Hannah Hicks

Artist

Hannah can be found selling and representing her art in various art shows, events and fundraisers, while also investing in her family and taking deep joy in her new role as ‘Auntie’.

Hannah is highly passionate and finds deep meaning in coming alongside others by connecting, fundraising and bolstering others through her abstract art.

She also happens to carry a joy for creativity that her passion and enthusiasm for it not only leaks out in her work, but right into every interaction she has with those around her.

MORE HANNAH

Website

https://www.hannahhicksart.com

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/HannahHicksArt/

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/hannahhicks.art/

Top Centre - Clockwise : Brown Knit Sweater | H&M, Brown Keds | Soft Moc, Green Knit Sweater | Bootlegger, Brown Silk Long Sleeve | Suzy Shier, ‘Seeing Stars’ Essie Nail Polish | Amazon, ‘Less is Aura’ Essie Nail Polish | Amazon, ‘Spirit’ Lipstick | MAC, Blue Jeans | The Gap, Black Pants | RW&Co, Into the Wilderness by Sara Donati | Lend from a bookish Aunt, Black Pleather Jacket | Suzy Shier, Black Turtle Neck | RW&Co, Black Leather Boots | part gift from my parents : GLOBO Shoes, Rose Pyjama Pants | La Vie en Rose, White Cable Knit Dress | Magnolia Boutique, Green Pants | RW&Co, Black Pleather Pants | Zara, Autumn Anthology | Amazon.ca, Burgendy Sweater Dress | La Vie En Rose, Gold / White Silk Zipper tank | Bootlegger

Unfortunately this top down photo didn’t turn out as clear as I wanted it to. I thought about doing it again, but it’s that time of year where we have to pick and choose what we make a point of making a fuss over, and this isn’t one of those things this time around.

That being said, I ADORE this seasons capsule.

There are many things not pictured here (fitness wear, under tanks, pyjamas, black dresses & blazers.) But I figure those are staples all year round and if I end up wearing them a lot during a season or are in a big event that season, I will feature them in the capsule. Just know this is clearly not the only clothes I own for this season. Just the more curated look of what I wore on the daily with a few staples sprinkled in that didn’t make the cut for the picture.

New to Me

The cable knit sweater was a purchase I am still weighing if I feel was the right one. I may end up sharing this item with the bestie, Jasmine.

The brown knit sweater is a dream, along with the burgundy sweater dress which has pockets and hugs the body exactly how you want it to, while also leaving enough room to feel cozy.

The Silk Long sleeve is also new to me, and something I found for $13.00. I was so happy to have acquired it!

Still Going Strong

That Black pleather jacket is a dream. I adore how it keeps me warm yet still feeling chic heading to a meeting.

The brown leather KEDS are a forever joy for me. I am taking extra care of this pair, because I love them so so much!

The Gap blue jeans are a solid pair. They don’t have that new look to them anymore, but they are still holding strong after many days of wear and washes.

Time to Go

The white silk tank with gold zipper has not stood up with time. I am not ready to let it go just yet, but I am realizing that some pieces from Bootlegger stand and some do not. This has been one of those that don’t. The gold leaves on the white silk have faded quickly and it’s starting to loose its vibrancy. I loved it, so this is very disappointing.

We like to think that something that was made has been crafted out of genius, ease and good ol’ fashioned hard work. Often times, we view our favourite works of art, be them paintings, films, plays, broadway musicals, songs etc as something mystic, gifted and heaven sent. We view their existence in our space as something we have acquired because we are owed to have it and it should come easily into our presence. We view those who created these things as someone who works hard at their craft and sacrificed all their time and energy to make it. We also in the same token, view them as someone who chose creativity over hard work.

All of these things are true.

None of these things are true.

The truth is,

the flow of creativity comes both easy and hard. It can feel as if it’s all come out of you at once and it can also feel as if it is like trying to squeeze water out of a rock. Utterly possible and impossible at the same time.

In every creative project that I find myself in, I also find myself at war with everything else.
It’s almost laughable at how time and time again this happens.

