A Woman In Full-V Magazine

World Cup

Yesterday I posted this

and here’s the rest

Word can’t describe how amazing i find this spread….

Tunes for Tuesdays: Shot of Summer Singles

Let the cascade of searing summer singles commence. With our daylight hours at their longest and our nights sparkling with the promise of new adventure, artists are vying for that elusive spot on everyone's summer playlist.

This week, a stunning collection of women are laying those critical foundations for the first few weeks of hot weather music.

Check 'em out:

M.I.A. - "Teqkilla"

Her music defies the tight confines of genre and is at once explosive and precise. M.I.A. kicked down the blockade of the North American music scene with her tight track, "Paper Planes," from her second full-length album, Kala (2007), and now, she's poised to conquer once again. "Teqkilla" assaults the senses with its clash of sound and its sensual, pulsing drum line. Its dissonance disorients even while its back beats offer a clear rhythm to dance to. M.I.A. delivers a wall of sound to thrash through and a set of lyrics to disrupt complacent thought. Her new album, MAYA, is scheduled for a July 13th release and her single promises another summer filled with M.I.A.

Estelle - "Fall In Love"

Estelle is notorious for her glittery, upbeat brand of R'n'B-meets-pop that simply epitomizes the fresh sunlight of a summer afternoon. She delivers once again with her latest single, "Fall In Love," a carefree track overflowing with the promise of new love and late evenings spent on the dance floor. She dispels the stress of the day-to-day with the mellow spark of her voice and the clever, sci-fi-inspired inflections sprinkled throughout her music. Now, this particular track is a compelling one -- multiple versions exist at the moment. If listeners are partial to rap, check out her duet with Nas. Or, for that smoother sound, check out the version she created with John Legend. For purists, she even offers a solo set of vocals. I admit, I'm partial to the third version -- with a voice like hers, I want to savour each verse.

Faith Evans feat. Snoop Dogg - "Way You Move"

Hmm, so -- not thrilled with Snoop Dogg's appearance on this track. I want to make that clear. Nonetheless, I still pledge my everlasting dedication to the gorgeous voice of Faith Evans. Her vocals float so effortlessly across the pulsing bass lines of her music. She is living proof of the limitless power a breathy, soul-edged feminine voice has over a gal like me. Once again, she proves how compelling that pull is with "Way You Move," a drifting, 90s-inspired track headlining her sixth studio album, Something About Faith, set for a September 14th release date. Her hiatus is broken and it is sweet to see her return to the scene.

***

We've got a solid start here and a whole host of light, airy, danceable summer albums on the docket for weeks ahead. It's time to pour the ice tea and escape to the patio with a stereo in hand -- it's time to amplify the season, I believe.

Pride Magazine

So Cute.

Also, how fierce is Alek

This World Cup I'm totally football mad, Germany or Ghana is going to win it…you know it’s true!

That is all.

Lazy Sunday

I have a thing for plum tones @the moment

I love this necklace

 

My fave scarf

Glasses- Camden market

Necklace-Vintage

Boots- Manchester Market

Bag-Ebay

Scarf-Primark

Top-New Look

An(other) Open Letter to Alan Ball, Creator of True Blood

Dearest Alan Ball,

I am pleased to find such a response to the first letter I directed to your attention. It appears the drought of true lesbian women has, at last, ceased in Bon Temps, Louisiana. Our thirst for Sapphic action has been both quenched and heightened in one shot and I give sincere thanks for the delightful moment of vamp-on-girl erotics from tonight's episode.

Granted, it took until season three, episode three for that to occur. I am willing to overlook the inherent travesty of such a delay in exchange for more delicious scenes with our reigning queer vamp, Pam (Kristen Bauer).

And, for a more well-rounded queer experience, it appears the same Estonian exotic dancer from Eric's S&M chamber also quite appreciates Pam's brand of, um, "lip service," shall we call it. So there, a bisexual human hottie who's managed to capture the attention of Eric, queen Sophie-Anne, and Pam in a matter of three episodes.

I know the old adage describes terrible events occurring in threes, but it seems to apply for salacious vampiric moments, also.

Oh, Mr. Ball -- I know there is still much ground to cover this season when it comes to those elusive queer women on True Blood. I must remind you, much like V, one taste from the Sapphic cup tends to invite stronger cravings than before. I do hope you are prepared to meet and exceed those expectations for us lady-lovin'-ladies who pledge our Sunday evenings to your particular brand of vampire-based entertainment.

