Maori

ps colorscope.

i hope this blows your mind as much as it did mine.

get this:

first, i chose papaya
champion of the helpless

defender of the underdog

and the fixer
{check. check. check.}

and then i chose poppy.

hide my sensitive side

fearless in dress and

puts together the most unusual combinations
{check, check, trippple check.}

did i nail me, or what?

just to be sure, i scoped another color... to make sure they weren't all filled with sweet things that would have sound good to anyone.... aaaand no.

beet.
sympathetic

empathetic

people love to be around me

because i make them feel important

{uncheck, uncheck, and uncheck}

what does your favorite color say about you?

who what where when why wednesday.

q:

if you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

a:

my super-freaking-steel-trap memory.

it's a double edged sword, i tell you.

it comes in handy when i leave home without the grocery list

not so handy when i remember that one thing he said to me about her

and that other thing that she said to me about him

maybe they both thought i'd forget

but i didn't. i tried. but i can't.

oh, and sometimes i have an overshare problem.

wedding bells.

hey linds....remember that time you got MARRIED?!

congratulations are in order for two of my wonderful friends from egypt. my friend phil and roommate/sister lindsay, both from ontario, met in egypt. fell in love in egypt. got engaged in tanzania (read about it here). and now - ELOPED in cyprus (read about that here).

i want to congratulate you both and wish you years and years of happiness together! love you guys xoxoxo

p.s. how cute are they?!

Body Painting of Americas Flags

Body Painting of Americas Flags

Body Painting of Americas Flags

still alive.

yes. i am still alive.
i have been crazy busy since arriving in canada. i arrived back on june 26...my birthday. my 35 hour birthday to be exact. drove home with kelly and his mom on sunday morning, went to makai's fourth birthday party, drove back to the soo with my parents. sunday night i slept in the soo again. monday morning we drove to elliot lake for my uncle's funeral, stopped in thessalon on the way back to see my gramma, stopped in the soo to go to walmart, drove back to wawa.
since then i have been busy sleeping mostly. feeling much better now. i think i've caught up.
and now i will try much harder to keep up....

p.s. are you freezing?? cause I AM!

surrendering the title.

sometimes, in moments of panic

i take lightly the grave things of my world

"amid the noise and the haste"

like the constant flow of

incoming calls

visits

places to go

responsibilities to tend to

and the regular maintenance of life

i don't give the real things the proper attention they deserve

but given a minute to breath

to be alone, at last

... not long after i realize the speed at which my mind is racing

and recognize the compounding chaos of too many electronic devices in my ears and on my mind...

say, during an 8 am solo flight on the freeway

i've been known to fall to tears

enough tears to take away all three layers of freshly applied mascara

and to fill the elevator with awkwardness upon entering

despite my best efforts

2010 made me the adult i thought i was exempt from being

i've gone beyond

beyond

beyond

my annual quota of tears

i'm forced to surrender my title of
heartless, emotionless girl who doesn't cry.

the runner up/first attendant can carry out the term of my reign.

i bet her mom doesn't have cancer.

Traditional Tribal Tattoo Art

Here's an overview of tribes where tattoos played and play an important role in society:

Borneo Tattoos
Tattooing in Borneo (one of islands of Indonesia/Malaysia) is an important form of body modification. The tattoos are believed to protect against pain and diseases. The Iban, Kayan en Kenyah tribes, all headhunters, share the same style of tattoos. The Kayan used carved wood blocks or carved skulls to transfer the designs onto the skin.

Polynesian Tattoos
Polynesia is a group of over 1000 islands in the Pacific Ocean. The most famous Polynesian tattoo styles are the Maori, Marquesan, Tahitian, Samoan and Hawaiian styles.

Read more about Polynesian Tattoos

Maori Tattoos
The Maori are the indigenous people of New Zealand. They use a form of personal identification called Ta Moko. Tattoos are used to carve the family history into the skin.

