In case you didn't already get the memo...
Clockwise: Second-hand White Dress found by Jasmine Alexander, Girlfriend jeans by H&M, Grey Shawl found at Winners, Blue & White Stripped Hoodie from Bluenotes, 'Honesty' Sweater from Korea found by Jasmine Alexander, White Crochet Flowy blue Top found at Winners, Lace sleeve pink/red shirt from Amazon.ca, Loose white long sleeve from Korea found by Jasmine Alexander, Giving Key Necklace 'Limitless' from The Giving Keys.com, Felt Hat from Indigo.
Spring issued more challenges this year. I had less clothes of my own to choose from and I wasn't head over heels with this years fashion styles. Crop tops and I ...(mama belly notwithstanding) are never going to be friends and I just couldn't fully buy into the higher wasted jeans.
But I fell in love with my girlfriend jeans from H&M and the white sheer long-sleeve the bestie in Korea sent. In all honesty, most of my greatest articles of clothing are from Jasmine Alexander. She knows me the best.
On top of most of my outfits I added the symbolic key from The Giving Keys. My word, Limitless, hangs from my neck reminding me to surge forth and shed any limitations that may be put on me by others or myself.
Springs wardrobe was a discouragement to start, yet as the season progressed I fell in love with these particular articles
* Not pictured here, the swim suit I purchased from La Vie Un Rose that has since stopped being sold. It is a Black halter top with a key hole in the front and matching bikini bottoms with an open space on each side.
In the least amount of words for you...
- For the listening needs: TGIT on Spotify
- To fall into an ocean of alluring narrative that maintains class and authenticity, this book.
- She does Wedding Photography & as a friend keeps my head shots updated.
- Beginning Gretchen Rubins "Better Than Before" as a Summer Study.
- We reconnected here...our place of family refuge.
- Work Wednesdays made possible by His month away & time in lieu.
- Announcing The Mom Show (or the most boring show ever) debuting in the Atlantic Fringe Festival September 1 - 11th
- This fuzzy mat from Winners for my feet while I write.
- Wearing this halter romper from The Gap at discount.
- This song 'Be Enthroned' sung by Hunter Thompson, for getting grounded in the Spirit
Jasmine is my nearest and dearest. Over countries and time we continue to maintain the bestie thing.
1) How would you describe yourself?
Hi! I am an artist, a mover, a lover, a teacher and a learner.
2) Currently, what is your medium of choice?
Watercolor, gouache, ink have been my go-to since I started travelling 2 years ago. When the resources are available to me, I work in oil paint and dabble in clay. Oh, and dance and movement.
3) I have watched your art develop over the years of our friendship, how do you see your art evolving in the future?
I have learned since graduating that attempting to define my work according to what I feel it should be only results in inauthenticity and ruts. I can have future goals that I apply myself to, but I think the work can only be what it is in that space and time. I want my work to reflect my surroundings and to evoke dialogue, internal or external. As a painter I’m always looking for something unexpected and raw and I can only hope that the future continues to bring out new ideas and new conversations.
4) Right now you are in Korea, how has Korean culture influenced you?
I’m so infatuated by South Korea’s landscape, it is so rich and diverse. Korea is a communal culture, they are big on sharing here which I love. I feel like I won’t know how my current surroundings are influencing me until much later when it comes to my work. I think so often we prematurally claim how something affects us, but it is only in retrospect that we can see how we are influenced.
5) At the end of the day, what drives you?
I’m driven by incessant curiosity, but also by a desire to explore relationship through art and making. The relationships between us and nature, spirit realm, other people, the material world. I believe that people are creative beings by nature, and there is nothing more honest and powerful than agreeing to commit to that individual creativity and process. My partner once said to me “You want to set the world on fire, and you will.” and that has always stuck with me about the “why” in art. I think in some way or another, I want to create little sparks and see what will happen.
6) What are you working on right now?
In the midst of a demanding day job, I’m currently doing a small challenge for myself to draw/paint everyday for the month of June. I have an mini illustrative series called The Lifelines that has been on a hiatus since I moved to Korea, but it is ongoing. I have just started teaching an art program here in Korea called Hands On that I built from the ground up… which I’ll have to update you on once it unfolds! And there may be a project in the works with my radiant best friend, but more on that later. ;)
7) Do you have any morning/night routines that centre you?
