An evening spent with two friends.
Both of whom respect me, accept me, and love me.
….I dance.
Let’s be honest. Many of you who are online a lot have probably heard of Essena O’Neill and how she quit her instagram modelling account and came clean about the back deals with companies to promote brands.
We’re constantly surrounded by them aren’t we? They’re a double edged sword.
True, the weather’s getting colder.
True, the sun is setting sooner.
Kind of a natural pairing, you know? Like jeans and a tee. Coffee and croissant. There’s something about putting the two together that feels right.
I don’t often wear heels. Hardly ever, but lately, after finding some incredibly comfy ones at warehouse sales…you know, I’m thinking they might be all right. These particular ones though, I’ve owned for years after finding them on the shelves of Winners.
I’m never going to be a full convert though. Because I like the functionality of flats too much. But sometimes. Sometimes I get the appeal, and I think I’ll indulge more.
And leather pants? Well, you just can’t have enough of those. Granted they’re fake. And I own two pairs so far…damn, there’s a great feeling that comes over you when you slip on a pair. That’s the best thing about fashion, the feeling that some pieces can give you.
The Toronto International Film Festival is in it’s full blown glory. That means parties and events. Which means getting all dressed up. I’m okay with that.
I get to pull out my fancy stuff, and get all gussied up. I’m not one to wear heels often, but sometimes it’s fun to pull out the stops. In this case though, knowing I was going to be running around for hours, I opted for a low heel, with big impact.
Many people, most really, when they first meet me are surprised to learn about the raging nerd I am.
Sci-fi anything and I love it *B5, BSG, Doctor Who, Firefly, Star Trek, Star Wars, etc. etc.*
Post-apocalyptic, and you’ve got me transfixed.
RPG table top games, and I’m running two Firefly seasons.
Board games, and I’m parked at a table.
There is little end to my geekdom.
Then someone looks at me and says, “Wow Jo, you’re such a nerd.”
And I think, “You say that like it’s a bad thing.”
I believe in heroes. I believe in strength and the will to succeed against dire odds. I believe we can all be more than we are. I believe that humanity has a hope and will get better. I believe that even in the worst situations our better parts will survive. I believe that there is magic in the universe. I believe that we will travel the stars. I believe. I hope. That’s sci-fi and that’s fantasy.
So ya, I’m a nerd.
Heading up to the cottage this past long weekend, I was yet again struck by the beauty that we have in nature. Also, the profound meaning and connection we can achieve by just sitting quietly and letting the world move around us.
In my daily life, I try to live as ethically and sustainably as possible. It’s a daily journey, and I’m not sure I’ll ever be 100% there. It’s hard when daily conveniences are, well, convenient.
Though having recently partnered with Ungalli clothing, a 100% sustainable and ethical Canadian clothing company, I had a lovely moment standing on the dock wearing the softest hoodie possible, knowing that in wearing it I had not brought harm to any of the beauty around me.
This hoodie was the perfect running and lounging layer around the cottage – not too heavy and ultra snuggly. Kind of perfect for a day spent swimming, laying in the sun, and warming around a campfire.
Ungalli has a threefold mission. First, their clothes are made from recycled material. Second, they’re made in North America under our labor laws. Third, they partner with different environmental organizations to both promote *through their designs* and to donate money from every sale.
Yay!
But lest you think that these are only cottagey, camping clothes. Let’s be clear: they totally belong in any urban fashionistas arsenal. This tee is definitely in my favorite tees list. Not just because of the softness, but also because of the lovely uplifting message it has. Personally, it reminds me to be present in my life daily. To embrace and feel every moment, and imprint it in memory.
Love to you and all the lovely creatures we share our planet with. Let’s do the best we can by making conscious choices, including clothing choices whenever possible.
…go wrong. Everyday. You wake up with a certain expectation of the day, at least I do, and everyday it turns out different. Sometimes better, sometimes worse, and sometimes just different.
So how do we deal with it? Get angry that the day didn’t turn out as we wanted? Yeah, sometimes I do that. I wish I didn’t though. I wish I didn’t put expectations on a day. But that the curse of humanity isn’t it? A desire to control what is impossible to control. I’m trying, emphasis on ‘trying’, to take the day as it comes. Still have goals, but realize that the unexpected and the beautiful can intrude on those days. Can intercede and either cause wonder or frustration.
I’m trying to be okay with that.