Saje Extra Strength Pain Relieving Remedy | Saje

I often avoid looking at stores where I know I will become addicted to their aesthetics and products. As a reluctant shopper and self-proclaimed minimalist, I take each purchase seriously and have been hesitant to look at what Saje has to offer. My desire to maintain distance became impossible after an employee asked if she could roll this on my neck before I went deep into the city for a book club. I spent the rest of that evening feeling the soothing effects on my neck and shoulders.
I’m hooked.

Sunday Morning Print | Jasmine Alexander

Not yet framed, this print of Sunday Morning by Jasmine Alexander is among my favourites. I adore her new series with the remnants of life, conversation, and flavour hanging in the air between the art and the viewer.

Portraits by Birdy Vinyl | Amazon

Perhaps the most listened-to album of my 2023 year. I have always adored Birdy and found her lyrics hit a deeper spot of truth that only a handful would know and understand. Birdy finds a way to reinvent herself in Portraits yet remains true to her excellent vocal core.
( Raincatchers, Your Arms, Tears Don’t Fall )

The Last Mrs. Parish by Liv Constantine | Secondhand via a Friend

If you’ve talked to me about books, you’ll know one of my all-time favourite rapid reads is “The Last Mrs.Parish.” After reading a library copy, I rushed to my local bookstores to find a copy to add to my shelf of favourite titles, only to find that all the copies printed since were printed with a different cover. For me, it felt like the new covers flew against the whole story experience, and I decided to wait to try to find a copy of the original prints. This was many years ago now.
Cut to this Autumn helping a friend sort through books she was done holding on to, and after I squealed in surprise at finding the original cover, she encouraged me to take it. I look forward to my next re-read of the prequel and this beautiful first edition sega.

Black Blundstones | Soft Moc

For a solid decade, everyone has told me I need to get a pair of blundstones. With their ability to last for what seems to be ‘forever’ and their versatility, it’s a wonder why it took me so long. The price is difficult to swallow, but I can honestly say that it was well spent. I hope NEVER to need to circle back to pick up a pair of walking boots. (At least not for a LONG time)

Already in full bloom, the muggy, overcast and sometimes sunny days of a Nova Scotia summer are here.

This summer, I am approaching like summer rain.

Sporadic, unannounced and magical.

If you have danced in a summer rain, you know how it smells and tastes.
It’s something different and unique.

My approach this season is to push myself in my thinking and doing.
Rather than keeping the typical schedule, I am asking myself what makes sense today? What needs to be done? What project needs attention? What am I missing?
What am I needing?

It can be vulnerable to be without work, but it is also an invitation.

An invitation to discover and delight in the creativity that has brought me here today.

Onwards I go into these full magical summer moments discussing work, life and learning with family, friends and colleagues while dancing in the summer rain when it graces us with its presence.

Bug off Collection | Bloom Greenhouse & Garden Centre

This collection of plants was put in a shallow terra cotta bowl to ward off bugs. All plants that mosquitos and other pesky bugs don’t like. I liked the idea, and although I may buy these plants individually next year, I thought it made sense to give the collection a go.

White Leather Kids | Softmoc

Keds are my go-to shoes. Over spring, I picked up this pair for work days while in the house and using my standing desk.

Glossier You | Gift from the best friend

Sweetly given upon her arrival back to my province. On my first application, I was sent back to a time when the store JACOB used to be in Nova Scotia and how they would sell and give their fragrance. It was my favourite until the chain folded/moved out of every province. I remember being disappointed over it. This scent reminds me so much of that fragrance, and I love it.

Cannon 16 mm Lens | Birthday gift

The kit lens that came with my Cannon ER0S went with a 24 - 105 kit lens which, although significant, is a lot to tote around. This new lens captures a master-wide shot and gives a sense of intimacy. It provides a perspective that the other one can’t.

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë | Chapters

Although I had a copy given to me years ago, it had baggage with the history of it. I decided this beautiful edition would be its replacement. I love the brush strokes and how it almost seems wet in appearance—art in its purest and raw form.

Anchor Paper Clip | Gift

A sweet gift from a friend away.

IMAGE DESCRIPTION: Tulips sprouting from garden earth. Text: Spring 2023 - byamygrace

When Spring arrived on March 20th, I was ill-prepared.