Learn more about Ta Moko and Maori Tattoos

Marquesan Tattoos
The Marquesa islands are a group of islands situated in French Polynesia. The Marquesan tattoo art greatly influenced today's tattoo artists. The hands are an important tattoo spot in the Marquesan tattoo tradition, as well as the ears, the shoulders and the lips.

Hawaiian Tribal Tattoos
Like the other tribal tattoos, tattoos in Hawaii have a hidden meaning and are believed to have magical power. They are applied during a ritual ceremony. Both men and women are tattooed with motifs like triangles, squares, crescents and animals like sharks and lizards.

More about Hawaiian Tattoos

Celtic Tattoos
The Celtic people used to live in tribes spread over Great Britain and parts of Western Europe and were heavily tattooed. Interlacing patterns, spirals and knot work are typical for Celtic tattoos.

More about Celtic Tattoos

Native American Tattoos
Tattoos played a big role in the culture of the American Indians. They were used for identification, to give praise and to give magical powers or protection. Typical Native American tattoo designs include animals (eagles, snakes, bears), feathers and mythical creatures.

Aztec Tribal Tattoos
The Aztecs were another group of Native Americans. They lived in central America from the 13th to the 16th century and used tattoos to mark a warrior's rank and differentiate between the various tribes. Typical Aztec tattoos include gods like Quetzalcoatl and Huitilopochtili, suns and eagles.

Learn more about Aztec Tattoos

Chinese Tribal Tattoos
The history of the Chinese tattoo is not very interesting, but there are several ethnic minorities in China with a strong tattoo tradition. The most important tribes are those of the Dai, Drung and Li.

More about the Chinese Tattoo

Haida Tattoos
The Haidas are the indigenous people of the territory that lies on the west coast of North America (southeast Alaska). The people of the haida tribe decorate their objects with crests (totems) and use tattoos to represent the family crest and social status. The crests included all kinds of animals (killer whale, shark, wolf, eagle, owl) as well as the sun, the moon, clay, ...

Tribal Tattoo Designs

To a certain extent, tribal tattoos speak for themselves. It is a special feature of a tribal tattoo that even a relatively simple or unformed line or curve tends to look good, even just on its own.

In recent years, a style that we can call the New Tribal has emerged. Symbols that have nothing to do with the original tribal designs are combined with the typical lines, curves and interlocking formations of the traditional tribal tattoos. In the case of New Tribals, it is the decoration surrounding the central element that marks them as tribal. Here's an overview of tribal tattoo symbols or symbols that are often combined with tribal designs:

Tribal Dragon Tattoos

The dragon is a mythological creature that appears in many different cultures around the world and has as many different symbolic meanings. The meaning of a tribal dragon tattoo is therefore something personal.

In Asia, dragons are seen as a benevolent creature. The Japanese dragon denotes the male principle (yang): the sun, air, fertility, rain. It symbolizes the dominance of the heavenly over the earthly powers.

In the West the dragon is portrayed as an evil creature, breathing fire to show its mythical power.

Learn more about dragons and dragon tattoos

Tribal Cross Tattoos

The cross is a very old symbol and appears in many religions around the world. A cross is a good symbol to express one's spirituality or religion and it lends itself well to a tribal adaptation

Tribal Rose Tattoos
The rose and flowers in general are popular tattoo designs. Roses can mean a lot of different things, it's a symbol for love, respect, spiritual growth (just like the lotus flower), Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary.

More about flower tattoos

Tribal Phoenix Tattoos
The phoenix is a mythological bird that has a very long life and arises from his ashes to be reborn. The phoenix can be found often in Far Eastern tattoo art and is a symbol of rebirth and transformation.

Tribal Sun Tattoos
The sun is a powerful symbol. People have always (literally) looked up to and worshipped that mysterious glowing sphere, so it's not hard to see why it appears in so many legends. The sun is associated with life and fertility (amongst others).

More about Sun Tattoos.

