As evident, I may have gone a bit crazy and ordered too many books from the library.
Although I would argue, one could never order too many books from any library.
That being said, it means that these pictures are done haphazardly as I blazed through these reads in order to get them back to the library in time.

The Glass Hotel | Emily St.John Mandel

A story about a money mogul and a few that surrounded him. The way this was written, I just couldn’t get into it the way I had hoped. Not my writing style. I wanted to like it. I struggled with the delivery.

Of Mess and Moxie | Jen Hatmaker

A comedian of sorts, Jen gives her antidotes about life and faith. Some of it felt unoriginal, yet I kept reading because there were a lot of beautiful gems of thoughts tucked in the typical comedian’s rants. It did pack a punch where it mattered.

Road to Riverdale | Various authors

Always interested in adaptations etc. This was another look at how graphic novels/comics often are all done by various artists and storytellers using the characters and world provided. Enjoyed it.

The Lies that Bind | Emily Giffin

The best part of this novel, for me, was the first chapter. It was riveting. I could picture it completely and wanted it to continue as such. Of course, the story weaves out from there but in my own perfect world, we’d capture whatever that first chapter had and make it into a short film or film.

Dear Edward | Ann Napolitano

A heartbreaking and heart inspiring tale of what it means to be the sole survivor of a mass tragedy and grow into yourself and find meaning to continue living despite the loss. I enjoyed this read. Tears at the end.

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes | Suzanne Collins

This had to be my favourite of this month. I am utterly reticent about prequels. Ballad of Songbirds and Sakes is the prequel to the Hunger Games Series and it blew me away. To take a character like “Snow” and find out what he was like as a child, where he came from and how he rose to power. Incredible. It also gives incredible insight into the society that we are welcomed into for the Hunger Games Series and it also feels a bit of a warning at times for our own present-day world.

****NOTE: due to technical difficulties Noor’s interview did not come out as clear as we would hope. We look forward to a redo & time we can even welcome her into our studio.

Noor Aubaid 

Brand & Digital Strategist
Creator of the She + Me Podcast

Noor can be found working with others as a Brand & Digital strategist, while also interviewing and celebrating female founders in their journey, lives and work through her podcast She + Me.

Noor is a compassionate and passionate woman who has been actively creating content to show that success doesn’t need to look anyone way and that creativity and inspiration can start from anywhere. 

She also has the insight into what it means to be a creative entrepreneur that enables her to leverage that knowledge and lift up others through all aspects of her work.

Insta Live Link <———

MORE NOOR

Podcast

https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/she-me/

Website

https://www.sheme.co/

A little summary on September.

Over the years, we have found a spark of joy in having a lunch date during a typical work week.
In many ways, this is not that special.
Two people going out for just under an hour, to have a meal and then get back to it.
We are one in millions who do this.
But I would argue there is something incredibly inspiring, memorable and empowering about this when done in a way that creates connection and support.

In the run of a week, the amount of time we spend (as parents) telling each other about our work is minimal. There just isn’t enough time, and quite frankly, at the end of the day, who wants to talk about work?

A work lunch date has been our opportunity to share what is going on in our work lives, pitch ideas to each other, be them in literal or abstract forms and generally speaking, find new ways to support each other.

For us, this generally looks like going to our favourite local restaurant, asking each other about our work and genuinely listening. It’s the listening that sparks ideas even in the subconscious. We let our work thoughts flow in and out of the conversation without expectation.

What do an engineer and a writer/producer have in common?

On the surface, nothing.
Nothing at all.

But so much of our work is creative and collaborative in ways that we can both relate and find ways to support each other in the midst of the differences.

dinner with family friends.

Seasons come and seasons go.

Our world is in a season of needing to maintain distance.

It’s crushing.
No matter who you are, true connection is what serves the soul.

I realize that not everyone is going to be able to spend Thanksgiving with others this year.
We are privileged in Nova Scotia, Canada, to have only three active cases and no new cases of COVID in a week, at the moment.

