9:55am | Toddler Upstairs banging around

Happy Thanksgiving.

The colours on the trees through the windows are turning.  Bright yellow, orange & glints of fiery red.  Rain is coming down and the piano that was just played seems satisfied to be standing at windows that displays such elegance.  

I can't blame her really.  She looks just as elegant amidst the leaves.

Words are said that cut down our brilliance.  Needless, ignorant words.  Words by those who question and yet have not truly wanted to know.  Words that are said out of the silly need to say something.  

I want to reign in all that cutting down and questioning.

This Week:

MIND: Let the words of my mouth and hands (writing/texting) with others be honest rather than calculating and deep rather than surfacey.

BODY: Research jeans replacement & be patient for sales.

SOUL:  Enjoy & count the blessings that surround.  

As with every one of these events, I often wonder to myself before if having our little gathering is meaningful.  Is there a point to all this?  Setting up a table, inviting creatives and seeing what happens?  

There is.

Every time, there is.  

There was no ice breaker needed with these women and we delved right in.  We laughed our way through a provoking exercise.  

Put your personal music player on shuffle.  Write down the first line of the first five songs.  Read your poem outloud.

Mine?

"If you love somebody

Canons

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens

It's funny how funny you are to look at

The window is open, so's that door."

We laughed hard and did the exercise twice.

We shared deeply and openly and I was reminded of how important it is.  The sharing thing.  So often we keep it inside, but to share means we make ourselves vulnerable and that is what makes creatives create things.  Above all, the vulnerability is essential.

We captured themes on accountability, discipline and structure. But mostly, we captured 'solidarity'.  When you swallow your doubts and allow yourself to come alongside others, you find it all a bit less scary and also... when it is the right people, there will only be love, grace and endless support.  

What's the point?  The solidarity.  The unity.  The accountability.  The inspiring minds.  The growth.  The challenges.  The love.  The grace.  The support. 

In the least many words for you...

1. Sharing The Mom Show or the Most Boring Show Ever at this Fringe Festival

2. Being interviewed by this bright woman.

3. This book for nesting purposes.

4. Eating these treats at the Halifax Doughball.

5. Seeing this epic tale at Neptune Theatre.

6. Being given this sweater.

7. The first episode of this TV Show.

8. Beginning this book.

9. Purchasing this Duffle.

10. Lighting this candle.

10:12am | Coffee | 'Women of the Hour with Lena Dunham' on pause

Crawling into bed last night way too late...Best friends wedding over.  The setting up for another busy week, the attempt at unwinding done terribly.  

Get in the car before 7am.  Go to toddler at Grandmas and give her breastmilk.  Cuddle.  Come back home without her, follow through with Yoga, get dressed...in a few minutes, the piano tuner.

Finally.

Everything has a price.  To tune or not to tune.

This Week:

MIND: Challenge current and future projects with questions.  Explore possible answers.

BODY:  Water detox.  

SOUL:  Tune in.  

Now?  More coffee , and tuning back into other parts of life this week.

Clockwise:  Yoga Wear top from Bhavana Yoga Boutique, Black & White Tankini swimsuit from La Vie En Rose, Coloured Striped Summer Dress from Onze Montreal (2013), Second Hand Bunny Button Blouse in Blue from Nicole Payzants closet, Pink loose T-Shirt with Music Notes from Modcloth.com, Summer Jean Shorts from Bluenotes, Threadless Inkwell Graphic T  , H&M Short Black Mini Skirt, Modcloth.com Blue Tank Blouse (2015), The Gap Black Romper from The Gap, Lipstick: Vegas Volt from MAC

Curating a capsule wardrobe has become a source of creativity and joy.  It has meant that postpartum, I started with a skeleton closet and have been slowly able to add pieces that serve a purpose and bring me joy daily.  

Minimizing the clutter and maximizing the artistry of 'dress'. 

Pictured here are the main pieces from the summer.  Not showing are the few plain undertanks, active wear that is worn year round, and other dresses that are being re-evaluated on their wear and tear.  This summer I had to throw away a cute romper from 'Anthropologie'.  It had been fixed by the tailer twice from tearing at a section where it was mesh.  Third time tearing, for me, means it was time to call it.  

