Beautiful Tangent

They look like they are sprinkled with icing sugar.  Lightly kissed by winter.  I tried this effect on a cake, used a stencil so I would have a pattern in the sugar.  Lesson learned, over time the sugar dissolves into the cake and no longer has the desired effect.  If this happened make sure your cake is dam good, so no one will notice that lack of decoration 

Well today is 12.12.12.  The significance is beautiful.  There will not be another occurrence or a repeat of this date in the lifetime of anyone alive right now.  If you didn’t notice something special today, you were not looking.  Is there a religion or culture that has 12 as a lucky number?  I wonder.  Ah, Google will tell me, that is if I remember to look it up.

The foam is really what makes it beautiful.  Like drinking a cloud, if one knew what drinking a cloud was like.  You could imagine I guess, airy and light, unless it was a rain cloud in which case it would be heavy and darkish.  I think a cloud would be like a less sweet cotton candy.

Only at Christmas time.  I know mine are up all year round, but they are not on.  I take that back, as I saw them on a sail of a boat mast in July.  They were gorgeous.  So Christmas lights are permitted during the winter holidays and on sailboats year round.  I think that is fair.

Only because it is done.  This cake will be the death of me.  I hope it tastes ok.  It looks beautiful, because dammit I slaved over it.  Why?  Who knows?  We should have just bought one like every other office birthday.  I guess 50 is important.  It better not mess up when I drive to work.  The weather is supposed to be the opposite of beautiful.  I hope my outdoor Christmas tree stands tall during the forthcoming “winter storm”.

I’m too old to pull off this look off, but those that can should.  I realize that I am older and perhaps being judged when I go out.  I have to be conscious of this and go out with a group that appears similar in age.  Perhaps next weekend will be better.  Not that I didn’t enjoy tonight, but I felt the scene was dominated by baby doll dressed girls.  I guess we all grow-up.

There is nothing more happy than a dog when they get in the car.  Eventually the excitement wears off, but at first there is pure joy, then there is a trapped feeling.  The trapped feeling leads to desperate panic especially when you go through a car wash.  They have no clue what is going on and that is made worse by the closed windows.  Poor Astro, I think we gave him a heart attack.  His happy car ride turned into torture and for that I’m sorry.  Also for fireworks, those are mean too.

Seeing it out of a chest is not a beautiful thing at all, it belongs inside and beating.  That organ, a size of a fist is our core, it literally lets us live.  Not only a physical requirement but an emotional one too.  The valves and chambers need to be synced .  Just like when you are in a relationship getting out of sync involves a jolt to get things on track again.  It might be a different beat, but it does keep going.  That sounded like the monologue at the beginning or end of a Grey’s Anatomy eposide.  I guess it was only a matter of time before a beautiful thing looped back to TV.

Everything worked out beautifully today when I curled my hair.  Sad part is I doubt I will be able to reproduce it.  Doesn’t that suck, knowing you can do something but then not be able to.  Grrr!  Like when you come back from the hair salon, where they used some fancy shampoo, conditioner and finishing cream.  They blow dry with magic and you look and feel fantastic.  It keeps us coming back I guess.  Who knows what my beautiful curls will look like after sleeping on them.  Watch out morning.

Even though the pinnies smell, the fact that people of different ages, backgrounds and nationalities, jobs and genders come together to play is beautiful.  The rules are the rules and smiles while running around are contagious.  Sports are awesome and in the midst of this NHL lockout, that needs to be said.  We play because of what the game brings out in each of us.  We don’t get paid and so what if the equipment needs a good wash...we play despite of it.

I never thought newborns were beautiful, in fact they look like raisins, sort of alien like.  Upon further inspection, they are starting to take shape, becoming one on their own.  Yes, they get cuter over time, but at the beginning I guess they are beauties too.  A new start always is.

I might be writing about this because I am on a diet (one day in) and food right now is my weakness.  I love to eat whatever is in front of me and when I saw that turkey on TV it made me jealous.  I also thought about how I haven’t had a turkey dinner in years.  I will rectify that next year.  At which point I will have my list of things I am thankful for ready...the list will include the turkey meal.

