In my opinion, Daria perfectly epitomises an important faction of teenagers. Like, seriously, she's intelligent but doesn't boast about it, nor does she conform to the 'standards' of others (i.e. her sister, Quinn). 

I recently bought the box set of this brilliant television series and instantly fell in love with it. In a sense, I see similarities between her and I. 

Not in the way we both present ourselves, just in our thinking processes. 

Many people have stereotyped Daria as 'depressed' or 'monotonous', but I completely disagree. Do we always have to stereotype people? She's a unique individual. 

Plus, she's hilarious in her own way. 

If you haven't yet seen this freakin' brilliant show - DO IT! NOW. 

So ... today was my first university lecture! It was for the compulsory subject of philosophy, which I found rather fascinating. Our lecturer spoke of the way an individuals belief system corresponds with the roof of a house, in the sense that, they guide and support us in decision-making, among many other necessities of life. We were also briefed on a number of philosophers who emphasised the importance of the common-good, as opposed to the ego-centric idea of things. For example, when developing a community, one must have a desire to fulfill the aspirations of his/her neighbours, and of course, him/herself. However, I found one specific point rather important. Our lecturer spoke of one's desire for power. This 'power', however, must be noticeable to others. For example, one may buy a sports-car, not because they feel comfortable in it, but because they can be seen as superior to others. Everybody views themselves from the eye of another. Everybody. 

Anyway, enough of the 'boring stuff', as many of my peers may state, which was intently visible by their positioning of facebook as a higher priority to lectures. Seriously, I was looking around the room, and a few people were on it. I mean, it's our first lesson! Wait 'till our second, for goodness sake.

Oh, and Jane Russell unfortunately passed away. Many may remember her in the classic film, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, with Marilyn Monroe. Apparently, she died of respiratory failure on Monday. She was 89.
May she rest in peace. 


I'm now going to leave you with my favourite song at the moment. Enjoy!

Moth's Wings - Passion Pit. 

Wow. So, I'm not going to complain about the confusion I am currently facing in my life; however, I will speak of the Academy Awards, which, pretty much, is the opposite of the current questionings I am undergoing.
Anyway, I found the award ceremony this year particularly enjoyable. I mean, there will always be parts where I am urged to fast-forward, that's inevitable, but I am satisfied with the choices made. Colin Firth and Natalie Portman's performances in The King's Speech and Black Swan were outstanding, as were the other nominees (i.e. James Franco, Annette Bening, Nicole Kidman etc). Moreover, the supporting categories were very tough. Without a doubt, Christian Bale deserves every award out there for his phenomenal role as Dickie Eklund, the half-brother of boxer, Micky Ward, in The Fighter. Geoffrey Rush was also spectacular, but his performance didn't reach the standard of Bale's. Regardless of this, I applaud Rush's acting capabilities. For those who haven't seen the film Shine, Rush provides the viewer with an honest view of the talents of an autistic man in Australia.
In terms of the supporting actress role, Melissa Leo was also a great choice. Her performance was flawless.  I also believe that Amy Adams and Hailee Steinfeld gave breathtaking adaptations of both a non-fictional and fictional character, which can be particularly difficult  .... especially coming from a fourteen year old! WOW. Plus, she is such a fashionista. Every outfit she wears is gorgeous. The way she exhibits a modernistic feel, yet intertwines it with a sense of ageless/classic beauty.
Oh, and who else laughed when Kurt Douglas was presenting? I thought he was great ... totally unexpected, though.

 The Academy Awards 2011.

 The Screen Actors Guild Awards 2011. 

The Golden Globes Award 2011.

I love Steinfeld's versatility and youthfulness. She has a matureness to her, although, she isn't pretentious, like other young stars *cough cough .... Taylor ... cough..... Momsen*. Oops, excuse me. 

Similarly, Jennifer Lawrence exhibits these qualities too. She's twenty years old and was nominated for her brilliant performance in the independent film, Winter's Bone. She doesn't act as if she's older than she is, and is proud of her youthfulness, hence her decision in wearing bright colours, which subvert the 'normalities' of the generic award ceremony gowns. 

