Mascara

This is what I call fantastic mascara. For some reason, I don't feel ready to face the day without applying mascara after brushing my teeth each morning. 

For You

I love you, Sweet. All images via Le Love. 

Talent

Fake it 'til you make it; truer words have yet to be uttered as regards my creative abilities. I wasn't born with perfect pitch or poetic vigour. However, I have tried my hand at tap dancing, painting, singing, theatre, violin and ballet. With such a string of ventures (many short-lived), one could come to the conclusion that I give up too easily (and they'd be half right).

While I do feel pangs of jealously when I see others create in ways that seems to be effortless from the outside, I think the most cathartic way for me to release creative energy is through the written word. I don't linger for long with the green eyed monster. While I've enjoyed the other pursuits, I don't feel empty without their accomplishments and embellishments.

This love affair with words began a long time ago. As a child I wrote poetry and preferred to play with books over dolls. In the midst of my teenage angst, I dabbled in online journalism and wrote a short story that to this day I reflect upon fondly. In my university years, I wrote a bi-weekly newspaper column. For a long time I missed that writing, and in fact, many days I still do. Thinking about words (and even fonts) excites me. Thankfully writing, albeit not of the creative bent, is a major component of my current profession.

Greg and I chatted about creative energy on our road trip. We were exposed to poets, actors, musicians and potters. The joy that stretched across their faces when talking about their art was infectious. It got us to thinking about our own energies. In thinking back on that side-by-side chat on a hazy Saturday evening, I write this post as a commitment to myself to delve into writing more thoroughly. I'm sitting at a juncture in my life right now, and I'd like to use my pen more frequently in this next chapter. I'm venturing forward with the intention to write another short story. We shall see where this pursuit takes me. I think this is one of those truck stops.

Image via Janny Brocken.

P.S. I haven't given up on ballet, and hope to continue in the fall.

Baby

One could not be reasonably expected to view this photo and walk away without baby fever. Image via Keith David Young (via A Cup of Jo). 

Bed

Forging back into my regular work week after a two week hiatus has left me with (a) a string of meetings and training sessions this week, and (b) longing to rest my head on a pillow well before my typically mandated bed-time (10:30 pm). Image via Design Sponge. 

Comox

I feel a little bit more grown-up these days. Greg and I took the plunge and purchased our first real piece of artwork. While a calculated splurge that we slept on, we left the gallery in Qualicum elated and euphoric! I'm very excited to hang the piece in our home.

Feeling inspired by Joslyn's Things I Bought Thursdays, here's our recent purchase - a Brian Buckrell acrylic on canvas board, entitled Turning Left, Comox Ave. Naturally, we hopped in the car and drove the one hour to Comox, BC from Qualicum Beach to check out the very intersection this painting depicts. I cannot think of a more delightful way to spend a rainy day.

Dress

If this blog were a wedding dress, it would look like this Ouma confection.

Attached is a song for your listening pleasure that combines the whimsy of this dress' skirt with the southern Alberta country roots that Greg and I soaked up on the bookends of our road trip (I would like to take this opportunity to note I am not normally a fan of modern country, but living in Edmonton is bound to rub off on a girl). Please expect a full road trip update, complete with tonnes of neon photos, later in the week.

Guten Tag Edmonton. Wie geht's? Your rain showers have kept you lush in our absence. This fact is appreciated.