Some buildings don't have a 13th floor, my calendars don't have a Feb 14th on them. All today is, is a greeting card holiday, consumerism at it's best! The sad thing is a very, very small percentile of people actually know what the true story of St. Valentine really is. What I really don't get about today is why do you need one day out of the entire year, set aside to celebrate your love for someone? Shouldn't you be doing that every single day. And why is today just reserved for couples? Single people need to be appreciated as well, yet....
When you are single on February 14th, you suddenly become invisible to all of your coupled up friends. The only people who remember you are your girlfriends, the same girlfriends who are just as equally invisible today. No, I'm not some bitter single woman, jealous of couples, I LOVE being single. The thing is, I've never celebrated today due to it's sole purpose of ridiculousness. If today is all about love shouldn't it be celebrated every day and not just because you are a couple.
Today, I woke up to two adorable dogs kissing me and snuggling up to me. I then had the only people who matter in my life tell me that I was special to them, I will spend my day writing, going for a long walk, taking myself out for dinner, coming home, watching My Bloody Valentine, drink wine and crawl back into bed with my dogs. But I have been thinking long and hard about today, why isn't there a day to celebrate those of us who have fully embraced being single. So I am proposing something and not just an Anti-Valentines Day, day. We should start a day that lets single people embrace being single, the ability to show the world that they can proudly say, 'Today I am celebrating I'm not in a shitty relationship day.' or 'I don't have to put on a fake smile to make everyone think I'm happy day, day.' or 'Yes I'm single and proud of it day.' Ok, I need a little help with an actual title for the day, but... you all get it.
We have 'Days' for everything else, so why not a day for proud, independent, single people? We are the ones who deserve it!!!
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Monday, February 9, 2009
cravings and cabin fever...
About every six months or so, I get this wicked urge to go to NYC. I haven't been there in a few years and miss it! It's not just a craving to visit though, since I can remember I have dreamed of living there, writing and enjoy all that amazing city has to offer. On schedule as with every other six months, I start watching movies that are based in the city, start perusing availability of apartments and checking for seat sales. About a year ago I was seriously looking into how I could move there and live as a working writer, paper work was partially filled out and plans were being made.
Why didn't I continue? A friend talked me out of it. Now I realize it was for her own selfish reasons, but none the less it worked, I put all the papers aside and continued on with my life in Toronto. Suddenly, here I am again, wanting. I'm not sure if it is cabin fever, or spring fever for that fact, or that every time I flip a channel or pick up a magazine I have NYC in my face, but I'm itching for that city. Right now I am also feeling very nostalgic, my cousin and I use to go all the time when I was in my twenties, without even a second consideration, we would both grab a few necessities and book the first plane out. We would spend long weekends wandering the streets of Manhattan, planning what building we would live in, what fashion houses she would work for and what magazines I would write for.
I've been asked three times in the last 6 months to go to NYC for a visit. I've turned all offers down, because deep down inside I know that if I go right now, I will find a way not to return to Toronto. I wish I could explain this need. A good majority of people don't understand why I would ever even consider moving to the US, let alone New York, but, there are the rare few who do. I for years didn't understand it myself, but apparently it is like a virus, once you've been bitten you just can't shake it. Someone suggested that if I lived there for a short period of time I would get rid of this infatuation and be able to move on, but somehow, I don't think I will. According to others who have the same 'virus' so to speak that I do, once it is in your blood, it is for good!
So, what am I going to do about this 'fever' I am having right now. Temporarily I will fulfill my needs with magazines, dvd's and websites. I will continue to price out shoebox sized apartments in Manhattan, and well, this time I think I am going to plan a weekend away. Spring in Manhattan is almost as wonderful as looking at the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Square. I'm afraid that this time my craving won't be one I can hold back. I just hope when I land at JFK... I am able to find my way back here.
Why didn't I continue? A friend talked me out of it. Now I realize it was for her own selfish reasons, but none the less it worked, I put all the papers aside and continued on with my life in Toronto. Suddenly, here I am again, wanting. I'm not sure if it is cabin fever, or spring fever for that fact, or that every time I flip a channel or pick up a magazine I have NYC in my face, but I'm itching for that city. Right now I am also feeling very nostalgic, my cousin and I use to go all the time when I was in my twenties, without even a second consideration, we would both grab a few necessities and book the first plane out. We would spend long weekends wandering the streets of Manhattan, planning what building we would live in, what fashion houses she would work for and what magazines I would write for.
I've been asked three times in the last 6 months to go to NYC for a visit. I've turned all offers down, because deep down inside I know that if I go right now, I will find a way not to return to Toronto. I wish I could explain this need. A good majority of people don't understand why I would ever even consider moving to the US, let alone New York, but, there are the rare few who do. I for years didn't understand it myself, but apparently it is like a virus, once you've been bitten you just can't shake it. Someone suggested that if I lived there for a short period of time I would get rid of this infatuation and be able to move on, but somehow, I don't think I will. According to others who have the same 'virus' so to speak that I do, once it is in your blood, it is for good!
