Vogue

I bought this magazine the other day. Rihanna is on the cover. I love her hair and wish that I could pull it off. Seriously.

For most of my life this sort of magazine has fallen under a category of, “that’s not me.”

I’m not into fashion, certainly not high-fashion. And I thought the models looked ridiculous (sometimes they do).

Out of curiosity and a desire to see a world few are privy to, I watched “The September Issue” last year – a documentary about Vogue and Anna Wintour, the woman behind American Vogue. It was amazing.

When I picked up the magazine on a whim in the check-out line, I knew it was an impulse buy but I wanted to learn. Not be taught, necessarily – I wasn’t looking for the Bible of Fashion to direct my future purchases – I wanted to read. And see what other people consider art and expressive and beautiful.

Plus I love Rihanna (not all of her choices or all of her lyrics or all of her songs, but I am drawn to the girl).

So I bought it.

I read most of the articles:

An article by a rich woman who was left with debt her husband had hid from her while he was alive. An article by a 30 year-old woman from a well to-do background working as a journalist and empowering students through journalism and storytelling to fight injustice in the middle east. An article about a woman who had a drinking problem, and sought help. An article about the Olsen twins, and the world they’ve grown up in and now seem to be masters of (fashion)(the Olsen twins, btw, are my age).

And an article about Rihanna.

And I realized that I loved it and was fascinated by it all for the same reasons why I love documentaries. Vogue is not for me. It’s for a different type of person with different interests, loves, and lifestyle, but nevertheless a very human-type of person, to which I can relate. With hopes and dreams, fears, failures, and stories to tell.

In the past I would have passed off the reader of Vogue perhaps as shallow, and insecure.Are they? Sure, some. At least, I am. But they’re worth looking at, and worth understanding, very much because of their difference. Rich people, celebrities, they’re different from me but if I can’t see their humanity I do a great disservice… to myself.

Honeybadger don’t care

and neither do I.

The original.

Imagination Big Ups

Forgive the blog title.

Today, my happiness is brought to you by

100 ABANDONED HOUSES OF DETROIT.

Some of these houses are gorgeous. I kind of have a thing about the end of the world and abandoned cities for some reason (why I love I Am Legend for the shots of New York grown over and desolate save for deer).

Sad. I need to learn more (time to google “Detroit documentary”!), but for the moment, I love looking at them and IMAGINING: who lived in them, what they did and what era, when did they leave – why did they leave?

I drew you a picture

From this post.

Yes, I traced it.

And Jamie, did you get the book I sent you? It was about prayer and had a guy on a swing on the cover.

A list of Outdoorsey “COOL STUFF”

This list is more for me to remember that such awesome things exist. So that I can dream for a future that may one day contain some such stuff.

all products features at the funky website “uncrate”

A light GSI Outdoor Dualist Cook System ($50).

Picked as an Editor’s Choice by Backpacker Magazine, the six-piece set includes nesting bowls and mugs, a crushproof Lexan pot lid that features a folding, locking handle and an integrated strainer, a self-standing sack that doubles as a sink or wash basin, and more.

Or maybe something a little bigger?

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MSR Flex 4 System Cookset ($160).

packs down to an easily luggable 9.2 x 5.8 inches

Colour me impressed.

And finally, one that includes a cutting board!

Outdoor MealKit ($25) Perhaps good for the day-pack?

Weber Smokey Joe Grill ($50) – portable, would be good for locales where you didn’t have a fire pit. I think something like this would be fun if you lived in an apartment, and wanted to camp in your parking lot, or something :> Ah, who am I kidding. It’s just plain cute. More cute, colourful grills for $50.

The Lippi Selk Sleeping Bag ($175)  – this isn’t something I’d ever buy, but it is something I thought should exist – low and behold, it does!

WANT.

The 2008 Airstream Basecamp Trailer (from $26,000) is the production version of that Cylon-esque concept, packing features like room enough to sleep two, wrap around windows, a skylight, an optional tent, a sink, cooking area, and a ramp for storing ATVs and other outdoor gear while you’re on the move. [via]

Yes, that’s right. It looks like a Cylon.
I just love the appeal of all things kinda-roughing-it-but-not-really. Like, I don’t think it necessary to have a microwave in the woods, but the idea of coffee, or at least a good, filling, home-cooked meal after you’ve spent the day hiking or canoeing is very appealing to me. I want to achieve the balance between comfort so that you can get a good night’s rest, and escape from the trappings of modern life. I think that’s why RVs and those things you tote behind your car, or at the very least, a CAR, appeal to me. I don’t need to prove I can survive in the wilderness, but I do want to be at least somewhat distanced from the ordinary enough to FEEL the wilderness.

