15 Years Vienna

In the morning hours of the 5th of October 2002 I landed in Vienna, from Bucharest. It was my third trip to Vienna but I knew that this time was different. By the age of 21 I’ve been seeing half of Europe, I absolutely liked France, England, the Czech Republic, Switzerland, Italy, especially the rural regions … Vienna seemed beautiful but I never, even in my wildest dreams, would have considered living here. It never crossed my mind, that I would settle for such a long time in this city. The faith pulled me here through invisible, magical strings. My three months visa quickly turned into a 10 year stay allowance & identity card from the Austrian authorities (Romania entered the European Union in 2007) and my life changed dramatically.

Until that point, my life in Bucharest was carefree, vivid, légère, dynamic… I was entering my second year at the University, loved working in the dancing team at a Sunday show aired by the Romanian National Television, I had my own business (a small, lovely clothing boutique) and numerous friends. My family, small but stable, was / is my core.

Vienna is special. Vienna defined my profession and allowed me to grow, develop, challenge and fulfill my ambitions. Vienna offered me my love. Vienna is constantly opening new horizons, aspirations, appetite for everything I consider beautiful and inspiring. Vienna is also the place where I suffered at extreme heights being humiliated, disappointed and deeply hurt. Vienna is half of my heart.💛

Thank you 2016!

2016 has been by far the best year since I moved to Austria in 2002. I arrived in Vienna with a morning flight, on the 5th of October 2002. I didn’t plan to stay here for the next decade and even longer, but I also knew that Bucharest was not offering me the future that I wanted. The following years were a constant struggle but I was prepared for that. Being a Business Management student at that time in Bucharest, coming from a middle class family with both parents being intellectuals, I had no problem nor didn’t feel any humiliation to take all the little steps / jobs from working in a tea & coffee shop, cleaning a lady’s apartment, bar-tending in a nightclub and a wine bar, sampling for a promoters company (offering perfume samples to passers-by in department stores), babysitting, modelling for students at the Applied Arts University... I didn’t have any help or support from anyone just, of course, a handful of friends, that were very kind and heartful.

My Precious Birthday Gift

I was born on December 2nd; I love December for its spark, energy, good spirits, holidays and of course, Christmas with all its traditions. I feel blessed and loved by God and despite I was due to be born in January, He chose for me and my twin sister, December.

For my birthday, last December, I planned to organize a nice and big event, to mark all the years when I didn’t celebrate and to spend some unforgettable hours besides my dear ones, especially those that I see so seldom. Instead, in the last weeks before my birthday, I decided differently. As 2015 has been a year filled with sad moments for me and some of the people around me, I decided to offer myself a precious gift. A special treat for my heart: someone’s joy! I simply wanted to make someone happy, at least for a day. To bring smiles, confidence and pleasure!

Thank You For Your Friendship!

In the last weeks, I have been carrying in my bag a set of unopened letters that I've received in December. As I knew that they are from special people, I wanted to find a quiet moment to open them.

Yesterday, during a long train ride, after realizing that I was completely alone in the wagon, I felt that it was the right time to enjoy the letters! I was so delighted and touched by the thoughts and words; it’s so wonderful to know that people I like are thinking of me... it makes my life and work more joyful and extraordinary!

Thank you all :)

xx

Merry Christmas!

I wish you all, my dears, a wonderful Christmas time filled with faith, blessings and love! Don’t forget the essence of Christmas; praise the birth of Jesus Christ and all the joy and love He brings in our souls!

Thank you! to everyone that wrote me beautiful cards, messages and emails; I am so happy every time I receive a little attention from you! It’s simply wonderful.

Have a great celebration and a pleasant end of the year!

Kisses!

Mama

About a week ago I returned from my three weeks visit in Romania. I only had the chance to stay for a couple of days in my childhood’s neighbourhood from Bucharest but I am happy that I could spend lots of precious time with my mother. She chose to live close to the mountains and her new home is becoming my second home ... She made something great out of the house that she bought 12 years ago and I am tremendously proud that she's managing to have a beautiful living despite the economical situation in Romania. She is highly talented in making the best out of almost nothing, in raising children without any support and still being able to smile despite all the barriers and struggles. I would love to have her strength and guts, her spirit of sacrifice and generosity level but I don’t. All I can do is to admire, learn and take from her the best examples. Maybe, one day I will become like her.

Greetings From Câmpulung Muscel, Romania

My dears, I am sending you lots of sunshine and smiles from the unique Câmpulung Muscel, a place that I've discovered about twelve years ago and return to every year. I am so grateful that my mother moved here, it was a smart decision and I hope that one day I will also own a little piece of land on one of the beautiful hills.
To all my beautiful friends in Romania, I apologise that I don’t have the possibility to meet you, I’ve spent a very short time in Bucharest and only to solve some documents. But I will return to Timișoara and Bucharest in two months and hope that we will be able to meet over a cup of coffee!

Hugs!

Happy Easter!

In one of my previous posts from April 2012 I write about my native country's traditions and Christian beliefs during the Easter time. I love Easter and I miss it since I moved to Vienna but I try to keep its essence:

1 Corinthians 15, 1-4

Now, brothers, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.

1st of March — Three Birthday Celebrations

Yesterday evening I attended the birthday celebrations of Charity, Odeta and Grettl: three wonderful, life & fun loving, smart and beautiful friends!

I had amazing fun, laughted a lot, met friends and new, interesting people; simply a delightful 1st of March!

