'Tude Like Tori

Tori is my inspiration. Whenever I write, I listen to her stuff. Her attitude and vibe is totally infectious and makes me want to be a better writer and artist. Each song packs a political, social, or cultural punch that draws me in with such captivating yet bizarre language. I love hearing new phrases, new ways of conveying a feeling or a situation. When a writer/artist can use words in an entirely new and crazy way to describe the simplest or most complex perspectives, I am drawn to their bravery. Sometimes we are taught to colour in the lines, but that's what's so fun about Tori- she does everything with a playful nudge outside the usual box.

This song, Big Wheel, is on her latest album, American Doll Posse. The concept behind this album is incredibly potent. She has a certain flair for women's issues that I think is worth mentioning. There are five or so groupings of songs, meant to be sung by different "personalities", personalities modelled after famous goddesses. But she is also playing with the stereotypes of women in social constructs as well. Just check out the cover, and you'll see what I mean.

The woman's got guts. I think women should be fearless; not careless but fearless. We shouldn't worry so much about how we are perceived by others and pursue our passions with dignity, but with attitude. She isn't afraid to have an opinion; she isn't afraid to make a statement. I think sometimes women have been conditioned by their environment to think within certain parameters but we're beginning to wake up to the absurd presence of those lines and question them. Questioning ourselves, and the foundation of our sometimes traditional beliefs, but also questioning others.
One step at a time, right?

In this interview, she is very eloquent and gives us some insight into the process of songwriting. There is one story she reveals that is extremely sad, but she talks about some of the projects she is working on to productively encourage the necessary laws in a direction that will protect those who need them most.

Women's Marathon Winner

The stamina! I respect the training, time and effort it takes to prepare for a race like this and it never ceases to amaze me how people are able to run through the pain. You can see the fatigue on their faces, and the desperation for rest, but they keep going. They keep running until they are finished the race. I just watched the complete their marathon a couple of hours ago, and it was a sight to see. Both the winners were able to keep an incredible pace during the final 5k of the run. They barely even slowed down! I'm in awe of their dedication and talent.

Be Thankful

What are you grateful for? After watching an incredibly compelling report on 20/20 last night called Babyland, I suddenly felt the need to feel happy and lucky. I know that we all feel unhappy sometimes, or frustrated when devastation hits our lives with unwelcoming bluntness. But, I urge you to look on the bright side because it's never as bad as we think. If you have the chance to see Babyland, I urge that you watch it.

1. I am grateful for a safe place to sleep, eat, and relax.
2. I am grateful for the time and resources that allow me to enjoy my creative outlets.
3. I am grateful for easy and affordable access to public transportation.

Although, these are only three, they are very important to me. There are many, many more things that I feel thankful for, but the three that are listed here are significant on a broader scale of social awareness.

Care to share?

Here are a couple of videos that I found on YouTube. I've been working on a painting of the desert and I was looking for some inspiration. The colours are incredibly vibrant and bold, beautiful.

A Little Taste

For those of you who are unfamiliar with the Twilight series by Meyer, here is the trailer for the upcoming movie. I hope the film does the novels justice, but I think that is always a concern when it comes to popular books. The fans are very particular about how their favourite characters are translated onto the big screen, myself included. There are so many subtle elements to this novel that I'm afraid they might not think worthwhile to convey in the movie. If you're a Potterhead, you may recognize the boy who plays Edward as Cedric Diggory from Goblet of Fire.

The Glass is Half Full

I am very proud of myself. I don't mean this to sound incredibly conceited but I am just happy that my rhythm seems to be returning. My mental rhythm, that is. Yes, I know, this sounds a little odd. But, my creative rhythm has been a little topsy turvy as of late and it is finally coming around. I've been writing seriously everyday now for the past two weeks. My notebook is full of plot notes and character sketches, just waiting to be woven into a coherent narrative. It's exciting because for the longest time, I felt stuck. Just stagnant. It's very unpleasant to sit in unmoving air, so when the breeze suddenly comes along, albeit a small one, it makes me feel incredibly encouraged. After completing Meyer's books, I got a sudden boost of energy and inspiration. Her fluid prose just made me want to experiment with my own. The obvious passion for words that Meyer demonstrates in her novels lit a fire of excitement under me. Again, it's still slow, but I don't mind so much, because I know that my creative energy didn't fade away into nothingness. It just needs to be coaxed from it's hibernation, it's hiding place. Just like we never truly forget how to ride a bike, my creative muscles have memory of when words flowed onto the page with such ease. All I need to do is tap into those muscles, remind them of their abilities and have patience. I see inspiration everywhere. Images, words and conversations jump out at me like they used to. Not that they ever stopped, but they offered something different, more meticulous, more methodological. Finally, the carefree randomness of creativity has returned.