The Screen Actors Guild Awards 2011.

So, another Academy Award Ceremony has passed us, and we're anticipating another year of 'great films. We've seen The King's Speech, True Grit, Black Swan, The Social Network, The Fighter, among many others, which were amazing films. What'll come next? 

Although, I am looking forward to seeing the film Water For Elephants. It looks so good! 

I sincerely believe that every individual thinks of life after death, one time or another. Lately, I've consumed thoughts of the inaccuracies of life, coupled with the impact one can have on another.
But, trust me, I'm not an existentialist.
With all the natural disasters in the world, mixed with the ignorance the media exudes towards the human race, one's confronted by the way life just passes. We do not know our fate, nor do we know the exact actions we'll be taking in exactly 24-hours time.
Just like the saying goes, "Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That's why we call it 'The Present'. Thanks Eleanor Roosevelt for bringing some inspiration and hope into our lives.

Every morning, I make my way out of bed and into the hands of journalists from various outlets (i.e. Television news programs / news headlines made on the ninemsn website), and I come to realise, we view deaths and destructions in our world as if they're all fiction. We view these programs the same way as we view, The Simpsons. We read newspapers as if we're reading a James Patterson novel. We expect some fancy detective or mediator, or ..... mentalist, to come along and solve all these problems. I hate to say it, but we're entertained by the news. The reason behind my rant, is the suggestion that, we view our life and others as if it's all fiction. If we intentionally hurt somebody, either physically or emotionally, we ask if they're okay, but in many cases, find it extremely funny.

This morning a bold headline read: Man, 81, faces WA court on murder charge.

Now, I want you to be honest - if you came across this headline, would you be shocked, or apathetic? I know I may sound unsympathetic, but we're confronted by these headlines day-after-day and we just look upon them as if it's apart of our daily regime. Do you empathise with this victim? I'm guessing No, because we aren't supplied with a list of his/her favourite things, favourite past time, relationships etc. All we're given is information on this senior-citizen who has murdered somebody. Murder. That's a strong word, although we see it as nothing. It's not as if journalists expect us to emotionally react to this headline. They're just doing their job. And, I don't blame them - I mean, I'm an aspiring journalist, which may seem ironic, but, I love the investigative part of the process. Looking beyond the headline into the actual event.

"An 81-year-old man extradited from Tasmania has appeared in a Perth court charged with the murder of a woman 19 years ago.

Ronald Leslie Pennington appeared in East Perth Magistrates Court on Saturday morning charged with wilflully murdering Cariad Anderson-Slater in July 1992.

... The cold case was reopened after the discovery during demolition work of human remains, believed to be those of Ms Anderson-Slater, buried at Pennington's former residence in the Perth suburb of Woodlands.

Pennington, a retired schoolteacher, has denied any involvement in Ms Anderson-Slater's disappearance.

In court on Saturday, Pennington, carrying a walking stick and wearing an open-necked white shirt, was told he did not need to enter a plea.

"It's alright, you've got a stick, you don't need to stand," the magistrate told Pennington before reading the murder charge.

Pennington was remanded in custody to appear in Stirling Gardens Magistrates Court on March 9.

He was told he could make a bail application to the Supreme Court."

So, this murder happened when I was less than one month old, yet this 'discovery' occurred over 18 years later. Are we given any information on Cariad Anderson-Slater? No. Oh wait, yes we are, we are told that Anderson-Slater's human remains were found. I hate to say it, but, this individual is treated as if they're nothing. They would have had a life, a mother, a father, they may have been exceptionally good at mathematics, and hoped to own their own business in the future. That is me just hypothesising. But, you get the picture. This, ultimately, prompted my thoughts in philosophising over the truths of life. Some live to 100 years of age to receive a telegram from the queen, others live to care for their children/grandchildren/friends/siblings/pets etc. 

