Inspiration 365: Day 102

Let’s just ignore the fact that I have missed/skipped/ignored/avoided my original intent to write every day for Inspiration 365.

It hasn’t been a particularly inspiring year thus far. Oh sure, I could have scrounged to find something to include every day—a funky website, a whimsical chapeau at a local second-hand shop, a quirky quote from the kids… But to be fair and honest, come bedtime, all I have wanted to do lately is crash and move toward a new day.

I thought tonight that it might be a good idea to write about the good, the bad and the ugly of late, just to bring you up to speed on the goings-on of my life since my last post, way back in February. I’ll do it in reverse order, just to keep things interesting…

The Ugly

• Two words: I’m broke. Yep. I have never been more in debt and “up the creek” as I am now. Last month, my rent cheque bounced because Visa helped themselves to $500 from my rent account to cover the minimum payment on my over-extended credit card, which I have had to use to cover basic expenses just to get by. It sucks. Big time.  

The Bad

• My downstairs neighbours in the three-storey triplex where I live are jerks. Well okay, that’s not nice, but they are behaving like jerks. I live on the main floor, and last September a young couple moved in below me. They have been so noisy that I have had to rap on their door twice to ask them to quiet down so my kids could sleep. While we were away in Florida, Cierra stayed here with Marley. Upon our return, she described how they were so loud at all hours of the day and night, and there was so much screaming going on, that she considered calling the police. I immediately called the landlord, who had previously been informed of their regular volume issues. He agreed to send them an email complaint. The next day, upon their arrival home and seeing me in the window, they proceeded to slam doors, crank up the volume, bang the ceiling, and  yell obscenities. Nice. More complaint to the landlord. He presented them with official complaint forms, and it has been eerily quiet ever since. It has been over a week now. I’m afraid the whole place might blow up from the tension.

The Good

• I have officially relaunched my design career, under my original business name inDetail. It feels so good to be reaching out to past clients and making connections with possible new ones. I thrive on creating, designing, and beautifying all things. Call me.
• In March, the boys, Marshall and I enjoyed our annual drive to spend the Spring break with my parents in Florida. This year, I was able to convince my sister and her family to join us. We drove down in tandem, exchanging bits of news and giddiness via walkie-talkie. The weather was glorious. The boys fantastic. Busch Gardens always wondrous and rejuvenating.
• Word is getting out that I’m good with colour. I have conducted several home colour consultations this Spring. I always love hauling out my collection of fandecks, pouring through the thousands of colour options, narrowing it down to a select few that speak to me based on the surrounding decor, essence of the client, existing objets d’art, then presenting my ideas to the homeowner. Again, call me.
• Some blasts from the past have been reaching out to reconnect. As much as I try to keep in touch with everybody who is special in my life, it is often tricky with the crazy schedule I keep. Having said that, to be thought of by others always touches me deeply, and I do so appreciate every note, phone call, ping and email from all those I cherish. Thank you.
• I am getting better at asking for help. {H.E.L.P.} Refer to the aforementioned Bad and Ugly sections.
• At the boys’ Scouting event this past weekend, one of Quinn’s leaders made a very deliberate point of approaching Andrew and me. “You’re Quinn’s parents, right?” “Yes, yes we are!” “Well,” he said “I just wanted to tell you Quinn is an amazing kid. He is truly a joy to have in our pack. Always listens and contributes. Never any behavioral problems. Really wonderful kid. Thank you.” Another leader overheard this and added “If only we could have another 19 just like him!” Andrew and I beamed. Quinn is an amazing kid. And truly, it never really surprises us to hear comments like this, but it sure does feel good every time.
• Jake is now bringing home early readers. He relies mostly on the pictures adjacent to the words, but when he takes his time, he can actually read! I love this stage. He tries to read every word that crosses his path. A whole new world of discovery.
• I applied to a full-time job last week, and am damned excited about it. The job posting reads as though it was written just for me. Surely they will call me for an interview. The idea of working 9–5, having a regular, reliable (and awesome) paycheck, sick days, vacation days, benefits and an excuse to go wardrobe shopping {did I say that aloud?} sends shivers up and down my spine. Very optimistic. Of course, I will keep you posted.
• Had a bit of impromptu fun this past Monday, posing for some photographer friends who needed a model to test out some new lighting equipment. I have often toyed with the idea of modeling, and select few have suggested I might be kinda good at it. Was fun.

