After a hard year, it seemed fitting to me that the tracks on this winter seasons playlist were both hopeful with a few reflective tones.

Winter 2021 Playlist

Stand Outs

New Kind of Beautiful | Lindsey Rey

Opening with Lindsey Rey. I first heard this song in December when the last episode of Greys Anatomy aired before the Christmas break. As always the amazing Alexandra Patsavas brings a greys episode to a close with epic tracks. This one felt so timely for the world, for the families, for the souls, for the singular person.

“A new way a new road, to a new kind of beautiful…..not like it was before.”

Want | Birdtalker

This is another soul cry track moving into the new year. We have seen division, terror, systemic racism and endless pain. When I heard this track a few months ago, it moved me. This is my heart cry for my work, my family and how I move through the world.

“I don’t wanna have a dagger tounge. I dont want my words to be a weapon, but a healing balm.”

Vincent | Ellie Goulding

This song has always been a favourite of mine. I first heard Josh Groban sing it when I was a teen and fell in love. It was around the time I began learning how to figure skate and how every song to me, was an opportunity to dream of choreography. Ellie’s rendition brings me back to that feeling of limitlessness I felt in those days and how much pain I was coming into the realization that the world was holding. A bittersweet tune full of bittersweet memories.

“Now I think I know. What you tried to say to me. And how you suffered for your sanity, how you tried to set them free.”

High | Miley Cyrus

Miley’s voice gets me every time. That genuine rasp she’s had since she was a kid, that rebel heart. Sometimes I have to roll my eyes at her antics, but there is no denying when she lays down tracks with her vocals, she has something that is unique to her and this is one of those for me. Oh, there is Miley putting beats and vocals to something I can feel my heart respond to.

“And you, like a rolling stone, always building cities on the hearts that you broke.”

As 2020 came to a close I began to feel a desire to well up within me.

She was whispering to me from a drawer.

I put on music to drown her out. I tried distracting myself with meetings, with the trappings of Christmas and the approaching new year to ignore her.

I caught myself thinking about the last time we sat across from each other.

Humilation, tears, disappointment and misunderstandings.

A gulf between us.

The louder I tried to turn up my world, the more persistent she has become from her spot in that filing cabinet drawer.

This is the way it is with projects and their creator. They don’t just come easily. They are an investment and sometimes they mean more to you than you’d like to admit.

Like an ex-lover who proved to be someone who couldn’t stick around when times got tough. Who just couldn’t explain themselves honestly and true enough for the world or you to understand them. They disappeared in the fog and stayed there while you floundered trying to fill a void.

It’s a bit like this for me and her.

We needed each other and then when I thought it was our time, she made herself scarce.

So I slipped her into a big fat file folder where she has been sitting and almost busting out of and for some reason she is choosing now to make noise about it.

This year, of 2021 to raise her voice and try to come back to me, in some strange and unknown format.

I am not sure whether I should serve tea when we meet again, or perhaps I should just uncork a wine bottle and pretend to have forgotten the glasses. See how she manages that.

Should I play Kanye West rap or Taylor Swift’s folklore?

Should I wear a revenge dress like Diana or just show up in sweats like Meredith Grey?

You might laugh at this. You might even call me fickle, but the truth is,

she was something. She was my proof that I understood the pulse of the creative world and to meet with her again, to look her in the eyes, means I have to open myself up to possibly see that she isn’t as perfect as I have remembered or that maybe we weren’t supposed to go the distance and that is that.

But there she is, making a fuss about being relegated to a file in a cabinet.

So off I go…

I think I’ll wear my oversized sweater and let my hair down.

24 / 6 | TIFFANY SHLAIN

This read all about taking a day to rest and unplug from screens was right up my ally. If you know me at all, you know that as a personal rule I am unplugged on Saturdays. This puts another spin and perspective on why that might be the best thing for you.

THE MOMENT OF LIFT | MELINDA GATES

I loved getting Melindas perspective on all things work/mothering and passion for both. Her relationship with her husband is one that they have honed and harnessed to inspire, collaborate with and love each other.

