Episode 3 - What a day of attempting creativity looks like for me. Often full of surprises.

Creative Field Notes is a series that studies the way creativity weaves itself throughout and communicates with all aspects of the natural rhythms of life.

Good Company | Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney

I picked up Good Company for the author. The Nest is a book I loved. I sincerely appreciated how Cynthia was able to create a whole family and break them into parts, show us windows of everyone and how they interacted as a whole and as individuals with each other. I wouldn’t say Good Company, a story of a woman reevaluating the state of her marriage, gives me that same experience, but it is enjoyable nonetheless.

Crying In H.Mart | Michelle Zauner

A beautiful and heartbreaking exposition on what it means to be mother and daughter immeshed with the nuance and differences of being Korean and Korean-American. This memoir will bring a tear to your eye, but it will also bring a smile. Michelle writes in a way so you can feel, taste and see her memories. Touching, raw and reflective.

Permanent Astonishment | Tomson Highway

A memoir told with Cree culture woven into linguistic prose, this book is a bit like sitting next to a comforting male figure and listening to his cadence as he reflects, chuckles observes and finds revelations within his own story. Tomson writes in a way you feel as if you were sitting next to him, as crisp breeze picking up around you as a listen to the memories, tales and experiences that made him.

It Didn’t Start With You | Mark Wolynn

As I have grown into myself, my understanding of my own backgrounds and the mind, body, soul that carries me, I have become deeply aware of how trauma manifests. It’s individual, and it’s unique. It takes any shape form and can also be rooted in something that goes so deep it’s almost impossible to see.

Yet it is growing, changing shape and finding new ways to show itself in a new generation.

I have just begun this book, but it is already showing itself as an excellent tool for reflection, understanding, and compassion.

Film / TV Series of Note

CODA - A stunning representation of what it looks and feels like to be Deaf and CODA. There are multiple films out there like this. Hallmarks 1987 “Love is Never Silent” comes to mind the most. This new film brings an elevated approach to this type of experience.
Cruella - If you like Disney’s approach to finding new ways to spin a tale based on one of their popular villains, Cruella is no exception. Fun, charming and delivered with a twist.
Upload S02 - Although I enjoyed season one thoroughly, and burned through season 2, with only seven episodes I was left feeling like it could have been simpler and longer. I believe if they focused less on complicating the plot, the reason people love this series would shine through even more.

This winter felt deeply like a retreat of the soul.

Weekend storms, ice covering trees, snow piled up and the air bitter with gusts that cut into the core.

As if everything in nature was pointing to a need to sit down, take cover and hold on.

I have felt as if the snow was covering me. Keeping me warm, yet sometimes the weight of it, confusing.

Ideas have been tucked away, words slow and stilted, my voice tired.

And then I began to see the robins.

One by one, they began to fill the trees around me, reminding me that there was something to remember about this time of year.

Something they were too anxious to wait for,
so they came early.

I can feel the spring air coming and something new and stirring in the soul with it.

Ideas are fluttering around my head again, the words are coming quicker now, and my voice is gaining strength.

Winter is ending.

I am tying up the loose ends of a radio project with CBC Producer Natalie Dobbin, finishing the first draft of script alongside Ian Wilson, pitched with Lynn Matheson at Transmedia Zone’s pitch event, exploring my own personal projects through monthly short videos and wrapping up the second draft of a script.

Spring is arriving.

I am seeing the projects bud up in front of me. An audio project here, a documentary there, and that sweet dear project reminding me it needs more sunlight.

There will be rain, winds and cold snaps, but there will also be warm light, fresh soil, and new connections to be made.

We have had many weekends of snow and ice in Nova Scotia. As the days turn more to rain and wind, preparing for spring, I am so thankful for a home to be, for the small things to enjoy and the family we have and make with those around us.

Glossier Boy Brow & Brow Flick

Boy brow was introduced to me on my thirtieth birthday by a bestie. I find Glossier products simple and a less is more vibe which I love for my beauty routines.

Acrylic Photo Blocks

Gifted to me by my cousin, these two photos mean everything to me. I love having photos around, yet find the framing process taxing. These are a great way to showcase photos without the fanfare of trying to hang and frame.