In my local area paper, a headline reads "Super gran is one of a kind". It goes on to state that Vi Robbins will turn 109 on February 28. "Vi keeps volunteering at the ... Hospital, where her daughter Gail Avis said she does the filing - and a lot of socialising". Overall, it's stories like these that bring hope into our lives. However, on the opposite side of the page it states "Join fight against ovarian cancer", which brings us back to earth in coming to the realisation that cancer killed. It shows us that cures for cancer, among other diseases are needed. However, there are people who are raising funds and contributing to the best of their ability in achieving this ultimate aim. For example, it reads, "Ovarian cancer survivor Colleen Roberts hopes for an end to the lack of knowledge about the disease". Luckily, she is now in remission and rallying for a cure to this dreadful cancer. 

My ultimate point is, we don't realise how lucky we are. However, we also do not know what or where we will be tomorrow. I would hate to end up in a tacky headline. I want to be remembered positively, with no vents of negativity. Let us all be like Vi Robbins, contributing to our community and living our lives to the fullest when we reach 109 *hopefully*. But, we must also remember that our earth is filled with individuals like Ronald Pennington who commit life-threatening crimes. I mean, look at Gabrielle Giffords. She was the target of a vicious crime, but thankfully she is undergoing a speedy recovery. On the other hand, however, take a look at the victims of the Australian floods and New Zealand earthquakes. All they needed was a few extra seconds to escape these tragedies. Australian 60 Minutes exposed a couple who lost their 23-month old daughter to the vicious floods. They then continued to state that all they needed was "2 minutes" to escape this terrible tragedy. 

All in all, life is filled with disadvantages, and advantages. I just hope I've popped your bubbles in viewing events in the media, fictionally. These stories were not crafted by the writers of Criminal Minds or Cold Case. These are real people and real events. It's not the journalists fault, it's ours - the viewers, the one's who are, in some cases, 'entertained' by these traumatic events. I understand that we must be kept up to date with the latest news, but we mustn't be ignorant. This will only transcend to the real world. And trust me, this ignorance started transcending years ago. We are the one's who can stop it. 


(http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/8216844/man-81-faces-wa-court-on-murder-charge / Cumberland Newspapers - Courier News - Tuesday, February 22, 2011 / 60 Minutes - February 13, 2011, Channel 9 - 8:30PM). 

Now, I must admit, I'm a sucker for a good animal video, hence why I absolutely adore this video. It's the epitome of cute. This cat has taken on the care of a bunny after its mother died.

Pup Pup Puppy.

THE MOST AMAZING AND DELICIOUS CAKE EVER!

Mum bought it yesterday for the family and I seriously have to say, not only does it look aesthetically breathtaking, it tastes like heaven. 

Dancing with myself ...

Today's weather has been terrible, thus why as soon as it stopped raining, I decided to take some snaps. A few weeks ago I bought this extremely comfortable jump suit, from the store, Nu & Nan for $50, although it was originally $250. Moreover, I received these beautiful Sportsgirl shoes for my birthday, coupled with the necklace I bought with the money I was given, for $7 (although it was originally $40). I wore this today, although when it got a bit cold, I wore a wonderful wool jacket I bought from an op shop for $20.

Waiting on the world to change.

So, it was my 18th birthday on Friday. 

I still cannot believe it. 

But, I have to admit - I did have a great day. Mum and I went shopping, got Gold Class tickets to Sex and the City 2 (my verdict on the film: mediocre) and 

I was given an Ipod Nano, E71 Nokia Mobile Phone & Case, a lovely Audrey Hepburn mirror, gorgeous shoes, a beautiful Chanel look-a-like bag, John Lennon inspired sunglasses, and, last but definitely not least .... $750! Oooh my Goood. 

So, yesterday I went shopping and bought some lovely high-heels, a Parisian-inspired top and a shirt dress, which is just lovely. 

Oh, and my camera is almost fixed! Woo. 

Don't worry, be happy!

Recently, I've been feeling really down. Y'know, with my High School Certificate coming up in October this year, I've felt that I had no real direction. Today, at my homeschooling department, we had an Amnesty/Harmony Day where we spoke about human rights, and designed cards and paintings to send to the children at the Christmas Island Detention Centre - I even taught the younger kids how to make origami traditional swans and read out a true story of a young African girl who now lives in Australia. And that's when I realised - there are kids out there who have never been educated, and whose parents were killed or arrested for believing in something. I mean, what have I got to worry about? I've lived in Australia my whole life; been educated by absolutely amazing teachers, and, been given a life these people could only dream of. 

