Wordless Wednesday | Cuba 2019

xox
Joanne

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this story. Feel free to leave a comment and let’s chat!

Hola!

Tomorrow at this time, Quinn, Jake, and I will be on our flight to Varadero, Cuba.

This trip is a promise I made to my boys way back in 2010—the last (and fourth) time I travelled to Cuba. I promised them the next time I went, it would be with them—just the three of us. They were nine and four then, now 18 and 13.

Quite honestly, even though I have wished a thousand times I could have taken them sooner, I think now is the perfect time. They are old enough to understand the value and opportunity of this adventure, and young enough to appreciate our time together (I trust I have raised them to always appreciate our time together 😉). I am so proud to be able to make this happen—so looking forward to the laughs we will have, and witnessing the wonder in their eyes as we tour though Havana, their amazement at the sights + scenes, and their appreciation for the local culture, and my love for the country and its people since my first visit in 1998.

This will be my fifth trip to Cuba, and by all counts, the most special.
✨☀️👩‍👦‍👦💕

xox
Joanne

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this story. Feel free to leave a comment and let’s chat!

Inspiration 365: Day 21

Quinn + Jake are buddies most of the time. There are five years between them, so it is commonplace for them to disagree on things like what movie to watch (Pixar versus Harry Potter), what to eat (pizza versus Brie and Paté) or what crafts to make (those melting iron bead things or fine bead jewelry).

While it is obvious Jake adores his big brother Quinn, for the most part Jake seems to be a thorn in Quinn’s side (based purely on Quinn’s perspective, that is).

Tonight the four of us snuggled on the sofa bed to watch Daddy Daycare. Usually Jake wants to be beside Mommy. Tonight, he wanted to be beside Quinner. No words were said to indicate this—merely body language. Throughout most of the movie, Jake was pressed right up alongside Quinn, and in several instances, climbed right up on him to lay in Quinn’s arms. Quinn embraced his adoring little brother, rubbed his back and hair, and simply let him snuggle. There were no bitter words like “Get OFF me!”, or “Mawwwwwm, tell Jake to leave me alone!”

Only love.

…What inspired YOU today?

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

Inspiration 365: Day 20

You know those times when you see a product in a store that you think looks super cool, but… well, you’re not too sure if it’s really gonna work as well as they say it will? So you go home and look it up online, and… yah, people say it’s cool, but… really?

So the item falls to the back of your mind until you come across it again in another store. Damn. That thing really looks so cool. You add it to your Christmas ‘maybe’ list for the kids. You continue to investigate online—customer reviews, photos, blog references. Yep. Trés cool.

What the heck. It is reasonably priced, available for purchase in your neighbourhood, and again… seems really, really cool. You go for it. You wrap it up all purdy, and eagerly anticipate your children unwrapping it, and reveling in its glory more so than any other gift under the tree.

{Who are we kidding? There was a remote-control helicopter under the tree this year.}

But you know what? I nailed it. ZOKU nailed it. Their Quick Pop maker is everything they said—and I hoped—it would be, and it is without question the gift we have all spent the most time enjoying since its unveiling Christmas Day. Elegant design, simple use, fail-proof instructions, creative recipes and the opportunity to spend time exploring adventurous flavour combinations for—and with—my kids.

Go check it out. You know you want to. ZOKU Quick Pop Maker.
And yah, it can make grown-up pops too.

Chocolate Peanut Butter with Fresh Strawberries

Inspiration 365: Day 18

“Sixty!? How can you possibly be sixty!?”

Those are the words I blurted out when my Dad answered the phone this morning.

“If you’re sixty, that means I’m forty… and that’s just not right.” He agreed.
Then, we BOTH agreed to stay 26 forever.

Happy Birthday, Dad.
I soooo love you.

…What inspired YOU today?

