#deep thoughts with yeg

[yegdreon]

I just got Disney plus so I can finally watch the live recording of Hamilton. It's my first time ever watching Hamilton and it's just SO good. Tho, WHY TF DID YOU CHEAT MAN!?

[yegarts]

"I am YEG Arts" Series: Jeff Collins

Jeff Collins at Collins Studio Gallery. Photo provided by the artist.

For Jeff Collins, the key to having a successful career as an artist is showing up every day. His consistency and commitment have defined his long career. “The inspiration shows up when you’re at work,” are words he lives by.  At the end of his studies, advice he received from his Red Deer College painting instructor, Joseph Reeder, to “forget everything he’d been taught,” inspired him to lock himself away in his studio for six months and shut out all distractions. During that pivotal time nearly 30 years ago, his practice in landscape painting took form, and he’s maintained a studio in Edmonton ever since. In 2019, he took a big leap with the opening of Collins Studio Gallery, which serves as his working studio, a classroom where he teaches oil painting, and a gallery that welcomes community and is an exhibition space for emerging artists and curators to show their work.

This week on the YEG Arts blog, we catch up with Jeff Collins.  

Tell us about your connection to Edmonton and what keeps you living and working here.  

I was born in Edmonton and studied through high school here. I moved away for about ten years and during that time, I lived in Jasper. In Jasper, I had my first apartment and when I wanted to put art up on the walls, everything I saw was just cliché posters, and so I thought “I can do better than this, look at all the scenery around Jasper.” My mother was a painter, so it was always part of my life although I didn’t pursue it much until then. With some encouragement from those who saw my early work, I decided to study art and design at Red Deer College [now known as Red Deer Polytechnic] and the University of Alberta. I then went on to Grant MacEwan Community College [now MacEwan University] to study arts administration. 

After returning to Edmonton, it was really the first time I was part of the arts community here and it was just so supportive and amazing. Some of the highlights for me at that time (the early nineties) was the Works Art & Design Festival. They were so, so instrumental in creating community and making Edmonton a supportive place for artists. Latitude 53 was an influential gallery for me, also Arts Habitat Edmonton, and of course the amazing river valley and the fabulous people here. I’ve been here ever since working away as an artist and really being part of the community.    

By Jeff Collins (left to right clockwise): Turtle in the Woods 001, acrylic on paper; Heartland, acrylic on canvas; and King of the North, acrylic on canvas. Photo provided by the artist.

What’s one of the biggest professional risks you’ve taken, and how did it influence where you are today?

As an artist, you take risks every single day and you’re putting yourself out there, and if you’re true to your craft, you’re really pulling deep inside of you to pull that out and to put it out there, where other people can see it. That’s always so risky. It’s kind of like every day as an artist is a risk. I worked at the Alberta Craft Council for many years and when I decided to quit and work full-time in my studio, that was a pretty huge risk financially. I am very happy that I did that, though it’s always been a gig-to-gig kind of thing since, and I worked out of my studio between contract positions. It’s been four years — I can’t believe it — since I opened Collins Studio Gallery! I signed a lease, and I trusted that if this is meant to be, it was going to happen. So, leaving my full-time job and signing the lease on where I am now and opening a gallery — where I also teach classes and have my studio — were all big risks! Sometimes I think “well I don’t take any risks,” but other times I think, “well, I guess everything I do is kind of risky,” depending on how you look at it. 

What does community mean to you, and where do you find it?

One thing I enjoy about Edmonton is that the art community is so supportive, diverse, and I find it’s non-competitive. When I think of community, what I really think of is everyone really supporting each other and looking after each other and knowing that you can rely on that community when you’re having hard times. I find that so rich in Edmonton. There are great things about other cities for sure, but I feel there’s a little more competition elsewhere. I find Edmonton is a lot more collaborative, even in between disciplines, for instance musicians and dancers will team up with painters to put on a show, and that’s really cool! 

I’ve met some great people. Will Truchon and Vince Gasparri, whom I’ve known since Red Deer College days, and I have decided to pool our resources and talents to bring some exciting visual art and collaborative events, including experimental electronic music to the gallery [Collins Studio Gallery]. The idea is to stimulate an even more collaborative and dynamic art community in Edmonton where people are allowed to take risks creatively and have it shown before the public.

This is what I want my gallery to be, a community gallery where I can facilitate things that aren’t necessarily shown in other places and if I can allow that to happen, I mean I’ve got the space and if you’ve got an idea, come to me and let’s see how we can make it happen. 

sKiN performs live in front of collaborative paintings from Stop, Drop, and Paint at Collins Studio Gallery. sKiN features Jason Dublanko on lead guitar and vocals, Tim Rechner on drums, and Mike Garth on saxophone. Photo provided by the artist.

Tell us about how collaborating has changed the direction of your work. 

One of the music events at my gallery, we call “Shapes and ‘Scapes,” is where we team up musicians with painters to do an experimental electronic improv music and painting set. Usually, it’s a 20-minute set and it’s been a lot of fun. I’ve become a lot more experimental in my work and one reason is that I was involved in a “Shapes and ‘Scapes.”  I completed a painting in the time frame whereas it usually takes me a month or so to make a landscape painting. I really wanted to see what I could do and really push myself to experiment, and I came up with something that I thought was interesting, and from there I’ve really pushed my painting. Another reason that my work is in the experimental stage is that during Covid, like many of us, there was some personal tragedy in my family, and because of that I decided to take a year off, a kind of sabbatical away from painting. It’s been almost a year now since I’ve come back to it.  

What qualities overlap in being an artist, teacher, and gallery owner? How have you grown most in each role?

They overlap in that they all involve getting over fears, that’s for sure. With painting, looking deep inside of yourself and bringing that forward, that’s kind of a fearful act to do, to be really honest with yourself and bring something out that other people can see. When I first started out teaching, I was really fearful, I wanted my students to like me and didn’t want to waste their time. But then, I realized that with that fear, I was thinking of myself! I was able to turn it around and focus on each student. And as a gallery owner, again I keep on thinking, what can I give to people? Not, “oh I hope they like my gallery when they come in,” it’s like what can I give to them because they’ve come in here and maybe they want to learn something about art or maybe they’ve never been in an art gallery, and I try to make my space really kind of a community gallery.  How I’ve grown in each role is just an evolution. 

