Death By Chocolate: July 2007

Wednesday, July 25, 2007

Strawberry season

Lately, I've been addicted to strawberries with whipped cream.

I'm really going to miss strawberry season.

Best shoe stores - Vancouver

Best shoe stores

Three of the best shoe stores in Vancouver - two of which take orders online:

Gravity Pope

Fluevog

Stoneridge

For hip, sexy fashion.

Connoisseurs say that the best way to eat chocolate is not to chew it, but to let it melt slowly on your tongue, savouring both the taste and the texture. Romance and relationships, like chocolate, are also meant to be savoured. Too often we will treat them like a race to an end result - affirmation of self-worth, the bedroom, engagement, marriage, children. Being greedy for a quick end result we find ourselves unable to enjoy the journey. We are overcome by stress and feelings of doubt and possibly even mistrust...of our ourselves or our partner. But if we let the relationship move at its own pace, when we find the right person it will naturally lead us to those things we desire.

Wrap yourself in the romantic journey - like melting chocolate around your tongue.

Chocolate Confidential

A show I just watched on the CBC has inspired this...

Chocolate Confidential

The Sweet Science of Chocolate

Chocolate Health

Psychoactive Chocolate

Chocolate Brainpower

Virtual Chocolate

Chocolate Fashion

Enjoy!

Yet More Favourite Things

Part three. Go here for part one and here for part two.

1) Silk

Few things can match the flow of silk over a woman's curves.

2) Satin

I must confess I don't have satin sheets...but I aspire to have satin sheets. LOL

3) Thunderstorms

A good excuse to bring out the candles and cozy up in front of a romantic fire.

4) Crêpes

Discussed in an earlier post. :-)

5) Shoes

The most popular fetish is shoes and feet. Not mine, but according to studies. Check out this blog.

By Your Side

A year or two ago I went to a performance of the Underground Circus. The show was, "The Necklace." It followed the trail of a valuable necklace coveted by a number of characters. I fell in love with the music of this show. The lyrics were clever and often whimsical; the arrangments were brilliant; and the voice of one of the lead singers (Lindsey Davis) was so smooth it sounded like silk.

During the intermission I wandered out into the concourse and found "Colorifics" songwriter and musician Bernard Boulanger selling CDs at a table. I purchased two of the three that were on sale. I recall how happy he was, thanking me four or five times while beaming a smile. I don't know if it's that easy to make him happy or if he really needed the money. LOL (I should talk. Just the prospect of happiness makes me happy.)

Patsy Klein (yes, it's her real name) is the lead singer on "Where There's Smoke." Lindsey Davis is the lead on "Living City." "Where There's Smoke" tends to be more whimsical and playful. "Living City" is more romantic. And the most romantic song on the latter is...

BY YOUR SIDE

Every star shining bright is the same
In Paris or in Cairo it's all the same
And if I had to choose between cold or hot
If I could decide between exotic or not
All that would matter is to greet the night by your side

As life floats by more and more I see
Sunrise sunset swirling endlessly
And I can be alone in a far off land
But that would create castles only made on sand
It all means nothing unless I live it by your side

Let's not let the ocean separate our love ever again
I just want to be by your side forever 'til the very end
The sun's made of silver as it touches the flow of the sea
Its beauty is full and I wish you were here for it to see
The beach is mellow full of peace and truth
But nothing can compare to what I feel for you
My life is empty unless I live it by your side

Unfortunately, "Colorifics" CDs are hard to come by. Copies of "Living Color" may be found on amazon.ca or amazon.com...maybe a few other places...but I haven't found any copies of "Where There's Smoke." This Vancouver band was very well received critically, but it's breaks, management, and connections that ultimately determine success or failure in the music industry, just as it does in the arts as a whole.

Living Color - amazon.ca

Living Color - amazon.com

Fantasy Lover

Fantasy Lover
Category: Romance and Relationships

Many weeks ago I promised Gwen I would write about "living in your own fantasy." (See comments under my blog post titled "For being sweet" - Tuesday, January 23.) Only I completely forgot how I intended to subtlety segue into it.

New plan. I found a quiz over on Lakana Zee's page. It's called, "What kind of seducer are you?" My result:

Your Seduction Style: Fantasy Lover

You know that ideal love that each of us dreams of from childhood? That's you!

