Four simple goals.

(Image © A Beautiful Mess)

So.  K has been advertising a trend in her world of blogdom.  It is about goals.  The (brilliant) originator of this trend is Elsie of A Beautiful Mess (Elsie’s 4 simple goals.)

I have goals.

1) I want to finish a piece of writing.  Not a blog, but a piece of (preferably fictional) writing.  I would like it to be more than one page in length, but finished is finished.  (This is my goal for the 3-Day Novel Contest, akshully.)

2) I want to write a book review a month.  Not necessarily for Books & Co., but it would be awesome to see my writing posted to the webpage again!  That, and it would be awesome to have something new to post here every month.

3) I will go with the culinary theme and share my desire to be more of a kitchen aficionado.   I would particularly like to be more involved in meal planning (for more from the talented Michelle of DohDums, please click this sentence) and, as such, save money on grocery bills.  I am organized in so much of my life, I would like to see that carry through to this aspect of my domestic life.

4) I want to walk more.  I walked a lot in the early summer.  At least five days a week for several months, but I got lazy when I was letting the new tatt heal and stopped the walking.  This is something that is as good for my soul as it is my body and I need to pick it up again.

That’s it, kids.  Those are my goals for the year.  As the rules for this blog dictate, I will keep you up to date on my progress!

My Darkest Days – Pornstar Dancing

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ph34r

Writing scares me.

I have these ideas, you see.  (Well.  More like questions, actually.  I have questions that I need answered.)  Ideas that intimidate me because there is no way that what I write can ever be what I see.  Y’know?

I was reading The Writer the other day and it mentions (as do others) that this is a common problem.  One of those writer’s block issues: the voices in your head won’t stfu, but when you sit down to write nothing comes out.  They mention that this is the perfect time for the nonsensical “first thoughts” writing just to get the garbage out, before moving on to something a bit more substantial.  Good idea.  (I think that’s why I blog, akshully.)

Still.  Writing scares me.

(This is where things get a bit emo.)

It’s failure.  I don’t like it.  I don’t want to do it.  I’m so jazzed by the idea of writing and I lovelovelove doing it – I love that work-out feeling I get afterwards (I’ve never run a marathon, but I expect it’s akin to that feeling of OMGIRTEHAWESUM).  I have no career aspirations, folks.  I’d love to have a job wherein I make a bit more than $10/hr and have some health benefits, but it doesn’t really bother me that much not to have it.  Writing is what I want to do, but I avoid it like the plague.  Writing is what I enjoy, but I find myself baking cookies and cleaning toilets rather than slinging ink.  Weird, right?  The sheer enjoyment of the Art is worth considerably more than it’s end game (publishing) is, imo.  (Of course, it would be pretty nifty to have an ISBN.)  Writing is the career I choose.  Not to pay the bills (’cause we all know that’s just silly), but the career that makes me happy (and/or suicidal, depending on the day).

Hm.

I have a new goal.  Curious?  I used to joke about wanting to be Stephen King, which basically meant that I think it would be awesome to be able to quit my day job and have a lucrative writing career.  I have decided to lower my expectations and allow myself to be a bit more titillated by the ecstasy of writing.  I have decided that my new goal in life (yes.  This is it.  This is my whole life’s goal, right here) is to produce a short story that will appear in an anthology containing a work of Charles de Lint and/or Neil Gaiman (the and is preferred, but not necessary).  I would be over the freaking moon.

In other news: I sent my registration form, and fee, for the 3-Day Novel Contest out today.  Whether I want to, or not, I will be writing very shortly.  (It’s a great kick-start, I think.  And C is right, if I actually pay to do this and not just use it as a personal challenge, I am much more likely to strive to complete it with everything I am.  I’m a cheap Scot, I won’t waste that coin.)

Hoobastank – Can I Buy You A Drink?

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Surprise!

I have amazing people in my life.

This isn’t a new discovery.  I have been astounded by the calibre of the people who care about me for years now.  I’m still not sure how I lucked out, but I’m forever grateful.

