Soul food. What did you eat this year that you will never forget? What went into your mouth & touched your soul?
Hmm this is a tricky one, because I generally don't pay super attention to food. Although this year I'd have to say the one thing that sticks out is Australian Sour Cream. It's heavenly, it's like whipped butter but sour cream. It's amazing and delectable.
But more than that it's about HOW I eat, the best meals I've had are prepared with friends, shared over a bottle of wine and terrific conversation. And I've had these meals in many countries over the year, and that's makes me so happy.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Ordinary joy
Ordinary joy. Our most profound joy is often experienced during ordinary moments. What was one of your most joyful ordinary moments this year?
There are so many. I try to make sure one moment of every day is made extraordinary by my noticing it. But my most joyful moment of the year was coming back to Toronto, realizing that I have a home in this world. Coming to my apartment and being SO HAPPY to have my space back. To be happy to be alone.
Photo
Photo - a present to yourself. Sift through all the photos of you from the past year. Choose one that best captures you; either who you are, or who you strive to be. Find the shot of you that is worth a thousand words. Share the image, who shot it, where, and what it best reveals about you.
I took this picture, in my nook. It's of my Angel, my mum has the other half of it. She collects these types of angels and was pretty into it when I was in my teens. When I moved away to England at 18 she gave me this half to have and remember her with. I took it everywhere, this little angel has seen all of Europe. When I came home, I gave it back. But when I moved to Toronto- supposedly for school and for a limited time offer, but we both knew this was the move I was going to make forever, she gave it back to me and I never go anywhere with it. It keeps me connected to my mum, it watches me sleep and it makes me feel happy and connected to those far away when I look at it. I keep it by my bed so it's the last thing I see before sleep, and the first thing I look in the morning. The halo is pretty beat up and tattered these days- but then we've been through some rough times together.
I miss my family, there isn't a day that goes by that I wish I could live closer. There is no regret about moving to Toronto- ever. I love it here, I'm happy and this is, finally after years of searching, my home. So thank goodness for Skype and the phone and for my whole family.
 |
| My Angel |
I miss my family, there isn't a day that goes by that I wish I could live closer. There is no regret about moving to Toronto- ever. I love it here, I'm happy and this is, finally after years of searching, my home. So thank goodness for Skype and the phone and for my whole family.
Everything's OK
Everything's OK. What was the best moment that could serve as proof that everything is going to be alright? And how will you incorporate that discovery into the year ahead?
Hmm this one is weird, I already know everything is going to be OK. And I don't know if I can define it to a specific moment. Everyday that I wake up, it's OK, every time I walk outside, it's OK, every smile I have it's OK, every friend I speak to, it's OK.
So this hasn't been a discovery for this year, but I will continue to come back to now and remember in this moment, it's perfect. It is all perfect.
Hmm this one is weird, I already know everything is going to be OK. And I don't know if I can define it to a specific moment. Everyday that I wake up, it's OK, every time I walk outside, it's OK, every smile I have it's OK, every friend I speak to, it's OK.
So this hasn't been a discovery for this year, but I will continue to come back to now and remember in this moment, it's perfect. It is all perfect.
New Name
New name. Let's meet again, for the first time. If you could introduce yourself to strangers by another name for just one day, what would it be and why?
It would be Baroness Michelle Darlington, obviously! Why? Because I think I'm all classy and aristocratic (but realistic enough to only lust after a barony not a duchy) and Darling or Darlington would probably be the only names I'd trade my last name up for. Part of me thinks when you get married you should become a family unit and have one name. But what if that person you marry has a crappy name? I don't want to trade down in my name. I love my name. I have never really had any adverse feelings towards my name.
It's a bit of a funny name, mostly french with a good english kick in the backside. But my middle name is after my great grandmother, and I'm proud of that. Even though she passed when I was too young to remember her. And despite the teasing I received as a child about my name, I know that even if you were named Ann or Sally, you'd still get teased, kids are assholes.
So there you go. And don't forget to curtsey when we meet.
