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!