Thursday, September 30, 2010

Secret Friday


"Tell your friend a lie. If he keeps it secret, then tell him the truth"
 ~ Portuguese Proverb.


The above quotation was shamelessly ripped off from Dolly at In Sight Of The Shore. Drop by and say hi sometime, tell her I sent ya. :)


Happy Friday guys!  Again I know I'm posting this a bit early, but it's already tomorrow in some parts of the world right? Welcome to round 40 of Secret Friday, a chance to share some secrets and/or fantasies you've been keeping to yourself. Some are uplifting, some are heartbreaking and some are just plain naughty.

All are valid.

Here's how this works:

1) This is open to anyone who wants to participate, from regular follower to casual visitor.

2) I don't plan to censor content or language. However I do reserve the right to remove anything which appears to be posted with the sole intent of offending. I also reserve the right not to remove content that may be considered controversial. It's a fine line sometimes.

3) If this is something you'd like to run on your blog please feel free. You can copy the rules if you'd like.

And now to it...

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

The Fixer (revisited)


"He who does not understand your silence will probably not understand your words."
-Elbert Hubbard

Throughout the course of my writing I've had a tendency to refer back to my car accident of 2008. This is because that event brought with it many unexpected changes, one of which has been an increased interest in others. I hasten to add that it's not a desire to pry into people's personal lives, but an intense curiosity in what it is that influences our personality traits. In other words, what it is that makes you tick.

As a result of building gradual trust through friendship, I've had the amazing privilege of engaging in some incredible conversation with some of you. I'm not referring to the superficial day-to-day musings we all share, but rather the "My deepest fear is..." or "I've never told anybody this before, but.." conversations that can sometimes lead to the deeper "Let's see if together we can figure out why you feel this way" talks. Talks that take place only when a mutual trust and respect between friends is forged. I say mutual because trust is never, ever one-sided. If I expect someone to feel comfortable enough to open up to me, then I have to be willing to honestly give of myself first. And I am.

Increasingly, I've felt a desire to help other people gain insight into their problems and challenges, particularly relationships. I've always carried that need, why it's intensified recently I'm not sure. Again going back to the events of 2008, maybe I realized we're all here to give selflessly and we should put the focus more on others than ourselves. If I'm honest I suppose I can say there have been many times over the course of my life when I was too self-centred. Perhaps to varying degrees we can all say that, but this is my turn to shine the light on myself. I'll be the first to admit I give advice much more easily and comfortably than I take it. 

If there's one thing I've learned over the past couple years it's that most of us aren't as together as we show on the outside. I strongly believe that whether it relates to relationships, career, spiritual journey or other areas of our lives we all have some part of us that is looking for direction, or at least affirmation that we're on the right track. We all have something that scares us.

I think all of us are fighting some internal battle, and we all build walls of varying heights and strengths. Some of us will let our defences down at the flash of a genuine, friendly smile. Others won't let anyone in because they never want to be hurt again. What a lot of people don't seem to realize is that although those walls may be high, even insurmountable at times, they're often pretty transparent.

I'm going to go out on a limb and say I believe that most people feel an inherent desire to discuss their problems, to trust someone enough to listen. So many people don't show it. The challenge comes in making that connection, or rather, distinguishing between those who want to let us in and those who just want to be left alone.

So how do we make that distinction? Usually we can't, because most of us are guarded. I've never tried to force someone to open up to me, all I can do is let them know I'm here to listen if they ever want to talk. When someone's ready to let us in they will. It's usually through a series of small, carefully-planted steps. That process is the most amazing thing in the world to me, because I believe a person growing to place their trust in you enough to let their guard down is pretty much the biggest honour a person can place on another.

When someone opens up to us, their words are ours to keep safe and never betray. Treat those words like glass and hold them close to you. What may at first seem insignificant could take every bit of strength they have to share with us.
We owe it to people to listen.