This means we can gather in groups of 10 close people to celebrate.

Settling into a new home means that we are working hard to maintain a new property and revive what we had to set aside for a season of our life.
In many respects, our little shore loft was a haven. A place of refuge as we became new sides of ourselves. As parents, new career paths and new jobs/projects.

Now, it is as if our new home is opening up space for more again.

It could be the restrictions we face, or the lack of communing the past few years of hard work has provided, but either way,

this thanksgiving

I am most thankful for the table.

The opportunity to connect, nourish and revive the soul.

And life is fleeting.

The moments around a table with those you love and learn to love are numbered.
We don’t know when they will end.
We don’t know when the last time we will pass a plate to that person.
We don’t know if they will sit there again or be a bittersweet memory.

This Thanksgiving, however, we sit and eat, I will be relishing and making an effort to harness these table moments into my everyday life.

Jhoanna Gonzales Miners

CEO & Principal Consultant at SeasonNova & Creative Director at NOVADEI

Jhoanna can be found championing others in their creativity with NOVADEI, interacting with clients through her consulting businesses and work, while also finding ways to reflect and slow down. 

Jhoanna is a grounded spirit who creates space and empathy in her consultant work through unconscious bias, anti racism and bi-stander intervention training and continues to bring a healthy perspective and understanding into the workplace.

She also happens to have a beautiful way in reminding us through all aspects of her work to reflect on the deeper values and meaning behind our actions, motives and work.

Watch the Insta Live <—-

MORE JHOANNA

WEBSITES

https://seasonova.ca

http://novadei.com

None of us would have expected the events that 2020 has brought us.

& this was one surprise that first rocked us, made us nervous, shaky and vulnerable.
We hadn’t planned to move or were even close to re-evaluating our home.
We have been happy, content and very blessed by the five years we spent in our precious condo with the ocean air and tinkling of boats.

and then things began turning and churning and all of a sudden clarity came in slow increments.

What if we moved?
Where would we go?
Could we?
Would we?

& somewhere in those days of discussion, we started seeing the doors open and clarity is like that. Like an open window on a spring day. You think it’s going to be too cold to usher in something new, but then upon the first rise, you find that the air is in fact refreshing, invigorating and maybe even, a little exciting.

Our Little Shore Loft has sold to new owners whom we believe will love it just as much as we did, and our new home is here. Holding us new on this first season we live in it.

In many ways, this home found us, and not the other way around.

A home is more than the exterior and interior. A home is how you cultivate and treasure the space you were blessed with. A home is where you celebrate, you grieve and you live fully.

As we light the first candle, sleep the first night and wake up to the first day, usher in the first season and celebrate the first christmas, we pray that over all of these blessings and changes, that they place us where we need to be for the next chapter of our lives.

That we may create, connect and commune in new and deeper ways as individuals and as a little family.

Over the past few months, Kaitlyn Adair and I have been preparing and in the beginning of stages of leading to create a podcast for WIFT-AT. It is an honour to work with innovative, intelligent and thoughtful women in the film and television industry, and this project has me both overjoyed and nervous.

It’s a sacred opportunity.

To cultivate a series that will not only highlight the work of others but also find new inroads, spaces and voices in the industry we didn’t know existed. Coming close to completing our team of various hosts that will span four provinces, we are looking towards putting the pedal to the metal from pre-production to production.

As all creative projects begin,

we don’t know where this road will ultimately take us all, or how it will take full shape. Still, we are confident that it is starting to reveal itself as an exciting and tremendous opportunity to dig deep, embrace vulnerability and hear from new and old voices.

A huge thanks to those at WIFT-AT who keep digging deep and creating a foundation for new ideas, projects and working to clear space at the table for those we have yet to meet and hear from.

