To live life without any limitations

Musique: Ludovico Einaudi- La Linea Scura



"To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe." - Anatole France

I think there are certain moments in one's life where you come upon something grand, and from there on, it takes your breath away.

Whether it be people that you just met, wisps of dandelions floating away, a laughter, a sigh. I've had the privilege to be able to spend quality time within these summer months to really think forward and expand as much as I can in all pursuits...

I seek to purchase a Moleskine and from there I will sketch thing that inspire me, jot down certain words or phrases or quotes from near and far- most importantly as I have always wanted to do now with the time given to me... I would like to start writing out finely the memoirs of my life so far and the inspirations that make me who I am today.

I can't help being strongly influenced by the character of Benjamin Button in the film where he has this admirable wide-eyed, gentle grace of viewing things and when it comes to learning, or listening to the stories of people he's met.

At one point in my life, I have been such a character...but it seems as I got older, I become constricted to what society tells me to do or be, or that individualism just gets in the way. It was only until I arrived at university where I have met amazing people and been exposed to different things, did I see a spot of light, an open window in exploring and observing the vast abilities of what I can do, what I can be, how I express myself.

Well in recent events, yesterday evening I went to the cinema with a friend of mine who hails from France, to go see the film "Little Ashes" illustrates the young life and the loves of artist Salvador Dalí, filmmaker Luis Buñuel and writer Federico García Lorca. It's how this film captures such essence of the entanglement of life through its mysterious courses.. how being different seems to always provide such an enlightening way to see things in life.... it dawned on me as I watched this.

To be quite honest, I never really liked Robert Pattison, being with the whole Twilight craze and all that...but after this film, I must say he does have legit acting chops. I have a new found respect for him. He portrayed Dali to a way that just made you want to love him as sometimes it felt that he was such an inner tortured soul and you wanted to reach out to him.

Salvador Dali in general, is one of my favourite artists in the sense that when you gaze upon his artwork, it seems to bring you to a different dimension, dares you to imagine things unreal and unseen and worlds you couldn't possibly have thought to exist and for that, I am truly grateful we have such artists to bring such views to the table.

In the words as Salvador Dali in the film states: "From this point on, my real life begins."

That's all for now, bisous!

At last! A female's version of a Gentlemen's Club

Musique: Alif Tree- Belle

I’m not an abstractionist. I’m not interested in the relationship of color or form or anything else. I’m interested only in expressing basic human emotions: tragedy, ecstasy, doom, and so on.

Mark Rothko

Yesterday was such a fantastic day.

First of all , I finally got to see my good friend Tiff who came back from Asia, as she went for a month, but it felt like ages!!!

We decided to go to Yorkville to do some lounging/eating so we decided to try upon our new found hangout MoRoCo (99 Yorkville Ave)

When we got there, it was basically something out of a Parisian inspired influence. To be honest, I was quite surprised we have something like this here in the city...but all the more to love it even more!

Let me tell you something : This is my official hangout place as it is like a woman's version of a gentleman's club. J'adore, J'adore!
Trop stupéfiant pour les mots, haha

The menu suffices enough and of course we couldn't help but notice that close to 90% of the menu includes chocolat in them...and of course brought this place into an almost blissful, if not, more interesting than ever. I smiled at the one item where its spring rolls, but inside them is filled with chocolat...mmm...

We finally decided on some chips and dip, which tasted very good. The main attraction however, was the s'mores! The fact that it mentioned that we would be doing this over a faux campfire drew our attention.

And soon enough, we find that what we thought was faux...turned out to be quite real... the whole process was enough to make us feel like kids again...in a chic adults place.

I think another reason that MoRoCo's have such a chic environment is that its for women..so when we looked around, all we saw were the gathering of girlfriends over Veuve Cliquot and laughing over dinner.

I loved it when the marshmallows turned golden brown so when you bite into it, it has a light crisp crunch.

My first attempt.... a sort of sloppy attempt I must admit, but a tasteful one all the more.

A lovely get together place and I'm so glad we picked this place. Of course the minute we picked up the cheque, Tiff went "Let's go get some macaroons! Let's go!"

Apparently when she was in Asia, she tasted upon macaroons and have been hooked ever since. Personally I've never tried, so then when we do get some, it shall be my first.