It would be Baroness Michelle Darlington, obviously! Why? Because I think I'm all classy and aristocratic (but realistic enough to only lust after a barony not a duchy) and Darling or Darlington would probably be the only names I'd trade my last name up for. Part of me thinks when you get married you should become a family unit and have one name. But what if that person you marry has a crappy name? I don't want to trade down in my name. I love my name. I have never really had any adverse feelings towards my name.
It's a bit of a funny name, mostly french with a good english kick in the backside. But my middle name is after my great grandmother, and I'm proud of that. Even though she passed when I was too young to remember her. And despite the teasing I received as a child about my name, I know that even if you were named Ann or Sally, you'd still get teased, kids are assholes.
So there you go. And don't forget to curtsey when we meet.
Travel
Travel. How did you travel in 2010? How and/or where would you like to travel next year?
Heh, this is a rather reverb to start on, when I read it I was a day away from flying out to New Jersey for the holidays. Which, if you read the news- me wanting to fly out on the 26th- can imagine how that ended. It was a 30 hour journey to get home and there was a lot of time cursing myself for leaving town for Christmas for traveling in general.
It's been a bit of a shite year for travel mojo, I've had several canceled flights, lost luggage, being stranded in cities, being desperately far away from my family and friends and all that was familiar. But there were some great great trips, to the beach, to New York City. And always elements of the sublime in every single trip I took.
But you know- I still love it and crave it. And people help each other, I witnessed so much openness while at Newark, people came round with homemade cupcakes, there was group commiseration on our circumstances. It made me feel part of a larger thing, part of humanity. Where we try to make the best of a bad situation and help out people around us.
I want to keep traveling like that in 2011, I want to be open and helpful and remember that it could be worse and that a helping hand can make all the difference and we're all in this together.
Heh, this is a rather reverb to start on, when I read it I was a day away from flying out to New Jersey for the holidays. Which, if you read the news- me wanting to fly out on the 26th- can imagine how that ended. It was a 30 hour journey to get home and there was a lot of time cursing myself for leaving town for Christmas for traveling in general.
It's been a bit of a shite year for travel mojo, I've had several canceled flights, lost luggage, being stranded in cities, being desperately far away from my family and friends and all that was familiar. But there were some great great trips, to the beach, to New York City. And always elements of the sublime in every single trip I took.
But you know- I still love it and crave it. And people help each other, I witnessed so much openness while at Newark, people came round with homemade cupcakes, there was group commiseration on our circumstances. It made me feel part of a larger thing, part of humanity. Where we try to make the best of a bad situation and help out people around us.
I want to keep traveling like that in 2011, I want to be open and helpful and remember that it could be worse and that a helping hand can make all the difference and we're all in this together.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Beyond avoidance
Beyond avoidance. What should you have done this year but didn't because you were too scared, worried, unsure, busy or otherwise deterred from doing? (Bonus: Will you do it?)
I should have gotten a job, but I avoided it. First I was exhausted and wrung out from Australia, then it was Summer and who wants a job in the Summer? (crazy people, that's who) Then I was depressed about not having a job, not knowing what I want to do with my life, not having a career, being 33 and struggling, an embarrassment to my family, not good enough. And then I was scared to try.
Will I do it? You bet I will. I feel like the curtain has parted on what it is I want to be doing, what will make me happy, what I could do for years and years and it wouldn't feel like work. And I'm going after it, I might not get there tomorrow or this coming year. But I will. You can count on it.
I should have gotten a job, but I avoided it. First I was exhausted and wrung out from Australia, then it was Summer and who wants a job in the Summer? (crazy people, that's who) Then I was depressed about not having a job, not knowing what I want to do with my life, not having a career, being 33 and struggling, an embarrassment to my family, not good enough. And then I was scared to try.
Will I do it? You bet I will. I feel like the curtain has parted on what it is I want to be doing, what will make me happy, what I could do for years and years and it wouldn't feel like work. And I'm going after it, I might not get there tomorrow or this coming year. But I will. You can count on it.
