It looks grey, dark and uninviting outside. Perhaps that is why I’m feeling a bit on the side of blah with a hint of sad. I’m feeling unmotivated to do much other than just curl up under a warm blanket and sleep.  I think this is why animals hibernate in winter – so they don’t have to put up with the winter blues.

In an effort to cheer myself up, and to keep up with my 52 lists project, here is a list (in no particular order) of some of my favorite sounds and a short reason on why.

- The sound of heels on concrete. It’s such a sharp sound,  and since I never used to wear heels that much, it’s a sound that makes me feel very grown up. Especially when that sound is associated with me going to a cute cafe, or out to grab some fresh fish for dinner.
- The clink of a teaspoon as I stir honey into my tea. It’s comforting, relaxing, and symbolizes the few moments I take to just… be… as I stir my tea.
- The motorboat purr of my kitty. Especially when he’s sitting on my chest and purring so loud that the sound of it is reverberating through my body. But also the happy quiet purrs he emits when you scratch his belly while he’s sleeping.
- My sweethearts heart beat. ‘Nuff said there.
- The music of an accordian. When I was in Italy accordians seemed to be the street musicians instrument of choice, especially in Venice. And as we would eat dinner they would walk up and down the street and stop at the patios of the various resturants and play for those who would listen.  Now, accordian music always makes me think of Italy.
- Street musicians playing saxophone or violin. I always try to give something to those who do because I love the sounds of those instruments.
-  The sound of flipping paper. Whether it be the sound of one page turning as I read, or the sound of multiple pages being flipped in order to make characters come to life as happened in school. I just love the sounds paper makes.
- Snow, slightly hardened, crunching under foot. That sound reminds me of walking to school every winter all the way through grade school, wrapped up in my scarf, mittens, toque, and sorels.
- The sound of rainfall in a forest. It’s quite different the listening to rain fall in a feild. In a forest there is so much that slows the rain down and redirects it and the rain then drips off of branches and leaves and bushes and it makes a kind of discordant harmony.
- The ringing of church bells and bell towers. Another sound from Italy. Every morning in Venice Mike and I would awake to the sound of church bells echoing over the city. It felt like such a dreamy way to wake up. Now, I live near an old clock tower that still chimes on the hour and it always gives me a smile.
- The click of the camera shutter. Of course. Some cameras have such a lovely shutter sound, they just give me goosebumps!

What are some of your favorite sounds or most memorable sounds? Why do they stand out for you?

This past Saturday afternoon, my fiancé and I headed over to our first wedding show – “Indie I Do Wedding Show“.

I have to admit to being completely, irrationally, nervous. Why? Maybe because its making all this wedding stuff just a bit more real. Also, I was nervous about whether Mike and I would like the same things and whether he would be uncomfortable being there. Mostly, as crazy as this sounds, I was afraid people would look at me and declare me a fraud. “What are you doing here! You’re not supposed to be here! OUT! OUT!” and I would be the proverbial dog with its tail between it’s legs getting booted out with a broom. I of course have no idea WHY they would want to kick me out, but like I said, irrational fear.

It was a very nervous Ashley that walked through the door.

And was promptly greeted by the surprising fact that I had, completely by accident, bought my tickets in time to get a lovely little swag bag!

After that, the nerves let out a bit and I was able to enjoy the many lovely vendors.  From jewelry to hair accessories to cakes to lingerie to bachelorette party burlesque classes, to make up artists specializing in retro styles to a photobooth, it was full of so many wonderful things that I could hardly take it all in. Sadly I didn’t take any picture because my hands were full with the swag bag and trying to get business cards and such. Mike was having a good time too and so he was getting business cards as well.  It was a good, if small, first step for both of us.

Here are some of my favorite vendors.

De-Lovely Creative – Event Decor and Design – Mike and I both saw the table they had setup and went ‘Wow! We want that!’ I wish I had pictures, it was a beautiful yellow and black set up that just oozed with style, class and lots of flowers!

Photobooth Vancouver – Um… YES! I want a photobooth at my wedding.