I've not only been given the chance to study, but, I've participated in so many extra-curricular activities, which is where my passion for acting developed. 

These children have and will never experience that!

As a result, I've made a pact to stop worrying. It's not only hurting me, but the people who have helped me the most - my family. 

Yeah yeah, you're probably falling asleep reading this, or better yet, logged off my blog to read something else. But, I just thought this was the perfect way to let out all my negative feelings. 

Tomorrow is a brand new day.

I am a brand new person. 

And, hopefully you could let out all your negative feelings and thoughts, because, seriously, there is absolutely nothing to worry about.

Think about the present, not the future or the past. 

Thanks Guys! 

Everybody's Free (to wear sunscreen).

Please Watch.

Lisaaaaaaa.

Don't you just adore old films? Well, I know I do!
I mean, there's a special quality these types of films hold, which ultimately, no 21st century film can surpass. I mean, I love the way directors use film-noir, which is very common in films made during the 1940s-50s.
Lately, I've been lucky enough to be given the chance to analyse these old films for my English module work. And ironically, most of these films I've been given the chance to watch star the beautiful, breathtaking and lovable Grace Kelly.

Dial M for Murder.

Rear Window.

I've also developed a passion for Alfred Hitchcock's work. I mean, these two texts truly encapsulate the beauty of films, with the help of some fine actors, of course. And, I guess these 'arty' interpretations, or pet theories of mine, do kind of relate to the fashion world. Both films and fashion both have to be developed basically in the same manner - through creativity; except, directors use film techniques to emulate their creative minds and plots, per se.

Anyway, today has been an extremely boring day. Not only have I completed some Ancient History notes that took me over an hour to write (I was expecting it to take up the whole day), but I have been watching Big Love, whilst eating a huge freakin' easter egg! Ahh crap, you have absolutely no idea how fat I feel.
Y'know how you eat something big and think, 'this is all I'm eating all day' and then two hours later, you grab some lollies or something. That's the negative side of having too much junk food in your pantry. See, every easter my family invites our relatives over, and mum thinks she's expected to buy a whole lot of chocolates, soft drinks, lollies, chips etc etc, however, nobody eats them, which means that we're left with them.
I mean, this would be a seven year olds idea of heaven, but for some, not a teenagers.

On the other hand however, I received my half-yearly school report back, and topped 4/6 classes.
Yessssssss.

i love this.

Cassie's Therapy Video is a blogger tag by the wonderful Erimentha of The Little Blog of Happiness and today it was given to me by the brilliant Kiki at Kiki and the kaleidoscope.
Yay, I’m so excited to have finally gotten it!

The rules are as follows: fill in 12 likes, 1 love and 8 hates like Cassie in her therapy video (here). Below, the bolded things are what you MUST include. Also, please link it back to Erimentha and 3 other blogs you adore. I choose to pass it on to:
Absolutely anybody who has visited/commented my blog. This is my thank you present from me to you. Once again, thank you!

Abracadabra, Wow!
I like boys with accents and girls with intellect.
I like going to the city with my mother.
I like musicals and plays.
I like watching classic films.
I like Ikea's retro house designs.
I like writing creatively and reading widely.
I like my mother's homemade cupcakes.
I like acting.
I like doing stupid stuff with my best friend, Chris.
I like going to Border's to read all their magazines.
I like the feeling when you wake up, just realising it's the weekend.
I like the feeling at the airport when you're about to travel somewhere new and exciting.

I love watching my rabbit bolt to the door whenever I'm about to open it, and the diamond shaped mark on her forehead.

Today I'm going to try to complete my modern history work. And then, have fish and chips for lunch!

