David Gandy

I have been using this blog lately for some good old male objectification recently and I couldn't help but post a pic about this fine fellow.

David Gandy and I just saw him on TV 'a strong minute ago'.

National Poetry Reading Month Concludes

The Advocate alerted me to this special occasion and so, since it affects me, I must blog about it. For readers in love with the written word, it must be noted tomorrow wraps up Canada's National Poetry Month. It's true, The League of Canadian Poets claimed April for their word-tinkering, coffee-drenched verse and I am compelled to honour their efforts.

Tonight, I will give you a spot of poetry to mull over, or perhaps even lust over. While I was completing the undergrad degree, I was invited to participate in an Erotic Poetry Night hosted by the campus wellness centre. Needless to say, the event was dominated by queer women. I wrote the tamest verse of the night, but, given my prudishness, I'd say this piece is a little racy.

Enjoy:

Efflorescence

Published Nov. 22, 2007

My fingers trail her collar;

They recognise this place

Long before my eyes recall --

Her love is

A shadow in my blood

A palpitation in my soul

With one mouth

We pull each other’s

Poetry out

Our tongues tracing slow circles

Across our secrets,

All those untold stories...

The swivel of her hips

Is so intentional tonight,

She is perfection with her skirt around her waist.

She is mine with her tights around her ankles.

Holding her is

Incandescent --

She annihilates my room.

© Miz Moffatt

***

How saucy. Know what else is saucy? Voting. How? Well, because I decree it. The Advocate has 24-hours left to garner all the votes possible in her bid to win The Best Travel Job Ever. She has campaigned herself into a half-crazed state and her efforts are blinding in their success. In her last update, she alerted followers of her astounding rise to 18th place. But, to hold on to a space in the top 25, she needs you to keep sending your votes in. Don't let the girl down, now -- make sure to push those votes before the deadline tomorrow.

Aww…

 

I couldn’t help but post this.

And the Gossip Grows...

I can feel it, readers -- the slow shift started with an awkward conversation pertaining to The Oscars and it continues to clot the halls at the office...

The sudden interest around this blogette's love life is approaching alarming levels on the work front. And, might I add, none of this was proffered by me.

I assume it has a great deal to do with my age. I turn 24 next month and I am still single. In most cases, outsiders tend to start questioning the single gals once the mid-20s roll around, you know, since we're all supposed to be desperate to marry and have babies and whatnot.

I never discuss crushes or infatuations in the office, mostly because I find it unprofessional to do so (whether queer or straight, I often find the personal life is best kept in the private realm).

And the woman instigating this investigation is now in her 60s.

This week, we've had some gents in the office delivering office furniture, rearranging cubicles, and wrestling with the beast that is the air conditioning system. All I did was wander into her office to ask about payment procedures and I was met with:

"Oh, did you get a good look at the guy fixin' the air conditioning?? Oh, he is something. I mean, I know I'm married 'n' all, but I can still look, can't I?! A HA HA HA! How 'bout you. You get a good look, too? Hmm??"

I mumbled something about spreadsheets and rebates and then returned to the question at hand.

Ah, deflection -- it takes a talent to change the subject with a smooth hand.

Did I mention this afternoon marked the eighth day back in the office?

Hmm.

Tunes for [Wednes]days: Hannah Georgas (AND MORE!)

It is a delicious week for women in music, let me tell you. I wonder if, perhaps, the amount of awesome culminating in the new releases this Tuesday might be too explosive for one simple blog post to contain.

I will wield it as best I can.

Leading the ladies this week is Hannah Georgas, a Vancouver-based musician with a knack for energetic, effervescent pop tracks with distinct indie influences. Critics have fallen over themselves to catch a word from Ms. Georgas, providing an ample shot of exposure for the singer-songwriter even before her first album debuted.

Her delightful press kit encapsulates the singer's style in a flawless fashion: "Hannah Georgas is the new love of your life – and she won’t break your heart. Her voice, bittersweet yet as spunky as an indie film heroine, will make you swoon as she sings about love, language and awkward situations."

Um, yes please to all of the above. And Canadian to boot? Well, I do believe she's launched me to the moon with that stunning news.

