4. a place

I found a place where all the odds come as normal. Where even amid spring, the cold refuses to leave. I found a place where everything moves slow but everything is ahead. Where my morning starts with fresh air and a coffee down the alley.

I found a place where my heart is content. Where I feel invincible but noticed. Where infatuation comes in the form of a tall, young man. I found a place where a friend become a sister, and a brother becomes a friend.

I found a place where i sit in the middle of a busy city that looks like one in those postcards. Where i hear talents speak with such freedom on the sidewalks. I found a place where my classroom isn’t a room with a teacher and a board but racks full of knowledge. Where my thoughts wander in every stop and my eyes sets in every sun that shy to shine.

I found a place where i realize i don't own my passions, but it owns me. Where paintings are all over the walls, and every alley is worth a bundle of film.

I found a place where my head stops looking for answers, where my heart settles every question. I found a place where everywhere i look i reckon familiarity, where nothing seems unusual.  I found a place where midnights never end, and mornings serve a fresh hope.

I found a place that i can't call mine yet but my heart has landed its feet and my soul has placed its stone.

I found a place that no matter how many times i have to leave, every time i come back, it still feels like home.

3. what's in my work bag tag 2018

the last time i do this sort of tag was three years ago, so i think it's appropriate to make a new one! this time around, i want to show you what are the things that i always have in my work bag. i've been trying to minimise what i carry because i've suffered with a back and shoulder pain from carrying too heavy bags before (it's baaad!) so without further ado, here we go!


♥ make up pouch : there's not much inside really, you can find bb cream, powder, lipsies, an eyeliner and that's about it. (i made the pouch by my self btw!)

♥ wallet : this pink is really pretty <3 

♥ portable charger : i'm REALLY bad with charging my phone *grin* my phone is always about to die all the time. 

♥ car key/house keys : in love with my lemon keyring that i bought from H&M!

♥ note books and mini to do list board : note books during meetings are very important to put down ideas and plans. i'm also obsessed with writing lists! 

♥ reading glasses : i don't wear my glasses as often as i should. i mostly wear it when i drive at night or when i watch movies in the cinema!

♥ p.o.s card : if you're wondering what it is, it's an access card to the computer system at the restaurant where i work :)

♥ books : currently reading Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek. 

♥ journal : this sweet little journal help me to keep on track on what my schedules look like, and i also write down all my weekly/monthly plans and to do lists for my work and my art here!

♥ mints : you want to keep it fresh all day!

♥ memory cards + the camera (not in the frame) 

♥ water 

♥ sunnies : this is my fav one yet from owndays

♥ Iphone 8 and Ipad pro : when i'm outside the studio, i use my Ipad to work on my art.  also, i don't like carrying my old macbook because it's way too heavy!

aaaanndd we're done! i hope you enjoy this, see you in the next tag post! x

1.a little life update #27 & restart

a.) went to the zoo and fed a red panda. my life is complete <3 b.) two priorities. art supplies + grocery shopping! c.) back to the gym, the thing i enjoy the most! d.) photoshoot day!  e.) had a feast with my staffs before the fasting season. f.) what's in the shopping cart! g.) poffertjes in cold weather is just perfect! h.) the starbucks basics.

life lately #26

Here's a little update because you i believe i owe you one :)

(one; things i'm lovin')

little talks

university of melbourne summer '17

Strolling Through Camberwell Market

i enjoy going to the flea market where you can find unique and vintage stuff. there's something about seeing antiques that give me this feeling like i'm in old movies or as if i got transported back to my grandma's era. here in Camberwell, you can find secondhand clothing (some are branded and hella cheap), vintage accessories,  handmade DIY, unique used housewares and i even found a 1960s typewriter which i was so tempted to buy ( but i didn't :( )

here are few random snaps that i took when i came here a while back with ma girl taiyo;

old pictures of people, creepy or cool?

this 1950's blue earrings stole my heart within five seconds, the best $8 i spent that day. 

i kid you not, the guy on the right was busking with no pants on.

and it was like 50°F (10°C) outside that day. 