REFLECTION | ELIZABETH LIM

A fun rapid read twist on what happens after Mulan causes the avalanche.

ONCE UPON A RIVER | DIANE SETTERFEILD

At times, I struggled to keep track of the characters of this one. If you love a good plot twist, and major character weaving, this is a good one.

UNTAMED | GLENNON DOYLE

Does this really need any explanation? Glennon speaks to the heart of personal identity, womanhood and all that we have struggled to overcome in a society that repeats its mistakes over and over again.

THE SCOTTISH PRISONER | DIANA GABALDON

I admit, I found myself skimming sections of this huge novel. Mostly, because as this is an “aside” to the series of a side and main character, I accidentally fell into thinking I had already read sections, when really it was more zoomed in moments, filling in the gaps and giving us insight into what John & Jamie got up to while Claire was in the future.

THE ONLY WOMAN IN THE ROOM | MARIE BENEDICT

An interesting take on a woman during WWII trying to navigate the pursuit and marriage of a dangerous man. I found it interesting. The main character a delightful read.

Since March 2020 I have done monthly vlogs to better understand what it means to use Final Cut Pro. Although I haven’t even scratched the surface as far as what the program is capable of, I think I was able to hone in on what it means to curate content, edit it down, add some fun shot ideas and maintain a through line with each episode.

This is the last episode in that personal challenge to myself.

Not sure exactly what my next personal media project will be, but I have a few ideas up my sleeve.

Stay tuned!

Entering 2021, there was a strong rising up in me to embrace the growth and shifts that had occurred in 2020, not with a rebellion, but with a spirit of quiet confidence.

Much has shifted in the personal and professional aspects of life this year that it seems the only way to continue is to merely that: continue.

Sometimes one needs a shakeup, and other times, one needs to allow the growth from before to allow the next wave of change and progression to continue.

Flow

noun 1 [in singular] the action or fact of moving along in a steady, continuous stream: the flow of water into the pond.

I have recently come into an awareness of how to harness my daily rhythms to allow me to work more openly and efficiently. Starting work at six o'clock am, getting the bulk of my tasks down first thing to free up my mind for any lingering or surprising tasks/events has allowed me the creative space to be innovative in my work.

It's easy to get caught up with the busywork. Scrolling on social media, answering emails and falling down rabbit holes when researching.

Embracing the idea that I can plan my days to flow in a natural way instead of trying to cram every second with a to-do list and inevitably numbing my mind with scrolling as breaks that were inefficient methods of pretending productivity was a game-changer.

The questions I keep coming back to:

How can I harness this new awareness?

How can I not lose what I have learned?

How can I go into a new year and not forget?

And there it came.

The concept of flow.

That you can go from one thing to another with a steady and continuous movement. That it doesn't need to crash or bang, or even shout. That it can be as simple and beautiful as the quiet confidence of moving from one year to the next.

Throughout this new year, I hope to continue the work I have begun. To push projects into production and to the writers' rooms, be them physical or virtual.

I will remember the rest that is required when working hard to create and collaborate. I will set up boundaries to keep myself from getting distracted with the mindless busywork that seeks to distract me, like fast food.

I will remember that to create is to also allow the concept of flow to produce a rhythm that is as sustainable as it is in motion.

I heard the rumble beneath my feet.
A storm warning.
I think we all heard it.
I think we all knew that 2020 would change us.
I’m not sure that any of us knew how much.

How much wreckage, ache and wounds it would leave in its wake.

The people who died.
The people who suffered.
The people who wailed for a nation and a world to wake up.
The people who lost incomes and opportunities.
The people who were trapped.

2020 was a year I proclaimed boldness over my life. I knew that if I was to continue in the direction I was heading, I would need to harness my fears and daily make choices that went against my own tendencies to anxiety. So with an understanding of what it would mean to be bold, I went into the year asking for the grace to keep space for myself and others as I navigated the unknowns, and the confidence to trust the calling.

And then it began.

