#FaeriesFavorites: Marilyn Monroe Photos

Today is August 5, 2016, otherwise known as 54 years since Marilyn Monroe was found dead at her Brentwood home at the age of 36. Whatever may have been the cause of her death (because just like a lot of people, I have my theories about it, too), what matters is that she was a woman who was way ahead of her time, was a brilliant actress, and truly intelligent, albeit vulnerable, too—which are just some of the reasons why I became such a fan of hers.

Speaking of which, I wanted to do a little tribute for Marilyn, and so I decided to share some of my favorite photos of her with you guys. You can check them out below…

(c) Sam Shaw

That’s one of my favorite shots of her–ever. I love the whole Sam Shaw collection–he captured her in such a different light, and she had so much hope at this time, and it showed. If I wasn’t mistaken, this was taken at her home with Arthur Miller–same goes for the two succeeding ones.

(c) Sam Shaw

(c) Sam Shaw

(c) Getty Images

One of her early photoshoots as Norma Jeane

(c) Andre De Dienes, 1945

Gorgeous beauty! Vanity Fair even used photos from the same shoot on one of their covers / features once.

(c) Getty  Images

(c) Michael Ochs Archives

Marilyn apparently loved New York. A couple of biographers have noticed how “relaxed” she was while there, especially in Brooklyn, because she could shop like a normal human being, amongst others.

(c) Cecil Beaton

(c) Getty Images

That last one was from her days of shooting the ill-fated “The Misfits”. Kind of heartbreaking how she’s still trying to smile even though it’s one of the most trying times of her life, proving that there’s always that strength beneath the fragility.

Rest easy, Norma Jeane. Hope you’re having fun up there. xx

#FaeriesFavoriteMovies: 13 Going on 30

Hi, everyone! Decided to put up a new topic on the blog, and well, in this space, I’d just be talking about my favorite movies (aka an excuse to blog about Mark Ruffalo…I KID. Ok, only half-kidding lmao) and share my favorite quotes, scenes, songs, and everything else from them.

First up is one of my favorite movies of all time: 13 Going on 30

So this movie was released in 2004, if I’m not mistaken, and the first time I saw it was when I was such a troubled teen (eek) and since then, it has remained as one of my most beloved films.

Matty and Jenna looking so cute! (Trivia: Young Jenna was played by Christa B. Allen–aka Charlotte on “Revenge”)

So, it’s the story of Jenna Rink, this 13 year old awkward teen who wished to be 30 (THIRTY AND FLIRTY AND THRIVING!!!) and well, one day, she woke up and got her wish…but of course, there are consequences.

1. She could not remember anything about her life
2. She’s successful, but then she realized that she’s actually mean and messy and well, you know how we messed-up adults are
3. She’s no longer friends with her best friend, Matt–and her friends now are all phony😦

Love is a battlefield

So, one day, she looks for Matt–who’s now a grown-up Mark Ruffalo, and just tries to learn about her life more. She got everything she wanted–but then it just made her feel like nothing. And how many times have we felt that way in our lives, right?

She grows close to Matt again–and they share many great experiences together, even redesigning her magazine!

heheehehe

We have to remember what used to be good. If we don’t, we won’t be able to realize it–even if it hits us between the eyes.

Of course, there’s a catch: Matt is getting married *sobs* and Jenna is still such a mess–leading to my favorite song of all time, Billy Joel’s “Vienna”–watch/listen to it below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WH7o2xe4KP4

And then there’s this…

You probably already know what happened, but if you don’t…Well, let’s just say it’s not the most logical movie (LOL) but it’s just so good and heartwarming and perfect.

“You don’t always get the dream house. But sometimes, you get pretty close.”

Well, Jenna got her dream house, of course, but the thing about this movie is that it really just warms your heart–and reminds you to go, chase for your dreams–and make sure those are what’s actually in your heart.

And you know, sometimes, we fall down—down, down, down–but sooner or later, we’ll get up…and find our place in this world.

Soundtrack Favorites:

1. Billy Joel-Vienna
2. Liz Phair-Why Can’t I
3. Pat Benatar-Love is a Battlefield

That’s all for now! TTY soon! xx

Favorite Quotes from “A SECOND CHANCE”

If you know me, you’d know Bea and John Lloyd is one of my favorite Pinoy loveteams (and believe me, there are only a few lol) and ONE MORE CHANCE is one of my favorite movies of all time (actually even bought the novelization, but that’s another story…), so obviously, I watched A SECOND CHANCE (and dragged my boyfriend along).

