Cave Swiftlets

Ah Cave Swiftlets! My new favorite bird! It's not even that the bird itself is that cool, but it's nesting ways is what I find so intriguing. Their nest is made from their saliva (90 liters), which dries to make a neat crystal-like haven. Cool, hey? Now for the twist, their nest is the ingredient in Bird Nest Soup - a Chinese delicacy. The nest itself has no flavor, but the texture is what makes it so unique. Although I'm not so fond of the soup part, I have never heard of such a nest. Talk about making use of your own resources. And to think we make our houses from materials such as cement. We have so much to learn.

Here's a really good video that goes into more detail, with great footage of the nests and harvesting procedures.

-LA

luvu

why NZ?

Well! Personally, and perhaps this is lame, but my initial interest in New Zealand was sparked by my favourite movies, The Lord of the Rings. Most people know this, but for those who dont, or for those who for some absurd reason have not yet watched the films, LOTR was filmed in New Zealand! The director made a point of including several scenic landscape shots within the productions that melted my heart!!!! Since watching LOTR, i have been convinced that New Zealand is one of the most beautiful places in the world. And i cannot express how excited i am to be spending seven months within it!

 Haven't watched, or read The Lord of the Rings? I HIGHLY recommend it. In fact, I cannot stress it enough. I am currently in the middle of reading The Two Towers, and the difference between the books and films is notable.  Therefor, indulge yourself with both! If for no other reason, atleast you will get to sink your eyes into the wonderful sight of Orlando Bloom as Legolas. <3<3<3<3

-LH

Middlesex

If you're looking for a good fall book to read, Middlesex might be just for you! It's not your typical love story, or murder case. Instead it reflects on the life of a family that led up to the birth of a hermaphrodite. It's not something we hear about everyday and the author is not afraid to touch on the feelings that are experienced. It's set through the 1920's to present day, triggering a whole new interest for history that I never knew was in me. Jeffrey Eugenides is a captivating author that never seems to disappoint. A must-read if I said so myself.

-LA

Portail De La Promesse

Next time you are on the north side of the city (preferably in the winter, when the leaves have fallen), take a walk past the Portail De La Promesse.  Originally erected on August 27th 1989 in recognition of the Jeux Canada Games that were held in Saskatoon on August 13-26, 1989. I gave it a short visit on the 26th and quickly sketched it before heading off to work. However, there is more of a story to this than what is commonly known. Many of you are probably familiar with the Tribute to Youth piece situated downtown. This piece was also put up in memory of the Jeux games. After it was decided that Tribute To Youth would be placed downtown rather than Portail De La Promesse, the artist was a little upset and placed his art in the Meewasin Park so that it perfectly framed the Regional Psychiatric Centre. On the other hand, if also perfectly frames a tree.

Tribute To Youth

Imagine this image is reversed.

-LA

So many bikes!

Ahh how cool is this? 120 bikes on the wall. I now have a better idea on how I will decorate the exterior of my future house.


Bike Shop


-LA

Pick up some mustard while you're out

Very occasionally one of my friends will notice the mustard community in my home. It doesn't occur often, so growing up I always just assumed every family had a mustard collection much like our own. However, now that I have become more educated on the matter, I have decided it's time to face this ever-growing fascination my family has with mustard. The first step is always the realization of the issue at hand and stepping away from denial. Hopefully this will be the last family photo they receive.

-LA

What's for dinner?

I went up to my cabin this past week, and I was excited to see we had some new neighbours. Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately), they were long gone before I was able to take a tour of their home. This wasp hive was nestled up in our old BBQ. Perfect protection from wind and rain, I was glad that someone was still getting use of it! The artistic spirals of the nest make a neat sight. The wasps chew on wood from around the area, and when mixed with their saliva, it makes a paper pulp. When they're building their nest, they rotate their bodies forming the unique spirals. When a variety of different wood types are used, the different colours intertwine to make an artistic design.