Not because you possess all of the ideal characteristics, but because you are a savvy shape shifter.

You have the uncanny ability to detect someone's particular fantasy...and make it you.

You inspire each person to be an idealist and passionate, and you make each moment memorable.

Even a simple coffee date with you can be the most romantic moment of someone's life.

By giving your date exactly what he or she desires, you quickly become the ideal lover.

Your abilities to make dreams come true is so strong, that you are often the love of many people's lives.

Your ex's (and even people you have simply met or been friends with) long to be yours.

No doubt you are the one others have dreamed of...your biggest challenge is finding *your* dream lover.

What Kind of Seducer Are You?

These quizzes can be surprisingly accurate. (Sadly, in my case especially the last line of the profile.)

I'll give you an example. It's trite, but that's good because everyone can recognize it. You've almost certainly seen this on TV or in a movie. Boyfriend blindfolds his girlfriend (or she closes her eyes) and leads her to the rooftop (invariably with a million dollar view of the city). She removes her blindfold to be greeted by a table set with a candlelit dinner and flowers (maybe there's also a violinist nearby) arranged by her wonderfully romantic boyfriend (or husband).

Living in you own fantasy means imagining a scenario (as above) and then actualizing it – to put it in less than romantic terms. ?

Why? Why should fantasies exist only in books and movies? Life can be hard. Life can be dull and repetitive. Life can be bereft of surprises and joy. Why not take opportunities to make life what we want it to be...even if it's only for a few hours in a day?

Live in your own fantasy. Or invite me to live in yours. {wink}

Signed...

Your fantasy lover

Words Unsaid (aka: Silent Vigil)

She's watching. Waiting. Curious. For what?

The next line? An emotion? The answer to a mystery?

Why here? Why now?

Haunting. Obsessive. Uncertain.

Expectation? Hope? For good or bad?

The past forms the future. Ruthlessly. Relentlessly.

Unanswered questions, thoughts unspoken.

Passion. Hurt. Love. Hate. Entangled. Inseparable.

Without courage what can there be but an endless string of words unsaid?

More Favourite Things

1. Chocolate

Lindt Lindor, Ferrero Rocher, and After Eight.

2. Pajamas

Silk, satin or flannel...him in pajama pants and her wearing only his pajama top is soooo sexy! (Actually, make that "me" and "her." {grin})

3. Pacific Rim National Park

Romantic Vancouver Island getaway.

4. Wild Blackberries

There's nothing sweeter.

5. Frogs

I just like them.

I want to share all these things with J.

Well...maybe not the frogs.

My Favourite Things

My Favourite Things
Category: Blogging

Nothing new to report. :-/

Instead, a list of 20 of my favourite things presented NOT in order of importance. These are physical things rather than moments or activities. (Trying to tone down the emotional content of this blog for the moment.)

1. Arbutus tree.

The Arbutus tree grows in only two places in the world: an island in the southern hemisphere, and on the southwest coast of British Columbia. The thin, reddish bark peels to reveal younger smooth greenish to cinnamon red bark underneath. The branches twist and turn toward the sun and the sea.

For some reason whenever I see an Arbutus tree I always feel at home.

2. Orchids

There's something mysterious and sexy about orchids. They come in an amazing array of colours.

3. Secret gardens

There's no denying the romance.

4. Ponds

A relaxing place to be on a sunny summer day.

5. Koi

For the pond, of course.

6. Bird of Paradise

As varied and exotic as orchids.

7. Maine Coon Cats

They combine the best qualities of a cat and a dog.

8. Cinnamon buns

From Cinzeo or Cinnabon.

9. Fish & Chips

The secret is find a place where the oil is changed frequently and a light batter is used, preferably a beer batter. Fish & chips should be light, not greasy. Moby Dick in White Rock, or Charlie Don't Surf if you don't mind the slow service.

10. Banana split

You can't go wrong with fruit, ice cream and chocolate!

11. Black licorice ice cream

The best black licorice ice cream in the lower mainland is found at Dairy Delight in the Lonsdale Quay. In White Rock: Andy's Gourmet Desserts & Ice Cream Café or Seaside Scoops.

