my close friends. I think it fits.

Borrowed from Tidbits...

There was a lonely drop on her cheek. He lifted up his hand and slowly wiped it away. What's wrong? he asked. Nothing. There was yet another drop on her cheek. He wiped it away yet again. They started to trickle down and he handed her a tissue but she refused. He opened up his arm to her and she slipped into them. She started to shake. He pulled her closer in. Slowly, the tears receded away. She leaned in just a tad bit too closely. He pulled his arms a little closer. Slowly, she backed away.

What's wrong? he asked again. Nothing.

Nothing is wrong. I can't help myself. Nobody has ever taken me under their wings before. Pick me up and let me fly. Take me away. Steal me and fly with me. Take me away. Save me. she thought.

Everything will be okay...he reassured her. What ever happened to fairy tale endings and prince charming? What ever happened to running in the rain and splashing in puddles? What ever happened to jumping into a pile of leaves? What ever happened to childhood?

Don't worry he said. Everything will be okay.

She believed him. She believes him.

-Tidbits...

I've never been great with words... so I'll let my pictures do the talking. Everything WILL be okay, I've faith that it will. You're a strong one, my dear :]
-Chiara

145 of 365

New Banner + Prints?

2010-01-25T10:43:00.000-08:00

Put up a more refreshing banner :] Hope you guys like it, it's a bit more refreshing on the eyes!
---

Also, I've gotten a couple of inquiries IRL and online about making prints of my photography. I'm still kind of playing with the idea right now, so I wanted to hear what you guys thought! I was thinking of offering them in a couple of sizes, you guys could pick out the photo, I'll get it professionally printed either on pro-grade photopaper or canvas, and then I'll send it out! Does that sound cool? And the pricing should be extremely reasonable of course ;] Maybe a contest/giveaway event as well :D

Do the poll to the right please, and please let me know what you all think!

Sound off in the comments!

Thanks!!
-Chiara

PS: thanks wes for helping me pick!

A refreshing change.

2010-01-23T20:58:00.000-08:00

First of all, I want to express my gratitude to everyone who've been faithful followers/readers/lurkers of Chiarashine.com. I really appreciate all of the sweet comments and support you guys give, it's extremely encouraging and you don't know how much I appreciate it when I come home to find comments in my email, or when I run into a friend and they're like "Heyy, I was reading your blog the other day!" It really pulls me up :D Thank you all, I truly appreciate it!!

And now for a short rant....
I've totally been slacking as a blogger...
I realized that this 365 project is limiting me as a blogger. I want to post, but there are so many things that I haven't posted so I feel like I need to get them up first. Then, I feel overwhelmed by having to work on all of the posts -- and then I feel bad that I am spending so much time on a hobby instead of schoolwork, and then I abandon my project for the time being because it is just too much for me-- which then, ends up with my list of things to do getting longer and longer. *deep breath* I don't think that this should be the reason why I am not blogging. Anyways, while the project is not going away, I will be posting pictures whenever I feel like it. They might be in chronological order, or they might not. And there will be photographs outside of the projects too. I originally began this blog to document tidbits of my life, but then I got into beauty blogging, and then everything I posted had to be beauty this beauty that... then it became all about my 365 project... I felt like I was stuck! It;s all way too limiting though! So from now, on, expect Chiarashine.com to be a lot more personal... starting... NOW!

This picture is called "After the Rain"

It has been raining nonstop this week but the weather finally cleared up today. I love coming out from being indoors and finding new green.... it feels especially wonderful because the grass in Davis is usually yellow and dry. It was like spring today, except in winter... haha

Till later,
-Chiara

PS: A short update on my life... I have a concussion... It happened last week at practice... I'm okay, it's only a mild/moderate concussion... and usually I'm fine. Just these waves of headache, dizziness, and nausea are really really annoying. Should go away within a couple of months, says the doc. I think it's all pretty lame.

I <3 my Peugeot Bike

2010-01-17T17:48:00.000-08:00

This is my current bike. I think that it is gorgeous. It's a vintage Peugeot Ventoux PH501 from 85 I think... I love it xD

75 of 365

More photos from the shoot...

