My Funny Valentine

Quirks are like endearing little friends that, as with any friend, you have an occasional spat with. Such thinking may be quirky in itself, though I do believe, quirks put the color in character. They are comforting, charming, amusing (though sometimes terribly annoying), and even beautiful as art is (think "My Funny Valentine" by Chet Baker). Oh where would we be, who would we be, without our own personal set of quirks?



In fact, I am quite bothered by people who pretend they are perfectly normal. I know they must have quirks and a weird-side, like any other. They’re just hiding it, and I don’t appreciate it. If they perhaps truly have come to believe that they don’t have any quirks, and are not in the least bit odd, then I suppose not very well interested in knowing them.



Anyway, this commentary on quirks, was inspired when I was tagged, by the lovely Raspberry, with what I refer to as the "Quirks" tag, (though it is really unknown facts, as well). I am a little hesitant to participate in tags when they require me to talk directly about myself (I imagine I'll bore my dear readers), versus speaking of ideas, thoughts, and dicussing various other topics. Nonetheless, I've made an exception. Here are 6 quirks/little known facts about me:



1. I dream most of unicorns and wild horses.



2. If I could be any fairytale character, I would want to be Rapunzel, just to have her hair.



3. I have multiple identities. I'm prone to reinvent myself, and can very well loose myself in self-created persona's.



4. I have to sit on the end of a row of chairs. I am terribly bothered when sitting (though not standing or moving) completely surrounded and in the middle of people. Heaven forbid, the middle chair of the middle row. In school I always sat at the end of a row, as well as, at the desk closest to the door.



5. I talk to myself, often in a British or New Zealand accent.



6. I am slightly insane, and I don’t mind that I’ve lost my mind.

Now here are the rules for this tag, and those who I have tagged:

Rules: 1. Link who tagged you; 2. Post the rules; 3. List six quirky or little known facts about yourself; 4. Tag six fellow bloggers.

1. Daisy Chain Dreams

2. Fashion Chalet

3. Leese Looks

4. Loveology

5. I'm Not Anti-Social, Just Short-Sighted

6. Stompface

7. Anyone, and everyone else, please do comment and share with me 6 quirks or unknown facts about yourself. And/or simply rant about quirks, such as quirks of other's that you find either endearing or terribly bothersome!

Photo Credits: http://mixologies.livejournal.com/ & Louis Park (www.imlouis.com), the photographer.

Power, Peace & Politics

People often say, fight for what you believe in, fight for what you love, and for love. However, there seems to be a slightly contradicting message in these words. After all, fighting and war, and peace and love, are opposites in meaning.



Is war always bad? Is love always good? Is it wrong to fight for what we believe in, if it means we hurt others in the process? And of the same branch, is it wrong to fight for love, or something we love, if it means generating wars?



A example of a battle that currently is in effect is the American-Iraqi war. Am I a shameful American for admitting I have deep sympathy for those in the middle east? Hearing from some of the innocents there makes me feel such strong empathy. Their lives are in turmoil, bombings and gunfire are daily routines, and death numbers are appalling. We may be the other side of this war, but for the most part, we know little of what the war has brought upon them. While I do think there is much corruption in the middle east, who is to say, that we are not corrupted ourselves.



I have heard many people talk of president Bush as if he is the devil himself, simply because he initiated this war. A position of power, such as president though, will only ever be filled by a human being. A mere mortal. As humans, we all make mistakes, and when facing a critical decision, we do not, perhaps, always decide correctly. The difference is when those who are in power make errors in decision, the ramifications are far greater.



Power is like a double-edged sword, it can be abused, as well as, a fundamental aide in working for the greater good and for peace. Why is it though, that it seems people of power start more wars, than create peace?



Could it be that those who crave power, may often also crave fame and control, often also traits of a someone who is self-centered. After all, fame and power go hand in hand, and anyone who has no desires for fame, will most likely avoid placing themselves in position of power. And I don't imagine you can be a person who strongly hates controversy and nonetheless, run for president or another position of power. After all, politics are anything but harmonious. But it is those who are by nature and desire, peaceful, who would perhaps be most passionate and effective in obtaining peace on a larger scale.



