Writer. Photographer. Life Coach.
I woke early enough to light a candle.
• more snail mail • early morning fires • Friday night homemade pizza • compression socks • flexible hours with the day job My word for this year is Disrupt. I keep reminding myself that it is a directive to me to disrupt patterns and self talk that no longer serve me; and not a
Ok. I am having some trouble with my mailing list but we will get it sorted. In the meantime, I am working on creating 31 prompts, one for each day in December to help you reflect and remember the year just lived. Historically I have always used the month of December for self-evaluation and to
I woke before sun rose; not that difficult at this time of the year. The house is quiet. I wait for my coffee to drip through. I light a couple of candles. I am grateful for this extra day off. I am grateful for the silence and the opportunity to sit the heavy bits that
“Awareness is the greatest agent for change.” – Eckhart Tolle Awareness is the beginning. What happens after we become aware is also critical to change. Sometimes we become aware and then we are paralyzed by our self knowledge or sit in fear of taking the next step. May we offer each other ears to listen,
Did you know that a group of vultures circling overhead is called a kettle? Perched in a tree they are called a venue or a committee, and when they swoop in descent to approach a carcass, they are called a wake. My book Siege of Herons is illustrated by Lou Dahl and publishing support by
I have only ever seen one siege of herons. It felt slightly miraculous. We witnessed 12 -15 flying in the sky; literally the day after I decided on the new title. A sign for sure. If your eyes are open, there are signals all around.
So this happened. Siege of Herons – Collective Nouns Alphabetically was named one of three finalists in the Children’s Book category. It is amazing that an idea or vision becomes a reality. I have been thinking about this book for a long time; having this recognition is icing on the cake.
This is one of the more well known collective nouns. When I start talking about my book, more often than not this is the noun people offer up to acknowledge they know what I am talking about. It is also one of the oldest collective nouns dating back to 15th century according to research. The
Ladybugs are often thought of as lucky; more than likely because they are crop savers. Farmers love these little beetles. Initially this was to be the cover illustration for my book; alas someone else beat me to it and I had to pivot. Instead I chose a Siege of Herons. My hardcover book is available
Vultures have a bad reputation but, the key role of the vulture in signaling the presence of a carcass to other scavengers prevents contamination by pathogens and helps keep nature free of disease. One of the illustrations in my book Siege of Herons- Collective Nouns Alphabetically. Hardcover available here on my website or a sweet
Friday Gratitudes • Duolingo – Swedish lessons commencing • Window replacement starts today • Only one meeting on the schedule • Coffee – today’s first cup was perfect • Connections with others – in all the ways: letter writing, IG, texts, emails, conference calls, in person and on coffee dates This was a full week.
Other collective nouns for owls can be: a jury, a study, a parliament and a glaring. Which is your favourite?
Evening walks and the peonies are blooming. I was thrilled to learn the deer do not eat the blooms! We found one in our garden. I cut it. In the autumn we will move it to a better location.
A quiver of surfboards in honour of International Surfing Day. You can also use quiver ton describe a bunch of arrows (a quiver is the actual container) but, did you know you can use quiver to describe a group pf cobras. May you never see that in real life! Learn more collective nouns when you
Just keep writing.
Siege of Herons is making its way across the continent; even across continents! This pleases me. I thank each and every person who purchased my book and believed in the dream. Your enthusiasm and encouragement sustained me through the bumpy roads; of which there there more than a few! I have a favour. If you
There is often more than one collective noun for a group. In this case,I opted for the less common: wisdom. They are often referred to as a parliament, but other less common terms can be a congress or a stare of owls. In flight, you could use a silence of owls. This is also one
My children turn 27 today. Inconceivable that we are here, 27 years is a lifetime and yet a blink. We shall not see each other in person today. It is almost as though when Covid hit the scene, a shift happened. Lives separated. We still celebrate their birthdays, just on different days and not together.
The book is coming. I expect them to arrive the second week of April. You can pre-purchase a copy (or two) by going to my website here: www.anacceptabletime.com/shop I created options. You can purchase one copy and have it shipped to you. Or you can purchase them in bundles of two and get a discount, the caveat being that
January Intentions 750 words a day photo a day use what I have read a book study one poet write 2 letters move body everyday drink 1 litre of water a day paint I colour a day no alcohol Starting off a new year and a new month with some pretty consistent intentions. My word
A list about me: I started a new job this year i am the mother of twins I am married to a teacher i have a degree in Philosophy and medieval women studies I stopped dyeing my roots I am a big fan of flavoured soda water I still drink winter ale and red wine
Describe a moment of being truly present; of gratitude. End of day conversations with my loved ones. Reminiscent of my time at university when my roommate would sit at the foot of my bed. This year it was conversations with my adult children. And my husband. Witnessing vulnerability. Paying attention. Loving the other.
What are you avoiding? I would say I am avoiding drawing a hard line in the sand with regards to fitness. And getting a crown. Dental work is not my favourite. I have tackled the worst of the moving projects, there is still so much to do but, it is going to happen after Christmas.
Who or what did you miss? I think what I missed the most is silence. I am a contemplative at heart. Last year, I was alone more often. This year not so much. The lesson here is that in 2022 I will need to restructure the days. I do not want to give the impression
Tell me about a trip. Kootenays. Kimberley specifically. East. Mountains. Rivers. Moving eventually.
