Top Centre - Clockwise : Blue Long Sleeve | Second hand find from Auntie Nicole, Crayons | source unknown, Robe | Winners, Reading socks | Indigo, Good Night Rebel Girls Book 1&2 | Indigo, Pyjamas | Gift from Mimi & Yeye, Calico Critters | Christmas / Birthday gifts from family, Roots Joggers | Roots, Jeans | Old Navy, Baby doll | MiniKane , Pink Dress | Second hand find from Auntie Nicole, School Books | Various family members, Ready Set Draw Activity | Auntie Jasmine & Uncle Tyler, Long Sleeves | Old Navy, The Compete Baking Books for Young Chefs | Indigo, Beads | Christmas Gift from Mimi & Yeye, Christmas Doll Dress | Handmade from Auntie Nicole

This season we have found that our growing girl is all about re-wearing her favourites to till they are thread bare. Many of the new purchases to fill out her wardrobe never got touched as she would rather wear her ‘favourites’.

New to Her

Cloud Pyjamas

A Christmas gift from her Mimi & Yeye, these pyjamas fit perfectly and are the sweetest things on her.

Jade Minikane Doll

With the help of her dear Auntie Nicole we were able to get this new baby doll in time for Christmas. To say it was her favourite gift is an understatement. She was in awe of this lifelike baby and she cares for it so tenderly. A purchase we will never regret.

Reading / Cozy Socks

Worn through a pair she received from a ‘great aunt’ two years back, she begged for replacements.

Still Going Strong

Roots Joggers

Although they are becoming shorter on her, these joggers are long lasting and her favourites. We will definitely replace when she has outgrown them.

White Robe

This beautiful robe is becoming smaller and smaller on her but she loves it so much. We love seeing the joy she gets from it.

Time to Go

What needs to go she’s been ‘over wearing’. It’s almost comical how hard it is to get her to wear anything else. A few items are not seen here as they were either on her body when this picture was taken, or in the wash. (yoga pants, shirt, pink and grey zip sweater)

What isn’t shown here:

Pink Zip Sweater, Old pair of Reading socks, Pants outgrown, Pyjamas outgrown

Kaitlyn Adair from Rebel Film Productions graciously invited me on her series ADHMe to discuss the in’s and out’s of self regulation and what it looks like to be productive.

Ep.2 Description
ADHMe episode two: Productivity

I talk with @byamygrace about productivity, tuning into self, and how to have one seriously organized week!

Amy’s self-regulation practices:
-Monday to Friday:
Wake up at 6am (have everything prepared the night before so wake up is cared for)
Block the day into 4 hour chunks and theme the blocks in a way you like. (Amy’s were glow up, production, creativity, and connection).
0 inbox-organize emails

-Weekend:
24 hours unplugged, free time

-Once during the week: write night, make it a thing.

-Be present to self. Reflect, consider, action.

Link Here <—-

Top Centre - Clockwise : Soyia & Kyo Winter Jacket | The Bay, Christmas Pyjamas | Suzy Shier, Cozy Love Soy Candle | Blooming Studio TO, Yoga Shirt | Lulu Lemon, Yoga Pants | Aerie, Bye Bye Under Eye Brightening Cream - It Cosmetics | Sephora, Lotus Anti-Aging Moisturizer - Fresh | Sephora, Pleather Pants | RW&Co, Burgundy, Beige, Black Turtle Necks | RW & Co, Skinny Jeans | The Gap, Resilence Fragrance | Bailly, Henley Shirt | Aerie, Star Sweater | Aerie, Joggers | Roots, Sails Necklace | Dana Grund, Rose Gold Watch | Fossil, Brown Button Sweater | The Gap, Voyager - Diana Gaboldon | Chapters, Oversized Beige Sweater | H&M.

Kicking into a new year, new work projects and a new routine made me realize that although I have comfort in working from home during the pandemic, I do miss pulling out more of my ‘eventing’ clothes. It’s clearly reflected here that my main focus is comfort, with a professional flare.

