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VOL. IV ISS. I 2 // WILDFLOWER MAGAZINE // JANUARY 2013
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SNAPSHOTS: WINTER
PHOTO/ASHLEY HENNEFER
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PHOTO/MEREDITH WHITE
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
LIFE & LIVING
ON OUR RADAR
FOOD • pg. 14
FILMS • pg. 48
GREEN • pg. 18
GAMES • pg. 52
TECH • pg. 20
BOOKS • pg. 56
D.I.Y • pg. 24
STYLE • pg. 58
FEATURE • pg. 30
GEAR • pg. 60
BUSINESS • pg. 36
PLACES • pg. 62
SOCIAL • pg. 38
FREETHOUGHT • pg. 64
SEX & LOVE • pg. 42 6 // WILDFLOWER MAGAZINE // JANUARY 2013
WILDFLOWER EDITOR/PUBLISHER Ashley Hennefer
ASSISTANT EDITOR Jessica Farkas
CONTRIBUTORS
Kelly Ash Ayn Maddox Natalie Parker-Lawrence Jessica Ross Thea Whitaker Meredith White Carmen Wright Š 2013 Wildflower Magazine Designed and edited by Ashley Hennefer, Jessica Farkas and Andrew Warren www.wildflowermagazine.com
for women off the beaten track JANUARY 2013 // WILDFLOWER MAGAZINE // 7
EDITOR’S NOTES I’ve learned that, when it comes to the New Year, there are three types of people—the ones who love making resolutions, the ones who hate making resolutions, and the ones who are just all together apathetic. I’m definitely in the “making resolutions category.” I’m a goal-oriented woman and a creature of habit. And I love planning for the future. Planners like me sometimes get a bad rap because we’re not considered risk takers, but I’ve always felt differently. It takes a significant dose of optimism to plan ahead, to expect the future to even exist. It takes a bit of faith and a firm amount of belief in one’s self to agree to meet life guidelines that will most likely change. My biggest risks have stemmed from existing plans, like starting Wildflower. As a college student, I knew I loved being a woman and writing about awesome topics pertaining to women like me, and my goal was to have an opportunity to do so. But instead of waiting for that opportunity, I plunged into the future headfirst with no expectations. A more recent risk was deciding to make Wildflower a different kind of magazine. You’ll notice that this mag not only looks different, but has an all new focus, too. Our website, www.wildflowermagazine.com, has great regular features by our columnists, and we wanted to apply that diversity to the magazine itself in order to better represent women off the beaten track. I have a few simple resolutions for 2013. First, I plan to follow each item on our Self-Improvement Manifesto (see pg. 30). My other goals this year are to write something really amazing that will knock someone’s socks off, and to make everything in my life open source, free and always improving. Thanks for your continued support. We hope you like the new Wildflower! •
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ashley hennefer eDITOR
JESSICA FARKAS ASSISTANT EDITOR
As I flip through the pages of this issue of Wildflower—the Self-Improvement Manifesto—I can’t help but feel like I’ve got so much I need to work on. From our talented writers discussing their most anticipated movies, books, video games, and more, to the creative minds who put these things out into the world, I am both blown away and overwhelmed by the caliber of women that surround me. While my friends and family will tell you I have always been a little too hard on myself, nobody can argue with the fact that I’ve got plenty of room for improvement. But this year, rather than making my customary list of very detailed and time sensitive resolutions, I have decided to focus on one primary goal: be a better person. Despite my selfish tendency to infer my own failure from other people’s success, I’m not entirely disappointed with where I am at this point in my life. I am aware of the things I like and don’t like, my passions, my fears; I have a vague idea what I want out of life and an even vaguer idea of how to get there; and I am, for the most part, confident and proud of who I am and what I stand for. Still, I feel like these things are all just a part of my foundation. It may be a pretty solid foundation, but if I want to be a better person, then it’s time to build something on top. And 2013 is my year to start building. I want to read more, travel more, cook more, exercise more. I want to listen to more music, watch more movies, donate more time and energy to helping those who need it. And of course, I want to—no, need to— write more. The world was supposed to end in 2012. It didn’t. What better year to make the best of our lives than one so many people thought would never see the light of day? •
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WORDS FROM THE WILD
RING IN THE NEW DREAM
by natalie parker-lawrence
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We have achieved two of the three alchemists’ dreams: We have transmuted the elements and learned to fly. Immortality is next.
— from Max More, On becoming posthuman
Chemistry. Aviation. Sidestepping Death. Were these items in your Christmas stocking? Perhaps you have meds that keep you alive. Perhaps you flew to the East Coast for the holidays. Perhaps you want to live forever. Perhaps you believe that the world cannot do without you. Perhaps you need a new set of friends every ninety years or so. Perhaps you want to influence the lineage of your family through up and coming generations. How could they possibly exist without your wisdom or wealth? Does the frame of immortality comprise youth as well as health? Or are those who wish for immortality destined to look like Yoda, worry like Faust, annoy like Dorian Gray, and smell like zombies? Tolkien creates the Army of the Dead to help the king return. They sharpen, I guess, their swords before they arrive to kill the orcs et al. But in the end, the victory of good over evil is in the tiny hands of the hobbits, not those who can go to their realm of eternal peace because they redeem themselves through noble service. Several years after the battle where Frodo loses a finger to Gollum, he decides that he will accompany Gandalf, Galadriel, Bilbo, and others on the ship to the Grey Havens, a nebulous, but marketed to be a hell of a, time-share of eternal bliss. There is no return trip, but they leave alive as if immortality, like death, involves another dimension. C.S. Lewis, in the Narnia saga, offers Aslan’s Lands. We know he goes there every so often, but we are not sure if the children can ever come along when the time seems to be right. Lewis offers time travel through the wardrobe instead. Of course, the children come out in each dimension as strong and beautiful and powerful leaders, not hoary crones or arthritic geezers. University of Cambridge philosopher Simon Blackburn, in his essay “Religion and Re-
spect,” writes, “ ...things do not gain meaning by going on for a very long time, or even forever. Indeed, they lose it. A piece of music, a conversation, even a glance of adoration or a moment of unity have their allotted time. Too much and they become boring. An infinity and they would be intolerable.” We need to know that things, to be good, are finite: their preciousness depends on a definite ephemeral nature. It all can be taken away. At any time. You must know the demise of the mortality of others to be true because it is true about you as well: we just don’t believe it to be true as of yet, as if we are the exception. So, instead, we try to find eternal life on earth, with or without plastic surgery, with or without vodka. What would you do as an immortal? The Greek and Roman gods and goddesses, I think because they are bored, behave badly: violence, war, rape, pettiness, paranoia, lust, aggression, and greed among other traits. They are not the role models for those who do not die. No guarantees but maybe we can infuse immortality’s marketing plan with what it might not entail: debt, shame, invasion, doubt, need, tears, hunger, fear, regret, disease, laws, bad valentine gifts like an oven, thwarted and unrequited love in sixth grade that you were sure was THE ONE, mistreated dogs, nightmares, treason, nuclear waste, maxi-pads, and snow days. •
Natalie Parker-Lawrence writes All Who Wander Are Not Lost, a column published weekly at www.wildflowermagazine.com.