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Guest Photo Feature No. 6

Just a reminder that I'm taking submissions for random photo features on my blog, see here for more info. I hope you'll participate!

Today's entry comes from Hea at Another Hea-Less World.  Although her blog is new we've been friends for some time, she's incredibly random and has a heart of gold. I'm happy to be bringing you these photos from Egypt.












   Thanks for your photos Hea.  Who's next?    

Monday, September 27, 2010

It's Official, I'm A Facebook Newbie



Okay so after being asked a bazillion times if I'm on FB I've finally given into this tool of the devil and joined.

 I'm a virgin (in Facebookland anyway) so it's taking me some time to get it all set up. The main issue I'm having is getting my 'wall' active; it doesn't seem to be allowing messages for some reason. So if you've confirmed me as a friend and tried to drop me a line bear with me, I'm not ignorong you.

Really, would I ever do that??

Sunday, September 26, 2010

Isolating Beauty- The Many Sides of Woman

  Some of you have done posts showing shirtless beefcake shots and making comments about your favourite hotties. I always enjoy reading these entries; there's something I find exhilarating about a woman who openly shares what she finds attractive in another person, whether they're male or female. 

  I have a tremendous appreciation for women. I love the way they move, how they look and smell.  The way they talk, how they think. It's no secret, Sandy knows this and feels the same about men.  (Attraction to others doesn't somehow magically stop when you enter a relationship. We both acknowledge this and we're good with it).

  I've been told I have an idealistic, romanticized notion of who Woman is.  Of course I freely admit it, it's part of who I am. And this is who she is to me...



feminine
 


life-giver



nurturer

caregiver


intriguing


mysterious


 exotic



 
curious     



vulnerable
          


                                                     sexual



                                                intelligent   



aggressive



seductive



free-spirited



Is it any wonder why I'm so captivated seeing these different sides to all of you?





Photos from various Google image searches. "Caregiver" photo credit http://www.ckphoto.ca/services/2008-capa-digital-competition-second-place/

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Secret Friday



TGIF, finally! (I've been a day ahead of myself since Tuesday). Yeah I know I'm posting this a bit early but it's already Friday in some parts of the world. :)

Welcome to the thirty-ninth round of Secret Friday, a chance to share some secrets and/or fantasies you've been keeping to yourself. Some are uplifting, some are heartbreaking and some are just plain naughty.

All are valid.

Here's how this works:

1) This is open to anyone who wants to participate, from regular follower to casual visitor.

2) I don't plan to censor content or language. However I do reserve the right to remove anything which appears to be posted with the sole intent of offending. I also reserve the right not to remove content that may be considered controversial. It's a fine line sometimes.

3) If this is something you'd like to run on your blog please feel free. You can copy the rules if you'd like.

And now to it...

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Not Your Typical Fashion Post


Recently during a conversation my good friend Jill asked me if I'd do a fashion post.  At first I didn't give it much thought. I mean, me fashionable?  But I got thinking about my different styles over the years and thought what the heck, some of these outfits are so avante-garde I might actually start a trend some day.

So here goes...





Pretty normal so far right?





"You talkin' to me cowboy?" (I find this pic pretty unsettling but I'm putting it up anyway 'cuz it's how I roll)... 



My 'gangsta reno chic' phase.  Too many studs to count in this photo.  "Is that a tape measure in your pocket or..."



What the fashionable renovator is wearing (as he freezes his ass off)...




The latest in poultry headwear.  Limited edition, made by Dior I think.  Not shown: Louboutin chicken-foot sandals for men. (This is where things really start to unravel in case it's not obvious)...




If I went to Hawaii this is SO what I'd wear. Scary thing is I wasn't even drunk yet when this photo was taken.  If a future employer sees this I'm kinda fucked, but man what a party!

                                                                   
So there you have it.  I shudder to think of what I may have in store for you next time, but if you can't have fun with what you wear....

I don't know.  Go naked I guess.