And yes, I do keep tabs.

I await your response, sir.

-- Miz Moffatt

P.S. -- While I have you here, I must ask -- please, treat Tara (Rutina Wesley) well this season. Serious, someone needs to cut her a bit of slack. Her one true love is buried, she is on a downward spiral toward suicide, and now she's hooked up with an eerie vamp who's tracking Bill? I saw clips of her future self running through open fields, too. And no, she did not look pleased to be running. Mr. Ball, I beg of you -- give Tara an uplifting plot line. She is far too hot to waste on literal dead ends.

I will settle for a Pam/Tara hook-up, if you insist.

Tension and Turning-Points, G20-Style

Canadian news outlets have been overflowing with a sick swirl of violence, mass arrests, and illogical political demonstrations for hours now and it seems the garish spectacle will march on into the night.

I am struggling to form coherent thought over top of the pulsing anger I harbour for these supposed "protesters." Granted, I know the violent ones are a small demographic mixed in to the overall legitimate protesting groups -- but to see the shattered glass of Queen St. West and gutted police cars while comparing it to the gorgeous memories I garnered just last week launches me into this loop of anger, disbelief, and frustration.

The blood boils with each new storefront smashed and looted. And to know there are friends trapped in the downtown core based on the location of their homes pushes me further into this livid state.

Toronto is being ripped apart for what?

It seems like such a tragic joke to hear protesters yelling at police officers to, quote, "get a real job," even while these same shit disturbers have the time to march through the streets on weekday afternoons leading up to the actual G20 Summit. Go figure.

I admit, I have a bias toward Canadian officers at the heart of this ordeal. I have immediate connections with one of the officers donning riot gear this weekend. In fact, she holds quite a central position in the background of this blogette right here. When I was sixteen, she gave me a shot as an HMV employee when I had no previous work experience to speak of. She could be tough when she needed to, but she was patient with her employees and we knew she would support us in the face of customer-instigated adversity. In essence, she is the one manager I compare all other managers to. Her dream was to enter the police force and I am glad to note she achieved it after intense training and dedication to the cause.

On another clever note, she was also the first out and proud lesbian I met. She even helped me find that initial shot of self-confidence while I was first coming out to myself. Though I never came out to her while we worked together, it was just her presence and her openness about herself that helped me understand how to live as an out woman. She was a mentor without even realizing it.

And now, she is stationed in the downtown core for the express purpose of minimizing destruction and corralling protesters.

Ah, quite the woman.

Well, this has been an abrupt change of pace with this post. What started from a need to vent about the damage done to our fair city has transformed into praise for one helluva woman. I love how the mind works sometimes, especially once sleep-deprived and on the cusp of a cold.

I am sending out all positive vibes to the friends at the centre of "Fortress Toronto" and to the women and men in blue who are working around the clock for us all. Here is hoping the night proves to be a short one.

Rain on This Parade

While the rest of North America unfurls their rainbow flags and storms the streets with effervescent Pride, Toronto is bracing for an unpredictable weekend.

Saturday heralds the G20 Summit in our midst -- world leaders are mingling, police forces are building, and protesters are rallying (or whining, depends on an onlooker's POV).

And, one of the first casualties this weekend is, of course, Toronto Pride.

Rumours throughout the queer centres of the city signal to alternative Pride events taking place across Toronto, most of them quiet affairs set in private venues far removed from the front lines. As for the main parade and its overdose of glitter, local queers and our gorgeous visitors await the postponed festivities scheduled for July 3rd and 4th.

What a drag.

Granted, it's a difficult position to complain from -- I for one want nothing to do with Toronto this weekend. The G20 Summit and its crush of protesters promises widespread disruption and a distinct decrease in civil liberties in exchange for enhanced safety. I've heard the criticism over this complete erasure of official Pride celebrations for such a tense climate, but, well, I have to side with organizers on this one.

Pride Toronto attracts three million or more revelers to the city -- how wise is it to blend all that with protesters promising violence and police forces armed with sound cannons and riot gear?

Still, it's tough to know Toronto queers are missing out on celebrating 2010 Pride with our sister cities. Though, I imagine plan-oriented kids foresaw the issues at hand and prepared a two-part Pride celebration -- this weekend encouraged travelers to discover their Pride in other Canadian cities or other North American destinations while still leaving ample calendar space for Toronto's later activities. See? It's possible to find the hidden opportunities even within "Fortress Toronto."

