Reflection

This past year seems to have passed me by so quickly. I feel like I've become a completely different person but still carried on the best parts of me into the future, like the first "marathon" runner preserving that vital piece of information because of its importance.. no matter the cost.
Here is just a simple sketch of some of the changes, realizations, highlights, and differences that just one year has brought:

I am a talented human being and can accomplish anything I truly choose to.
I am a woman.
I have gay and lesbian friends.
I am fully capable of thinking for myself (even though I forget to sometimes).
I am beautiful and sexy and glamourous and precious,
--no matter my cup size or what the scale says.
My body is mine and only I can command it.
I still have no desire to try hardcore drugs.
My wrists are scar free and I've committed to keeping them that way.
My clothing, hair, make-up, and jewelry do not define me.
My friends do not define where I do or don't belong.
I am not too polite to call somebody out on their shit.
And I am not too outspoken to be a lady.
The mirror is not an enemy, it is a friend (not a BEST friend, but a friend).
I am confident in my intelligence.
I am a darn good photographer for having taken no formal photography education.
I am not my mother, I am not my father, I am not my sisters or my friends.
--I am happy with this and content being me.
So far, I do not fit into a box.
--I'm OK with this. It's liberating.
I have opinions that deserve respect.
I am person that possesses emotions and feelings. This does not make me weak.
I have the right to choose my own unique future.
I am emotionally and mentally stable enough to function without help.
I enjoy hanging out with my friends Jack and Mary Jane.
--This does not make me a bad or defective person in any way.
I can choose to be whoever I want to be.
I am (more) confident in myself.
I'm starting to care less and less about "social norms".

I'm starting to find out who I really am and what all this will eventually add up to. :)

"Spring Cleaning"

Spring Cleaning by DJFlavio

This song describes my whole weekend. Thanks Charlie :)

I'll Be Anything

Take me far and wide,

Just please never lie to me..

I'll be different, I'll be sane,

I'll be anything you want me to be

As long as you can love what's underneath.

Embrace my skeletons and demons,

See the chains and set me free,

The key is in my pocket.

You could be the place I hide,

You could fill that space inside,

You could be my comfort,

You could be my Poe,

I can make it by myself, I know.

But life would be brilliant by your side....

Book Lust

Idea Log Journal

Sometimes so many wonderful ideas spout from your brain that it becomes a turbulent ocean of innovation. Why not pour your smartest, most creative thoughts into this journal? The flexible and lightweight paperback notebook is full of colorful, blank pages waiting for your biggest aspirations. And because we all think in different ways, you can express your ideas more artistically in the "Sketch Log" section of the book. With perforated tabs in each page's top right corner, you can tear off a tab when the page is full, or bend it if you want to save your place. It's your mind, your individuality, your log book! Get ready to inspire!

F U, Penguin

Are you sick to death of being inundated with cute critters almost hourly? Have you created a special file in your inbox for all your coworkers' unsolicited cute finds? Does the idea of a "puppycam" make you kinda queasy? Then this is the book for you! Inspired by the blog of the same name, Matthew Gasteier's F U, Penguin is a hilarious, extremely foul-mouthed anecdote to sneezing baby pandas and cats with poor grammar. Not for the cute enthusiast, or the faint of heart! Gasteier gives a shout out to every wrinkly, wet-nosed fiend that has made its place in our lives, and calls it out for what it is: totally pathetic.

All Cakes Considered

Adjust your dials. It's time to tune in to the most delicious cookbook on the planet. In 3, 2, 1! Hello, and welcome. Today's episode features a cookbook that you just can't do without. Whether you're a bundt cake babe or an Passion Cake cutie, you'll feed on this read with delight! Full of recipes from Peppermint Pattie Cake to Procrastinatin' Drunken Monkey Banana Bread and dappled with amusing anecdotes straight from the NPR office, this book is so great that you'll be floating 'on air' whenever you see it!'

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies: Dawn of the Dreadfuls

Learn how Elizabeth Bennet harnessed her zombie-slaying skills in the prequel to the New York Times best seller! Set four years prior to the ghastly events of "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies," this novel introduces us to the seemingly ordinary Bennet family as they reside peacefully in the English countryside. Little do they know what lurks beyond, until a funeral at a local church goes terribly wrong. Steeped in action, romance, hilarity, and blood-thirsty zombies, "Dawn of the Dreadfuls" is filled with suspenseful narration and eerie illustrations depicting the battle between the living and the dead. Pick it up for a zombie-obsessed friend or any book lover for a taste of cult meets classic!

Readymade: How to Make (Almost) Everything

As it says on the front, "You need this book." And if not you, then someone in your life! A primer on all things DIY, this sturdy book offers insightful tips and fun projects for all skill levels. Reusing and recycling is just the beginning.