The Little Book of Joy | Joanne Ruelos Diaz

We gifted this book to our daughter for Christmas as something we could all share as a family. Right now it lives on our dining room table where we can pick it up at any time and see the prompt for the day. The illustrations are sweet and joyful.

Rock

Found on a winter beach walk. I love the two tones of this one.

Atlas of the Heart | Brené Brown

Working through this book slowly alongside my aunt. Every month we schedule a chat about the latest chapter, how we feel about the unique concepts and emotions discussed within the pages and how we relate to them.

365 Block Calendar | Hobbry

I limit my amount of paper consumption as much as possible. Being a writer since I was a young child I have been gifted a lot of journals and wasted a lot of paper over the years. Now, I have more of a solid structure. I buy one type of pen for writing only, two types of journals for each year and about two other specific types of paper notebooks/pads. That way, although I may be tempted to buy the latest and cutest journal, I won’t.

Yet, there was something about this calendar block that spoke to me and thus far I have found it very helpful.
It’s a place I can put the very important daily to-dos/outcomes and know that despite my long list in my bullet journal, or the emails coming in, there on that pad are the most important things for the day.

Winter Candle Sample Pack | Okanagon Candle Co

Very happy to have experienced the winter sample pack. I love having these small candles about to light when desired. A little pick me up during the cold months.

Episode 2 - Reflections on the weight of trauma and what it means to give space for others and the situations we are unaware of.

Creative Field Notes is a series that studies the way creativity weaves itself throughout and communicates with all aspects of the natural rhythms of life.

*a note:

Throughout February, I became more heavily burdened for the words we use to communicate our own perspectives.
Watching posts on social media become more and more volatile and disrespectful.
It is damaging when we create outrage on the internet yet miss the ones beside us who are suffering.

We ‘other’ others without hesitation. We insert sarcastic emojis, gifs and snippets of news clips to demand our point and our outrage to be seen.

Yet,

We have become increasingly numb to the trauma and wounds of others.

Seeing the trees around us bear the weight of the winter ice and winds reminded us how much we are all carrying.
And by we, I mean…
The ‘we’ of humanity. ‘We’ the breathing. ‘We’ the me and ‘we’ the you.
’We’ the ‘every’ side.

May we collectively remember, especially now, what it means to support those who are suffering, to be the place they can recover and find strength and not the place they struggle to survive and begin to break under the weight of our own words and actions.

Women and their words became the threads that made up the blanket of February.

The Measure of My Powers | Jackie Kai Ellis

I read this book a handful of years ago and finally have my own copy to reread. It's not often that a person's life story can be the serving of healing you need, but in this beautiful memoir, I was served again and again a warm, comforting hug in the form of words. Jackie provides her reflections through memories, recipes and vulnerable meditative prose.

Verity | Colleen Hoover

My first time reading a Colleen Hoover novel, I was hooked within the first handful of pages. You believe it will go one way and are given multiple twists to find it going in various other directions. If you want a rapid read with a psychological / mystery bent, this is it!

I added every title from this author to Goodreads, if that's a hint at how much I loved it.

The First Shot | Liv Constantine

The prequel to The Last Mrs.Parish, this small but mighty novella by the sisters that make the name Liv Constantine is everything I hoped for. They made it on my list of favourite authors out of the gate; here is another example of why.

Home Body | Rupi Kaur

Rupi and her thoughtful poems are more than excellent for the mind, body and soul. Take them in. Let them sit beside you and swirl into the air as you breathe.

Films/TV Series of Note

Being the Ricardos | Interesting. I did not love its entirety, but I found its mid-point and onwards very interesting.
The Marvellous Mrs.Maisel S04 | Because Midge has words for what needs to be said and finds the guts to say it.
The Gilded Age S01 | Albeit a tad repetitive in characters mirroring Downton Abby, still very much enjoyable.

It’s no secret I love films.
Any film that makes me think, feel deeply or reflect makes my list of forever favourites.

Here are the top five and why they make the cut.

About Time

This film has a one-two punch. First, you think you are watching a rom-com, to which you are. Next, you think you are watching some fantastical reality, to which you are, and last, you think you are watching an essay on how to stay mindful and appreciative in your life, to which you absolutely also are. It has perfectly delivered a reminder, laugh and warmth that we all need.

