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Sunday 13 March 2016

Flashing in the dark

I am in the bowels of my building, where all the garbage goes. These photos were taken next to mountains of styrofoam awaiting shipment to the recycling depot. It was here or outside in the rain; I chose here.

This place was almost pitch black, which made camera setup a challenge. When I was ready, I positioned myself in the darkness and hoped that when the flash went off something human would show up, preferably just one. I could have turned on the lights, but that would have been too easy. And I liked the cloak of darkness.


Running to Styrofoam Mountain. (People aren't supposed to put egg cartons in there. Doh! Can't they read?!) Except for slight blurring on a few edges below, this is how the photos turned out with a flash in the dark.

I have a need to be hard-edged, not that I'm feeling grim, not in my thinking anyway (as long as I stay away from news), but in my aesthetics. It's the season that brings it on - the drudge of darkness battling the inexorable advent of spring. Darkness will lose this time. Suckers!!! Hysterical Testerical laughter. (And yeah, I'm totally pissed off how all the good insults/slurs are usually female-oriented.)


Grasping my talisman, the magic loupe O made for me, gazing glaze-eyed into darkness, then a flash. Gasp. 

Wearing: floral spring pants, thrifted Versace, with winter somber top, geta-style summery sandals with winter socks. All wrapped up in my anime-animal (faux fur). 

Note the surly expression below. Not because the garbage stinks, but because I like it like that. You already know I have teeth, why belabour the point? 


I felt rather idiotic when my friend, who is on the strata council and in charge of recycling, came by while he was giving his mother from out of town a tour and found me with my camera and tripod in the dark. Oh don't mind me, I was just taking pictures - in the dark - next to the garbage. Thank goodness he knows me. "Carry on." What are the odds?

His mum had her camera too, to take pictures of cherry blossoms outside. My blossoms are on my pants. Next to the trash heap. Picturesque.


While I was walking to the coffee shop after this mini shoot, I ran into another friend who gave me the March issue of Tatler magazine, the fashion edition. He saves thing like this for me. He is a kind person.

Below is a shot from a few days ago, yes, belabouring the teeth. Sigh. That's the ring O made me a while ago, stainless steel and ruby. And the scarf: one side, with the blue bits, is sparkly, although you can't tell in this photo, and the other side, with rich wine tones, is the softest velvet. It's heavy. Thrifted of course.


I'll link this up with Visible Monday, even though I was in the dark. That's at Patti's place, Not Dead Yet Style. And of course I'll also link to #iwillwearwhatilike at Catherine's place, Not Dressed as Lamb when it goes live. And this last photo has lots of blues, so I'm getting myself over to 52 Pick-me-up: Navy/Quest at Anne's place, SpyGirl.

Welcome to my new followers. I'm not sure where you all found me, especially on March 7 and 8, but I'm happy you're here. (My stats didn't tell me.)

Also, there is a new Freakish Yellow Skirt stylist. Look for it in my next post! She's awesome!

Finally, lately I've felt in danger of being swallowed by so many linkups and authorities and comparisons and urgencies and pushes and pulls and rankings. That's why I've decided to return to basics by engaging more with you guys when you visit.

I'd love for my comments section to be multi-directional rather than a one-way flow. I know some of you have responded to comments all along, so have I in the past as well, but it's just time for me to do it again.

Thanks for dropping by!

Weirdest place you ever took your photos...?


62 comments:

  1. Dear Melanie, funny post. I love it. I'm a new follower from germany :)
    Have a good week , Tina

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    1. Welcome, Tina! I'm always deliriously happy to get new followers. I see that you know Beate, too.
      Thank you for commenting.

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    2. Thank you Melanie. Your blog is inspiration.
      Oh yes I love Beates Bahnwärterhäuschen :)

      Delete
  2. Eee, hee hee! I giggled out loud at your capture in the dark, having been caught myself by neighbours whilst lounging about on the stairs. I don't take my pictures anywhere weird at all...except for that one time I did a picture under my desk...

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    1. I remember the desk shot. Hahaha!! I was in this obscure hallway with the GARBAGE. I mean, NOBODY goes there - except me - and then the man and his mum show up in the dark. Gaaa. Too funny. I felt like he'd caught me in "an act" of something. Thanks for the desk reminder. Heh.