All about the music. Spotify offers up everything into a nice tidy package. Total marketing ploy but, very effective. My top 5 songs listened to: Bleecker Street by Simon and Garfunkel Hide and Seek by Imogene Heap Solsbury Hill by Peter Gabriel A Girl like you by Edwyn Collins Pale Green Things by the Mountain
What did you let go of this year? Each year lived I grip the future a little less tightly. My new mantra is #igriphope. There is a fine balance between making plans and recognizing we live precariously on edge. The call is to live in the present. Right here and right now. Which does not
What is one thing I accomplished? The big one for me would be writing a book. Publishing in 2022, which while disappointing at first glance just means the joy of creating spans over two calendar years and not just one. Thanks goes out to the folks at the Self Publishing Agency, my illustrator Lou Dahl,
December 1 Word – did you have a word for 2021? How did it impact your your days? Did you use it as an anchor? Do you even remember it? Is your understanding of the word different at the end of the year, than at the beginning? Did it help you? My word for 2021
• Unsolicited texts/ emails from my daughter • Oat milk • Rosemary Mint soap from @saltspringsoapworks • Gifted Farm fresh eggs • an elliptical and a analog spin cycle to use on rainy, wet days My list is simple this week. After last weekends snow, we settled into typical west coast wet and grey
• More water • No alcohol • Move body everyday • Write a letter • Read a book • Make something – new recipe/ sew something/ draw/ paint • Watch caulking videos on the youtube • Pinterest mood board for book • Take back library books • Start to clean the attic: go through the
• Millie (featured above) was lost and is now found • Meeting with the book illustrator today and talking about colour and design • Phone calls with my sisters • Pizza night tonight • Shelter – I am acutely aware of the fact we have roofs over our heads and warm beds to sleep in.
• Fresh fruit and veggies • Low interest rates • Book conversations – writing a book and all that it entails is exciting and scary. Grateful for the people at the Self Publishing Agency for guiding me through the murky moments • The days with no rain • Time to think; the privilege of solitude
• Christmas cards that arrive in January • Rediscovering old music – currently listening to Peter Gabriel • the perfect hard boiled egg • the capacity to sit still and read – I am on book three for this month • flavoured soda water – cherry ? is my new favourite ? New moon. Big
Week 4 Intentions • No Alcohol • More Water • Move the body • Write 750 words • Write 2 letters • Read a book • Check in with a friend • Take a photo a day • Review job postings • Find a breakfast cookie recipe • Waxed paper hearts • Website – needs
• Brave me – took a big step today – more to come • Sunny ☀️ skies – sunshine in January on the west coast is the gift of all gifts • Therapy – it is not what I expected, but it is so good, hard but good. • my support team of encouragers, friends,
Spring like temperatures today, but the snow is coming.
• Perfectly ripe avocados – carpe diem • Listening to The Seam with Elena Brower and Laura McKowen every Friday morning • my new ultra wide legged pants ? in olive twill found on sale • Tonight is Pizza night / date night means no dinner prep • Hockey is back – grateful for the
We are in the dark, dark, wet days of winter on the west coast. Time to set some Intentions for the week. One thing I want to get better at is writing letters. I am hoping to post two pieces of mail every week. • No alcohol • More Water • 750 words a day
• I did not have to leave my house in the rainy, darkness of the early morning • Ingredients for a blackberry/ banana smoothie found in my freezer • A text from my sister – saying she was going to drop off a surprise !!! • coloured markers and a new journal • new apps
• Ginger ale flavoured soda water • Low key take down the of the inside Christmas decor, leaving all the lights • Med professionals that go the extra mile and are willing to treat people holistically and develop relationships • Still eating leftovers • Cracking open a new journal ????????????? Happy January 1, friends! Glad
“Be tenacious. The world will change, things will go wrong. Life is messy.” – Ann Sherry What do you consider your biggest mistake and what did you learn from it? Or maybe you do not see them as mistakes, but learning opportunities. Do you have any regrets from 2020? I think my biggest mistake is not
Take down Christmas (inside) reorganize cookie tins/ etc Apply for the job Talk to the TD order 2021 note tracker Organize markers/ stationary supplies Write letters return library books Look for missing library book Make tracking pages for books read Pay bills Finalize nouns and begin layout of pages Move body everyday Drink water everyday
• Winning books by listening to podcasts (specifically But really, how are you?) • Christmas Blend is on sale • Internet employment searches • the found bucket of pencil crayons and pastels • Older film negatives and the fond memories that ensued ? ? There was a lot packed into this week. Big emotions. Of
“Always be a first rate version of yourself and not a second rate version of someone else.” ― Judy Garland Write down a list of things about you. If you are 20 – make it 20 things. If you are 30, make it 30 and so on. I do this on my birthday every year.