I felt the heaviness of the project I was working on (a project that highlighted the severe plight of paramedics in my Province) and the lack of connection to my faith, which usually feels closer during the Lent season. I felt the pressing in of my life and business partners' trip in early April coming all too fast.

I decorated for Easter with lacklustre. I found agony in how other families gathered and celebrated bunnies, eggs and cute family photos in a way I have been unable to make happen again since childhood.

Yet as the sun begins its descent each evening, I have felt a promise of a world opening up. A new birth to a new version of the life we have been living.

And isn't that the promise of Easter in the first place?

New life, a rebirth.

The broken, the perceived dead could be risen out of the ground and made into something we couldn't have imagined.

This Spring, I am actively sourcing a new way, a new life, and the renewed soil ready for me; for us.

Enough of this life I thought would be.
Enough of this old narrative and the old way of doing things.
It is time to embrace the miracles. The right now moments are rich with potential and joy.

This Spring, I will leave behind

• Surface small talk to get me by

• Hesitating in scarcity mentality in my work

• Staying street bound in family movement

• Sinking into the weight of death.

This Spring, I will be

• Welcoming deep, intelligent connections and conversations

• Investing back into the work, I am driven to create

• Embracing collective family movement

• Celebrating life.

Virgin River | Robyn Carr

I picked this up on a whim, hoping it was as comforting a read as it appeared. It is precisely that. City Nurse Practitioner / Midwife looking for a new life in a small country town. It’s a story of the ages and delivers with every page.

Fall On Your Knees | Ann Marie MacDonald

I remember feeling jealous of the other High School English classes having this as required reading. My specific class did not. I am finally getting to it, and it did not disappoint. It’s heavy. It’s tragic. It’s complex. It’s deep. It’s real. I sincerely appreciate the work and craft behind this book.
I grew up in a white-washed culture and perspective. No one is to blame for that. It just was. Fall On Your Knees was a deep dive into multiple cultures, women coping with their circumstances and the nuance of immigrant families that have existed for decades in Canada.

Good Girls Lie | J.T.Ellison

A fun, mysterious rapid read ‘who done it’ with enough twists and turns to keep one intrigued and flipping the pages. Great for those who love a good ‘elite private school’ mystery.

TV / FILMS OF NOTE:

Why Women Kill S01 - For the mystery, the surprise and the fun.
Coco - A great cultural look at Mexican culture, family and identity.
Downton Abbey A New Era - The best Downton Film thus far. Fun and profoundly moving in its own right.

IMAGE DESCRIPTION: Photo of Amy Grace with Cream Wool Hat and Mittens wearing a black winter coat. Snow Covered trees in the background. Text overtop the image: Winter 2023 Capsule Wardrobe - byamygrace

Wool Hat & Mittens | Love & Lore / Chapters

I don’t remember the last time I owned a winter hat I truly loved. Possibly High School? I appreciate the thickness and warmth of these mittens and matching hat along with the style. Understated, yet on trend.

Pull Over Half Zip Hoodie | Lulu Lemon

Spoiled by my cousin, this sweater arrived for me over Christmas. She absolutely hit the mark with this one. I adore wearing it during my winter yoga or cardio sessions.

Black Long Sleeve Body Suit | Aritzia

Interestingly enough, I did not realize when I ordered this body suit online that it would come with shoulder pads. Somehow I missed this very CLEAR description or perhaps got redirected to a different one. Either way, shoulder pads are very much ‘NOT’ my thing. After trying it on and realizing how much I liked the fit etc., I thought I could take the shoulder pads out.
I did and saved myself a trip into the city to replace it with a different one.

IMAGE DESCRIPTION: An assortment of items laying on a table: Book titled ‘Fall on Your Knees’, Valentine Cards, a notebook with 2023 and Resonance written on the front pages, a ceramic decorative house, a tube of hand cream called made by ‘Fresh’, and a blue sweater.

& all of a sudden we are wrapping up the winter weeks…

Fall On Your Knees | Ann-Marie MacDonald

Canadian Author and playwright Ann-Marie writes beautifully, and I only wish I had read this years ago. The two-part plays are showing in my city, and it would be lovely to see them if possible.

Happy Valentines - Scratch Cards | Inklings

These valentines bought for our daughter to give to her classmates from a local store, Kept, were our way to support local rather than a box store.