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LIFE & LIVING 12 // WILDFLOWER MAGAZINE // JANUARY 2013
FOOD pg. 14 GREEN pg. 18 TECH pg. 20 D.I.Y pg. 24 FEATURE pg. 30 BUSINESS pg. 36 SOCIAL pg. 38 SEX & LOVE pg. 42
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FOOD
Seasonal food
squash Two quick and easy recipes using one of our favorite winter foods: Squash.
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ButternutiiSquashii andiiCousCous Ingredients: • • • • • • • •
Butternut squash Couscous Chicken or vegetable broth Olive oil or butter Cumin Sea salt Pepper Beans
• Peel and cut the squash into 1 inch cubes. • Melt butter in a large fry pan. Add the butternut squash, and sprinkle with cumin, sea salt and pepper. Cover the pan and let the squash cook for around 20 minutes until the outsides are brown and the squash is soft. • While the squash is cooking, bring a 1/2 cup of broth and 1 1/4 cup of water to a boil in a small sauce pan. Once the liquid is boiling, put in two cups of couscous and turn the heat to low. Cover couscous and let sit for 5-10 minutes. Couscous will be done when the liquid has been soaked up and the couscous can be fluffed with a fork. • Heat up beans in a sauce pan or in a microwave. Once beans are heated, put into a large bowl, and add the couscous and squash. Mix it all together and enjoy!
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Winter Salad yellowiisquashiiandiiradishiiwinteriisalad Ingredients: • • • • • • • •
Radishes Carrots Turnip Yellow squash Garlic Romaine lettuce Almonds Olive oil and balsamic vinegar
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• Dice the radish, carrot, turnip and squash and place in a bowl. • Mince garlic, and mix the garlic into the vegetables. • Slice Romaine lettuce, place into a bowl and set it in a refrigerator to chill. • In fairly large pan, add a little tiny scoop of butter. Once the butter is melted, add the vegetables. Cook for around 5-8 minutes until the vegetables are soft. • Put the cooked vegetables in the bowl with the romaine lettuce. Toss with the olive oil and vinegar and almonds. Add a pinch of salt and toss again. • Pair with beer and enjoy! Optional, of course, but recommended.
Have a great seasonal recipe? Share it with Wildflower readers by emailing it to editor@wildflowermagazine.com with “Recipe” in the subject line.
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GREEN
Starting an organic kitchen garden
by kelly ash
Kitchen gardens, or as I like to think of them, potagers, are a great source for local, pesticide-free food and make a lovely looking garden as well.
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But before I tell my husband to rip up the lawn to make a home for my soon-to-be vegetable garden, I have to ask myself some questions first: what homegrown foods do I like to eat? Melons, beans, peppers and of course tomatoes! Lots and lots of tomatoes! Which foods are more cost-effective to grow and which are better to buy? My head is starting to hurt from the calculations! How much space and time am I willing to dedicate to this organic garden? As much lawn space as my husband is willing to give up. Do I prefer an edible landscape or a purely functional garden space? Definitely edible landscape—I like things to be both pretty and functional. Once I decide which plants and vegetables I’ll be growing, I have to think about where the garden will be positioned. An optimal location will have at least six hours of sunlight, face South on a slight incline and have rich, loamy well-drained soil. And before I start planting next spring, I need to test the soil. The importance of soil testing cannot be over-estimated. Your local cooperative extension will test your soil for a nominal fee and send you an analysis, which includes pH (7-7.5 is ideal for most vegetables), contaminants, organic matter, nutrient levels and recommendations for soil improvement.
Although I’m no longer a first time gardener, I am still excited to plant my seeds and seedlings, so I have to remember to wait until the danger of frost is gone. And it is crucial to remember to practice crop rotation. The four main vegetable groups—fruit crops, root crops, brassicas and leaf crops, legumes and potatoes—should be planted in four separate beds, and each year they should rotate. Practicing a 4-year crop rotation cycle will help prevent pest and disease build up, but also avoid stripping nutrients from the soil. When you plant the same crops in the same location, plants will drain the soil of particular high-demand nutrients. Crop rotation improves nutrient efficiency, and therefore less soil amendments are required the following year. I like to think of it as the happier and more nutritious the soil, the juicier my tomato! Also, by having stronger, nutrient-rich plants, you will have less need for insect and disease controls, which is a bonus in my book. A good garden crop rotation plan will keep your organic kitchen garden filled with juicy and delicious food throughout the year and many growing seasons to come. • Kelly Ash is a horticulturist, writer and photographer, and writes Flirting With Dirt, a column published bi-monthly at www.wildflowermagazine.com.
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TECH
Finding a new social network by ashley hennefer
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Whenever a revamped social networking project comes along—like MySpace’s recently announced overhaul—new conversations arise about what we love and don’t love about the social networks we use and have come to rely on. Mainstream networks are starting to feel the heat, especially as sites like Facebook launch new ways for users to pay for services to increase exposure of posts. Social networking has plenty of benefits, and we’ve incorporated it into so many aspects of our lives, but let’s face it: the sites we use are just not working for us anymore. We want more of an immersive experience, which is where projects like Instagram have filled the void. We want to make it both personal and professional, like About.me. While many of us use networking to keep in touch with old friends and family, we also use it as a way to connect with others around the world. It’s time to open up social networking beyond providing (mostly) free but somewhat static services that no one seems happy with. And it’s high time we start taking control of the way we network—taking back our privacy, our data and our user experiences. A few months ago I started using open source networking site Diaspora after receiving an invite from a friend. Immediately I took to the clean interface, a refreshing change from websites bloated with ads and poorly resized photos. The design was intuitive, not a far stretch from Facebook’s early days, and I liked how hashtags were integrated so much into every aspect of posting and sharing content—users must choose five hashtags when they set up an account, and most users incorporate hashtags into their status updates to find others who share their interests. It’s not a new concept by any means, but it feels more organic than using tags to trend, a la Twitter.