Right now, it’s as simple as needing nine separate writing sessions to re-write a draft.
All I am wanting is nine days to do it. I could even make it work in five days if I had to.
Yet those five to nine days, of days without a child in my care, allude me and a few scant hours here and there are not the way to put forth your best work. (any true writer / creative knows, you simply can’t perform your best work the moment a countdown begins. You need, as all athletes need to do before they do anything, a warm up.)

So here I am, showing up at my desk early on a Monday morning and doing my best to fit at least one of the nine sessions in while my husband takes vacation hours to get the ‘little’ to and from pre school and hope upon hope that when he returns I will have succeeded, at least, with one of the nine sessions and that I don’t waste the precious time that we are sacrificing to honour the creative call.

Truth be told,

if I didn’t care, if I didn’t have any real desire to create good work, I wouldn’t be here. I would just say “to hell with it” and leave the ideas as ideas on the cutting room floor of my mind.

The real work is in battling the real life that tries to come against starting anything. Doing anything from noting.
The timing is never right.

So it’s do or don’t do.

And I guess I am too stubborn and intrigued to not do.

So I do.

This year

we have the privilege of being able to replace our old christmas tree. A bitter sweet thing to do, as our original tree was given to us the year we were married by Jeremy’s grandparents who decided they were done having a big tree. Along with their decade old or more tree they gave us a bunch of vintage ornaments they wouldn’t be using anymore. His grandparents passed away within the past two years. It’s been a heavy and fast loss in that area of our lives but this year we have seen the inheritance and blessings from his grandparents in many areas, especially this one. Hanging those beautiful vintage ornaments is a soft reminder of Grammie and her creative touch.

a night decorating the tree.

I think this is what Christmas, a true and grounded christmas attempts to do every year.

It seeks to remind us of the dearest, most highest and important things on this earth.

To be reminded of that, breaks us open a little bit and gives us insight into what we can’t put words around.

This christmas,

I have decided to do what I am going to call

The December Dailys.

A handful of things I will do daily. A bit like a benediction, prayer, meditation or ritual.
To remind myself of the glory of Christmas and the peaceful preparation it can bring

• Read advent cards with Zoe

• Light the Advent candle

• Read Ann Voskamps advent book

• Play christmas songs on the piano
  

Rebecca Thomas

Poet & Activist

Rebecca can be found focusing on trying to improve the lives of others by using her words in forms such as poetry, children’s books, advising, strategy development, and diversity inclusion practices, while also staying present in her own identity as a Mi’kmaq person.

Rebecca gives incredible insight on taking account of ones own bias, privilege and world view and is able to marry that eye opening insight with an incredible amount of wisdom in how to harness it for growth and connection with others.

She also happens to maintain a rooted presence that allows for tenderness and grace to be present as she carefully discerns her words and the words of others.

More Rebecca

Twitter
@beccaleat

Facebook

Rebecca Lea Thomas

Artists In Residence

Rebecca Thomas - Matoax

At The Mountains Edge | Genevieve Graham

Adding Canadian reads is something I try to do every year, although don’t go out of my way to do. This book in it’s description and cover reminded me of the Janette Oak series “When Calls the Heart” which I read as a kid and am finding it very similar, therefor comforting. When I finished it, I wanted more from this book and realized many sections seemed to have gaps that I wanted the details of the time in-between. Could be being spoiled by Diana Gabaldons writing or that it’s hard to beat Janette Oaks Canadian segas, either way, I did want more.

Autumn | Melissa Harrison

Just like the previous ‘Summer’ , this anthology I am reading slowly and allowing the poetry and various writings on the season Autumn to sink into my spirit. Just lovely.

Top Girls | Caryl Churchill

I enjoy reading plays to remind me of the craft even when I cannot make it into a theatre. Top Girls is a play I have not seen in person yet know is well known and enjoyed by many. I loved the complexity that is given in the story that is laid out in the three scenes and how Caryl used the concept of having dinner with women in the past to be the spring board into the complexities in life she wanted to uncover and discuss through this play. Now, of course, I am itching to see it done in person.