Stories We Tell

Albeit a documentary, this film gutted me and reshaped my reasons for why I write and why I seek to share stories. For me, it’s never been about hitting the zeitgeist or getting noticed, and it’s about trying to reach that compulsion to understand something in a more profound and more meaningful way. Sarah Polly is a beacon in storytelling work for this, and here is a perfect example of how telling stories has value on the inner and outward self.

Inside Out

This animation film shakes the ground on humanity. Pixar killed it and left me processing this for years, and I am still processing it. As I raise my own child, I have moments where scenes come back to me, reminding me when things are tender, unique or raw.

Now & Then

This film brings me back to one of the safest spaces I have ever been. Curled up with my cousin, watching this. It speaks to that age we were, the storm of confusion we were about to experience and what brings me back to this is the idea that we were intertwined then and found our way to be just as intertwined now. Every time I revisit it, it is nostalgic, bitter-sweet, and beautiful things to me.

Before Sunrise

I am late to this trilogy, but it has been another example of pure excellence in storytelling and writing. Many people in film stick their noses up at pages of dialogue. Still, Richard Linklater pushes the envelope open on real people in this project, and each of the three films tells us so much about real people, genuine relationships and real life.

For almost six years I have documented my seasonal wardrobes.

For one, I was starting from scratch postpartum after donating many of my previous clothes for either their irrelevancy to my new life as a mother and writer, their ill fit (ask any mama with a raised rib from the third trimester…that is a permanent deal) or plain ol’ wear and tear.

I enjoyed making mindful choices about what to add to my seasonal wear and found that living in Nova Scotia really did mean that a four-season wardrobe was necessary.

Now,

I have curated the foundations of what I can maintain, replace when needed and add where I want to.

These little summaries will now highlight the three main outfit additions to the season.
My main goal is to only focus on three areas of need (or want) per season. Keeping minimalism the focus and consumerism at bay, yet still allowing room for changes.

For this Winter:

Christmas Pyjamas | From Victoria Secret. They are loose, comfortable and in a pattern I love. (previous sets are showing age)

Aritzia Lounge Wear | I have long since oogled how comfortable the Aritzias Tna line is. Starting the New Year with this set has been a joy. Many rainy, snowy Scotian storm days in this set.

Queen of Heart T-Shirt | I wanted something pink and fun for February, yet didn’t have anything. Being a sucker for a graphic t, this queen of hearts t from Etsy fit the bill for me.

For the year 2022, I’ll be working on a personal project and series “Creative Field Notes”.

Using my personal reflections, creative inspirations and topics I find that is relevant I will be putting together content in a monthly format that aims to reflect that process.

I am not fully clear on how this will shape itself, but I believe that is the whole point.

I want to become closer to myself and those around me through my creative journey.
I want to document more.
I want to find out how this lives outside of myself

and

I want to stay attentive and mindful of the creative process as a whole.

Whatever else occurs while working on this, will surely be an on-the-ground and active discovery.

Onwards,

This year I am going to be picking reads that best suit where I am personally, and the month I am in.

I will also be picking books to read over each season for professional development, parenting insight, and book clubs.
Less of a haphazard stack and more of an intentional haul and study.
*Do not be surprised to see an Outlander read or re-read in the pile at any given moment.

For January this meant:

The Wisdom of Your Body | Hillary L. McBride PhD

This book was given to me for Christmas by a bestie who knows I love to deep dive into what happens with both the mind and body. How they work and how they affect each other. This is a fantastic read for that and so much more.

Grit | Angela Duckworth

I have heard Angela interviewed on podcasts various different times and each time I have thought I should pick up her book.
I confess, there were some sections I found myself skimming, but on the whole, I found it insightful and another reminder, that so much of ‘doing’ is about what is the true and raw why of what drives you ‘to do’.

Bright Young Dead (A Mitford Murder Mystery Series: Book 2) | Jessica Fellowes

Bright Young Dead did not disappoint. The era of the young in the 1920s is a fantastic landscape to produce a fun, thrilling and captivating murder mystery. Highly recommend. (I read book 1 last year).

TV Series / Films of Note

Good Girls S04 - For the fun, surprises, and comedic timing all in one series.
On the Basis of Sex - For the back story on our dear late RBG.
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind - A winter love story that hits in the raw places with a bit of fantastical whimsy.

New Year.

New…

Newsletter.