Diaspora allows user to set up independent “pods” through which they can set up their own networks using Diaspora’s framework. In 2010, ReadWriteWeb called Diaspora the “anti-Facebook,” and writer Sarah Perez described how Diaspora works: “Instead of being a singular portal like Facebook, Diaspora is a distributed network where separate computers connect to each other directly, without going through a central server. Once set up, the network could aggregate your information—including your Facebook profile, if you wanted. It could also import things like tweets, RSS feeds, photos, etc., similar to how the social aggregator FriendFeed does. A planned plugin framework could extend these possibilities even further. Your computer, called a “seed” in the Diaspora setup, could even integrate the connected services in new ways. For example, a photo uploaded to Flickr could automatically be turned into a Twitter post using the caption and link. When you “friend” another user, you’re actually “friending” that seed, technically speaking. There’s not a centralized server managing those friend connections as there is with Facebook—it’s just two computers talking to each other. Friends can then share their information, content, media and anything else with each other, privately using GPG encryption.” It’s been two years since that article was written, and Diaspora has made some progress since then, including the development of apps, such as Cubbi.es, a Tumblr-esque image board. Last year, the website published graphs from the first year of the site’s inception. Still in alpha stage, the website has some occasional glitches, and the mobile app component Diaspora Poduptime needs some work before it can be used as easily as other social networking apps. The JANUARY 2013 // WILDFLOWER MAGAZINE // 21
project was also in the news when one of its co-founders, 22-year-old Ilya Zhitomirskiy, tragically died last November. But despite its challenges, the website has several things going for it, including its name, which evokes a different approach to web networking than names like MySpace—with an emphasis on the self—or Facebook—focusing on appearances—and even Twitter—snippets of what could be meaningful conversations, condensed to 140 characters. Diaspora, a Greek word meaning “scattering” or “dispersion,” is a word that describes a type of community far from its “ancestral homeland.” Essentially, it’s about the establishment of new communities away from traditional norms. Social networking has created a sense of tribalism, unrestricted by geography, within the greater technology subculture. Like tribes, we navigate toward the comforting and familiar, but now we aren’t limited by our physical locations. We seek out those with common interests with whom we can bond anywhere around the world using tools on the internet. This imagery reminded me of Linux’s operating system names like Ubuntu, which defines a sense of kinship or personal identity found in communities. It also brought to mind researcher Marc Prensky’s work on the idea of “digital natives,” which refers to the generation of 22 // WILDFLOWER MAGAZINE // JANUARY 2013
students born into a world where technology is unavoidable and ingrained into everything we do. In his article, Digital Immigrants, Digital Natives, he writes: “It is now clear that as a result of this ubiquitous environment and the sheer volume of their interaction with it, today’s students think and process information fundamentally differently from their predecessors.” As this generation ages, their experiences with technology will continue to adapt. While Prensky is addressing the field of education, I see an opportunity for these ideas to relate to those of us who us to stop functioning as digital “immigrants,” who flock to new sites and inhabit them without really taking part in the process, and instead take on the role of “natives,” who can create unique virtual ecologies from the ground up. So why are we still supporting companies that want to monetize our friendships and networking, change familiar interfaces without warning, and use our tastes and interests to aggregate ads or particular content, when we have open source options? Alternative social networking resources offers an opportunity to create customized, intermingled web-based communities around our common interests and world views. The draw back is that it takes time, effort and particular skills (like coding) to do this. Is it worth it? How much are we willing to take part in the development of our networks? •
Ashley Hennefer is the editor of Wildflower and writes Girlhacker, a column published at www.wildflowermagazine.com.
APP ROUNDUP: FITNESS
C’mon, we know one of your New Year’s resolutions is about fitness, whether that means losing that stubborn five pounds (or ten... or twenty...) or just becoming a healthier person. Here are some helpful apps to get you started.
Lose It!
This is a helpful—and free!—app that lets you track your food intake and exercise. Badges are awarded when you reach goals, and the social network allows friends to hold you accountable for your fitness choices. Free, available for iOS and Android.
pocket yoga
Health experts encourage those with sedentary lifestyles to stand up often and stretch. Pocket Yoga provides helpful stretching techniques and is a great way to incorporate a calming workout on the go. The narration is great for newbies, and the images show precise movements for safe stretching. $2.99, available for iOS and Android.
Zombies, Run!
If getting motivated to exercise is difficult, try this fun app that sends hordes of zombies chasing after you. The app creates an auditory scenario The experience is immersive, exciting and honestly, a little scary. But you’ll no doubt be in great shape for the apocalypse. $7.99, available for iOS and Android.
RUNKEEPER
Both novice and expert runners will find the maps and tracking devices in this app helpful. RunKeeper helps runners set goals when training for specific events, like a 5K, and also compiles stats like heart rate or calories burned. Free, available for iOS and Android.
endomondo
Also a tracking app, Endomondo can be used with any physical activity like running, hiking or biking, and also features audio feedback if you need an extra boost. Free, available for iOS and Android. •
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D.I.Y
picture PERFECT
CREATE A LIGHT BOX TO TAKE PROFESSIONAL-QUALITY PHOTOGRAPHS IN YOUR OWN HOME 24 // WILDFLOWER MAGAZINE // JANUARY 2013
by THEA WHITAKER
A really nice light box can set you back $30-$50. Save a little by making your own! After gathering a few things you probably have in the house, you can work a little do-it-yourself magic and do tabletop photography like the pros in no time. Yes, it’s that easy. No, you don’t have to thank me. Thea Whitaker is a photographer based in San Francisco.
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1
2 3
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SUPPLIES: 1.
6
7 2. Cardboard box 3. Wax paper 5. Marker 6. Tape 7. Box cutter
Patterned paper
4. Scissors
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D.I.Y
STEP 1 Cut off two flaps. These will become the top and bottom of your light box.
STEP 2
Cut out three windows on three sides of the box.
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STEP 3 Cut out three pieces of wax paper and tape over the three windows. If you’re using a larger box, you can use tissue paper.
Now you have a nice micro studio. The wax paper acts as a difuser and reflector, so the light is really soft.
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STEP 4 Find a paper you like, and cut it down to size. It needs to be as wide as your box, and as long as the paper allows. Don’t push it into the corner of the box—you don’t want to see an edge. Secure with rolls of tape on the back. If your box is big, I’ve glued scrunched up tissue paper in the back, which worked wonderfully. Get creative!
STEP 5
Then shoot away! Here I’m using a clip lamp. I love clip lamps. The best advice I ever got when I started photography was to buy clip lamps, which are available at all hardware stores for relatively cheap.
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BEFORE:
after:
Tips and tricks for using your new light box • Get a black granite tile from a hardware store, use it as the surface your product sits on, and then photograph it from the side. Have fun with the reflections! • Try using some fabric instead of paper; see what kind of textures different materials make in the background. • Get really comfortable with manual focusing. When working on a smaller scale the sharpness is really important.
• Get a tripod! Allow yourself to move things around in the box without losing your framing. The subject can’t move around for you here! • Put it somewhere safe. Unfortunately, these light boxes don’t last forever. But if you’re careful, I got a whole year out of one box! It got thrown away during a move, but I wasn’t bothered because these are easy to make. • JANUARY 2013 // WILDFLOWER MAGAZINE // 29
FEATURE
The Self-Improvement
Manifesto 10 wAYS TO UPGRADE YOUR LIFE IN THE NEW YEAR
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It’s a new year and time to make some new goals, but we don’t want you to make just any old resolutions. Manifestos, known as a public declarations of intentions, motives or goals, have been used throughout history to inspire change and ignite movements. So here’s our manifesto for you—10 ways to be a stronger, healthier and smarter woman in 2013.