I’m a big breakfast and coffee person. I believe in the ritual of breakfast before your day takes off. I try to workout once a day, and I have to wash my face before bed. Besides that, I love when each day is slightly different than the last. I switch it up.
8) If you were to pass on any advice/knowledge/wisdom to other creative seeking spirits, what would you want to say?
Stay compassionate, stay open, be curious. And remember, no matter what, there is always something more in you to make. Fitting in is overrated.
9) You were and still are a member of 'The Creatives' group that meets here in Halifax, what kept you coming back every month?
Besides the fact that those women rock the ground I stand on and keep me sane? I think we’d be so lost without other artists and creatives to do life with, especially as women. The art world, like the rest of the world, is largely still run by men and knowing there are strong, gutsy, intelligent women you can call on is imperative. I’m so excited for our reunion!
10) You are doing a project this month (June) can you tell us more about it?
Sure! I started doing a drawing-a-day type challenge this month to jumpstart my priorities and my creative headspace. Moving and working in Korea has been such a whirlwind, and my art process definitely suffered. And of course at the end of the day, no one is going to pick up the brush or pen for me. So I knew that I had to get back into making, no matter how big or small. Loose guidelines: post the drawing on social media, even if I hate it. Be open to sudden shifts in subject matter and unexpected directions. Don’t take yourself too seriously, there’s more making in you.
Of the many goals I set on January 2016, 'finding my squad' was at the top of the list. You know, the #squadgoals that you see on instagram? I was drooling over 'young twenty-something-besties' rocking their 'free-life' with their bare legs in a hot tub, their wild hair flying behind them as they ran into nature. I was scrolling and pumping breast-milk while falling in love with girls I hadn't met. Scrolling and pumping. Pumping and scrolling.
I was not lacking in friends. Truly, I had an abundance... but I was pumping and scrolling now. It changes things. Even just a bit...enough to notice.
Becoming pregnant, having besties move away, becoming the first mama of all my friends created an uncertainty within myself of these friendships.
Here is what I have learned:
1. Becoming a 'mom' does not mean you need mom friends.
Make bonds with those that inspire, thrill and enlighten you. Authentic friendships based on true connection will last a lifetime. Mom friends will come when they come.
2. Your squad is closer than you think.
When you go through tough or life-changing times, your women will arise from the rubble. They won't give you everything you need, but they won't criticize your journey and your current status. They will challenge you, support you and not let you wallow too long.
3. Friendships are all about grace, and if grace isn't there...it's not a true friendship.
Being in committed friendships means we are given freedom to say it like it is and in the same breath also take the other as they are. What has kept a lot of my squad friendships alive has been the 'come as you are' attitude that is also graced with a healthy 'say it like it is'.
I am deeply in love with my women. Each and every one has changed me, lifted me up and brought me into deeper connection with God, my spirit and the ground beneath me.
Know your squad, and if you don't... watch who comes into the rubble with you. They are the golden ones.
In alphabetical order, because there is no real order | Beth | Christie | Gillian | Heidi | Jasmine | Nicole | Tasia
I am thrilled to announce I will be joining 'The Atlantic Fringe Festival' (September 1st - September 11th 2016) for the second time with a brand new show.
The Mom Show: Or The Most Boring Show Ever, is the result of the last two years with all of the changes I have personally come to as a woman who desires to maintain individuality, work and authenticity while being a new mother. With humour alongside raw honesty this show takes place on a single yoga mat and from 'Sukhasana' to 'Shavasana' uncovers the complexities of being a new mom of this generation of mothers.
Following this post we will be in the process of creating a Facebook Page, Twitter & Instagram to spread the word and also bring you along in the process it takes to take a play from it's early stages to the literal stages.
Currently we are searching for
1. A director.
2. Sponsers
3. Yoga Instructor Consultants
4. Ushers
Send an email on the contact page to apply/inquire
In creative joy to be working with you again,
Amy Grace | Playwright, Producer, Actor
Limitless | Giving Key
In the past year, I have had to find myself. Not because I felt I had changed, or I felt any different but because I felt lost in what the world saw me as.