That’s all for now. Writing this took a lot out of me. I will try to be more regular {and upbeat} with my posts. Thank you to those of you who indicated you missed my writing. I missed it too.

Some photos to further entertain you…

One of my illustrated notecards, for my niece Sophie’s eight birthday.

Taken by the funky + cool Justin van Leeuwen at JVL Photo

Beaver Buggies + Kub Kars (not sure why it isn’t Cub Cars, but there it is…)

Taken by the über-talented Younes Bounhar of Double Space Photography

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Inspiration 365: Day 54

[ Yes, I skipped a few days. Forgive me. ]

Today was Quinn’s Grade 5 ski trip to our regular hill. I volunteered to join the class as a parent helper, but was {don’t tell anybody} not particularly looking forward to the outing. “Why?” you ask. While I do love skiing and the outdoors, and I love spending time with Quinner, there were a few potential issues that were making me wince a little.

1.  The weather has been so mild all week, even raining at times, I was anticipating lousy conditions. Considering I had to pay for my lift ticket, I didn’t want to be forking over my pennies to ski in slush or on ice.

2.  Quinn is considered an advanced skier for his age group. This is his eighth year on skis, and his fifth in the racing program. He knows his stuff, knows the trails, and often goes skiing on his own without supervision. Most of his school friends are hockey players, having never clipped a boot into a binding before. Two of these guys (I’ll call them A-boy + H-boy) were assigned to my group to make our foursome. While I love teaching kids and working with them, I was not sure how we would all have an enjoyable day. Either Quinn would be bored on the easier runs, or his buddies would be frustrated and not able to keep up.

Quinn and I opted to drive to the hill instead of taking the school bus (more of that good ol’ quality time). We arrived about 45 minutes ahead of the class. While we waited another NINE schools came, resulting in about a thousand kids, of various skill levels, all ready to ski.

Once everybody had their tickets and gear, we were told to go to the star test station so the kids could be qualified to ski safely. A-boy had been on skis once or twice before and, as an avid hockey player, understood the science behind weight-shifting, balance and speed control. H-boy had never been on skis, and rarely on skates. These big planks on his feet made him stumble and fall simply getting from chalet to rope tow.

The hill was clearly ill-equipped to handle so many kids. The few instructors there weren’t so much teaching as they were herding kids through tow lines, hollering at them to “Keep going! There are too many kids here to hold up the line!” Poor H-boy stumbled on his first attempt to grab the rope tow. I exclaimed to the lift operator this was his first time on skis. “Oh! Well then he should be over THERE!”, pointing to a station where kids were learning how to STOP. Oh, there is a process here! So H-boy and I went over, while Quinn and A-boy proceeded to acquire their star with ease.

After six attempts, H-boy passed his stopping test, but not before frustration and defeat set in. He told me several times “I suck” and “I can’t do this”. My heart sank, but I encouraged him to keep trying. I took him over to the Turning station for his next step. He rode the magic carpet, while I skied uphill to meet him at the top {it’s a mild grade slope, at best}. Again at the top, there was a line up of kids waiting to go down, weaving gracefully through pylons, and who were expected to make turns and stop successfully at the bottom. There was zero instruction, only crowd control. “How can you expect kids to keep going, when they don’t even know what they are doing!? Most of these kids have never been on skis before, let alone know how to turn!” I said {forcefully, but not yelling}. “Hey, I’m the only one here. I’m doing what I can” was his response. “Well shuffling them down the hill is only going to result in a pile-up and potentially injuries. These kids need to be taught.”

I took H-boy to the side and tried to show him how to shift his weight in order to turn. He just wasn’t getting the hang of it. He toppled over at every attempt, becoming more frustrated each time. You know that point, when you just feel so lousy, you don’t even want to try? That’s where he was.

I looked up and saw Quinn patiently waiting, clearly bummed, but also feeling sad for his friend. It was now almost noon, and Q still hadn’t even gone down the hill. I approached their teacher with the situation. She suggested she might be able to find another group of kids at H-boy’s level with whom he could learn to ski. Feeling awful about his first experience, I agreed this was the best idea given the situation.

I thought about H-boy all day, wondering how he was doing. I learned that he spent the three hours after our last turning attempt just sitting in the lodge.

