Well, I must say, college is lovely. I don't know what all the fuss is about.

Probably because my classes have been reasonably easy.

I haven't posted in a while because I have been so busy living life and LOVING IT!

So last week was out induction week, so just a run over of what each class will entail.

We also got a tour of the facilities we will be using and have access to. The library is massive, not in the sense that there is a lot of space, but a lot of information. I've mentioned on my Facebook page that there is every single edition of Vogue. Italian, german, British, American... Like, every edition, I think you can guess where my time will be spent. Not only does is have a vast Vogue collection, but it has every aspect to fashion imaginable. If you think of the craziest thing, the library will have it. Even video, no need to go rent movies, I can do it for free.


I love my classmates!!! We discussed McQueen, Lagerfeld, our aspirations, how we got into Uni, the kind of art we are interested in. All the topics we discussed to normal people, I say that because we are not normal to anyone else but ourselves, they would think we are absolutely cliché. But quite honestly, talking about certain trends and what designers we like, and don't like, is COMPLETELY natural. I do not feel like a tumor in society I feel like I am a limb in it. It is a wonderful feeling to be apart of something bigger than just yourself. I am just one cell in the fashion world that creates an entire industry.


We had a presentation from Tony Glenville today. I love him, his presentation made me EXTREMELY excited for my life in the fashion industry and every aspect that can be done within it. He talked about trends, business, influential people, his experiences, runways, he basically covered everything. In small detail of course, but the way he talked about it, was so passionate and cheerful. You could tell that he was thrilled to be talking to a new generation of "cells." If he gives any lectures or seminars this year, regardless if they are apart of my course or not, I will go to hear him again. Just how he presents himself and his teachings is exciting and overwhelming. In a way that is understandable. I found myself tapping into my left brain while listening to him talk. I was able to calmly process his information as well as imagine from it. I got a tremendous vibe from him that was creatively potent. I wanted to, so badly, sit at a sewing machine and tailor a coat or a best for him. ( I get to tomorrow!!)

Let's just say that I am looking forward to this year with open optimism and the desire to grow. As an artist and as a designer.

It is wonderful having friends. I am just going to say. That being around like minded people and people that are interested in what you are talking about, it's fantastic. I cannot wait to make more friends and have more contacts. However, as I say that I do miss my friends back home. There are nights and moments where I just want to go and see a movie or have coffee with someone I have known for a while. I am just so egar that I want to make life long friends right now!


It is also quite mentally exhausting being an artist. I know that sounds really lame, but putting out a lot of creativity takes a lot out of you. Problem solving is a lot different than creating. It's like the difference between creating a math problem and being given one to solve. That's all that happened on Thursday, and what will be happening for the next couple Thursdays. We put a lot of creativity into our work and by the end of the class we all wanted a nap. HOLY!! But it was a good feeling of being tired. I felt like I learned and accomplished quite a bit.

A point that I have noticed a lot in my work, ability to learn and cope with everything, I have more maturity. If I was to do this course last year, I would not have gotten as much out of it. I would have grown, yes, but not to the full capacity that I am able to now. I find that I understand things a lot quicker, that may just be because I am interested in what is being taught, but I also am able to reiterate the lessons to those that don't understand in a way that they do understand.

The best way to learn is to teach it, right?

Okay, I am going to leave it there, I gave you a lot to process. Some may have noticed that I have another blog up. That is my computer tech course. We are suppose to post images that we work on in class up there so that the instructor can mark them. It is open to everyone, so feel free to see what I am doing and giggle at my efforts and see my progression.

Ask any questions you have about the course, my experience or just about me, I will be more than happy to answer!

Roses..

So as much as I left the house at 9 am to be at college for 9:15 to 9:30, just my luck, I picked like, THE slowest train in existence. I was late, but honestly, it was my own doing. I should have planned the route and actually have gone through it yesterday. I thought about it, but hindsight is always, ALWAYS, 20/20, and fate was just not on my side.

I looked super great though, I was so proud when I left the house. I managed to Skype my mum and my best friend AND still look amazing.

Class. 