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  3. very cool photos! and very brave to do them in the dark!
    once i made pics with flash in my pitch-dark, in-the-midst-of-woods garden - thankfully the camera timer blinks with a small red light so i knew the direction to look in. and no sparkling red critter eyes behind me in the photos - phew.
    much love! xxxxx

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    1. With my old cameras, I'd be the one with the red eyes. Remember that? Yes, my remote would make a little red light just before the flash bashed me between the eyes. Wow. I make take photos in the dark, but you my dear, take awesome photos in the SNOW! YAY! Much love back. xo

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  4. Bless you - entertaining AND informative; we know more about the janitorial arrangements of an urban Canadian apartment building than we did before!! Given I am Chair of our body corporate here, I am abnormally interested in such mad spaces. It amuses me no end that you were caught in the act, and that he didn't even blink an eye!
    I have no exciting photo locations to share. I did see a Drag King act on Friday night with a terrible / fabulous song about selfies but I can't find it to link to!

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    1. Yes, it's my duty to speak about garbage at Bag and a Beret, both real and literary. We also recycle lightbulbs and batteries and soft plastic, metals, bottles and cans, paper of all sorts, blah, blah, blah, mostly because of this man. He's awesome.

      I heard him coming and saw he had his mum with him(!!) and thought, OH NO!, he'll want to check his styrofoam! I thought he might turn on the light, but no. So I tried to be quiet in the dark corner. It didn't work. Hahaha.

      The Drag King act sounds like so much fun, especially with such an apt song. Link up if you find it. Thanks for commenting, Maryanne.

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    2. they are fantastic - if they put up any video from the show I will share it. I haven't found the song but I found this completely batshit crazy Bollywood one. Worth it for the video! https://youtu.be/TITGBTGJZS8

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    3. Awesome video!! Extravagance, colour, joy, and beat. Yeah!

      Delete
  5. I know about the teeth (yours are stunning, no worries!). But I've been giving wry little smiles lately and keeping my choppers private. Love these Versace trousers!! With the socks and sandals! You are my style idol, xox

    -Patti
    http://notdeadyetstyle.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love that word choppers. Did you see There's Something About Mary? Great reference to choppers.
      The Versace label I question - I got these from a consignment shop for an impossibly cheap price. Yes, socks and sandals, I'm a style goddess. Bwahaha! My toe was being persnickety, which assisted in this style decision.
      Thanks for your comment, Patti.

      Delete
  6. Ha ha! Taking photos with the recycling. Is there a metaphor hidden there somewhere?

    You are quite brave taking photos in the dark. I'm already petrified of what I look like in the daylight hours. Also after seeing that scary movie I had nightmares all night and feel like a zombie this morning. I would be afraid that the illegal egg cartons might attack me for infringing on their territory.

    The best bit is when the guy said, "Carry on". I think only you can get away with things like this. I'm sure they would have called the the police on me.

    What about those shoes???

    bisous
    Suzanne

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    1. Hahaha. Yes, there is probably a metaphor in there. Worm to butterfly. Styrofoam to mulch...? Mel to ??? Gaaa! It's only Monday - don't give me bad dreams already.
      Yes, this shoot was a little Silence of the Lambs, Clarisse in the dark basement, especially the sound of the flash going off. And that ominous Danger door there. Not sure if I'll do it again. I want to see that movie you watched.

      I love these geta-style sandals. They were ultra discount at Topshop two or three years ago. But they give me Flipper Foot. Socks add to the appeal.

      Thanks for your comment, Suzanne. Loved your post.

      Delete
  7. 1. Photos from the Bowels - follow THAT concept, Vogue.
    2. What kind of wacky chap shows his Mum the GARBAGE STORE on her visit - whatever happened to going out to dinner? My Mum would not be impressed.
    3. Strangest photo venue ever? I don't do photos - I am so terribly unphotogenic and awkward in front of a camera.

    Next time - do accessorise with CSI gloves and tape - also an excellent venue for Keith Haring-like body outlines . Is there such a thing as fluorescent chalk?

    Elaine Monkeypaints (needs to know)

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    1. Yes, it sounds gross, being in the bowels. I like it.
      Hahaha, the man is in charge of recycling and he's wildly into saving animals and the Earth. I am laughing out loud imagining the look on my mum's face if I took her on a tour of the garbage room.
      Don't do photos? I often wish I didn't either. Heh.
      I love the idea of Keith Haring-like body outlines. This shoot was a bit freaky. Skulking, in the dark. Worrying about noises coming from empty rooms.
      Thanks, Elaine. Always so fun to hear from you.