I had plans to go out to dinner with a few of my friends, last night.  They had other plans.  When I arrived at the restaurant I was surprised to see not only the gals I was intending to share an awesome dinner with, but several other friends as well as my Mother!  My clearly puzzled expression elicited some amused chuckles.  My friends, my Mother and my mephistopheles had been in cahoots for weeks planning a surprise wedding shower!  (Apparently they had been interested in throwing this shindig prior to my blissful nuptials, but had been dissuaded by my insanely busy schedule.)  It was a pretty awesome night, too, except that I learned (through the chewing of nine pieces of Hubba Bubba – and for those of you who have chewed one piece of HB at a time?  Nine is a massive pink mess) that I do not know mephy quite as well as I thought I did.

I’d never had a surprise party thrown for me before.

I am so touched that they would think so much of me, be so excited for mephy and I, that they would go to such lengths in planning an event like this.  It was so wonderful, and so special to spend last night with those girls.  I appreciate so much, ladies, what you’ve did.  You are phenomenal and I am so lucky and so blessed to have you in my life.  Thank you.

Andrew Gold – Thank You For Being A Friend

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A little shameless promotion never hurt anyone.

Check this out.

B&A on weddingbee.com.

A friend of mine was recently wed to her best friend.  Their wedding was stunning.  (I didn’t attend, but the video and the pictures are captivating.)

This friend has decided to try her hand at event planning with a focus on weddings.  I think she’ll rock this position.  I think you should help her.  I can vouch for her, she only wants what is best for you and what will thrill you.  Let me know if you’re in the Vancouver BC area and in need of an event planner.  I’ll hook you up.

Trooper – Raise A Little Hell

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J Day.

mephy and I just got home from what was supposed to have been my (official) ten-year high school reunion.  See, there was this whole big ‘ol shindig planned: Friday night drinking and tom foolery at a local pub (well, local to my old hometown), a dinner and dance at a hall on Saturday night, and then a family BBQ picnic in the park on Sunday afternoon.  Sounded pretty awesome to me, too.  Alas, some things are just not meant to be, and the whole kit ‘n’ caboodle was nixed – with the exception of the pub night, natch.

We still went.

I have amazing friends in my old hometown.  We see each other for weddings and births, usually, so this just seemed a brilliant excuse to wander out to Dodge and catch up.

We neglected to attend the pub night on Friday, favouring, instead, a more intimate gathering on Saturday night.  And folks, it was a blast!  Great food (potluck!), good drinks, a fabulous weather, a pretty boss bonfire (despite the BC wide burning ban – oops!), and phenomenal company.  We came, we ate, we chatted.  I couldn’t have asked for a better time.  I was able to see people I am blessed enough to see fairly regularly, and people I haven’t had the pleasure of seeing in years.

That aside, this weekend was to be a high school reunion.  This got me thinking.  From afar I understand reunions.  An opportunity to catch up with folks you haven’t seen in ten, twenty, thirty, or forty plus years.  An opportunity to rekindle old friendships.  Close up, I have a different opinion.

There is a darker side to the high school reunion.  It is a fantastic opportunity to pit yourself against a brilliant foe.  Someone who is your age, came from your town and was borne of (effectively) the same educational circumstances as you.  We stand up unmarried beside the married, without child beside families with three.six children, renters versus homeowners, doctors/lawyers/teachers pitted against the unemployed/burgerslingers/booksellers.

Maybe it really is just me.  I, quite consistently, look over other peoples’ fences to judge the hue of their lawn.  (It’s a vice.  I’m working on it.)

Really, I’m just glad it turned out the way it did.  I was able to see the people I wanted to see and avoid the people I didn’t.  I wasn’t judged, I was encouraged.  I wasn’t scoffed at for my choices, I was accepted.  I’m sure there would have been an excited positivity in the air at the Saturday night and Sunday afternoon events.  I’m sure it would have been lovely to see people I haven’t been able to see for ten years and would really like to.

To the ladies who organized the reunion?  It was a great attempt and a difficult situation.  Next time, though, if you don’t mind to maybe not mention your alternate plans for the Saturday night soirée to those of us not actually invited?  We’d appreciate it.

The more things change, the more they stay the same.

To the grad class of ’00, the most irritating grad song ever: Vitamin C – Graduation

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(The image used for this post is of my gal and the daughter of a friend of mine.  They were twirling.  And giggling.  Lots.  It captures the feeling of last night.)

A wedding is just an excuse to show off new ink.

In other news: I have new ink.

