Tubing in Whistler

The fun continued in Whistler as the snow continued to fall. We inner-tubed at the Coca Cola Tube Park and tore it up in all that fresh powder.  I compiled this little video for fun...

Whistler: The Quintessential Holiday Experience

Looking for something to do this Christmas?  How about heading up to North America's finest ski resort for the quintessential Holiday Experience?

It officially kicks off today and there is something for everyone!

Whistler, BC is the most wonderful place on earth to spend Christmas.  Read more in my article from the Vancouver Sun and The Province about why: http://bit.ly/VaFGtT

Holidays Fun in Whistler

Today is snowed. And snowed. And snowed in Whistler.  While the snowflakes fell on my eyelashes, I was grateful for toddlers in puffy ski suits, sugar cookies, true love, and snow shovels.

Happy Holidays!

Good Luck Pearl?

While eating with some great friends last night in Seattle, I crunched down on a lucky pearl in one of my Effingham oysters. I think that means it's gonna be a great year.

Sally Field is My Hero

Sally Field recently received the Ally Award for Equality from HRC (Human Rights Campaign).  They presented her with an award and her son, Sam, introduced her.  It was not only a brilliant introduction, but her words have resonated in my mind since.  Who knew I could adore her any more?

Chip on My Shoulder

Son of a bee sting ---> that's my shoulder... OUT . OF . ITS . SOCKET!

I sure love hockey, but boy it can be brutal.  Especially when a guy who is twice your size, crosschecks you into the boards!  Ouch.

I'll be back!

Run, Forest, Run!

My my recent article in the Vancouver Sun about running in Whistler.  Check it out!

Dog Shaming

I needed a good laugh today and dog-shaming.com came through with flying colors!  Check this website out and enjoy it's brilliant humor: http://dog-shaming.com

We are trying to decide what to shame our border collie/lab about because he's a really good man 99% of the time. The contrary, actually, for the family pug—a very long, growing list of shames for him already.

Lipstick & Dipstick :: Help, I'm Preggers and Gay!

DEAR LIPSTICK & DIPSTICK: I am a married 35-year-old woman who is as gay as they get. Long story short: I tried to be straight. I got married and then got pregnant and now here I am, ready to pop. I love my husband with all my heart and could never imagine my life without him. He’s always there for me, but when it comes to sex and intimacy, that’s where it ends. What should I do?—Prego Peggy in Pasadena

DIPSTICK: You’re pregnant? Eouch.

LIPSTICK: I hear it really hurts, especially when your taint rips like a zipper. Get an epidural and then ask for a prescription of Xanax to help you deal with all this afterwards.

DIPSTICK: Well, I don’t know about any of that, but…coming out right after you have a baby isn’t great timing, but it’s not the worst we’ve heard. There was that one girl who wrote us from her honeymoon. She finally figured out why she wasn’t looking forward to her wedding night. It’s a good thing you can’t imagine life without your husband, because no matter what happens with the rest of your relationship, you two are now tied for life. What you need to do, once you get the stitches out, in between feedings and diaper changing, is to come up with a plan. Leave him and take the baby? Stay married, but work out an arrangement to see women on the side? No matter what you do, find a good coming out support group and therapist. You’re going to need both!

LIPSTICK: You’re right, Dip—if there was ever a couple who needs therapy, these two are the poster children. Preggo Pants, even though she’s young, set a good example for your daughter by confessing everything to your husband (maybe wait until your hormones have balanced out). Right now, he is your life partner and honesty is the only way to go. (Be prepared: even though he probably already suspects you want a slice of pie, he may well freak out, especially since you just had a child.) Then deal with the fallout. It won’t be easy, but living with this angst is harder, trust me.  Be brave, forgive yourself and believe in who you are.

DEAR LIPSTICK & DIPSTICK: Why does it seem like everyone in the lesbian community hates butch lesbians? Today, I had four people tell me: "If I wanted to date a man, I would." I was shocked. I'm one hundred percent woman. Just ask my ex's! One of these people actually told me I disgust her. What's up with the hate?—Beat Up Butch

LIPSTICK: Okay, calm down there, lil’ butchie. No need to get your men’s brief in a bunch. Believe it or not, there’s actually no “let’s destroy the butches” conspiracy going and what’s happening is that you’ve recently run into some serious assholes. Have your chakras cleansed and give the world and its people another chance. 

DIPSTICK: Lipstick, you have no idea what you’re talking about. While I do receive letters of undying devotion from would-be suitors on a regular basis, it’s the butch hate-mail I get that sticks to the sides of my heart. These are some that I’ve actually received: “What's the use of having left a man to be with a bunch of women who look, act and smell like men?” And: “You know what would be great? If all butches were shipped to a deserted island and we wouldn't have to see your ugly faces anymore. That would be awesome! You could have flannel parties and play softball with your dildos.” Even though that island sounds like a lot of fun, comments like that really sting. As tough as we butches look on the outside, most of us are really tender inside. If you’re not attracted to butches, that’s fine, but why must people be so mean? Even though I know the haters are just insecure with their own identities, their venom is poisonous, especially to the young studs just coming out. It’s time for our whole community to rise in support of the beautiful butches out there. 

LIPSTICK: Jeezes Dip. I had no idea. Next time you get one of these emails forward it to me. These spineless pussies will have no chance when I open up Lipstick’s can of whoop ass.

DEAR LIPSTICK & DIPSTICK: I'm in a relationship with a woman, Annie, who lives hundreds of miles away. I’m currently a student and Annie is in the military. We've always been faithful to each other, and she's never demonstrated an interest in other girls before. Hell, I even stayed with her through a six-month deployment to Iraq. We are pretty committed to each other. Recently, she found an internet social networking site (she told me it was initially for laughs), and found a girl's entry that interested her. She emailed her after I told her it was okay. They finally met for coffee with some of our friends. Since then, she's told me what’s going on with this girl and I’m trying to be as supportive as I can since she's had trouble finding friends and having fun since she got back from Baghdad. But Lip and Dip, I’m worried and feeling lousy because I don’t feel like I’m good enough for her. I’m afraid she wants to be with this woman. She insists that I’m the one she loves. Should I take a hard-line stance on this other girl? Or should I continue with my supportive attitude?—Angst-ridden in Albuquerque 

LIPSTICK: [Sniff, sniff.] Dip, do you smell that? It’s a skunk. 

DIPSTICK: Yes, I smell a skunk, but it’s not Annie, it’s Albuquerque. What do you mean, “I even stayed with her through a six month deployment in Iraq.” You think you deserve a medal for that? That’s what girlfriends do. And they let their partners make friends and pursue interests of their own. Especially when they’re not around. Long distance relationships are hard. But if they’re based on two things, it’s trust and communication. She’s not hiding anything from you, she’s being totally upfront about this new friend. I say you need to relax and let Annie enjoy her new friendship. 

LIPSTICK: You’re too trusting Dipstick. I don’t like what I’m hearing—this new friend Annie’s hanging with. What you need to do is listen to your intuition, Albuquerque. If the red alert is still going off, then I think it’s time for a surprise visit. But if you decide it’s innocent enough, what is causing you bigger problems is the fact you don’t feel worthy of her love. Wayne Dyer once said: “You are always a valuable, worthwhile human being—not because anybody says so, not because you're successful, not because you make a lot of money—but because you decide to believe it and for no other reason.” You’ve got to get some self-worth, New Mexico, and then you’ll stop worrying about losing your girl because you’ll realize what an amazing catch you are.

DEAR LIPSTICK & DIPSTICK: I believe I have fallen mistakenly into a lesbo pitfall. I’m a 30-year-old Asian American postal worker living in Omaha, Nebraska. My girlfriend, Penny, who I’ve been off and on with for three years, is driving me crazy. We’re very passionate and look good together, but we’re so different fundamentally we almost kill each other sometimes. She had a substance abuse problem when we met, and I believe she has kicked the habit. She has control issues, but works hard to get over them. We argue over everything. I need my space and don’t like being caged. Our friends don't think we should be together, because we bitch so much. We’ve tried to be friends, but of course, ended up with benefits, which led to her wanting "us" back. I’m kind of non-committal at this point, but she wants to possess me. I try to be strong, but when she kisses me I still melt and cave in. So, my question is, if you have the intense passion we have and keep working on it, is there any hope? Or will one of us go insane or commit murder?—Perplexed Pussyhead

Lipstick: Uh, the fact that you used the word murder is alarming! I assume you meant it in jest, but Christ, the usage alone is horrendously telling. You need to get out of her codependent claws, even if you’re heartbroken about it (and you will be for awhile). And if it’s really that lethal, you need to get very far away, like moving out to another state. Just because you firecrackers combust when you touch doesn’t mean it’s healthy or worth saving; the contrary in this sitch, I’m afraid. The toxicity could be lethal and it may, god forbid, trigger violence. Put away your freshly-sharpened saber, the Chinese stars, and the nunchucks and lose the chick.

