Short Story : In One Moment [Page 10]

In One Moment [Page 10] by Tobin Cheung

However, one has a sharp piercing voice; the other a low and raspy voice while the third simply has an odd way of articulating. 

“Check out the way she’s dressed,” exclaims the sassy girl to one of her friends, “It looks like she just got off the subway.”

 “Yeah, she looks like the girl who works at the Second Cup around my corner, the one with black hair and no makeup other than black eyeliner.”

“You mean the Goth, lesbian, punk thing. Totally. I’m surprised they let her on stage. Isn’t this supposed to be the jazz festival?”

“This doesn’t sound like jazz, it’s dark and choppy. It’s not smooth at all. There’s no way you can dance to this.” 

“I know, it’s like the Alterative subcategory of Jazz,” laughs one girl.

    “An alternative chic playing jazz, talk about fusion, she should glamour up a bit and pick a color. What’s with the low rise hip hugger jeans?”

    “And that second hand store, two sizes too small t-shirt?”

    “That armlet around her bicep.”

    “She’s muscular.”

    “She needs to tame that hair,” one chime’s and all three giggle.

The man in front glances over his shoulder and a forced cough is heard from behind.

“Artists and musicians are all the same, they’re weird,” whispers her friend.

Perception is such a peculiar thing. It’s as boundless as ones imagination. To me; she’s alluring, captivating and absolutely enchanting. Her heel worn runners, the tattoo, the little scraps of paper sticking out her back pocket are all clues into her personal life, each begging for a story to be told.

Anyone keen enough to notice these things will be fraught with curiosity. I know I am. Are those bits of paper airline stubs, hotel receipts, or a composition in progress? How many stages, how many bars; how many downtown sidewalks have those worn shoes danced across? 

Her performance is honest and real. She doesn’t hide behind a stage persona. She is a straight forward no games kind of gal. The type that would know which one of the many anonymous pizza bars found in and around the city serves the best gourmet pizza. She is the kind of person that cannot be fooled by presentation alone. Gourmet food can be purchased by the slice. The single aisle of chairs, the uneven floors and the deafening drone of the air conditioner is all part of the charm. These are the sort of characteristics that help flavor her music.

A slice of pepperoni and cheese will not suffice, not a chance, not for this girl. However long it takes, the wait for a freshly baked pizza is worth every bite. Topped with feta cheese, chicken, spinach, sweet onions and green olives, it’s like eating exotic food for the price of fast food. Two slices and a Pepsi please, she would ask.

After washing down the last few bites, she bursts out of the doors. She is late and running down the street. With the sugary liquid sticking to her throat she pushes through in time to meet the third beat. Gasping for breath she ascends the final step to greet the audience. No burning incense, drinking blood or any other superstitious rituals before a show. The knowledge of being true to her music, gives her all the confidence she needs.

My imagination comes to a halt as she dances across to the far side of the stage. A pivot, slide, double step, and tap. My eyes follow her sway. I am surprised at my sudden attraction to this strange girl. My heart beats chaotically and the blood drains from my...

[To Be Continued...]

Event : Canadian International Auto Show 2012

CREDITS
Photography : M Studio Life [info@mstudiolife.com]
Event : CIAS 2012
Location : Metro Toronto Convention Centre

Beauty News : Lise Watier Aquarella Collection!

Here is the new Lise Watier Aquarella Spring 2012 Collection! The colours are beautiful - with lilacs, purples, pinks and the packaging design is like a piece of art! Get yours today! You can order online : www.lisewatier.com

From your Beauty Blogger,
Maggie Ng

Health : Vitamin B Complex

SHORT AND SWEET

For those who don’t believe in vitamins, next time you are at a drug store pick up a bottle of B-complex. Don’t think about it, just say bah humbug and bring it to the cashier. No need to look at the price because you spend more at McDonalds. Simply pay for it, bring it to work and drop it on your desk in front of your monitor. At some point you will notice it, when you do, pop one in your mouth, swallow and forget about it. The next day will come, if you see it, say bah humbug and have one. If you don’t see it, it doesn’t matter. If you see it but don’t remember if you took one, then don’t take one or take one. It is water soluble, which means you will pee it out, it does not accumulate in your body. The key is to take it, without thinking about it. Once the bottle is finished you can then decide how much of a nuisance it is to take B-complex. If it turns out that it is a random pill you take because you left the bottle of b-complex in your car, at work or in your jacket, then it is worth trading the cost of a Big Mac combo for once every couple of months.

 If you do not use vitamins or care much about them, the point is to have you take them without you noticing that you are taking them. Otherwise there will be all these questions, what are the benefits, do I really need them, I feel normal, I don’t get sick. If you live in North America, have a mortgage, financing a car, work late, and in a relationship, then you are sick enough to take B-complex. Think of it as having a coke or a chocolate bar around 3pm in the afternoon for the sugar boost. Rather than a boost, B-complex helps reduce stress, provides mental clarity, alertness as well as healthy skin and digestion. Basically it counteracts the fast paced North American lifestyle of work hard and work even harder so now play hard.

Words + Photo : Tobin Cheung

Beauty : "Glow" by M Studio Life

 

EYES | MAC PIGMENT [WHITE GOLD], BOBBI BROWN EYESHADOW [TAUPE], MAC TECHNAKOHL [BROWNBORDER], SEPHORA MASCARA [LASH STRETCHER]
FACE | COVER FX PRIMER [BRITEPREP FX], MAC CONCEALER [STUDIO FINISH]
LIPS | MAC LIPSTICK [ANGEL], MAC GLOSS [CLEAR]

CREDITS
Photography : M Studio Life [info@mstudiolife.com]

Lighting : Ming Fu
Makeup+Hair : Maggie Ng
Model : Grace [MAX Agency] / Hannah [MAX Agency]