At about 3:30pm, I saw the teacher at the bottom of the hill. She caught my attention and was thrilled to tell me H-boy had decided to get back out there and try again. She pointed to the top of the wee rope tow hill, where I saw him prepping himself for another run. I waved, and he waved back. From fifty yards away, I could tell he was beaming with pride.

I had promised his Dad I would take photos and video, so here was my chance. In the time it took me to haul my iPhone out of my pocket, Quinn, A-boy and Q’s BFF L-boy were on their way up the rope tow to ski with their buddy (I’ve known all these kids since they were four years old. They are all such wonderful boys).

He was so excited coming down the hill. My heart sang at the sight of his huge grin as he sailed by me. “This is awesome! I’ve never gone that fast before! Well, except for that time I was in an airplane, but that wasn’t ME! I love this!”

We were so close to the end of the field trip, and time for the kids to be hustled back on the bus. I told the boys to stay where they were, I would be right back. I headed over to the teacher and asked her if I could keep H-boy with Quinn and I, and that I would drive him home. Seeing how excited and pleased he was, how could I put an end to his fun knowing I could give him the opportunity to continue? After speaking with his Dad, she gave me permission to keep him under my wing a little longer.

H-boy couldn’t believe his ears. “Thank you!” I made him a deal that if he could come down the learner’s hill three times without stumbling, I would take him on the chairlift for a few runs. He did it.

This little boy who was so devastated only a few hours earlier, was now wishing he could ski all night, and every day until Spring arrives. I felt so proud and thrilled to be able to give him this experience.

We proceeded to go down the easiest run four times, his turning and control improving each attempt. Quinn was so patient and encouraging, cheering H-boy on as he went along. He was exactly the kind of friend I always hoped my kids would be. I was proud of him too.

It was soon five o’clock, and time to go. We all could have easily stayed until 10pm close, but I had promised his Dad that H-boy would be home by 5:30pm.

We were all fired up from this amazing afternoon. What a transformation—a brilliant display of courage, perseverance and determination.

H-boy, you are awesome and inspiring. I will be happy to bring you skiing with us anytime.

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Inspiration 365: Days 44–47

Let’s forget days 44, 45 and 46. They were dark days. Yesterday particularly, as I spent most of it in bed with what I tend to call “gut rot”–in medical terms, diarrhea. A slight stomach bug, I’m sure, but uncomfortable to say the least.

Those days are gone. Let’s focus on today. For today… was awesome.

I decided early last week to book this week off at the Centre to focus on my plan to breathe new life into my design career. Design truly is what I do best, and is currently the most profitable way for me to single-handedly support my family.

The plan for the week was to continue work on a few modest design projects already on-hand, and spend as much time as possible reconnecting with former clients, and connecting with potential new ones. Due to delays in progress, and the—ahem—gut rot, my week’s plan has been somewhat kyboshed (sp?). Today made up for it.

Today I enjoyed an inspiring lunch date with fellow creative, Justin van Leeuwen. Justin is a local commercial photographer, whom I have been following on Twitter for months now, maybe even a year. I stopped him on the sidewalk one day last Summer to introduce myself, as we had exchanged tweets online a few times, but had not yet met IRL (in real life). In my efforts to expand my local creative network, I thought of Justin right away. Knowing his favourite lunch spot, I asked if I could join him there to talk shop. “Hell yes!” was his response. I knew right away this was going to be good.

I imagine Justin has no idea how influential our lunch conversation was. Here are but a few of the key points I took away from our time together:

• You can’t expect to find inspiration and creativity stuck in the same routine, within the same four walls, day after day. You need to explore, watch movies, surf the web, take workshops, travel, meet new people… Get out there.
• Up your rates. Prospective clients take you much more seriously, and value your work more, when there is a larger investment. Don’t be shy. Charge what you are worth.
• Network, network, network. Just keep talking.
• Do what you love. Your enthusiasm, passion and drive will bring the work to you. Once people know you are out there, doing it full-time, you will be flooded with work.

http://jvlphoto.com/pixelpost/index.php?showimage=950

Thank you, Justin. I anticipate many future chats with you. You are über cool and I appreciate your time today so very much.