Who did you admire this year? Why? Did they inspire you to do anything differently? Did you tell them you admired them? To admire is to regard with respect or warm approval. I admire my sisters and my mum and our collective resilience. I admire my friend Q, who is showcasing his photographic talents and
“Always hold fast to the present. Every situation, indeed every moment, is of infinite value, for it is the representative of a whole eternity.” — Johann Wolfgang von Goethe Can you describe a moment where you found yourself truly present. Full of gratitude. What was happening? Who was with you? Where were you? What emotions
“The activity you’re most avoiding contains your biggest opportunity.” ~ Robin Sharma What have you avoided doing thus far? Why do you think you are avoiding it? Is there a benefit to doing it; what would it look like if you crossed the task off your list? How would you feel? Maybe, you no longer
Who or what did you miss? I miss calling home and having my dad pick up the phone and greet me enthusiastically. I miss my dad. I miss missing him. This first year without him, was rightly overshadowed by my mum’s out of nowhere cancer diagnosis and a global pandemic. I miss the days when
” Not all who wander are lost.” ~ J.R.R. Tokien Tell me about a trip. Did you go on a holiday before Covid 19 changed everything? Did you have to cancel a vacation? Do you have an interesting commute? Who travels with you? Why did you go? Where did you go? How did you travel?
It is all about the music. I love Spotify. I love making playlists and I absolutely loved their Wrapped feature, which was super helpful in answering this prompt. I listened to many, many songs on repeat. Music helped me modulate my sadness. Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds were constant companions. Along with the Mountain
“I realise there’s something incredibly honest about trees in winter, how they’re experts at letting things go.” ~ Jeffrey McDaniel What did you let go of this year? The illusion of control. The desperate attempts to make everything right and proper and good. I am letting go of the idea that there will be no
Historically I have used the month of December to pause and reflect on the previous year. I invite you to join along. Carve out a few moments to consider today’s question. I highly recommend writing your answers down. Maybe read the question at the start of the day and write your thoughts before retiring for the
My word for 2020 was/ is peace. I consciously had to find ways to cultivate peace this year. But, years of training myself to pause and find the light helped me to carve out intentional moments of peace in midst the chaos of mum’s cancer diagnosis, covid19, job loss, and other huge sadnesses. Mornings in
• Continued conversations with my two young adults, hard conversations but, grateful we can talk • For all the people who have bought my 2021 calendars so far; I had a vision and with help produced something I really love and want to share with my community • For these crazy cats who live with
• My calendars should be ready today • Time to bake • Deciding to add one more string of twinkle lights • Online connections and phone calls with my mum; • Story tellers: I love you all ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ This week seemed to pass slowly. Which is not a bad thing. Lately, I have have lived
• resh hair and Being bold enough to chop chop about 5 inches off the ends. • Essential oil infused Christmas cards (it is something I just learned to do) • My book of lists: books read, to be read, inspiring quotes, new music and favourite things • Mum’s little trip to Emerg last night
A blanket and bare feet
• For the space to learn new things this week. For Ta7taliya Michelle, Amanda and Ta7taliya Paisley and the program Decolonize First: for the opportunity to learn and unlearn. For the good folks that run the Active Hope workshops and for Joanna Macy • For the opportunity to release Remembered 2020 into the world and
Courage is an interesting word. The latin root of the word is cor- meaning heart. So originally the word is less about acts of bravery and strength and more to telling and bearing all that lies within the heart. So facing new days, internal battles, struggle and sadness. Being able to share these wounds is
What do you see? I see a blackbird or a raven. I zoomed in and filtered it up with Hipstamatic.
Capitalizing on the weather: we took inventory and installed our Christmas lights. It is the warmest and sunniest day in my recent memory to complete this project. I am proud of us. Yeah family. We do not generally turn them on until November 15th but, I reserve the right to change my mind.
• small miracle and both my children were under our roof for a brief moment in time • Hot water and bath salts and döTerra Serenity • Cauliflower crust ? • twinkle lights to fend off the darkness • dry autumn ? days for walking _____________________________________________ Another week. Another story told. I live with a
Friday Gratitudes 1. MacIntosh apples fresh from the orchard 2. Mum’s cancer is responding to treatment 3. I received some disappointing news but, I have a supportive team of family and friends to boos me up 4. Morning walks are near perfect in temperature and the earth offers up treasures to photograph 5. Revisited my
• e larger collective of women: the writers, the makers, the artists the gatherers, the listeners, the teachers, • for the gift of a warm bed and shelter from the rain and wind • for my new winter tires • for my happy light and a room of my own • for blank pages and
• Text messages from my adult children • Harvesting mum’s basil ? for the winter months • The reprieve from the smokey skies • New music from Matt Berninger of The National • Crossover visit with my youngest sister and rediscovering my love for The Basketball ?????????????? Loads of learning happened this week. Humbled by
• Walking around the neighbourhood and smelling the early autumn ? decaying, organic, life spent scents of all the flowers and trees and grass • Game 7’s in the Stanley Cup playoffs: my team is still standing • Marco Polo: the app lets me chat with my friends • Monthly talk therapy session • My
New beginnings and full of promise. The seasons shift ever so slightly. The mornings are cooler; we can leave the shades open and the afternoon sun has lost its punch. The garden wains – the cherry tomatoes are lonely Christmas decorations on a spindly tree. The lavender is brown. The last zucchini picked from our
• The space and time and emotional capacity to deal with ?? • Book: library books, old favourites from my shelves • My son has found a new job – hallelujah • Cooler mornings and warm afternoons. Crisp blue skies. • Being home; sorting things – organizing – crossing things off my list ? There
1. Last minute visit with friends 2. Clear skies to view the Perseids even though I forgot to set my alarm because of a heavy heart; I am certain it was spectacular 3. Paid all the bills 4. Library is now officially open and I have more books to pick up 5. Finished a small
• Waking up and being at the perfect temperature; I am not usually one for lingering but this morning I savoured the moment. • Picked up a new phone case in the discount bin. • I slept in our tent ⛺️ in the back yard • Introduction to a new portrait artist here on IG
Woke to a slight reprieve from the heat Avon Skin so Soft “mosquito repellent” Savouring the perfect piece of toast Blueberries for the freezer The intangible delight of Fridays Difficult conversations this week. Ongoing. Living in the grey. Understanding choices and compromise. Loving your people and realizing you cannot change others. Grateful for mornings. Waking
New month. New beginnings. Closer to the end of the year than the beginning. Feeling a bit verklempt. Covid is still a thing. Social distancing still a thing. Wearing a mask is still a thing. Hockey started again. As did basketball and baseball. Looks like baseball will end. My favourite vase broke. Accidentally knocked over
My Sunday is for self-reflection. It is a privilege to sit in silence and just be. It is also damn uncomfortable. I used to go to church. Regularly. I once considered whether I had a vocation to monastic life before I got married. Now, I sit in silence and wonder. I continue to read and
1. Random ? Messages / posts / signs that resonate deeply – I do not believe they are random. 2. Finding a piece of zebra ? wood that my son will incorporate into a brand new butcher block island. 3. Socially distanced visit with a dear friend who has a big heart ❤️ @toabbey 4.