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

Inspiration 365: Day 16

Tonight, I am inspired by the many strong, beautiful women in my life…

Kelly, for working so hard to promote my new business direction;
Tara, for listening and lending a new perspective;
Cierra, for being so passionate about raising awareness to her peers about safe driving;
Elsbeth, for her determination and perseverance;
Melissa, for racking up the overtime so she can contribute enough to her RRSP to avoid paying taxes;
Tali, for inquiring about a power lifting program for women {oh, yah!};
Clarissa, Karla and Jennifer, for joining my 6-Meal Dinner Club within three minutes of receiving their invitation {Don’t be offended if you did not receive an invite. This is a spin-off for the participants of last week’s Nutrition Workshop. I will offer more dinner clubs down the road.};
Céline, for opening the Centre at 6am today after buggering-up her knee last night; and
my Mom, Sharon, for yesterday’s encouraging words which echoed throughout my thoughts all day long.

Thank you, Ladies.

…What inspired YOU today?

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

Inspiration 365: Day 9

As soon as the first snowflake fell, Quinn + Jake began asking to go skating. Last year was Quinn’s first successful season on skates. He had a mission and did not stop until he was satisfied he could skate at his best friend’s hockey party without embarrassment. He caught the bug—bad—and could hardly wait for the ice to freeze so he could strap on the skates once again. Jake too… although more so I think just to keep up with his big brother.

This Winter, we have been blessed with the loveliest of house guests who…oh, just so happens to be a skate coach.

Watching Cierra work with Jake tonight, and seeing both boys revel in the pride that comes from participating wholeheartedly in Canada’s greatest pastime (ahem, besides skiing), was truly the greatest inspiration today.

…What inspired YOU today?

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

Inspiration 365: Day 6

From the moment they were first born, I have taught my boys to be gentle. Wait. I feel like I have written this before. Oh right, I have.

Please refer to ‘Exhibit A’ before continuing…
‘G is for Gentle’, originally posted July 4, 2008

Thank you. Let me continue…

My boys are most certainly gentle. At ages ten and a half (remember how important the increments were between birthdays?), and five and a half, they have grown into thoughtful, compassionate, observant, sweet young men. Sometimes they need reminding. Don’t we all? Yet most of the time, they take their gentle very seriously.

Gentle. When Quinn comes and wraps his arms around me for no other reason than just because.
Gentle. When Jake asks his daycare provider to phone me 30 seconds after dropping him off so he can tell me one more time that he loves me.
Gentle. How they take turns having Marley sleep on their beds, and whisper sweet nothings to her as if tucking her in.
Gentle. The way Quinn helps me bring the groceries in from the car, saying things like “No Mom, let me do it.”

Tonight the boys and I went to the movies. On our way out, Quinn held the door open for a man headed inside. He looked Eastern European—tall, dark moustache, maybe in his 50s. I don’t think that matters, but wanted you to imagine his character… In a great, booming voice he said to Quinn:

“Thank You! You are a gentle boy!”

Quinn beamed the entire ride home. So did I.

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

Inspiration 365: Day 5

Before we proceed too far into the year, I thought it might be a swell idea to define what it is I am yapping about for the next 360 days. According to thefreedictionary.com, the definition is this:

in·spi·ra·tion  (nsp-rshn)

noun.

1.

     a. Stimulation of the mind or emotions to a high level of feeling or activity.

     b. The condition of being so stimulated.

2. An agency, such as a person or work of art, that moves the intellect or emotions or prompts action or invention.

3. Something, such as a sudden creative act or idea, that is inspired.

4. The quality of inspiring or exalting: a painting full of inspiration.

5. Divine guidance or influence exerted directly on the mind and soul of humankind.

6. The act of drawing in, especially the inhalation of air into the lungs.

I particularly like items 1a and 5. Something which inspires me, speaks to me—either by causing my heart to skip a beat, prompting sudden outbursts of laughter, sending chills up my spine, or producing a tear.

Today was a wonderful day, though not a particularly inspiring one. I enjoyed a light lunch at AlphaSoul Café with my dear amigo Wayne which, while delightful, was more an exchange of information than it was inspiring as we spoke primarily of business and my bathroom debacle (see Day 4).

This evening I spoke with various folks for various reasons—on the telephone! No text messaging, no email, no Facebook chats… Real. Live. Phone. Conversations. It was lovely! One, a gentle lady for whom I am designing a new website. Another, a couple for whom I am consulting regarding their home colour palette this coming Sunday, and most importantly I spoke with my sons and my Mother, whose voices I long to hear every day.

Alas, this is not meant to be a record of daily events, so I leave you with my question of the day—and every day…

…What inspired YOU today?

