self portrait for Outlooks.

I took an old self-portrait shot in Chicago in 2003 and worked it over in Photoshop and got the following:




















As the general consensus on the photo in my last post was that it wasn't an ideal shot in that it wasn't as creative or as interesting as I am capable of, I'm hoping one of these new images will work.

My personal preference is the black and grey version. (I think)

A Good NEGATIVE

Happy to report that my test results came back and I continue to be HIV negative. It doesn't seem to matter how safe I stay/play, these yearly check ups always seem to rattle my cage. I guess that's bound to always be the case.

in Focus

Roy Heale, the publisher/editor of Outlooks Magazine, asked me today if I would be the featured artist for the Focus section of the next issue. So watch for the April issue (it is distributed nationally in Canada) which will feature a full page of my photography (approximately 8 to 12 shots). Now my dilemma is whether or not to include a photo of myself with my biography which will also appear on the page. Below is the shot I was considering. Is it too candid? Not creative enough considering that I am photographer? Any feedback?

Test shoot with Dominic

After having a great lunch with one of my dearest and best friends, Debra Bachman-Smith (an incredibly talented graphic designer and artist), I went to meet a potential model who I had just recently met working at Buddy's. His name is Dominic Green, he's a hot young guy, good physique (he was waitering with no shirt on) with some nice ink and I definitely want to do a shoot with him. He drove to a park along Whitemud Drive to show me where he had done a previous photo shoot. The location is absolutely perfect (although it was a little too cold today to do nudes)-- very scenic and relatively isolated so as not to be bothered other than the ocassional cross-country skier. I'm looking forward to working with Dom - apart from being a handsome guy, he's very personable too. Here's a couple test shots from the afternoon.

What's On TV

Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada


I've had a lazy few days, what with the snow and all, and have been putting in my time in front of the "boob tube." But who said TV is useless, here's some of what I learned over the past couple days:

rapture is a term used by religious believers that when a person is so good God takes them (to heaven) before they die;

Paul & Linda McCartney only spent 11 days apart in their entire relationship;

Al Lewis (Grandpa from the Munsters) died February 3rd in NYC at the age of 95 or 72;

Darren McGavin star of Kolchak, The Nightstalker - one of my favorite TV series when I was a teenager, who also appeared in the sleeper hit, A Christmas Story, died this past Saturday, Feb. 25;

one of my new favorite TV series, The Comeback has been cancelled;

William Shatner (Captain Kirk from Star Trek) and Pamela Anderson (Baywatch and upcoming host of the 2006 Juno Awards) were born Canadians;

another Canadian, the mayor of Vancouver, Sam Sullivan, is a quadriplegic and made our country look like a very progressive nation when he accepted the Olympic Flag for the 2010 games;

Judy Garland attempted suicide more than 30 times;

and you cannot get a cold by catching "cold" or a chill, you must come in contact with a person who has the virus -- usually the most infective in the first few days.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Although I'm not really a TV junkie, (give me a movie any day -- especially a foreign/art/independent film) over the years here's what I've liked to watch:

Six Feet Under - concluded but probably one of the best series ever

Deadwood - would have never believed anyone that would have said I'd watch a western series

Carnivale - cancelled after 2 seasons but was a unique spin on the supernatural

Dead Like Me - cancelled after 2 seasons but was incredible black comedy (first season was far superior)

The Comeback - cancelled after 1 season but Lisa Kudrow like you've never seen her

Friends - concluded (favorite episode was Season 7, The One With Joey's New Brain)

Fat Actress - Kirstie Alley is hilarious ... and fat

Sex and the City - classic NYC regardless of your gender

Sopranos - Mafia reality TV

CSI, Law & Order (doon doon), Third Watch - totally hooked on these late night reruns

ER - great work from head writer/producer John Wells

Prison Break - good for network TV but can't touch OZ

Oz - the original prison series

Threshold - cancelled after 9 episodes

Monty Python's Flying Circus - one of the funniest sketch comedy series ever

Moonlighting - acerbic, clever and witty comedy TV series with Cybil Sheppard and Bruce Willis

Night Gallery - creepy, definitely gave me some sleepless nights as a youngster

American Bandstand - loved it during the whole disco era (that's where I first heard Sister Sledge's We Are Family)

Kolchak, The Night Stalker

Flipper - and ocean version of "animals are our friends TV" like

Gentle Ben or Skippy The Bush Kangaroo

I Love Lucy - the original sitcom

Roller Derby - Stampede Wrestling on wheels (Anyone else remember Skinny Minnie Miller?)