12. Coca-Cola

I bought the phone in Las Vegas.

13. Bathtubs

For long, hot soaks, of course.

14. Cinnamon & ginger, peppermint & spearmint

Okay, that's four things.

15. 50s Diners

I just like them. {shrug}

16. Chrysler 300M

A great touring car. I'd like to take mine down the West Coast to California one day soon.

17. Ambleside Beach and Park

In the summer I spend as much time here as possible.

18. White Rock

I'd like to live in this area. Small town feel close to the big city.

19. Vancouver Island

And I'd like to have a cottage on the Island.

20. Cirque du Soleil

I've seen four shows lives (3 in Vancouver, 1 in Las Vegas) and three more on TV or DVD. I really want to see "O." The circus is my not-so-secret love, and my inspiration.

I think I've found a home

I think I've found a home
Category: Blogging

On Sunday, 14 January I toured the B.C. Children's Hospital lottery show home on Morgan Creek Way in South Surrey. I like to see what the architect and interior designer have done in terms of style, mood and atmosphere. This latest show home (said to be influenced by the work of Frank Lloyd Wright, but personally I didn't see it) is one of the most appealing yet. The house is quite large (5,365 sq. ft.), yet it feels intimate. And that's no small feat (no pun intended).

The spacious kitchen, with its large, marble topped island, is a place where family members can congregate and interact without getting underfoot. (Nearby there is a table with a view of the backyard.) It's easy to serve breakfast almost directly from the six-burner gas stove to the raised portion of the island that fronts three tall chairs. I love to cook breakfast. Breakfast being some combination of three or more of the following: bacon (Mitchell's low salt), sausages, eggs (fried or scrambled, free run), hashbrowns, toast, pancakes (real maple syrup is compulsory, obligatory and non-negotiable) or waffles (with vanilla sauce), and whipped cream with strawberries or blueberries. (Yes, it's artery clogging, but even I need to sin sometimes.)

I long for a six-burner gas stove to compliment my cast iron frying pans and grill, and my crepe skillet. Okay, maybe the pans compliment the gas stove, but you get my drift. When it comes to breakfast I'm a purist. Your Teflon coated pans can go to hell. ;-)

A tall fireplace in the living room maintains the atmosphere of intimacy. With bookshelves on either side of the hearth and a flat panel TV mounted above, it's the focal point of the room. My only gripe is that it's a gas-burning fireplace. Burning gas just isn't as romantic as burning wood. Would gives off a distinctive scent, it spits and crackles, and evolves. The burning of wood marks the passage of time. Tending a fire takes care and attention. It could be said that a good fire is analogous to great sex.

Well, except for the spitting.

Moving upstairs, there's a landing that overlooks the front door entranceway on one side and the living room on the other. I could imagine myself standing there, greeting family as they stepped in through the front door, or watching the interactions of family and guests in the living room. The high ceilings above the living room and entranceway create that sense of intimacy. They bring everything together despite the great volume of space. Movement and interaction is not only horizontal, it's vertical, too. (Not that I'm suggesting you leap off the second floor landing.)

The kid's bedrooms are fine. I'll bypass those for more interesting territory: the master bedroom. The romantic feel of the master bedroom might lead you to believe you were in a villa out in the country. The big bed looks like you could melt into it. French doors open to a balcony. Cuddle up to your lover and watch a romantic movie on the wall mounted flat panel TV. Or spend a perfect morning in bed with your partner while you share a simple, but romantic breakfast from a single tray. If this room doesn't evoke fantasies...then try the bathroom. There's a bathtub large enough for two, with plenty of space for candles around the tub, and a large panel of frosted glass for letting the moonlight filter in.

Not that I'm romantically inclined, or anything. Don't get the wrong idea just because I obsess about it.

Maybe it's time to go downstairs. There's the usual pool table, the wine "cellar," the media room...it's what you come to expect in these show homes. But this one...this one has something I dream of. Just off the exercise room is a sauna. Forget about hot tubs. Who needs the chlorine? The sauna is where it's at. Sweat out those toxins, relax those muscles, fall into that soft bed and....

