Julie Laurin | it's a new dawn, it's a new day...

101 in 1001: the July book giveaway!

July is fiction month and this time, I’ve decided to give away one of my favourite plays. I picked up a copy of it years ago while browsing the theatre section at Chapters in Sudbury. I didn’t know anything about Tennesse Williams at the time and after reading this play, I wanted more… so I [...]
G20: an interview with Sergeant Mark Hayes

After documenting the G20 policing protest in Ottawa last week, I read this article in the Citizen. After reading that, I thought ‘hey, I would have loved to have spoken with a police officer’. My way of thinking is that you won’t find out anything if you don’t at least try to ask for it. [...]
Women’s studies, feminism and life as a girl

I’m a human being who happens to be a woman. Because I was born this way, some people look at me differently. Some people can’t look me in the eye at all. Some people only look at my chest. Because I was born this way, it’s assumed that I like boys and that I like [...]

…of the day: I’m on Flickr!

By Julie Laurin | Published: July 30, 2010

I never thought I’d actually use Flickr but I decided to hop on the bandwagon.. but only because it’s the most popular option at this point. But how or why it has become this popular is really beyond my understanding. It’s not user friendly at all! Anyway, I was hoping to find a blog-friendly app to use to embed in this post but I wasn’t able to find one in less than 20 minutes. So, here are a few recent photos that you’ll find on my Flickr page. As soon as I can, I’ll add a Flickr widget or something so you can see updated images here and there on the right-hand side of my blog.

My Flickr page is: http://www.flickr.com/photos/cinema_obscura/

Oh, and cross your fingers for me… I might have my very own art show early next year. It’s pending a certain curator’s decision. (I really want that venue… sigh). I’ll post an update as soon as I find out.

Latest uploads…

Images are copyright Julie Laurin 2010

Posted in ... of the day, Art | Tagged ... of the day, Art, flickr, images, photography | 4 Comments

…of the day: Live tomorrow, live today

By Julie Laurin | Published: July 28, 2010

A former colleague of mine once told me that he walked to work each day for an hour each way, during the winter. It was during the bus strike so I asked him why he didn’t find a ride with someone instead of walking. He said that he just needed to know if he could do it. What a beautiful display of character.. he just wanted to know if he could do it. How often do we do that? How often do we just opt for what’s easy instead?

I’ve learned a lot in the past little while. Life can be easy but easy isn’t rewarding. Sure, I wish I hadn’t gone through what I have gone through these past few months, but in a way, I’m lucky. I am less scared now. Less scared of seeking things that make me happy, less scared of my own potential, less scared of success. I got tired of saying “I wouldn’t do things that way” and now, I’m going to do things differently with my own projects and my side business (when I set that up in the fall).

I don’t think it’s enough for us to complain about the ills of the world. Everyone can pitch in – whether it’s opening a business and managing it in an ethical way, or donating money to shelters, or teaching your kids how to manage money. I’ve learned that it’s impossible to not have any regrets. When you get sick, you’ll regret not having done a million things or having neglected a friendship or two. Best do everything you want to do now or to plan to do it soon than to think you have all the time in the world. Say what’s on your mind, reconnect with the person you love, do something that scares you.

Posted in ... of the day | Tagged ... of the day, Laleh, life, song | Leave a comment

Project updates… tra-la-la!

By Julie Laurin | Published: July 24, 2010

What a year 2010 has been so far… and despite all of the personal challenges I’ve encountered, I’m feeling more motivated to work on my projects than ever before. Here’s a bit of an update:

1) HER VOICE

(http://hervoice.ca – coming in the next two weeks):

Follow on Twitter: http://twitter.com/hervoicecanada

As a lot of you know, this is my BIG project. I mean, it is THIS big… gigantic, gargantuan project. I’m thinking of launching with a few microgrants and maybe a couple of contests. I was hoping to launch a spoken word contest for women this year but that will have to wait. Every week, I re-examine my ideas for this portal and either add or remove parts of it. I don’t want it to become too unmanageable but I do want it to include some of the features that I’ve been dreaming up. I can’t say too much but one of the things that makes art and theatre and music so difficult to market is that it’s not very accessible to people who live outside of major cities or who perhaps can’t attend some events. My goal is to make art more accessible thanks to technology. Not only would it benefit the public but if we can also make artist mentorship more accessible, then young artists from one end of the country to the other will be able to meet in a central location online and learn from older artists who want to share their knowledge. I have also learned that a lot of artists aren’t interested in teaching or mentorship and that’s fine – perhaps larger grants might be more appealing to them if they just want to work on their own projects. Anyway, there are so many possibilities for Her Voice that I hope to be able to initiate this project slowly and carefully and make it into what artists and the public alike will recognize as a step forward in art promotion, education and financial support.

A basic website is being setup right now. However, there won’t be any features available until year’s end. I’ll also be looking for a lot of feedback so please follow the her voice project on Twitter or contact me directly if you want to be notified of updates.