Earlier landscape paintings in oil by Jeff Collins (left to right): Islet Lake; Tamarack in Jasper; Lake Isle. Photo provided by the artist.

Tell us about what you’re currently working on or hoping to explore next.

For the nearly 30 years that I’ve been painting, I’ve been painting pretty traditional, great Canadian landscapes. For a while now I’ve wanted to push that in a new direction and with the “Shapes and ‘Scapes,” where I had 20 minutes in front of people to actually do it, I just got out of my way and made it happen. It took a long time for that 20 minutes to actually happen. I’m now exploring symbols that have meaning to me, and they may be symbols that other people use or have picked up on but they’re all symbols from my life that I’ve experienced. There’s also a spiritual aspect to my work. At one time it was all about me being present in this time, in this world, in this physical realm, so it was very important to me to paint actual places and get inspiration on location and take that back into the studio. Now it’s more like ok, that’s my physical body or physical being speaking to my spiritual being and now I feel like exploring symbols and what they mean to me and now it’s the other way around and my spiritual being is reacting to the physical world around me.

Recent abstracts (acrylic, oil, collage and gel transfer) and a winter landscape in oil by Jeff Collins. Photo provided by the artist.

What excites you most about the YEG arts scene right now?  

After two years of not going out and seeing hardly anything, it all really excites me. I did a music show in my gallery last month where it was sold out, there were about 35 people in here — it’s a small gallery! The collaborative work that’s going on between different disciplines excites me, the festivals coming back and gaining traction, I love that. I’m really excited about what’s going on in the Alberta Avenue district, and Arts on the Ave is spearheading all of those things. The Kaleido Family Arts Festival and Deep Freeze: A Byzantine Winter Festival, for me, they are my favourite festivals in Edmonton because they’re so eclectic and you get to see it all in such a short period of time, it is a lot of fun. I’m really excited to see where things are going to go next, as well. I’ll quote the Tragically Hip, “bring on a brand-new renaissance.” It’s what I feel we’re going into here, a rebirth. 

Want more YEG Arts Stories? We’ll be sharing them here and on social media using the hashtag #IamYegArts. Follow along! Click here to learn more about Jeff Collins and Collins Studio Gallery.   

About Jeff Collins

Jeff Collins is an artist living in Edmonton, with nearly 30 years of studio practice. His formal studies were at Red Deer College (now known as Red Deer Polytechnic) and the University of Alberta. Jeff has received many awards and recognition for his artwork, notably the Telus Courage to Innovate in the Arts Award. In 2013/14 he served as the City of Edmonton’s inaugural Artist in Residence. His paintings have sold nationally and internationally. As an art educator and facilitator, he strives to connect people to art and creativity, encouraging skill-building, laughter and personal growth.    

While he’s made a name for himself painting landscapes in oil for most of his career as an artist, he also loves to paint still-lifes, figures and almost anything else he sees and encounters in the natural world. Jeff is also fascinated with abstraction and using the properties of paint with the formal elements of painting and drawing to express emotions and captivate viewers. 

In 2019, Jeff opened Collins Studio Gallery in the area of Alberta Avenue in Edmonton. It serves as his working studio, classroom where he teaches beginner and advanced oil painting, and exhibition space where emerging artists and curators are given an opportunity to show their work in front of a public audience.  

[thisistenhyungsunderwear]

Not So Helpful

Group: NCT

Jaehyun x FemReader

Warnings: Smut, fingering, shower sex, unprotected sex

Word Count: 1640

His this is my secret atiny anon gift for @x-lilyofthevalley-x  

I'm not the most talented at writing smut I hope it's okay.

"Jae, babe, can you do the dishes for me please?" You yelled over your shoulder as you were knelt down picking up trash and wrappers from last night's christmas party. You weren't surprised it was so messy, you wanted to invite all of the NCT units over, of course you expected this. 

"Yeah give me a minute." He said, his eyes trained on his phone as he stood mindlessly in the doorway. You hummed and continues your job, finally admitting defeat and grabbing the vacuum to do the job for you. You walked around the entire entire living room and dining area vacuuming and picking up any trash to throw in the trash bag you carried.

Once you finished you returned to the kitchen to find Jaehyun almost in the same exact spot except he was leaning on the doorway. Annoyance grew in your gut. Normally he was more than helpful and would never take too long to join in on cleaning, but today he hadn't taken his eyes off his phone.

You rolled your eyes and pushed your way past him to the sink and turned it on, now doing the dishes. The sound of rushing water made Jaehyun look up, his eyes went wide as he realized what he was doing. He walked over to you, coming on on your left.

"Baby I'm sorry, here let me do it. Why don't you go shower and get cleaned up? You've been working all morning." He said, taking the bowl from your hand and giving a shy smile. You didn't respond as you dried your hands and turned around.

Were you annoyed? Yes. Did you have any logical reason to be? Not really. He apologized and started helping out, but it still really got to you. How he just ignored it and continued playing on his stupid phone. 

You huffed and went into the bathroom. Maybe a shower was what you needed. You stripped down into your bra and underwear and turned the water onto hot before exiting the bathroom quickly to grab a towel from the bedroom. Even though Jae has seen you naked multiple times, you still rushed to find one and covered yourself up when you walked back to the bathroom.

You finished getting undressed and stepped into the steaming shower, relaxation filling your senses as you stood there. You began humming and squeezing shampoo into your palms so you could lather it into your hair.

In the kitchen, Jae had finished the dishes and put them all away and wiped down the counter. He heard the sound of the shower and then the patter of your bare feet running in the hard wood of the floor outside of the bathroom. He smiled, knowing it was you trying to find a towel. 