1. CHECK YOUR PRIVILEGE Privilege—”a special right, advantage, or immunity granted or available only to one person or group of people”—impacts everyone. Our own privileges affect the way we view and treat people and situations, and how we ourselves are treated and viewed. Understanding our own privileges is imperative to better understanding our place in the world. Because privilege can often lead to prejudice or harmful societal notions, it can be difficult to acknowledge how we perpetuate this. But once we become aware, we’re able to be open-minded like never before. To get started, ask yourself: How am I privileged? How do I act on my privilege on a day to day basis? Am I
2. ESTABLISH RITUALS
Rituals can be oppressive and outdated traditions—or they can be beautiful habits linked to a person’s deepest beliefs. A ritual doesn’t have to be religious, but in a sense, it is spiritual—it’s a connection to one’s spirit using a symbolic gesture. Here are some ideas: Make a cup of tea every day at the same time. Write a poem once a week. Learn how to meditate. Taking some scheduled time to reflect on yourself provides a sense of control over your day to day life, and the expectation of a peaceful moment is the perfect way to stay calm in the midst of stressful situations.
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FEATURE
3. PICK A SIDE
Moderation is overrated. Sure, there’s a time and a place for expression your opinions, but there’s much to be said for having a firm stance on the issues important to you. Knowing what you value allows you to keep your standards high. But picking a side doesn’t mean you should write off those with differing opinions—it just means that you know what you want, what you like, what you care about, and what you expect from yourself and others. It also helps you find common ground with others without compromising your values. Make sure the passion for your beliefs and causes comes from a fair and logical place— don’t alienate yourself from others just because you disagree.
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4. FORM A TRIBE
Having a group of likeminded individuals can be a rewarding and positive experience. Even introverted people enjoy companionship. Within a tribe, everyone has a role and subsequently, a purpose. Offer something to your tribesmen. A popular motto among makerspaces is “Those that do are right.” It means that anyone with an idea has the freedom to follow through on that idea, and it becomes a responsibility. This year, seek out friends with common interests. You can meet new people in your town or city, or join some forums online. You might find yourself among people of different backgrounds with unique experiences and knowledge to share with you. A tribe is both a stimulating environment and a support system.
Putting yourself in uncomfortable situations helps to refocus your priorities and better understand your own boundaries.
5. REVEL IN DISCOMFORT
On a Discovery Channel show called Out of the Wild, a group of ordinary people embark on extreme treks from the wilderness of Alaska and Venezuela to reach civilization. It’s not a game show—there’s no prize for completing the journey, and participants can choose to leave at any time. The show documents the transformation of the travelers, many of whom find a deep sense of clarity after weeks of arduous and trecherous wandering. Putting yourself in uncomfortable situations helps to refocus on your priorities and better understand your own boundaries. It’s also a great way to appreciate the good things you have in your life.
6. minimalize
Weeding out the unnecessary is an important step toward isolating what’s really sacred to you. Minimalism is a philosophy of mind and space—minimalists value quality over quantity, and take pleasure in empty spaces. Start by cleaning out your home or work environment. Be brutal—if an item hasn’t been used in six months, get rid of it (sustainably, of course—recycle or upcycle!). Then, move into your digital realms— downsize your social networks, clear off your desktop, or organize your email inbox. Once the physical and digital spaces you inhabit are cleared, you can then apply the same practice to your relationships, memories and commitments.
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FEATURE
7. end a vice We know quitting a bad habit is a typical New Year’s resolution, but we want you to take it down a notch and approach it a bit differently. If smoking or indulging on too many sweets are some of your vices, feel free to make every attempt to quit, but it’s OK to start small, too. Think of any bad habits that affect more than just your personal health—do you neglect to use your blinker while driving? Do you throw things away that could instead be recycled? Understanding how our vices and bad habits, especially the small ones, negatively affect others can be a good motivation in changing the small things before moving on to the big.
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8. acquire new skills We’re of the mind that the best learning happens outside of structured school environments. The desire to be a lifelong learner makes for well-rounded people and curious communities. Try a new skill that pushes your body and mind. Then, share what you’ve learned with others. Include in your sharing the experiences in which you struggled or overcame challenges. Find a balance between fun and practical skills, but take one skill at a time. And practice every day—that’s what differentiates between a good idea and a skill that you own and can use at any time. Branch out of your comfort zone, too. Ask other members of your tribe (see #4) to show you something awe-inspiring, and return the favor.
The desire to be a lifelong learner makes for well-rounded people and curious communities.
9. be aware
If you haven’t noticed, we’re going for sort of a theme with our manifesto—strive to make yourself better while also improving your community and those around you. This includes being aware of what goes on beyond your own bubble. It also means being insatiably curious. Read often, and seek out content to read outside of your comfort zone. Reading is a great way to follow #1 because it puts you right into another person’s experiences. Beyond reading, pay attention to little things around you. Sit in public places and observe. Become invisible and write down what you notice about people interacting in public. You’ll be surprised by the intimate moments you witness.
10. write a manifesto This manifesto is a compilation of our ideas, but now it’s your turn. The most memorable manifestos are the ones that can be adapted to fit your needs and personality. Start with a list. Then, revise each idea to be a mantra that you can repeat over and over again. Memorize your manifesto. Write it down in visible places—your bathroom mirror, your hand, your homescreen. Tell it to your friends so they can hold you accountable, or share it anonymously among strangers. Once you confirm your manifesto, you must live by it. The best manifestos, of course, are the ones that start revolutions. •
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BUSINESS SENSE The 5 percent solution the plight of the involuntary part-time worker by ayn maddox There is a maxim in human resources that 100 percent of the rules are created to address the behaviors of only 5 percent of the population of your company. There is about 5 percent of any given group of people who don’t have the general common set of innate work behaviors and values that the majority of the workers have… sometimes a little more but most often, less. Usually, 95 percent of the employees in a 36 // WILDFLOWER MAGAZINE // JANUARY 2013
company work within a set of parameters of acceptable working behaviors. I am pretty sure this 95/5 Rule holds true for other areas of life as well. I am not worried about those people who don't want to work and are determined to "live on the dole" - it's only about 5 percent (or less) of the population. I actually—personally—only know one person who would fall into this group. The people I am concerned about are those who fall in between those who have the advantages in life so wind up with good jobs or careers and the category of those who just don't want to work. There is a vast amount of territory between those two categories. If you look at the latest Labor Department Statistics released in July 2012, there are about 8.2
million people in the U.S. who want to hold good, full-time jobs but are not able to because of some set of circumstances that are highly individual and often through no fault of the person. They are called the Involuntary Part-Time Worker. In my work in the community, I have met scores of people who work multiple part-time jobs—sometimes three or four different tough, sometimes dangerous, and dirty part-time jobs—and rarely see their kids because they work the shifts or jobs that full-timers won't work. They don't have health insurance for themselves or their families, or many of the other things a lot of people take for granted like a car, or a driver's license, a cell phone, a checking account, a savings account, a washer, dryer or dishwasher or flat screen TV in their living space. Some don't even have a working refrigerator and they work 50 and 60 hours a week between all their different part-time jobs. They usually make slightly above minimum wage. There was a small movement in the 1990s of respected business advisors and writers who advocated for sustainable business and not business that was only judged successful by the amount of return for stockholders, but for creating long-term security for the workers of the business. They advocated for lean, flexible organizations who were able to shift and change according to the demands of changing markets and global circumstances. They also put a great deal of value on utilizing recycled materials, alternative energy, and innovation in all forms. Then, the Recession deepened and their voices were drowned out by the voices of fear that advocated cutting jobs and people for the sake of continuing to post quarterly profits higher than those of the previous quarter.