      Delete
  8. I favor gritty garages, lighting can be tricky though, not quite pitch black though.

    My view went through the roof on March 7 and 8 too - WTH? I have no idea what to attribute it to.

    I do know my blog title meant something particularly nasty when I looked it up on Urban Dictionary. Who cares? If it expands my alternative audience, all the better.

    Looking forward to seeing a new participant of the TYSFS.

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    1. It must be daylight savings time and I am half asleep.

      Corrections - My views ...
      My post title "Bathing in the Purple Rain" meant something ...

      Delete
    2. Yes, you get some great locations, Tami. I like grit too.
      What was that on March 7? Some seismic testing of the stat-o-meter? They came from all over the world... No referrer info. Weird. Someone hates us? Loves us? Or simply there's a new bot out there.
      The new TYSFS did a magnificent job! You'll like it. Next post. It was too late for this one.

      Thanks for your comment. I'm not sure I want to know what purple rain is... I know what golden showers are(!), but purple rain?

      Delete
  9. Isn't it typical? You think you've found a nice, quiet, hidden spot all to yourself (no other humans in those photos and no rodents, either), and someone comes by giving their MOTHER a TOUR. Really!

    I've just been reading about Persephone, and then here's you - in the underbelly of the earth preparing to meet the Spring all goddess-like. I love the dichotomy of the wardrobe, warm enough for chilly rain with the anime animal (ha!) but looking forward to sun with the floral goodness of your jeans. It's all magic!

    I like coming back to see your comments, and I sometimes read everyone's. You bring out the best in your readers, and their comments are great! I'll have to start ticking the Notify me box.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. I've been having fun with the comments. I love hearing your feedback and of course I can go on and on about everything. Heh.
      Hahaha - the tour drive-by freaked me out. I wish I could have heard their conversation when they left or maybe their eyebrows and eyeballs said it all.

      I was just reading about Persephone. She is the goddess of vegetation as well, which is apt because we have a big composting program in the next room too. Haha. I should have had a sheaf of grain with me though.

      Thanks, Val, for stopping by. I'm so excited that spring is moving in. I have to clean up for her. Uuug.

      Delete
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  11. Oh no! Not the basement! You must never go down to the basement...aarrghhh! It's too late.

    I think the photos came out extremely well. Those trousers are fabulous and look lovely on you. Those sandals (?) looked like boots to me. Your scarf looks divine - I love a bit of velvet on anything - so tactile.

    You have lovely teeth so keep flashing them!!

    Veronica
    vronni60s.blogspot.com

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    1. Hahaha. Basements and drains. Both good places for screaming. I couldn't fit in the drain so I had to do the basement; plus, O has shown me what lives in the drain. They'd make good hair extensions. Eeeew!!! (Did I just write that?) I'd rather frolick with the styrofoam.

      Thank you for your compliment and comment, Veronica. (I can't comment on your blog but just to say you have the best accessories and a great thrifting eye. And your boots!)

      Delete
  12. And WHERE is the photo of you diving into the polystyrene? I was really looking forward to that one. Sad times :-)
    Loving your spring time leggings and the lurking in the dark made me giggle muchly!!!!Xx

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    1. Sorry, Kezzie. I sent my assistant in for a test dive first but she never resurfaced. Grim. I therefore made do with my arching pose. I should have tied a rope to her leg... Next time.
      Thanks for your comment!

      Delete
    2. No excuses, you must suffer for your art!!!!! Blood, sweat, tears, polystyrene-related bruises....:-)

      Delete
  13. I used to do light off flash on pics of myself in my window-less bathroom many years ago. It was like capturing a hipster ghost. The results were always amusing.

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    1. Yeah. It's a cool technique. Hipster in the headlights.
      Love your comments, Hollie.