I remember making these when I was little, they were so simple.  I saw one today in a store window and instantly smiled.  With all the things I see in a day it's hard to imagine drawing a blank when I go to write about something beautiful.  If people saw wind turbines as pinwheels, would they like them more? Could the turbines be brightly painted?  I’m sure they have thought of this...so I’m assuming the answer is no.  

I guess this was the clock after the sundial, or was it?  What came first?  Today’s clocks not only ring but they text, email and surf.  I haven’t worn a watch for the purpose of time telling in over 4 years.  My phone has the time, my computer screen has the time. In my 800 sqft apartment I have 5 digital clocks and 3 of them are within inches of each other.  Despite this, my dad says I should have a wall clock, “one with hands”.  I know that time is ticking away, and frankly I don’t want an audible reminder.

This one was from my Zio’s funeral which was 2 years ago today, well his death.  The actual funeral was a few days after.  We were encouraged to take 2 stones at the service, one was kissed and left in a water fountain for the family and the other was for you to take.  The stones hold the memories of Zio.  This activity was beautiful and when I look at the smooth pebble now by the plant, I think of Zio and I wish happy thoughts for his daughters, wife and my dad (his brother).  

Yes, I am saying they are beautiful and not just because it is Movember, but because of the confidence one needs to wear one.  I guess it could also be the opposite, people wear them to hide.  It is amazing how much a face can change with or without the mustache.  The same can be said for a beard.

I like them, but not at this date.  It is too soon to be seeing these.  The guy flooding it looked happy, they were working and dressed for the weather.  I guess that is the key, dress right.  Winter is not that bad if you are covered.  It is just so much work.  Winter is not for the lazy.

There is a whole museum full of them and they all have some Canadian tie.  Why have I not been?  It might be for the same reason I have not been on the Parliament tour.  I have eaten at the parliament restaurant, but never taken the tour.  I really should discover more.

Are they not afraid it will be picked apart?  Christmas lights are one thing but decorations!  Good on ya!  Way to have Christmas spirit and think the best of people.  Yes, I am saying Christmas, “holiday” is too commonly used, we have many holiday seasons and festivals so this time of year is Christmas.  Santa is known as Father Christmas, so if you don’t agree it’s Christmas, don’t take your kids to see the jolly guy.

I have no idea where the two bandmates were walking, but they looked all regal this morning.  When I saw them I realized that I do not know the first thing about wind instruments, other than you blow in them and that the recorder is not as beautiful as shiny brass.  I guess it is good that I learned the recorder, this brief introduction to music playing let me know I really do not like it.

Something I do not have right now.  I will be working on that.  December is the month of thin.  

So smart and so loyal.  That bond between dog and master is just beautiful.  The trust that the person has in their dog is awesome.  Hell, I don’t think I trust a functioning human that much.  People that rely on those animals inspire me, if they can, I sure as hell can too.  I’m lazy.  I like handwriting that word, there is something about the “zy” in cursive, so flowy.

Not the kind in the pool, but the one in the open, usually attached to a beach.  A pool is not bad, but it is no paradise.  Pool blue water makes me think I should be doing laps, while beach blue makes me feel like doing nothing.  Yeah to doing nothing.

These were on a guy who already has been mentioned in this book of beauty.  He just looks so put together and it was a shock to see.  He acts all goofy, but apparently he cleans up well.  Now I’m too chicken shit to do anything about it, no matter how good I feel in my clothes.  Sometimes in some outfits, with the right shoes (or course) I feel like I can conquer the world.  I guess he is just out of this world.

The shape the body makes and the strength one needs to do that are beautiful.  I know this because I tried and I am still sore.  Not only am I not strong enough, bit I'm not flexible enough either.  I need to get back to the gym and watch what I eat.  I feel that I’m at a tipping point, if I don’t fix this now I will end up huge and out of shape.  Starting with swimming tomorrow.  I’m going to print off a program and record my progress.  I need to be accountable, because pole or no pole the tummy needs to go.  