I’ve resisted this ‘traditional’ approach to my work for a long time.

Yet there is something more intimate and connected about crafting a letter just for the ones who want to hear it.

Here is what this monthly drop into your inbox aims to be:

• a personal letter from me.

• creative notations/observations over the past month.

• Links to other creative’s/works that have caught my eye and why.

• quick links to any blogs/links that I have released.

• Anything up & coming that might be relevant.

I hope to keep this as personal and as minimal as possible.

For those of us who want to feel in a community together, this is my first step in 2022 to create that.

For opting in click on the image below to bring you to my home page where this image and sign up lives.

Carefully curating music to carry with me through out a season is a way I connect with my goals, intentions and overall mindset.

Here is a sampling of the songs that stick out to me the most in this Winter collection I have made:

For the full playlist:
check it out on Spotify

Rondo in F Minor for Piano and Orchestra | Nicholas Britell

If this track isn’t a moody vibe for work, I don’t know what is.

Unstoppable | Sia (feat. Pusha T, Oladum)

These lyrics rev me up. Simple as that. New Year, new anthems.

I AM WOMAN | Emmy Meli

I continue to have to come back to the truth that societal constructs of what being a woman is has been written on me that I am ‘one thing’. Being woman and being me is many many things. Women are called to inhabit their full selves. This anthem anchors me back into the space I am supposed to be.

AUATC | Bon Iver

Over the past two years within a pandemic and huge societal / cultural shifts, I continue to be burdened by the lack of understanding that we continue for the ‘others’. Using divisive language that separates us against them. This song reminds me of something I once heard : “Wherever you draw a line between us and them, you can be sure that Jesus is on the other side of that line.”

Godspeed | Paravi

Not the exact track, but close enough. This song says what I cannot.

Be Thou My Vision | Audrey Assad

There is usually a traditional hymn slipped into any of my seasonal playlists. Poetry in the highest sense. They anchor the season and remind me of what truly matters.

space | spās | noun
1 a continuous area or expanse which is free, available, or unoccupied
2 the dimensions of height, depth, and width within which all things exist and move
3 an interval of time (often used to suggest that the time is short considering what has happened or been achieved in it)
4 the portion of a text or document available or needed to write about a subject
5 the freedom and scope to live, think, and develop in a way that suits one

Regarding life, I often compare living experiences to that of a space we have been invited into.

Everyone has their own unique Space they are in. Some are busy growing and cultivating; others, wounded and confused with how to tend to the wreckage of the Space before them.

Some of us have taken too much pride over our perfectly tended to Space's only to realize that all it takes is one of life's tragic hurricanes to completely destroy everything we have built.

As it is with any space, as it is with life.

Nothing is permeant.
Everything is experienced.

I believe that despite what it looks like at this moment, I am being called to claim the Space that I have already been growing into.

This is a very 'New Year' concept, yet I mean this truly and uniquely.

Understanding oneself enough to know what one brings to Space will boost everyone and honour one's own skills.

To take up Space means you understand there are nuances.

Embedded in our society are two structures that directly conflict with each other.

Your voice only matters if you pay your dues, look a certain way, act a certain way and play the system.
Your voice matters no matter who you hurt, how you slander if it's based on proven facts or not and if you are louder than the opposite side.

I want to unlearn these two very scary structures.

Because the truth is,

To show up to the Space, we are called to expand in that will be long lasting and legacy building, we need to

1. Hold Space for oneself.

2. Hold Space for others.

3. Discern the difference between a rare and unique situation and an unhealed wound.

4. Show up and harness oneself to bring ones' best to any given moment.

Hard work is what it takes to stay open to the nuances of life.

And for me, that is what Space is all about.

To walk into the Space. To do the hard work to press in, cultivate it for healing, understanding and creating new boundary lines to thrive even when my heart aches, the body is tired and the soul, weary.

The invitation to expand into space isn’t easy, but the journey

I believe

Is life-changing.

And so,

Into this space, I go.

Learning how to stand taller, expand wider and grow deeper.