After such an uplifting lunch, I was all fired up. When I am fired up, I explore and strut my stuff. On the way home, I decided to pop in to one of my favourite neighbourhood exploration spots: St. Vincent de Paul—a second-hand shop, not unlike a Salvation Army Thrift Shop. I wasn’t looking for anything in particular, but figured I would be drawn to the housewares. I love picking though vintage table- and service-ware. I did find three little gems: a wide-mouthed Mason jar for 69¢, a sweet painted red tin bucket for 59¢ (perfect to house my collection of pens, markers and paintbrushes) and a turquoise and green glazed pottery bowl vase for 99¢ (just waiting for this Spring’s harvest of my Grandmother’s Peonies). I was excited by these three bits on their own, but continued to browse the rest of the store. Books, racks of clothes sorted by colour {clever!}, furniture… and hmmm, I wonder if they have any boots here.

Side note: I have been looking for boots for, oh… about three years now! The perfect boots at the perfect price have been very difficult to find.

Until now.

A rack of shoes and boots appeared as I turned the corner out of the furniture section. It shone as though illuminated by Heaven. There they were. A pair of patent leather, er, vinyl, deep plum knee-high, 2-inch heel boots. Glorious. Oh! What’s this? Just my size? To quote the lovely Justin van Leeuwen, “Hell yes!” They slid on my feet and over my {rather husky} calves like butter. The price? A mere 800.

800 cents, that is. Yes folks, these most delightful boots were $7.99. I don’t know who St. Vincent de Paul was, but today he most certainly is the saint of all good things at amazing prices. SOLD.

But wait, there’s more. There was another pair. This time black, with a longer, slightly squared off toe. A higher heel this time, more Stilleto than chunky. Like butter again {no way!}. This pair only $6.99.

I grinned from ear to ear when the teller rang up two pairs of boots, a tin bucket, wide-mouthed Mason jar and pottery bowl for a grand total of $17.35.

What brilliant day. The evening was topped of by Marshall exclaiming that he had the night off. “What does your tummy want for supper?” PASTA. I needed something starchy to absorb the acids that had been wreaking havoc on my gut the last 48 hours. I suggested we pick up To Go meals at Parma Ravioli, just at the end of our street. In the 18 months since we moved here, we had not yet set foot in the doors of this establishment. Pasta is not a regular item on our meal schedule. The shop was gorgeous. Stunning take home meals for under $15. Fresh pasta and homemade sauces to prepare at your leisure. Shelves of gorgeously packaged olive oils, tomatoes, dried pastas. Everything an Italian grocery should be. I chose grilled chicken breast on egg noodles with a mushroom cream sauce and grilled peppers. Marshall chose grilled pork tenderloin on a tricolour Fettucine in rosé sauce. Both meals amazing.

I love days like this. Doing my own thing. Being productive, engaged… inspired.

{ Psst… I love to receive feedback on my posts. Please leave your comments whenever you feel inspired to do so! }

Inspiration 365: Day 43

Sunday.

The whole day relaxing with Marshall…
Lazy sleep in.
Smoked salmon on sour dough toast with capers and sunny-side-up eggs.
Work on respective computers; me for Chinatown, Marshall for upcoming e-book.
Trek to Kanata to discuss Google Places and AdWords with new tech friend.
Back to Merivale Road to Staples, Pier1 Imports, BouClair Home and FitShop.
Home for an early dinner of leftover Prime Rib, Brussels sprouts, yellow peppers and a great bottle of Spanish red.
In bed before the Snowbirds. 6:38pm to be precise.
More bedtime writing for blogs and journals.
Aiming to be asleep by 8pm.
5am comes early.

{ Psst… I love to receive feedback on my posts. Please leave your comments whenever you feel inspired to do so! }

Inspiration 365: Day 42

One of the many things that excites me about working from home again, is the idea that I can book appointments to train at the gym with Marshall without any expectation or requirement to don my “staff” hat while I work out.

You may think because my boyfriend owns a gym, and because I spend my days working there, that I can train any time and should therefore be in the most amazing physical condition ever.

Not so.

In fact, working there has made it almost impossible for me to isolate quality training time when I don’t feel obligated to answer the phone, respond to questions, watch the front door or be otherwise distracted by business matters.

On weekends the gym closes at 6pm. I knew Marshall had no late afternoon appointments, so I logged into the schedule from home, booked myself in, and surprised him at 5pm for a training session.

I was on fire—so excited to train with no other cares in the world. Simply to give my workout 100% concentration, effort, and enthusiasm.