I am tired. Are you tired? There is so much going on. Big global concerns: climate change and Covid 19. On our continent which we share with the USA and Mexico – we have Black Lives Matters and the state of the US politics. Then, In Canada, we have our own things: Indigenous affairs, our
Friday Gratitudes 1. Being made aware of the writings of Alan Watts and Joanna Macy 2. Cherries, cherries and now apricots 3. Mum is having a better week – more of an appetite and less tired – this a huge win. 4. Watching Schitt$ Creek with mum and laughing 5. Catching up on my sleep.
1. Electronic banking- especially on rainy days 2. Tiny space heaters and small home offices 3. Silence – the privilege of sitting in the quiet 4. Therapy – it is not what I thought and it is just what I need 5. My library – so, so grateful that we can order and pick up
1. A heron sighting – she/he has been elusive of late 2. New specs – eye exam completed 3. Time spent with my daughters in my Jeep – elicits memories of chauffeuring her to oh so many dance classes 4. Clean hardwood floors! This makes me so happy. 5. My listeners. The people who check
• We both are off work today for our anniversary (due to Covid19) but, regardless the day is beautiful and we will celebrate with pizza and carrot cake • My MIL’s neighbour lent us the icing sugar so we can have cream cheese frosting on the above mentioned carrot cake • My peonies are popping
1. A week at home – sleeping in my own bed; watering + weeding my own garden, deck time with Mr W 2. Pre-emptive gratitude for my rescheduled session with therapist tomorrow 3. My son made risotto last night and it was delicious 4. The comfort of familiar music – Nick Cave and the Bad
1. Made it home to family safely and without incident 2. Mum’s new bed – and I managed to get the frame built and mattresses shifted all by myself 3. Neighbour gifted us a 1L bottle of sanitizer 4. Some short visits with my daughter 5. Bonus sunshine ☀️ to spend all day in the
Thursday May 14th Seen: one woodpecker, one bald eagle, black capped chickadee, robins, two hummingbirds, a bluejay, two crows 15,000 steps Free Tomato ? plants Lettuce Letter writing in the morning
Monday May 11th New bedframe + bed shopping Bed building and shuffling Sunshine and pizza and salad el fresco Coffee on the deck Walk done Chocolates from the neighbour
1. Proper coffee – such a small, critical comfort 2. New writing course #27wildestdays 3. This day of promised sunshine and warmer temperatures 4. My own room – rising in silence and listening to birdsong while I write and wait for the others to rise 5. My sisters Here is what I want you to
Tuesday May 5 Day 2 of radiation Picking up meds Pizza ? Hut pizza Queer Eye Puzzle progress Slept better Journal updates DQ for pie Proper coffee Pouring rain
Sunday May 3 Travelling from Langley to Oliver Mental preparation for whatever comes Walked with Thomas before leaving Snow on the pass Gas is now 104.9 over $1 again
Saturday May 2 Therapy session So much rain No contact with Hannah Thai food for dinner (homemade) More Girl Guide cookies Tired and sad Lack of attention The Box archetype card Image of thread unravelling Jeep prepped Thinking about packing New towels for mum
Friday May 1 Appointment booked with cancer clinic Phone calls Emails Sadness Finished Shtisel on Netflix Girl Guide cookies Walking Sunshine Afternoon decktime
Thursday April 30 Waiting Emails Taxes done Walking Letters written Cookies consumed Sleepytime with Vanilla
Wednesday April 29 Tulips Groceries – and meal planning Still waiting for a diagnosis Overcast skies Walking with Thomas Planting seeds Earl grey tea and peanut butter cookies 2 months of grey hair growth Paying bills
Tuesday April 28 Home to Langley Laughingstock pinot noir Resting Reflecting Thomas makes dinner Menu planning May Musings photo challenge Painting blackbirds Okanagan mornings
Saturday April 25 Thomas arrives after a long and rerouted trip Kizmet meal was so delicious I get the boot – mum needs a break The sadness is welling up Hard conversations Daughter – Mother – Daughter
Friday April 24 Funds arrived Drive with mum: looking for a Heron with no successs But: redwinged blackbirds, turkey vulture, a lone dove, mallards, a pair of geese, an eagle soaring Luke BBQs Unorthodox on Netflix Walking and talking
Tuesday April 21st Luke and I drive to Oliver Coquihalla super socked in Mum looks good Deck time 22 degrees Phone calls with sisters Confirmation that it is lung cancer Birthday plan prep Chicken paprikàs
Monday April 20 Taxes update Luke’s taxes Peonies fertilized Broccoli stirfry Laundry Prep for Oliver Deck time
Wednesday April 15 Payday Neurosurgeon consultation AWOL neurosurgeon Frustration at lack of communication Greek roasted potatoes Tara BBQ chicken Salad Walk with Tara Laughter Scott and Bailley
Tuesday April 14th Cloudy skies Cemetery shots CT scan uploaded Tara arrives Luke gets a grant Chocolate chip cookies Roasted chicken
Friday April 10th Shopping for mum Routines established Walking every morning Birds sighted: robins, thrushes, pair of quails, woodpecker, ducks, magpies or crows
Thursday April 9th Met the OT Sue Negotiating with the neck collar More phone calls Hamilton Still no tears Worry Corona Virus updates Bonnie Henry at 3pm Luke goes to Chilliwack Thomas eats pizza ?
