A jacket and a purse

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I realized that I haven’t written about any actual material things yet, even though my blog is called “Things I like”.  So, I’m going to give my first product reviews a go.

Lululemon rain jacket

I’m pretty sure that they don’t call it a rain jacket (warm up jacket?) and it is currently not available because their outer-wear is for the summer season.  So lets hope that they add it to their fall/winter collection because this might be one of the best purchases I’ve ever made.  It’s on the pricier side ($200) and you might ask yourself, “Why would I ever pay this much money for a lighter jacket?”  We Canadians who live with snow, sleet and freezing temperatures for most of the year will generally consider spending a bit more on the winter jacket because really, that’s all people see of your outfit much of the time from November to sometimes April.  Same goes for the boots.  Well, this jacket, due to its rain resistant material and thicker lining, is so versatile that I have worn it in early spring and late fall.  It is a great transition jacket when you are sick of wearing your winter pea coat and are hopeful that the skies will clear and the country gets some much needed warmth.  It’s also longer so it protects you from the wind and the hood will keep your hair dry and your ears warm.  The cut of the jacket is also form-fitting and sleek so a pair of skinny jeans really looks great with it.  I’ve even worn it in Thailand during the monsoon season on the back of a motorbike!  If Lulu does offer it in the fall I would recommend considering this purchase.

Roots satchel bag

I have never been an over-the-shoulder purse girl because I’ve always felt that it you are going to wear a purse, it looks much better slung under your arm.  I have since changed my mind for several reasons.  When I showed up to a party in Thailand with a wristlet, my friend said that if I didn’t want to get robbed it’s important to have big straps that you can put over your shoulder.  Thailand is generally very safe but it’s always important to be aware.  Anyways, I didn’t actually follow her advice till I came back to Canada and purchased the Roots “Small Venetian Prince” bag in brown natural leather.  It is so liberating not having to worry about where you left your purse and just stroll down the street to run your errands.  The purse also fits a surprising amount of things like my clutch wallet, iPod, sunglass case, iPhone, keys etc.  I even fit a Moleskine notebook in there once.  I chose a worn leather finish because I feel that companies don’t show off the natural beauty of their leather goods enough and I knew that I would mostly use it for casual occasions and to generally get stuff done around the city.  Roots also has great quality leather and friends have said that their bags last a few years no problem.

http://canada.roots.com/NewSmallVenetianInTribeLeatherWithBrassHardware/WomensFlatbags//18019422,default,pd.html?cgid=leatherViewAllWomensBags&selectedColor=2400

Gumption: Guillaume Canet

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My gumption post this week is about Guillaume Canet.  A French actor, he has mostly been writing and directing films for the past few years.  In his 2006 thriller “Tell no one” he maintains the taunt nature of the narrative through the masterful use of pacing, dialogue, music and a strong performance by Francois Cluzet.  Although it is an engrossing murder mystery, he also draws on issues of loss, guilt and memory.  I am also seeing his latest film called “Little white lies” (2010) tomorrow which gives the impression of being a light comedy but seems to address the larger issues of the nature and limits of friendship.

He also still occasionally stars in films and I recently saw “Last night” (2011) a review of which I will save for a later time.

All in all, Canet has a reputation for putting a great deal of time and effort into his endeavors with an intense need for perfection.  I enjoy that he seems to be very passionate about his work and from observing some of his performances and media interviews, he gives off the aura of an engaging and intelligent person.  Really, who stands a chance against his cheeky little grin?

Time

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It seems as if the themes of living well and impermanence have literally been hitting me in the face lately.  We just recently ordered “Netflix” and since it’s new to Canada they offered a free monthly subscription.  I could probably write an entire entry on its amazing value and convenience but will save that for another time.  I’ll just add that it’s especially handy if you don’t plan on living in the same city forever and are weary of carrying your DVD collection great distances.  We will probably be moving elsewhere (anywhere) in a few years once we have completed our degrees so we’ve decided to stop buying movies till we have a house or at least feel like we are moving towards being more settled.  It’s been kind of difficult because we love films.  Like novels some well-crafted movies do address the beauty and difficulties of humanity.  I believe that we can gain a better understanding of difference and commonalities through these narratives and that’s very valuable.  I’m not even talking about just the critically acclaimed or independent dramas. Comedies make us laugh which is so helpful and positive.  Some people say, “I don’t have time to read fiction” as if it’s a testament to their productive lives.  Although I understand the balancing act required to meet all of our professional and personal responsibilities, I think we can also gain from creating a little bit of time to let art into our lives.

To address the themes of time and mortality, two influences have really affected me the past few days.  I watched a film called “One Week” (2009) starring Joshua Jackson and directed by Michael McGowan that narrates the journey of a man diagnosed with a terminal disease.  The protagonist grapples with these implications by taking a solo motorcycle ride across Canada.  He makes many stops at various landmarks and as a proud Canadian, my heart did swell at the modesty and earnestness of the film.  There really was something special captured in Jackson’s performance and the cinematography that will make me return to this film even when I am away living elsewhere.