Healing
Healing. What healed you this year? Was it sudden, or a drip-by-drip evolution? How would you like to be healed in 2011?
In a way, Australia healed me this year. There are aspects of that trip that brought up so much pain and anguish and patterns of behaviour that I wanted to suppress.
This made me confront things and cut people that are toxic out of my life after standing up for myself. Unfortunately you can't change a person from being an asshole, but you can say I will not forgive you for treating me poorly. And that was really scary to do. But I did do it and I'm stronger for it.
And it healed my wanderlust a little bit. Not completely, mind you. I will always, always want to be away, traveling. A stranger in a strange land is my idea of heaven. But I know where my home base is. And I know that all the hard slog I've put into this city, into creating friendships and connections is paying off.
So I'd say it was drip-by-drip more than it was whammo a sudden explosion.
It's like I woke up and realized, I am happy. I want to continue this, and it will make me stronger and wily and all the colours of the rainbow in 2011.
I think recommended reading would be "The Fox with Cold Feet" I finally realized my feet aren't that cold.
In a way, Australia healed me this year. There are aspects of that trip that brought up so much pain and anguish and patterns of behaviour that I wanted to suppress.
This made me confront things and cut people that are toxic out of my life after standing up for myself. Unfortunately you can't change a person from being an asshole, but you can say I will not forgive you for treating me poorly. And that was really scary to do. But I did do it and I'm stronger for it.
And it healed my wanderlust a little bit. Not completely, mind you. I will always, always want to be away, traveling. A stranger in a strange land is my idea of heaven. But I know where my home base is. And I know that all the hard slog I've put into this city, into creating friendships and connections is paying off.
So I'd say it was drip-by-drip more than it was whammo a sudden explosion.
It's like I woke up and realized, I am happy. I want to continue this, and it will make me stronger and wily and all the colours of the rainbow in 2011.
I think recommended reading would be "The Fox with Cold Feet" I finally realized my feet aren't that cold.
Try
Try. What do you want to try next year? Is there something you wanted to try in 2010? What happened when you did / didn't go for it?
I want to try to do what makes me happy for money. I have never tried to do this before. But I'm closing in on exactly what that would be and it's kind of exciting.
I tried to live in Australia this year. I went for it, it was scary and I didn't really like it. I like aspects of it and I miss so many people I met there. But I feel satisfied that I tried it out and I'm confident in where I want to be living in the world, which is here. In the heart of my hearts- Toronto.
I want to try to do what makes me happy for money. I have never tried to do this before. But I'm closing in on exactly what that would be and it's kind of exciting.
I tried to live in Australia this year. I went for it, it was scary and I didn't really like it. I like aspects of it and I miss so many people I met there. But I feel satisfied that I tried it out and I'm confident in where I want to be living in the world, which is here. In the heart of my hearts- Toronto.
Lesson learned
Lesson learned. What was the best thing you learned about yourself this past year? And how will you apply that lesson going forward?
Errr, I'm so not a lesson learned type of person. But, I'll give it a shot. I have learned- that I am happy, that things are OK. And in spite of or because of everything, I'm going to be happy. It's my choice. I am the master of my domain, I'm in charge of my life. And I'm going to be happy with what I have and ok with not wanting what is "normal" to define success.
I'm going to keep breathing, keep myself present, give thanks and be grateful just to be.
Errr, I'm so not a lesson learned type of person. But, I'll give it a shot. I have learned- that I am happy, that things are OK. And in spite of or because of everything, I'm going to be happy. It's my choice. I am the master of my domain, I'm in charge of my life. And I'm going to be happy with what I have and ok with not wanting what is "normal" to define success.
I'm going to keep breathing, keep myself present, give thanks and be grateful just to be.
Friendship
Friendship. How has a friend changed you or your perspective on the world this year? Was this change gradual, or a sudden burst?
Recently I almost screwed up a friendship for a guy. And this isn't the first time I've done this, but this time it finally hit home to me. FINALLY. After this being a pattern since I started getting involved with boys.