1. Some glorious warm sunshine 2. Zoom / FaceTime/ technology to stay connected with family but, also to set up some support systems 3. Always hot coffee 4. Setting up mum’s garden/ patio and remembering Dad 5. Access to a path along the river to walk …… This was not quite the way I envisioned
1. Laid off in the spring – more daylight hours and warmer days – 2. I get to create a new daily schedule 3. I live in a country / province where there are systems in place to assist us navigate these unprecedented times 4. I can now do our weekly shopping excursion on a
1. More frequent conversations with my sisters 2. Warm apple crisp 3. Sitting in the warm sunshine in my jeep 4. Living in Canada 5. Mailing letters / cards – using my stationary stash This was a long week. So much has happened since Monday. So much information to absorb. Situation is fluid requiring each
1. A successful coaching call 2. New clients booked 3. New hole in my 30 year old jean jacket which gives me the opportunity for a new mending project 4. Letters from friends 5. A quiet sense of flow; and cultivating peace ??? It was a good mail week. I love writing and receiving letters.
1. My ability to find things 2. Fresh hair 3. Winning the Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds tickets 4. The brilliant blue skies of late 5. A good friend is on the mend ?? What a week! Do I say that every Friday? Short week meant the day job was compressed and it was
1. A warm bed – it was the perfect temperature this morning 2. A mental pivot mid week 3. A new coaching client onboarded 4. I was interviewed for a magazine article on 55+ smartphone photography 5. A very successful work project and the germination of a new idea ❤️ Week started on the rough
Use the tools you have. Instead of running after the next new, shiny bright thing, consider taking inventory of the things you know, and the tools you already have in your tool belt. Take a pause, make a list of what resources you currently have access too. What has worked before? Trust that you can
A gratitude practice is kicking at the darkness. Actually all practice is. Forming habits so the response is second nature. You no longer have to think about it. I cycle in the morning. It is just what I do. . Live life proactively. Let’s not wait for some “thing” to happen to us that requires
• Pizza night • New customers • @sayyesshow last Friday night • Found money in old RBC account • Writing letters This is is the last day of the month. Did this seem like a long month to anyone else? It started SLOWLY- from a business perspective. In the last 10 days or so that
It caught me off guard. I was scanning old photos for throwback thursday and I found a short video of when we were moving my parents from our family home to a smaller, pool less, no stairs condo. The tsunami of sadness threatened to take me out right then and there. I managed to stay
The original crew from about 5 years ago. So much life has been lived. These images from the past definitely induce melancholy.
Honour the promise you made yourself!
1. Payday – always grateful when the money flows 2. Physio sessions starting again 3. My low tech spin cycle bike 4. Monthly manicure 5. Two new clients This week was a bit of a test to see if stand behind my own beliefs. Steadfast holding onto the belief that we can shift and alter
1. First dusting of snow ❄️ 2. More library books ? arrived 3. Some solo time with my daughter when I drive her to work 4. Hearing joy in her voice again 5. Finding a missing scarf ? ?❄️ ? Finishing out the week with snow on the ground and two internal meetings. New things
1. Original art created by my cousin 2. Friends that check up on me 3. Boots that keep my feet dry 4. Book money 5. New journal to mark the year of 55 ? I am back at the day job. It is ridiculously quiet. Thinking most people will stay way until Monday. It is
“For last year’s words belong to last year’s language And next year’s words await another voice.” ― T.S. Eliot, Four Quartets Did you choose a word for 2020? Tell me what it is and why you chose it. Peace My word showed up sometime in November- early for me this year – at first I was not
A good countenace is a letter of recommendation ~ Henry Fielding If you could recommend one thing to someone what would it be? Would it be advice? A product? A service. What do you share freely? This year I would definitely recommend therapy. Talk therapy. Accessing professional help. Do the work. Get uncomfortable. Stick around
“Be tenacious. The world will change, things will go wrong. Life is messy.” – Ann Sherry What do you consider your biggest mistake and what did you learn from it? Or maybe you do not see them as mistakes. A couple of times this past year I did not listen to my gut; my intuition;
“These are a few of my favorite things” ~ Oscar Hammerstein ll What is your current favourite thing? Is it a pen? A mug? A routine? How long has it been your favourite? Why? How would you feel if you lost it? Or maybe you did? How did that go? My current favourite thing is
“Tears come from the heart, and not from the brain.” ~ Leonardo da Vinci What made you sad this year? Why? This year sadness hit me like a tsunami. The loss of my father caught me off guard. I mean, I knew his death was inevitable but, navigating the decline and the myriad decisions and
1. There is just enough coffee to get us through this morning 2. Completed a project 3. Mandarin oranges ? 4. Christmas cards delivered by mail 5. Silence ?✨ Last day of school; last publication of 2019. Pizza tonight. Maybe we will watch a movie. Maybe we will bake pistachio shortbread. We will mark the
December 18th “Close some doors today. Not because of pride, incapacity or arrogance, but simply because they lead you nowhere.”―Paulo Coelho What lesson did you learn this year? Probably one of the saddest ones: you cannot want change for someone more than they want it for themselves.