New To Me

SOYIA & KYO Jacket

This purchase took me over five years to make. During pregnancy in the fall/winter 2014/2015 I broke the zipper of my winter jacket to a point where it didn’t make financial sense to try to fix it. Since then I have been able to get by with older jackets and more than a year ago I purchased a nice wool jacket with a good hood. That being said, one cannot wear a wool jacket while playing in the snow without causing it damage. This year I bit the bullet and purchased this hefty jacket which will hopefully last me decades.
So far, it’s living up to my expectations.

LuLu Lemon Long Sleeve

For the longest time I have wanted an exercise top with long sleeves. I often go elsewhere for workout clothes, but upon much research this top came one of th highest recommended. I love it. Again, another pricey purchase I am hoping will last me many years.

Brown Knit Button Sweater

I have a confession to make. I convinced Jeremy to buy this. He isn’t one to spend time thinking about what he needs. I usually do this for him as I get tired of him putting himself last. But the real sneaky side of me, has to admit, that as women, we all know that mens sweaters are the best, and I may be wearing this more than he is at this point. I will take it off the moment he turns around and it’s obvious he wants it for the day… but, I grew up watching my mom walk around the house in my dads sweaters… it’s a thing. Hard not to do it myself.

Still Going Strong

Pleather Plants

I adore these pants from RW&Co. Being black they go with everything, and they are stretchy so it’s not an uncomfortable wear. One would have to tare these out of my cold and dead hands. I love them that much.

Turtle Necks

I took a break from turtle necks when I left my interpreting career. I needed to find a new me. But now that I am fully rooted into a different profession and feeling (mostly) confident about my place in it…I have to admit, welcoming turtle necks back into my life is like embracing a serious side of myself that I had missed. I love them and in the maritime chill of the autumn/winter, they do more than just make me feel snappy. They are so cozy.

Time To Go

Reading / cozy socks

I have worn my thick socks around the house to the point of holes. It’s no real surprise. They can only last so long. I will have to retire a pair or two by Spring.

Thankfully I have built my winter / autumn wardrobe up well now that not much has to be tossed or replaced.
Next year, I will try to focus on getting a pair of winter walking boots (for trails and nature walking) as the two boots I have now are best suited for city or side walk walking.

Zen in the Art of Writing | Ray Bradbury

I was immediately taken by these essays in their simplicity and directness. It reminds me of Elizabeth Gilbert and Anne Lamott all mixed together. I appreciate anyone who can find a way to put the art of writing into terms of both practicality and mystically. Both sacred and and not all at once.

Howards End | E.M. Forster

Howards end is a must read for anyone. Clearly we havn’t learned the lessons in this book yet and although set in the early 1900’s when so much was changing in society, we still see that need to cross the boarders of ‘the others’ and as Margret would say “Only Connect”. That is the entire point of this novel. If that we could only stop over analyzing everyone, and everything and just simply ‘connect’ with the other, we might find that we have something to learn, find and understand in ‘the other’.

Untamed | Glennon Doyle

Opening with a clear and beautiful analogy about a captive cheetah trained to chase a rabbit to stretch it’s legs and the wild in each of us (especially women) who society has trained us to stay poised, tame and quiet in our place, this book has it’s punches and it was a lovely slow read to digest. I would suggest this read to anyone who wants to ponder words, but also with the understanding that this reads more like a journal in the second half.

The Miniaturist | Jessie Burton

I forced myself to slow down upon reading this one, as the narrative is mysterious, intriguing and fully flushed out. I enjoyed learning about this woman and the house she resides in with every page and chapter. Knowing that there is a mini series to enjoy only makes this read sweeter still. One for the memory books.

Film & Television Series

Before Sunset | for the beautiful artistry of relational dynamics and the capture of stream of conscious conversation.
Killing Eve S03 | for the beautiful through line of thrilling dynamics mixed with an irresistible comedic affect.
Julies Greenroom S01 | for the absolute joy of Julie Andrews & Jim Henson Puppets in one project.

We made a goal at the end of 2020 to start to make an effort into dining together more.