The Wonderful World of Disney - a Sunday night staple when I was a kid, great animation and all those movies of lovable critters (that in real life would bite your head off)

David Letterman - only the early years when he was twisted and funny, then he became a prick

never really a fan of soap operas (exception was Dynasty), reality TV (sure I've watched a few episodes of Survivor, Amazing Race, Manhunt, Top Model, Project Runway or American Idol, but I lose interest quickly) or game shows (exceptions; Match Game and The Gong Show)

Shows that I absolutely hate: Airline (I'll never fly Southwest), Love Boat, Little House on the Prairie, Jerry Springer (who took schlock talk TV to a whole new level), Geraldo (even though I was on one episode), and the sophomoric do-gooder Montel.

February 28th

Thanks to the human heart by which we live,
Thanks to its tenderness, its joys, and fears,
To me the meanest flower that blows can give
Thoughts that do often lie too deep for tears.
William Wordsworth,
ODE: INTIMATIONS OF IMMORTALITY FROM RECOLLECTIONS OF EARLY CHILDHOOD
1803-6

Today marks the First Communion of my youngest nephew and namesake, Jackson -- YES, I was in an actual Catholic Church and NO, the roof didn't fall on me nor was I struck by a lightning bolt. The day also happily marks five months that Dustin and I have been together.

Jackson and the priest

Let No One Sleep

Listening to Luciano Pavarotti sing Nessun Dorma at the Opening Ceremonies of the Winter Olympics not only brought me to tears but, made me desperately want to see this 70 year-old tenor live as he will now begin his farewell tour.

I also realized today how hopelessly in love I am with Dustin, each day just seems to bring on a new depth and intensity. I am so happy it actually hurts. As I said to him, I wish there was something I could say or do to show him how much I love him. Words fall short.

On the Move

After a week of moving: first Dustin into his new place on Wednesday; then his roommate, Pheonix, on Friday; and if that wasn't enough Dustin and I helped my pal, Ian, move his stuff from Edmonton to Calgary at 9am Saturday. We arrived in Calgary that afternoon at PJ (who I've photographed several times see portrait below) & his partner, Pete's, house and helped unload Ian into their basement suite. Then one of my best friends in the whole world, Jenny, came and picked us up. I finally got to see her new home, which was so nice and girl had the place hooked up with all new everything. That night Dustin and I headed out to one of the clubs, Twisted Element, but we never went in. After standing in line waiting for about half an hour, just as we got to the front of the line, Ian and his pal, Richie, were on their way out and said they were heading to Boystown. We were more than happy to join them since the place looked very young and very twink especially the screeching, squealing queens that were in line behind us. Had a fun Saturday night (our predesignated date night) with Dustin. Actually, I had a wonderful weekend with Dustin -- he was beyond affectionate and sweet. And Dustin said I could say that "the sex was great" but no details. Ha ha ha.

Second Photo Shoot with Rob

In the Shadows

Useless Trivia

Dextrocardia (heart on the right side) occurs in .01% of the population (1 in 10,000).

I know where my heart is (and he's one in a million!)

Easy Rider

Watched the biker classic, Easy Rider, today. It was a very cool film and even more impressive in that it was made in 1969 -- a time of race riots, hippies aka the flower children, free love, and lots of drugs. It was virtually a documentary of America's mindset during that time period. What was equally interesting was the behind the scenes commentary by the stars/writers Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper. I guess you could say it was"Life imitating art imitating life" because while making the film (the New Orleans Mardi Gras footage which was shot on 16mm) the cast was as drunk, high and to some degee parnoid as their characters in the film. I think one of the most profound things that I'll take away from this film was best said in the lyrics of a Bob Dylan song, It's Alright Ma, that was part of the movie's soundtrack;

That he not busy bein' born,
Is busy dyin'

And for what it's worth, today officially ended my sad days -- tomorrow I see Dustin.

Things that made me smile today

Another rotten night of sleep, which is a suitable start to what I'm calling "Sad Day #2" (theme song for the day; Until We Meet Again by Diana Ross), so I can use anything that comes along that'll make me smile like:

Receiving a cheque for $400 this morning from the Government of Alberta (the Province where I live) for doing absolutely nothing other than being a resident. Makes you feel like you're in Alaska. Ha ha ha.