My steadfast and strong grandfather being taken by cancer in mere weeks, gripping onto my cousin as we grappled with the loss we just couldn’t comprehend and the realization that we couldn’t hold a funeral. The world announcing a pandemic, and staying home to stay safe. Thirty-three people murdered near our city by a man dressed as a police officer. Watching the outcry of the Black Lives Matter movement and discussing the systemic racism found in every corner of our world, including our own mixed-race family. Finding that our current home might not be the best place for our little family to continue growing, trying to sell our little home and find a new one. Kidney stones. Sending our daughter to her first year of a public school during a pandemic with masks in her pockets. A grandmother diagnosed with cancer….

But I see it there.

Boldness.

It’s a golden thread.

It’s in those quiet moments of attempting to hold each other close in the grief despite past traumas and pain. In that persistence in writing applications despite a lack of work opportunities. In the discussions with those in Women in Film about how to better support our BIPOC community. Trusting that our next home was waiting for us as we did the work of preparing and searching. Accepting sponsorship to take online classes from a producer and writer in England and learning how to collaborate with colleagues in new ways. Advocating for my own physical health in an emergency room. Supporting our daughter through so much change into her first year of school. Pitching ideas to broadcasters and honouring contracts. Finding a new sense of ourselves after so much heartache and pain.

& so,

We’ve suffered, and we’ve come out battered and a bit wounded.

I would also argue, that a lot of that wounding and reshaping…

It was for a way to be made new in this new decade.

We are called to new things.

If we stay the same,

Live the way we always have lived

See-through the same lens we’ve always been viewing it all through,

We’ll never be truly becoming.

Making the bold next right move has transformed the way I look at things. The world is a place full of beauty, and full of pain. How we hold space for both of those truths is something that will define us and those around us.

I want to continue into the next year continuing the work that boldness showed me.

It’s possible to call out what is dangerous, what is systemic and harmful and not lose the grace and perspective that allows us to recognize the pain and wounds that have shaped the situations before us.

Ever complex, ever-evolving, ever-changing and always needing someone to hold space for the next bold right thing.

Autumn 2020 Favourites

As we settle into our new home a few new things have settled in with us….

Denby Plates | William Ashley

For reasons that are overly complicated to explain, we found ourselves many years ago without any real plates. Being a romantic at times in all things atmosphere I let whimsy take the wheel and collected a few second-hand items that gave our apartment some charm. Once in our condo loft, replacing plates never seemed important. This time around, being that we are at home more than usual, it felt that investing in a set we adored was important if we could make it work. We did. I love the coastal colours of this denby set. It invites one to sit down and truly have a meal.

2019 Photo Collection | DeSerres Album

It took longer than I had wanted, but finally, during Autumn, I was able to finish the yearly collection of photos. I try to be minimal, but capture the year for Zoë (and at times, us) to look back on with fondness. The last pages are my favourite. Before the pandemic, with best friends and scheming of what is to come next.

Snowdonia Cheese | Atlantic Super Store

I believe we were introduced to this cheese last Christmas by Jeremy’s parents. We have started a family habit of sitting around and having charcuterie together. I’ll never complain about this new tradition. Snowdonia’s cheese is soft, full of taste and utterly divine. Try it!

Howards End by E.M.Forester | Indigo

I first saw this story in the Starz adaption limited series. A four-part episodic that laid out the characters, the plot and the dialogue in such a vivid manner that I couldn’t stop thinking about it. Finally, after a year of thinking about it I realized it would be best if I just read the darn thing. So here I am. Deliciously enjoying every sentence. The theme and core phrase of this book written in the 1920s about the changing classes in England is “only connect”. A simple phrase and value, but brought to today, still rings true. If our only goal in any interaction was to truly only every ‘connect’, how much more compassion, humanity, empathy, understanding, depth and insight would we see in the world?

Future Dew Serum | Glossier

I am still experimenting with this new little friend. I adore it. I do find it works (in giving that glow), but I am working on when it makes sense to use it on my very sensitive skin. Timing in my cycle and weather is everything in regards to skincare.

Balm Dot Calm | Glossier

A lovely gloss to give autumn & winter lips a kiss.

