tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10377217496113473132024-03-16T00:08:07.214-07:00Q U I R K Y E X P L O S I O NLexy @ QUIRKY EXPLOSIONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16050109799618088177noreply@blogger.comBlogger251125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037721749611347313.post-10403091947336916542013-01-20T17:17:00.003-08:002013-01-20T17:20:24.130-08:00untitledHi. <br />
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It’s been awhile. A long while. Yes. I know. But hi! How are you? I’m great, thank you for asking. Actually, I’m more than great. I’m FREAKING FANTASTIC. Because, you know, I’m now living in New York City. You know. Whatevz. Casual. No biggie. (Side note: ZOMG FREAK OUTZ DREAMZ REALLY DO COME TRUE!!!!). I’m here for school, learning about things I love. And every day is amazing and I feel so privileged and I really feel like I’m finally spending each day LIVING. It’s amazing.<br />
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Sorry, I haven’t really updated. At all. You see, this blog once acted as a (very important!) avenue for my creativity and colours, when they didn’t really have a place back in small-town, Ontario. But now that I’m here - NEW YORK CITY - I feel like I don’t need a place in the cyberspace. I have the streets, the city. You understand, right? <br />
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So... so long, for now. But who knows? Maybe I’ll be back. Maybe you’ll see me somewhere else! Until then, thanks for the ride! I really do mean it. After being home for four weeks for winter break, I really don’t know what I would have done without this little blog thing. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Also, side note: I’m pretty sure that this page is reaching out to people beyond virtual friends, so hi, people I know in real life! This is sort of awkward and I’m semi-embarrassed, especially if you
decide to trudge through and read all these past posts of my teenage
awkwardness but, really, that's just embarrassing for you because it's
indicative of your lack-of-life, so HA! you're the one that's lame <3></3></span><br />
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Until next time... You’re all fantastic, intelligent, and individual creatures. Stay bright, stay marvelous and smile at strangers! Dare to dream, always.<br />
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Love,<br />
Lexy <br />
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P.S. Hey, it’s not completely over yet! I’ve just set out a brand new <a href="https://www.facebook.com/lexyhotai">Facebook Page</a>, where you can stalk the things I make. Like and share and all that jazz! :) See you there!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b> Click photos or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/lexyhotai">here</a> to go to my new Facebook page, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/lexyhotai" style="color: blue;">LEXY MAKES THINGS</a>! </b></span></div>
<br />Lexy @ QUIRKY EXPLOSIONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16050109799618088177noreply@blogger.com46tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037721749611347313.post-77529269639083866132012-07-31T14:29:00.001-07:002012-07-31T14:33:00.055-07:00penelope pickerman and her marvelous mindHi friends!<br />
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This is the most exciting day of my ENTIRE LIFE. Okay. Maybe not. But it <i>is </i>pretty snazzy. For realz. Why? Because I am revealing my *top secret* project to you glorious virtual friends! Woah! How exciting! I KNOW! So. ARE YOU READY FOR IT? If my life was theatre, this is where we cue the lights, insert dramatic music, and the audience would collectively *gasp*! So, let's just pretend that all happened and you're all sitting in suspense and... <br />
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BAM!<br />
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Voila! <span style="font-size: large;"><b>Penelope Pickerman and her Marvelous Mind</b>! <span style="font-size: small;">My</span></span> new children's book!<br />
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<a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=2rr88j8" target="_blank"><img alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" src="http://i46.tinypic.com/2rr88j8.jpg" /></a>YAY! I AM SO EXCITED. I've always been a children's book junkie. I think they're magical! And so, "illustrate a children's book" was added on my life's bucket list long, long ago. With a chunk of time this summer, home at last in my small, boring town, I thought to myself, "Lexy. Just DO it." And so Penelope Pickerman's world was realized and colourized and brought to life! I've spent dozens of hours working on this, and I'm really happy to share a sneak peek of it with you all! Everything is very "me" - the story, the drawings - so it feels marvelous! Keep on reading for a mini-blurb of Penelope Pickerman's kooky world and a sneak peek of some of my original watercolour and pen & ink illustrations accompanying the tale!<br />
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<i>"Penelope Pickerman has a marvelous mind and everyone knows it - she’s always being told to “get out of her imagination”! But she can’t help it! She likes being up in the clouds with rainbows and gremlins and magic. Much better than reality with Mr. Bland’s boring math problems or Suzie’s dull boy troubles. So, up in the clouds it is! Until, one day, an exotic creature arrives, sending Penelope right back down to reality - butterflies, bow ties, and all! Soon, Penelope is writing in cursive and borrowing and dividing like the others. No... It couldn’t be... Could it? Is Penelope’s marvelous mind gone for </i>good<i>?</i><br />
<i><br />Told with humor and rhyme, </i>Penelope Pickerman and her Marvelous Mind<i> is a whimsical tale about the beauty of imagination. Each book is hand-bound and features 20 original illustrations. This is a tale for all ages, so buckle up, find your inner child and let’s go on a rainbow ride!"</i><br />
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<i><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=9krwq1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" src="http://i46.tinypic.com/9krwq1.png" /></a>But Mr. Bland interrupted, “Penelope, Penelope! Now where is your head?” </i><br />
<i>“Off to magical waters where butterflies have fled!” </i><br />
<i>Mr. Bland rolled his droopy, bland eyes and started to scold. </i><br />
<i>So Penelope turned off her thoughts and did as she was told. </i><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>- </i>Penelope Pickerman and her Marvelous Mind,</span><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"> page 3</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=2qltvmr" target="_blank"><img alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" src="http://i46.tinypic.com/2qltvmr.png" /></a>
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And bam! There's a taste of Penelope Pickerman's world! The book itself features <b>20 original pen & ink illustrations</b> and it is all <b>hand-bounded</b> by my own, bare hands. I am really happy with it and I think that you would be too! So, hey! Purchase it? It's $28 Canadian<span style="font-size: x-small;"> (not incl. shipping)</span>. I know that it is a little pricey, but that is because production cost is ridiculously high! <span style="font-size: x-small;">(It works out that I'm making less than minimum wage with each book that I sell...) <span style="font-size: small;">So</span></span> your support would be <b>greatly</b> appreciated! Everything is made with almost too much love! I ship internationally! Even if you don't buy it, if you could blog it, tumblr it, tweet it, instagram it <span style="font-size: x-small;">(I don't do any of these things, so pardon the un-tech-savvy terminology)</span>, I would seriously still send you infinite amounts of virtual love. You can find a more "official" (<span style="font-size: x-small;">i.e. what I'm obnoxiously re-posting and re-posting on my Facebook! hehe)</span> right <b><a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B9_jfDPjhsoEcHhaczd0TW9iZ1k/edit?pli=1">here</a></b>.<br />
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Thank you so much for your time! You all rock. Have the most beautiful day.<br />
- Lexy<br />
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P.S. If you're interested in purchasing a copy of your own, or if you have any questions or feedback, please shoot me an email - lexyht@hotmail.com. I really would <b>love</b> to hear from you! Sending rainbows your way!Lexy @ QUIRKY EXPLOSIONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16050109799618088177noreply@blogger.com36tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037721749611347313.post-23745234489142823692012-07-27T22:53:00.000-07:002012-07-27T22:53:07.405-07:00holstee manifesto<div style="text-align: center;">
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This was my Facebook profile picture recently. I'm not cool enough to have friends and, consequently, I don't get photographed a lot and, consequently, I change my profile picture approximately every four months (true story!) and, consequently, that means that this photo is meaningful. Or I think it makes me look cool. Or something. </div>
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Ahem, anyways. Why am I always so awkward about everything? What I'm really trying to say is... </div>
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I think this is a brilliant manifesto and I really want to paint it on a canvas and hang it above my bed so I can dream about dreams and passions and love and perfect worlds!!!! Yay! </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>What is YOUR passion? <span style="font-size: large;">
Tell me about it!</span> </b></span>(Really. I'm actually extremely passionate about passions. It's legitimately one of my favourite things in the entire world - people illuminated by doing the things they truly love and adore and live for. SO SHARE! Smiley face.) </div>
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P.S. Oh, and I actually have really cool posts lined up... I just need to, you know, get them all done. But they're exciting. Weee! I hope that I've peaked your interest. Or not. Whatever. I'm nonchalant.</div>Lexy @ QUIRKY EXPLOSIONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16050109799618088177noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037721749611347313.post-50153582493874751612012-07-21T19:27:00.003-07:002012-07-22T06:26:24.869-07:00i parallel parked perfectly five times in a row!<div style="text-align: justify;">
asdjlaskjdlakldj WHY HAVEN'T I POSTED THIS DRESS BEFORE? (Yeah - no lame introduction apologizing for my lack of outfit posts due to lack of photographer; we're getting right to the point! Jump aboard!) I'm baffled. Why? This is my favourite dress. Ever. Why? Just look at it. Just look at how OBNOXIOUS it is. I love it! It has everything I could ask for in a dress - a whole plethora of colours, a heinous print, puffy sleeves reminiscent of five year old, the ability to be worn with crinoline... I've come up with a theory (it's deep - watch out): I just don't think I can ever have a bad day in this dress. It's just so joyous and fun. It makes me want to skip around and smile at strangers. I think that that's what fashion should do to you - bring joy, so you can spread it!</div>
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Recently, I've been <b>completely, totally, </b>and <b>utterly bored</b> with fashion. I'm not mystified by what I'm seeing on runways or the internet or the streets any more. Everything strikes me as boooooring. Everything seems too serious. Too calculated. Too <i>been there, seen that</i>. What happened to the joy? What happened to the play? The fun? Fashion is such a privilege. To have the ability to express yourself, to even think "what will I wear today?"... that's a privilege. We're lucky to be in a society that's so developed that we don't have to worry about problems that were predominant a few centuries ago (and still in many parts of the world) like, say, growing crops to freaking eat or dying from now cure-able diseases or simply basic survival. To even to be able to have <i>access</i> to fashion is a <i>privilege</i>. And we should have fun with it! FUN! I guess I'm just kind of over the fashion industry's severe and serious take on the subject. I think we could amp up the "play" level a few notches! I mean, I just want to see girls cartwheeling down the runway and pop-up pages in magazines and more <b>smiles</b> on people in beautiful clothes because smiles and feelings is what it's all about. But maybe that's just me, stuck in the clouds...</div>
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<a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=2qst4yv" target="_blank"><img alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" src="http://i50.tinypic.com/2qst4yv.png" /></a><i>(Dress - Vintage $25, Crinoline - Vintage, Head scarf - Vintage $2, Tights - H&M $5, Shoes - Vintage $15, Bangles - Assorted, Broaches - Nepal)</i> <br />
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Anyways. I hope you have a joyous day! I really do. Smile at strangers!<br />
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">What is <i>your</i> stance on "fashion"? What would you like to see more of?</span></b>Lexy @ QUIRKY EXPLOSIONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16050109799618088177noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037721749611347313.post-83898099415704115442012-07-18T20:37:00.002-07:002012-07-18T20:40:19.533-07:0039 degrees celsius. that's really hot.Hi everyone! I've got a surprise. It's kind of big news, actually. I was a little nervous about letting you guys all in on this but, hey, I figured why not. So, if you must know.... I've become a DUCT TAPE MUMMY! Mwahhaha. You know... just casually... in my spare time...<br />
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If you thought to yourself, "Oh, well gosh! Look at that! Lexy! A duct tape mummy!" then I've got yet <i>another</i> surprise for you... TRICKED YA! I didn't <i>really </i>become a duct tape mummy on you! I was just playing a joke on you! I'm so funny! Ha! Hahah!<br />
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Ahem. Anyways. I should stop pretending I'm clever and just get to the point. And, the point is, well, I made a dress form out of duct tape! I've wanted a dress form forever to assist me with sewing, but I got bored of looking around and gasping at prices <i>and</i> additional shipping costs. So, at last, I had the brilliant idea... um, I'll make one! I can't believe I didn't think of this earlier - it just seems so obvious. So, a Google search later and BAM! We were ready to go!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fairly attractive process, I'd say. I would highly recommend it to all my single readers lookin' for luvvvv.</td></tr>
