Everyday: The Poet

everyday

the poet

Hi, friends!

I've been on a trip recently so sorry for the lack of posts, but we are easing back into the blogging world today with another poetry post from Caleb Alexander! 

We all know how much I love how the man writes, so without going on about it anymore let's dive in head first!

Don't forget to check the bottom of the post for all of his information!!

Also, be sure to stay tuned in for some exciting upcoming posts!

“Watching Aeries Drink Water In a Piscean Stream”

I read an interesting factoid one time about certain types of Rams

They will fight so stubbornly for what they want

That they will break off hooves in the ground and keep coming back for more fight

With bloody feet and broken ankles

It’s kind of noble

In a visceral sort of way

There are beginnings and endings to all my favorite stories 

Things left unsaid

Tongues hold secret gardens

And I will hold mine

Against your skin 

My stomach flips on airplane descents 

My head aches because I don't deal with (air) pressure well

The tongue wants to say,

“You're everything I didn't know existed in myself”

“I will be cool water to dip your fiery soul beneath 

I will be the melted snow of spring

Running in dirty convalescence down cracked sidewalk gutters

Waiting in puddles for your galoshes 

To splash me open and sneak ripples into my calm waters

I will be class 5 Rapids

Running violently through the shakes of your body

As I press my lips to your neck

My skin to your skin

Let me run clear spring water over your smooth stones

I won’t make you move, just slide around you like an electric blanket

I will watch you bound lightly up mountains

Horns curved atop your head

And wait lightly for you to sip me 

Like you could drink an entire ocean 

Like you can't be satiated by any other stream

And I will rehydrate you 

Bring me up to your parched lips 

In cupped hands with red fingernails 

Reaching into me like raindrops on spring orchid buds 

Like blindly sweeping fingers on the top shelf of the cupboard

Where you know something sweet is waiting, even though you can't see it 

You just feel for it until you can hold it again”

But the tongue runs between your lips

Knows it has other jobs to do

-Caleb Alexander

“Count backwards from 10. ‘What is 10? Numbers are liars’” 

 Your head is a shape-shifter

Backwards baseball cap-

Gun in your father’s holster

I don’t know you

Any better than I know myself

Damn when did it get so 

Cold shivers run from the base of my cerebrum 

“I’ve heard LSD sometimes sits in your spinal cord,

Reanimates itself at random futures”

“You’re always listening to that depressing music” 

You or the devil retorted to my panic.

And I don’t want to go to the imagined hell of Southern Baptist reveren(ce)ds 

I squeezed your dog for warmth

‘Til he yelped with empathetic fear.

“We can’t call 911, then we are all screwed, 

Just sit

By the fire, and shut up

You know I’m on house arrest.”

The framerate of my eyes are laggy

Pieceofshit components

Lazy manufacturer 

Sound not matching picture

Like kung-fu

When I look at the sky I see mostly darkness

With scattered lights trying to illuminate

Blank space and time 

Kaleidoscopic

But the darkness remains

What is my constitution? 

What is unalien? 

Able?

I’ve got knocking on every door of my perception

By demons and angels and Sylvia Plath

And the voice I heard clearest sounded like my father

Or my grandfather in a straight jacket

(To the ceiling to look underneath the hood)

I’ve got an eternity to figure out time

And place and how they are the same thing

The empression (sic) I’m left with is just 

Jazz records 

On vinyl

While my sister absent-mindedly picks at her DNA with stubby fingers

Like avoiding cheeseless nachos 

From a haphazard concession

“What do you hope to discover?”

I want to know

What remains when entrophy reaches zero.

-Caleb Alexander

social media information

Caleb: Instagram- calexander17

Tumblr- eventherain17

***You can also find him reading his work most Sunday nights at Coffee Underground in Downtown Greenville, South Carolina at 7:30 pm***

Current Favorites!

Current Favorites

Hello Friends!!!

I'm back today and breaking the boundaries of my blog.

We aren't going to stick to a specific section of the blog today, instead we are throwing them all together with my current favorites!