Becoming pregnant was the day I lost Amy.
Amy became, the pregnant one, the new mom, the 'fill-in-the-blank' whatever preconceived notion you have about what it means to have your first child. I did my best to ignore the endless streams of assumptions, judgements, and ignorance but ultimately my sense of self paid a price. I became pregnant, had a baby and now...this is how 'you' define me.
Mother to your grandchild, mother to the cute baby in the stroller, mother to your niece...
Mama I am. And so much more.
Amy never stopped being Amy. In fact, Amy is still writing words at her desk, intoxicated by music and studiously honing her craft of word, song and dance.
I told this to my dearest friend and her response.
"As you should, your options are limitless."
And that has resonated with me.
27 isn't about proving anything to you that I am more than just a mama. Because that will happen naturally. You will see that as I go and no matter how devalued I have felt I am thriving in this deep lovely limitless life.
1. Milestone Cards, for documenting the moments.
2. Zoës first birthday party... Happy tears to see her growth.
3. Receiving a Waffle Maker for Mothers Day.
4. Celebrating 27 with girls at White Point Beach resort.
5. ALL of Greys Anatomy Season 12, but especially those last episodes.
6. These fun play groceries.
7. Korean Facial masks mailed straight from Jasmine Alexander
8. Colouring books... cause it's not just a trend...it's a way of life.
9. Bullet Journaling experimenting.
10. Reruns of Ladies of London... because everyone needs a reality fluffy TV show to zone out with.
The Creatives | Spring 2016
When spirits collide it is fulfilling not just for those spirits but for those who witness the collision. This Spring we witnessed a truth telling. We got real as we coloured and communed.
The wine was passed, the food was shared and in that sharing we found that we went into a natural circle share and got to know each other again. We are getting to know ourselves again after transition and transition of life has messed with our plans and our dreams.
Many of us women in that circle were ready to 'be raw' again.
I am blessed by those that filter in and out of "The Creatives"
May this be a group that welcomes those who are in the journey at any place and becomes a catalyst for spirits to collide and spring forth.
The Creatives | Spring 2016
Recently I found myself at a “stalemate” in my wealth creation calling (also known as business). Having a newborn might do that to ya, but realistically I knew it was more than that. A few pity parties and sleepless nights later, I had to have a good hard look at what was really going on. True to my own teaching (ramblings), I had to look at what was REALLY going on and not just the symptoms of what was going on. I had to examine if I had any sub conscience beliefs or thought patterns that were contributing to this stand still. Sure enough, I realized that my fatigue had made me susceptible to the spirit of doubt. And more alarmingly, I hadn’t even noticed that this was going on for several months. Here are 3 signs to look for, and what to do about them:
1) Being asked to be relieved from your assignment (dream) prematurely.
Looking for a “way out” of your current project /dream/vision can signal that you doubt God can finish what He starts. You might have a lot going on in circumstances to justify your wanting to jump ship. Be careful not to change course just because the going gets rough. This is a strategy of the enemy using doubt to send you on a tailspin (wasting time) and keep you from your destiny. Don’t fall for it! The grass is not greener on the other side! Ask God to give you endurance and patience. He is faithful to answer every time.
2) “I’ll believe it when I see it” type of inner dialogue.
Getting a little burnt out on the “breakthrough prophecies”? Every time you hear the “don’t give up your breakthrough is near” message do you cringe a little on the inside but smile on the outside? Been there! This can be a very sneaky one because you know you’re SUPPOSED to stay strong and believe but the truth is deep down you are wrestling with skeptical thoughts. The key here is to be nice to yourself, you’re not a bad Christian for being a human!. Just don’t dwell on this thinking, and take special attention to be hyper aware of guarding your thought life. Don’t let these types of thoughts become justified either by your circumstances. Notice them as the spirit of doubt, combat the thought by dreaming of your desired outcome, and before you know it you will be walking in the gift of Faith again.
3) Your creativity feels strained.
If you are finding it difficult to be your creative self, this is a sign of what I call “late-stage” doubt. Remember, all of these problems are trying to do one thing, keep you away from your creator. It’s easy to be creative when you walk closely with your creator, and the exception can prove the rule. So if you’re finding it difficult to write, sing, play, or dream, take another look at your thought life and see if there is any self doubt that has crept in. Ask God to show you and then ask for an increase in creativity. That’ll teach that nasty spirit of doubt who not to mess with!!