2010-01-13T14:17:00.000-08:00

Here are a couple more pictures from the fashion shoot, I found an old TV hanging out in the corner and suggested that we use it as a prop, lol :D Anyways, makeup girls, I did a heavier smokey eye with shishem falsies for the shoot, a lot of contouring, blush and bronzer-- no shimmer for the flash... I think it turned out pretty great :]

OMG this post is makeup related! :X lol

Not really feeling this pose, lol :P

74 of 365

Fashion Shoot [Behind the scenes]

2010-01-12T17:06:00.000-08:00

Had a couple off days, so here are some behind the scenes shots from the fashion shoot.

73 of 365

Tulle

2010-01-12T17:00:00.000-08:00

72 of 365

2010-01-11T23:23:00.000-08:00

This was the day of my uncle's wedding. I can't decide which edit I prefer... What do you guys think?

This one,

Or this one?

(MukoMuko teal dress, Heritage cardigan, Target tights)

Sound off

-Chiara

71 of 365

Fashion Shoot [Modeling]

2010-01-10T15:43:00.001-08:00

Collaborated with the photography students on the UC Davis campus for a photoshoot. I modeled for them :X It was a change being in front of the camera instead of behind it. It was very different, I must say.

"Jellyfish Dress" by Valerie Chao

I'll be posting with more "behind the scenes" pictures later.

70 of 365

In the Garden

2010-01-10T15:40:00.000-08:00

I can't get the "In the Garden" song out of my head from Children's Worship. Lol :P

"I come to the garden aloooneeee~~ While the dew is still on the branchesss~~"

68 of 365

Light Painting

2010-01-10T15:38:00.000-08:00

Tied my bike light onto a string and swung it off the ceiling fan. Put my camera underneath and set it on a long exposure.

Thanks Gabe Chu for helping out :D

(image straight out of the camera-- no post processing)
68 of 365

Declutter

2010-01-10T15:05:00.000-08:00

67 of 365

2010-01-10T15:03:00.000-08:00

I kind of like how my shadow lies and tells me that I'm taller than I really am :P

66 of 365

Kitty Hypnotism

2010-01-10T15:01:00.000-08:00

65 of 365

Dock

2010-01-10T14:59:00.001-08:00

Not sure what I am waiting for.

64 of 365

To Write Love On Her Arms

2009-12-09T16:43:00.000-08:00

Dear Monkey,

I feel like a terrible friend. I didn't even know you were going through something like this. I'm sorry I haven't been keeping up with your postings... I only found out recently what you've been dealing with... I feel so terrible that I had no idea what was going on. :// I think you are such a beautiful and strong girl. Monkey, you mean SO much to me and I want to let you know that whenever you feel lonely and trapped, you can ALWAYS come talk to me... I love you dear <3 <3

I'll keep you in my prayers.
<3

These are pictures of my friend Erica on TWLOHA day , I had planned to participate in myself but I messed up the date. Readers: you should take a look at "To write love on her arms's" website. It's a very inspiring and encouraging movement. A good read, I promise.
www.twloha.com/vision/

-Chiara

63 of 365

Bagels and Brunches

2009-12-09T16:39:00.000-08:00

Toasted onion bagel with cream cheese, lettuce, and prosciutto. <3 Mmmm

61 of 365

Mini Camera

2009-12-09T15:33:00.000-08:00

The BF bought me this necklace when he was in Asia. <3 He knows me so well haha

61 of 365

Vision Problems

2009-12-09T13:30:00.000-08:00

For the past month now, whenever I study for too long, this is what my vision turns into. Everything is double and the shadow kind of hovers around the original and slides around... wtf. When I get my rest, I feel just fine. School sucks.

-Chiara
60 of 365

Miss Penny

2009-12-09T13:27:00.000-08:00

This is Penny, the orange vintage Schwinn Varsity from 1970 that I had for awhile. She was way too big for me though so I had to sell her away to a friend. <3

Take care of her for me Kevin!

-Chiara
59 of 365

Droids

2009-12-09T13:24:00.000-08:00

I found this on the wall at one of UC Davis's buildings nicknamed the "Death Star" Silly college students :D

---
Dear Telemark: I'm still in the process of editing your photos. Sorry for the wait!

-Chiara

58 of 365

Chiara hates the CSET

2009-12-09T12:14:00.000-08:00

Took this when I was studying for the CSET awhile back. I thought I was going to fail... but I passed :D Thank goodness.