That's all. (thank you Meryl Streep)

So, I am not going to lie, my brain is a little numb from today. A lot went on, so sorry in advance for all the mistakes and everything. 

For the first bit my course leaders/instructors gave the 186 students that are enrolled for my course a lecture on what to expect and all the resources that are available. After about an hour and a half we took a short break. Then it was back to it, this time, more specialized. So we had talks from staff within the school talk to the class; student services, the study support, library staff (we have the best Fashion library in the world, at least I think it was world..) and the language and international staff. So really, I was almost ready to fall down dead. First because some of the speakers were semi boring, as well, I really just want to get in to it and get my hands dirty! 

So after all the staff had finished talking they sent us on lunch and when we returned we had to go to assigned studios to meet our lead tutor. Which was kind of like home room, in high school, and my tutor just broke down what to expect for the first term and the year. As well as how to read our course hand book and our student handbook.

Now, I've probably given you a lot of terms that you don't quite understand. SO! I am going to give you the detailed version. 

-We  have our course leaders, they are also some student's tutors (it all depends on the group that you've been assigned to.)

-Our group tutors are basically our assessors for the year. They also teach some classes, but like I said, like home room teachers.

-My course handbook has everything that my course will entail, all the projects and material that I will be learning or handing in.

-My Studio Handbook gives me more detail about what each course I am taking.

So I am sure you all want to know what I will be studying this year!!! Well, it's quite a line-up.

I will be Studying:

• Photography
• Drawing
• from life
• sketching
• Fashion Industry
• trends
• influences
• history
• this is also where my English fits in.
• Computer imaging
• photoshop
• illustration
• Design
• sewing
• styling
• little taste of draping and drafting

Most of what I just gave you is for the first term, until Christmas. I will get briefed on term 2 when the term starts.

I am in the process of making new friends, I made one today! Even went as far as adding him on Facebook. But I didn't really meet him at college, I met him at the new Burberry store on Regent's Street. I spent an hour talking to him. We talked about literally, everything. Phobia's, what kinds of fashion we like, music, films, theatre, family, jobs, you name it we probably talked about it. He works there, so I might just go back and chat with him again. But the Burberry store is absolutely INCREDIBLE! Other stores should take notes. It's not just a store, it's an environment. I kid you not there is a stage that can rise form the floor so that bands can play when Burberry holds event. How cheeky is that?! The staircases are beautiful and the staff, they are lovely. 

I just had a really bright day. It had so much life. 

I tweeted and posted on my Facebook "I lived today. I didn't exist, I lived." 

I cannot compare this feeling of freedom and existence to anything else.

The best advice I have ever been given.

"Just breath."

And today, I smelled roses.

The list will get longer, I am sure.

So I promise I will not rant, that by no means I cannot complain.

I am finding more and more that I am settling into 'London Life' quickly and quite comfortably. I feel so at peace and so at home. I am once again excited for the future and not anxious about it. I know this because my finger nails have some length to them. It has been a very bad habit of mine, I constantly was biting off my finger nails. Now they are nice and trim (I won't say long, because they are not there yet.)

Living in London is everything that I have been expecting it to be and LOADS more! I feel energetic and full of life and excitement!! I know I've had these feelings before, but it has been a very long time and I welcome them with an open mind and arms.

For me to describe these feeling in full would confuse you completely. However, I can try and give you a glimpse. Try and remember the first ever feeling you had where you have felt at peace, at home and comfortable with your surroundings. All at the same time.

That is a little of what I feel, I feel a lot more than just that. I may be alone right now, but the future is so filled with possibility and inspiration I can't help but feel excited. 

So, I am done with all the "fluffy clouds and pretty unicorns" bit. Now on to some things that I've had to get used to.
First on the list.

• I went to Costco, I have never been more happy to go to Costco IN MY LIFE!

I finally have ICED TEA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

( I could keep going with exclamation points, but your finger would get tired of scrolling.)

