This is a mash up of sentences of what has been my life lately:

Taking a street dance is making me justify buying a new pair of Vans.

Doing a travel story next month/long over due trip to Paris. There is so much I need and want to accomplish in a short amount of time. Got any suggestions?

Could always use more (NICE, RESPECTFUL) male attention.

There was a poutine station at this Quebec City tourism thing I went to last night. My kind of party.

My dog is living with my parents. I have her on weekends. It’s made me realize that if I had gotten pregnant in high school, I would have made the best weekend parent.

I live in the heart of downtown now. Trinity Bellwoods is the new Third Beach. (Minus the mountains and salty ocean. Instead, substitute percussion circles and juiced up assholes playing agressive games of catch.)

I don’t feel like talking about myself on the Internet anymore, having exposed my asshole to it, like, three months ago.  I wonder if that has something to do with growing old? It’s kind of petrifying.

This has something to do with acting.

My website’s seem so out of date. I remember a point of time when they were my life. Now I don’t know what to do with them. I feel like I’ve given up on my younger self.

Anyhow. Emoting.

I’ve known Catto Houghton since I was 14. I went to her art show after not seeing her in like, a decade. It melted my brain with goodness. This is everything I love right now. Shapes and math and palettes and shiny wood. 

I work for a corporation that I respect and am fascinated by. It is SO MUCH FUN. My job is basically curating the shit you spend some percentage of your day looking at, but aren’t suppose to. Fun, right? How did that happen? Whatever the answer, I’m pretty thrilled. 

Digging this palette. Sorry if I sound like an arty artist. I’m living a block away from OCAD.

All in all, Toronto has surprised me. I haven’t had a hankering for Vancouver yet, which I never thought I’d say. The people…well that’s a different story. I get a couch in a few weeks. Who’s going to come for a visit?

Hey there person reading this. Question for you: Are blogs even relevant anymore? I mean, with everything happening in real time, from your Smartphone…what’s the point of blogs? Set the record straight in 140 characters or less. It can be done so who cares about anything else? Nonetheless, I felt compelled to write on here ’cause the only “me” writing I’ve been doing these days is my morning pages, which I never re-read. A lot has happened since my last post.

For one, I published a piece that got me more attention and feedback than anything I’ve ever written before in my entire career. That was cool. You can read it here. It was also the most challenging thing I’ve ever written…took about four months, in which I did literally 10 versions, two of which were on spec.  I was surprised to learn that it was considered NSFW by some, since I thought NSFW involved visuals but whatever. Anyhow, the whole thing was thrilling and rewarding and the positive feedback was overwhelming. I felt a lot of love. The highlight was probably the reaction pieces it inspired, including this one. Oh, and attracting my first groupie, which is maybe a story for another time. I was also surprised to learn that I wasn’t alone in my patterns. So yeah, all in all, a good experience…even though I hated myself while I was writing it. It also helped me learn that I’m somewhat of an exhibitionist, but not in the looking to get caught fucking kind of way. I dunno…I just get a kick out of making people feel things. It’s better than the opposite, I suppose.

Since my last post, I’ve also moved back to Toronto. It happened very fast. I was kind of feeling stagnent in Vancouver, though my love for it never waned. Just kinda feeling directionless. Then out of nowhere, an old co-worker/friend of mine recommended me for a sweet gig with a company I’d heard a lot of good things about. I really love it when opportunities come to me, so it was hard not to go along with it. Freelancing was getting me down and I just wanted something exciting to focus on and moving is generally exciting. Or at least it helps me focus. Anyhow, so now I’m in Toronto. I’ve started work, which is awesome. I feel weird talking about the details of work, particularly when it’s not freelance, since you know, I have to maintain an air of professionalism and stuff and I really don’t identify as a professional in the sense that I’m not good at being, you know, grown-up-y. (I fucking loath the idea of LinkedIn, fyi.) What I will say is that it’s a creative gig for a company that’s far from going down the tubes, which can’t be said for a lot of the journalism gigs I’ve worked in the past. Like, they have bowls of fruit around the office and fridges full of beverages. It’s a conflict-free, attitude-free, ego-free vibe, which I LOVE and all in all, has been superduper. So I’m grateful for that. I also just found a great apartment very close to the MuchMusic building, which my teen self would be thrilled about. I’m soooooo excited to buy new furniture. I don’t miss Vancouver yet, since I’ve been so consumed with settling in, but I do plan on visiting some time this summer. Stock up on my beach time.