They are beautiful people and each are uniquely wonderful.  They have qualities that I would love to have. As a group we are the ultimate.  We are girls that will intertwine together forever and that is just fine by me.

It has just the right spot in the corner, where I fit perfectly.  I do worry that I am wearing it out and soon I will be forced to sit elsewhere.  I should slowly start working in another sport.  Wean myself off now to better prepare myself.

This is not legible.  I think I need to go to bed.  It is beautiful when you act like it is the weekend, when it is not.  Should I remove the glitter?  Right now water!

I like this eye colour, especially on dark haired people.  The contrast is striking on both guys and girls.  Is there a way I can ensure that my kid will have blue eyes?  Have they spent enough time on genetics to figure this out yet?  How much would I have to spend?  Nothing, as I really don’t think such a science should exist.  Yes, to genetic studies for illness, but no to cosmetic trait control.  Focus on disease and abnormalities.  The rich can find other ways to look how they want.  Maybe some sort of eye dye injection?  Just the thought of that makes me squeamish.

I once went to a motivational speaker and the two things I remember are 1.  It’s all about perspective.  Like if the photocopier is jammed and twirling makes you happy, every jam means you get to twirl. 2. Don’t let the fire go out, as that is when the predators move in.  This was taken from a safari guide, but it carries over to what you do.  Never lose your passion aka fire.

 I already talked about the beauty of the poppy, bet the veteran who the poppy symbolizes is that much more beautiful.  They may be getting older but they still stand for their country and for that I am forever grateful.  The veterans' faces may change and their wounds might be different, but I am humbled for each and everyone.  I wish I could do more than say thanks.

I want to visit again, and not when the water is low and the under structures of the buildings are visible.  I want to go when the weather is perfect, it’s not crowded and it looks like a postcard.  Is that too much to ask?

I’m sad that we will not be building one at work for charity again this year.  I like how I used the word build, I guess it would be more appropriate to use make. They are not running the event again this year.  I wonder why not?  Too much to organize?  It was fun to do and perhaps we can still do it regardless of the competition or not.

Steam equals heat and on a cold day seeing that steam atop a mug of warm beverage is beautiful.  You do have to make sure it is not too hot, because steam is also very powerful, duh, steam engines.  I have never seen a real steam train, with a large stack.  Do they still make them?  I want to see one and hear an authentic choo-choo.

I can’t believe that I went as far as pricing one out for my condo.  I was going to have it installed during construction.  Part of me wishes I did, that other part thankful I did not.  I don’t have the constant sound of water running and something that could grow algae.  Would it have added value to the place, something people thought unique? Or would they thought me nuts?

While this might be more appropriate on the 11th, but today I saw them painted on the window of the Shopper’s Drug Mart and I actually paused.  Seeing those poppies made me think of the sacrifices made so I can be and do what I want to.  Sad that I only think like this once a year.  Maybe I will decorate with a poppy, I have been talking about painting something this winter, maybe a poppy is what it should be.  Simple to do, but with a huge visible impact.

I remember first seeing these in Montreal when I was there for a planning field trip. It was in the fall so no one was thinking about the practicality of them in the winter when they would be dangerously covered in ice.  Frankly, I think I was the only one that paid attention. I think they are the thing that best characterizes Montreal for me.  Yes, I see these staircases elsewhere, but they are not the same.  I’m not sure of the rules for accessibility in Quebec, but I bet that these beautiful stairs are a thing of the past, grandfathered in.  Hopefully they are being maintained and ice incidents are kept to a minimum.

The scenes are so beautiful, all the different components coming together to tell the live story.  The way the props are seamlessly put into place without missing a beat.  I wonder if the actors get sick of doing the same thing day in and day out?  Does it feel sort of like assembly line work?  Once you get it, it becomes routine and no longer means anything more than a paycheque?  I guess if you love it and you get to do it there is no reason to complain because there are thousands of people waiting to take your place.

The toxins leave your body with the sweat right?  It's beautiful to see a body moving and pushing through.  Of course it is only beautiful in the appropriate setting, wearing the right clothes.  Sweat stained shirts and pits are not at all what I am talking about.  It’s the after workout glow, the glow that proves you did work and rationalizes the ice cream.