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It was fairly simple and strait forward. All you need is a baggy t-shirt <i>(hey, dad's bingo shirt!) (which I actually think is cool! shhh...)</i>, duct tape, saran wrap, duct tape, a willing helper, and, optional: coloured duct tape for the extra BAM! I was going to post step-by-step tutorial but, let's face it, that would be going above and beyond expectations and, as much as I love you, I have better things to do (i.e. crochet and watch re-runs of modern family). Instead, why don't you just use the <a href="http://www.howcast.com/videos/268751-How-to-Make-a-Custom-Dress-Form">link</a> I used? Yeah! Do it!<br />
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And voila! Some hard-labour (thanks, sibling!), a bit (lot) of sweat, and some awkward fumbling around, we've got our newest girlfrannnd... Here's a bit more about her...</div>
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<i>Meet <b>Paulette</b>*. She is somewhat emotionally damaged. People suspect it derives from her unhealthy devotion to iguana themed videos, but this has not been proven. She might just be born a little wack. Like, she just can't help it (iguana videos or not). Still, she's a real riot. She started the "save the glitter" movement in '06 and regularly participates in protests and rallies related to the subject. Her favourite colour is hot pink. Suitably, she is hot pink (her favourite colour). And made of duct tape.</i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">*Note: Paulette may also be </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Jean-Claude</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">. I haven't decided yet. Jean-Claude is a drag queen. He is especially popular amongst the young, hispanic community. </span></i><br />
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I've actually already used Paulette play around with old fabrics to make <b>reversible collars</b>. Wahoo!<br />
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They're made from scraps of old projects and clothes (hey, if you stalk my blog hard enough, you may be able to find the original goods!). They're fun. I think. I've worn them. It was fun. I'll post pictures. Okay.<br />
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So I hope you're all being snappy and snazzy and stupendous and all those other s-adjectives to make this alliteration thing super! I will talk to you all soon! Let me know what you think! Or don't. Like, I don't care. Pfft. (Praise me! Praise me!)<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">What is on your summer "to-do" list?</span></b><br />
<br />Lexy @ QUIRKY EXPLOSIONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16050109799618088177noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037721749611347313.post-64761107853223360412012-07-14T19:42:00.002-07:002012-07-24T19:21:37.543-07:00'11 leftovers 0.2<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hi guys! I have a fun idea. It's called "Let's continue the theme of last post." Sounds fun, right? RIGHT? Right!!! So let's get to it! Let's have fun! Let's continue the theme of last post!*</div>
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<i>*Let's pretend that last post had a "theme." And let's pretend that that "theme" was "Stuff I just didn't get around to posting last time around." </i></div>
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So here we go! In this addition of <b>"Stuff I Just Didn't Get Around To Posting Last Time Around" </b>(SIJDGATPLTA, if you will), I will be featuring a <b>Calendar</b>! How fun! I made this little lad for my parents' Christmas gift last year. It's about 9" x 12" and a product of blood, sweat, and tears (or, perhaps more accurately, lameness, love, and no life). It's not the most brilliant thing in the universe, but it did snatch up quite a handful of hours of my short life span and, for that, I thought it might be, you know, FUN! to share it. (Yes, the exclamation succeeding "fun" was totally, completely, and utterly necessary.) You also get a taste of other specimens that share the same blood as a creature as fabulous as myself. Super FUN! Enjoy?</div>
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(Also, side note, I promise I have more shenanigans to post. It's just that one of my most recent shenanigans is eating up a <i>faiiiir</i> bit of time and, consequently, taking away from all other shenanigans I have been meaning to post. You follow me, yeah?)</div>
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<b>January</b> -
the Family in Iceland last July. <i>National geographic, pen & ink</i></div>
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<b>February </b>- the Sibling and I doing an Etsy photoshoot. <i>Pen & ink, construction paper, tulle, fabric, pearls</i></div>
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<a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=m7dd3m" target="_blank"><img alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" src="http://i47.tinypic.com/m7dd3m.png" /></a> <b>March - </b>the Family in Iceland, <i>Markers, pen & ink, buttons, thread</i></div>
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<b>April</b> - the Sibling and I at a nearby park, <i>Pen & ink, foam to make 3d cut-outs</i></div>
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<a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=6f5uvl" target="_blank"><img alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" src="http://i50.tinypic.com/6f5uvl.png" /></a> <b>May - </b>the Sibling and I knitting, as we do, <i>Construction paper, pen & ink, plastic bag</i></div>
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<b>June - </b>the family and I at my prom (awww!), <i>Tissue paper, pen & ink, leather scraps from my prom dress</i></div>
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<a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=vczaps" target="_blank"><img alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" src="http://i47.tinypic.com/vczaps.png" /></a> <b>July - </b>My cousins and sibling and I in Guatemala, <i>Pen & ink, string, coloured pencils</i></div>
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<b>August - </b>My cousins on the other side of the family, <i>Construction paper, lined paper, white ink</i></div>
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<a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=2e49gt0" target="_blank"><img alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" src="http://i49.tinypic.com/2e49gt0.png" /></a> <b>September - </b>the Sibling and I frolicking with balloons in Iceland, <i>Plastic bags, construction paper, pen & ink, thread</i></div>
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<b>October </b>- the Sibling and I being posers around here, <i>Thread (sewed on background, as well), pen & ink</i></div>
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<a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=aoruo3" target="_blank"><img alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" src="http://i50.tinypic.com/aoruo3.png" /></a><b>November </b>- the Family in Iceland with black and white photos so it looks fancy, <i>Construction paper quilled up, Pen & ink</i></div>
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<b>December </b>- the Sister and I being posers on the first snow fall, <i>Marker, Pen & Ink</i></div>
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As you may know, I'm really into homemade gifts. Not only are they a lot cheaper, but they are all made from creativity and love and individuality and hey now! My mommy says I'm special! Hehe. But fo realz. I'm really into homemade and old school things, in general. And, unfortunately, I feel like it is all going on a severe decline and it makes me scared and sorry for future generations that may not understand the beauty of simplicity, and rather be obsessed with the mumbo-jumbo of "super cool" technology. If I ever have children (highly unlikely, but <i>if</i>), they will grow up reading from actual books with actual pages, writing letters with pens and papers and stamps and envelopes, sending boxes of chocolates to the door of the dearest lover, and giving they're beloved mother (that would be me!) gifts made with their bare hands and right brain cells. That's all! Have a snazzy day!</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>What's the best gift you have ever received? Given?</b></span></div>Lexy @ QUIRKY EXPLOSIONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16050109799618088177noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037721749611347313.post-84234908020362400492012-07-10T12:11:00.001-07:002012-07-10T12:14:43.187-07:00'11 leftovers<div style="text-align: justify;">
Ridiculously humid weather is inspiring less-than-creative outfits, except for maybe the desire to invent some sort of cute-wearable-popsicle-thing, or something, but I don't think that's possible, so I'm just walking around town naked. (Except for not really, because that's illegal, but that's far more cooler than the truth, which is that I'm just wearing dresses you've all seen before). Consequently, I'm doing this thing (because I'm so cool) where I try on clothes and plan out fall outfits because, as I said, I'm just <i>so</i> cool (hey now, I live in a small town! It's hot outside! Don't judge my lack of life!). Which reminded me of the fall, last year. And then I remembered that, hey ho, I have lots of outfits from fall, last year, that I never showed on my blog because I never took good pictures of 'em (holllla, photobooth!!!)</div>
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SO. Basically, that was a very boring and roundabout introduction to this post... <b>Narcisstic-Photos-I-Have-Of-Myself-Wearing-Clothes-I-Wore-Last-Fall-But-Never-Showed-You-Guys-Because-of-Its-Crappy-Quality</b>. I was thinking about hoarding these looks and wearing them next year but then I remembered that that would make me lame(r than I already am)... So, voila! Have... fun? </div>
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By the way, I know that the photo quality sucks (photobooth), the room is boring (at my grandma's house), and I look ridiculous (I always do). </div>
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<i>Some stylist from Milan or something complimented this outfit below, which is hilarious, but I also was wondering why she was shopping at Forever 21? I guess it's </i>for ever<i>y</i>one<i>? (Do you guys see my semi-play-on-words? Can you pretend I'm clever now? Do you like me now? Do you?)</i></div>
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<i>Someone asked me if I was going to a party when I was wearing this outfit... I never am. Never. #CanIBeCoolYet </i>
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<i>I wore this around Halloweentime. Someone asked me if I was in costume. I wasn't. Hahah.</i>
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<i>It was cold and I thought a double blazer was a clever way around wearing a jacket. I don't get it either.</i>..
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If you want to know specifics about what I'm specifically wearing... don't be shy! ask away! Though, I must warn you... there's a 90% chance that the answer will be "Value Village" or "Salvation Army" or "Second-Hand-in-General." Scratch that. 95% chance. </div>
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And, yes, I wore all these in real life. I really don't know what I'm thinking sometimes... Also, I think we should also applaud my narcissim, for this post would not happen without it. Clap clapppp!<br />
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I like to end my posts with relative inquiries, but since this post lacks much substance aside from my cam-whoring <i>(example of potential questions relating to this post... which outfit is your favourite? how cool is lexy on a scale of 1 to 10? how much does lexy need to get a life?</i>), I will ask you semi-generic questions that I'd genuinely like to know your answers to... <b><span style="font-size: x-large;">What is your favourite book, movie, and/or musician RIGHT THIS VERY SECOND?</span></b> Yep, I'm on a hunt for new books to read and movies to watch and music to listen to! Let me in on all the cool jamz yo! Thanks! You rock! Have a beautiful day! Yay!</div>
</div>Lexy @ QUIRKY EXPLOSIONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16050109799618088177noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037721749611347313.post-858864161577089642012-07-07T21:31:00.003-07:002012-07-07T21:38:21.339-07:00a drawing a day keeps the doctor away*<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hi friends! How's it going? That was a semi-rhetorical question, but you are more than welcomed to enlighten me on your well-being in the comments below. It would be an honour, really. Um. I don't really know what I am saying, but I've been doing this weird thing where I've been staying up until 4:30 am, watching Project Runway and painting (three nights in a row!), and I think the lack of normal sleeping pattern is catching up to me.</div>
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So I will just ~swiftly~ move on to introduce you guys to my... dun dun dun... <b>travel sketchbook</b>! Whilst traveling, it was my goal to do a "Drawing a Day," which was fairly ambitious, but I'm quite content to say that I (semi) completed said goal! <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Okay, I'll let you in on a secret... I pretty much completely gave up whilst in Europe, but hey ho! a drawing a day for four months in Morocco ain't too shabby!).</span> Below is a taster of some of my drawings. I hope you like them. If you do like them, you can even check out my <a href="http://itslexyland.tumblr.com/">tumblr</a> (woo, shameless self promotion!), which has been fairly poorly maintained and consequently remains only a taster of my drawings, but a better taster than the one presented below, so it's at least an improvement? Sure. And hey, if you <i>really</i> like them, then pop by to Canada and you can see them in real life! I will make you a nutella and orange sandwich in return for your efforts. I'm generous like that, you know. </div>
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*by the way, can I just point out my super witty title? Which is also the title of my <a href="http://itslexyland.tumblr.com/">tumblr</a>? Yeah, I'm clever. I play with my words. That's RIGHT. I think it's far more impressive than the actual sketchbook itself...</div>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_521547075">CLICKITY CLICK <b>HERE</b></a><a href="http://quirkyexplosion.blogspot.ca/2012/07/drawing-day-keeps-doctor-away.html#more"> FOR MORE WORDS AND PICTURES!</a> Hollaaaa!
