Thanksgiving comes early in Canada,

which has always slightly bothered me. In part, because I do like the idea of celebrating Thanksgiving closer to Christmas as our neighbours in the States do. Almost as if it was marker for the start of the holiday season.

Thankfully we are blessed to be Canadian and thus we cannot change the early nature of our thanksgiving long weekend.

A few traditions we have been working on as a family each year.

1. Write a list of 100 things we are thankful for.

2. Have a autumn themed brunch.

3. Do an age appropriate thanksgiving themed activity (colouring pages this year)

4. Take an autumn walk (if weather allows)

Within those activities there are the obvious spend time with each side of our families and generally, enjoy quality time together.

This year we were sick, so our plans had to shift a bit. We gave thanks for how 2019 has been growing and challenging us. No matter what trials we have journeyed through the year, we have so much to be thankful for. Seeing how quickly Zoë was able to rhyme off all the things she was thankful for brought us into a place of centred-ness, reflection and celebration for everything we have.

Even if we do have an early Thanksgiving, I believe it is the perfect heart, mind and soul preparation for the Christmas season to come.

Thankfulness is the beginning of everything.
Like a prayer before a meal.
A donning of a jacket,
lacing up of boots before a walk of exploration.

Thankfulness is a precursor.

Meghan MacPherson

Massage Therapist & Business Owner

Meghan can be found running and working at her registered massage therapy business ‘Aura Massage Therapy’ while also working individually with her clients to support both their mental and physical health.

Meghan is passionate about making one on one connections with her clients and seeks to create a safe space that matches their unique individual needs.

She also happens to carry an open atmosphere about her that allows for easy communication, depth of insight and quick empathy.

MORE MEGHAN

Website

https://www.auramassagetherapy.ca

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/mghnmcphrsn/

2019 has been seasons full of upheaval in our home.

Coming towards the end of the year we are finally starting to see normalcy again. It’s delightful.

That being said, it’s impossible to go from ‘high stakes stress’ to ‘calm and zen like’ overnight.

I have been learning what it means to embrace that my body may not have registered yet that the stress is ‘over’.

Using what I have, I am embracing Autumns little extravagances to welcome peace back my into home, spirit and body.

Candles

An autumn scented candle triggers pleasant and warm thoughts.

Blankets

Nothing is more comforting than a warm and cozy blanket that is big enough to cover ones whole self.

Warm Drinks

Coffee, tea, or hot chocolate slides down so much more enjoyably when the autumn chill sets in.

Books

Taking the time to read a chapter or two of an interesting read welcomes in pleasure for pleasures sake and has a way of giving the brain something else to ponder during the in-betweens of a day.

it’s just a start, but finding the simplicity in the season before me to encourage peace is a practice that is necessary for me to hone for the sake of my health and all that I am called to be doing.

Pursuing and being in creative work is a double edged sword.

On one side, it’s amazing and highly rewarding. Ideas can come and flow and connect with others and the on the other side, it’s fraught with pressure, uncertainty, and a pacing that is quick and slow without warning.

It can feel as if you are treading water and trying to make the next thing happen without any clarity on why or how or when.

& we start getting caught up in the word ‘hustle’ as if it is something to be proud of to have too many irons in the fire and the more you can show for yourself despite how ragged and tired you are beneath the surface the more you are celebrated.

The hustle I want to be defined by,

is the hustle I have that creates a healthy home for my family, a healthy life for my body and an inspiring and well rounded work life.

What if being productive meant bringing your whole self to each part of your life with out exhaustion or comparison? What if our CV wasn’t the point of proof, but how we walked our fulll and whole lives?

Over this year I have been working on finding a new way of being in my personal and professional life that produces more quality with less stress. The theme I have found is that ‘more’ so often doesn’t produce ‘more’ in return.

‘More’ is often the distraction from the ‘less’ that you need to focus on.

It’s hard to remember to do.

But onward I go…

Pre School is a huge step into this souls independent journey. We are blessed to be able to provide her with an atmosphere that creates space for imagination, learning and group interaction.

