Saturday, December 26, 2009

The 8 Days of Christmas Sweaters: Head to the Polls!

It's time to cast your ballot for your favourite sweater creation of the 2009 collection!   You will find the ballot at the top of the page.

Once again these sweaters have made my year!  One can't express in words the excitement of finding these little gems in the thrift store.  I hope you too felt their magic this season.

Thanks to everyone who has followed along and for all your kind comments!  And for those silent followers don't feel creepy for I am usually one of you.  Ain't no shame in it.  Unless you are watching me outside my window right now.  Then there's a little bit of shame. 

Merry Christmas and remember...life is always better in the sweater.

Friday, December 25, 2009

Merry Christmas!

And as the sweaters have been revealed it twas time for an annual Storey sister tradition.  The Christmas Day photo shoot.  Inspired by my traumatic season at the Sears Portrait Studio several years ago we take our sweaters and hit the town.  Cheese ball isn't the only cheese being served today.

Thursday, December 24, 2009

The 8 Days of Christmas Sweaters: Day 8

Christmas eve has found me where the sweater light gleams. One can only dream of being in a home like this sweater displays. It's like carrying around a portable living room wherever you go. Does this Christmas find you far away from home? Well, this sweater is the answer to your home away from home needs.

Simply dawn this knit little wonder and let it's yarn transport you to a whole new world. As Aladdin would say, "don't you dare close your eyes!" Or else you might miss the triumph of this textile masterpiece.

A charming little tree stands proudly adorned with pearls and precious gems as satin wrapped present lie beneath it's fabric boughs. Get lost as you stare out into the snowy abyss, right through my armpit. And rock around the Christmas tree upon a horse.

It's a bitter sweet day as this is the 8th and final sweater of this years collection. (I actually meant to have this day fall on Christmas Day but turns out I can't count. Good thing I'm studying to be a photojournalist and not an accountant.)

But it's not quite over yet! Voting for your favourite sweater will commence on Boxing Day so get your picks ready.

Thanks to everyone who has joined in on this 8 day sweater journey!!
Merry Christmas!

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

The 8 Days of Christmas Sweaters: Day 7

This is one of my finest in-vest-ments into this years collection. I've often lamented the lack of costumed geese in todays fashion...and this sweater vest is boldly bringing the Christmas goose back to festive wear, where it rightfully belongs! Often assumed that these mystical Christmas creatures migrate south for the season this dispels any myth. Nothing says Merry Christmas like a goose in a stocking cap.

This garment is simply enchanting. Intricate beading and embroidery radiate pure magic from this vest. And white, fluffy balls protrude from the fabric bringing this sweater into a whole other dimension.


And just when you think you can't handle any more of this pure Christmas joy...BAM! Goose in a cap on the back!!
There is nothing "foul" about this little gem. Sure to ruffle a few feathers wherever you go.

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

The 8 Days of Christmas Sweaters: Day 6

Ribbons and bows adorn one of the greatest gifts of the season...the sweater. Today's piece breaks away from the traditional yet retains the magical brilliance of the Christmas sweater in true 80's festive fashion. There's nothing wrong with a sweater that shouts loudly with florescent pink and deep purple. Silver, snowflake beading accents this garment brilliantly amidst giant, angora bows and sparkley yarn. Get ready to get noticed in this little number...especially because you'll be clashing with everything around you this time of year!

Monday, December 21, 2009

The 8 Days of Christmas Sweaters: Day 5

We are into the second half of our sweater celebration and it's time to take care of a nasty case of the Mondays with this "deerest" of sweaters. The sight of mustard reindeer running willy nilly across mossy sweater plains is a welcome change from the traditional. And when it's time for bed simply hang it up and begin counting reindeer...a festive alternative to counting sheep.

Sunday, December 20, 2009

The 8 Days of Christmas Sweaters: Day 4

This subdued number boldly declares, "I love Christmas and I'm a tasteful lady." Whether going to church or an evening holiday Tupperware party, this sweater is sure to bring a touch of elegance to any event. Button it all the way for the conservative look or go ahead and let loose by loosening up the top buttons to let your gold vest shine through. There's "snow" doubt this sweater will class up your holidays.

Saturday, December 19, 2009

The 8 Days of Christmas Sweaters: Day 3

Day 3 finds itself this sassy, Saturday sweater. After a workweek of more elegant pieces it's nice to relax in this jogging fleece sweatshirt, adorned with plenty o' glitter. If you like dancing bears (and who doesn't) then you'll love this little number. Also, if you're a fan of bows, holly, stockings, ornaments, presents, snowflakes, turtle doves, candy canes, or trees...then this sweaters for you. A little something for everyone. This sweater is sure to break even the toughest Christmas scrooge.