I don’t know what you mean about things I hate.
I hate having my name prounced Gemma, when it's obviously spelt Jenna.
I hate when people type (on social networking sites) as if they haven't learnt english yet; however, when you meet them they appear to be extremely intelligent.
I hate the extremely dumb groups people make on Facebook.
I hate racism, discrimination and prejudices people have against others.
I hate when you try to start a conversation with somebody and they act as if they're too good for you.
I hate highly pretentious people.
I hate when people get "you're" and "your" mixed up.
I hate journalists who speak as if everything's a joke to them.
I hate people who are cruel to animals.
I hate this, wow...

Sorry.

I. Heart. Cassie.

iconoclastic fashion designer.

1969 - 2010.

THE WORLD HAS LOST A FASHION ICON.

R.I.P ALEXANDER MCQUEEN.
YOU'LL NEVER EVER EVER BE FORGOTTEN.

I n s p i r a t i o n .

Books I want to read:

• Girl Power by Marisa Meltzer.
• Up in the Air by Walter Kirn.

But probably won't due to the gigantic load of year 12 work I received today.

Films I want to see:

• Inglorious Basterds.
• Crazy Heart.
• Precious.
• Valentine's Day.
• Rear Window.
• Manhatten.
  

Rather instantaneously, I decided to develop a collage that assembled something that relates to INSPIRATION. Not anybody's inspiration, but mine; just things I've seen over the past few months that have inspired me in one way or another (ie. Chanel, Chloe, An Education, vintage etc).
Oh, by the way ..... GO SEE AN EDUCATION. It's truly a formidable film, with sublime performances from Carey Mulligan and Peter Sarsgaard. Absolutely divine.

well, what can I say?

SERIOUSLY, IS CHLOE SEVIGNY THE EPITOME OF AWESOME OR WHAT?

Argh.

So, I feel like a complete freak. I mean, I haven't been on blogger for what .. 2 months? ARGH! Okay, I wanted to continue blogging last year but my family then unexpectedly decided we'd go to rural Australia to visit some relatives.
We stayed there for a month.
No Internet.
No Magazines.
No Television.
Okay, No Technology.
And believe it or not, I absolutely loved it! Therefore, I decided I'd give blogging a bit of a break whilst I focus on my Year 12 work for this year.
But, I missed it too much!
Therefore, I'm back. FOR GOOD!

Anyway, don't shoot me or anything but...
LAST NIGHT I SAW TAYLOR SWIFT! AHH!
Yes, I am a fan of her's! She was absolutely spectacular; she even jumped into the crowd to give us all hugs! And no, I'm not exaggerating!
She is such a sublime performer.
And no, I'm not kidding.

Anyway, if she ever comes to your city/country; GO!

Other than that, how has everybody been?
So, recently I've developed a love for oversized blazers; especially those worn by Chloe Sevigny.

I just love Sevigny's minimalistic style. To me, minimalism is so exceedingly fashionable. I just love it. And, it's classic! I mean, look at Coco Chanel or Audrey Hepburn; their simplisty produced feelings of sophistication and worth. In fact, the other day I viewed the film Sabrina starring Audrey Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart, and there was this extremely memorable line that really hit me. It went something like, "if you don't find me, i'll be the most sophisticated woman there" courtesy of Audrey Hepburn. And I mean, she looked AHHHMAZING! I was drooling for goodness sake. There was also this scene where Sabrina (Hepburn) was wearing these leggings and a baggy shirt and my mum commented on how similar some of the fashion now is to back in 1954, but this is because MINIMALISM REALLY CANNOT CHANGE COMPLETELY. I mean, it can transform slightly to suit our new modernised century, but altogether, minimalism is style. And as Chanel states, fashion fades only style remains the same. Minimalism is style, not exactly fashion per-se.

So yeah, these are just my personal thoughts as recently brought up during an intense discussion with my mother.
Also, check out French Connection! There new collection is to die for.
I LOVE IT!

you beauty.

So ... today is my final drama performance for 2009 and I'm ecstatic!
We've been rehearsing for 10 long and strenuous weeks, but it's totally been worth it. Today, I'll take my camera and upload some photos of my group. They're awesome and I'll miss them SO MUCH!

But in the meantime, here is a photo of my beautiful bunny, Penny Lane.

AND my beautiful dog, Millie.