A week ago today (Thursday, July 29) I visited the amazing Theresa at Handsome Cabin Boy Tattoo (they also have a Facebook page).  I had booked this piece about three months ago.  (This, incidentally, is the reason I was inked two days before my wedding.  The tattoo appointment came first.  And, quite frankly?  Marriages come and go, but tattoos are forever!)  I have had three months to be super stoked.

As there was with fox, there is a reason I chose what I chose.

Dragonfly is an important character in my life.  When I was little, my family took a trip out to visit the family in Ontario.  While there, visiting one of my favourite places in the world (my Aunt breeds and raises Newfoundland dogs.  She has always had at least ten huge dogs on the property, as well as horses, cats, and countless wild critters.  It was a haven for an animal loving City Gal such as myself), I found myself relaxing with my Aunt and cousin.  It was a beautiful summer day, so we were putzing about in shorts.  While we were outside, a very, very not-small dragonfly landed on my leg.  I was terrified!  I was also very close to kicking my leg and banishing the creepy critter from my life as quickly as it had entered it.  Thankfully my Aunt sensed my panic and told me that this dragonfly had chosen me as its resting place.  When I thought about it that way, I looked a little more closely at the not-so-creepy critter and saw the beauty of its colourful body and shining wings.

Dragonfly represents acceptance for me.  Acceptance and change.

When I visited Handsome Cabin Boy Tattoo to chat about the design, as you can see, I did not ask for a simple bug.  I decided to harness change and acceptance and add whimsy to the mix. I write.  This is license to constantly fall victim to whimsy.  I wanted something that was representative of me.  I got it.  (And really?  As an animal totem dragonfly ain’t too shabby.)

The initial drawing was wonderful.  The tattoo itself is breathtaking.  The experience was (fucking painful, but) amazing.  Theresa at Handsome Cabin Boy Tattoo, folks.  She so perfectly translated my messy idea into elegant detail.  A true artist.  A Master of her trade.

Thank you.

The Airborne Toxic Event – Happiness Is Overrated

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Hell ain’t a bad place to be.

Well folks, we did it!  mephy and I got hitched!

I cannot begin to describe the astounding beauty of the day.  It was perfect.  There wasn’t a cloud in the sky, the sun shone brightly, flowers basked cheerily, family peered happily, I got to walk down the “aisle” to AC/DC, and mephy is my husband.

I’ve already given a few shout-outs and named some names, but I feel I should reiterate two special ones.  My friend Brandy created some amazing cupcakes for us.  Amazing.  Carrot and raisin with cream cheese icing.  Heavenly.  Absolutely heavenly – and they looked fantastic, too!  See?

Amazing.

And?  Sassafras Savouries begs to be cheered again.  April blew us away!  When I met with her to discuss the menu, I told her we wanted a grazing table of delightful appies.  That’s all I told her.  She’s the expert and artist, I didn’t want to hamper that by choosing each treat (that, and I’m indecisive).  I gave her free reign.  This is what she gave us. . . .

Seriously mind-blowing food.

More importantly, we were completely surrounded by family.  Those who have helped to shape us into the people we are, for our entire lives.  The most important people in our lives.  We are so, so blessed to have such an amazing family.  Married in the garden of mephy’s aunt and uncle, by his uncle (The Judge), surrounded by both clans.

I can’t find the proper words.  I want to thank everyone, again, for making our day what it was.  I want to be able to tell you how amazing it is to be Mrs. mephistopheles.  I can’t though.  It’s more of a feeling than Webster’s is able to describe.  Suffice to say, I’m thrilled.  And, more importantly, married.

My friend Bailey said it best: married life is the bestest!

AC/DC – Hell Ain’t A Bad Place To Be

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Of cloudless climes and starry skies.

Tonight, tonight!

I just got home from a fantastic Friday night at Café Voltaire.  Man, oh man!  Amazing.

You may, given my elation, have guessed that we were treated to another performance by the ever esteemed and always phenomenal Kevin Hutchings, who is an absolute inspiration to me.  Tonight was especially fantastic, though, as Kevin invited his wonderfully talented daughter Sahra Featherstone to take the stage with him.