I found myself internally very aware and emotional on what this milestone means for her and I specifically. As her mother and primary care giver, these are the necessary growing pains that will spring board her and I into a new type of mother and daughter.

A stepping stone.

Above all else, we hope we are able to encourage and cultivate how she uniquely learns and interacts with her world. That she experiences this school year as a way to practice her voice, learn how she learns best and finds some joy in the exploring, creating and practicing new skills.

Denika Coakley

Designer & Woodworker

Denika can be found working and running her own business ‘DC Woodworks’ while also thoughtfully investing in her two daughters lives.

Denika is passionate about bringing both artistic design and woodwork together, is constantly working with her hands in all forms of creativity and expression and believes that being your most raw and true self is of value in this world.

She also happens to bring a depth and sense of ease in the room that welcomes others to relax and be themselves.

MORE DENIKA

Shop

https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/DCWW?ref=search_shop_redirect

INSTAGRAM

https://www.instagram.com/dc_woodworks/

FACEBOOK

https://www.facebook.com/dcwoodworks902/

& here we are.

Walking into the leaves of autumn. The night air is decidedly more crisp and the sun is slower to rise. Autumn was never my favourite but I am learning that I may like it more and more with each year that passes. There is something promising and comforting about it. The warm blankets, lit candles, baking in the oven and coffee that warms not just your stomach but your hands. A sense of renewal in the shedding of things.

Personally

This Autumn I am seeking to honour and encourage a new and steady routine. We had to put a lot on the back burner during the spring and summer to accomplish our necessary renovation and although I could remind myself it was all for a good reason, it was hard not to see the weekends and evenings waste away from us and the missed time spending with our friends, family and each other. We will embrace the Autumn weather and go for walks and I will continue tidying our house from our huge overhaul. Letting go of what isn’t for us anymore and finding a new way to connect with each other and those we love.

Professionally

The Spotlight Series is going back into the studio to film women. Through Brilliansea we are aiming to continue our project by mindfully curating the women we bring in. We want our project to display diverse and unique backgrounds in both life and experience. I am continuing to learn my place on the board of women in film and television and have given myself grace to learn how the association works before taking on too much. This season I am going to be pushing myself to grow and experiment behind the scenes of my work in both development and production areas. I am sensing that my season of carefully taking in and curating has been teaching and showing me where I can expand and accomplish new elements of my craft that will empower and equip me to create quality work.

& with that I step onto the fallen leaves with a bit of refreshed purpose and mind.

Heading into the screening of our Brilliansea Documentary: ‘Her Business Our Story Your Calling’

Having ‘Her Business Our Story Your Calling’ accepted into the FIN ‘Atlantic International Film Festival’ was an honour. I am so proud to have had the opportunity to work with Claire Fraser on this short documentary and work towards creating it into a feature.

Although I have written and produced theatrical plays, written and collaborated on various screen pieces, this is my first screening of a produced work of film.

The Festival was packed with various opportunities and events as a film maker to enjoy and be inspired by. The opening film Murmur was a perfect way to celebrate locally made films and various colleges. Murmur is a perfect example that quality is better than quantity. It had a quiet confidence about itself and was made with excellence.

I found the Mussel Bar reception hosted by WIFT-AT a time of solidarity and connections with my peers. I am looking forward to seeing more of them both at events and also by design.

FIN gave me the opportunity to see my local film and television community on a broader scale, find solidarity and get inspired for what can be possible.

Onward I go…

September is an odd month to be fitting in reading while everything is changing and starting back up again, but it also happens to be a huge part of my sanity, so thus, I cracked open these four…

LIGHTLY | Francine Jay

A little ‘light’ read on a clutter free life. Over the past five years I have been on a journey to living ‘minimally’ / ‘lightly’. These reads aren’t necessary for me, but remind me of my why’s. I am easily overwhelmed and am especially affected by the atmospheres around me. This little read gave me a small reassuring pat on the shoulder for all the reasons I have let go of excessiveness and embraced curating our small space.

