Day 183: You Don’t have to Monetize Every Hobby

I’ve loved sewing my whole life. I also have a new sewing machine that I’ve hardly used for about 8 years. I want to sew, but never had the time or made the time to do it. As a kid, I spent heaps of time sewing with mum. I even started my first business in grade 3 sewing gym bags for classmates. Early into quarantine, I took the time to make things for the pure enjoyment of making them. I did heaps of tie-dye, turmeric dye, made friendship bracelets, and practised line drawing on iPad. The art of creating gives me so much joy. It inspires creativity in other areas of my life. I loved sharing the things I made on social media and mailing some to friends. I was reminded you don’t have to monetize every hobby, it’s incredibly freeing to create for the sake of creating. This weekend, I started sewing again. I took a few items of clothing that were ripped or on their way to donations and made a few scrunchies. The big pink ones are a soft rayon fabric and flop when you doa top know. they used to be part of Joe Fresh shirt from years ago that had a mark on it. It was so fun to make them and patch together my old clothes to make new patterns. I spent most the day sewing, listening to music, watching Netflix, and letting my creative juices flow. After posting my creations, I had a few people saying they want to buy or ask where to order. I’m not there yet, I might never be! For now, the Quarantine 2.0 version of me is Casie Sew-Art. I’m back at my machine baby, who knows what I’ll create next!

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Thanks Converse.ca ?✌? New Shoes for Me! New Shoes for You!

In celebration of converse.ca (Welcome to ?? !) they sent an awesome package. The box is an old computer with a lenticular screen, and it’s full of disks. A couple disks have codes for FREE SHOES and I’m sharing then w you. YAY! I gave a pair to Matt @ 1188 to test shipping. Ordered Friday shipped Monday, on his feet Tuesday in TO from Montreal. Every summer I get a new pair of white Converse because after wearing them all summer with no socks, trust me, they’re worn out done.  I’d like a pair of white leather hightops but I also love the little white Dainty. Really feeling the Nike X Flyknit but they only come in mens sizes and my feet are too small. ? The new Converse II  soles are more comfortable. They’re a great summer staple, love them with dresses or jeans, shorts, and rompers. They’re my fav. I have a framed photo of my Andy Warhol converse in my room and another couple pairs tucked away in under bed storage for safe keeping; an Andy Warhol pair and classic Chuck Taylor high tops with my signature on the tongue.  HOW TO WIN? LEAVE A COMMENT! ?? Scroll over to converse.ca, find your fav shoes, and say hi in the comments w/ a link to your fav pair. I’ll pick two people and shoes will be delivered to you anywhere in Canada. Extra points for good manners, jokes, or kind words. GOOD LUCK! ?  

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What a Legend Steve Jobs. You continue to inspire me.

To mark the one-year anniversary of Steve Jobs’ death, Apple replaced their homepage with a tribute video to Steve Jobs and a letter from CEO Tim Cook.The 1-minute, 45-second video on Apple.com features black-and-white still images and quotes from Jobs. “It’s in Apple’s DNA that technology alone is not enough — it’s technology married with liberal arts, married with the humanities, that yields us the result that makes our heart sing and nowhere is that more true than in these post-PC devices,” Jobs’ voice can be heard saying on the video, a quote taken from the iPad 2 launch in March 2011. My office is all Mac everything and so am I. He changed my life 🙂 This is my FAV Apple video, released in 1997 for the Think DIfferent campaign. Here’s to the crazy ones! <3 CASIE

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The Weekend: Light, Bright

The moon is very bright tonight, the lake is full of light.

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Don’t forget it.

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Dreams, Films, Marriage, Comedy, Crop Tops, & Waterfalls

Hello & happy Friday! I’m at 1188 Films doin’ some work today. I had the weirdest dream last night. I documented it in audio when I woke up. I hope you enjoy it. He is in Toronto in September, it must be a sign. New episode of my show on Coral actually comes out Friday next week (my bad!) and then one each week thereafter. Here’s a screenshot of me wearing a crop top I made from an Epilogger shirt. DIY FTW. I was also reminded of this wonderful jam this morning and it’s been stuck in my head for hours. Guess what? YOU CAN HAVE IT NOW! Have an awesome day!