Our current lives as a family doesn’t lend itself to the traditional ‘family dinner’ every night, but we do find joy in eating and experiencing that togetherness through the creation of food, atmosphere and conversation.

It seemed the best way around this was to pick a handful of recipes out at the top of the month and make sure that we make the effort of enjoying those meals together however and whenever we make them. It also means that during the times we are busy, we can fill in with our fav meals or our go to healthy fillers (salads, smoothies, oatmeal etc)

As a sampling
For the month of February we settled on the following:

DINNER

Spicy Pesto and Asparagus and Ricotta Pasta with Crispy Prosciutto
Phone Box Red Wine

FIKA / COFFEE BREAK

Linzer Cookies

We also choose a new / seasonal recipe for:

Breakfast
Lunch
Happy Hour
Dessert

Doing this at the top of the month allows us the freedom to go with the flow of our week, not put too much pressure on when we can have a sit down meal / dining time together, but it also gives us the motivation to find ourselves in the kitchen with music on and enjoy the foods of the season.

Let’s just say that this month was a lot of chocolate, and decadent recipes.

Somehow, somewhere, at some point we are apt to find ourselves believing that in order to do what we feel intrinsically called to do (especially those called into creative industries) we must sell our whole selves to an industry in order to be taken seriously.

To be a writer, one must be churning out manuscripts, scripts, poems and plays like machines.
To be an actor one must be in every topical show, series, performance that the current society is raving about on twitter.
To be a visual artist, one must have a booming social media account full of Lucious images that gain a million likes within seconds of posting.

Somehow we have found that this means ‘success’ and that this is what we need to do in order to be validated in our work, our life and our ultimate existence on this earth.

It’s all a lie.

All of it.

If you write, you are a writer.

If you act, you are an actor.

If you make visual art, you are a visual artist.

How much or how little is irrelevant.

How many people know your name is a selfish and silly game the creative industries and society have taught us to believe equals our self worth.

What matters?

How much of yourself is in the work you do?
How are you showing up for your work, not just in the moments you do it, but also the moments you don’t?
How do you cultivate and create space for those that consume, collaborate and support the work?
How do you honour your own rhythm and pacing?
How are you living not just within the work, but outside the work?

Everything informs everything.

Martin Short is known to have this idea that he is only the sum of his total whole self. If he has nine sections of his life, and one aspect of his life isn’t doing the hottest at any given moment then the rest of those parts, no matter how seemingly important or unimportant are all part of the balance to remind oneself, being successful at one part of life, but terrible at the other parts does not mean success. But to find ways to honour varying aspects of oneself, is to approach life and work as a whole person.

Creatives like to think they are the best or the worst depending on the day.

I’d like to see more of us believe that we are just like each other.

Human beings answering a calling as best they can while working to be there for their friends, family, side projects, personal growth and everything inbetween.

We are more than our awards, subscribers, honourable mentions, our nominations and our successes, or lack thereof.

We are people.
Living.
Breathing.
Thinking.
Reflecting.
Working.
people.

CODE NAME HELEN | ARIEL LAWHON

This was a joy to read. A riveting narrative on a woman who equipped herself and used her wits and skill to further the war efforts. I especially adored reading the dynamic of the man at home behind this fierce and savvy woman.

THE OBSTACLE IS THE WAY | RYAN HOLIDAY

This was a welcome read entering a new year. Ryan was able to deliver a compact book with bite size chapters that were chock full of tidbits and new ways to look at life and it’s challenges. It’s easy to get discouraged by a problem, but to get creative and look at it at different angles is enlightening. I would re read this at random any day.

Films / Television Series of Note

Spinning Out S01 - because I miss figure skating & was devastated that this didn’t have a second season.
Younger S01 - because my cousin other half told me to indulge and it’s a great laugh.
Before Sunrise - because I am watching the triliogy over again…it’s that good. (if you actually want real dialogue, real people, real love, real complexities.)
The Undoing S01 - because Hugh Grant as a complex character was everything we needed & Nicole Kidman is on fire…as always.