Sunlit LetterPress – I was so happy when Mike said that he liked the letterpress invitations best. I liked them best too. Classy, stylish, and because of the press, it adds a three-dimensional aspect to a flat invitation that takes it to a whole new level.

Pure (Something) Clothing Co. – When I was in high school I wanted to be a fashion designer for about a month, but then I realized my idea of fashion is… well… at the time it was jeans and tee-shirts. Now I wear skirts too. None the less, the idea of a custom designed wedding gown makes me all giddy and Mike thought they looked lovely too.

And because of the swag bag, the fun continued after we got home and had fun opening it.

Ta da! Look at all that swag!

Here is my favorite bit.

I’m not normally the kind of person to give the finger to anyone, but this still makes me giggle.

I’m branching out in the world!

Well, trying to anyways. As my word of the year is explore, I’m using the upcoming 2010 Winter Olympics to explore the possibility of meeting up with some Polaroid photographers in this area, or who might be in this area for the Olympics.  I have met many wonderful Polaroid photographers online, but would love to meet up with some in person, perhaps do a bit of a photo walk and us the free events which will be happening in Downtown Vancouver as our excuse to take pictures.

Do you shoot Polaroid and want to get in on this? Check out my flickr group – Polaroid 2010 Olympics for more information. If you’re not on flickr and still want to be a part of it, email me or comment here and I’ll keep you informed on what’s going on.

Polaroid Photographers Unite!

I had this wonderful post I was going to do about the wedding show I went to this weekend, and a bunch of other good stuff. Then I went to the gym, which wasn’t so bad, but afterwards I thought it would be a good idea to walk to the grocery store and go get groceries. That was not such a good idea. For all you in shape people out there I’m sure you’re laughing at me, but in my defense this is only my third time at the gym in 2+ years. None the less, I was exhausted when I got home and you shall have to enjoy this little listy from me for now.

So lists seems to be the thing in 2010. Of course anyone who knows me personally knows that I LOVE lists. It really is the best way to organize your thoughts, what you need to do, or whatever.

Hula Seventy started it with the plan to do a list a week for 2010, then Jeanine at Wonderings and Wonderings jumped on board. Now I’m going to give it a go. A list a week, doesn’t seem too hard. The trick though will be to keep the lists interesting. After all, I’m pretty sure you don’t need or want to know my shopping list. Especially since I don’t cook much, my shopping list is pretty blah.(Mike’s shopping list would be much better. Thank goodness I’m marrying a man who cooks!)  So, without further ado, here is:

Ashley’s Guide to Entertaining Yourself when your Bored on the Bus.

• Read the titles of books other people are reading, sometimes even read a bit over their shoulder to see if you like the writing.
• Do Sudoku/Crossword puzzles/ Word Finds/ etc. over people’s shoulders to yourself. But don’t share your answers with the person whose puzzle it is. They don’t really like that.
• Count the number of gingers you see (7 in one morning is the highest so far)
• Count how many people have retro glasses (3 today!)
• Be a bit of a Sartorialist and check out other girl’s fashion styles and see if you think it would work for you. Or just stare enviously at their shoes.
• Try and guess where people are going and which stop they’ll get off at.
• Lots of people watching.

Now,  since there is a whole year of lists ahead of us, I’m going to open the question to the floor… What would you like to see me list? By all means share your ideas and things you’d like to hear about with me! Whether it’s ‘what do you eat when Mike doesn’t cook’ (nothing healthy!) or ‘What would you do with a million dollars’ (so much!) or even ‘How do I make my cat stop acting crazy’. Um… actually, I can’t help on that last one. My cat is pretty nuts sometime.

So ask and suggest away! I can’t wait to hear from you!

To my sister,

Today you turn 20. It’s a bit hard for me to believe that my little sister is growing up so fast! I remember when you were only 2 and running around in rain boots, laughing as you splashed through the puddles. I remember when you started school. I remember the silly songs we would sing and let our parents record. I remember when you fell asleep in your Kraft dinner. I remember all the road trips and camping trips we took as kids. I remember when you came to visit me in Vancouver, the fun we had. I remember when you graduated from high school, how proud I was of you.