4 sets of 12 deep squats, 12 deep bench press, 8 frogs, 12 hammers; followed by 3 sets of 12 box jumps and 8 dumbbell swings. 

Tonight’s workout reminded me how much I love training. All the more reason to secure regular freelance design contracts on which I can work from home, so I can continue setting regular unencumbered appointments at the gym with my most amazing personal trainer.

{ Psst… I love to receive feedback on my posts. Please leave your comments whenever you feel inspired to do so! }

Inspiration 365: Day 41

You know what? Tonight I have nothing. I am feeling blah. And that’s okay. I know when my body—and, more importantly, my spirit—says to slow down, I should listen and heed its advice.

So tonight I am doing just that. I laid on the sofabed as the sun set, drifting mindlessly through the local newspaper and this week’s IKEA flyer. Then I haphazardly held the leash over the front porch railing so Marley could go pee, and now I sit, propped as upright in bed as my energy level will allow, to write these few lack-lustre words.

Inspired? Not as you might think.
But yes. Inspired to relax, unwind and simply… let go.

It feels so good.

{ Psst… I love to receive feedback on my posts. Please leave your comments whenever you feel inspired to do so! }

Inspiration 365: Day 40

Tonight has been a whole new kind of quiet.

Only one body—mine. Well, unless you count Marley (le petit chien), which of course I do, so there were technically two bodies, so by all counts on my post from February 8th, I should have indicated there were five bodies.

I digress.

The boys are with Andrew on Thursday nights, Cierra and her first family have gone to the hockey game, and Marshall is working at the Centre, leaving me (and Marley) with the evening to spend alone.

My focus recently has been to breathe new life into my freelance design career. I have several modest contracts on my plate at the moment, and a plan in place to reconnect with past clients and establish new connections with a bunch of prospects.

This evening was spent flipping though some of my work (I had forgotten about some real gems!), browsing the web for ideas on how to jump back in (resume, portfolio, interview + networking guidance), and tinkering at the jobs I already have.

As much as I am a socialite, and sincerely relish time spent with others, digging deep into what makes them tick, sharing laughs and stories, I am truly an independent. Savouring the silence of home, the comforts of calm, and the fresh ideas that come from uninhibited inspiration.

{ Psst… I love to receive feedback on my posts. Please leave your comments whenever you feel inspired to do so! }

Inspiration 365: Day 39

We have some pretty, frikkin’ awesome Members at the Centre. This week, Jamie started with us. He has his own domain name, which always begs the question for curious-types like myself, “What do you do?”

He’s a web apps developer.

So, of course I checked out his stuff. Seems he’s done work for this very cool online service, http://manpacks.com/

Some people are so cool.

{ Psst… I love to receive feedback on my posts. Please leave your comments whenever you feel inspired to do so! }

Inspiration 365: Day 38

4:30pm.
Four bodies in the house—Me, Cierra, Quinn + Jake.
All quiet for at least an hour.

I think that was the first time ever we have had such silence during waking hours.

How did it happen?
Me in the kitchen preparing tonight’s supper and tomorrow’s lunches.
Cierra crashed on the sofa.
Quinn + Jake playing together, but independently, with LEGO.

Silence. Apparently not as elusive as I thought.

{ Psst… I love to receive feedback on my posts. Please leave your comments whenever you feel inspired to do so! }

Inspiration 365: Day 37

Tara came in to train today. I haven’t worked with her for a while simply because our schedules haven’t lined up. She did however have the opportunity to work with Marshall, who was mightily impressed by her intensity and hard work attitude.

Today, I was showing her the core and legs component of her new program. It begins with a non-stop circuit of three core exercises: 15 reverse power crunches, 16 weighted torso twists and 15 low cable good mornings. Three rounds, non-stop, max weight.

I decided to do the core set with her… just for fun.

I’m still feeling it. Thanks, Tara, for letting me piggy-back on your workout.

{ Psst… I love to receive feedback on my posts. Please leave your comments whenever you feel inspired to do so! }

Inspiration 365: Days 33–36

[ Thursday, February 2 though Sunday, February 5, 2012 ]

Thursday
New hair.
Blonde layers, with flare.

Friday
Frustration, tears.
Brought forth friends, open ears.

Saturday
Glorious sun.
With my boys, skiing fun.

Sunday
Clean, shine.
Then Winterlude time.

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Inspiration 365: Day 32

Margaritas at Agave Grill with Nat.
Enough said.