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Here the ship sailed out into the blue and sunny morn…

The sweetest sight ever seen.

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I named him Isaac, after Newton.

Who?! A new someone… Isaac Newton joins Andy Warhol & James Dean as the important units in my life, my computers. Why Isaac? He’s  “considered by many to be the greatest and most influential scientist who ever lived.” I’ve named one after an artist, one after an actor and I wanted to name this one after a scientist. Newton talked about  universal gravitation, laws of motion, the universe, attraction and I’m into that. I name my gadgets after inspiring men in history because I spend so much time with them. Technologic boyfriend. They fuel my creativity. Computers are boys names, cameras are girls. Thanks Dell. I’m not used to using a PC even though I’ve only been Mac for less than a year. Time flies eh? Started a new sketchbook and working on some creative ideas for the year. Have an Ultrabook, tips, or any questions about the device? LMK.  I’m ready to test it to it’s fullest and compare it to my darling little Macbook Air. Tomorrow I’m giving away those Palladium shoes to some lovely young lady so if you have small feet and would like to me send them to you, leave a comment on the post here. I’ll send them to anyone in the world but will pay for shipping anywhere in North America. 🙂 Spending the night at home w/ Keri Blog, blogging, watching movies and drinking the Sapporo beer I had a few vouchers for.  I’m hoping we don’t dip into the tequila that was delivered today but y’never know! Have an awesome day.

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MASS EXODUS, 3F, PEACOCK PARADE SALE & GAGA

Hallo & guten morgen! I woke up earlier than my alarm, reckon that’s a true sign of a happy life. Lots to do this week! OK, LEGGGGGGGO! Thursday is MASS EXODUS the annual fashion show put on by Ryerson University’s School of Fashion. I attended the show in 2010 wich featured a rad performance by Fritz Helder. This year I’m working with one of the sponsors, 3F and I’ll be attending Thursday for media night. Promo video for Ryerson’s MASS EXODUS 2012: Today I get to see all those photos from the super professional shoot I had last week w/ Adrian Fiebig. I’m pretty stoked. Planned a new tattoo I’m getting Friday, y’know, Friday the 13th. I used to hate the day until I took charge and got a tattoo I loved one fine Friday the 13th many moons ago (story here). It was way back when I had no tattoos on my arms at all. Well, that’s never gonna happen again! New tattoo goes with Sailor Jerry sleeve theme and there’s a heart and a girl involved. SWORN TO SECRECY! Ok, jk, it’s kinda like this. This afternoon I’m heading to the fashionable Burroughes Building at 639 Queen St. The Peacock Parade and their event partners, Foxy Originals, Luved Clothing and This Is J. Have you checked out Peacock Parade before? I’m just about to make my very first purchase! The company is a Toronto based startup that offers different sales each day on really, really nice designer items. Looking good is feeling good baby! Deets on the Peacock Parade Pop-up Shop: Remember how excited the world was when this game out? I’m feeling Gaga inspired today so I just watched it again. Have fun with it stuck on your head ALL DAY! BTW my Hunger Games obsession has been taken to a new level, I ordered a Mockingjay pendant from Etsy. OBSESSED.…

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Going Home

Older people always tell you ‘time goes fast then’ you get older and you become that person. It’s true. Both things. When I get really drained from life & the city I like going back to my home town. I grew up in Cambridge, Ontario, I went there this weekend. Have you been? It’s quite lovely, and quiet and you can see way more stars. I have a group of friends there that I always see. One even lives across the street in Toronto but I pretty much only get together him when we’re all home for a holiday. It’s awesome. No matter how tired I get from travel, events, work life, nothing reenergizes me like some home cooking and chatting at a familiar place with the crew.  Other great re-energizers are yoga and cottages. This weekend has for once (in a longish while) been really relaxing. Saturday night I had a hot tub and went to bed early. Friday night I had poutine and some serious Draw Something. Add me: casiestewart.  We all get so busy and technology is such a part of our lives that it’s really hard to shut off. Ok not for everyoneeeee but lots of us. Especially me. I’m sitting in my old room at Mum’s as I wrote this and it’s quite magical how inspiring it is for creativity. Tonight her and I went on a date to see Hunger Games and I loved it; girls night AND the actual movie. Have you seen it? The fashion made me really excited for Halloween. Or whenever! Look at those lashes and hair. I love this, I do. Hat gloves, earings, eyebrows, lipstick. I know I’m late to the boat but sheesh, why didn’t anyone inform me of this. There was even love story! The movie used 35 full-time makeup artists. And there were…

