Controlled Combat for the Adventurous Actor -or- How To (Safely) Get Your Ass Kicked On Stage

I might be dating a psychopath.  A sweaty, sweaty psychopath.

Over on Jetpack Wonder Stories (lookit that fancy button right at the top o' the sidebar!) today, Ephraim is talking about his experience taking a stage combat class! The post features photos I took of him looking cool, and because he's nice and level headed like that, he also published some of the not-so-cool ones (minus one that makes him look like a gremlin which makes me laugh every time I look at it.  I kept that one for myself, even he doesn't have a copy!).  

If you've ever wanted to know more about those fights that happen on stage or in the movies, or thought they'd be super fun to be a part of, head on over to Jetpack Wonder Stories tohear what it felt like to look like you're kicking the crap out of someone, while keeping things totally safe.  Spoiler, it means a lot of grunting, and sweating, and acting that makes for some very bizarre still images.  

Totally makes me wish I had been this serious about it when I did my stage combat course in high school!  I got to "kick" my friend in the face, repeatedly.  Also we learned how to "slam" someone's head into a wall or a desk.  It was awesome, and really hard work to get everything just right, but being 16, we used our powers only for evil (and to freak people out in the hallways).  Drama kids.  What a bunch of weirdos.

--Erin

Yellow Coat in the Snow: Paddington Bear Style

I hinted in yesterdays post at my new yellow coat I picked up while I was in Toronto! Let it be no secret, I am totally smitten with this coat.  It makes me think of Paddington Bear, it's "my" colour, and I'll be damned if it doesn't brighten up these dreary winter days!! I'm usually one of those people who buys a new coat only when it's absolutely necessary.  I purchased my current winter coat (admittedly a touch warmer than this yellow one, which won't be worn on the coldest of days!) a couple days before I headed to NYC for a grad school interview two years ago.  I thought that if I went in in my old black peacoat they would mistake me for a homeless person.  It was more than worse for ware, missing buttons and threadbare at the shoulders.  Well, the new coat didn't make that interview any better, and I have much more reasonable expectations for this coat: to be a bright beacon of summery goodness among the slush and cold that is Canada right now. And it's doing its job splendidly.

THE DEETS

Hat: Vintage

Scarf: Hand me Down

Jacket: Pink Martini from DLR

Jeans: Anthropologie

Boots: Vintage, Kingpin's Hideaway

Purse: Michael Kors, Hand me Down (sometimes you get lucky!)

Brooch: Goodwill ($3. Hot damn) 

I'm back at work, and let me tell you, it has been a harder adjustment than ever before! My head has just not been in the game, and I made sure to wake up extra early this morning, make a cup of tea and a to do list to get my day started off productively.  I just keep dreaming about relatively far off challenges, changes and wishes, and it's leaving the right-now kind of lacking.  Definitely time to get my butt in gear and get back to living like the hard-working, creative and constantly-busy girl I have always enjoyed being! 

Also, can we take a moment to appreciate how nice these photos are? Ephraim has been seriously impressing me with not only his willingness to take silly glamour shots, but his skill in doing so.  If you haven't done so yet, the nerdier of you will definitely want to pop over to his blog, Jetpack Wonder Stories.  It's still quite young, but that man is way funny.  I won't say I'm not biased, but 8/10 people polled agreed (okay I polled one person and they were 80% sure). 

I can hear my Mum sighing as she goes to print this picture out to hang at her desk (she JUST printed out a new one last week!)...except now she's crying because I talked about her on the blog.  Hehehe love you Mum! (psst..click the photo for a larger version to print :P)

If you haven't done so already, be sure to pop over to Old Red Boots to wish Lauren a happy 30th birthday!! We've only recently become pen pals, but I have enjoyed every email (and little packages sent) to and from this hilarious, creative, perfectly sassy woman.  Happy Birthday Lauren!! You're tops!

--Erin

Seth on Survival

Howdy folks!

I hope you're all having a good week. I'm pretty pumped that this week is coming to a close because then I get to hangout with mah boyfraaan.  We haven't seen each other in a couple weeks, so this is exciting, people!!

Ephraim is kind of the topic of today's post.  I may not have mentioned this in so many words, but the boy keep himself busy being an actor for film and TV (if you think he looks familiar and you're between the ages of 14 and 25, yes, he was on Degrassi and yes, he did shoot Drake). 

A couple years ago he played the lead in a web series called Seth on Survival.  The show is about a monster expert (Seth), creating his own web site and video series in his mothers basement, in an attempt to keep the masses safe from attacks by supernatural predators (mostly zombies).  And while I probably should have shared this before Hallowe'en, I think the show is hilarious and can be enjoyed anytime.  Here's the first episode, take a look!

You can check out all the episodes on Youtube, or the Seth on Survival Website, here.

Honestly, Seth is my favourite character that Ephraim has portrayed (yes, more so than the character he was portraying when we met.  That dude was a weirdo!), and it's great that this level of horror and sci-fi is totally appropriate for kids.  The creators of Seth on Survival, Torin Stefanson and Teri Armitage, created another series called My Lupine Life, which takes place in the same universe as Seth.  In fact, Seth makes a guest appearance in one of the episodes! But even greater, is that Seth's part in My Lupine Life, was written by Ephraim.  The writing team (Torin, Teri and Ephraim) won an award at LA WebFest for writing in a horror/sci-fi series. AMAZING.

