I didn’t see you on Skype so I am writing to you here. I know as soon as you get internet on the boat, this is where you go. I want to wish you a Happy Mother’s Day, this year, it’s that special one we share. I wish that I could hug you today.

Jenie is on her way over now & we’re gonna cheers to you. Thank you for encouraging me to be unique, to make my own path & leave a trail and for supporting me in all I do.

You truly are an amazing human being. I love you.

I woke up this morning determined to find my hot pink photo album and bring back some memories. I didn’t find it but I did come across a bunch of things that made me feel fond about friends, happy about starting a new year and proud of things I’ve done. This was me at Mum’s house on my 21st birthday, eight years ago.

This was me at Mum’s house on my 21st birthday, eight years ago.

A few months after that photo I shipped off to Australia for university. This was right before the airport, my family. There was a time where I thought I’d never get Mum & Dad together for a photo but such is no longer the case. I grew up so much that year I was away.

This was at The Moose in Kitchener (anyone from there will recognize it!) the day I got back from Aus. I was so tiny, all my friends were like “where did your boobs go?”.  I left at about 125lb and came back barely 100. Living at the beach is a great diet.

I figure today, my birthday is as good of a day as any to share some memories of where I came from/how I got here. One thing that always changes, is my hairstyle. I’ve had so many colours. Teen model.

That was not the end of teen modeling. Oh no, there was much more.

And more.

After I won this pageant I did all kinds of fashion shows. It was really fun to be honest. I got lots of practice being in front of the camera, walking on stage and it introduced me to some people at Gap where I got my first ever real job.

I had braces for about two years in high school. This was during my Gap days. I loved the 50% discount and used to wear Gap Kids all the time. I still like Gap, always will I reckon.

I went through a stage where I used to get braids all the time. Our friend Hannan “Handy Hannah” would come over and do it for us. It kills your head. I also used to wear hemp necklaces. I even made a few.

See that photo in the background? Cover of the Toronto Sun Oct/Nov 2001. It spells “RON!”, I’m the ‘O’.

I got called for the shoot when Ron was gonna leave CBC & hockey night in Canada over something. I didn’t know who Ron McLean was until that day. I’d been stung by a bee on my elbow right before my driver picked me up. It KILLED. I took a town car to the Toronto Sun office from Cambridge.

I had CARPE DIEM in my room for years. Biz card is from Want Boutique in Toronto. Used to take day trips to the city with Dad and his GF. We’d always go into Want and pick out something for ourselves. I love shopping with Dad.

In highschool, my room was painted purple after it had been covered in Sharpie by every person who ever came over to hang out. My house was somewhat of a party house place where the kids could hang. I loved Britney Spears too.

I loved Britney Spears too. Still do.

We took a road trip near Chicago one summer to visit Luke. He was playing baseball there. I wonder if I will ever go dark hair again. I look like a totally different person with dark hair.

One summer I got my wisdom teeth out. It was hilarious. My cheeks were HUGE!

Jenie & I at the batch in New Zealand on the sheep farm riding Uncle Jimmy’s tractor. When people ask where I see myself in five years, I often say here. Away from everything.

Massive seals behind us here, that’s Lisa my cuz in the red with my sister. She’s Maori but her Dad is Mum’s twin bro so they kinda look alike. She’s grown up/married now. All my cousins are, Jenie & I are the lone rangers.

Remember this? Jays won the World Series. Mum took us out of school and we came to Toronto for the day. She never wanted us to miss out on big events.

Oh man, this one time in Australia I made Cheryl and I these ghost costumes. We were trying to eat KFC without taking them off. The thing was, in Australia they don’t really celebrate Halloween so when we walked around like this ‘Ghost’ wasn’t the first thing that came to mind. Eh, whoops!

Cheryl is getting married in two weeks. Ah, I can’t believe it! I used to wear coloured contacts too BTW.

Summer – what am I drinking, Mike’s Hard? Ew.

In 2006 we wore the cutest outfits to Pride. Jenie, Randy & I were on a BPM, CP24, and a whole bunch of other places. I googled for the next two weeks and kept finding photos of us showing up all around the world, mostly in Asia. Always dress cute/sexy when you go to Pride.

I used to go to rock shows more often. Kory is my partner in crime for that, she’s always got the pulse on what/where good bands are playing. She’s coming from out West to visit soon & her BF is playing Horseshoe. Will keep you posted ok.

Jenie had dark black hair for about two years. It looked so good one her. Gay – dark again?

LB – Lisa Baker was my bestie growing up. We made friends in grade one and hung out 27/4 as kids. Riding bikes, chasing boys. Think the movie Now & Then, that’s us. She just left me a real cute VM. ILU!

One year I attended the Fashion Cares Gala with some colleagues. My first job in Toronto & out of uni was at YM Inc. I thought I wanted to be in the fashion industry for a major retailer, I was wrong. I started my blog that same year.