Personal Bullet Journal | Bullet Journal Ryder Carrol

Every new year I create a new day planner based on the ‘bullet journal’ method created by Ryder Carrol. I am especially pleased with how this year’s creation turned out, as I am getting more and more specific in what works for me and what doesn’t.

Fresh Milk Hand Cream | Fresh

On those cold winter days at my desk, having a small tube of this cream has been a lovely pick me up when my hands feel extra dry.

Blue Fitness Hoodie | Lulu Lemon

Spoiled by my cousin for Christmas. She made sure I was toasty and trendy for 2023. I ADORE this hoodie.

Ceramic House | Chapters

A wee gift from my daughter for Christmas. I love the simplicity of this aesthetic along with the ability to switch on the house lights. Simple and understated. It gives a happy glow on winter evenings.

As the snowflakes fall… a playlist on Spotify to listen to.

*standouts & why they are included:

I Love You Lord | Steffany Gretzinger

I like to sneak hymns or prayer-like songs at the beginning and end of my seasonal playlists. A quiet liturgy of my own making. This song came out in ‘97 and encapsulated a lot of my growing-up years in an evangelical upbringing. I am still learning my adult faith, and what it means to me; these are the simple words I bring myself back to. A quiet place I find peace.

Made You Look | Meghan Trainor

Meghan delivers another song to bop around when one needs a little confidence boost. I love how she embraces her whole self as is and has stood confidently in that message within the art she makes.

I’m Still Here | Sia

We all come from nuanced and complex backgrounds. Trauma comes in all different shapes and sizes.
”Oh, the past, tormented me. But the battle was lost ‘cause I’m still here.” Encapsulates a tangible human experience.

The Best | Scala & Kolacny Brothers

‘The Best’ has become an anthem in our house: the original and all the covers. I have a soft spot for choirs & Scala & Kolacny Brothers choir has been featured in many tv shows/films, including The Social Network.

Skims Body Suit

Curious about the hype, I invested in this simple soft and form fitting body suit for wearing underneath outfits or for around the house. The fit is more comfortable than I had expected coming from a shape wear company. It was pleasing to realize that Kim K does designs her various body suits to match the exact needs and desires of a vast array of customers. This suit wears and washes well. I will definitely investing in another body suit when the need / desire arises.

Tentree Pants Green

I have been eyeing this specific pair of Tentree pants for the better part of five years. I began noticing they were not showing up in my local searches and were running low on the stores main website. I snagged a pair before the autumn ended. They are soft, comfortable and relaxed. Perfect for Autumn weekend nature walks.

Abercrombie Plunge Neck Midi Dress

Although I have not returned to public partner Blues dancing since early 2020’s pandemic beginnings, I still hold space for solo blues dance moments at home and relish the return on the public dance floor.
This dress, I bought with that desire in mind, knowing that hopefully within the next 365 days, there will be a moment where close breathing in a dance partners space might not seem so overwhelming to me.
For now, this item is reserved for date nights.

Another Autumn, another Spotify playlist to listen along to the falling leaves with.

I’ll Be There | Overcoats

How this song is delivered lyrically and musically reminds me of what 'solidarity’ truly means. We all need someone who will be this for us. We don’t need many, but those select few matters.

“The world wants to break your stride, but you are worth every star in the sky….”

Blessings Everywhere | Elevation Worship, Brandon Lake

In a time when this world is more divided, taking time during the autumn season to recognize the good, the blessings and all that is well is a refreshing and healing move. I find during autumn; I crave these reminders.

The Phantom of the Opera | Prague Cello Quartet

I have a secret and deep passion for the Cello. I began learning it years ago but had to return my rental for practical reasons. I am eagerly awaiting the window in life where I see a margin to jump on learning more Cello again. In truth, it is more me than the piano. The Phantom of the Opera is the first musical that I believe I was able to master on the piano with efficiency. Although rusty from being packed away, this specific rendition has inspired me to revisit the sheet music I had in storage.

2:20 - 2:40 gives me the shivers EVERY SINGLE DANG time.

Just Fine | Desiree Dawson

A calming reminder of something more profound. I love finding new voices that speak truth and beauty into the world.

Cheers | Shakey Graves

Another encouraging tune with those deep thoughts backing them.

Dear Autumn,

I’ve been anticipating you.