Fall Candle | Okanagon Candle Co.

Trying hard to remember to only indulge in the 100% soy candles. This was an expensive buy (all good soys' tend to be) but it lasted the whole season and I LOVED it.

Nothing Fancy by Alison Roman | Indigo

I admit I have not made anything from this yet, but I will. 2021 is going to see this cracked open and used or I will re-gift/donate. (this is how I roll ya’ll. Use it or give it.)

Amy Trefry

Actor, Producer & Filmmaker

Amy can be found working hard on various projects in both pre-production and production while also making sure to cultivate and continue a supportive collective atmosphere in the Atlantic film and television industry.

Amy is passionate about harnessing her fears through her creative work and has a tenacity that keeps her grounded and open to embracing vulnerability.

She also happens to use her broad experiences in life as a way to connect to the projects and those she works with on a deeper and connective level.

INSTA LIVE INTERVIEW <——

MORE AMY

IMBD

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7988155/

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/amy.trefry/?hl=en

Top Centre - Clockwise: Blue Jumper with Red/white T | H&M, Aristocats & Lady and the Tramp T’s | H&M, Beautiful and Strong Pyjamas | The Children’s Place, Pink Jumper | Second hand find from Auntie Nicole, Anna & Elsa Art | Etsy, Flower Jeans | Old Navy, Tiger Sweater | Second hand find from Auntie Nicole, Masks | Old Navy & Staples, Black Cat shirt | Second hand find from Auntie Nicole, Snack bag with Teddy Grahams | Super Store, Zoë Apron | Amazon, Etsy & A friends Cricket, Pink Yoga Shirt | Old Navy, Pink Hoodie | H&m, Blue foral & Mustard Long sleeve | Old Navy, Animal upon Animal | Amazon / Watch It Played recommendation, Monkeys in a Barrel | Autumn Weekend gift from Grandma

*Not pictured here: Schoolbag, Lunch Bag & Supplies, Yoga Pants & a few pairs of pants currently in the wash.

New To Her

Disney Graphic T’s

For her first ‘back to school’ capsule. A fun way to start her first year in elementary school. Missing here, 101 Dalmations graphic T. I have kept that one for in the new year for when we watch 101 Dalmations for the first time.

Beautiful and Strong Pyjamas

Like a weed, she grew out of her long sleeve/pant pyjamas and wore a hole through one specific set. I ordered this pair when they went on sale. She ADORES them.

Elsa & Anna Print

A fun purchase for both her and her pre-school friends’ birthday/rooms. Although I don’t want to be that person that gives boring gifts to Zoes friends etc, I also don’t want to be part of the ‘clutter culture’ where what I/we give is meaningless. Who knows how long the girls will be into Frozen, but for this season of their life, a fun print of Anna & Elsa together seemed fitting.

Apron

I ordered this plain apron from amazon, a baking show inspired pin from Etsy, & a friend offered to cricket her name onto the apron & voila, a Great Canadian Baking show costume for Halloween. (she gets such enjoyment out of watching the show).

Yoga Wear

With gym class three times a week and growing out of ALL her pants within a month, we had to scramble to solve the ‘fitness’ wear issue. Thankfully Old Navy has simple affordable athletic wear sets one can quickly order and this top along with the yoga pants (she was probably wearing them when I took this picture) gets worn once or twice a week.

Still Going Strong

Tiger Sweater

First worn last autumn and oversized, this sweater still has a lot of life left with Zoë and it is one of the cutest second-hand items ever.

Pink Hoodie

Purchased for school, we are getting lots of wear with this basic staple.

Long Sleeves

Every kid needs those simple long sleeves to take them through the year.

Time to Go

Pairs of Pyjamas

Not pictured here are 2-3 pyjama sets that she has grown out of / worn through.

Pair of sneakers / skates

Not pictured here are a pair of Zara sneakers & figure skates that have been outgrown.

A summary of November in a vlog…

Started using monthly vlogs as a practice of learning Final Cut Pro.

Baby steps.