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I hope you guys like them! If you liked them and want to see more, then head on over <a href="http://itslexyland.tumblr.com/">here</a>! <span style="font-size: x-small;">(I was attempting to go for some commercial "jargon," but I think I just sound desperate. Apologies. I am just not cool enough.)</span> They were fun to do - it's nice to keep creative juices flowing, especially since they all have their ideas and stories behind them! It's the kind of thing I foresee myself looking at when I'm old and gray and reminiscing on my carefree and adventurous youth. So hoorah!</div>
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Oh, and thank you oodles for your welcome back messages! They totally made me smile on the inside (and the outside, some of you guys...). I'm really pumped because I have lots of self-proposed projects and shenanigans that I will share soon. So... STAY TUNED. I hope I'm peaking your interest. Or something. </div>
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Have a glorious day! </div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">What are your hobbies?</span></b></div>Lexy @ QUIRKY EXPLOSIONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16050109799618088177noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037721749611347313.post-51169985952445176252012-07-04T21:56:00.004-07:002012-07-07T21:48:26.585-07:00fourth of july reference in title 'cuz it ain't gonna come up anywhere else<div style="text-align: justify;">
FIRST OUTFIT POST OF THE YEAR!!!!!!! WAHOOOOO!!!!</div>
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(Sorry for the obnoxiousness of the capital letters and exclamation marks, but I wanted to start this pivotal, life-changing moment with a real BANG!!!! Ya dig? No? Well, too bad. It's <i>my</i> blog. Mine, mine, MINE! No worries, kids. I'm still annoying/ just jokin' wit chaaa! tehehe.)</div>
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Fun story: my first day home marked one of the best days of the entire year. Yes, that's right, kids. This day, this glorious day, could only consist of one thing... VALUE VILLAGE'S 50% OFF SALE. When I received the email announcing this grand day (I'm a subscriber to VV's newsletter, obvz), I literally whooped in excitement. I thought to myself, "Yessss. This is a good omen for coming home. This makes my mundane town in Canada all okay." And it <i>was</i>.</div>
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I purchased da shirt and da overalls on said sale day. I'm absolutely in love with these overalls. They are probably one of the most unflattering items I own - it is ill-fitting, has a "mom" butt, and just generally makes me look like I'm a little boy in the 90s. I love it! Perhaps to compensate for the little boy aura of this outfit, I thought it'd be fun to wear some stripper heels/ clonkers just to, you know, go for "juxtaposition." Or something... Well, actually, I'm not really sure what vibe I was going for - perhaps some farmer boy porn star? - but it makes me happy! The overalls also reminds me of Phoebe Buffet - aka my favourite Friends character, aka another reason why they are so horrendously wonderful! </div>
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Whilst traveling for 5.5 months, I was determined to do the backpacking thing <i>right.</i> Consequently, I crammed all my clothes - along with other shenanigans, such as a whopping four guidebooks <span style="font-size: x-small;">(shhh... I mean, I was a free spirit and just went with the wind and wandered to random lands and never looked at those guidebooks, pshhhh....</span>) - in one backpack. Clothing-wise, this equated to one pair of pants, four long skirts (oh yeah, I had to be "Morocco friendly" aka rocked the "colourful nun" look <i>everywhere</i>... shuper shexy!), five shirts, one dress, one jean jacket and... yeah. <i>That's all</i>. As a maximalist-slash-I-just-love-dress-up-in-general this was, well, <b>really good</b> for me, actually. It was good to go through a style cleanse - as in, <i>no</i> style. Whatsoever. At all. I find that in Canada, there have been times that I have been concerned that I've been defined by my style. My style isn't who I am. Style shouldn't be who you are. It should be a reflection, a glimpse of who you are. Yet, there have been times where I have found myself feeling self-conscious, wondering if my style was been a <i>defining</i> characteristic of who I am, rather than merely a reflection. Like, maybe the only cool thing about me is the fact that I can stop traffic with my obnoxiously bright attire... </div>
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So it was good to go into foreign lands, where I was forced to meet people in relatively dull clothes that don't reflect me or my normal style at all. Generally speaking, whenever I walk out in drab clothes, I never feel like I'm representing myself well - I lose some confidence, I don't feel 100% <i>me</i>. But you know what? It was okay. Because we are MORE than our clothes, more than our style. It was really good for me to see that clothes don't define who I am, and people still saw me as joyous and bubbly and all those peppy things that colourful clothes generally elude towards and, more importantly, what I really am.</div>
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That being said, I really did miss my clothes. Not in a vain way. I know it sounds vain. And I don't mean that, at all. But I did miss the process of putting together a smashing - or a totally ridiculous farmer porn star - outfit together. The creative process, the self-expression, the dressing up. I realize that perhaps style means more to me than I initially thought, and I'm really grateful to be living in a country where there is freedom in dressing and self-expression. It's really nice to be able to play around and have fun again! But it's also nice knowing that I don't <i>need </i>wacky clothes to be myself! Aww!</div>
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<a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=x2rzo1" target="_blank"><img alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" src="http://i45.tinypic.com/x2rzo1.png" /></a> <i>(Shirt - Value Village $3, Overalls - Value Village $3, Necklace and bracelets - Nepal, Socks - homemade! my-mom-knit-them-because-she's-going-through-a-midlife-crisis-shhhh...), Shoes - Vintage $12)</i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b> Have you ever felt defined by your clothes? How does your style play into your confidence, personality, etc?</b></span></div>Lexy @ QUIRKY EXPLOSIONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16050109799618088177noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037721749611347313.post-24529980165684664152012-06-27T22:03:00.000-07:002012-06-27T22:14:31.128-07:00insert title here<div style="text-align: justify;">
ZOMGZZZZZ HIII LONG LOST FRIENDZZZZZZZZ!!!!!!!!! ZOOOOOOO0000mMMMGGggzzzZ!</div>
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Ahem. Deep breaths, Lexy. Channel your inner-civilized citizen. Please. PLEASE. </div>
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Ahem. So.</div>
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I've got a SURPRISE FOR YOU! How exciting! I wanted it to be a surprise, but I'm afraid I've potentially already given it away. <i>"Why?"</i> you ask, <i>"What could you have possibly given away?"</i></div>
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Well, long lost friends, I'll give you a second to think about that. Dig into your inner Nancy Drew-abilities. Dig <i>deep</i>. </div>
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Ho. Hum. Tick. Tock.</div>
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Hum. Ho. Tock. Tick.</div>
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Tick. Tock. Ho Hum.</div>
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BAM!</div>
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You got it! (Maybe.) My surprise is, "I AM BACK!" (This is the awkward moment when nobody even reads this post and I'm talking to long, lost, <i>imaginary</i> friends, and I'll end up just wallowing in the sadness of my interwebz lonerdome and eating copious amounts of cheetos and chocolate chips to compensate for my lack of real or virtual friendzzz. Or something. If you're reading this, please! Do show your existence so I can prevent obesity and heart attacks and stuff.) (Pff, who am I kidding? I'm still going to eat copious amounts of cheetos and chocolate chips and become obese and have a heart attack. #goyoungandhavinggoodmetabilism<i>fornow</i>dundundun)</div>
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But yes. It is true. I am home. After five and a half months. I am home. And it feels <i>good</i>. Real good. But also weird. Real, real weird.</div>
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In fact, I foresaw this post being miles and miles long because, hey! I've been gone for over five months! Seeing the world! I should be glabbering and jabbering and chitting and chatting! But, the thing is, it's all very weird. How do you summarize five months of adventures? Of experiences? Where do you even start?</div>
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I guess I'll try.</div>
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Over the past five and a half months, I've been taking <i>major</i> advantage my hard-earned minimum wage money (holllaaaa, forever 21!!!) and wandering the earth. The original plan was to be away for four months. But I just loved the world so much, I stayed an extra month and a half. (I'm really into the "going with my heart" thing.) I spent four months in the glorious country of Morocco - I spent three months volunteering with disabled kids and another month living in a village. Met amazing people and traveled around the beautiful country a lot (in fact, I experienced 17 out of 18 of Lonely Planet's <span style="font-size: x-small;">(note: the best guidebook EVER)</span> "Top 18 Experiences." Bam! I rock!) I spent another 6 weeks in Europe (Spain, France, Scotland, England, Ireland), via this amazing thing called <a href="http://www.couchsurfing.org/home">couchsurfing</a> (despite my love for fashion blogs, I must say that this site triumphs in awesomeness and earns the title of "the coolest thing about the internet, EVER." If you're into culture and the beauty of humans and life and things, <a href="http://www.couchsurfing.org/">check it out.</a>)</div>
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I've basically been seeing beautiful sites. Meeting amazing people. Living incredible experiences. I've watched the sunset over a forest of palm trees on the border of Algeria and Morocco. I've met a 72 year old man who, in his youth, hitch hiked from Egypt to South Africa. I've slept under a party of falling stars amongst an endless sea of 300 meter sand dunes. And so much more. It's amazing. I've been so lucky. So, so lucky.</div>
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As I come home, it's time for me to reflect - to let the blur of the past 5 months sink in and maybe translate into something meaningful, something I can carry with me in the pockets of my heart strings. <i>What have I experienced? What have I learned? How have I grown? What life lessons can I pass on to my hypothetical grandchildren? </i></div>
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Prior to leaving, I had no idea what to expect. None. In fact, I was even quite doubtful. In my first few days in Morocco - wandering on the streets in a country totally foreign to my own, hearing voices I couldn't even begin to comprehend, just being totally by myself in a foreign country - I thought to myself, <i>"Why did you come here, Lexy?! Why didn't you just stay in Canada? With your families, your friends, your lovely job? WHY?" </i>But then... that is the beauty. The amazing thing about traveling <i>is </i>the doubt, the unknown. You never know what is to come! Who you might meet! What beautiful things you might stumble upon! It's frightening, but amazing! </div>
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I had no idea of what I might encounter, experience. How I might change. I actually had this vision of me stumbling home with dreads and nose piercings and preachings about the world and epiphanies and life direction changes and "THIS is what we need to do, PEOPLE" speeches. And all that jazz. But no. No major epiphanies, no changes in my grand life scheme (whatever that is). Sorry, y'allz! </div>
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Rather, I'm coming home with a new collection of stories and memories and little lessons. I'm trying to find ways to articulate them, to translate them into my daily life. Lessons from the importance of saying 'yes,' to the fleeting nature of human connections and the need to cherish them, to the utter deliciousness of tea (who knew?). But I guess the main one is this: <b>LIVE YOUR LIFE</b>. If I'm going to be a person that walks around with dreads and nose piercings and preaching life philosophies (maybe next time!), this would be my mantra. <b>Just <i>live</i></b>. Yo.</div>
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I think the most valuable thing I've gained from the past five months is <i>perspective</i>. Seeing the world is so important because you become exposed to such a diversity of things - so many different people and cultures and experiences and sites... and then you realize that BAM! This - all this diversity - is just a SMIDGEN of the world. Just a wee lil' dot in the ginormous of the world. THERE IS SO MUCH OUT THERE. So much. And we are so LITTLE. So little. And when you equate that - the bigness of the world and the smallness of us - the conclusion is just like, "Well, gee. We're nothings."<br />
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It's a crazy thought. But rather than finding it scary, I find it very empowering. Seeing the world - all the different people, as well as just the HUGENESS of it all - makes me realize that I am really nothing and OF COURSE I just have to LIVE MY LIFE. We all do. We have to find the things that we love, the things that makes us illuminated, and do as much as we can to do it as much as we can! We have to try to connect with as many people as possible because life is about sharing and connecting and loving and inspiring! We have to live our lives because life is too damn short and we are just so damn small!</div>
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so... LIVE. Go with your gut, your heart. Become illuminated and spread that light, that passion, that joy. See and experience and absorb as much as you can. Open your eyes, your mind, your heart. Do it.</div>
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Anyways. I didn't mean to go all Oprah on you guys, but hey! There it is. A mini-essay on the past five and a half months of my life (or something). If you read all that... holla atchyaaaa boiiii! (I don't know what that means, but let's pretend it's a really cool reward and you rock.)</div>
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I didn't think I'd come back to this blog, to be honest, but... apparently I really do like you guys? Who knew? Hehe. Plus, now that I'm back in Canada, I've written a bunch of creative endeavors that I plan on endeavoring this summer to prevent boredom from lack-of-traveling/ the-only-thing-I-had-planned-at-home-was-to-get-my-license-and-find-a-job (argh!), and since I have no friends back here (kidding! kind of), I thought I might as well share my summer projects with creatures other than my mom and dog. So yeah! Stay tuned.</div>
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Live your life.</div>
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AND ENOUGH ABOUT ME. How have YOU been? What is the 411? What has everybody been up to? What is
the hot gossip? Tell me everything! What are you guys listening to?
