Team No Fun

Posted on February 4, 2020July 6, 2025 by Melissa Harrison

My newest hand silk screened t-shirt is the Team No Fun tee! A sporty baseball tee in black and heather charcoal, this new shirt is inspired by roller derby NSO’s (non-skating officials), who wear dark colours and aren’t allowed to cheer or “have fun” while performing the essential tasks that run our games.

Having performed just some of the many things these officials do, I know how hard it is. They track players, penalties and stats, run the penalty box, time jams and periods, keep score, and keep everyone organized, all while blending into the background. We couldn’t skate without them; it’s a very important job and, in our league, these people are all volunteers! They are so crucial to our sport and community, that they form their own team: Team No Fun.

Tee Sophster-Toaster
Glasses Warby Parker
Shoes Keds

All photos by me.

Want to see what it takes to be an NSO, or just catch one of our bouts? Find our schedule here.

Valentine’s Wishlist

Posted on January 28, 2020July 6, 2025 by Melissa Harrison

I hope you like these products as much as I do! Just so you know, I may collect a commission or other compensation from the links provided on this page.

1. A bright pink 1960’s chiffon and velvet party dress to wear on date night.

Coldfish Vintage

2. Crushed velvet knickers to feel cozy and cute in on those long winter evenings at home.

Jordan de Ruiter

3. A charming and festive tiny heart necklace (available in three colour and length options).

Emery + Opal

4. Glamorous cat eye sunglasses in pink tortoise shell to keep the snow glare, and admirers, at bay.

Warby Parker

5. An extravagant vintage style bra to make cardigan weather feel a little more fun.

What Katie Did

All photos courtesy of retailers.

Playing Cameras

Posted on January 21, 2020July 6, 2025 by Melissa Harrison

Sometime, over last spring and summer, we started referring to what I do when I grab a camera and start messing around with it as “playing cameras”. When I’m feeling bored or restless, I have a habit of picking up a camera and wandering around; I bother pets, play with the different settings on my cameras, annoy unwitting models, try to sneak up on new angles, painstakingly craft composition, shoot from the hip, and generally experiment to see if I get anything interesting. I started doing it so much, and with so little warning to the people around me, that it got a name.

I used to think, when I first started taking self portraits, that what I was doing wasn’t real, or legitimate, or of any value unless I did it a certain way. I thought I had to set up my tripod, ready my timer or remote shutter release, and stand on my mark to be a photographer. I convinced myself that if I had any skill, I could do it blind; that using the “live view” feature on my DSLR was cheating. I don’t think I could explain that clearly to myself now if I tried all day.

Now, I set up my camera, dial in the settings that I want, flip the screen around and switch it on – so I can actually see what I’m doing – pick up my remote shutter release and start messing around. On this frigid, windy, ice-encased, day after a storm in January, I played cameras indoors in the winter sunshine and learned more about light and shadow.

Sweater ModCloth (different colour)
Glasses Warby Parker
Dainty Ring Blue Ridge Notions

All photos by me.

New Year

Posted on January 14, 2020July 6, 2025 by Melissa Harrison

I’m not quite sure if I needed a break from blogging to recharge my creativity or just to work on other projects. Perhaps one achieved the other. I missed photographing the most beautiful season, but I found a lot of time to explore and build other hobbies, interests and skills.

I read books about kalsarikännit, photography and a good chunk of a Russian novel, learned how to be more eco-friendly, studied another language, watched movies, hiked, skated, worked on the house and started developing a whole new product for my shop. I tried to figure out where I want to go personally, professionally, physically in 2020: a year that sounds so futuristic child-me thought I’d never get here.

I don’t often take breaks, but I think this one really did me some good. I’m ready to work hard, rest when I need to, and take on whatever the new year has in store for me.

Sweater thrifted
Jeans Angry Rabbit
Glasses Warby Parker
Earrings Just A Little This That (other colours)
Socks Roots

All photos by me.