The measures of success that the world has generally embraced are starting to be seen for what they are: ways for a very few people to get wealthier on the backs of people like the Involuntary Part-Time Worker. Years ago I told my financial planner that I wanted to invest as consciously as possible. I wanted to be able to look at myself in the mirror every day and not think that I was causing some mom to worry that her kids were falling in with the wrong crowd or some dad that he was missing out on his kids lives since they were not ever able to be with their families for working 60 hours a week at three part-time jobs to put a roof over their families’ heads and food on the table. I may not make the return that other people do on their investments, but I know that I am siding with corporate sustainability and offering long-term security for workers as best as I am able. It is a personal choice. So remember there are not just two big categories: people who work and people on the dole. There are a whole lot of spaces— call them cracks—in between and people can fall into those cracks as quickly as one serious illness, downsizing, plant closing, or bad accident. How do we figure out ways in business today to fill in the cracks so that people who want to work have the opportunity to do what they love to do and receive good compensation and fulfillment doing it? •
Remember there are not just two big categories: people who work and people on the dole.
Ayn Maddox writes Business Casual, a column published at www.wildflowermagazine.com.
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COMMON COURTESY
Awk-Words
how to deal with awkward, and often unavoidable, social scenarios by Meredith White 38 // WILDFLOWER MAGAZINE // JANUARY 2013
These days we can’t stop talking about how “awkwaaaard” things are. Whether its awkward family photos (dot com), goofy television shows or memes, we love to talk about awkwardness. Lately I’ve been hyper aware of this awkwardness in my every day life. To clarify, I’ll give a quick example: Last week I was walking down the sidewalk approaching my place of work. As I turned the corner for the final stretch, there were a few people coming toward me. They passed me as they continued on their way, and then there was nobody behind them except one lone dude, nearly a block away from me. I quickly recognized this gentleman as someone who works at my company, but that I have never really spoken to. Since we’ve both worked at this place for several years, it was inevitable that we would greet each other in some way as we got closer and he passed by me as well. So now I knew the situation, and I needed to make a decision. I wanted to minimize awkwardness both for my benefit and the good of all others in the vicinity. Here were my options, as I considered them.
A) Be proactive, and dorkily
wave from half a block away, then smile like an idiot until the madness ends and its all over, two minutes later. No way, that’s brutal...
B) Busy myself with my phone or gloves or keys suddenly. Crap, there is nary an empty wrapper in my pocket to distract myself with. Next option...
C) Look across the street, at
the ground, at the person, back at the ground, at some traffic, at the person again, okaaaay! Close enough to smile and pass them now!
D) Stare at the ground like
a humbug the whole time, earning me a reputation as a grade a jerkface, until I’m safely inside.
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Okay, so in reality I chose some combination of A, B, and C. It required me to look down, glance in my pockets, then neutrally smile off into space until my peripheral vision told me that I was an appropriate distance to glance at my coworker as though seeing him for the first time, and then smile, “surprised,” and say “Hi!” as we passed each other. Was all of this awkwardness on my part necessary? Absolutely not. Do I think everyone is this nutso about every little interaction? Good grief, I hope not. But me, having social interactions frequently on the brain for both work and this column, I found it hard to ignore. In the interest of—well, science!—I performed a quick and very scientific poll on both Facebook and my blog. In order of voted awkwardness, here are some of the other contenders for “try to avoid at all costs” awkward situations, from least to most awkward.
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5)
Being the first one at a party/event when you barely know the host (OK, admittedly not that awkward).
4)
Deciding how long to wait before you acknowledge an acquaintance walking toward you (see above story).
3)
Finding yourself on the same path walking somewhere with someone you know, but neither of you has anything to say to the other, so you walk silently alongside one another unless someone awkwardly changes pace, or comments on the weather, or breaks the awkward silence (this one could go either way).
My point isn't just to label a bunch of awkward situations. lt's to discuss why some of them are so darn uncomfortable. 2)
Making fun of something/saying you dislike something and then realizing someone in the conversation is included (i.e. “Who would name their child Marvin? Oops... Sorry Marv, I meant... the other spelling...”).
1)
When someone brings up a party/ event you are having that you haven’t invited them to or don’t want to invite them to. (Is it worse to not invite them or to actually have them show up? Ugh.) Okay, so now we’ve defined some awkward situations. I could go on forever, and I sure did appreciate some of the write-in comments! But my point isn’t just to label a bunch of awkward situations. It’s to discuss why some of them are so darn uncomfortable. Sure, it’s kind of obvious why it might be awkward to admit you didn’t invite
somebody to something they have found out about, but why is it awkward to walk next to somebody without talking? Or to face somebody in an elevator instead of facing the doors? Or any of the other things we call “awk-waaard!” on a daily basis? I have my theories about this, as a psychology major/someone with too much time in my own head. But in order to read what these theories are, you’ll have to come back for my next installation. In the interim, I challenge you readers to try to notice the awkwardness in your daily life, and reflect on what makes it awkward, and what makes us care if it is awkward. •
Meredith White is a mental health specialist and writes The Socialite, a column published bi-monthly at www.wildflowermagazine.com.