Just one more section of it and I'll be done!

56 of 365

Sweet music to my ears

2009-12-09T12:12:00.000-08:00

Music is expression of harmony in sound. Love is the expression of harmony in life.

56 of 365

Thoughts at the Dance Studio

2009-12-09T12:08:00.000-08:00

I miss when this was the only thing I needed to think about.

55 of 365

In and Out

2009-12-06T01:00:00.000-08:00

Submitted this photo to one of my favorite websites, Gizmodo.com for a photo challenge... the week's theme (a couple weeks ago because I'm behind) was "Fast Food."

Anyways, the story behind this was that we needed to eat some real food after getting out of class at 8pm and decided on going to In-and-Out Burger to eat some meat. By the way, see the droplets all over the tray? That's not water... It's grease. *gasp* Delicious nonetheless. Photo was post-processed in Adobe Photoshop CS3, just curves and color balance to make it pop.

EXIF data if you kids are into that stuff. lol
Camera: Canon EOS Rebel T1i
Lens: Sigma 30mm f/1.4
Shutter Speed: 1/30 sec
Aperture: f/2.8
Focal Length: 30mm

-Chiara
54 of 365

Migraines

2009-12-05T13:13:00.000-08:00

Kind of an old post... I'm know, I'm behind. I have about a months worth of photographs to post-process and upload but life comes first.

It's finals week. Ick.

Don't worry I'm not a drug user. Actually, I really dislike taking medicine and usually don't take it unless I'm dying. I'm more of a... "man it out" type of gal. lol... dug these guys out because I had a really bad migraine and debated taking them... but then I ended up putting them away after snapping some pictures of them. I'm lame like that.

Chiara

53 of 465

Yellow Cat.

2009-11-12T15:55:00.000-08:00

Storytime.

One day, I come home to find that our cat had turned yellow. It's face, it's front paws, it's belly, the side of his back leg.... had all been dyed into a strange shade of highlighter yellow. After a short panic, I found out what the culprit was.

These are my housemate Tracy's flowers. She had forgotten to throw them away for a week or so, so the flower got extremely pollen-y. I found the cat rubbing against the anther of the flower, getting pollen ALL over it. Silly cat.

PS: Here's the cat. (quick pic taken by the iphone. Excuse the bad quality, I'm already ripping at my own hair."

-Chiara

52 of 365

Abandonment

2009-11-11T18:51:00.000-08:00

This was taken in a shower at an abandoned shack. More pictures from this shoot to come later.

-Chiara
51 of 365

Jack-o-lantern

2009-11-11T18:49:00.000-08:00

I know I know, I'm late.

This was supposed to be my submission to Gizmodo's photography contest, but I missed the deadline, Rats.

50 of 365

Broomball

2009-11-11T18:44:00.000-08:00

Compass Fellowship goes broomballing :D

Self-timer goodness. I put my camera on top of the broomball goalpost hit the 10-second self timer and ran my heavy bum across the ice. Rofl, awesomeness.

We are too cool.

49 of 365

The walls we build

2009-11-04T11:36:00.000-08:00

Whoops, two pictures of my boots in a rowww. Totally didn't notice.

Oh yeah, this wall is around the tree with the two hearts carved into them from my previous post. You can kind of see the tree behind me.

-chiara
48 of 365

I miss the bus.... all the time

2009-11-04T11:11:00.000-08:00

but I have a cool friend that picks me up from school when it's late and I miss the bus.

Haha

-Chiara

47 of 365

Autumn Accessories

2009-11-04T11:07:00.000-08:00

It's gotten really nippy these couple of days. Autumn is here. These are my current autumn essentials: phone, keys, coat, scarf... (not pictured: boots}

Make sure to stay bundled up!! What are your fall essentials?
chiara.

46 of 365

Mixstyles

2009-11-04T11:05:00.000-08:00

I love my headphones.

-Chiara

45 of 365

...because life is delicate.

2009-11-04T11:03:00.000-08:00

200th post.

44 of 365

remember to breathe....

