We Move Lightly.

Another addition of What I am listening to. 

What I am listening to: tonight and have been for the past few days is, We Move Lightly - Dustin O'Halloran from motion picture Like Crazy. 
I can't even describe the feeling I obtain when I listen to this song.  It is just incredibly beautiful and moving. 
☼

Genevieve's Adventures: Melbourne Edition.

I had the most wonderful privilege to go on "tour" to Melbourne with Wafia.  It's been so amazing performing with her, especially at her first interstate gig.  

The trip started off with Savannah and myself staying over Wafia's house preparing for the trip (y'know just getting together all the essentials - guitars, glockenspiel, fairy lights and bunting) and then we went to bed (at quite a late time).  Two hours of sleeping went by, when the alarm went off to wake up and get ready to leave (at 2:30am Friday morning), at 3am the taxi arrived and we made our way to the airport. #tourlyf. 

When we arrived, we checked out the venue Thousand £ Bend which was absolutely wonderful! The venue, founded in 2009 following the closure of the city’s iconic St Jerome’s laneway bar (St Jerome's Laneway Festival), is an old warehouse that has been transformed into a cafe, gallery, and theatre space.  Each of the spaces better then the next.  The upstairs theatre was beautiful, with exposed, worn down brick walls and unpolished wooden floors.  It promised to be a brilliant venue.  

The rest of the day was filled with perfect weather, eating every type of food possible, and photo shoots. 

First off Sav did a photo shoot in Hosier Lane (you can see her photos here), and then we headed out to the botanical gardens to meet the Lafrankie sisters from Melbourne based photography business Ivy Nine, for a photo shoot of Wafia.  With their small business being so successful, I was surprised to find that the Lafrankie sisters were quite young (Jess, 19 and Bekah, 21).  The two came across perfectly professional, especially for people of their age.  

During the photo shoot, the two worked harmoniously together, taking turns of photographing Wafia.  It was wonderful to see how the two of them worked together to achieve the exact photographs they wanted capture.  

In the moments between, Sav and I got the chance to chat with the both of them.  It was exciting to hear about their plans for the future and their present goals (of being in Vogue, which is definitely possible, I mean look at their photos!).  The girls were incredibly friendly and lovely.  I would highly recommend looking them up, and getting in contact with them, especially if you live in Melbourne (or even in Brisbane, because they are originally from the Gold Coast) and are looking for very professional modelling shoots.  By the end of the day, it was sad to say goodbye to them. 

The next day was also lovely.  For breakfast we went to Footscray Milking Station, which was brilliant.  The food was incredibly tasty and we got to meet up with Wafia's tour manager André.  According to 'André rates things out of 10' this cafe was awarded a solid 9, and was also the sole reason of going to there. I dare say it deserved the rating. 

Later that day we met up with the (very single and available) Tumblr sensation Bryce, at a pizza place by a name I will not mention (you can find out for yourself here).  It is the off branch of another pizza place in Melbourne by the name of Bimbo Deluex.  I dare say it was the tastiest, most delicious pizza I have ever had in my life (and trust me, I have eaten a lot of pizza over my lifetime. And especially over the past few days).  I definitely recommend going there!  It was scrumptious.  

We then went out to a club in the CBD called Rats.  It was honestly one of the best clubs i've ever been to (not that I go out much) but the music they played was incredible.  A lot of the hits from the 90 - now.  So much dancing, singing at the top of our lungs to be had.

Then came Sunday.  Gig day!

After a pleasant breakfast and a chance meeting of Passenger (like how I slipped that in there) we then made our way to the venue, all geared up and rearing to go.  We spent the day setting up and preparing ourselves for what was to come.  At 3pm the crowd started arriving (an hour early) which we had to turn away until the doors officially opened at 4.  

The crowds came in hoards, each group with several 'fan girls' amongst them, all extremely excited for Wafia and her performance. 

The show started off with the musical talents of Josh Gioca Mioșcu. (He did tell us how to pronounce his middle and last names, but I have forgotten and goodness knows how to say it properly now).  Josh has been compared to many musical icon's of the "indie" genre,  some being Matt Corby and Bon Iver.  And goodness are they correct.  

The tone of his voice is so beautiful, and with the technicality and finesse of his guitar playing, his performance was practically shiver worthy.  Josh was also accompanied by two beautiful girls (Sophie, and Odette).  The two sang such stunning, tight harmonies that complimented Josh's enchanting voice perfectly.  I dare say, Josh (as well as both Odette and Sophie) are definitely to keep an eye out for! 

Next up, was Gab of Japanese Wallpaper.  One of the youngest remix masters around. Japanese Wallpaper created a remix of Wafia's song Alice, which you can listen to  and download for free here. 

Then it was our turn.  The song Retrograde by the incredible James Blake was played and Wafia prepared herself to go on stage.  