These are only a few of the many things we have shared together, and I look forward to sharing many more experiences with you. I’m so excited to share my wedding with you, not only as my bridesmaid, but as my sister and friend. I can’t wait until I get to come and visit you in your own apartment and see the beautiful woman you are becoming continue to grow.

I love you sis, and I wish you the Happiest of Happy Birthdays today.

Love, Ashley

On Saturday, despite a lack of voice and a pounding headache, I got up, showered, got all gussied up and went outside with 4 cameras in tow. Why? Because it was sunny, and here on the Wet Coast, when the sun hits you have to take advantage of it ’cause it’s not often. Some weekend polaroids from my SX70 and 104 Automatic. The other two cameras were film so I must wait for those till they develop.

Front and Company always has the most interesting window displays.

Shoes, just sitting on a fence in the sunlight. Perhaps to dry?

My shoes, Narrative Booties from Anthropologie that my parents so generously got me. I love them! They are SOOO comfy and crazy cute!

Tall grass in a park, my last picture with a pack of FP-100C from my 104 Automatic.

My first shot with Artistic TZ! It’s so… artsy!

Automatic 104 with Polaroid 125i Silk. I really love how the blue came out.

Two more Artistic TZ shots.

All together, a very enjoyable two hours out. I had heard somewhere that as of this past Tuesday, The Lower Mainland had only had 13 hours of sun so far in January. See why we must make every minute count?

After 3 days for having not much more than a squeak for a voice, I feel quite human again today!

Seriously, loosing your voice makes for some major communication problems. Like when Mike just gets home from work, and I’m trying to get his attention before he takes his shoes off ’cause we’re out of orange juice. But of course he can’t hear me and has his back turned and so doesn’t see me wildly waving my arms. He’s talking about his day and completely oblivious to the fast approaching disaster that I’m trying to alert him of.  Once his shoes and coat are off, and I’ve stopped trying to talk ’cause it hurts, He comes up and says ” Aww… I’ll get you some orange juice.” I try, and again fail to be able to let him know that there isn’t any, so he goes to the fridge, opens it, closes it and then asks, “Honey, why didn’t you say we were out of orange juice before I took my shoes off?” To which I respond with laughter. (though is it laughter if it doesn’t make a sound?).

On an exciting note, Vicki from Simply Hue has kindly chosen me to be one of the photographers featured on her “Spotlight on Photography” Feature which starts on February 1st. Thanks so much Vicki!

Also, I preordered tickets today to go to my first wedding show. So nervous! Thankfully, it’s a small one that is only into its second year, so hopefully not crazy overwhelming. It’s called “Indie I do” and sounds really interesting. Eventually I think I might have to go to one of those big Wedding Shows, but maybe I don’t have to? Please? I don’t really like crowds of people in general, and crowds of brides-to-be might be enough to give me nightmares!

Due to being sick, my weekend was pretty tame, a lot of sitting on the couch and playing video games. I’m busy replaying Mass Effect because Mass Effect 2 is coming out soon. So excited! What can I say? Sometimes I just like to shot at things.

I hope you all had a lovely weekend and I will have more for you later this week, including my first try at crocheting! Yikes!

I first hear about the idea for a “word of the year” on Susannah Conway’s blog. Then Danielle LaPorte mentioned something similar, and Suvarna Mollerup too. And personally, I think it’s better than choosing a new years resolution.

After many days of thinking, and pondering I stumbled upon the perfect word for this new year.

So my word for 2010 is : Explore

Motto: To explore with my mind, my heart, my hands and my feet.

I feel lately I’ve been sitting back and just following the flow of where my life is going, not really taking the time to look for any other channels or branches.  Mostly it’s because I felt like I was in a sinking boat and im was spending so much time just trying to keep it afloat. But things have been steadily improving in the land of Ashleywood and now that the boat isn’t in danger of capsizing, I’m finding that there are a lot of opportunities, possibilities and such that I didn’t notice before. So this year I am going to explore them.

