Tell Me Three Things | Julie Buxbaum

I have loved this book. Julie brings a delightful main character in Jessie, a high school student trying to adjust to her new life at her new stepmom's house and new school. Jessie is guided through her first year at this new school and experiences by an unknown person's wise and humorous texts.

You'll be on your seat wanting to know who Somebody/Nobody, a.k.a. SN.

Tess of the D'URbervilles | Thomas Hardy

Knowing this is a classic, I am getting through this hefty read. Some people hang their coats on this novel, but I am finding it a job. I can see that it is an excellent example of a female character written to showcase the realities of the time they lived (1891), yet it leaves me cringing and wishing for less overt flowering language about it all.

The Viscount Who Loved Me | Julia Quinn

Studying adaptations from book to screen is a passion of mine. Reading the second book in the Bridgerton Series is another way I can see how Shonda Rhimes and her team take novels and adapt them into a series format. It doesn't hurt that Julie Andrews's voice is the narration of the series. One can never have too much Julie Andrews.

Julia Quinn writes her characters with wit and ease, and the world she creates for them is exciting. It's easy to see why this series made its mark in the romance/fiction section.

Films / TV Shows

Pride & Prejudice (2005) - It’s been almost 10 years since I last watched this film. I was captivated by it in a whole new way. It’s cinamatography, artistry…impeccable.
The Marvelous Mrs.Maisel S04 - I watched this season as slow as I could. It was delicious. Every beat.
Clifford - A fun family movie night watch.

Episode V - Reflections of a place one may go to find themselves.

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.

This raw, vulnerable, tender, precious, heartbreaking, comedic, enraging, and simply beautiful life makes me utterly weak in the knees.

With every project created, conversation shared, moment observed, and words found I have been deeply honoured to have experienced and made anew.

Life is beautiful.
Life is hard.
&
Life is wild.

So with wild and raw words
onwards I go.

Over the past few years, I have been doing my best to maintain and invest in my own creative business.

As much as I would like to say I am on top of all that I own, use and have fallen into using, it’s simply not true.

The truth is, I am often either emergency replacing an item (aka my laptops) and rushing to update, set up and use than genuinely taking my time and learning what these items are capable of.

I also know that personality does play a part in this. I know a few creative-based individuals who obsess over a new tool/software and would spend all of their free time figuring them out until they have mastered them. Admittedly, that is not me. I need reasons for using something, a personal or professional project, to wrap my head around using something. Although this is how I genuinely learn best, it also does naturally, at times, leave gaps.

This year, I decided to change that and am working on learning in-depth each of my tools and software.

To stay accountable to this goal, I will be updating over time what I have learned.

Equipment

Blue Yeti Mic - Used for podcast recordings & various radio docs.
Zoom h4n Pro Audio Recorder - A recent birthday gift to support my audio documentaries
Canon EOS RP - For creative and documentary captures.
MacBook Pro 14 Inch - 2021 - For every single thing I do.

Software

Final Cut Pro - For editing any footage that I use.
Final Draft 12 - For screenwriting.
Celtx - For Audio script writing
Grammarly Editor - To catch everything I am too busy to catch. ****A Ukraine business.******
Audacity - For exporting and editing audio clips.

& with all of this said, I recognize that it is a huge privilege to have these items at my disposal, and I am determined to end 2022 with a greater grasp on how I can use them to their highest potential.

This spring, I set myself to look for a legitimate trench coat. (the current one I have, is clearly a knock-off, is not insulated by any sense of the word and is purely fast fashion to appear nice). Finding a good quality trench coat seemed simple enough.

Wrong.

I did find one I adored after weeks of online and in-person looking. Unfortunately, the company that sells this trench coat doesn’t ship to Canada directly and quickly ran out of my size.

I reluctantly gave up my trench coat search and pivoted to my other top needs.

For this Spring

Open-Front Cardigan Sweater

This cardigan I ordered from Nordstrom. The brand is CASLON. I purchased it to be a longer term replacement for a cheaper cardigan of similar color that I have had for a handful of years. The older one has holes in the seams, and is of a cheaper fabric. This new one is warm enough for an East Coast spring, yet being open, leaves space for when the spring sun is shining.