Phoebe's line on Friends (one of the countless reruns you can catch every day) when her, Monica, and Rachel are looking at Ross' Playboy magazine; "Remember the days when you used to go out to the barn, lift up your shirt and bend over."

Photo Shoot with Rob

Had a very successful photo shoot today with Rob, who approached me online to find out what type of photos I did. After giving him my website, he replied that he loved my work and had considered posing for some time, so he would be willing to be a subject if I was interested in shooting him. I was.

When I arrived at Rob's apartment, I was unprepared for just how beautiful this man's eyes were -- they reminded me of a wolf's, that incredible icy-tinted, cold blue. We had just enough time that I was able to use direct daylight in trying to capture the true color. Afterwards we continued the shoot on a very complimentary blue sofa until we completely ran out of light. In shooting Rob, what I especially loved (in addition to his willingness and enthusiasm) was the lightness of his skin, how it contrasted with his dark hair and the high-color flush of his cheeks, all set off with those hypnotic blue eyes.

I had a specific concept how I wanted to shoot Rob: white shirt and tie, and although we started exploring the idea, I never got what I wanted. I will be going back to his apartment earlier in the afternoon next time so that we have more daylight (I'll also bring a lighting kit too). Until then, here's a few of the shots.










UPDATE
Here is Rob's response to this post:

HOLY SHIT! you are the biggest fucking sweetheart. thankyou not for the photography but for the words you chose to describe me... the pics are beautiful and really Jackson thankyou for the amazing person you are.

Why Cycling Shorts Should Always Be Black

I don't like publishing photography on my blog that isn't material that I've shot, but I'm making a minor exception here, just because these two photos are just too funny. With special thanks to my divinely twisted friend, Laeonie Ferguson, who sent this to me, I give you "Why Cycling Shorts Should Always Be Black":

Satellite Photo of my Apartment/Studio in Harlem

For anyone that's curious -- here's a bird's eye view of my apartment/studio in Harlem, New York City. (And just so as to not cause any confusion, my apartment appears in the photo under the scratchpad on the right)

Time to Say Bye Bye Bush .......... (unfortunately not soon enough)

This was just too good to pass up, so ... I've added it permanently to my blogsite at the very end of the posts on this page.

Brokeback Mountain

Finally saw the movie, Brokeback Mountain, with Dustin. I was prepared for a gay cowboy love story, what I wasn't prepared for was the reality, the despair, the depth of sadness and ultimately how disturbed this film would leave me.

It's almost 24 hours later now that I'm posting this and moments of the movie are still reverberating in my head, it packs a wicked punch. I still feel a little emotionally raw from the whole experience and I keep replaying scenes in my mind wanting them to somehow come out differently. Brokeback Mountain doesn't just tell you about regret, yearning, despair -- it makes you feel it! And, I identify very strongly with its underlying theme how life and lives can be completely wasted when people fear consequences, the judgement of others, and cannot find it in themselves to live a truthful life. For anyone that has been in the closet, they know how this can be one of the worst sadnesses. I haven't been impacted like this because of a movie since "It's My Party" which nearly psychologically disabled me for four days. Dustin also had a profound experience with Brokeback Mountain (which he jokingly called Bareback Mountain) although his reaction was completely different but equally, if not more, intense.

I don't want to say much about the story or specific details for anyone that actually reads this, because I think the best way to experience this film and get the most out of it, is to see it without knowing what journey the characters are going to take you on and "enjoy" (not the best word) how the storyline unfolds.

On a brighter note, the cinematography in this film is wonderful with breathtaking panoramas of the Alberta (where I am right now) Rockie Mountains and wilderness. Even the desolate towns and farms look amazing. All in all, everything contributes in delivering this movie's subtle/not-so-subtle effect.

Huge credit to Ang Lee (would I ever like to sit down and talk to this guy) for crafting such a beautiful film -- this is storytelling at its finest. It's a great movie (and deserved all 4 of the Golden Globes it won, especially Best Picture) but not one that I can honestly say you walk out saying "Oh wow, I really liked that!" However, I know I'll see this movie again (just not right away).

Service69.com

One of the hot photos I took of Rodrigo with one of his waiters, Lalo, in D.F. (Mexico City) will appear in ad for Rodrigo's company. The Service69.com ad will run in the Mexican magazine Zonagay. The ad which turned out absolutely beautiful, was designed here in Edmonton by my good friend and talented graphics guy, Ryan Mayer of bluehaus fame.