      Delete
  14. I woke up in a furious grumpy mood today. But you bounced me out of my funk. However do you maneuver in the dark in those groovy shoes? So funny that your photo shoot was interrupted. You'll probably end up as a regular part of the building tour. The last time I encountered someone chic by the recycling pile it was a skunk. With your fuzzy bunny coat and your walk-through-the-garden pants you are far more chic than that little stinker. Plus you probably smell like fairy dust and roses.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. I wasn't too worried about the shoes because if I toppled over I had the styrofoam there to break my fall. See, I have all my angles covered. Yes, I am a lonely little petunia in an onion patch - do you know that song? It was one of my absolute favourites as a kid.
      I'm so happy your mood changed for the better. Mission accomplished. Heh. Too bad you can't come up here and play for while! With Pancake too.
      Thanks for your lovely comment, Connie.

      Delete
    2. "A lonely little petunia" Yes!!!! I know that song! I can totally relate. I hum it as I stomp around my conservative little suburb. I was notified by the lady across the street that I am known as the neighborhood eccentric. Petunia Power!

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    3. It's a great song! And do you know, "Nobody likes me, everybody hates me, I'm going to the garden to eat worms, yum, yum?" I love that one too. Petunia Power!! Right on!!

      Delete
  15. Only you could get interrupted by someones mother on a tour of the recycling area while you were being photogenic in the dark, I am sure this is now on her list of tales to tell when she is home. Your stories certainly always make my day.Spring has blossomed over those pants , hope it stays awhile.

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    1. Yes, I hope my pants stay on too, Jill.
      What are the chances of being on the mum tour? Hahaha.
      Thanks for your comment.

      Delete
  16. absolutely funny that you were caught taking potos in the recycling area! and love that you were interrupted by somebody so nice to say you 'carry on', that's fabulous!
    Always lovely to see you in your furry coats and amazing pants!, love your scarf, and love that you put a smile on my face!, thanks!
    besos

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    Replies
    1. I know, the interruption in fact provided the highlight of this shoot. It would have been a rather dry post if I hadn't had unexpected visitors.
      You always put a smile on my face too. Thanks for your comment.

      Delete
  17. Like Tralala, I'm a bit perplexed by that chap showing his Mum where the rubbish is kept. WTF?
    Glorious trousers (pants just sounds like underwear and that would have been an eye opener if the rubbish trawling bloke had encountered you taking selfies in your undies in the bowels of the building.
    Weirdest place? Pet food store, Asda, Lidl, Wetherspoons' ladies loo or the long drops at the Glastonbury Festival, take your pick! x

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    1. Hahaha, it would have been a much more interesting post if I had been rubbish diving in my undies, but who says I wear undies? Hahaha. I like the sound of trousers better too but the word felt too sophisticated for this post.
      You have some winning photo shoot locations, Vix. The best!! I'm just trying to keep up here. Love getting your comments always. xo

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    2. PS The man initiated and runs much of our building's recycling, which includes lightbulbs, composting, batteries, you name it. He probably dropped off some garbage before going out with his mum, and on the way decided to show her his program. He's an amazing guy. Volunteers at the SPCA too.

      Delete
  18. Am wondering if your spectacular big hair is due to the surprise of being caught lurking in the dark? Just when we think we've exhausted all photoshoot options you give us this splendid backdrop! Keep 'em coming. What's next I wonder? Am delighted to see a shaggy coat along with these fab trews. Keep spreading your magic xxx
    Anna
    Anna's Island style

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    1. How did you know?! When I started the shoot, my hair was absolutely flat, a little controlled pixie cut. Seeing the egg cartons raised my hackles slightly, but The Visit provided complete take off.
      Thanks so much for your comment, Anna.

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  19. Flashing in the Dark sounds so, so, exotica. And to be disturbed by a tenant and his mother, of all things! Perhaps a quick pix would have equalized things...Anyway, you have the cleanest, purest looking garbage I have ever seen. Must be a Canadian thing. Hmmm, I'll have to take a pix of me next to a pile of garbage in Chicago for you to get my drift. The only thing disrupted me would be rats.

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    1. I'm glad you noticed - our styrofoam is pure as snow. You can eat off our styrofoam. You can sleep on our styrofoam. Of course, that's not the MAIN garbage room. I haven't shown you that. And I won't unless I'm feeling super, ultra arty.
      Thanks for your comment, Pao.

      Delete
  20. Radness. Those shoes are everything. Holy sh*t. <3 Well, almost everything. That smile, though. :D Lookin' good, chicka!