I'VE ALSO BEEN AWARDED ANOTHER BLOG AWARD FROM THE ABSOLUTELY MARVELOUS GIBFACE

Here are the rules:
• Thank whoever gave this to you.
• Copy the award.
• Repost it in your blog.
• Tell us seven things that your readers don’t know.
• Link seven new bloggers.
• Notify the winners of the award with a comment on their blog.

Seven things ...
1. I GOT DUX OF YEAR 11 2009 YESTERDAY!
2. I love intellectuals. They not only inspire me, but they never cease to amaze me.
3. I love tim tam biscuits. TRY THEM WHENEVER YOU VISIT AUSTRALIA! THEY'RE INCREDIBLY ADDICTIVE.

4. I was inspired to establish a blog after reading Style Rookie.
5. In November, I went to see Liza Minnelli. She is absolutely magnificent.
6. I've been to the USA three times. When I was 7, 15 and in July '09 (17).
7. I hope to live in New York City sometime in the future.

AWESOME BLOGGERS:

1. Olivia's Pizzazz.
2. Zany Style.
3. Netta's Diary.
4. Bonjour Girl.
5. Tegan on Toast.
6. Natalie Off Duty.
7. Style Hurricane.

And, if you haven't been tagged and you'd like this award.
Please, do take it.
Everybody deserves it!

I'd like to thank ......

I was awarded the "Beautiful Blogger Award" by the awesome olivias-pizzazz.
My very first award. Thank You So Much!

Here are the rules:
1. Thank the person who nominated me for this award.
2. Copy the award & place it on my blog.
3. Link to the person who nominated me for this award.
4. Tell us 7 interesting things about yourself.
5. Nominate 7 bloggers.
6. Post links to the 7 blogs I nominate.

Okay, seven interesting things...
1. I'm homeschooled through a correspondence school, which I love. I've been attending it since Year 7 and I honestly believe that I have made vast improvements in my education through being homeschooled. Did you know I almost had to repeat Year 1? Now, I've just topped Year 11 in English! TAKE THAT MAINSTREAM TEACHERS! Sorry :)

2. I got my hair cut much like Carey Mulligan's and I love it!
I also have blue/green eyes and light brown hair and I'm 169cm (I've grown so much over the past year, it's unbelievable. A year ago I was 158cm).

3. I've been acting since I was eight years old. When I was nine, I auditioned for the musical, "Oliver Twist" which was touring Australia at the time. I have absolutely no idea who I was auditioning for, but unfortunately I didn't get the role. However, that was when my passion for acting eventuated. At the beginning of 2009, I was also accepted into a Part-Time Drama Course running for a whole year, every Sunday (12pm - 5pm). My final performance for the year is next week.

4. I absolutely adore animals. I have two dogs, a rabbit and a turtle. I've also developed a fascination with dolphins after watching "Dolphin Days" on Animal Planet.

5. I'm obsessed with simplicity, in relation to fashion. This passion was further developed by my mother who manages an independent clothing store.

6. I was forced into attending an etiquette course, and believe it or not, it was probably one of the greatest experiences of my life.

7. When I finish school, I'm still unsure as to what I'd like to pursue. I either want to study Acting, Journalism, Teaching or something revolving around Fashion or Animals. However, I've still got plenty of time to think about that.

Tagging Time:
Okay, here's the deal. See, everybody I know on blogger have already been awarded this 'prestigious' award, and as a result, I'm awarding it to absolutely everybody.
Here you go.
Congratulations.

Before I die ...

So ... I was on kiki and the kaleidoscope and she posted an amazing post with reference to the website, before i die i want to.

"The Before I die I want to... project was inspired by a combination of factors: (1) the “death” of the Polaroid, (2) a psychologist’s tool called safety contracts, and (3) a passion to get people to think about (and act upon) what is really important in their lives through this simple, straight-forward question. "

Here are a few of my favourites, taken from the USA and Hospice sections of the site.

I feel like I have done everything I wanted to do. —Chelsi

I now officially adore this website!
But, what I want to know is - What do YOU want to do before you die?

Also, thank you to everybody for all the lovely comments you have given me about my blog. They're very much appreciated!