Annecy part 2
One of the best parts about visiting Annecy was just wandering the old streets. Every day we would walk along the canal on our way to screenings. It felt as if life was more tangible, when you’re not separated from the world by a car or vehicle of some sort. With such old buildings you could feel the history of the place, even in more updated areas. In comparison, even some of the oldest building in America feel young.
There wasn’t a whole ton of vegan options but I made due. I brought a jar of peanut butter and a few other snacks to get me through. There were quite a few cheeseless pizzas and I had some delicious white beans in tomato sauce from a Greek spot. A special shout out to Luce who tipped me off to a cafe with a tofu dish.
My favorite thing about the festival was the enthusiasm from all the students and animation fans attending. The audience would sing along to the trailer before every screening and throw paper airplanes. The outdoor screenings were packed and overall people were just super excited.
Lake Annecy
I traveled with my mother to Annecy, France for the Annecy International Animation Film Festival. In between seeing films, we spent a little bit of time on the beautiful lake Annecy. Though we never had the chance to go in the water, we did take a boat tour around the massive lake. The shoreline is dotted with ancient hotels and villas surrounded by the soaring French Alps. I would love to just hole up in a little house there and spend days by the water reading or bike riding around the entire lake. It really was the quintessential summer vacation place with its relaxed atmosphere and requisite sudden rainstorms. I’m sure the the stillness of it all has contributed to my overall feeling of calmness.
summer solstice
I’m a worrier by nature, dwelling on all the things that must be taken care of and possible bad outcomes. I try to be prepared, but seemingly only in the short term, because life’s variables seem to make long term planning impossible. So many what ifs. I am also more of a list person than a goal person.
I went on an unexpected vacation (photos to come!) and for the past week, even though I’m back to real life, I’ve been feeling surprisingly care free. I found myself paying bills with a sort of glee. Life just rolls forward and I don’t have to keep track of every detail. Things will work themselves out somehow.
In part it seems that this is because summer is about to be here, yet we’ve not yet reached the fire starting temperatures that make me so irritable. Visions of camping trips, movie watching and creative projects fill my thoughts.
Maybe I’m still asleep. Normality will surely set in soon but it’s nice to record these weightless moments when everything feels good even as just a reminder for when they don’t.
sharing is caring
There’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you. Really.
First, the disclaimer: I don’t often share services or products on this site. This is my space. I don’t offer advertising. I’m making an exception, for some services that have improved my life and that have missions I can get behind. Plus I have discount codes for you (for which I receive a discount as well, just so we’re clear).
1. Farm Fresh to You. I signed up for this CSA box about a year ago. I’m terrible at shopping for vegetables and I almost never buy fruit, so I jumped at the chance to have them delivered to our home. It’s all organic, seasonal and locally grown, and really reasonably priced. We get a box every couple of weeks and every time I open it I feel like I’m doing myself a giant favor. It leads to more creative recipes and obviously healthier eating. Essentially, good habits in a box. Plus my dollars help fund more local, organic farms which is the best way to fight the evils of Monsanto if you ask me.
You want $10 off? Use the code 6164 on your first order.
2. Codagogy. I’ve been blogging for years now and through everyday use I’ve picked up some basic html and the like but have never been instructed in anything. When I found out about Codagogy I got super excited about taking one of their classes because I felt like I could finally solve some coding mysteries. Codagogy is created by Web Start Women which aims to help women learn programming skills. So obviously they’re awesome. I took the CSS basics class and was really challenged by it in the best of ways. The class was well designed and I didn’t feel cheated because I was learning online (actually for me this was a perk). I can’t wait to take the next class.
If you’d like to try one of their classes, get $17 off by clicking here.
autour du lac
Carl et les hommes-boĆ®tes – Autour du lac from Carl Roosens on Vimeo.
I went on a boat ride today, which was lovely (and surprising because I’m mildly terrified of boats). The whole time I had the song that accompanies this video stuck in my head. I think it’s a fun animation and it reminds me a little of Don’t Hug Me I’m Scared in it’s tone. Hope you enjoy it.
Looking forward to catching up with the Los Angeles Film Festival in the next few days.