Yesterday, my boys Mark Valino and Giles Monette from A.H.R. Films (Art. Honor.Respect) invited me to be their second camera for an interview with 9th Wonder before the screening of his autobiographical documentary called The Wonder Year. After meeting 9th, watching his film, and taking part in his Q&A, my respect for him as a producer, a musician, and as a human being, skyrocketed to the levels of ‘ULTIMATE respect.’

There’s a major difference between the act of hoping and the act of expecting. One induces the feelings of lustre, romance, and content in the present moment, and the other one provokes frustration, disappointment, and living in the past. Free yourself, my beautiful sister. Love in the moment and Love it for being that Moment. Keep the lustre in your eyes, the romance in your soul, and hold a little longer, and a little tighter, onto the present moment that’s capturing your Heart. #Lovehard

[Photo by Eyekahfoto]

Yes. I am absolutely ready to rock a revolution. And that was definitely the case for Heidi Middleton and Sarah-Jane Clarke from Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, who started up this eclectic clothing company out of sheer will and creativity. Sass & Bide represents one of Australia’s most prominent international women’s fashion labels, and rightfully so, because after following Middleton and Clarke’s blog, it’s clear to see that these ladies will stop at nothing in terms of pushing limits to their designs, and doing what it takes to make sure the right people know about who they are.

And here I am… returning to this song once again. It’s not so new. The words come out from a subconscious memory, escaping my lips to the same melody she sings sweetly, sincerely. This song used to make me think of You. Well, maybe because I even thought to say that out loud… this song still makes me think of You.

You’re different Now.

Or maybe it’s Me.

It’s definitely Me. I don’t see things the way I used to. No, but I see them more clearly. Innocence and taintlessness, I hang onto more tightly. The idea of What Could Be seems farther than what I remembered. The shell grows thicker and the heart grows harder.

But I know more things. Important things. Things that make me feel old. Things that make me feel… wiser. Things that make me feel… Stronger. Like… I can take this. I can take it.

I hear this song all over again and all I remember is how I felt when I first heard it.

There is so much deeper to dig from Here. There is So Far To Go. Preparation will Meet Opportunity.

This will not be in Vain.

— “When PREPARATION meets OPPORTUNITY.” – Big Norm.

When You find me, I’ll be Ready.

Oooh oooh ooooohhhh, you don’t even know how much I love this vest! Made of cashmere and silk, this super lightweight sweater-vest surprisingly provides a lot of warmth, not to mention the fact that it feels like butta on yo breakfast toast (well… on your skin, obviously.) It’s such a great layer to add onto any outfit — dressed up or dressed down. The idea of absolute comfortability partnered with 1st class luxury is like the ultimate marriage, and who better  to express that through their designs than LA based company, EVER.

I remember the first time I had ever met Ryan. I was working on the floor and noticed a tall, blond, pretty good looking guy checking out my boss’ ass. I laughed to myself and went up to Bates and told her that that guy ‘over there’ was scopin’ out her booottayyyy. She looked over at who I was pointing at and laughed sheepishly, as he walked up to her to give her a hug.

… Obviously.

I am in absolute LOVE with this dress. Very reminiscent of Pleasantville’s 1950’s housewife… except, let’s not get it twisted folks, I don’t depend on no man fo my DOLLA. This dress is from an LA based company called WREN — started up by designer Melissa Coker, who had previously worked for publications such as Vogue, W, and Details. It’s no wonder her label was able to make it’s way into the eyes and hands of the right people — she, herself, is one of them. Coker’s designs and the materials she uses breathes “free-spirited exuberance, restrained elegance, and low-key sophistication.”

A couple of weeks ago when I was home in Vancity, an old high school colleague of mine emailed me asking for us to get together to catch up, as well as talk some bihnnizzz regarding Lovehard and his new found company called The Clothes Hangar. Edmund Chiu, from how I remembered him, was more of a nerdy, quiet type of dude, but always so nice to everyone and down to help if ever I asked. He was that guy who, no matter what you told him was going on in your life, he would just be super into what you’re saying and actually care. I loved that about him!

A little while back during a school multi-cultural festival, a booth was set up representing India and had henna tattoo artists giving people free henna designs. I immediately noticed this one girl who’s designs were so intricate and detailed, I was blown away. After trying to see if I could snag a spot in line to get a tattoo done with this artist, she and I ended up talking about how she had always wanted to do a full piece on someone’s back. It took a little while for us to finally get together and manifest her idea, but we did it! And holy, did it look amazing.