In other news, I foresee difficulties on the horizon for July 3rd and 4th -- as of this moment, I am coming down with what promises to be a wicked summer cold. The same woman at work who made me sick for Thanksgiving 2009 and gave me the flu right in time for my Sister's New Year's Ever wedding has now passed on another nasty cold to me right in time for Pride.

Did I mention this would have been the first Pride I celebrated as a completely out individual?

Yep.

Nothing significant or anything, right?

I am more than irked. I could use stronger, more foul language to describe this news, but it is futile. The germs have taken root and are starting their slow infestation. Seems my immune system is taking its signals from the Summit this weekend -- it is mass chaos in a microcosm.

Bah, physical metaphors. Quit being so well-timed.

More updates to follow on both fronts. Here's to Toronto and this body of mine making it out alive.

Vogue Russia

Erm….

I know very late but i was watching this and forgot everything i was doing….

and some delish Mehcad Brooks

…….

Tomes to Travel Through with Miz Moffatt

Lo, the crush of recent experience leads to an epic collection of stories from the city and stories from the suburbs to divulge. I chose the image of archaic tomes for a reason -- the narrative for the past week can only be measured against the thick, dense ramblings of weighted texts.

In a nutshell: OH dear goodness, I have crammed a whole lot of life into a meagre span of time.

Hence, point form updates will be called upon to breeze through these stories for posterity's sake:

Thursday, June 17/10

• Booked it into Toronto post-work to catch Ship Sharp's latest directorial project. She took the helm of the Fly By Night (FBN) Theatre Company's performance of Dog Sees God at Lorraine Kimsa Theatre for Young People (165 Front Street). The verdict: AMAZING (as per usual). Perfect casting, compelling performances from all cast members, and clever choices made by Ship Sharp herself. The Advocate and I shared a giggle over the mannerisms this cast adopted from Ship Sharp -- also amused over the random "Bad Romance" outbreak that shared eerie similarities to our own group's tendencies....
• Fell in love with city life all over again, even in the presence of the infamous G8/G20 fence marring the front steps of Union Station. Dazzled with street lights, pulsing with the lives around me -- I belong there. I decree it now.

Friday, June 18/10

• First off: HAPPY BIRTHDAY, O'NEILL! Cheers to another brilliant year for a brooding gentleman.
• Accompanied The Advocate to the graduation party of her close friend/fellow Pilgrim. Headed out to Moxie's for a night of carousing and catching-up. Broke out into songs from the Simpsons more than once, discussed manga and/or violent anime more than once, too. Devoured a massive, knee-weakening, and delicious plate of nachos with The Advocate. Alas, no beer and breakfast, though cheese-smothered chips are a close favourite as well. Called it an early evening to prepare for a Toronto-based adventure to RULE THEM ALL.

Saturday, June 19/10

• Started with two plans in mind: Visit the Toronto Small Press Book Fair at The Great Hall (1087 Queen St. West) and find a black dress for The Advocate in time for next week's alumni chamber choir performance. All other activities and adventures were ours to choose.
• First off: The Advocate and I + Gorgeous, old building + Ample selections of zines, chapbooks, and other indie lit = COMBO FOR EXCESSIVE, EXCITABLE COMBUSTION. We talked with each vendor, poured over their work, and made the difficult decision to limit our purchases (as best as possible, of course). Imagine it: local writers and small presses selling their work for an average of $10 or less. Hot discoveries include: a how-to guide for zine-making, a first collection of poetry by an author who has all but fallen off the face of the Earth (according to her press), and an alternative version of Toronto where a housing market crash creates a city ruled by warring factions of artists. INTENSE.
• With the sun splitting the clouds and a warm afternoon in front of us, The Advocate and I decided to walk the entire stretch of Queen St. West to Younge St. Yes. We were that giddy on Saturday. And oh, what adventures we found.
• Surprised a high school friend at his current job. "Excuse me, would you happen to have Labyrinth in?" Ah, it was such a perfect and genuine reaction of surprise. I love that our high school created such long-lasting bonds between us all. Also: Need to get our grade 11 flick, Sickle Hand, up on YouTube. Serious. I would link to it from here.
• Stumbled across Nadege Patisserie (780 Queen St. W.) for lunch. Our noses led us to a gorgeous selection of gourmet treats, colourful macaroons, and lavish sandwiches to pine after. I opted for a grilled veggie sandwich with brie and pesto while The Advocate selected a delicate, posh ham sandwich. Nadege has a cool, Parisian atmosphere with an attentive and relaxed staff. With their treats lit under glass cases, it felt like gazing in on jewelry. We ate al fresco at Trinity-Bellwoods Park and pondered over the contestants of an Amazing Race-style activity (partners were helping one another cross a tight-rope...?)