I suspect it has a lot to do with low self-esteem and wanting to be wanted and in love in that magical completely unrealistic way. As well I suspect that every time I feel "thunderbolts" for someone they might in fact be warning bells.
I think what made this time different was remembering how hard I worked to get the friendships I have here. I don't have a lot of friends in Toronto really, two really close ones and they are amazing, and I've thrown both of them under the bus at one point. And it's shitty of me. So ladies, I am sorry and I thank you for being forgiving and amazing.
It woke me up, to remember that boys come and go, but friends can be forever and I'm not willing to risk them for a guy who is a warning bell. And it gave me the resolve to get rid of someone so dangerous to me that he could strip me of my friends.
And they are the wind beneath my wings. (*sniffle* so cheesy!)
Recently I almost screwed up a friendship for a guy. And this isn't the first time I've done this, but this time it finally hit home to me. FINALLY. After this being a pattern since I started getting involved with boys.
I suspect it has a lot to do with low self-esteem and wanting to be wanted and in love in that magical completely unrealistic way. As well I suspect that every time I feel "thunderbolts" for someone they might in fact be warning bells.
I think what made this time different was remembering how hard I worked to get the friendships I have here. I don't have a lot of friends in Toronto really, two really close ones and they are amazing, and I've thrown both of them under the bus at one point. And it's shitty of me. So ladies, I am sorry and I thank you for being forgiving and amazing.
It woke me up, to remember that boys come and go, but friends can be forever and I'm not willing to risk them for a guy who is a warning bell. And it gave me the resolve to get rid of someone so dangerous to me that he could strip me of my friends.
And they are the wind beneath my wings. (*sniffle* so cheesy!)
5 minutes
5 minutes. Imagine you will completely lose your memory of 2010 in five minutes. Set an alarm for five minutes and capture the things you most want to remember about 2010.
Sydney, the beach, the ocean, the sunshine, connecting with friends again, meeting new friends, Toronto, homecoming, happiness, spring time, flowers, the colours, regaining strength, summer time, the park, the feel of my legs when I'm walking, my bike, hot sultry nights, wasaga, the lake, floating, swimming, happiness, mum visiting, the islands, the heat, fall, the leaves, the walking, New York, Blake, happiness, the metropolitan, the junction, the backyard, nights on the porch talking till late, sunday dinners, my wonderful friends, heavy me, gwen styles, the music, the agony, the ecstasy, the beauty and wonder of it all.
*edit- i do need to add in a couple of things: Mark- I hope you are at peace, winter, snow!!, fresh duvet covers and my family and Rusalka. *
Sydney, the beach, the ocean, the sunshine, connecting with friends again, meeting new friends, Toronto, homecoming, happiness, spring time, flowers, the colours, regaining strength, summer time, the park, the feel of my legs when I'm walking, my bike, hot sultry nights, wasaga, the lake, floating, swimming, happiness, mum visiting, the islands, the heat, fall, the leaves, the walking, New York, Blake, happiness, the metropolitan, the junction, the backyard, nights on the porch talking till late, sunday dinners, my wonderful friends, heavy me, gwen styles, the music, the agony, the ecstasy, the beauty and wonder of it all.
*edit- i do need to add in a couple of things: Mark- I hope you are at peace, winter, snow!!, fresh duvet covers and my family and Rusalka. *
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Appreciate
Appreciate. What's the one thing you have come to appreciate most in the past year? How do you express gratitude for it?
Toronto. Oh heart of my hearts. Home of my homes. City, friend, lover.
I spent the first 3 months out of Toronto living in a different country and culture. One I had thought and dreamed about for years, wanting to go there, to live there, to BE there. And so I went, planning on sussing it out, and then making the move over there and start again another grand adventure. It was all planned out.
Except for one thing I didn't plan on, missing Toronto with every fibre of my being. I composed love letters to it, I mooned over pictures, I cried for it, I counted the days until I could see it again. And when I landed in Toronto at dusk- the sun, glinting off the CN Tower in the distance and my second favourite Feist song (I feel it All) playing in Pearson International, I really did start to cry and had I been alone, I would have fallen on the floor and kissed the ground a la Kevin Costner arriving home to England in Robin Hood- Prince of Thieves. I was home.
