Credits:
Canon in D – Johann Pachelbell
On the Wings of Integrity – Mychildren Mybride

So I had my hair cut a while back, and I’ve never officially posted in regards to it.  Therefore, I shall do such now.  Of course, I just posted a video, but I was wearing a hat at the time, so my hair was rather obscured.  So…fwa.

Inspiration is a funny thing.  And often, we look at it as an abstract concept.  An astral illusion eluding the concrete, physical template.  However, I’ve found over the course of my lifetime, that inspiration comes and goes like the whimsical nature only the living can possess.  Call me superstitious or a fool for ascribing an abstract as an individual, but I must persist.  You are at liberty to call me a great many things, though not all of them would be applicable.

However, I prefer being called a poet. Ascribing physicality to the inanimate is more or less my duty.

Inspiration is as individual as its host, which would indicate that it isn’t an all-encompassing force overlaying the entire population.  If such were the case, all would be inspired by the same things, think the same thoughts, and pursue the same goals.  No.  Inspiration is merely the letter carried by a somewhat temperamental messenger.  This messenger is the muse.

My muse, shall I say, is certainly a she.  At least, she behaves like a she.  She defines the picture present in many classic poems and sonnets, stories and songs.  Withdrawn and condescending, she flits and flows like a butterfly about a woodland stream.

I call her Heidi.

Heidi is a very whimsical, evanescent, faithless being.  She’ll show up for a moment, only to flee into the blood-red horizon as if only to frustrate me.  I’ll search, urge, and chase after her like a child chases in the path of butterflies.  And yet I can never achieve my goal unless she decides to turn and embrace me again.

The irksome thing is that I can never stay upset with her, and that she knows this.  In fact, I think she enjoys watching me tear at my hair and toss crumbled up scribblings to the littered floor.

Suddenly, she’ll sneak up from behind and rest her chin upon my shoulder, whispering in my ear.  I smile, and, in an instant, she knows she’s forgiven for her absence.  After all, if I didn’t forgive her, I’m certain that she would fade away again simply because she is well capable of it.

But in these years seeking her out, I have noticed that Heidi likes many things, and some will entice her to grace me with her presence.  I will list these in some long, perhaps monotonous monologue following this paragraph.  Don’t think I write simply because I’m tired of not writing, as that isn’t the case.  But I write such in hopes that you may, perhaps, succeed in luring in your muse and building a stronger relationship with her.  Relationships with muses are hardly simple, and require a great deal of effort, oftentimes, entirely one-sided.  However, in reality, the muse doesn’t have to give you anything.  It’s a luxury, and should be treated as such.

Never – never – take inspiration for granted.

THE LIST (sorted by topic):

1. God (much love)
2. Music
3. *Loud* Music
4. C#m
5. Rain (^_^)
6. Thunder (^__^)
7. Storms(^___^)
8. Walking Through the Rain (^____^)
9. Splashing through Puddles (^.^)
10. Sitting Surrounded by Shadows
11. Walking Barefoot
12. Cooking
13. Envelopes
14. Spiders
15. Corvidae (crows, ravens, bluejays…)
16. Pianos
17. Crooked Stairs
18. A Solitary Red Balloon
19. Broken Mirrors
20. Filthy Glass
21. Parades
22. Yellowed Paper
23. Coffee Rings
24. Sunbeams
25. Stars (smiles)
26. Vegetarianism
27. Fire
28. Colour Schemes
29. Fiction
30. Leather-bound Books
31. Hardback Novels
32. Chandeliers
33. Skeletal Trees
34. Grey
35. Pale Skies
36. Hotel Hallways
37. Broken Buildings
38. Graveyards
39. Persia
40. Castles
41. England
42. Finland (Huzzah!)
43. Japan
44. Hot Beverages
45. Coffee
46. Tea
47. Poetry
48. Foreign Cultures
49. The Victorian Era (Yes)
50. The 1920’s
51. The 1960’s
52. The 1980’s
53. Steampunk (YES)
54. Dystopia
55. Utopia
56. Subcultures
57. Emo
58. Punk
59. Scene
60. Indie
61. Bohemian
62. Fashion
63. Shoes (I know, right?)
64. Jackets
65. Belts
66. Slang
67. Philosophy
68. Classical Animated Movies
69. Owl City (*beams*)
70. Anime
71. DeviantART
72. Folklore
73. Mythology
74. Science Fiction
75. Interior Decorating (*admits: I’m a horrible excuse for a man*)
76. Gothic Architecture
77. Aaron Gillespie (you knew he was coming.  ^__^)
78. Chinese Food
79. The Ocarina
80. WETA Workshop
81. Alan Lee (<3)
82. Tim Burton (<333)
83. Square Enix
84. Kingdom Hearts
85. New angles
86. Low Saturated Colours
87. Roleplay
88. Crash Cymbals
89. String Arrangements
90. Double Bass Pedals
91. Synths
92. Acoustic
93. Photography
94. Abstract
95. Government Systems
96. Religion
97. Conceptual sketches
98. Negative Emotion (This is the drink of the poet)
99. Contrast
    100. Vincent Van Gogh
    101. Name Meanings
    102. Vocabulary
    103. Long Hair (leik…so srsly.)
    104. Clocks
    105. Lightbulbs (*love*)

Thank you for taking time out of your day to read this monologue.
Love,

- Ian.

