Hey ladies and gents! I’m going to be adding some new products to the shop soon (and perhaps bringing back some old favorites) and I need your help. I’ve set up a short survey and if you have a few spare minutes, I’d really appreciate it if you could help me out.
Toronto is currently experiencing a major heat wave and let me tell you… it’s hot, hot, hot! Yesterday temperatures felt in the 110s. Needless to say most of my day was spent indoors basking myself in the cooling AC. Today is going to be even hotter. Oh my! Days like this I crave Fall but I quickly remember how fast the ugly cold of Winter comes and bask in the sunshine. Unfortunately, many in Toronto lost power yesterday. Thankfully I didn’t and so no meltdown was required.
It has been such a crazy few weeks in Toronto. First the earthquake, then tornado warnings, then the G20 which was followed by Pride Week (which when classed as crazy I mean in a fun sense) and now the mini black-out. I wonder what’s next for this city? Ha!
What’s the weather like where you are? Enjoying Summer?
Photo Credit: leeroy09481
James and I spent most of yesterday on Church Street enjoying the Toronto Pride Week festivities. We actually live right in this neighborhood and this is one of the festivals I look forward to. The Halloween celebrations over there are pretty awesome too if you live in Toronto. As expected, a fun day was had although I didn’t get as many photos as I had hoped. The actual parade takes place today and I’m hoping I can squeeze in some time to head out and take more photos. But, it’s a jam packed day full of shopping, chores and birthday parties so we’ll have to see.
Happy Pride Week Toronto!
Molly of Charlotte’s Fancy recently invited me on over to her blog for a mini interview about my new notepads and my next steps. Yah, love interviews. So, if you’d like to learn more about where I’m heading with modernemotive and what my plans are for the coming months, head on over.
Thanks Molly!
To celebrate the re-launch of my shop, I decided to throw together some free desktop wallpapers. So, if you’re tired of the one you currently have, feel free to jazz your screen(s) up with the designs below. I’m currently using Herringbone one along with one I’m yet to share as it’s the cover of a new product. ;)
Herringbone: 1024×768, 1280×800, 1440×900, 1680×1050, 1920×1200
Pebbles: 1024×768, 1280×800, 1440×900, 1680×1050, 1920×1200
Let me know in the comments which is your favorite and if download one. Enjoy!
Oh my gosh, I can’t believe the day has finally come! The day my shop is finally open again. It feels like forever since I’ve been able to say that. But, the day is here and I’m beyond ecstatic. I’m not even sure I can put it into words right now how I feel. So I’ll just tell you about the products until I can process my thoughts better. That works right?
My first release in new products is as you can see – NOTEPADS! Welcome to the shift in the modernemotive product line. I have been wanting to change the direction of my product offering for a long time, but as my in-house production was limited, it just wasn’t feasible. Now, thanks to a wonderful printing partner, I’m thrilled I’m now able to turn my ideas into something tangible. Something truly functional!
Deep down I knew modernemotive had to be more than just pretty cards and stationery. Though I love pretty paper, I also love and need function. And so, with a propensity to procrastinate, whether in work or life, not only did these notepads naturally grow from own personal needs but also from a need to take modernemotive to the next level. With the release of these notepads, I feel like I’m on my way and I am so excited for what’s to come. Rest assured, this is only the beginning. I’ve chosen to stagger the introduction of my products to ensure they are the best they can be. So, expect even more in a few weeks!
And with that, please check out my new shop and let me know what you think. I am so proud of this release and I truly hope that you like it too. I decided to set up shop on Big Cartel for a bit more flexibility, so if you encounter any issues (I basically re-skinned my shop in 24 hours), please let me know. Go on, go take a look. Now! But erm, read the last paragraph first okay?
I cannot end this post without saying a HUGE THANK YOU to everyone that has supported me these past few months. You’ve seen some of highs and most certainly some of my lows and words cannot express how appreciative I am you were all there whether it be here, on Twitter or via email. Those few sentences don’t do my appreciation any justice but thank you, thank you, thank you!
I’m back folks and this time, I ain’t going nowhere but forward!
Adele xo
P.S. Prices are in $CAD.
As I’m sure most of you have heard or seen, the G20 “protesting” got ugly in Toronto yesterday. I wouldn’t even call what happened yesterday protesting. The destruction being caused is actually deafening the important messages those truly exercising their rights to protest in a peaceful manner are trying to share.