Choose Wonder Over Worry | Amber Rae

I adore how Amber Rae creates images on instagram and other social media places for us to find and the power of what it means to re arrange our thinking in a visual yet simple manner. This book is a great way to learn more about her and get another soul loving deep dive in what it means to choose wonder.

Awakening Your Ikigai | Ken Mogi

I have loved learning about Japans word and concept Ikigai (‘your reason to get up in the morning’) over the past few years. I wouldn’t say this is the best piece for reading all about it but I did enjoy the read nonetheless. A sweet little take on what Japans take on how this life philosophy can take shape.

The Plain Janes | Cecil Castellucci & Jim Rugg

This graphic novel was a fun and thought provoking read on what it means to use art as a collaborative community force. Art and creativity can be a healing agent and these characters explore that.

Films & TV Series of Note

The Family Stone - for the Christmas atmosphere, laugh & cry.
Greys Anatomy - The latest episodes have been very ‘o.g.’ greys anatomy & I am loving it.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas - Because it was high time Zoë saw this classic.

Picture of Joan Francis Goodday Lugar in Canadian Women’s Army Corps uniform.

Finishing up the roughest of the rough draft

on this one woman show on my grandmother has me a bit shaky.

Rough drafts are exactly that. Just a ‘draft’ of what something could be and nothing smooth or connected about it. I sense the holes in the story and the places that need more refining. Yet I can also sense that it’s time to put this in the hands of those I trust most with my unedited words, concepts and a re telling on my grandmother.

Thankfully, I know that there can be joy in the sharing of the roughest of rough drafts. It’s a bit like a conversation. You pass the precious story on to hands and eyes that will tenderly yet firmly sift through the ideas, concept, movements and point out the golden threads and the rough edges that either need to be cut out, sanded or just explained better.

Humility.

This is where I let my ego take a back sit and listen.

The more I have written on my paternal grandmother, the deeper my respect goes for her and the more saddened I am not to have her in this stage of my life. What would I have learned about her now if I had known her as this version of myself? I want to kneel down by her as I used to and lean my head in close in a way that always baffled her and made her chuckle. Pat her hand and feel the well worn skin as she talked about some adventure she had as a younger woman and how ‘devilish’ she was.

She had a way of telling a story that was physical, composed and in real time. As if the memory was so close she could touch it.

It is still early days for this project but as I let go of my first draft and welcome feedback, I recognize that it’s time to loosen up the reigns and do my best to be that younger version of myself who listened to her voice, took in all her facial expressions and asked the leading questions to get the story to unfold deeper.

Zoë & I on our weekly skating date together.

It’s that time of year again!

Skating always calls to me. Even when I am not on the ice, my legs want to be. Working the sport back into my life in a way that can also be a full experience for my daughter has been a challenge, joy and source of light. It has a way of getting us out and moving, honing skills, enjoy a sport and experiencing each other in a unique atmosphere outside the daily grind.

Skating, I believe, gives you every lesson you need in life. Learning how to fall and get back up. (because you will and should fall) Letting yourself be loose and go with the flow, taking a risk, trying something new, being creative, diligently practicing… the list goes on.

Of course I would love it if Zoë shared in my love of figure skating and surpassed me in skill, but more than anything, what the rink gives us is a way to express ourselves both physically and creatively.

Watching her learn this , is something that I hope gives her wings to fly, be them literally on the ice or elsewhere in her life.

Devon Pennick-Reilly

Filmmaker & Creative Arts Facilitator

Devon can be found studying at NASCAD University, working with a group called Art Bikers which brings free art programs to underserved communities, while also staying open to where her creativity takes her.

Devon loves seeing what art can do and is passionate about creating and being a part of collaborative projects that bring each person’s talents and skills together in ways akin to a colourful mosaic.

She also happens to carry a beautiful openness with her that creates space for others and truly listens to others and the world around her.