Utopia – Within Temptation

Again – Flyleaf
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-uyS-GLwPI

The Lonely Wheel – The Almost

Check Yes Juliet – We The Kings
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1R_txIuuio

Face Down – The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cOqua-Cny4g

False Pretense – The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qkFvqIK3gMM

Hello, my friends.  I finally am posting a *real* video.  We filmed it forever ago, but we just now got around to finishing the editing of it.  So, watch and enjoy.  And rate on Youtube, if you’re able.

Thank you.  ^_^

FASHION
By Ian Williams

Fashion; noun; a distinctive or peculiar and often habitual manner or way.

By now, you are possibly asking yourself the oh so curious question, “Why is Ian writing about fashion?” or maybe “Does this guy think he knows everything?”

And the obvious answer to these questions is simply that I don’t know everything, or anything near that and I just like to voice my opinions regarding a great many subjects.  Fashion, as it turns out, it one of these numerous topics.  So I have concluded, with some encouragement from a certain someone, that I’ll set about writing this monologue.  However, we can discuss it, so feel free to comment, and I’ll try and reply – but no promises.  But I’ll try.

Why am I writing about fashion though?  I have to have a point, and I hope you’re pleased that I do.  I am incredibly displeased with the current state of fashion, and what’s socially acceptable at this point.  And don’t think that this is a blog post about modesty, because it isn’t.  It contains similar sentiments, and my opinions regarding them, but I’m not going to narrow my focus to that this time.  We’re exploring style today, which I find far more difficult to discuss, considering my tastes in fashion.

I can’t cover all of my fashion concepts in one blog post – not and have it remain readable.  It could easily take up a great many pages, which would take a great quantity of time to read.  Therefore, today, I’ll limit myself to the essentials I think both men and women should have in their repertoire of clothing articles.  Now, I warn you, my definition of modesty is subject to what affects me, and what causes my mind to do what it does.  Other men will lower themselves for some of these clothes, and others will lust simply because there’s a girl around.  It depends on the man.  So don’t think that you should go…wear any of this.  This is just what I think looks cool/classy/epic/amazing.

It’s purely up to you if you’re going to disagree with me.

OH!  And before I forget, the theoretical models for these styles are healthy, fit, and slender.  Not ripped.  Not overweight.  Not otherwise.  But that was probably understood…I just thought I’d through that out there.  Eat healthy.  *promotes good health*

THE LIST:

Jeans (Men and Women):
Obviously, you need to wear jeans.  They are epical.  An essential.  Jeans, I think, should be rather form-fitting, but not really tight, and really, always choose jeans that flatter your legs.  Looking around fashion catalogues, covers often advertise, “PICK THE RIGHT PAIR OF JEANS!”  So I imagine it’s important.  Also, sequins on jeans?  Erm…no.  Jeans shouldn’t be embellished with colours, jewels, swirly embroidery, or otherwise.  Ripped, faded, bleached, and destroyed jeans all the way.

WHAT IAN WEARS: I generally wear relaxed fit boot cut jeans.  I would rip up a couple pairs, but I only have two pairs of decent jeans, so I haven’t.  *sigh*

Slacks (Men and Woman):
If you’re anything for being formal at all – which you should be – you need slacks.  Black slacks.  Couple this with a plain white shirt and a black tie, and you will be the picture of mild sophistication.  And should you ever get a job as a waiter someplace, you’ll most likely be expected to wear such.

Pencil Skirts (Women):
These have a variety of uses.  They are professional and work as marvelous office wear, but yet, if worn with the right top and boots, they can be rather punkish while being quite modest, for those of you who think any shorter is unacceptable.  They are considered a fashion staple, as they accentuate the body very nicely.  Ladies.  Get some.  ^_^

Mini Skirts (Women):
Cue controversy!
Now, mini skirts are very often confused with “micro skirts” which, in fact, are unacceptable.  Just saying.  The mini skirt, as I believe, was developed in the ‘60s, coming into mass popularity in the ‘80s.  It reaches to the middle of the thigh and can look very nice by itself, or matched with jeans or dark leggings.
Also on this topic: the minidress.  It was also made in the ‘60s, and, personally, I think it very classy.  But the overall thing to remember with the mini skirt and minidress, is the shape of your legs.  If they aren’t flattered, don’t wear.  v.v

WHAT IAN WEARS:  …you were waiting for this section, so I’ll humour you with it, but it’s empty. Sorry.

T-Shirts (Men and Women):
This is really essential.  Very basic.  Band T’s, though, are great.  They are the utmost and most important in the entire realm of t-shirts.  These and plain white t-shirts.  V-necks too.  Yes.  Yes.

WHAT IAN WEARS: …A lot.  Thought my favourites consist of my The Almost and Skillet band ts and my Fender t.

The Vest (Men and Women):
You knew this was coming.  And it’s really self-explanatory.  Greys and black are best.  *nods*

WHAT IAN WEARS: If you follow me at all, you already know.