Came upon the chance to show Tiff my new place, and it was from there in one of the common living rooms, there was a foosball table... we went off rounds playing this. I'm not great but we were dying as we were going at it sooo seriously! :) Très amusement.

While we were passing by my campus, there was an event going on. Curious as we were, we walked closer to observe. There were balloons everywhere. A girl came up to me and gave me a carnation, which I thanked and thought was nice. I liked how the escaped balloons looked like up in the air... wishes and thoughts being carried up with them as they go far far away.

I must say, I'm so proud of my université. It's gorgeous at this time and just walking around brings a sense of peace and for me if I walk around reflecting at problems or stressing out about something, I found that it slowly released it as I continued to walk and admire the scenery. God bless my Université de Toronto.

So on the search for macaroons, we went to Pusateri's to get some. Apparently my friend was saying how the ones in Tokyo are way better... we went back to her place at 1 King West at the lobby to give it a try...to be honest, it could have been better, however the chocolat part of it was the only thing that was okay enough.

It was then that she took me to the "Secret Garden" located at 1KW... so we came upon it , where they had the forest-like gathering of a scenery...I liked how they had fake clouds to go along with it.

Then shortly after we decided to go up the 49th floor....where the Penthouse is. I honestly didn't know what to expect...but obviously the view of the city must look simply amazing.

I was quite right... it was stunning to see the skyscrapers at this level..not to mention the rest of the scenery.

I want to live here...I think its settled that within the next year or two... make it all "moi"- a dash of inspiration of Stam's (as in Jessica Stam) home decor as seen in Elle Decor, and I'll put a nice leather couch near the window where the elevators are, and host grand ol' parties, and
put a grand piano near the balcony and...

As we head off to dinner, we went to Richtree... of course! One of the most spotted places where you'll find us, after MoRoCo obviously...haha

And that's all for now, bisous!!

There and Back -Part One

Musique: Beth Rowley- Careless Talk (From The Edge of Love soundtrack..which by the way, is one of my favourite films as well!)



Anyone who keeps the ability to see beauty never grows old.
Franz Kafka

Bonjour loves!
Woke up in the afternoon feeling better..last night i couldn't help finishing off watching Love In The Time of Cholera... the film was alright -but the book is definitely a must read before you die sort of thing.

Well plenty of things happened around town so I must say as much as I can!
Met up with a friend whom I knew since my first year at university, and when I think back on how we first met, I couldn't think how afterwards how much of an impact he had on the things I decide on academic-wise.

I looked up to him kind of like a mentor sort of feel. We spend time walking around, and seeing as we haven't seen each other in the longest while, it was funny to know that he was still his same old self.

Well that day was an event called "Doors Open Toronto" which is that majority of all public buildings are open to the public for anyone interested to enter and explore.

It is because of that we decided to enter City Hall.

Okay, I admit this isn't the greatest shot I've ever taken, but the message was profound to me, because Toronto is a great city, and I hope in 2050 it will continue to shine.

To be honest, it was my first time inside City Hall and it was quite interesting.
Other events include spending the day with my friend and explored around queen, bought a couple of things (haven't done that in awhile so Yay!)
Of course without any hesitation, with high giggles and goggling, we watched Terminator to get a dose of Christian Bale...its really sad at how much we love this guy haha.

The best part of the evening that day was when we explored this interesting biomedical building on campus and it was fascinating..at first our spirits were dampened when we found out you needed a special card to get in...but that didn't stop us.

We managed to go into another building next to it to attempt to get there- and once we were inside... i must say, the artwork being hung in those science buildings are a disgrace.

First of all, its a bunch of colourful scribbles and etchings in coloured pencil of absolutely nothing... whoever did that must think its some form of abstraction.

To me, it was simply a kindergarten's attempt to scribble.

Of course, after observing these ridiculous works of art, I jokingly mentioned to Sufia that I should donate my artworks if they they think that such pitiful (and by god they were pitiful) works were seen as Art.

They've got a thing or two coming.

We then came upon a classroom that links to the interior of the biomedical building and of course, the only thing that was stopping us was the window.

(Vague recollection of event unfolding)
Joanne: "You don't think these windows can open up and then.."
Sufia: "Yes! And we can just go over!"