He threw the dish towel down and exited the kitchen and walked towards the bedroom. By now you were taking your shower, so he walked in and plopped down on the made bed you both shared. He stared at the bathroom door, which you left creaked open. Steam diffusing out ot the crack and disappearing a few inches out. He got lost in his thoughts. Thoughts about you. You running around the house after forgetting a towel. You in the shower. You doing things to him. To yourself. 

He let out a low groan almost and stood up. He figured you needed a stress reliever, and what better stress reliever than him?

He walked into the bathroom and stripped off quickly. You noticed him walk in immediately, but you didn't say anything. You weren't in the mood for conversation at that point. All you wanted to do was enjoy the hot water on your skin. He stepped in behind you.

"Mind if I join?" He asked from behind you, leaning over you to get his hair wet and reach for the shampoo. You hummed a positive response, knowing he got the message. The sound of shampoo being squeezed into his palm was right behind his ear as he did so, then put it in his mess of hair. 

You grabbed the body wash and turned around then grabbed Jae's shoulders. He stood there in question, with wide eyes wondering what you were doing. Then you began shuffling around him so he was now under the hot water. He still looked confused, not really processing the situation.

"Do you not want to wash the shampoo out of your hair?" You asked, motioning to the top of bis head.

"Oh yeah, yeah." He said turning his back and rinsing. You took the body wash and began to wash the front of your body and as you attempted to reach your back, you felt the soap be taken from your hands. Jaehyun began running it up and down your spine, and all over your shoulders, before dipping down to your ass and thighs. 

He closed in on you, to give his arm more length to reach around you to your front. You knew the game he was playing, but it felt so nice so you let him continue. He continued washing your stomach, and curved up around your breasts, letting his circular motions focused on your nipples. You sighed and leaned your head back, which was met with his shoulder.

Jaehyun took this as a good sign and leaned his head down to left side of your neck and began leaving kisses and bites as he trailed up. Inversely, his hands traveled down, at one point he quickly shoved the soap on a random shelf and let it go back to trailing down to your body.

His hands dipped to the front of your thighs and up slowly to the triangle where your core met your thighs. His right hand took the initiative and cupped your core, spreading your legs open with his left. You braced yourself against his chest and allowed him to do as he wished. 

His fingers dipped into your wet core and he began lightly rubbing your clit. Your breathing hitched, and you reached your left hand up to wrap it around his neck.

He slowly began adding pressure to his motions before moving his fingers down to your entrance. Without warning he pushed in his middle and ring finger in all the way. You moaned out as your knees shook from pleasure. He didn't waste time and began pumping his hand in and out somewhat quickly. You were now a whimpering mess, the feeling of Jaehyun's long fingers hitting your sweet spot was enough to go wild, nevermind when his left hand began to take its place playing with your clit.

You clenched around his fingers, a sign you were already close. He smirked and sped all his actions. His fingers working themselves incredibly fast on your core, causing the knot in your stomach to unravel, and pleasure washed over your body. The only thing keeping you stable was your arms wrapped around Jaehyun's neck. He continued working his fingers through your high until you whined from sensitivity. 

He took his hands off of your core and trained them back up to your waist. You turned around to face him, his eyes meeting yours. You saw the dangerous look in his dark, hooded eyes. The idea thrilled you. You pressed your body against his feverishly and began kissing him. The kiss was fast and deep, Jaehyun taking dominance immediately. He squatted down slightly and gripped your thighs before standing up and picking you up with him. You squealed as your back was met with the cold shower wall and your core was met with his hard length. 

He continued the kiss and pushed his hips forward, guiding his length to your entrance and in. He let out a groan of satisfaction from the back of his throat. Slowly, he thrust his hips in you, the kiss broken as you both needed not only air but room to moan in pleasure. Your arms found place around his neck yet again to help him hold you up. The small gesture actually helped alot as he was able to focus more strenght into his thrusts. He snapped his hips fast into your core. The sound if running water was filling the room still, but was now mixed with the sound of skin hitting skin and the occasional whimper and moan.  

You felt your second orgasm approaching quick and grabbed at the hair on the back of his neck as notion of it. He got the message and grinned. He brought his thumb up and around to run your clit yeg again, shocked he was still able to keep you in this position while doing it. The shock of pleasure brought you a step closer to your orgasm and Jaehyun continued ruthlessly pounding into you, chasing both of your releases. 

"Come on baby, come with me." He said, his voice was tense and he needed you to push him over the edge.

Just the sound of his voice was able to push you over and you moaned out, your body shook with pleasure through your second orgasm. The feeling of your core clenching and nails digging into the back if his neck tipped him over. His thrusts stuttered as he came, all strength almost giving out as he put you down slowly. You both stayed standing, catching your breaths, you still encaged under him against the shower wall. 

"You told me to come clean up. I think we just did the opposite though." You pointed out to him, just a matter of factly.

"Wanna see how many tried it takes us to do it right?" He said, glancing down at you mischievously, trying not to laugh at his own stupidity. 

[grasdal]

The first time I ever met Romeo (a few years ago-indiscernible), we had a long conversation about gelato and ice cream and what he was going to do one day. Everyone who knows me, knows my deep appreciation for frozen dairy treats! Romeo crushes it. I am so proud of this wonderful, thoughtful and creative man, he makes the best ice cream I’ve ever had. Go get some!! @twicecream.yeg @yegconnector @yegbesteats @edify_edmonton @exploreedmonton #yeg #yegicecream #besticecream #twicecream #yegsummer #yegeats (at Edmonton, Alberta) https://www.instagram.com/p/CgDb1ihpT7p/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[harryff]

Chapter Three Bellina.

As she promised Harry did reach out to her more than he admitted. Facetime calls and texts helped with the distance problem. His tour was winding down but that didn’t mean he would be less busy. He tried to shower her with gifts but she adamantly refused gifts that were more than $50. He was to treat her like any regular man and not use his status or money. Making his way to the US from Europe he made a pit stop at her city to see her.

He surprised her by sending her a text to meet him at his hotel room. This week wasn’t a good week she was emotional. The anniversary of her father's death was coming up and as usual she gets emotional anything could make her cry. She fussed internally it was literally  last minute. He requested to spend the whole day with her, and even though she agreed because she wanted to see him too, her emotions were a little unhinged that day.