2009-11-04T11:00:00.000-08:00

Breathe Me - Sia

Help, I have done it again
I have been here many times before
I hurt myself again today
And, the worst part is there's no-one else to blame

Be my friend
Hold me, wrap me up
Unfold me
I am small
and needy
Warm me up
And breathe me

Ouch

I have lost myself again
Lost myself and I am nowhere to be found,
Yeah I think that I might break
Lost myself again and I feel unsafe

Be my friend
Hold me, wrap me up
Unfold me
I am small
and needy
Warm me up
And breathe me

43 of 365

innocence

2009-11-04T09:58:00.000-08:00

Went to the pumpkin patch with my Kindergarteners. They are still so innocent and uncorrupted. <3 I hope they'll never change.

42 of 365

A Sweet Reminder

2009-10-25T19:18:00.000-07:00

On Thursday, I went with Gabe and Steph out to the Arboretum at UCD and felt really really lonely. I know I sound like a broken record but even though the bf and I are doing just fine, I still miss him alot-- all the time. Anyways, while I was moping around, I found these two lovers looking out at the lake with me. I like to think that these trees are Tony and me. Even though we're not physically together right now, we're still one. I'm feeling a little more empowered now.

Chiara
(Btw, thought you guys would like to know that I took this picture with my iphone :] Mmmhm.)

41 of 365

Feeling lonely again

2009-10-25T18:56:00.000-07:00

Dear boyfriend, I miss the feeling of curling up on the couch with you talking about everything and nothing at all. I pine for the day we can stop this long distance nonsense and finally be able to bask in each other's presence without having to worry about time.

-Chiara

40 of 365

When two worlds collide: HIii Michelle!

2009-10-25T18:13:00.000-07:00

When I was at the dining commons with my friends on Tuesday, when Michelle approached me and told me that she was a reader on my blog!! We took a couple of pictures together too!! There are plans for us to get yogurt together sometime xD Anywayss, this 365 is dedicated to her *blows kisses*

It was REALLY nice meeting you, Michelle!! I'm excited for our date later xDD

xoxo
Chiara

39 of 365

Man Hands

2009-10-24T19:21:00.000-07:00

So the story behind this is picture is that my friend Gabe's roommate came home one day from class and told Gabe:
"Duuude I saw this hella fine girl… She dressed really sophisticated and stuff… But dude, there was one thing… She had man hands… I feel sorry for her. "
Haha, and then Gabe realized that he was talking about me. -________-|||

It's the truth though... lol, I don't mind it too much, but my hands really DO look like man hands. For some odd reason, my hands and feet are almost identical to my father's, just dwarf sized.

On another topic...
I am in love with my new Sigma 30mm 1.4. It is freaking awesome and sharp in low light. I haven't taken it off even once since I've bought it.

Haha.
Chiara.

35 of 365

Elite Dance Company Photoshoot

2009-10-22T10:28:00.000-07:00

I know it's already Thursday, but this week has been pretty hectic so I haven't been caught up on my 365s!! Lol, they should all be coming up sometime this week.

On Sunday, I collaborated with my dance team: Elite Dance Company and Angelia Loi and we did a photoshoot. Photos will be showcased/auctioned in a charity auction in the spring. Here are some pictures of me, along with some of my favorite shots of the day :]

Here are some of my favorite shots:

And here's a slide show with everything and everything else ;]

Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

I hope you enjoyed these pictures as much as I loved taking them :D

Sincerely,
Chiara

36 of 365

A Letter to the World.

2009-10-21T03:28:00.000-07:00

Read it up close

-Chiara
36 of 365

Chiara speaks: Long Distance

2009-10-19T12:50:00.000-07:00

(This post ended up taking so much longer than I had expected -__-)

Hey guys, I got a question from Jennie in my chatbox a little earlier this week:

How do you and your boyfriend last through the long distance relationship? Sorry it's so personal, but my boyfriend and I are having trouble dealing with it.

A lot of people both from online and the real world ask me this... so I thought I'd write a post about it... it gets really long so you don't need to read it if you don't want to.

I don't really think there is a specific formula couples should follow in terms of relationships because I think that each relationship is very unique... but what I can do is to try and explain what I think works in the bf and my relationship. Oh and just a warning... I've never been great awesome at articulating my thoughts with words so be nice! And by all means, I am no
expert.... just someone talking about what has worked so far :]

History
Tony and I have know each other for an extremely long time. Probably since the end of elementary/beginning of middle school. During highschool, we became best friends... we really got to know and understand each other on a very "friends only" platonic relationship before we decided we were more than just friends. I feel that having known each other for so long helped us to really built a strong base for our relationship to build upon.