The Wife Stalker | Liv Constantine

Another installment from the duo that makes the synanom Liv Constantine. I wouldn’t say this was my favorite of their books, but it did do their famous ‘turn the tables’ on the reader so to speak mid way and give you another way at looking at mental health, perspective and a fun psycological thriller.

The Enneagram in Love & Work | Helen Palmer

A borrow from my aunt. I admit, I didn’t count this book in my ‘goodreads’ list as read, as I ended up skimming the last section. This would be a perfect book to sit on ones shelf for reference when needed. I do like that it delves into the various pairings of personality in relationship both in work and personal life.

Outlander | Diana Gaboldon

Okay, okay, you caught me. I re-read it again. I spent this summer reading sections and re-watching Season 1. ‘Drought-lander’ is a thing, especially during the pandemic. I will be an old lady re-reading this series.

The World According to Mister Rogers: Important Things to Remember | Fred Rogers

I forgot to capture this read before it left the house to go back to the library, but a simple small read of amazing quotations from Fred Rogers. A meditative book.

TV Shows / Films of note:

When Harry Met Sally | because I watched it for the first time. classic 90s
The Great Canadian Baking Show | why did it take me so long to get to this?
The Home Edit : Organized | because its perfection
Toy Story | Watching it with a kid for the first time is such a millenial thing to do.

Her Business Our Story Your Calling is a short documentary featuring various entrepreneurial women and their businesses' stories. Through their experiences, we aim to inspire and encourage other people (focusing on women but not limited to) to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams.

A Brilliansea Production

Director: Claire Fraser
Producer: Amy Grace
Co Writers: Claire Fraser & Amy Grace
Editor: Claire Fraser
Cinematographer/Camera Operators: Claire Fraser Devon Pennick-Reilly Amy Grace
Featuring:
Korayne Romanchuk - Koko Mod Floral Design
Kate Pepler - The Tare Shop
Elana Camille - Elana Camille Creates
Victoria Smith - Fluke Boutique
Sharlene Loveless - Glo Barre (Rebranded:Rehab Body Lab Wellness & Tanning Studio)
Claire Fraser - Claire Fraser - Photography & Videography

Summer was a season of giant shifts for us as a family and individually. Selling and moving from our little loft into a home was a job that took up most of our summer days, but in there we found some lovely little moments and here are a few things that made our summer special.

Friendship Lamp

On a whim, we sent a lamp to both ourselves and our long-distance besties in British Columbia to have a little fun while living on opposite ends of the country during a pandemic. It felt foolish at first, but all five of us have enjoyed the fun and colourful warmth it brings us to know that we are thinking of each other through our days.

Glitter in the Air

I have always liked this song. I have been practicing more now that we are settled into our new home and seeing it all come together.

Lightfoot and Wolfville Rosé

For our anniversary we went to our favourite vineyard for a private tasting and lunch. This was one of the Rosé’s we had and I adored it. Had to bring it home as a little nod from our day.

Lightfoot and Wolfville Tote

In their shop, Lightfoot had this tote for sale and I have to say, one of the things that I have always adored about the vineyard and farm is their branding. They have a beautifully romantic way of summarizing their values and history in their images.

IKEA Water Glasses

During our kitchen reno in 2019 and since we had multiple water glasses break for various reasons. (washing glassware in a shallow bathroom sink for six weeks may have something to do with it) It has left us moving into a new house with just five water glasses left and all mismatched from various sets. Picking up a pack of these glasses is a wonderful way of celebrating hosting in our new home and welcoming a new season in our lives.

Daisy Jones and the Six

I picked up this book during my first venture out of the house after the strict pandemic restrictions lifted. It served as a lovely summer read that had the taste of “A Star is Born”.

Sunglasses

So glad that I pulled for us to both get prescription sunglasses earlier this year. They made this summer’s nature walks, drives and the few beach days we could squeeze in so much more enjoyable. Huge thanks to All About Eyeware for making that happen during the spring months.