Okay, I'm thinking about the babbling brook.... It's not exactly a brook, but there's a water feature in the backyard. I love the sound of water. It's very relaxing. The backyard could do with some landscaping, but the waterfall makes and excellent beginning and a strong central feature.

If you've been paying attention you'll know that for me what's important in a home is the mood...how it makes you feel. How it shapes interaction between those who live and visit there. Obviously, I value intimacy, romance and relaxation. You may have a different set of values you'd like expressed in your home. Or maybe you just want a comfortable chair pulled up in front of a big screen TV with maybe a side table to hold snacks and beer. Hey, I'm not judging. :-)

Naturally, not everyone can afford a two-million dollar home. But there's a lot that can be done with the right furniture and paint, a remodeled room or two, the right lighting, and a little imagination. And the more imagination, the better.

The Nature of Giving

I firmly believe that, unless stated otherwise beforehand, giving must be unconditional. That might seem like an obvious statement, but in reality when most people give something to another person (be it a gift or favour) they have an expectation of receiving something in return. It may be gratitude, friendship, sex, approval, acceptance, loyalty or future gifts or favours. If there is an expectation of benefit it needs to be stated up front. That kind of giving is really a form of contract between people (and there's nothing wrong with that)...and you cannot impose a contract upon someone without their knowledge and approval.

When I give a gift it's because I want to, not because I want something in return. For me, giving is done of my free will and is an expression of my esteem for another. It means I feel that person is worth giving something to and I have recognized an opportunity. An expectation of benefit on my part would only ruin everything. Expectations are burdens we carry with us. When they're met we are merely relieved, when they're not we're angry. Why attach a neutral or negative result to what should be a pleasant and positive interaction? Let your expectations go. In doing so you will free yourself.

We have traditional times of gift-giving. Christmas, Valentine's Day, birthdays, weddings, baby showers. There's an expectation associated with these events. In some cases, a duty. But the best time to give or receive a gift is when it's unexpected (see my earlier blog: Unexpected Packages - Thursday, April 13, 2006) - during those other 350 days a year of generally wasted opportunity.

The ex-girlfriend who is fondest in my memories is the only one who bought gifts for me just because she wanted to. They were small things, but carefully chosen...and that's what mattered. I still have all of them because of how much her thoughtfulness meant to me.

Giving goes beyond gifts and favours. There are those who have what I call a "spirit of generosity." They take advantage of opportunities to help others and share their knowledge and experience. They hold open doors, yield for drivers who need to change lanes, and treat strangers with courtesy and respect. They have a cumulative effect on our lives through the hundreds of small considerations they present each and every year. And it doesn't cost a thing.

Giving can be spontaneous, opportunistic, unhoped for, surprising, and pure. It can be playful, romantic, or affectionate. These are good concepts. Have fun with them.

Ephemeral Beauty

This is a story from 7th grade.

Two guys in my class walked up to me. One of them asked, "Who's the prettiest girl in the school?" Without hesitation I replied, "Nicole" (names have been changed). Then he asked, "Who would you marry?" Just as quickly I answered, "Erin." He turned to his friend and said, "Everyone says the same thing."

Nicole was a willowy (to borrow a cliché, but she really was) blue eyed blonde with hair reaching to her shoulder blades. She was also a princess. She was beautiful and she knew it. In contrast, Erin was a plain looking brunette...not really big boned, but far from slender. But the biggest contrast was in how the two girls looked upon and treated other people. Nicole thought she was special...and you weren't. Erin didn't look down on anyone. I don't recall her ever voicing a criticism about another person. It was relaxing just to talk with her. She had a way of putting you at ease.

All the guys thought Nicole was beautiful. But none would have married her.

Guys aren't as stupid as people think. Oh yes, we get mesmerized sometimes, but it happens to women, too. All the time. That's just life.

After grade seven I didn't seen Nicole again until grade 10. She had changed. The confident, stuck-up air had been replaced by a sadness. You see, Nicole peaked in grade seven. She never got any prettier. In fact, she looked pretty much exactly the same as she had three years earlier. Many girls, including her younger sisters, had eclipsed her in terms of physical beauty. Nicole had never cultivated any other attractive qualities. She hadn't needed to. Now she was no longer the centre of attention, of desire...and their was a hole in her life that she didn't know how to fill.