(Opening hinges, and both of our arms were heaving the window upwards but to our dismay, did not budge at all)

Joanne: "Hey there's an open window up there!"

(As I walked closer, indeed it was opened just a sliver)

Sufia: "Ou, that could work"

(It was then that I stood upwards to the window and then looked down. There was a very very steep bottom and unless we somehow jumped across the small glass barrier..we would be facing a possible risk of critical injury or we'd be under pure stupidity to attempt a jump in the first place)

Joanne: "Alrighty, lets just check the other hallway then"

So we continued to further explore the halls and soon enough I looked out the window and found that I was on the other side of campus. We both looked at each other in awe..and laughed and how we "time travelled" here.

Good to know that if i can remember how to retrace the maze we went through, we can eventually get to the other side of campus.

Of course I can't even recall at all how we got there.

When we got back, at one of the older buildings on campus-those gorgeous ivy covered sort of buildings- there was a sort of tower room with from the wide windows, you can see those old-style sort of chandeliers.


I jokingly said to Sufia how this bulding is where the Illuminati meetings take place and further explain how they do certain rituals which includes the significant dancing-naked-and-chanting bit.


I also mentioned to her that I did this act with my other friend where there's a heavy wooden door to this tower and knocked once, thinking nothing would occur.

Immediately after I knocked, a person actually opened it and said "Hello?" But because I was so surprised at that notion, i actually took off!

My friend, he was also shocked, followed me and we couldn't stop laughing.

So excited that it would be funny to knock on that wooden door to expect anything..she walked closer and knocked.
Sure enough there was ruffling inside and a muffled voice and the door began to open slowly!
Of course we both screamed a little and took off like little kids! But we were laughing soooo hard at how this had happened again!


It was then we went up some stairs within that building and came across a room, dark as the lights were off so all was embraced by the darkness of the night sky as all the windows were without curtains. We walked to the old grand piano situated in one corner of the room and started to play a little.

Playing the piano in the dark was really something...it was a bit melodramatic and at the same time, it was so peaceful just to be like this.

Alright there is more stuff to write about but I must head off at the moment, so more to come! Bisous!

Four letter word just to get me along

Musique: Madonna- Give It To Me (Paul Oakenfold Remix)

Bonjour luves.

Right now I am at a friend's cottage and am simply bathing in bliss and washing away the little grey shards. It was quite random actually. I was thinking of going home today but instead I get a phone call at 12 from a friend asking if i would like to get out of the city and enjoy a change of scenery. Of course I said yes without a moment's hesitation and so packed lightly and waited for them to come pick me up.

On the road, it was a bit windy, but the sun was shining and all through the car ride, we listed to Blossom Deary and Louis Armstrong. Upon arrival, the cottage was quite nice and the view was just simply amazing. I loved how there were little pastel-colored blues and pinks of the pebbles that once you follow, leads you to the water.

I took some time away to write a bit here since I have not been updating for quite some time. As some may know, I arrived at the city with packs and luggage and I love the view that I have.

Since then I have been hanging out with a  corporal ( That's right Darwin, oh my! lol haha  :)  )  Meeting and chatting with a great bunch of french people that are from northern France for a BBQ into the wee hours... basically enjoying an intermingling of old and new friends.

Moments I enjoy in my new place is where the living room is in the main level, I would pull up a comfy couch and with the view that portrays the CN Tower and all the towering beauties, read Jazz Age stories and reading past articles of The New Yorker. Although the most frustrating thing is that I've been disconnected from the world as I can't get internet somehow on my laptop! It's really irritating... also another reason why I haven't been updating and keeping touch on msn and whatnot... will hopefully get it fixed and talk to the porter soon (who was really nice on helping but couldn't find a solution either, but the attempt was very thoughtful)

I want to wear this! I want to wear this when I go to a lounge or just simply wearing this piece when I am out on a lovely evening. Its from Balmain Spring/Summer 2009. Balmain is a favourite of mine along with...

There's just something divinely mystifying about Lanvin that just captivates me so. Their pieces are exquisite and Alber Elbaz vision is simply stunning. Must acquire some of them to my closet :) :)

On a whole other note, I cannot wait to go see the upcoming Terminator film ... lol I must shyly admit, I have such a deep crush on Christian Bale. I want to marry this man or be with someone who looks like him but have all the satisfying qualities like intelligence and humor- LOL haha :P Hey, a girl can only dream!

