Inspiration Board

As someone who is constantly pushing the boundaries of creativity with camming, my personal artwork, writing, blogging, etc. I'm always in need of inspiration. I usually have a folder on my desktop with what's inspiring me that day/week. This week, I'll share with you what's pushing my determination!

Natasha Lillipore is the definition of what an inspiration should be, in my eyes: ambitious, determined, creative, artistic, fashion savvy, the list goes forever on. 

This shot is from one of her most recent shoots.

(Source: her twitter)

Dita von Teese's new line of lingerie is way up there on my wishlist. The details and colours are to die for. I found the panties (here), but can't seem to find the rest. The garter belt is one that I want in particular. Help a girl out? 

Nick Jonas, my friends. How does this inspire me, you ask? It inspired me to make a new playlist for camming....that's something, right? Right. Sure.

(Read his interview with Flaunt here.)

This shot by photojennic on flickr of Yoshitomo Nara's desk has me going crazy with art envy.

I've been in a weird funk lately, but luckily tumblr is there to provide me with giggly images like this that speak to my soul. 

Casa Batllo by Stephanie Overton on Flickr. Amazing. Architecture is my weakness.

Source unknown....help me out? I'm in love with her.

Source unknown, but I came across this picture on tumblr this week on Veterans Day. Inspiring. Thought provoking.

Iris Grace is a 5-year old with autism, and crazy fantastic artistic talent. Her setup and outfit remind me of my current self. I'm on level with a 5 year old. Fashion wise, definitely not talent wise. She's got this covered. 

(source)

Wonder Woman preaching the truth, as usual.

This dagger is Turkish, dating around the 18th century. It's not unknown that many women carry weapons to protect themselves when walking around. If I ever got my hands on this, it would be in my purse for sure.

(Source: Copyright 2014 © The Metropolitan Museum of Art)

Charline Bataille is an artist hailing from Montreal. She recently shared pictures of her living space. I'd be happy to have her a roommate, if only for her interior decorating skills.

(source)

Veterans Day was earlier this week. This picture is from the British celebration. As soon as I saw this, I dropped what I was doing to start on a new painting (still unfinished). Breath taking. 

(source)

-A.C.

Movie Review: Paper Moon

Paper Moon was a recommendation from a friend. I was able to watch it the last night that it was available on Netflix a few months ago.

Summary: 9-year-old Addie has just lost her mother when she meets Moze, a con artist and one of the many men her mother had had a relationship with. A woman at the funeral points out that the pair have "the same jaw" and are possibly related. In the end, Moze is roped into taking Addie to her new home with her aunt and uncle. Along the way, the pair become collaborative con artists', using their "similar jaws" (a recurring theme) to their advantage claiming to be a down-and-out Father/Daughter pair.

Review: 
I went in watching this movie not really knowing what to expect. It's a comedy that was made in the 1970's, filmed in black and white, and set in the 1930's during the Great Depression. Then I remembered that Grease was also a 1950's style movie filmed in the 70's, which somehow convinced me to give it a shot. (*hides from film nerds*) What could it hurt to try?

I was blown away. 

Ryan and Tatum O'Neal who play the lead characters of Moze and Addie are real life father/daughter, which plays into the charm of this film. Their on-screen dynamic is realistic and appealing. I had no idea that they were related until after I watched it, when I went perusing the internet for further information.
Addie is a feisty little tomboy who envies the women that Moze is often seen with throughout the movie. She wants to look more feminine, though Moze assures her she is just as pretty as her mother was.
Moze is a con artist with a soft spot for beautiful women, and eventually Addie. His conning skills are often overshadowed by Addie's ability to up the ante when it comes to value.

The overall story was appealing. They take you along on their adventures as father/daughter con artists', getting into drama along the way. It's one long road for Moze to take Addie to her new home with her aunt and uncle, leaving you hoping that they will get lost along the way and never end up to that fated destination.

The black and white filming was a huge factor in what made this film appealing, to me. When watching it, you really get a feel for the 1950's (as much as a girl born in 1991 can imagine, anyhow). The film is so clean, even for being filmed in the 70's.

CHARACTERS: 5 of 5

STORY: 4 of 5

GRAPHICS: 4 of 5 (taking into account it's such an old film)

OVERALL: 4 of 5. A must watch for fans of classic movies, quirky characters, and hilarious plots.

Book Review: 100 Strokes of the Brush Before Bed

100 Strokes is a novel by Italian author Melissa P. She describes it as a fictionalized version of her youth. What first caught my attention is the fact that this book was published when she was only 17 years old, and sold over a million copies before being translated into English and other languages. The title eludes to a recurring theme throughout the book. "100 strokes of the brush before bed will keep your hair shiny like a princess," her mother delivers her these words of wisdom. (My own mother told me the same thing as a kid.)