After a hard year, it seemed fitting to me that the tracks on this winter seasons playlist were both hopeful with a few reflective tones.

Winter 2021 Playlist

Stand Outs

New Kind of Beautiful | Lindsey Rey

Opening with Lindsey Rey. I first heard this song in December when the last episode of Greys Anatomy aired before the Christmas break. As always the amazing Alexandra Patsavas brings a greys episode to a close with epic tracks. This one felt so timely for the world, for the families, for the souls, for the singular person.

“A new way a new road, to a new kind of beautiful…..not like it was before.”

Want | Birdtalker

This is another soul cry track moving into the new year. We have seen division, terror, systemic racism and endless pain. When I heard this track a few months ago, it moved me. This is my heart cry for my work, my family and how I move through the world.

“I don’t wanna have a dagger tounge. I dont want my words to be a weapon, but a healing balm.”

Vincent | Ellie Goulding

This song has always been a favourite of mine. I first heard Josh Groban sing it when I was a teen and fell in love. It was around the time I began learning how to figure skate and how every song to me, was an opportunity to dream of choreography. Ellie’s rendition brings me back to that feeling of limitlessness I felt in those days and how much pain I was coming into the realization that the world was holding. A bittersweet tune full of bittersweet memories.

“Now I think I know. What you tried to say to me. And how you suffered for your sanity, how you tried to set them free.”

High | Miley Cyrus

Miley’s voice gets me every time. That genuine rasp she’s had since she was a kid, that rebel heart. Sometimes I have to roll my eyes at her antics, but there is no denying when she lays down tracks with her vocals, she has something that is unique to her and this is one of those for me. Oh, there is Miley putting beats and vocals to something I can feel my heart respond to.

“And you, like a rolling stone, always building cities on the hearts that you broke.”

24 / 6 | TIFFANY SHLAIN

This read all about taking a day to rest and unplug from screens was right up my ally. If you know me at all, you know that as a personal rule I am unplugged on Saturdays. This puts another spin and perspective on why that might be the best thing for you.

THE MOMENT OF LIFT | MELINDA GATES

I loved getting Melindas perspective on all things work/mothering and passion for both. Her relationship with her husband is one that they have honed and harnessed to inspire, collaborate with and love each other.

REFLECTION | ELIZABETH LIM

A fun rapid read twist on what happens after Mulan causes the avalanche.

ONCE UPON A RIVER | DIANE SETTERFEILD

At times, I struggled to keep track of the characters of this one. If you love a good plot twist, and major character weaving, this is a good one.

UNTAMED | GLENNON DOYLE

Does this really need any explanation? Glennon speaks to the heart of personal identity, womanhood and all that we have struggled to overcome in a society that repeats its mistakes over and over again.

THE SCOTTISH PRISONER | DIANA GABALDON

I admit, I found myself skimming sections of this huge novel. Mostly, because as this is an “aside” to the series of a side and main character, I accidentally fell into thinking I had already read sections, when really it was more zoomed in moments, filling in the gaps and giving us insight into what John & Jamie got up to while Claire was in the future.

THE ONLY WOMAN IN THE ROOM | MARIE BENEDICT

An interesting take on a woman during WWII trying to navigate the pursuit and marriage of a dangerous man. I found it interesting. The main character a delightful read.

Since March 2020 I have done monthly vlogs to better understand what it means to use Final Cut Pro. Although I haven’t even scratched the surface as far as what the program is capable of, I think I was able to hone in on what it means to curate content, edit it down, add some fun shot ideas and maintain a through line with each episode.

This is the last episode in that personal challenge to myself.

Not sure exactly what my next personal media project will be, but I have a few ideas up my sleeve.

Stay tuned!

Entering 2021, there was a strong rising up in me to embrace the growth and shifts that had occurred in 2020, not with a rebellion, but with a spirit of quiet confidence.

Much has shifted in the personal and professional aspects of life this year that it seems the only way to continue is to merely that: continue.

Sometimes one needs a shakeup, and other times, one needs to allow the growth from before to allow the next wave of change and progression to continue.