I'm going to talk to y'all a little bit about some items in my life that I've currently been loving, so lets get right into it!

1.) Light Wash Denim Jacket

This light weight, light wash, denim jacket has been a go to for me lately. It's recently been getting a little toastier down here in South Carolina, so it's out with the thick winter coats and in with the light weight jackets. The color and wear of the denim make it a perfect piece for the spring and an easy piece to throw on with almost any outfit!

2.) White Ball Cap 

It's no secret that lately I've been not in the mood to do my hair so baseball caps have definitely been my best friends. I picked this white one up at a thrift shop, and I haven't put it down since. In my opinion a ball cap is the best way to hide the dirty hair and still stay stylish! Hats in general are a super fun way to spice up an outfit.

3.) Funky Coin Purse

Since it has rolled around to the Spring season I wanted to add a little pop of color to my mostly monochromatic looks, and this fun little coin purse is just the way to do it!

This "it's a GOOD DAY" pouch came from my local Marshall's and I'm very pleased with this purchase. The short saying on the front really is effective for a mid-day pick me up!

4.) Renewing Moroccan Argan Oil

Moving right along to hair care! Ever since I got my hair bleached and dyed blue I've been making sure to take extra care of it whenever I wash and style and this hair oil by organix is the prefect thing! I can definitely see a difference in the quality of my hair since I've started using this product! Not to mention the smell is quite lovely. 

5.) The Help

THIS BOOK. I've been absolutely engulfed by the marvelousness that is The Help by Kathryn Stockett. I'm sure many of you have seen this movie, but the book is even better. Set in Jackson Mississippi in 1964 this book takes a look at what it was like for the colored help working for white people and everything that comes along with it. Along with the joy of reading a great book I've also found that reading and taking myself to a different place mentally helps tremendously with my anxiety and everyday worries!

Well folks, that wraps up my current favorites!

I hope you enjoyed and maybe found a few items you'd like to try for yourself.

Let me know in the comments what some of your current favorites are!!!

Thanks for the read!

Paige 

Everyday: The Real Struggles

everyday

the real struggles

Today, my friends, I am here to present you with a terrible struggle and I'm raising hell about it!
This is most definitely a first world problem, but if you are reading this from the internet on an apple device it's one that you NEED TO READ!

This issue is so large that it recently cost me $300. Yes, you did read that correctly- $300. 
And all because...

APPLE COMPUTERS CAN NOW GET VIRUSES!

They didn't tell you that did they? 
About a week ago I woke up and tried to use my internet service on my laptop, and was receiving so many pop up ads I couldn't get anything done. I got a notification telling me to call an 1800 number in order to get the popup ads off of my computer. Little did I know that when I called there would be no other option but to pay a service fee to get rid of the virus and then add virus protection to my computer. I was totally fine with this except for the fact that I had to pay a whopping $300. 
I was outraged. Not only because I had to pay $300, but because I was NEVER told that I needed to protect my MacBook. Apple products haven't ever been able to get viruses until around 8 months ago when hackers discovered the code to the apple software and can now get in and mess with all of your things just like what could happen with any non-mac computer. The reason this is such a huge issue to me is because Apple is doing all they can to not have this surface and become a widely known problem. In my mind that is the worst thing you can do! I don't understand why you wouldn't let your users know that they are now susceptible to viruses and they need to protect themselves? Luckily I didn't get the worst case of viruses. Some people are actually having their computers held at ransom and having to pay way more money to get control back from the hacker. The FBI is dealing with this case, so why is Apple not letting us know?!
Personally, I totally think I should be refunded my $300 because I never was aware that my Mac needed protection let alone $300 worth of protection. 
While there is probably no hope for me getting my money back, I figured getting this out there might help all of you reading this save a little money. All I can tell you to do is protect your computer before it gets the virus! This most definitely will save you an immense amount of money. I used the Pro-tekt services and they are offering a life-time guarantee at the moment so when you pay $300 you are set for virus protection for as along as you wish to use a computer! I do believe there are smaller packages available that don't cost as much as well, but my computer was too far gone to try and use any other service. Pro-tekt has AMAZING customer service and offer a 100% customer satisfaction guaranteed for all services. 
I know this wasn't the most interesting post, but I thought you all should know that if you're using a macbook and thinking you can't get a virus you are dead wrong and you should protect your computer today! 
Thanks for popping by to listen to me rant about my real everyday struggles!
Paige 