• It was a crush of images all after that: Sanko Japanese Market (730 Queen St. West) with the delicious, Kirin iced tea I first had while visiting a friend in Japan; discovering the Red Tea Box (696 Queen St. West) with a Mad Hatter's selection of treats (all poised for a future trek into the city); a random storefront with half-naked women dancing in the windows (though I believe I know what the "store" was about); accidentally stumbled through a crowd in front of Much Music, all awaiting the presence of *Shudder* Justin Bieber *Shudder, shudder*; Laughed over the oddities found in stores catering to the antiques crowd (so many mannequins, so many gaudy and matching lamps); Popped into the Silver Snail (367 Queen St. W.) to take a quick spin through the manga section.
• We trekked through stand-alone stores and through the Eaton's Centre to find a black dress to fit the strict guidelines of The Advocate's chamber choir ensemble. Esprit holds the key, it appears. Also caught sight of the Silver Elvis doing his thing in front of the mall's entrance.

• Once at Younge Street, we parted ways for the evening. I made it to Union station with moments to spare before the GO Train doors slid closed on another Toronto trek. Ah, that city. I need to roam its streets more often. I know I've missed out on detailing all these moments from Saturday, but, seriously, we took in a LOT of the scene. We covered a 4 KM stretch of the downtown core and managed to find material for, oh.... at least four future trips to Toronto. Case and point: we need to move downtown. Ah, I felt so sparkly and amazing all night. This is definitely something we will need to do again.

Sunday, June 20/10

• More celebrations to be had: Lil' brother turned 21 (staggering -- I feel so ancient by proxy, now) and also high-fived Dad for Father's Day. Spent the morning running a few small trips to get food-based gifts for the menfolk and reveling in the gorgeous weather.
• Went to the local, suburban mall to find a new tea store opened just on Saturday. As a self-professed tea loon, I was thrilled with the new proximity to premium loose leaf. But, the kicker? Apparently you must be an incredibly attractive woman to work there. I am so returning to this store as soon as possible. Readers: If I know you personally, I am stating now that I will drag you to this location once you are in my grasp. Serious, mark the calendar.
• Spent the afternoon in full relaxation mode, revolving the idea of a zine or a more professional, self-published work through my mind. I think the world needs more confessional sci fi, don't you?

Monday, June 21/10

• Work = Tedious, maddening, exhausting. Dreamt of writing and publishing for the entire shift, imagined what a future surrounded by the arts and with other writers would look like. Yes, I had a head full of dreams with me.
• Instant uplift: O'Neill called. Launched into another of our epic, catch-up phone conversations. I find it amusing how blunt we can be, especially when it comes to queer topics. Or, perhaps "candid" is the more posh-sounding term. In either case, I think we were both able to give voice to the stresses of our current situations and we even got some gossip in about idealized crushes and all the fun stuff. Fingers crossed that the kid can come visit this weekend -- there needs to be a personal summit with O'Neill, The Advocate, Ship Sharp and I. It'll be edgier and cooler than the hype surrounding the G8/G20 combined, just you wait.

Tuesday, June 22/10

• Met up with Ladies in Writing for another rousing night of self-penned stories, book reviews, political discussion, and goal-setting. I know, all that in two hours. Since our regular note-taker was absent, the group voted I take the minutes and send out the e-mail to the rest of the ladies who could not attend. Louise told me my writing is "outrageous," in the best possible way. More that I come out with twisted, amusing plots as opposed to offensive, disturbing content. Ha, I was over the moon with that one considering Louise is a brilliant writer herself.
• MUST. WRITE. MORE.

***

So, as I said, it's been a week where I out-hustled the bustle. I've hit the right stride in seven days and I want to hold on to it. With summer bursting down the doors, it is about time I get out there and explore with those nearest and dearest to me.

I can sense the adventure out there -- let's see how much I can capture in the next few weeks, shall we?

Some Vintage Goodness Laetitia Casta by Vincent Peters

Lovely.

Let’s Run Away And Join The Circus

Morning Beauty | Karen Elson by Steven Meisel

These Pictures are too beautiful for words.

Brilliant.Stunning.Amazing Janelle Monae Does InStyle

“I don't really believe in menswear or womenswear. I just like what I like”