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SEX & LOVE: ASK JESSICA
wildflower’s resident sex and relationship columnist answers your burning questions by Jessica Farkas 42 // WILDFLOWER MAGAZINE // JANUARY 2013
nothin’ but a number Dear Jessica, I just recently hit “Number” 30. He was a pretty good-looking guy, so I gave myself props. However, as I quickly jotted his name down in “The List” the next morning, a slight wave of shamefulness crept its way into my conscience. My question is this: Where do we, as females, draw the line from being normal to being slutty? What even defines a woman as slutty, anyways? I have always hated the word “slut” and how quickly we are as a society to slap that label on women who have any type of casual sex. A slut is someone who performs sexual favors in exchange for money, not a woman who has made a conscious decision to hook up with guys she’s not necessarily planning to wed. We put so much emphasis on this stupid “Number” that means absolutely nothing because it’s completely relative. There are so many factors that play into a person’s number—her age, how long she’s been sexually active, her marital status, etc., and to worry about whether your number might fit within some nonexistent formula that deems you slutty is a waste of time and energy. When it comes down to it, the only person who can judge you by your number is you. Every woman should set standards for herself and strive to live up to those standards. Whether you are someone who has decided to wait until marriage to have sex, someone who sees sex as something much more casual, or someone who falls somewhere in between, that is your choice and nobody can tell you whether it’s right or wrong. While I don’t think it’s my place (or anyone else’s for that matter) to determine where the line is drawn from “being normal to being slutty,” I will offer this advice: Remember that when it comes to sex, quality is better than quantity. That you felt
even an inkling of shame the next morning might be a sign that you want something more than these 30 guys have been able to give you. I don’t know anything about your sexual background, but I can tell you that when I started to feel like my number was a little higher than I was comfortable
Every woman should set standards for herself and strive to live up to those standards. with, I slowed down and made the next one count. It felt good to be in control and show guys that I was worth the wait. And just as a reminder to anyone who might be reading this, it really doesn’t matter whether your number is 1 or 100…always practice safe sex!
porn on parole Dear Jessica: My ex-husband used to tell me that men looking at porn was normal. But as his interest in porn increased and his interest in me decreased, we soon found out that it was not so normal. Being a woman scorned in the bedroom, only to find my husband showing plenty of attention to his computer porn sites was humiliating. It was also eventually the end of our marriage. Now as I date, any man who mentions that he looks at porn and that this is “normal” makes my skin crawl. My ques JANUARY 2013 // WILDFLOWER MAGAZINE // 43
tion is, how much porn is healthy and how much is a sign that your relationship is in trouble? I think the casual visit to a porn site every now and then is not only normal, but totally healthy. Most men discover their sexuality and sexual interests from porn in their pre-teen and teen years, and many continue to explore that curiosity throughout their adult lives. Experts have cited many benefits to viewing pornographic photos and videos, including enhancing masturbation, spicing up one’s own sex life, sharing intimate moments, and relieving stress. In my opinion, porn becomes a problem when it is viewed as a realistic interpretation of what sex should be like. It seems like for the most part, guys don’t expect the pizza delivery girl to be some decked out bombshell with Double D breasts and a willingness to accept sex as payment for two medium pepperoni pies. When your guy starts to confuse fantasy with reality is when I think you ought to be wary. Now don’t get me wrong, one of the best things about porn is the cool new tricks we can learn from it to apply in our own bedrooms. And who doesn’t like to get down with a little role play every once in a while? But if your guy is so obsessed with porn that he expects unrealistic things from you, or worse—is more interested in living out those fantasies with himself and his computer than having sex with you—then he’s definitely got some issues. The worst thing you can do is assume the fault for his disinterest. That this guy got so wrapped up in touching himself while watching strangers get it on means absolutely nothing about you or your sexual performance. It means he had some things he needed to work out. The second worst thing you can do, though, is punish potential new beaus for a crime committed by your ex-husband. I once dated a guy who watched porn almost daily. At first I thought it was weird and kind of sick, but after two years of dating, the sex was the only good thing left in our relationship. Some guys just really like to watch porn. And just because one guy let it ruin your relationship doesn’t mean that all of them will. 44 // WILDFLOWER MAGAZINE // JANUARY 2013
keeping house Dear Jessica, This is a relationship question, but I am wondering what you think people should do if they are living together, in a romantic relationship (long term) and the two individuals have very different ideas of how often/ deeply the house should be cleaned, and in what way. This has been an ongoing issue for my boyfriend and I since we moved in together about 4 years ago. Any thoughts? Growing up I found it odd that my mother, a pretty conservative woman, always encouraged me to live with a man prior to marrying him. After living with a couple boyfriends, however, I learned that your predicament is exactly why she would support such a thing. While it seems like something so miniscule, these kinds of differences can truly drive a couple mad. Before any two people decide to move in together—whether they be lovers, friends, or even strangers—it is imperative they lay out some ground rules with regards to the upkeep of shared living
I think the casual visit to a porn site every now and then is not only normal, but totally healthy.
spaces. Knowing in advance how clean your roommate-to-be is will save you a lot of grief. If, however, the situation is like yours where there has been an ongoing issue for years, it is time to sit down together and re-evaluate. I am going to take a wild guess and assume you are a whole lot cleaner than your live-in beau. It’s always tough to be the cleaner one of the two. Not only are you the one stuck doing the majority of the housework, but often the things you do around the house can go unnoticed and unappreciated by the less clean person. Sometimes it’s even more infuriating to not be appreciated for doing something around the house than it is to have had to do it in the first place. My advice to you is twofold. First and foremost, sit down with your boyfriend and assign some daily and weekly chores for yourselves and each other. Try to explain to him why it’s important for him to do things like rinsing his dishes and taking a vacuum to the carpet every once in a while without sounding too accusatory that he hasn’t done these things in the past. It’s easy to assume our boyfriends avoid these things just to drive us bonkers when sometimes they are truly just clueless that the house doesn’t magically clean itself. When you guys to sit down to talk, make sure he knows this is a team effort by asking him what you can do differently to be a better roommate, too. Secondly, and this may sound a little harsh, but remember to choose your battles! Don’t let it drive you up a wall every time he puts a cereal bowl in the sink without rinsing it off. If you catch it before it dries up, put the bowl in the dishwasher and don’t bring it up to him. And definitely don’t use it as ammo for a future fight. (Trust me on that one.) It isn’t going to kill you to spare those extra five seconds to wash the dish, but it might save you from a fight later down the road. •
Need advice about sex or relationships? Email sex columnist Jessica Farkas at jessica@wildflowermagazine.com. please put “ask jessica” in the subject line. All questions are kept anonymous.
Jessica Farkas is the assistant editor of Wildflower, and writes Sex in Sin City, a column published bi-monthly at www.wildflowermagazine.com.
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Pictured: A screenshot of the new Lara Croft game. See On Our Radar: Games, pg 48.
ON OUR RADAR
46 // WILDFLOWER MAGAZINE // JANUARY 2013
FILMS pg. 48 GAMES pg. 52 BOOKS pg. 56 STYLE pg. 58 GEAR pg. 60 PLACES pg. 62 JANUARY 2013 // WILDFLOWER MAGAZINE // 47
ON OUR RADAR: FILMS
BIG MOVIES COMING TO THE BIG SCREEN IN EARLY 2013
Oz: The Great and Powerful.
by carmen wright
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The following are some of the movies that look like of quality in the new year. All of the summaries written are based on my observations from the film trailers. Some may be informative, others may just be snippy, and there is a good chance some of these movies will be featured in my Wildflower film review column, Film Stock.