                                                                

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Monday, September 20, 2010

15 Questions...




1. What song have you been listening to a lot lately?

I've had Flaming June (Reuben Halsey's Chillout Mix) on pretty heavy rotation. It's not massively uplifting but I love the piano. It's a great mellow version of Flaming June by BT, which I've always loved

2. What actor would you want to play you in a movie?

I'm not sure who I'd pick to represent me in years past but for present-day it would have to be Stanley Tucci.  He's brilliant and can convey tremendous emotion.  Plus he has about as much hair as I do.

3. Any tattoos?

Nope.

4. Have you ever visited another country?

I've been to a few. We've driven through the US a bit (Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Pennsylvania). I went to Ireland with my dad when I was twelve.  When I was twenty-two I backpacked through Europe with my best friend; in five weeks we went to England, Belgium, France, Monaco, Holland, Luxembourg, Germany, Austria, Italy, Vatican City and Switzerland. I'd love to go to Australia and Brazil.

5. Are you saving your money for anything right now? Big or small purchase?

I plan to get a high-quality webcam soon so I can start chatting by video with you guys, and do some video posts.

6. What one song will always cheer you up?

"Hide and Seek" by Imogen Heap (Tiesto's remix)


7. What is one thing you miss the most about childhood?

The lack of responsibility and the innocence that came with thinking the world was perfect.

8. Is there a catch phrase, cliche, or word that just drives you nuts every time you hear it?

"My old lady." I just can't wrap my head around it, it's so disrespectful towards women.

9. What is your favorite thing about summertime?

Tanned exposed skin and flowing sundresses. I just love summer!

10. What is your ideal retirement location (if money didn't matter)?

Beachfront property in Australia with a crashing surf in front of me and lush forest behind. Secluded enough for privacy but close enough to a town that I can get everything from.

11. What nervous habit did you have as a child that you kicked before becoming an adult?

Sucking on two fingers.  Oh, and wetting the bed (don't tell anyone).

12. What is the most embarrassing thing that happened to you while on the job?

Not really embarassing but a deer made its way into my first-floor office once and visited me at my desk. Does that count?

13. Did you make good grades in school?

I consistently pulled off high marks in English Lit, grammar and the performing arts (theatre). Just as consistently I sucked at math and science and was happy to squeak through with passing grades in economics, physics, biology and chemistry. Yeesh.

14. What is your earliest childhood memory?

I vaguely remember making it to the egg before everyone else. :)
Okay. The earliest memory I have is being on the front lawn playing with my sister who was in her crib. I would have been about...four?

15. Do you live in the same town you grew up in?

No, but close. I was born and raised in Toronto and now live about twenty-five minutes from the home I grew up in.

Sunday, September 19, 2010

Guest Photo Feature No. 5

Just a reminder that I'm taking submissions for random photo features on my blog, see here for more info. I hope you'll participate!

This entry comes from Rebecca at Only A Mama Knows.  As I've come to know Becca I've been awestruck by the selflessness she's shown for her family.  Through our conversations over the past three months she's softened my views towards kids, which I didn't expect. Every child should be loved by a heart like this.

With Becca's permission I've added text to the photos she's submitted.


                              "Whidbey Island, Washington. July 27, 2005"

Was sad to leave here. Whidbey is often referred to as Puget Sound's largest artist's colony and is home to numerous working artists, writers, and performers. These include many well-known painters, sculptors, glass artists, wood workers, metal workers, mixed media artists, photographers, authors, poets, actors, and musicians.


                                    "Newquay, England. May 30, 2008"

Newquay is a town and fishing port in Cornwall, England.  It's also a resort widely considered the surfing capital of the UK (who knew?) Well-known for its nightlife with many pubs, nightclubs and bar crawls.


             "Newell Rd., Klickitat County, Washington. October 24, 2009"
 
As of 2009 the estimated population in Klickitat was 20,554.  Landmarks include the Maryhill Museum of Art and a replica of Stonehenge which was built as a monument to local men killed in WWI. Klickitat also boasts some of the best bloggers in the world.
 