Did I mention that it's an erotica novel? 
A 17 year old published an erotica novel. I love it. 

The book is written in the form of diary entries and follows her from age 14 where she starts as a virgin, to age 16, where she has become a sexually promiscuous teenager. She does not limit herself when it comes to these experiences: men, women, BDSM, rape fantasy, threesomes, FIVESOMES, older men (MUCH older)...you get the picture. 

It left me wondering how much of this accurately portrayed her youth, and reflecting on my own rather boring teenage sex life (aka non-existent). 

I read this book in the span of four hours. The stories captivated me and the thought that a teenager had written and experienced this compelled me to keep reading. It felt as if I was reading a well written gossip magazine...if someone felt obliged to gossip about their own sex life in great detail. 

Not only does Melissa give us the dirty details of her sexual experiences, she touches on topics that many woman and teenagers (men too, I'm sure, but I doubt that was her target group) are sensitive towards: body positivity, loving yourself, not allowing a man to control you, etc. I admire her maturity for her age, and her ability to accept herself after traumatic experiences. This isn't an easy task for anybody of any gender or age. 

More than anything, this novel shows her growth in spirit, confidence, and sexuality as she grows into herself. 

This is a quick read, that I highly recommend. 
3.5 of 5

-A.C. 

Life Updates

Generally, I don't like to discuss the projects that I am working on because it seems to give them the kiss of death, and they rarely come to light once I have spoken of them. However, I want you guys to see why I have not been as involved camming-wise lately, in addition to have things to look forward to! Who knows, seeing this post in the flesh may serve as my motivational drive as I work through these adventures. 

Books!!!

As some of you may have seen on the Twitterverse, I've been lucky enough to be contacted about my book summary that I sent in to a publisher a while back. They have asked me to send in sample chapters for further review. Baby steps towards my ultimate goal of being published!

Magazine: 

Within the next few months, I'll be releasing issue 1 of my magazine. I do like to think of it more as a published blog. Dates are still unsure, but will keep you guys updated. 

Art Show:

This has been my major project of the past few months and it's slowly coming together. I'm curating my first art show, set to take place in Toronto this spring. I have finally found the perfect venue, now I just have to secure the location and dates. I'm beyond stoked for this to come to fruition. 

Camming: 

Yes, I have been a major slacker ever since I've arrived in Montreal. Though my "excuses" are legit, I do feel guilty for leaving you guys hanging. I'm finally getting settled, so hopefully this winter I can make an awesome comeback. In addition, I'm making special "ugly christmas sweaters" that I will be selling on MFC towards the end of November. 

Book Club: 

No, I have not abandoned my precious project, but having to move so last minute and then not having internet for the majority of October/beginning of November has put a bit of a damper on my plans. I will have this up and running soon, though! 

Other: 

I have plenty of other mini projects that I'm also working on: photoshoots, screenwriting, NaNoWriMo, and a top secret project that involves lots of traveling, art, and sexy cam girls. I'm weary to share further details on that last one just yet, so i'll save that for a later date. 

Hopefully I won't disappoint you guys….or myself, for that matter! Montreal has rejuvenated my creative spirit and I have been in artistic overdrive since I've arrived. Heres to hoping that leads me to something cool! Thank you guys for always being supportive! 

Until later friends,

-A.C. 

Movies in Review

This week was a week of recommendations from a friend. Two of his favorite things: David Cronenberg and Canadian films, which is clearly evident based on the suggestions he gave. Either he knows that I have a penchant for sexy angst-filled movies, or he has similar taste. I've yet to ask him. Either way, he's yet to fail me as far as recommendations go. He seems to know what I like.

First up was:

Videodrome (1983) - Directed by David Cronenberg

This film had all the elements of a psycho-thriller with a touch of sic-fi. A gorey look at how TV controls our brains. They probably showed this at PTA meetings in the 80s. Excellent watch. (4 of 5)

The Wrong Guy (1997) - Directed by David Steinberg

This one was quite different from his other recommendations. A comedy, reminiscent of David Spade movies. The Wrong Guys is about this quirky fella that happens upon his boss' dead body. Unbeknownst to him, there's a security camera in the room that shows the true killer. This mishap leads him on a journey to Mexico, thinking that he's a wanted man. I'm not usually a comedy fan, but this one has tons of hilarious little quotes that I'll be spewing off for the next few months, at least. (be prepared cam-regulars) (3.5 of 5)