Go forth in your health and wealth creation goals and leave the doubt behind!
As a woman who is taking care of a one-year-old daughter while her husband is away for a month at sea, scrolling through social media and news feeds are not a high priority. In fact I am rarely scrolling these days, but it has been hard to miss the highly critical headliners on Sophie Grégoire Trudeaus latest public comment.
I consider myself to be highly productive with my time. I am a dedicated lover to my husband, quirky creative mama to my daughter, honest-seeker writer in my projects, entrepeneur in my Creative Mentoring buisness, along with the founder of a group called The Creatives that meets seasonally with events during the year. And I struggle. I struggle to identify the help I truly need.
Many people who love and care about me and my family are quick to offer help in ways that make the most sense to them. It is a blessing to know we are cared for, yet very often, the specific help that is being offered is not what is truly needed for me or my family. I struggle with the words to explain the true help I need because for some reason, if women are not gracious enough, thankful enough and pleasant enough, we will get slammed.
Here is what the media and politics do with women.
We.
Tear.
Them.
Down.
Sophie Grégoire Trudeau openly and honestly expresses her overwhelm with her situation and we tear her to shreds. "How dare she demand help from the taxpayers when others are suffering. How dare she express being overwhelmed when she is so privledged?"
I say,
How.
Dare.
We?
I am blowing the whistle on this kind of shaming, backstabbing and idocricy towards women. Let's not forget that women still do not get paid the same amount as men. When we criticize a woman who gives us her open and honest answer for her situation, we are teaching our daughters that if you ask for help in a way that you believe you need, you will be slammed for it.
I am raising a daughter in Canada, and my deepest desire for her is to know that she can be as honest and as open as she needs to be. To shame a woman for openly expressing her overwhelm is to say that unless we as women, are quietly smiling in the background, playing nice, a fashionable shade of lipstick upon our lips, and folded hands at our sides, that we don't matter.
Sophie Grégoire Trudeau matters.
Her needs and desires for her life and her family matter. Her request for more support, in the way that she believes will help her and her family matters.
So if you are looking for me, I am with Sophie Grégoire Trudeau.
Truthfully, I have mixed feelings with this day we call 'Mothers Day'. Maybe it's that it often lands on my birthday. Maybe it's that I don't relate to the buzz words we use to describe mothers. Maybe it's that I am the first of my friends to become a 'mama'. Maybe it's that I sense the emptiness in my platitudes and would rather wait for a moment that truly expresses my thoughts in a real and authentic way.
No matter what the reason, Mothers Day continues to happen and now with this squirmy one-year-old, I want to get a better hold on this day and find how 'her' and 'I' can find the proper meaning for it.
I stumbled upon an old text message from my mother. It was a few days before I gave birth to my daughter.
"Hope your day went well. I want to reassure you that I also went after my due date and you were a perfect beautiful little girl and I never worried at all about when you would come. So don't let it consume your thoughts. I am not worried about you, because I believe this is what you are doing. I do think you need to know that we are in your corner, covering you with prayer as we are called to do for our daughter."
These are empowering words. These are words that symbolize a shift for me. These are the words I want my daughter to hear from me. This is the way I want to forge ahead in 'motherhood' this year and the years to come. I would rather be that 'Mama' who stands in the gap for my daughter not because she needs it, but because I know she is capable. I want her to know that I am her biggest advocate, her biggest warrior standing for her in the darkest night. When others shout their worry I will be shouting to build up strength and courage.
My mother and I are very different people but she left a trail of empowerment in her wake that I often don't give enough credit to. She empowered my Nanny against all odds to live an independent life after my Grampys death until she passed away many years later. She empowered me to eat when I would have rather starved. She has empowered many children who have filtered through her home to play, to laugh and to sing. She has empowered me to speak my mind and stand for what I believe is right and true.
So this is my deepest desire.
To now empower my daughter to have a voice of her own, to be independent, to play, to laugh, to sing, to dance, to explore, to discover and to have courage when others do not.