Onwards,

Amy Grace

flow | flō | verb [no object ] 1 (of a fluid, gas, or electricity) move along or out steadily and continuously in a current or stream: from here the river flows north | ventilation channels keep the air flowing | a cross-current of electricity seemed to flow between them. • (of the sea or a tidal river) move toward the land; rise. Compare with ebb.2 [with adverbial of direction ] go from one place to another in a steady stream, typically in large numbers: the firm is hoping the orders will keep flowing in. • proceed or be produced smoothly, continuously, and effortlessly: talk flowed freely around the table. • (of clothing or hair) hang loosely in an easy and graceful manner: her red hair flowed over her shoulders. • be available in copious quantities: their talk and laughter grew louder as the excellent brandy flowed. • (flow from) result from; be caused by: there are certain advantages that may flow from that decision. 3 (of a solid) undergo a permanent change of shape under stress, without melting.

To live in ‘flow’ for the year 2021 has opened my eyes to what it means to honour my own values over not just a moment, but over a long period.

It’s easy to say our values, and it’s a lot harder to live them.

Over this year, I have written, produced and even ended long-standing projects and collaborations.

The process of ending long-standing projects and my own involvement in a handful of collaborations allowed me to truly understand what following ‘flow’ and its unique rhythm can do.

Authentic rhythm creates long-lasting and sustainable momentum.

We often think that it’s how much we are being seen, heard, and understood that makes us valuable in our lives and work, yet so much of what makes us valuable is the unseen moments.

That moment on the phone listening to a good friend share their burdens.
That moment of sitting at your desk despite tiredness and finding a reply in your inbox that makes you smile.
That moment of laughter at the end of the day over a silly observation in life.
That moment of knowing that what matters most is the two faces you wake up to in the morning.
That moment you pass a plate to someone who needs an excellent tasty something, and you get to rest in their enjoyment of being nourished.

So much of the world wants to tell us that we have to force it.

Ignore our feelings.
Fit in more hours.
Sleep less.
Hustle more.

But Flow says

You can move steadily along
From here to there.
There to here.
There is no one perfect shape.
But your shape.
No one perfect way.
But your unique way.
Not one particular pattern.
But the one you are still learning to make.

Living with Flow has given me the permission to move in a way that only I can.

In methodical, powerful and inspiring ways.

Onwards,

to 2022.

Wrapping up a year, it’s easy to get caught up in the next thing.

I’ll be the first to say I love planning and jumping into the new

but,

before the jump,

let’s pause and take a moment to celebrate the wins of 2021.

Completing the ‘Owning It’ series alongside Natalie Dobbin and Claire Fraser was a high. Both Claire and I worked hard under our Brilliansea umbrella to create space for showcasing the skills of various women. in Owning It, we were able to share that with a broadcaster. I am so proud of our work under Brilliansea and the Owning It series.

The radio doc ‘Speak to Me!’ for CBC radio produced by Natalie Dobbin was indeed a piece of my heart in audio format. It was a learning experience to understand how to take an idea and format it for radio, but it was a fulfilling experience that left me inspired and ready to produce and create more.

The radio series ‘What We Carry with Us’ with Natalie Dobbin and Megan Piercey Monafu. A labour of love and a way to showcase a varying take on documenting the memories and people we love.

Along with these projects I have:

Finished production on a podcast for WIFT-AT.

Finished a pilot episode first draft on a drama.

Started a children’s book with a good friend and illustrator.

In collaboration with another actor and writer on a television series.

The wins are so important to remember.

It allows us to recognize that growth has occurred, and

the reminder that it will happen again.

You are never done growing.

I made up for my lack of reading time this month.
Clearly.
I did not catch that I had documented ‘The Art of Gathering’ until I realized I captured it twice.
It’s a lovely cover nonetheless.

Shadow & Light | Tsh Oxenreider

Preparing for Christmas in a mindful way has always been important to me. This book celebrating Advent provides a reading for every day leading up to Christmas along with music and art suggestions for a true and meditative Christmas journey. Tsh also provides a few alternative ways to use this book. Be you traditional or in need of something to prompt you into the tradition of Christmas, this book has made our December evenings all the more meaningful.

The Nutcracker | E.T.A. Hoffman

I had forgotten that I had read The Nutcracker a handful of years back, but this book gives us as a family the ability to read aloud this beautiful story with all its magical and traditional Russian / German story.

All About Feelings | Felicity Brooks & Frankie Allen

This book has been in our home for a few years, but recently I re-read it and am so moved with how it was put together to give children the tools through language the nuances of feelings and how to identify with them.