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DREAMS WITH SHARP TEETH

Morning! I’ve been added as a speaker to a second panel during Social Media Week and this one is probably the most personal talk I’ve even agreed to take part in. It’s about to get deep, we’re talking ANXIETY. One of the things that gives me the most anxiety and possibly you too, is not having money. I’ve gone through lots of ups & downs in my life and I don’t come from money so all I have, is all I’ve earned. When I returned from Australia I was so skinny from living on next to nothing I looked like Nicole in her anorexic days, not by choice. It’s hard to carve out a way to get paid for what you love doing. Especially as a creative person. Last summer I wrote a post about how you can’t pay me in chips or chocolate bars. I got sick and tired of people asking me to do work for them in return for things I don’t need. What would I do with a bunch of chips & chocolate? I go to the gym for a reason! Helloooooo. If they (whoever is asking) are getting a paycheque and are asking me to do work, I should get paid too. You wouldn’t believe some of the extreme things I get asked to to in return for ‘publicity’. I turn down way more than I accept. (That’s not to say I don’t love getting a few freebie’s along the way!) Lauren posted this video that’s an excerpt from an upcoming documentary on Harlan Ellison, “DREAMS WITH SHARP TEETH“. He’s an excellent writer and inspiring man. I’m sure you will enjoy it. My startup disk is full so I’ll be spending the afternoon moving TO THE CLOUD. Have a spectacular day. It’s lovely & sunny in Toronto 🙂

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Have Confidence in Your Business

Watched this talk last night by Mike Monteiro about being a person who works in the business of being creative. He talks about relationship building and uses good language. The start is amusing and I learned a few things. I drew on iPad while he was talking. He brings in his lawyer, who is quite insightful. Especially when it comes to how to take care of client service contracts as a small business. Sounds boring but it’s not. I watched the whole thing. Having a business lawyer like Weisblatt Law Firm can really help expand and build on your business in the best way possible with sorting out legalities. If the person you are working with has their lawyer on the call, you should have yours. 2011/03 Mike Monteiro | F*ck You. Pay Me. from San Francisco Creative Mornings I like when he says ” I would like designers to stop being bottoms, realize the power you have in the relationship”. (You’ll enjoy that part I’m sure.) I love listening to entrepreneurs talk. It’s like candy for your brain. At the end he says something that I say to you and myself like, errrrrrrry day. Go do something awesome.

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THERE’S NOTHING WE CAN’T DO

I want a balloon tree. I always have. The Balloon Tree by Phoebie Gilman was one of my favourite books as a child. We used to read heaps of books. Each summer Jenie and I would join the Summer Reading Club at the Preston library. I spent so much of my childhood at that place. I was either there, the dance studio, or gymnastics. I’m pretty sure I had my first reading by Robert Munsch at the Preston library.  I remember meeting Phoebie Gilman and having my photo taken with her. Authors were my celebrities back then.  When I wrote ‘Jeans: an anthology of poetry & prose‘ in 1996 we had our book launch there. We sold over 80 books that night and one dollar from the sale of each went to the Women’s Crisis Shelter.  It was a magical night. I’l never forget how good it feels sitting there signing your own book for a lineup of people. I’ve been (slowly) working on another  book. Write more, read more, that’s what I keep telling myself. I’m a big believer in the power of positive thought and a few things I’ve been thinking about lately are libraries and speaking. Not necessarily together but in general. The crazy thing is, I got an email from Marketing Magazine asking me to speak at an event next month and guess where it is? A LIBRARY. My favourite library in the city, Toronto Reference. We’re talking youth culture and the founder of VICE Magazine will also be there talking about The Creators Project between Vice & Intel. I’ve been a Vice fan for about ten years and have a diploma in marketing so this is all quite exciting. THERE IS NOTHING WE CAN’T DO. The Creators Project is really cool and well, CREATIVE. “I have…

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What time is it?