THE FOUR HOUR WORK WEEK | Timothy Ferris

Have only read the updated introduction thus far, but am about to deep dive. I can tell that I will leave this book with a few new tricks up my sleeve on what it means to use my time productively and to the best of my ability. I have learned in my professional life thus far that I thrive when I have efficiency in both the administrative and the creative.

MILK AND HONEY | Rupi Kaur

This book of poetry was raw and candid in very visual ways. Touching on abuse, love, loss and self-acceptance, this is a beautiful collection that has a way of capturing the essence of a woman.

THE INVITING LIFE | Laura Calder

Becoming parents, moving, and renovating has meant the past few years have been less about hosting and more about ‘surviving’. That being said, reading this little beautiful book has given me a reminder for a love of having people in to connect and find solidarity with.

Rachael Delano

Musician, Teacher & Director

Rachael can be found exploring how to combine sustainability, art, and music in all aspects of her work, while also maintaining her many independent contracts by directing choirs, teaching her own students, and being the co-lead arranger for a community singing group, ‘The Big Sing’.

Rachael is passionate about all aspects of the work that she does and this leads her to be consistently changing and innovating in how she approaches her work.

She also happens to carry a quiet rhythm to her presence that is calming to all those who are around her. It’s that authenticity and genuine joy for the moment she carries that reminds us to stay true and present in all that we do.

MORE RACHAEL

WEBSITE

https://www.rachaeldelano.com/teaching.html

INSTAGRAM

https://www.instagram.com/rachaeldelanomusic/

Top centre - Clockwise : White Cat Marie - Aristacat | Gift from Auntie Heidi, LOVE Swimsuit | Joe Fresh, Anchor Hat | Fluffy Bottom Babies, Rainbow Overalls | Carters, Water Bottle | Gift from Yeye from trip to Hong Kong, Puppies Sticker Book | From Indigo for PEI road trip, Star Sneakers | Zara, Whale | long ago gift from Auntie Nicole, Black Shorts | Joe Fresh, Rain Boots | H&M, Mermaid Pyjamas | Carters, Jean Shorts | Carters, Jean romper | Carters, Fingerling key chain | gift from family friend, Mermaid t-shirt | Second hand find from Auntie Nicole, Donought t-shirt | Carters, Mermaid | Fluffy Bottom Babies

Summer seems to be the season where we stick to our main few outfits on rotation. With hot and sticky days that go between 28 - 35 degrees the last thing you want is to regret dressing your child in something that is either too hot or just way too inconvienent.

New to Her

The Mermaid shirt, a second hand find from Auntie Nicole a.k.a Little Thrifted Closet was gifted to Zoë & she ADORES it. It’s lightweight and perfect for all that summer sweating.

Auntie Heidi also brought back a Disney stuffy ‘Marie’ from the Aristocats and Zoë has been carting it around ever since.

Still Going Strong

The H&M rainboots are still perfectly sized and should do us at least until the end of this year. They are great quality.

Whale was away for awhile while we dealt with renovations and a bug problem. He has since had his spout fixed and is sealed up for more cuddles on the couch.

Time to Go

LOVE swimsuit from Joe fresh is becoming too tight, before the end of this year we will have to find a new swimsuit.

Various T-Shirts that became too small / tight over the summer.

*Not picture here a two dresses and a beach cover up that Zoe wore off and on along with a few spare t-shirts that either were in the wash when this photo was taken or were already too tight by the time the summer was ending.

Recently I sat down with Ruth McMullen on her Podcast Series ‘Optimistically Depressed’ where she creates space for ‘shame free’ discussions on mental health, life and the personal journeys of each guest she talks with.

Ruth has an incredible rooted presence and peace that surrounds her. It is a healing thing to have the opportunity to sit with her and share in the openness that can happen when a room feels safe.

In this episode: Amy Lai on Healthy Anxiety and Taking Responsibility | Ep 48.

I share with Ruth my own personal discovery and understandings through the years of how anxiety manifests itself in me and how I have learned and am still learning to deal with it.

We also end up unraveling the ways in which learning who you are, where you have come from, how you can honour your own humanity and overall wellness can be an empowering and beautiful thing.