• Frosted Flakes are called "Frosties"
• Miracle Whip does not exist.
• Tea is absolutely lovely over here. Oh my gosh, I drink like, 3 to 4 cups a day. Oh, it's wonderful!
• People have style. I am not even kidding you. Expressionism is in everyone, even people in old age. I love their style the most.
• Vegetables come in packages, unless you go to a market really early in the morning. I have yet to find a market. 
• The clocks are run on 24 hour time. So, I actually have to do math *groans*, I am slowly getting used to the teen and twenty numbers, memorizing what they are in single digits. Emphasis on slowly.
• The way I say "Sorry" is very English already. Sort of. I can't hear an accent in my voice, YET!
• 'Mind the Gap' means 'Watch your step between the tube and the platform.' For those that didn't know, I do now. HA!
• The change, money, is completely different! Although I do like how the price that is posted, it's the price you pay, there is no surprise tax when you get to the till. It's marvellous.
• Pubs are on every street, mews, place, road etc.
• Pret a Manger is like the new Starbucks, in the respect that they're EVERYWHERE. They are like this little cafe, that sells prepared daily sandwiches, soup and wraps. It's quite yummy.

I just really love London. I think I can call it home, I know I've been here a week and a half but I belong here. I've not felt this kind of feeling, well, ever. It's strange, but I welcome it and hope it never leaves.

As most of you who read this also have me on Facebook, I went to Tate Modern today. For those that do not have me on Facebook, I went to Tate Modern today.

Now, prepare yourself, I am going to rant. Just a little, I promise.

I went to Tate Modern with an open mind, I honestly did not know what kind of art would be seen by my eyes. So, I decided I would give it a try. When I first went in, I knew the admission was free and some parts were not, I couldn't figure out where the free admission was and where the "not free" admission was. So I just kind of, meandered my way in and if someone was going to ask for a ticket, I would blondely state that "I thought the entire building was free." Anyway, I enter "The Tanks." Interestingly enough, you don't get submerged into water! Which was what I was expecting, I was thinking of something along the lines of water or wine or some military ensemble. I was very wrong. One 'chamber' is just a whole bunch of people sitting and standing, in no real formation, then the lights change and they start singing about politics and world destruction. I wasn't sure if I should laugh or applaud, maybe even join in on the hymn. It was all very perplexing, and not in a way that gave me any definitive answer as to why I was perplexed. It just "was" perplexing.

So, not even 5 minutes into the museum and I'm already a little frustrated, however, I am to keep an open mind and reflect afterwards on what my opinion is. 

I carry on to the next chamber, oh, my bad, "tank" and hear a bunch of old women talking about growing old. Topics that included sensuality, religion, nursing homes, children and loneliness. This one I found to be the most interesting, probably the best thing about the whole museum.
Well, after that there were some more tanks with no lights and silent movies, that could hardly decide on definitive topic. Then a tank that on lookers were supposed to participate in, playing drums or talking on a microphone. I am at a museum, not Science World.

If I wanted to watch lights change while I talk into a microphone I would check out Science World. Modern art has blurred the line between science and art. 

Can we just re-name modern art, to something a little more catchy and perfectly descriptive? How about Science & Art?!

After I got completely bored with "The Tanks" I went on upstairs to where the real modern art is, not some gimmicky science trick. Something that takes time, not just a set up chair in the middle of a room with a green light emanating from some unknown source.

I enter. 

An abstract fair. 

Now, don't get me wrong, some abstract art can be really good, but half the pieces shown in the gallery were done by artists that I've never heard of, and it looked like any other abstract art gallery out there. There were a few pieces that I found I really admired and could see in a room with some furniture and a warm family setting. That was mainly because I could see that the artist had some life to base the drawing or painting on. That, in my mind, is good abstract art. Not 6 squares of different colours on a wall in a Tetris reference.

Okay, so, I think you get my drift, besides I am bored of this topic. It irritates me. I like historical art, that's all there is to it.

On to the next order of business!

I want friends!!!

No, like seriously, I want some friends. The ones I have back home, I wish they were here to do things with me and figure the city out. Humans are not meant to be on their own. They need interaction, well at least I do. I know I shouldn't be complaining, but I am in an entirely different culture. It does not even compare to "moving to Victoria." There at least you can easily get certain things, or have an idea of where they might be. In England grocery shopping is COMPLETELY different. As well as trying to find out where things are, I am thankful for my Iphone 4s. I would be stumbling around like a complete idiot without it.