So, I rarely take photos that aren’t on my iPhone but here are some regardless. If you follow me on Instagram, forgive me for the duplicates.

I tried to soak in as much Vancouver as I could before I left.

Our pal Buddy is no longer with us I’m gonna miss him so much.

Dutchie LOVES cats. Unfortunately, they usually don’t share her enthusiasm. However, her and Ollie (yes, he’s on a leash) have an amazing chemistry and it’s fucking ADORABLE. He licks her! HE LICKS HER!

I had a goodbye/take all my possessions party before I left. I also have attractive friends.

This was the mess I was living in for a while. Didn’t I post a very similar picture of Sergia, Cecilia and Eugene a little while ago?

One night, I wound up at one of the ex-members of Stink Mitt’s house. It was like a mushroom trip dream. This was her bathroom. She also owned a bong called The Chronmower, which was spectacular.

We trecked out to Burnaby to try out this new ol’ timey sode shoppe. My sundae was very standard but the sodas were delicious. And oh yeah…BABY WITH FUNNY BABY HAIR!!!!

My best friend owns these pants and sometimes leaves the house in them, but to his credit, he lives in Kensington Market.

I think that’s it. Oh blogging. What’s the point anymore? Anyhow, you should get in touch. I love getting attention over the Internet. Tell me about the best part of your day and what makes you happy, ok?

BYE FOR NOW

The above photo is of me (posing for the camera, looking like I’m) having a moment of clarity and peace in the middle of a meadow.

That’s the kind of vibe I’m trying to maintain these days.

That’s where I’m at.

More to come soon.

However, I do have some exciting news (exciting for me, anyhow.) I got a gig as a sex and relationship columnist with the Sun News media network. You can read it here. It’s national, baby. So that’s pretty darn exciting. I used to want to be a columnist so bad I couldn’t sleep at night. Now I’m feeling stoked. So far, it’s been super fun.

I haven’t been taking good photos lately…only iPhone ones. I feel like I’m abandoning something…sense of wonder, dulling my skills…but iPhones are sooooo easy, you know? Same with Instragram. I’m all over that shit. (My handle used to be mcliveeye but I changed it to elianna_lev) Anyhow, here’s some outakes that haven’t been posted on my ‘stagram account.

Check out those colours!

Check out that dog! And log!

Someone was able to capture a happy moment.

The day my friend left for Oz, this happened and made me think I should go out there to visit. Still on the fence.

Speaking of Aussies, the remarkably talented Cathy Tipping makes needlepoint portraits. Anyone who knows the legendary Mavie Murphy knows how insane this is.

Israelis are so earnestly uncool in the coolest way possible

Someone’s having a baby!

FINALLY got me a pair.

So? What’s up? What’s been going on? My mother told me the other day that she misses my online presence so I thought I’d make her happy. It’s December, after all, and people do more nice things for one another.

Since my last entry, I’ve been working on a couple of fun projects, a bunch of projects that wouldn’t interest any of you but pay well, and making a point of enjoying some idle/down time. I also got a new iPhone and have stopped taking pictures with my camera. It’s just too easy. Let’s see…what have I been doing?

Jody and I went to Harrison Hot Springs, to be pampered and shit. Man, I could go there monthly and it will never get old.

Who out there is an ass man? I know I’ve been with a few.

Dutchie’s Italian boyfriend, Eugene.

I was just in LA following around this self-proclaimed “normal guy” for an Israeli publication. Ask the teenager in your life about him. They’re fans, I’m sure. I was at that show where Miley moved into the next phase of her career. Memorable night.

Mostly, I hung out with his dancers Cassandra and Dru. They were fuuuuun.

And ridiculously good looking, as dancers are known to be.

And super talented. Did I mention they were fun?

I was also lucky enough to hang out with VJ Infinight and Lizard Man.

I ate In n’ Out three times in five days.

After that whirlwind, I nestled in the sun with these guys. I felt like I was cheating on Dutchie.

Dude. Dude. Duuuuude! We went to Roscoe’s House of Chicken and Waffle and was sat next to Cee Lo! We were so excited by the fact that we were about to facefuck our mouths with the most delicious Southern food imaginable and that were were seated next to the #1 dude in town, that we almost asked him what we should order. Then we thought about asking him to judge my broadcast read. Then we just left him alone while we had food orgasms.