After practice she made her way to his hotel room. Sitting in the lobby she spent 10 minutes drying her tears and checking her face to make sure she didn't look like the emotional wreck she felt like. Gathering the strength she made her way up to his room her hands shaking in the elevator biting her lip. She was exhausted she packed outfits to change into and things to shower with but at this moment her tights and hoodie was all the energy she could master up her face free of any makeup her skin was pale.

When she knocked on the door his bodyguard reluctantly let her in.

“He's a sleep ima go wake him up”

She interjected “No it's ok”

“He told me to wake him up once you got here”

“No! It's ok let him rest i'll keep busy” she said placing her bag down.

“Ok” he shrugged going back to his room

She spent the next 3 hours stretching looking at her phone switching chairs, snacking at some point she checked in on him. Harry woke up to complete silence looking at his clock he noticed 3 hours had passed he slumped over on the bed he was exhausted and thought  was it really all worth it. Checking his phone he looked to see if Bellina had called him she hadn't.

He dragged his body out of bed to go get ready for her arrival. He showered and changed clothes before emerging from his room. The room was dark only a sliver of light was let in by the curtains. That's where he saw Bellina sitting on the floor her hair curly hid her face, knees to her chest looking down at her phone she looked small.

When he walked towards her she looked up at the glass which betrayed him by showing his reflection.

“Damn i was gonna scare yeh”

“Too slow” she joked back

He squats down behind her “Hello luv”

She bends backward to look at him and smiles “Hi” she said softly she goes back to eyeing traffic.

Harry sat down next to her. She was being cold but not on purpose. She turned to face him and smiled “how are you?” her words so soft he could barely make out what she said which made him get closer

“ ‘M doin’ luvely now tha’re here” he said pushing her hair back her curls were wild they covered her face. “How are you pet?”

“Im ok” she sighed.

“You should have woken me up” he said caressing her cheeks

“I tried to you were dead asleep.”

“You did?”

“Yes”

“When?”

“I walked in i said your name you were like in deep slumber”

He made a face, he was naturally a light sleeper, how come he didn't hear her walking in

She bit her lip trying to contain her grin

“Oh you cheeky devil” he exclaimed poking her side

She squealed moving away. Which only enticed him to continue. Pulling her close he tickled her sides while she exploded in laughter. When he went towards her ear she laughed hard causing tears to escape. “I'm sorry” she professed. He finally stopped listening to her giggles calm down her body twitching from the tickling sensation.

“I missed yeh pet” he said touching his forehead with hers

Pet a nickname that took her awhile to get to used to . Why would he call her pet? but she chucked it as being a british slang

“Me too Harry” she caressed his neck

He leaned down placing gentle kisses on her lips. She smiled in between kisses. His lips craved more but they had yet to. Standing up he pulled her along with him

“No seriously why didn't you wake me up?”

“I checked on you, you were like in deep sleep cuz i even removed the covers from your face”

He smiled and sat down pulling her down to sit on his lap “so i was thinkin’ we could stay here ’nd just relax. Is that ok with yeh?”

“Yes, how's the tour?”

“Perfect no better feeling than performing” he smiled

She smiled running her fingers through his hair

He reached up and pulled on one of her hair strand which sprung back in formation.

“Yeh ok luv? Yeh look pale.” He said caressing her cheeks a bit more firmly to add color.

She sighed “yea”

“Wha’ is it? tell Harry wha’s bothering yeh”

She laughed “you are weird”

“I wan’to kno’ tho’ i can tell something is wrong”

“Just had a rough week”

“Do yeh want to talk bou’ it?”

She smiled and shook her head. They hadn't had a conversation about parents and siblings they were still in the get to know each other phase.

“Well how's dance luv?”

She shrugged “we are fighting”

“Why?”

“Because he wants to do all these things and be flashy but i don't think it's what's going to get us that championship.”  In frustration she looked up “he quit on me monday walked away wednesday and today we are just fighting over little shit.”

“Aww im sorry luv” he was sympathetic coming from a boy band with 5 different singers

She shook her head “Its ok. I told him suck it up! And he walked away” She giggled

He smiled. “Have yeh eaten?”

“No” she said looking down at her phone Emiliano had sent her a promo picture

“Yeh look great” he said eyeing her phone

“Oh thanks.”

Their bond grew throughout that day they learned things about it each other told secrets.

*A month later*

Harry preparing for his last show walked out on stage he greeted his fans told them how much he loved and a heartfelt message before performing. As he sang his song he scanned the crowd, when he saw Bellina he had to take a double look to make sure it was her. There she sat on the third row smiling at him. If he had known she was coming he would have flown her over the night before.

Giving it his all he sang his heart out. She watched intensively, the women around her screaming his name begging for a chance to touch. Getting up silently she walked away before his show ended he looked over to her seat surprised she wasn't there scanning the crowd he looked frantically, was it all an illusion? she was there she did cheer him on. She did her dance for him.

After the show was over he called her frantically all his calls were being forwarded voicemail a bit of disappointment creeped in he really wanted to see her but now he had to greet his VIP guests. He walked out refreshed waiting for the swarm of excited fans mostly women to flood in. In that crowd she crept in, he hadn't seen her at first they were surrounding him causing a little pandemonium. He was to hug each one of them and take a picture, from the side she grabbed his hand he turned around to face who was to be so bold. There she stood quickly she gave him a hug and handed him a t shirt for him to sign

He smiled at her “What's your name luv?”

She smiled “Bell”

“Bell gorgeous name”  he said signing her shirt.

“Thank you I really like your album you are awesome” she flirted,he smirked “well my time is up thanks again” she said reaching in for a hug with a subtle turn of the head she kissed behind his ear. Grabbing her shirt she walked away. He didn't want her to leave she had to stay they were going to party and he wanted her to be a part of that.Harry immediately looked at his bodyguard who caught on, he stopped Bellina at the door

“You know I can't let you go”

“I have a flight”  she looked back at Harry who was busy with his fans

She stepped forward and he blocked her with his body

“I have a flight to catch!” she stressed

“Well you should have known better, look just come to go to the club will be there in about 2 hours then sneak away” he bargained

“Fine where do I go now?”