ZonaGay ad 

Photos of Canada's Deputy Prime Minister

Took photos this afternoon of Canada's Deputy Prime Minister, Anne McLellan, Liberal candidate for Edmonton Centre in the next federal election. She was presenting a signed Charter of Rights to the Edmonton Gay & Lesbian Community Centre at Prism Nightclub. The photos will run in the February issue of Outlooks Magazine, but here's one of the shots with Alderman Michael Phair, who I've had the pleasure of being acquainted with for almost 20 years now since back in the day when I worked for The Phoenix Theatre and Michael was the head of Edmonton's AIDS Network.


For what it's worth, I'd much rather vote for the Liberal party, even though they have behaved criminally as a party, then vote for the Conservatives who would happily hand Canada over to George W. Bush to run. I am proud of the Canadian government for not entering into the Iraq War. I am proud of the Canadian government for not endorsing the American "Star Wars" scheme. I am proud of the Canadian government for its legalizing gay marriage. Even though these things angered the United States government, Canada held its own. I would not have these things to be proud of had we had a Progressive Conservative government. For you true Canadians out there, think carefully how you vote on January 23, I've seen firsthand how ugly American politics can be, we don't need any of George W's madness.

National Cover for Outlooks Magazine

Received word today from publisher/editor Roy Heale, that I will be shooting the 9th Anniversary cover (March 2006) for Outlooks magazine. I'll be shooting here in Edmonton with a local model. I'll post some shots after the shoot next week.

I also had an availability check today to see if I would be interested in doing a shoot in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico for American Express at one of their new acquisitons of Orient Express luxury hotels. The best part of the project is that I would get to work with one of my best friends, Val Brandt ("Poopsie Too").

Photo Shoots with Ian and Daryn ............(aka Fun with the Boys)

Had a great day hanging with -- Daryn, Ian, Craig, and the sweetheart of all sweethearts, Kate (our stylist, production assistant, and hair & makeup). We spent the entire afternoon doing photos of the boys, first of Ian and then of Daryn (with arm modelling from Craig) which I've decided to call his series "My middle name is ART" as his middle name is, you guessed it, Arthur. Here's what we got.

A Day with the Mann

Had a really great day hanging with one of my best friends Mark Mann and his new wife, Maypu. They drove up from Bashaw, where they live in a very cool church that Mark bought over 10 years ago, and our first destination was West Edmonton Mall (I honestly haven't been in over a year) for them to get a credit on a Christmas present. Then we went shopping at HMV and I bought half a dozen of my favourite movies:

Motorcycle Diaries
La Cage Aux Folles
La Cage Aux Folles II
Bladerunner
Edward Scissorhands
Young Frankenstein

Wonder what this list will tell you about my film preferences. LOL. After the mall, we went and picked up my boy Dustin so that I could make the necessary introductions and then all of us went for dinner at the Silk Hat on Jasper Avenue. Following dinner we made our way to Value Village, Maypu's favourite store, where I got a great pair of black army boots for $20.

Earlier in the day we stopped in at Colorfast, the lab that processed all my film from Mexico. When it comes to photo labs, I sure miss Baboo in NYC. Not only do they offer more comprehensive and faster services but they are about half the price and that's with the exchange on the US dollar. Regardless, here is one of the images that I am incredibly happy with. I love the texture that film gives and the very shallow depth of field on this image.

Bad Eye Day

Woke up by a skull-splitting headache, and an eye so red, so sore, and so light sensitive that even though I have an opthamologist checkup tomorrow, I made an emergency appointment for first thing this morning. By way of explanation, the same doctor (I think my regular doc is away on vacation or for the holidays) that took me off one of my medications last week has put me back on it because the ulcer has re-emerged on my cornea. Anyway ... had to postpone going to do a night shoot at the Legislature Grounds with my buddy, Ian. Hopefully I'll be up for it tomorrow.

Another Sign

Woke up in the middle of the night (wanting to cuddle) and was very confused by the fact that Dustin wasn't in bed, until I realized I was sleeping at my parent's home and not at his place.

A most very Happy New Year

Tonight walking through the downtown core, Dustin and I passed at least six very large white rabbits, two hopped across our path and the rest of them stood motionless in the middle of an abandoned lot. Dustin tried to convince me that they were just white grocery bags (he obviously needs to wear glasses worse than I do), however on our way back to his apartment all of them were gone. So I maintain, on New Year's Eve while walking with the Blue Monkey I saw a herd of white bunnies right near the Greyhound. I'm so sure this is very good luck!