Flow

noun 1 [in singular] the action or fact of moving along in a steady, continuous stream: the flow of water into the pond.

I have recently come into an awareness of how to harness my daily rhythms to allow me to work more openly and efficiently. Starting work at six o'clock am, getting the bulk of my tasks down first thing to free up my mind for any lingering or surprising tasks/events has allowed me the creative space to be innovative in my work.

It's easy to get caught up with the busywork. Scrolling on social media, answering emails and falling down rabbit holes when researching.

Embracing the idea that I can plan my days to flow in a natural way instead of trying to cram every second with a to-do list and inevitably numbing my mind with scrolling as breaks that were inefficient methods of pretending productivity was a game-changer.

The questions I keep coming back to:

How can I harness this new awareness?

How can I not lose what I have learned?

How can I go into a new year and not forget?

And there it came.

The concept of flow.

That you can go from one thing to another with a steady and continuous movement. That it doesn't need to crash or bang, or even shout. That it can be as simple and beautiful as the quiet confidence of moving from one year to the next.

Throughout this new year, I hope to continue the work I have begun. To push projects into production and to the writers' rooms, be them physical or virtual.

I will remember the rest that is required when working hard to create and collaborate. I will set up boundaries to keep myself from getting distracted with the mindless busywork that seeks to distract me, like fast food.

I will remember that to create is to also allow the concept of flow to produce a rhythm that is as sustainable as it is in motion.

I heard the rumble beneath my feet.
A storm warning.
I think we all heard it.
I think we all knew that 2020 would change us.
I’m not sure that any of us knew how much.

How much wreckage, ache and wounds it would leave in its wake.

The people who died.
The people who suffered.
The people who wailed for a nation and a world to wake up.
The people who lost incomes and opportunities.
The people who were trapped.

2020 was a year I proclaimed boldness over my life. I knew that if I was to continue in the direction I was heading, I would need to harness my fears and daily make choices that went against my own tendencies to anxiety. So with an understanding of what it would mean to be bold, I went into the year asking for the grace to keep space for myself and others as I navigated the unknowns, and the confidence to trust the calling.

And then it began.

My steadfast and strong grandfather being taken by cancer in mere weeks, gripping onto my cousin as we grappled with the loss we just couldn’t comprehend and the realization that we couldn’t hold a funeral. The world announcing a pandemic, and staying home to stay safe. Thirty-three people murdered near our city by a man dressed as a police officer. Watching the outcry of the Black Lives Matter movement and discussing the systemic racism found in every corner of our world, including our own mixed-race family. Finding that our current home might not be the best place for our little family to continue growing, trying to sell our little home and find a new one. Kidney stones. Sending our daughter to her first year of a public school during a pandemic with masks in her pockets. A grandmother diagnosed with cancer….

But I see it there.

Boldness.

It’s a golden thread.

It’s in those quiet moments of attempting to hold each other close in the grief despite past traumas and pain. In that persistence in writing applications despite a lack of work opportunities. In the discussions with those in Women in Film about how to better support our BIPOC community. Trusting that our next home was waiting for us as we did the work of preparing and searching. Accepting sponsorship to take online classes from a producer and writer in England and learning how to collaborate with colleagues in new ways. Advocating for my own physical health in an emergency room. Supporting our daughter through so much change into her first year of school. Pitching ideas to broadcasters and honouring contracts. Finding a new sense of ourselves after so much heartache and pain.

& so,

We’ve suffered, and we’ve come out battered and a bit wounded.

I would also argue, that a lot of that wounding and reshaping…

It was for a way to be made new in this new decade.

We are called to new things.

If we stay the same,

Live the way we always have lived

See-through the same lens we’ve always been viewing it all through,

We’ll never be truly becoming.

Making the bold next right move has transformed the way I look at things. The world is a place full of beauty, and full of pain. How we hold space for both of those truths is something that will define us and those around us.

I want to continue into the next year continuing the work that boldness showed me.

It’s possible to call out what is dangerous, what is systemic and harmful and not lose the grace and perspective that allows us to recognize the pain and wounds that have shaped the situations before us.

