Graphology

Here's a quick look at what your handwriting might be saying about you (source: Wikipedia):

Slant
A forward slant indicates high emotional expressiveness.
Vertical handwriting indicates moderate, restrained emotional expression.
A left slant indicates emotional withdrawal.

General shape of the strokes
Circular handwriting indicates an agreeable, easygoing nature.
Angular handwriting with sharp points indicates aggressiveness, directness, and high energy.
Square handwriting indicates a real world, practical based approach.
Squiggles and irregular strokes indicate an artistic and non standard approach.

Individual letters
The letter "t" has the largest number of interpretations. For example where the horizontal "bar" of the t is placed on the vertical "stem" indicates where one places their goals, while the height of the t stem indicates the potential to accomplish those goals.
A low t bar indicates goals or self esteem set lower than what can be accomplished.
A t bar high on the stem indicates goals set high and a high self esteem.
A t bar that is above the stem indicates setting goals higher than can be accomplished.
A cursive y that has been crossed back over ornately or several times can indicate a perverted state of mind.

The emotional intensity behind a person's behavior
The heavier the pressure, the more intense the emotions of that person.
The pressure on the paper can also indicate the level of stress that the person is experiencing. (The more pressure applied, the more stress the person is under.)

And now, some random samples of handwriting analysis found on the web (click on image for larger view):





Gotta go! Time to practice my 't'! ;)

Poladroid

I just found the coolest application on the web called Poladroid. It's a free download which enables you to take existing images and turn them into high res Polaroids! It's so easy!

First, you download Poladroid which produces a little Polaroid camera icon on your desktop. Then, you simply drag your image onto it and out pops a little white Polaroid. You wait for it to develop like a real Polaroid picture! (I think you can speed up the process by shaking it.) Once it's done developing, a 'ding' will sound. If you double click on your Polaroid image, it will ask if you want to save it. If you do, it will automatically save it to your Pictures folder. It's only available for Macs (sorry, PC people!) and it's so much fun!

The image that results has such interesting colors! I can't wait to show the little person. I know she's going to love it, too!

Washi Art Sale

Photo: "Rolls of Washi" by Alex Watson

Today, H & I went down to the Japanese Paper Place on Brock Avenue to check out the 'Amazing, Dazzling, Unforgettable Washi Sale'. Talented artists were showcasing their works of art on washi. There were coin purses made from konnyaku paper, original prints, various ornaments, handmade books and of course, gorgeous papers that the Japanese Paper Place are famous for. During our visit, there was a musical interlude performed by a couple from Spain with tambourine and mandolin in tow. The sale was smaller than I expected but it was nice to see how people use washi in their art.

[I think the best entertainment of all was provided by the cast of characters H & I saw roaming the streets where we were!]

Blanket

Toronto was covered with a blanket of snow last night. I think it's pretty. Have a happy day. :)

Synecdoche New York

My fascination with NYC led me to the cinema yesterday to watch Synecdoche New York. I'm still not sure I really enjoyed it, though, I did appreciate the creativity of the script. I'm not going to get into the details about the movie and be a spoiler (and, to tell the truth, the last hour had me asking myself, "What on earth?") but if you're a Charlie Kauffman fan, you might enjoy it (whatever that means). It has an all-star cast with Philip Seymour Hoffman, Catherine Keener, Hope Davis and Michelle Williams (to name a few).

My latest obsession: Watching movies by myself at the theatre. It's so relaxing and also liberating somehow.

Envelope Book

Tonight, I made a really lovely envelope book for a swap I joined recently. I used three different colors for the envelopes (there were 25 in total) and throughout, I added handmade papers in similar tones. I then wrapped the book in a larger sheet of handmade paper for the cover and fastened it with a pretty green and olive lace ribbon. As an added touch, I affixed smaller envelopes onto the larger ones. (If you can visualize it, the bottoms of the envelopes are flush with the spine.) I thought of decorating it further with bits of ephemera such as black and white photographs and book pages or advertising but I wanted my partner to be able to add her own touch to the book if she wanted. Anyway, I hope she likes it. Maybe, I'll make a smaller one with fewer envelopes and more paper.

I also made a mini-folder to hold a little stack of photographs that I was planning to carry in my purse (the other day). I used a beautiful piece of handmade paper in ivory which had a sheen to it and which was highly textured. I then placed a smaller piece of colorful Chiyogami paper to brighten it up a little.

I love making things and being creative. It makes me happy. :)

He ain't heavy, he's my...

Within the last few days, I watched two very intense films - Running With Scissors and Rachel Getting Married.

I'm not here to review either one of them (I'll leave that to the experts, right my Love?) but suffice it to say that both of them are worth watching. I especially loved Running With Scissors. What a bizarre and wonderful movie. The actors were just superb in it, especially Annette Benning. I can't believe it's based on Augusten Burroughs' real life...fascinating.

