Weekender {Father's Day Edition}

Lots of work this past weekend, but oh-so-much-fun!

We were attending the Gatsby Gala, a fundraiser for Kids Kottage, and the invitation indicated that we should look period-specific (20s) and formal. I love the buttons on this gown - my aunt had them made for me in Hong Kong!

The event was pretty spectacular. I can't remember the last time I have seen a room so beautiful. The veranda was decked out with white lounge seating and feather pillows, the flowers were incredible, and everything was just so... sparkly. I think elegant touches did the decor.

 We took a #workingnightout photo for the fridge.

 The next day, I taught piano as usual. In the evening I took the train downtown to meet Don who was at TEDx all day.

It has been too long since I have been to Tres Carnales! While in line we sipped sangria while making friends with the couple in front of us, and the trio behind us. The trio turned out to be United Airlines flight attendants and we had a wonderful time chatting away. Apparently we appeared to be so cozy, the boys thought we were all one party and we were presented with tequila for 7.

I like making new friends. 

After dinner we skipped over to the Westin to hear Rick Mercer speak. New friend Mike described Mercer to new American friends as Canada's Steven Colbert, which we thought was an apt description.  The talk was AWESOME. Before it started I wondered how a 90 minute talk could possibly stay interesting the whole time, but Mercer had a great and exciting tempo. 

Details aside, the half is glass full, my friends. We little people have the capability of exhibiting big strength and collective influence in our acts of kindness.

*sniff*

And after the talk, we whisked ourselves off to the Africa Centre's Gala, where we arrived in time for a pretty moving speech and then... DANCING!

After a sleep, we rolled out of bed and over to the the Mayor's Pride Brunch in support of Camp fYrefly:

Camp fYrefly is Canada's only national leadership retreat for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans-identified, two-spirited, intersexed, queer, questioning, and allied youth.

I always cry at this event. The stories from the kids and families who attend the camp are so moving and it's touching to see the strength of these young people who are going through this journey of acceptance and self-love. 

Here we are with our table of friends, who are all friends of fYrefly!

And FINALLY. Father's Day. 

Had some family over for BBQ. Made a mess of toys. Made a lot of dishes. Took some silly photos. 

Spent time with the whole family, which is what it's all about.

And... time to continue rolling this week!

Flashback Friday!

I am totally in love with this photo my sister and I took of baby Alice this past week. We caught her terrifying shadow during sunset, and then went through the process of getting her to stay in the light so we could catch her hilarious silhouette. Classic!

Speaking of shadows, there was some severe weather in Edmonton over this past week. Summer thunder storms! On this particular day there was a tornado warning too. 

Here is Alice, with her awesome hair after her nap. She sure is serious about that strawberry.

And speaking of clouds, they were really wonderful looking yesterday afternoon while I was standing out on the porch waiting for my next student. 

Can't wait to take more photos of our evolving garden to show you! My dad has been working on our landscape like it was his own, and it's looking pretty amazing. Will snap some water feature shots soon.

Have a great weekend!

Coasting in Oliver

I already tweeted out this photo, but it's such a beautiful day for cycling, I wanted to share it again.

Saw this girl coasting through the Oliver neighbourhood today. She was so relaxed and leisurely, it really made my day!

Neighbourhood Hangout.

More good times at the restaurant in my neighbourhood - The Belgravia Hub!

As I've said before, I am elated that there is a place down the street where I can grab a drink and a bite to eat. It truly is fabulous. Especially when you're so lazy you take your bike and let it roll downhill for 4 blocks.











I love this awkward photo of Tom and I wearing the weirdest expressions - Thanks, Don!



I love me some shoestrings.







And... Don ended up changing a keg.













The boys were both riding fast bikes, and smoked me (speed & time) on the ride back to the bungalow.



And that's the new typical Saturday night in my neighbourhood. Ran into a few friends, and several neighbours too! Good times, with old friends and new. And so close to my house.

Just a little obsessed right now... I love local eats!

unitB Art Party Recap

I took a lot of photos last Friday at the unitB art show, so I'll keep this short.

There I am with my two pieces, both are photographs I shot in Hong Kong over the past few years. The one on the left was taken in a old style dessert house in Kowloon, and the BBQ ducks on the right are taken in the Mong Kok neighbourhood where my aunt lives.

Down below you can see all my lady essentials for a night out: Lipstick, cash, phone, visa, identification, and transit tickets.



After a short bike ride and train ride, I found myself in the insurgency-style unitB.



I found Lisa.



Tom's photos were displayed in the same room with mine.



Mike Brechtel, director of strategy and creative at Berlin. Also, a friend and neighbour.





Before taking this photo, I had backed up to get the boys into frame, only to stumble backwards over boxes of wine. I spilled wine over the entire left side of my body, ended up with my feet up in the air, exposed my underwear to these fine gentleman, but... managed to save the camera in that gaff of human existence.

The guys were very helpful and getting back upright, but I think my dignity has been compromised for at least the next week.

#embarrassed



Kris, friend and recent "manny", discusses ironic art projects with us.





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I am usually #workingnightout with Don, but in this instance, he came to my show!



The wonderful Brittney and I, in front of a rad high level bridge print.







I ran away for around 2 hours to run 4 blocks over to the Westin Hotel to attend a work function with Don. Then, I returned to the art party.







Right after I took this photo, it was time to change into my flats.





The handsome bearded man there is Mazi, the curator behind the show. Stellar job!



Ken made an appearance.



Tom was busy taking photos too.













The lovely Sarah Jackson.

















Lisa, at the end of the night, through the crack of a door.



Thank you to the lovely companies that make up unitB and put on fantastic events like the art show.



If you know anybody in the photos, and if anybody recognizes themselves and wants to be removed from this post, just leave me a note in the comments and I'll take care of it! When I am out with the camera I just shoot shoot shoot.

And... goodnight!