Trust
It is so important to trust your partner... Relationships are built on trust and you must understand how delicate it is. Trust is something that is pure. Once trust is broken or taken away, it takes so much effort to try to earn it or build it back. Sometimes trust can't be built back. Therefore trust is something that you need to constantly be mindful of. In our relationship, Tony and I try not to do anything that would threaten each other's trust. We're really serious about our relationship so we don't "play around."

Communication
We try really hard to keep good communication. We call each other almost every night, and we try to Skype (webcam) often. We really try to make time for each other to talk and catch up. It gets really hard to find time for each other when you are apart. You have different peer groups... Your schedules are completely different from each other... it's important to leave some time in your busy days for each other :] Two quarters ago, Tony and I both had extremely busy and had very different schedules. I'd fall asleep on my work and he'd wait up for me to call... that's a lapse in communication. It got really frustrating (especially on Tony's side) and we would get easily upset at each other. Now, I try very very hard to remember to call the bf when I'm about to pass out on my homework and we try to call each other during the day too :] We've also been texting a lot (but I think that attributed to us being upgraded to unlimited text messages, lol ;]) But yeah... I don't think we could have made it this far without having good communication.

Willingness to work it out
For this point, lets look at some relationship advice that Paul says in the Bible.
"In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry - Ephesians 4:26
A lot of relationship consultants give this advice to their clients in the form of ""Don't go to bed angry." When we have an argument/dispute, Tony and I discuss it out as rationally and calmly as possible-- and we try to have come to at least to somewhat of a resolution before the day ends. This way, issues are dealt with immediately and so they don't build up into a giant mess of emotions. We do a lot of discussing instead of yelling... To be honest, we almost never yell at each other. People are always surprised when they hear that... but the fact is that when you're just yelling and screaming at each other, your head is too overcome by emption that you're a lot more likely to make irrational decisions which can be terrible in relationships.

Cherish each other.
It's hard to believe, but since we live at opposite ends of California (I'm at UC Davis and he's at UC San Diego), we only see each other during breaks. I'm not gonna lie, long distance is SO hard... and both sides need to put their all into it to make it work. Encourage each other... Let the other one know how much you care and appreciate them. Tony is better than me in this aspect Even though I've never been a really verbally expressive person, I try to let him know how much that I appreciate him. Tiny reminders always make me feel special... A random text just to see what's up... leaving messages on aim... I like to make my 365s about him a lot too...

Writing this post made me miss Tony ALOT.
I could probably name thousands of ways that we're similar, but what's most amazing is how much we complement each other, seriously, in every aspect. I'm a dreamer; he's a realist. I tend to dive head first into things; he tends thinks things through. I focus on details; he sees the big picture. I think with my heart; he thinks with his head. I'm an idealist, he's the practical one. I’m the artsy half; he’s the technical half. He’s my other half and we complete each other. I am so thankful to have him in my life. I can’t wait to embark on all that’s to come because when we’re together, I feel complete. *sappy romance music* Waaaa I miss you hunny!

Hhahaha props if you actually read through all of that... I can't believe how long this post actually took to write lol I know I'm backed up on posting my 365s but I promise still been diligently taking my pictures!! They'll be coming up soon :D

I hope this is helpful Jennie :] Relationships are tough regardless of proximity but we're all here for ya!

What do you guys think are the things that keep your relationship strong? I think it would be really cool to see what other people value in their relationships :]

with sincerity,
Chiara

35 of 365

Cyclops

2009-10-17T02:49:00.000-07:00

I think my boyfriend teased me by calling me something reminiscent of a one eyed monster/robot back in the day for when I first started taking pictures with my DSLR... hence the title. I used to take pictures of anything and everything. Since then, I think I've gotten a lot more selective in what I photograph and developed a more of a personal style. It's pretty interesting to look back and compare my pictures from when I began to now... hopefully I'll continue to improve :D

By the way, the camera in the picture is my homie Gabriel Chu's Pentax Asahi Spotmatic film SLR. It's old. Very old. I wish it worked. I like to pretend that it works because it's a beautiful camera. Hopefully we will eventually be able to find some working batteries for it.