“Go with Derek” he instructed

When she got to the club he lingered around so that she wouldn't leave 2 hours turned into 3 after midnight they flooded in Harry and his close friends with a few stragglers .3 hours she spent entertaining conversations she didn't care to have and  searching for flight tickets he had ruined her plans. When he got there he asked for her whereabouts . She blended into the crowd perfectly you barely would notice her. They searched for awhile before the body guard spotted her “there she is!”

“Where?” he looked

“By the edge”

She was looking like she was flirting, however she wasn't her companion was just overzealous. Slowly working the room she made her way to him an earshot away he called her. She ignored him her newest companion was a comedic they laughed at his jokes. Harry called to her again trying to play cool,the people around them couldn't know what he was doing but it was apparent she was ignoring him because whomever she was talking to turned to face him so he knew she heard him.

“Can yeh go get her please ‘nd have her seat next to me ‘nd tell her don' move” he begged Katie

“Yes no problem”

As she spoke to the stranger Katie intercepted  “Hi! haven' seen yeh in a while could yeg come wit’ please, I’m sorry i have to take her”

“No its cool i'll catch up with her” he smirked

She smiled

Katie shoved her on the couch and sat done next to her

“Harry wants yeh to stay put so anyway tell me how have yeh been?”

“Good” she said, “what about you?”

“Great!”  they chatted for awhile before Katie left her side

This time it was him to ignore her. She sat playing with her fingers and phone he would glance over from time to time make sure she was still around. Another stranger invaded her space and occupied her time she was glad she crossed her legs and turned to face him

“May I?” he asked before sitting down next to her

“Yea absolutely” she said moving a little

“Hi I'm Chris” he said sticking his hand out

“Bell” she smiled shaking his hand

“So do you know the one direction guy?” he said motioning towards Harry

She shrugged “not really, just a fan do you?”

“Nah so what brings you here?”

“Celebrating”

“Oh ok what's the occasion?” he inquired

“Success” she smiled

“I'll drink to that” he said raising his glass

When Harry looked over she was leaning on her elbow on her knee he couldn’t see her face. He noticed a man sitting next to her giving her she attention he longed to do himself. He made a face before walking over. At this point him and Bell looked more like a couple, than two strangers.

He plopped down next to her she knew who it was without turning her head but she had to acknowledge him or it would look suspicious because even Chris noticed.

She turned to face him “Oh I congratulations on your success!” she said giving him a side hug “proud of you”

“Congrats men!” Chris said shaking his hand “Thanks” Harry smugly greeted him

Bellina then turned her attention back to Chris

Who held a questioning look “I thought you were a fan?”

“I am but he is occupied with other girls their flocking towards him see?” she said pointing out three women heading their way. Harry clenched his jaw hearing her comment

“You're right so back to my organization it's non profit, we do stuff for kids in the rural areas”

“Oh really? interesting!”

“Yea”

When the girls reached Harry invited them to sit down which meant he moved closer to Bellina, but she was good at ignoring him, so good that when he put his hand on her back she didn't flinch. Not even when he started caressing it and slid it to the side and grabbed her, her ticklish spot. Instead she sat up and readjusted she was too good at this.

The conversation between her and Chris died down eventually

“Well it was nice chatting with you. You think we can exchange numbers?”

“Uh sure” she said uneasy, it was just a conversation she would hate to let him down

Harry clenched his jaw when he read out his number to her

When she looked at her phone she had 3 hours remaining to get to the airport to catch her next flight

“Oh I have to leave!” she said standing abruptly

“Oh really?”  

“Yea flight to catch”

“Ok well maybe I can walk you out?”

“Ok” she said thinking nothing of it

“Congrats again!” she said turning to face him

Before she could get out the door Harry was already texting her  

Harry: don't go

Bellina: I have to I already missed my first flight I can't miss this one

Harry: don't go pet,

Harry:  please

Bellina: Harry I can't miss my flight

Harry: you can take my jet or let me buy you another one

Bellina: no that's not how it works you know that, we'll meet again

Harry: what's the purpose of the damn rules if I no one can know we are dating, let me buy you ticket  

Bellina: no we made these rules together H you have to stick to them, I'm sorry I have to go but I'm glad I got to see you

He was angry with her, he didn't respond. Angry that she ignored him so well that other men would flock to her side without him interjecting and stopping that whole motion, mad that she was unfazed with his presence. He didn't like to be ignored, not like that it drove him mad.

After that incident Harry and Bellina didn't talk much although she reached out to him he wasn't in the mood he felt rejected by her and was in no mood to have conversations. He was letting his ego get the best of him. Which only caused Bellina to retreat back and not pressure him, she was only doing what they agreed upon. In public under no circumstances were they to act like they knew each other the relationship hadn't even gotten a status, he was still weary and he didn't want a title or social media to ruin things.

[relaxandsucceed]

Rumbling Along

So far this week we've moved from depression to anger and from anger to frustration. Today we make the move from frustration into irritation. #YEG #itsoktonotbeok

If we imagine that we are drivers, then being depressed is to be driving deep in a ditch. Fforward movement is a struggle, traction is bad, and we’re moving over too many obstructions that perpetually threaten to overwhelm our momentum.

It’s all slowed our lives to a crawl, where some may even have had suicidal thoughts about just shutting off the car altogether. Plus, the nature of the ditch…

[toknowbeauty]

🌺 #flowerphotography #muttartconservatory . Hope opens something in the human heart. Like shutters slowly parting to admit a winter dawn, hope permits strands of light to make their way to us, even when we still stand in cold darkness; but hope also reveals a landscape beyond us into which we can live and move and have our being. With hope, closely held interior thoughts are gently turned outward; deep desires, perhaps long hidden in secret corners of our heart, might be lifted up to the light. At times, hope peels back the edges of our imagination to free what waits underneath — a changed life, a new resolve, a yes pregnant with possibility. In other moments hope dares us to unfold a layer of desire — for relationship, for clarity, for courage. — Pamela C. Hawkins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #flowerstagram #flowers #flowerlovers #flowermagic #edmonton #explorealberta #exploreedmonton #orchids #canada #friday #naturelovers #yeg #orchid #beautifulthings #beautifulflowers #travelalberta . Thank you @lilikoi.kitty for a lovely visit. (at Muttart Conservatory)

[yegdreon]

I do agree with this a lot. I Don't mind at all homo ships, but I see people shipping characters who don't even talk, just because it's gay. Worse than that, just people shipping an official aroace character.