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

Wishing you a wonderful 2012!

A little colour…

What I’ve Learned…

What a learning curve I have been on for the last eighteen months… In January 2010, I made the mind-blowing, world-shifting, alarming decision to leave my marriage. Since then, I have seen more personal growth than in all of my adult years to date.

Here’s what I have learned so far…

• That separation and divorce does not have to be nasty/bitter/angry/unjust/evil/dirty/disastrous, and it does not have to destroy your children.

• That the friends you thought would stand by you forever, might not. Because when you decide to change, it means they need to change too. And if they can’t put their feelings and opinions aside to accept your changes, you may lose them. It’s okay. New friends are waiting for you just around the corner. And maybe, just maybe, your old friends will come back someday, ready to embrace your choices and your new life.

• That those people who preach forgiveness and grace and “do unto others” just might turn out to be the people who throw judgment the hardest. Beware. Forgive them first.

• That it’s okay to want everything on your wish list. And if you focus on it hard enough, you will receive everything on your wish list. Let it come to you. Allow it to arrive. Don’t believe in “It’s too good to be true”. Embrace and enjoy…

• That the greater the leap the greater the reward. I have taken many risks this last year and a half, despite it being extremely uncharacteristic of me to do so. Opening a gym with a man I had known less than a year, but whose experience, knowledge, and love I trusted implicitly. Letting go of most of my design + publishing clients to better focus my energies on the gym, meaning uncertain income and less security, but a greater allowance for expansion of my managerial skills and organizational talents as I build this business–this life—from scratch.

• That my children will be better-than-okay because they know Mama and Dad, and all of their friends and family, love them unconditionally. Quinner brought home his best report card yet (nothing less than a B-), and Teej enjoyed a brilliant first year of Kindergarten. Despite how people warned me, my children have not suffered, and with continued love, respect and support they will have every opportunity to grow and flourish into fantastic men who respect happiness and choice.

• That friends after forty (or in my case, approaching forty) are fabulous. Women in their forties are brilliant, confident, secure and genuine. They come to you raw and ready to hear your story with no preconceived notions of who you should or shouldn’t be.

• That thought inspires action, and action inspires results. What you think about, you bring about. Design vision boards, write goal statements, put sticky notes everywhere, to reaffirm where you want to go, and what you want to achieve. It will happen, if you trust in your power to think. Spend 5–10 minutes each day—ideally as soon as you open your eyes in the morning, or after you close them at night—to focus your energy on your desires.

• That I can, should, and am entitled to do anything I want. If I want to write, I will write. If I want to design, I will design. That I am brilliant at all I attempt: colour work, illustration, bead jewelry, working with clients, organizing, planning, playing, writing, speaking, caring, parenting, being a good friend, loving.

• That life is what you make it.

Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday

Art by three, for three

After being inspired by a wall of artwork in one of the shops in our new neighbourhood, Quinn decided we should do the same for our new place.

Time for the world to know…

Notwithstanding this is the most impersonal way to divulge news of the utmost personal nature, I need to let you know what has been happening with me lately…

As you know, this past year has been one of incredible transformation for me. You have witnessed this transformation primarily in the way of physical changes, but—more significantly—I have grown and changed tremendously on the inside.

In Spring of 2009, I embarked on an intense journey of self-discovery, acceptance and truth, and as such, have made some life changing decisions to support my ideals, goals and vision for my future.

Last Fall, I decided to separate. While I choose not to discuss my reasons here, please know Andrew and I are doing well and are supporting one another with love and respect.

Andrew and I have been sharing the house and our time with the boys, with each of us taking turns at Hotel des Parents on our nights away. The four of us have worked through the initial sadness that comes with this kind of transition, and are now in a place where we can move forward with excitement toward our new adventures.

Yesterday was a milestone day. I signed the house over to Andrew and submitted a lease to rent a heritage apartment in one of Ottawa’s trendiest and most vibrant neighbourhoods. I will have the boys with me half the time, driving them to/from school and activities as required. I will also be at Andrew’s house for before and after care throughout the week, so he can work his regular hours. Being self-employed offers me the flexibility to dedicate this time to the boys, and help Andrew out where possible.