What did I do to appreciate Toronto? I left. And I came back, sure in my knowledge that this is the city for me. That it is Love, big L- L.O.V.E. I have going on here. It makes me squeek and sigh every time I see the CN Tower, and brings a smile to my face when I wake up. It makes me wish my arms were 50km long so I could give Toronto the biggest, squishiest, most wonderful hug I could ever give.
Thank you Toronto, you saved me. You made my life worth living again in so many ways. I'm grateful, you and me- we're soul mates. I'll always be on your side telling the world how great you are. Many might not believe me (they're probably from the west coast anyway...) but we know, that you and I share something special.
This is me expressing my gratitude at the best city in the world. XOTO
Toronto. Oh heart of my hearts. Home of my homes. City, friend, lover.
I spent the first 3 months out of Toronto living in a different country and culture. One I had thought and dreamed about for years, wanting to go there, to live there, to BE there. And so I went, planning on sussing it out, and then making the move over there and start again another grand adventure. It was all planned out.
Except for one thing I didn't plan on, missing Toronto with every fibre of my being. I composed love letters to it, I mooned over pictures, I cried for it, I counted the days until I could see it again. And when I landed in Toronto at dusk- the sun, glinting off the CN Tower in the distance and my second favourite Feist song (I feel it All) playing in Pearson International, I really did start to cry and had I been alone, I would have fallen on the floor and kissed the ground a la Kevin Costner arriving home to England in Robin Hood- Prince of Thieves. I was home.
What did I do to appreciate Toronto? I left. And I came back, sure in my knowledge that this is the city for me. That it is Love, big L- L.O.V.E. I have going on here. It makes me squeek and sigh every time I see the CN Tower, and brings a smile to my face when I wake up. It makes me wish my arms were 50km long so I could give Toronto the biggest, squishiest, most wonderful hug I could ever give.
Thank you Toronto, you saved me. You made my life worth living again in so many ways. I'm grateful, you and me- we're soul mates. I'll always be on your side telling the world how great you are. Many might not believe me (they're probably from the west coast anyway...) but we know, that you and I share something special.
This is me expressing my gratitude at the best city in the world. XOTO
Action
Action. When it comes to aspirations, its not about ideas. It's about making ideas happen. What's your next step?
Eeep, to get a job. To really actually GET A JOB. To be ruthless in selling myself and my abilities. To get out there, put myself out there in the face of the world and suffer rejection and possible humiliation, to make cold calls and shmooze with people.
Pretty spooky, but I can do it. I WILL DO IT.
Eeep, to get a job. To really actually GET A JOB. To be ruthless in selling myself and my abilities. To get out there, put myself out there in the face of the world and suffer rejection and possible humiliation, to make cold calls and shmooze with people.
Pretty spooky, but I can do it. I WILL DO IT.
Body integration
Body integration. This year, when did you feel the most integrated with your body? Did you have a moment where there wasn't mind and body, but simply a cohesive YOU, alive and present?
I have these moments a fair bit. I try to have one at least once a day. But I realized just the other day something more important, I don't dislike my body anymore. Couldn't say when exactly it happened, although I suspect for a long while now I've been only hating my body out of habit, because that's what you're "supposed" to do.
Thing is, my body is just fine. At the moment it's not as strong as I'd like it to be, as exampled by my back going out, and being sick for the past few weeks. But on the whole, I look good. I'm pretty cute, I dress well, stylishly, ok- except for that one time when I went to the coffee shop in yoga pants, but it was only ONCE, and I realized then that I was really depressed and I snapped the hell out of it. Plus a stinky person sat beside me, my punishment- I guess.
I like my body best when I'm in motion, because I'm strong and I'm efficient and I'm a force to be reckoned with. My goal this coming year is to push my activity level on a daily basis. Walking, then running, then weights. Because I am.... BEEFCAKE!