“There is nothing in the world so irresistibly contagious as laughter and good humor.” ― Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol Who or what made you laugh this year? Definitely- the cats. I temporarily live with two: Millie and Luna. Who am I?
“People who love to eat are always the best people.” – Julia Child What was your best meal? Who made it? Were you alone? Were you at home? At a restaurant? A guest in someone’s home? What made it memorable? Was it a recipe? Have you tried to recreate it? Have you had it more than
My father died this year I am the eldest of three sisters Wife of one Mother of two I still love my coffee black I wear a-lot of black I bought dansko clogs for the first time this year and I love them I am a photographer And a writer I love silence And music,
“Learn to admire the others. It is the first step, to overcome your ego.” ― Ehsan Sehgal Who did you admire this year? Why? Did they inspire you to do anything differently? Did you tell them you admired them? I admire people doing the hard work. Living out their days, having the difficult conversations, writing about
December 7th “The activity you’re most avoiding contains your biggest opportunity.” ~ Robin Sharma What have you avoided doing thus far? Why do you think you are avoiding it? Is there a benefit to doing it; what would it look like if you crossed the task off your list? How would you feel? Maybe,
1. Big ol’ bag of raw almonds at my desk 2. My calendars arrived – last minute inspiration to take up the mantle from my father – 2020 will be my first offering – nervous and excited 3. My simplified, stripped down Christmas tree 4. Friends who rally 5. Writing Christmas missives ? The days
“I miss you deeply, unfathomably, senselessly, terribly.” ~ Franz Kafka Who did you miss this year? Who are you missing now? Or what? It can be either or both? No question. My dad and my daughter. For two different reasons. But, the loss feels like two shades of the same colour.
Welcome to Remember 2019 Historically I have used the month of December to pause and relect on the previous year. I invite you to join along. Carve out a few moments to consider this question. I highly recommend writing your answers down. Maybe read the question at the start of the day and write your
1. Hanging out with Mr W – having a partner with whom you can just sit and be with is everything 2. double payday 3. Friends who lend books 4. An extension on the borrowed car situation because my Jeep is still being repaired 5. The space heaters at my day job 6. The courage
Talk among yourselves. ??♂️ I have thoughts about this word easy. In my experience: life rarely is. And often we go through challenges and dark periods so that we can experience light and redemption and resolution on the flip side. ??♂️ . But, there is also this idea that when we are in the flow
1. Sleep Chews back in the tool box 2. Cabbage rolls + rice 3. Our gas fireplace 4. Father in-law recovering nicely from his surgery 5. The absolute stillness of this morning 6. The Canucks win ??? It is my experience that once we pass mid November the days crash and tumble into each other.
• Our Christmas lights illuminate the darkness • My wool socks • A visit with my daughter • Oven bacon • A season of letter writing • Dryer balls – late to the party with this one ? The rain is here. And in full force. Turning on our Christmas lights almost feels like an
Grateful for: weekends, diffusing Holiday Joy, and remembering Dad. It has been six months since Dad died. That does not seem possible. I miss him so much. So many conversations I have had in my heart – out loud in my Jeep. Driving. Sitting. Walking. Wondering. So much has happened. So much has changed. He
Grateful for no further complications with my leg; headphones and music; easy Sunday dinners and leftovers. Not an easy day. Spent majority of it in emergency. Grateful for the car received. Really need to move on.
Grateful for: calm conversation and a wee bit of laughter with H :: annie’s mac and cheese :: naps in the middle of the day ? ? Other things I love right at this moment in time: This incredible autumn ? weather. My son’s cats: Millie and Luna. Winter ale. My adidas trackpants. Blackberry Tangerine
• I am ALIVE – not wanting to sound overly dramatic but, the reality is I could very well not be • My leg is not broken either – another miracle • The sunshine and crisp days – bonus autumn weather • My son is temporarily at home and willing to pick up the meal
• an especially good session with my therapist • The public library – Access to new books in seconds • My first manicure in many years • Phone call from my sister in Maui • My son is in charge of dinner once a week while he is home temporarily Also grateful for these last
1. Long weekend is upon us and while I am disappointed we are not off visiting our friends, I am thankful for days of rest and respite that lay before me 2. Pumpkin pie 3. Friends who check up on me 4. Some serious glory days of autumn 5. New music by Nick Cave 6.