Doesn’t matter how big or small the dog, their eyes are so innocent. They look at you and you can’t help fall in love.  They know nothing but loyalty.  When they sit there with their tilted head, you know they are listening and you are the centre of their world.  The tilted head is key, no tilt and it’s more of a stare down.  There term “puppy dog eyes” is very true, master that look and no person can resist.

I remember knitting every Thursday night after dinner at my nonni’s house.  We would sit around the TV and digest not only the food but the quality family time. Of course it was not until I was older I realized how special that time was.  I can only imagine what my nonni were thinking looking at the son they raised and the family he had made.  The decision to come to Canada was not easy, but I bet looking at me knitting a “beautiful” scarf/placemat/coaster thing made them think they choose right.  Thank you.

Like a silent movie, conveying action through poses and facial expressions.  My shoot today was by no means impressive, but looking at the shots you can see my awkwardness.  Would doing more shoots make better at posing?  Finding out what faces and expressions to make while ignoring the camera is hard. I have no idea what my face looks like doing certain things.  How do others actually see me?  I have an image of myself, is that really what I’m putting out there?  I need to be OK with having a picture taken, so I can have a sense of public me.

So many things you can do with a grid.  Make a checkerboard, draw a graft, transpose a picture. The last thing I remembered doing vividly, was throwing a grid over something to break down the elements, so I only had to concentrate on each individual square.  You don’t get overwhelmed by the big picture.  Sometimes we should put a grid over the world and “uncomplicate” it.  Sometimes we should only look at what is in front of us, as it might be something we can control.  It is good to know the big picture, but we need to understand that it is the little squares that add up.  If they don’t make the picture we want, changing something small does have an impact.

Magazine pictures are so demoralizing.  Do people really have that clear, smooth skin?  Is that even obtainable?  I assume that if I do see a real, live person with smooth skin they are wearing flawless make-up or are under the age of 10.  I know I have imperfections on my face, so I assume that everyone else does too. We stare at ourselves in the mirror and then do our best to cover up what we see as flaws.  Advertiser get that, we need their product to fix whatever it is we think is wrong.   No wonder I feel ugly without make-up...thanks advertisers, you are very good at your jobs.

You could see the floor, it was like the water was floating.  As the soap bubbles went down the drain I could not look away.  This is something I want in my dream house.

I know it is not a thing, but an adjective.  The word itself is beautiful. It is a pretty word when written in cursive.  One could even say whimsical with all the loops and curves.

While beautiful, I’m not referring to hair, but the stitching technique.  It looks so cool as the stipes intertwine together.  I bet it is also quite strong as a hold, depending on the material used to weave.  Toilet paper is not strong.  This whole “angle soft” Halloween costume is taking much more time than anticipated. I also do not know how all the different components will fit together.  This better f-in work, as the back up plan is not that worthy of being a host of a costume party.

The back of my costume will have one.  I was debating it, but I saw one today and remembered how pretty I felt when I wore one last.  The shape and the silhouette is beautiful.  My costume might be made out of toilet paper, but it will have a cinched waist and a draw sting close...well at least that is the plan.

I love pumpkin pie and the pumpkin muffins from Starbucks.  This vegetable (at least I think it is a vegetable) is synonymous with fall and I love fall, not only because it's my birthday month, but I love the beautiful colours and fall clothes.  Sweaters to keep you warm not coats and/or jackets,  The crispness, the rustling of leaves under your feet.  I think of all of this when I see a pumpkin, so I smile and get hungry.

Building something with your own hands.  After a day of work I have a pile of paper, if that.  Some days it is all on the computer and I have left no “mark” on the real world.  That is opposite of a construction worker.  They do something all day and in the end leave something tangible behind.  This morning there was no curb and now there is one.  The beauty of a curb is likely not appreciated by most, but it’s role is important and the installer made sure it got in.  I might have sent the email to confirm the curb location, but I don’t think that counts as a "mark".