She turned One.
One year of learning this vibrant intensely expressive little girl. One year of being made new as a family. One year of firsts under her wings. One year of discovery and adventures. One year of building relationships with herself, others and the world around her. One year made better because her life has shot into our orbit and made us spin for days.
One is not the loneliest number. One is a notch in a timeline, a success, a chapter and a memory to keep. One is special, precious and utterable kissable.
One is ready to toddle and waddle. One is ready to clap and curl up in laps. One is ready to explore and eat more. One is ready to play loud and stand proud.
One is wee and still needing to be guarded. One is impressionable and learning how to handle. One is sensitive and figuring out boundaries. One is a bear cub ready to play yet quick to run away. One is a little bunny hopping and skipping yet fast to jitters. One is a puppy dog all wild and spry yet ready to snuggle in tender arms.
One is here, just for this year.
1. Pitch Perfect Two for the laughs I needed.
2. Gilmore Girls Gossip ... Immensely loving all the hype that goes with this new revival.
3. Zoli Sippy Cup is a new toddlers dream...and this mothers.
4. Swing life.
5. How this White Wine meets Spring.
6. Letting Lava Cake from The Middle Spoon melt in my mouth...
7. Attempting balance in all things... Some say it's impossible, I think it's necessary for me.
8. Touch Think Learn books for the wee learner
9. This Episode of Coffee & Crumbs which made my new mama heart soar.
10. Les Miserables Finale which I will have finished singing by the time this post is up...Do You Hear the People Sing?
The Creatives is a gathering started in 2013 during a time I needed to be surrounded by other like-minded women.
What is a Creative?
Anyone who finds themselves in the process of making.
Anyone who strives to take their inspirations and ideas into a new and unique form. Be it on paper, in a song, or paired with wine...possibilities are endless.
What Happens at The Creatives Meet Ups?
You will find women who make a living with their creativity alongside women who love to colour, alongside women who are searching for a better avenue for their self expression.
You will find a table that starts out small with its offerings of food, wine and conversation and grows in delicious treats, tinkling glasses and conversation that inspires as the night wears on.
You will find that our atmosphere is kept safe, inviting and welcoming to anyone.
I am Hesitant
We know that there is a process of coming to The Creatives.
Hesitations worth being debunked:
- I will be judged for being too much/too little of a creative person.
- I will have to share with others before I am ready.
- I will have to have it all together.
- I will have to know what I am talking about.
- I will have to come and stay the whole night.
The above is from our fellow friend 'Fear' speaking.
Why Should I Come?
The Creatives is here to create a flowing atmosphere for any woman who wants to partake in an evening of delicious food, intelligent and intriguing conversation while colouring, making or simply listening alongside each other.
The Creatives is here to be a welcoming community and take in the journey that each of us are individually in at any given time,
And maybe, just maybe, you will leave as inspired as I am.
Breanne and I originally met through our mutual friend, Jasmine Alexander. So many times I was told, 'you'll love her!' When the Creative Meet Ups started I didn't realize what an impact this woman would have on me. Her inspiration, depth and creativity has fuelled not just me, but many others. If I was to describe her, I would say: "She's the one with the charcoal in her hands and the twinkle in her eyes..."
1) How would you describe yourself?
I am a person. A woman. An artist. I am a maker, a doer, a thinker, a feeler.
2) Currently, what is your medium of choice?
My medium of choice is charcoal. I’m in the process of experimenting with mixed media; Oil and acrylic paint, pastels, coloured charcoals, coloured pencils, graphite. Still, charcoal does seem to consistently find its way into my work. When the resources are available, printmaking is another medium I work in.
3) When we first met, I was struck by your ability to be down to earth and yet still maintain a high respect for your art and work. How do you keep your creative work important while also staying lighthearted?
It is far too easy to feel the weight of your work, and become apprehensive about your practice; Creativity is not a clearly defined road. Bruce Mau’s “An Incomplete Manifesto for Growth” has become a go-to resource and constant reminder to “be willing to grow,” “forget about good,” “love [my] experiments (as [I] would an ugly child)” and that “process is more important than outcome.”
4) At the end of the day, what drives you?