Tribal Tiger Tattoos
The tiger is a very powerful symbol and appears often in Asian tattoo genres. It is a symbol for power, beauty and cruelty.

Tribal Bear Tattoos
The tribal bear tattoo (sometimes depicting a whole bear, but often just a paw print) is reminiscent of some Native American tattoos. It gives the impression of an animal totem or protective animal spirit.

Other symbols that are used often in tribal tattoos:

* Wolf
* Star
* Aztec tribals
* Bird
* Snake
* Zodiac symbols
* Spider
* Eagle
* Fish
* Tree
* Flower
* Sea turtle
* Wings
* Frog
* Cat
* Hummingbird
* Clover
* Scorpion
* Crow
* Fire
* Moon
* Fox
* Butterfly
* Gecko
* Skull

From: freetattoodesigns.org

Feminine Tribal Tattoos

Generally speaking, tribal tattoos have a masculine energy about them, given their bold, thick lines. At the same time, they are versatile and they tend to look very good on women as well. Maybe it’s the appeal of the contrast.

Woman with tribal tattoo

Over the past few years though, some tribal tattoo designs have evolved that are characteristically feminine in nature. They have the same recognizable tribal patterns, but they tend to be smaller and more self contained. A good example might be the tribal butterfly tattoo, a popular choice for an ankle or shoulder tattoo. A larger version of the tribal butterfly can also look good on the lower back. Tribal rose tattoos are also popular in many of the same locations.

From: freetattoodesigns.org

Celebrities With Tribal Tattoos

Celebrities With Tribal Tattoos :
Corey Taylor: Slipknot singer, has many tribals.
Mike Tyson: has a large tribal on the left side of his face.
Pamela Anderson: has a lower back tribal tattoo.
Boy George: has a tribal with a G in it on the side of his neck.
Melanie Brown (Mel B): has several tribals.
Sandra Bullock: has a tribal heart tattoo below her naval.
Anthony Kiedis: Red Hot Chili Peppers singer, has several tribals.
Manny Ramirez: left fielder for the LA Dodgers, has a tribal on his left shoulder.

From: freetattoodesigns.org

about online shopping.

online shopping issue no. 1:

i love to buy swimwear, hate to wear it.

similar to my dilemma with winter coats.

so today, when gilt flashed this little beauty before my eyes, i nearly jumped for the credit card.

half pac-man, half nemo... i want it.



aaaand then i remembered the time in college when all the girls thought it a good idea to buy the single strap swim suit from j.crew... and then we wore them to rigby lake for a day of aquatic recreation.

... and every stroke across that lake took the strapless side of that swimsuit where ever it wanted to go and taught me a new technique of swimming the breast stroke.

soooo... i shouldn't buy it, right? someone please tell me no.

online shopping issue no. 2:

purchasing denim.
whoooooa, mama.

hautelook offers me $79 for a pair of j brand boyfriends, which i find completely irresistible.

this pair, in fact. which, for being a boyfriend jean among the boyfriend jean craze, beats any kind of human boyfriend in my immediate realm... maaaaaybe even better than the dress that got away.

shopping for denim in real life is traumatic enough.

remove the comfort of a private dressing room...

add the uncertainty of a designer label's use of poetic license when it comes to waistlines and inches...

and it's really a grab bag of expensive denim.

let us all pray for the best possible outcome here.

... or free return shipping.

easy street.

i rode a bike this weekend.

big deal, no?

YES.

i think i was 8 years old the last time i sat myself down on a bike... whizzing down the hill to the bottom of the cul-de-sac with the neighbor kids.

i had the pink and purple one with pom pom frill hanging from the handle bars.