Time to get up. Time to get off the couch. Time to pick up the phone and make that call. Time to start living. Time to start loving. Time to make that list of things you want to accomplish and not let anything get in the way. Time to let go. Time to take abreak. Time to make a move. Time to sit back and relax. Time to do something. Time to break free. You’ve  got the whole world in your hands.

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A Little Razzle Dazzle in the Press

Sitting in the Product Development Centre at the Henry Ford Museum listening to a panel discussion on creativity, design, ideas, innovation & inspiration. It’s pretty neat because it’s not all Ford people there’s a mix of ages & backgrounds. I’m not gonna go into detail on it now so I  can actually pay attention. This photo was posted yesterday by Ford Europe from the Fusion press conference yesterday. Overalls from H&M, shirt StyleMint & vintage scarf from CTS. Today I was quoted in the Detroit Free Press and the article is here. There’s a video of Joallore too. We’re representing Toronto here in the 313! “There’s really cool booths where it’s like they’re not just appealing to you buying a car, but they want to create an experience for you – which is really cool,” said Casie Stewart, also a blogger from Toronto. Have an awesome day. I’m off to Vegas tonight for CES. Ahhhhhhhh! Exciting 🙂 xo CASIE  

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Anyone from Twitter YOU would like to meet?

Blogged before bed last night because I had to get up early and go to the office. Ok, I didn’t HAVE to go to an office but I decided to get my booty to Edelman’s Toronto office to meet David Armano their Global EVP from Chicago. I’ve been following @armano on Twitter for YEARS. Sometimes I get people saying they’ve followed me for ages and they’re excited when WE meet, this is one of those people for ME. the power of a post: social media with love I wrote a blog post about him on January 6, 2009 when I WITNESSED him raise money to help a friend who had fallen into an unfortunate situation. It was heart touching to watch as the donation meter on his blog post “Please help Daniella’s Family” went up and up. As I followed along, they raised $12K in 24HR! He’s a rad guy and today we get to meet in person. Today is going to be awesome 🙂 Make the most of it, you’re younger today than you will be again! James Dean reading poetry, 1955

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TedXToronto: September 23, 2011

I’m happy to my acceptance as a Delegate for  TedXToronto on September 23! I attended last  year and it was quite riveting. For details on how you can take part in the conference go here. There’s a few speakers this year I know personally so I’m really looking forward to being there. Not sure who the hosts are. These are two of my favourite videos from the speaker vids created by my friends at The Biz Media. First up is Movember co-founder Adam Garone and second Rob Spence. Reckon you’ll find them quite moving 🙂 Dropped off a bday present for Emma at Sammy’s work today and have had this song stuck in my head. It’s real pretty. Give a listen, you will like it too. Tonight is the Diet Coke TIFF party. Two more nights of TIFF before it’s over! Gah. Mega tiring. Gonna take a city break and go visit Mum this weekend.

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Art Battle 17 at The Great Hall: Paint by Numbers

And by numbers… I mean Pemberton & Plashkes, the creators of Art Battle. Their numbered shirts equal seventeen. Eight is my fav number, I have one tattooed on my right arm. If you have never been to Art Battle, follow them on Twitter here and stay tuned for the next one. It’s one of the most awesome things that happens in this wonderful city. Competitive painting for the WIN. Paint pr0n. THIS is how you do event shirts. These babies were all up for grabs. Painted that night, silent auction. I really liked this one. Bid was $150, I didn’t go for it. Jack will always be in our thoughts. The ones without bids are DESTROYED. See video here. Hello new friend blog fan, Twitter peep. (Please tell me your Twitter if/when you see this!) Queen West art hipster types in full force. You can tell there are deep thoughts going on here and I like it. Smart, arty & handsome. Winning combo 😉 Painting in the final round. Counting up the votes. Simon & the winner of the Art Battle 17 David McKenzie. David & his is final painting. “Let’s destroy some paintings” Paint on the clothes is a good style I reckon.   Maybe some for me next time? I like to paint too. Some serious talent at these things. I know for sure you will enjoy yourself. I’ll keep you posted on the next one.