DIPSTICK: I know exactly what this is about: the hot sex. Reminds me of one of my early lovers. We too, had a passionate night in Omaha. We were on a cross-country trip and had a big fight a few hours earlier in Lincoln. Fought again in Des Moines and had great sex in Davenport. Finally broke up in Chicago and I had to hitch the rest of the way to Michigan Womyn’s Music Festival. But my point is: fire is fire, whether it’s fighting or f**king. I can see why you’ve mistaken it for true love, though. The phenomenon has been immortalized in pop songs and Hollywood movies. My guess is your dysfunction has to do with her addictions. If you really want to make things work with this girl, get to an Al-anon meeting and learn the things you can and can’t change. You’ll decide for yourself whether or not you can make this into a healthy relationship. 

Wayne Dyer + Oprah = Ecstasy

Because it's been such a fabulously busy summer, I am playing catch up on Oprah's inspiring Super Soul Sunday episodes.  This morning, I was lucky enough to tee up her and Wayne Dyer with my coffee.  As I settled in to my chair, it was just what I needed right when I needed it, per usual.  I knew Wayne had been diagnosed with leukaemia, but hadn't heard the story of his transformative healing with John of God in Brazil.  Like Oprah, I was/am skeptical, but what I do believe is that love is the most powerful force in the universe and with it anything is possible.  I hope his remission and healing last forever, because I need this man to be around for a very long time.

Watch their conversation here.

Famous Failures

There is hope for us all!  99% of success is how we handle and respond to failures, which is an essential thread in the canvas of success.

Pistorius Race Reflection

You know, the more I think about the post I shared earlier today about the Oscar Pistorius race, that beautiful display of human spirit (on many powerful fronts), I'm struck by this:

Whatever "that" was—which overwhelmed many of us with emotion (I'm convinced it was simply love, when broken down)—is what we need more of in this world. Period. It could solve all of our trouble.

With the talking heads, controversies, and political/ideological bullshit constantly screaming in our face, perhaps this can serve as a reminder of what's important: Being kind, respecting one another, and showing up with love front of mind every day. And then infusing that in everything we do, every step we take.

This in place of judgment, pointing fingers and manifesting war. We are all human beings after all, just trying to connect and survive.  Let's make it easier for each other.

Pure Inspiration at the Olympics - Oscar Pistorius

I am sure I wasn't the only one with tears in my eyes last night as I watched Oscar Pistorius race in the semi-finals of the 400M.  It truly was incredible.

Pistorius didn't qualify, but he sure did inspire millions of people.  And so did race winner Kirani James, right when this world needs a massive injection of love, by honoring Pistorius with a bib swap.  If only we all could treat each other this way every single day.

Whistler's ArtWalk in Vancouver Sun

For all you art lovers within driving distance to Whistler, BC, this one's for you....

It appeared in the Vancouver Sun and The Province...

Hockey Inspiration

If you set a goal, and work hard, you can achieve anything...

I decided I wanted to learn how to play hockey at the end of last year, so I signed up for a class in January. When I started, I could barely skate forwards and had only been on hockey skates once, when I refereed for the Longest Game 4 CF.  

It was not pretty, but each Sunday, I laced up and learned something new, each class getting faster, more agile, a wee bit better. When I struggled, I thought about the Longest Game 4 CF, and what those women did—playing for 10 straight days with bloody ankles and injuries to break the world record and raise money for Cystic Fibrosis. I was lucky enough to get a jersey from the CF event, so it's what I wear in each class/during each game as inspiration.

Now, some five months, three classes and one concussion later, I can actually play hockey, skate pretty darn well and hit a slap shot! While I've still got a long way to go, I've enjoyed my love affair with this sport (through the years as a fan) and will now forever be a player.

If there is something you want to do, no matter how hard or how old you are, do it. As Goethe once said, "What you can do, or dream you can do, begin it; boldness has genius, power and magic in it."

Well said, Johann.

Nike Hits the Heart Bullseye... Again

I love this new ad for Nike.  They always inspire, don't they?

In honour of the anniversary of Title IX...

HPS Season 3 :: Day Three

Yesterday was my last day of filming at OUTtv.  Got four more in the can!  The episodes we shot were all about fresh talent.  We watched and discussed the films that were created through Hot Pink Shorts ancillary contest "The Making Of Hot Pink Shorts," which yours truly won a couple years ago.  We watched my short, TIL DEATH DO US TOBY, along with great work by the five other winners.

It was enlightening to discuss TOBY, which was a collaboration with my girlfriend (and really ultimately a collaboration with Mick Krizaj and Magali Gillon because they graciously gave so much of themselves throughout the process).  Jonny asked me what my biggest lesson was in hindsight.  My answer—centred on story, which is the indisputable foundation of a film—was and is:

I had an aha moment last year when I was reading the great book A Writer's Journey as it relates to Toby and other stories I've written/am working on.  Here is what it said:

There is only so much focus available in a given work, and it seems the more elements you take out of the composition, the more focus is poured into those that remain. Cutting lines, pauses, entires scenes sharpened the focus on the elements that were left, as if a large number of diffuse spotlights had been concentrated into a few bright beams aimed at select important points.

Brilliant nugget and it heartily applies to the lessons learned in doing my first short film. We tried to do too much in 10 minutes.  What started out as simply a story about a neurotic dog who thinks his family is trying to kill him, and his pursuit to escape, turned into a pugish-dominatrix-ciggie-smoking-secret-hiding-missing-panties explosion!  As a novelist, I am used to layering on story after story—because you have a whole book to tell and resolve each storyline.

That simply isn't true in a 10 minute short.  The scriptwriting mentor tried to warn me in development, but we ran out of time before I really got it and instead of pulling focus on the pug solely, which we should have done, the spotlights hit too many points and the entire film lost its focus.  I'm so grateful for this lesson and am glad it happened with my first short and NOT my first feature.

After we wrapped HPS, I just had enough time to make it to hockey!  From heels to blades in under an hour... Only in Canada!

HPS Season 3 :: Day Two

I didn't think it was possible, but it was even more fun hosting with another soul. Especially one as articulate, clever and entertaining as Jonny.  We got four more episodes in the can today.  My two favourites were Why Does God Hate Me (written/directed by Joel Ashton Mccarthy) and Ben Voyons, Camille (written/directed by Carole Ducharme).


I couldn't' find Why Does God Hate Me online, but I did find Ben Voyons, Camille.  It's an adorable, true-life story about a girl who gets her period and tries to hide it because she a) doesn't want to grow up, b) lives in a house of fools.  Check it out.


Some snapshots captured throughout the day...

Hot Pink Shorts (HPS) Season 3 :: Day One

I had such a blast filming the first few episodes of Hot Pink Shorts Season 3 today at OUTtv.

In case you don't know, Hot Pink Shorts is a TV program showcasing the best of queer short films and yours truly is one of this year's hosts.  Tomorrow I'll be joined by uber styling' Jonny Staub for a little banter and fun.

I hosted all three of today's episodes solo, as they were just for the ladies. "For the Girls - Take 1, 2, 3."

My two favourite films today were Cosa Bella and Brazil's Pages of a Girl.

Warming up.

Prepping for my soundbites, while munching the prop corn.

Watch Pages of a Girl:

Watch Cosa Bella's trailer:

25 Most Commonly Misspelled Words

How is your spelling?  Give this tricky spelling quiz a try and test your spelling ability for the most commonly misspelled words.  I got 17 right.  Thank god for spellcheck!!

Take quiz.

The Power of Vulnerability

Just spent 20 minutes soaking up some super concentrated, rich human insight.  Take the the time to watch.  It's truly enlightening...

Power of Vulnerability

WinterPride 2012 in Vancouver Sun

My article about Whistler's WinterPride in the Vancouver Sun...