Mainstream Melancholy

Get-HER done

2012-01-19T14:17:00.000-08:00

For a few days now I've been going around trying to understand a new tv purchase. One guy friend went with me yesterday, but we didn't find anything fabulous sale wise, nor did we really know what brand to buy - just looking at 40" - 42" screens, while finding that magic combination 1080p/ 120H.

At the end of the day yesterday, I called my YOUNGER brother and he said he'd meet me at some place called Open Box on Marine Drive in Vancouver at 10:30 AM. So this morning I hook up my Garmin GPS and make my way over there for 10:30 a.m. on the dot.
No Christopher.
I call him.
Chris: "Oh - are you there?"
Me: "Yes Chris, I'm here. Where are you? "
Chris: "I'm at home."

The sketchy Open Box place wasn't even open yet, so I drove over to next door to Visions. Met a nice fellow to assist me in narrowing down my decision, which was based on price. Dreadful time for me to be purchasing something like this. Anyways, who among us can do without a tv?

So I've purchased the Sony Bravia - without any help from the chumps I know - got in in the car and out of the car and up my 3 storey walk-up apartment.

Out of the box, stand put together, plugged in to the wall, hooked up cable. Cannon understand if I need the little digital box thingy that I had for the ancient tv.

I cannot figure out how to hook up the Sony home theatre.

I'm in the Initial Setup mode at the moment. The screen says "Channels Found - Analog: 36 Digital: 56. Please allow 30+ minutes to complete.

The table I have it on needs a hole drilled out for the back for the wires from the Sony home theatre thing and digital box. That would be fine, but I can't figure out how that thing attaches to the new tv anyway. There are a lot of wires from the speakers. I'm working through this, like I work through EVERYTHING else around here.

Oh - the tv is now emanating jazz music. Looks like it's stop searching for channels. I guess I'll press the arrow button to continue.

2012-01-17T15:43:00.000-08:00

Just another dream house...this one from Country Farmhouse blog.

Bill Murray, you make it all better

2012-01-16T11:27:00.000-08:00

Waiting for this one...

Gastown's Gamble in Love

2012-01-16T08:45:00.000-08:00

This morning I discovered through Fred Lee's Twitter feed, a new local reality series called Gastown Gamble. It will air Wednesdays on OWN and gives me one more reason to break down and purchase a new flat screen television. Yes - I still own a cube television tucked away in an armoire. But I digress. Gastown Gamble is the story of how "loud and shiny" Mark Brand and his wife Nico, begin to undertake the revitalization and renewal of the Vancouver institution - Save On Meats, which, after-all, had closed it's iconic doors in March of 2009 having served this city for over fifty years.

So what's the fuss all about? Well, for one thing, hard-working, restauranteur Mark Brand, (he is a partner in Vancouver's coolest places to hang and eat - Boneta, The Diamond and Sea Monstr Sushi) and his wife Nico, are awesome.

And the other thing? Ground zero happens to be the sketchy location of what we refer to as the Lower Eastside - not the happiest place on the planet, but in the past few years, this portion of YVR is becoming more approachable and getting a better wrap because of the care and attention from cool, caring people who believe in our city. It's a fabulous story and beats the crap out of watching another episode of Survivor (that's just so passe).

The undertaking of the transformation was huge. I mean when you think of this...

Going to this...
Well that's pretty wonderful.

And don't we just love the idea of the young couple giving it a go - not owning a fancy house or a car, but believing in their business that stands right smack in the middle of where no dreams seem to come true - the Eastside. So that might be changing too. There is something to be said of the compassionate and passionate sentiments of Mark Brand -

“Nico and I don’t own a home or a car. We own our business and we’re totally comfortable with that. We’re peeling it back and being a positive force in the community.”

Another very cool thing: the Brands started is a meal program in the neighbourhood - 600 some odd meals a day are given to nourish at-risk people! That's serving the community, literally. Way to go.

All this is wonderful inspiration is being produced by Vancouver-based television company, Lark Productions. You just can feel the momentum of Vancouver start to percolate can't you?

Read more on Scout (plus Scout has fantastic photographs for their set)

and on Word of Mouth Blog.

43 West Hastings Street

Open daily 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

This is the FUNNIEST thing I have seen in a LONG TIME!

2012-01-12T09:16:00.001-08:00

No clutter, just simple and creamy-dreamy

2012-01-02T18:27:00.000-08:00

Simplicity

2012-01-02T18:04:00.000-08:00

There is such simplicity in this fireplace. It's old school for sure, but creamy white paint over the bricks just makes this fireplace quaint. And I like it.

Transformations

2012-01-02T18:00:00.000-08:00

I couldn't help but post this transformation. I looked back and forth at the photos trying to see what exact difference was - I didn't notice it was about the drapes! What a brilliant idea...RIT - who knew?

so ya just nik em

2011-12-24T21:17:00.001-08:00

Christmastime is here

2011-12-22T09:10:00.000-08:00

The truth about this cat

2011-12-15T10:51:00.001-08:00

2011-12-14T12:08:00.001-08:00

Not sure what one has to do with the other...but that's where I'm at

2011-12-13T10:30:00.000-08:00

I purchased these Boutique 9 black suede pumps last Tuesday on sale...

They're great because the heel is not a spike. I can't wear those type any more. I have a gorgeous suede pump with a high spike heel -- and I just look at them in the closet. They're just not practical. You need heels that you can run around and get things done in. I am all for looking sharp and of course shoes make the outfit. But really, don't break your neck.

The Hiatus of 8-5

2011-12-09T08:40:00.001-08:00

It's Friday and day 3 of being out of my position with the Mayor's Office. A fantastic opportunity it was, but alas, my fearless leader had made her decision to not run for re-election. Not an easy gig - particularly in the fashion she ran her Administration - on high octane, to an impeccable standard, and to the very best of level of democracy.

As 2011 comes to a close and I begin to suss out a new post, hopefully in the political realm, I will take it easy on myself. Going forward sans Blackberry, hours in front of a small screened PC, millions of details to cope with and negotiate through on a daily basis, these are the things I am looking forward to...