At Home in Mitford | Jan Karon

Revisiting this book as a comfort read during Autumn and the heaviness that the pandemic has brought. I am enjoying living inside the town of Mitford and all its characters.

The Arrival | Shaun Tan

A surprising find of a graphic novel. No words, yet many illustrations fill the page to create a unique and moving story. I have a feeling that the interpretation and meaning behind the book is dependant on what the ‘reader’ brings to it.

Stories that Stick | Kindra Hall

Although this was an interesting and on-brand topic for me, I was left feeling like I could have had more. Understandably this was from the business perspective of how a story can elevate one’s business message and what one is selling.
This all seemed very primal and obvious to me. I am sure there are entrepreneurs and others in business who would find this enlightening.

The Art of Gathering | Priya Parker

Another slightly disappointing read. It could be due to hearing Priya Parker interviewed on various podcasts before I read her book. I resonated with what she had said in these interviews in regards to creating an atmosphere for gathering either virtual or in person.
It could also be due to the concept that this book was written pre-COVID-19, and thus, its message gets lost at times.

Clanlands | Sam Heughan & Graham McTavish

I wasn’t amazed by Sam and Grahams account on their journey through Scotland for their TV docu-series ‘Men in Kiltz’. I adored the series and did find a few behind-the-scenes anecdotes amusing, but I would say, the series is just as good, if not better. Looking forward to season 2. Always a fan of Scotland and those that are involved in creating Outlander.

FILMS/TV SERIES TO WATCH

Selling Sunset S02,03,04 - because other people’s drama is my kind of drama. & the houses !!!
Modern Love S02 - There should be more anthology series in the world. This has me crying with the sentiment.
Annie - Because this is the version of Annie I fell in love with and ADORE.
Succession S03 - Because media mogul families exist and there is something alluring about seeing how all this shakes out in the next generation.
Nine Perfect Strangers - A mysterious take on what healing can look like…in all its forms.

Over the past year, I have been able to link up with various artists and artisans to create work and the one thing it has reminded me of again and again.

I love collaboration.

That spark and joy occur between people when ideas come together and boost themselves into something bigger, fuller, broader.

Collaboration isn’t always easy.

It can be confusing, sticky, challenging and a bit like therapy.

Always trying to communicate in some creative and haphazard way that may only work between you as that team coming together to make that specific thing.

Currently, I am working on developing a project with a dear friend, and it has us all over the place with love for each other, the project and the heart behind it.

And that is genuinely what collaboration is all about.

Realizing the heart behind the work.

Use your intellectual mind and skills to bring them forth with a common heart and goal.

It’s where all people involved can shine. Bringing their beautiful souls to the surface of the work and letting them work speak for itself.

Although all of these projects are long-term and not at all ready to be shared, we can know that despite the collaboration process being hard work and extended, it can be some of the most rewarding and beautiful things.

Examples of Beautiful Collaborations:

Sunrise Trilogy: Ethan Hawke, Richard Linklater, Julie Delpy
The Last Mrs, Parrish : Liv Constantine aka : sisters Lynne Constantine and Valerie Constantine.
Little Fires Everywhere (Limited TV Series): Kerry Washington , Reese Witherspoon, Celeste Ng
We are the World | Lionel Richie & Michael Jackson & various performers others (MJ’s work and reputation have clearly been tarnished by much of what the public now knows. For me, it does not tarnish this song and the deeper meaning and cause it was created for.)

One of the main themes this season for me has been ‘comfort’.
Much of Autumn has been revisiting comforting stories and elements from my past.
Seems fitting since Autumn is the season of cozy, cuddles and candles.

Succession Theme

It will probably take many rounds of revisiting this piece before I feel as if I have mastered it. That being said, every time I pull it out I feel a bit more confident with it. Succession is a gritty and edgy series about a media mogul family. Its musical compositions that play underneath the drama are unparalleled. Nicholas Britell is a master at creating these high-end yet very questionable vibes.

Canon EOS RP

A second-hand camera we were using bit the dust and over the course of the months following I contemplated what it would mean to invest in a new one that better suited my documentary needs. When I was about to pull the trigger a colleague and friend instinctively pointed me towards the camera that I would not regret investing in. His intuition and quick research saved me more than just regret. I have so much to learn in film/videography, but at least now I am one less step away from whipping out a camera, pressing record and capturing a moment.

