Happy Leap Day!

Professional Figure skater Carol Lynne w. 3/4 lb. flashlights embedded in the boots of her skates to chart the designs of her skating movements in New York Ice Show "Off to Ice."

Photos by Gjon Mili, 1945

恭禧發財 - Gong Hey Fat Choy !

Yes, I'm a week late.

Today was the Chinese New Year parade in Vancouver though, and of course, again, I forgot to go.
Possibly for the best, it was a lousy rainy day. But, still. Yargh.

But annoyance aside, here's to a happy and prosperous Year of the Dragon.
Last week I got to read a few books to students about the new year traditions and even got a couple red envelopes (no money though, just candy - fine by me).

Found these photos in the life archive from 1954. Photographer:Joseph Scherschel


Men building up a fire in front of an altar durng the Chinese New Year celebrations.


Men gambling at a game of Mah-Jong durng the Chinese New Year celebrations.


Children fold origami money during the Chinese New Year celebrations.




The Chen family children receiving lucky money after dinner, during Chinese New Year.

But it wouldn't be make believe if you believed in me..

Paper moon photos are one of my favourite things, and this recent post gave me more than I could have hoped for.

I love the variety in the people who are in them, and the variety of moon faces!
This one is probably my favourite one ever (ever).



How could he not have a girl?! That coat!!

Library Times

Back to school, back to work.

I didn't quite realize how relaxing it is not working until I actually started working again. My god, but kids are exhausting.
I've had a bit of luck and got a three day job working at a school I can walk to filling in for the librarian. It's been lovely! I still get to see students and do a bit of teaching, but for my last day actually I'll probably be spending most of it just organizing the very-chaotic book collection. I'm a little embarrassed to admit just how excited I am for Monday, and how much I've enjoyed just putting books into alphabetical order (/dork).

Some photos from the New York Public Libray, c/o the Life archive:


I love everything about this picture







And two adorable librarians for good measure:





I hope the beginnings of fall (my favourite!!) are treating everyone well :)

B&WTF

My newest favourite tumblr - all photos from blackandwtf.


How badass are these girls?!




Pretty sure I had this photo in my dictionary of medical anomalies that I was obsessed with as a kid

The Crescent City

I feel like it's impossible to properly explain my love for New Orleans. It just is.
It began around age 14, when I started reading Poppy Z Brite's novels and just fell for the spooky, gothic charm that he so eloquently infused the city with.

Yesterday was the 6th anniversary of Katrina and the levees failure, and though I didn't plan it, also the day I started Zeitoun by Dave Eggers.



I just finished it this afternoon, and, wow. It is an incredible story and I want to tell everyone I know to read it. Actually, I want to buy everyone I know a copy and give them all a day or two off so that they have loads of free time, because I really really want everyone to read it.

It doesn't exactly paint New Orleans in a terrific light, nor does it cast a huge shadow on it, but overall the feeling that comes from it is hope. The city is going to be rebuilt, because the people who live there love it, and, what else are they going to do?
I find this is a pretty common theme in things about New Orleans after the storm. The documentary Trouble the Water, and the HBO show Treme - both of which I highly recommend as well - both have it. It was awful, inconceivable what happened to the city and the aftermath, but things have gotten better and will continue to.





Two years ago I came in to a bit of money and decided to treat myself BIG TIME, and booked a trip to New Orleans for my 27th birthday. I was a little worried that I'd be a bit let down - when you romanticize something for 13 years it would be hard for it not to fall a little flat after all.

It was better than I could have imagined.
The food, the culture, the people, the history, the drinking in the streets - everything was fantastic. We were there for 4 days, but I could have stayed forever. One day while walking around the French Quarter Adam said something along the lines of not imagining that a place could be so "Chloe", but boy was it ever.






Best. Gumbo. Ever.

Me/Mum

Me, by Caitlin, a photo by girl and tonic on Flickr.

Sorry for the radio silence around here. I've been feeling a little underwhelmed in the inspiration dept. I suppose.

There isn't a lot of me on here, generally because I'm the one taking pictures, and I've yet to feel totally comfortable taking pictures of myself.

So here's one my pal Caitlin took at her wonderful apartment full of windows.
I remind myself a lot of my mum in this one - I look a lot like her anyways but something about my expression makes the resemblance even more so.

Today would have been her 57th birthday, so she's on my mind a little more than usual.

Film Friday - The Dakota

16, a photo by girl and tonic on Flickr.

I received a postcard the other day from my lovely NYC pal Kristin, which has led me yet again to reminisce about my trip there.

During one of my solo excursions I walked from K's place, which was near the MET, across the park to see the infamous Dakota - it was pretty great.

June jellies**

June jellies, a photo by girl and tonic on Flickr.

I just came across this photo, taken right around this time last year. It's the window at Front & Co. on Main St. They pretty much always have amazing displays, and this was my favourite to date.

**FYI: as they are now known. Not jellyfish - they're not fish. ~The more you know~

Season of the Witch

Happy Summer Solstice!
Get out there and commune with nature.