Why blog?

Why blog?

I've had a few individuals ask me that question as of late, both friends as well as a few other individuals who have stumbled across me while online late one night. When this question has popped up, I always have to take my time to think about what my answer is. You see, I really don't have a cut and paste answer for why I've decided to open up to you via my blog.

I'm a pretty creative guy and lack a lot of creative freedom when it comes to my current job. I'm terrible with spreadsheets, numbers and analytical information which is what I spend most of my days looking at, so I've been able to use my blog to escape to 'Dan Land' so to speak. It's a chance for me to flex my creative muscle and show the world what I'm interested in, what really excites me and what makes me tick. In a way, I guess I'm showing the world who I really am - who that typically awkward and quiet guy really is.

There are loads of other reasons. In some ways I've used my blog to try to share my love of design (albeit poorly at times), share some of the tricks of the trade that I've learnt along the way and ramble on about what I like & dislike. At times I even go as far as to hope that in some way or another I'll inspire you do try something different or to pause and reflect.

Do I care about people reading & commenting? Do I check my stats on a daily basis? Sometimes (okay, there are days when I'll post something that I think is really good and I'll check back in on an hourly basis to see what's going on); however, a lot of the time I'm doing what I do for me - to keep my wheels turning, and perhaps even to get back on track with the basics of actually writing something other than a work proposal. My grammar is horrendous, as are my choice of words from time to time, but hey, I like to think of this site as a work in progress.

Any other reasons?

How much more do you want to read?

Right now I'm really feeling inspired to make a change as far as my career is concerned. I'm good at what I do, but I don't enjoy what I do. As previously mentioned (numerous times over) I work as a retail buyer, which one would think would be a glamorous and exciting position. Not so much. Actually, not at all. I'm the last guy in the world that should be taking phone calls on electrical boxes and 14/2 NMD electrical wire. There are loads of individuals that would kill for this role, but I'm not feeling it.

I've had a few different leads, and have spoken with a few different individuals but but I'm still at a state of unease. It's kind of like I'm doing one of those log rolling competitions, but instead of my log rolling, I'm just using my hands to keep myself balanced so as to not fall in the water. I guess in some ways I've convinced myself that if I keep blogging, investigating ideas, reading, reviewing and talking with others I'll have some sort of epiphany as to where my future is going to take me.

Obviously, I've got loads of ideas; it would be loads of fun to develop a book (Dan's Guide To Stylish Living With No Coin....or Dan's Big Book of Cheap & Easy Projects...or something along those lines), or create a product line (upholstered & occassional furniture, followed by homegoods and a line of textiles) or open a small chain of shops (or perhaps one to start with)- but it's basically come to the point where I need to find something somewhat realistic that I could pursue - something that makes me want to wake up and head into the office (or wherever) - on sets me on a clearer path.

Some people dream of that 9 to 5 with a good company. They go in, they do their time, they come home and repeat. Like the movie Groundhog Day. That's not me. I thrive on adventure and change....on creativity and freedom....and independence....amongst other things.

My dreams aren't going anywhere - even if they're a bit quarky, they're mine and I know that there has to be some way that I can chase them. I guess when it comes down to it I'm trying to come up with an idea that will get me on the right track for where I want to go.

That and from time to time it's fun to just ramble on and on and on and on. As you'll have figured out, I have a slight problem with knowing when to stop writing - or knowing where to edit out details. I want to paint the whole picture....plus another one just in case you're still a bit confused. I'm kind of a nerd when it comes to some of the things that I'm interested in - sometimes it's fun to throw my thoughts out there....with the idea that hey, maybe someone else would be interested in what's making me smile.

And that's why I blog.

So there you have it - in a round-about, ramble-y kind of way....I think I've covered my reasons, and the thoughts behind this question, but if I've forgotten anything I'll be sure to let you know!

Cheers,
D-

New York state of mind.

This past weekend was insanely busy - and among other things, I found myself sitting at a wedding reception - knowing only one other person in the entire room. It was a pretty swank event with so much to take in; I secretly love weddings and this one didn't disappoint. Everywhere I turned there was eye-candy and colour - which I totally soaked up.


I ended up at a rather interesting table. Included were an engineer, some guy that worked for the government, a couple that wouldn't talk to us and a friend of the bride who is pretty much living her dream (and mine, and probably everyone else in the rooms...). 