I still feel there are many pieces I want to replace and add to develop a better wardrobe for the summer, but I am pleased to see the Black jumper which is easy and breezy & the Pink musical T, which is perfect for the early Saturday Farmers Market mornings, along with the new swim suit which makes me feel not only sexy but children friendly.  

Until next Summer.  

10:57am | Mango Tea steaming | Downton Abbey Season 1. Ep.5 on pause

Hurriedly tracking expenses, moments, and which TV shows to follow...a 'catch-the-leaves-before-they-fall' type of hurry.

There I go again.

To honour my busy I must honour my rest.

This I type while moving the tea & episode aside, but then it's the tea and potential of an episode that speed up my inspiration. 

For the new week:

Mind:  Mindful TV episodes & Book reading as a routine enjoyment.  Avoid Binging. 

Body: Avoid food FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out).  For there is always more chocolate.

Soul: Allow for a few minutes of 'morning journal' reflection.

Sip the tea, enjoy the meals as they are & let creativity do it's work in us.

3:32pm | Water Bottle half empty | Quiet, but for the fan

Autumn wreath, blanket and candle out.  Wardrobe capsule set in drawers.  Lists made and dates written down.  

A new season with new work.

One doesn't sit down to work without the intention.  Conscious or unconscious.  Intentions follow us like shadows.  That is why at age twenty "Amy: With Intentions" was born: a little personal blog for the little intentions of a little spirit.   That blog has since been retired, but the meaning behind it remains tucked inside a pocket of my heart.

byamygrace is getting an 'intentions' overhaul.  Autumn is bringing a less is more concept to this little place on the world wide web.  I want you to love this corner, as if you were stepping into my creative room, sitting with me and having a chat.

So grab a chair, a mug full of something and enjoy the shift.

*Oh, & happy Autumn...I think it might change us.  

11:29am | Toddler waking from morning nap | Coffee mug drained

Good Morning Monday...

A little segment in a tiny corner of this world.  Shall this be a short video? A quick morning sticky note?  An audio for a morning drive?  

Truth?  I am not sure how to package these.

For now?  A list.

1. Enjoy the end of Summer sounds of rain.
2. Think outside the box.
3. Attend this weeks meetings & events with mindfulness
4. Put the word 'mindful' in front of every activity.  
5. Begin packing away Summer.  

Cheers to the last few days of Summer and a week that might surprise you.

The Creatives is coming back to it's original monthly meet ups.  I am working on a new format that will allow for more sharing, growing and hopefully more inspiration. 

This September we may just set our Autumns on fire...

WHO WE ARE & WHAT WE DO

We are a collective group of women who identify as creative in various ways and seek to create a safe environment to share, enjoy and discover.

This Autumn we are going to focus on maintaining our fun atmosphere while adding some growth opportunities. 

Bring yourself, a drink & or food to share and join in on the fun!

NOTE: Colouring may or may not take place at these events in intense ways.

REMINDER: The red house next door used for guest parking is being demolished.   You can park across the street from our place or anywheres on the street that doesn't have a no parking sigh.
 

In case you missed it...

1. Her BBQ/Pool Side Wedding Shower.  

2. This sweet Canopy.

3. This little boutique in Halifax and it's sponsership.

4. This fun musical weekend top.

5. This insightful book on habits.

6. Succulent life.

7. Making beach days possible.

8. 5 Year Wedding Anniversary, 9 year together milestone.

9. Facetime dates with This lifer.

10. End of a full nap time hellos.

12:30pm | Yesterdays Berry Smoothie | iTunes on Shuffle

Confidence.   

Thesaurus says : self-assurance, self-confidence, self-possession, assertiveness...courage, boldness, nerve.  

It says the opposites of confidence are : uncertainty , doubt.  

It's a toss up.  Dress the part, stand a bit taller.  Procrastinate on responding to messages, sink a little lower.  Either.  Or.

Choices are here at my door and the door labeled courage is as scary as the door labeled Doubt.

So why do I choose courage?

I would rather believe that I was brave enough, strong enough and plucky enough to do anything.  

So I do because the opposite is to not do. 

I do, for the doing.  The urge to do.  The call to do.

Connie Snider | Swing Dancer addict, Blues Dance Lover

I met Connie during my first year of swing dance lessons in 2011/2012, she continues to inspire with her enthusiasm and outlook on life.  