I have these moments a fair bit. I try to have one at least once a day. But I realized just the other day something more important, I don't dislike my body anymore. Couldn't say when exactly it happened, although I suspect for a long while now I've been only hating my body out of habit, because that's what you're "supposed" to do.
Thing is, my body is just fine. At the moment it's not as strong as I'd like it to be, as exampled by my back going out, and being sick for the past few weeks. But on the whole, I look good. I'm pretty cute, I dress well, stylishly, ok- except for that one time when I went to the coffee shop in yoga pants, but it was only ONCE, and I realized then that I was really depressed and I snapped the hell out of it. Plus a stinky person sat beside me, my punishment- I guess.
I like my body best when I'm in motion, because I'm strong and I'm efficient and I'm a force to be reckoned with. My goal this coming year is to push my activity level on a daily basis. Walking, then running, then weights. Because I am.... BEEFCAKE!
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Things
Things. What are 11 things your life doesn't need in 2011? How will you go about eliminating them? How will getting rid of these 11 things change your life?
I'm not sure if I have that many things that need to go? I come from generations strong purgers so I tend to go through my house at least twice a year and get rid of junk. Not to mention I just don't have that much space for anything that isn't streamlined.
One thing I am going to get rid of is my uncomfortable couch, and that will GREATLY improve my life. Everyone needs a comfortable place to sit and read!
And I'll continue getting rid of negativity, negative influence and negative thoughts.
I'm not sure if I have that many things that need to go? I come from generations strong purgers so I tend to go through my house at least twice a year and get rid of junk. Not to mention I just don't have that much space for anything that isn't streamlined.
One thing I am going to get rid of is my uncomfortable couch, and that will GREATLY improve my life. Everyone needs a comfortable place to sit and read!
And I'll continue getting rid of negativity, negative influence and negative thoughts.
Wisdom.
Wisdom. What was the wisest decision you made this year, and how did it play out?
To be happy. And just be.
To be happy. And just be.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Party!
Party. What social gathering rocked your socks off in 2010? Describe the people, music, food, drink, clothes, shenanigans.
Well- as some of you may know, I'm a bit of a party animal. I loooooove a party. I love hosting parties, planning them out, being an (notso)innocent bystander at them.
Hard to narrow it down to just one- so let's go top 3 (in no particular order)
1.Pili and Clif's Australian engagement party. We had a delicious dinner on the docks at Wallamalloo, were dressed up all very fancy and having champagne, there were great people, great conversations!
2. My Birthday! My birthday is always the most fun, because I decided a long time ago, that I was always going to plan to do what I wanted to do on my birthday and be selfish! It's the one day you really REALLY can just do what you want and sod anyone else's opinions. I've decided since my 30th I'll be spending every other year in NYC, this year was a Toronto year. And it was great fun, dressing up and wandering the Junction with Gwen and meeting up with Isabel for dinner, having drinks with them and Stu on a Yorkville patio. It was a delicious sunny and warm day.
3. Anything where I can dress up fancy and socialize. It is clear that I must become a socialite because I'm good at it, and I like it!
Well- as some of you may know, I'm a bit of a party animal. I loooooove a party. I love hosting parties, planning them out, being an (notso)innocent bystander at them.
Hard to narrow it down to just one- so let's go top 3 (in no particular order)
1.Pili and Clif's Australian engagement party. We had a delicious dinner on the docks at Wallamalloo, were dressed up all very fancy and having champagne, there were great people, great conversations!
2. My Birthday! My birthday is always the most fun, because I decided a long time ago, that I was always going to plan to do what I wanted to do on my birthday and be selfish! It's the one day you really REALLY can just do what you want and sod anyone else's opinions. I've decided since my 30th I'll be spending every other year in NYC, this year was a Toronto year. And it was great fun, dressing up and wandering the Junction with Gwen and meeting up with Isabel for dinner, having drinks with them and Stu on a Yorkville patio. It was a delicious sunny and warm day.