The moment Wafia started to sing, everything else stopped.  

The looks on the crowds faces were beautiful - pure joy and serenity was the overall sense as Wafia's tantalising voice filled the room.  For the last lot of songs, Savannah and myself joined her.  Which in all honesty was incredibly nerve racking, especially as I have never, ever done anything of that sort before.  It was an incredible experience and beautiful venue.  We will no doubt come back to this venue, as it now has a special place in each of our hearts.  

Our last day was rather wonderful.  We met up with Noor, also a Tumblr sensation, and made our way into Fitzroy for breakfast/lunch where we thoroughly enjoyed the fine foods of Little Creatures Dining Hall.  Where we were served by the best waiter anyone could ask for (who we named Charlie, as we didn't catch his real name) - with copious amounts of wit, charm and beard, the four of us fell (a little) in love. 

That afternoon we made the sad goodbyes, packed up our gear and headed off to the airport. 

The reality of being home is rather strange.  I think I left my heart in Melbourne with all of it's culture, delicious food and incredibly lovely people. 

I wonder if my heart will ever come back?

Until then, I will hold onto the fond memories I have created, and dream of what is to come. 

☼

Tumblr Again (and current favourites).

Been on My Tumblr again.  I seem to go through bursts of using Tumblr.  But I have enjoyed looking through photos.  Probably one of my favourite pass times. 

Current favourites:

♥ daisies (always my favourite!)

♥ winter (cannot wait! Although I wish it snowed here) 

♥ owls 

♥ the colour red

♥ chicken, honey and macadamia sausages 

♥ blogging

♥ making new friends

♥ reading (currently reading Alice's Adventures in Wonderland) 

♥ fresh flowers

♥ the music of Benjamin Francis Leftwich 

Life is beautiful. Finding things that inspire us and make us happy is important.  
I encourage you, make time to notice the small things, and to "stop and smell the roses"- or at least do more things that you make you happy on a regular basis. ☼

Daisy

I am going through a daisy phase again.  Mind you, daisies make me happy and it makes my Tumblr look pretty. 

Oh and my daisy plant (which I thought was dead) is growing again, all pretty greens leaves.  Cannot wait for it to flower again! ☼

Weddings.

So you may or may not know that I photograph weddings.

I have just uploaded the photos from the last wedding I took and I am super happy! 
See it here!

Also, see the previous wedding I shot here.

I am excited for what the future of photography holds for me. 

☼

The Small Things.

I have been thinking a bit about noticing the small things lately - and how we take so much for granted.  Like in the movie Amélie, the main character (Amélie) decided to cultivate a taste for small pleasures, such has dipping her hand into sacks of grain, cracking créme brulée with a teaspoon, and skipping stones at St Martin's Canal. 

And really, I think we should all take a leaf out of her book.  And as that saying going "stop and smell the roses".  Although it's rather cheesy, I do believe they're right.  Even if you don't actually stop, but notice the small things while you're on the go.  

I try to keep this as my mentality, as it really does help you to appreciate everything around you - the things you have and the people in your life.

But, to refresh my appreciation, I have written a list of the small things I enjoy: 

Joy - (start with a couple of big things) but joy, not just the happy feeling you get when everything is good, but true joy!  The overwhelming sense you experience when things are truly grand.

Friendship - the friendship of those around me, especially those who are close to me.  No words can properly explain the gratefulness to have friends who accept me, for me.  And not just their friendship in general, but the small things they do to keep me accountable help me become a better version of myself (even without noticing they're doing it). 

Rain - first of all I probably most enjoy the way it makes things look, the trees and grass look greener and colours just look richer and more full of life.   As well as the smell.  I mean, who doesn't love that smell! (and good thing, considering it's been raining quite a lot lately)

Mail - there is this line for the movie 'Paul Blart, Mall Cop' and it's when the interrogator asks Paul Blart's daughter for her cell phone.  She confesses she doesn't have one, and then says "I prefer hand written sentiments".  To which I agree to 100%.  There is something special about letters, maybe because it is such a rare thing now that technology is insanely advanced.  But the excitement of first receiving mail, and then writing a reply, getting to use my wax seal (which I will also mention), then waiting in anticipation for the receiver's reply, then repeating the process.  I currently have two fairly constant "pen pals".  One of whom lives in China.  I think receiving mail from her is one of my favourite things - the excitement of stories being exchanged across countries, as well as the fact that she is sitting on the other side of the world, and has taken the time to write the letter by hand and not just using the internet.  I must also add, as much as I love receiving letters, there is nothing more exciting then receiving a package!  (especially if it also includes a letter). The excitement of unwrapping the package to reveal the joy it contains inside. Seriously the best. 