Just another night. In the cold city.

2011-11-30T20:37:00.000-08:00

Winter came symbolically early, but in the physical, I suppose you could accuse it of being late. The slender leaves still clung wholeheartedly to the weeping willow outside in the front yard, and white blossoms still engulfed a protected geranium on my deck. Why was winter symbolically early? Because before I knew it, summer was faint and wilted. My summer vibration of light, energy, nervousness, sickness and obsession was completely and utterly invisible. Gone.

Final words

2011-11-29T11:39:00.000-08:00

Do you think she knows something I know something about?

2011-11-23T18:37:00.000-08:00

“If you have to ask someone to change, to tell you they love you, to bring wine to dinner, to call you when they land, you can't afford to be with them.”

“It's never good to fall in love with someone whom you'd have to stab in the eyeballs to elicit a response.”

― Sloane Crosley, How Did You Get This Number

Occupy Wall Street is on.

2011-10-11T06:59:00.000-07:00

Another Blog: Hygge House

2011-09-14T06:16:00.000-07:00

Among the many beautiful blogs I try to visit on a daily basis, I love Hygge House. I'm especially impressed with creative bios and descriptions of personal sites. Here is what Alex Beauchamp writes about her Hygge House blog...

The Danish word Hygge (hu-gah) is a feeling or mood that comes from taking genuine pleasure in making ordinary everyday things simply extraordinary; whether it’s using real lights on a Christmas tree or breaking out the good wine when friends come over. It’s about owning things you only truly love or that inspire, being present in yourself and your life, putting effort into your home without being Martha Stewart or buying a bed in a bag. It’s about being conscious and authentic from home to work to friends to celebrations and making all events {no matter how big or small, mundane or exciting} matter. Words like cosiness, security, familiarity, comfort, reassurance, fellowship, simpleness and living well are often used to describe the idea of Hygge.

Isn't that brilliant? She's convinced me! A beautiful philosophy...So do things that are fun, nourish the soul and find ways to incorporate that into daily life. By creating simple rituals without effort, such as brewing real tea with a little china cup every evening to stopping at the farmers market every week to buy flowers. See domestic and personal life as an art form and not every drudgery to get away from.

Tender as a crystal

2011-09-05T09:24:00.000-07:00

I was ready to tell
the story of my life
but the ripple of tears
and the agony of my heart
wouldn't let me

I began to stutter
saying a word here and there
and all along I felt
as tender as a crystal
ready to be shattered

In this stormy sea
we call life
all the big ships
come apart
board by board

How can I survive
riding a lonely
little boat
with no oars
and no arms

My boat did finally break
by the waves
and I broke free
as I tied myself
to a single board

Though the panic is gone
I am now offended
why should I be so helpless
rising with one wave
and falling with the next

I don't know
if I am nonexistence
while I exist
but I know for sure

When I am
I am not
but
when I am not
then I am

Now how can I be
a skeptic
about the
resurrection and
coming to life again

Since in this world
I have many times
like my own imagination
died and
been born again

That is why
after a long agonizing life
as a hunter
I finally let go and got
hunted down and became free
(Rumi)

There's a lot to be said for self-delusionment when it comes to matters of the heart.

2011-08-29T18:06:00.000-07:00

Limb by limb and tooth by tooth
Tearing up inside of me
Every day every hour
I wish that I was bullet proof

Wax me
Mould me
Heat the pins and stab them in
You have turned me into this
Just wish that it was bullet proof

So pay the money and take a shot
Leadfill the hole in me
I could burst a million bubbles
All surrogate and bullet proof

And bullet proof
And bullet proof
And bullet proof

Inside your chest your heart is just hurt, Behind your eyes a need replaced a want

2011-08-28T07:20:00.000-07:00

I know a sickness so ancient and cross
No crucifix could ever fix enough
In the basement of a church, these people, they talk
There is a line
That must be walked
If you wanna make it stop
Then stop

I know a place where the future is denied
I know a hand that twitches inside
For some of us the glass is filled with lights
But if the honey makes you sick,
honey, there is a line
That must be walked if you wanna make it stop
Then stop
Stop

Slave to Love 1986 Style

2011-08-27T06:53:00.000-07:00

The 1986 movie 9 1/2 Weeks is about the duration of the relationship between self-absorbed Wall Street shark John Gray (Mickey Rourke)
and sultry divorced SoHo art gallery assistant, Elizabeth McGraw (Kim Basinger).

Elizabeth is searching for true love...

While John is looking for...gosh knows what. His notions of lovemaking include blindfolds, ice cubes, chocolate syrup, and rolling around on spent peanut shells.

When the alotted 9 1/2 weeks are up, Elizabeth finally comes to realize that John has been using her.
We could have told her that twenty minutes into the film.

One of the definitive works for Mickey Rourke, 9 1/2 Weeks is deliciously awful, and as such will probably endure as a Camp Classic for the next hundred years.

Interesting fact: Director Adrian Lyne (Fatal Attraction, Jacob's Ladder, Unfaithful) used emotionally manipulative tactics on Kim Basinger during the shooting to elicit the performance he wanted from the somewhat new actress, which Basinger later criticized harshly. For example, Lyne did not allow Mickey Rourke and Basinger to talk to each other off-set. The two were kept isolated from each other and Lyne would tell Basinger rumors about how Rourke intended to make her like or dislike him so that she would carry that attitude into the scene. Lyne would also offer Rourke performance notes, but Basinger none, in order to unnerve her. In a very unusual and expensive move along these lines, Lyne shot the film sequentially, so that Basinger's actual emotional breakdown over time would be effectively translated to the screen.