pro-tekt contact information: 
(844) 802-2081 
LINK TO PRO-TEKT WEBSITE

Everyday: The Real Struggles

everyday

the real struggles



I'm invisible until I'm Convenient 

Hey pals, 
Today I'm introducing a new segment I like to call "the real struggles". Essentially these are going to be posts where I moan about my (mostly) first world problems and hope that you all feel the same way. Some of these will be more serious than others, but they are all my struggles. 
I've come to realize there are a lot of things that happen in life that might seem simple, but can really ruin a good day. Let me give you an example, the guy in front of me in my History 101 class refuses to acknowledge that I exist and all I'm trying to do is pass the attendance sheet. Low and behold though, as soon as the person next to me said they would try he turned right around and got it. KEEP IN MIND THIS IS AN EVERYDAY THING! To put it bluntly, I'm sick of being invisible unless it's convenient for the other party involved, so I'm here to put in my two cents about issues such as these and rant a little bit about how they make me feel. 
These posts are most likely going to end up in a journal-ish format, so bare with me if they are all over the place. I'll get my point across soon enough. (:
Buckle up, and enjoy the ride. 

I've recently discovered that I'm only visible to people, A.) when they need me, B.) when I'm dressed contrary to others, or C.) when i have makeup on. 

• First of all being invisible is a huge issue to me because it makes me feel even worse about myself. If I'm making an effort to acknowledge your presence could you do the same? You don't even have to speak to me people; just acknowledge that I'm alive please!
• Second, its the worst thing to me that people can not talk to me at all, not know my name, not look at me any other time, except when they need me. I'm not a freaking shopping cart people. You don't just pick me up if you think you might need a little extra help carrying your load. DON'T USE ME!
• Third, If there is anything worse than getting no attention from humans at all, it's getting attention from every human because you look different. Just because I have blue hair and fashion sense that is different than your cowboy boots and dirty jeans, that does not give you the go ahead to stare at me the whole time I'm walking through campus. I'm not a freak of nature because I look different. 
• Fourth, don't only notice me or only talk to me when I have makeup on. I understand that most days I look like I've just gotten out of a zombie apocalypse because I don't feel like putting on a full face of beauty products, but when I do wear makeup don't stare at me. You didn't feel the need to gawk at me yesterday with my tired eyes and red skin, so don't gawk today. 

With all that being said, there is a positive side to the being invisible thing; when your having one of those days when you don't feel like talking to anybody you don't have to worry about it because nobody is trying to talk to you. 

Find the bright side in these things, loves!

Thanks for the read, 

Paige 

Everyday: My Poetry

everyday

my poetry 

Hi, friends!

I was listenning to music the other day and got inspired to write. For some odd reason my brain kept pushing this first stanza of the poem to the front of all the other words in my head, so I decided to build this poem off of those words. 

This one has a lot of meaning and also a lot of no meaning. 

Take it as you wish.

Empty name

Ringing phone; 

I'm trying to answer thoughts

Not picking up

Inside it continues

I'll answer

Search; No finds

Ringing, ringing, ringing

Pick up

"I said no answer!"

Searching

Give me the answer

Ring Silently

Found Answers

No Answer

Thanks for reading my thoughts!

With love,

Paige

Everyday: Exploration #2

everyday

exploration #2



Hello!
Today I'm brining you another exploration post!
These are probably one of my favorites to put together for you guys because it means I get to explore weird things and find beautiful stuff! Along with all of that though, this time I went exploring and I got even more than I expected. 
The picture above is part of what is remaining of the Pendleton Oil Mill! While I wasn't able to get into the mill this time, I was able to talk to a few people throughout the town and gathered some interesting knowledge on this lovey piece of history.
I have a TON of pictures to show you so I'll be sure to attach some facts to anything I gained knowledge about. 
Have fun exploring through my pictures! 