Thoughts on Dustin

An excerpt from an email I wrote:

"I guess the big news for 2005 is that I have met someone. Yes, yes, it has finally happened -- I have a boyfriend. His name is Dustin and he lives in Edmonton, which is really going to complicate my life. I'm not sure what I'm going to do about living in NYC since I honestly feel this guy is the one and that we have the potential for a really intensely happy relationship. I'm crazy about him. He's absolutely beautiful, sweet, sexy, considerate, loving, fun, and makes me feel like I'm the most special guy on the planet. How could you not fall for someone like that? So right now I'm considering my options and will more than likely move back to Edmonton to be with him. I'm hoping we can move somewhere else like Vancouver or Montreal. I don't know, it's all up in the air. Regardless, I know I want to be with him because when we are together I feel like I've won the lottery. I'm a very lucky man."

Christmas Trivia

Since we celebrate the birth of Jesus today, can someone tell me what his initial H. stands for? Some good Catholic should know -- we've all heard the name Jesus H. Christ often enough.

Merry Christmas - Joyeux Noël - Feliz Navidad

"We make a living by what we do, but we make a life by what we give."
Winston Churchill


May the spirit of the day find its way to your heart.
Give as much love today as you can find it in yourself to give.

I have had a blessed year! This largely due to the love and support of my family (Mom, Dad, Linda, Kyle & Jackson) and more dear friends than someone as evil as I am deserves.

This year has been especially monumental due to one remarkable man who brings me so much happiness -- Dustin, you are my heart.

To my friends abroad, John Hallum, Val Brant (I still haven't had to use the $5), Luc & Vic, and my new amigos Victor, Raul, Rodrigo, Giaco, Raymundo, Hebert, and Leo in Mexico, thank you for making my travels so memorable.

To my my girls Teshonda, Jenny, Jennifer; my truest of old friends; Barb, Dellee, Deb, Kerry, Marky Mark, Carlos; and my NYC roommate Eva (Evil), Richard in Austin, Shaun in Florida, Joe & Tony (Jony & Toe) in DC, and Penelope in the UK, thank you for just being there (year after year)!

To my new friends Daryn, Ian, Katie, and Mark Galindez in NYC, Josh (one in LA & one in Edmonton), JD, Ryan (in TO), Darcy, Alan, Annie, I look forward to us spending more time together and sharing even more laughs.

Also a huge thank you to all those who have moved my career forward: Phil Henricks at Online Buddies in Boston, Gregory T. Angelo at Next Magazine in NYC, David Halpern at Advanced Communications in NYC, Roy Heale at Outlooks Magazine in Calgary, Don Tinling at Frontiers Magazine in LA, Frederique Delacoste at Cleis Press in San Francisco, Peter Sparrow for the Octagon Exhibit in NYC, and the Seattle Erotic Arts Festival, Feierabend Verlag in Berlin for including me among the World's Top 500 erotic websites entitled Erotic Websites.

Life is good.
Live is very, very good.

Ending on a high note

The day didn't start out all that great, went to the opthamologist and confirmed that the eye infection I had in Puerto Vallarta was, in fact, a re-occurrence of the herpes virus in my left eye. Although at this point that eye is virtually useless to me for photography, reading or anything that requires clear vision, it was still a downer to hear that there is a new lesion/ulcer on the cornea. Another round of medication will stop it but I'm sure there will be even more scarring. I have an appointment with my cornea specialist here in Edmonton, January 9th to discuss a possible cornea transplant. I wonder with this latest attack whether that will improve or decrease my chances.

The Birthday Boy, Ian

Anyhow, the day ended on a much better note after Dustin and I went to my new pal, Ian Marsh's Birthday party at the Blue Plate Diner. Apart from some uppity judgemental faggots at the other end of the table (I won't name names but I should) most of the fun was due in no small part to Daryn Grassick who is truly one of a kind, and is gifted with the most wicked, rapid-fire sense of humor. When joined by his twisted sister, Brian, there's bound to be trouble and it's just great fun to sit back and watch (or get in there and get dirty). I swear to god, I'm going to approach cable TV (we want to swear) with a new reality series called Extreme Bender, hosted by Daryn. After countless laughs, two bars, packs of cigarettes, and maybe one or two drinks, our night ended with Dustin giving Daryn & Brian a VIP tour of SteamWorks (a local bathhouse). Needless to say more laughs ensued. Stamps of approval were received on the new boyfriend for being able to provide such a unique outing.