What's the cool jams? (Mean Girls reference, wee.) But really. I'm mighty curious to know how all you beautiful people have been up to in 2012 thus far! I love hearing stories! :) <span style="font-size: large;"><b>What's new in 2012? What has been the most exciting thing? The most unexpected? The lesson learned?</b></span></div>
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I really hope that you're all doing brilliantly. I really do! I hope you have a wonderful day! And, yay! I'll see you all soon!</div>
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Weee!</div>
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Lexy :)</div>
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P.S. I know I talked a lot. In case you forgot, or maybe you're just a curious george, this what I look like... </div>
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<a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=1zbf0p4" target="_blank"><img alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" height="424" src="http://i50.tinypic.com/1zbf0p4.png" width="640" /></a>
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You know, just casually frolicking amongst the sand dunes in the
Sahara... as you do... Side note: I'll potentially post more pictures
from this voyage. I'm just currently in the process of sifting through,
ahem, 17 000+ photos and dwindling them down into Facebook albums is
proving to be challenging enough. But, I'll get them on the blog eventually because, you know, the more of me on the internet, the better? um... </div>Lexy @ QUIRKY EXPLOSIONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16050109799618088177noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037721749611347313.post-74284743678160116912012-01-24T05:13:00.000-08:002012-01-24T05:24:22.350-08:00so long.Hello, glorious human beings!!!!<br /><br />So... I know what you're thinking... "Oh, look. There's Lexy... She's done it again... Just left her blog. Abandoned. Rotting. All alone... Lazy bitch."<br /><br />Well. DO YOU KNOW WHAT I HAVE TO SAY TO THAT? HUH? DO YOU? You think you know me soooo well? Well, guess what? You don't. Yeah. That's right. YOU REALLY DON'T. For your information, I'm in Morocco right now! HAH! Sucker.<br /><br />*Audience (you) waits in silence, anticipating the usual "just kiddingz" to follow.*<br /><br />Except it won't. Be followed. With a just kidding. Because it's not a kidding. It's pure truth, babyyyy!<br /><br />Ahem. I don't know why I am being so awkward about this. Basically, hi. I am in Morocco. Surprise! If you remember my previous posts' elusiveness attempts... yeah... it was about that. In fact, I've been here for about two and a half weeks. And I'll be here for another two and a half months. And then I'll be in Europe for a month after. Surprise, surprise, surprise!<br /><br />When I decided to embark on the good ole "gap" year thang, this is exactly what I had in mind. Traveling and experiencing and exploring and living. I'm living with a Moroccan family, volunteering with kids, and exploring when I have a chance, it's scary and crazy and exciting and... an adventure, really!<br /><br />For all you beautiful strangers (but friends, all the same), thank you so much for joining me on the ride thus far in my life. But now, it's time for me to say "<span class="st">Ma as-salaamah" (Goodbye), as the next chapter of my life unfolds. I may be back in a few months... who knows? Life is crazy. Nothing goes as planned, especially when you're going with your heart. (Awww! Cheeseballs!)<br /><br />Life has been beautiful, but I still have so much to learn and experience and discover. I'm growing up! I don't know where I'll be in a month, a few months, a year... but I'll find out. I'll figure it out.<br /><br />Thank you so, so much for being there! Really. I can't imagine that it's much fun listening to the confused and incoherent rambling of an obnoxiously colourful teenager... but you've been there. Thank you. I hope all you're wildest dreams come true. I really do. Smile rainbows and love lots! Life is short. Shoot me an email sometime, yeah?<br /><br />Colourful kisses!<br />Lexy xxxxx<br /><br />P.S. Hey, it ain't over yet! Check out my mini trip blog and maybe even spread the word... <a href="http://itslexyland.tumblr.com">itslexyland.tumblr.com</a><br /></span>Lexy @ QUIRKY EXPLOSIONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16050109799618088177noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037721749611347313.post-69919720905138886042012-01-04T13:16:00.000-08:002012-01-04T13:26:06.018-08:00medicine is such a weird concept to me<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=66euxg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i43.tinypic.com/66euxg.png" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=hsvvop" target="_blank"><img src="http://i41.tinypic.com/hsvvop.png" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=2aj6m81" target="_blank"><img src="http://i44.tinypic.com/2aj6m81.png" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=k4whgz" target="_blank"><img src="http://i39.tinypic.com/k4whgz.png" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">(illustrations by me - pen & ink, watercolour)</span><br /><br />Half finished projects and I have a pretty strong relationship. A bond, if you will. As in, we are often found together. As in, we seem to always be attracted to one another. Like magnets. <span style="font-size:85%;">(Much like medicine, I find magnets rather peculiar... HOW DO THEY WORK?! dun dun dun!)</span> As in, yes, I started these illustrations 4evz ago and<span style="font-style: italic;"> just </span>finished them. As in, GO AWAY DON'T JUDGE ME. Ahem, enough of that...<br /><br />I've been having a wee bit of a creative block - my doodles are lacking character and jazz and poo poo. Nonetheless, I thought I'd share these little fellows that I've finally gotten around to pasting on backgrounds. As you, glorious friends, may know, my doodles tend to rock an underlying theme of <span style="font-style: italic;">"ugly" people in beautiful situations</span>. I don't know why I find that concept for romanticizing and whimsical and amazing. Likewise, my worlds are always filled with clouds and stars and rainbows... why not?<br /><br />Anyways, I'm hoping to doodle and draw and create more. It is good for the soul.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">What do you wish you did more of?</span></span><br />xoxo I will talk to you all soon... adventures are a' comin'... (ooh! cliffhanger!)<br /></div>Lexy @ QUIRKY EXPLOSIONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16050109799618088177noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037721749611347313.post-13615854445126643312012-01-02T09:04:00.000-08:002012-01-02T09:48:45.210-08:00excuse the selfies... i am just 2KEWL4U!!!!<div style="text-align: justify;">Insert generic message ringing in the new year.<br /><br />Yeah, sorry it's a tad late. You know me, I've been partying and partying and partying and then puking and then partying and then puking and then partying and then passing out and then being hungover... TYPICAL.<br /><br /><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=25tdt36" target="_blank"><img src="http://i39.tinypic.com/25tdt36.png" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Except for, you know... not. I had a handful of high school friends over for New Years and our night essentially consisted of wearing pjs, making pizzas, playing Apples to Apples, making party hats, watching <a href="http://tlc.discovery.com/videos/strange-sex-videos/">Strange Sex</a>, and general catch-ups. Considering the fact that I haven't seen most of these human beings since October or even June, it was nice to "reacquainted" and jazz. We are all dorks, so a dorky NYE was fitting. Don't judge! It was nice, brahhhh! YOU JEALZZ!!! A lot of the night, however, consisted of exchanges of university stories - both funny and <span style="font-style: italic;">are we seeeriously talking about meal plans or email set-ups or student cards for three hours?! </span>- where I sat in silence due to my decision to take the year off and my consequent inability to contribute. It was then that it all kind of just <span style="font-style: italic;">sunk in </span>- realizing how we are all on different paths - only a few months after graduation - and how we really do carry on in our different ways with different experiences and dreams and... yeah. Life goes on. It was just realizing... that.<br /><br /><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=4u9bh3" target="_blank"><img src="http://i41.tinypic.com/4u9bh3.png" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I think 2011 will be my year of "goodbyes." I haven't had many experiences in the "goodbye" department, so the whole graduating thing and then just quitting my job thing has really made me think about "goodbyes" and relationships and the nature of moving on. I know that this is just the first of many, but I guess 2011 will be the year of "my first of goodbyes." Or something. That being said, 2011 has been a spectacular year and I feel like I've experienced immense amounts of fear and joy and excitement over the past year. 2011 was filled with experiences and emotions I didn't foresee happening. Amazing.<br /><br /><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=16a1mab" target="_blank"><img src="http://i39.tinypic.com/16a1mab.png" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" /></a><br /><br />And now it's all, BAM! 2012! Say what! I have a good feeling about 2012. This year, for the first time in my entire existence, is filled with <span style="font-style: italic;">complete uncertainty</span>. I have a general outline for the year - but the details are <span style="font-style: italic;">completely </span>unknown. Completely. I don't know what kind of experiences I'll have, what kind of people I'll meet, what kind of challenges I'll have to overcome, what kind of person I'll be. It's completely, totally and utterly frightening... and exciting. I have a feeling that I'll look back on 2012 and think, "Wow, that was one hell of a year." Or, at least, I hope so. Mark my words: to a crazy year to come!<br /><br /><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=a9o02c" target="_blank"><img src="http://i39.tinypic.com/a9o02c.png" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I don't usually reflect that heavily on New Years. Often times, it is just, you know, ANOTHER FREAKING DAY AND TAKE A CHILL PILL, WORLD. But given the nature of my future, reflecting is just in my bones. (Oooh! Spooky! Mysterious! Oh my!) I'm not setting any concrete goals for the year. Instead I'll be ~realistic~ and ~grown-up~ and ~abstract~ and say that I hope to spend 2012 <span style="font-weight: bold;">learning</span>. Learning to take-risks, learning to love and love and love, and learning about myself. Life is a ginormous evolution and I feel like 2012 will be filled with growth. Oh, the joys of becoming a young adult...!<br /><br />Happy 2012, kiddoz! I hope you have a fantastic year with much adventure and love and growth and peace! Kisses!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=esmazk" target="_blank"><img src="http://i39.tinypic.com/esmazk.png" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" /></a><br /></div><span style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">How was your 2011? How was your new years? What are your 2012 hopes and dreams? </span></span>INFORM ME!<br /></div>Lexy @ QUIRKY EXPLOSIONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16050109799618088177noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037721749611347313.post-66219032277464216392011-12-29T23:04:00.000-08:002011-12-29T23:46:47.729-08:00word verifications on tinypic are now real words/ mini-sentences/ hilarious<div style="text-align: justify;">Here's an outfit I wore a jolly long time ago. Like, way back. Like, I KNOW I DON'T UPDATE MY BLOG ENOUGH SO GO AWAY. (But stay. You make me feel ~special~). Despite the length between present day and back-in-the-day-when-I-wore-this, I still remember the process clearly. I.e. I stared at the mirror approximately 189 times before I went out. (And, hey, I'm a narcissist (duh. exhibition: this blog.), but even <span style="font-style: italic;">that's </span>pushing it.) My palms were sweating, my heart was beating. "Is this too much?" I asked myself, bottom lip trembling in fear. However, I held my head high. My chest back. My feat stomping it. And <span style="font-style: italic;">to my utter surprise, </span>I had a surprisingly GLORIOUS FEEDBACK. This involved a "Girl, I love your SWAGGG" high five from a wonderful random on the street and an indirect lead towards a new job offer. WHAT WHATTTT. The moral of the story? Risk taking is glorious. The end.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=fjjfd4" target="_blank"><img src="http://i42.tinypic.com/fjjfd4.png" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=1zpnuqv" target="_blank"><img src="http://i41.tinypic.com/1zpnuqv.png" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" /></a><br /><br />By the way, this smashing sweater of mine (my cousin claims it could be an awesome "ugly sweater party" sweater, but <span style="font-style: italic;">I </span>enjoy it delightfully) now boasts a glorious story. Which goes by the name of a woman once offered to pay me $50, yes <span style="font-weight: bold;">$50</span>, for it. <span style="font-size:85%;">(Side note: considering it cost me a few coins from the kids section of dear ole' Value Village, an "um, fo shizzz" chimed in my head. Unfortunately, I was working and I'm fairly confident that "stripping down and selling personal attire" is a breach of contract. Or something. OH POLICIES ARE SO RESTRICTING AND SOCIETY WILL BURST INTO FLAMES ETC ETC.)</span><br /><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=2u5gwub" target="_blank"><img src="http://i43.tinypic.com/2u5gwub.png" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=e96o1i" target="_blank"><img style="width: 719px; height: 478px;" src="http://i40.tinypic.com/e96o1i.png" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=dgpdlv" target="_blank"><img src="http://i40.tinypic.com/dgpdlv.png" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Moving on from severely outdated stories and onto more relevant things... <span style="font-weight: bold;">Good-byes suck</span>. Today was my last day of work at f21. <span style="font-size:85%;">(This was due to incredible adventures happening in due time that will, surely, be talked - ahem, <span style="font-style: italic;">blogged - </span>about shortly.)</span> HOWEVER, yes. It was a last day. And it was sad. Where in the world did four months go?!?! I remember when I first landed a job??!!? What is this?!?!? I don't bid well with good-byes. I mean, I know we have the good ole "I'll keep up with you on Facebook" or "Post pictures and status updates" or the general crutch of modern-day connectivity... it's not the same. I know we'll "keep in touch," but human interaction is far more beautiful. It's sad because I find we don't realize how precious human beings and experiences and connectivity are until relationships begin to deteriorate or fade with time and life and that's-just-what-happens.<br /><br />Considering my alleged social-awkwardness, my ability to actually communicate with human beings and, like, make <span style="font-style: italic;">friends</span> (zomg!) has been, um, awesome. I feel so spiffy, being all, "Oh yes, hanging out with the coworkers after work." I have come to absolutely love my coworkers (they're the best!!!!) and I'm sad to be going. Oh, boo. Now let me start bawling my eyes out about next chapters and moving on and lost connections here, all over my computer, at good ole 2:47am. I don't even know how coherent I am at this time - after an 8 hour shift, MIGHT I ADD - and how my fingers are even managing to type words without that ungodly red squiggle underneath it. (I'm amazing, I suppose.)<br /><br />I guess, the moral of <span style="font-style: italic;">this </span>story, is just that: <span style="font-weight: bold;">good-byes suck</span>. I'm thankful for all the beautiful people I've gotten to meet. It has been a wonderful delight. I feel like coating this with more cheese, but I am sincere when I say that I've had an incredible last few months with awesome people. Kisses and hugs and I'll miss yas!<br /><br />Oh, life...