{you know the one?}

just as they saying goes "it's like learning to ride a bike"

i hopped on sandy's beach cruiser and whizzed around easy street {they really do live on easy street. lucky.} like i was 8 years old all over again.

and right there, the 20 year gap was bridged and i became the kid that wanted to play outside on my bike with all my neighbor friends until my parents {or uncle, in this case} called me in for supper.

i want a bike.

ignoring the logistics - like, riding it to the grocery store and only buying enough to fit in the "11 lb. max load" basket - a cruiser has comfortably made its way to the top of my wish list. that, and a friend to ride around the neighborhood with until i call myself in for supper.

Cherry Blossom Tattoo Designs and Their Meanings

You see cherry blossom tattoos on many women these days as these such designs have grown in popularity among tattoo aficionados and first timers alike. This rush for distinct tattoos of cherry blossoms has given rise to a great interest in the meaning and symbolism of the cherry blossom in both the Chinese and Japanese cultures.

Since tattoos are very personal things, they can say a lot about a person so getting the right tattoo for the right reason is important. Since cherry blossoms mean different things in Chinese and Japanese society you should be aware that peoples of those backgrounds might react quite differently when they see it.

Cherry Blossoms In China

The Chinese see the cherry blossom as a symbol of power, particularly of the dominance of the feminine persona. This could mean a blossom tattoo is ideal for you if you are a strong willed woman who values her liberty and freedom or if you have recently come out of a difficult relationship.

It also stands for love if you are coming from the herbal lore approach.

Cherry Blossoms In Japan

In Japanese culture there is often a link between the blossoming of cherry tress and the Buddhist concept of "mono no aware" which refers to the reverence for life, the transience of being and the sadness at the passing of things. This is because cherry blossoms only appear on tress for short times before they fall to the ground.

This association with mortality is highly symbolic in Japan and has been used in traditional art there for many centuries along with more recent manga or anime. This link may however make a tattoo of cherry blossoms unsuitable for some. Alternatively, it may give you renewed appreciation for the fragility of life and help you make the most of your brief time on this Earth, while bringing you a different perspective on the hard times you may face; knowing that they will not last forever.

Getting A True Reflection Of Cherry Blossom In Your Tattoo

While it is true that there are many different varieties of cherry blossom, many people do not appreciate just how different looking they can be. In fact, the most common cherry tree in Japan is Somei Yoshino which has largely white blossom with only the faintest hint of pink on the petals.

Other popular choices do have very much more pink in their blossom and it is these that you will more commonly see as tattoos. But still, this is something you will have to think about when getting your tattoo. You should do some research, find pictures of tattoos other people have had and decide which you prefer. It might depend on your skin tone; those with pale skin will definitely want a more pink design whereas tanned or olive skinned people should think about paler pink or white flowers in their designs.

You should also think about how much of the branch to integrate into the overall tattoo design. Realism would dictate that you have a fair bit of branch with flowers clumped together along it but it will probably come down to both personal taste and where you intend the tattoo to be.

Getting Your Tattoo Done

If you have decided upon a tattoo incorporating cherry blossoms you should be very selective over whom you get to apply the design to your skin. Japanese art is very intricate as is the cherry tree itself so you need somebody who has experience in this type of tattoo. Make sure you talk over with them exactly what you want and don't be afraid to ask for amendments to their initial drawings so that the finished article is something you are happy to live with for the rest of your life.

So there you have it, I hope this overview of the meaning and symbolism of the cherry tree blossom has been useful in making up your mind about that tattoo you've been after.

Steve Waller has been a tattoo fan for years. Check out this brand new way to find cherry blossom tattoo designs online that you can print off and take along to any tattoo artist in your area.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stephen_Waller

Proper Care of a New Tattoo

Once finished, you are certainly going to want to know how to take proper care of your new tattoo. From this point on, your artist is not responsible for any infection or problems you may have with your tattoo if you don't take proper care of it. It is very important that you follow these guidelines. A really beautiful tattoo can turn into a disaster if the proper aftercare is not taken.