1)  How would you describe yourself? 

I was once described as "plugged in"...so now this is how I see myself! 'Plugged into life!'

2) When did you start dancing and what made you stick with it?

I started dancing after being out to an event where DSDS (Dalhousie Swing Dance Society) showed up, after seeing those dancers on the floor and seeing the joy it brought to their faces I HAD to learn it! That was 5 years ago.

3)  What are the types of dancing you do and why do you enjoy those styles?

I do several dance styles but my love of blues dancing prevails all others right now, I think it is the music for this style that I love and the connection with my partners. I love Lindy Hop as well and do a lot of Jive with older partners.

4) I have a clear memory of first meeting you at a dance class and enjoying your enthusiasm for it.  How do you maintain that enthusiasm?

Maintaining enthusiasm is so easy for me as I LOVE to dance and share the love of it!  I stated above about taking time to nourish other things, it also helps me to maintain my enthusiasm for sure. If I am away from dance for even a week or more when I step back on the dance floor I can say to myself ahhhh this is why I love it!

5) You are a major advocate for the social dance communities in Halifax and have held leadership roles with the Dalhousie Swing Dance Society.  How has being involved grown your appreciation for dance?

I think my appreciation has grown mainly due to the fact I see the power dance has...the power to bring such joy to people that may need joy in their lives. From students struggling to make financial ends meet or dealing with studies and being away from home, to adults that have not been socially accepted into groups in the past. I have had more than one person tell me dance has saved their lives, I am not kidding. We sometimes forget the power it has.

6) The dancing scene continues to evolve and change each year.  What is it like right now?

Right now the dance scene in Halifax is exploding, we can dance different styles as many nights a week as we choose. I have seen this in other cities and when talking with the organizers there have been told to be careful of burnout. We all know there is only so much money to go around and life and other things effect how much we get to dance.  Time to nourish other things in life is important too, lets not forget that. Also important is to remember we are all dancers, be kind to each other and be respectful.

7) What are you learning/working on right now?

Right now I am working on selling my house and looking for my next home. A little secret (I am also planning on trying a bit of Salsa!! shhhh) 

8) Do you have any morning/night routines that centre you?

I do not really have routines that center me other than speaking with my amazing daughter daily, my morning coffee (a must), making time to read a really good book...the kind that you have to turn the pages. I am never far from one.  My daily strength training is also a must.

9)  At the end of the day, what drives you?

At the end of the day it is the feeling it gives me that drives me. It keeps me fit and happy!

10) If you were to pass on any advice/knowledge/wisdom to other dancers/creatives, what would you want to say?

Wisdom...hummm not sure I am qualified to voice an opinion here  but first and foremost my advise is to welcome and dance with new dancers. I have had so many dancers tell me that having me dance with them in the beginning or on the first few nights, and make them feel welcome has given them the courage to come back. So, seasoned dancers you just do not know how you can be effecting someones dance future by doing this. It is so easy to just dance with those you are comfortable with or love to dance with...but remember the amazing dancers we have had in our group, they all started as a new dancer trying it for the first time. Just set aside two dances each night...invite a newbie on the floor! 

I didn't write a play about new motherhood and yoga for kicks and giggles.  I wrote it because  I want to see new mamas well, happy and thriving.

1. Mama comes first.

In order to be the 'mama' you deeply desire to be, you have to feed yourself first.  Not just physically, but mentally, emotionally, spiritually etc. etc.  Fill your cup so that it can overflow first  to your child/children & then the others.  (If you have a spouse/partner, may your full cup overflow first, to create a healthy partnership, and then, into your child/children).

2. Hydrate with H2O & fill your plate with whole foods.

Give your body what it craves past the empty calories.  Bread looks great, but it doesn't give you full nutrient calories that will supply you with what you need to be strong, happy and healthy.  And water?  Water can only help your system.  What you give your body, it gives back.  

3. Unplug & write it out.

Take a break from the outside world.  Turn the phone etc. off and get real with who you deeply are.  It is easier to prioritize when there is silence.  Be it in the middle of the night, or stepping out to sit at a park and reflect.  Take that time.  No one but you will give it to you without strings attached.