Sometimes. The "het" ship is more compelling than the yaoi. I know. It's crazy. But it's true.

[yegdreon]

Me: I ain't Ace, there's no way.

Also me: Yummy! Garlic bread with cheese!

[sweetlyeclecticvoid]

Whether your home is due for a decor update or you simply prefer to keep up with the latest interior design styles, experts have revealed the decorating trends that will dominate 2018. So, if you're planning to put your place on the market and want it to appear like the freshest spot on the block, you need to know what's hot and what's not. Do your New Year's resolutions include redecorating? If so, take a look at these 10 styles experts say will be all the rage in 2018 — and two that are so last year. 1. Mixed metallics Silver and gold no longer need to be separated like sparring siblings. Not only can these metallics be mixed but also they can be joined by their pal, rose gold, which brings a softer, warmer hue to any room. A big 2018 home trend we're anticpating is more colour in the kitchen: rich, deep tones accompanying mixed metals and modern neutrals. 📷 Pinterest A post shared by SC Morgan Custom Homes (@sc_morgan) on Dec 5, 2017 at 9:17am PST 2. Colorful appliances If you believe stainless steel has lost its luster (pun intended), you're not alone. The good news is 2018 is the perfect time to embrace a pop of color when it comes to your appliances. In addition to stoves in bright, bold shades, you'll also find washers and dryers that are so decorative it's almost a shame to relegate them to the laundry room. Rumour has it that stainless is on its way out and colourful appliances are headed our way. Would you opt for a colourful option like this cobalt stove? . . . . #MichaelHomes #customhomes #interiordesign #designtrends #hometrends2018 #hometrends #customhomebuilder #yeghomes #edmontonliving #yeg #ymm #fortmac #infillhomes #homebuilder A post shared by Michael Homes (@michaelhomesinc) on Aug 21, 2017 at 12:07pm PDT 3. Patterned flooring Goodbye, simple ol' hardwood! Patterned flooring adds interest to a room and can pull it all together. Expect to see geometric shapes as well as exotic Moroccan-inspired designs that will make guests stop in their tracks and take notice. Expected Trends for 2018. #1 Statement Floors! Forget statement walls — 2018 will be about statement floors. From bold colored geometric tiles to soft herringbone-style hardwoods. They're a great way to make a small room pop, without adding clutter. #2 Light Wood Cabinets! Homeowners are gravitating toward medium and light wood cabinets, particularly with flat fronts and clean lines. The warmth, texture and natural element wood cabinets add help make the space feel more inviting. #3 Matte Metal Hardware! What kind of drawer pulls and light fixtures do you want with those wood cabinets? Matte metal! Homeowners are moving away from shiny silver- or gold-accented kitchen hardware — they can make the space feel cold. #Trends2018 #HomeTrends #HomeDesign #Inspo #WhatToExpect #Realty #SouthFlorida #LuxuryRealEstate #AquaRealty #Florida #architecturelovers #RealEstateSouthFlorida #TopAgent A post shared by Alexis Tinsley REALTOR® (@alexistinsleyrealtor) on Dec 21, 2017 at 10:08am PST 4. Patterned fabrics Say "See ya!" to solids when it comes to home furnishings as well. Don't be afraid to juxtapose patterns, both geometric and florals, alongside neutrals for a one-of-a-kind look that shows off your personality. Zoffany Delamarre Fabric | Art Deco Trend 1920's @zoffanyfw @pepaastudio #new2018 #fabrics #luxury #luxurybrand #luxurydecor #luxuryinspo #luxurystyle #luxurydesign #interior #interiordesign #interiordecor #interiorfabrics #interiorstyle #interiorinspo #interiordesigners #interiorfashion #decor #decortrends#decoraçãodeinteriores #decoratingideas #decoracion #decorstyle #decoratingideas #decorfashion #homedecor #hometrends #homestyle #homestyling A post shared by Pepaa Studio 🇵🇹 (@pepaastudio) on Dec 20, 2017 at 2:22pm PST 5. Velvet furnishings Is there anything as luxurious as velvet? 2018 is the year to cozy up to this ultra-soft upholstery. Don't be afraid to select an eye-catching color that makes the room as interesting as it is inviting. #homedecor #decor #interiors #interiordesign #designer #designinspiration #modern#trend #hometrends #interiordesigners #interiordecorating #ineriorlight #bed#bedroomdecor #bedroom#bedroomgoals #luxury#lux#livingroom#living#familyroom#homegoal#livingroom#livingroomdecor #livingroomideas #familyroomdecor #familyroom#lux#luxurylifestyle #luxury #luxuryhome #lux#modern#contemporary#whitestyle #lux#luxuryhome#table A post shared by Inerior_one_ (@interior_one_) on Dec 18, 2017 at 11:09am PST 6. Color of the year: ultra violet If you've always had a love for lavender, this is your year! The Pantone Color of the Year is ultra violet. The blue-based purple evokes both a modern and vintage feel at the same time. The best part is it's extremely versatile. From the powder room to the bedroom, this soft hue can be dressed up with modern art and accent fixtures, or simply provide a stunning backdrop in an understated space. Add pattern and @pantone's 2018 color of the year for a modern update to your bathroom. A post shared by Home Design & Remodeling Show (@flhomeshows) on Dec 13, 2017 at 3:23pm PST 7. Curvy furniture & natural accent pieces Get ready to see curvier, rounder shapes in furnishings as comfort takes a front row seat in your living or family rooms. Adding to that more laid-back vibe, accent pieces add a more natural look, with woods featured prominently, particularly in the table arena. Because, let's be honest, bringing a bit of the outdoors in never goes out of style. HOT FURNITURE TRENDS FOR 2018 The hottest living room furniture trends for the coming year celebrate curvier, rounder shapes, comfort, colour and international glamour. Claire Gibson from leading furniture manufacturer, La-Z-Boy, gives us the inside scoop on these influencing trends. Read more here: http://ift.tt/2C7TDpD #furnituretrends2018 #seating #furniture #interiordecor #decor #decortrends2018 #lazboy#LZB #recliners #incliners #motionfurniture #home #livingroom #lounge #theline A post shared by The Line Communications (@thelinecommunications) on Dec 18, 2017 at 5:15am PST 8. Spa-like bathrooms Bathrooms get a fancy facelift in the new year. Transforming this space into a spa-like sanctuary may be simpler than you'd think. A new tub, luxurious black and white towels, floral arrangements, and candles all create an overall appeal that serves up an oasis in your very own home. #homedecor #decor #interiors #interiordesign #designer #designinspiration #modern#trend #hometrends #interiordesigners #interiordecorating #ineriorlight #bed#bedroomdecor #bedroom#bedroomgoals #luxury#lux#livingroom#living#familyroom#homegoal#livingroom#livingroomdecor #livingroomideas #familyroomdecor #familyroom#lux#luxurylifestyle #luxury #luxuryhome #lux#modern#contemporary#whitestyle #lux#luxuryhome#bathroom A post shared by Inerior_one_ (@interior_one_) on Dec 12, 2017 at 11:03am PST 9. Wabi Sabi Not to be confused with the Japanese horseradish, wabi sabi is the Japanese aesthetic that finds beauty in imperfection. That means handcrafted items, including pottery, are going to be all the rage. So put them on display and embrace the notion that not everything needs to be flawless to be beautiful. Merry Christmas to you all #freakyraku lovers! 🎅🏼 #thefreakyraku #raku #makersmovement #slowliving #peoplescreatives #wabisabi #slowdesign #craftandfolk #nothingisordinary #potterystudio #forthecreative #tealover #handcraft #peoplescreatives #searchwandercollect #pottery #handmadepottery #creativelivefolk #simpleliving #ceramics #creators #makersgonnamake #clay #wheelthrown #kinfolk #christmas2017 #tableware #craft #homedecor A post shared by Francesco & Zaira (@thefreakyraku) on Dec 25, 2017 at 7:21am PST 10. Jewel tones Beige and gray are taking a year off as jewel tones arrive on the home decor scene with a welcome flourish. These shades will help warm up your winter by making your rooms more vibrant. Jewel-toned hues, gilded accents, and #modern prints create a colorful living room we #love. #jeweltone #glam #livingroom {shop link in profile} A post shared by Wayfair (@wayfair) on Apr 16, 2017 at 6:34pm PDT Trends That Are Out 1. Word Wall Art Word wall art is so 2017. In other words, you'll need to keep thoughts in your head and out of your living space. Looks like you'll need to find inspiration another way. Another (hopefully) satisfied customer AND before and after pics again! #paintinganddecorating #interiordecorating #wordwallart #nostencils #sayings #cuttingin #glossing A post shared by Holmes Sweet Homes (@holmessweethomes) on Sep 15, 2017 at 8:18am PDT 2. Barn doors It's hard not to love a rustic barn door, but just because it's an impressive design element, that doesn't mean it works in any home. If you've got an otherwise modern-style abode, we're sorry, but the barn door is going to stick out like a rooster in a henhouse. Benny built me a barn door 😍 #barndoor #homerenovation A post shared by Lauren Moran (@laurenmoran80) on Dec 26, 2017 at 2:23am PST