Ever complex, ever-evolving, ever-changing and always needing someone to hold space for the next bold right thing.

Autumn 2020 Favourites

As we settle into our new home a few new things have settled in with us….

Denby Plates | William Ashley

For reasons that are overly complicated to explain, we found ourselves many years ago without any real plates. Being a romantic at times in all things atmosphere I let whimsy take the wheel and collected a few second-hand items that gave our apartment some charm. Once in our condo loft, replacing plates never seemed important. This time around, being that we are at home more than usual, it felt that investing in a set we adored was important if we could make it work. We did. I love the coastal colours of this denby set. It invites one to sit down and truly have a meal.

2019 Photo Collection | DeSerres Album

It took longer than I had wanted, but finally, during Autumn, I was able to finish the yearly collection of photos. I try to be minimal, but capture the year for Zoë (and at times, us) to look back on with fondness. The last pages are my favourite. Before the pandemic, with best friends and scheming of what is to come next.

Snowdonia Cheese | Atlantic Super Store

I believe we were introduced to this cheese last Christmas by Jeremy’s parents. We have started a family habit of sitting around and having charcuterie together. I’ll never complain about this new tradition. Snowdonia’s cheese is soft, full of taste and utterly divine. Try it!

Howards End by E.M.Forester | Indigo

I first saw this story in the Starz adaption limited series. A four-part episodic that laid out the characters, the plot and the dialogue in such a vivid manner that I couldn’t stop thinking about it. Finally, after a year of thinking about it I realized it would be best if I just read the darn thing. So here I am. Deliciously enjoying every sentence. The theme and core phrase of this book written in the 1920s about the changing classes in England is “only connect”. A simple phrase and value, but brought to today, still rings true. If our only goal in any interaction was to truly only every ‘connect’, how much more compassion, humanity, empathy, understanding, depth and insight would we see in the world?

Future Dew Serum | Glossier

I am still experimenting with this new little friend. I adore it. I do find it works (in giving that glow), but I am working on when it makes sense to use it on my very sensitive skin. Timing in my cycle and weather is everything in regards to skincare.

Balm Dot Calm | Glossier

A lovely gloss to give autumn & winter lips a kiss.

Fall Candle | Okanagon Candle Co.

Trying hard to remember to only indulge in the 100% soy candles. This was an expensive buy (all good soys' tend to be) but it lasted the whole season and I LOVED it.

Nothing Fancy by Alison Roman | Indigo

I admit I have not made anything from this yet, but I will. 2021 is going to see this cracked open and used or I will re-gift/donate. (this is how I roll ya’ll. Use it or give it.)

Top Centre - Clockwise: Blue Jumper with Red/white T | H&M, Aristocats & Lady and the Tramp T’s | H&M, Beautiful and Strong Pyjamas | The Children’s Place, Pink Jumper | Second hand find from Auntie Nicole, Anna & Elsa Art | Etsy, Flower Jeans | Old Navy, Tiger Sweater | Second hand find from Auntie Nicole, Masks | Old Navy & Staples, Black Cat shirt | Second hand find from Auntie Nicole, Snack bag with Teddy Grahams | Super Store, Zoë Apron | Amazon, Etsy & A friends Cricket, Pink Yoga Shirt | Old Navy, Pink Hoodie | H&m, Blue foral & Mustard Long sleeve | Old Navy, Animal upon Animal | Amazon / Watch It Played recommendation, Monkeys in a Barrel | Autumn Weekend gift from Grandma

*Not pictured here: Schoolbag, Lunch Bag & Supplies, Yoga Pants & a few pairs of pants currently in the wash.

New To Her

Disney Graphic T’s

For her first ‘back to school’ capsule. A fun way to start her first year in elementary school. Missing here, 101 Dalmations graphic T. I have kept that one for in the new year for when we watch 101 Dalmations for the first time.

Beautiful and Strong Pyjamas

Like a weed, she grew out of her long sleeve/pant pyjamas and wore a hole through one specific set. I ordered this pair when they went on sale. She ADORES them.