I want to explore more of the city and area I live in. You know, go out of my way to see stuff.

I want to explore more books, more writers, more philosophers and more knowledge.

I want to explore more techniques for my camera’s, all 6 of them!

I want to explore more about myself and continue to grow into the person I want to be.

I want to explore more projects, more writing, more crafts, perhaps learn to crochet and make a blanket?

I want to explore new friendships – online, offline, by letter, whatever! There are so many wonderful people out there.

I want to explore old friendships and explore ways to make time for my good friends.

I want to explore ways of changing habits or creating better habits.

I want to explore the possibility of having my own photography show.

I want to explore.

So there you have it! A very late, but still better than never, New Years Word. Hurray for me! Just having this word before me feel invigorating and gives me something to strive for. Even if I just try and explore in a small way each day, I think it will make for a magical year. Now if only the weather would explore some other options. Rain again Mother Nature? How unoriginal.

How about all of you? Do you make resolutions, or have words or goals for your new year? Or do you just jump on whatever comes and then jump off when your done? How do you plan the year ahead?

Welcome to Wednesday!

For some reason, Wednesday’s usually have a good feel for me. Probably because it’s the middle of the week and we’re closer to the weekend. My plans for this weekend are slowly solidifying – a movie, dinner with friends, and possibly something for M.’s birthday.

So, in honour of a happy Wednesday, here are some lovely links for you to enjoy!

A Polaroid Wedding? Yes Please! This is giving me so many ideas! via Mocking Bird

I promise this whole post isn’t about wedding stuff, but right after I saw the Polaroid wedding, I saw this post on Unruly Things. A line of wedding dresses called “A Novel Romance”? How could a bookworm like myself resist!

Speaking of books and bookworming – I know that everyone and their cat has read “Pride and Prejudice and Zombies”. And when something is that popular I feel like I have to go against the flow and not read it. Or at least that’s how I felt until I saw that Natalie Portman would be starring in a movie production of the book. She’s one of my big girl crushes, so now I have to read the book! (before I see the movie)

I’m thinking of spending some of left over Christmas money on some of the lovely sounding scents over at CB I Hate Perfume. How awesome does a scent called “Walking in the Air” sound? Or “Under the Arbor”? Or my personal favorite “In the Library”? I do believe I’ve just talked myself into it, ordering as soon as this post is done!

I just discovered this photoblog not that long ago and so far I’m impressed with what I’ve seen. (Not) Common People introduces you to a new and relatively unknown photographer with each post. Go and enjoy the magic and the creativity!

Have a Happy rest of your Wednesday everyone!

This Christmas I received a most surprising and exciting gift.

Sitting in my parents livingroom, all 5 of us around the Christmas tree – dad, mom, my sister, me and mike – almost all the presents opened.  All, except one. Mike had already opened my present to him, a maurice richard figure and the 100 years of Canadiens DVD wrapped in two Threadless teeshirts. Then he pulled out a large box from the back of the tree and handed it to me. It felt surprisingly light in my hands for its size. I felt a rush of excitement, Mike had been very secretive this year, more so than other Christmases. I unwrapped the colourful paper, and opened the cardboard flaps only to discover it was packed full of tissue paper. As I pulled that away, a small box became visible. Trembling, I picked it out and opened it. My heart stopped and I gasped as I opened it.  At that same moment, Mike got down on one knee and took my hand.

“Will you marry me?” He asked.

Of course I said yes, though it took a while to get the words out through the happy tears and exclamations of joy from my family.

So now we are officially engaged and so happy and excited! No date is set, I have nothing figured out, though I do have a few ideas because I have secretly been reading wedding blogs for a while now. I’ll try to keep the wedding stuff to a minimum on my blog here, unless of course you want to hear it. 

So far we’ve been having fun telling our friends and family and saying “fiancée” and “fiance” back and forth to one another.

Cheers everyone! It’s such a happy new year.