Tell her I'll be waiting
In the usual place
With the tired and weary
There's no escape
To need a woman
You've got to know
How the strong get weak
And the rich get poor

You're running with me
Don't touch the ground
We're the restless hearted
Not the chained and bound
The sky is burning
A sea of flame
Though your world is changing
I will be the same

The storm is breaking
Or so it seems
We're too young to reason
Too grown up to dream
Now spring is turning
Your face to mine
I can hear your laughter
I can see your smile

No I can't escape
I'm a slave to love

Gaiman's "Have You Ever"

2011-08-23T08:07:00.000-07:00

“Have you ever been in love?
Horrible isn't it?
It makes you so vulnerable.
It opens your chest and it opens up your heart and it means that someone can get inside you and mess you up.

You build up all these defences, you build up a whole suit of armour, so that nothing can hurt you, then one stupid person, no different from any other stupid person, wanders into your stupid life...
You give them a piece of you.
They didn't ask for it.

They did something dumb one day, like kiss you or smile at you, and then your life isn't your own anymore.

Love takes hostages.
It gets inside you.
It eats you out and leaves you crying in the darkness, so simple a phrase like 'maybe we should be just friends' turns into a glass splinter working its way into your heart. It hurts.

Not just in the imagination.
Not just in the mind.
It's a soul-hurt, a real gets-inside-you-and-rips-you-apart pain.
I hate love.”

--Neil Gaiman

Mary Oliver's Wild Geese Poem

2011-08-22T18:37:00.000-07:00

You do not have to be good.
You do not have to walk on your knees
for a hundred miles through the desert repenting.
You only have to let the soft animal of your body
love what it loves.

Tell me about despair, yours, and I will tell you mine.
Meanwhile the world goes on.
Meanwhile the sun and the clear pebbles of the rain
are moving across the landscapes,
over the prairies and the deep trees,
the mountains and the rivers.
Meanwhile the wild geese, high in the clean blue air,
are heading home again.

Whoever you are, no matter how lonely,
the world offers itself to your imagination,
calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting
over and over announcing your place

Lost summer

2011-08-21T08:58:00.000-07:00

Do you pick up your phone
Do you check your mail
Do you answer your door even if it's late?
I don't know who to call
I don't know who to write
And I think I forgot
What your face looks like
I've been away

Kerouac

2011-08-18T08:48:00.000-07:00

The only people for me are the mad ones, the ones mad to live, mad to talk, mad to be saved, desirous of everything at the same time, the ones who never yawn or say a commonplace thing but burn, burn, burn like fabulous roman candles exploding like spiders across the stars and in the middle you see the blue centerlight pop and everybody goes 'Awww!"

Trouble Over Me

2011-08-17T09:26:00.000-07:00

You're not my boyfriend, I don't want a boyfriend
Just make a little trouble over me
In your kitchen, on the way to your window
Walking down your hallway
Make some trouble over me

I'll play hard to get but if I mean it
Just make a little trouble over me
Leave me alone. Do what you want to
See, I got some things on my mind

Don't treat me bad, that's not what I'm asking
Look out your window, everyone's in line
Paper truth in strings, hearts and broken things
Love goes for quite a price
I don't want you for mine. Oh, but don't we get along fine

Tell me a secret before you meant to
Worry what I'll do. Trouble over me
If you touch me, it's only by accident
Oh, wrists and fingertips. Trouble over me

In your kitchen, on the way to your window
Walking down your hallway, make some trouble over me
Button my coat up, stumble with your words some
Let me think that you might go to a little trouble over me

Just a little
Just a little trouble
Just a little trouble over me

My digital scrapbook dream home

2011-08-17T05:38:00.000-07:00

shoes, shoes, shoes

2011-08-16T18:22:00.000-07:00

I found all these photos of high heel shoes with socks. I don't think it's a fashion I could follow, but never the less, I like purchasing shoes. All I can hear is my dear Mother saying is "You don't need another pair of shoes Stephanie!"

2011-08-09T19:37:00.000-07:00

2011-08-09T17:27:00.000-07:00

“We work in the dark,
We do what we can,
We give what we have,
Our doubt is our passion,
And our passion is our task,
The rest is the madness of art”
--Henry James

Haggis Chick, Photographer Extraordinaire

My hero

2011-08-06T19:52:00.001-07:00

garden gate

2011-08-06T12:56:00.001-07:00

garden gate, originally uploaded by ztephen.

This is where the garden begins. Step over the threshold, and the hum of the everyday world dwindles into silence as we become intent on a single task: to nourish, to cultivate, to garden.

Some Velvet Morning When I'm Straight

2011-07-24T10:49:00.000-07:00

It was this photo found here this morning that got me thinking back to the Safari Inn. Not a place I've stayed at, but a place I definitely would. I have a thing for these old school motels and the time they belong to - the 1960's. When Lucinda Williams was working on her album WEST, she stayed at the Safari Inn. Of course she did. I imagine her listening to Frank Sinatra or old Lee Hazelwood in early mornings or late at night.

It also reminded me of the motel in Bottle Rocket. The Windmill Inn somewhere in Texas.

It's no wonder I'm lovin Vancouver's classic Waldorf Hotel.

Sweet Dears

2011-07-24T10:09:00.001-07:00

Love this little piece of prose. Wish I would have written it. From one of my favourite blogs, S W E E T P E A, Little Dears

dear summer, hurry up, i've been dreaming about you all day.
dear mini eggs, i am so so so glad they decided to make you year-round.
dear valentines day, i hate you because there are too many couples wandering through campus halls holding hands.
dear starbucks, your coffee is the absolute worst.
dear brain, please do not forget everything you have studied today, okay?
dear cellphone, i am getting tired of you lately.
dear ex boyfriend, i really hope you sent my things like you said you would...
dear horoscopes, you suck lately.
dear sleep, please come back to me.
dear everyone, bring me food! i am craving onion rings... why?
dear bicycle lock key, reappear.
dear sky, i want to lay in a field and stare at you for hours.
dear home, you feel nice lately.
dear kijiji, is it possible to post a boyfriend advertisement?

Somebody's amazing space

2011-07-24T08:35:00.000-07:00

Fin Feline

2011-07-24T08:28:00.000-07:00

I love the artistic purity found on Vimeo...

