the unfortunate future of scrabble

market pitstop

Are we too cut off?

This weekend we rented The Social Network.  Yes, I'm still so old school that I rent movies. It won last night at the Golden Globes for best dramatic film of the year. I wouldn't say it was my top film of the year, but I understand why it won. It is THE film that best encapsulates this era we live in. Everything about this film felt fresh: Trent Reznor's amazing score, David Fincher's brilliant direction and the quick witted, sharply written dialogue by Aaron Sorkin. Mark Zuckerberg, wonderfully portrayed by Jesse Eisenberg, is the founder of the 600+ million member Facebook. It's incredibly ironic that Zuckerberg, who has a net worth of 7 billion and counting, created a social networking site, but he screwed over the one true friend he ever had in the process: his original business partner and roommate Eduardo Saverin. There is no doubt that Zuckerberg is a genius and his mass success speaks volumes about his abilities. In spite of his success, however, you can't help but feel that Zuckerberg's genius and age don't align properly, hence him being swept up by Sean Parker, the fast-talking, charming business shark who co-founded Napster. I know The Social Network isn't 100% factual, that a lot of it is hyped for the interest of dramatic storytelling, but it does make you realize that in spite of all of his success, the biggest creator of social networking, Zuckerberg still turned his back on the one person who believed in him from the start. I know you can't underestimate the pace of technology's breakthroughs, but it does make you wonder if people are becoming out of touch with who we are at the core. Do we pick up the phone as much as we used to when we can read every status update at the click of a button? Are we spending more time online or texting, when we could be getting together for a coffee? You have to give time and breath life into your friendships or like anything else, they will wither.
I was out with some friends earlier this week and we were chatting about the importance of face time - how it's a big resolution this year. Even studies show that having strong social bonds are the most signifiant contributors to overall happiness. If you have five or more close friends who you can really confide in, you are more likely to describe yourself as a happy person. Strong interpersonal relationships boost immunity, help keep depression at bay and combat loneliness. My sister in law came up with a great idea of getting random groups of friends together once a month for a social mixer - to meet new people, to see old friends and to make socializing a priority. I know just seeing friends midweek helps to break up the work week and gives me an energy buzz of feeling reconnected.
Are you making time for your friends?

here comes the rain again

country ride

It was one of those overcast days- perfect for taking the bikes out for a few hours through farm country. I love how an unplanned day can take shape. We made it to Craig's parents' place just before the sky opened up and the rain started pouring down. There's nothing like walking in to be handed a hot cup of tea and delicious cookies. I hope you're having a great weekend! 

date night

352 to go

13 down, 352 to go. I'm excited to see how this year will unfold through my lens. I've never felt so inspired as I have this past year, falling madly in love with so many creative art forms, photography, painting, writing, fashion, music, movies, cooking.  With all of this creative energy buzzing, it just seemed like the right time to attempt a 365 project.  So far the biggest challenge has been the winter weeknights. Leaving for work in the dark, getting home in the dark and trying to squeeze in a few post dinner photo ops has its creative challenges - hence why you're seeing a photo of my dog only 13 days in. Aside from posting a photo daily on my blog, I submit one with my fellow 365ers to a Flickr pool. It is so amazing to log in daily and see the wide range of talent. Some people truly blow me away by how they can create little works of art on a daily basis. Some photographers even taken the 365 project one step further and capture daily self portraits. I definitely don't need to see the size of my crow's feet grow on a daily basis. That would be quite hilarious. "And if you note here, in May, you can see this is where her double chin really takes shape...."
When the photo project is done, I'd love to piece together a montage of my favourites, like this talented lady did here. What is on your slate this year? What would you like to learn more about?