The next day I went on a walk with a very inspired and inspiring lady, Liane. I wrote about her recently.

Spent some time with family. Love.

Arguing over who’s going to sing the Hannuka song.

Now I’m back. Very excited for more idling/downtime.  Oh and I’ve joined Instagram, where I’m posting most of my pictures: @mcliveeye (don’t laugh)

MIGHT being the operative word.

It’s been a while since I’ve updated this junk. All my contracts are done so I have time and I’m trying to get focused and disciplined to work on my own stuff. So far it’s been a solid start but I’ve kinda fizzled out a bit.  (It’s day two.) I’m not worried though. I’m aware this new chapter of my career will be a rollercoaster…hell, my daily emotions are a rollarcoaster. I’m just going to try and roll with it, play and have some fun. And hopefully make a shitton of cash. Wish me luck!

Since my last post, my inaugural National Post travel piece on the TMZ tour bus was published. Click here to read it.

So…pictures!

Went on a hike.

HI!

Trying to take artsy shots.

Love atop a mountain.

It was my birthday so I made my guests play that game where you pass the camera around. Jenni.

Kyla.

Lisa.

Deandra.

Kerry.

Me, posing awkwardly.

Group shot in which about 2/3rd of us look good.

I’ve been lucky to have Liane around. Thank goodness for Vancouver’s busy film industry.

Borgore played Vancouver. He’s an inspiring tale of someone who put his mind to something and proved that with hard work and passion anyone can become so successful, you can attract a harem of Surrey girls. Anything is possible kids!

His visuals guy, Morgan. This was one hell of a epic night at Vancouver’s ol’ legendary haunt, the Naam.

Chris had an art show that blew my mind out.

I really liked “Lick me” and Chris was like “You’re so predictable.”

This one was the hit of the night!

Ok, bye for now!

NO NONSENSE XXX…there’s no other kind I’d rather engage in.

Toronto was a whirlwind. I was very busy with work deadlines for a good chunk of my time there, so that was all consuming. One of them, a first-person profile piece I did on comedian Neal Brennan for the National Post, turned out alright: Click here to read it. It’s one of those pieces that I felt I gave birth to, rather than simple whip up, in that it took about the same amount of heart and energy to craft than it would if I’d actually given birth to a human baby. Too bad it didn’t get much feedback…I didn’t get the validation I crave but whatever. Oh well. That’s how it goes in this business. On to the next piece. I believe I’ll have something in the travel section of the Post this coming Saturday.

Toronto was great. I’m toying with moving back next year. We’ll see. Here are some snaps.

Can’t miss an opportunity to post a picture of ALI LIEBERT…I get tons of traffic every time I put a snap of this babe up here. Her show, Bomb Girls, it now airing in the US. Also, this is me before I got a (much needed) haircut. It just got to that point where there was no point in trying to make it look good, you know?

Clocked some family time.

Proof I have little to no maternal instincts.

Avi and his girls. (When I suggested my mother join the photo, Dad was like, “No!” Asshole.)

My mother only makes Princess cakes on very special occasions.

Spent a day with my first baby, Courage (in that she’s the first baby I’ve known since she was born). Despite being a teenager, her hands are bigger than mine.

Here’s a better picture (also, my new hair.) I deeply love this girl.

Speaking of deep love, this happened. ♡

And finally, Jah Jelly.

So, my workload is easing up. I’ll now be able to focus more on pitching long-form pieces, as well as travel stuff, which is what gets me quite excited. Now that I’m not working six days a week, the goal will be working on self-discipline and focus. I think I’m almost there.

That said, I was sure to take photos of things I did that weren’t work-related. Here you go.

I attended my first secret supper. Cozy.

I went to the beach.

Always guaranteed to see hot people there.

I took delight in introducing an out-of-towner to that ice cream place on Venebles with 218 flavours.

I visited a petting zoo. (You still there?)

Richmond Night Market (aka my summer is not complete unless I attend because it’s in the top 10 all time favourite things for me to do in life. You still awake?)

I went to the beach again! Ran into some (topless…not pictured) beach-goers/friends.

Merika was in town from Maui, and made me meet her at an open mic night at a pot cafe. She sang a song that was all about me and my vagina.
Second out of towner I got to bring to the ice cream extravaganza place.

I also met her cheeks, I mean baby, for the first time.

I also went back to the beach – time #3 – and sat there awkwardly.