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exhibitIKEA: realms of bliss realms of light some are born to sweet delight

I cruised by this the night before it opened and snapped a bunch of shots in the dark. Yesterday I creeped into the beautiful art installation exhibit by IKEA at King & Peter. It’s in collaboration with Canadian fashion designer David Dixon, fashion & design photographer George Whiteside, sculptor Bruno Billio and Thrush Holmes, popular artist, painter & owner of Thrush Holmes Empire. I love the creativity. I could live here. Maybe one day I will.     These photos were taken the night before it opened and shot from outside.

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What would you do with the $250,000 if you were the Protector of the Caramilk Secret?

With $250,000? I would like to do what I’m doing now but MORE HUGE. TV on the Internet. I would go on TV shows and talk about my new show and travel the world more and tell you all about it and it would be so fun awesomazing. A dream come true. I would have huge parties and you would all come. It’s been a while since I did  a contest and I reckon it’s time to bring it BACK. To Enter: Answer in the comments: “What would you do with the $250,000 if you were the Protector of the Caramilk Secret? “ Prize: Goodies from Caramilk valued at $50 (three winners). Prize will be shipped to you and contest closes August 26th. You must be in Canada. There are still six more keys to be found across Canada. The winner could be you. For details on the big Cadbury Secret Contest see Facebook/Caramilk. If you find a key, Secret Agents come to your house and meet you and them you come to Toronto, go to the factory and see if you have the key to the real Caramilk Secret. If you have the secret, you get $250,000 and more chocolate than you could ever eat. Gah!

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I’m in love with this app today.

 …magically your closet is a shop of beautiful things.  Made using Comic Book for iPad. New fav app. I always wanted to make a comic of my adventures. I wanna fight some bad guys and make the world a better place. Have you ever worked your arms from driving? Today I used Softsign to download & edit a PDF, type changes & sign all from iPad with ease. Amazing device. I am also in LOVE with Spotify. How did I get it to work when I’m in Canada? Used my Klous Perk invite code to sign up while in the USA (Boston) and… it still works! Been loving all kinds of tunes the last week. Liking suggestions and seeing what other people have in lists. I usually work in silence but I’m enjoying more music lately. Welcome to THE FUTURE.

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Be creative. Be yourself. Have fun. Get off the computer.

Saw this on O’Nizzle’s blog today and I dig it. Think you will too. What do you do to be creative? I like to let my mind wander. I like long walks by myself. I like to play outside. I love my sketchbook. I like to draw with pastels. I cut up old clothes and make new ones. I call old friends. Classical music. Reminding myself I can do anything. Cleaning my closet. Coffee. Painting. Dancing with arms over head. Writing is especially fun for me. I like poetry, reading, writing mostly. Photography & close up shots on the camera. Old music & fun memories. I like watching Annie Hall or Dead Poets Society. I enjoy sitting by the lake. Running in the rain. Friends are good too. I like to let my mind wander. I guess you could say I’m Borderline Artistic.

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QUAD BLOG.

Made this today w/ Raymi the Minx. Enjoy. Das funny.