Overall, I realize that any of these opportunities to sit and share, are not just opportunities for the listener to hear a new episode, but for the person sitting across from Ruth, they are also opportunities to learn, heal and feel cherished just a little bit more than before.

Top Centre - Clockwise: Navy Blue Tank | RW&Co, Black Romper | The Gap, Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Tank | Bench, White T Shirt Dress | La Vie En Rose, Sailboat Pyjamas | La Vie En Rose, Black Shorts | Winners, Jean Shorts | Bluenotes, Starfish KEDS | Softmoc, Blue/White Romper | Aerie, Rose Gold Watch | Fossil, Essie Nail Polish | Shoppers Drug Mart, White/Grey Dress | H&M, Summer Anthology | Amazon, White/Grey Pin Strip Pants | RW&Co, Pink Silk Pyjamas | ASOS, White Silk Tank | RW&Co, Blue Silk Tank | ModCloth, Green Shorts | The Gap, Blue/White Striped Dress | Banana Republic

This Summer, as with all summers, I found it hard to put my finger on what I needed and what was working for me. Maybe it’s the unpredictability of ‘Nova Scotia’ summer days? The way they can be overcast and a bit chilly while the next sunny with humidity pushing the temperature past 35 degrees Celsius, and the following day foggy, humid and raining in spurts.

I was able to end the summer with a deeper understanding of what next years capsule goals will be and what worked for me overall.

New to Me

Blue/Striped Romper

I found this romper at Aerie and immediately fell in love with it. It reminded me of a wardrobe item I had back in my early twenties found second hand by my bestie Jasmine. It was a beautiful piece that I wore every Summer up until a couple years ago when I realized it didn’t exactly fit who I was anymore and felt it was getting a bit too ‘love worn’ to wear. This is a perfect addition that still holds that appeal to me.

White T-Shirt Dress

Found at La Vie En Rose as ‘lounge wear’ I immediately was drawn to this piece not only because it was $10.00 but I loved how it was soft on the inside and would be the perfect 'throw on’ post beach or pool day.

Pink Silk Pyjamas

Ordered via ASOS when I realized that waiting for Victoria Secret to bring in the exact pattern / colour pyjamas I wanted would take too long, I purchased this set which is made by Bluebella the same company who made the Navy / Pink silk pyjamas I bought last winter. A bit pricy but oh so comfortable and good quality.

Still Going Strong

Silk Blue Tank

Seen here as folded, this tank has been with me since first summer post partum and although it was an expensive order from Modcloth, it’s a huge favourite of mine, in my favourite shade of blue and a it is perfectly shaped and simple.

Sail Boat Pyjamas

Still a summer/Spring favourite to wear. Cozy and light.

Time to go

Jean Shorts

Bought them the first summer after giving birth in May. I have made these work for the longest time. I bought them cheap from BlueNotes not knowing how my body would change over the the postpartum journey. In reality, I think I ended up shrinking them in the dryer by accident, but they’ve done the job for 5 summers, even though I am packing them away for the autumn/winter season, replacing them will be a focus for next spring.

**always know there are items not pictured here, as they either are duplicates / additional extra wear (like under tanks, a few extra pairs of pyjamas, year round dresses / work out wear, swim wear) I tend to show the most used items of that season & reassess the items that don’t make it into this picture.

Adrienne Kehler

Birth Doula & Child Birth Educator

Adrienne can be found educating and supporting new parents and others in the various aspects of birth, while currently relocating her family and ‘business’ from Halifax, Nova Scotia to Ottawa, Ontario.

Adrienne is thrilled by the process of educating and supporting women in their Individual birth journeys and works to give space for a variety of information, methods and insight while also creatively thinking outside the box to create a wholistic birthing experience that uplifts and equips.

She also happens to empower the women and men she works with by her ability to listen deeply to their specific needs and desires and connecting them with the information they need.