While I'm slugging it as a hardware buyer in the suburbs of Winnipeg(I still haven't figured out how that happened),she's got a marketing gig at Chanel. In New York City. Yup. That Chanel. Yup. That New York City.


Exhibit A - 

If she hadn't been so nice I totally could have hated her, but she was far to friendly for me to feel that way. That and she was uber gorgeous. Anyways, I totally spent the evening in awe of her life. New York. Seriously. Chanel. Are you kidding me? She spends her days on the phone with the buyers at Bloomingdales and Neiman Marcus. For reals. She totally could have been the fifth cast member of Sex & The City...minus the slut factor.


I spent the evening asking her goofy questions. Most of us at the table did - with the exception of the snotty couple that showed no interest in anything...and left after their helping of chocolate mousse.


She talked about her job. She talked about the subway. About how she hates Times Square (too touristy), randomly seeing celebrities. How her apartment is the size of a shoe box (dishwasher or extra closet space....). How she was in a store and ended up admiring the same earrings as Candy Spelling.


I've always been fascinated with New York City. Probably since seeing Breakfast At Tiffany's for the first time... It seems like it would be a very 'Dan Place' to visit. If that makes any sense. I love the idea of wandering around the city. Hitting up all of the goofy tourist spots, but also viewing the city through the eyes of someone who actually lives there - or as someone who has had the chance to spend some real time discovering the city.

Having yet had the opportunity to actually hop a plane and visit I'm sure that my ideas on thoughts on the city are more than a bit exaggerated. But hey, why not. Why not dream of a dream marketing gig? A walk-up, rent controlled apartment - with the square footage and character of Rachel & Monica's apartment? Of the endless nightlife. Of plays and unique individuals. Of the food and drinks to be had. Of the endless photo opps.

A guy can dream can't he?

Someday Mr. Mitchell. Someday.

That and a trip would totally give me reason to listen to this track while flying over the city...

Where's your dream destination?

D-

Granny chic (?)

I don't know why it is, but lately I keep stumbling across an amazing amount of victorian living room furniture. You know the type - your Grandma probably had (or still has) it. Ornate wood frame, over-the-top floral upholstery that could make even the biggest proponent of floral nauseous. Yeah that stuff.

http://winnipeg.kijiji.ca

In the past when I came across pieces like this I would give them the once over, scrunch up my face and keep walking but for some reason, I'm starting to find these pieces more and more desirable. To the point where they're just popping up in my face saying "take us home." Take this past week for example - I hit up an estate sale and saw a three piece set in excellent shape for a mere $300.00. Long story short, Granny was giving up her place and her family just wanted to get rid of the set - and were basically giving it away, considering Granny had supposedly spent around $3700.00 for the set only a few years before hand.

http://winnipeg.kijiji.ca

Toss in the $50.00 to $100.00 couches and chairs that I've stumbled across at Goodwill & Salvation Army, plus all of the pieces that have recently turned up on Kijiji and I basically have my pick of the litter.

http://winnipeg.kijiji.ca

Okay, so you're reading this and you're thinking, "oh yeah, that sounds like a deal" or "oh yeah, I've seen piles of that stuff in the corner of every thrift store." But chances are that you're also sitting there thinking "what the hell is he going to do with a piece of furniture with upholstery so ugly that it could make small children cry, cats hiss and snarl and the average guy gag a bit in his mouth...?"

Well, I was thinking of something like this -

http://cdnimg.visualizeus.com

I kid! I kid! I was actually thinking of something along the lines of this bad boy -

http://pinterest.com

Or maybe this guy -

http://pinterest.com

Or this -

http://pinterest.com

Or maybe I could shake it up by tossing in a bit of colour -

http://pinterest.com

Grannies gone wild?

Kind of. But in a good way.

So, am I finally going to get rid of the camel coloured beast couch? Not right away, but after looking at potential 'after' shots of former 'granny' furniture that's been given a new lease on life, I am feeling kind of inspiring to select a vintage piece when the time comes to switch it up. I mean why not?

Sure granny's furniture may be uglier than sin, but chances are that it was amazingly well constructed - that and chances are even greater that it hasn't been used and abused, meaning that the frame is still intact. Some coin for new upholstery (I'd never attempt those tufted buttons) and boom! Or bam (if you prefer)! A piece better than anything you'll ever find at one of the big box guys.

The wheels are turning...

D-

PS. I still secretly want an overstuffed white slip-covered couch...something that I can literally jump into...but would would happily settle for one of the above pieces - it would look amazing in my non-existent 'formal' living space!