“Tears come from the heart and not from the brain”~ Leonardo da Vinci . . It has been a bit of a rough go. I consider myself to be fairly self-aware and have considerable tools in the belt; yet still this sadness I am feeling is profound. A tsunami of sadness. It feels like I
1. My coffee this morning 2. Some glorious early autumn days 3. Wrapping myself in my blanket and wearing my hoodies 4. Frankincense 5. EHT 6. My happy light Mornings are so very dark now. On top of that we have rain in our forecast for the next 6 months ?. Pulling out all the
1. Two new houseplants given to me by my sister 2. Meeting Laurie Halse Anderson 3. Met my Sept revenue targets for day job 4. Rescheduled hair appointment for tonight 5. For the myriad people who have walked before Feeling a little lighter this week. Pre-season hockey is a distraction. I am considering an online
• Today was a better day. I will take it. • Pizza for dinner • Invested in some new socks • Payday • Insight Timer app – Sleep ? music ? so glad for the weekend. I am exhausted. What are you grateful for this week? Let me know in the comments.????be specific.
Here is the thing: I despise vague posts where information is held back and the reader is left wondering. But, it has become apparent to me that sometimes we have to navigate messy, messy situations. Sometimes the story is not only ours to tell. Sometimes all you get is one side. So my side is
1. Mountain Goats at the Commodore Ballroom tonight 2. Payday 3. Sleeping with a blanket again 4. Canuck’s Hockey Twitter 5. Read a novel: Where the Forest Meets the Stars by Glendy Vanderah ?❤️ New music, a novel and hockey preseason is upon us. All good distractions for when I need one. None of them
School supplies:: socks and boots and tights:: spicy foods:: tea:: cooler nights:: crisper mornings:: falling leaves:: burnt orange:: pumpkins:: apples:: harvest:: lake fishing:: chili and soup:: chestnuts and autumn walks:: dad and Tara’s birthdays ? Technically still summer. And this afternoon the sun is warm. We walked and now some errands. ? What does September
1. Fresh hair – and a reminder to get a mole checked 2. honest conversation with my daughter 3. realtors with a sense of humour 4. wearing socks for the first time 5. Okanagan peaches . . We are heading into another in between space. The weekend will usher in a new month so, I
Today someone asked me to tell them more about my lifecoaching work. I said: I generally work with people who are looking to either make a transition in their life or their lives have fundamentally changed and there is an opportunity to pivot and maybe for the first time ever actively CHOOSE something instead of
• It was a calmer week ?? • access to counselling services and some talk therapy ? • the slightest hint of fall – customarily I do not want summer to end, but this year I am ready ? • new paper planner arrived – trying out new system ? • end of summer pedicure
⁃ Pain meds make post op dental surgery easier to manage ⁃ Dinner with a good friend ⁃ Random encounter with my daughter ⁃ New book recommendations via photo challenge prompts ⁃ discovery of a new farm egg supplier close to home . . Two days off from vigorous activity. My old self would be
What do you really, really want? It might take some time to figure it out. It might make you uncomfortable to answer the question. I challenge you to give it a try. Write down all the things, then be quiet , sit with them and then do it again. Eventually you will find some clarity.
A gaggle of geese::A cow resting in the shade::A quarrel of swallows::A grasshopper ::A convocation of swirling bald eagles (four) ! ::A variety of thistles::The HERON
• Mr W stepping up and taking care of the home front this summer • Library books that arrive in a timely fashion • Blackberries and Blueberries • A long weekend • Cleaning junk drawers and finding all kinds of cool things; some to donate, some to resurrect into purpose in my quest to #makedo
• for wonderful days in Nelson and for our canoe adventure at the end and the survival of the iphoneX • Finding the new wings mural in downtown Langley • Seeing both my son and daughter in the same day • Reconnecting with an old friend • Going to Bard on the Beach tonight Also
• Vacation days start soon. • My new clogs. • Mr W’s skills on the BBQ. • Steaming hot, black coffee ready first thing in the am. • My new headshots – decision time. • Having my own business to create a separate revenue stream. . . I am so looking forward to a little
?Mel Robbins talked about creating a list of the things to do this summer; be intentional and make things happen. Back in my blogger days we called it a Summer Manifesto. Here are a few of mine.? Dine outside:: Bard on the Beach:: eat Okanagan cherries:: pick blackberries:: canoe on a lake:: go to Vancouver
Friday Gratitudes 1. Coffee first thing – and the ease of the morning 2. Rain – let it rain before the wedding this weekend – fire ? season is coming 3. The perfect timing of fresh hair and new head shots – coming soon! 4. Conversations with my daughter 5. The library – love ordering
1. Longest day of the year falls on a Friday. Blue skies = all the light 2. Friends who check up on me 3. The birds in my backyard – such a variety of species are visiting this year. Or maybe I am just paying more attention. 4. Sleep – I have been sleeping better
1. Silence – it is golden 2. The Toronto Raptors won! 3. First radishes harvested from the garden 4. No travel weekend – in fact I am not going anywhere until the end of June! 5. EHT/ Sleep Chews – sleep and mental clarity through these past weeks has been a key. It has been
1. Payday – grateful for our jobs – that currently help us facilitate our dreams 2. Blue skies and warmer temperatures 3. Antibiotics-we do not take them often but happy we have easy access when needed 4. Google Docs – technology that allows my sister and I to work together, while being physically apart 5.