The Host

A secondary note to my previous post: Stephenie Meyer has also written an adult fiction novel called The Host, a science fiction romance novel. (I promise, it's not your typical romance novel at all. Meyer has got the market cornered on innovative love stories that don't feel cliched.) Opinions about this novel are also welcome. I am really curious to see what people think about this story, to see if you think that this narrative had as much fire and intensity as the Twilight series. Science fiction is new territory for me, so I don't have much to compare it to, but it was really imaginative without feeling over the top. At times, the plot felt a little unnecessarily convoluted but, that aside, Meyer's treatment of internal dialogue is quite genius. Brilliant, actually. Sometimes, she would use a combination of phrases or words that would just blow my mind with its emotional accuracy. She is able to articulate complex psychological situations with incredible ease. Despite that, it did feel a little predictable, but it didn't feel like a big problem in the overall scheme of the story. The reader is just happy that the characters have made a journey that feels significantly relevant to modern life, and completely worth it, despite the incredible misery it inspires throughout the novel.

Twilight Debate Anyone???

I devoured all four of the Twilight books in a little under a week. Although the lead female character is a little too self-depracating for my usual taste, I still loved the chemistry and the language of these novels by Meyer. The dialogue is fantastic. If you read these books for any reason, it should be the witty, flirty banter between Bella and Edward. It draws you in, grabs you by the lapel and will not let go. I have stayed up until the wee hours of the morning far too many times just to finish a chapter. I kept telling myself "Just one more chapter" and I would do that until three am. Curiosity gets the better of me every time.
However, after completing the final and fourth book a couple of weeks ago, I am a little unsure how I feel about the last few pages of this love story. I promise not to spoil it for everyone if you haven't read them yet, but I would really like to hear how other readers feel about the conclusion. I am also eagerly awaiting the film adaptation of the first book, and any opinions on the actors/actresses are totally welcome.
Warning: The second book is kind of depressing -still good, but depressing- so I don't suggest you read this volume until you are in the mood for a heart wrenching read. The reader is constantly dragged through the muck along with the narrator and Meyer is very vivid in her descriptions of a broken heart.
It is not your typical Vampire story. The writing is quite mature for a teen/adolescent series, as is the subject matter. It's a plain out-and-out love story. Now, I am not normally into super duper romance but I guarantee that this series will melt even the most cynical heart. If it doesn't, you will at least be thoroughly entertained by the sexual tension and imaginative plot line that Meyer creates so well.

Super Cute Mini Schnauzer

Puppies Rock! I have a miniature schnauzer as well, only it was all black as a puppy. This one in the video is cuddly too. Mine is 18 months now. I would put videos of my own puppy if I knew how... I am completely inept when it comes to technology. I've just managed to figure out how to imbed YouTube videos let alone my own photographs. I'm working on it... it's only a matter of time and a little practice.

Authentic Self

"Distinguishing authenticity from deception- at any stage of life- requires the ability to access and understand your emotions, desires, and values. But the more advanced practice of choosing authenticity over social acceptance requires something more: you must tell yourself and your intimate others the truth, all of it, as deep as you can, especially when it's difficult. What you express is from the heart and intended to serve both yourself and others. You must adopt the practice of making all your actions align with what you know to be emotionally and spiritually true."

-An excerpt from Soulcraft: Crossing into the Mysteries of Nature and Psyche by Bill Plotkin

The following video is an interview with Plotkin. It's quite interesting and he presents some really significant ideas about developing an authentic self.

Here are some fun and colourful ideas from a YouTuber. I haven't had a chance to try some of these techniques just yet but they are very versatile.

The Art of Peace

I've always wanted to learn how to meditate. I've done Yoga and Pilates, which helps. The closest I've come to finding that bridge to mental silence is when I run. But, I think that reading comes in at a very close second. For the past week, I have been submerged in language, reading incessantly. (The books were highly addictive and virtually impossible to put down.) When I read, my thoughts rest, stop wishing, wanting and complaining. Instead, I was in the moment of each word as I read them, soaking in the narrative and emotions that they conveyed. Time slipped by when I wasn't looking and before I knew it, half the night had passed without a moment of frustration. I went to sleep, physically and mentally tired, but not leaping forward to the next morning. Focusing on my breathing and the weight of my head on the pillow was all I needed to do before I could feel myself drifting off. Considering I have a bad habit of putting the cart before the horse on many occasions, I was happy that I'd made this step.

Learning to empty one's mind of thoughts is a tough task. My mind often produces more thoughts and anxiety than I need or want. Those moments of lightness are what I hope to understand and, ultimately, learn how to control. Right now, it is not easy. It takes a great deal of concentration but it's worth the peace it gives me, if only momentarily.

Speechless: In Memoriam

I simply can't understand an act of such violence. I am utterly speechless as to what to say or write about this horrific event. What can one say when something like this happens? Please take a moment to watch the videos...