justflowe-blog

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Taking a break from cleaning.

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Kokee Tea is my new favorite spot in Northern Virginia. A small boba tea shop just off the highway. The boba I’m drinking is called, “White Crystal.” White grape infused oolong tea with star shaped jellies.

#bobatea #tasty #delicious #drink #cafe #northern virginia #nova #friends

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There’s a line in your film, The Passion of the Sinner, that always makes me think of this museum. “My heart is not a clock.” Beautiful line made sublime by your performance. An apology that is also an anthem. Love is not something we wind up, something we set or control. Love is just like art. A force that comes into our lives without any rules, expectations, or limitations, and every time I hear that line, I am reminded that love, like art, must always be free.

Hernando, Sense8 1x09

#sense8 #quotes #love #art

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poncho by zara

#zara #zara men #boy #blasian #asian #black #fashion #poncho #turtleneck #selfie #menswear #mensfashion

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thoughts on westworld 1x01

Over my holiday staycation (vacation based at home), I decided to catch up on several shows that were on my list of things to watch. Westworld was towards the bottom of the list admittedly. I had heard great things here and there but was skeptical because I’m not typically into the western-scifi-cowboys-versus-aliens genre but after successfully completing all of the other shows on my list, I decided to give it a try. And I was pleasantly surprised and very satisfied with the experience of the first episode.

This review will contain spoilers so please do not read any further if you wish to avoid.

Westworld is more than a sci-fi drama, it is a well-crafted commentary on virtual reality and our fixation on fantasy. You are introduced to seemingly cliche archetypes set in an old western. An innocent blonde girl who lives with her hardworking father and falls in love (at first sight) with a handsome cowboy who is new in town. Unfortunately, after the death of the girl’s father and the handsome cowboy at the hands of the “man in black,” does the story truly begin and the mystery that shrouds this smalltown and its inhabitants introduced.

Westworld is an artificial world with it’s environment and characters manipulated by a group of scientists led by a man who seems to be too curious for his own good. (Can these artificial beings go beyond their intended purpose?) It’s definitely a question that arises for the audience as we are engulfed in this world and as the episode progresses, it’s only apparent that things will fly off the hinges (think dinosaurs out of cages in Jurassic Park).

The most disturbing (yet very insightful) part of the episode is that the very human-like artificial beings called “hosts” are scripted to follow a couple hundred storylines depending on the user’s interaction with them. Yes, users. Meaning that people in the real world (most likely very rich ones) pay to enter in this westworld and play, essentially, a VR type of game with these hosts. They experience god-like qualities (not able to die) and can do whatever it is that they want in this world.

So the “man in black” who kills hosts for fun isn’t so different from a person who plays a video game and joyfully kills for sport (think first person shooters and role playing games like Grand Theft Auto). What does this say about or fascination with reality-based fantasies and our movement towards virtual reality video games? Will we be able to separate reality from fantasy?

Westworld is a beautifully directed, well-acted, visual achievement in television. With an idea that is both creative as it is thought provoking, the show will quickly grip you as you become deeply invested in both human and AI characters alike. I highly recommend it for those who enjoy science fiction, strong storytelling, ensemble casts, and controversial themes. I’m already on to episode 2!

#westworld #western #scifi #sci-fi & fantasy #science #tv #tv show #artificial intelligence #virtual reality #video games #hosts #characters #story

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ever after + sun-kissed rose

I’m a sucker for weddings. It such a joyous time where friends, family, colleagues, and acquaintances come together to celebrate love. It’s a beautiful thing, really. And understandably, everyone wants to look and present their best.

Esther and I have been friends for a couple of years now. We met back in college where we were involved in the same student organization. Now, we’re roommates and I do consider her one of my best friends. Luckily, I’ve been spoiled by her support in my many dreams and aspirations. And when I told her I wanted to venture into the world of beauty and makeup, I’m sure she wasn’t surprised.

With her sister’s wedding approaching, I volunteered to do her makeup and last minute beauty assignments the day of for free. It was a good opportunity to build experience, gain some exposure, plus I’m always willing to help out a friend.

The day arrived and I was excited but surprisingly not nervous. I had practiced doing Esther’s makeup several times beforehand so maybe that’s why I felt comfortable. I knew what did and didn’t work for her face. I also wasn’t doing the brides makeup so at least I wasn’t dealing with that pressure.

With all said and done, I think the wedding makeup was the best I’ve done up to that point. I called the creation, “Sun-Kissed Rose” using Urban Decay’s Naked 2 and 3 palettes. While the star of the show was clearly the bride. Esther shined brightly standing next to her as the maid of honor.

#makeup #wedding #wedding makeup #rose #sun #kiss #lipstick #eyeshadow #urban decay #blogger #blog #celebration #bff #best friends #roommates #girl #asian girl #beauty #brushes #makeup brushes #contour #before and after #polaroid #stylist #fashion