Tamed orchid

Orchid

From Free Will Astrology –

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Most flowers depend on pollinators to reproduce. Birds and insects brush up against a flower’s male parts, picking up pollen that they leave on the female parts of the next flower they visit. But nature has created an anomaly that doesn’t play by these rules. A wild orchid known as *Holcoglossum amesianum* fecundates itself. Its male bits actually move, carrying out a complicated maneuver to reach around and down to deposit pollen directly into its female portions. This orchid is your power symbol, Leo. I hope it encourages you to learn more about self-fertilization–to increase your mastery of the underappreciated art of inspiring and teaching and taking care of yourself. Halloween costume suggestion: a hermaphrodite carrying a wild orchid.

The best part about this horoscope is that I AM currently learning to “increase my mastery of the underappreciated art of inspiring and teaching and taking care” of myself. Sometimes Rob Brezsny is scary.

Five good things from this week:
1) Finding inspiration in the window of a random store on Broadway for a future photo shoot with Christopher. This time I get to be the model and he’ll be the photographer. The new idea made us both laugh very hard.
2) Freshly baked brownies baked and given to me by Jamie. He says that chocolate has healing properties, and after eating most of them today, I now think it’s true.
3) Standing on the Cypress lookout with Hendrik and enjoying the breath-taking view of the Lower Mainland buried in a sea of fog.
4) Coming to a very important realization, with Mandy’s help, that has put my mind more at ease about the resolution of an unhappy situation.
5) A long, but wonderful, conversation with Travis about the state of the world, relationships, and all points in between.

Dear internet:

Due to a staggering amount of emotional events over the past few weeks, I’ve decided to take a little break from my internet obligations for awhile. I think I may be back in a few days, so until then please enjoy this photo from sunnier times.

Carousel

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Carousel

After a very full day of wandering, shopping and eating, Mandy and I went to experience the Ghost Train in Stanley Park. We both loved it because it was such a festive occasion, with colourful lights everywhere making it feel like a carnival. The B-movies theme for the train ride was fun, and we rode slowly through the dark and foggy forest passing by giant killer bees and mad scientists. It was the perfect evening to go.

Veiled

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Veiled

Something to keep in mind this weekend is that tomorrow is World Toy Camera Day! I think I will take my holga out for a photo walk if it’s sunny enough, and celebrate by taking pictures.

If you have a moment, please take the time to go and sign an online petition concerning budget cuts to Canadian museums. “Save Museums!” is available here: www.petitiononline.com/MapCuts/petition.html

For further information on the cuts to museums in Canada and reactions go to: www.museums.ca

Siamese kitten

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Siamese kitten
I took this photo at the end of August when I was visiting the Sunshine Coast with Gail. I can’t remember the kitten’s name, but she was a sweet one. I sometimes miss the feline company, the furry cuddles and happy purrs, but there are always cats I can visit for that. 😉

Five great things from today:
1) A long overdue talk with a friend about our friendship
2) Conversation over homemade hot chocolate and apple crisp
3) Remembering how to reach out
4) Accepting that today was just not going to be the productive day I wanted it to be
5) Giving myself something creative to look forward to

Bigger Plans Than You Have For Yourself

gate

This week in Leodom, brought to my inbox by Free Will Astrology:

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) – I was sitting in San Francisco’s Cafe Gratitude, meditating on your horoscope. In my notebook I’d doodled a giant hand reaching down to earth from the clouds. It was holding a silver platter that bore a book whose title was “Fresh Instructions.” This gift was being offered to a half-lion, half-human creature that represented you. Shortly after I finished this drawing, a woman came through the front door of the restaurant and sat at a nearby table. Her t-shirt had a message that was the perfect caption for the image I’d made: “Maybe God has bigger plans for you than you have for yourself.”

Chalk art

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Chalk art
Taken with the Holga 120 CFN, using cross-processed Fujichrome T64.

With the possibility of the last bit of sunshine disappearing for awhile after today, I decided to make the most of it photographically. I broke out the Fuji Instax 200 instant camera that I have on loan from Kai, and used up the rest of my film. I’ve been disappointed with the results from this camera so far, but today I was able to get some shots I’m happy with. I will post them another time.

Five great things from this week:
1) Long walks in the sunshine and fresh air
2) Enjoying a delicious dinner made by Kai
3) A productive visit to an art supply store
4) Getting over being angry and learning to let go
5) Two good mail days in a row.

Warrior woman

Warrior woman

This week I’m participating in my second group show at Exposure Gallery, called Altered States. I have one of my metal prints, featuring the above image, on display. The show opens on Friday October 13th at 8pm, and runs until October 29th.

Exposure Gallery
851 Beatty Street
Vancouver BC
Thursday to Sunday, noon to 5pm.

Yesterday I made a trip to Opus to pick up a selection of cradle frames for a future project. It was very satisfying to spend money at an art supply store knowing I am going to make something wonderful with what I purchased. The anticipation of a new project is pretty fantastic.