It wasn't long before I began dissecting the hive to discover what the inside looks like. You can see that there is many layers. Inside many of the honey-comb floors, wasps seemed to be encircled, in an egg-type structure. I can only assume these ones did not properly hatch before the weather got cold.

Now I guess the only question is, do you like your patty layered or combed?

-LA

I love my fish.

I would like to tell you all that my fish are pregnant, but unfortunately, that is not the case. My fish ran out of food a couple days ago, and today was the first day my hours didn't run parallel with the pet shop hours. (btw, I advise you all to listen to the Pet Shop Boys. 'Divided by Zero,' to be specific). I brought them home a 'colour enhancing' food, enriched with salmon skin! If their bellies continue growing the rest of the night at the same rate they're growing now though, I may have to put them on another 2 day weight-watchers diet. (sorry ticka)


-LA

Meeting Point

You know an exhibit is good when it leaves you with feelings of inspiration and awe. Meeting Point, an art exhibit currently on display at the Collage Art Gallery, was able to do just that for Lindsay and I. We set out on our bikes this morning to our own meeting point at the University. The pieces in the gallery explore and display the relationships held between pairs, whether it's love, disagreement, intimacy, or tension. With an added sense of humor, and a variety of medias used, the gallery gave us a pleasant start to the day.

Here's a clip from one of the displays at the exhibit by Iain Forsyth & Jane Pollard. Young couples talk about the influence of music in their relationships in a humorous way that we can all relate to.

-LA

Company of a Stranger

An old lady sat a few meters behind me while I drew this. We didn't talk, but she was cool.


-LA

What is an Orb?

What exactly is an orb you ask? Well, its not really something you can stick a definition to, so instead I will try to help you visualize it. First, stare at a lightbulb, for say, 20 seconds or so. Next close your eyes, squeeze them shut. Hopefully you can see a circle of light. If not you may want to instead try traveling to another realm and ascend with Archangels Zadkiel and Raphael, where they will guide you through a galaxy of orbs. This cd has proven wonders. Ascension Through Orbs Meditations. If you still have not found success, you can always google image it. The internet never fails. I'll post one of my favorite pics at the bottom, take a look. 

Now don't let your mind trick you into thinking the picture is just a close-up of dust, because it most definitely isn't! This here is inexplainable, yet so mystical! Some believe they are spirits. Perhaps they are sphere's of energy. Whatever you choose to believe, they are tons of fun to hunt. The best hunting time is generally at night, as this is when they are most visible. They also seem to be attracted to positive energy. They love to party! All you need to carry is a digital camera. It doesn't matter what kind, you just need to have the skills to capture them. Take a look at some of your past pictures, I'm sure you'll find some orbs. I wish you the best of luck with your orb-hunting! Perhaps one day, someone will go orb hunting for you.

-LA

Orbs! I wonder if they're related?

múm - now that there's fear again


look at something pretty while you listen to something pretty!

-LH

More than just volcanic ash

Icelandic speaking or not, Sigur Ros' music is incredible. The band was formed in 1994, and has since produced four albums, (and one remix album).  The music itself paints auditory images of the scenery of Iceland (hopefully a future travel destination of my own), and is great for listening to while relaxing, napping, or doing homework (for those actually going to school in the fall)
No clue what they're saying? Or even how to pronounce the band's name? Check out the Pronunciations section of their website, and while you're there, skim through the discography, band info, and the links to other artists.

here are some links to two of my favourite songs:

Hljomalind 

Hafsol

- LH

Salvador Dali

Dali, a spanish surrealist, caught all four of our eyes with his bizarre art.
Here's a few of our favourites, but to check out more, or to read more about his symbolism, importance and take on life, check out : Salvador Dali museum

- LA/LH

- -

Sup!

Yo! (jp?) Welcome to the Orb Farm! Here, we hope to keep you updated on all of our adventures in our upcoming trip to New Zealand. Until then, however, have a glimpse at all the things we find intriguing in our day to day lives. Music, design, art, crafts, destinations, plants, yaaaa know. Enjoy