Why though, would someone who truly seeks or lives in peace want to fight for a powerful position? Not only is fighting contradictory to the peaceful nature, but a political career or position of power will certainly disrupt their personal peace and place them in an environment of controversy and crisis.



Through all this talk of power though, I'm confess I am undecided on whether anyone should have control over another being's life? Are we not all human, who are any of us to play God and decide what another should do, or even whether one should live or die?



I have so many questions, and I feel, so few answers. I will admit that this topic is reaching beyond my capability in understanding, and perhaps I only sound flibbertigibbety speaking and sharing thoughts on it. However, I know that the best way to make sense of anything I don't understand is to think and talk about it. Perhaps you can enlighten me some with your own ideas, opinions and thoughts...



Additional questions that I would love to hear your opinions on: Do you believe under the right rule, with the right leaders instated, that world peace, or at least peace in country, is possible? Is any one of us truly worthy and deserving of immense power or control over a mass number of other people? Do you believe that at times that our government, and those who are in control, harm more than they help?



Photo Credits: All photographs shot by Wendy Bevan, and from Sharon (http://nearerthemoon.livejournal.com) & kissmesweet at www.thefashionspot.com

The Power Of A Woman

In many cultures, particularly outside of the U.S. and like countries, women are still very oppressed and suppressed, and regarded as the weaker sex. Many women are forced to comply with extensive and erroneous rules, which are instated by men. These men consider themselves strong because of their power, and yet it takes more strength to follow rules than to make them. For men it is not particularly taxing to patrol and punish women who step outside the boundaries given to them. Many men easily accomplish regulation in numbers and with weapons. There's nothing strong or admirable about unjust abuse of power.



More so, it takes deep-rooted strength and audacity, for women to object and fight for the rights of women as equal human beings. Men will perhaps never know the strength and courage that is required of woman to rise against a capital of sexist men.



Even in countries such as the U.S., women still face resistance and difficulties to get where they want and be considered of equal ability as men. It has been said: what doesn't kill you, makes you stronger. And as women confronting and overcoming oppression from men has only increasingly made us stronger, and a force to be reckoned with. The more trials dealt to us, the more opportunities we are given to triumph.



Furthermore, I've heard men say repeatedly, that there's nothing they find more beautiful than a woman. In history, it has often been a women who has been the only being capable of bringing even the most powerful of men to their knees. After all, even powerful men are not immune to going weak in the knees at the sight of a beautiful woman.



As for the most delusional men who believe a woman is of no use other than, perhaps, as a sex object, they should consider the fact that it was a woman who gave birth to them and brought them into this world. Nothing they have obtained in life would have been possible without first a woman giving them the opportunity to live.



The argument for women rights and equal consideration is in a sense, endless, as there are countless reasons, besides the few I briefly touched on above, as to why women are anything but weak and lacking. Of course, there may always be men who will try to contradict any argument that does not support men being superior beings. Nonetheless, as women, we should always celebrate our uniqueness and be aware of our strength, and call on our strength, even, to fight for the rights of women who are still under much oppression.



So ladies, tell me what are some things you like about being female? Please do dish on any "girl power" stories whether they're from your own life, or just one you heard. And what are your views and thoughts on the debate of supposed men superiority and women's rights? (And just so you're not unsure, gentlemen, you're welcome to share your views on this topic as well).

Photo Credits: surrealseven @ http://www.thefashionspot.com/ & www.flickr.com/photos/10330100@N06 & www.flickr.com/photos/120days & www.pamelahanson.com & www.flickr.com/photos/piercefashion

Jump! ... My 50th Post.

This is my 50th blog entry... makes me want to jump, jump, jump!



Today I typed "jump" into the Flickr search box, resulting in 825,644 photos. It was like watching the whole world jump at once. My lips parted into a smile I just couldn't shake, while "Live Your Life" by T.I. featuring Rihanna sung through my headphones, sending tingles of joy through my veins.



There is something so freeing, so joyful, so brave, so resilient about people leaping, jumping, defying gravity, or perhaps defying life. Life is tough, so they say, but through it all thousands of people still find it in themselves to celebrate what life has given them. To forget self-consciousness and fear, to fling themselves into the air.