if you love collecting old goodies, you should definitely come and check it out.
open only on sunday 6.30 am - 12 pm so move your lazy ass and find yourself a little treasure hehe ;)

market pi, camberwell vic 3124, Australia

monday morning routine (VSCO EDIT) / studio day 2017

"do what you love, and you'll never a problem with monday" 

i usually start my monday earlier than any other day because i need to plan my whole week ahead. showering is not always necessary (most of the time, i shower when i'm about to go out and at night before i go to bed) but dental hygiene and skincare routine are very important to me. i like to sit by the window and sip my coffee whilst checking my emails/socmed and pinning down the weekly to-do-list before heading off to the studio and start working. my go-to breakfast normally are fruits or smoothies because they're quick and easy to make (oh and also healthy!) i work better with sound in the background, so I'm always playing some music, movie or podcast while working in the studio. for lunch break, it's either i cook, order takeaways, or eat out with my friends! 

how is your monday looks like? :) x 

Recent Shower Essentials

showering is one of the most important things to do to maintain our hygiene. i usually shower at night because i love to stripe off all the dirt on my body before I end my day. today I'll share with you all the products that i use when i hit the shower (aka my own private singing show haha) sorry neighbors! ;)

in the shower :
ecostore manuka honey and kale soap - every day
organic care dry nourish shampoo - twice a week
soap & glory scrub of your life - twice a week
schick razor - twice a week

after shower :
colgate toothpaste - every day am/pm
l'oreal extraordinary hair oil - every day
organic extra virgin coconut oil/soap & glory body butter - everyday after shower
body crystal botanica deodorant - once in a while
face skincare; soap, serum, moisturizer by luminesce - every day am/pm (will do a skincare-routine post next time!)
essano rosehip vegan eye cream - every day am/pm
* once in a while, i use different products that aren't mentioned here. i will share it with you shortly!

during shower :
white barn french lavender-scented candle by bath and bodyworks & Spotify playlist i looooove candles, it is so relaxing! and of course, some music to set up the mood (and sing along to!)

have you ever tried any of the products above?  share with me what is your recent shower essential! x

asian food affair part 1

i have the privilege of growing up with a dad who was an amazing chef and that naturally makes me very familiar with the food. i am not picky but somehow i always have my own judgment and expectation of whatever food that i eat. not trying to be biased here but Asian food somehow still ranks on the top of my list simply because there is so much variety! i mean... don't we all love choices? :) 

pict 01. tom yum - thai 

if you are looking for a rich tasty dish, i will recommend this phenomenal soup straight away! you can taste the savory, spicy, sweet, and sour sensations the very moment it lands on your tongue. after trying it in so many places, i came to the conclusion that every restaurant has its own version of tom yum soup. for me, the traditional one is still my favorite! 

(around city area: jinda, thai culinary and many others- melbourne)

pict 02. pho - vietnam

pho is so delicious and *good news* healthy! i could have pho literally every single day (which was exactly what I did at the beginning of this year). have enjoyed pho with a plate of spring roll for the side dish and a cup of vietnamese coffee for a complete experience!

(around city area: vietnam noodle house, pho24 and many others - melbourne)

pict 03. jap chae - korean

i know that korean bbq is somehow more famous but this dish definitely deserves a lot more recognition! if you are wondering what jap chae is, it's basically sweet potato noodles cooked with a mix of vegetables such as spinach, onion, carrots, mushroom, and sometimes served with a sprinkle of beef. it is stir-fried with sesame oil, flavored with soy sauce and sweetened with sugar (thank you wikipedia! haha). i've recommended it by word of mouth to many of my friends and so far, none of them expressed any disappointment! ;) 

(around city area: big mama and many others - melbourne)

have you ever tried any of these foods? tell me what you think! x

came back from NECESSARY HIATUS - summer in march , welcome aboard!

back with a new name, happier mind, healthier soul, and ready to be consistent! for starter, here, gorgeous sunset shot that i took in brighton beach with canon g7 mark ii a few weeks ago. wishing everyone a great month ahead! march is my month, although it only means facing another birthday (i mean who really wants to get old? definitely not me.) hopefully aging will be something i can embrace and enjoy instead of fear. 

anyways, have an enjoyable weekend! be good and stay happy!