Let me take this opportunity to explain something to you.  I’ve said before that Kevin is a brilliant person, a gifted teacher, and an impassioned artist.  I’ve told you that I, effectively, stalked him while pursuing my BA in English Literature and took as many courses UNBC offered with Kevin at the helm.  I’ve also told you that I think he’s a gifted performer.  But, until now, he’s been described as something more akin to a statue atop a pedestal.  I need you to understand just how neat I think Kevin is.  See?  When I started working at Books & Co. I happened to be lucky enough to score a Friday night shift which happened to be my first out-of-the-classroom interaction with The Professor.  After the (amazing) show, which was, coincidentally, another event featuring Sahra, as I was tidying the café Kevin came up to say hello – I hadn’t spoken with him since I’d graduated, in and around two years prior.  He smiled as we made idle chit-chat and waved Sahra over, keen to introduce her to one of his former students.  Not only did he introduce her to someone he remembered sitting in the back row of his Romanticism classes, but he gave her my full name.  (Background: I am not an outgoing person and I never spoke in class.  I listened, I wrote essays and I completed exams.  Kevin should not have been able to recall my first name, let alone my last.)  See, he’s a great professor, a fantastic performer, and an enthusiastic scholar, but he’s also an amazing person.  Kevin Hutchings is one of those people who makes an impact in your life.  He is one of those people you feel truly blessed to know.

Now.

Tonight.

You should have felt tonight!  The music was great, the crowd was chipper (it was a beautiful day, it is Friday and great music abounded, there’s nothing to be un-chipper about), and the wonderful café gals were slinging stunning lattés.  The electricity on stage was something else.  After Kevin and Sahra played a few tunes together, they invited our favourite Artistic Director Eric Tompkins aboard.  The smiles.  It was the smiles that made the evening for me.  Sahra and Kevin, clearly, love to have the opportunity to play together.  It is something pretty amazing to be able to witness.  Eric, too.  They all share such a mutual respect and admiration for each other and have such fun in what they do it’s just an absolute joy to watch.

A joy.

This was, perhaps, best personified by the little blond toddling critter to the right of the stage, by the bookshop counter, who was just a’ grinning, and be-boppin’, by the end of the show.  He was having a blast.

The mood was light.  The music was wonderful and heart felt.  The performers are amazing people.  The crowd was properly appreciative.  All in all, it was a wildly successful Friday night in Café Voltaire.

Johnny Cash – A Boy Named Sue

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There is no cure for curiosity.

So.  Saturday was not a terribly busy day at work.  Well.  The afternoon wasn’t, anyway.

This lack of busy-ness, I think, is what spawned my (wonderful, fantastic and altogether phenomenal) coworker to wander off to tidy the “community board” (wherein people pin up their local events and/or anynumberofweirdnewage services) at the back of the store.  She returned with a brochure.  Not just any brochure, but one outlining something she was convinced that I should show great interest in.

[Drumroll]

The 3-Day Novel Contest.

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I scoffed, to be honest.  I haven’t produced anything more substantial than a blogged review of a local event in, oh, a year?  Two years, is a bit more apt, I think.  (Maybe.)  Anyway!  Long time, guys.  Long time.

But.

I’ve, since, spent some time thinking about it and I’ve decided that I really like the idea.  I’ve even been entertaining possible plots!  I realize that this is not an event to take lightly.  If I go forth in attempt to conquer this beastie I need to train.  Which, to be honest, I need to do anyway!  (And I have a project idea, so it’s doubly beneficial.)  I’d need to make necessary arrangements for success (read: quit work, take up laudanum consumption, and move to Siberia for a weekend).  I should probably consider introversion, too.

What do you think?  Have any of you cats completed this contest?  How was it?  Well worth the blood, sweat and tears?

At the very least, I have decided that Books & Co. needs to have a 3-Day Novel Contest display.  Because we have some awesome writing self-help books and it would be a wicked reason to showcase them!

Food for thought.

Savage Garden – To The Moon & Back

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Many, many thanks!

I would like to send my warmest regards to my friends Kent and A. Warren for their contributions to my blog, last month.  I have not, yet, thanked them for the wonderful things they said to, and for, me.

Thank you, gentlemen, for enthusiastically volunteering your time and creativity to me and my blog!  It is so flattering and so appreciated.  You are welcome here anytime!

Kid Cudi – Soundtrack 2 My Life

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