Before you walked out of the tattoo salon your artist will have covered up your tattoo with a bandage and for a very good reason. The purpose is to keep the air borne bacteria from invading your wound. Yes, as pretty as your new tattoo is, it is still a wound. Open flesh is a breeding ground for bacteria and infection. It is imperative that the bandage not be removed for at least two hours. Resist the urge to peel the bandage away to flaunt your new tat.

After you remove the bandage, you will want to wash your tattoo. Use lukewarm water and mild, liquid antibacterial soap to gently wash away any ointment, blood to completely clean the area. Do not use a washcloth or anything abrasive. Your hand is your best tool in this case. Follow these instructions carefully so you can be certain that you are taking proper care of your new tattoo.

Then pat (do not rub) the area firmly with a clean towel or paper towel to get it completely dry. Follow with a very light application of your choice of ointment. A&D vitamin enriched ointment would be my first choice, but if you don't have any, Bacitracin or a similar antibacterial ointment is acceptable.

Do not use Neosporin. This is a wonderful product for cuts and scrapes, but not in trying to give proper care for new tattoos. Some can have an allergic reaction to the Neosporin, which causes little red bumps. When the bumps go away, so does the ink.

After you have used the ointments for about 3-5 days then continue to keep the tattoo clean but at this point it is acceptable to use a mild lotion rather than ointment. The purpose is just to keep the skin soft. To ensure proper care of your new tattoo make sure any lotions that you apply are dye and fragrance free. Eucerin lotion seems to work the best for most people.

You can shower with a new tattoo. It's OK to get your tattoo wet, just try not to soak it. If you get soap or shampoo on your tattoo, just remove it quickly with water. Swimming, whether it is a pool, fresh water or salt water should be avoided for at least 2 weeks.

After a few days, you will notice some peeling and possibly a little scabbing. Excessive scabbing could indicate a poorly done tat. Apply warm moist compresses to the scabs for about 5 minutes 2-3 times a day to soften them and they will eventually come off on their own. Taking proper care of your new tattoo means that you will have to endure a bit of discomfort so when your tat starts to heal it will itch but NEVER pick it or scratch it. Rather just slap it softly; this means the tattoo is almost healed.

Read on to discover how the healing process of a tattoo [http://tathub.com/the-healing-stages-of-a-fresh-tattoo] actually takes place. Download your copy of Beginner's Guide To Tattoo. Go to http://www.tattooyork.com right now before we wise up and decide to no longer reveal our secrets!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mike_Wamoult

Farewell G20 ... Don't Let The Door Hit You In the Backside On The Way Out.

Well the G20 is finally over (what was it? all of 12 hours long?)

The politicians got their billion dollar photo op, and Toronto got large scale economic loss, wide spread physical destruction, and 5 spiffy new sound canons.

I heard on CBC that the world's leaders rejected getting together at a remote Army base (has the fence already and plenty of well-armed soldiers for protection) because it would send the wrong message.The people might feel cut off from their benign leadership were they to be percieved as walling themselves off.

How is that different from erecting the walls right through the heart of a major city, bringing everything crashing to a halt within and around that perimeter?

Twenty of the world's leaders visited Toronto - briefly.
Not one made a public appearance. It was like a ghost event. Without the CBC's breathless coverage would anyone have noticed it at all?

Considering the state of most of these country's economies, should this kind of extravagance be tolerated in the future?
G20 - next time go find yourself a remote little island. Trust me, no one will hold it against you.

Photos of the G20 Summit Protest March were shot with the Olympus Micro Four Thirds Pen EP-2 with 17mm 2.8, 14-42mm, and 9-18mm lenses.

All Images and copy is copyright Torontowide.com. All Rights Reserved. No reproduction in any form or any medium without express written consent.

Scarab Beetle Tattoo Picture

A magical fantasy design with a scarab beetle dancing along with two sphere-shaped bi-pedal three-toed curious alien type creatures. In the background is a green gaseous cloud and a large sun. This wonderous design appears on a guy's shoulder/upper arm. A nice conversation piece.