I am getting tired of typing and so is my stomach, it's telling me to eat something. Besides, this post is quite long.. Sorry 'bout tha'!

Until my next post, I promise it won't be as "rant-y."

The Modern Housewife

I spent all of yesterday on my feet, now my body hates me. I also stayed up really late so that I could talk to my brother, via Skype, which, didn't last long because I was dead tired.

Although, I can safely say that I spent my first night in my new house, I'm not going to call it a home just yet, and all went as well as I had hoped. However, I only see this as a landing zone, not a permanent place of residence. It does have many perks though, relativity to my school is within a fifteen minute walk. There are multiple grocers around; Tesco, Sainsbury, and if I ever need to have a quick bite Pret á Manger is on every block. I mean this quite literally, it's like Starbucks all over again, just this time it has food. As well, the customer service is better, I don't feel judged every time I walk in.

Now that I have moved in, unpacked my entire life, (I'm still trying to wrap my mind around that) I can focus on the more important things. Like, I need groceries! I actually have to supply them, the house is not magically updated with supplies. This too is another thing to wake up to. It's all the little things that you take for granted, that once you move out, you appreciate them 100%. It's just unfortunate that it's after the fact.

Sorry mum, I finally understand your years of stress and frustration. Well, let's be honest, I don't understand it completely, but I have a pretty good idea.

The next phase I have to get prepared for. COLLEGE!!!! The feature that brought me here. It will break me down, strip me apart and make me a somebody. Not just a person that is existing for existing sake. At least that is what I've felt for the past year...
I finally get to "live the dream" and feel like I have a purpose, it is so surreal. I wake up every morning expecting to be back in Canada in my mums house, even though I am here and living the London lifestyle. It's just an incredible reality. I hope it never ends!

More things about me that I am noticing are changing, my confidence. I have the underground mastered! (sort of.) Tourists came up to me yesterday and asked which tube went where, and I was able to answer with no hesitation or problem at all! I was so proud.
Although, I still have Londoners asking me where I'm from, because of my accent, I reply with "Canada" and their eyes go wide. Mainly because they're confused, Canada is a big country and they don't know the province names. So I tell them "Vancouver" just to make things easier on them. They all know where Vancouver is, thank you Olympics. Then they ask me if I've watched any of the Olympics (because this is obviously my second time at them,) the honest answer, is no. I've been in my bubble and haven't wanted to venture out until now, when the Olympics are over. That figures, I always miss the world events.

All in all, I am loving my adventure. I am experiencing every cliche imaginable!

And I have already started dreaming up new adventures, I will tell you about those later.

Ta ta for now, I have to go buy groceries! *insert housewife joke here*

A little History and a little Normality

I feel like each day I am growing more as a human being. I fully understand what it is to be a "Beautiful Butterfly" as the catterpillar in A Bugs Life put it. Although I don't feel like a butterfly just yet, I am slowly breaking out of my cocoon and I can feel the air of "real life" around me.

I went to see Big Ben and Trafalgar's Square today. I will have to go back, there were so many people there from the Olympics, you could hardly focus on anything for too long. I say this because it was, like walking around in a very plump tuna fish net. You move in any direction and you will get hit, by someone or some moving mode of transportation, biking and buses are a big thing over here. I also went to the National Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery.

I must tell you something before I continue. In grade 12 I took an English Literature course, it was seriously the best course I took in high school. Sorry Mrs. Vance, your classes put me in the position that I am in today, but English Literature gave me the strength for today. I learned so much about myself, culture, religion, art and society. I probably cannot tell you everything I learned, we covered a lot in just 6 months. I can tell you however, that when I walk next to a portrait of Alfred Lord Tennyson or Mr. and Mrs. Browning and what we discussed in class comes flooding back at me, like I was there not 5 minutes ago, it is moving. I appreciate the art so much more, because I have something I can relate it to. I made a connection to that piece. Also, when you walk by a portrait that you've seen in a book, just a tiny little thumbnail, and then see it in real life. That is something. I can't quite describe it, but it cements a feeling inside you. It kind of zips you in with history. Somehow, you are a part of it.