Jumping can be brave. A jump off a waterfall, an adreilene rush. Jumping can be joyful. A jumping shot snapped at a wedding, and enternal glimpse of celebration of love. Jumping simply because something so good happened, something that drives you to loose all inhibitions and bounce off the ground, airborne.



One detail I noticed throughout almost all the Flickr captures of jumps, were enormous grins. Perhaps jumping is just an extension of a smile. From your mouth, to your feet. An infectious joy you just can't stop.



Go ahead. Jump on your bed. On a trampoline. Leap into the pool. Off the couch. Ignore the stares of strangers, and skip, leap, and jump in the street. Bungee jump. Sky dive. Just jump!

But...assuming you're not a natural jumping bean, what do you do to express joy? And/or can you remember any events or things that have happened in your life that just literally made you jump up into the air?

Photo Credits: www.flickr.com/photos/jgual & www.flickr.com/photos/thed80project & www.flickr.com/photos/eric_phillips & www.flickr.com/photos/melancon

Let's Face The Music & Dance

The eras of the 30's, 40's, 50's and even the early 60's have a certain undeniable class and smoothness, a relaxed vibe of, "No matter how bad it gets, every thing's going to be alright." One of my most beloved artists, who represents that polished relaxation, is Nat King Cole. More specifically, I cherish the attitude his songs like, "Let's Face The Music And Dance", embody. Even if your gut tells you the world is crashing down around, just face the music and dance, or if not dancing, something else that is positive and good medicine for the spirit.



I look at the eras gone by and I can't help but feeling they dealt with stress and problems in a more healthy and positive manner than we do today. Adolescences of today, especially have tendencies to turn to destructive behavior when under pressure and stress. They often drink or do drugs, hook up, and whatever other reckless deeds they can get away with, that they believe will overcome or mask their problems and anger.



This is not to say drinking, drugs, smoking and so forth were never a part of yesterday's society, however from what I can understand, they often seemed to have different motives and reasons for doing such things, perhaps even, more pure reasons. Not that that necessarily trumps the dangers of alcohol and drug abuse, and even smoking, but I wonder how and why folks from these previous eras, could smoke and drink with such elegance and sophistication.



I look around at our youth today, and those who are knee deep in drugs and nasty addictions are anything but glassy and glamorous. Still... even if these bad habits have always existed to a certain extent, I do admire the way past societies seemed to always keep a time for music, and dancing, and what is now considered "old school" good fun. Activities that will take a load off your back without taking all your senses and good judgement too.



Stress also appears to have been handled better in past times. Nowadays, stress is used as a leveler to measure success. The more busy you are, the more overachieving you do, the more money you gain, only leads to the overwhelming stress that seems more of a trophy than something harmful to mind and spirit. And if someone devotes more time to kicking back their heels and simply having a good time, their peers will often write them off as bums.



Even if stress equals success, I know my spirit will never survive excessive stress and work. I will always find time to whirl around a ballroom to the soothing sounds of Nat King Cole and the likes, simply elated at how good life can feel.

So, tell me... how do you deal with stress? Are you forever feeling tired and worn down? Do you make sure you still have a good time even amidst stressful deadlines and problems, or do you put off fun for a time when you're not busy? And what are your favorite ways to relax and forget your worries?

Photo Credits: "The Women" (photographed by Sebastian Faena) from V Magazine (www.vmagazine.com) & www.flickr.com/photos/don3rdse

Miss Independent

All my life I've been a do-it-yourself kind of girl; always excessively independent. Many times, growing up, I parented myself, learning the ropes myself. I suppose I was a bit selfish, for I have certainly deprived my parents of the "remember when I taught you how..." kinds of memories. I wanted to read, so I taught myself to read; I wanted to ride a two-wheeler bike like my older sister, so I taught myself how to ride a bike, skinned knees proof as a battle fought and won. My memories are heavily peppered with self-taught accomplishments...



However, I wish I would have allowed more people to guide me and teach me, and be involved in more of my accomplishments. After all, I believe victories and accomplishments are best shared. Sometimes I forget how having, even just, the warm presence of someone beloved around, can be so comforting.



