The quote a good book is a true friend comes to mind with this question. In my favorite comic strip “Mafalda” by Quino, this quote is brought to action. When Miguelito is in need of a friend, he goes to Mafalda and asks her how he can find one, to which she answers a good book is always a good friend. Miguelito then goes home pulls out two chairs, positions the book in one, sits himself in the other, and starts asking the book questions he would ask any friend. This was always one of my favorite episodes from the series.

This question can be answered in two ways. 

Those people who don’t like to read, might not consider a book as being their good friend, because they have no interest in discovering the stories told within. The only time I can think of them seeing a book as a good friend is if the book has any sentimental value to them. 

To those people who like to read, a book might be considered a good friend. To me personally, it’s not so much that a book is a good friend but that I might relate to the characters and to the stories being told. Whenever I like a book I find myself immersed in that specific universe, unaware of what might be happening around me. You become like an accomplice, a confidante of some kind always in “the in” of what’s happening and looking out for your peeps. I might catch myself: laughing at times (pretty awkward when reading in public spaces) feeling a lump in my throat or simply smiling when I agree with the outcome. I might sometimes even find the inspiration needed to complete a certain task. 

So answering this question… I have to say that my shelves are filled with treasured friends and memories. 

                                                                                                                 - M

Credit: Question from “Consider This - Questions That Make You Think” by Barbara Ann Kipfer/ Image Credit: centrocovarrubias.com 

(Photo Credit: The New Yorker Cover - September 12, 2011)

I found this post, absolutely loved it and wanted to share with all of you. We all went through this phase, are still stuck in it or will be entering soon. Hope you enjoy!!!

lhuddles:

College/Graduate professors,

Why do you assign 300 pages of reading for me to do and then in class we just talk about random stuff for three hours? Am I supposed to just do the reading and then love the conversation because you love having a conversation? I know I’m supposed to include references to the readings in my papers…but really, could we just mention them in class? Maybe give a nod to the fact that they exist and I spent hours preparing the night before?

This wasn’t as annoying when I was an undergrad. Now that I have taken out loans for these classes, I want them to benefit me. Is that too much to ask? Next year when I can’t buy a new car (mine is past its prime), I’m going to be paying for classes of…conversations. Cool.*

Sincerely,

Frustrated Grad Student

*Not.

(Full article found in:  http://lhuddles.tumblr.com/post/9942808446)

I see myself in every word. All nighters and classes just to chat. But I believe that in the end we have to learn to learn from every experience and add that to our portfolio. Whether it was just a moment, word or phrase said in class or found in your research, it will help you grow and become the professional you are meant to be. So dear college/grad student, embrace the conversations and enjoy the all nighters, cause you sure miss them when the yellow brick road comes to an end and reality checks in.

                                                                                                                  - M

Start clearing out those closets…

It’s time to see how our closets are going to look next season. Fashion Week starts today a 6 p.m. with Fashion’s Night Out. Check their website to see which stores near you will be participating, so you can get a head start on all the fabulous fashion for next season. 

FNO is the kickoff to New York Fashion Week, where we will be able to preview all the designs coming spring-summer 2012.

P.S. Don’t forget to check out FNO’s official collection!!!

                                                                                                                  - M 

(Photo Credit:http://dguides.com/newyorkcity/blog/upcoming-events/fashions-night-out-nyc-september-8-2011/ )