In this special edition of the Insta Lives, Amy & Claire discuss what’s next for Brilliansea and announce the public release of their short Short Documentary “Her Business Our Story Your Calling” for September 23rd, 2020.

Watch the Live Here:

Amy & Claire Insta Live

Top Centre - Clockwise: Marie the Cat Shoes | H&M, The Penderwicks | Indigo, Strawberry Dress | Thrift find from Auntie Nicole, Rainbow Overalls | Carters, Tropical Romper | H&M gift from Auntie Heidi & Uncle Sean, Pink Hoodie Sweater | H&M, Whale Mug | Gift from Great Aunt & Uncle, Pencils | Gift from Great Aunt & Uncle, Rainy Day Activity Book | Indigo, Striped Shorts | Old Navy, Donuts graphic T | Carters, Pink Shoes | Winners, Doll | Gift from Great Aunt & Uncle, Pink Swimsuit | Zara, Blue Dress | Thrift find from Auntie Nicole, Jean Shorts | Carters, Yellow T Shirt | Thrift find from Auntie Nicole

True to form, Zoë would rather be in a dress and without shorts or pants. This can be challenging when the only clean clothes are shorts and t-shirts but she managed to spend most of her summer in dresses, rompers and her overalls. And we scooted by in these shorts from time to time.

Seen here are her most worn outfits. Not seen are 3 pairs of pyjamas, 5 other t-shirts & a couple of dresses she outgrew during the summer.

New to Her

Blue Dress

A find from Auntie Nicole during her thrifting adventures. This dress was a hit. She wears it again as soon as it’s clean.

Swimsuit

Growing out of her last swimsuit, brought us to land on this one. Precious.

Hoodie

Not a fan of extra clothing, at least with a zip sweater it’s easy for her to put on without the strong commitment of her other pullover sweaters.

Still Going Strong

Overalls

She wears the overalls constantly and they stand up so well.

T-Shirts

All her t-shirts she has either grown out of this summer and the ones that are left are still in excellent condition. Easily donatable.

Time to Go

T-Shirts & Dresses outgrown not seen here.

What a whirlwind.

Not much time to hone my filming/editing skills but sticking to the monthly summary for the discipline and the slow learning.

I wonder what this Autumn will bring in terms of time and creative moments?

Top centre - Clockwise : Black tank romper | The Gap, Blue tank | Modcloth, Tank dress | H&M, White silk tank | RW&Co, White/Grey striped cropped pants | RW&Co, Jean Shorts | The Gap, White T Shirt Dress | La Vie en Rose, Brown Purse | Modcloth, Butterfly Sweater | Winners, Dock Candle | Gift from Jasmine Alexander, Biker Yoga Shorts | Aerie, Sun Glasses | Prada, Blue / White Striped Romper | Aerie, Daisy Jones & The Six | Chapters

Summer this year was not what we expected. Kidney Stones, selling our first home, buying a new home, preparing our little for Grade Primary during a pandemic… compared to others these are minor problems. We are well overall, we have a roof over our heads, our daughter has what she needs. That being said,

I would be remiss if I didn’t say we are experiencing whiplash from a certain amount of the heightened stress we’ve had to journey the past year (much which is unmentioned and I talk about minimally).

The above picture indicates the clothes I wore on routine this season. Even though I had other options, exhaustion, lack of ‘outings’ etc meant that much of my beloved summer clothes went unworn and I chose to re-wear these select items for ease.

I trust that next summer will be different than this one.

New to Me

Under Armour Sneakers | I wore out my sketchers of 10 years. Thus it made sense to invest in a new pair of runners.

Butterfly Sweater | My first solo shopping trip out after the pandemic restrictions lifted, I saw this sweater. It has become a symbolic piece during the wild months we have been living.

Still Going Strong

Blue silk tank | My first thought out purchase postpartum, August 2015, goes strong. I ADORE this shirt and hope it stays with me for the next five years.