This is actually the first Pinoy movie I’ve seen in the cinema in… 3 years? The last one I watched was another film of these two (The Mistress). I really wanted to see this film because it really has been too long since the first movie (2007), and of course, I’ve grown up, too (was a college sophomore then, and now I’m in my *gasp* late twenties). I really thought the film depicted the reality of relationships (especially when you’re married/have moved in together), so while I still like the first movie better, I appreciated this one for being realistic–and yeah, yeah, I did shed a few tears.

Anyway, let me share some of my favorite lines from the film with y’all:

“Why is it so easy for you to see the worst in me?”

“Why do you make it so hard for me to see the best in you?”

“I lost him. I lost the man you married. Can you honestly love a failure?”

Seriously, though…people really change in relationships; it cannot be helped.

“Your love story is what you make it.”

And my favorite:

“Maybe, it’s brave to ask ‘What if?’, but maybe, it’s braver to embrace ‘What is’.”

It’s true. Sometimes, we just fail to appreciate “what is”. And I am quite guilty of that. It’ll take time to really appreciate life for what it is–but you have to. Otherwise, you won’t be happy, even once.

This Week's Prompt: 50 Things about Me

Happy New Year, Darlings!
My first blog post for this year shall be dedicated to writing about 50 Things About Me (because recently, I had a project about Writing Prompts so, why not use some of them? :)) Okay...here we go...

50 Things About Me


1. My full first name is Cherubim Cassandra Paula.

2. I don't like using that name anymore because well, I believe that like Alaska Young, we have the choice to choose our own name lol seriously...too many bad memories, and Cherubim is a little too nice for who I am right now, so let's stick to Cass or Luna, instead. ;)

3. Luna happened because of Luna Lovegood! And, Alyeska is because of Alaska Young.

4. I haven't read too many books in the past couple of weeks because short attention span and anxiety problems.

5. But I just bought a book a while ago, the first for this year, so here's hoping that I'd get back to the habit of reading without my mind going elsewhere.

6. I've had anxiety problems since I was...hmmm...maybe 8 or 9 years old.

7. I once watched 123 movies in a year.

8. And this year, I vow to watch 1 movie each day or every other day again.

9. I have this weird habit of buying notepads and notebooks and organizers or any other writing items but I end up not filling up every page or not using them all the time. So, I'm technically a paper hoarder lol

10. I also buy cute pens just for the heck of it.

11. I can't write when I'm not using the computer. I am super lazy when it comes to "handwriting" already.

12. The most number of books I've read in a year alone is 168, which happened in 2013. (I cannot believe I cannot call 2013 "last year" anymore)

13. I'd watch any movie as long as Mark Ruffalo's in there.

14. My favorite movies of all time are: A Walk to Remember, The Virgin Suicides, 13 Going on 30, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Gia, Begin Again, Riding in Cars with Boys, Elvis and Anabelle, 500 Days of Summer, New Year's Eve, Girl Interrupted, Edward Scissorhands, Bee Movie, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, and Toy Story 2. (I know I'm still forgetting a lot...)

15. Which brings us to fact #15: I am seriously forgetful. That's why I cannot read something for a long time before working because I'd end up forgetting what I read and will just have to read it again.

16. I end up BAWLING when I watch movies or even short clips with sad animal tales in them. I cannot take it. When I watched Marley and Me, I ended up in a fetal position on my bed just crying about it for hours. >.< (I cried at the book, too.)

17. My favorite books of all time would have to be: My Sister's Keeper, Looking for Alaska, The Harry Potter Series, Love Rosie, There's No Place Like Here, If You Could See Me Now, Paper Towns, Veronika Decides to Die, Like the Flowing River, Eleven Minutes, The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe, Eleanor and Park, Fangirl, Dear John, and the Pretty Little Liars Series (and a whole lot of books that I'm probably forgetting at the moment)

18. As for local books, I love: Cover Story Girl by Chris Mariano, Table for Two by Marla Miniano, Fairy Tale Fail by Mina Esguerra, All's Fair in Blog and War by Chrissie Peria, Vince's Life by Vince Teves, and Janus Silang by Edgar Samar.