MORE DEVON

Website:

https://devonpennickreilly.weebly.com/?fbclid=IwAR2TxAacxkamvF4XhSVvjJ3RzMkkKioZJaK0cD_tH3I3OTZT9cgI9NHhlEM

Having a child in pre school has ushered in the many plethoras of colds, viruses and diseases. If I am being honest, this is one part of the parenting journey I could happily do without. Since September our little one has been sick averaging about every second week. The latest being ‘fifth disease’ which, thankfully once you have had, you rarely contract again. We are going through all these firsts right now and oy, not fun.

Being that dealing with sickness is one of my least favourite things, I am working on using mindfulness as a way to help us cope as a family and as a primary care giver by doing a few of these things:

Embrace your forced down time.

I have been using these moments where working & doing productive home activities are not conducive with tending to a little by enjoying reading. I always have a stack of books I am working on and there has been a lot of reading the past few weeks. No complaints there.

Get your vitamins & immune system nutrients

Turmeric Smoothies, butternut squash soups, kale smoothies, Kale chips, staying hydrated are all part of keeping the body prepared to fight against bacteria and illnesses.

Let Go of the Plan Book

I have a lot of running ‘to dos’, ‘events’, things I want to do etc. But part of staying mindful during the cold season, is to fully embrace the change that comes when it becomes obvious that you can’t do what you had planned. It can be very disheartening as the primary care giver who also has a career of ones own to let go of appointments, work tasks, etc, but these are all stages of life and it won’t last forever.

Attempt a bit of Fun

Introducing our daughter to a few new episodes of her favourite shows, pulling out an old toy from our childhood, and telling her stories from our own childhoods is a way to give her a bit of joy when a fever, rash or sore throat has her down.

Every so often I can get, as I put it: ‘in my own head’. It can happen to all of us.

You see the work you have to do, dive in, and yet, it can become all too consuming.
Especially those in the creative industries, it can feel as if creativity is something you show up to, like a personal creative factory job: put in the time and at some point, you will have built ‘the thing’.

Which FYI: is not how authentic creativity occurs.

Staying fresh, open and mindful in creativity takes more than just ‘showing up’.

It also means having variety and inspiration at your fingertips.

One way I stay fresh is to keep my other creative outlets present in my life.

Currently this looks like:

Baking

Planning to either remake a favourite or learn a new seasonal recipe fills me up with indulgent joy. Being someone who also values health, I try to limit my baking to bi weekly treats and on the off week’s bake up something more healthier (energy balls, lactation cookies for the latest new mama in the community..)

Piano / Vocals

I am admittedly even after seven years of piano lessons weak in musical theory, but I am inspired to keep up on what I already know and learn more along the way. This season, the theme for ‘Succession’ is challenging me to step up any laziness and refocus on more excellent piano playing. Vocals I came into as an adult and do my best to naturally practice daily.

Organizing

For me, organizing although chore-like, can also be therapeutic. If I am being honest, it is most accurately linked with my tendencies for anxiety. If I have dropped everything to organize something new, most likely, I am using it as a coping mechanism while I work through the latest anxiety trigger. Which as a whole, does the job and allows me to see things a bit clearer after all is said and done.

Creating atmospheres

I adore the concept of creating ambience and atmosphere. Mood lighting, music, the way a room looks and feels, a blanket draped over a chair… it’s all something I enjoy working on.

Cardio

Cardio bursts, be them in a class, at home with a YouTube video etc, these bursts help me to work through anxiety, boredom, lack of inspiration etc. Cardio is a quick cure all to anything.

Previous creative outlets I have done or miss:

Learning a new instrument (Cello) - was a window into musical theory that I know I want to go back to. Mind blowing.
Dance classes (swing, blues & tango) - physical activity & creativity as a pairing is always a win.
Hot Yoga - the quiet before and after a class. The way your body hums after. It allows for new thoughts you never knew you had.

Being a lover of music means I adore so much of it. With more and more access via streaming services, I have needed to find ways to curate my listening so I don’t get overwhelmed by it.