Top centre - Clockwise: Tan Oversized Turtle Neck Sweater | H&M, girlfriend jeans | The Gap, Tan Lounge Set | Ambercrombie & Fitch, Cabin Socks | Roots, Tan Turtle Neck Sweater | RW&Co, Future Dew | Glossier, Balm Dotcom | Glossier, Skinny Jeans | The Gap, Green Knit Sweater | Bootlegger, Pleather Stretch Pants | RW&Co, Brown Silk Shirt | Suzy Shier, Black & Merlot Turtlenecks | RW&Co, Burgundy Sweater Dress | La Vie En Rose, Fall Candle | Okenagon candle co, Femme T-Shirt | Dynamite

*not pictured here: yoga wear, a few casual hoodie/sweaters, pyjamas & footwear/ 2 purses.

Being in a new and more spacious home has meant that I have had to get used to how cold it can get. Quite a difference from our smaller loft condo, where the heat of the winter sun and the surrounding condo units help keep the loft toasty even on the coldest of days.

Sweaters have become my best friends.

New to Me

Lounge / Pyjama Set

After hunting for months for an updated cozy pyjama set that would be comfortable for both sleeping and hanging out, I settled on this set. No regrets. Soft, warm & of long-lasting quality.

Turtle Necks

I purchased these three turtle neck long sleeves end of last winter when they went on a mass sale. I had a black one that I accidentally shrunk and knew that when they went on sale, I would pounce.

Still Going Strong

Oversized H&M knit Tan Sweater

Worn at least 2-3 times a week, this sweater gets me through the bitter cold days. I want a few more of these if I could. Perfect size, perfect quality. Perfect style.

Black Pleather Stretch Pants

I believe I purchased these last year and I have no regrets. I adore the texture difference when pairing these pants to sweaters or shirts and they have the comfort of any other pair of leggings.

Girlfriend Jeans

Although aging, these jeans are my favourite for weekend living. They are well used for every season.

Time To Go

Undershirt tank tops

Not pictured here are three different tank tops I purchased from Forever 21 over five years ago that I use routinely underneath shirts/sweaters etc. They are weekly used on rotation and I have started taking note that it’s time to look for a new set.

Being sponsored through Screen Nova Scotia for the third week of teaching with John Yorke was a surprise. We had all only thought the series would be two weeks altogether.

Fresh off of being short-listed for a producer's program through the National Screen Institute, having yet another week with John Yorke was a great way to jump from one training opportunity to another.

Takeaways from the third week of classes:

Be willing to continue pushing a narrative to its next edge.

It's easy to think you have the narrative down. Here are the characters. Here is their world. There is the arc—the end.
Think more in-depth about subverting expectations, hone in on the more profound meaning and message, and ultimately practice thinking outside the box.

Understand your why's and the characters' why's.

Know why you want to create this story, with these characters, this way and with these people. Consequently, understand why your characters matter and why they do what they do. Know the questions they seek to have answered. Know how you want to answer them.

Work as a team

From day one, we were thrown into groups to create a pitch. We had nearly four days to complete, cultivate, and refine a television series for pitching. I was privileged to find myself in a group with two local writers/filmmakers in my province (a surprise to all of us considering the class was full of others from Europe and other countries.) We worked together efficiently, passionately and in the end, found ways to hone in on each other's skills to create a pitch we were all proud of. Of course, given more time, we would have wanted to hone it in even more, but I would say the three of us were quite proud of each other and the process itself.

If I had anything I wish I could have had more from this series, I have to say it is just more time in class with John Yorke.

He has shown himself to be a passionate, self-aware and authentic filmmaker/storyteller while also bringing all of those elements into his teaching - a rare commodity in this world. Anyone can call themselves a teacher, but few actually create a safe space for effective learning.
To learn from someone who wants to share his knowledge, passion and help cultivate anyone to the next level of their learning and professional growth was a major privilege and honour.

Thank-you to Screen Nova Scotia for the opportunity & thank-you to John Yorke for teaching amidst the chaos we have all found ourselves in this year.

