NOI h. SAF

"I think if you don't trust in yourself, it helps to trust in something else."

Listen to her speak in that low, distinct, sometimes raspy voice and you'll feel like you're listening to your closest girlfriend, sister, an aunt, or possibly your mother - whomever that woman is that gives you the best advice based on all of their life experiences - that is the level of comfort you feel when you listen to model and actress Noémie Lenoir. She is just so relatable! Even when you watch her interviews you can tell there's no gimmick or strict media training that developed her personality, she is who she is. You can see it even more when you notice the subtle vulnerabilities she displays on film and photographs. The way her eyes study the reporter's face, looking for something, or the way they quickly shift to and from the cameras. Of course when you're surrounded by a countless number of photographers and they're snapping pictures and shooting video and all of them are screaming your name and trying to get your attention, you would feel completely exposed too.

A very important moment in learning real empathy and complete understanding came as an epiphany to me when I viewed a few interview tapes of her. Have you ever learned to understand someone better after seeing the exact behavioural traits of that person in another individual? Well, this exact thing happened to me. I had a friend who in retrospect, I can see now is so similar to Noémie. They are both beautiful, and smart, but what I find uncanny between the two is the searching look. The one that I mentioned Noémie does in video interviews, my friend would do the same exact stare. We could be sitting not too far apart having a conversation and suddenly, she would lean in closer to stare into my face studying my eyes, and then retreat just as quickly. I don't know if the movements were unconscious or not but after seeing the same gaze from someone else, someone I haven't even met, I don't know how, but it's like I finally get it. I understand her now. We've grown apart but I still feel like I get her, and that's not the only thing she has in common with Noémie. To me they are both like the Phoenix. No matter what happened or how many times my friend took a metaphorical fall she always got back up. Even at times when it seemed that there was no possibility of her finding a path forward, she always found one. I was always amazed by her in that regard. This is another way she and Noémie are similar, they are both survivors. It's great when you have a down to earth and relatable person like Noémie who can help you to better understand yourself and others around you. I'm glad that I had her to provide an - albeit inadvertent - outside perspective on how to better understand my friend.

The above quote is in response to her faith and I think it's just perfect, because simple advice is often times the best advice.

I was reminded about this art form recently when my grandma came to visit and she started a new patchwork making a small coffee table cover for her daughter. I just sat there, I don't know for how long just watching her. Truthfully my mother does not need another table cover or even an extra one she has enough, but she knows how much my grandmother likes to keep herself occupied and she wanted to make something. So my mother obliged and feigned desperation for another one. I always smile at this memory. photos top left/middle/right: kaninchenherz(she made her entire outfit by herself!), art in our blood, fated to be hated

Crocheting is a process that goes along very quickly especially if the person has experience with needlework. I remember when I sat watching my grandmother it's as if the pattern appeared by magic. I'm so fascinated by how easy it is to create something from nothing, witnessing it is incredible to me.

But then I also remembered that just a couple of years ago my sister made a beanie for me out of pink yarn. I still have it and wear it, especially when it's cold out and my hair needs to take a break. I'll never get rid of it. photos left/right: finch & fawn, velvet goldmine

That's the thing about crochet clothing, each piece holds a strong sentimental value because someone literally sat for hours to meticulously design an intricate pattern that magically evolved into something beautiful. In a world where the majority of the clothing we posses are mass produced without an ounce of personal touch involved in the creation process, crocheting is something special. Especially when the pieces you've been gifted were made by someone close to you.

If you can't crochet - I haven't learned how to myself - you can find indie designers; LyubavaCrochet, KariesCrochetDesigns, Doris Chan who sell their handmade designs online for a fair price. You can also become a self-taught master by watching some youtube videos or reading some 'how to crochet' books and in no time you'll be designing your entire wardrobe.