    - Anna

    www.melodicthriftychic.com

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    1. Hey, Anna!! Good to see you. I know, I almost fainted when I found these shoes at super discount. Gaaa. Thanks for your comment.

      Delete
  21. You choose the most interesting and unique photo locations, which always keeps us thoroughly engaged! Experimental theatre here. Shooting in the dark creates wonder.

    I agree with Pao. You have clean garbage! My dumpster is on the other end of the continuum!

    Your ensembles are as fabulous as always! And I adore your beautiful thrifted scarf!

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    1. Back at you - your locations are always so diverse and interesting too. Yes, it's a surrealist bag of recycling you see. Very cool.
      Thanks for stopping by and your comment, Judith.

      Delete
  22. Howdie Melanie, apologies for being so late.
    Why can't we recycle egg cartons? Is it because one may have leaked?
    Weirdest place - well, I did take a recent photo at work when I was sitting on the toilet!

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    1. Sitting on the toilet? Bwahaha! And no one the wiser I suspect.
      I don't know about the egg cartons - the genetics of foam structure?
      Thanks for being here, Carol!

      Delete
  23. Was he British???? 'Carry on' said in a slightly arched but insouciant way sounds terrrrrribly, terrrrribly British! I bet that was the highlight of his Mum's visit to be perfectly frank. I mean for goodness sake you gave her a surprise, internal springtime blossom and a shaggy coat. What's not to love?

    http://petitesilvervixen.blogspot.co.uk/

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    1. Haha, no, not British. He also asked me when he was leaving if he should leave the light off or on.
      Thanks for your comment.

      Delete
  24. I am a bit of a scardy cat.. so in the dark?? With suddenly people entering the space?? My heart would take a leap to get out passed my teeth (you have indeed wonderful teeth; I envy you for them). What was he doing downstairs in that place with his mother? Why on earth would he go there? Did O tell him you were there? I think it looks rather clean there. Of course I cannot smell it.
    I love your last photo. I like to see you smile and be happy. Gorgeous smile, gorgeous teeth, fantastic scarf, the blue of which matches your lovely blue eyes. The scarf will have been expensive... Why would anyone want to sell it at a low price? I never part with my scarves. And then the O-ring with ruby.... You picked a good guy.
    Greetje

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    1. If I thought about where I was too much, I got scared, yes. The stickers on that door are very forbidding and ominous. OF COURSE I won't go in there!!! Everyone walks by the hall I was in as they go to the main trash room, so I was glad of the darkness.
      I was wondering about the scarf too. It's exquisite. But you know what it's like, you have a great piece and nobody wants it, so you donate it. This one was maybe $8 at My Sister's closet...
      Yes, O is a spectacular winner!! I am so lucky and don't I know it.

      Delete
  25. I can't believe these photos were taken in the dark, they turned out quite fabulous...I love your sense of your humour and your writing...and your locations are ever so interesting!

    your friend coming along just as you were taking the photos...what are the odds? but connected with recycling, it seems quite appropriate because this garbage looks sorted...I see only plastic items...nothing that could be smelly.

    Those pants are to die for btw:) You look amazing!!!!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. I was shocked how bright the photos were coming out. I loved to be blinded by that flash - it was a mysterious thing to see how you look in the dark.
      This is the cleanest garbage area of the building, definitely.
      Thanks for your comment, Ivana.

      Delete
  26. The jewellery that O has made for you is amazing, lucky girl to have him!! I'm not good in the dark, there would be a mixture of startled, horror, and mischief if I tried in the dark selfies!!

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    1. O makes me the best things. Whenever he gets new equipment he makes me something new so of course I encourage him to buy equipment all the time! Hahaha.
      Selfies in darkness won't be a blog staple here either, but it was fun for something different.
      Thanks for visiting, Sue!

      Delete
  27. You do "Surly" and "Happy" equally well, although I am particularly fond of your surly face. You need to make a sign that you carry with you for your photoshoots that says "Move Along, Nothing to See Here". Obviously the guy who said "Carry On" understands you. I would like to try different backgrounds but in my place there is either the front porch or the backyard.

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  28. As always, your fabulously eclectic outfits and your gloriously out-there photoshoots put a smile on my face! Alongside the rubbish pile? priceless! I also love the idea of the flash catching you in whatever expression happens at the time. It's a form of performance art, in a way. I'm so boring. You inspire me to lift my game. :)

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