FIN Feline from Howie Arnstad on Vimeo.

Friday Quotes

2011-07-22T15:46:00.001-07:00

Going placidly amid the noise and haste

2011-07-22T10:45:00.000-07:00

I've had an entire 5 days of relative solitary quiet recuperation here at home. The weather has been gloomy, uncharacteristic for July, even for Vancouver. I'm indifferent to it however, since the looming symptoms seem to be fever and light sensitivity. I spend most of my time sleeping, or peering through hundreds of websites on art, design, fashion and writing. I've come across some things new and rediscovered other things.

Two weeks ago today I met up with an old friend from school - like grade school - grade 7 in fact. Nicola lives in beautiful Horseshoe Bay with her young son (who is fabulously adorable with long, wavy, pure blonde hair). She's an artist and her home reflects a unique and fabulous Bohemian West Coast flair. Besides her own original palate knifed paintings and charcoal drawings, in the hallway of her abode, she hangs Max Ehrmann's prose "Desiderata". A total classic and I was so excited to see it posted out somewhere, since I hadn't seen it in years. I discovered it when I was about 24 years old, while working in a real estate office as a conveyancer. Computers were relatively new in the workplace and Desiderata was my password. No one knew what I was talking about. And while I still don't have one tatoo on me, I wouldn't be obverse to having this on me.

Along the similar vane as Desiderata, an email was sent to me - the list below - which was published by award-winning columnist Regina Brett, at The Plain Dealer, Cleveland, Ohio.
When she turned 45, she wrote the 45 lessons life taught her. She republished it and added a few things when she turned 50. It was the most-requested column she'd ever written. But Regina IS NOT 90 years old...Somewhere along the way, her correct age got lost in on-line translation. See HERE.

So here is Regina's list and I've highlighted the ones I so truly understand and fully subscribe to thus far in my journey:

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Life is too short for long pity parties. Get busy living, or get busy dying.
17. You can get through anything if you stay put in today.
18. A writer writes. If you want to be a writer, write.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

22. Overprepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: "In five years, will this matter?"
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
36. Growing old beats the alternative - dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood. Make it memorable.
38. Read the Psalms. They cover every human emotion.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
41. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
42. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
43. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
44. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
45. The best is yet to come.
46. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
47. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
48. If you don't ask, you don't get.
49. Yield.
50. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

Oh Come, Take Me Down.

2011-07-20T17:30:00.001-07:00

Oh Come, Take Me Down., originally uploaded by SaylaMarz.

Mono and Flying Solo

2011-07-20T13:27:00.000-07:00

On Monday I went to the doctor due to some symptoms that were hard to ignore. Then later that night, it was confirmed that I at the age of 42, I have Mononucleosis. I've researched the crap out of this unfortunate condition and below is my best edit of the virus, but I would like to make it positively clear that I'm not (a) covered in a strange hive-like rash; (b) have no strange throat crap in my mouth whatsoever; (c) my jawline has returned significantly; and (d) have not been smooching with anyone but my cat Bugs Buddy.

I do however, have dizzy spells, sore throat and completely no energy and no appetite (I've been waiting for this day my entire adult life), and I've got a "sickish" feeling throughout the day and night that is alleviated by super strength (like I buy anything else) Tylenol.

About the worst I can say about this is being away from the office and the fact that people aren't being near me. So the name MONO is pretty bang on. Your on your own sista!

Definition Particulars: Infectious mononucleosis or simply mono: A mildly contagious disease caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Mononucleosis is also known as grandular fever or kissing disease. This viral infection is commonly found in children and young adults. The symptoms of mononucleosis include fever, sore throat, weakness, malaise, swollen lymph nodes, etc. It is not a serious condition. However, it can continue for days and weeks together.

How Do You Get Mononucleosis?

Mononucleosis can spread from one person to another through exchange of saliva and mucus from throat or nose. As the disease is also known as the kissing disease, there is a widespread misconception that it is caused only due to kissing. That statement is definitely correct that mononucleosis is spread by kissing and through direct person-to-person contact.

While deep kissing there is an exchange of saliva, then there is a highest possibility of transmission of this disease. Kissing is one of the major reasons for the spread of mono in youth. However, kissing is not the only reason for the spread of this disease among people.

Besides kissing, Mono is also spread by coughing, sneezing, sharing of personal items like towels, toothbrush, etc. On the other hand, using the same utensils as that of the person suffering from it or sharing the same food, eating from same plate, etc. also causes spreading of the disease from one person to the other. Secondly, touching the nose or mouth and then shaking hands with other person also leads to transmission of mono.

One of the most important things to note is that not all people who kiss suffer from mononucleosis. Therefore, if a person has mono, it is improper to conclude that he has been a reckless kisser. There are several different answers to how you get mononucleosis. Also, the person suffering from mono should try and avoid contact with other people, especially children. Mono is contagious, as long as the symptoms are observed in people.

The bad extreme: Mono can remain contagious for a couple of days or weeks. In case of chronic mononucleosis, the symptoms can last for more than 6 months. It is simply advisable not to share personal items with anyone.

fashion fix = BROOKLYN BLONDE

2011-07-19T15:59:00.000-07:00

I've discovered Brooklyn Blonde - a fantastic fashion blog by a gal named Helena from NYC. Here a few scrumptious looks from her pages...And the last two photos show off the coveted Alexander McQueen skull scarf. I have to track one of those down.

Can ANYBODY believe that the hoards of hillbillies are ACTUAL getting this song???

2011-07-14T23:08:00.001-07:00

This is the Kings of Leon. They are like 25 year old uber punks who are the best thing to hit the airwaves in I don't know how long. My first impression of this video is how ludicrous it could posssiblly be that the average tourist from Kansas is actually being exposed and LIKING this awesome alternative song (compared to the dulled down drivel that is the likes of, I don't know, Justin Bieber). The second impression, is a strong one: these kids are killing it live. On the bloody TODAY Show. Crazy awesome.