The building above, located right next to the train tracks, was a warehouse for the mill. The mill was placed right along the railroad tracks for easy shipping purposes. 




This building located directly right to the first warehouse is another warehouse. I wish I could have gotten in here to show you everything that was left behind, but it was entirely too risky for a mid-afternoon exploration that was so out in the open.


You're probably wondering why in the world this picture is here, but if you look really closely through this door -which is part of the picture above this one- you can see what is left of a few spindles of thread on a machine. 


This dilapidated building is what was left of what I believe to be where they stored the fertilizer before use. The fertilizer part of the plant, if I'm not mistaken, was added when one of the son's of the owner came back from war and saw that there was a profit to be made with a fertilizer business, and also a need for it in the town of Pendleton. 




Right down these tracks and to the right is where you will find the cotton mill. After oil was extracted from the seed it was then sent to the cotton mill to be made into fabric. I'd never before seen a mill that operated in this fashion or even knew that it was possible to be done that way.


While the mill had become mostly a pile of rubbish over the years there is so much history left to be seen. The owner still does some work there every now and then, but because of the chemicals that were used in all of these processes it's almost impossible to use the land for anything. 


This photo gives you a little look as too what the mill used to look like. There aren't many pictures from before the mill was starting to decompose, but even this photo is much more than what is left now. 


Above is a picture of where the cotton seeds were taken after the oil was extracted.
This is the cotton mill, if my memory serves me correctly this mill was purchased from the owner of the oil plant at some point over the years. The road leading up to this mill had totally been closed down.

I can't say for sure, but I believe this is the back of the mill. There seemed to be a picnic area where workers would have eaten on lunch break, and a few other small buildings surrounding the mill itself that looked to be storage warehouses.


I'd have to say without a doubt in my mind this is the creepiest exploration I have done. However, I was alone, I had just read and heard some history on the buildings, it was a very gloomy day, and I kept hearing noises in the cotton mill. With that said, this was also one of my favorite exploration, because, even though I didn't get inside this time, I was able to learn a lot about the history of the mill itself and found a lot of people that were willing to talk to me about the beauty in the abandonment!

Now get up off your butts and find some cool things in your area to explore!!!
Thanks for stopping by,
Paige 

** Please Comply to all No Trespassing signs when you explore!!!**

Lifestyle: Simplified Planner

lifestyle

Simplified Planner

Welcome back, darlings.

Today we are going to talk about this little life saver I like to call my planner.

Before I started college, or uni, I never in my life thought I was the person who would use a planner. However, during my first semester of college I thought I was going to loose my brain half the time because I just had a journal I would write my to-do lists in. While that was effective for a while I found myself still really unorganized with everything I had to do. Luckily one day on a shopping trip to the goodwill I found this little gem somebody thought they wouldn't need for the upcoming year! 

I HAVE NEVER GRABBED SOMETHING IN GOODWILL SO FAST!

I was so shocked to see that the planner on the shelf was, first of all, high quality, second of all, in date and ready for use in 2016, and third of all, $1.99!

The simplified planner by Emily Ley was exactly what I needed in my life!

Since I've been finding myself carrying this baby with me everywhere I thought it was necessary for me to show you all the bells and whistles and why I love my planner so much!

I'll be sure to share a link at the end of the post that leads you to were you can get one of these magnificent creations yourself!

Let's get a move on!!!

One of the first things that caught my eye was the fact that the planner had different tabs for each month. This makes it so easy to find the date you need and get straight to it! 

This specific planner even comes with a bonus! On the inside cover there is a pocket that holds a tiny unlined notebook for brainstorming, random thoughts, and anything else you might need it for. I use mine to help me keep track of my blog and write down any new ideas that come to me. 

On the right side of the front page is a short note from the creator of the planner that gives you a quick idea of her life and why she uses a planner!

Since this is "The Simplified Planner", on the next two pages you will find a little blurb about the process of simplifying and also some tips on how to simplify! 