So, what am I going to do about this 'fever' I am having right now. Temporarily I will fulfill my needs with magazines, dvd's and websites. I will continue to price out shoebox sized apartments in Manhattan, and well, this time I think I am going to plan a weekend away. Spring in Manhattan is almost as wonderful as looking at the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Square. I'm afraid that this time my craving won't be one I can hold back. I just hope when I land at JFK... I am able to find my way back here.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
What's Happening???
Have you ever watched a movie and been so affected by it, it was on your mind the next day? I have, and ordinarily it is because it affected me in a positive way or scared the shit out of me (which is really hard to do).
I watched The Happening last night and I've been thinking about it a lot today. In this case, it isn't a good thing. Right now, all I can say is M. Night Shyamalan, shame on you! You took what was a brilliant idea for a story and instead made a craptastic movie.
I am normally a huge M. Night fan. HUGE! But what the hell is up with this dud! It was as if, he only had an idea (mother nature is pissed and taking revenge), but had no real script. Is it just me or did it feel like the actors were basically told to go walk around some fields and just ad lib conversation and for good measure scream once in a while...
I am in general strongly opposed to remakes, for The Happening I will make a consideration. This could have been one hell of a terrifying movie. Mother Nature is an unstoppable force, how frightening to think she could unleash such chaos. There was so much that could have been done with this movie, yet....
If someone wants to finance me, I'd be more than happy to make this into a movie that deserves my praise.
M. Night... GOOD NITE!
I watched The Happening last night and I've been thinking about it a lot today. In this case, it isn't a good thing. Right now, all I can say is M. Night Shyamalan, shame on you! You took what was a brilliant idea for a story and instead made a craptastic movie.
I am normally a huge M. Night fan. HUGE! But what the hell is up with this dud! It was as if, he only had an idea (mother nature is pissed and taking revenge), but had no real script. Is it just me or did it feel like the actors were basically told to go walk around some fields and just ad lib conversation and for good measure scream once in a while...
I am in general strongly opposed to remakes, for The Happening I will make a consideration. This could have been one hell of a terrifying movie. Mother Nature is an unstoppable force, how frightening to think she could unleash such chaos. There was so much that could have been done with this movie, yet....
If someone wants to finance me, I'd be more than happy to make this into a movie that deserves my praise.
M. Night... GOOD NITE!
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Broken Pencil Issue 42
Hey all, Broken Pencil Issue 42 is out and on newsstands, you should go buy it and not just because some of my reviews are in it! Ok, because my reviews are in it (Hymn California and On Tenterhooks)!
:)
:)
Monday, January 26, 2009
January 26, 2009, New issue of Lipstik Indie
Hey all! The new issue of Lipstik Indie is now online and it is the biggest issue yet! www.lipstikindie.com
This months issue's main feature is the Redemption Roadshow by Weston Ochse. Other reviews included in this issue are:
Bands - So Many Wizards
Books - From Clarissa by Mike Page and Night Has Fallen by Shawn Parker
Online Comics - A Softer Wold and Tiny Ghosts
Online Store - Cry Wolf
Music - Curious
We are also welcoming our latest reviewer Laura Roberts and she will be reviewing e-Zines and online stores.
Laura is the author of the sex column "V for Vixen" at Hour.ca, as well as the Editor-in-Chief of Black Heart Magazine (blackheartmagazine.com). She currently lives in Montreal and is at work on her first novel, which may or may not be entitled Blowjobs for the Soul.
This months issue's main feature is the Redemption Roadshow by Weston Ochse. Other reviews included in this issue are:
Bands - So Many Wizards
Books - From Clarissa by Mike Page and Night Has Fallen by Shawn Parker
Online Comics - A Softer Wold and Tiny Ghosts
Online Store - Cry Wolf
Music - Curious
We are also welcoming our latest reviewer Laura Roberts and she will be reviewing e-Zines and online stores.
Laura is the author of the sex column "V for Vixen" at Hour.ca, as well as the Editor-in-Chief of Black Heart Magazine (blackheartmagazine.com). She currently lives in Montreal and is at work on her first novel, which may or may not be entitled Blowjobs for the Soul.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
What if Edison gave up?
The last two weeks have been the busiest two weeks I've experienced in a very long time. They have also been the most stressful. You see, I'm a writer, trying to get freelance work to help support myself while writing my books. The last two weeks have been researching, updating and sending out my resume. I made a promise to myself to send a few out every day and I have been. Due to our economy I am worried that I won't find enough work to keep me afloat. Stress has led to depression, depression led to a panic attack.
I keep everything to myself that relates to money matters. Pride never allows me to ask for help, plus in a crunch I always figure out a way. I will this time as well, I know I will. Part of what I've been struggling with is I know I am going to have to start temping to help pay for rent and bills. Temping is brilliant, you work when and where you want, allowing me time to still write at the rate I have been, but pride is keeping me from doing it. This has been stressing me out so much that I recently asked a friend, who is in the industry, if I could talk to him, find out how he got to the place he is now, a published author and editor who does both full time and lives comfortably doing so. It was the best four hours I've spent in a long time.