Friday, December 18, 2009

The 8 Days of Christmas Sweaters: Day 2

This sweater has me smitten with mittens. It's a "hands down" winner for a biz-cas Friday such as today. The perfect choice for the working professional that wants to send a casual festive message in the workplace. Again, the finer detailing of textural tinsel-like fibers and ornate beading along with the golden wrist detail help light up the dark of winters night. A "glovely" addition to this years collection.
Note: voting for this years favourite will begin on Boxing Day!

Thursday, December 17, 2009

The 8 Days of Christmas Sweaters: Day 1

You've waited for it all year and finally it's here...its the second annual 8 Days of Christmas Sweaters. There is something magical in the fibers that comprise a festive Christmas sweater and in these final days leading up to Christmas we will celebrate these textile masterpieces.

This years collection is brought to you courtesy of Belleville, Ontario, where these little gems were found. I asked Belleville to bring it, a boy did it ever.

This first little number rings true the spirit of Christmas with teddy bears and Christmas trees. It's button up ability makes dawning it a breeze, allowing one to put it on with ease with out messing up ones fancy, festive up-do. A closer look reveals the textural detail that really makes this sweater shine. Tiny golden beads and glittery gold yarn takes this sweater into true Christmas glory.

Saturday, November 21, 2009

The Sweaters Are Coming...

As the days grow shorter and the nights grow colder this can only mean two things. One, Christmas is drawing nye and, two, it's time to pull out the sweaters. That's right, "The 8 Days of Christmas Sweaters" is coming soon with new festive garments that truly make this the most wonderful time of the year.

This years collection comes courtesy of Belleville, Ontario. Stay tuned the 8 days before Christmas for a new sweater each day. Advanced screenings will also be happening the 8 days before I fly home for Christmas at Loyalist College.

I'm very excited!

Friday, November 20, 2009

Time for a change...

Frugal times call for frugal measures. In an attempt to save money while gaining a sense of accomplishment I have taken to changing my own oil. My dad taught me before I moved here and showered me with the tools to do so as birthday gifts! Why pay someone to change it in 10 minutes when I could do it myself in triple the time!

So on this balmy November morning in Ontario I took the little Rav out for a spin to warm up, making a B-line for the closest McDonalds to get my free cup of coffee. Once again...frugal times and I don't fight free coffee.

I'm sure Joe from Jiffy Lube has lost his child-like wonder at watching the oil go through the funnel but I haven't. And isn't that what it's all about folks? That and my engine not seizing.

I have been driving on the road for two days now and still no explosions.

I've also been catching mice and making borscht. And, yes, those two activities are unrelated...or are they?

Saturday, November 07, 2009

Big Apple, Street Potato

Just a small town girl living in a lonely world took a Rav4 heading anywhere...but more specifically New York City!

During my time in Connecticut we took a brief trip to the Big Apple so I could see New York City in all it's glory for the first time. So we loaded up the Rav, three children in the back, portable DVD players in full action, and hit the road.

Upon arriving in New York I enthusiastically took note of Trump Towers, the golden giant stood strong amidst the cityscape, however, no comb overs were sighted.

The first misadventure took place in the parking garage. As we pulled it there was little instruction so I took the liberty to pull into the garage. I soon took note of how cars were double parked. “Strange,” I thought, “how will they get out?” Then the two way corridor soon was scarcely even one way. Claustrophobia lurked. And then a car came the other way. It soon became clear what was going on. I wasn't supposed to be driving in there at all. What should have happened was we should have gotten out at the top of the garage and parking attendants park the car for you, therefore, able to conserve space by using every possible inch of it. Lesson learned.
Fist stop...chocolate. Obviously. Second stop...Time Square. For a moment I forgot what country I was in. Luckily, I glanced over to find this view...
(a little series on tourists)






During these H1N1 conscious times a healthy immune system is of utmost importance. I took the liberty of eating several things off the ground...and I am all the richer for it.

As we walked amidst the chaos there was a strange serenity about it. Crossing the street I noticed a curb-side potato resting in a puddle. We continued on and lo and behold there was Hello Kitty! We decided it was crucial that I took the kids' picture with Hello (we're on a first name basis). I began snapping away. Hello raised her head, revealing a small Asian woman. I thought she wanted me to take her picture. I raised the camera, she lowered her head. “Rude,” I thought. I lowered my camera, she raised her head, again saying something I took to be something to the sort of “take my picture.” I raised my camera, she lowered her head. I lowered my camera, she raised her head. After several exchanges of this I realized she was asking me to pay her $1 for every picture I had taken. I turned to Patti and Hello Kitty soon became Goodbye Kitty. Not looking back we grabbed the kids and took off down the street. If Hello Kitty wanted my cash she would have to chase me down the streets of New York and mug it out of me.


