06.17

"The Magic Place is music for a specific constellation of feelings. They are real, many people share them, and this album owns them completely. So while there are few identifiable words here and the titles don't really register, there's a hell of a lot being expressed. We may not need Barwick to go deep into darkness or to write words that mean something, because she has tapped a vein of expression that is rich and powerful and affecting and even useful. And for the time being, the vein seems to be hers alone, though we can visit any time we like."

- Mark Richardson, Pitchfork



I'm crushing hard on Julianna today. Her music evokes feeling similar to those I experienced when I watched LOTR for the first time and witnessed the glorious habitat of the elves in Lothlórien. Dorky? Still, it's otherworldly.

Licking wounds. I've become good at it. Short spurts of energy, then tranquility.







Open windows, more plants and bike rides. I was never a summer girl, but today I feel like one.

06.12

I'm resting. Good afternoon.

06.06

A day for picnics, watering plants, reading books, dipping toes in the ocean and listening to new music. A heatwave has entered Gothenburg, and people are walking lazily with smiles on their faces. I can't help but smile with them.

05.24

Consistency is on my to-do list. It's an ability I never acquired, but always wished would jump me unexpectedly, almost like a demonic possession. I've explored different ways of cooking, taking pictures, drawing, writing, but nothing ever stuck. Instead it all became tedious when I familiarized myself with it. I guess that's the problem. If I'd push through, there would be growth, incentive to put in more time and ambition, and then I'd have to take a stand. Pick a side. Be a certain way. What's my point with this? I want to dive into the vast world of photography obsession, and I'm hoping that I'll find my own way of looking at things with or without a filter, and then start from there. I'm gluing myself mentally. Stick stick stick.

Nevertheless, today is all about rearranging at home. Unpacking from my NY trip and listening to sweet tunes. I also have fresh flowers in every room that hopefully will be spared from feline wrath! I reward myself when I can, which I choose not to outgrow just yet. I'm feeling centered, focused and hopeful. I think it's the soft rain and gunmetal grey skies. Swedish summer at its best.

05.21

Last night my bedroom went through a slight transformation. I ripped off wallpaper with my bare hands. Insane, I know. My neighbors don't care for my offbeat activities. It was starting to look ghetto and not in the fabulous way. I also washed the dishes, scrubbed the toilet, and folded laundry. I'm not even close to done. My ex is bringing Buddha and Phoenix on Tuesday, and I want the apartment in tip top shape by then. I'm back to my own rhythm at this point. Booo to jetlag that lingered for aeons! Oh, and I had yummy breakfast this morning - granola with fresh strawberries! It's the best part of my day.

05.19

I'm a collector of trinkets and treasures. This little airplane found a home in my kitchen window. It's the thrill of the hunt, really... A passionate love affair with vintage items. Now, if only I was as obsessive about cleaning! My apartment needs to be scrubbed, wiped down, washed, sorted and renewed.

04.28

Who doesn't worship Polaroids? In this digital era, keeping it real is really difficult! I've found that there's something peculiarly comforting about unedited still life (like a hot cup of tea for the soul), and if it happens to look worn because the film is expired, well, instant charm. Until I can afford to put in a big order at The Impossible Project, 8 pictures per month will do just fine. Perfect, even.

04.27

I've promised myself too many things, too many times. I often know in advance that I'll give up, procrastinate, and sometimes fail, but when I actually believe in my own determination, and then throw in the towel because times get tough, that's when I get devastated. It's a pattern of mine which spans over a decade and a half. Seriously sad. So, here I am, once more, making a promise. A tiny tiny one. Come on, Irene, shoot more f-i-l-m! Yep, I'm going to make the analog camera my best friend and dare to use (abuse?) it until my eyes start twitching with frustration and distress. Deal!

04.26

My first post is on R's birthday. It seems quite fitting. I can't believe the journey we've been on, and how it all started here, on the internet. I'm visiting him in a week and that has my toes curling with joy. Having the Atlantic ocean between us isn't an easy situation, but we make the best of it.

My insides are never as neat as the photographs I take, but this one matches my heart. A cup of coffee, a letter from R and spring light.

Happy birthday, love.