it's december 1st and i'm happy about that. i have been avoiding the blog. yes, avoiding. and it's because my last few blog posts were all written in november. and those november entries have not yet been posted or for that matter, finished. it was overall a brutal month for me and i just haven't had the strength to continue writing any of them. and thus, avoidance of the blog.
but i'm here now and i'm writing. i'm still not ready to finish any of my drafts. i wish to talk about happy things tonight. only happy things. smile. :) happy. and funny, too.
things that made my cheeks hurt tonight:
1. excitedly, i went for my first spoonful of the warm tomato soup in front of me. mid-sip, i happened to glance up and see travis playing with a swiss army knife, throwing it in the air going, "huuAH!" like he was the little ninja girl from kick ass with her butterfly knife. and soda, she leaned up close against me and stared at her daddy nervously. i pretty much spewed tomato soup all over myself, in laughter.
2. my mom called me and asked what travis wanted for christmas. so i mentioned that he was in need of some un-holey underwear.
my mom: okay, i'll need to know what brand..
me: hanes.
mom: what size?
me: medium.
mom: and what kind..?
me: what do you mean?
mom: like boxers, boxer briefs, bikini style..
i look up at travis, unknowing of his possible future in bikini underwear.
me: trav, my mom wants to know if you would like her to buy bikini underwear for you?
travis [stunned]: like for you, for me?
me: no. for you. just for you. to wear.
travis [now disturbed, horrified even]: WHAT!!?!
mom still on the line: WELL SOME MEN WEAR THEM!
travis: who do you think i am?! i lived at your house! you folded my laundry! i don't wear bikinis!!
3. i was chewing when i started analyzing the texture of the banana i was eating. i squished said banana around my mouth, in front of my teeth and gums. it felt disgusting. i laughed when i realized what i was doing. travis laughed too. and then copied me. then purposefully started a conversation with squished banana in his mouth. after laughing, i pondered out loud..
me: would you eat something gross if it tasted good? like say, just for instance, would you eat snot if it tasted like banana?
(yes, i really asked my husband this.)
travis [dead pan, in his most serious voice without hesitation]: absolutely.
4. when you give a mooching dog a piece of food, they usually devour it.. right? as we ate our bananas, soda begged and begged and begged. it was ridiculous. and i admit, of us two dog parents in the house, i'm definitely the one that caves. so i gave soda a little piece of apple from my fruit bowl. did she devour it? not even close. i swear, she smiled, took the apple in her mouth and then repeatedly threw it in the air. next she was pawing it and literally jumping around the little piece of fruit. finally, she stared it down on the kitchen floor and barked at it over and over. then.. she just walked away and left it there. yep.
5. my best friend made travis and i a card. i opened the envelope expecting, well i dunno.. not what i got. there was a big ol' frog on the front. and then inside she wrote, "life can be a pickle. i say.. eat the pickles!"
smile.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Monday, November 8, 2010
Fevers, Insomnia, Home Depot + Benjamin Franklin
I woke up with a fever. But we had Slurpee's first water physio class today, errands and a whole bunch of reno work to do. So I tried to pretend I didn't wake up with a fever. But a few hours later, in line at the Home Depot, I found myself in a sweaty, hot, fever-ish panic, wanting to rip my shirt right off. Thankfully, I reconsidered my options and ran out into the pouring rain in the parking lot while Travis paid. Instantly, I was relieved. But then just cold. And wet. I searched for the car but just could not find it. Then, opposing my very recent hot, fever-ish panic - a cold, wet panic set in. I turned and ran back inside Home Depot. Travis spotted me, hugged me, presented me with chocolate (best husband ever!) and led me to the car. The point in this story.. well, I think it was the whole Home Depot experience today that made me much MUCH sicker. I am now lying in bed, at almost 3 am, not able to sleep with a worse fever, dreading how much I have to do tomorrow. That last part, by the way, I am thinking does not help in actually falling asleep.
Anyways, I thought I'd try some reading to knock myself out. Instead, I started looking at amazing pictures from amazing photographers. And now, I'm most certainly awake and blown away with inspiration. Seeing photography that tugs at my heart and imagination just makes me oh so excited, even when I'm all gross and sicky. It gives me hope, something to look forward to. I just can't wait to be great someday, too. I'm not at all where I want to be (or even who I want to be, for that matter). But I know I will be. I even wrote out a game plan because I'm totally Type-A like that.
Onto another thought, I'm thinking about uploading some images from shoots I've yet to post but then again.. perhaps, I'll put it off some more and re-try the whole sleep thing. Ya, I know, I've been neglectful to my blog lately. But as Benjamin Franklin once said, "Never put off 'til tomorrow, what you can do today." He only discovered electricity. Why on earth listen to him, right?
Heheh, but really, I'll post some images soon. Hopefully when I'm not all insane with fever.