MORE ADRIENNE

Website

http://www.newbirthdoula.ca

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/NewBirthDoulaServices/

This summer flew by fast for me. It didn’t feel as if I had enough time to truly enjoy the weeks of warmth, but I was able to find a few favourite things…

Strapless Romper

Aerie has become a place I reference when I am looking for something cozy and within my style. Finding this romper has been the staple of my first summer as an official ‘thirty something’. I adore it. It makes me feel completely comfortable, while also feeling very 100% me.

Anne of Green Gables 1985 Series

This Television Movie Series has been with me my whole life. I don’t remember when I first watched it and I don’t remember it ever not being in my life. I remember that my mother had it recorded on two VHS tapes. They were stored in her vanity drawers. Sacred tapes that weren’t out in the “kids” ‘free for all’ cupboard downstairs. At first, I remember it was something she brought out in the summer time and as the years passed I remember being able to sneak into her room and pop it in whenever inspired. This is a timeless adaption and I love coming back to it over the years.

Champagne Toast Candle

A simple single wick candle from Bath and Body Works. I love the name & the simple sweet scent.

French Affair Essie Nail Polish

Pink is a hard colour to fall in love with for me. It’s a colour of my youth and yet I am learning to find which shades of pink can follow into my adulthood. This is one of those colours. It’s electric, sexy and so much fun to wear.

Photo Album #2

Completing our second family album wasn’t easy during such a busy season, but I did. & so glad that Zoë can flip through our memories.

Summer Anthology

I have a thing for seasons and this collection has a way of bringing the words and the atmosphere of the season together.

With A Twist Kate Spade Dish Towel

Nothing says Summer more than this.

IKEA Glass Food Storage Containers with Bamboo Lids

Adoring IKEA’s glass jars with bamboo lids for the ‘finally’ renovated kitchen.

Glass White Pen

A bit addictive to write on all the jars in our kitchen.

Poster made by one of the featured entrepreneurs ‘Élana Camille’.

We were so thrilled to announce that our short documentary ‘Her Business Our Story Your Calling’ has been accepted into ‘FIN’ the ‘Atlantic International Film Festival.

There are two Screenings:

14-SEP-2019 03:30 PM | PARK LANE: 8
17-SEP-2019 08:50 PM | PARK LANE: 2

“Her Business, Our Story, Your Calling.”

A short documentary featuring various entrepreneurial women and the story behind their businesses. Through sharing their experiences, they aim to inspire and encourage other people to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams.

Our documentary features in order of appearance:

Élana Camille Saimovici | Elana Creates

Korayne Romanchuk | Koko Mod Floral Design

Kate Pepler | The Tare Shop

Victoria Smith | Fluke Boutique

Sharlene Loveless | The Globarre now known as Rehab Body Lab

Colloberations & Credits

Elana Camille Saimovici | Poster designer

Rachael Delano | Musician

Devon Drake | Filmography & resident bestie for bouncing ideas off of

August Reads….

Into the Water | Paula Hawkins

A very typical summer mystery read. A communities water hole has a bad reputation for being a place where suicides occur, but are these really suicides? I think this book filled my need for a summer mystery, but it didn’t deliver in any unique way. Girl on the Train, also by Paula Hawkins was a thrilling rapid read, which revealed many complex layers, where as this book felt too long for the payoff at the end.

The Lost Girls of Camp Forevermore | Kim Fu

Only part way into the beginning of this read, but I already can tell that I will love it. Something about the main character, who had a life altering experience at her childhood camp, and how she navigates through her world is riveting. I am keeping myself from reading it’s description because I am finding this book a very enjoyable luxurious read and don’t want it spoiled.

Reading People | Anne Bogel

Knowing personalities and their frameworks doesn’t need to be about labeling people, it can be about understanding people better and learning how to best communicate with them. I gave this book to both my aunt and a cousin one Christmas when I found out that Anne Bogel from ‘What Should I Read Next’ podcast had written a book on personalities. It seemed a fitting gift for the two people I enjoyed discussing books and personalities with. It’s almost comical that it has taken me this long to read myself. Already loving it!

TV Shows / Films of Note:

Big Little Lies S02 - for the beautiful cinematography, incredible character development and acting. FYI: music in this series is always luscious.