Because this has the potential to be my most expensive project, I’ll be accepting donations later this year or early next year. I’d like to setup a model where YOU decide where the money goes.. more on that later. :)

2) SILLY ROBOT!

(http://sillyrobot.ca – coming soon)

Follow on Twitter for updates: http://twitter.com/silly_robot

Speaking of art promotion… I’m learning that there’s a pretty big need out there for artists to move into the online sphere to promote their work and to do networking. But for most artistic people, technology isn’t their specialty. And it’s not just artists, it’s the small business owner, the non-profit activist, the inventor, the person making crafts in her basement. I’ve met so many talented, incredible individuals through art fairs this summer, most of whom have websites, but a quick visit and it’s evident that it’s not working for them. There’s no contact info, or links are broken or the information is really out of date… there’s no email sign-up or twitter account! And then, what about actual publicity work? Are people reviewing your work, are people talking about it, are you getting requests for interviews?

Most of all, the reason I want to do this is because I’m pissed off by IT people who greatly over-charge people for services that really don’t take that much time or effort. It also really irks me to see how many artists or small business owners are being convinced to pay for really expensive customized websites when they don’t need it. I don’t have time to run a full publicity and web design shop – but I have the knowledge and skills to get people started or to get them on the right track. If you want to have more of an online presence, or you want me to evaluate your current presence or you want me to help push you in the right direction as to how to network online, contact me. I’m hoping to get this business up and running sometime in the fall but I’d be happy to add you to a waiting list until then. (I already have clients lined up!)

You don’t have to be in Ottawa.. I’d be happy to work on “virtual” contracts where we could meet “in person” via Skype and work together via email! :)

3) JULIELAURIN.COM

Follow this blog on Twitter: http://twitter.com/julie_laurin

So, what happens to this blog? Well, it will continue! I estimate that my posts will be less frequent, but I’m having a blast with this blog so far. From articles of a documentary nature to a few quirky …of the day posts to my 101 in 1001 days challenge… this is one of the best ideas I’ve had in a long time. In a way, this blog has inspired me to create all of my other projects. As much as I love to make art myself, and it will always be something for “me”, there are so many other things I want to explore. Later, I’ll retreat to a cabin and live a life unplugged. ;)

I really really want to redesign this website, however. I’m trying to decide if I want to completely overhaul it or make minor changes. But, I really just want to hire someone to do it. I’m more of a strategist than a designer… that being said, if you design WordPress themes, and you think you can come up with something that would keep the features I currently have (featured posts, maybe a rotating group of images, a cleaner more web 2.0/modern look), then contact me.

Other than that, the 101 in 1001 project continues… look for an update on that by next weekend… hopefully I’ll have finished watching the first season of The Smurfs by then!

Lastly, my monthly book giveaway is my greatest joy with this blog so far! I’m coming up with some fun ideas that will spice up the giveaway over the next few months. And, expect a blog post soon about my new partnership with a local bookmark maker! My last book giveaway was sent off to the winner with one of her bookmarks – they’re fabulous and I have a bunch to give out in the next few months. You still have time to enter this month’s giveaway!

Posted in Art, Site Updates, Tech | Tagged 101 in 1001, blog, hervoice, projects, sillyrobot, site update, update | Leave a comment

…of the day: introducing Abd Al Malik

By Julie Laurin | Published: July 20, 2010

I might have posted a video of this man before but I thought he deserved his own post. I’ve been listening to his rap for over a year now and I’m a huge fan. I love how he presents his songs – he has a calm voice, a confident voice. He’s a gifted performer, both as a rapper and as a spoken word artist.

His stories are interesting, compelling, the rhymes and rhythms are HOT and the poetry is intelligent… he shouldn’t be copied but he should be studied by spoken word artists, slam poets and rappers alike.

Abd Al Malik demonstrates slam poetry (in French):

On 9/11 (with English subtitles)

My favourite of his work: “Il se rêve debout” (in French, no subtitles)

You’ll notice less posts this week as I am swamped with appointments and job interviews. I’ll have more time soon. In the meantime, I’m curious: are there any topics that you’d like to see me write about?

Posted in ... of the day, Art | Tagged ... of the day, abd al malik, music, poesie, poetry, rap, spoken word | Leave a comment

…of the day: my morning yoga routine

By Julie Laurin | Published: July 15, 2010

I’ve been doing some yoga in the morning every day for a few weeks now. I never thought I’d even enjoy yoga so the fact that these exercises have become a routine for me is a bit of a surprise! It’s funny because every morning, I wake up thinking that I just don’t feel like doing yoga – and then, I do it anyway. And I’ve noticed that I’ve been feeling better because of it. So, some people have asked me what poses I do and I thought the best way to share it would be to write up an article on it.

I do all of these as soon as I wake up in the morning, even before having breakfast. At first, it was only a 20 minute routine but now, I can hold positions for longer so it’s about 30 to 35 minutes. I’m linking each exercise to a page with a demonstration of it, or with more info.

1. Pelvic Tilts