Elsa & Anna Print

A fun purchase for both her and her pre-school friends’ birthday/rooms. Although I don’t want to be that person that gives boring gifts to Zoes friends etc, I also don’t want to be part of the ‘clutter culture’ where what I/we give is meaningless. Who knows how long the girls will be into Frozen, but for this season of their life, a fun print of Anna & Elsa together seemed fitting.

Apron

I ordered this plain apron from amazon, a baking show inspired pin from Etsy, & a friend offered to cricket her name onto the apron & voila, a Great Canadian Baking show costume for Halloween. (she gets such enjoyment out of watching the show).

Yoga Wear

With gym class three times a week and growing out of ALL her pants within a month, we had to scramble to solve the ‘fitness’ wear issue. Thankfully Old Navy has simple affordable athletic wear sets one can quickly order and this top along with the yoga pants (she was probably wearing them when I took this picture) gets worn once or twice a week.

Still Going Strong

Tiger Sweater

First worn last autumn and oversized, this sweater still has a lot of life left with Zoë and it is one of the cutest second-hand items ever.

Pink Hoodie

Purchased for school, we are getting lots of wear with this basic staple.

Long Sleeves

Every kid needs those simple long sleeves to take them through the year.

Time to Go

Pairs of Pyjamas

Not pictured here are 2-3 pyjama sets that she has grown out of / worn through.

Pair of sneakers / skates

Not pictured here are a pair of Zara sneakers & figure skates that have been outgrown.

A summary of November in a vlog…

Started using monthly vlogs as a practice of learning Final Cut Pro.

Baby steps.

Top centre - Clockwise: Tan Oversized Turtle Neck Sweater | H&M, girlfriend jeans | The Gap, Tan Lounge Set | Ambercrombie & Fitch, Cabin Socks | Roots, Tan Turtle Neck Sweater | RW&Co, Future Dew | Glossier, Balm Dotcom | Glossier, Skinny Jeans | The Gap, Green Knit Sweater | Bootlegger, Pleather Stretch Pants | RW&Co, Brown Silk Shirt | Suzy Shier, Black & Merlot Turtlenecks | RW&Co, Burgundy Sweater Dress | La Vie En Rose, Fall Candle | Okenagon candle co, Femme T-Shirt | Dynamite

*not pictured here: yoga wear, a few casual hoodie/sweaters, pyjamas & footwear/ 2 purses.

Being in a new and more spacious home has meant that I have had to get used to how cold it can get. Quite a difference from our smaller loft condo, where the heat of the winter sun and the surrounding condo units help keep the loft toasty even on the coldest of days.

Sweaters have become my best friends.

New to Me

Lounge / Pyjama Set

After hunting for months for an updated cozy pyjama set that would be comfortable for both sleeping and hanging out, I settled on this set. No regrets. Soft, warm & of long-lasting quality.

Turtle Necks

I purchased these three turtle neck long sleeves end of last winter when they went on a mass sale. I had a black one that I accidentally shrunk and knew that when they went on sale, I would pounce.

Still Going Strong

Oversized H&M knit Tan Sweater

Worn at least 2-3 times a week, this sweater gets me through the bitter cold days. I want a few more of these if I could. Perfect size, perfect quality. Perfect style.

Black Pleather Stretch Pants

I believe I purchased these last year and I have no regrets. I adore the texture difference when pairing these pants to sweaters or shirts and they have the comfort of any other pair of leggings.

Girlfriend Jeans

Although aging, these jeans are my favourite for weekend living. They are well used for every season.

Time To Go

Undershirt tank tops

Not pictured here are three different tank tops I purchased from Forever 21 over five years ago that I use routinely underneath shirts/sweaters etc. They are weekly used on rotation and I have started taking note that it’s time to look for a new set.

I am starting to see a trend…the busier I get, the more books I read….
A coping mechanism for stress.

Felicity | Mary Oliver

Beautiful poems capturing love, life, loss.