Birthday Wish for Pamela

2011-07-14T07:35:00.000-07:00

Found on Divas&DreamsBlog

Classic: Dwight Yoakam in Sling Blade

2011-07-13T18:16:00.000-07:00

This cracked me up in the movie, which was pretty heavy. Dwight played a vile individual, Doyle Hargraves. This is one of those scenes that you remember...

This Summer

2011-07-10T19:59:00.000-07:00

Oh the Cinema

2011-07-08T07:04:00.001-07:00

CBC's Eli Glasner just panned Horrible Bosses, which opens today. How can this be? I love Eli and trust his judgement implicitly. So I'm very, very disappointed. I love, love, love Jason Bateman...I cannot stress this enough. Horrible Bosses appeals to the fact that I worked in a place where fantasizing about "special coffee" drinks was an imperative. In fact, for nearly five years I worked with two other women and we referred to ourselves as the Nine to Five Girls. We were definitely working for Franklin Hart and yes, I was the veteran Violet.

Did I mention I love Jason Bateman?

But apparently Eli enjoyed and gave a passing mark to Woody Allen's latest, Midnight in Paris. I need a cinema date to choose.

If only I knew how to pull these looks off myself...

2011-07-02T21:04:00.000-07:00

If I was thin as a pin or Kate Moss, these are the looks I'd be obsessed with for myself. I'm already obsessed with these looks actually. If only I had a long body and not just long legs. I need to stretch myself out! Pop over to Atlantic Pacific for a fantastic fashion fix.

Delicious. For a Change

2011-07-02T19:05:00.000-07:00

If you haven't stopped by Food Gawker yet, it's time you did. And if you have any inclination for cooking at home, this fabulous website is a very plethora of food ideas to get you inspired. Tonight at Chez Stephanie, I'm serving up the Mexican Casserole. Delicious right? And an ice shaken lemonade martini.

And when I was tossing on the Kraft Tex Mex Shredded Cheese mix on top, I naturally thought of this commercial:

On this day, as a born Canadian, to Canadians, I still like to be a Monarchist. Tough darts people.

2011-07-01T11:55:00.000-07:00

God save our gracious Queen,
Long live our noble Queen,
God save the Queen!
Send her victorious,
Happy and glorious,
Long to reign over us,
God save the Queen!

O lord God arise,
Scatter our enemies,
And make them fall!
Confound their knavish tricks,
Confuse their politics,
On you our hopes we fix,
God save the Queen!

Not in this land alone,
But be God's mercies known,
From shore to shore!
Lord make the nations see,
That men should brothers be,
And form one family,
The wide world ov'er

From every latent foe,
From the assasins blow,
God save the Queen!
O'er her thine arm extend,
For Britain's sake defend,
Our mother, prince, and friend,
God save the Queen!

Thy choicest gifts in store,
On her be pleased to pour,
Long may she reign!
May she defend our laws,
And ever give us cause,
To sing with heart and voice,
God save the Queen!

PechaKucha Night Vol.17, West Coast Modern

2011-07-01T10:40:00.001-07:00

PechaKucha Night Vol.17, Pamela Goldsmith-Jones , originally uploaded by Cause and Affect Design Ltd..

June 23rd at The Vogue, Madam Mayor Goldsmith-Jones, was the first presenter at Pecha Kucha. Pecha Kucha is a 20 x 20 slide and chat presentation format. It's very precise, as each presenter has 20 slides that change over in 20 seconds and you speak - without notes. It started in Tokyo in 2003 as an event where designers could network and show their work and discuss their philosophies in public. Now over 400 cities around the world take part in this amazing creative process. Pecha Kucha is Japanese translated to "chit-chat" and while people pronounce it differently, my friend at work Kiriko, who is Japanese, simple says it like it's spelled. Pecha Koocha, and NOT Pa-chawch-ka. Fabulous night all around.

Happy Canada Day!

2011-06-30T22:35:00.000-07:00

Long weekends were made for making pie...Found on Sweet Fine Day blog, the Fresh Strawberry Cream Pie. I think I can do this - make it. And eat it.

Crust:
1-1/3 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup flour
6 Tablespoons melted butter

Preheat the oven to 300 degrees. Mix everything together by hand, and press firmly into a 10-inch springform pan. The crust should also go up the sides of the pan about three inches. Bake in the oven for about 12 minutes, until it has firmed up a bit. Let it cool while you prepare the filling.

Filling:
5 cups strawberries, washed and stems removed.
1/4 cup sugar
1 Tablespoon gelatin powder, soaked in 1/4 cup cold water

Roughly chop one cup of the strawberries and place in a small saucepan with the sugar. Cook until reduced to a puree. Remove from the heat, then stir in the soaked gelatin. Mix with the remaining strawberries, then immediately pour into the cooled crust. Spread the out so the top is level, then prepare the whipped cream topping.

Topping:
1-1/2 cups heavy cream
1 Tablespoon powdered sugar
1 teaspoon gelatin powder
2 tablespoons milk

Whip the cream and sugar to stiff peaks. Soak the gelatin in the milk for two minutes, then heat gently until dissolved. Gradually fold the whipped cream into the gelatin, then spread on top of the strawberries. Chill for several hours before removing from the pan and slicing.

The Pursuit of Happiness

2011-06-30T07:20:00.000-07:00

A little pre-happy 4th of July, compliments of Little Edie Beale

2011-06-27T17:16:00.000-07:00

In the early 1970s articles in The National Enquirer and New York Magazine brought notoriety to an eccentric mother and daughter, the aunt and cousin of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, who were living in squalor in a dilapidated mansion in East Hampton, NY called Grey Gardens. Grey Gardens is the 1975 documentary film by Albert and David Maysles. The film depicts the everyday lives of the two Edith Beales, a reclusive socialite mother and daughter known as Big and Little Edie of East Hampton, New York.