I am starting to see a trend…the busier I get, the more books I read….
A coping mechanism for stress.

Felicity | Mary Oliver

Beautiful poems capturing love, life, loss.

The Art of Making Memories | Meik Wiking

A bit repetitive and dry, but an overall pleasant read about why we should think more mindfully about the moments we are in.

The Grace Year | Kim Liggett

A dystopian novel about a year in a girl’s life where she joins her peers in a secluded and remote space, guarded by guards to rid themselves of what is to be believed as the magic that they withhold. A bit of Animal Farm twisted with feminism.

A Prayer Journal | Flannery O’Connor

A literal journal of Flannery O’Connor transcribed from her handwriting. Her awareness of faith, desire to be an artist that provokes thought and meaning along with the self-awareness of one who knows they still have so much to learn and do. I relate a lot to her written down prayers.

The Ride of a Lifetime | Robert Iger

A fascinating look at Robert Iger and his time at Disney. I thoroughly enjoyed his candid look back at his career and honouring those who gave him the leg up in times that provided him opportunities to grow.

Miracles and other Reasonable Things | Sarah Bessey

Sarah Bessey first captured me in her book Jesus Feminist where she challenged the church on how it has treated women historically. She brought to light many deep and beautiful insights on how Jesus treated and looked at women. Quite the opposite of how the North American church has done so over the years. In this book, she tells us of her journey through a horrific car accident that debilitated her and left her having to face her own humanity, purpose and reasons for doing what she does.

Lock Evert Door | Riley Sager

a simple mystery rapid read. A hint of Agatha Christie vibes in the authors’ style.

at Lightfoot and Wolfville, Nova Scotia

Over the past few years, I have been working on a writing project and although I am by no means ready to share it publicly I can say that the heart of it is woven into everything I am and do.

It’s about what one does with a calling.

And how a calling generally doesn’t just come up out of nowhere.

It is asked for to some degree, and then in some way, shape or form, it is provided in a small way.

Something to create. Something to cultivate.

How do we tend to what we are given?

How do we create space for what something needs to be.

Like raising a child.

Or growing a garden.

It takes work.

It takes time and space.

Space to step back, take in all that it is becoming and trim and refine the edges.

To hem in where needed and to let go wild when possible.

This is the creative journey,

It is also the soul journey.

I am interested in that.

What it means to become.

There are many ‘becomes’.

We are not just one layer, but many layers.

We make choices of how we become.

I’d like to think that the years of cultivating and creating has been working to develop and ‘become’ a better version of me.

A version that will produce not just once, but over a lifetime.

A version of me that has roots deep down and brings out the best in others.

A version of me that can weather the storms and shine bright in the sun.

It takes work.

It takes vulnerability.

& this is why I share these thoughts.

I share because I know I am finding the heart of something in all of this private writing and sharing with a select few talented writers.

White Point Beach Resort | An Autumn Cottage Weekend

*as I post this, I recognize our province could announce a second lockdown at any moment. That being said, there are skills and a renewing of the mind that has occured, that even if that has to happen, we are better equipped to handle what it means to create a rhythm inside the home.

March 2020 was a month none of us will forget.

For some, the worldwide pandemic was already at their door. For us in Nova Scotia, it was March when the reality provincial state of emergency was announced.

We changed everything in our lives in a matter of 24 hours.

A bit like being in a snow globe and having everything you knew being shaken and tipped upside down and then right side up again to only wonder how everything will fall into a new place. Or if it ever will stop spinning?

That has left some effects on us.

In our coming and going, we are still living in a state of unknown, of work and life colliding in the home and of many things being delayed or put off indefinitely.

This Autumn, one of my goals was to find some semblance of ‘weekdays’ and ‘weekends’ again.

Having a daughter go to grade primary was a marker for us as a family, and despite the pandemic, it has renewed many things in our lives. We hope she can remain in school l her whole primary year, but we embrace it for what it is for now.

Week Days

Morning routines are back. An alarm goes off, and it isn’t helpful to ignore it in the least.

Work hours are evident in some respects.