         "Rock Creek Rd., Klickitat County, Washington. October 25, 2009"
 
                                 I love the colours in this shot.
 
 
 "No one else could ever know the love I have for you. For you are the only one who knows what my heart sounds like from the inside..."
 
 
Anthony at 3

Code name: "Anth". Camps, likes to induce the occasional heart attack in his mother. Often seen sporting a mohawk.


Molly at 1

Code name: "Mols" but also answers to "Baby".  Growing fashion concern. Waves and blows kisses. First word: Elmo.


Rebecca, thanks for the photos! 
Who's next?

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Secret Friday


I felt like I wanted to take a break last week but we're back.  Lately this feature hasn't been drawing as many comments as I'd like, if anyone has any suggestions to encourage more participation I'm all ears.

With this we kick off the thirty-eighth round of Secret Friday, a chance to share some secrets and/or fantasies you've been keeping to yourself. Some are uplifting, some are heartbreaking and some are just plain naughty.

All are valid.

Here's how this works:

1) This is open to anyone who wants to participate, from regular follower to casual visitor.

2) I don't plan to censor content or language. However I do reserve the right to remove anything which appears to be posted with the sole intent of offending. I also reserve the right not to remove content that may be considered controversial. It's a fine line sometimes.

3) If this is something you'd like to run on your blog please feel free. You can copy the rules if you'd like.

And now to it...

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Real-Life Blogger Meet!

                                 If you think this is good you should see the breakdancing hippos


So my prayers of one day meeting a blogging friend in real-life have finally come true. This past Sunday, Sandy and I met HHL from High Heeled Life and Mr. G. They brought a couple bottles of wine and a dozen donuts, which we munched on while sipping on Sandy’s almost world-famous latte.

We talked into the evening for almost five hours, sharing stories of circumstances that changed our lives. It was one of the most amazing, intense conversations I’ve had in some time; the story of how HHL and G. were brought together left Sandy and I speechless at times. Like, f'real. If you’ve ever doubted some things happen for a reason or that there are external forces at work shaping our lives, I encourage you to drop by her blog and read her story. It’s one of tragedy and determination, hope, love and triumph. Truly inspiring.


To HHL and Mr. G, I want to tell you both how fortunate I feel to know you. Your strength and courage amaze me, especially after talking face-to-face. I hope this is the beginning of what proves to be a long friendship.

Sunday, September 12, 2010

Guest Photo Feature No. 4

Just a reminder, I'm taking submissions for random photo features on my blog. See here for more info. I hope you'll participate! Today's entry comes from Lauryn at Laureality.

Last year I wrote, "Through the photographer we see not what catches their eye, but what captures their heart." I wasn't familiar with Lauryn at the time but it seems so appropriate, I've always loved the way her photos convey emotion. Drop by and check her out sometime.

In her words:

"For as long as I can remember I've always had a love for photography. I could stare at it for hours on end and before owning my own camera would sit and imagine different ways to compose a shot. To this day I still tend to see the world through an imaginary lens, always looking for the best angle. While photography has always been something that's interested me, it's also become increasingly personal. As a daughter, a friend, a girlfriend, and the other roles I've played in my life I've always been eager and willing to give my heart away and lay it all on the line. However, when it comes to photography I've been hesitant to really put myself out there. The idea of referring to myself as a "photographer" has been scary. It's like the child that I want to protect from a world of judgement, but isolating beauty is no way to live.  




I've decided that I need to really take a look at what photography means to me and learn from that. Whether I have the honor of capturing a couple recently engaged, or one saying their vows, a family, or freshly planted flowers, everything that my camera sees is life at its best, which to me is love. The next step is having as much appreciation for the person behind the camera as I do for that which is in front of it."
 



 
Lauryn thanks so much for your photos! Who's next?