The Handmaids Tale S03 - for the interesting reflection on society, women and how dangerous extremism is…& that 80’s soundtrack, let’s be real.

Mama Mia Here We Go Again - for the summer vibes and singing.

Amy Chandler 

Hand Embroidery Artist 

Amy can be found creating whimsical, colourful and high quality embroidery pieces while also making space for herself and others who deal with mental illness by sharing her own life and  methods of coping by ‘crafting it out’.

Amy is inspired by and finds deep satisfaction in creating a home that is reflective of her creativity, is cozy and brings her and those who inhabit her space, joy.

She also happens to lighten up the spaces she inhabits with a bright and tender atmosphere that brings us closer as people and encourages us to be tender with ourselves. 

MORE AMY 

Website / Shop

https://www.etsy.com/shop/friday55

Instagram 

https://www.instagram.com/friday55/

Change is the one constant in our lives together.

We have learned how to grow and change together and to continue to find that theme in every passing month and year.

Every couple has there ‘loop’. The default settings of how we were raised, our personalities and genetic makeup. That being said, the longer you are together you have two choices. You either submit to the loop and allow it to control you, or you work to stay aware of the loop and allow it to inform you.

Over the past year with our home renovations and many personal situations that have overtaken our lives we have been faced again with that loop and given the opportunity to talk it out and find togetherness amidst the insane world.

I have watched my partner sink deep into the responsibility of this home renovation, while putting his all into his professional career and encouraging me in my own. We have worked hard to find corners of our lives to reconnect and that is everything.

We have no idea where this next decade of our lives as individuals and as a couple are taking us (30’s-40’s) , but we both find an anchoring in our lives together and I would say, that it is the anchoring in our togetherness that allows us to flourish as individuals.

I am so intrigued by this next season of our lives.

Off we go.

We grab our inspiration in various places, here is a sampling of where mine has come from:

Sarah Polley

I think it’s safe to say there is nothing that I have taken in by Sarah Polley that hasn’t moved me. Most notably, Stories We Tell and Take This Waltz. Both of these pieces, one documentary and one fiction, has left me in awe about the complexities of life. I found peace and solidarity with the concept behind ‘Take This Waltz’ as it shows the process of a woman coming to terms with her choices in life, finding out her why’s, her how’s and how maybe life is not as simple as we thought it was. Stories We Tell gave me a deep dive as a human and storyteller how perspective and personality is everything. We are marked by our families, our DNA and our circumstances, no matter how we may fight it all.

Diana Gabaldon

This year I have been quite literally taken by Diana’s Outlander Series. I have only read four out of the eight already published in the series. (apparently there is to be 10 books in total.) What grabbed me with Diana’s writing, is her ability to weave together a time travel concept into history, romance, adventure, and so many more genres. She writes her characters deeper than three dimensional and has a way of making everything mundane in a persons life an integral part of the story. You believe in the characters as much as you believe in yourself, because that is how much she is able to give you in her writing.

Maya Angelou

Although I read ‘I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings’ when I was a teenager, I fell in love with Maya’s words as I listened to her in various interviews. Interviews such as these: ‘Power of Words’, ‘Be a Rainbow in Someone Else’s Cloud’ , Best Advice Given, captivate me & still does. Her words are timeless, empowering and insightful and I turn to them when I need reminders to come back to myself, my values and my worthiness as a human. I will always hold her brevity, sincerity and intolerance for inhumanity close to my heart.

Elizabeth Gilbert

What I love about Elizabeth Gilbert is that not one of her works is remotely the same. Every book she has ever written is a complete departure from the last. It’s as if she shows up for the project and let’s it speak and if anything, the only thing that I can put my finger on about her, is that her own personal physical voice has a distinct soul to it that speaks of raw unashamed re-learned childlike abandon. My favourite of her works: ‘Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear’, ‘City of Girls’ and various of her clippings of words captured on the internet.

This short list didn’t even touch on ‘Anne Lamott, Amy Sherman-Palladino, Shonda Rhimes, The Brontë Sisters, Liv Constantine’…. it’s an endless list.

What writers or people inspire your work?