Flipping over to the next two pages you will find a full year calendar so you can get a clear picture of the year ahead. The page right next to that is set up to write down you 2016 Bucket List. To the right of each line is a small bubble for you to place a check mark once you've completed that task!

At the moment mine is empty, but if your little heart desires fill it up to the maximum and check your list off as you go!

 I absolutely love the fact that when I flip open my planner to a month tab the first thing I see is a layout of the whole month. This is where I make sure to mark any important dates, like birthdays, due-dates, and appointments. To the left of the calendar there is also a little section for notes. That's a great place to write down things that apply to the whole month and not just one day. 

Another factor in my love equation for this planner is how each day is set up. As you can see in the above picture there is a page for everyday, and on each page there is a column labeled "Today" with each hour layed out, and a side labeled "To Do" where you can write down the tasks you need to accomplish for that day. At the bottom of each week day page there is a place to write out your plans for dinner, and also any notes that might not fit in the other spaces for that day. 

For the weekends things are set up a little differently. You will find Saturday and Sunday on the same page. Each day has the same columns labeled "Today" and also has a "To Do" column, but Sunday is where the set up changes. Instead of a "To Do" list on Sunday there is a section that is entitled "Weekly Prep". Placed here are a few things for you to do on Sunday that will make the week ahead a little simpler. There are also a few empty slots where you can write down whatever else you may need to tackle on that particular Sunday. I also adore that in between Saturday and Sunday there is a small space that is set aside for you to write down a happy memory from that week, and I think that is a wonderful way to end your weekend and start a new week. 

The last, and probably most simple, part I love about my planner is that on the top of every single page there is an inspirational quote. This, Mrs. Emily, was the most brilliant idea you've ever had! Whenever I feel overwhelmed or like I can't complete everything I have written in my planner all I have to do is take a glance at the top of that day the I will find a little phrase to help me work through it. 

***THE SIMPLIFIED PLANNER AND EMILY LEY'S FULL WEBSITE***

Well we got through it all!

Thanks for sticking around through the whole post! Hopefully this helped you with your busy schedules, and gave you a little inspiration to get your life organized!

Make sure you find some time to slip some fun things into your schedule every now and again!

Much love, 

Paige

Everyday: My Poetry

everyday

my poetry

Hi friends! 

It's something new again today and a little different than usual. 

I used to write all the time. It was my outlet for the longest, and I even entered some contests and a few of my poems ended up being published in some no-name books. Over the past year or two though I have put writing on the back burner, but that has now changed.

I was sent a poem to read last night and my love for poetry came alive once more. The way that a person can take average words and put them together to make something outstandingly beautiful captivated me again, so I've decided to start back up with my poetry.  Take my poems as you will and interpret them however your little heart desires.

Here's my first shot at getting back into it, enjoy. 

silent screams

it's amazing

time stops, tempers flow, nothing happens

silent kids; screaming parents

"I'm ready... I'm ready"

constantly in the living room

constantly in the bed room

"He is the truth, He is so real"

finding things

seeing things

dont expose me to those things

screaming kids; silent parents

lies

fights

mechanisms to help cope

gone

silent kids; silent parents

Thanks for the encouragement to write again. 

Paige

Everyday: Four Fall Activities

everyday

four fall activities

1. Explore 

Find a new place to go and see what it has to offer.
Fall offers the perfect weather for exploration!

2. Pamper Night

Fall is a great season to set aside time for yourself.
I like to get comfy at home with a face mask and a bubble bath! 

3. Light a Candle and Relax

Lighting a Candle is a simple way to bring in the cozy essence of fall into any room.
This Vanilla Pumpkin candle does just the trick for me!  

4. Visit a pumpkin patch 

What better way to get your fall on then visiting a pumpkin patch?
If you're from upstate South Carolina you might try going to Denver Downs! 

I hope this I've given you a little pep in your step and a kick in the right direction when it comes to getting out of the house during fall! 
This is just the beginning of all the wonderful things that are possible this season. 
Make sure to comment your favorite fall activity because I'm always looking for new things to do!
Fall in love with fall, 
Paige (: