Because you have to be prepared!

It's great to take things one day at a time, and live in the present. 

But at least once a day, you've got to think about where you've been and where you're going.

If you don't open your eyes and pull your head out of the clouds periodically, you could end up: having your car's engine seize in the middle of an intersection too far from home to push, fall victim to fraud and owe thousands of dollars to the bank over an alleged photo assignment, have to race across four cities to get a new passport and beg them to help you because you fly to Mexico tomorrow morning, and/or get into all sorts of other equally - if not, worse - trouble that you won't always make it out of.










These are all true stories that have actually happened to me. I've finally opened my eyes to the realities of the world; at least for a good long while before the next event does. I've been exceedingly lucky to have made it through those and other blunders unscathed, and live to tell the tale. I can't tell you how many times I've been scared, worried or waiting with baited breath for things to work out in my favor. Who knows when my luck will run out, but for the time being I'm thankful somebody up there still likes me!

Because it's good to be Thankful...

Because turkey is in the air, it's out with the light, boring diets and in with the generously sized, heavy dinners!

This is one of two turkey dinners I look forward to all year, and I'm sure most would agree. For Canadians, now and Christmas are the big holidays for enormous portions and turkey stuffing! Personally the stuffing is my fav. Dinner with my family is usually comprised of: Turkey, stuffing, cooked carrots and corn, brussel sprouts, mashed potatoes and rolls.                      YUM!

But Thanksgiving isn't just about the delicious dinner, it's also comprised of dessert!! My mom always goes overboard and provides about four different confections, which we all love her all the more for. This year it was carrot cake, cheesecake, apple pie and cupcakes. Of course, there were both whipped and ice cream to top them all off with. The best end to a good dinner, is a good dessert. It's not always required - post-meal - but after a dinner such as Thanksgiving, it not only completes the meal, it's necessary!

 

Pumpkin pie - just like turkey is the essential Thanksgiving food - is the essential Thanksgiving dessert. These kinds of things are so good, not just because of the taste, but also because we only have them a vary rare amount throughout the year. So it's not wonder people can't help but devour all they see and later regret not exhibiting more self control. With anything, if you have it all the time it will tend to lose its luster. That's part of the appeal to this particular dessert, and the flavour in general. When one thinks of Fall and food, one taste that will likely come to mind is pumpkin! Pumpkin Spice Lattes, pumpkin pie, pumpkin loaf, pumpkin muffins, and just plain pumpkins litter this time of year; mostly throughout October more than any other time.

Seriously now - Thanksgiving is full of wonderful meals and good times - but let's all remember why it's truly important: it's a time of truly being thankful and appreciate the good things in your life. Family gatherings bring the spirit of being together. I have many amazing people in my life who continue to inspire me and help me grow to be a better person. I will also just mention a big Hurrah to Oktoberfest, because I am half German and so recognize the nation that is half of my being. Germany actually does celebrate a holiday much like our North American Thanksgiving. Over there it's called "Erntedankfest" which translated is "Harvest Thanksgiving Festival." 

So - all that being said - let's be thankful for love, life, friends, family and all the little things that make us smile and be happy to have each other to share in the good times!

Because you love sushi...

Well fall is now in full effect, and continuing to colour the streets of Vancouver. People are less focused on Bronzer and more focused on staying in and indulging in tasty food. Since sushi is ever popular in Van City, I thought I'd share one little gem you'd barely notice unless you already knew it was there!

Ringo Sushi: a well lit, nicely furnished little restaurant on 836 Denman Street. This restaurant has Charcoal tiling, a romantic archway, a few cool art pieces and some plant-life accents.

Personally I love sushi and eat it as often as I can afford, so naturally I've grown a bit picky about what is good and what isn't. I was first pleasantly surprised at how friendly the staff was. Smiles and polite attitude 'a blazin, I already felt like I had made a good decision. The second thing that set this place apart from the rest was that they don't charge for spicy mayo! Small I know, but I haven't yet eaten sushi and been given spicy mayo for free. I just assume places usually charge because mayo isn't cheap, but at Ringo Sushi that is not a problem! 

The warm and calm atmosphere is another refreshing change. Due to the high volume sushi places tend to have, it's surprising to enjoy my meal and also be able to hear myself think! Another wonderful quality that some, but not all will have (and this is for you poor young students and artists like me) is great prices! 

Sushi traditionally doesn't come as big as some of the rolls you can find in North America, but the bigger ones we do find here are usually different and interesting from place to place. Two special rolls I particularly enjoyed were the Stanley Park Roll - with yam tempura inside and avocado on top - and the Crispy Tuna Delight Roll - with yam tempura and spicy tuna on top. A bit redundant - I know - but I love yams! I have a habit of wanting to document how tasty my food is - to share it with everyone - and taking pictures way too late, but I hope this can at least illustrate some of what they have to offer. Also, they did look more pleasing before I poured spicy mayo all over them! Ringo has a number of other special rolls that look undeniably delicious as well, and I look forward to my next visit when I can try them.

Because it's too cheap not to try at least once!

If you like good food at a cheap price - and a cultured, colourful atmosphere - have I got the place for you!



I recently had the opportunity to dig into breakfast at Bon's off Broadway. At Bon's you can get a breakfast comprising of two eggs (prepared how you like), two pieces of toast (of your choosing), pan fried potatoes (which are how hash browns SHOULD be made), and your choice of either sausage or bacon. The best part of this well balanced breakfast is that it costs $2.95! I personally don't eat pork, so I opted for pancakes, but for merely a dollar more.


Even before entering, the outer building is littered with people. It's not place in a well known or busy location, which might lead one to wonder how they are so bloody busy all the time. When you go there and try the food, and consider what you're paying for it, everything makes sense. As far as restaurants go - even for a popular one - this is the most packed joint I've ever seen!

Bon's has a great song selection, with their music             They also have readily available coffee, syrup
being pumped out of this really cool, modern jukebox.     salt, pepper, and any extra condiments you require.

Nothing hits the spot like a good old fashioned                 Greasy spoon? Not really. This place would be the
breakfast and coffee.                                                       classic definition, but it's a well made meal.

Bon's off Broadway, located at 2451 Nanaimo. [They're] all about breakfast. 

Huge portions, not so huge prices.

All photography done by Joffery Hollsworth

Because what's happening to creativity?

It's like everyone's sense of striving to innovate, recreate, and otherwise rejuvenate has ceased to be!

The formula has been used to death. If you've done it a million times over, or even once before, stop doing it that way. Forever. Or at least for a long enough time that the generation you've grown up with almost forgets...

I watched a very well articulated presentation on the difference between serious and solemn work. When you are doing serious work - you still aren't entirely sure how things are going to turn out - but you have the drive to do your very best and keep working your hardest to make sure it's fresh and interesting(whatever this may be). On the other hand, solemn work is described as what's done when you've created a formula that you've seen work time and again, which more often than not is sure to succeed. The downside to solemn work is that creativity ceases, and what was once innovation, becomes routine and the work loses its passion.

Standardization and formulated efforts can take the soul out of art; people can tell when you've really felt an experience. You got yourself through it by really belting those notes out and writing down your hurt feelings in a heartfelt ballad. Take Adele for example: She has taken the world captive and has us in her hands, waiting for the next tear-jerker. Art is supposed to be for art's sake, and when it's made to be about money, it loses its appeal and charm. No matter who you are, even if you don't care for the art world as much as some others do, you know somewhere deep down whether someone is writing from their heart, or for their bank account. I've heard and seen far too many artists who I considered to be "put-in-the history books" worthy go down the drain with their inability to adapt, evolve, or at least put a new spin on something we've seen or done before.

They say everything has been done before(and I'm trying to seem a little redundant here on purpose), but there are still new things that come out of people's minds that we've never thought of. Apple products: While not new inventions, have made it easy enough for anyone to use, which are packaged and marketed so brilliantly, it's hard not to become captivated by the pretty exterior and idiot-proof interface. Android and other open source products are vastly superior, with their ability to be manipulated so extensively. But they are more difficult for the less technologically savvy/interested, and so Apple, for now, reigns supreme by their design and marketing. Alexander McQueen (Rest his beautiful soul) changed the fashion industry forever with his edgy, dark and creative designs. He dared to think outside the box and worked endlessly to give the very best in fashion and art that he could. Again, he wasn't reinventing the wheel, but he did things that awed and inspired us. Keep in mind: he was doing this years after many strong ideas about what fashion was, were already applied. We may never see such a powerful mind brought to life on a runway again. I'm hoping against hope that another emerges, but at the very least, it may take a long, long time.

It's time for everyone to pick up their feet, pull up their socks, lift up their heads, and look up into that big sky and say "What am I going to do?" You're probably thinking "This is such a simple and obscure question to ask oneself" But few people ask that of themselves. It's always going with the flow, living in routine and not really thinking about how one person could change the world. If one person, such as Barack Obama, Lady Gaga, Tim Burton, Nobuo Uemastu, Albert Einstein, Lady Diana(R.I.P.), Al Gore, or Meryl Streep can change the world's idea of the common conventions of things and really open our eyes to the possibilities, imagine what an amazing place we'd live in if everyone did.

All photography done by Joffery Hollsworth

Because what are we to the outside world?

What I think is amazing, another might think nothing of. What some consider hell, others consider home.

It's something we don't think about from day to day, but it's there.
Some people who live on the street, could be happy,
unbeknownst to someone who, say lives downtown in a 16th floor apartment, who could be miserable.




I used to wonder







"Maybe if the more privileged showed the less fortunate the world they could be a part of and share in, the less fortunate would have their eyes opened and work toward a better future"

Because time flies when you're having fun...

Everyday we wake up, we throw ourselves into the crazy, busy working world. We might grab a coffee, spend an extra few minutes fixing our hair, or some other task that will help us get through the day, and look good while doing it. But how often do we take a few minutes or even a full day to just stop and do something we want to do, rather than need? It's more often than not about getting ahead, and working hard to afford our tastes and commitments. Yes, work is important. Yes, school is important. So is eating, sleeping and relaxing.






Example: When you work out too hard, too often, for too long, you aren't building muscle anymore. This over exertion just wears down the tissue and stunts muscle growth. Recovery time is just as important as the work out itself.







Likewise, in daily life, if we are devoting all of our time to work, other people, and the "necessities", never giving ourselves time to breathe and take care of ourselves, we don't give ourselves a very good quality of life. I've experienced time and again malnutrition, exhaustion, and a lowered general level of happiness due to trying to fit too many things into my day/week. My eyes have always been to big for my stomach, and I can never finish all that I put on my plate. So now I'm working hard on taking it easy.


Now to clarify: I still work a full time job, and I still strive for all my ambitions. Although, instead of looking at every free second I have and trying to cram in something practical, I am trying to make sure I allow some of my free time to just enjoy life.

We only live so long, so why not spend a free hour listening to your favourite music, or walking in a park on a sunny day? Whatever the activity, it's well worth your time to recharge your batteries by doing something that just doesn't matter at all! Even now, as I type this, I've dozed off about six times! I didn't give myself enough time to sleep in the last few days, and now it's hard to stay awake after work. I've been doing merchandising early in the morning, getting up at 5am for my day job, and that requires a good, early sleep time. But other than just sleep, doing things you like that are completely separate from the potentially stressful and difficult parts of life is good for your soul. And when the soul and mind are happy, the body can much more easily follow.

Everything you do in life doesn't have to be pushing towards the greater good. You ARE allowed to give yourself the opportunity to do something that isn't important in any way, and does nothing more than make you smile.

Because if you look like everyone else, who's going to notice you?

Have you ever just been walking around your usual spot, and look across the street, thinking "Wow, that guy has such great style!" or "She looks so unique!" Well it's because they have their own, individual style. This quality they were able to build from all the basic elements, they put together in such a way that looks fresh, interesting and "different" from the rest.

So I propose we all try to find that for ourselves. I've been told many times that I beat to my own drum. Some might take that as "why does everyone think I'm weird?" But you know what, people are just noticing something in you they don't see in others. You have something inside you that no one else has, and when you learn to let that amazing characteristic out into the light, someone will see it. When someone takes notice, it's a good thing!

Some of you might think you aren't special, but you are. And as soon as you realize that, so will the rest of the world. The people that become rich and famous, realized they had something powerful inside them. They listened to it, and followed that thing all the way to: The Big Screen, Multi-Platinum Albums, inventing the universe of Star Wars, constructing the Caesar's Palace Hotel, all those Apple products that have taken over the nation, and so much more.

None of the people that did these things, did so without fear or doubt. It's hard to ignore that survival instinct that says "It's too risky, there are so many other, safer routes." If you truly want a safe, stable life of a 9-5 job, a house and a family, that there is nothing wrong with that. As long as that's what you've always wanted for your life. However, if you want the good life, you have to be willing to work for it. It's not just going to come to you by chance. Sometimes, to get that thing you want so badly, you have to give up the fun stuff, and save for your future. Now this isn't to say be a shut-in and never do anything enjoyable. The key word here is moderation. But anyways, I'm getting off topic.

Finding that style that highlights your best features and downplays your less than favored ones takes time, trial and error, and asking for a couple opinions by people you trust can't hurt either. Also, this should be a natural progression, not something you freak out about every day. Just be open to change, and trying new things until you find what works for you. Stop trying to fit into the mold. Some super models look good in what they're wearing, because it was made for their body type, and it looks good on them because their body type flatters the clothing which makes you want to buy it. To be honest, you have to actually try it yourself, instead of assuming it works for you just because it works for someone else.

You know why these people stand out:

This is not because of the lights, or the camera making them look good. These are examples of their own fashion; they rock their style, and effects are secondary. A wise person once told me "You can't take a bad song and make it sound good with effects, you have to start with something good and then you use effects make it sound better."

I can tell you right now, I've dabbled in many different styles, and people have raised an eye brow more than once at some of the things I've come up with. But I never stop trying new things, and even now I feel like I'm only scratching the surface of what my style could be.
 

Let me put it into perspective. Here's a before and after of me, up to now:

I can't say I'm "complete" as far as style, but I'd say I've come a long way. I've learned that hair is your second face- but I'll cover that in another post, fit is very important, and the colour&material of a piece of clothing can make all the difference. I can elaborate on these things and add if anyone is interested, but my point is: Don't be afraid to be yourself. I was never scared to dress the way I wanted, and I would constantly try new things. I did have the privilege of knowing some talented people who greatly helped me learn what was right for me, but ultimately I chose what I put on my back.

People can tell the difference between what's you, and when you're trying to be something you're not. Do what feels right, and learn from those around you. I've tried baggy clothes gangster, super skinny jeans&tight t shirt wearing indie kid, all-black-spikes&chains-wearing emo, putting stripes and designs on my clothes with coloured duct tape, and probably other phases you'd relate to. I feel like, after I've learned more about fashion and worked in the industry for a while, there's been lots of growth as far as my personal style and just everything I do. Style is an extension of you. If you know what style looks good on you, it bleeds into the rest of your life. You feel more confident and ready to take on other challenges. Try it today!

All photography done by Joffery Hollsworth (except pictures of me)

Because it brings out the best in people...

So Pride was upon us recently, and what a celebration it was! Pride is officially one day of the year (August 5th) for the LGBT(Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) community to shine and say to the world: We are proud of who we are and we're here to stay! However unofficially, the party starts on August 1st, running through to the big day of parades, tents, freebies, and good feeling all around. I personally have attended a couple in the past, but this year I went all out and set up my whole week to be about getting into that world and exploring other people's emotions, thoughts on the event itself, and their position towards the Vancouver community in this time of year. I haven't yet seen such an overwhelming show of love for fellow man, and it's so infectious one can't help but have a good time. The image here depicts a snap shot into the days spent running around from event to event. Here we see one of the many representations of the pride flag, given out for free or given from donation, bus passes, take out menus, and sun block(which I thought of after a burn).




Before I get into specifics, I'd like to take the time to thank Vietnam, Brazil and Italy for their lovely fireworks displays. These three shows were put on around the time of Pride: Vietnam being a couples weeks before, Brazil the following week, and finally Italy, which took place in the middle of pride week. I was quite impressed with some things I'd never seen, and the classics everyone loves. They had giant fireworks, little ones that sprayed across the sky, ones that burst into rings, ones that shoot straight into the sky and fade into the night, and a whole lot more! I had decided to just enjoy the show for once and not bring my camera with me, but of course I had my phone and couldn't stop myself from documenting those amazing sights. So here are a few of the images I captured, hopefully they can give you an idea of the splendor that was to behold:

Now on the main event! Why do we celebrate? Well, it brings people together, everyone has a good time, and everyone just takes a few hours out of their busy lives to just enjoy each other's company(usually immersed in some kind of show). It's one part of life that no one needs a reason to be a part of, we just say be there or be square and who ever shows up, is there to share in a moment. Pride was one of those. It really brings warmth to the heart, when you see the smiles on everyone's faces as they march down the street to music, tossing confetti or glitter into the air, all for merely the reason that they want to. And no one celebrates quite like the gays do!