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art is a battlefield: art battle eleven, toronto

It is a sight to be seen, a scene worth attending. Magnificent in nature. Impressive in size and appearance. Majestic, dignified, grandeur. Painters, painting. In the middle of an open room… …where people look and stare. I liked this one. This was a naked man in a stairwell (painting). Did not win. He asked people walking by “how do you spell descending?” it was charming, so innocent and real he was. I live for realness. This is Simon. He’s my friend who is good looking smart, tall, and fun. He is single and I would love one of my friends to date him. He did not pay me to say this. He is one of the inventors of Art Battle/awesome. This is me… Levis Curve jeans | vintage long wool camel coat | motorola milestone, telus | reading a podcast, Picard | shoes from Aldo, Raymi has same | vintage knit hat | gaga round purse H&M | nella bella change purse | artsy lady beside me with paint on her pants The artist I liked won his round and got to go to the finals. Against this girl… Cheers for Gingers. He won, with this painting. I liked it. I would have bid on it but I bough Courtney’s painting, she is married to Porter. I was hoping I would get to see her because I didn’t see her yet and I missed her round of painting at the start. She is preggers and they are having a baby. I’m happy for them. Being in love is a wonderful thing. I am in love every day. This is her painting…my painting. At the end this guys painting was DESTROYED> YES DESTROYED. Look close. Laying paint on paint in  front of a crowd to eff his painting right up. Bring…

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Better to write for yourself and have no public, than to write for the public and have no self.

Title is a quote by Cyril Connolly an English intellectual, literary critic and writer. I learned this today while watching Criminal Minds. I was working on a couple blog posts for my .com while publishing tumblr, posterous, twitter & facebook. I have ADD. Hey tower. I really like that quote. I’ve been writing this blog for a while and although I have written for many other companies in different voices, the one I am most true to is my own. I began this blog to keep more memories and it started getting more popular as I got better at it.  We grew together and we are forever growing & changing. I find I’m my best when writing about something I really love & believe in. This is my life.  I can hear my Mum chuckle in my head, I’m reminded of her telling me how I loved myself and used to stare into the mirror for hours telling stories. Some things don’t change, I love me and life and I’m happy to share that light with you. I’d like to share this too. Optimism is contageous.

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saturday magazine review: vanity fair march 2011

this is what we call the peanut gallery. this is the closest i’ve come to reading a book lately. that should change but i love the internet so much, why should we not have/do what we love? here we go… sequin lacoste number – yes, totally unconventional chic… like, no way i’m wearing that anywhere but in this very blog post mmmmm’k. will i be wearing this when the weather warms up? i just got ruffle socks from american apparel. i have a fatal attraction to cuteness. i would like to write like this for a brand ex. grey goose. i guess that would come with working via agency?  i am good at creative writing, you don’t even see my good stuff.  someone please let me to show off for you. i would also like to take a dance class soon. i wanna be in magazines top 40 high earners: top 12 are men, first woman, lucky #13, is kristen stewart. team stewart all the way. manniston is #18 and a.jolie #21. james cameron is #1. this list make me smile cause i’m a stewart and i’m canadian. hehe. the man is toast. hypnotic nerd gaze. smartert than i? no. THIS is UGG > Australia. not canadian winter you idiots. stop insulting the brand and yourself by wearing these booties in the snow/slush/rain/winter. it is not working for you, it never will. the end. can i have one of these, pretty please? and thank you. what IS in a name? Leonardo Dicaprio – Appian Way: in Italy, found a road names Appian Way while filming Gangs of New York, “the road on which the Roman Army marched as they set out to conquer the world” he thought a good name for a company starting out. Kevin Spacey – Trigger Street…

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things i slept with last night

green scarf fron france that matches my eyes, the heater on, prince perry shirt, social media week sticker, mascara, orange hat from someone i love. tv remote, a gold angel (thry are everywhere), vintage orange bead necklace, motorola milestone & bakflip android phones, a black metal stapler, the wall street journal with me in it from earlier this week, casiestewart.com biz card, virgin provocateur biz card, a plastic bag, headphones, pink heart shaped glasses, my laptop robert, my ipad andy, a robot, glitter, watter bottle. a friends jogging pants, tahnee’s old wool sweater, happy thoughts, creativity, casie ring over a special tattoo, my retainer. a long red wig. a red crystal heart, a view of the airport, a burn on my finger, thoughts of you. i think this might be a new series,  there’s always clothes & gadgets around here. today i really need to clean my room.

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