Standing up for the Right to Feel Pain

“People are afraid of themselves, of their own reality; their feelings most of all. People talk about how great love is, but that’s bullshit. Love hurts. Feelings are disturbing. People are taught that pain is evil and dangerous. How can they deal with love if they’re afraid to feel? Pain is meant to wake us up. People try to hide their pain. But they’re wrong. Pain is something to carry, like a radio. You feel your strength in the experience of pain. It’s all in how you carry it. That’s what matters. Pain is a feeling. Your feelings are a part of you. Your own reality. If you feel ashamed of them, and hide them, you’re letting society destroy your reality. You should stand up for your right to feel your pain.”
–Jim Morrison

Links Round Up!

Woah! Hey guys! I am sorry I have been so out for so long! (Like 3 weeks long!) That exam was indeed killer, but we will see how it goes.. Anyway, I am back to school! And although there are so many inspiring and fun things here (sometimes I wake up and just think, “Is this my life? This is so awesome!?”), I need to STAY FOCUSED. That line under my blog name says that I am going from engineering to industrial design, and DAMN STRAIGHT I AM GOING TO DO IT. I am going to do it even if it kills me. (That is so intense! I did not mean to be that intense, but maybe like %87 of the intenseness. Wait, yes I did mean it to be that intense! I’m getting in, dammit!)

On an unrelated note, now that I’m back to school I made an observation about engineering classes:
It is so weird how for years and years, throughout high school and my general life I would not feel at all sheepish to wear the ‘flamboyant’ clothes that I did. White, slouchy, 80’s leather boots – I wore them in high school. Lacy pirate blouse – yep, own it.

Anyway, as a future artist/designer, that totally makes sense. BUT, these past few years, I kept asking myself “Why do I slowly end up dressing more boring in school?” And coming back after a summer of doing art, it is more obvious than ever! I’ve realized the reason of why I feel just can’t wear as crazy clothes in engineering classes: It just doesn’t ‘fit’/make sense to wear outfits that are high maintenance in those situations.

It is not because I’m not confident enough or because I feel I would be looked down on, or because my classmates wouldn’t understand it… (although they wouldn’t..) ..  It really is because it would just be so out of place, wearing something bothersome or unnecessary+bothersome in an engineering class. Therefore, crazy blouses – still wear them. Hair wax and tinted lip baum – yep. High heels (even wedges, comfortable heels, etc.) – can’t wear! Too high maintenance. Fussy clothes – I never feel comfortable wearing them in class.

NOTE: Engineering girls out there! This is just me! If you can wear fussy things to eng classes, DO IT!! Being young and wearing crazy clothes is so fun. OWN those heels. Also, this obviously does not pertain to working engineering girls. Boys wear shirts and ties. We can wear fussy outfits and wedges to work if we damn well please.

Anyway, since it is Monday, I will do the link round up that I would’ve posted on Friday! I hope you all enjoy!

1. John Steinbeck on Falling in Love: A 1958 Letter. “If it is right, it happens — The main thing is not to hurry. Nothing good gets away.”  Here, ᔥBrainpickings.

2. The Sartorialist did some work for the new coach line, and trust me, I would be the last to say this (Coach generally isn’t my style), but these bags are all pretty damn beautiful. With their natural colors and their worn-leather potential, and classic styles, and unisex-ish aesthetic, I actually am really loving them. AND they got smart and hired The Sartorialist, who obviously did an awesome job (watch the video!).  photo here.

3. Marchesa’s Spring 2013 line. Not usually a huge Marchesa fan (they do crazy beautiful stuff, but I feel like they are not really artists. They always have the exact same aesthetic, and although its very marketable, I feel like they are never actually doing something new) BUT, this line is actually kinda cool.  It was inspired by 1960’s and Indian fashion and colors, both of which I approve of! Beautiful colors/flowy fabric + anything 1960’s  —> I am there. (↬@honestlywtf) photo here.

4. In general, I LOVE Bri’s advice page. I feel like she is telling me secrets, that I really shouldn’t tell anyone cause they are too good.

5. I know everyone’s been talking about this book, but it looks really fascinating.  It Will Be Exhilarating was written by the guys who made Glif, the famous ipod/iphone tripod attachments.  They’ve launched two successful Kickstarter projects, being a part of the new era of independent hardware manufacturing.
“This book was written to offer guidance and inspiration for those charting a similar path, and covers topics such as running a small business, creating hardware products independently, launching a Kickstarter project, and tips for promoting your products. Everything is told through the lens of our own experience.” (↬@swissmiss)  photo here.

6. Been reading Girl Crush Magazine again, and man!, these girls are awesome! Check out Ariele Alasko who is a furniture designer in Brooklyn.  Coming from being a girl in mechanical engineering, RESPECT. Also, coming from a girl who loves well-made furniture… (umm, Industrial design much?)  Here‘s her blog!

7. DIY – sliced shades! here.

8. Kelli Anderson is one of my top personal and professional role models.  Here’s her TEDxPhoenix talk.

9. Cool colorful print called Coda, found here.