http://mytoronto-by-shawnvenasse.blogspot.com/2017/12/10-home-trends-thatll-be-hot-in-2018.html

[idbohemia]

My favourite thing to do in a small space like this bathroom is cover the walls in deep, dramatic colour. Embrace the coziness! And for a night owl like me, this dark chocolate room helps ease me into the morning. I layered in more shadowy tones with bronze fixtures, a black toilet seat and a gold-framed postcard of a showstopping @jpgaultierofficial wedding gown, picked up for me by @hausofjohnjames when we saw his amazing retrospective @sfmoma. The clay pitcher hides grooming essentials in plain sight, as storage is always a challenge in old homes like mine. Special thanks to @ushua78 at Custom Floors for hooking me up with the grey bamboo tile. At first, the Man and I thought it might be too contemporary in our home, but it is perfect. Photo by @briannahughesphotog #interior #interiordecor #decor #interiordesigncanada #interiordesign #homedesign #homestyle #interiorinspiration #interiordetails #housetour #currentdesignsituation #oldhouselove #homestyling #homedetails #interior123 #lifestyle #bathroom #bathroomdecor #bathroomgoals #bathroompic #vignette #apartmenttherapy #myhousebeautiful #canadiancreatives #instagood #yeg #igyeg #yegdesign #yeghome (at Edmonton, Alberta)

[yegdreon]

Go vote or I'll unbirth you. Joking, or...

[carlyasada]

'Immersed' in both thought and water, a female character floats among the jellyfish. She feels the energy of their glowing bodies as they reflect their unique hues back onto her. They drift like thoughts through her mind, stirring up deep emotions of uncertainty and unrest concerning the world we live in. • 'Immersed' for @rustmagic2017 Drone shot by @jeremy.filmsmore Completed in 4 days @montanacans @montanacans_usa • #art #mural #streetart #rustmagic2017 #yeg #edmonton #alberta #canada #spraypaint #painting #artist #carlyealey #globalwarming #climatechange #oceanacidification #jellyfish #immersed (at Chez Pierre Cabaret)

[yegarts]

“I Am YEG Arts” Series: Gerry Morita, Artistic Director of Mile Zero Dance

When your work involves continuous inquiry into new ways of seeing movement, the body, and the spaces between us, you look for possibilities everywhere. If you’re skilled and passionate, you find them. For Gerry Morita, that place of endless possibilities is dance. Not only does she study and perform, she teaches others to do the same. Mile Zero Dance is where you’ll find her doing both. Since 1985, Mile Zero has been devoted to the creation, training, and presentation of original, dynamic, interdisciplinary performances. It’s a community that ignites her curiosity, tests her artistic limits, and brings her joy. Dance improvisor, risk-taker, and excited for the future—this week’s “I Am YEG Arts” story belongs to Gerry Morita.