Okanagan Fall Candle Sampler

I love candles and am working to find my favourite Canadian soy brands, despite the costs. Getting this sample pack allows me to get all the scents, and learn which candle is worth my future investment once I’ve burned through the packs. Did I mention I love candles?

At Home in Mitford | Jan Karon

While going through various waves of the pandemic I have been reminded of previous comfort reads and watches. At Home in Mitford was first given to me by my grandmother as a late teen. I remember reading it, enjoying it, but not falling down the rabbit hole that this series can cause. Being reminded of its small town and soothing plot recently, I picked it up again and am enjoying a slow, calming re-read of it.

Gilmore Girls

Another comfort watch, which many know and love. Gilmore Girls is a timeless series with so much heart and soul. Womanhood, motherhood, daughterhood and community all wrapped up in a quirky, quote-filled town called ‘Stars Hallow’.

It’s taken almost a full year to give birth to a specific first draft of a project.

I have taken my time processing the reasons behind wanting to craft this story, and it’s taken me a lot of time to process each turn and twist.

I’ve worked to lay the cards on the table and see what I have to work with.

Sharing this project with a select few has allowed me to see where I need to fill in plot holes and various clarifications. I liked to cover this project up, saying it was the roughest of rough ideas.
But the honest truth is it’s taken full shape, and it’s time to take it into its next draft.

A little group of words to push me into a new season with a new draft.

Onwards,

and may the cards fall where they may.

Top Centre - Clockwise: Blanket Grey Scarf | Chapters, At Home in Mitford by Jan Karon | JWD Bookstore, Heart of the Wolf Necklace | Pyrrha, Sweater Dress | La Vie En Rose, Tan/Brown Loungewear | Abercrombie & Fitch, Walking Boots | Sperry, Canon EO7 RP | Canon, Jeans | The Gap, Mixed Media Pleather Pants | RW&Co, Yoga Long Sleeve | LuluLemon, Yoga Pants | Aerie, Heartbeat Necklace | Gift from the bestie, Black, Brown and Burgundy Turtlenecks | RW&Co, Black Cami | H&M, Beige Cami | Ambercrombie & Fitch, Brown Turtleneck Oversized Knit Sweater | H&M, Butterfly Sweater | Winners

Autumn was a very full and busy few months. The back-to-school routine, preparation of Christmas, the celebration of Thanksgiving all have a way of creating those 'in the blink of an eye' moments.

The theme this month, seemed to be in replacing items that had broken down or were of low quality.

NEW TO ME

Cable Knit Sweater

I have always wanted a quality sweater that would last years. It's always bothered me how often the sweaters marketed to women are low quality that wears out within a year or two. Getting this sweater was a financial commitment, but I recognize it will last me a decade, if not longer.

Sperry Walking Boots

Not a purchase I was planning on making, but one that was necessary. These boots do the job of keeping my feet warm while walking through wet leaves and muddy places.

Canon Camera

Purchased for work, I hope to spend more time in the following seasons learning how to use this camera as an additive to my documentary filmmaking.

STILL GOING STRONG

Scarf

Purchased from Indigo years ago, this blanket scarf is a staple for me.

Mixed Media Faux Leather Pants

Love these. They pair perfectly with the majority of my capsule wardrobe.

Turtle Necks

Must have in the professional winter / autumnal wardrobe. When one finds a good turtleneck, buy more in varying shades.

TIME TO GO

Soft Moc Boots (*not pictured here)

It seems I forget to take pictures of the items which wear out and are on their way out the door into the garbage. A pair of walking autumnal boots that I used in autumn and winter met their end early this season. I didn't notice how bad they were until quite literally one boot fell apart in my hand. Upon close inspection, it was clear both boots were crumbling down with various splits and holes around the zippers and creases. They met with the garbage can after being deemed irreparable.

Tank Tops (*not pictured here)

Although I still have these, I am working towards replacing them. Over six years ago, I walked into Forever 21 (they have since left Halifax, Nova Scotia) and bought three tank tops of the same style and size. A black, white and tan, as something to wear underneath shirts.

They show their age, and although one may be good to keep for an option to pair with pyjama pants, the other two are beyond themselves. It's time to let them go and find a new set of tank tops.