Peace and love, good night/morning!
-xo
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Prelude: Harley
"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened."
-Anatole France
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Weee
There's so much living we all want to do, plan to do. But there's also so much to do. And ya, realistically all those to-dos hinder or pause many of our big dreamy adventures. It's easy to get swept up in that fact and feel conquered.
But we're not at all conquered. The living don't have to stop.
I discovered that in just one hour I can do a whole lotta. In 60 minutes, I can wrestle with Travis (and lose), laugh with Meghan over the phone, play a few rounds of hide & seek with Slurpee and Soda, belt out a couple one-hit wonders while I sit-dance in the car, and have a thrilling gravity-defying, swinging tournament at the park (and win!).
Go out swingin'.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Happy Thanksgiving
Although having only just dipped my foot, the world of photography has been and is a journey I'm so thankful to have had the opportunity to discover. Those moments when my camera is what physically separates myself from my client yet is what unites us in laughter of some unlikely conversation about UFOs; those moments when a job doesn't feel at all like a job. I'm so thankful to have had so many.
Lying in bed with my computer in my lap, right in the middle of editing an image full of passion and energy, I just stop. I take my hand off the mouse and rest it on Travis' arm. I don't know what's possessed me but I tell myself, just be still. The rain pours quickly and rhythmically, I can picture the trillions of drops exploding as they land on the concrete outside my window. The furnace broke and the house is cold but the heater is a blast beside me. It's one of those little fake "fireplace" ones. By only glancing at the flickering imposter flames out of the corner of my eye, I pretend that it's real. I bury my cold toes into Soda's warm belly as she is curled up on my feet, as close to me as she can be. Slurpee lets out one random loud snore. So loud, I almost laugh but quickly remember Travis sleeping beside me. I run my fingers on his warm skin. He is always so warm while I am always so cold.
It's too dark to really see anything besides my fingers a-glow typing in front of my face. Yet all the beauty in the world is right here in this rather blind moment. And I am so thankful for it.
Off to finish the image and then zz.
-xo
Lying in bed with my computer in my lap, right in the middle of editing an image full of passion and energy, I just stop. I take my hand off the mouse and rest it on Travis' arm. I don't know what's possessed me but I tell myself, just be still. The rain pours quickly and rhythmically, I can picture the trillions of drops exploding as they land on the concrete outside my window. The furnace broke and the house is cold but the heater is a blast beside me. It's one of those little fake "fireplace" ones. By only glancing at the flickering imposter flames out of the corner of my eye, I pretend that it's real. I bury my cold toes into Soda's warm belly as she is curled up on my feet, as close to me as she can be. Slurpee lets out one random loud snore. So loud, I almost laugh but quickly remember Travis sleeping beside me. I run my fingers on his warm skin. He is always so warm while I am always so cold.
It's too dark to really see anything besides my fingers a-glow typing in front of my face. Yet all the beauty in the world is right here in this rather blind moment. And I am so thankful for it.
Off to finish the image and then zz.
-xo
Monday, October 4, 2010
Sunday, October 3, 2010
The Museum + 15 Heart Flutters
On the way home from a gorg maternity shoot at Harrison beach with a gorg couple, the hubs and I decided to stop off at the Agassiz Museum, y'know cos we basically act like old people anyways. It. Was. Rad. Really, I loved it and am telling you to check it out.
Turqouise or lime green painted, vintage piano
I've always dreamt of playing the piano someday. Soulful music + oldness + bold colour = LOVE.
David Berman's poetry
Slide stairs
Just plain brilliant. Including for the grandmas and grandpas everywhere - instead of falling down the stairs, just slide on down.
Old glass bottles
I picked up a couple from a thrift store two years ago because I thought they would make rad (and cheap!) vases. I was right. But they're also awesome alone as centre pieces in front of windows, filtering and dispersing the light into a room. Since my first couple, I've been given a million that were found in my grandma's attic, dug up at my parent's cabin, washed up at the river by my house. I'm loving my ever-growing collection and always looking for more.
Vintage button rings
Lalalove myself a little hand decoration. I typically wear 5-6 rings on a given day so it's no surprise that I would love these rings made from old, stacked buttons.
Beaded doorway curtains
Because Eric Cartman (Southpark) hates them, it took me awhile to admit that I'm a hippie. Alas, I am. So it's no wonder I wantwantwant these in my house and in my future VW van one day, ha.
Holga plastic camera
I'm a lover of photography and I admire the open minds and creativity of children so a big fat YES to this one.
Woven brown belt
I've switched from black to brown as my go-to neutral. This belt is just perfection with a dress, jeans, or over a cardigan.
Cardboard animal head
Rebellion for those not into glamorizing the tragedy of death. Instead of using a corpse as a trophy, I choose this radtastic cut out. And love it!