4. Walk walk walk.  

When in doubt, walk.  Baby is fussy? Stroller & walk.  It's raining? Raincoats & walk.  Feeling anxious?  Walk.  Walking is your body's way of meditation, releasing stress, hormones and of course, nothing is better than a breath of fresh air.  Walk even when it feels like a chore.  No one ever feels fully tired from a walk.  It's a natural energy booster & is a great way to get out of the house.

5. Only wear clothes you love. 

Mamas havn't lost their womanhood.  So dress in however makes you feel like the most of you.  Get rid of EVERYTHING that doesn't feel thrilling to wear. (Donate clothing that is still in good condition.)  Curate your wardrobe to say exactly what you want to say to yourself.  For me?  "I am   alluring, I am a writer, I am athletic, I am relaxed, I am sophisticated, I am well-read."  For you?  You decide. 

1.  For intention setting on the weekend : lighting this candle

2. To eat, to dine, to be inspired by the ambience...This place.

3. For learning and getting inspired on habit life: This book.

4. This movie ... because of the story and actors.

5. This little doll for her... it has a belly button too.

6. For soaking in truth words...This spontaneous song.

7. Our little promo vid...because it makes me laugh.

8. This beautiful book for the style inspiration in real terms. 

9. Her words on parenting & family...especially this. 

10. This wildlife moment.

Our summer meet up happened on a beauitful humid night in downtown Halifax.  One by one each creative woman walked into the doors of 'Obladee', and the conversation flowed with ease.

Each woman present brought so much glow to the evening that I had to pause and sit in quiet awe.  The table was littered with note paper, wallets, wine glasses, charcuterie boards and dips.  The faces were bright, animated and entertaining.  Each voice so different yet, brought unity.  I thanked God, because this unity is so rarely found.  

The Creatives went from monthly to seasonally out of interest to see how that would change the groups dynamic, intentions and interactions.  What it has done is remind those who regularly attend how essential creative community amongst women can be.  It has also created a renewed  energy for the monthly meet ups.

Starting in September we will re-introduce monthly meet ups along with more topics, sharing and inspiring each other with our individual journeys and work.  Our focus this time around, will be to 'flow' with structure.  We want to grow together and leave each event inspired, encouraged and intrigued at how creativity meets with each of us individually.  

I love how when women unite to embrace creativity and flow, they create a hum of something inexplainable.  But I guess that's what unity is.  It is a harmony, that sounds more than just glorious.  It sounds like safe and adventurous.  Warm and crisp.  New and reflective... It captures everything worth capturing in one single moment.

A walk along the boardwalk to cool off by the water and some laughter in our hearts we parted ways with the Halifax Jazz Festival music in the background. 

I love my city.  I love my creative passions, and I love these women. 

It's hard to wake my eyes when I know a busy week is ahead with decisions to be made, emails to answer and ultimately, fear to be faced.

Facing fear seems so cinematically dramatic.  Yet, it's true.  It's not gangster rap rolled up into a fight scene.  What it is, is that simple circumstance that has itself wrapped up in a simple, yet complex knot.  

I look at the decision I am about to make and I know I am going to make it to better myself, my work and to truly challenge the safety net that I have created.

What separates the fearful from the brave is that knowledge that being 'Bilbo Baggins' isn't working anymore, and it's time to 'go on an adventure'.

I do the everyday dailys like a boss.  Truly, I've got this wellness thing down, but what I will never have down is that push. I always do it with my eyes closed and hands in front of me thinking

"WHAT THE **** AM I DOING?"  I am thinking this now, but it's for the best.  It's for the good.

It's for the growth.

*clinking coffee mugs*

Cheers

Show up.  Tea.  Cupcake.  Music.  Do the thing.  Tabs open.  Mind ready...

There comes a point in a womans life (anyones life really), when she knows that she is too comfortable. When she realizes she hasn't grown or changed much.  That somewhere, somehow, she has to find a reason to get up and do something that scares the life back into her.

(Here is my soap box.  Here is where I tell you the relentless truth)

Don't wait for the motivation. It won't be there. It's never there, because everything wants to keep you standing/sitting exactly where you are.

Still.

Quiet.

Unnoticed.

You are worthy of doing what it takes for yourself to feel scared into life again. To get to that point where you know if you don't move you will truly disintegrate.

Move.

Loud.

Noticed.

Observe what happens when you dare to grow.