---
Oh yeah, you probably noticed already, but I've used this as my new blog header. I got tired of the previous picture and wanted something more representative of me. Not sure how long it'll be up but I hope you guys like it :]

Thanks for reading/listening :]
-Chiara

34 of 365

Complimentary Schismogenesis

2009-10-15T11:02:00.000-07:00

This picture is to prove that I'm really a college student and I actually study.

For those wondering about the title... it was a term that I was reading about in my Communications reader.

In case you were curious... here's wiki's definition:
Complimentary schismogenesis is best characterized by a class struggle, but is defined more broadly to include a range of other possible social phenomena. Given two groups of people, the interaction between them is such that a behavior X from one side elicits a behavior Y from the other side, The two behaviors complement one another, exemplified in the dominant-submissive behaviors of a class struggle. Furthermore, the behaviors may exaggerate one another, leading to a severe rift and possible conflict.

Silly stuff.

Chiara

PS: Jennie, I'll address your question real soon :] *hug*

33 of 365

New Beginnings

2009-10-14T21:52:00.000-07:00

Small Group. I've never been so genuinely excited for small group to start. These girls are amazing and we are going to have such a good time. Carolyn, Lily, and Josephine :D This is going to be awesome :D

I can't believe how many connections we made from the beginning. The couple from Danville that come up for Fujis every week, the letter writing business, and Lily used to read my blog, not knowing that I wrote it! Hahah, oh dang, such a small world!! I am so excited.

Chiara

32 of 365
(I messed up my 365 numbering some where but it is now fixed x])

Strive

2009-10-13T22:46:00.000-07:00

This is actually my own response to my Pearls of Wisdom picture. I actually got really fond of this picture xD anywaysss... Let's think a little today.

Tell me... What do you strive to be? Who do you strive to be?

Let me tell you something. Only one of these petals are real.... and with all it's blemishes and all it's imperfections, it is still the most beautiful of all.

Chiara

31 of 365

Loving Autumn

2009-10-12T14:51:00.000-07:00

I'm finally done resenting the dissappearance of summer and really loving autumn :] There's supposed to be a thunderstorm sometime this week. Might do some stormchasing xD

I found some abandoned computer monitors yesterday. Might use them in a later 365 xD

Chiara

29 of 365

Pearls of Wisdom.

2009-10-12T14:42:00.000-07:00

What pearls of wisdom have you received? What was the most important thing you've ever learned?

Chiara

28 of 365

Climbing to New Heights

2009-10-12T14:19:00.000-07:00

Helped out my friend with his photography project on Friday. Climbed up to the top of the parking lot to do my 365. That's the Mondavi Center for Performing Arts at UC Davis behind me. :]

-chiara

27 of 365

Sending messages of love...

2009-10-09T11:30:00.000-07:00

{[rom Thursday]

I think you guys'll like this one a lot x] I thought of this shot in a dream :D

Sending some love to you all.... lots of love to the bf!!! <3

Ahhhhh I miss you!!

-chiara

i'm beginning to see a theme in my pictures.

27 of 365

Thinking of a Special Someone

2009-10-09T11:17:00.000-07:00

[from wednesday]

Borrowed one of my housemates roses for this shot :] I love how delicate the rose is... and you can almost smell its soft scent :D

chiara.

ps: I'm going to double post today

26 of 365

Music is My Safe Haven

2009-10-07T09:43:00.000-07:00

I can drown away all the troubles of the world with my music.

-----
Midterm tomorrow morning
Elite Dance Company auditions tonight.
ARghhh.

- Chiara

25 of 365

Robot Guy attacks Gummy Land

2009-10-07T02:00:00.000-07:00

Bad News Bears!

Part of a series: Adventures of Robot Guy :D
[not a 365]

Graffiti

2009-10-06T17:02:00.000-07:00

I miss you

Chiara

24 of 365

I spy with my little eye...

2009-10-05T23:58:00.000-07:00

Because I have an unhealthy obsession with christmas lights.

Can you find me?