Inspiration 365: Day 31

It’s the last day of the first month of the New Year. I wished somebody I hadn’t seen since early December a Happy New Year today, and she was taken aback. Is it too late to wish somebody a Happy New Year? She seemed to indicate today was the last possible day to wish it, as January is all but over.

I think it’s never too late to wish anybody a Happy anything. You are wishing them prosperity, good health, wellness and love.

Funny. When I began writing, I had no intention of going in that direction. I had planned to show you the papier maché masks Cierra and the boys made last night. Tonight’s contribution to the project was another layer of paper strips, left to dry overnight so they can be painted tomorrow—assuming tomorrow is a “snow day” as anticipated, based on weather forecasts of freezing rain.

Can you tell which mask belongs to which face?

{ Psst… I love to receive feedback on my posts. Please leave your comments whenever you feel inspired to do so! }

Inspiration 365: Day 30

Some days there are too many highlights to choose only one to feature here. Today was one of those days. Here’s my list of inspirations since I woke at 6am…

6:00am… Céline’s email. {Thank You}

6:50am… The first moments of sunrise as I arrived back home after driving Marshall to work.

7:00am… Rocking out to the Burlesque soundtrack as I drove. Damn, that is feel-good music.

7:30am… The way Quinn leaped up from his chair to approach me for a good morning hug when I arrived at Andrew’s this morning.

11:30am… Tara’s first chest + back workout on her next program. She pushed though some ego moments and won the “I can’t do this” war. You ought to feel it tomorrow, Babe. See you Wednesday for core + legs!

2:30pm… My girl EmVee walked in the door, whom I haven’t seen in a few weeks as she has been admirably putting in loads of overtime to put away for her RRSP contribution. She was all glammed up with a leopard-print scarf, looking so fine. So great to see you, Melissa!

2:50pm… Kelly + Craig arrived to deliver some goodies from home for Cierra. Kelly, your eyes always melt my heart a little. You are so extraordinarily beautiful. Thank you for our first 16 years of honest answers and sage advice.

3:50pm… The strong possibility of an Interior Design/Decorating contract for an exciting client. Stay tuned…

4:00pm… My boys as they hopped off the school bus. Never a moment more beautiful then when I lay eyes on them after even a minute apart.

All evening… Cierra’s magical engagement with the boys as I frantically worked to meet a graphic design deadline. She had them making papier maché masks of their own faces, washing up, and playing Go Fish while she prepared supper. Thank you, Sweet Girl.

6:30pm… Oh yes, the Fondue Soup was amazing!

9:47pm… Finding a quarter on the ground outside as Marshall and I took Marley out for her last pee of the day.  Thank you, Universe!

Now… Bed. Looking forward to spectacular dreams tonight.

{ Psst… I love to receive feedback on my posts. Please leave your comments whenever you feel inspired to do so! }

Inspiration 365: Day 29

Fondue. Love.

Grew up on oil fondues in the 70s, graduated to cheese fondues in the 80s and was most recently introduced to {healthy} broth fondues in the 90s {Thanks, Jan!}.

Fondue has been a New Year’s Eve tradition for most of my adult life. A perfect meal to inspire recollection and thought to the future. A time to contemplate the past, and consider the days ahead.

Marshall, Cierra and I enjoyed a simple broth fondue tonight. We simmered beef, cauliflower, red and yellow peppers, mushrooms and pearl onions over many varied matters of conversation.

When all was said and done, the remaining broth—having housed those delicious meats and vegetables for the past hour or so—beckoned to be transformed into a hearty soup. There was a handful of veggies left, about a dozen cubes of beef, a few baby carrots and an onion all wanting to hop in the pot to join the party. Cierra had the idea to add our newly purchased, yet-to-be-tried Quinoa noodles, to great success.

Here’s to supper tomorrow night… Can hardly wait.

{ Psst… I love to receive feedback on my posts. Please leave your comments whenever you feel inspired to do so! }

Inspiration 365: Day 28

There is nothing quite like when a child who is not yours snuggles in beside you to watch a movie.

Reveals to me that children express emotions freely—love, fear, anger, pride.

Why do adults hold back? Where did that inhibition come from? At what point in our development do we begin to retract our expression and turn inward, or express false emotion?

To what gain? Or more importantly, to what loss?

