the end

It's officially the end of my 2nd anniversary of NaBloPoMo- a.k.a National Blog Posting Month where I posted everyday for November. You can peruse the posts of 2006 here. In honor of this accomplishment, I am celebrating with one of my favorite episodes of Sesame street featuring Bip Bippadotta* (the counterpart to Mahna Mahna from yesterday's post video).

*incidentally- I'd like to point out that there is "Muppet Wiki"- a fraction of Wikipedia dedicated to The Muppet's. How bizarre.

in honor of Catherine receiving her Master's Degree in Education.

Congratulations, Catherine. You've come along way.

interesting fact

I am made with the sauce of awesomeness according some of my customers at work.

say it loud and say it proud..

...and put it on a hoodie (or a tshirt or a pair of panties or a bag or..)

Neighbourhoodies is one of my favorite companies EVER. Once, I even suggested a work exchange. I would trade a year at my current situation to live in Brooklyn and sew letters on hoodies. They will literally put anything you want, in a huge array of fonts, letters embroidered or stitched or glued. A rainbow of colors and styles to choose, even babies can have a neighborhoodie (Bess- I can hear the wheels cranking already). The possibilities are endless and even better.. the chances of running into someone with the same thing is slim to NONE.

Don't know what to get me for Christmas?? Here's a hint.

The boring "I don't know what to post so I'll post this shot" post.

reflections, originally uploaded by jill y.

better reminders

A response to 'reminders' was brought to my attention by Elevated Umbrella.

Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.

Max Ehrmann, Desiderata, Copyright 1952.

for my mom

Hi Mom- It was great to have you see my apartment, seeing that the last time you were here I was just moving in. Now you had a chance to see that I live in a little tiny sanctuary next to a lake. But, I forgot to show you this- the only reason why I have this little hedgehog is because it reminds me of being at home with you.

Lots of love,
Jill



edit for Bess: the little hedge hog is something my mom has on the edge of a bowl in her kitchen. The neighbors had a garage sale this pass summer and were selling the exact same one for $1. I couldn't resist because I always identified with it being in my mom's kitchen.

reminders

-Do not strive for greatness, but for goodness - greatness lies in all things good.
-If you can be fair, then choose fairness.
-If you can be calm, choose calmness.
-Sadness will bring you closer to God. Happiness can be trivial and frivolous if only sought for one's self.
-See the world and never stop trying to understand other cultures.
-If you are afraid of dying, you will not live a true life.
-Time will heal all things. Being idle solves nothing.
-The only thing that eases grief is grieving; let it take you over if you want to survive it. Keeping it at bay will cause internal unrest.
-Never judge others for you will only be judging yourself.
-Be outside as much as possible. Walk whenever you can.
-Be responsible for your thoughts; they are powerful entities that will design your future.
-Help others whenever possible.
-Giving your time will always be bigger than giving from your wallet.
-Depression is an underestimated tool. It can be Nature’s way of turning you around to face the light.
-Companionship is the greatest of all things, without it we are inhuman.
-To want to know others will bring you life's greatest joy. Friendships are golden.
-Laugh at yourself.
-Stand up in the face of disaster.
-Walk towards the sunrise rather than the sunset; you'll enjoy fuller days.
-Never abandon your own heart.
-Be easy with yourself; be kind with your soul.
-Change everything on a whim, if you want to.
-Cause no pain to others. Be tolerant, always.

grabbed from a friend's photo page

ruby gets a new toy

I bought Ruby a new toy. A ball of felted wool with a center of cat nip. Naturally she chose to attack it.

the door to my heart

Why don't we make these things anymore?

knocking at heaven's door

No words. I just think Art Nouveau is the most beautiful period of art, hands down.

green door

"Midnight, one more night without sleepin'
Watchin' till the mornin' comes creepin'
Green door, what's that secret you're keepin'

There's an old piano
And they play it hot behind the green door
Don't know what they're doin'
But they laugh a lot behind the green door
Wish they'd let me in
So I could find out what's behind the green door"

the doors of perception

I stumbled upon this gem in the near the Ixelles Ponds in Brussels. It was built in 1904 by architect Ernest Delune.


"Rue du Lac n 6
Architect: Ernest Delune. 1904

This façade with stylised forms is one of the most original elements of the Art Nouveau heritage in Brussels. The geometric motif is declined in full moon, half moon and quarter moon. A very beautiful glass roof sheds light on the staircase. The last floor is composed of a large bow window in wood that housed the painter’s studio."


It was definitely one of my favorite's and I went back to it twice. I was lingering around outside when the neighbours came out and, you know, I said I was Canadian and loved the house and "wow, you live next door?" The woman said that the man who lived in the house was not very nice. So I left him a note that read something like this:

"Hello. I am a fan of Art Nouveau and I found the lovely example you live in. I met your neighbours today. They said you are not a very nice man, but I am in disbelief that the sheer act of walking through this door everyday would not bring immense joy to one's life. I think you are very lucky."

I left my web page address and slipped it through the letterbox and walked away feeling like a smart-alec. But godamn it. I want to live in that house!!

door #2

10 things you didn't know about Art Nouveau

1. Name borrowed from the name of a Paris gallery, Maison de l'Art Nouveau. If it still exists- I couldn't find it.

2. Different from other design styles, it was possible to live an Art Nouveau lifestyle in an art nouveau house with art nouveau furniture, silverware, jewellery, pottery, poster arts, textiles and of course door knobs.

3.Most known for flourishing between 1892-1902.

4.Was a response to the industrial revolution and a desire for the "everyday man" to live stylishly.