When people share a special common interest, it creates a sudden sense of comradery. Those who might not normally socialize, get together, maybe just for a short time and indulge in that interest together. In the case of Pride, like many adult celebrations, this is the time to drink and be merry! So each night leading up to and including the day of Pride itself, every willing person lines up at the clubs, pubs and bars to have a few drinks, dance, and really remember why it's so fun to be gay. Most people see gay people as overly sexual, which I might agree to a degree, simply because men are generally very sexual beings and I suppose when paired together, double that energy. Although all stereotypes aside, everyone really just wants to have a good time and let go of their fear to be themselves in the face of a potentially judgmental and un-accepting population. This isn't to say the whole world is like that, but, well, we have this day for a reason...

Like any great celebratory portion of the year, gays too, love to decorate everything to the 9's and really dress up every inch of their surroundings. The image here shows a large chandelier-like group of fixtures, lit with different colours, overlooking the dance floor, which is in between two large bars, in front of a large stage set up, and adjacent to a big dj booth. On a regular night, the place is packed. However, packed doesn't even begin to justify the amount of people that were there on the day of Pride. There were two extra stages that lit up underneath people, and every square inch of them, right to the point of some almost falling off were littered with bodies. That's enough to turn up the summer heat to a scorch and the volume to a "not-so-dull" roar. No one club could boast "the best" party, but I think Celebrities can host the biggest.






It's so easy to enjoy a celebration, because no one is worrying about their daily lives. We stop to smell the roses. Taxes, jobs, relationship troubles, and the like are shoved to the side, at least for a little while. Some say there are too many North American holidays, but I am glad we have so many outlets to spread the love and like in Pride, acknowledge others for who they are and that they are important too.









Thank you Vancouver, for giving the LGBT community a day for them to fearlessly be themselves!

Because one just isn't enough, anymore...

In this day and age, you can't just be an amazing singer. If you aren't also a great actor, model, director, designer, carpenter, lawyer, entrepreneur... Alright, I may have trailed off there, but you see my point. You've got to get really creative now to make it in the world. Especially in the entertainment industry, it's critical to find a niche that either hasn't been covered a thousand times, or recreate one in such a way that seems fresh, and evolved from its predecessors. So who can we look to for advice and inspiration?





For starters, great business minds are everywhere we look if you just open your eyes. Justin Bieber to the general public is just a pop star who appeals in large part to teen girls. However,  I've been reading Forbes lately, and it looks like he's got more on his mind than just music and screaming fans. He's looking to create a long lasting empire. The Beib has started making micro-investments in start-up companies such as Enflick, Tinychat and Spotify. These are companies with large promise, which, for the people who can afford to may want to jump on board with. He's not the poster child for business entrepreneurs, but a good example of someone current who is thinking about the long term, not just the millions he's making today.

Another important skill everyone needs to have- no matter how strongly you want to focus on what's on the inside- is image. This is another facet of your life you have to chameleon yourself through. When you have a style all your own, that's great, you're halfway there. Although, you have to be able to take your star shape and be able to mold it to fit into the other slots too. If you can be a square, a triangle, and a circle as well as a star above all, you are far ahead of the rest. You know the ones who are a one trick pony, and they either don't stick around for long, or don't stick in our minds long after they're gone. It's not enough to have a hit, the key here, and in my previous point is you must think about longevity. When you can make people believe you can fit any archetype, do anything that needs to be done, you will more likely than not, be considered within the fields you work in and are a part of, in your life.