Crash (1996) - Directed by David Cronenberg

Crash is the 3rd Cronenberg film that I have seen (Cosmopolis and Videodrome being the others). This movie follows a group of thrill seekers who take sexual interest in…car crashes? Sounds a bit ridiculous, right? Somehow, the man made it sexy and convincing (which may be dangerous if you're the easily convinced, impulsive type….or an idiot…but who am I to judge other people's kinks). Do NOT watch this movie with your parents. I repeat, no parents. In fact, it may best be used as a type of foreplay warmup. It's what I would call a "porno with a plot." Interested yet? It's one of my new favorite films, for sure. Leaves me vaguely wondering if these movies reflect on Cronenberg's IRL sex life, at all. Hmm… (4 of 5)

-A.C.

Moleskine Dump

Journalling is one of my favourite pastimes. My journals include collages, doodles, writings, newspaper clippings, magazine clippings, internet print-outs, bus tickets, movie tickets, candy wrappers, you name it and it's probably in one of my journals.

Pretty much anything that currently is of interest to me gets dumped inside.

My favourite brand of notebook to use for my is Moleskine. I typically use the softcover, though I do enjoy the hardcover ones when I can afford.

Anyways, I'll let the pictures do the talking.

I was particularly proud of that "Get buck" collage on the top right, at the time.

My first meeting with All Time Low. Jack said I was cute, and Alex winked at me. *cue fangirl noises*. But really tho. Hey guys. Holla.

Bottom left: that doodle will be on my actual hand one of these days. ~tattoo dreams~

All of these doodles in this pic are from 2012. Whoa. 

I'll probably be doing these frequently. 

ARTTT. 

*awkwardly exits the stage*

An Ode to the Starbucks Barista

For a little over 5 years, I was a barista (and even supervisor) at Starbucks on and off. Let me tell you, I have a love/hate relationship with that company and those customers. I'm sure most people employed there will say the same thing. To this day, I still occasionally have PTSD-esque flashbacks and nightmares (literally) about working there. (In fact, I woke up at 2 am after having a dream about Starbucks and decided to write this post.) Yet, on other days, I find myself yearning for the barista life. 

But this post isn't meant to be about me. This is an ode to the barista's out there who show up to work every day, knowing there there is a 50/50 chance that you will be shouted at by angry customers, have hot liquid thrown at you, punches and curse words tossed your way, and probably even call the cops a few times during your shift. 

Am I exaggerating? I wish I was. 

I've worked at 5 different locations in 2 different states, and they all attract their handful of crazies. The aforementioned occurrences have happened many a times to both me, and my fellow baristas. 

So, next time you wonder, "Why is my barista so bitchy? Why is she/he making me pay an extra $0.60 for soy milk? ("It should be free!" the masses complain)" Just consider what they may have been through already, that day. 

Yes, we are there to make your experience pleasant and enjoyable, and believe me when I say that the majority of baristas that I have worked with are incredibly positive, happy people and almost always start their shift with a smile. However, we are human, and when a 240 pound homeless man calls you a "cunt" and comes at you throwing punches, or an angry mom throws her x-hot mocha at you because "there wasn't enough whipped cream" (apparently "it melted in the 200 degree milk" doesn't occur to her) it puts a bit of a damper on even the most positive baristas mood.

Why are we charging you for all your extras? Not to be bitchy (well, some, yes…) but because 1.) that's how a business fucking works and 2.) if we don't make that set dollar amount per day, we get our shift count lowered, which means you'll be waiting for your vent extra extra caramel, nonfat, no whip, caramel frappuccino a bit longer than you'd like to, and the baristas are going to be running around looking a little crazier than necessary.

So please, have some respect. Pay what you're asking for. The barista's don't make the prices, they just work there. If the barista is having a bad day, "kill them with kindness" and they will most likely warm up to you. Being rude in return will just make everyone sour (this applies to everything in life, not just for Starbucks courtesy). 

As with everything, there are exceptions and there is usually at least one constant grump of the group. In most cases, they're probably pretty extraordinary in some area (drink making, cleaning, covering shifts, ringing quickly/efficiently, etc) or else they wouldn't be there. 

To the customers who tip when they can, are never mean spirited, who wait patiently in line. You are our drive to get through those crazy shifts. Shoutout to you guys for being awesome humans. Maybe we'll be awesome in return and take off that extra $0.60 for soy milk if you're extra cool. 

To my barista brethren, it doesn't get better, however, there are customers that make it worth it (oh, and the paycheck that we need to live, apparently). 

Stay strong, artists' of the coffee world. 

-A.C.