Being a big fan of the TV show “30 Rock” I found it necessary to got to Rockefeller Center. On the ice we found these Siamese Figure Skaters putting on a show.


Then across the street for a coffee at Dean and Deluca. Patti's phone was almost dead so we found a place to plug it in.



Continuing on it seems that fate brought me back to that curbside potato. So I picked it up and put it in my coat pocket. My New York potato. And now it sits in my Belleville apartment. No souviner can rival my NY potato...often imitated, never duplicated.



We also ran into Tina Turner. Actually, that's Patti's friend, Tina. She is an actress and was in town for an audition so we met up with her at the end of the day.

Hupp to it...

If you have been following this blog long enough then you are either my mom or very kind. You also may remember from my time in Zambia a story about a little girl named Mary who was adopted by the Hupp family.
For a refresher click here

In Manchester, Connecticut one might find a 'city of village charm'. One may also find a shady little pub called the Hungry Tiger. And once one has found these two things one may also come across the Hupp family. I realized that now living in Belleville, 'the friendly city', I was but a mere drive away from my long lost friends.

So with Ontario giving an entire week off for college students in the fall semester and not allowing work to be assigned for over this break (I didn't want to question it should my bringing it to light that this is crazy may in turn cause the powers that be to revoke this magical time. It's like when you were a child and were getting away with something you knew you shouldn't be allowed to get away with. You don't look back in these situations. You grab hold of them and go as far as you can. This was Connecticut). So it seemed like the perfect opportunity for an international adventure to America!

Oh the times we shared...just like the good ol' days on the farm in Zambia! The Hupps gave me many things. One, a new found interest in following football (they are kind of freaks about it!). The second can be found in three words...NEW.YORK.CITY!! (post to follow).

I like to think that this is how Patti has spent the last two years...waiting at the door for me to arrive.

Luke...he loves his sisters dearly. And he has a sweet room.
Emma...leaves no leaf unturned.
Mary...she's not a vegetarian.

Sisters who love sisters...always.

I just like how gangster Patti looks in this one. Now there is a father in the picture, Steve, although not in any of these pictures. He's very illusive.

Friday, October 09, 2009

Published!

This past week I gotten my first pictures published! One in our school newspaper and two in a local paper. Here are the links to the local paper...

EMC Community Newspaper
Ride for Refugees

Bulls in Motion

Our second assignment was an exercise in shooting motion using three different techniques. Belleville is also home to the OHL team The Belleville Bulls (which I've come to find out are kind of a big deal around here. I didn't realize what level they were until I went to this event and was amazed that so many people wanted these guys autographs. They play the same level as our Vancouver Giants for those of you BC'ers!).


BELLEVILLE, Ont. (27/09/09) -- Belleville Bull fans young and old get a chance to skate with their favourite local hockey players at this years "Bar-B-Que and Skate with the Bulls" on Sunday, September 27th at the Wally Dever Arena. This is an annual event held for season ticket holders and allows the fans to get up close and personal with the Belleville Bulls hockey team as they eat, get autographs and skate with the players. Photo by Shannon Storey.

BELLEVILLE, Ont. (27/09/09) -- Belleville Bulls defenceman Julian Luciani and his teammates sign for fans at the Wally Denver Arena an the annual "Bar-B-Que and Skate with the Bulls." Photo by Shannon Storey.

Isn't that Interesting...

Here are some shots from our first assignment, which was to find an interesting person.
BELLEVILLE; Ont. (12/09/09) -- 58 year old Oakville native, John McNair, now resides in Belleville where he is "working through some things." While reluctant to speak of his current struggles his soul finds sanctuary in the arts. With an interest in photography he can also often be found taking advantage of the many resources available at the Belleville Public Library and John M. Parrott Art Gallery. Photo by Shannon Storey.

BELLEVILLE, Ont. (12/09/09) -- Dawa Chodeon immigrated to Belleville from Lazo, Tibet two years ago where her and her husband now sell handmade Tibetan jewelry at the weekly farmers market. Photo by Shannon Storey.

Class in Session

Once again I find myself wondering where time has gone...and realizing it has been oh, so long since I have posted anything here. But let it be know that will change right now...at least for today.

Classes are in full swing and I am loving it so far. Never thought I'd grow to love anything remotely associated with school, but alas.

In this photo we all went outside to do an exercise in depth of field so here are some of my esteemed classmates. We're a motley crew but we have fun.
(consider yourself blessed you don't have to see their shots where I showcase my Top Modeling skills...I do a mean catwalk down grocery aisles...I've been compared with the likes of top Reitmans models!)