Canadian listeners are at an advantage (finally!) this time around -- wander over to iTunes and download her single, "Bang Bang You're Dead," FOR FREE. It's true, she's the free single for the week. We tend to suffer droughts in Canada when it comes to alluring new artists for the Single of the Week and I am thrilled to see Ms. Georgas break that streak. As the title of her album suggests, This Is Good. It's full of sparks and heartbreak and a child-like impulse to run through open fields and shout to the clouds.

For readers out there who cannot access the free download, never fear. YouTube is a constant source of wonder and offers a wide array of sugary goodness from Ms. Georgas. Gosh, even her slower songs are brimming over with an indescribable, highly-addictive energy. To that effect, I give you "Thick Skin" from her debut, This Is Good.

A beautiful sound gilded with such sadness -- why am I writing and not downloading this album right now?

I expect Hannah Georgas is about to uncover a huge amount of commercial success within our borders and beyond. She's a musician to watch for and she's bound to discover far richer, expressive plains from here.

***

OH. MY. WORD.

NEW RELEASES: I feel the charts were orchestrated by a queer woman this week. Serious. One glance at the new release wall is all the proof you need. Shall we begin?

Albums

Melissa Etheridge, Fearless Love

Melissa Etheridge, one of the First Ladies of the Queer Scene, opens the countdown with new material and an undeniable activism in her voice. Fearless Love marks Etheridge's eleventh studio album and it is FULL OF THE GAY. It's got a great big, heartland sound to it and proves it will be a popular addition to summer road trips to come.

Hole, Nobody's Daughter

I know, I was shocked, too -- Courtney Love? With a new album? HOLE HAS REUNITED?! Do NOT adjust the computer screen. She's refined her sound and cleaned up the edges of her music this time around, but the grit in her voice remains. Those grunge roots are a focal point and her raw emotion offers an unmistakable draw for dedicated fans and new listeners alike. Here's hoping she's traded in those awkward talk show stints for another successful shot at this business of art.

Charlotte Gainsbourg, Sunset Strip (EP)

Anglo-French actress-turned-singer, Charlotte Gainsbourg, seems to be clipping through the charts with no signs of slowing. Her third album, IRM (2009), inundated Gainsbourg with critical attention and a swelling fan base -- both of which are very well deserved. Her latest EP offers a sleek, sexy texture mixed with a dream-like, effortless flow of music. Her credits are stunning, but her music outshines it all.

Singles

Sarah McLachlan, "Loving You Is Easy"

(The Laws of Illusion, Release Date: June 15, 2010)

Our Lady of Lillith Fair gives us a rollicking new single with promises of reinvention on the horizon. This single is a sharp departure from Sarah McLachlan's soft, glowing world of piano-driven music, but the song is fresh and offers a compelling new perspective on one of Canada's golden girls.

Regina Spektor, "No Surprises"

Regina Spektor returns with an intimate, gorgeous cover of Radiohead's "No Surprises" from their album, OK Computer (1997). Proceeds from this download will be donated to the Doctors Without Borders Emergency Relief Fund program and, heck, the track is good for the ears, too, when you think about it.

***

As I said, I am certain a queer woman compiled these new releases. Or, perhaps a group of queer women were behind the scenes on this one considering these artists release their work under various labels. Regardless, it is a splendid week for all the ladies out there. I am glad I could bring this sweet news to you, even if it is a day late.

***

But, you know what it's never too late to do? Why, it's never too late to vote for The Advocate in The Best Travel Job Ever, of course! (Do you even need to ask twice?) Voting closes THIS FRIDAY, so folks need to get their votes in as soon as possible. Serious, she's a handful of clicks from top 20 territory, people. Rally those efforts and launch her to those wanderlust dreams.

I.O.U.

I.O.U.: One Tunes for Tuesdays post and another bit of random fare from the Life of Miz Moffatt.

***

Reasons:

• A substantial dip in the health metre this past week. Never fear, tests are in line for next week, so here's to finding solutions.
• Took in another evening with Ladies in Writing. Discussed our hectic schedules, our homework avoidance, and our favourite books of the moment.
• Intense desire to re-watch some vital episodes from an anime series I need to post about soon.