There's another girl I recall from grade 10. She was a cute, short, blue eyed, blonde girl of Dutch origin. Amber ran with the elite girl's clique, suffered from the same character flaws as all her beautiful friends. (I don't expect I need to make a list.) Two years later I saw her as I boarded a bus. Our eyes met briefly as I walked past. I'll never forget that look. It's nothing I can even properly describe. You see, Amber had put on weight. A lot of weight. She'd gone from being the short cute girl to being the short fat girl. There was recognition. Recognition that she'd fallen and now here was another person who knew it. And sorrow. Perhaps shame. It was complicated.

I couldn't help but feel sorry for Nicole and Amber. They probably deserved what happened to them. On an intellectual level I know that. Poetic justice or whatever. But I still felt sorry for them. I've known the pain of being an outcast. Of being looked down upon for one reason or another. But it's different with me. I never had anything to lose. I learned not to care about what other people thought. (Perversely, once I stopped caring people started thinking more highly of me!) These girls hadn't developed a thick skin. And is it really their fault that they were the way they were? Society fawns over pretty little girls. Parents and relatives coo, teacher's favour, and strangers praise. For what? The child hasn't done anything. Just being is enough.

In the teenage years the boys start coming. They're willing to do anything to please the pretty girls. There's attention, favours, gifts...all free for the taking. Character and personality are still forming. These pretty girls (and boys) are as impressionable as anyone else their age.

So is it really their fault? Or does society mold them? Do each of us mold them?

Beauty is ephemeral. Everyone gets old and eventually loses their looks. There is a day that comes when one is at one's physical peak...and every year after that is a decline. If you haven't developed an attractive personality then what do you have that's inviting? If you haven't developed your mind or your talents or your character then what do you have to offer?

In our youth and beauty oriented culture no one ever stops to ask questions like that. No one thinks about the future anyway...until it's here and it's too late.

So think about it. What do you have to offer? Is the answer obvious? It may not be. That doesn't mean it isn't there...you may not have looked for it. When you find it, cultivate it as much as you cultivate physical beauty, if not more – because it will last for much longer.

For Being Sweet

For being sweet

I used to tell people that I didn't know why I had a blog:"I have nothing to say." Now I'm like...streaming blog. I still don't have anything to say, I just say it anyhow.

The other day at work I remembered that Caroline's birthday was somewhere around the 22nd. So I asked her "Isn't your birthday around now?" And she said it was last Thursday. So after work I went out and bought a small see-through box of Ferrero Rocher chocolates. And I attached a handwritten note:

For being sweet. Happy Birthday, Caroline.
Your mysterious & elusive chocolate benefactor.

During my break I put the box into the pocket of her coat, which she habitually leaves draped over the the back of a chair. Later, I was talking with one of the supervisors and Caroline walked up smiling and said, "Sam, I know it was you!" I denied all knowledge. This sort of worked. I mean, it created an element of doubt. Caroline turned and went into the office. I saw her seated next to Kathy and knew what they were discussing. I took off and grabbed some of my stuff because I wanted to go for lunch. When I opened the door to the office to go in and mark down that I was away, Caroline was coming out. She had a form and my note in her hand. The form was in my handwriting. She said, "Look at this! They match!" I replied, "That's obviously a forgery." Caroline responded, "It was you! Thank you!" And she gave me a hug.

When I returned from lunch Caroline was talking with the supervisor. She said she'd already eaten all of the chocolates. That amused me. Especially as Caroline is so thin. You wouldn't expect that of her. It's cute.

I didn't get the impression that Caroline's boyfriend was too pleased with my little diversion. I don't even know for sure that she told him, but...well, I was getting a vibe. But I could be wrong. I'm not trying to steal Caroline away or anything. She's been very nice to me and I thought I saw an opportunity to make her happy. I value kindness above all other things and abhor meanness. I believe that kindness should be acknowledged and repaid. Is there anything better than bringing a little joy into someone's life? Yeah, bringing a lot of joy.

Final word: if other guys feel threatened by me they're just going to have to step it up. ;-)

Inspiration

For an artist inspiration can come in small packages. It can be something that would quickly pass through most people's consciousness to be forgotten. An observed sense of style, a way of moving, an unconscious habit, an overheard snippet of conversation...these can form the basis of a novel, or a poem, or a dance.