As for Rachel Getting Married - it was quite an intense movie with lots of crying, screaming and hugging. I'm normally not fond of Anne Hathaway but she was so amazing in this that I've changed my mind about her. She was so good at playing the recovering-drug-addicted-sister. I haven't teared up (okay, a few actually fell from my eyes) like that for quite some time over a movie. Having said that, I did get annoyed by the father - I wasn't sure if it was the actor who was hamming it up or if the character was supposed to be like that - and also the sister - her performance seemed too contrived, at times, and I just didn't think certain parts were believable (in the sense that I didn't really connect with the character). Speaking of making sense, I hope I haven't lost you.

Anyway, just had to share my thoughts with you on those two flicks.

Don't judge a book by its...

One of the things that I'm really grateful for in having my regular feature on blogTO is the opportunity to approach people that I would have never met otherwise. How many times have you been people-watching and were just dying to know what a person's story was or wondered what they were all about? What's Your Story has given me the chance (and the confidence) to approach complete strangers and learn about them - what they do, where they're 'from', their likes and dislikes and sometimes, intimate little secrets. I love hearing their stories and it definitely confirms the old adage - don't judge a book by its cover. Everyone has a story.

My latest interview is with Adrienne - a lovely young woman who broke her back four years ago. I saw her at the Yonge & Bloor subway station and wanted to know her story...that is, if she was willing to share it with me. She enthusiastically agreed and we settled into a lively conversation about nightclubs, Wheel-Trans, being bitch-slapped and her scholastic endeavors. She also shared her story with me and a crazy secret - both of which I was grateful to be privy to. Adrienne's energy was infectious and her zest for life was inspiring. She was so much fun to talk to!

To read her interview, please visit the latest post at What's Your Story?

So Lame

I can't believe I used to collect Hard Rock Cafe shot glasses. (So lame)

AGO grand opening

This weekend is the official grand opening of Frank Ghery's re-imagined AGO including free admission for all visitors. After a lovely dinner and a thwarted attempt at seeing Rachel Getting Married (it was sold out), Miss P and I decided to see how the space had been transformed. It was pouring out as we waited in line (sans parapluie) but it was all part of the excitement and well worth the wait.

The transformation is quite amazing from the sculptural staircase to the 110 galleries, the lovely exhibits to the expansive rooms and maze of corridors. Wood is used throughout the space - adding warmth and richness to it. There is also a beautiful view of downtown from one of the staircases in the tinted titanium and glass four-storey wing.

The first level features a section devoted to works on paper and included an exhibit of WWII photo albums. There are also amazing black and white photographs exhibited including a prison series (I know, how vague of me) and a haunting photograph entitled, Dead Child.

I was pleasantly surprised (and titillated, to say the least) to see my boys, Gilbert & George, represented in one of the galleries. Holy Hope was displayed on one of the walls.

Regrettably, I did not not have my cherished and trusty companion with me (yes, my precious DSLR who is currently traveling in HK with J... sigh).

Photos courtesy of Sam Javanrouh

And the winner is...

Thanks to Yves for providing a link to what has become the highlight of my day (okay, maybe a very close second to chatting with my Love who is currently in Hong Kong).

What a feast for the eyes!  I'm afraid that it was virtually impossible to choose just one band that I loved the most - not that this was a competition or anything.  In fact, I'd like to think of it more as a celebration...of color, fabric, music, follicles, passion and virility. Here are some of my favorites:

Tiny bathroom

I met my dear and beautiful friend, Miss A, for lunch today at Fresh on Spadina.  It was so very wonderful to see her and catch up.  I've missed her so much.  The best part of all?  Our laughing fit in the teeny, tiny bathroom.  (I wonder what a giant would've done in that situation...)

Clean

I can't stop thinking about Gilbert & George and their art. I feel the need to know as much as I can about them. (Help me)

What's Your Story? Who You Are

After spending a lovely day with my family, I decided to head downtown to search for fresh and new profiles for What's Your Story? It was there that I spotted David and followed him a few feet before approaching him. Every so often I get a bit nervous about approaching people because I don't want them to feel uncomfortable or like I'm trying to exploit them somehow. In any case, once I do break the ice and get the go-ahead from the person, I'm overcome with a bit of rush. There's something really thrilling and gratifying about meeting new people and poking into their lives, however brief.

My interview with David was 'short and sweet' (pardon the pun) but quite interesting. He was a really kind soul and a pleasure to meet. He shared a few secrets about himself which I was asked to keep to myself. I think this is part of what makes the whole process of interviewing people so fulfilling to me - the ability to get someone to open up and share parts of their life with you. I'm gratfeul for these moments and the opportunity to get to know people on this intimate level.

To read David's interview, please visit the latest post on What's Your Story?

What a beautiful day!

It's a gorgeous day in Toronto - warm, sunny and the leaves are bursting with color. I felt like dancing in my subway seat. Life is good.