Will return tomorrow. In the meantime, feel free to cast a vote in favour of The Advocate's travels abroad over at The Best Travel Job Ever. She's entered the home stretch of this first round of competition and needs your help to move on to the next level. Check her out and send her packin'!

Picture Me

Purple Reign

It Must Be Great Being Lily Donaldson

If Women Still Dressed This Way…

Ahhhh….

He’s Beautiful

Tiny Tiny Tiny Beauty Product Haul

I absolutely love pastel colours this spring especially on my nails. Superdrug had a 3 for 2 offer on Revlon and i helped myself to some Nail Varnishes.  Later on i went to get some stuff from B&M and i found another Revlon Nail Varnish for 69p (the one with Revlon spread across the glass bottle)…Idoubt it’s original.

Anything vintage i will buy so Soap and Glory…

The Fabpore Peel is not a ‘peel’ as per se it’s a clay mask and i must say very effective. The tag line f this product is ’girls if you’re ever feeling dirty…’ Me loves it!

Another product I absolutely love. This eyegel is amazing it immediately absorbs into your skin and over time it gradually improves the area around your eyes. Again absolutely amazing!

My Week In Pictures + Outfit Of The Day

I Love these pictures. This are the first things I see when stepping out. This beautiful cherry blossom tree grows right outside our front door and I never fail to smile whenever I see it. Especially now where I’m very thoughtful of my future…I’m considering doing another degree. Jura/Law does not make me happy.
Apart from that i went to a lovely Bday this week

It was lovely! It was a 24th, i must say i feel more comfortable with ‘older people than me’. Stoltze 5 jahre unterschied between me and my friends…they’re all 23 and above.
I also went to Lush…mind you whenever I walk past the shop the sweet smelling products hit me in the face and I am always tempted to go in and eat something…yes eat, if it smells like food(mostly fruit) then it must be food.

I must say I absolutely love Lush. I know it’s old news but Lush Lush Lush!
And finally yesterday some friends and me thought it would be fun if we went for a walk, no not just and ordinary walking down the street walk but a vintage walk so we all got dolled up and walked through my friends neighbourhood, i must ad that her neighbourhood is this vintage fairytale of Victorian houses and lamp posts so we just fitted in nicely!

This is what I wore.
x

10 Votes, 100 Hotties

Break out the ballots and storm the voting booth, ladies. It is time to nominate all those earth-shattering, knee-weakening women for the illustrious title of Hottest Woman According to the Lady-Lovin' Ladies.

It is time for the 2010 AfterEllen.com's Hot 100. Breathe it in -- that is the promise of endless attractiveness matched with talent, elegance, and a whole lot of social consciousness.

The infamous Hot 100 launched in 2007 as a response to the popular and peculiar lists generated via men's magazines such as Maxim. While I tend to pour over a list or two of this nature, one targeted to a straight male audience, I can't help but notice the uniform aesthetic of the women therein. Accomplishments are downplayed or erased while a woman's.... um, assets tend to take the centrefold.

In AfterEllen.com's Hot 100, queer women are given the space to "express what, or who, we find attractive," a perspective often rendered invisible through major media outlets -- and, truthfully, comparing the lists is quite a refreshing experience.

Click on over here to nominate ten delightful, radiant, and gorgeous women for the 2010 Hot 100 list. Polls close on May 7th, 2010 and the results will be posted on May 17th, 2010 (I will consider it a belated birthday present, as I am born on May 16th).

Here's a brief teaser for ladies new to the vote -- check out the top ten ladies from the 2009 Hot 100 List:

1. Portia de Rossi

2. Jennifer Beals

3. Lena Headey

4. Leisha Hailey

5. Sarah Shahi

6. Rachel Maddow

7. Tina Fey

8. Sara Ramirez

9. Angelina Jolie

10. Gro Hammerseng

Mmm -- stunning. One note, though: I'm hoping the 2010 list will not be dominated by ex-cast members of The L Word. It's a little overdone, I do believe. There are other ladies out there who deserve top ten spots and it's about time the list gives them a chance to shine, too. (Plus, um... The L Word is kind of off the air, so.... yeah.)

***

And hey, since we're all on the topic of voting and such, why not wander over to The Best Travel Job Ever and give another ten votes to The Advocate? I mean, with all that voting on the brain now, I'm certain readers could give a vote for the dear Advocate and her future adventures abroad.