Japanese sushi tea mugs

It doesn’t matter what Chinese or Japanese restaurant you go to, they always do a great job with their mugs. I love Japanese mugs. It’s so smart – make the thing thick enough and you don’t need a handle! GENIUS.

(plus, I doubt the Japanese walk around with tea…they sit down and make an event of it.)

This is what I’m talking about. I don’t have the space to make japanese mugs fit right now, but I think they’d be awesome at a cottage.

Stoneware! GLAZE! Glorious.

iPhone wallpapers

So, I kinda got an iPhone today. Used, on Craigslist. It’s been a bit of a whirlwind.

But the thing that’s gotten me most excited?

These wallpapers. By artists. You can see I have a thing for bears, flowers, patterns, birds, broccoli, humour, and anchors. The swirls are actually the least like my personal taste, but they are by an artist, Sougwen, who went to my high school. She has a place in my heart and her art kinda blows my mind.

All from POOGLA.COM

I’m currently using the broccoli one as my background for my apps (it makes me smile) and the busy bird tapestry-looking one for my lock screen. Because it’s refined.

Mehndi – Henna Designs

Look what I found! GENIUS!

Click the picture to go to the page with 174 pages of henna designs.

It’s a ‘lightbox’, or a ‘collection’ of stock photos (pictures used for graphic design and stuff).

Not that I have any henna paste at home, but I just love the idea of temporary tattoos… and I am so glad I stumbled upon this resources of authentic-looking designs.  Of course, to download the high rez (large) files you have to pay, but if you just wanted to experiment on yourself with the screen resolution version, there’s enough detail in a lot of them to give you ideas.

GO CHECK OUT DA MEHNDI!

Strengths Finder

Occasionally I will find a book online recommended on a blog and then go to the Toronto Public Library’s website and put it on hold. Then months (or weeks) later I hear it’s available at my library and I forget why I cared. Such is the case with  “Strengths Finder 2.0″

Self-improvement or whatever the initial motivation was aside, I thought I would nevertheless disclose the findings.

PROBLEM: Apparently this book is best done when you BUY it, because there is a packet in the back of the book with an access code to go online and take the test (this packet has been removed from the library edition – BOo). You can’t find free access codes online, I checked, but you can buy an access code for $19, which DEFEATS THE PURPOSE of picking up this book in the library (library = free).

SOLUTION: Because I couldn’t do the bona fide test, I did a similar test that I was able to use as a basis for figuring out what I might’ve scored highly for in Strengths Finder. That test was called the VIA Survey of Character Strengths. Apparently it’s comparable. After taking the test, I would say it did feel legit, but what do I know.

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Here are my results from the VIA Survey of Character Strengths test:

Top Strength

Rated #1 (out of 24): Spirituality, sense of purpose, and faith
You have strong and coherent beliefs about the higher purpose and meaning of the universe. You know where you fit in the larger scheme. Your beliefs shape your actions and are a source of comfort to you.

Bottom Strength

Rated #24 (out of 24): Industry, diligence, and perseverance
You work hard to finish what you start. No matter the project, you “get it out the door” in timely fashion. You do not get distracted when you work, and you take satisfaction in completing tasks.

Preaching-related strengths:

My Second Strength Perspective (wisdom)
Although you may not think of yourself as wise, your friends hold this view of you. They value your perspective on matters and turn to you for advice. You have a way of looking at the world that makes sense to others and to yourself.

My Fourth Strength Social intelligence
You are aware of the motives and feelings of other people. You know what to do to fit in to different social situations, and you know what to do to put others at ease.

Fail strengths – should’ve scored higher on these:

Strength#6 Humor and playfulness
Bringing smiles to other people is important to you.

Strength#9 Bravery and valor
You are a courageous person who does not shrink from threat, challenge, difficulty, or pain. You speak up for what is right even if there is opposition. You act on your convictions.

Strength#10 Leadership
You excel at the tasks of leadership: encouraging a group to get things done and preserving harmony within the group by making everyone feel included. You do a good job organizing activities and seeing that they happen.

Strength#21 Creativity, ingenuity, and originality
Thinking of new ways to do things is a crucial part of who you are. You are never content with doing something the conventional way if a better way is possible. I think while answering these questions I was thinking of morals… I have very traditional, “do-things-the-way-they’ve-always-been-done-because-the-Bible-says-so” morals. But even there, I’m creative in how I reach the truth, preferring to study and discover and discuss with others rather than just take what someone else has said.

