A PAINTING ABOUT A CAFE.

I've been writing a lot lately but none of them was published. I've been every where, to a cafe, a restaurant or a theatre, write anything that comes on my mind. The truth is, all I ever want is to be. Not to succeed. Success is a product of the society we're living in. An illusion created by those who rule the world, like a bait and we're the fishes. I used to say I wanted to live in a house like this, wake up like that, do things like ta ta ta, then do things like da da da. But now I've changed. I'm trembled knowing how practical I used to be. And assured to realize how much I've learned to stop being so practical.

1. I only like a few of Yohji Yamamoto's designs, the minimal ones. His philosophy is good, but the messiness of his clothes doesn't exist in my world, hence, neither do I in his.

2. Fashion designer sounds too flashy and mushy. I don't like to label oneself. I'll be proud to make clothes as skillfully as a tailor.

3. I hate mediocrity.

4. I believe in words. I think kids who read, love animals and have dreams are the luckiest ones.

5. As much as I love to write, I find it hard to take writing as a job. I write because I want to. But fashion is different. I can't get myself out of it, like a debt from the past and this present life is my turn to pay.

6. I'm lazy. Very lazy. I create good things thanks to it. 

"Good artists copy. Great artists steal."

My lucky number is not 6, however, I'll call it a night, finish my painting and see you later. I apologize for not taking many photos of myself but honestly, I'm not sorry. This is not a fashion blog and I don't give people name tags of what I wear. You know me, it's easy, I wear clothes of people whom I work for. Good night.

RAMEN NIGHT AKA JAMIE BOUTIQUE

It's me.

Moto-san Uber has become my midnight-snack stop since the very first bowl of ramen I had. The flavor is shown both through the ingredients and the decoration, which give me a sense of what the owner is like. Last night was the start of monsoon. It was cold enough to chill and walk the streets with ease. My friend and I were enjoying our Shio and Miso while listening to French music, questioning about the Moroccan sign in front of us and staring at the Vietnamese perfume rings above our heads. 

I suppose the owner is fond of Moroccan culture, which is another reason why I like Moto-san. After reading "The Alchemist", Morocco became my bucket-list place to visit. I also have a thing for the Egyptian, Arabian vibe. "One Thousand and One Nights" caused me a lot of troubles for reading it during my nap time at school. The teacher kept taking my book away and said she'd only return it to me once I finally slept. Faking it wasn't hard at all. I ended up being addicted to mysterious stories and got into witch crafts. It wasn't related to the book. But things in blur fascinate me.

Anyway, I put all the photos from last night in one post. This one. If you're around The Opera House, check out this place, 4 Ly Dao Thanh street. You may see me here at night after having Earl Grey, feel free to say hi because I may give you some more addresses for your favorite dishes. Enjoy! 

This is my friend. She's an artist.

I took this photo the other time I had Shio. It went from Miso, Shoyu to Shio. The lightest to the saltiest. 

Wrapping cake made of steamed wheat flour. 

Um. Random shot. I have a thing for yellow.

It's a small food stall but more comfortable than many ones I've been to.

Moroccan sign. Something about labor I think.

The perfume rings. There were several of them.

I'm hungry, just looking at it.

I tried changing the filter to black and white and it was still beautiful.

Located in one of the most prosperous streets in Hanoi.

Here's the address.

Running into this place gave me a same-name situation. Fun!

Headless man. The window display of a tailoring boutique.

This chilly season encourages people to smoke.

FIRST POST AFTER THE 20TH BIRTHDAY

What I wrote on the first day of October:

Hand-writing cards has been tragically forgotten in this time. Modernization calls it the innovation of convenience. Emails, messages and live calls save time and money, yet less emotion and effort. "Happy birthday" wishes are sent through cables but feelings. It's been hard to compliment someone for their memory since the appearance of reminders.

I was surprised to receive birthday wishes from people involved in fashion quicker than from my friends. Some of them didn't even say anything. I get them. Weirdos with beautiful souls.

Anyway, I'm burying my head into application. Thinking of my future cheers me up. Sometimes I ask myself where all of this energy comes from. The drive for fashion and writing. Older people told me I have this motivation because I'm young. "Pardon me. Could you repeat it?" Age is the lamest excuse anyone could use to cover their laziness, unwillingness to learn and lack of hard work. I can't erase or paint their mindset brighter. Maybe I can listen and understand because I write, I must observe and see through things. At the same time, I have to create the ability to ignore their influence. If being heard comfort people, I'll keep doing it. But they are the only ones who can help themselves.

I'm facing fashion with a different attitude. Materials and techniques interest me. I no longer want to establish myself as an entrepreneur in fashion. I'll be happy to find a brain for the logical work and a mentor who guides me with a heart. No one is really their own boss. We can never have full control as long as we are trapped in an industry. So why don't we make it less painful by giving more love and less hatred?

There are plenty of questions I have for myself. The beginning of my 20 is a rocky road and I'm a curious driver. This unlicensed me wants to give strangers a lift and keep choosing the roads leading into the woods. What do I do now?

What I wrote this midnight:

I just came home from Tadioto, check 24B Tong Dan street if you're in Hanoi. I've always liked the atmosphere here. The color tone is reddish and friendly for any types of cameras. Drink and food are well selected and A for the service. There will be an endless crowd coming in and out of Tadioto, but you'll never notice any chaos. Only you and your own favorite bar. My usual drink is Earl Grey and a choice of tapas. Tonight, I switched it to chocolate truffles with the hope of romance. And it tasted minty. 

Good news. I made a new friend today. She's taught English, German and Italian for years, and she also loves music, piano in particular. I also shared the night with my dear friend who, to me, represented the definition of sincerity. Beautiful autumn night surrounded with happiness. I have many things to tell, yet not much, as I listened to the two of them the whole night and focused on the flavors of the truffles. Less sweet, more bittersweet, I think. 

It's been a long time since I last enjoyed midnight in breeze. I wish I could relive the poetic, romantic and calm moment I just had in these words, but as you already guess, feelings are left and locked inside. I went home by bicycle. The one with brown and beige leather. Something is still flowing in my veins. I'm feeling like well boiled tea. Pure, rich in flavor and light in scent. 

I'll go to bed with this heart-warming present and leave this song here for your preference. Don't be shy in front of good music. This was a suggestion from my friend, Quincy. The two photos of me above were taken by photographer Le Tuan Anh. The third one at Tadioto was taken by chi Yenism Giap. Good night.