I also just finished a novel called “So much for that” by Lionel Shriver that deals with issues of illness and the lifelong dream to escape to the developing world to make your nest egg last longer.  This book was not an easy read because it’s never enjoyable to hear of sickness and the inevitability of death.  I admire Shriver for taking on such a task with poignancy and even a bit of anger to say, if a loved one is going through pain, be there for them.  Words don’t mean anything if you don’t put in the time to support someone when you are needed most.

I really just wanted to write about these themes this week because it’s integral to have these type of reminders ever so often and to crash into something that shifts your focus.  I’m victim to it myself: to withdraw when I fear losing someone important to me.  But I am working at facing up all of it: the harsh stuff with the good.  Because really, the time we have with people is so valuable.

Gumption: Judi Dench

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I thought I would start a weekly post on public figures I admire.  I’m a true believer that our identities are continually shaped by those around us and there are an endless number of peers and loved ones I draw inspiration from.  That’s probably one of the most exciting things about being here–that our characters are very relational and fluid.

I also want to call this weekly post “Gumption” because it refers to courage, resourcefulness and spunk.  In my opinion it’s one of the most important traits to continually develop in ourselves because the most important thing we can do is put ourselves out there.

So, the first person I admire is Dame Judi Dench.  Not only is she a talented actress in both dramatic and comedic roles, but she brings a strength to all of her performances that is so inspiring.

To not be a ‘woman’ at all

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The other night I watched “Woman of the year” (1942) which is the first movie that Spencer Tracy and Katherine Hepburn worked on together.  Their on-screen chemistry is legendary and the pair went onto to collaborate on nine films in total.  In their personal lives they had a long partnership but never married because Tracy being a Catholic could not divorce his wife.  He lived with Katherine while being estranged from his wife till his death and the couple maintained a “secret” relationship.  When Spencer Tracy died Katherine called up his wife and asked to be friends and to offer help raising the kids but his wife responded “oh, I thought you were a rumor.”  Pretty heavy and complicated stuff.

With regards to the film “Woman of the year” I absolutely loved it.  Tracy is a gruff sports writer and what you would classify as a “man’s man.”  As problematic as classifications always are, let just say that he’s a man who would want his wife to cater to his every emotional and material need.  However, he’s attracted to and marries Hepburn’s character Tess who is a political analyst, intelligent and busy. After their courtship the film documents all the strain that is being but on the couple by Tess’ schedule and travel demands.  When the relationship has deteriorated Tracy indicates that Tess may be awarded “woman of year” by the public but she’s not a “woman” at all.  I promise that there is a happy ending and a famous breakfast scene where Tess tries to cook for him and show him that she is a “woman.”  The scene is pure comic genius.

No matter how I may have gasped at her attempts at reconciliation and the concessions she makes in her career and identity, these were the pressures placed on women in the 1940s.  Although circumstances have changed for woman today I don’t believe that it’s completely gone.  My own husband and those of my other friends are willing to help out with household duties that men of another generation would have been appalled at.  However, I believe that it is way more complicated than that.  There are definitely generational differences that I observe even in my own life.  Our mothers are women who fought hard to have careers and maintain the family life at the same time.  Whether these goals were met through paid childcare or other assistance, they are proud that many of them “have it all.”  I sense an anxiety there that they have to come home exhausted and still cater to the needs of their families with perfection.  Is it wrong that I don’t feel the same sort of pressure?  Is it because I’m just lucky to have a supportive and actual “partner” who puts in the time to develop our relationship and home?  The truth of the matter is that I feel like for many women of my generation careers are a given, giving up employment to be mother is not something to be ashamed of, and every single thing does not have to be perfect anymore.  If being a “woman” and an empowered one at that no longer has the baggage of putting on a facade I am grateful.  This is not to say that I don’t acknowledge all of the work and sacrifices that came before us to get us where we are today.  I just hope to raise a generation after us who knows that the most important thing is choice, acceptance and the embracing of frailty.  There is something beautiful in knowing that your sense of self is strong and ever-changing and to own what you choose to build for yourself.  I believe it’s crucial to take responsibility for your choices, really being in the moment and supporting other women on their paths.

Situating.

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I’ve wanted to do this for a long time.  Write a blog that is.  I even started one a few months ago but couldn’t commit so there is a lone entry out there in the blog “just be” that’s destined to go nowhere.  I was living in Thailand at the time and I thought that it would be the perfect way to start this project–when I am abroad and feeling so much.  I’ve read a few books that were former blogs and they always began with some sort of project or journey and this would be mine: a young woman living alone in Southeast Asia for the first time, loving it but also missing the life she left behind. Somehow it didn’t feel right so I let it be.  Now I am back and here to share stories, projects, and actual things that are helpful, enriching and wonderful in my daily life. I’m also back home with my husband, family and best friends.  Instead of talking about the negatives I will mainly be posting about what I love because it’s so much more fun to talk about.  There’s already a lot of negativity out there no?

The reason I have called this entry “situating” is because that concept is very important for me when I’m reflecting and for this blog.  I am currently entering my late twenties, married and a graduate student.  But with life choices and fate things will continue to change and my taste will also.  So, I hope this blog documents all of these transformations but also allows me to reflect on what has been helpful in the past.  It really has been a learning experience to get here and I look forward to all there is to love in the future.