3. Anything where I can dress up fancy and socialize. It is clear that I must become a socialite because I'm good at it, and I like it!
Beautifully Different
Beautifully different. Think about what makes you different and what you do that lights people up. Reflect on all the things that make you different - you'll find they're what make you beautiful.
Things that make me different:
Yup I'm a unique little snowflake, just like all the other snowflakes out there!
Things that make me different:
- I like to fold things. A lot!
- I name the spiders that live in my bathroom and I don't kill any of the ones that live in my house.
- At restaurants I must organize creamers in bowls on the tables. (well just my table, I don't walk around to ALL the tables- that would be crazy)
- I believe you can have a relationship with a purse and/or a shoe that is just as, if not more, satisfying than a romantic relationship.
- My best boyfriend was my cat Sky.
- I like to watch White Christmas, but usually not at Christmas time, unless I'm spending Christmas alone, and then it's what I do on the day.
- I really like spending Christmas by myself, I just never get to.
- I don't define success by power, money or fame. But by love, health and happiness.
- I think I'm very successful.
- Really, I don't need to be the best at anything. As long as I'm happy- I'm good.
Yup I'm a unique little snowflake, just like all the other snowflakes out there!
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Community
Community. Where have you discovered community, online or otherwise, in 2010? What community would you like to join, create or more deeply connect with in 2011?
Maybe that means that this is an important topic for me? I think in 2010 I reaffirmed my communities. Spending the first 3 months in Australia really reaffirmed for me that Canada, specifically Toronto, is where I need to be in my life and that is where I am happiest. I always rave and rave about this little neigbourhood I live in (probably because it's the best neighbourhood ever!!), but when I'm out and about I get a real sense of connection to the people around me, that we look out for each other. I know my upstairs neighbour really well- I'd definitely ask for sugar if I needed it. In fact, I have!
Online, I've started using Twitter a bit more, and reading some new blogs which seem to mingle a bit. I "tweeted" to one writer of a blog I admire about her help in something and she replied! I felt very warm and fuzzy. And our recent ex-mayor @iamdavidmiller replied to a tweet and said hello to the ocean for me!! (seriously I loved our old mayor. I would see him in the subway and have to fight the urge to go up and hug him).
Another blog I read recently posted an article on how to deal with the death of an ex- which is a timely topic, that I have been dealing with and not many people can understand. We had a little chat about it on her website and it was so helpful.
I have great friends here in Toronto, who I try to see on a regular basis. The only time I really can sometimes feel a bit lonely is Sunday mornings. I think I'd like, in my heart, for that to be family time- where I could meet up with my parents for brunch and talk about the week. But time differences mean I can't call them when I wake up (I've already forgotten about it and called VERY early a few times- yes I am one of THOSE Ontario people now- go me!!!). So my good friend suggested I find a walking group on Sunday mornings? Which I think is a great idea!
Another good friend of mine will be moving to Toronto in the New Year, so my Toronto family is expanding and thus my sense of community.
I also briefly worked up in the Junction, and got to know a few people there and frequent the shops there more. I'd like to do more of that in 2011. Meet more people- as always. I think the colours of life is in the people we weave into fabric.
Make
Make. What was the last thing you made? What materials did you use? Is there something you want to make, but you need to clear some time for it?
I have a few works in progress, some paintings that I do need to finish up.Must tear myself away from the computer.
Things that I DO want to make are more like home organizing projects to enhance the awesomeness of my abode. There is some shelving I want to put in the kitchen which I will make. Possibly some shelving in my nook as well to house my books ( I always seem to have more books than shelves). I want to paint my place a bit and get a new couch and fix up my bed.
So I guess I do need to make time for these things to make my place as fantastic as possible!!
I have a few works in progress, some paintings that I do need to finish up.Must tear myself away from the computer.
Things that I DO want to make are more like home organizing projects to enhance the awesomeness of my abode. There is some shelving I want to put in the kitchen which I will make. Possibly some shelving in my nook as well to house my books ( I always seem to have more books than shelves). I want to paint my place a bit and get a new couch and fix up my bed.