Thank you, Sweet N, for the genuine, unabashed demonstration of admiration tonight. You taught me a lesson I won’t soon forget.

{ Psst… I love to receive feedback on my posts. Please leave your comments whenever you feel inspired to do so! }

Inspiration 365: Day 27

After a morning of freezing rain, treacherous driving conditions and sloppy sidewalks, the neighbourhood appeared to be an icky, slushy, brown mess.

As I drove home in the sunset, I noticed the twinkling ice-coated trees, lightly dusted with fresh snow which had begun to fall late this afternoon.

It struck me how, despite the seemingly ugly weather from earlier in the day, the calm of evening settled the city down into a glorious nighttime display of shimmer and brilliance.

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Inspiration 365: Day 26

• This morning’s sunrise as I headed West.
• Silly voices with Jake.
• Guilt-free chocolate additive for smoothies.
• Working though some ego-based blueprints with Jackie.
• Tara’s completion of the Foundation Program.
• The prompt for GNOv3.
• Editing JoeGirl.com to feature Design, Illustration + Live Your Spirit!™.
• Nutiva Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil.
• Tea with Tara.
• Tara’s new skirt.
• Marley’s meek curiosity.
• The imminent return of my girl Cierra tomorrow.
• Sleep…

{ Psst… I love to receive feedback on my posts. Please leave your comments whenever you feel inspired to do so! }

Inspiration 365: Day 25

Growing up, I had one really, really good girl friend, and at any given time, two or three other girl friends I could occasionally call or hang out with. I tended to have more guy friends, and often felt more comfortable around them, as I was much of a Tomboy myself (for example, spelling my Jo, with an ‘e’ since the age of 8).

It wasn’t until launching JoeGirl that I really became focused on women, thereby attracting more women into my life. In the last 18 months since opening Marshall’s, I have become very good friends with over a dozen women—any of whom I could call at a moment’s notice to join me for a drink, a meal, a shopping spree, or a good cry.

One of those women is Chantal. Gorgeous, real, humble, sweet, spirited, tender Chantal. {I do believe she is the most beautiful woman I have ever met. Seriously. People Magazine has yet to feature anybody more stunning than this girl.}

After being unable to attend each other’s fortieth birthday party, Chantal and I agreed to set a lunch date. Today was the day. Given recent events and a rough start to my day, I walked the 100 paces from the Centre to Back Lane Café, wondering how my mood was going to pick up enough to be anything more than mediocre company.

As soon as I saw her face, my lugubrious mood lifted immediately. We caught each other up on our recent goings-on for no less than thirty minutes before even placing our order. Seems we have been leading similar lives, struggling with similar issues, battling the same ego wars. It was refreshing and uplifting to share our wins and losses with somebody who has really been there. And yes, we cried.

I practically skipped back to the gym, beaming with an optimism for my future—the okay to feel what I have been feeling, and the confidence to surge ahead with my dreams.

Chantal, you are extraordinary. Thank you for walking into my life, and welcoming me into yours.

{ Psst… I love to receive feedback on my posts. Please leave your comments whenever you feel inspired to do so! }

Inspiration 365: Day 24

Some Thank You’s are in order today…

• Thank You, Wayne. For saving my ass {again}.
• Thank You, Scott. For playing so sweetly with Jake this afternoon. I had not before seen that side of you. You will be a remarkable father some day.
• Thank You, Matt. For listening as I moaned about the state of affairs. You have become a great friend, and I look forward to spending more time with you in the future.
• Thank You, Cierra. For being strong. You are a bright light, surrounded by love.
• Thank You, Tara. For your text message smile this morning. You have no idea how much I needed it.
• Thank You, Kelly. For your trust. It speaks volumes.
• Thank You, Mom. For your encouragement. You always put it all out on the table. Raw and painful sometimes, but always offering tremendous growth.
• Thank You, Marshall. For giving and receiving so much love.
• Thank You, Quinn. For taking so much initiative this morning to help out. You are amazing.
• Thank You, Jake. For being the best junior receptionist Marshall’s has ever seen. I am so happy you are feeling better tonight. Sweet dreams, Little Bear.
• Thank YOU. For your regular readership and continual support. Now, if only I could encourage more feedback and comments. Are you really out there?

So… what inspired YOU today?

{ Psst… I love to receive feedback on my posts. Please leave your comments whenever you feel inspired to do so! }