Thank you for the invitations :)

Claudia & I - Our Lost and Found Fondness

I got to know Claudia in March 2003, we were taking part in a dancing workshop at Holmes Place and by pure chance, our instructor happily noticed that he has two Romanians in his class: Claudia and me! Since that day for seven years we were best friends, as close as sisters. She knows me so well that it’s enough to phone her, say a single word and she’d figure if I’m fine or not. She took great care of me in moments of need and stood besides me in moments of joy. I could tell her everything even stay naked in front of her without feeling shy or uncomfortable. I hope I was a good friend as well and that I brought her as much value as she did to my life. After seven years, life and people pulled us apart and never thought that we will meet again. But, last summer while heading to my atelier, I heard my name called in a very sweet, familiar tone. Only my oldest and closest friends still call me Paty so I knew immediately that it’s Claudia! She was having lunch at one of the coziest terraces near my atelier and invited me to join and have a talk. Since that time until now we’ve met three times, last time it happened a couple of days ago when she passed by to try and buy some designs. Despite the three years break, I still feel very close and secure in her presence. I feel that she still knows me incredibly well and that we can talk about absolutely everything, she simply feels like family.

Mild Winter

I’m starting this year on Seams & Chronicles by presenting you some of my latest work, I adore every project and hope I’ll have the chance to continue to work on what I love!

I've recently got to know wedding planner & event designer Lorinda Horner, she was introduced to me by Claire Morgan. From the very first minute we felt like we know each other since forever! We first met over a cozy tea at burg.ring1, Claire joined us and we absolutely liked each other! We talked about our professions and decided to put together some future projects or collaborations when the occasions will allow us.

Thank You 2013!

First of all I wish to thank God for bringing me into this year and hopefully into as many as possible in the future! I love the life He has given me and as my middle name represents, I feel blessed and adored.

2013 has been the most challenging year since I opened my atelier. A couple of months ago I entered the 8th year with my business; it took a long way to consolidate everything what I have today: a small, fine, quality brand - exactly what I ever dreamed and went for.

Someday, We Will Definitely Meet Again

“It’s ten months since I saw you for the last time, the longest period ever. I clearly remember the autumn of 2004 when we first got to know each other; you had the same smile like in February of 2013, a cheerful, positive smile that I will never forget. Every day I think of you, not with sadness but with joy that I got to know you, I am happy as you always wanted me to be. I miss your jokes and good spirits but I feel that you are somewhere on one of your trips, in a place that you feel good and safe. When I miss you most, I would play Marisa Monte, get a glass of good red wine and a piece of your favourite lemon cake. Thank you for being in my life, thank you for taking the father role, a father that I never had, thank you for giving me a helping hand, a shoulder to cry or a good advice when I needed, thank you for sending me amazing people since you left... I am proud that you exist in my life, all my friends or family truly admired and respected you. Someday, we will definitely meet again!”

My Vegan and Vegetarian Christmas Menu

I became lacto-ovo vegetarian in the year of 2001, about 15 months before I settled in Austria. I decided for it after a trip to Zürich, I was then amazed by some of the Swiss women’s perfect skin. My sister was living there back then and when I asked her if she would know the secret of such great skin, she simply said: “They’re vegetarian!” I said “Really? Why?!” She answered “For some, the meat is too expensive for others it’s a matter of health, freshness or principle.”
We once went for lunch with a friend of my sister, a nutritional doctor. He told me a long story which I now not remember entirely but the only thing I do remember is that he said that some women exaggerate so extreme that they mostly eat low fat yoghurt and fresh pineapple (to simply stay slim). I was horrified but kept in mind that becoming a vegetarian would be a wise decision. As soon as I arrived back to Bucharest I changed my eating habits.

Merry Christmas!

I hope that this Christmas finds you well, relaxed and happy! This is how I actually feel these days, because after a long and very challenging year, I can simply sit down, relax and smile thinking of all the positive, little steps that I've achieved. Sure, without God and all the wonderful souls that stood beside me, I would have not managed to stay strong and focused; I thank you for your trust and love!

Three Lovely Saturdays before Christmas

The few friends that I have are the best someone could find. It’s always a pleasure and joy to meet them; I actually dedicate them most of my free time, of course, after my husband.
As my free time is minimal, I can meet my friends only once every month or two, but the time in between is not a factor that affects our friendship.
I don’t have a family in Austria and I always looked for souls and hearts to fill this gap and now, after eleven years living here, I am totally happy with my “little family”.

My Birthday Wishes

© Claire Morgan

Today is my birthday and for the first time in many years it’s sunny outside and I feel like making a few wishes!

First, I wish to thank God for keeping me under His protection every second of my life. I feel loved, guided and blessed. Then, I wish to stay healthy, so that I can enjoy everything surrounding me: my family, friends, work and the world.

Having this, I wish to continue to have the possibilities to explore my creativity, to work as much as I love and always to keep the same extraordinary friends besides me.

Thank you everyone that loves me unconditionally, supports my work and accepts me the way I am: with faults, moods and imperfections. I will always feel your heart and kindness!

Many kisses!

Celebrating Romania at Stadtpalais Liechtenstein, Vienna

For the past seven years I had the pleasure and honour to be invited by the Embassy of Romania to celebrate our National Day. Yesterday evening I was overjoyed to meet dear friends, acquaintances and new, interesting people. The time was so short, it felt like flying and I apologize to those that I missed talking to or I was blind to even say “Hello”!

Happy Birthday My Love!

I know that I am repeating myself but I want the whole world to know that you are my highest life achievement, my everlasting & strongest love, my best friend, supporter and the purest human being. Thank you for existing in my life!

Happy Birthday My Love! Live long and keep sharing warmth, kindness, intelligence and light!

My Beautiful Niece, Jona Melina

I’m crazy about all my niece’s baby photos but those ones are my most favourites; she was four years old when she moved with my mother in this house in Campulung, today she is thirteen: