Moi Je Joue

The State of Things

noreply@blogger.com (Ana Patrícia) — Sat, 09 Feb 2013 20:04:00 +0000

Bonjour! Hola! Hello! Je ne veux pas travailler...

It's true, I don't feel like working and I miss the days when I had more time to dedicate to this blog. For months now I have been thinking about Moi Je Joue and all the updates to the content, the look and feel of it that I would love to make. I've decided that as soon as I am past tomorrow's flamenco production of Snow Queen, I will be dedicating more time here again. Until then though, here are the very few but ever time-consuming reasons why I have been so silent here (if you were even at all curious...):

Travel. I have been fortunate enough over the past six months to visit the Philippines, New York, Madrid and Paris. In a few weeks, I plan to add Seattle to that list as well.
Work. I am at work almost full time now and when I am not there, I'm busy starting a new business, which I hope to share with you soon!
Dance. When I'm not travelling or working, I fill my evenings with flamenco dance at the Vancouver studio, Karen Flamenco. I rehearse, perform, set design and manage some of their online properties, including their blog and social media.
Family. It seems that we are always having family visit and that, of course, takes priority.

I've decided, enough distractions. I'm planning to give Moi Je Joue a bit of a new look and I'm excited to begin a better balancing act! Until then...
If you like that lovely graphic Paris print above, check out the Obvious State (formerly known as Little Brown Pen).
Adiós & Au revoir!

Style: Simple Rings

noreply@blogger.com (Ana Patrícia) — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 04:14:00 +0000

Make Up Kisses - John Powell, P. S. I love You

Bling and perfectly matching set of earrings, necklace, bracelet and ring? Not really my kind of frosting. But there is something about the beautifully simple pieces.
Here are a few of my favourite simple rings...

1. Catbird Hammered First Knuckle Ring | 2. Bario Neal Fishtail, rose gold | 3. Bario Neal Knottedrush, rose gold | 4. Indulgent Designs Infinity Knot | 5. Katrina Lapenne Braid | 6. Blanca Monrós Gómez (the best for last)

Beautiful, no? Any one of these pieces would make a lovely gift or even as a wedding band, though not very traditional ;)

Outhouse Apple Orchard, NY

noreply@blogger.com (Ana Patrícia) — Sat, 24 Nov 2012 17:46:00 +0000

I've got plenty to be thankful for - Bing Crosby (Holiday Inn)

And I'm back after a long hiatus! Hello from North Salem, New York! What a whirlwind life has been lately! I can't wait to share photographs of the recent production I performed and designed props for, Karen Flamenco's Snow Queen!
For now, here are a few shots from my recent adventures from this morning in North Salem, New York. It's very peaceful and fabulously sunny! The horses and woodpeckers outside my window are wonderful views to have while working on the computer... It's been a relaxing Thanksgiving adventure. Enjoy the photographs and stay tuned for more!

Don't you just love what one can do with Instagram? Check out my page there!

Milk, Chai & Tolstoy

noreply@blogger.com (Ana Patrícia) — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 00:24:00 +0000

Hello, I'm back...again! All I can say is: life gets busy. It's been a busy time with work and dance but today I'm taking the day to relax.
The leaves on the trees have all changed and are on their way to the ground below. I'm warming up with a hot mug of milk and chai on my new wing-back chair with Tolstoy's Anna Karenina. A perfect afternoon...

The Street Art of Vitry-sur-Seine

noreply@blogger.com (Ana Patrícia) — Tue, 18 Sep 2012 00:01:00 +0000

Ta P'tite Flamme - Amélie Les Crayons

Well hello fabulous people! It's been quite some time since I've posted anything, but I'm back again, re-inspired and excited! This summer I took my vacation in Asia (more to follow on that) but I found I missed my trip to Europe. Now I have a specific destination in mind for my next trip: Vitry-sure-Seine.

Vitry-sur-Seine is a suburb outside of Paris known for its amazing street art! Just take a look at these pictures (taken by Sara Tucker) and learn more at CN Traveller.

Pretty fabulous, no?! Au revoir!

Blog Awards!

noreply@blogger.com (Ana Patrícia) — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 19:47:00 +0000

It's been quite a while since I've posted (where does the time fly to, I wonder?), but I'm back and pleased to share that my darling Pia of L.S. Illustrated has nominated me for blogger awards! She truly is the sweetest!

Thanks to everyone for checking into my little blog! I can't wait to make it even better.

So here are the rules for the awards:

-Thank the person who nominated you and link back to them in your post: Thank you Pia!
-Share 7 things about yourself
-Nominate 15 bloggers you admire
-Leave a comment on each of the blogs letting them know they’ve been nominated.

So here goes! 7 things about me:
1) I love fresh pineapple...with salt.
2) I like to fall asleep listening to old black and white films. Casablanca is one of my favourites.
3) One of my favourite periods in history is La Belle Epoque
4) Madrid is home away from home. New York is a close second...
5) I love the cold weather, especially sunny and cold weather.
6) Sushi and Indian food are seriously delicious.
7) I was never really into super heroes. But I love Zorro, the fox so cunning and free!

And now for those 15 fabulous bloggers:
A Duck in Her Pond
A Field Journal
A Shimmy in My Spirit (Cynthia's Blog)
All Roads Lead to Pecetto
The Art of Clothes
Cecelia's Little Sketchblog
Everyday Sugar
Fleur de Lis
hip hip gin gin
Jess in Vancouver
Les Paradis Artificiels
my wonderland
Nutrifit4Life
Rock It Communications
Sterling Style

Peter Pan, Flamenco Style

noreply@blogger.com (Ana Patrícia) — Sat, 16 Jun 2012 00:23:00 +0000

Como la Luna en el Agua - Miguel Poveda

¡Hola todos! It's been a crazy month full of rehearsals, dancing, designing, painting, and now the big show is one day away! The Karen Flamenco Dance Company and School is performing Peter Pan, flamenco style. Here are a couple of behind the scenes snapshots! More photos coming soon!

Mermaids waiting in the wings...

Captain Hook and Smee trick Tinkerbell...

Sartorial Men

noreply@blogger.com (Ana Patrícia) — Wed, 30 May 2012 00:11:00 +0000

Sous le Soleil - Major Boys ft. Aurélia

I can't resist sharing some of my favourite photographs of men's fashion from Scott Schuman of The Sartorialist...

On the Street.... Brera, Milano

On the Street.... Military Tailoring, Milan

I love this shot. Typical Manhattan.

Twenty Five Hours Hotel Wein - Vienna

noreply@blogger.com (Ana Patrícia) — Mon, 21 May 2012 04:46:00 +0000

The Circus Sets Up - James Newton Howard

At some point in my life, I will be staying at the very cool, 25Hours Hotel spectacle in Vienna. It's the most eclectic, whimsical and surprising hotel concept I've seen.
The designers at Dreimeta took their inspiration from the traditions of the circus. That alone is enough to make me love it! There is so much creativity: bright colours, unusual furniture pieces, gymnastic hoops, circus-themed wall paintings, Moroccan poufs, letters, vintage suitcases, french horns...

This room on the right is my favourite...

The Airborne Toxic Event

noreply@blogger.com (Ana Patrícia) — Thu, 17 May 2012 04:56:00 +0000

The Airborne Toxic Event is one band I can't get enough of and I just found out that they will be performing an hour outside of Vancouver. I would definitely drive to see and hear them play a live show again. Squamish here I come, August 26th!

I've got thousands of songs spread out among several iPods and computers but I think this song is one of my absolute favourites...

Travel Posts from the Past

noreply@blogger.com (Ana Patrícia) — Tue, 15 May 2012 04:04:00 +0000

Disappear - Mango, Andre Frauenstein, Ludik

I cannot believe it has been so long since I've written anything. The past month has been a whirlwind of work, classes, papers, exams, writing, dancing, dancing, dancing, and graduating. I would love to just stop everything for a moment, grab my camera and explore... anywhere! For now, these posts from the past will have to satisfy my artsy travel urges...

A fancy polo match in New York? Sure! I've been invited to this year's Mashomack International Polo Challenge, but last year's photographs will have to do... Polo in New York

I have never been to Istanbul, but I've always wanted to go there. One day, I will share the photographs of Hagia Sofia that I've taken!

Madrid is my home away from home. I know transit there better than I do in my own city! Next time I think I'm going to befriend Plaza Mayor's stout Spiderman!

If not Madrid, I would be perfectly happy surrounded by the blues of Ibiza. Everywhere I pointed by camera, I captured island blues... Ibiza Blues

Luckily I won't have to wait very long before I'm packing my suitcase again. I'm off on a tropical trip to the Philippines this summer and I am finally going to visit the beaches of Dumaguete...

But until then, I'll just have to replace my wintry pictures of Vancouver with new ones of the summer sunshine...

Degas' Ballerinas

noreply@blogger.com (Ana Patrícia) — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 01:29:00 +0000

Charles Trenet - Qui Reste T'il De Nos Amours

Wow. I just had my last undergraduate class. It's very surreal. Of course, when you have had only two hours of sleep the entire night because of last minute paper writing, a lot of things may feel surreal...
In honour of the amazing and shocking cramming magic I conjured up last night, I'd like to share the incredibly beautiful paintings I wrote about. More than half of the paintings and sketches Degas made were of ballerinas and the Paris Opéra. Here are a few of my favourite! Enjoy!

Dance Class at the Opera 1872 Dancers 1898 Yellow Dancers (In the Wings) 1874-76

Venice Backstage

noreply@blogger.com (Ana Patrícia) — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 04:57:00 +0000

Vivaldi - Spring

I have always wanted to visit the romantic city of Venice. One day, I hope I will be able to walk through the winding narrow alleys and next to the canals. Although it would be nice to go when it is not too busy, I hope for a trip during the Carnivale celebrations! Some of the masks and costumes are absolutely jaw-dropping!

(Costume photo/design: Tanja Schulz-Hess, World of Costumes)

Carnivale designs aside, ever wonder the how's, why's and what's of Venice? Well, then you will love this very informative short film about the enchanting, floating city of Italy.

Venice Backstage. How does Venice work? from Insula spa on Vimeo.

Introducing: L.S. Illustrated

noreply@blogger.com (Ana Patrícia) — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 21:14:00 +0000

Hello all you gorgeous people! I would like you to meet my darling cousin, Pia, the brains and talented artist behind L.S. Illustrated.At Life and Style Illustrated you will find great fashion and styling tips all delivered to you through her illustrations! If you love fashion you're going to love her work. All bias aside, I can't get enough it! My favourite illustration of hers to date? The Betty and Veronica style post where she asks the big question: are you a Betty or a Veronica? Any Archie comics fans?Now here's the fun part. Got a cool outfit and funky style? You can send her a picture and you may just find yourself L.S. Illustrated!

The Aurora Borealis in Finland

noreply@blogger.com (Ana Patrícia) — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 20:49:00 +0000

How gorgeous is this?! It would be so amazing to travel to Finland and see the lights in person. What do you think?

TFW Style Snaps

noreply@blogger.com (Ana Patrícia) — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 07:05:00 +0000

Evening lovelies! Did anyone follow Toronto Fashion Week? I confess I didn't but I'm loving Fashion Magazine's street style snaps of mixed prints out on the town on the last day of shows.

What fun texture!
Love the shape and colour of these purses, especially the turquoise...
I don't think I'd wear this skirt but this photo catches the eye!
Floral and galaxy prints? Makes for a great picture!

New York Adventures Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (Ana Patrícia) — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 22:30:00 +0000

Back with part 2 of my recent New York adventures after an insane stint of presentations and school work! It's truly amazing what we accomplished in only four days! If you thought our first day was busy wait to till you read this post! Here's a brief run down of some things we did and that I highly recommend you to squeeze into your New York itineraries!

Day 2: Good Eats

First item of the day? Pastrami sandwiches from the famous Katz's Delicatessen! (Anyone seen that famous scene from When Harry Met Sally? That restaurant.)What's a fabulous lunch without coffee and dessert afterwards? Next stop: Sugar Cafe.In between our food sessions we did some shopping at C Wonder, EasySpirit, and Uniglo, and a quick stop at the Philippine Embassy.
Then on to Bloomingdale's and The Forty Carrots for the most amazing fro-yo!After all that, believe or not, we went home just to get ready for dinner in Little Italy, at a place called Angelo's.
Day 3: A hockey surprise...

After a slow start, we had lunch at a charming place called Fig and Olive in Midtown Manhattan, followed by another stop at Uniglo.While my mom, aunts and uncle (four people on the right side of that picture) went to the country for the night, I stayed in the city with my cousin (he and I are standing on the left). We took a quick train to new Jersey and watched the Vancouver Canucks - fabulous surprise and treat from my cousin.

Day 4: Independence in Manhattan... and I filled it up with as much as possible!

I made a decision to skip the museums this trip and spend on my other passion: theatre. The spending began with an early start at Wicked: Behind the Emerald Curtain tour!I have more fun pictures to come. This insightful and super fascinating tour was followed by a freezing walk all over Times Square as I tried to decide what Broadway show I would watch that afternoon! I settled on How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.If I was a big fan of Nick Jonas, I probably would have screamed when I saw him appear on stage. This seriously entertaining Broadway classic was followed by chilly, windy walk to Juniors to get cheesecake for my dad back in Vancouver (yes-I hand-carried a cheesecake along with pastrami).
I worked off all the food on this trip when I had to walk 8 blocks over and up to try and catch a cab back Uptown. Before I knew it, I was packed and headed to the airport. I wasn't ready to go home!

Travel Tip: Be friendly and charming to the airport employees. I know from personal experience, both as a traveller and as an airline employee, the difference it can make just to smile at the check-in counter or in the security line-up. We were treated to lounge access even though we flew economy and I got a birthday hug (a month early) from the passport check guy.

Hope you enjoyed my adventures! I'd love to hear yours!

The More Loving One

noreply@blogger.com (Ana Patrícia) — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 08:22:00 +0000

I was watching a show when I heard the characters talk about a poem by W.H. Auden called, The More Loving One. I wonder what it must be like to write poetry like that. Anyways, the second stanza is my favourite and I think the favourite of many people who read this poem. Enjoy!The More Loving One
by W.H. Auden

Looking up at the stars, I know quite well
That, for all they care, I can go to hell,
But on earth indifference is the least
We have to dread from man or beast.