Rooster Tattoo Picture

A cartoon drawing of a rooster. He is running rapidly to the right. Green, blue, red and yellow ink are nicely apportioned in this whimsical design. He is big eyed and has his beak open, which adds to the urgency of his run. The tattoo show a nice clean outline work and good use of shading.

Family Guy Tattoos

Family Guy has completely taken the world by storm, and with nearly of decade of episodes under their belt, the fun loving and often crude characters that make up this program are poised for another 10 years of highly original reference style comedy.

Family Guy has garnered a cult like following of obsessed fans, some of which have ventured into the world of tattoo artwork and now don their favorite characters wherever the go. See some cool Family Guy tattoos below.

Excellent cartoon artwork on lower leg.

Glenn Quagmire pirate and skull cross bones.

Stewie Griffin and Evil Monkey ideas.

Stewie Griffin pointing artwork.

Tweety Bird Tattoos

When i think of classic adorable cartoon characters, the first thing that comes to mind is that feisty little yellow canary, known as Tweety Bird.

Tweety is another one of those lovable animated Looney Tunes characters, which stole the hearts of millions, often paired with Sylvester the cat, the duo became comic and entertainment gold.

Feast your precious eyes on these adorable Tweety Bird tattoos below.

Cute tattoo idea with butterflies on lower back.

Black and grey ink with innocent angel halo.

Small artwork on back right shoulder.

Tiny design on arm with initials.

Cupid inspired tattoo idea with bow and arrows.

"it's been a year now... "

"... since you were here now, and i'm trying to heal inside."

rest your soul, michael jackson.

the day after he died, npr created a sound byte of fans from around the world singing their heart out to their favorite mj song.

so raw... so painful... and so so hilarous.

i mean... the guy from mongolia singing "billie jean"? that's great.

rest our heads upon the grass and listen to it grow...

*

Michael Jackson

Today is 25.06.2010! Is "celebrating" a year since the King of Pop passed away! So let's have a moment in his honor/glory/memory!!!

Michael Joseph Jackson (August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009) was an American recording artist, entertainer, and philanthropist. Referred to as the King of Pop, Jackson is recognized as the most successful entertainer of all time by Guinness World Records. His contribution to music, dance and fashion, along with a much-publicized personal life, made him a global figure in popular culture for over four decades. The eighth child of the Jackson family, he debuted on the professional music scene alongside his brothers as a member of The Jackson 5 in the mid-1960s, and began his solo career in 1971.

Michael Jackson was born on August 29, 1958, the eighth of ten children to an African American working-class family, in Gary, Indiana, an industrial suburb of Chicago. His mother, Katherine Esther Scruse, was a devout Jehovah's Witness, and his father, Joseph Walter "Joe" Jackson, a steel mill worker who performed with an R&B band called The Falcons. Jackson had three sisters: Rebbie, La Toya, and Janet, and five brothers: Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon, and Randy.A sixth brother, Brandon, died shortly after birth.

In 1984 he won another seven Grammys and eight American Music Awards (including the Award of Merit, the youngest artist to win it), making him the most awarded in one night for both award shows. These awards were thanks to the Thriller album, released in late 1982, which became the best-selling album of all time in the United States, as well as the best-selling album of all time worldwide, selling an estimated 110 million copies. The album topped the Billboard 200 chart for 37 weeks and was in the top 10 of the 200 for 80 consecutive weeks. It was the first album to have seven Billboard Hot 100 top 10 singles, including "Billie Jean", "Beat It," and "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'."

a picture diary of my day.

my kids are the best. check out these awesome messages!

they're pretty funny too. haha!

flowers for my birthday from one of my students.

enjoying them while i can!

me and trang. how cute is she?!

kelly might jsut take over the school with his kfc and alcoholic drink!

oh dear! look out cis!

went to get something from the accountant...it was nap time. NO JOKE!

we got rid of 81 of these bad boys today!