Today's soundtrack might include:

The Bee Gees (Jive Dancing, Staying Alive)
Prince (Delirious, 1999, Raspberry Beret)
Jay Z (99 Problems)
Ready For the World (Oh Sheila)
Billy Idol (Hot in the City)
A-ha (Take On Me)
House of Pain (Jump Around)
Led Zepplin (Rock and Roll, Black Dog)
The Go-Go's (Vacation)
Stevie Wonder (Superstition)
Bill Withers (Lovely Day)

Oh, and maybe if we were watching videos - Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch (Good Vibrations). ;)

Whatever your soundtrack is, hope you're having a wonderful day!

Here's a little something to get you moving:

What's your story? Misused text and Horses

I've been obsessing a lot about New York lately so it was only natural that I interview Niall - based on his t-shirt alone. (Read the interview to see what caught my eye.)

As it turned out, Niall was an interesting guy - a graphic designer and an artist. To see some of his work, check out his blog.

To read his interview (and to see the shirt), read the latest post on What's Your Story?

I ♥ my fountain pen

I'm not sure what the make of my new fountain pen is. I do know that it's not an Esterbrook, that it comes from Germany and that I absolutely love it. I can't stop writing with it. It's magnificent - the way the nib feels on a page, the fluidity of the ink and the resulting penmanship. It's a beautiful thing (no disrespect to the .38 tip MUJI pens that I was enamored with not so long ago).

xo

What on earth...

The 44th President of the United States

Congratulations, America.

What's Your Story? Come As You Are

I was secretly hoping there would be talk about what goes on in the shop Holly co-owns or perhaps, a lesson on the hottest new gadgets available but alas, no such luck. Nevertheless, it was nice to meet Holly and interview her for the latest post on What's Your Story?

To read Holly's interview, please visit What's Your Story?

Gilbert & George

P.S. For those of you that were curious about the photo titled, Our Spunk, in my selection of photos from NYC, it was part of an amazing exhibit at the Brooklyn Museum on artists Gilbert & George. I loved it! Gilbert & George are this totally poncey and hilarious duo who created art together such as postcard sculptures, interesting documents, vibrant (and dare I say, titillating) multimedia prints and even, films. I loved the bits of ephemera adorned with their handlettering and typing. Their oversized prints were a feast for the eyes (and then some). I now regret not purchasing the package of postcards of their prints (try saying THAT five times in a row). Ah well. I managed to take a few pictures while I was in the museum and if nothing else, I have some wonderful memories of Gilbert & George's work.

For your listening enjoyment - Gilbert & George's favorite dancing song (I would've also said for your 'viewing pleasure' but unfortunately, it's awfully blurry which is a crying shame but you can still some some pretttty fine moves):

This time last week...

At this time last week, I was sipping the most delicious Cafe Caramel from Gorilla Coffee on 5th Ave. in Brooklyn. (Sigh) I wish we were still in Brooklyn getting ready to explore NYC for the day.

We had a lovely time and shared the company of some really wonderful people that J knew. One of them happened to be an amazing tour guide of the city showing us hidden views and sites that we would have probably never discovered on our own. Thanks so much, K! (And thank you for the wine, music and the special sticker!)










I was glad to finally visit New York but had mixed emotions. Initially, I didn't quite feel a connection to the city the way I thought I might (particularly, Manhattan) but perhaps it's true - absence makes the heart grow fonder because tonight, I wish I was still there - exploring the city and munching on those delicious spicy soy drumsticks at V-Spot in Brooklyn.

The East Village was one of my favorites. We met up with a lovely couple (J's friends) over vegan nachos and other delights at Caravan of Dreams. Afterwards, we took a nice stroll down the main street which was lined with restaurants, cafes and eclectic shops including a vintage store full of old typewriters, cameras and some decent ephemera.

My favorite part of the trip was exploring the neighborhood where J had booked our B&B in Park Slope (Brooklyn). I really loved it and could totally live there. Park Slope is a really cool area with beautiful brownstones, cool shops, restaurants and cafes. Within walking distance are Prospect Park, the Brooklyn Museum and Botanic Garden and the Central Library. It's a fairly short subway ride into Times Square and SoHo. There's a good vibe to the neighborhood and to our surprise, there were some really awesome vegan restaurants. The B&B J booked for us turned out to be such a great surprise - it was a fully equipped studio apartment which included a washer-and-dryer and fireplace which was a treat especially since we were soaked after walking across the Brooklyn Bridge that day! Once again, J outdid himself (thanks, Love!).

As for Manhattan and SoHo, to be honest, I was a bit underwhelmed. I'm not really sure what I was expecting...maybe, I wanted to be blown away by it the way I was with Osaka but perhaps, to be fair, I just wasn't there long enough to make a really accurate judgment. In fact, I think we're going to have to visit again (soon?) for longer this time so that we can really explore the different parts of the city. I don't imagine we'll ever really be able to get a true sense of the city as tourists. Our friend who has been living there for 10 years now is still discovering new things about the city. It's huge and lively and exciting...and I can't wait to visit again.

Happy Halloween

Hope you had a Happy Halloween!