Though I watched most of the craziness on CP24 yesterday, when things appeared relatively calm, J and I headed down to some of the hot spots. It was heartbreaking to see the stores and business I frequent often (many are just a block from me) completely ruined and their windows shattered. I don’t even have the words to describe it. As I headed home, rather than hear the usual hustle and bustle of city life, all I heard was the sickening noise of glass being cleaned up. It was quite surreal.
I don’t wish to get into a debate about who’s right or wrong. But I will say that destroying the city and the businesses of innocent people is wrong. Taking “I was here” photos in front of vandalized stores mocking them is wrong. Committing acts of violence towards others is wrong. Deafening the voices of those trying to share their message peacefully is wrong.
This is NOT the Toronto I love or live in.
UPDATE: One of my photos (this one) ended up on blogTO. While I wish it had been under better circumstances, I’m honored for the include. Cheers blogTO.
I never intended on having a third Siberian Husky. But, a few years ago, a neighbour posted a sign on the communal mailboxes trying to get rid of one. As tempting as it was, I figured 2 dogs was probably enough and quickly pushed the temptation out of my mind.
Then, one very cold Winter day, I happened to be driving through the streets and saw a puppy tied up on a front porch. I figured it was the Siberian for sale but quickly glanced away before I caved. When I drove by again a few hours later, he was still outside. Still alone. Still tied up. A twelve-week old puppy.
Needless to say, I was infuriated. Yes, Siberians are “winter dogs” but that doesn’t mean you leave a puppy outdoors in a bitter and cold Canadian winter. When I got home, I couldn’t get the puppy out of my mind. Before I knew it, I had my winter boots and jacket on and was knocking on their door.
A few hours later I had him on a leash and was walking him to his new home. The previous owners had him for a whole 4 weeks or so if I remember correctly. I’m sure it was a Christmas present for their kids because “snow dogs” are cool gifts in the winter. Ugh. Other than Kayden (I named him that btw), I left with nothing more. They pretty much shoved me out the door with Kayden on a leash before I could ask any questions though of course, not before I’d handed over cash. They gave me no food he was accustomed to, no favorites toys, no bed. I guess they wanted to take them back too.
Breaking Kayden wasn’t easy. For a puppy, he was extremely aggressive (with humans and other dogs) and simply out of control. So much so, I wondered if I could even rein him in. The possibility of returning him to the original breeder was discussed. But when push came to shove, I couldn’t turn my back on him. From day one, he was always distant. He would sleep far away from the other dogs and me. But eventually, one day, he just changed. Changed into one of the most loving and hilariously cute dogs I know. Now he never leaves my side and when possible, always has to be touching me. Wherever I go, he goes (yes, including the bathroom). He’s my shadow. My baby.
Yes, I know I’m 3 days late in mentioning Father’s Day around here. You may even notice I rarely mention holidays period. See, I have a hard time with holidays in general. I’m never with my family back in England and so I can’t help but feel a little homesick. Sometimes a lot homesick.
This Father’s Day hit me particularly hard. As some of you may of read, my father has cancer. Mesothelioma cancer to be exact. There’s no getting rid of it. Doctors suspect he’s had it for years and years – possibly decades. Thankfully, due to chemotherapy it hasn’t grown since we found out over a year ago. And in fact, the doctors are baffled that my dad is showing no signs of having cancer. Obviously, he feels the effects of the chemo, but other than that, he’s as fit as a fiddle. So in that sense, we are blessed. We are also blessed that we can use the word remission. But I’ll be honest, when it’s attached to something so ugly, it’s hard to process. Ugh, I can’t find the words to describe what I mean and so I won’t.
So, moving on… I know I am biased, but I really have the best parents. I hear tales all the time from friends about parental issues. I have none. Never have beyond the typical teenager/parent ones. My parents always gave me enough freedom to be myself with guidance as needed. They pick me up when I’m down and give me a kick up the arse as required. I can tell them both anything. And that only scratches the surface of how great they are. I really couldn’t ask for better parents. A better mother. A better father.
Unfortunately, words are too painful for me to write anymore on this, but I simply need to say (and excuse the language) out loud – I FUCKING HATE CANCER!
And more importantly, I love you Dad!
P.S. The photo is of me getting my first chug of beer. I can assure you my reaction is no longer like the above. It makes me giggle every time I look at it and it’s probably one of my most favorites photos of my Dad and I together.