Modcloth Lust Therapy

Klaus and Yves Shakers

These perfectly poised pets will certainly inject a bit of adorableness into my otherwise drab kitchen decor. The round holes atop their hands make for easy dispersal of my favorite spices, while the clear rubber stopper at their base suggests convenient re-filling possibilities. These sleek, shiny black and white glazed ceramic kitties are so sophisticated and chic, I may just have to buy two sets - one for myself, and one for a fellow cat adoring pal! -Annie, Fashion Writer

Pour Little Owl Pitcher

Don't feel sorry for this little guy! And don't miss a drop anytime you pour something delicious out of the white V-shaped sp-owl-t of this forest friendly pitcher! Add a pretty touch to every table with this statuesque server perfect for juices, milk, or even holding a fresh bouquet from the market, this pitcher is as versatile as he is adorab-owl.

Fresh as a Daisy Jewelry Stand

Have you been hoping to rejuvenate your bedroom decor? As an enthusiast of fine jewelry and impeccable organization, it's absolutely necessary that you consider adding this darling jewelry stand to your collection ASAP. From the solid black base stems three sleek daisy rods of varying heights. The delicate mesh petals of each daisy bloom provide a secure place to store your dangling or stud earrings, necklaces, and rings! Bracelets, bangles, watches, and other keepsakes can be stored in the stand's base drawer, which is lined with soft black velvet to carefully preserve your most loved trinkets. Adorn your dresser or mantle with this adorable stand for a youthful spin on jewelry storage!

Stir Mix-a-Lot Utensil Set

(Oh my gosh, Becky, look at this pot. It's, like, so full. It looks like one of those chef girls' best friends.) I like blue spoons, and I cannot lie! You other cookers can't deny that when that griddle heats up in your itty bitty kitchen and that round pan is a-sizzlin', you have fun! You serve up lunch 'cause you notice a hungry bunch. In the pink ladel soups a-swirlin' and the green one's for pasta twirlin'. Yellow spatula, I wanna fry with you and flip your tofu. My homefries tried to warn me, but that food you got make me so hungry. Red salad servers, drop lettuce in my container. Well, use them, use them, 'cause you ain't that average sous chef. -Richard, Fashion Writer

Roy G. B-aker Food Prep Set

You'll cook up a storm that ends in a rainbow with this handy collection of kitchen wares! Their nesting creates the look of a multicolored geode when everything is stacked together while their clever organized structure is great for those whose cupboards may need straitening. Separating each piece from biggest to smallest, you'll find a mixing bowl with a rubber grip bottom in birthday cake icing blue, a colander in blueberry jam, a chili green rimmed strainer, a key lime pie liquid measuring cup, and a set of standard sized measuring cups in lemonade, orange juice, tropical punch, and strawberry milkshake. You can prepare whole meals with this single set that will fill your friends' tummies with good food and fill their hearts with good memories!

Field Greens Curtain

Give your room a healthy makeover with this panel curtain! Hang this shade to let its seemingly swaying, eucalyptus ferns relax you after a long day in your windowless office. The burnout construction lets in just enough light to brighten your room without blinding you. With this airy, earth-toned curtain by your bedside, you'll have a wholesome start to each day!

Sous La Pluie Shower Curtain

Whether you're getting ready for a rendez-vous on the Champs Elysées or just going through your morning routine, this decor item will have you showering in style. Printed with a romantic view of Paris, this black and white plastic shower curtain will add a snapshot of elegance and class to your home. Sure to fit in with any decorative taste, this 'rideau' will be everything you want in the world of chic decor.

Babushkas Bourrés Drinking Game

Stop nesting into the same old party routine and spice things up with this irreverent drinking game. Spin the top, and pour yourself a shot of choice in whichever little lady lands face up. Bring this out at your next party, and "Ural" gonna have a great time!

Down the Rabbit Hole...

Such a cool trippy music video.

I was watching it last night with a couple friends.

Perfect thing to watch when you're high.

The Balance of Nature

I don't know what it is, but I've been feeling very nature-inspired lately. I thought you guys might enjoy these photos. And I have a question for those of you who know me or read my blogs: If I were to change my name from Tora Jane 'McBlah' to something else.. (keeping the "Tora" part) what should it be? And do these names look/sound good at all?

Tora Kai Serenity (Kai is Hawaiian for ocean)

Tora Padma Rain (Padma means "lotus" in India)

Tora LeFaye Serenity (Le Faye is French for "of the fairies")

Tora Serenity LeFaye

My Body is a Cage

One of my favorite songs of all time. Its the kind of song that gives you goosebumps and makes you think about yourself and your true inner freedom. Anyways I hope you guys like the music video as well. There's several different good videos people have added to the song, I just happen to really like this one. It goes well with the lyrics.