Relatives Jacqueline Onassis and her sister Lee Radzwill had it cleaned up but the ladies continued to live under the same circumstances. Big Edie died in 1977. At 60 years of age Little Edie pursued life as a cabaret singer, performing at Reno Sweeney a Manhattan night spot. She did 8 shows (January 10-14, 1978 receiving bad reviews by the New York Times; they were kept from her.) She lived two more years at Grey Gardens. She sold GG to former editor of The Washington Post Ben Bradlee and his wife Sally Quinn for $220,000. She lived in Oakland California, Montreal and moved to Bal Harbour, Florida in 1997 spending her days writing poetry and corresponding with fans. Her body was found on January 14, 2002. She wished to be cremated and her ashes spread alongst the Atlantic, not to be buried beside her mother.

Living In Colour

2011-06-19T15:54:00.000-07:00

Homes, sweet homes

2011-06-12T17:54:00.000-07:00

No, unfortunately, this is NOT my pad. I'm working on my digital dream-board thus the images below. I have some serious issues to work through and they include winning the Lotto.

But a bit of luck last night - I enjoyed a lovely evening with a lovely gal who has just realized her house-owning dream. She is a very successful single mom and has worked her but off furthering her education and working her way through the job chain. And now, she has been able to purchase a spacious place of her own.

Looking for your first real estate acquirement is not always easy. I practically fell into my current cubby hole, but Michelle on the other hand, has been looking for a long time. Home prices in this town are totally ridiculous obviously, but when you have a young son to think about as well, and you're on your own, well, you can only imagine the stretch you have to go to. I'm so happy for her because she is thoroughly thrilled with her new home. It's so amazing to have the kind of space she has and the kitchen is her favourite place to be. She's the equivalent to a wine somalia, as a self-taught chef. Her cooking creations are legendary and now she has designed a perfect space, complete with stainless steel appliances and gorgeous granite countertops. It is so lovely! Congratulations Michelle!

The perfect song for my Divorce Party

2011-06-04T10:20:00.000-07:00

How will you make it on your own?
This world is awfully big, girl this time you're all alone
But it's time you started living
It's time you let someone else do some giving

Love is all around, no need to waste it
You can have a town, why don't you take it
You might just make it after all
You might just make it after all

Secret Gardens

2011-05-29T08:32:00.000-07:00

I received one of the nicest messages by email the other day. It was from my beautiful friend Aubrey, who has moved to London, England with her beau. Lucky for her, sad for us who miss having her here in Vancouver.

"I had a dream you came to London and gave me a pretty garden last night - window boxes and all. I have been wanting some window boxes for quite some time, and clearly my conscience picked you as the best candidate for the job. :) How's your pretty patio coming along? Wish we could share a glass of vino on it tonight. xx"

Isn't that lovely? Of course I would adore being in London and making up some window boxes and a wee welcome garden at the front steps to her flat. It would be so brilliant. Well we've struggled to have any sort of Spring here on the Wet Coast of British Columbia. In fact, as of today, we haven't experienced a whole 20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit). The rain has been relentless and people are picking up Irish accents.

I planted my Spring patio up at the beginning of April. Whenever I'm feeling down or depressed, the cure is a drive up to Lynn Valley's Maple Leaf Garden Centre. I can meander around there for an hour and purchase a flat of annuals and a few new perennials like lavender (that never seems to thrive on the south facing balcony for whatever reason), and I'm serene as a lake.

I emailed Aubrey back and sent along a few photos of the Spring balcony, which is begging for some warm sun. I also found a few websites that specialise in balcony gardening. One specially for window boxes too!
Window Box Ideas Blogspot
Little Red House Blogspot
And I found THIS PHOTO on Flickr, which included a furry Lola!

And yesterday morning listening to CBC's Radio One program North By Northwest, the garden guests were fabulous
Their blogs included Heavy Petal and Everyday Eden

And for more inspiration in general, you have to check out Victoria Smith's SFGirlbybay Flickr site

Black Books - you time-wasting bastards

2011-05-26T17:26:00.001-07:00

I purchased this DVD series for fun because it was Channel 4 and the package described "Meet Bernard Black (Dylan MOran) a foul tempered, drink-fuelled and eccentric bookshop owner who loves his books and hates his customers".
Really, I ask you, who could resist that? He is my dream man. I'm not kidding.

Hoard Anything You Can't Download

2011-05-24T21:39:00.001-07:00

"Hoard Anything You Can't Download" - Douglas Coupland, originally uploaded by kk+.

In Vancouver, we have this great photographer - a real cool guy that captures Vancouver in a unique, artistic way. His name is Kris Krug. I love his Flickr site and his take on life through the lens.

Of course, in Vancouver, we also rely on Doug Coupland to set us straight on humour.

For our Canucks - Please, please, please let them get what they want

2011-05-24T21:11:00.000-07:00

It's the City of Vancouver, Game 5...and it's overtime....EEEEEK.

Good times for a change
See, the luck I've had
Can make a good man
Turn bad

So please please please
Let me, let me, let me
Let me get what I want
This time

Haven't had a dream in a long time
See, the life I've had
Can make a good man bad

So for once in my life
Let me get what I want
Lord knows, it would be the first time
Lord knows, it would be the first time

Bardot

2011-05-22T07:22:00.001-07:00

Black & White Boy, Crowded House

2011-05-22T06:00:00.000-07:00

I have a theory about the Crowded House song "Black and White Boy", from their 1994 album, Together Alone. I think it's a song about Morrissey - as in The Smiths. Steven Patrick Morrissey.

I may be off since others have their ideas about this song for sure. A strange example is the video here, labelled "Finn the Cat - Black and White Boy".

But I'm sticking to my guns and to my theory that Neil Finn is a Morrissey fan, working out his troubled feelings about him. Who doesn't have troubled feelings toward Morrissey?