Emmy Rossum in Beautiful Creatures.
JANUARY Promised Land
Release date: January 4 Cast: Matt Damon, Frances McDormand, John Krasinski Synopsis: A salesman goes to a small town with his co-woker to get the citizens to sign their land over to his company. One of the citizens gets the town to stop by lighting things on fire that should not light on fire.
Struck by Lightning
Release date: January 11 Cast: Chris Colfer, Rebel Wilson, Allison Janney Synopsis: A high school student blackmails his classmates to contribute to a literary magazine, so he can be admitted into Northwestern.
Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters
Release date: January 25 Cast: Jeremy Renner, Gemma Arterton, Famke Janssen Synopsis: Hansel and Gretel are bounty hunters seeking out a witch, who is destroying a village.
Movie 43
Release date: January 25 Cast: Hugh Jackman, Kate Winslet, Halle Berry Synopsis: A series of short films connected together through an ensemble cast. This movie will definitely not be everyone's cup of tea, due to its graphic nature and language. There is a red band trailer. Warning enough, I think.
FEBRUARY Warm Bodies
Release date: February 1 Cast: Nicholas Hoult, Teresa Palmer, John Malkovich Synopsis: Zombies are not just the ones you see on The Walking Dead. They are JANUARY 2013 // WILDFLOWER MAGAZINE // 49
F F A T S PICK
Gemma Arterton and Jeremy Renner in Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters.
capable of thoughts, humor, and love. That's according to this movie where a zombie slowly returns to his human self after falling in love. It is not like Twilight if that’s what you are worried about. You will be fine.
Side Effects
Release date: February 8 Cast: Rooney Mara, Channing Tatum, Jude Law Synopsis: A woman reverts to using prescription medication which makes her possibly murder someone, and seek an affair with her therapist. That is what the trailer told me. It is directed by Steven Soderbergh, so I could be wrong with the true intention of movie.
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Beautiful Creatures
Release date: February 13 Cast: Alice Englert, Viola Davis, Emmy Rossum Synopsis: Based on the book series by the same name, a young woman and man fall in love, but her fate will be decided in a short time if she is good or evil. I have not read the book series, but the set design was enough to make me interested in seeing it.
Dark Skies
Release date: February 22 Cast: Keri Russell, JK Simmons, Josh Hamilton Synopsis: A family is being terrorized by an invisible force that is trying to kill them. It looks like Signs and Paranormal Activity decided to combine and take over the world.
Mia Wasikowska in Stoker.
MARCH Jack the Giant Slayer
Release date: March 1 Cast: Nicholas Hoult, Stanley Tucci, Ewan McGregor Synopsis: Boy meets girl. Boy realizes girl is the princess. Girl is kidnapped by giants. Boy saves girl from giants. If you know anything about Jack and the Beanstalk, then you are set for this movie.
Oz: The Great and Powerful
Release date: March 8 Cast: James Franco, Mila Kunis, Rachel Weisz Synopsis: The Wizard of Oz before Dorothy, but from the Wizard's point of view.
Welcome to the Punch
Release date: March 15 Cast: James McAvoy, Mark Strong, Andrea Riseborough Synopsis: A cop wants the chance to take down a crime boss for the last time. •
Stoker
Release date: March 1 Cast: Mia Wasikowska, Nicole Kidman, Matthew Goode Synopsis: After the death of her father, a young woman becomes infatuated by her previously unknown uncle. It has a creepy trailer that has a lot of things working for it.
Carmen Wright is a movie lover and writes Film Stock, a column published bi-monthly at www.wildflowermagazine.com.
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ON OUR RADAR: GAMES
2013 Releases
BioShock Infinite
by Jessica ross
52 // WILDFLOWER MAGAZINE // JANUARY 2013
With new games announced constantly, we've decided to break up our game guide into quarters. Quarter 1 of 2013 covers January to March, and these are a few of the games that will be coming out during Q1. I’m not going to try to cover all the upcoming games; I’m going to focus on some of the ones I’m anticipating most.
to look for Ripley after the events that took place in the third movie. I try to keep track, but I’m not entirely clear on what, exactly, they’re saying this game is about. Whatever they decide the plot’s going to be, the Aliens quadrilogy are some of my favorite movies; I intend to buy this game and shoot some aliens regardless of when or where it takes place. PC, Xbox 360, Wii U, PS3 // February 12, 2013
BioShock Infinite As far as I can tell, this game doesn’t seem to be directly related to the previous BioShock games. It’s set in a different time and in an air city instead of one under water. It seems to have similar features to the previous games— one central character who is able to augment himself and gain new abilities while trying to protect someone. PC, Xbox 360, PS3 // March 26, 2013
Aliens: Dead Space 3 Colonial Marines
This game was originally scheduled to come out in 2012 but has been pushed back to Q1 of this year. Most gamers I talk to don’t have high hopes for this game— over the past year and a half, we’ve heard a few different plot ideas. First, it was going to be a game that would put you in place of some of the Marines from the movie Aliens. Then, the game was going to take place after that movie—new Marines are sent in to find out what happened to the ones who escorted Ripley. Now, it might be about Marines sent in
I started playing Dead Space over the summer (but unfortunately didn’t get very far before the semester started and I had to stop), and I loved it. It’s terrifying but still fantastic. I know I’m way behind, since I haven’t finished the first one yet, but I’m still looking forward to the third installment of this series. PC, Xbox 360, PS3 // February 5, 2013
DMC: Devil May Cry
The first game in this series came out in 2001 and the fourth came out in 2008; I wasn’t expecting a fifth installment. It’s looking as though DmC is a reboot of sorts – apparently, it takes place in an alternate dimension with an alternate Dante. This new game will still follow the hack-and-slash pattern of the previous games, but I’m curious to see some of the major differences. PC, Xbox 360, PS3 // January 15, 2013 JANUARY 2013 // WILDFLOWER MAGAZINE // 53
God of War: Ascension
This game is meant to be a prequel to the other three God of War games. These games are some of my all-time favorites, so I’m excited for the newest installment. But I was beginning to wonder how much more they could do with the storyline after I (spoiler) killed Zeus at the end of the last game. This new game will take us back to the beginning of Kratos’ journey for revenge —just after Ares tricks him into killing his wife and son. Hackand-slash games are my weakness; I will never not love them. God of War is no exception, and I can’t wait for Ascension. I’ve already preordered it, and I’m excited to get back to spreading my vengeance throughout ancient Greece.