19. I haven't met a lot of authors because I suck at waking up early and falling in line but I've met Nicholas Sparks in 2011 (or was it 2010? Bea, help me out lol) and met my friend Bea at the same event; also, in December 2013, I met the ever awesome Chris Mariano with my boyfriend and it was one of those nights that I'll never forget. <3

2o. My favorite flowers are Sunflowers, and Red Roses.

21. I have an obsession with weddings. One time, I think this was back in 2010 and my Tumblr was filled up with wedding-related posts, someone asked if I was actually getting married lol.

22.I only got Instagram in August last year. Now, I am obsessed with it. 

23. I started reviewing books on this blog in 2013 and got free books, some freebies, and great experiences along the way. <3 *I'll try to blog more again this year because last year was uber busy*

24. I am also obsessed with Gossip Girl.

25. Also, I love the Kardashians. Especially Khloe, and Kendall, and Scott! #notevenashamedanymore

26. I am 26 years old. Somehow, I don't want to believe it.

27. I am allergic to chocolates but there are times when I end up eating lots of them because cravings. :D

28. I once had (have, it's still running) a quotes blog called an angel's collection of quotes. (I have no idea what I was thinking when I came up with that name)

29. I am obsessed with the voices of Ellie Goulding, Lorde, and Lana del Rey.
Lana is a genius with her music videos. I really like her monologues, especially in Ride.

30. I love Demi Lovato because she is strong. 

31. I need to be in the mall at least 2 to 4 times a week or I feel all the more depressed (like right now lol)

32. My favorite TV shows are: The OC, Once Upon a Time, Gossip Girl, Master Chef Junior, Kitchen Nightmares, How to Get Away with Murder, New Girl, Pretty Little Liars, and My Strange Addiction. 

33. I am estranged with my family. I also believe that you cannot and should not judge someone for that because all families are different and sometimes, even if it's sad and crazy, your family can break you. I think I also broke them, but yeah, that's that. Your parents can break you, and I'm saying this not because "masama ang loob ko" and all but because it's true. It happened already. And when those things happen, it's really hard to get out of it; it's hard to move on but you try your best. (I only talk to my youngest brother some days)

34. I haven't gone home in over a year. Sometimes, I think about it but then again...Why would you go back to something that broke you? (I do miss the house sometimes, though. It was a nice place. And I miss my dad aka stepdad)

35. I haven't met two of my biological siblings from my father's side yet, but I got to talk to my cousin sometime last year but yeah, I don't know how to feel about that anymore. Maybe, someday.

36. I also haven't met my real father in person! Well, he was around til I was maybe 2, and we got to talk some 7 years ago but nothing materialized out of it.

37. I am not a morning person. Wake me up before 8 or 9 am and I feel cranky the whole day or I feel like I haven't gotten any sleep. 

38. I'm also really.slow. when it comes to taking a bath and dressing up and all that.

39. I can't do everyday office jobs because they bore me and I get tired of the "byahe" and I end up being sick--all the time. 

40. Last year, I had Pneumonia and I thought I was gonna die lol

 41. I am agnostic. Let me be clear: I believe in a Supreme Being; I just don't believe in organized religion, or people who try to turn you into them because "their religion is the only thing that's right".
42. I have loads of girl crushes. I feel like females are more beautiful than males lol.

43. But I'm happy with my relationship with my guy. I consider him and our cats as my family now. 

44. I have no plans of having kids.

45. I think of the cats when I'm away from home.

46. I want to have a nice house or an apartment in a year or two. Or months, hopefully, if money ends up in front of me just like that lol and I want a room for the cats! 

47. When I'm not working, I feel like shit. I mean, sometimes I get super lazy but then I feel like, "What are you doing with your life again?" so I work even on holidays if I could just so my mind doesn't get cluttered.