It is the process of creating the work that drives me. The studio is church; It is here I am able to spend time with myself, and both see and converse with myself in different ways; On paper, reflected on a canvas, through scattered thoughts in a sketchbook. To quote Bruce Mau again, “If process drives outcome we may not know where we’re going, but we will know we want to be there.”
5) What are you working on right now?
I am currently working on how to fit my art practice into my life outside of the institution. I recently finished my studies, and am learning routine and discipline that are somehow a little more straight-forward to manage while in art school, and surrounded by the support of other artists and peers. I am learning to find the value in my work in the midst of a society that reinforces the idea that what artists do has little value; I am learning to let that belief in what I do drive my practice. My goal right now is to continue making and working on my current body of work with the same intensity as I would within the institution. I am working on solidifying my practice under new circumstances.
6) Do you have any morning/night routines that centre you?
Establishing routine is part of my working towards this goal. A struggle I’ve noticed is flipping the switch “off” of work mode, and “on” to art mode. An approach I've taken to is gently remind myself when it's studio time. I do this by setting aside sufficient time for myself, going to my little studio space, and easing myself into my personal creative space either by playing an instrument, reading something related or unrelated to my practice, or journalling. Eventually, I end up at a piece of paper, canvas, or in my sketchbook.
7) If you were to pass on any advice/knowledge/wisdom to other creative seeking spirits, what would you want to say?
Make. Always keep making.
8) You have lived in various parts of Canada, as an artist which places have inspired you the most?
I’ve been fortunate enough to live, study, and make work over much of Eastern Canada. Everywhere has had something a little bit different to offer and has contributed to my work in different ways. I attended an artist residency at The Banff Centre in November 2015, and it was the first time in my years of making that I felt and saw shifts in my work corresponding directly to my environment around me. I truly fell in love with the mountains, and can say they had a direct impact on the work I was making at the time. The rest of Canada that I’ve spent time in have been places I’ve resided in, and so they’ve influenced my work for different reasons. Those influences tend to be more related to people than a place. I am very fortunate to have strong support systems of family, friends, and mentors in Ontario, Quebec, and Nova Scotia. “The Creatives” is among those.
9) You were and still are a member of 'The Creatives' group that meets here in Halifax, what kept you coming back every month?
“The Creatives” is not only a kind of support system to me, but a group of some of my very close friends. “The Creatives” is made up of a group of unique and inspiring women. They are people with whom I can relate, but still, everyone comes from different places and offering varying life experiences, insight, and perspective. The women who participate in “The Creatives” are so much of what makes the group what it is. It is a safe place to come together with people of similar interests, aspirations, struggles, and discuss these things. Without fail, every month, I leave the group feeling hopeful and inspired. The connection and sense of community I feel with these women is a large part of what keeps me coming back.
10) You have had your work in various shows, what have you learned from those experiences?
Shows are great experiences - they serve as wonderful opportunities to share your work with the public, and create discourse surrounding it. They are also helpful in receiving different feedback to take back to the studio. Shows are exciting, and leave me proud, humbled, and motivated. It feels as though they mark different chapters in my art practice, and so encourage and propel me forward to continue to make new work.
The air is different and the sun is warmer. There is a quickening in the beat of my heart that happens this time of year. It's a knowing that around the bend there will be something that will take my breath away.
Spring does this to me. I get all frisky, jittery, hyper, feverish and completely strung out for living.
So I'll let you in on a few things that are making me mad for life.
1. A Deadline.
There is a rush of adrenaline that comes when a deadline is nipping at your heels. Will it devour me before I reach the finish line? or maybe if I just push a bit further I might just make it. And the thrill of knowing that the deadline is nipping at my heels only because I choose it to be. Maybe I'll let it pass...maybe I won't. Only it and I know how this story ends.
2. A Podcast.
There has been a burning happening in the depths of mine and another womans heart. We have been seriously digging in all the rubble of life, art and love and carefully planning a podcast. The launch date is still unknown, but we have been tending to this gem carefully and making sure we collaborate in ways that brings quality. This has me on my tippy toes and near tears of joy.