The Art of Making Memories | Meik Wiking

A bit repetitive and dry, but an overall pleasant read about why we should think more mindfully about the moments we are in.

The Grace Year | Kim Liggett

A dystopian novel about a year in a girl’s life where she joins her peers in a secluded and remote space, guarded by guards to rid themselves of what is to be believed as the magic that they withhold. A bit of Animal Farm twisted with feminism.

A Prayer Journal | Flannery O’Connor

A literal journal of Flannery O’Connor transcribed from her handwriting. Her awareness of faith, desire to be an artist that provokes thought and meaning along with the self-awareness of one who knows they still have so much to learn and do. I relate a lot to her written down prayers.

The Ride of a Lifetime | Robert Iger

A fascinating look at Robert Iger and his time at Disney. I thoroughly enjoyed his candid look back at his career and honouring those who gave him the leg up in times that provided him opportunities to grow.

Miracles and other Reasonable Things | Sarah Bessey

Sarah Bessey first captured me in her book Jesus Feminist where she challenged the church on how it has treated women historically. She brought to light many deep and beautiful insights on how Jesus treated and looked at women. Quite the opposite of how the North American church has done so over the years. In this book, she tells us of her journey through a horrific car accident that debilitated her and left her having to face her own humanity, purpose and reasons for doing what she does.

Lock Evert Door | Riley Sager

a simple mystery rapid read. A hint of Agatha Christie vibes in the authors’ style.

White Point Beach Resort | An Autumn Cottage Weekend

*as I post this, I recognize our province could announce a second lockdown at any moment. That being said, there are skills and a renewing of the mind that has occured, that even if that has to happen, we are better equipped to handle what it means to create a rhythm inside the home.

March 2020 was a month none of us will forget.

For some, the worldwide pandemic was already at their door. For us in Nova Scotia, it was March when the reality provincial state of emergency was announced.

We changed everything in our lives in a matter of 24 hours.

A bit like being in a snow globe and having everything you knew being shaken and tipped upside down and then right side up again to only wonder how everything will fall into a new place. Or if it ever will stop spinning?

That has left some effects on us.

In our coming and going, we are still living in a state of unknown, of work and life colliding in the home and of many things being delayed or put off indefinitely.

This Autumn, one of my goals was to find some semblance of ‘weekdays’ and ‘weekends’ again.

Having a daughter go to grade primary was a marker for us as a family, and despite the pandemic, it has renewed many things in our lives. We hope she can remain in school l her whole primary year, but we embrace it for what it is for now.

Week Days

Morning routines are back. An alarm goes off, and it isn’t helpful to ignore it in the least.

Work hours are evident in some respects.

The school hours mean we are bound to drop-offs and pickups.

Weekends

time for the home DIY projects

the seasonal activities ‘pumpkin carving, fall walks’ etc.

Errands and household logistics.

Scheduling an event that is safe and within guidelines that provides an exhale.

Life still has been shaken like a snow globe.

Stores don’t open until 11 am.

Extra circular activities are limited and harder to get into

parties, celebrations and events are generally prohibited unless adequately managed.

Planning ahead is difficult.

Yet, somehow we are starting to feel our weekdays and weekends again. I hesitate to say it, but there it is.

We are finding our way back to a right-side-up world, even if the right side to us now was upside down to us before.

We adapt and start realizing the world will always keep spinning, but we can remain standing still amidst it all.

A snippet of our October.

White Point Beach Resort

Working

And the moments in-between.

Compiled here on Spotify is a playlist I made for this autumn.

After committing to a subscription, I have been revamping my playlists, which already feels old.

It was a compilation I put together in September.

Stand Out Tracks

ily (I Love You Baby) | Surf Mesa

There is something about this cover that makes me find motivation in the corners of the day.

Forever Young | Rhiannon Giddens and Iron & Wine

This track is special to me for many reasons. In part, it was made for the finale of Parenthood, a show that helped shape my marriage and desire to continue developing healthy relationships with my family. Forever Young was the opening title song, and this rendition happens to be my favourite. It reminds me of why it’s worth it to be there for those you love.