The strength that explains why I hate working alone:

My Third Strength Citizenship, teamwork, and loyalty
You excel as a member of a group. You are a loyal and dedicated teammate, you always do your share, and you work hard for the success of your group.

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Strengths Finder has 34 categories, as opposed to VIA’s 24. They initially seem different, but there is definitely cross-over. I’m probably off on what I selected as my “themes”, because no one’s really that great at self-awareness, and even doing tests like this don’t necessitate accuracy (look where creativity ranked in the last test, I mean, really), but I think it’s still useful.

Actual Strengths Finder categories

Probably first:

Belief

If you possess a strong Belief theme, you have certain core values that are enduring. These values affect your behavior in many ways. They give your life meaning and satisfaction; in your view, success is more than money and prestige. They provide you with direction, guiding you through the temptations and distractions of life toward a consistent set of priorities. Your friends know where you stand. Your beliefs make you easy to trust. It also demands that you find work that meshes with your values. Your work must be meaningful; it must matter to you.

Ideas for Action:

• Actively seek roles that fit your values.
• The meaning and purpose of your work provides direction for others – remind people why their work is important.
• Your Belief talents allow you to talk to the hearts of people. Develop a “purpose statement” and communicate it to your family, friends, and coworkers. Your powerful emotional appeal can give them a motivating sense of contribution.
• Don’t be afraid to give voice to your values. This will help others know who you are and how to relate to you.

Probably second:

Communication

You like to explain, to describe, to host, to speak in public, and to write. You take the dry idea and enliven it with images and metaphors. You know most people have a short attention span.

Margret D., marketing director: “I once read a book about giving speeches that gave two suggestions: Talk only about things you’re really passionate about, and always use personal examples. I immediately started doing that, and I found lots of stories because I have kids and grandkids and a husband. I build my stories around my personal experiences because everyone can relate to them.”

Ideas for Action:

• You will always do well in roles that require you to capture people’s attention. Think about a career in teaching, sales, marketing, ministry, or the media. Your communications talents are likely to flourish in these areas.
• Practice. Improvisation has a certain appeal, but an audience will respond best to a presenter who knows where she is headed. The more prepared you are, the more natural your improvisations will appear. Hmm. Right. Should do this.
• Your communication talents can be highly effective when your message has substance. Don’t rely on your talents alone; take your communication to the level of strength by developing your knowledge and expertise in specific areas.
• You are gifted in fostering dialogue among peers/colleagues. Summarize various points in a meeting to build consensus by helping others see what they have in common.

Probably third:

Harmony

You look for areas of agreement. You try to find common ground between people with different views. When others start to argue about their pet theory or concept, you steer clear of the debate, preferring to talk about practical, down-to-earth matters on which you can all agree.

Ideas for Action:

• When two people are arguing, ask others in the group to share their thoughts. By increasing the number of voices in the conversation, you are more likely to find areas where all parties can agree.
• Avoid sales roles, highly competitive workplaces, where you have to confront people on a daily basis.
• Practice your techniques for resolving conflict without confrontation. Without these polished techniques, you might find yourself simply running away from conflicts, leaving them unresolved. This could lead you to passive-aggressive behaviour.
• A balance between listening and efficiency is key to harmony.
• Look for the practical side of things, and help others see it – this is the starting point of agreement.

Probably fourth (seems to me to be strongly tied with Harmony):

Adaptability

You live in the moment. …this theme of Adaptability does enable you to respond willingly to the demands for the moment even if they pull you away from your plans. You are, at heart, a very flexible person who can stay productive when the demands of work are pulling you in many different directions at once.

Ideas for Action:

• Avoid roles that demand structure and predictability.
• Don’t let others abuse your inherent flexibility….don’t compromise your long-term success by bending to every whim or desire from others.
• Look to others for planning. Yup.
  
• Actively cultivate friends who share your basic values. Consider your best friend. Does this person share your value system?

Phew. Now I can return this book to the library having fully documented my findings.

… now what?

modern art tattoo

wouldn’t it be cool if you got a modern art colour block tattoo??

Look! It’s megan fox. It was the highest resolution image of a shoulder I could find. The artwork is something I saved while browsing through “ffffound.com”

I love it.

Anyway. Probs won’t get a tattoo. And stealing people’s art and putting it on your body… just seems a bit wrong.

I’m ashamed to say it took minutes to do the above photoshop, but hours trying the same thing on a picture of myself…