I mean, I'm sure the ladies of the Hot 100 would be impressed with your selflessness when it came to supporting a friend of mine, right? Hmm? Don't want to disappoint them, now. *Cheeky grin*

The Toronto Green Living Show: Round Four

Speaking of anniversaries and such, this weekend marks the FOURTH Green Living Show held at Toronto's Direct Energy Centre on the CNE grounds. And what, pray tell, could be more intense than four years of this consumer-driven, eco-assuming showcase?

Oh, perhaps the fact I have attended ALL FOUR SHOWS.

I think I've reached the point where I need to attend for the sake of my strange ego. Who out there can boast their attendance at all four Green Living Shows? (Well, aside from my Mom who's attended with me, of course). At this rate, I could reach a decade of Green Livin' madness. Who knows, the Earth might stop revolving if ever I miss one. You know that volcano in Iceland? Perhaps it's a warning sign of worse to come should I ever not attend Toronto's Green Living Show.

Right.

Readers might be interested to re-read last year's post in which I examine the 2009 Show in reference to the earlier shows. (I also attended the Fly By Night theatre company's fundraiser that evening which involved a bachelorette/bachelor auction, so, um, click on over to that.)

So, conclusions for the 2010 Green Living Show:

• FOOD STALLS. OH SWEET GOODNESS. People shoved food samples at me from all angles. And drink samples. I had fresh-squeezed orange juice, white tea, protein smooties, and boxed apple juice in a one-minute span. Dizzying, indeed. 2009 was nothing but yogurt samples. In 2010, visitors needn't even purchase lunch due to the sheer volume of free snack samples available.
• CORPORATE SPONSORS. Seems the big hitters are coming around to the show's increasing revenue/success. From major magazines to auto dealers, from major grocery chains to home renovation locales -- it was big business all around. Granted, there are tons of small business there as well. But, it seemed the major players bought up the best real estate in the building.
• FREE(ish) TICKETS. Mom read somewhere about the One Electronic Waste Product = FREE Admission to the Show. Lo, the Moffatt clan has stock-piled a collection of ancient cell phones so we got in free(ish) of charge. We've had those cell phones since, oh... 2001? I know. They're relics, now. All you could do with them was make phone calls. Weird.
• HIGHER EDUCATION APPEALS. I do believe this is the first time I saw Toronto-based universities and colleges with booths at the show. All were natured-focused, earth science-y, or arbour-related. Power to them if it aids enrollment.

And, most vital for the readers of said blog:

• QUEER PEOPLE WITH THE CASH TO SPEND ON ECO-CONSCIOUS PRODUCTS WERE IN ATTENDANCE ONCE AGAIN.

Serious. I referenced this phenomenon on a past blog and I stand by it now: if you want to meet successful queer people outside of the clubbing circuit, visit trade shows focused on green living or healthy lifestyles. It's staggering the number of gay, lesbian, and bi individuals you will stumble across at these places.

And, if these demographic stats are correct, then it's an impressive bunch to socialize with:

84% between the ages of 20-49

66% are female [...]

59% hold professional or managerial positions

69% have university or post-graduate degrees

SIGN ME UP. Oh, and on another note, the organizers managed to lure the likes of Colin Firth and Amy Smart to the Saturday main event. Perhaps the increased numbers of corporate sponsors is related to this.

Oh, and on a random tangent, I also found the gorgeous tea shop I purchased some goods from at the first Green Living Show. I was thrilled as I hadn't seen them at the last two events. I descended on Tea2Gather and picked up some white tea, pure green tea, and a delightful lavender tea blended with mint and rosemary. I'm still in the middle of a soothing, tea-induced reflective state and will likely remain here for the rest of the week.

So there -- 2010 = Success. I sampled, I steeped, and I partook in a fair bit of eye candy. Who knew a green lifestyle could coincide with increased visibility for the queer community-at-large?

I guess we're just savvy like that.

***

And while we're on the topic of savvy kids, I know of one stellar individual who could use some of your support right this minute. The Advocate's in the running for The Best Travel Job Ever and she's closing in on the elusive top 25 position. Click on over and give her a vote or twelve -- let's send The Advocate packin'!