How should we like it were stars to burn
With a passion for us we could not return?
If equal affection cannot be,
Let the more loving one be me.

Admirer as I think I am
Of stars that do not give a damn,
I cannot, now I see them, say
I missed one terribly all day.

Were all stars to disappear or die,
I should learn to look at an empty sky
And feel its total darkness sublime,
Though this might take me a little time.

Image via The Thought Experiment

New York Adventures

noreply@blogger.com (Ana Patrícia) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 00:46:00 +0000

Hello hello from sunny New York City! It's been a whirlwind, unexpected trip to the Big Apple and in two days I have already done so much! Here's a visual tour of my two days so far...
Day 1:
We arrived at the apartment and took the most delicious nap. Then my mom and I went to watch our first show of the trip...After an incredible production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's classic, we went to Junior's Bakery for their famous New York cheesecake!Of course, we made a stop at Tiffany's and looked at the windows like Audrey did before going in. (No I did not leave with any blue box or bag)...Then came the shopping! First splurge stop: Anne Taylor with my mom and aunts...After we shopped (couldn't resist that store wide sale), we went home to get ready for our next show, War Horse at the Lincoln Centre...Of course, we had to finish it off with a very late dinner at PJ Clark's...Not bad after a 4 hour red-eye flight! And yes, we actually did all of that in one day!

[Image sources: Folium flickr, NY Daily News, my-new-york.com, scalleja flickr, A Simple Life of an Odinary Londoner, Vegas Chatter

Ballet Stills

noreply@blogger.com (Ana Patrícia) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 07:17:00 +0000

Flamenco is beautiful and passionate and I love dancing it. But I have to say, ballet is beautiful and soft. Flamenco has it's quieter, soft moments as well but ballet seems to have a softer glow to it. I just watched Center Stage again and found myself browsing through photographs. Here are a few of my favourites. Enjoy...

Swan Lake, American Ballet Theatre, image by MIRA. (Links below)

Sleeping Beauty (2009), The National Ballet of Canada
Svengali, The Royal Winnipeg Ballet

Links: American Ballet Theatre, National Ballet of Canada, Royal Winnipeg Ballet

It's You... Vancouver, Canada

noreply@blogger.com (Ana Patrícia) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 20:48:00 +0000

As much as I love to travel and dream about living in and exploring new cities, there's no place like home. If you have never visited Vancouver, I highly recommend it! Summer is a great time to visit but then again, come in winter and you'll have just as much fun.
Here's a video to give you a quick peak at this city. Contrary to popular belief, it doesn't always rain here :P

Interesting tidbit: This morning I read that Vancouver has been newly crowned the most expensive North American city to live in, surpassing even New York City and Los Angeles! I don't know how I feel about that yet...But I suppose this sort of thing can happen to any city that has plenty to offer, right?

Hey Ocean - Big Blue Wave

noreply@blogger.com (Ana Patrícia) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 04:36:00 +0000

Ahhh. I am cheerfully writing my first paper of my last semester. I'm pretty sure I won't miss the last minute paper writing when I leave my undergrad behind. So why am I so cheerful? Hey Ocean has some of the best "lift your spirits" songs and I'm practically dancing while writing about the 19th century play, Uncle Tom's Cabin.I'm loving their latest song, Big Blue Wave (click for a free download at the band's Facebook page). Trust me, it's completely worth it!
Back to writing...

Left Brain Right Brain - Mercedes Benz Ad

noreply@blogger.com (Ana Patrícia) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 06:27:00 +0000

I just stumbled upon these ads for Mercedes Benz and I love them! What a creative idea! Which side of your brain do you associate with more? I think I'm leaning towards my right brain...Image source: Ads of the World

Vikings & How to Train Your Dragon

noreply@blogger.com (Ana Patrícia) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 06:26:00 +0000

Ahh reading for school. It can take so much time. Today though, a very small part of my reading about Viking art entertained me. Did you know that there was a Viking/Scandinavian king in the 11th century named Harald Bluetooth who had a son named Sven Forkbeard?!
Speaking of Vikings, I finally bought the film, How to Train Your Dragon and tested our television's 3D feature. Very cool! Have you ever seen this film? If you are a fan of animated features, you will love it!

I love the concept artwork as well. I think I see King Harald Bluetooth and his son Sven Forkbeard in these drawings!Back to reading!

The Joy of Books

noreply@blogger.com (Ana Patrícia) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 03:11:00 +0000

Browsing, thinking, contemplating, dreaming, sighing, procrastinating... and I found this video of Toronto bookstore, Type Books. It made me smile. Happy Monday!