Chiara

23 of 365

Moon Festival

2009-10-04T22:41:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the Chinese Moon Festival. My family always makes the best dinners-- especially my grandma :D This year it was the first time making a dish for my family :] Shrimp stuffed tofu garnished with tobiko, ginger, and green onion. Yayy :D

-Chiara

22 of 365

Friday Study Break

2009-10-04T09:36:00.000-07:00

Took this on friday after studying at the library. Our local library is the prettiest x]

Got to spend some nice nerdy time with one of my really good friends from work a few years ago :]

I was sitting on the bench clicking my remote when this lovely little boy ran over and sat down with me. A few minutes later, and he was telling me all about his little brother and what he was going to eat for dinner. I love the innocence of a little child :]

21 of 365

I have an idea.

2009-10-02T09:30:00.000-07:00

I'm usually not this emo in real life. Wasn't feeling too hot last night when I took the picture, but this one came out extremely emo looking. Oh and by the way. My nail polish is not black. It's originally a maroon that turned out blackish after post processing. So taking the 365 was even harder last night-- I'm realizing, if I do not take the picture during the day, it's a a lot harder to photograph one that I am satisfied with during the night. -____- I also noticed, that I tend to take my pictures between the afternoon and night....

And now on to something more fun :]

Anyways... What's up with the title, right? Today i woke up with a new idea :] I want to make this project more interactive with my readers. So if at any time, there is a type of picture that you want to see... ex: suggestions of a setting, a photoshop edit, a prop... or if there is something that you want to see -- ex: Chiara in a field of flowers, Chiara in a box..... lol note: I tend to like more profound images instead of silly ones.

So this is how it's gonna work. Let me know your suggestion in a comment and as long as it is doable and is not completely irrational, (ex: take a picture running from Godzilla!) I will try to attempt it in my own interpretation of it. I will also credit you for/in the picture :] Have at it guys~~ Let's all have some fun okay?

Hope to hear some of your ideas!
Chiara

20 of 365

Frustrated

2009-10-01T11:35:00.000-07:00

I tried three times to take my 365 yesterday but I was unsatisfied with all of them.
I dunnnoooo.

I'm taking my CBEST on Saturday. Midterms next week. Holy crap.

Breathe breathe breathe.

Chiara

19 of 365

Dive into the Sky

2009-09-30T10:53:00.000-07:00

Dive into the sky~~
Let's get away, fly away　
I found the path to paradise
Shining spiral of gold
Take my hand, find our way out

Heavenly stars above
Just believe what's in your heart
No border between us
Nothing can divide us

Where ever we are

Inspired by "Heavenly Stars" - Genki Rockets

I hope you guys enjoyed today's post :] Its much more lighthearted and happy :D Heavenly Stars is one of my favorite songs right now-- have a listen if you'd like :D It's a little different I think. The bf introduced me to this song earlier this month and I love it :D Speaking of the bf, him and I are doing fine even though we miss each other a lot. We keep looking forward to Thanksgiving which is just about 2 months away.... I miss you hunny!

Fun note: I started out with three beautiful balloons but one flew away mid-shoot :P I kind of want to redo this shooting next time :P loll

Have a good day guys~
-Chiara

18 of 365

So it starts once again.....

2009-09-29T02:35:00.000-07:00

Someone explain to me why it's the night of the second day of classes, and I am up at 2:30 am working an an essay due the next day. Not cool. I had hoped to NOT have to do this during my last year of school. I guess some things never change.... lol... I was talking to my friend the other day that I didn't want to live deadline to deadline this year... and she was like "uhh..... don't think that'll happen." ROFL. ohno. She was right. gahhhh. I can't let this happen so easily!

oh yeah, random fact about me... I'm allergic to apples so my studying fruit is the orange.

peaceout.
-Chiara

17 of 365

Tracks

2009-09-28T11:11:00.000-07:00

From last night {Sunday}

Tracks. I used to be very angry that there was a certain "track" that I was to follow-- There was always a safe track and dangerous track... Go this way towards success... This way towards failure. . . I can't say that I've never taken the dangerous ones and I've never been one to keep to the safe track... but I can say that I'm pretty content with where I am right now. It looks like things are going to be okay.

For those who worry about their tracks.. I'll let you in on something. No matter where you go and what you do, if you have Him with you, you'll end up in the right place.

Chiara.

-----
ps. The other person in the photograph is my friend Richard. He's also a photographer and came with me to do my 365.

Thought

2009-09-27T17:10:00.000-07:00

From Saturday

There are so many things that I should be thinking and worrying about but I'm too lazy to deal with it. I don't even want to think about dealing with it.