PS3 // March 12, 2013
Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance
This is a spin-off of the main Metal Gear series; it follows Raiden, an ally of Solid Snake. I enjoyed the Metal Gear games I’ve played, 54 // WILDFLOWER MAGAZINE // JANUARY 2013
but I never go out of my way to play them. I prefer to run in, fists or weapons swinging, over being stealthy. I still play the Metal Gear games when they’re in front of me, but they’ve never been my favorite. This new installment is more of a hack-and-slash game, so I want to play it and hack/slash it up with a katana. Xbox 360, PS3 // February 19, 2013
Dead Space 3
Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time
This next Sly Cooper game is another one that was slated to come out in 2012. I l oved the first game, but the last two weren’t as good as they could have been. I’m still looking forward to this one, which requires Sly’s gang to travel through time to find the Thievius Raccoonus and fix changes to the Cooper family history. PS3, PlayStation Vita // February 5, 2013
F F STA K C I P Tomb Raider
We need more games with strong female protagonists, especially in the action-adventure genre. This new game works as a reboot of the Tomb Raider series; it chronicles Lara Croft’s entrance into the world of tomb raiding and her transformation into a tough survivor. The game will start with a gentle Lara, shipwrecked on an island and separated from the rest of her crew. She’ll have to survive the elements (and the wild animals) as she tries to find the rest of her shipmates. Along with action and adventure, this game will have a platforming element; Lara will have to navigate the island
Tomb Raider
and face many obstacles to keep herself and her crew alive. The story is meant to show us how Lara became the tough tomb raider we know and love. Though previous Tomb Raider games have featured an overly-sexualized Lara Croft, this game promises more in terms of character development than in her chest size. PC, Xbox 360, PS3 // March 5, 2013 •
Jessica Ross is an avid gamer and writes Game Time, a column published monthly at www.wildflowermagazine.com.
JANUARY 2013 // WILDFLOWER MAGAZINE // 55
ON OUR RADAR: BOOKS
February 19, 2013, HarperTeen
May 7, 2013, Philomel
Sisters Fia and Annie have powers that make them special—so special that they end up trapped in a school in which there powers are used against them. Written by Kiersten White, bestselling author of the Paranormalcy series, Mind Games is a complex psychological thriller and the first installment in the Mind Games series.
Stephen has lived with a powerful curse for most of his life, rendering him invisible to everyone except his new neighbor, Elizabeth. An effort to break the curse puts everyone they know at risk. Andrea Cremer and David Levithan—an unlikely duo, but both acclaimed writers with strong followings—team up for this magical love story.
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January 31, 2013, Dutton
March 12, 2013, Harper
Amy Webb’s memoir tackles Love in the Time of Online Dating. Letdown after letdown using dating site JDate, Webb decided to hack the system by finding out the exact formula to meet her soulmate. And it worked: she found love and started a family. Data, A Love Story explores Webb’s journey through the love on the web using humorous, geeky insight.
The latest mystery thriller by Elizabeth Haynes revolves around Genevieve, desperate to start a new life on a houseboat after a stressful life in London. But before she can start her new life, she’s pulled into a murder investigation—and the victim is someone she knows. But to stay out of the investigation and keep her troubled past a secret, she must retrace the steps back to her old life. —Wildflower staff JANUARY 2013 // WILDFLOWER MAGAZINE // 57
ON OUR RADAR: STYLE & GEAR
M OUNTA I N ( W O) MAN no matter the weather in your neck of the woods this time of year, it’s a great season to go all out on earthy patterns and textures.
2.
3.
1.
5. 4.
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6.
7.
Where to get it: 1. Superdry Ottowa Vest $170, www.superdry.com
2. Burgundy Fairisle Skirt $46, www.us.missselfridge.com
8.
3. Knoll Woof Scarf $98, www.otteny.com
4. Lay of the Woodland Tights $40, www.sneakyfox.com
5. BKE Thermal Top $26.95, www.buckle.com
9.
6. Nature’s Calling Faux Suede Boots $46.99, www.shopruche.com
7. Trilobite Fossil Necklace $56, www.etsy.com/shop/gwendelicious
8. Eye of Ocean Ring
$198, Artisan Look, www.obaz.com
10.
9. Hammered Attitudes Hoops $18.00, Spring Street, www.obaz.com
10. Black Crystal Arrow Cuff $14, LifeAdorned, www.obaz.com
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ON OUR RADAR: GEAR
KEEPING TIME
watches make for classic—and practical—statement pieces
Classic
Timex Unisex T2N651 Weekender $28.96, www.timex.com
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Modern
A Touch Of Fuschia $120, www.swatch.com
Minimalistic Contrast Edge $43.98, www.asos.com
Trendy
Mr. Jones Cyclops $185.99, www.watchismo.com
Techie
Tactical Braun Square Digital $235, www.braun.com
Traser TYPE 3 TRITIUM $117, www.traserusa.com
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ON OUR RADAR: PLACES
The best places to see the NOrthern lights
The Northern Lights—also known as the aurora borealis—are undoubtedly one of the most beautiful natural occurences a person can witness in her lifetime. A result of the interaction between charged electrons and the high altitude atmosphere, the striking glow of the aurora borealis fills northern skies with colors of green, blue or red. This phenonmenon is best seen between November and March. Here are the best places to view the Northern Lights with your own eyes.
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ALASKA
CA N A DA
RU S S I A
ICELAND
Alaska’s major cities, notably Fairbanks, Denali and Anchorage, are prime places to view the Northern Lights. The University of Alaska has an excellent “Aurora Forecast” for those planning a trip to the region at www.gi.alaska. edu/Aurora Forecast.
The northwest region of Canada not offers not only a beautiful terrain, but also consistent views of the glowing night sky. This is a great place for true adventurers, because the best views require exploration far beyond the towns and cities along the Canada border and into the wilderness.
If you’re willing to brave the frigid Russian winters, you’ll be duly rewarded with impeccable access to the aurora borealis. Northern Russia, particularlly the Kola Peninsula, requires a tough traveler willing to brave the unknown, but the views are unparalleled.
Any Scandinavian country makes for a great and unique trip, but Iceland offers a truly epic landscape and incredible aurora views to boot. Don’t forget to check out some of the hot springs and volcanoes while you’re there. We weren’t kidding around about “epic.” •
JANUARY 2013 // WILDFLOWER MAGAZINE // 63
FREETHOUGHT
“I have heard the stories you tell. You are the one who transforms, who creates. You can go out into the world and show others. They will feel less alone because of you, they will feel understood, unburdened by you, awakened by you, freed of guilt and shame and sorrow. But to share with them you must wear shoes you must go out you must not hide you must dance and it will be harder you must face jealousy and sometimes rage and desire and love which can hurt most of all because of what can then be taken away. So make that astral dress to fit your own body this time. And here are glass shoes made from your words, the stories you have told like a blower with her torch forming the thinnest, most translucent sheets of light out of what was once sand. But be careful; sand is already broken but glass breaks. The shoes are for dancing, not for running away.�
Francesca Lia Block, The Rose and the Beast
64 // WILDFLOWER MAGAZINE // JANUARY 2013
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PHOTOS BY JESSICA FARKAS
JANUARY 2013 // WILDFLOWER MAGAZINE // 65