Friendsgiving

Photo by: Rory M.

Photo by: Rory M. 

Photo by: Rory M.

Photo by: Rory M.

These are shots from a Thanksgiving dinner I had with some friends just before going home for Thanksgiving Break. I so thankful for all of my friends at college, but I'm especially thankful that I've been able to add to that number this year!

Rory

Some Quiet Time on the Esplanade

Photo by: Rory M.

These are some shots taken the day before Hurricane Sandy hit. I'm glad I got out to take photos because, although much of Boston was spared the devastation, the leaves are all wet, and most blew off the trees. So here are some weekend snapshots of Boston in the fall!

Photo by: Rory M. 

Photo by: Rory M.

Photo by: Rory M.

Photo by: Rory M.

Babysitters of the Month

Photo by: Rory M.

Photo by: Rory M.

"See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands;
your walls are ever before me."
-Isaiah 49:16

When the Circus Comes to Town

Photo by: Rory M.

This past weekend was Family Weekend at my school. Even though my family is local, I do get nostalgic when I see students showing their parents around campus. Fortunately for me, my brother and sister were also in town! Here are some of my favorite snapshots of our picnic in the Boston Common on Saturday morning. 

Photo by: Rory M.

Photo by: Rory M.

Photo by: Rory M.

Photo by: Rory M.

Photo by: Rory M.

I'm so lucky to be a part of such a big, goofy, lovey-dovey family. Everyday I feel so blessed to have grown up around the six best people I know!

Love you guys.

Rory 

A Very Special Project

Photo by: Rory M. 

Photo by: Rory M.

Recently, one of my best friends asked me to take some head shots for an open casting call we planned to attend together. The call was for print models in one of our school's many fashion and lifestyle magazines. This particular publication produces high-quality photos and articles, so it was a little stressful trying to get the best shots that would stand out to their casting directors. 

Shortly after taking the photos, I last-minute dropped out of the call because I remembered I had class that night. I was nervous that my friend (who can be a little shy) would drop out since I wasn't going to follow through on my end of the deal. I was so excited when he attended without me, breaking out of his comfort zone to do something that stretched him personally.

I have found that this year I've been trying to do what my friend did. I've been taking opportunities to explore my abilities and share them with others. For instance, this year I auditioned for two acapella groups for the first time and even auditioned for an on-air position for a news organization at my school.

Photo by: Rory M.  

As scary as these things are, they've helped me to understand that my value isn't in my performance. For the record, I didn't get any of the positions I auditioned for. And that's okay. 

Even starting this blog was a stretch. The truth is, it's not about proving my worth to other people. It's about taking opportunities for growth by submitting myself to scrutiny. 

Photo by: Rory M.

Also, is it so bad to say that I'm proud of my accomplishments? Because I am. 

Rory 

Java Joy

Photo by: Rory M.

I absolutely love flowers, and consider them the most romantic gift. That said, I like to keep them alive and looking fresh for as long as possible, and I think I've stumbled on the secret: coffee.

Coffee does wonders for sleepy Rory in an 8AM class, but flowers? When I brought these babies home, I realized that I had no vase to keep them in. So, I trimmed the stems and filled up one of my old coffee travel mugs with water, and placed them inside. As I prepared the mug, I noticed that there was old coffee residue near the bottom, and wondered what effect (if any) it would have on the flowers.

The result? The most vibrant, healthy, and firm flowers I've ever cared for. So, next time someone gives you flowers, give those babies some caffeine and watch them do as Rory does during 8AM classes- come alive!

Rory

Just Rockin' Out

Photo by: Rory M. 

Photo by: Rory M. 

Chair Sessions

Photo by: Rory M. 

Photo by: Rory M. 

Photo by: Rory M. 

So You Had a Bad Day

Photo by: Rory M.

It's been a bad morning, I thought to myself as I entered the building I work in. No sooner had I thought it when all of my other mental functions came to a screeching halt, as if to say, "What what what are you doing?" (Yes, my brain activity is narrated by Brian Gallivan.)

All morning, I had been mentally compiling a list of all of the "bad things" that contributed to my "bad morning". Here's the list:

• The one day I remember to charge my iPod, I drop it on cement and cannot revive it. 
• The train is 40 minutes late. 
• My eyeliner is uneven (and it's driving me crazy). 
• I am forced to change trains due to engine failure. 
• I arrive an hour late to work. 
• The eyeliner is beyond the point of no return. Smudge, smudge, smudge, smudge...

It's so easy to take all of these truly horrible events and resign to today being an awful day, but then I thought, How egocentric is that? Today didn't just decide to hate on me. I woke up truly excited for it. Then, I started listing all the great things about today:

• My boyfriend planned a surprise date for us.
• I'm wearing a new dress that only cost me ten dollars. 
• I created a new hairstyle that I'm in love with. 
• Um, hello? It's Friday. 
• And lastly, I'm alive, healthy, employed, and I have so much in my life that is a luxury in many parts of the world.

This isn't a "First World Problems" rant, but a little perspective helped me to adjust my attitude. The "poor me attitude" wasn't going to affect just me; it was going to affect my coworkers, my friends, my boyfriend, and my family. I figured that the things that contributed to my bad morning were not so bad that my loved ones needed to suffer with me.

I guess the point of this is to remind you that sometimes a lot of little bad things happen in the same day. That doesn't make it a bad day. The moment you brand it "a bad day", it seems like everything falls into place to make it a self-fulfilling prophecy. Don't do it. Be proactive. And have a good day.

Rory

Sister Art

Photo and Art by: Tessa M.

Isn't my sister a wonderful artist?

I'm probably just an overly-proud big sister, but what I love about Tessa's artwork is that each sketch is so Tessa. Even if it is a common concept, she develops it in a way that is uniquely her. I think that's what makes any form of creative expression so appealing. Whether it be still life, song covers, or interior design, people's art reflects who they are in subtle ways.

This drawing hangs on my wall while I'm at school. It reminds me, not only of my sister, but of the concept of love being stronger. I can't think of anything better to wake up to.

Rory

Promenade

Photo by: Rory M.

pro-me-nade: to display or exhibit (someone or oneself)

Photo by: Rory M.

Although I was dying for a more personal outlet in the blogosphere, I still had this nagging feeling that I was an unnecessary, and even unwanted, addition. This is a tough feeling to combat, but it's one I think every blogger feels. After all, aren't we supposed to be meek and humble? And isn't publishing your thoughts and accomplishments the opposite of that? Some would argue that it is. However, that same logic can be applied to some of the most inspiring musicians, writers, artists, scientists, and cultural contributors that have ever lived. I don't consider myself a great cultural contributor, not by any means, but what these people have in common that they didn't let the fear of scrutiny hold them back from what they wanted to do. When I'm being truly honest, I know that that's the real fear. Even if my mom is the only one to read this, at least that's one fear I can knock off my list.

Thanks for reading, Mom. 

Rory

Music of the Night

Photo by: Rory M.

I love crossing creative mediums. The other night, my sister was feeling inspired by the music of the Phantom of the Opera. The result? A Phantom of the Opera-inspired photoshoot! Enjoy :)

Photo by: Rory M.

Photo by: Rory M.

Photo by: Rory M.

Welcome to the Corner.

Photo by: Fan Z.

My name is Rory, and this is my creative corner.

I am a twenty-something journalism student from Boston, MA. I am co-founder of Eye of the Beholder, a beauty blog with an emphasis on inspiring others through the many faces of beauty. Beauty blogging has been a fun and rewarding experience, and it has made me greedy for more outlets to share my passions.

Thanks for visiting, and I hope you find something wonderful.

Rory