So I guess I do need to make time for these things to make my place as fantastic as possible!!
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Let Go
Let Go. What (or whom) did you let go of this year? Why? (Author: Alice Bradley)
My imposed expectations, my illusion of control over my life, my inner feeling that I'm not measuring up.
Because I draw breath, my life is perfect, it is how it is meant to be at this moment.
My imposed expectations, my illusion of control over my life, my inner feeling that I'm not measuring up.
Because I draw breath, my life is perfect, it is how it is meant to be at this moment.
Wonder
Wonder. How did you cultivate a sense of wonder in your life this year? (Author: Jeffrey Davis)
I try to cultivate wonder everyday. And to do so I have to stop, bring myself back to the present moment and see the beauty around me. I remember that everyone is a person with struggles and feelings and they deserve my love and compassion, not my censure and they are beautiful.
Picking up on the beauty in everything helps keep my wonder alive.
I try to cultivate wonder everyday. And to do so I have to stop, bring myself back to the present moment and see the beauty around me. I remember that everyone is a person with struggles and feelings and they deserve my love and compassion, not my censure and they are beautiful.
Picking up on the beauty in everything helps keep my wonder alive.
Moment
Moment. Pick one moment during which you felt most alive this year. Describe it in vivid detail (texture, smells, voices, noises, colors). (Author: Ali Edwards)
Floating in Lake Huron watching the sunset this summer at Wasaga Beach. The colours were gold and vivid orange, grey clouds, blue lake, green trees. The space was vast and silent. It was a perfect moment, and I felt as if my heart could explode with love.
Even thinking about it now makes me smile and feel buoyant, weightless. I felt such pride that I have been graced to live in a country of such astounding beauty and size. This was no small sunset.
Floating in Lake Huron watching the sunset this summer at Wasaga Beach. The colours were gold and vivid orange, grey clouds, blue lake, green trees. The space was vast and silent. It was a perfect moment, and I felt as if my heart could explode with love.
Even thinking about it now makes me smile and feel buoyant, weightless. I felt such pride that I have been graced to live in a country of such astounding beauty and size. This was no small sunset.
Writing
Writing. What do you do each day that doesn’t contribute to your writing — and can you eliminate it? (Author: Leo Babauta)
The internet doesn't contribute to my writing. It is my television, a place where I can whittle away the hours. Not that I think I can eliminate it. But I would like to reduce my usage. As beautiful as my lappy is, it doesn't replace real people. Or nature.
The more time spent doing other things off the computer the more writing I want to do.
The internet doesn't contribute to my writing. It is my television, a place where I can whittle away the hours. Not that I think I can eliminate it. But I would like to reduce my usage. As beautiful as my lappy is, it doesn't replace real people. Or nature.
The more time spent doing other things off the computer the more writing I want to do.
#reverb10
I came across this website/concept reverb10 "Reflect on this year & Manifest What's Next"
Each day in December you get a prompt to think about and express. I'm going to try to do this!
December 1 – One Word. Encapsulate the year 2010 in one word. Explain why you’re choosing that word. Now, imagine it’s one year from today, what would you like the word to be that captures 2011 for you? (Author: Gwen Bell)
Rest. I have spent much of this year on a hiatus from the grind. In so many ways this has been wonderful and needed and brought me to a lot of places I wouldn't have gone to. But as this year winds to an end I feel the urge to get back in the game and start running with the Elk again. 2011's word is going to be Action.
Each day in December you get a prompt to think about and express. I'm going to try to do this!
December 1 – One Word. Encapsulate the year 2010 in one word. Explain why you’re choosing that word. Now, imagine it’s one year from today, what would you like the word to be that captures 2011 for you? (Author: Gwen Bell)
Rest. I have spent much of this year on a hiatus from the grind. In so many ways this has been wonderful and needed and brought me to a lot of places I wouldn't have gone to. But as this year winds to an end I feel the urge to get back in the game and start running with the Elk again. 2011's word is going to be Action.
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