Archive: Author: Colleen Howard

Whether you love it or you hate it, we’ve all come to have an opinion on the great state of New York. Within that state, we create the most opinions of New York City. On one side, some people think that NYC is filled with callous attitudes and cold people filling the streets as they rush to and from work. Whereas others think that the streets are filled with a rather lively nature that paints the streets and the people that fill them. For me, I enjoy the vibes that NYC radiate to the rest of the world.

A new perspective into the streets of NYC is the once photography project turned into a series on Facebook is Humans of New York: The Series. It is a raw and emotional look into the average people wondering around NYC. Some episodes are humorous and some heartbreaking.

Brandon Stanton developed this idea and over the past 7 years has molded it to fit with the ever changing cultural and politically climates.

In one episode, we see a couple of men in their mid-20s dancing on the subway to earn their living. They brag about their freedom. In another scene, we see young girls checking experiences off their bucket list. From movie marathons to making a meal for a homeless person, we feel their spirit. We see a man who is unhappy with this company and his position. He threatens that he may just go inside his office and quit because he can’t handle the little control he has. Lastly, we see a man tell a story of addiction and the hold it has on him. We see his pain explaining that he doesn’t want to disappoint his mother.

Some of these clips are too difficult to watch and on the opposite end of the spectrum some are just enough to brighten your day. They are filled with wisdom and a sense of understanding above all. Whether you are watching a wacky tangent or a thoughtful response, each clip teaches you something and at the very least puts a smile on your face.

Nothing says spontaneous like waking up on a Saturday morning and driving 40 minutes to Old Man’s Cave in Hocking Hills. This past Saturday as a couple of my friends and I tapped into the outdoors side of ourselves we hiked trail upon trail, frequently taking breaks to admire the beauty of the area. It truly was an eye-opening experience to see something so magnificent and so close to the Ohio University campus. Although this gem isn’t hidden and there were many people there to get their own dose of nature, it still felt exclusive to us.

In the age of technology, it’s hard to stray away from screens and take the time to get out into nature. I know I’m often guilty of that myself. But it is truly rewarding to step into an unknown landscape and explore what they have to offer. Even if it means sacrificing a lazy Saturday glued to Netflix.

My favorite part of the experience happened to be the waterfalls. It’s no Niagara Falls, but honestly how often do you get the chance to see waterfalls? I recommend you take some time to check out what the park has to offer. This was my first experience at Old Man’s Cave and it’s safe to say that I’d return for more of that fresh air and open scenery.

The art of the short story has always been one of my favorites. Compacting such thoughtful information and creativity into a shorter narrative is a craft that many have trouble achieving. But the ones who are successful at taking such few words and striking gold are few and far between.

Concise and tight writing is the reason I became a journalism major. Many nights as an English major were spent staring at word documents trying to figure out how I could possibly reach my word count. Using long-winded explanations was a specialty of mine. Now in my journalistic writing the fewer words the better and that’s something worth appreciating.

If “brevity is the soul of wit,” as Shakespeare wrote than the process behind short stories and news writing go hand in hand. Maybe that’s why I have such an appreciation for both.

Usually with my posts I like to send my readers off in some direction to explore what my weekly blabbering is all about. I hate to disappoint so this week will be just like the rest.

Currently, my favorite selection of short stories was just released in novel form in mid-October. Tom Hanks has written 17 short stories and placed them in his new book, “Uncommon Type.” One story at a time, Hanks’s clever writing in combination with his witty humor make for 17 stories worth taking the time to read. Whether it is the history of WWII veterans catching up one night a year or the story of a young boy whose bond with his father fades before his eyes. Either way you’re sure to be stuck in the small worlds that Hanks so magically creates.

Another interesting aspect, and a bit of trivia if you weren’t already aware is that Hanks collects typewriters. (Subtle coughs at the title of the book). He is said to have nearly a hundred styles ranging from all different years with functions that only a collector could know and love. Each one of his short stories in this collection has a typewriter that’s style lends a hand to the story being shared. It encompasses what Hanks perceives his typewriter’s personalities are and how they connect to the story as a whole. In some stories, he even blatantly mentions a typewriter and includes it into the piece as a recurring theme.

Maybe it’s just me, but this is such a creative way to shape a novel and it’s the reason I came to buy the book in the first place. Personally, I own a Royal typewriter from the late 60s-early 70s and I couldn’t wait to see my same version of typewriter used in the book. A little nerdy? Absolutely. But hey do yourself a favor and check out Hanks’s “Uncommon Type,” for a collection of my favorite short stories. Plus, Hanks is the template for the American dad and we should all appreciate. If you don’t believe me than take a peek at the photo below. Happy reading!