It just so happens that two years ago my friend was in the same spot I am now. Struggling to make ends me, looking for work, trying to get a book done and depressed as hell. Many of his friends did not understanding his desire and passion to live out his dream and pride so strong he didn't want to take part time jobs to support himself, but worst of all friends continually telling him that he would never succeed as a writer, simply because they didn't. When he finished telling me this, he asked, 'sound familiar?' What he had to say to me didn't end there.
He asked me what I had been doing all year. I told him and though harsh, his words to me were the kick in the ass I needed. He told me that I'm a talented writer, but I'm not trying hard enough. He gave me a list of things to do and words of wisdom on how to succeed. I've written everything he said to me out and pasted it beside my computer. I bolded and capitalized two very important things he said to me. One is at the top of my list, the other at the bottom:
STOP WORRYING ABOUT LETTING OTHERS DOWN, WORRY ABOUT LETTING YOURSELF DOWN
and
EAT, SLEEP, BREATH WHAT YOU WRITE!!! STICK TO YOUR GOALS AND NEVER LET THE NEGATIVE VOICES STOP YOU.
As I said it was a four hour conversation. At first I walked away taking in everything he had said to me and tried to make sense of it all. Sadly, later in the day, I had someone throw incredibly negative words at me, I came home, had a melt down and then almost threw in the towel. I didn't, because these words kept resonating in my head over and over again. What if Thomas Edison gave up? People told him over and over again that his ideas were foolish, that he was setting himself up for a huge failure and disappointment. What if Edison listened to all those negative naysayers... well, you'd likely still be reading by candle light. Ya, I know, sounds a little extreme, but that man is the reason for many of today's innovations and proof that following ones dreams are not foolish.
Am I hungry enough, determined enough? I am! I've dreamed of this my entire life and in the past have let too many negative, bitter people interfere with my progress. I'm not going to allow that any longer. Today I started from scratch, I have a schedule and list beside me and I'm not only sticking to that, I am sticking to my dreams, naysayers be damned.
I keep everything to myself that relates to money matters. Pride never allows me to ask for help, plus in a crunch I always figure out a way. I will this time as well, I know I will. Part of what I've been struggling with is I know I am going to have to start temping to help pay for rent and bills. Temping is brilliant, you work when and where you want, allowing me time to still write at the rate I have been, but pride is keeping me from doing it. This has been stressing me out so much that I recently asked a friend, who is in the industry, if I could talk to him, find out how he got to the place he is now, a published author and editor who does both full time and lives comfortably doing so. It was the best four hours I've spent in a long time.
It just so happens that two years ago my friend was in the same spot I am now. Struggling to make ends me, looking for work, trying to get a book done and depressed as hell. Many of his friends did not understanding his desire and passion to live out his dream and pride so strong he didn't want to take part time jobs to support himself, but worst of all friends continually telling him that he would never succeed as a writer, simply because they didn't. When he finished telling me this, he asked, 'sound familiar?' What he had to say to me didn't end there.
He asked me what I had been doing all year. I told him and though harsh, his words to me were the kick in the ass I needed. He told me that I'm a talented writer, but I'm not trying hard enough. He gave me a list of things to do and words of wisdom on how to succeed. I've written everything he said to me out and pasted it beside my computer. I bolded and capitalized two very important things he said to me. One is at the top of my list, the other at the bottom:
STOP WORRYING ABOUT LETTING OTHERS DOWN, WORRY ABOUT LETTING YOURSELF DOWN
and
EAT, SLEEP, BREATH WHAT YOU WRITE!!! STICK TO YOUR GOALS AND NEVER LET THE NEGATIVE VOICES STOP YOU.
As I said it was a four hour conversation. At first I walked away taking in everything he had said to me and tried to make sense of it all. Sadly, later in the day, I had someone throw incredibly negative words at me, I came home, had a melt down and then almost threw in the towel. I didn't, because these words kept resonating in my head over and over again. What if Thomas Edison gave up? People told him over and over again that his ideas were foolish, that he was setting himself up for a huge failure and disappointment. What if Edison listened to all those negative naysayers... well, you'd likely still be reading by candle light. Ya, I know, sounds a little extreme, but that man is the reason for many of today's innovations and proof that following ones dreams are not foolish.
Am I hungry enough, determined enough? I am! I've dreamed of this my entire life and in the past have let too many negative, bitter people interfere with my progress. I'm not going to allow that any longer. Today I started from scratch, I have a schedule and list beside me and I'm not only sticking to that, I am sticking to my dreams, naysayers be damned.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
The Incredible Snoring Dog
For a very long time I have told people that my boy dog snores like an old man. No one believed me and only a few people have ever witnessed this event. Recently Janis had to endure the snorathon on New Years Eve.
I keep trying to capture him snoring on video for quite some time now and I am either not near the camera or can't get it on fast enough... last night I was able to... FINALLY!!!
So... for your enjoyment... without further adieu... The Incredible Snoring Dog...
I keep trying to capture him snoring on video for quite some time now and I am either not near the camera or can't get it on fast enough... last night I was able to... FINALLY!!!
So... for your enjoyment... without further adieu... The Incredible Snoring Dog...
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