Friday, 28 February 2014

Literature: Looking for Rachel Wallace

   Good morning dear readers, and I hope that it's a little bit warmer wherever you are compared to the chilly Ottawa area. The weather can't seem to decide what season it is so it keeps wavering between winter and spring. However, on these colder days, we are provided with the opportunity to stay in and curl up with a good book (unless you have to go to school or work like I do). I've decided to go ahead and write a literature post this morning since there hasn't been one a little while.
   On this fine Friday, I will not be talking specifically about a genre, a literary prize or even a specific author; I will simply be talking about a book. "Looking for Rachel Wallace" by Robert B. Parker is a novel I had to read for my Mystery Novel class, and I was surprised that I had liked it so much. By it's simplistic cover, and somewhat tacky description in the back, I wasn't sure I was going to be enjoying it, but happily to my surprise, I was proved wrong.
   This book is quite funny, with dry humour and a man named Spenser who has tons of machismo and lives by his code of honour. The story takes place in a time where things were slowly getting different, but they weren't completely accepted in society. You can notice a mix of old and new ways as you are taken to different locations because of Spenser's new job, which is being Rachel Wallace's body guard. At first you don't know if there will be a crime or not, because you get captured in the witty banter that is continually taking place between Spenser, Rachel and whoever else gets brought into their conversations. But once a crime is committed and Spenser needs to jump into action, the story actually gets better (I didn't even know that it was possible).
   I won't go too much into detail because I want you dearest readers, to grab a copy of the book and read to your heart's content. It is relatively small enough so it could even be done as a "one-a-day-er". Take the time to read at least once a day because every time you open a book, you open your mind.

 
K.P.H.

Thursday, 27 February 2014

Love: DIY Projects

   Good morning dear readers! I have already started to seize the day and I'm hoping that you are doing the same. Being a student, you learn little tips and tricks on how to save money, but at the same time, I also get to do a lot of things for myself. I've become quite the little crafty person, as well as a reasonable good cook.
   So this morning I thought I might share a couple of interesting ideas that could help you out, and personalize your everyday life. Whether you are just asking for a personal touch, or trying to switch things up, doing it yourself is the best way to do it.
   If you're just trying to save a few bucks, you've got many options. If you are trying to make a new space your own, there are always plenty ways to accomplish that as well. So make the most out of the little things, because in the end, it is those that you will remember.

 
 

K.P.H.

Wednesday, 26 February 2014

Laughter: Ode to a Dying Generation/ Death to YOLO

   Good morning dear readers, and happy hump day! The week is halfway done, and we're on the home stretch for the weekend. I must say that I'm excited to have those few days off so that I can catch up on my homework, (I know it's not that exciting but it must be done). On this fine morning, I thought about posting one of my own songs since I haven't put one up in a while.
   The title of the entry is also the title of the song; it might seem morbid, but it is essentially my interpretation of what the younger generations are turning into, (and that's including mine) but I don't see myself similar to the people in my own generation. I always said that I was born in the wrong one, so to make up for that few decades that I missed, I've developed what people call and "old soul"; no it is not a disease, it just gives me a different perspective from most people my age.
   With all of that said, I won't go into too much detail since I do talk a little bit in the video before I start playing the song so I don't want to repeat myself too much. On this last note, I've never been a fan of the YOLO concept, because I think it just gives the youth today an excuse to do really stupid stuff and blame it on a shady idea. I'd much prefer the similar, but dignified Carpe Diem. Therefore my dearest readers, take chances and live you life to the fullest. Cherish every moment and savour the time you have here because you never know how much longer you've got; just don't be stupid about it, okay? So go ahead and live in a way that your life is a story that everyone will want to read.



K.P.H.

Tuesday, 25 February 2014

Laughter: The Happy Dance

   Good day dearest readers. Now that the dreaded Monday has passed, we must all face the hurdle that is Tuesday. Recently I've had some really great news, (that I cannot disclose until all of the details have been worked out) and when I first got them, I was so happy and shocked that I started to dance uncontrollably after hysterically jumping up and down.
   There is something special in a happy dance; it is raw emotion exploding out of you in an uncontrolled frenzy. You dance in excitement, and you don't care who sees you. It's one of those moments that your moves (whether you like doing the running man or the stanky leg) are never questioned. If you don't know what your special move is... then you need to have a momentous event to discover your inner dancer. I myself am more of a jumper, mixed in with some foot flutter; I can't help it, it just happens.
   So when excitement strikes, don't hold back in fear of being embarrassed by your inner dancer, let it out because you deserve it. You just got something that you others didn't,  so celebrate your success! Just remember what Alan Watts said: "the only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance."

K.P.H.

Monday, 24 February 2014

Love: Styles that Make a Difference

   Good Morning dearest readers! I am writing my last post from home since I am going back to Ottawa today. This has been a short, but much appreciated amount of time at home, but now it's time to get back to work.
   This morning, I thought I'd talk about my kind of style; the things I like to wear, patterns I like and what not, since many people seem to wonder. If you'd like to put words to it, some people will call my style vintage on some days and the other times will call it sporty; (heck if I know because clothes are clothes). I just like to feel comfortable, yet still have pieces that are different and make a statement. I have a variety of vests that have been personalized and customized; I have vintage hats, and feathered shoes, but some of the things that help me stand out (and that are helping a cause) are my accessories.
   I have mentioned to you all before the impact that Free the Children has had on my life, and how through their values and good deeds, I am inspired to do the same. Well, Free the Children sells hand made merchandise crafted by the hands of the people in the villages that they help. They also make beautiful bamboo t-shirt where some supporting celebrities have even created certain designs. It continues with the concept of do good to feel good, but now it also helps to make you look good. I have also found another site that sells great bracelets that are both original and inspiring at the same time.
   Just because you want to make a difference, or are going through a phase where luxury cannot be part of your every day life, the merchandise sold on theses sites help you to not feel guilty about looking your best. So now you can not only influence people with your style, but you can influence them with your good deeds too. Style is what makes us stand out in a crowd when so many others can look like us.

Good Works - Jewelry

Me to We - Artisans

Me to We - Style

K.P.H.