One of the girls who became my BFFF at that job was Rayanne. She also helped by get my URL and I bought that baby for 10 years. Thanks Rayanne!

Ok, now some love for my Mama. She brough me into this world and encouraged me ever single day to be myself and follow my dreams.

Mum, you are so cool. Happy Mothers Day! You are a constant inspiration.

Thank you for the birthday wishes friends. I’m happy & blessed to be surrounded by awesome people. I’m excited for the next year and every year thereafter! Last year I achieved goals & accomplished things, at times, I only believed were a dream. I’m ready to make more dreams come true this year! Hiyaaaaaaaaaaaaa!

P.S. How nice is this!

My baby, she’s gone to the Bike Doctor. At first diagnosis, it’s not lookin’ too good.

Went to Curbside Cycle to drop off my ride and check out the shop. We had a really fun time. Photo looks like the thing is in my mouth. Haha. Team Boston will get a kick of of that I’m sure! So many cool bikes there.

Watched this totally awesome TED talk yesterday. The cloud thing at the end for the London Olympics is mind blowing but don’t skip the start. Hope it inspires you 🙂

Today I’m at U of T with Keri hosting CUTC (The Canadian Undergraduate Technology Conference). In a nutshell, CUTC is “passionate young students gathering to discuss and learn about the newest and coolest ways the world is changing”. Check out the speakers here (Reddit guy, Kiva founder etc.).

We’re in for lots of red shirts and heaps of students. Beauty day out there though!

If you’re in the audience reading this – HIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

CUTC is Canada’s largest, longest-running student-organized technology conference. 2011 will be its 12th year. CUTC brings together hundreds of the country’s brightest students for two days in the heart of downtown Toronto, and gives them a chance to interact with technology in ways that school can’t. This includes incredible keynote speakers, intimate breakout sessions, and a wide variety of activities and competitions bringing together students and tech. CUTC 2011 is about sharing the stories behind changes in technology, about answering the “how” and “why” more than just the “what”.

A My City Lives tweet inspired me yesterday morning. I was thinking about the things I share and the things others share and how much I care about what I share.

This week I’ve been thingking heaps about creativity, creative thinking and large of a role it plays in my life. Had a nice chat with Mum and she said “You either have creativity or you don’t, you can’t learn it“. She reminded me I was very creative as a child in everything I did. I always liked to create my own way to do things from getting dressed to assignments in school.

This one time I had to make a new paper mache bowl for my teacher art Mrs. Mack. We had an assignment to make a bowl in class and while everyone was making them, I decided to use magazine, cover it it text, laquer it up and add colorful photos. I might have painted in it too. I can’t rememeber. Anyhow, Mum came to the auction event at school to buy my bowl and my bloody teacher had hid the damn thing.  We asked the teacher as my Mum was about to throw a snap and she went and grabbed it FROM THE CLASSROOM.

Mum was livid. You don’t wanna piss off Mum. Trust me. Mum made a deal that I would make a new bowl for the teacher and she handed over $5 and bought my artwork.

I had forgot about this happening until Mum reminded me this week. She said “Remember how fast you made that bowl for your teacher, Casie?“. I don’t remember that well but I do remember it was really fast. I used to sit at the Kitchen table and write poems in batches. The more creativity I share, the more I have.

Sharing is caring. Girl you know it’s true.

Tasty brekky. Good coffee.

Unicorn skirt.

Went to see Morgan C. Ross play at Ballroom Bowl last night. You know Morgan is on the MuchMusic top 20 right now? Truth.

SO META: Casie Stewart in Casie Stewart, Galen (Tiny Danza) in Tiny Danza. Y’know how we do. haha.

Hinto made this shirt for me in 2009 for the very first Twestival. Coincidentally TODAY is my Twitter 3rd ANNIVERSARY. Gifts for 3rd anniv are leather in case you were wondering.

Then I saw some Tweeps on the street. Hey guys!

Then I ran into Stephen from HOT-Lanta. We met Tuesday at FITC.

I was teaching him how to do gang signs. Ghetto fabulous.

BLOG GANG LEADER. L-Tribe.

Then I put glitter everywhere. Glitter graffiti.

Remember I did sames last week @ Yuk Yuks. Funny 🙂

No I’m not talking about my favourite Marilyn Monroe movie, I’m talking about the biggest documentary festival in North America! Hot Docs! The Toronto fest is running until May 8th so I’ve been trying to see as many docs as I can! So far? So awesome!

Here are my top 3 must see documentaries from the fest:

Dragonslayer

Fast. Fun. Beautiful. Raw. Rad. It’s no wonder that it’s the SXSW 2011 Documentary winner. The film organically captures moments of punk skateboarder Josh “Screech” Sandoval’s life.  A mix of stunning cinematography and point of view hand-held footage. Not to mention the perfectly fitting soundtrack.

You’ve Been Trumped – Thursday May 5th 1pm and Sunday May 8th 12:30pm @ The Cumberland

Exposing the Donald for the ruthless monster that he is! Donald Trump taking over a small Scottish town + A journalist = trouble. I don’t want to give too much away, but I was shocked at Trumps behavior. Worth the watch without a doubt.