Indoor Training Shoes

Last year, I bought a pair of these same Under Armour trainers to replace my worn-out pair. After loving them for the past year, I decided I should buy a second pair to use as my inside-the-house set when I do workouts in my home gym. I appreciate having them for only indoor use so that I am not cleaning the bottoms every time I am on the mat. (no one wants to do yoga on a mat that just had outdoor sneakers all over it)

Pink Kate Spade Clutch / Purse

A beautiful soul that I know had this purse and was looking to find another home for it and thought of me. I felt so seen and loved to be identified as its possible new owner. I have loved Kate Spade for years, especially the o.g. items. This purse gives a great pop for a date night or social outing, and it’s making me hopeful that it will see lots of life this Summer.

Episode IV - How one centres oneself when the practice of creativity is unclear.

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.

Bitter & Sweet | Tsh Oxenreider

After enjoying Tsh's book on Advent, I thought it apt to buy her latest release for the duration of Lent. Bitter & Sweet gives a beautiful guide through the liturgical journey of Lent and into Easter.

Finding Meaning | David Kessler

I began to study the process of grief for a personal passion project of mine, and this book was the last read to complete the journey. This book helps tie it all together, and in life, I believe this is a read that we all can benefit from. Holding space for ourselves and those around us in grief is a gift, and I hope that I can always be that person to those around me.

Breaking Bread with the Dead | Alan Jacobs

This came up on my reading TBR list, and at first, I was going to let it go as I couldn't find it at my city's library, but after returning to read the synopsis multiple times, I bought it. It's a very in-depth yet concise read about the idea that reading intentionally and slowly the words of authors of the past helps us have a deeper and better understanding of ourselves and the world we live in today.

I especially appreciated the beginning, in which Alan discussed the nuances of social media and internet culture that have influenced us in ways that make it hard to sit and just be with the words of others.

A Breath of Snow and Ashes | Diana Gabaldon

She did it again. If you know me, you know that the Outlander Series is something that I deeply love. The multiple genres in one Sega and the actual craft of writing that Diana has created book after book. This is the sixth book in the series. It ended with so many plot twists and turns that my head spun.

The Joy Luck Club | Amy Tan

I have been told that I would love this film and I have resisted watching until I have read the book. Finally getting to this novel, and of course, it doesn't disappoint. Amy Tan brings us culture, nuance, and character. And as a white woman married into a part Chinese family, it is even more meaningful and a window into a nuance of thought I did not grow up with.

FILMS & TELEVISION SERIES OF NOTE

Take This Waltz - because this film heals me every time I watch it. & of course the genius writing and directing of Sarah Polley is behind it.
Only Murders in the Building - Martin Short, Steve Martin & Selena Gomez. A trio that doesn't disappoint.

Amy Grace, a writer and creative producer in Nova Scotia, is fascinated by the creative process. She speaks to Jeff Douglas about how some people are learning to be creative without letting "hustle culture" make them lose sight of the important things in their lives.

Listen here

Lent is a period of 40 days during which Christians remember the events leading up to and including the death of Jesus Christ, whose life and teachings are the foundation of Christianity. The 40-day period is called Lent after an old English word meaning 'lengthen'. - bbc.co.uk

I grew up in the Christian faith tradition. This meant attending church on Sundays, observing Easter and Christmas, and practicing faith practices such as praying, reading the Bible, and attending Sunday School.

As I have journeyed through my life, I have found that although my Christian faith remains, how I approach it has shifted.

As a teenager, I began searching for a more authentic ‘less is more’ type of practice, and even still, I find I am more at home in the understated, quiet, and ancient traditions.

During lent, many give up a specific type of food or drink to focus instead on prayers and giving. Instead of these things, I was more attracted to giving up something that had weighed heavily on me for months now.

Social Media.

Don’t get me wrong; I have not given up social media altogether for my work. Still, I have found that putting restrictions on my attendance on social media throughout lent has allowed me a different type of peace in my mind I had not encountered before.

For this period, I have made it a practice that I will go on all social media platforms once a day, and when I leave that platform after posting, viewing, commenting, reading etc. I do not revisit until the following day.

This has given my mind, body and soul a different type of air to breathe. A new way of looking at this season and all aspects of life in general.

Since I am on week five of this, I can honestly also say that once this practice became more regular, I noticed how other distractions fought for that newly found mind, body soul space.

And I am left with:

There will always be a distraction, a pull, a tug, a reason to not dig into prayer, to give of oneself and the practice of grace.

There is always some new event or happening to be outraged about, some recent debate to join, and a new show to watch.

But, when we remind ourselves of this truth during a season like Lent, we are reminded of our humanity. In a way, I believe our follies are not supposed to be about embracing shame but are supposed to remind us to softly chuckle, shake our heads in amusement and say a quiet prayer of gratitude that there is enough grace for this moment this day and this season.

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.