For that class I will be forever grateful. Mrs. Glenda Dolcetti you made that class memorable.

I know I will go to the National Gallery again, I was so inspired by the paintings. By the clothes! I wish I had brought my sketch book with me, although I was afraid my bag would be too heavy, and I know myslef well enough that I get tired after a while, which I did. So, packing light was good in the long run.

As for the housing situation, I have it covered! I found a flat within a 15 minute walking distance to my school! I will be sharing a room, so it cuts down on my costs a little, plus transportation will be cut too. I am just thrilled that I am starting my own journey! For so long, not really, I have been dreaming of this happening that now that it finally has, it's a little surreal. I don't know how to describe it without sounding boringly cheesy. It's just awesome. I recomend following dreams to experience these "fantasy" feelings.

As for my Mum, Dad and my brother. I miss them all terribly. I can feel the tears welling in my eyes as I type. I know it will get easier, but just for right now. I want a hug from my mummy. If I could have one thing, that would be it.

"I just need the one wish genie, thanks for the other 2, but I'll pass for right now."

I feel so...Normal, finally.

The Long Awaited First Post.

The past 3 days have been such an emotional rollercoaster!

But a good one, not going to lie, it is nice to be missed. You really know who finds YOU important. Not surprising that is is mostly my male friends, then again I don't have any girl friends that I see on a regular basis. I am just a REALLY NICE PERSON. Not some sleazy "Snookie" that runs around with my skirt too short showing my Britney Spears. I put leggings on.

So, I left really early in the morning on Sunday and got to Calgary 30 mins later, but thanks to time change it was an hour and 30 minutes later. I then spent a really nice time with my aunt, uncle and cousin. Who kept me laughing the entire time! I hope they don't get offened by my next comment, I did not know they were that funny. Like, genuinely funny, not mean humor or stupid humor. Just have a good laugh funny!

I am going to prolong about London as much as possible. *maniacle laughter*

On my plane ride I was blessed with a window seat, I slept through most of the flight and there was a lot of cloud cover, so not much to see, and the man beside me was respectfully nice. He was the typical, "I am going to give you your space, cause you're leaving me mine." I had to put my bag up in the overhead storage, so he and his buddies, who were all around, put it up for me. Well one of his buddies, not all of them, there were just a lot of them around him... I was singled out. They were all Asian, did I mention that? We chatted for most of the flight that I was awake for, which totaled an hour and half. It was a 8 or 9 hour flight. So Jet lag for me is not that bad. But there are points of the day where all I want to do is sleep. Like when I wake up in the morning! Then again, I've always had that problem. Going to sleep, not a problem, waking up. "5 more minutes!"

I get to London, looking out of the plane before I land, I am overwhelming consumed with this feeling of being "home."

The only time I have been out of Canada was for Disneyland.

The only thing that is scary to me, putting myself out there and just doing it. I am terrified of failure. It is why I am here in London. I would be failing myself if I did not make it here. I feel so comfortable in a city that I have never been to, only seen on a map. The people here are amazing, the fashion ( I fit in perfectly over here, by the way), the culture, the currency all more than what I had ever expected!

The currency is going to take some getting used to. For one thing the bills are different sizes and in size order; smallest is the smallest amount. The coins are not however, they vary in size and weight. and there are more of them. 50p, 2p, 20p. I must say even though Canada is getting rid of the penny, we have simplified system. England should take notes.
AS well, just getting oriented with my north, south, east and west. It's all outta wack.

Right now I am in a youth hostel, it's nice. A minute walk to a tube station and then  a 5 minute tube ride and I am at Oxford Circus, so handy!

As for tourisy things, once I find  a place to live, I will do them all!!!

Well, I think I am going to leave it there. Comment and ask a question if you like, but I don't want to overwhelm you like I have overwhelmed myself. Another post later to make you cry on your bed with all the emotions I have been feeling.




ps. Gavin, Mom I love you and miss you both. Very Much. <3