Black and white boy
Black and white boy
You're so extreme
You're so confused
Color me in whatever mood I'm in
I could be still in touch with you
And you're full of the wonder of spring
It's all sweetness and lightness you bring
And a room full of people fall to your infinite charm
But when darkness should quickly descend
You go quietly, my miserable friend
To the depths of despair you will crawl
Black and white boy

Black and white boy
Black and white boy
You're so extreme
You're so confused
Color me in Whatever mood I'm in
I could be still In touch with you

When you shake off the shadows of night
And your eyes are so clear and so bright
You'll make fools of the liars and creeps
Put a rose in my cheeks
But when demons have climbed on your back
You are vicious and quick to attack
And you put on a wonderful show
Do you really, really think I don't know?
Black and white boy

And you run like a cat to the cream
And you're acting so nice it's obscene
You put on a wonderful show
Do you really, really think I don't know?
Black and white boy

Cause I'm Country Strong

2011-05-21T19:28:00.000-07:00

I watched this movie this afternoon -- Gwyneth Paltrow is adorable here in an okay film. But guess what? She can sing. I guess I'm a sucker for "country" music.

The young Leighton Meester plays Chiles Stanton and those corny country songs are getting to me...like the one "I Get A Little Bit Stronger", and on the radio the beautiful Sara Evans sings it.

MTM

2011-05-09T20:30:00.001-07:00

I just could not resist.

2011-05-08T08:12:00.001-07:00

Joan of Arc would have been a drunk if she was married to you ! / Sue Ellen, originally uploaded by Rétrofuturs (Hulk4598) / Stéphane Massa-Bidal.

I think I might have inhaled you...

2011-05-01T08:37:00.000-07:00

Bloodstream

This MP3 was found at Dilandau MP3

Wake up look me in the eyes again
I need to feel your hand upon my face
Words can relay nice
They can cut you open
And the silence surrounds you
and hunts you
I think I might’ve inhale you
I could feel you behind my eyes
You gotten into my bloodstream
I could feel you floating in me
Words can relay nice
They can cut you open
And the silence surrounds you
and hunts you
I think I might’ve inhale you
I could feel you behind my eyes
You gotten into my bloodstream
I could feel you floating in me

The spaces in between
Two minds and all the places they have been
The spaces in between
I tried to put my finger on it
I tried to put my finger on it
I think I might’ve inhale you
I could feel you behind my eyes
You gotten into my bloodstream
I could feel you floating in me
I think I might’ve inhale you
I could feel you behind my eyes
You gotten into my bloodstream
I could feel you floating in me

Royal Wedding Highlights

2011-04-29T03:50:00.001-07:00

And did those feet in ancient time
Walk upon England's mountain green?
And was the holy Lamb of God
On England's pleasant pastures seen?
And did the countenance divine
Shine forth upon our clouded hills?
And was Jerusalem builded here
Among those dark satanic mills?

Bring me my bow of burning gold!
Bring me my arrows of desire!
Bring me my spear! O clouds, unfold!
Bring me my chariot of fire!
I will not cease from mental fight,
Nor shall my sword sleep in my hand,
Till we have built Jerusalem
In England's green and pleasant land.

And Making No Excuses for It

2011-04-03T08:29:00.000-07:00

Be as Militant as You Can Be

2011-04-03T08:16:00.000-07:00

Home Pieces

2011-03-29T22:00:00.000-07:00

Dreaming while on sfgirlbybay

Macy and Denver and the Kitty-Cat Treats

2011-03-26T10:27:00.001-07:00

It's a conspiracy

2011-03-22T19:05:00.000-07:00

Sunday Matinee

2011-03-13T19:55:00.000-07:00

Dad and I went to the matinee of the King's Speech. It was fabulous. And people wept and clapped. Colin, I love you.

A Truly Great Film

2011-03-13T13:32:00.000-07:00

I just finished watching this again and it is such a great film. How can you not cry?! Brilliant.

The Fran Reader: Excerpt #2

2011-03-08T07:37:00.001-08:00

Page 127-128: Clothes with Pictures and/or Writing on Them:

"The particular general state of things that I am referring to is the general state of things that encourages people to express themselves through their clothing. Frankly, I for one would not be unhappy if more people expressed themselves by marching en masse into the nearest large body of water, but barring that, I wish they would at least stop attempting to tell all by word of jacket. I mean, be realistic. If people don't want to listen to you, what makes you think they want to hear from your sweater? "

AND THIS my friends, is why I adore the brilliant, Fran Lebowitz.

I'm in trouble I guess

2011-03-08T07:20:00.001-08:00

March 28, 2010, originally uploaded by Parker Fitzgerald.

Good Sunday Morning People

2011-03-06T08:50:00.001-08:00

This arrived today...

2011-03-05T09:59:00.000-08:00

After the dismal week I've had, this is keeping me laughing to myself. For instance, the chapter, "Better Read Than Dead: A Revised Opinion", the first sentence ensures that this is a book that I will be taking with me everywhere. So please read from page 32 of the soft-cover:

"My attendance at grammar school coincided rather unappealingly with the height of the cold war. This resulted in my spending a portion of each day sitting cross-legged, head in lap, either alone under my desk or, more sociably, against the wall in the corridor. When not so occupied I could be found sitting in class reading avidly about the horrors of life under Communism. I was not a slow child, but I believed passionately that Communists were a race of horned men who divided their time equally between the burning of Nancy Drew books and devising a plan of nuclear attack that would land the largest and most lethal bomb squarely upon the third-grade class of Thomas Jefferson School in Morristown, New Jersey."

Single White Feline

2011-02-27T09:18:00.000-08:00

Romer's Burger Bar....

2011-02-19T19:03:00.000-08:00

Romer's
No need to say anymore....but I went there after my five km walk to Lynn Valley.

I think they might be Valentines

2011-02-14T07:15:00.001-08:00

Lua y Ling, originally uploaded by _Xti_.

Pre-Valentines Day Love Bouquet

2011-02-13T20:18:00.000-08:00

"I believe in talking behind peoples' backs. That way, they hear it more than once." — Fran Lebowitz

2011-02-12T12:22:00.000-08:00

"There is no such thing as inner peace. There is only nervousness and death."
— Fran Lebowitz

Another fuzz-top. My favourite.

