two after twenty

My very good friend Senaa (a very familiar face around this blog) never fails to surprise. Firstly, let me say this: I, like many other bloggers, like to keep my blog a “happy place”. I never like to touch on personal issues and frustrations, etc. – this is strictly a stress-free zone. But this is a post where my real world sort of sneaks into my happy place, because below is a mini surprise Senaa made me one day, and part of it was to cheer me up. The other part was just for fun!

She gave me one big envelope with five envelopes inside. I’m not allowed to open envelope two until I finish envelope one, and so on. The first envelope’s instructions: take a photo of my current 5 favourite things. This was hard – I really wanted a steak to snap (hahaa), but I narrowed my choices down to what you see below.

001. The camera pendant you’ll usually find me wearing. I found this guy for $8 at a vintage store! 002. Haha, this is kind of a preview for my next post. Since I don’t have any lights, sometimes I have to succumb to the classic push-your-subjects-next-to-a-window-and-shoot technique. I love it. 003. My 35mm Ricoh Singlex TLS. It used to belong to my dad … he used it a lot back in the day. I love this camera for so many reasons. 004. My piano, named Lucy. Always a favourite. Been my girl since I was 9, and has gotten me through a lot. 005. Read more about why I love magic hour here.

And I’m off to open envelope number two! Love ya, Senaa.

Today’s Monday Moment. An old 35mm print taken at the same time as this series. Must view large (just click the photo!).

And a huge congratulations to my older brother, Adrian. He’s engaged! Congrats Adrian & Victoria!

I feel silly writing any kind of introduction for this popular spot across from Trinity Bellwoods, but I will say this: because of the 24-hour sign, The Lakeview can be a completely different place to different people. It can be the place to get cheap breakfast, or the place to get REAL authentic milkshakes, or the place to grab a few drinks. I’m definitely one of the breakfast lot.

After our visit to Crafted, Em and I dropped by The Lakeview for some quick burgers & fries. I made the not-so-great decision to choose the sunny booth by the window … sunshine and heat galore. I’m so used to jumping at the chance to grab a seat by a window for lighting purposes, but I should’ve just done without this time. Argh. The unforgiving sun and leather seats were a lethal combination. We were baking the whole time, but I still snapped a few photos (hahaa).

Today’s Monday Moment. Must view large (by clicking the photo). This is a still from a vintage store near Ossington & Dundas during Em’s visit.

I’ve been asked a few times about the lack of punctuation in the Monday Moments. Since the words represent the feelings and surroundings not necessarily captured in the actual photo, I really believe it’s important not to punctuate or “chop up” these thoughts and have them remain as pure as possible.

Em visited Toronto a few days ago, and I was lucky enough to catch up with her over coffee (some of you may recognize her as this Emilie). We visited Crafted by Te Aro on Ossington, and we both tried not too hard to disrupt the place with our cameras! Crafted is laden with really charming decor and has large, amazing windows (good for photo-taking light!). The cherry on top: we got the chance to hang with Em’s good pal Brett (photo below), a Crafted celebrity and a true artist at what he does. Em ordered a soy cappuccino, and I had the tea latte (unique and soothing).

Off topic, my macbook almost broke down processing all these photos … blerg. I also tried something a little different this time with the title diptych. That’s my handwriting up there! I may or may not continue with this style, but I did learn that it’s challenging to separate your brain from seeing your handwriting as “your handwriting” and to treat it solely as a design element.

Oh, and happy early birthday to Senaa, one of my very favourite pals!

Crafted by Te Aro - 135 Ossington Ave

Monday Moment (eight). This shot was taken way back in November, and is an outtake from my walk with Senaa. Click the photo to view large.