Another wonderful day was yesterday when my favorite girl in the universe Sufia (she's my living saviour really) came to see how I was and we went out to lunch to this place called Futures. I did not know what to expect but the cakes.... We had some perogies (which were dee-lish) and white chocolate truffle cake which was heaven! There were so many to pick! I think I will attempt to try all of those heavenly cakes throughout the summer... of course I will be walking it off with all of that eating! Great place for comfort food as my friend mentioned- and she was right!

Afterwards we walked to Union Station, and went to lounge at the Royal York... it was amazing because they have six pianos there as I've mentioned previously. We go up to the second floor, the vast floor was empty and was almost eerie, but seeing as both of us were daring enough we entered and soon enough, found a grand piano. It was then we decided to play a duet piece which she and her instructor composed.... it was so melodramatically beautiful. I tried my best to play well, and yes I did mess up a few times (maybe too much I think, I suck at timing) but in the end, all was well :)

And that's all for now, bisous!

I woke up to find that I was in a glass castle...

Musique: the sound of his voice...

I have Dalinian thought: the one thing the world will never have enough of is the outrageous. Salvador Dali 

Today is Mother's Day... and the first thing I gave to my mother was big kisses on both cheeks and I squeezed her tight until I realized that i was slowly cutting off her circulation, haha.

 I thank my mum for her strength, her inspiration, her inner beauty, her ability to help me see outside the box, to make me a better person, to allow me to be as I am, that nothing is impossible, and that the fact that she gave me the privilege to live in this world, I will forever be grateful.

Yesterday was wonderful. Not only did I had the opportunity to drive around the city, I drove around my campus... never did I thought the various places where I would sit and walk by between classes, I would actually be driving by it! 

Despite the fact that its nerve-wracking to drive in the city, i managed to have a grand time doing that.... and with my uncle, we went to Yorkdale afterwards, which was more of a walking around sort of thing and ended up watching Star Trek at the end of the day- I thought it was great.

Kirk was hilarious at times, and Spock... let's just say I ended up having a minor crush on him (yes I'm guilty, I actually thought he was very interesting and secretly wished i was the one to kiss him instead of that other girl, haha)

Only three more days! I cannot believe how time quickly came around, it seemed like yesterday I was so impatient that there were weeks before I can move in to my maison d'été! 

I have almost everything packed in my fleur-de-lis luggage and my bags. Even now, I'm still thrilled to see what's in store for me.

 A new chapter on events/inspiration/reflections during the next three months. 

I mostly think of it as a small home away from home.

At this point in my life, I find myself yearning for things that when I had it, I seemed to lightly take for granted, and when I no longer have it, I think about it all the time and wish it can be in my arms once more. Certain moments missed in time, or possibilities shortened. This is no strange phenomenon, it happens to everyone at one point in time or another. 

Sometimes at the end of the day, as much as one can search for something more, I wish for my amiable companion. The deep haunting of a strange small sadness overwhelms and confines the mind into an interweaving torture which lingers like a soft daydream. We are lost along the way when we no longer know what we want, or when we choose to shut ourselves down from which deprives us from something we all breathe for and would chase after even in death: love.

Listening to Evanescence "Like You" the other day, and there was such a captivating embrace on the dark subject of a lost one. There was especially one part of the song which captured my attention with such an underlying awe:

I long to be like you 

Lie cold in the ground like you
There's room inside for two
And I'm not grieving for you

I'm coming for you 

For me, it illustrated a scenario where there was an old childhood friend, and he was everything to me and was my hero, my role model. I longed to be like him, his fearlessness and energy for life. Then an illness took away his spirit, his beautiful blue eyes, his beautiful soul. When he died, even being at a young age, all I wanted to do was follow after him and lie down on the grass while he was six feet below.

 We all have different takes on death. Some choose to avoid the topic as it hurts too much or causes too much suffering in one's mind, some openly talk about it as this next great stage of something grand. Others would be stuck in-between- where it doesn't bother them or they just never thought much about it. Personally, I have a curious approach. 

Nonetheless, there's this saying I heard that opened my eyes: "We're meant to lose the people we love... how else would we know how important they are to us?"

And this, I know.

And that's also all for now, bisous.