Don't Dream It, Be It -- Daryn
and a man who literally jingles when he walks Brian.

My kind of Christmas Carols

Christmas Carols
for those with Personality Disorders

1. Schizophrenia --- Do You Hear What I Hear?

2. Multiple Personality Disorder --- We Three Kings Disoriented Are

3. Dementia --- I Think I'll be Home for Christmas

4. Narcissistic --- Hark the Herald Angels Sing About Me

5. Manic --- Deck the Halls and Walls and House and Lawn and Streets and Stores and Office and Town and Cars and Busses and Trucks and Trees and.......

6. Paranoid --- Santa Claus is Coming to Town to Get Me

7. Borderline Personality Disorder --- Thoughts of Roasting on an Open Fire

8. Personality Disorder --- You Better Watch Out, I'm Gonna Cry, I'm gonna Pout, Maybe I'll Tell You Why

9. Attention Deficit Disorder --- Silent night, Holy oooh look at the pretty pretty tree, can I have a chocolate, why is France so far away?

10. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder --- Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells,Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells,Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells.

Mandy & VJ -- The Old Dolls Club

After a gruelling afternoon of Christmas shopping (not really, I'm taking is so easy it's kind of scary), it was great to go for drinks with two hot babes, who also happen to be very dear friends -- Mandy and Val. They are wonderful to be around, and I'm so happy that we've managed to keep in contact for all these years. Plus being members of the "Old Dolls Club" they have great stories to tell of debauched druken nights, Christmas parties, hair salons, shredded Donna Karen pantyhose, and snogging. With Mandy & Val it is guaranteed that I'll end up laughing my ass off.

Running around

It was one of those days that I spent the vast majority of my time in the car driving from one place to the next. High points would have to be seeing my old and dear friend Jennifer Katz at Starbucks and then waking my boy Dustin up (mmm mmm mmm) to come with me to the airport. I had to go all the way back out there to make a claim in person since Air Canada (as my travel agent Linda says "Scare Canada") damaged my suitcase on the way back from Mexico. In the evening, I did a private commission (family portrait) for the Longworth Family that my sister, Linda, arranged. She quoted way too cheap a price but after it was all done I was happy to have done it. Guess the holiday spirit of giving has got to me too.

And you won't hear me say this often but ... today was one of the very few days that I was glad NOT to be back in NYC. The MTA were on an illegal strike there today -- those money grubbing fuckers -- and basically ground the city to a halt leaving 7,000,000 people that usually ride the subway and buses quite literally out in the cold! Nasty.

My Little Angel

After a quiet day reviewing photos from Saturday night and having taken my nephew Kyle to Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, I made my way to Buddy's for their annual Christmas Show. Plus my little angel, Dustin, was making his stage debut in nothing but shorts and set of wings. How could I not go??? The show was cute, my boyfriend was cuter!

And ... speaking of cute, here are two discoveries I made while I was there. Hopefully, I'll be shooting both Mat and Denny sometime in the near future while I'm here in Edmonton.


Mat (left) and Denny (right)

How much do I hate George Bush & The Republicans!!!

I watched a shocking PBS program on the financial state of the USA this afternoon. From all the pundits and analysts, this past year is America's worst year financially on the record (that means ever and includes the Depression, and the Civil War). The Republicans in their infinite wisdom, lead by the illustrious idiot George W. Bush, is enacting $50 billion in spending cuts (don't even get me started here because if they just got their meddling asses out of Iraq) while giving $95 billion in tax cuts. And here's how those tax cuts break down (hope you're sitting down):
If your income is under $75,000 your tax break will be $0.00
If your income is between $100,000-$200,000 your tax break is $25
If your income is in excess of $1,000,000 your tax break is $19,000

Someone please tell me how the USA isn't going straight to hell in the fast lane.

Back at the North Pole

Although this is a slight exaggeration, it is a fact that I am back in Canada. And all I can say is 'BRRRRR' I knew it was going to be cold, going from 20C to -20C, but a drop of 40 degrees in two plane rides and just a few hours is a severe shock to the system. Edmonton, Alberta on an equivalent latitude with Siberia, that should tell you something.