Many people have admired my independent spirit, however I admire those who take heart in keeping alive their relationships with those they love, and being a frequent presence to their friends. I would like to be a person who places her friends at a higher level of importance, and who will clear a busy schedule in a heartbeat to spend some quality time, or even just have a wild and hilarity-ensuing girls night out.



Then there's boy-girl relationships, the kind that do not lie within the fair boundaries of friendship. And as much as I'm a bit embarrassed to know any song by the cheaply dressed (backed often by shallow and dirty lyrics) Pussycat Dolls, I must say, I've always been the one to say something similar to their song, "I Don't Need A Man". Because, it's true, I don't need a guy in my life to make me feel complete (well, except maybe Jesus), I do just fine on my own.



But perhaps...I should be a little more open to relationships with boys that go beyond friendships, because I might just find love and realize it's one of the best things I've ever known.

How do you think your relationships are? Do you invest more in your friends or more in your career/school/other? Do you often lean on your friends, or are you more of the independent kind?

Picture Credits: http://community.livejournal.com/fakingfashion ("Heavenly Creatures") & www.lundlund.com (Sandra Freij) & www.lulamag.com (Issue 3) & www.flickr.com/photos/reactor_carouse

The Lines Of Inspiration

I have come to the conclusion that it is simply a crime that Lula Magazine is not available (or at least not available without a very hefty price tag) where I live, and that it is truly a mini-tragedy that I am repeatedly deprived of such great art and fashion. Thank the heavens for people with Lula mags on hand and a scanner to boot. Because what can I say? Lula is simply inspiration packed!



And inspiration itself happens to be my topic for this entry. I guess I'm particularly interested in discussing the subject of inspiration, because yesterday I came across someone who had a blog entry that eerily mirrored a previous entry of mine. The images where yes, different, but of the same type and topic, and the text, though the wording wasn't an exact copy, essentially repeated what I said. Even the entry's layout was precisely done in the same Polaroid picture-couple lines of narrative-Polaroid picture-couple lines of narrative ... format.



I know for a fact that this person reads my blog (they list my blog in their blog roll), though I will refrain from calling them out by name. After all, I don't mean to be cruel or come off as bitter... more so, I suppose I am a bit confused and conflicted on how to react.



I know it's often said that when someone copies you, it's really just a form of flattery. And those people will often defend themselves and their case by shrugging, and saying they were simply inspired by you. But where does one draw the line between inspired, and "copycat", to use a children's term. And are there situations in which one's copying nears such likeness to the original that it could almost be labeled as plagiarism?



I must confess, that when someone asks permission to recreate something I've done, or when given credit for inspiration that results in someone creating something undeniably like something of mine... I feel much better than when they copy and act naively like they have no idea where the inspiration came from.



I think it's all about how you process the inspiration you receive. For me personally, I am frequently and easily inspired, however I exude much effort to ensure prevention of direct copying. I seek to put a distinct spin on whatever I am inspired by. The lovely part is when your inspiration is a "what" not a "who", because in my opinion, everyone has free reign of object-inspiration. You don't need to fret that nature, or other non man-made/human sources of inspiration, will sue you for copyright and creative infringement.



There is though, subconscious inspiration, which is a tricky little thing to tango with, because you might be unaware, whatsoever, that you even have a partner in your creation. So to say, occasions in which you are inspired and aren't even consciously aware that you have been. Usually subconscious inspiration is unknowingly stored away in your mind, and later, may slip out in something you do. You realize you've been inspired, but can't recall the source of inspiration.



Really though, in regards to this "copying" situation, I hope I'm not coming off as a snob about it. Because I actually am delighted to to hear people say I or something I've shared has inspired them. I suppose I just expect them to cultivate that inspiration in a fresh way, thus producing a whole new crop of inspiration. I believe one has a duty to take care of how they use their inspiration, so as to avoid ripping off others, and even, in some cases, law suits. When used correctly though, inspiration can be like a gift that keeps on giving.

Photo Credits: Selected images from "Love Letter", issue #5 of Lula Magazine, scans by kissmesweet @ www.thefashionspot.com