Update update update - Life Lately #24

<one> currently living in melbourne, australia. loving everything here apart from the bipolar weather! i live my life one day at a time here. it's so good to be away from my hectic and stressful hometown. so happy to spend time with my special ones and re-charge my creative spirit. i feel so radically blessed and highly favored :)

and even if I'm more of a tea person, but i drink coffees, because it's melbourne, darling! (crappy snapchat photos. follow if you want; marisa.wij)

<two> the first two weeks i was crashing at my brother and his roommate's flat. after a week of endless inspections, i finally found this two bedrooms flat with city view and beautiful minimalist design which I'm gratefully called home for the rest of my stay here. just look at this black, white and grey vibe, so comfy!

<three> strolling around the city. long talks, long walk, good legs exercise. crystal clear sky above me, the sun is quite friendly, wind can be unkind to my bones sometimes, but... not complaining! I'm at peace :)

outfit :  ts bershka // jacket zara // jeans zara // bag target 

<four> and healthy living continues. i loveee australia! they have a lot of healthy food options (the salads-no kidding- are the best!) and it's also sooooo easy to find organic ingredients here! 

<five> and if you're wondering what i have been doing besides strolling around, eating good foods and drinking decent coffees/teas. most of the time, I'm caving in doing my thing. 

the picture below: taking over the whole dining table aka my working space making this piece, the final result on my instagram marisawij

<six>  on personal thoughts: while I'm applauding myself for being vulnerable and open when it comes to a relationship, whether to friends or a lover, i don't like appearing weak. but lately, i see vulnerability through a new light. i fully learned that vulnerability is not an attribute for the weak, it is an attribute for the strong.  the weak will always be too afraid to open up, they are too afraid of rejection, fear that no one's gonna love them for who they are in both bad & good times. but i believe that vulnerability is the only way for people to love us wholly and fully. i have to agree with brene brown when she said: "vulnerability is our most accurate measurement of courage, and vulnerability is what makes you beautiful."

i know that being vulnerable can be scary sometimes, but it is the only bridge to build connections. 

 update again soon,  until then, ya'll stay positive and happy! :) x 

on personal note - Life Lately #23

I've been away for half and a year now and i am dismayed by how sloppy I have been with this blog. life is an unpredictable round of wheels, sometimes i can't keep up. my personal counselor suggested me to go back and write because it's a way to release my emotions, so here i am typing and trying. and updating.

we have gone through a hundred and sixty-six days - two thousand of sixteen.

i often felt like nothing is significant. uncertainty is so haunting. if there is a living globe, i can't really pinpoint where i am right now because it keeps on spinning and spinning and spinning. i felt dizzy. i learned to be patient, and be still.

i manage to start eating cleaner, healthier foods. more plant-based, less meaty. fruits are my everyday munch. and also, slowly enforce my feet to walk-jog-run 5k. be familiar again with lunges, dips, squats, and their friends.  getting used to feeling sore after working out, barely walk down the stairs or stretch my hands to tie my hair. bought new workout gear.

my very first bazaar. a month of lack of sleep, countless visits to a print shop, balloons of emotions from excitement to pessimism to tranquility. all went well by grace, favors, and miracles.

i learned in a bigger, wider perspective of how to be a good friend. to love with the love of God despite the differences in principles and values. to love beyond the immensity of the sea.

i am upset that i let my self did the wrongdoings, spent time on my bed hugging my boaster alone. i saw intimacy dissolves before my very eyes and heart. i drank a lot and lots of water and obsessed with stripes t's.

i loved someone wholeheartedly and failed beautifully. 

trying to understand where am i going with my creative soul. thankful for every commissions and project. sailing this journey with faith, keep reminding my heart that adventure is not an adventure if we knew everything in advance.

all in all, these past half a year left me to believe what anatole france once said, "in art as in love, instinct is enough."

also trying to live out the corinthians;
"for our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. so we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." 2 corinthians 4:17

for the rest of the year, i think i can handle it just fine :>

until i write again. x