<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">What are times when you've had to say "good-bye"?</span></span><br /><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=s5whlf" target="_blank"><img style="width: 721px; height: 479px;" src="http://i41.tinypic.com/s5whlf.png" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">(Jacket - Value Village $3.50, Sweater - Value Village $3, Shirt - Value Village $3, Pants - Vintage/ Iceland, Shoes - Salvation Army $7, Bow - Value Village $3)</span><br /></div>Lexy @ QUIRKY EXPLOSIONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16050109799618088177noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037721749611347313.post-77901146268384878462011-12-25T19:14:00.001-08:002011-12-25T23:40:47.637-08:00to spontaneous four hour skype sessions!<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;">They say that absence makes the heart grow fonder. Consequently, Y'ALLZ SHOULD LOVE ME. As I've been absent. For a sufficiently long time. And now? You appreciate me. Yeah. You're welcome. This wide gap of posting was <span style="font-style: italic;">not, </span>ahem - NOT, a result of sheer laziness or procrastination. Psh, no. This was a well-thought out, political blogging move. You know. I'm brilliant...<br /><br />I hope that you all have had a wonderful holiday season. I, myself, have. I'm a complete, total and utter holiday dork. I pass by window displays and clap like an idiot. I literally skipped home the other day when I saw about 2mm of snow on the ground! Heck, I even listen to Christmas carols at home. (AND I WORK IN RETAIL. They play that crap for all 8 hours of my shift.) So <span style="font-weight: bold;">MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL</span>! (That would be in red and green to <span style="font-style: italic;">emphasize </span>my <span style="font-style: italic;">love </span>for the <span style="font-style: italic;">holidays</span>. But let's face it, I'm a lazy blogger.)<br /><br />I've recently been waking up and just thinking to myself, "Wow. It's just amazing to exist." I've been feeling fairly nostalgic these days. It's something about Christmastime that makes you do that. It's like a tradition. I'm completely enthralled and scared by the speed in which life is whizzing by. My past four months in Toronto have been amazing - and ridiculously speedy. My eyeballs have seen much and I'm feeling very lucky to just BE ALIVE. Maybe it's naivety speaking to me?<br /><br />I have a lot on my mind. But it's all winking dreams and excitement and adventure. I want to wish on every star in the sky and send you all peace and love and harmony. I don't know what 2012 will be bringing, but I know that it is very exciting.<br /><br />I wish I could say that I'll be back to regular blogging, but I've been a busy bee. I have been spending lots of times with family and loved ones, and that's all I could ask for. I'm trying to learn how to exist with gratitude and energy and love because life is too short for anything but.<br /><br />I know this post is a little jumpy-pumpy, but I guess I just want to say this: I truly hope you are all have a beautiful holiday. I hope you are spending it with friends and family and yourself and taking the time to live and love. I hope you are happy to exist. We are very lucky creatures. The world is a beautiful place. Happy Holidays!<br /><br />P.S. Aside from, ahem, the strategic politics of my lack of posting (er?), another reason for the posting delay (you know, a subtle one) would be a result of CHRISTMAS GOODIES. I love anything crafty and figured my time off school would be a perfect time to indulge in some snipping and clipping and sending out itsy treasures to beautiful people I've gotten to know during my high school experience (ah, my youth...). Enjoy! I would send one to each and every one of you, if I could. There's something about handmade cards and carefully written letters and mailing that I wish existed more. So I was all, IMMA BRING 'ER BACK. What a leader!<br /></div><br /><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=jhwxs9" target="_blank"><img src="http://i44.tinypic.com/jhwxs9.png" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=262lhg0" target="_blank"><img src="http://i39.tinypic.com/262lhg0.png" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=spvqfb" target="_blank"><img src="http://i40.tinypic.com/spvqfb.png" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=2uykewx" target="_blank"><img src="http://i43.tinypic.com/2uykewx.png" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=10oln5j" target="_blank"><img src="http://i43.tinypic.com/10oln5j.png" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=vemz9j" target="_blank"><img src="http://i41.tinypic.com/vemz9j.png" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=5ui9uo" target="_blank"><img src="http://i43.tinypic.com/5ui9uo.png" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Happy Holidays, beautiful creatures!</span></span><br /><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=16c3nyg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i41.tinypic.com/16c3nyg.png" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" /></a></div>Lexy @ QUIRKY EXPLOSIONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16050109799618088177noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037721749611347313.post-30066255631666065582011-12-07T07:10:00.000-08:002011-12-07T18:53:34.499-08:00subway delays are no fun<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Welcome to another addition of <span style="font-style: italic;">OutfitsLexyWoreALongTimeAgoAndIsFinallyPostingThem </span>where we celebrate Lexy's inability to post on time! Ever! Procrastination! Boo yeah! That's right! She's just popped out of the womb as a keen high school student and has graduated onto merely being a sufficient and adequate and lackluster individual! (Except for not really, because if Lexy were lackluster, how did she receive Forever 21's Employee of the Month? Har, har. BRAGGG BRAHHH.)<br /></div><br /><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=34zhxm9" target="_blank"><img src="http://i41.tinypic.com/34zhxm9.png" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=jq73v4" target="_blank"><img style="width: 718px; height: 477px;" src="http://i44.tinypic.com/jq73v4.png" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I call this my "teacher" look because BAM! look at that MATURITY. I'm just RADIATING grown-up-ness. Which is appropriate... because it's my last week of being 17! EEEK. Yes, my birthday is in less than a week. Which means I really need to tick off some major defining and illegal and criminal moments ay-sap - i.e. killing a creature - before this week comes to end, otherwise adult records aren't as forgiving as jeuvie ones. If anyone has suggestions for how-to-rebel-and-bend-the-law-before-I-am-legally-an-adult, I would very much appreciate your suggestions! (I kid, I kid. This is me thinking I am being <span style="font-style: italic;">sly </span>and <span style="font-style: italic;">clever </span>and <span style="font-style: italic;">facetious.</span>)<br /><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=qydbfp" target="_blank"><img src="http://i42.tinypic.com/qydbfp.png" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=24xgca9" target="_blank"><img style="width: 717px; height: 478px;" src="http://i39.tinypic.com/24xgca9.png" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=35a1wjo" target="_blank"><img src="http://i39.tinypic.com/35a1wjo.png" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">(Trench - Value Village $7, Shirt - Value Village $3, Skirt - Vintage $5, Shoes - Vintage $35, Scarf - Gift, Belt - Thrifted $1)</span><br /><br />As par tradition, I will undergo the usual Birthday festivities - i.e. none. But, this got me thinking, if I were to ring in the big 1-8 with style <span style="font-size:85%;">(sorry, I don't know why I said that so cheesily/ attempting to be a cool mom-y type of way)</span>, What would Lexy do? Thus, world, welcome to my dream party because I'm 17 and young and can still tap into my inner dreams! And stuff. What is wrong with me? Anyways. It would go something like...<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Hello dearest friends and family! Welcome to Lexy's birthday party! I know it's cold and winter-y, but at this party, it is sunny and warm! We're all in a park! With big trees and open fields and no one in sight, but us! And we're all dressed up! But not in the generic tight clubwear <span style="font-size:85%;">(the amount of tight, shiny, sparkly dresses at work that </span></span><span style="font-size:85%;">actually sell</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;"> never seizes to amaze me)</span>. We're talking girls in beautiful vintage dresses, complete with big hats and gloves and stockings. And boys in suspenders and bow ties because OMG THEY ARE AMAZING. (Seriously, if I were a boy, that would be my attire errrday. It just makes things better. Why don't they SEE that?!) There would be live music. Maybe some sort of old school, jazz stuff. So we could all do some cheesy bopping around. Which would be fun, as we'd all be fancy shmancy and crinoline-d out. Everyone would be responsible for bringing either a craft or a board game because those are the two funnest and most underrated/ ignored experiences of being a human being. We'd be creative and old school for hours and hours, and it would be wonderful. (Cell phones would be </span><span>strictly <span style="font-style: italic;">prohibited.) </span></span><span style="font-style: italic;">And we'd eat ice cream cake from Dairy Queen. At night time, we'd light candles and look at stars and talk about dreams. It would be beautiful... </span><br /><br /><span>The end. I hope you have a fantastic week, folks! I really can't get over how quickly time ticks by. </span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span>Last week of being 17? I'm COMING to GET YOU!<br /><br /><span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">What would be YOUR dream birthday party?</span></span></span></span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=2wppfv6" target="_blank"><img style="width: 713px; height: 479px;" src="http://i44.tinypic.com/2wppfv6.png" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=5km3vl" target="_blank"><img style="width: 711px; height: 471px;" src="http://i43.tinypic.com/5km3vl.png" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" /></a></div>Lexy @ QUIRKY EXPLOSIONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16050109799618088177noreply@blogger.com39tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037721749611347313.post-58981128114777742902011-11-29T12:39:00.000-08:002011-11-29T22:06:35.380-08:00nibs are yummy<div style="text-align: justify;">Dearest friends of the world wide web,<br /><br />In conclusion, I suck. Now that we've moved passed that awkward confrontation of <span style="font-style: italic;">holy-moly-its-the-freaking-last-day-of-the-month-and-i-haven't-posted-in-weeks</span>, we can move on to more productive things. Like clothing attire. OMG EXCITEMENT ENSUES AS IT'S LIKE NOTHING'S EVER CHANGED YEEEHAWWWW GOODTIMEZ.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=sy7al4" target="_blank"><img src="http://i40.tinypic.com/sy7al4.png" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=2m804fb" target="_blank"><img src="http://i43.tinypic.com/2m804fb.png" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Evidently, these photos were taken awhile back, as made clear by things like LEAVES. I actually had a mini-heart-attack this morning when I realized it was the end of the month ALREADY. Time is a flyin', we are a livin', things are a happenin', what am i a sayin'?! <span style="font-style: italic;"> </span>And speaking of the end of the month and general redundancy, aw shucks, I have to drop another $99 on a December <a href="http://www3.ttc.ca/Fares_and_passes/Passes/Metropass/index.jsp">Metropass</a>. <span style="font-size:85%;">(Fun fact: I make my Grandma buy my Metropass because she has a handy advantage called "senior discount." There <span style="font-style: italic;">is </span>a student discount, but I'm not in school/ a student right now. Consequently, I'm BRINGIN' OUT THE GRANDMA. Using a senior discount when I'm not a senior? Going against the system? YOU KNOW IT BRAH. Because I live on the EDGE like that. Because I'm a REBEL like that. Because YOU BETTER WATCH OUT. (You better not cry! You better not pout, I'm telling you why! Lalal. I don't care what people say, I freaking LOVE Christmas music.))</span><br /><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=wgt0qt" target="_blank"><img src="http://i44.tinypic.com/wgt0qt.png" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=358b1a9" target="_blank"><img src="http://i44.tinypic.com/358b1a9.png" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" /></a><br /><br />As I posted this, I remembered that a lovely woman photographed me in this outfit and BAM! I <a href="http://www.forestcityfashionista.com/2011/11/cheerful-colour-blocking.html">came across it</a>. I don't know how I <span style="font-style: italic;">just </span>remembered that I was photographed, because I'm fairly certain that it blasted my smile and my ego about 718 degrees higher that day. But then again, you know, I'm used to it. I'm like a celebrity. BOW TO ME BITCHEZ. (I kid you, I kid you! I will use my celebrity powers (i.e. being on, like, three blogs and a twitter) to merely date Joseph Gordon Levitt and adopt babies with trendy names.)<br /><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=14bnn90" target="_blank"><img src="http://i41.tinypic.com/14bnn90.png" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">(Jumpsuit - Vintage $5, Blazer - Value Village $4, Denim Shirt - Mum's from the 90s, Bracelets - H&M, Shoes - Vintage $34, Headband - Value Village $3)</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">On a completely different note, I've recently been having a bit of money struggles. Not in the sense of lack of money - but in the contrary. I know it's ~tacky~ to talk about money, but I'm a ~tacky~ one, so I'm just going with what I got! Frankly, I'm a lucky girl. It's not like my family is farting dollar bills or throwing change in garbage cans <span style="font-size:85%;">(Daniel Meade, that means you! Ugly Betty reference that no one will get because that show ended, like, 6 years ago. Yup, I'm still obsessed)</span>. But, yes, I have been incredibly lucky growing up. My family isn't, like, ~loaded~, but I have been really fortunate to have really incredible opportunities - such as an amazing education and travel experience - that I know a lot of people don't have. And sometimes I feel guilty.<br /><br />I'm working with people that are paying for their own rent, their own university tuition. While I'm obviously not going to be financially dependent on my parents for my entire existence, I know that they would be willing to help me out to ensure that I get the education or the opportunities I need for personal growth. And sometimes I feel guilty. My parents work hard. They both came from low class families and worked hard and continue to work hard to provide for me and my sister. But it's like, <span style="font-style: italic;">What did we do to deserve this? Why are people my age fighting for things like education or a home? Things that I've generally taken for granted? Why do </span>I<span style="font-style: italic;"> get this lifestyle?</span> And sometimes I feel guilty.<br /><br />I find myself trying to compensate for my fortunate upbringing by trying to help others. I try to volunteer or feed the homeless or do anything that I can do because I <span style="font-style: italic;">can do it. </span>I can definitely attest to my parents for ingraining the value of money and the importance of helping others in my mind. But still. I work hard, and I will always work hard, but I also know that my parents are able to support my dreams - education, traveling - financially, which is a definite luxury and I feel incredibly lucky but also incredibly torn. Because <span style="font-style: italic;">WHY? Why do I deserve this?! Why do I get this luxury? </span>And I know that I'm a good person and I'm not a spoiled brat and I don't take my things for granted, but I also know that I have and I've had a lot of things and opportunities and experiences that people my age simply don't have because $dollaz$ don't grow on trees.