Wax Stamps - obviously, I love the moment after you've pressed your stamp onto the puddle of wax and lift it up - just to see the perfectly shaped embossing of your stamp.  I also love the smell of the wax as it's melting onto the envelope. 

Blankets (especially super soft ones) - okay, this sounds silly.  But I love the feeling of being all snuggled up in a cosy blanket.  Even if that means I need to turn my fan onto full blast on a (even just slightly) cool day, just so I can wrap myself up into a cocoon of blankets (only emerging for food).  

That moment when you take the perfect photo - if it's the perfect timing or just the perfect shot, in the perfect location, in the perfect situation or you are just extremely happy with a photo.  What ever and where ever it is, no matter how many times you see it, it just makes you so happy (and excited) about photography.  And it can remind you that you should keep going, even when things get tough. 

The sound cameras make when the shutter goes off - okay, so I understand that this probably won't make sense to the majority of people.  But that sound when you press the shutter button down - pure satisfaction. (also, I found a video of different shutter sounds. I can't believe it's a thing!)

The smell of freshly baked bakery items - I don't know what it is, but freshly baked goods tingle the senses. (and usually makes you hungry). 

Empty cinemas - not that I got to the cinema much anymore, but the feeling of freedom - that you can laugh as loud as you want, make obvious comments without being judged and  large array of chairs you can chose from (and get the perfect seat/view). 

Lighting matches - so i'm not the biggest fan of people playing with fire, but I do love lighting matches.  I love the second right after you strike the match and the flame flares up, as wells as the smell of matches/candles after you blow them out.  

Smiles - I love when you are out and about and someone's smile just catches your eye.  Whether it be directed at you or not.  I think it's important to smile.  This is probably weird, but sometimes I like to flash a quick smile to strangers, especially if they're looking a bit down in the dumps.  One other thing I love, is when people smile while reading books or text messages.  I don't know what it is, but seeing people happy makes me happy.  

Encouragement/Compliments - well, of course I think encouragement in general is super important.  But giving someone random encouragement as well as compliments is super important.  I LOVE giving out encouragement and compliments, especially to strangers.  Although, it has become quite a habit and I do it without thinking (but I guess that's not a bad thing) and sometimes I will give out a zillion compliments in a day.  I have had a few people compliment about how much I give encouragement and compliments. (mind you I am terrible at taking compliments. person: "compliment". me: "oh, um, thanks" *awkward feeling*.  

But I think making the effort to encourage and compliment people is important, it's something we should all do.  Because for all we know, that was exactly what the person needed to hear.  So I strongly urge you to give it a go, because it will not only make that person feel good, but you will also feel good! Trust me!

Live music - I have written about this before in my other blog.  But I absolutely love the atmosphere of live music.  For me, it feels like home.  I love just closing my eyes and soaking in the sound; let it flow through my body, tingle my ears and resinate in my bones. 

The way certain songs make you feel - i'm not sure if this happens for everyone, but for me I can get so caught up in the emotion of a song, or the way the certain song makes me feel.  Like seeing someone get so emotional over a song, or putting so much of their self into a song, or when there is a basis and meaning behind the delivery of the song.  I am very easily affected by music, any small change in pitch or tonality can really get to me.  Oh boy, can it get to me. 

There are so many other things I could list off, like dancing crazy in a public place, life changing stories exchanged with strangers, the way the sun looks as it's setting after a cloudy/overcast day and how the rays of light disperse across the sky through a big fluffy cloud, and the moments of realisation we sometimes get, and the remembering of things you had forgotten or were trying to remember.  But I will stop for now, or I will just be rambling on forever.  

I would also like to say that my Facebook Page for my photography is up and running!  So I would be so, so grateful if you would go and check it out and possibly like it.  

What I am listening to: is the Glee version of Let Me Love You.  

And I know what you're thinking - "uh glee".  But seriously, I would almost have to say that this is almost (a lot) better then the original (sorry if that offends any of you).  But in all honesty, I have listened to it practically on repeat for the past few days.  There is just something about it, and the guy has a lovely voice. 

☼

2.52. His demeanour, is Love.

... By the 15th century, it had evolved into what it is today: A ploy from society - telling us that we constantly need to be in a relationship, that if we don't have someone to share this 'iconic' day with, then there is (pretty much) something wrong with us. But honestly, that is all nonsense! It's just another day.

One of the best things I saw during the lead up to VDay was a card saying "Happy Singles Awareness Day". Which I think is awesome! Reminding us that there are others out there. Mind you, for some this day is a special one. Spending time with the one you love. For my parents, it is the flag point for their 13th anniversary. So as much as I now think it's just another day, maybe someday in the future Valentine's Day will mean something.

But for now, I will continue to meet up with some of my friends so we can be 'together alone'. ♥

His demeanour, is Love., a photo by Child.Like.Mind on Flickr.

1 John 4:19 We love because he first loved us.

(more on my other blog)