I’m sure many of us have reached the point in the fall season where we look into our closets and are highly disappointed with the results. As the fall season rings in and our clothing from the previous year has gone out of style, no longer fits or has some considerable wear and tear, we begin the hunt for new items.

I know I have started to sift through pages of clothing on websites for my closet, probably going way overboard per usual. There are some definite winners in my shopping cart as well as being shipped to my house as I type this blog.

My favorite place to shop is H&M as some of my previous blogs may have revealed. So, I have attached some inspiration for fall and winter clothing items you can pick up that happen to be my favorite too.

TOPS

These tops speak for themselves. Dress them up or down, either way they’re sure to be comfortable no matter the scene.

BOTTOMS

All three of these pants work for different occasions. The jeans are perfect for the season because of their limited holes attaining the holey jean style even in the coldest of months. The leggings are thick and with their subtle pattern, they can be dressed up or down. The wide-cut pants on the far right are perfect for any day at work.

JACKETS+COATS

I love both of these jackets so much because they can fluctuate between professional and casual so easily. Paired with a button down and slacks, these jackets become the ultimate work essentials. Make them casual with a loose V-neck/t-shirt and jeans to attain the casual, yet so put together look.

SHOES

OK, I know what you’re thinking. I have an unhealthy love affair with booties, heeled or flat. You’re absolutely right. Whether it is the heeled style with the comfiest way to wear a pair of heels. Or the flat bootie for effortless style. All three are suede and all three are definitely on my wish list this season!

ACCESSORIES

Some simple hats can go a long way! Dress up your outfit with the classic black, felt hat to the right. Or take the casual route with the soft-pink hat to the left.

Although, my blog is written for the average college student, my posts are typically not limited to that audience. However, a fair warning to the reader that the following post is dedicated to all those college students who’ve realized the holidays are just around the corner.

As we take on living in our homes away from home, many new skills must be acquired. For me, it was learning to efficiently clean my house, cook all of my mom’s recipes and of course, properly budget my money. After two years of spending most of my time in Athens, Ohio, stuck in a dorm room and now coming into my first year of living in a house, I’ve crossed paths with the ultimate task: decorating for the holidays.

I know for me realizing that it is almost Halloween and I’ve yet to think about putting a pumpkin outside my front door makes me a bit homesick. I’m a sucker for nostalgia. Back home, both of my parents by now have set up their decorations, and flaunting them loud and proud. I mean that’s what really rings in the season right?  Now as I look around my very plain, only slightly decorated living room it makes me miss walking into a bright and frankly, obnoxiously decorated house.

Many of us are reaching that point in the semester when deadlines start to add up and time becomes limited it is important to remember that college shouldn’t keep us from celebrating the holidays. Decorating your house is an easy way to get in the mindset of the holiday season. Whether it’s carved pumpkins around Halloween, or some twinkling lights around Christmas, even minimal decorations can make a maximum difference.

So, take some spare time and save a bit of cash to make your home away from home actually feel like yours. Even a little goes a long way, and who doesn’t want some holiday motivation to get through some of those daunting classes.

Here’s some inspiration for October through December.

October

November

December

(Source of Photo: http://www.canyon-news.com/tom-petty-heartbreakers-critical-condition/72643 )

Long-time singer and songwriter, Tom Petty, tragically passed away last week. Although he is no longer with us, his legacy will live on. The genius behind some of music’s greatest hits like “Free Fallin’” and “Wildflowers” has left a permanent stamp on music history. To honor his significant role as a musician, Billboard released a list of Petty’s Top 20 Billboard Hot 100 Hits. So I thought I’d follow in their footsteps to create a list of my top 10 favorite songs from both Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers as well as several of his solo tracks.

1. Free Fallin’ | Tom Petty
2. Wildflowers | Tom Petty
3. Mary Jane’s Last Dance | Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
4. I Won’t Back Down | Tom Petty
5. Runnin’ Down a Dream | Tom Petty
6. You Don’t Know How It Feels | Tom Petty
7. Learning to Fly | Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
8. American Girl | Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
9. You Wreck Me | Tom Petty
10. Don’t Do Me Like That | Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

If you haven’t heard these songs or any of Petty’s music, I highly suggest taking some time out of your day to honor a great music legend. It was obvious how much of Petty’s spirit went into his music; he loved his craft and perfected it for his fans. Time Magazine reports, Petty just ended his 40^th anniversary tour shortly before his death and as he closed out his final show, he had one thing to say before exiting the stage for the last time. “I wanna thank you for 40 years of a really great time,” he said. “God bless you! Goodnight!”

(Source of Photo: http://www.kshe95.com/news/real-rock-news/tom-pettys-last-interview-published )