<br /><br />I've always been aware of the discrepancy between our Western lifestyle and one in a developing country, but I'm also becoming more aware of the discrepancy between my <span style="font-style: italic;">own </span>upbringing and that of many other youth. It's just this bizarre battle between gratitude and guilt, intertwined with questions of <span style="font-style: italic;">why?</span><br /><br />That's all.<br /><br />PHEW. This actually took a lot of time to write because my mind has been rumbling and mumbling and broiling and battling and I know that it's an uncomfortable or sensitive or controversial topic. I didn't know whether to post this. But guess what I did? Yeah, I posted it. Obviously. You are reading this. Duh!<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">THOUGHTS? What kind of financial upbringing did you have? How has it affected you?</span></span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=rgvxci" target="_blank"><img style="width: 714px; height: 473px;" src="http://i40.tinypic.com/rgvxci.png" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Ahem, so until next time! (Let's be frank, WHO KNOWS WHEN THAT WILL BE?!) I hope you all have a really splendid day/ week/ life in the meantime! Hugs and kisses!</div>Lexy @ QUIRKY EXPLOSIONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16050109799618088177noreply@blogger.com37tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037721749611347313.post-19056553792218417312011-11-16T08:02:00.000-08:002011-11-16T08:50:41.113-08:0013-year-old "couples" are hilarious.<div style="text-align: justify;">Dear friends! Howdy, hello, you know the drill! I was mentally scrummaging through old photos - MAN THERE ARE A MULTITUDE - and I figured it was time to post. And the rest was history... Not really. But I'm posting now. Because I have a lot of pictures to post. <span style="font-size:85%;">(And so the circle of Lexy's rambles begin...)</span> Particularly since this number boasts BARE legs, a concept that has been struck foreign due to blistering winds and chilly weather and general <span style="font-style: italic;">winterisaroundthecorner</span>ness. I.e. Yeah, welcome to an outfit that was worn awhile back! Hip hip hooray! But whatevz, brah. Vintage is <span style="font-style: italic;">in. </span>Or something. Okay, awkward-ness still exists, so I'll just power on...<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=14kva60" target="_blank"><img src="http://i39.tinypic.com/14kva60.png" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=oh4y81" target="_blank"><img src="http://i41.tinypic.com/oh4y81.png" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" /></a><br /><br />As you, dear stalkers - ahem, regular readers (LUV U), are well aware (i.e. refer to, um, every outfit post, pretty much), I have the tendency to overwear these dear flowers. As in every day. As in, "Wow, Lexy, you really like those flowers" - voice in my head<span style="font-size:85%;"> (I wanted to write <span style="font-style: italic;">coworker </span>because it seemed like a plausible comment. At last, by magic, no one has ever made that comment and I didn't want to be a LIAR to you folks)</span>. Story time, children. Once upon a time, I was walking downtown and realized that the turquoise one was missing. I was a little gloomy. Sad face. The end. THAT'S RIGHT. My dear collection has been dwindled down, but I have my fingers crossed that maybe a small child or a wondering soul or maybe even a homeless man has found it is doing something wonderful and creative with it. Hip hip hooray for lost treasures being found? PLEASE?<br /><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=ejza6b" target="_blank"><img src="http://i39.tinypic.com/ejza6b.png" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=28k5068" target="_blank"><img src="http://i40.tinypic.com/28k5068.png" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Not much is going on over at this end. Or, on the contrary, much is going on over at this end, but not much worth droning on and on and <span style="font-style: italic;">onnnnn </span>about. I've recently been thinking about relationships and chemistry and what kind of people I'm generally compatible with. I find myself more <span style="font-style: italic;">hip-hip-hooray-yadda-yadddaaa </span>around more mild/ timid people, and I'm more mild/ timid around really outspoken/ loud people. I DON'T KNOW, whhadddup with that? My personality can certainly be quite bi-polar and extremist in that sense. I also do not gel well with people that whine. It's something to do with my obnoxious peppy-ness that doesn't seem to vibe well with negative thoughts. (Seriously. The most commonly used word in the Dictionary of Lexy's life is "Yay." I am a five year old, really.) I guess I'm just like, you know, a lost soul trying to find my tribe. I probably never will, just because I just said, "I'm a lost soul trying to find my tribe." Who says that? Besides 80-year-old hippies on acid? Are they my tribe? Should I Kijiji that shizzz? WHAT IS HAPPENING TO ME? I need to eat breakfast. Peace owwwt, lovely people. Peace.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">What kind of people do YOU generally get along with?</span></span><br /><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=2448ivn" target="_blank"><img style="width: 722px; height: 480px;" src="http://i39.tinypic.com/2448ivn.png" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">(Dress - Vintage $5, Shirt - Thailand, Broaches - Nepal, Belt - Thrifted $1, Socks - Dollarama $0.50, Shoes - Salvation Army $7)</span><br /></div>Lexy @ QUIRKY EXPLOSIONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16050109799618088177noreply@blogger.com46tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037721749611347313.post-34792739594016179532011-11-11T07:01:00.000-08:002011-11-11T07:28:44.263-08:00christmas decorations in november are ridiculous. (but secretly make me extremely joyous)<div style="text-align: justify;">Hello friends!!!! Today is sunny. I'm going to make a super speedy post so I can get a dose of that sparkling goodness, before shimmying my way to work for a closing shift. Hip hip hooray! I'll be frank (but in an elusive, clever, somewhat mysterious-can-you-solve-the-puzzle?-oooooh-way) (perhaps defeating the whole "being frank" thing, but I've always liked that as a bold transition/ sentence starter): you know how, back in the day (read: September), I boldly proclaimed a <a href="http://quirkyexplosion.blogspot.com/2011/09/that-aint-no-etch-and-sketch-this-is.html">drawing a day</a> goal? And you know how I'm, like, not the most prompt with posting? BAM! This post in a conversion of these two elements. A fusion, if you will. Simply said, here are some-not-so-prompt-postings-of-pictures-painted-in-Ptember. (By "painted," I mean "drawn." And by "Ptember," I mean "September." There was this alliteration thing going on and I didn't want to ruin the rhythm. You know it, brah!!!)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=mcq3c5" target="_blank"><img style="width: 720px; height: 484px;" src="http://i43.tinypic.com/mcq3c5.png" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=10wl0jl" target="_blank"><img style="width: 722px; height: 368px;" src="http://i42.tinypic.com/10wl0jl.png" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=dzfm7d" target="_blank"><img style="width: 721px; height: 409px;" src="http://i42.tinypic.com/dzfm7d.png" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=155gnbs" target="_blank"><img style="width: 721px; height: 346px;" src="http://i39.tinypic.com/155gnbs.png" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=b64olc" target="_blank"><img src="http://i42.tinypic.com/b64olc.png" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />Skimming through these doodles, I see that there's a major "star" motif going on in my drawings (pfft, stars. What self-obsessive drawing-whores!) Fact: I'm a huge sucker for stars. In short, THEY ARE ONE OF MY FAVOURITE THINGS EVER. I love looking up in the universe and just realizing how <span style="font-style: italic;">fucking insignificant we are. </span>But not in a, "ZOMG I'M INSIGNIFICANT" kind of way, but more of a "ZOMG I'M INSIGNIFICANT SO I MAY AS WELL DO WHAT I WANT IN LIFE" kind of way. I <span style="font-style: italic;">love</span> that feeling. I find it very empowering. To me, there is absolutely no doubt in my mind that there are other worlds out there. It'd be almost selfish to think elsewise. We have our own star (the sun) and our own galaxy. But looking at all the stars out there, it's like, "Bam! There are a billion of stars, that are probably suns, that have their own galaxy, with their own beautiful moments and creatures and whatttt?" One of my favourite memories of my entire life is being on a mountain in Nepal and the entire sky was twinkling like... I can't even describe it. I couldn't stop pinching myself, asking, "Is this real life?!" My two friends and I just camped out in our sleeping bags and talked about life and existing and, seriously, such a beautiful moment. We basically concluded that life was short and we should do what we love.<br /><br />Also, when I was little, there was nothing more I wanted than to have a star of my own. Seriously. I honestly believed that I could pluck a star from the sky and keep it in my closet. I had a vision that, in the middle of the night - when I couldn't sleep, after a nighmare, or just <span style="font-style: italic;">because </span>- I would open my closet and light would <span style="font-style: italic;">radiate</span> from a fish tank that carried a star. Every year, I am more and more disappointed that this cannot be true...<br /><br />Anyways. What a spontaneous, blabby post! I fully intended to have an awkward blurb (refer to: awkward blurb at beginning of post) and then a "Have a beautiful day xxx!" to end it. So I guess we've reached that point.<br /><br />Have a beautiful day! Smile to strangers! xxxx<br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tell me about a magical moment in your life! </span></span><br /></div>Lexy @ QUIRKY EXPLOSIONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16050109799618088177noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037721749611347313.post-17397266308210849882011-11-03T18:49:00.000-07:002011-11-03T19:45:24.760-07:00if you are looking for a sign to clean your room then THIS IS IT<div style="text-align: justify;">I've just completed cleaning my room and my satisfactory level has increased EXPONENTIALLY. Looking around at my CLEAN vacuumed floor and CLEAN neat shelves and CLEAN straight closet simply makes me feel GLORIOUS. Like I'm, you know, THE QUEEN OF THE WORLD. NO BIG FREAKING DEAL. Oh, and, just by the way, can you tell that I have no life? Whatsoever? Whatever. You make fun of me. I'm just basking in the cleanliness of my clean room SHBAM. Hear that? It's the sound of ENVY. Your envy.<br /><br />And no, I'm not posting pictures of my room or anything. That snidbit was way irrelevant. I'm just bragging so you guys remember just how ~awesome~ and ~beyondcool~ I am. Obviously. What I <span style="font-style: italic;">am </span>posting (smooth transition, you dig?!) are outfit shots! HOORAY! I wore this outfit awhile back, but posting is occurring now. I'm prompt like that. <span style="font-size:85%;">(Sorry!!!)</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=wjzztz" target="_blank"><img src="http://i39.tinypic.com/wjzztz.png" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=102rozc" target="_blank"><img src="http://i44.tinypic.com/102rozc.png" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" /></a><br /><br />There's something about this obnoxious combination of patterns that reminds me of kaleidoscopes. (Can we please just take a second to praise the KALEIDOSOCOPES?! They're freaking genius. A simple idea, yet HOURS of joy. Nope, just me?) I guess you could say that I'm satisfied with this connection.<br /><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=289anwo" target="_blank"><img src="http://i39.tinypic.com/289anwo.png" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I'm obsessed with rainbow nails. THEY COMPLIMENT MY OUTFITS SO WELL HOLY MOLY I FREAK OUT EVERY TIME. I'm such a five year old at heart, it's borderline a problem. Borderline. Give it a five years when I'm beginning a "real" career and becoming a "real" adult and my finger nails are still every freaking colour of the rainbow. I'm <span style="font-style: italic;">so </span>going to be one of "those" grown-ups. (You know, like Ms. Frizzle. I loved her.)<br /><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=o6bedc" target="_blank"><img src="http://i40.tinypic.com/o6bedc.png" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Today was a good day. I was sitting on the subway, smiling to myself. I have the tendency to do that. Just smile at myself. Like I'm a pedophile. Smiling at children. Small children. BUT I'M NOT!!!! PINKY PROMISE!!! Ahem. So now that we've determined that I was smiling to myself, yet I am not a pedophile, I will continue with my (not so) remarkable story. I was smiling at myself because today was a good day. Why? I'm not entirely sure. In theory, it really shouldn't have been: it consisted of waking up early after little sleep (the whole closing-shift-and-opening-shift-the-next-day-and-one-hour-commute is not an appealing combination, TRUST ME) to a seven hour shift and no evening plans. And that's essentially all that happened. <span style="font-size:85%;">(Of course, we later found out that cleaning my room was on the agenda, which simply elevated the whole "good day" thing.) (We get it; I HAVE NO LIFE.)</span> It was a friendly day, chatting to costumers, and running around, and it was fun. I've really realized how much happiness <span style="font-style: italic;">is </span>in our control. I woke up thinking, "You know what? I'm going to have a good day" AND I DID. Magic! It could have been grumpy and grouchy and long, but I decided to turn into a cheery little muffin top and the day passed by! WOOHOO!<br /><br />As I was basking in the goodness of the day, I thought to myself, "You know, it's the outlook that determines the outcome." I really thought I was getting at something. Heck, the words "future" and "Oprah" came to mind! THE OUTLOOK DETERMINES THE OUTCOME. Lexy, you're brilliant! I was going to preach my genius new proverb on the blog when I thought, "Ho hum, perhaps I should Google it in case of some-other-genius-already-said-this-profound-saying-before-me." Turns out, someone did. I guess my brilliance just transcends through the ages. WHATS UP WITH DAT?! Nonetheless, I completely believe that an obnoxiously positive and optimistic attitude is - perhaps naive - but totally the way to go! Negative thoughts do no good. The other day, a woman was bitching about the lateness of the bus and I just thought to myself, "Well, golly, woman. Your bitching ain't going to make the bus come any faster!"<br /><br />In conclusion, be obnoxiously chipper. It's fun. Life is too short to dwell on things beyond your control and to be a grumpy grey cloud. xoxoxo TILL NEXT TIME.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">What are your happiness philosophies? Would you say that you are a "happy" person?</span></span><br /><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=1z4yd93" target="_blank"><img src="http://i42.tinypic.com/1z4yd93.png" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=1531dtc" target="_blank"><img src="http://i40.tinypic.com/1531dtc.png" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">(Blazer - Value Village $3.50, Shirt - Value Village $3.50, Skirt - Value Village $5, Shoes - Vintage $15, Broaches - Nepal, Hair bow - Vintage $3, Rainbow nails - Visit to Shoppers Drugmart and pretending to test out their different colours $free) </span><br /></div>Lexy @ QUIRKY EXPLOSIONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16050109799618088177noreply@blogger.com52tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037721749611347313.post-2239930334836903562011-10-30T19:51:00.000-07:002011-10-30T20:44:59.385-07:00polka dots make me happy<div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;">Hello friends of the internet, meet the new inspirational collages on the wall of my room at my grandma's home. Hello new inspirational collages on the wall of my room at my grandma's home, meet my friends of the internet. AW LOOK AT THIS CONNECTION SUCH A BEAUTIFUL FUTURISTIC MOMENT EEK SQUEAL TIMEZZZ.