48. I love making lists...and reading lists.

49. My favorite songs of all time are: Vienna by Billy Joel, Never Grow Up by Taylor Swift, Champagne Supernova by Oasis, If I Die Young by The Band Perry, Explosions by Ellie Goulding, A World Alone by Lorde, and every Lana del Rey song out there. (I'm sure there are more but again, memory problems)

50. And...I want these words on my Epitaph: "Life and Death, Energy and Peace. If I stop today, it will be worth it. The pains that have burned me and scarred my soul, they were still worth it; Even the terrible mistakes that I have made and would unmake if I could; for having been allowed to walk where I walked, which was to hell on earth, heaven on earth, back again, into, far in between, on it, in it, and above." (Heard this from the movie Gia)

Toodles! I am utterly hungry now :D
 

You don't love the Crazy, Sullen Girl (Looking for Alaska FEEEEELS)

Hi darlings!
So this week brought forth a news that really made me giddy with joy--and, well, kind of scared at the same time. LOOKING FOR ALASKA is gonna be turned into a movie!!!

(photo not mine)

Well, I'm happy because Looking for Alaska is one of my favorite books of all time. If you've been paying attention, you probably would've noticed that this blog's name (THE ENIGMA OF HERSELF) is an homage to the book. It's from one of my favorite passages from the book, which goes something like this:

"When she fucked up all those years ago, just a little girl terrified into paralysis, she collapsed into the enigma of herself."

Here's what LOOKING FOR ALASKA is about:

Before. Miles "Pudge" Halter's whole existence has been one big nonevent, and his obsession with famous last words has only made him crave the "Great Perhaps" (François Rabelais, poet) even more. He heads off to the sometimes crazy, possibly unstable, and anything-but-boring world of Culver Creek Boarding School, and his life becomes the opposite of safe. Because down the hall is Alaska Young. The gorgeous, clever, funny, sexy, self-destructive, screwed-up, and utterly fascinating Alaska Young, who is an event unto herself. She pulls Pudge into her world, launches him into the Great Perhaps, and steals his heart.
After. Nothing is ever the same.

Well, this book broke my heart in more ways than one. For starters, Alaska Young is one messed-up, complicated character. She is someone who once dreamed to much, believed in the good things, and did one big stupid mistake that would haunt her for the rest of her life. Alaska is a character that says so much about life; about death; about our choices; about how, no matter what we do, sometimes, the universe just has a different way of going about with things. It is a gripping, haunting, beautiful book. Something you'd want to read over and over again. 

This book is also really special to me. It's one of those stories that have stayed with me through time and basically, I really like Alaska. (Twitter Handle's also partly dedicated to her) 

Another reason why I'm excited for this is because of the great SARAH POLLEY who's such a brilliant filmmaker. Of all her works, I'm most passionate about MY LIFE WITHOUT ME, a story about a young woman who deals with the fact that she has Cancer and how she can live her life to the fullest. I'm telling you, though, it's not your typical love story plus it has Mark Ruffalo in it--which makes it all the more awesome :>>>> but seriously, it's a beautiful film and if you want to see how Sarah operates, you better check that one out.

hehe..this pic's from my old movie reviews on tumblr

Now back to LFA. I'm just scared that it will be hyped up too much the way TFIOS was and it will lose its brilliance. I'm also scared that some people will just join the bandwagon but then again, I really like the story so we'll see. I'm keeping my fingers crossed. 

Anyway, let me share with you some of my other favorite quotes from the book:

"Is the labyrinth living or dying?"

 "...If people were rain, I am drizzle and she is the hurricane."

"What the hell is instant? Nothing is instant."

"I may die young, but at least, I'll die smart."

"That's the whole point: You never get me."

"What you must understand about me is that I'm a deeply unhappy person."

"I would always love Alaska Young, my crooked neighbor, with all my crooked heart." 

"After all this time, it seems to me that straight and fast is the only way out."

"She had embodied the great perhaps."

"You love the girl who makes you laugh, and shows you porn and drinks wine with you. You don't love the crazy, sullen girl."

Ah, I could go on all day! HAHA! Oh, and I made a little playlist for Alaska, too. I'll probably be adding more songs in the future, but here's the playlist for now:

Incubus-Drive
Velvet Underground - Stephanie Says
The  Pretty Reckless - Champagne Supernova
Sarah Mclachlan - Adia
Coldplay - The Scientist
The Beatles - Strawberry Fields Forever
Lana del Rey - Brooklyn Baby
Lorde - Bravado
Ellie Goulding - Explosions
Ryan Cabrera - 40 Kinds of Sadness
John Mayer- No Such Thing
Jason Mraz - Back to the Earth
John Mayer - Why Georgia

 I absolutely cannot wait. Happy Weekend, darlings!