Andrew and I continue to be loving friends, co-parenting the boys with as much dedication to them as we have all along, helping one another when we require each other’s talents and skills, enjoying each other’s company at family gatherings, and making a point to unite as a family on a regular basis. We will continue to praise each other’s successes, and encourage new growth for each other, whether it be professional or personal.

To quote a portion of my March 16th post, Change…

Growth is a necessary, but often painful, part of life.

Most often, when one begins to attract and develop their passion in life, the changes required to realize this will affect those closest and dearest to them. This is a very difficult time of turmoil and unrest, as each individual must now accept or reject a new identity. It is important to understand the person affecting the change is still the same person who loves them very much and wants what is best for all, which includes being honest with themselves while they begin to live their life.

This does not mean abandonment, but very often means things will be much better for all concerned once things settle, if all choose this outcome. It is also necessary to realize no one is at fault. There is no one to blame, no bitterness exists, and a deep rooted love remains. It should also be pointed out that very often change has been in the works for quite some time, with very little evidence, and that change is the individual’s choice—and can only be their choice—not the fault of another.

 And from February 10th…

Two of the most difficult tasks we will ever perform in our life are…

…to live our purpose without regret, not trying to please everyone around us.
…to allow another to live their purpose without judgment, especially those close to our heart.

Change…

Growth is a necessary, but often painful, part of life.

Most often, when one begins to attract and develop their passion in life, the changes required to realize this will affect those closest and dearest to them. This is a very difficult time of turmoil and unrest, as each individual must now accept or reject a new identity. It is important to understand the person affecting the change is still the same person who loves them very much and wants what is best for all, which includes being honest with themselves while they begin to live their life.

This does not mean abandonment, but very often means things will be much better for all concerned once things settle, if all choose this outcome. It is also necessary to realize no one is at fault. There is no one to blame, no bitterness exists, and a deep rooted love remains. It should also be pointed out that very often change has been in the works for quite some time, with very little evidence, and that change is the individual’s choice—and can only be their choice—not the fault of another.

One of the things they neglect to mention when applying The Law of Attraction, is that once you have laid out your desired life and all the components of that desired life begin to manifest themselves on the physical plane, there will almost always be much pain experienced by those affected, especially if those being affected have no understanding of how and why this Universal Law operates. This pain is so totally unnecessary and change should be a welcome thing. Sadly very few will ever see growth this way, unless they believe that change was their idea.

— Anonymous

Soon…

The other night as dinner preparations were wrapping up, we asked the boys to go wash their hands.

Jake (3 years old): “Why?”
Me: “Because we’re having supper soon.”
Jake: “But when are we having supper?”
Me: “Soon.”
Jake, after a thoughtful pause: “But, but… SOON means NOTHING!”

Clever kid.

Gratitude Journal

While it is not a new concept to our family, keeping a Gratitude Journal is something we haven’t done in a while. In fact, I am presently looking to locate the book we used to keep at the kitchen table to record our daily high points.

Wow. I just found it. Last entry: October 18, 2008. Oops. Time to reinstate the journal.

Here are some of the items we have written in the past:

Thursday, January 3, 2008
Quinn: “For the picnic Mom and I had on the living room bench today—she surprised me!”

Andrew: “For fish, because I like fish. It was a nice fish dinner. I don’t usually get to eat my sole.”

Me: “For spending another great day with Quinn—he helped me mop floors and we danced a LOT today.”

 •     •     •     •     •

Friday, May 23, 2008
Quinn: “Tomorrow I’m going to Grandma and Grandpa’s house for a sleepover!”

Andrew: “For the weekend. It always seems to take so long to arrive when it’s a short week.”

TJ (Jake): nodding

Me: “That I had a fun and silly chat with Sensei Shawna and Gerri-Lyn tonight. Lots of girly giggles.”

Keeping a Gratitude Journal encourages us to think of the happinesses of the day, and pushes the not-so-great moments to the bottom of the barrel. After a few days of this, you will find you truly embrace those happy moments, and they tend to occur more often.

Even on a day you may think was “the worst day ever”, you are bound to find even the smallest moment for which to be grateful.

Turn your face to the sun, and your shadows will fall behind you—Anonymous

Do you keep a Gratitude Journal? If so, or if not, what are 3 things you are grateful for today?

Five Little Pumpkins…