<br /><br />Um. Anyways. As made obvious by that unawkward and <span style="font-style: italic;">totally</span> natural encounter, here are some new collages. That are inspirational. That are in my room. At my grandmas. The end.<br /><br /><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=10mra60" target="_blank"><img src="http://i41.tinypic.com/10mra60.png" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" /></a><br /><br />1. <span style="font-style: italic;">"Don't ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive and go do it because what the world needs is people who have come alive." - Howard Thurman. </span>Many virtual high fives and possibly even a McFlurry to the supremely smashing <a href="http://justtakeabow.blogspot.com/">Sarah</a> (check out that amazing alliteration?!) for introducing me to this quote. I am now obsessed. JEEZ THANKS. I mean, really, thanks. I love it. It makes me feel good and optimistic and feeling good and optimistic is always GOOD... and optimistic. I need to stop. I find that I'm always writing in roundabouts on this blog thing... But really, people who are <span style="font-style: italic;">alive </span>have a special aura that we should all try to obtain and radiate. It's beautiful.<br /><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=dy6dso" target="_blank"><img src="http://i40.tinypic.com/dy6dso.png" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=fdyi4h" target="_blank"><img src="http://i39.tinypic.com/fdyi4h.png" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" /></a><br /><br />2. <span style="font-style: italic;">"I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy. I can choose which it shall be. Yesterday is dead, tomorrow hasn't arrived yet. I have one day, today, and I'm going to be happy in it." - Groucho Marx. </span>I've posted this. Multiple times. I think we can conclude that I love this quote. It just encapsulates life. This was my motto for the entirety of my senior year and GUESS WHAT? Yeah, that's right. I'M BRINGING IT BACK BAYBAY.<br /><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=2m7u1zc" target="_blank"><img src="http://i41.tinypic.com/2m7u1zc.png" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=eq18c5" target="_blank"><img src="http://i39.tinypic.com/eq18c5.png" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">(Collages by me. Made from various materials. By "various" I mean National Geographics. And threads. And pens. That is all.)</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">So yeah. There we go! Collages! Hooray! Hip! Hip! Hooray!<br /><br />Aw, geesh! Have I overused exclamation marks AGAIN?! Oh, I must be in a good mood today! OH WAIT. You are just way to freaking intelligent, girrrrl! (Um, did I just talk to myself? By saying "freaking intelligent"? And "girrrl"? This is getting awkward...) Um, as I was saying, I <span style="font-style: italic;">am </span>in a good mood today!!!!! <span style="font-size:85%;">(extra exclamation marks to detract from awkwardness of post thus far) </span>Why? Because I just had the most fabulous afternoon that I just want to snip out of my life and linger in for a few hours longer PERHAPS. Guess what I did?! I spent three hours watching paint dry! OH SNAP I FOOLED YOU. (This is a sneaky tactic on my part. By introducing you to a "lame" or "cliche" option, any other alternative is relatively "cooler" and, consequently, my afternoon automatically sounds awesome. I'm clever like that.) <span style="font-size:85%;">(It's like in that Lizzie McGuire episode when Matt tried to buy some sort of scooter or something and he started off by listing more expensive items to his parentals so the scooter or something ended up looking relatively cheaper, DOES ANYONE KNOW WHAT I AM REFERENCING? Lenny, his silent friend, was involved in that episode. Oh gosh, I will smooch you on the lips if you understand what I supposedly think is really important to reference and include and just pretend it is YEAH.)</span><br /><br />ANYWAYS, my awesome afternoon consisted of going to the <a href="http://www.kensington-market.ca/Default.asp?id=1&l=1">Kensington Market</a> (a neighbourhood with amazing vintage shops and bohemian hippie vibes in Toronto) on <a href="http://www.pskensington.ca/">PEDESTRIAN SUNDAY</a>. This is probably the best idea I've ever encountered in the existence of the universe. It's the basic equation of really good looking and <span style="font-style: italic;">individual</span> people + vintage shops + cafes + creativity and dancing and live music and costumes and free roaming on the streets and OH MY I COULD NOT CONTAIN MYSELF. (Literally. They had this amazing band <span style="font-size:85%;">(seriously, the term "band" doesn't even cover the awesomeness of this ____'s music) </span>and I turned into one of those freaks in bright colours dancing by myself like a lunatic. But the POINT is, there were other freaks in bright colours dancing by themselves like a lunatic and THAT is why this day was awesome.) Anyways, I think my smiles surpassed normalcy today and that's a good thing. I wish we had more days of freedom and individuality and expression and creativity and love. It was basically like a pigment extracted from my perfect world. Seriously, so many moments of "IS THIS REAL LIFE?" That's the best. (And I should have taken pictures. But I didn't. Yeah, I suck, get over it, etc. Just Google it. Or <a href="http://www.bing.com/">Bing!</a> it. As my dad says. Who uses Bing!? My dad. That is all.)<br /><br />ANYWAYS I HOPE YOU ALL HAVE A SMASHING WEEK AND HAD A SMASHING WEEKEND AND YEAH YOU'RE ALL BEAUTIFUL CREATURES. (Disregard all the caps. I know they hurt your eyes. I'm just to lazy too retype all that again in itsy letters/ proper grammar. Irony: my exclamation is about 2.32 times longer than that sentence I could have easily retyped but didn't because I'm too lazy to, yet I am typing this ridiculously long exclamation and SERIOUSLY WHY AM I STILL SPEAKING?) yeah, xoxo.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">What has been a <span style="font-style: italic;">recent</span> highlight in your lifetime?</span></span><br /></div></div>Lexy @ QUIRKY EXPLOSIONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16050109799618088177noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037721749611347313.post-22206784092310319742011-10-23T19:25:00.000-07:002011-10-23T20:26:27.933-07:00of course i wish on 11:11<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;">It's been over a week. I get it, okay? I suck and let's move on. Oh, but before I move on, I may as well sputter my excuse. Trust me, it's a good one: ahem, I've been <span style="font-style: italic;">wayyy</span> too busy attending multiple high class fashion parties filled with sparkling champagne and hobnobbing with exquisite guests. Yeah. I'm a fancy girl. NO BIG D. Oh, and, um, just as a side note, by "multiple" I mean "one." And by "fashion parties" I mean "high school reunion." And by "sparkling champagne" I mean "water." And by "hobnobbing" I mean "catching up." And by "exquisite guests" I mean "ex-classmates and teachers." But you know. Surely, the principle is still there? Glamorous parties and high school reunions? Pfft, practically synonymous if you ask me. Go ahead. Thesaurus it. I DARE YOU. (No, really. Please don't.)<br /><br />That's my really long-winded way of saying I went to my high school reunion yesterday. It's rather hilarious since we've only been apart for, like, a week. (And by "a week" I mean "four months.") (Are you getting sick of my inability to just <span style="font-style: italic;">get to the freaking point already </span>yet?!) Okay, I'll just get to the freaking point already... This is what I wore.<br /></div><br /><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=30mwpwz" target="_blank"><img src="http://i52.tinypic.com/30mwpwz.png" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=122fckh" target="_blank"><img src="http://i52.tinypic.com/122fckh.png" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I was actually really excited about the whole "semi-formal attire" thing that was required. Because contrary to what my awesomeness may lead you to believe, I do not, in fact, get invited to many swanky parties and glamorous events. I KNOW. CALM YOURSELF. Is that a heart-attack I see coming your way? COMMENCE YOUR HEAVY BREATHING EXERCISES NOW. It's a SHOCK for all of us! It's okay. I've discovered that human beings are simply jealous of my awesomeness and are intimidated. I'm powerful like that. I'm still as cool and swanky and fancy as you all think I am. (Woah! Dream big! Go fly a kite!) (That was a Juno reference. Neat-o.)<br /><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=2vmx384" target="_blank"><img src="http://i56.tinypic.com/2vmx384.png" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=r2lyqt" target="_blank"><img src="http://i55.tinypic.com/r2lyqt.png" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This dress is way awesome. Do you know how awesome it is? Once upon a time, I stumbled across it. I thought, "this dress is awesome." However, the price tag read $50 and sadness ensued. BUT, OH, THERE IS A SILVER LINING. For two months passed and BAM! The awesome dress was marked down to $16. In conclusion, I'm psychic and channeled my inner "patience is a virtue." Evidently, my wisdom transcends way beyond my years of existence. Some say I'm the next Oprah. Oh, and another irrelevant/ boring thing to note about this dress is that it used to be about one foot longer. I kid you not. I looked like Belle in it. As in that Disney princess with the ridiculous dress. I thought it was fun. Unfortunately, the 1800s is, you know, not existing today so, at last, some snipping and stitching ensued and bam! here we are today! And now you know a lot about this dress and it's possibly getting awkward in a "should I unfollow this chick?" kind of way. Um. Basically, thank you high school reunion for giving me the opportunity to get fancy and wear this dress. (That is, until, those swanky invites come my way. One day.)<br /><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=281c80i" target="_blank"><img style="width: 716px; height: 477px;" src="http://i55.tinypic.com/281c80i.png" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=34hcbv9" target="_blank"><img src="http://i54.tinypic.com/34hcbv9.png" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Seeing high school people was weird. I mean, I know it's only been four months, so before you get all, "it's only been for months," my golly I KNOW IT'S ONLY BEEN FOUR MONTHS. But still. Given that I've been with many of these people for at least four years, four months of separation is weird. And coming back together is also weird. I guess graduation day never really felt completely, totally <span style="font-style: italic;">the end </span>since I always knew that I'd be seeing a lot of these faces again at this reunion. But now? Now it's <span style="font-style: italic;">the end. </span>Screw swanky fashion parties, I never even went to high school parties!!! Consequently, I wonder how many of these people I'll actually keep in touch with? See again? It's a hard concept to grasp and I'm very aware that we're all moving forward and high school is a blip of the past. It's weird. I guess I'm realizing that my school environment has defined me for essentially all my life; I mean, I spent more than forty hours a week in that thing! I guess now I'm in the process of figuring out who I am outside of the school community? I honestly thought that I'd be sputtering out rainbows of joy upon reaching <span style="font-style: italic;">the end </span>of high school. But I guess I'm realizing just how much it has defined my life so far. And how much it really has given me. <span style="font-size:85%;">(Again, I think I'm only remembering the good bits. My sister was doing functions homework this weekend. MATH NEVER AGAIN PUHLEASE.)</span> Right now, it's about moving forward and growing from the past. It's scary, but exciting. I think being in high school made me a dreamer; it ignited the "there's gotta be more than <span style="font-style: italic;">this</span>" in me. Yesterday made me remember that. I'm ready to dream away again!<br /><br />On a side note, I don't know how many of my readers are in high school, but if you are, here it goes: take a deep breath and CHILL OUT. It's high school. It will be over before you know it. But I don't think it's something that you just want to "get over" - it's something that you should enjoy, or try to enjoy. The people you meet are going to disappear from your daily life before you know it. So don't give a fuck what they think. Find something you love that's removed from social drama and social circles and go do it. Do the things you love and don't do the things you don't feel comfortable with. You don't know who "you" are yet and it's tough. So just go with your heart. Do what feels right. Not what the media or your peers says is "right." Your heart. And, really, this is the biggest one: <span style="font-style: italic;">talk </span>to people. High school is filled with cliques and generalizations and stereotypes and I won't lie, I was a victim of that. Generalizing people, giving people labels. Don't do that. The most valuable thing I've taken from high school is <span style="font-style: italic;">we're all just human beings</span>. Finally, in senior year, I tried to talk to a lot of people individually - find out what they're about, what makes them tick - and I'm really glad it did. I found that when people were removed from their friends/ social pressures, they were actually all just... <span style="font-style: italic;">humans. </span>Everybody is going through the same shit you are and everybody is struggling and everybody is just trying to have a good time or fit in or move forward. Please. Get to know people before you judge. They will be gone before you know it. Everybody is human. High school is a weird, toxic environment and know that there is life beyond it. Chin up. Make the best of it; it says a lot about your spirit.<br /><br />Phew. I feel like I'm the Breakfast Club or something. Hooray! If you read all that, we should totally form a clique of simply AWESOMENESS. Yeah. THE END.<br /></div><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">What did you take away from high school? How has life changed post high school? </span></span>If you're still in high school - HAH! SUCKER! (kidding), <span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">How are you liking it? How do you picture life post high school?</span></span><br /><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=2mphnis" target="_blank"><img style="width: 717px; height: 478px;" src="http://i52.tinypic.com/2mphnis.png" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">(Jacket - Value Village $3.50, Dress - Vintage $16, Tights - F21 $10, Shoes - Thrifted $1 (!!!!), Bow - Value Village $3, Jewelry - Assorted)</span><br /><br />Have a great week, darlings! I have a lot of outfit posts lined up. But I think we've both determined that I suck, so *fingers crossed* for prompt posting. Till next time... YOU'RE ALL BEAUTIFUL CREATURES.<br /></div>Lexy @ QUIRKY EXPLOSIONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16050109799618088177noreply@blogger.com45tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037721749611347313.post-35847618622678397842011-10-15T07:53:00.000-07:002011-10-15T22:43:34.451-07:00pop tarts are delicious<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;">HOWDY PARTNERS! Ahem. Howdy? Partners? Seriously, Lexy? SERIOUSLY? Whatever, western is very 'in' and things and I JUST WANT TO BE A COW BOY GOSH DARNIT.<br /><br />Ahem. Again. Well, this is sufficiently awkward as you now question whether my disappearance was due to being a bad blogger or, seemingly more likely, being placed in a scientific experiment that makes human beings stare at microwaves too long and, consequently, become insane (according to my mom. she's anal like that). Or something. Ahem. Again, again. Can we just *smooth transition* it over to the pictures? You all cheer an hallelujah and a hip hip hooray and we transition and SUCH A BEAUTIFUL MOMENT! We all share a collective sigh of relief, kind of like that moment when you're squatting over the toilet after copious amounts of pee-dancing and uncomfortable wiggling and seriously WHY AM I STILL TALKING?!