I personally didn't necessarily decide to be a Renaissance Man, I'm just the type of person that has to do everything all the time, all at once, and I don't know how to focus on one at a time. And when I stop and realize all the things that I want to do, such as photography, music, design, and learning to speak three different languages, I have to think about keeping a balance. Which brings me to my final point: Balance. To be multifaceted, you have to understand that the whole garden needs to be shown love and support, not just that pretty one with all the colours that is most important to you. When you only focus on the thing you want the most in your life, while it's likely to succeed, you risk deteriorating friendships, family constantly calling you to visit more often, and dwindling health. The key is to stay hungry. You want to get that career that's so important to you, but you need to be healthy and happy to properly work towards that career. So between taking over the world and having a healthy, happy home and/or social life, make sure you know what's important, and prioritize. if you don't care about your life, who else is going to do it for you?

Because it's not nice enough to go to the beach, but too nice to stay inside...

 

Well it wasn't the greatest of Wednesdays, but it was still warm. Near the end of the day I saw at least a little sun. Vancouver weather is funny like that. You'll have an entire day of clouds, and when it's almost done, they clear up and it's time to get out and enjoy the fresh air. I suppose it really makes one appreciate those moments of clarity, and teach one to be more spontaneous. Otherwise we'd never go outside!

 The street I live on offers a lot in the way of Asian produce and cuisine. Just beyond my door, and down the street for about ten blocks there are a number of things to check out. If you like to cook, some of the above featured images show just a fraction of what seem like endless choices of ingredients to add to your recipe.

To the left, you can see some beautiful ripe tomatoes. There are a few produce markets that offer the freshest every day. Depending on which one you go to, it might help to know some Mandarin, but I'm sure you can get by if you know what you want and you have cash. I don't particularly buy produce a lot on my own street- just because Costco is easier when you're living on a small budget- but it's worth it if you can afford it.

egg tart

Ah, the egg tart. 2 parts egg, 1 part tart. And to make one you simply start with the shell by- okay I don't know how to make egg tarts. Fortunately, you don't have to when you live where I live. Down Victoria drive, particularly between 30th and 45th, I could count 5 bakeries that sell these delightful confections, and a great many other, equally tasty things for (and in cash only) under a dollar each. Anyone who has never heard of, or tried one had better familiarize yourselves now. They are an amazing, small treat to either enjoy before or after a meal, and even by itself when you're feeling peckish. I'm not really a tart person myself, but these are the exception for sure. Vancouver has plenty of places that sell these. The most well known being the T&T Market- which can be located right by the Stadium Sky Train Station- or Maxim's Bakery- located roughly at Victoria and 41st. However these two places exist elsewhere too: Metrotown, Burnaby and Surrey. If you get a chance, pop into your local Asian bakery and try one! And once again, remember it's CASH ONLY. You'll be sorely disappointed if you forget this crucial detail...

Shrimp Roll. Tasty start to a meal!

Iced Green Tea. Normally served hot.

Now no experience in the world of Asian culture and food is complete without a visit to your local Pho! (pronounced Fe. The "o" is pronounced like the 'oo' in cook). There are a million of these places throughout Vancouver. They've become increasingly popular in recent years, and for a good reason. They have an amazing soup which shares the same name, which is simply made- more or less- of broth, noodles, and beef. The regular portion is a pretty decent size, however if you're really hungry there is an even bigger one! They come most commonly in small and large. If you want to eat out, and you want to be sure you'll know what it's going to taste like when you order, go to Pho. You can almost always guarantee the taste you expect. But besides that, most Pho's offer small appetizers, such as the well known shrimp roll (featured right). This is served with an amazing peanut sauce. It's light, and in my opinion much better than a salad to begin your meal. A couple shrimp rolls can also make a great snack on their own.

For all you who haven't found an alternative to Starbucks' addictive drinks:

Bubble Tea!

It comes in tones of flavors, it quenches your thirst, and you won't find these at any coffee shop. Bubble Tea is another thing you must try if you have never. There are places especially just for this drink (which usually feature tea or bubble tea in their name), but there are others such as some Pho's that serve it too. You can drink it as a slush, a milk drink or you can even have it hot. Depending on your mood, I can say with certainty it will satisfy. The one featured above is called Taro Bubble Tea. If you are thinking it looks weird and purple, try it before you knock it. It's sweet, and the great thing about bubble tea is that it's got just enough flavor. Never too much, never too little. But they aren't all purple in color if you find it too strange.



All photography done by Joffery Hollsworth