Hoodie (Men and Women):
Warm and fashionable, the hoodie is marvelous for autumn, winter and the majority of spring.  The zip-up hoodies are best, as those without the zipper are just inconvenient and distasteful.  *prejudiced*  Band and graphic hoodies in grey and black are most preferable, as dark colours absorb heat, and considering the climate the hoodie indicates, it’s best that way.

WHAT IAN WEARS: I have a Dare2Share hoodie that I bought a couple years ago, and it still fights marvelously.  I’m rather fond of it, though the one pocket is starting to rip.  *sob*

Formal Dresses (Women):
Just wearing a skirt isn’t enough for many occasions, so you’ll have to wear a dress.  Which is marvelous, as dresses are wondrously beautiful things.  Particularly those from Victorian Trading.  So I’ll link you there.  http://www.victoriantradingco.com/catindex/C2-3-1.html

Ties (Men and Women):
Yes.  Black, grey, white, red, sage green, and striped ties are all absolute essentials for formal and semi-formal attire.  They impress wherever you go, unless that place is a shallow, Hellister-hole.  Oh, I mean…Hollister.

WHAT IAN WEARS: I wear a black or red tie on occasion, I need a two-inch white tie.

Converse (Men and Women):
These are epic.  They are stylish, and should you be a girl, feel free to get the really tall kind, as men aren’t allowed to wear them, apparently.  But I can see why.  However, if it has a heel, don’t do it.  That’s too far, I think.  And if it’s not a hi-top pair, it’s not worth it.  The only downside to chucks (as converse are often called), is that, like other fabric shoes, they tend to fall apart under excessive wear.

WHAT IAN WEARS: I have a pair of black hi-tops, and an old pair of the same, only they’re ripped up, filthy, and stained.  ^_^

Dr. Martens (Men and Women):
For the sake of Punk…not German military or homemaking mothers.  But punk.  I need a pair.  Badly.  ^__^

Wristbands (Men and Women):
Now, the wrist band is an interesting thing, as it can often become something really tacky and not aesthetic at all.  So I would like to link to some images of wristbands that should be worn.
http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n150/cheeky_gnat/bdrpnkblk.jpg
http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/img-thing?.out=jpg&size=l&tid=1152570
http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/img-thing?.out=jpg&size=l&tid=3064495

NOT: http://www.circlebracelets.com/siliconebracelets/siliconewristbands.jpg

WHAT IAN WEARS: I wear a black, silicon Socialvibe wrist band, as I haven’t been able to find a checkered wristband.  Such a tragedy.

Belts (Men and Women):
Belts are both functional and fashionable.  Studded belts, white leather belts, bullet casing belts, etc, all rank high on my list of awesome.  However, brown leather belts, cowboy belts, spiked belts, belt buckles, imprinted belts, woven belts, embroidered belts, and the like are all bad.  Bad I say.  Recently, I’ve been thinking about finding an old seat belt from a car and modifying it to be a normal belt.  I think that could be potentially epic.

WHAT IAN WEARS: I wear a white leather piano keys belt.  *sage nod*

Necklaces (Men and Women):
While it says “Men and Women”, it’s a touchy subject, as necklaces come in so many different styles.  As far as it goes, jewelry on men is potentially disastrous, so stay away from it.  But there are a great many masculine sorts of necklaces that work well on men.  Those with keys, for instance, are very vogue, I should think.  Ladies; big, shiny, blingy necklaces are tacky.  They just are, unless, of course, it’s Victorian, in which case it’s rather epic.  ^_^

WHAT IAN WEARS: I wear a key on a chain, although, everyone tends to ask what it’s for…

Gauntlets (Women):
I would add men to the list, but I haven’t seen any epical men’s gauntlets.  *shrugs*  But striped gauntlets are very nice, and lace gauntlets and gloves too.  Observe this assembly of examples:
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b390/NiennaOrgana/IMG_1130.jpg
http://www.victoriantradingco.com/store/catalogimages/2b/2b579.jpg
http://www.victoriantradingco.com/store/catalogimages/2b/2b315.jpg
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b390/NiennaOrgana/IMG_1106.jpg

Fingerless Gloves (Men):
Yes.  I need these too.  But simply because I don’t have them doesn’t make them any less amazing.
http://www.freecreditadvice.com/dec/mensblkfingerlessgloves.jpg
Srsly.  ^__^

Scarf (Men and Women):
The scarf is nice and cozy, warm, and sophisticated.  It is elegant and professional, and flatters just about anyone.  Dr. Who wore a scarf, so you should too, although, wearing that particular scarf might not be such a marvelous idea, come to think of it.  But it’s great for nerd value.  *nods*  Overall, striped scarves are superior to all others.

WHAT IAN WEARS:  I wear a black and grey, circular woven, unfinished scarf.  It is long, and very warm.  My older brother knitted it for me.  ^_^

But that is my first post regarding fashion.  I will post more, regarding details and other things.  As for now, though, I think 3 pages is enough.  I’m looking at my notes, and I have much more to discuss, but I’m running out of time.  So…more blogs later.  ^_^

Thank you for reading,
- Ian