<br /><br /></div><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=2a79y85" target="_blank"><img src="http://i55.tinypic.com/2a79y85.png" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=x1llwp" target="_blank"><img style="width: 716px; height: 474px;" src="http://i52.tinypic.com/x1llwp.png" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=2qdtor6" target="_blank"><img style="width: 715px; height: 474px;" src="http://i53.tinypic.com/2qdtor6.jpg" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=20s6mm8" target="_blank"><img style="width: 713px; height: 475px;" src="http://i56.tinypic.com/20s6mm8.png" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" /></a><br /><br />My family is a giant dork. I don't know if that sentence makes grammatical sense, but that is the best word to describe us: dorks. A euphemism might be "cute," but that's in the "aw, you guys are so dorky, but I want to be a kind soul, so I'll just say <span style="font-style: italic;">cute</span>" sense. This theory could be proven with various events, such as family game nights and Thanksgiving hikes. I wouldn't have it any other way! DORKZ 4 LYF, BRAH.<br /><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=29at8x1" target="_blank"><img style="width: 720px; height: 477px;" src="http://i56.tinypic.com/29at8x1.png" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=28a3hv5" target="_blank"><img style="width: 723px; height: 482px;" src="http://i55.tinypic.com/28a3hv5.png" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=11l0nsi" target="_blank"><img style="width: 728px; height: 486px;" src="http://i51.tinypic.com/11l0nsi.png" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Here is the sibling and I. The sibling looks like Where is Waldo. HAH! She always comes up with strange analogies for my outfits (namely, just raised eyebrows that say OH SO MUCH), so now <span style="font-style: italic;">I'm </span>being the witty one here. Please laugh. Or nod. Or something.<br /><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=k0yud" target="_blank"><img src="http://i55.tinypic.com/k0yud.png" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=14c4g1u" target="_blank"><img style="width: 725px; height: 482px;" src="http://i52.tinypic.com/14c4g1u.png" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" /></a><br /><br />And I know it's tradition to start off a post with apologies and excuses but HEY NOW! I'm a non-conformist! I go against the grain! Therefore, I will <span style="font-style: italic;">end </span>my post with apologies and excuses and stuff because I turn things on their head LIKE THAT. HEAR ME ROARRRR. Bitchez.<br /><br />Ahem. Yeah, so, I've been non-existent due to things such as 1) laziness and 2) being artsy and going to poetry slams. THAT'S RIGHT. This week is kind of a <a href="http://www.cfsw.ca/">big deal over here </a>so I've been committed to the ART. Aka I'm the biggest stalker/ groupie zomg it's scary. You know how there were always the cool kids in school and you wanted to be friends with them, but the closest you could ever get was being graced in their presence? (Hypothetically, of course. Because we're hipsters and non-conformists and things and this never occurred.) This is totally like that. You know what they say: If you can't join 'em... follow 'em (?). Sure.<br /><br />I think the greatest things about poetry slams is the vibe. Everyone there is so freaking passionate and genuine and someone described the experience as "like watching a sportsgame" and it really is like that and zomg it's amazing. And the poetry is amazing, too, of course, because it's all "DANG, that's so what I was thinking, but wtf you say it so beautifully"-ish. I have this irrational fear of going up to poets and complimenting them due to the collision of contradictions being 1) my awkwardness and 2) the fact that they are extremely, extremely eloquent. So I will just watch from afar and hope one of them comes up to me in a "nice skirt/ thanks, it was my mom's in the 80s/ vintage, cute!" way. (Mean Girls reference, ANYONE?) It feels like all the poets there have found their niche and I'm all like THAT'S SO BEAUTIFUL AND WHERE IS MINE. <span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=2uhwdih" target="_blank"><img style="width: 728px; height: 485px;" src="http://i52.tinypic.com/2uhwdih.jpg" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=2mc7pmu" target="_blank"><img style="width: 722px; height: 479px;" src="http://i56.tinypic.com/2mc7pmu.png" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">What is your "niche"?</span></span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Super duper curious - DO LET ME IN ON IT! </span>(lexy's definition of "niche": place/ time/ scenario where you feel most happy/ most like yourself/ most alive)<br /><br />Have a splendid day!<br /></div>Lexy @ QUIRKY EXPLOSIONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16050109799618088177noreply@blogger.com44tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037721749611347313.post-58482069694694766072011-10-08T10:00:00.000-07:002011-10-08T12:25:46.665-07:00I like my orange juice with pulp<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;">FRIENDS AND THINGS! Yeah. Hi there. I hope you're all doing jolly and good and what not. I am. Doing jolly and good and what not, that is. THANK YOU FOR ASKING. (Kidding. I'm not being sassy. I know you'd ask me "Are you doing jolly and good and what not?" if we were in real life and, for that, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Insert sappy tears and oscar speeches and what am I even talking about?)<br /><br />ANYWAYS. The weather the past few days has been, quite frankly, MARVELOUS. (These photos aren't a reflection of that.) Seriously, I have had a perma-smile on my face the past little while due to the blue skies and sunshine and things. Honestly, it wasn't until I moved to Toronto a few weeks back when it occurred to me that, hey, maybe I'm a wee bit of a tree-hugger. I find myself prancing at Toronto's abnormal city pace (IT'S ALWAYS ON HIGH SPEED. NOT NORMAL) and thinking to myself, "Well, I kind of miss my bike and the parks and the trees and the stars and can I please just become a bird already?!" Apparently I'm a closeted hippie forest creature or something? Time to start playing the harmonica and burning incense and wearing hemp and knitting grass? Okay, sure Lexy...<br /></div><br /><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=2w374ep" target="_blank"><img src="http://i53.tinypic.com/2w374ep.png" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=2ps2k9d" target="_blank"><img src="http://i52.tinypic.com/2ps2k9d.png" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The other day (Friday, that is) was BEAUTIFUL. I spent the morning walking along the harbour and reading books and doodling and sleeping and eating grapefruits and blah blah blah. The point is, I skipped into the mall, thinking, "Well, yippee! Today will be an easy day as no one will be shopping as it is beautiful outside as ---" That thought? It never finished. Why? There I was. Stopped. In my tracks. Mouth? Dropped. People? EVERYWHERE. I basically spent the majority of my Friday shift hating the customers just a little bit. Sure, I maintained my friendly smile and annoyingly chipper, "Hello! How are you today?" while, really, I was <span style="font-style: italic;">thinking</span>, "Hello! WHY THE HELL ARE YOU VOLUNTARILY INDOORS? GO RIDE A BIKE OR GO ON A WALK OR SIT ON A HAMMOCK OR SOMETHING." I don't understand people. There is much irony in the fact that I am working in a mall at a big, corporate store. I'm telling you, hemp making and grass knitting is an industry that I should be a part of. (Or invent. Does grass knitting exist? It should. Eco is very chic and I reckon it would do well this season.)<br /><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=28wi7gz" target="_blank"><img src="http://i54.tinypic.com/28wi7gz.png" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=dfy6o4" target="_blank"><img src="http://i56.tinypic.com/dfy6o4.png" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Oh, and remember when I was in high school and applying to programs and making portfolios and things? Yeah? Probably not, because I never really posted much from my art portfolio, so maybe I'll get on that. IN THE MEAN TIME, here's a relevant image? One dem portfolio applications called for a "fashion illustration of a favourite handbag." (Looks familiar? Scroll above! Har-har, NOW do you see the whole "relevant image" thing?) Quite frankly, I thought drawing an inanimate object was a pretty dry/ dull task, so I thought I'd give it a dose of fun and humour. But then I was all, "zomg thatz so nawt fashiony enuff but I dunt have time to change it! freakoutzzz!" Somehow I ended up with a 100% on the illustration portion of the portfolio, so I will have a belated celebration (i.e. right now) by watching Ugly Betty in a sleeping bag while outside. Maximization of joy and comfort and laziness. I AM EFFICIENT, KIDS.<br /><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=260a07d" target="_blank"><img src="http://i51.tinypic.com/260a07d.jpg" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">(Illustration by me, water colour and pen & ink)</span><br /><br />I've been having oodles of fun here so, like, yay me and what not. I took advantage (I took advantage? That's such a "grown up" phrase) of the beautiful weather and ventured off to Toronto Island on Thursday which was the BEST DECISION. If you're in Toronto, I suggest you channel your inner hippie and go to the other side. It's beautiful. I felt like I was trapped on a dessert island and I reckoned that I would do quite well surviving on sunsets and stars and beautiful scenery. Now, I'm heading home to see the family and eat food and enjoy Thanksgiving. Which brings me onto the whole HAPPY THANKSGIVING, CANADIAN READERS thing. Yippeee! To everyone else, I hope you're having beautiful weather or, at least, a beautiful day!<br /><br />xoxoxo I am now off to grab my sleeping bag and go outside and watch Ugly Betty and maybe eat a grapefruit. I'm being completely serious. THANKFULLY. (What a let down it'd be if I wasn't...)<br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">What's your favourite way to spend a day?</span></span><br /><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=10crrsg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i52.tinypic.com/10crrsg.png" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;">(Shirt - Value Village $3, Dress - Vintage $5, Tights - Unknown, Shoes - Salvation Army $7, Pins - Nepal, Bag - Random gift from my childhood that I salvaged from a garbage bag of donations, Hair elastic - Dollar Store $0.25)</div>Lexy @ QUIRKY EXPLOSIONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16050109799618088177noreply@blogger.com40tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1037721749611347313.post-35450260059445563862011-10-02T18:33:00.000-07:002011-10-03T07:56:02.709-07:00it's getting chilly<div style="text-align: justify;">A sleeping bag is currently suffocating my entire body. It is wonderful. The weather is getting chilly. Scratch that. Freezing. It's not idealistic for a child who's living out of a suitcase at her grandmother's house*, but it does make for a good excuse to spend a chilly Sunday night lounging around in sweats and eating muffins and not exiting the room and knitting and finally updating the blog and rediscovering the wonder of Ms. Betty Suarez of Ugly Betty. Yes, THIS IS THE LIFE. (I'm not even being sarcastic. I am a crazy soul, I tell you.)<br /><br />*Oh, and speaking of being a "child who's living out of a suitcase at her grandmother's house" (really, Lexy? did you just quote yourself?), there's irony in that statement. As in, even though I am lacking in attire HERE at my grandma's house, my closet, back at home, is lacking in attire EVEN MORE. Shbam! Cool story, bro! The point to this fascinating story is this: lack of clothing results in creative dressing. I was home a week or so ago and the lack of attire at home resulted in my scrummaging to make an outfit out of shenanigans that normally inhabit the bottom of the black hole of my closet. So yeah, if you haven't seen any of the items I'm wearing in awhile/ in your entire lifetime, then that is why. Mystery closed. I'm, like, Sherlock Holmes or Nancy Drew or Scooby Doo or Detective Lexy or something.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=28723gj" target="_blank"><img src="http://i54.tinypic.com/28723gj.png" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=f1xh1z" target="_blank"><img src="http://i56.tinypic.com/f1xh1z.png" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=209kpjl" target="_blank"><img src="http://i54.tinypic.com/209kpjl.png" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The detailing of this top is simply MARVELOUS. I was hesitant to purchase it because of its colour - OR LACK OF. Har, har. But the scale-like texture was far too enticing and enough to make me swoon and overlook its colourless tendencies. Thus, cha-ching. (This was, like, four months ago. Refer to the whole "clothing inhabited in the black whole of the closet thing.") (I see. Quoting yourself again, Lexy? You really must stop doing that. It's lame.) Oh, and in case you're like the 2 old ladies that asked me about it (on separate occasions!), I DON'T know how I am going to wash it. I JUST DON'T KNOW. CAN I PLEASE JUST LET IT BE STINKY AND LET NATURE TAKE ITS SENSUOUS STENCHY COURSE?! Mmmmhmm. OKAY.<br /><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=2lia3wl" target="_blank"><img src="http://i54.tinypic.com/2lia3wl.png" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=eplidc" target="_blank"><img src="http://i52.tinypic.com/eplidc.png" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" /></a></span><br /><br />By the way, you know how I'm really fierce and stuff? Yeah, I'm really fierce and stuff... I mean... DUH.<br /><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=10y2gpx" target="_blank"><img src="http://i51.tinypic.com/10y2gpx.png" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I've recently been pondering about really deep, emotional, and political subjects. An exemplar of one of these subjects - probably near the top of the list with respect to gravity and intensity - would be MY AWKWARDNESS. Academic terms associated would include things like "evaluating my weakness" or "seeking room for improvement." I, however, prefer something along the lines of, "LEXY GET YO ACT 2GOTHER GURL." I've discovered that I'm not awkward... really. I mean... like, um... I'm eating candy right now! (Kidding. I'm trying to be, like, ironic by exaggerating my alleged awkwardness. And thus proving I'm really, in fact, not awkward. Because attempting to be funny and ironic is so, like, nawwwt awkward. Right... I don't even know where I'm trying to go with this reverse-psychology mumbo-jumbo and what my point even is and whether I've concluded whether I'm really awkward or not awkward.)<br /><br />But really. Socially, there are certain aspects of my personality that I'd like to, you know, tweak. For instance: I am terribly shy in large crowds, I am not the best for standing up for what I believe, I fear what other people will think of me, I don't want to sound silly in front of the wrong people... I've never thought of myself as insecure... but maybe I'm insecure? I'm sure these can all be attributed to "growing up" and will, hopefully, disappear in a cloud of purple dust one day! But until then... I'll just continue to eat my candy and eavesdrop on conversations and things and attributing it all to "awkwardness."<br /><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=2yxgaw4" target="_blank"><img src="http://i56.tinypic.com/2yxgaw4.png" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">(Blazer - Value Village $3.50, Shirt - Thrifted/ Vintage $5, Pants - Value Village $4, Shoes - Vintage $35, Headband - Ophelie Hats, Bangles - gifted)</span><br /><br />Sorry for this mumbo-jumbo of a post. But... better a mumbo-jumbo than nothing at all? Sure. Have a beautiful week darlinz! xxx<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">What are some things that you'd like to change/ improve on yourself? </span></span><br /></div>Lexy @ QUIRKY EXPLOSIONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16050109799618088177noreply@blogger.com37