Tell us about your connection to Edmonton and why you’ve made it your home.

I was born on Treaty Six Territory in between Onion Lake and Lloydminster, on a farm near the rolling hills of Rex. As a kid we used to call Edmonton “The Big Smoke,” and I never thought I would ever live here!

I arrived via Vancouver-Montreal-Tokyo, and Edmonton drew me in with its freedom, clear skies, and possibilities.

How did you become involved with dance? Was it a natural fit or something you grew into?

I was naturally active, taking Highland dance as a youngster, then ballet/tap/jazz, as every small-town studio could offer at the time. At the same time, however, I was always involved in sports like hockey, ringette, and track and field. I knew I had to escape to learn more and be who I was, which led me to Simon Fraser University’s dance program, where I was then able to branch out and continue lifelong study in dance.

Tell us a little about what makes Mile Zero Dance special to you and the city.

I have always found Mile Zero Dance to be a place of endless potential and possibilities, and the way the audience here has grown into a community of radical art lovers has always amazed me and brought me joy. It is an open place where performance can be regenerative and where improvisational and interdisciplinary work can be seriously explored.

What is it about dance that resonates with you as a storyteller and as a form of storytelling?

I had an art theory teacher once dismiss dance as all about sex or fighting and have resisted that ever since.

I don’t see a lot of dance as being about storytelling at all—it is more about being and being in one’s body. If it were storytelling, the dancers could just say words and be done with it. Why go to all the extra effort? What dance communicates is visceral feelings or a state of being, whether in a solo, a duo, or a group situation. When a dancer is really integrated in what they are doing, there is something communicated that is deeper than words (to me) because it is connecting to someone’s life energy.

Mile Zero Dance values the creative process, including failure. What wisdom can you offer anyone who struggles to see failures as valuable?

You cannot learn without failure, and it is a crucial step to testing one’s artistic limits and ideas. I think in an age of media and perfection, embracing the very human nature of risk of error is a radical idea. Every artist needs to take risks and get their work seen by peers and the general public in order to see how well it communicates, and to take feedback to learn to do it better. I see this as a lifetime process. As a dance improviser, I find this unknown element to be particularly potent, and I trust what comes out of it.

What’s your greatest strength as an artistic director?

I couldn’t say. I care a lot about people and the work they bring, and I also care about audiences and how they are feeling and receiving the work. It is an ongoing conversation.

Tell us about someone who’s been a mentor to you.

Linda Rubin is my mentor and art mom. She brought contact improvisation to Canada and taught the teachers I danced with in Vancouver. She was also Martha Graham’s class demonstration dancer, and her fearless integrity, deep knowledge of dance training and bodies, and her generous advice have always been a guide to me and to others. She is a treasure of Edmonton.

What does community mean to you, and where do you find it?

Lately “community” has become more ambiguous, as I have been in lockdown with my family and have become a voyeur. At the same time, I have connected with folks around the world and shared work internationally, which is incredible.

Community is your family, your neighbours, and your daily interactions with everyone you meet online or elsewhere. It can be “deep” or “shallow,” and I think we need both. Growing up in a small town, I can talk with anyone, and that is a good place to start. I still do not know exactly what “the art community” means, because it is so different for everyone and we tend to fall into cliques.

What can people look forward to from Mile Zero Dance this year?

This year Mile Zero is working on more site-specific events that will make you question where you are. I enjoy taking work off the stage and into irregular locations. We are also planning events that make you question what dance is, and performance that hits you in the core. That is if COVID allows! We have concurrent digital programming all season, but I do hope to have live events this winter as well.

When you think YEG arts, what are the first three things, people, or places that come to mind?

These days I think of:

Lowlands, with their beautiful outdoor gallery and gathering space.

Aiya Collective, with their activation of Chinatown and community.

The Indigenous and Metis arts renaissance that is occurring here.

What excites you most about the YEG arts scene right now?

Edmonton has had a young population for a while, but I feel like young artists are finally getting recognized and are very positively impacting the scene. It is difficult to live as an artist, and people are finding so many ingenious ways of making it work and are reaching the public in new and meaningful ways. I feel like there is a lot of collaboration happening too, between artists and businesses, and that there is so much more room to grow. It is exciting—even with the lockdowns and setbacks of the past couple of years.

Want more YEG Arts Stories? We’ll be sharing them here all year and on social media using the hashtag #IamYegArts. Follow along!

Click here to learn more about Gerry Morita and Mile Zero Dance.

About Gerry Morita

Gerry Morita (BA Dance/ MFA Theatre) is from the rolling hills of Rex, Saskatchewan, and has lived and worked in Vancouver, Montréal, and Tokyo as a dancer, choreographer, performance artist, and teacher before arriving in Edmonton in 2001. Her work has toured Poland, Turkey, Estonia, Canada, and Japan.

Morita’s body of work involves continuous inquiry into new ways of seeing movement, the body, and the spaces between us. She studies and teaches contact improvisation, Noguchi Taiso and other somatic-based and improving techniques, working with artists from all disciplines in a vast array of both conventional and site-specific venues. She has received the Mayor’s Award for Innovation in Artistic Direction, the Edmonton Salute for Excellence, Edmonton Artists’ Trust Fund and was one of Alberta’s 25 Influential Artists recognized in 2016.

[yegdreon]

I forgot to tell ya guys, but I got Miyabi, Miyabi's weapon, Harumasa's weapon, and nekomata's weapon. My luck was weird.

[yegdreon]

Finally got her skin!

I can't even start to describe how gorgeous she looks.