Prescription Sunglasses | I picked these up at All About Eyeware in Bedford, NS. Having Perscription sunglasses change everything. I had a few very embarrassing moments occur while I was out for a walk where people were trying to get my attention and I didn’t realize who they were or that they were gesturing to me. An upfront cost, but very worth it.

Time to Go

Sketcher Sneakers | The state of my Sketchers was embarrassing. Of course, making shoe purchases amidst a pandemic poses its challenges. In the end, I dragged myself out and purchases this pair. A middle ground pair of sneakers that I can do my cardio workouts in, and get out for walks in,

Jean Shorts | Another one of my first purchases postpartum in 2015. These jean shorts have been my only jeans shorts and are one of 2 ‘non workout shorts’ that I own. This pair was begging to be replaced this year, and although I didn’t get around to it, I know it will be first on my list next summer. They are falling apart in embarrassing ways.

Inside our new closet I was able to see the clothes I didn’t wear this season and want to appreciate my love for them and hopes that next summer will look different than this one.

I think it’s safe to say I have a colour pallet for the warmer months of the year.

What an uplifting conversation with @katepepler from @thetareshop! We are so excited about her new store opening in Downtown Dartmouth this fall!

INSTA LIVE <———

Rage Becomes Her | Soraya Chemaly

This read brings light to the number of pressures women are under to present themselves in a certain way. Raising my own spitfire and knowing that she comes by some of those traits naturally, it was helpful to read and be reminded of the various societal and systemic gender pressures that women are forced to endure and it starts early. I wish this read gave me more to hold onto in regards to how to harness our anger as women practically, but it did a lot in validating where anger is from and how often it is manifested in women physically in pain etc due to a lifetime of repressing negative emotions.

Daisy Jones & The Six | Taylor Jenkins Reid

A fun summer read about a band and a singer who collaborate together during the 1980s. It has that rock band vibes and shows how much toxicity is in the industry of music-making that artists are surrounded by. A sweet atmospheric read.

Never Eat Alone | Keith Ferrazzi

Encouraging true collaborative professional relationships in a world where ‘self-made’ is celebrated and abused in it’s meaning.

Normal People | Sally Rooney

Just cracking this read open, but already into it. Helps to know that when I have finished it, there is a television series based on the novel waiting to be watched.

The Lions Den | Katherine St.John

Picked up while very high on drugs after a day in the E.R., waiting for more medication to help a kidney stone along. I very much thought I deserved a new book after that much pain. A summer mystery. Beach read at it’s finest. Rich people on yachts, a woman who doesn’t want to be there etc.

TV Shows & Films of Note*

Maudie | because it is literally the most moving film I have seen in a year. For Canadians, you can stream it on CBC Gem.
Trolls | Colourful. Fun for kids. Way too many OMGS for littles, ill-placed. (we edited them out)

Call it a pandemic, insightful colleagues, actively producing independent projects for almost a decade, or maybe just old fashioned perspective. The developments this year have helped me recognize that my work as a producer has weight and value.

At my core, I am a writer, but that has helped me develop my production skills through honing what it means to craft a story. Knowing that there is a bigger picture at play and wanting to see the creative ideas I have come to fruition.

The medium of producing has been becoming more apparent in my collaborations with others. I realize that the joy for me in making anything is behind the scenes of it all. Cultivating an atmosphere of creativity, collaboration and honouring the project holistically. To see a project in its whole self drives me in anything I do.

I am not sure where my active pursuit of professional producing will lead me, but what I do know already,

producing is not just about 'making it happen'; it's about honouring the whole process and working to make sure all of the moving parts are working to their best ability.

A bit on July.

Amy Grace sits down with Kaitlyn Adair and discusses how COVID has brought its challenges to the creative entrepreneur as well as its own blessings. Reevaluating and learning to appreciate relationships and home in a new way. 

Instal Live <——-