But it is no rest for the wicked -- the moment I landed I had to get on the computer in order to complete my submission for the Seattle Erotic Arts Festival. Today is the deadline. I was selected last year as one of the contributing artists. And both the pieces I had in the show sold so hopefully from the four pieces I'm submitting this year, I'll have at least a couple chosen again.

Here's the 4 photos I have sent for consideration by the jury (some of them you might recognize from recent shoots):

Another Photo Shoot with Rodrigo

Yet another incredible day of shooting with the super sexy model, Rodrigo. This time on-location in a forest outside Mexico City at at a remote little place called Ajusco. We found an ideal spot along a dried up river valley, with a stone damn, and the extra bonus of an overturned Volkswagon wreck.

I could shoot this guy for an entire week and maybe never capture how truly handsome and sensual this man is. Too say nothing of what a really great guy Rodrigo is -- he went out of his way to show me around parts of Mexico City I had never seen and introduced me to restaurants and places I would have never found on my own. The definitive host and someone that anyone would be proud to have as a friend. I'm eternally grateful that our paths crossed and am sure that I will have this man in front of my camera again in the very near future.

Thanx Rodrigo for making my time in DF so memorable (and productive).

Contributor to Frontiers Magazine

Spent the day coordinating the email channelling of one of my photos, Boys of Summer, so that I could forward it to Frontiers Magazinein LA. It seems sort of crazy that I will receive the photo here in Mexico City from a graphic designer in Edmonton, Alberta and then will forward it on to Los Angeles, California. Talk about going the long way. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to forward the file from my hotel room as the cable connection was too slow so I burned a CD and went to an internet cafe in Zona Rosa. After 10 pesos ($1) and about 30 minutes, I had confirmation it was received. How did people ever conduct business before computers and the internet?

I'm psyched because this is the first time that I'm a contributor to this publication and from what the photo editor, Don Tinling, has been saying this is just the beginning of an on-going association.

Photo Shoot with Rodrigo & Lalo

Have wanted to do a photo shoot like this for years. Finally bought an adult-sized pair of angel wings here for the unbelievable price of 125 pesos ($12.50) and was able to create this image which is inspired by the work of photographer Duane Michaels.

Photo Shoot with Rodrigo

An amazing photo shoot with Rodrigo here in Mexico City. Beautiful man with a beautiful spirit! More photos to follow, just thought I'd get this one posted for the holiday season. Feliz Navidad.

Photo Shoot with Jose and Lener

I was only planning on photographing Jose on his own, although his boyfriend, Lener came along with him. After about half an hour of shooting, I asked if the two of them were interested in doing a few shots together. What resulted was STEAMY to say the least. When two guys are into each other as much as Jose & Lener are there's no way the camera isn't going to capture that passion and intensity. True romance and I have the film to prove it.

Museo de Arte Moderno

Got off to a late start but had breakfast at my favourite spot in Zona Rosa, Los Biscuits de Obregon which has the most amazing cafe con leche ever. Then headed to the Museo de Arte Moderno (Museum of Modern Art). For only $20 pesos (that's $2 US as opposed to the $20 US the Museum of Modern Art in NYC charges) you could take in an impressive exhibit of Latin American artists including this sculpture by Rogelio Polesello from Argentina which absolutely knocked me out -- talk about the perfect piece of art for creating other pieces of art. All I could think about was how cool it would be to shoot nudes through it.

What really got me excited though was seeing my first Frida Khalo, which is part of their permanent collection. I've seen so many of her paintings in books that it was awe inspiring to see an original up close. And to top it off it's one of the pieces that always intriqued me. I was lucky enough to fire off the shots of the painting before security told me I wasn't to take any pictures --(big smile, "oh really no fotografia, lo siento").


Other features worth noting is the amazing skylight domes in both buildings of the Museum and the sculpture garden which is located between them.

I then walked along Paseo de la Reforma and back through Zona Rosa on my way to the metro. Talk about a trip into the twilight zone: I was propositioned by a woman who told me in spanish that I was very sexy and would I like to go hang out with her, then I stopped in a store to buy a I HEART DF t-shirt and the owner there asked me if I played in a band because I look like a rockstar, finally in the never-ending Americanization of Mexico I was walking by Popeye's (yeah, that's right the chicken place) and inside they had troubadours singing. That was enough for me, I went to Starbucks got my venti skim latte (only $3.40 here as opposed to over $4 in both NYC and Canada, I guess they're closer to where the coffee beans are picked) and headed back to my hotel.