Kumaré – Sunday May 8th 3:30pm @ The Cumberland

My favourite of the fest so far. A funny yet very interesting look into what happens when a New Age skeptic decides to try his hand at becoming a Guru! Think Borat with more meaning and heart.

Well! There are my picks! Check em out and tell me what you think! Have you made it out to any Hot Docs? What do you recommend?

xo Kate

I’m a passionate Google lover and have been for many years. Google is a huge part of my life every day. My calendars, photos, emails, blogs, buzz, searches. The web really IS what you make of it.

Thank you to the lovely Stephen Greenwood in LA for sharing.

Mum, I think if you every day. Often when I am writing my blog,  I am writing stories to you. I hope you are happy & safe. I miss you.

Have an awesome day 🙂

I pick this, I wish I could sing like the most amazing ever, have the voice of an angel. I mean, I can do a wicked Lady Gaga at karaoke but I’m no Whitney Houston. Anyhoo, this kid, omg this kid is AMAZING. Holy moly. I watched it a few times, reckon I should share the goods instead of hoarding. You are without a doubt going to be seeing 14 year old kid. Enjoy!

One more thing, Prince Harry in his undies. Gah! So much talent in this post.

My birthday is May 8th (Sunday) and I always do something really fun with friends. This year, I’m breaking the mold and having a party online! Kinda 😉

I’m saving the hippity-hooplah I usually cook up for a gun-blazing-rager next year when  I turn 30.

I know I know, I look so young and cute! How could it possibly be? Me almost 30, I know it’s hard to believe. Stop, please. I’m blushing. You guys are so sweet, seriously, I LOVE YOU.

To be honest, there’s only one thing I want this year and he’s 11″ of skinny, sexy, silver beauty.

Instead of a big party or buying me drinks perhaps you will consider donating to a better cause. Me switching teams! NO MORE PC.

I want to get a Macbook Air and rumor has it the thunderbolt update is coming next month. Your donation will not be published but it WILL go directly to the fund for my soon to be new boyfriend, an 11″ Macbook Air.

Join the party! Buy me a beer on Guestlist.

P.S. It was my blog’s birthday last week April 27th! ♥

A blog is an engine and behind that blog is a person. There, in that very chair,  sits a  person with bounds of creativity. The type of creativity that you can not ever imagine because it is unimaginable to your mind. It creates.  By the time you are reading this the engine has worked twice as fast,  faster.  The engine is moved by some type of driver and the engine has many tools. It employs services to work as engines in order to make it grow.

The production must try to keep up with the mind yet the creativity, it DOES NOT STOP.  It flows and drives and moves and the more it makes the more it has for it is infinite.

This post is one of my fav’s and was originally posted Feb. 5th, 2010.

Tonight I’m going to the Sony Centre for Hope Rising! a concert which benefits the Stephen Lewis Foundation. There’s performances by K’Naan, Alicia Keys, Rufus Wainwright, Angélique Kidjo, Holly Cole, Jully Black and more at this first annual event.

I’m most excited to see Rufus Wainwright because I love him. I’m going as media so hope to get a good spot so my photographer & I can get good photos.

No way this rain is putting a damper on my day. Stoked!

My most listened to Rufus song.

I watched the whole thing go down yesterday.  I love voting and feel this election was very exciting. The way information is delivered & talked about today is very different than it was during the last election in 2008. Social media was a hot topic across all media. Voter turnout was higher than previous years, although not by much. I’m interested to see youth vote number, I really hope young people came through!

Someone on Twitter asked me:

“What’s got you so election happy. Is that JUST you feelin’ peeps should be out and voting… ?”

Yes. That is exactly it. It is very important to vote.  Hope I encouraged at least one person to get out there and cast a ballot. I liked seeing the rise in  NDP, pretty crazy they have never had more than 48 seats. I talked to a bunch of people who chose to vote that way for the very first time.  Surprised to how low the Liberal vote was. Excited to see the Green Party in the House of Commons for the first time.

I only want the best for you, Canada.

Laying in the grass.

Dance parties in the park.

I got a rocket stick like this from Wind Mobile the other day.

I grabbed onto that voters card.

and took it downstairs to my polling station.

with my raincoat on.

Then I voted. I marked an X in that box like it was my job. Really gave’r, y’know.

Then I came back upstairs and looked outside.

And read Flipboard, on ipad.

Then I listened to some Metric.

And admired the flowers I got last week.

This lovely silver jem was sent to me by mynamenecklace.co.nz. They have name rings, reckon I want one of those too! Check out all the fun thins you can get with your name on them here.Thanks for sending guys! NZ ILU!

In spirit of tonight’s MET Gala, here’s a pic of the late Alexander McQueen and Sarah Jessica Parker at the Costume Institute Gala in 2006. Don’t they look divine!