Examining the contents of the zombie's stomach.  It appears he recently ate Paris Hilton.

The creative team is always working, sending out tweets in character, maintaining the websites, and working at generating more content.  Actually once "Seth" tweeted me, it was very surreal.  So if you liked what you saw, please share it around.  It would be great for this independently produced series to get the recognition it deserves! Plus, you know, I'm awfully proud of Ephraim, and I wanted to share!

--Erin

The Old Barn: peeling paint, rusty nails, aging wood

This is the barn we took photos at a couple weeks ago for these shots.  I just loved the peeling paint, and the green tinge to some of the wood.  

I often pass by this abandoned house and the barn on my way to and from work. I walk home a few different routes, but I always pass this house when I walk home from getting groceries.  I did so on Hallowe'en day, and the boarded up front door, beneath the "NO TRESPASSING" sign, the plywood covering the door had been ripped open a bit.  Like a 2' square hole.  Creepy.  

I walked past yesterday after work, and the door had been boarded up again.  Still, I don't know how close to this barn I want to get.  But yet, it really makes such a beautiful backdrop... I'll just have to keep an ear out for groaning and shuffle and general zombie activity.  The apocalypse WOULD start here.  During the war of 1812 festivities (THE THREE YEARS OF FESTIVITIES don't get me started) zombies with muskets, that's all I'm sayin'.

Often times when Ephraim is taking photos of me, I'll have him stand in and I'll futz with my camera settings till I'm happy.  I also like to just take pictures of him while we're standing around and talking.  It's very annoying of me, I know, but he does make a good model.  I don't remember why he posed like this, but it's funnier not to know.

I promised that he does get me back on occasion, and his iPhone is proof of this.  I don't have his iPhone, but I do have this photo from Quebec.  For your pleasure, the face of revenge. My automatic reaction to a camera is fear.  Personal growth, people.  Funny story, I once did an on tape audition to be a Much Music VJ. Why? I wasn't doing anything else that afternoon.  No call back.  I wonder why.

Anyhow, back to Quebec. I was, in fact, reading  a menu and remarking on how you could get a lobster burger (yeah.), and then BAM, camera in my face.  And that, is funnier to know.

Ephraim said I looked like a spy on the run.  Um... no.  Not seeing it.  But fair is fair. 

And now I'm thoroughly reminded how gloomy it has been, and how it gets dark out before I leave work now, and how I can't wait to have light to take photos again.  Looks like I'm going to be having very snap happy weekends!

--Erin

O.O.T.D: Polka dots and Brown Leather Booties

I wore this little outfit to work last week.  As we go into fall, I'm looking for more ways to layer pieces to make them last.  Tights are always a good choice, and I need the opaque ones here because all topshop dresses seem to be very short.  Hence pairing it with a nice long cardigan, so I still looked very "covered up". 

I love these boots so much.  I ended up going back for them toward the end of the day at the Toronto Clothing Show a few years back; the soles were in bad shape and the price was pretty high, so I came back later to see if she'd budge on the price a bit.  I still haven't taken them in to get fixed, but they are needing a bit of TLC. One of the cute buttons popped off, but I think I may be able to make my own replacement microsuede covered button.  I'll get around to that...sometime.  

The Deets:

Polka dot dress and tights: Topshop

Cardigan: Macy's, unknown brand

Bomber Jacket: thrifted

Booties: Toronto Clothing Show

All these photos were taken by Ephraim.  He's getting pretty good with the camera!! We were both totally excited about this background, too.  It's the barn of an abandoned house down the street from me.  There's also the full brick house, and a shut well.  Supposedly it has caught fire several times.  Creepy!

--Erin

O.O.T.D: His and Hers - En Francais

Of course when we went out for afternoon tea to the Chateau Frontenac, we knew outfit photos would have to immediately follow.  Lucky for us, there was this gorgeous street just a short walk from our hotel (if we're being honest, there were MANY beautiful streets, but I really loved the slope so that you could see the buildings! Too charming), so we had a little jaunt over to take a couple snaps.  I learned that I will never not find it awkward to have people watch as someone takes photos of you.  Weeeeird!

Despite wearing such a loud print, I wasn't the most outrageously person dressed at the Chateau! There were a few tour groups passing through, decked out in ski jackets and an assortment of weird hats.  I'm talking sombreros and Mickey Mouse ears.  It was truly bizarre to see people dressed like that walking through the gorgeous lobby of the hotel! 

Again, if we're being honest (we are), I didn't wear these shoes all day.  Actually, I wore moccasins and had these in my purse to change into, but failed to make my way to a key entry  bathroom before tea and figured since I was already sitting sipping a cuppa, I might as well stay! I changed into these afterward, so do forgive me for photographing the ideal I had intended on.  But here's some pictures of me freezing my butt off to make us even. 

The Deets:

Jacket: Mango

Gloves: Simon's

Purse: Michael Kors

Dress: Vintage

Tights: HUE

Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell

Ephraim layered like a champ.  When he told me what he brought to wear if we went out someplace reasonably nice, I figured the mix of patterns and textures would be kind of awful, but it really does work.  I love the knit jacket he's sporting, the colours and pattern are just amazing.  Even better, his mother made the jacket by hand for Ephraim's grandfather, whose wife would not let him wear it lest he ruin it, because it was "too good for him".  It really is stunning, too stunning to keep boxed up though!!

The Deets:

Sweater: Handmade

Hat: Vintage Borsalino

Scarf: Vintage

Sportcoat, Shirt and Tie: Topman

Vest: J Crew

Jeans: Levis

Cowboy boots: Hand-me-downs

--Erin

Quebec City Pt.1: Afternoon Tea at the Chateau Frontenac

I totally caved, and went for afternoon tea with Ephraim while we were in Quebec City! I just had such a nice time having tea with my Mum in Ottawa, and the Chateau is beautiful, soooo we went.

And oh man, it did not disappoint!!

The food was incredible, for both meat eaters and vegetarians! I have had tea at a couple other Fairmont Hotels (the Chateau Laurier, and Royal York in Toronto) and have found them to be the most accommodating for vegetarian diets.  But even then, this exceeded expectations.  I mean, just look at it all.  The choice to do open face sandwiches was refreshing, and showed of the many beautiful colours.

The room was lovely and basically all wood.  It felt nice and warm in there, and Ephraim totally blended in in all his tweed.  

I love to take photos of him when he isn't looking... he gets me back for this, don't worry.  Seriously though he is perfectly styled for that room!

Needless to say we enjoyed a couple hours filled with tea and nibbles and conversation.  I tried the vanilla orchid black tea, it was incredible.  I was just about to order Earl Grey, but thought I ought to try something different! Not that there's much of a gamble in vanilla tea! 

I promise I don't go for tea NEARLY so often normally, but as I was traveling and had the chance to try some place new, I figured I really must!  I'm so glad, because both outings have been a pleasure! It's only a habit I can keep up for a short time though, I should probably save the cakes and pastries till the holidays (at which time I may as well do my best Vader impression, 'cause "there'll be no one to stop us this time"). In the mean time, I'm planning on making a giant batch of pumpkin seeds this weekend.  Yum!

--Erin

The Old Quarry

While on my solo walk over the long weekend, I made a point to stop by this gravel pit some 25 minutes walk from Ephraim's parents' place.  Ephraim refers to it as the quarry, but I'm not sure that's entirely accurate.  I sure as shit would never ever want to go swimming there, even if I was a rebellious 50's teen.  Sketchy, man!

Regardless, the site was the set for many of Ephraim's science fiction films produced over summers when he was a kid, and I could really see why! There's tons of old abandoned equipment, heaps of sand and rock, a hole who knows how deep full of water, most everything you need for a small scale dystopia.  Heaven for children, and judging by the long irregular footprints down the side of one sandy dune, time hasn't changed that.  Nor is that silly little gate keeping anyone out.  Try harder, gate, or get a proper welcome mat.  Come on!

I loved the way the rusty equipment looked against the autumn colours, the beauty in the death of each of these things.  I have always adored the way corroding metal looks, likewise peeling paint and wallpaper, generally derelict places.  Haunting, peaceful, loaded with stories. 

You know, I kind of want to make a science fiction film there myself now! But perhaps in a smaller scale... taking place within some of this decaying equipment perhaps? Now there's an idea.

--Erin

O.O.T.D: His and Hers - Blazing Saddles

I do a rubbish Vanna White impression

Here's my little ensemble that I wore to the opening of The Directors Project last week.  I love this blazer that I picked up last year! I bought it on a shopping trip to the states, and I actually tore all the tags off and wore it back over the border, haha! I may have spent a liiiiittle too much money stateside, and tried to lessen the duty I was going to have to pay any way I could.  Devious, I know! 

Ephraim made his way to NotL later that afternoon, and just happened to be wearing a blazer he recently picked up from Topman! I have been terrible about talking him into buying clothes.  His wardrobe has grown quite a bit in size since we've been together! But hey, I appreciate how different I feel wearing clothes I love and feel like a million bucks in, and for an actor, that kind of confidence can be important.  Besides, I love mens fashion, and I have taken full advantage of dating a man who has style.  So sue me!

Argh, fake pockets!!

The Deets:

Blazer: Anthropologie

Lace/Jersey Dress: H&M

Village Skirt: Anthropologie

Tights: TopShop

Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell

Purse: Michael Kors 

Don't be fooled, he's making fun of me being a photographer.  "Oooh! Ooooh, pout, yeeeess!!"

Ephraim is better at jumping shots than I.  But not by much!

The Deets:

Blazer: Topman

Button Up Shirt: Topman

Jeans: Levi's

Belt: Vintage

Belt Buckle: Custom Engraved

Cowboy Boots: Hand-Me-Downs

Have you ever accidentally coordinated outfits with your S.O? I promise, this isn't the first time it's happened to me, nor is it the least embarrassing example!

--Erin