1. The first of the peonies 2. Finding a Painted Rock Rose to toast dad 3. Library book order 4. Dinner with my son and his girlfriend 5. Finding a second hand spin cycle What a week it has been! I am exhausted. I will be staying home and tending my garden this weekend. Mucking
Pivot. Shift. With grace and patience. About to attempt to resurface into my own life with its routines and obligations. Not sure how it will go. I feel a bit anchor less. May father departed for his final sojourn on Thursday afternoon. Around 4pm. The weather was perfect. His weather. Early summer temps. 30 degrees
1. my beating heart 2. a community of people who came together with an outpouring of affection and good words after losing a comrade 3. a client that took the time to say thank you and to share an awesome success story 4. Face timing with my dad 5. stillness – a safe space to
1. I remembered to pick up coffee for this morning 2. The Mountain Goats released new album today 3. Impromptu mid-week dinner with my son and his girlfriend 4. My sisters who are holding the baton and caring for my parents this weekend. 5. Customers who tell me they think of me when they wash
1. I get to do my taxes this weekend. 2. Payday 3. I am going to PINK on Saturday 4. My dad has stabilized enough that I can stay in lower mainland and take care of no. 1 5. Birdsong in the morning Happy to stay put this weekend. I have a few things on
Today is a new beginning. New day. New month. New quarter. How do you feel? Give yourself some time to check in and reflect in on what you have done and where you want to go. Adjust the flight plan if necessary. Most of the time it is.
• My dad had a good week of recovery in hospital, everyday a little stronger • My children turn 24 and I have a relationship with both of them • Fresh hair, perfect way to end the month. My productivity is much higher when I feel put together. • Some external accountability for my
Friday ? Gratitudes • Leaving the day job in daylight • Checking in with my daughter and son • Going to Nelson for a couple of days • Friends from away coming for dinner • New shampoo – now that I buying shampoo just for me – I am being more adventurous. It is the
• For over the counter, run of the mill, pain meds • That the back spasm saga acute phase has passed – • For a pay raise – • For new connections – • For discovering I can buy single papermate flair tip black markers at staples – This week was a stop ? and
1. The crazy beautiful full moon and taking the moments to go search out a better view and sit in the light – 2. Less snow than predicted – 3. Fresh hair = good sales day – 4. Signing up for a new course on podcasting – say what? 5. An extended dental plan –
Spring is coming. It always does. Sometimes we need to remind ourselves of this simple fact.
The big melt. It is going to be mess as all get out but, thankfully the snow is melting. A day off from the day job A stash of film Fresh flowers on my counter Finally, new wellness products being introduced into Canada – super excited to bring these to market This was a crazy
Friday ? Gratitudes • finding a good batch of citrus fruits – • payday – • gentle reminders from the accountant to get my paperwork in order – • connecting with other mothers of young adult daughters – • workout partner to keep me accountable M to F – ?????????????? What are you grateful for
Starting the morning with my new mug Mr W keeps the music flowing in our household New morning routines that keeps me accountable (exercise) Peanut Butter powder Our new products finally coming to Canada (gut health, sleep, energy) New month. New beginning. Time to check in. What are you grateful for this week?
1. Quiet days to complete paperwork – 2. My new comfy adidas sweat pants – 3. Fitbit sleep tracker – 4. Power – we continue to have lights and heat during yet another storm – 5. Help with the debris cleanup from the previous storm – ——————————————————— I am dedicated to this practice of noting
Historically I have used the month of December to pause and relect on the previous year. I invite you to join along. Carve out a few moments to consider this question. I highly recommend writing your answers down. Maybe read the question at the start of the day and write your thoughts before retiring for
Historically I have used the month of December to pause and relect on the previous year. I invite you to join along. Carve out a few moments to consider this question. I highly recommend writing your answers down. Maybe read the question at the start of the day and write your thoughts before retiring for
Historically I have used the month of December to pause and relect on the previous year. I invite you to join along. Carve out a few moments to consider this question. I highly recommend writing your answers down. Maybe read the question at the start of the day and write your thoughts before retiring for
Historically I have used the month of December to pause and relect on the previous year. I invite you to join along. Carve out a few moments to consider this question. I highly recommend writing your answers down. Maybe read the question at the start of the day and write your thoughts before retiring for
Historically I have used the month of December to pause and relect on the previous year. I invite you to join along. Carve out a few moments to consider this question. I highly recommend writing your answers down. Maybe read the question at the start of the day and write your thoughts before retiring for
It is that time of the year again. Self evaluation and reflection time. Every year I use the month of December to take some time to pause and reflect on the year just lived. I have a series of questions and prompts that I work through in preparation to reset the sail for the new
A day away from the office Silence New ios update that gives a report on how much time I am on my device Christmas Blend Twinkle lights to repel the darkness Wet and rainy day off. All is good though. I have inside chores beckoning. Time to work on my Remember 2018 project. I use
Is the equivalent to a golfer’s bag of clubs A copy of this illustration will hang in my sister’s condo in Maui.