Time’s up. Back to work. I’m working on a couple of fun piece for the Post that I’ll probably promote once they’re published…but other than that, it’s all work that would not interest any one of you. I’m sure that’ll change in a few months, when things are hopefully more balanced. That’s the goal. Ok, byeee.

Click here to read I’m a Good Story, which is currently on hiatus.

Hi y’all. How are you? What’s been the best part of your day? Watching Ellen re-reruns? You don’t say. Me too!

I’m back from a trip to LA, where I got to experience many a fun things. Here are some photos.

Despite the exorbitantly early start to the day, this lil’ blossom in line behind me at the airport made everything that much better.

Earnie, who used to work on Friends, was my driver from the airport. He was the greatest.

This was ironic because when I flew in from rainy, miserable Vancouver, there was no blue skies in LA. And then that song got stuck in my head. My hotel was still pretty great, though we did have our ups and downs.

I was lucky enough to be able to spend July 4th celebrating with one of my favourite fellow Canadians, Jenna. It doesn’t get any sweeter than this…unless, you’re baking apple pie. WHICH WE DID.

Dog. America.

Breasts. America.

Hot babes on a couch. America.

America. God Bless America.

 A preview of what’s to come. AKA MY DREAM COME TRUE.

Ummmmmmmmami.

I got to go to the Magic Castle, which in my mind I had over-hyped just a wee bit. I’d totally expected to see Houdid re-incarnated, and instead I got a couple of card and ball tricks. Well, one guy did turn three doves into a poodle. That was alright. Though being invited made me feel like I’d arrived.

The Korean Peace bell in San Pedro. Peace!

The three giant cannons (penises) on the USS Iowa, that can blast million-ton missiles 65 miles into the air/THE ENEMY. Peace!

I love it when my hotel has a sex mirror. I love it even more when I can make use of it.

I got hooked up with prime tickets to Cirque du Soleil’s Iris. (It was super hard to follow.) I felt very LA.

Then we left in a hurry to get In n’ Out burger.

I made love to it had it for two meals in a row.

Oh, did you know I had family outside of the Lev’s? Yeah, I do. And you know what? THEY’RE AWESOME. As was the view from the rooftop restaurant.

That’s it for now. In terms of work stuff, right now I’m waiting on a piece I did about online dating that I’m really excited about…but other than that, not too much of my work will be published widely in the near future. Mostly I’m working in the newsroom and on dry, contract stuff. But I’m sure that’ll change soon enough. Obviously I’ll keep you posted.

Click here to read I’m a Good Story (although things will be/are changing over there.)

Hi! It’s been a while, has it not? About a month, right? I came back to Vancouver and things were crazy fun/intense/different than Toronto. Now I’m starting to get a flow happening and things have calmed down/gotten a lot more boring.

I’m working six days a week right now, which as a freelancer, is a really good thing. I have a part-time gig in a newsroom, which is fantastic, as well as a big contract that’s expected to take me through to November. On top of that, I’m working on some fun freelance pieces here and there, as well as possibly a semi-regular column in an actual magazine. More details to follow after the first one in published.

This website was down for a few days because it somehow got a virus or something. I’m not sure what happened, my web guy has yet to fill me in…so if you wound up here as a result of being spammed, I’m really sorry! I have no idea what happened. But I was surprisingly not stressed out by the whole thing. It was kind of nice to be off the virtual grid for a few days. I think I’m growing older or something.

Anyhow, photos.

I was recently clearing out a bunch of business cards I’ve collected in the last year or so. Some are worth hanging on to.

Guess which part of the body this is.

One night I went out gallery hopping with Jen Crall (who is the coolest). We wound up at some pop-up gallery/tuck shop/photo copy joint/art project that was amazing. I wish I could remember what it was called.

They sold a bunch of this.

I’m only friends with exceptionally attractive people.

Hayter’s gonna hate/love.

I went to Toronto a few weeks ago to visit my sister, who had open heart. (My dad did a video about the whole ordeal. Feel free to watch it. I can live without the cheesy music, but it’s inspiring.) Things went really well and I’m so inspired and proud to be related to her, no matter how weird she might be. Anyhow, during my short visit, I mostly stayed with Chris and Barclay, which was the greatest.

Sunshine…

…and rainbows. (Literally. There was a rainbow behind us.)

Oh. I dogsat for about three weeks. Two dogs is better than one, particularly when there’s an end date.

So, like, what’s going on with you?