Maria Kossman is a creative writer, poet and blogger based in Edmonton, Canada. Passionate about literature, fashion, travelling, and anything antique, she focuses on advocating life that is inspiring, mindful and elegant.

Her writing appeared in such magazines as WestWord, NUVO, LUXIDERS, and THE ISSUE.

At this stage, she is engaged in creating a collection of poetry, short stories with reflection on motherhood, Christianity and artistic observation of beauty found in every day.

Can Minimalism Transcend Its Own Trendiness?

Written for NUVO Magazine.

Is minimalism a deep-seated philosophy, capable of changing the way we view our world? Or is it just a trend that uses the same old social markers to separate people through material possessions? To be a minimalist, do you have to declare it? All are questions worth asking in an age where personal philosophy is often defined by the contents of the closet and not the mind. Observing the whole movement, its trendiness in the modern world, minimalism appears as a combination of actions focused on simplifying, where quality experiences matter more than material possessions.

Expressions Of His Love

Personal essay

All and all consisted of contrasts that day: milky patches of snow, jade, dense forest, moon above the hills, heavy mountains and fading sunset on the background. How beautiful! Oh, where to find words to describe that reflection of moonlight in the river? Oh divine grace of God, of His artistic heart that created a little man, a little me, and placed in the centre of such days and places as we have witnessed that day.

Growing up in Russia I learned one thing that stuck to my minds, got written on my hearts, such as to never take good for granted. Later on, however, it became normality. 

 

The Art Of Finding, Reusing And Restyling Vintage Furniture

Written for LUXIDERS Magazine.

Addressing the issue of mass production, mindless consuming, and suggesting ideas of second-hand or vintage shopping, be it for home decor or closet, we get two groups of people; the first one denies the idea of sitting on the already used sofa, while the second group supports such sustainable action with both hands down.

 It is not that we are going to discuss, whether the latter group is fully responsible and conscious of their choices. Instead, the main purpose that stands behind educating yourself on the impact production have on the environment might and should affect those choices.