2011-02-05T10:25:00.001-08:00

Sorcha, originally uploaded by samantha_k_benjamin.

2011-02-01T07:39:00.000-08:00

In light of the horrific events that have come to light yesterday, from Whistler, not only should you be writing to Outdoor Adventures - to bring this company to complete and public ruin, but you should support agencies that are alone in this uphill battle.

The Province of British Columbia provides zero money for animal abuse investigations. The SPCA is on their own. Write to your MLA and tell them it's time for change and the protection of animals and persecution of animal abusers must be legislated.
Support your BCSPCA.

These are a few of my favourite things

2011-01-30T21:20:00.000-08:00

Tivoli

2011-01-22T15:28:00.005-08:00

Tivoli, originally uploaded by S△R△H.

HOME STUDIO TIVOLI

2011-01-22T15:28:00.003-08:00

HOME STUDIO TIVOLI, originally uploaded by jon fobes.

I picked the walnut with silver.

New Year's Day, Welcome 2011

2011-01-02T08:24:00.001-08:00

January 1, 2011, was born to a beautiful sunrise. A sunrise to which I was awake for. The moon was a sliver to the east and Venus was as bright as could be, hovering near the crescent. I puttered around in the morning and took various interior photos with my iPhone on its Instagram application - my favourite new thing. The sun was intense and the sky was so blue and clear, while the streets were caked in frost until well past 11 AM.

I finally took out to the store in search of my Cioppino ingredients. Eating fish on New Year's Day is considered lucky. I need all the luck I can get so why question tradition? It's true - proven on a found website entry entitled "Eat yourself lucky - good luck food for New Year's Day"

In North America, Asia, and Europe, people eat fish to celebrate the new year. In some countries, people associate fish with moving forward into the new year since fish swim forward. Other people think fish symbolize abundance since they swim in schools.

Of all places, I arrived at Safeway in Lynn Valley - my Dad's shopping haunt. As serendipitous as it can get, my dear old dad rang my mobile as I was deciding on crushed and diced tomatoes. I said hello and told him I was shopping at his Safeway.

Back home I sautéd 5 cloves of garlic, fresh celery, onion, olive oil, red curry paste, clam juice, diced tomatoes and then piled in the red deliciousness into my new crock-pot. The fish, crab, clam and prawn mix went in three hours later. Amazing.

Moira came over to test the creation and enjoy a glass (or two) of pink champagne. The sunset was spectacular and we both kept going out to the freezing balcony to witness the colours and capture photos. It was so amazing and quite beyond the camera lens scope. It just could not be captured as brilliantly as actually as it was taking place. That's the thing about life in general.

Cioppino Ingredients
2 Large onions, chopped (2 cups)
2 Medium stalks celery, finely chopped (1 cup)
5 cloves Garlic, finely chopped
1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 bottle (8 ounces) clam juice
1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
1/2 cup Dry white wine - used red wine
1 tablespoon Red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon Olive oil
1 tablespoon red curry paste
21/2 teaspoons Italion seasoning
1/4 teaspoon Sugar
1/4 teaspoon Crushed red pepper
1 Dried bay leaf
1 pound Firm-fleshed white fish, cut into 1-inch pieces
3/4 pound Uncooked peeled deveined medium shrimp, thawed if frozen
1 can (61/2 ounces) chopped clams with juice, undrained
1 can (6 ounces) crabmeat, drained, cartilage removed and flaked
1/4 cup Chopped fresh parsley

2010-12-25T12:03:00.000-08:00

Our hearts do not need logic. They can love and forgive and accept that which minds cannot comprehend- Lois Wilson

My Dad at Christmas....

2010-12-24T08:43:00.000-08:00

Video Link: Grinch

Nerve of those Whos!Inviting me down there, on such short notice. Even if I wanted to go, my schedule wouldn't allow it!
4:00: Wallow in self-pity.
4:30: Stare into the abyss.
5:00: Solve world hunger. Tell no one!
5:30 Jajjjerrsize
6:00 dinner with me - I can't cancel that again!
7:00: wrestle with my self-loathing... I'm booked!

Of course, if I bump the loathing to 9:00, I'll proberbly still have time to lay in my bed, stare at the ceiling and slip slowly into madness.

But what would I wear?!

npuke: Morrissey supports Johnny Marr over The Smiths Dav...

2010-12-14T07:40:00.000-08:00

uk: Morrissey supports Johnny Marr over The Smiths Dav...: "Morrissey has praised former bandmate Johnny Marr for criticising Prime Minister David Cameron for liking The Smiths. The singer also slamme..."

And then there's this:

Little Big Town, Kiss Goodbye

2010-12-08T22:12:00.000-08:00

I really am loving this song...

When you lose something
It’s all that you want back
You’re waitin patiently
But it don’t work like that

When you lose someone
The first thing that goes through your head
Is if you run fast enough
You just might catch up
But it don’t work like that

You just gotta watch it fly
Stand there on the side lines
Go on and swallow your pride
You know its gonna be alright
Wish it well and close your eyes
With a kiss goodbye

Well the hardest part
Ya it hurts so bad
Is when she spreads her wings
But it’d be a selfish thing
To try and hold her back
But it don’t work like that

You just gotta watch it fly
Stand there on the side lines
Go on and swallow your pride
You know its gonna be alright
Wish it well and close your eyes
With a kiss goodbye

When you lose something
It’s all that you want back

You just gotta watch it fly
Stand there on the side lines
Go on and swallow your pride
You know its gonna be alright
Wish it well and close your eyes
With a kiss goodbye

Like a kiss goodbye

Meowfail - my absolute favorite kitty sound

2010-12-07T07:56:00.000-08:00

Winston vs. the lid

2010-12-07T07:55:00.000-08:00

Hallelujah! Hallelujah! And He shall reign forever and ever

2010-12-06T17:48:00.000-08:00

The Kings Speech Trailer 2010 HD

2010-11-27T10:14:00.000-08:00

Mad - Who isn't mad? That's how you know you're awake

2010-11-25T22:54:00.000-08:00