Inspiration can also come in large packages. For me, one of those packages is the circus. Cirque du Soleil, Cirque Eloize, Cirque Parasol I've been inspired by their creativity and artistry and the talent and dedication of the performers.

I'm not sure why I'm so drawn to the circus. My uncle was an acrobat, but he died when I was very young and I never knew him. (A pole he was balancing on snapped. He died of head injuries.) And my mother was briefly in the circus when she was 17 and was asked to go on tour throughout Europe, but her mother wouldn't allow her only surviving child to go off on her own with people of "dubious morality" times being what they were. But neither of my sisters has any affinity for the circus despite having an interest in the arts. So I don't know what it is.

I do know there is no other art form that has the same power to move me. And I find myself looking for opportunities to place cirque performers in the stories I write. The lead female character of my action-thriller-espionage screenplay, RED MERCURY, is a cirque acrobat. The inspiration for the character is Isabelle Chasse's 'aerial ballet in silk' performance in Cirque du Soleil's "Quidam." More than that, each time I watch a cirque performance I have a renewed desire to create: an impetus to tell stories that will evoke emotion and illuminate the world.

What are your inspirations, big and small?

Unexpected Packages

I'm always surprised when it happens, but people I've never met in person sometimes send me gifts.

I've received cash (that was awkward), flowers, coffee, a DVD, the CD soundtrack for a movie, a t-shirt, more flowers, an amazon.ca gift certificate, key chains, and more. All in appreciation for some thing I've done for someone or some group.

I've done far more for family and friends...and have received fewer tokens of appreciation. Why is that? Do we take for granted those who are physically in our lives? Or is their a culture of expectation that doesn't exist between cyber buddies?

I don't know the answer.

Unexpected packages...everyone should get one on occasion. I think maybe I'll send one today.

Unconditional Love

Unconditional love

So many people seek relationships in which love is unconditional. But unconditional love only means that everyone should abandon responsibility and standards.

If love were unconditional then everyone would be in love with everyone - and therefore no one would be "in love." It's conditions that create love between two people.

Here's an example of unconditional love: "I love berate and criticize you and destroy your self-esteem...and still you love me."

Conditional love: "I treat you with respect and help you fulfill your potential as a human being...and you love me for it."

Conditions are good. If you're not setting conditions and your partner isn't setting conditions then you have an addictive, disfunctional and destructive relationship. True love happens when both people in the partnership accept and value the conditions they place upon one another.

A belief in conditional love is a sign of self-respect. It says "I have value as a person." And it says "I'm good enough to be loved by people who have standards."

Building A Mystery

An ex-girlfriend gave me Sarah McLachlan's CD 'Surfacing.' Listening to 'Building A Mystery" I said, "You gave me this CD because this song remind you of me." She answered, "Yes."

Hmmm....

Building A Mystery
Sarah McLachlan

You come out at night
That's when the energy comes
And the dark side's light
And the vampires roam
You strut your rasta wear
And your suicide poem
And a cross from a faith that died
Before Jesus came
You're building a mystery

You live in a church
Where you sleep with voodoo dolls
And you won't give up the search
For the ghosts in the halls
You wear sandals in the snow
And a smile that won't wash away
Can you look out the window
Without your shadow getting in the way?

You're so beautiful
With an edge and charm
but so careful
When I'm in your arms

Cause you're working
Building a mystery
Holding on and holding it in
Yeah you're working
Building a mystery
And choosing so carefully

You woke up screaming aloud
A prayer from your secret god
You feed off our fears
And hold back your tears, oh
Give us a tantrum
And a know it all grin
Just when we need one
When the evening's thin

You're a beautiful
A beautiful fucked up man
You're setting up your
Razor wire shrine

Cause you're working
Building a mystery
Holding on and holding it in
Yeah you're working
Building a mystery
And choosing so carefully

Ooh you're working
Building a mystery
Holding on and holding it in
Yeah you're working
Building a mystery
And choosing so carefully

Yeah you're working
Building a mystery
Holding on and holding it in
Yeah you're working
Building a mystery
And choosing so carefully

You're building a mystery