The school hours mean we are bound to drop-offs and pickups.

Weekends

time for the home DIY projects

the seasonal activities ‘pumpkin carving, fall walks’ etc.

Errands and household logistics.

Scheduling an event that is safe and within guidelines that provides an exhale.

Life still has been shaken like a snow globe.

Stores don’t open until 11 am.

Extra circular activities are limited and harder to get into

parties, celebrations and events are generally prohibited unless adequately managed.

Planning ahead is difficult.

Yet, somehow we are starting to feel our weekdays and weekends again. I hesitate to say it, but there it is.

We are finding our way back to a right-side-up world, even if the right side to us now was upside down to us before.

We adapt and start realizing the world will always keep spinning, but we can remain standing still amidst it all.

Justine Gelevan

Certified Professional Coach & Consultant

Justine can be found coaching others by meeting them where they are at while also working on building programs that are versatile, relatable and impactful.

Justine is passionate about creating a community of self-improvement junkies and finds fulfillment bringing herself within conversations and digging deep to affect change in another person’s life.

She also has a way of keeping things fun, engaging and relative in all aspects of her interaction with others.

INSTA LIVE LINK <——

MORE JUSTINE

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/jgelevancoaching/

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/jgelevancoaching

A snippet of our October.

White Point Beach Resort

Working

And the moments in-between.

A new habit I have begun implementing has been taking in the news once a week for an hour as part of my workday.

As a writer and producer, being up to date with my community, province, country and the world is more than helpful. I would consider it part of the job as a storyteller and content creator. To have a pulse on the heartbeat of others, invaluable.

Years ago in Interpreting training, we were taught to stay current with the news and the world around us. I always found this a practical and helpful tool, but with the rise of social media and lack of access to ‘paper’ read news (I prefer to read over watching daily news programs) I found myself only ever checking in during a catastrophic event.

Because news is a constant, overwhelming and often oppressive presence, taking the time in my work week to consume one hour of it intentionally has helped me immensely. It has changed how I view it and has made it less of an emotional journey, and more of intellectual practice.

I have also started doing this to be better equipped to speak to those I interview, to ask the right questions and also, to control how much I allow the '24/7’ news to infiltrate my life.

Obviously, this previous week has been heavy with news updates and current events unfolding.

I can only hope that as I move forward with this habit, I will find ways to continue consuming the news with a mindful, thoughtful and open spirit.

Compiled here on Spotify is a playlist I made for this autumn.

After committing to a subscription, I have been revamping my playlists, which already feels old.

It was a compilation I put together in September.

Stand Out Tracks

ily (I Love You Baby) | Surf Mesa

There is something about this cover that makes me find motivation in the corners of the day.

Forever Young | Rhiannon Giddens and Iron & Wine

This track is special to me for many reasons. In part, it was made for the finale of Parenthood, a show that helped shape my marriage and desire to continue developing healthy relationships with my family. Forever Young was the opening title song, and this rendition happens to be my favourite. It reminds me of why it’s worth it to be there for those you love.

As the Autumn has progressed I am finding the pulse of truth become known to me.

It’s not a new concept by any means.

But it is a practice. A consistency. Meditation in the form of trust and gut.

It’s showing up to serve the work to move it forward.

Moving a project forward can feel invigorating.
It can feel like one is wonder woman and literally saving the day.

It can also feel like monotony.
The dirty work.
The scrubbing the floor just to have millions of feet walk all over it again.

And there it is. That pulse. It is steady and true.

Although one may feel that there is nothing to show for what one did to ‘move it forward’ today. There is an accumulation of days that can bring ‘it’ to the light.

It is something that only tenacity, grace and a bit of a stubborn nature can produce.

May we not discredit our work, no matter how big or how small.
How much the paycheck is or isn’t.
How many likes we receive or don’t.
How loud the applause or how quiet.

May we be more focused on serving the work before us and moving it forward to its next right place, even just a smidge more.

Eventually, we’ll look behind us and realize we climbed a mountain and despite the results and how many people saw,

we did it.