What a great mindset to be in at the start of the school year. *sarcasm*

-Chiara

15 of 365

Dumplings

2009-09-27T17:04:00.000-07:00

From Friday
Didn't get a chance to post in the past couple of days-- but don't worry! I've still been taking my pictures!

One of my favorite memories in childhood was making dumplings with my family. We usually don't do many "all-family activities" -- this was one of the few. My mom would prepare the filling and my dad would mix it up... Then my sister and I would join our parents and fold/stuff the dumplings. We have a secret recipe and a specific way to fold it.

Made some dumplings on my own on the 25th. It felt just like home away from home :]

What foods remind you of home?

chiara

14 of 365

Dreams of Flight.

2009-09-25T02:38:00.000-07:00

Pt. 1
When I was little, I had a reaccuring theme in my dreams where in many different contexts, when I faced something difficult... be it an obstacle or an enemy... I could fly away. I didn't have wings or fairy dust... It all felt so natural. All I did was point my toes and reach-- and I could float away from my troubles. Dreaming.

Pt. 2
Real life. Juxtaposition to dreaming. There's no escaping your troubles. The more you try to run, the more tangled in the mess you get. Do you have someone to rescue you?

"Tonight I've fallen and I can't get up
I need your loving hands to come and pick me up
and every night I miss you
I can just look up and know the stars are
holding you holding you holding you tonight."
-FM Static - Tonight

Chiara.

Make Way for Ducklings!

2009-09-24T09:56:00.000-07:00

One day Nat and Tracy accompanied Chiara to take her 365. They had originally planned to take plain shots in the grass, however it was not meant to be. As soon as they settled down, a family of ducks came by to spectate-- in hopes of recieving some breadcrumbs in return. Despite not having any food to share, T, N, and C still played with the ducks, much to the ducks' delight. The ducks stayed with the trio for the remainder of their photoshoot, posing and performing for the camera. They only left when T, N, and C began to leave. What a great way to spend their last afternoon of summer watching the sunset with the ducks :D

The end.

---

Yesterday was the last day of summer. Didn't get to slide yesterday, but there are plans to go again soon. Today is the first day of classes. There is a walkout today to protest professor pay cuts and tuition increases. Lots of protesters walking around. Some professors have sent out emails canceling classes today for the walkout. Had an 8 am class... going off to another one at 10:30. Haha, welcome back to Davis.

PEACE OUT.
Chiara.

12 of 365

Best Friend

2009-09-23T10:53:00.000-07:00

This girl is my best friend. Today we're going to slide hill park to slide off concrete slopes on pieces of cardboard. It's always fun with her. She is the best.

-----
I'm back in Davis :]

In regards to the previous post... I'm feeling better already. The bf and I are just fine and it's always the initial separation that gets me. I love him quite a lot and he does the same. :D We're strong and very much in love and a little distance won't do anything to us :] Thanksgiving will be here soon enough.

I didn't think of this before, but Mayaari pointed out that the project would be a good way to keep my mind off things... I think... more than before, the project has become somewhat of an emotional outlet that I didn't have previously. I've always stumbled with my words, had trouble voicing out my opinions, been frustrated at my inability to express. I'm really enjoying this 365 project. It's nice to be able to express what is on my mind... and it's really simple too. It makes me wonder why it was so hard before. I think maybe this project is starting to make me be a tiny bit more expressive.

-Chiara

PS. Thank you guys for your sweet words of encouragement. I always appreciate it so much when you guys take time to comment :] I always love hearing what you say. It really means a lot to me :D

11 of 365

Miss you...

2009-09-21T21:33:00.000-07:00

I miss you already... I can't believe that I won't be seeing you for some time. Summer past by so quickly... Today when you were driving me home I couldn't help but tear up a bit. I didn't mean to :P I know that nothing is going to happen, I'll see you again... But it's just going to be so different not having you here. I feel like I should be used to this because we've gone through this same thing what... four times already? It's just as hard... perhaps progressively harder each time. I dunno. I know that everything is going to be fine... we're going to be fine... as soon as I dry my tears... but I just hate having to go through this each time. *sigh* at least this time we'll only have to wait till thanksgiving. Sorry for the mind vomit. I'm an incoherent mess.

I'm just going to miss having this everyday.

See you soon hun. I love you.

-Chiara

10 of 365