3. All the ladies.
I love women. I am a complete feminist and love it when a woman rises strong amidst the rubble. We were made to be strong warriors. It's not a mistake that we are tasked with bringing forth new life. Men are not built for that kind of stamina. I have women who filter in and out of my everyday life who are beacons of warriors in heels, in shoes made for men, in barefeet and in old socks. I love their bodies, their minds and the way our laughter rings out in the night air.
And Spring days have a way of unfolding like a flower... here are a few I am all ants in my pants about:
1. Zoës first birthday.
Her first year of life has been a roller coaster of growth, change and events for all of us. Celebrating this little golden arrows first birthday takes my breath away at the thought.
2. Mama & Zoës first road trip.
While Daddys away the girls will play. We are making the most of the time alone together while Daddy is away this season and have planned many adventures to keep us loving and living life to the fullest.
3. Les Miserables - A Choir Fundraiser
I joined a spectacular ensemble at Bedford Baptist to raise money for Syrian Refugees. After almost two years off the 'theatrical' stage this thrills me to no end. I leave rehearsals with goosebumps every time and cannot wait to spend a day performing these beautiful songs.
To summarize the highlights of this month in the least amount of words.
1. The incredible filmography, production, story and altogether moving piece of "Twinsters", easily found on nextflix.
2. This song in rehearsal: "Stars".
3. Vegas Volt on my lips...
4. Videos of this woman for days....
5. Reading Night Film is oddly interesting.
6. These words heal me.
7. Trying this day planner / journal concept
8. This TV Shows debut of it's updated look, from revengeful to playful.
9. Nights shared with this sister
10. All the Spring Planning
Why Capsule?
After having a baby and wearing mostly second-hand maternity clothes for the pregnancy I was anxious to get back into items that felt like me.
What I wasn't prepared for was the change in who I felt I was as a woman. I looked at my closet and realized that these styles, colours and prints were someone else.
I felt different. Very very different.
But the budget was small and the ability for me to just go out and change my whole wardrobe was not an option.
So what did I do?
Seasonal Capsule Wardrobes.
Capsule Wardrobing is a buzz term on the internet and there are varying degrees on what it can mean and how to do it. For me, I decided it was this.
1) Assess Previous & Current Season items.
Winter, Spring, Summer & Autumn I would assess my clothes and make sure that every item I stored in a drawer or closet would not only be worn that season, but be loved and adored by me.
2) Identify three items that needed to be replaced, or added to the wardrobe.
This usually includes something practical, something I have been drooling over and a lipstick colour for funzies.
3) Quality over quantity.
Having less means less choices to make every day and having really good quality clothing also means that I will get good wear and enjoyment out of each and every item.
Clockwise: Black H&M Skinnys, 2 Turtle Necks from Winners (will be getting rid of one, both are starting to look worn), Red Plaid Button Up from Winners, Black & White H&M Quarter Length T, Dark Joe Fresh Skinny Jeans, Mod Cloth Dress, Nordic Leggings from Zulily, White & Black Forever 21 Cat quarter length sweater, Forever 21 Black Cat sweater, Circle scarf from Modcloth
amygrace&Toby Ali '13
I am a terrible dancer.
This may come as a surprise, but it is true.
I don't know if I found dance or dance found me...But I do know we are intertwined now, a forever bond that keeps my feet to the rhythm.
On a whim in 2011, I decided I wanted to learn how to Swing Dance and thus the training began. (albeit with a few years of basic figure skating under my belt, I understood only the concept of movement on ice.)
You may not know it now, but I still struggle with the theory and fundamentals of dance. As I do with most things.
Watch me at a dance, and you may think I am making this up and it is all in my head.
Maybe that is where it starts. Inside my head, I am my own worst enemy. I fumble up on thinking through footwork, and I complicate moves by processing on overdrive. I end up confused, tangled and out of sync.
Yet, I still dance.
In amidst all my doubts and clumsiness over myself I have become that woman who can surprise a 'lead' with a move that adds depth and creativity. I can use musicality and personality to my advantage and I routinely and stubbornly practice moves until I have learned them.
Over all the flubs and flat out feet cringing moments, learning dance has taught me that no matter what may seem confusing, too much or too complicated, if the desire is there and I put dedication in, I will reach a level where I can look back and see how much I learned, can do and have achieved.
One clumsy foot after another.