5. Paris- Hector Guimard- famous for his wrought iron and glass Metro stations that still exist today.

6. Prague- Alphonse Mucha- famous for his poster arts in contribution to the Paris art scene, particularly this one.

7. Brussels- Victor Horta- famous for his architectural contributions to the style, The Hotel Tassel, his most famous. It's a private building and I sat outside for about 40 minutes wondering if I should try and talk my way inside. I didn't

8. Spain- Antoni Gaudi- famous for Parc Guell and Casa Mila, which clearly emphasizes the curvaceous and sinuous nature of the style. I was too busy eating strawberries to take note when I walked past it.


9. USA- Louis Comfort Tiffany- famous for Tiffany lamps and of course- Tiffany & Co.

10. Natural, organic shapes often of leaves, insects, grasses etc..with flowing waves, curves, and "the whiplash line" are characteristic of the Art Nouveau style.

through the door way of time

This was found through one of my "walking tours" of Brussels. I had a map of significant area of Art Nouveau. There were 5 different tours and each day i set out in effort to walk the whole tour. The biggest one I did was 26 k according to my pedometer. I have no idea where in Brussels I snapped this but easily concluded that who ever gets to walk through this door everyday is one lucky bird.

Keep checking back while I pick my favorite doorways and post them this week.

mirror mirror

mirror mirror, originally uploaded by jill y.

look down

look down, originally uploaded by jill y.

My favorite people photo I have ever snapped.

double take

That's my phot on the top, and their's on the bottom

art nouveau, brussels

This is a detail from the railing in the Belgian Center For Comic Strips in Brussels. It was a public building and I just walked on in and just about gasped out loud by the beautiful ornate ironwork decorating the inside of the building.

By the way did you know that Brussels, is also know for being the birth pace of the Smurfs?.

and the winner is....

BESS. She was the one who correctly picked the statement that was not true in the Speak No Lies post. Congratulations Bess.

And so to recap:

1. I can tell you a little bit about 100 different cheeses.

Yes, this is true. I once worked in a cheese deli where I found I had an uncanny passion for cheese. I am drawn to the details and stories like celery to cheeze wizz. It's been a while but put me in a cheese shop and it will come flooding back.

2. My right arm is tattooed with an art nouveau design of wheat and rosebuds.

Yes, this is true. Need I say more.

3. I meditate every day.

My friend Sonia said she wanted to pick this one but was afraid of offending me if it was true. She said- what if it was something I did in secret and never said anything. Maybe it was too personal a choice and that's what stumped everyone. Bess got it. I have no idea why my mother and sister would think this was true. I mean, I can't even get to Yoga class.

4. I can not drive a standard transmission vehicle in traffic.

Up and down a deserted road- sure. In traffic? Hello no. I panic and stall the vehicle. I do not have excellent foot/eye/hand co-ordination.

5. I have driven a combine.

True. My uncle Ken drove me across the fields at my grandmother's farm while they were harvesting a crop. I got to sit in the cab and all of a sudden the farmer said- OK you drive. It's actually quite easy as it won't go any faster than 10 miles per hour.

6. Even though I ride 12km to commute to work, I do not know how to fix a flat tire on my bike.

Sad but true. I think about it every day I ride to work. "What if I get a flat?" Must work on that.

7. I know just about everything one could know about Janis Joplin.

Yes. Ask me anything.
Room she died in-105 Landmark Hotel, Hollywood.
DOB Jan 19, 1943.
Died Oct 4 1970 of an accidental overdose. She was 27
Middle name Lyn
Last know address, 380 W Baltimore Avenue, Larkspur California- It's currently for sale but I did once talk my way inside.
Grew up in Port Arthur, Texas- I drove there from Calgary to see where she went to high school
Studied art at the University of Texas in Austin, voted Ugliest man on Campus by her classmates. I went to Austin too to go to Threadgill's- the bar she started singing in.
She didn't like acid or pot, preferred to drink.
Voracious reader and a secret intellectual
Mother was a registrar, father worked for Texaco.
2 younger siblings- Michael and Laura- they now run the corporation she started before she died- Fantality Corporation (combination of 2 words- Fantasy and Reality)
2 tattoos- a small red heart over her left breast and an ornate bracelet on her right wrist.
She once smashed a bottle over Jim Morrison's head. They didn't get along.
Jim Morrison, Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix all died within 6 weeks of one another, they were all 27 and their first names start with J and all with 5 letters (Jim and Jimi were short for James).

8. I am scared of heights so I jumped out of a plane at 3000 feet. My chute got tangled.

Most frightening thing I have ever done in my entire life except for #9 and getting to Paris at 11 o'clock at night without a clue or a bed to sleep in. I could barely get out the door of the plane. You step out onto a little step over the wheel and grab a hold of the airplane strut. I couldn't let go. My "jump master" almost had to pry my fingers off and finally I just straightened my fingers and thought I would die. When my chute deployed, I looked up and the lines were twisted. You have to reach up, grab hold of the lines and pull outwards to get them to untwist. I still have no idea how I had the presence of mind to do that as I was completely paralyzed with fear. But then the chute opens, you get yanked upwards by a current of air and then you spend 10 minutes drifting back to earth. 3000 feet above the planet, alone in the sky with the birds. It was incredible and I highly recommend you do not go through life without experiencing jumping from a plane.

9. I shared a cab with 2 strippers from Calgary to Edmonton.

Yes, this is true. Long story. We missed the Greyhound. It was cheaper than flying.

10. Once, I went to Mexico for lunch.

Remember when I said I drove to Port Arthur Texas to see where Janis Joplin grew up and went it hight school? Ya- so on the way back, and being in Texas, I crossed the border into Mexico and had lunch, walked around, and went back to Texas. I've never been back to Mexico since.

So there you have it. Thank for all of you who took a guess. Was it fun?