Happy 1st Birthday, Blog!

Here it is, lovelies -- Cute, Queer, Canadian becomes a proud one-year-old today. What a shock to see it all typed out before me. It's been one year since I launched this project and I am thrilled to see the personal progress I've made and to see the unmistakable changes to take over this space.

I started this blog for three reasons: first, I was inspired by the fresh and delightful pop culture/lesbian-themed posts of one Dorothy Snarker at her blog Dorothy Surrenders; second, I wanted to create a space for myself where I could blog freely on all the queer topics I wanted and connect with other women like myself; and third, I had the odd impression there was a void when it came to queer Canadian content on the Web.

In the first years of reading queer and lesbian blogs, I struggled to find writers with a Canadian perspective. Perhaps I wasn't picking the proper SEO keywords while searching, but still. It motivated me to start in with my own stories which led me to the likes of Queer Canada Blogs with its diverse, eloquent collective of queer blogettes and bloggers (who just happened to be of the Canadian persuasion). From then on, it's been a great trip connecting with new writers and with an excellent group of readers across the Blogoverse.

For a taste of nostalgia, here's the first post I made to Cute, Queer, Canadian (then known as "Queer in Canada"). It was a brief introduction to future readers and offered a nice profile of the writer to develop therein.

Since then, I introduced readers to the detailed world of The Harem Proper, showcased a wide array of talented women through Tunes for Tuesdays (highlights include Laura Marling, Amanda Palmer, PJ Harvey, k.d. lang, and Metric to name a few) -- and I even had the gumption to warn online daters of the Major Archetypes and Minor Archetypes of the dreaded e-scene. (Just so generous and thorough, aren't I?)

However, I think the most golden of all posts are tied into the coming out successes I found in the last year. All the time spent concealed and nervous paid off with a new-found freedom when it comes to personal identity. It's impressive to see that inner confidence take root and strengthen with each person I came out to. Check it:

• In April 2009, I profiled where I was at in the coming out process (I'M OUT! I'M IN!)
• July 2009 -- I vowed to out myself on the home front and wrote up the Official Game Plan for that August.
• I came out to my lil' brother on July 30th, 2009.
• I got scooped by my sister's engagement announcement on Aug. 22nd, 2009. Oh, so close. The week afterward was a tight, stress-filled one even while I was thrilled for my sister's big news.
• SUCCESS!! Aug 29th, 2009 will continue to be a remarkable day in the life of Miz Moffatt as I finally had The Talk with Mom and Dad.
• I pondered the difference between Being Queer and Living Queer after The Talk.
• I came out to The Advocate after a rousing Nuit Blanche and then came out to Ship Sharp on an October Ladies' Night.

Astounding. I relate to myself in such a different sense after the marathon of coming out declarations between July and October in 2009. While I still need to push myself out into the scene more, I now have the support of family and friends alike. I can enter into a relationship without compromising myself or my girlfriend's identity. That in itself is a revelation.

And now, I will make some space for a round of special thanks:

• To the parents and the siblings for accepting me and respecting who I am. I needed that foundation and I am glad to have found it.
• To the first friends who knew. O'Neill found himself in an integral role for me. I talked to him about queer issues I'd never spoken of before. I like to think we protected one another in those coming out years. And Ms. Chantal who knew I was queer before I even came out to myself which I am still impressed with. She knew when we were in grade nine. I know! I think I need to borrow her Gaydar....
• To The Advocate and Ship Sharp for not even blinking in the face of my coming out. I can't express how helpful both these ladies have been for my confidence level. They epitomize the term "straight allies" and "wicked cool women." And heck, they've both encouraged me to get out on the town and flirt with the ladies, so, um.... awesome.
• To Kara and Jessica over at The Adventures of Kara & Jessica -- Ms. Kara was the first follower of this blog and she gave me the confidence to keep at it and write for other queer gals like us.
• To the fabulous bloggettes and bloggers over at Queer Canada Blogs who provide epic content with a delightful queer twist.

And last, though quite important, I thank you for reading this. Whomever you might be, of whatever persuasion, thank you for clicking over here and checking out the life of a gay gal in the Great White North. Here's to another year that's even brighter than the last.