“35mm… along with the wonderful rainbow flowered default borders that come when developing film in Long Xuyen, Vietnam (you have to tell them you DON’T want the borders when first ordering, lesson learned). After a lot of pouting I still thought the pictures were worth posting.”

One of my goals this year as a blogger is to seek out and spotlight the artistry lurking under my very nose.

We’ll start out with the above-quoted individual, who happens to be a friend of mine and one of my blog favorites. She’s a radio DJ by the name of Ms. Button (aka Kim) and is currently posted in Vietnam, the place once called home by her family.

As a volunteer at ADAPT (An Giang/Dong Thap Alliance for the Prevention of Trafficking)– which is an organization that works to prevent human trafficking, specifically along the mekong delta– she teaches English to staff, works on grants, and visits scholarship recipients.

By far my favorite thing about Kim’s blog is the focus on and appreciation of everyday details. Like accidental wall art. Fashion digs. Drip coffee. Headfone music. Maybe this is a mindset that emerges when one is in a new place. Or maybe its just less snobby writing. Or maybe I pay attention cos I know her. Whatever the case, I think it’s rare to see artsy-fartsy bloggers (myself included) talk about this ish without assuming a detached, anthropological view. Plus its a blog about life in Vietnam from someone who is actually Vietnamese. ‘Nuff said.

These photos are a sampling of Kim’s exploits in Southeast Asia. I’ve blatantly stolen her captions. Check out her blog for more.

Off-white, brown strings criss-crossing to make a wicker basket pattern. Comfortable sole. Perfect way to fight the dust or dance floor.

Motorbike fashion: cover yo’ face.

RATATAT in Saigon.

Rooftop Christmas party in Saigon.

Disneyland, Hong Kong

No caption, but that’s a great umbrella.