You can listen to this seasons curated playlist on Spotify.

Stand Outs:

Lover by Taylor Swift

Because ‘Lover’ might one of Taylor’s best albums yet & I love everything about this song.

Succession by Nicholas Britell

Because Jeremy & I have loved getting into this television series & everything about this opening song is perfection. A classical and modern mash up. The piano in this is so on point. #chills.

Problem by Scott Bradlee & Postmodern Jukebox

Because this band brings me back to my swing dance/blues class days (always started in the fall) & I the lyrics may be a great sassy wink.

Dunes by Alabama Shakes

Because this song has such deep grit and soul. love preparing for a weekend brunch with this playing in the background.

Autumn Grant

Co-founder of Flo Meditation & Wellness / People and Culture Leader

Autumn can be found running her business Flo Meditation, while also using her love for creativity in all that she does, be it cooking at home, spending time with her young daughter and whatever else she touches.

Autumn is enthusiastic about creating community, following your passions and celebrating the mind and body transformation that comes through meditation and wellness.

She also happens to show up for herself with or without her daughter in tow and embraces the journey of what it means to be a woman who leads.

More Autumn

WEBSITE

https://flomeditation.ca

INSTAGRAMS

https://www.instagram.com/avtvmn/

https://www.instagram.com/flomeditation/

The Light We Lost | Jill Santopolo

A lovely quick read that brings the idea that sometimes we become tethered to someone due to the circumstances that have brought us together. I did think that it was a bit romanticized in presentation. Not touching enough on the realistic damage that is caused by people who don’t let the other go, but it was beautifully written nonetheless.

Yes Please | Amy Poehler

Heartfelt, hilarious and extremely grounded in perspective. I have always found Amy Poehler’s comedic work enjoyable. Hearing about her values as a person and how she has become who she is today outside of her work added a lot of depth to the person you see on screen.

Sharp Objects | Gillian Flynn

This was a quick, rapid and great read for those autumn psychological thriller vibes. I was kept guessing for a long time, and only started putting the pieces together due to the revealing nature of the cover design, which I wish wasn’t there. If I could do it again, I’d read this book without the HBO limited series cover. The accompanying HBO series captured the characters and atmosphere of the book perfectly. as well.

The Sun and Her Flowers | Rupi Kaur

A real and raw poetic take on many aspects of woman hood, as well as Rupi’s personal life. I have enjoyed taking in her work with it’s accompanying and thought provoking illustrations beside it.

Small Fry | Lisa Brennan-Jobs

This has to be one of my favourite books from this year so far. (Outlander series notwithstanding) Lisa proves herself to not just be someone who can tell her life story but also as a writer who can write as a painter paints. I read this book in about four days. I couldn’t put it down. I was less interested in the ‘fame’ of her father, and more in how she reflected, shared and described her life.

Films / Television Series of Note:

Sharp Objects : for the compare / contrast with book
Succession: the complex dark characters, the subtle reveal of toxic ‘rich’ thinking & the suspense
You’ve Got Mail: Those Autumn and old school chick flick vibes

Women in Film and Television Atlantic is a chapter of the international ‘WIFT’ that is found all around the world.

Here, in the maritimes, ours started in 2009.

WIFT-AT is coming to it’s ten year anniversary of the Making Waves Conference which is a yearly conference that brings in women in the screen based industry from far and wide to give workshops, panels and encourage growth and solidarity for women in the Atlantic provinces.

There are some exciting changes coming this new year for WIFT-AT

and although we haven’t had a chance share them all, they will be rolling themselves out in the next few months.

As a new board member I am still learning exactly how I fit into the organization and am starting to see where those places are, which is exciting and re-affirming for me.

Currently, I am writing and creating monthly article ideas for the Tidings the newsletter and aiding the communications committee with their outcomes.

I am so excited and honoured to see where this first year on the board will bring us to.

Tidings Articles from the past few months:

Interview with Martha Cooley

FIN Fast Facts

Interview with Claire Fraser

New member Profile: Marie David

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.