A living room fort
I know, right! Well, Travis doesn't because he thinks it's a lame idea. One day I tell you, we will have a living room fort and yes, it will have a chandelier.
Oddly, browsing the museum brought out the usually hidden consumer in me. I am a lover of all things old so seeing so much rad oldness (I make up words) made me want all the rad oldness. I seriously asked our volunteer tour guide if a particular trunk was for sale. He laughed. I sighed (and secretly contemplated how I could drag it out to the truck without anyone noticing). Dude, this trunk was owned by a man who was scheduled to take it with him aboard the Titanic's first voyage but at the last minute, his trip was rescheduled for the next week and he ended up living until he was 100. Can you say L-U-C-K-Y?! I need that trunk.
Anyways, immediately upon leaving, I looked at Trav and asked if we could hit up an antique store. He came up with a better idea.. the auction by our house. We actually go all the time just to window shop cos we are both lovers of the old and used. Again, today all we did is look but as I now write, I'm inspired to show off some of the items on my greed list. Some are the typical things everyone would expect from me (thee vintage) while some are new but still just plain awesome.
15 Things That Make My Heart Flutter
A Kate MacDowell piece, any Kate MacDowell piece really, but especially this one.
Hand sculpted out of porcelain, her stunning art represents the union between man and nature - being one of friction with the disturbing implication that we too, are vulnerable to being victimized by our destructive practices.
Turqouise or lime green painted, vintage piano
I've always dreamt of playing the piano someday. Soulful music + oldness + bold colour = LOVE.
David Berman's poetry
Mesmerizing story-telling verses from a rad indie singer/songwriter.
Slide stairs
Just plain brilliant. Including for the grandmas and grandpas everywhere - instead of falling down the stairs, just slide on down.
Old glass bottles
I picked up a couple from a thrift store two years ago because I thought they would make rad (and cheap!) vases. I was right. But they're also awesome alone as centre pieces in front of windows, filtering and dispersing the light into a room. Since my first couple, I've been given a million that were found in my grandma's attic, dug up at my parent's cabin, washed up at the river by my house. I'm loving my ever-growing collection and always looking for more.
Vintage button rings
Lalalove myself a little hand decoration. I typically wear 5-6 rings on a given day so it's no surprise that I would love these rings made from old, stacked buttons.
Beaded doorway curtains
Because Eric Cartman (Southpark) hates them, it took me awhile to admit that I'm a hippie. Alas, I am. So it's no wonder I wantwantwant these in my house and in my future VW van one day, ha.
Holga plastic camera
I'm a lover of photography and I admire the open minds and creativity of children so a big fat YES to this one.
Woven brown belt
I've switched from black to brown as my go-to neutral. This belt is just perfection with a dress, jeans, or over a cardigan.
Cardboard animal head
Rebellion for those not into glamorizing the tragedy of death. Instead of using a corpse as a trophy, I choose this radtastic cut out. And love it!
A living room fort
I know, right! Well, Travis doesn't because he thinks it's a lame idea. One day I tell you, we will have a living room fort and yes, it will have a chandelier.
Brass bed
I used to sleep over all the time at my grandma's and always loved sleeping in the guest room. I loved the array of lanterns, family photos in eclectic frames, the beautiful porcelain jug, the way the rays of the sun streamed through the garden and into the window showering the room with light, the blue and white quilt but most of all, I loved Grandma's bed.
Koolaburra sandals
I honestly tried to think these are wrong. I tried to hate this trend.. but really, I think if I had me some, I'd feel like Pocahontas and that must be very very right.
Geek glasses
I still love my clear plastic glasses as well as my silver grandma glasses; however, I'm up for an eye exam and am pretty sure I will require a new prescription cos I've been McSquinty lately. Ohh, I want these or some version of.
Tar painting
I so badly want to try the bold medium of tar. This piece of art to me is extraordinary, made by Kathy Smith using tar and feathers to represent remembrance of 1989's Exxon Valdez oil spill in Alaska.
I used to sleep over all the time at my grandma's and always loved sleeping in the guest room. I loved the array of lanterns, family photos in eclectic frames, the beautiful porcelain jug, the way the rays of the sun streamed through the garden and into the window showering the room with light, the blue and white quilt but most of all, I loved Grandma's bed.
Koolaburra sandals
I honestly tried to think these are wrong. I tried to hate this trend.. but really, I think if I had me some, I'd feel like Pocahontas and that must be very very right.
Geek glasses
I still love my clear plastic glasses as well as my silver grandma glasses; however, I'm up for an eye exam and am pretty sure I will require a new prescription cos I've been McSquinty lately. Ohh, I want these or some version of.
Tar painting
I so badly want to try the bold medium of tar. This piece of art to me is extraordinary, made by Kathy Smith using tar and feathers to represent remembrance of 1989's Exxon Valdez oil spill in Alaska.
There's 15 from my greed list. You got any?
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