There was something in the air recently… I knew you would come. That brisk note in the breeze. The urgent tug at my hair last week. The whispering rain that hit the window pain late last night.

Your calling card leaves me with goosebumps on my flesh and a shiver of excitement down my spine. I turned to look, and there you were.

Did you expect me to be this ready for you?

If they had told me that I would get this weak for you years ago, I wouldn’t have believed them.

I didn’t understand then how much glory and beauty there is in shedding what isn’t serving you.

I thought the blooming, the growing, and the standing tall and proud made the soul beautiful.

And now I see…

that I need you.

I need to be reminded of everything that has been of use. It doesn’t just fall to the ground to die; it becomes the fertilizer, the nutrients, the saving grace.

dearest Autumn, 
I promise you

• to write with raw honesty.

• to dance like the wind.

• to share through vulnerability.

• to notice what leaves and what remains.

• to pray for more grace and strength.

& if there is anything more for me to lose this season, I pray you will hold my hand as I go and show me the brilliance in the falling of the leaves.

Onwards,

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Image description: Amy in a white tennis dress leaning on the floor in roller skates.

This summer, I focused on something I needed, something I wanted and a memory maker.

I have no regrets about these additions.

Black Weekday Shorts | RW & Co

These shorts are an essential addition to my late spring and summer wardrobe. One doesn’t always want to wear a skirt to meetings. They are airy, tie well and thus far show themselves to be very durable.

White Tennis Dress | RW & Co

I tried on many versions of tennis dresses and had given up hope finding them all very unflattering to my body type. The algorithms must have noticed my searching as this white dress appeared on my feed on sale, and I gave it one last shot. This dress is everything I had been looking for. Built-in shorts, form-fitting but not too tight, a pocket for keys or a phone…you name it.

Blue Hoodie | White Point Beach Resort

We spend our vacations at White Point Beach, and this hoodie is a warm and comforting reminder that our cozy coastal beach vacation memories will come around again next year. A well-made hoodie for all who know what an east coast wind is like.

These are a few of my favourite things…

Summer Candles | Okanagan Candle Co.

I sincerely enjoyed testing the seasons of candles from this Canadian company. From this collection ‘Dock’ and ‘Campfire’ are my favourite. For me, joy in seasonal decor is often found in the consumable products from nature, food and things we make to use during that time.

Out on the Wire | Jessica Abel

Spending the summer reading and listening to various insights and courses on audio storytelling. This book is one of those items that has surprised me. Written through the art form of comic strips, Jessica drives home the surprising but very real truth that audio storytelling is primarily and, firstly, a visual medium. Sounds conflicting? Pick up this book, and you’ll be amazed at how true it is.

Royal Conservatory Level 1 Books | Royal Conservatory

Recently I decided to go back to the basics of my piano theory and skills. I had a unique education in music, and although I had worked through levels of piano theory, I bounced around more than not, which irked my last piano teacher to no end. Getting these books for myself brings me a lot of joy, and although very basic in nature, I think we can all benefit from going back to the beginning of our skills and be reminded of where we started.

SPF Tinted Moisturizer | Origins

I have been using the same SPF moisturizer since 2015, so it was a shock to the routine when I was told they were discontinuing that specific one. I finally landed on this one, which I might love even more than my beloved ‘Neutrogena SPF daily moisturizer 45’. The tinted nature of this product creates a cleaner finish and still leaves room for a bit of touch-up under the eye. Simple and classic is how I like to do it over here.

Enchanted Garden Puzzle | Hobbry / Chapters

I love Hobbrys collab with Indigo, and it was a no-brainer when I saw this lush image released in their puzzle series. The simple pleasures of passing a table and putting a few pieces in before one goes about their day.
I do puzzles like I do my coffee. Slow and steady.

Previous Summer Favourite Things

2021
2020
2019
2018

I started 2022 out with the word Space as my One word. I have been carrying with me these words to go along with them:

How am I expanding into S P A C E today?

Expand into

Fill Up

Hold

Make

Create

S P A C E

I started the year feeling more empowered to make daring moves. To claim the space, I was seeing before me. It wasn't easy, it was scary, and I continued applying, pitching and finding little wins along the way.

Then I was hit.

Self-doubt.

You see,

Despite a deep belief in a calling that calls me to hold space for others, ask them deep and inspiring questions, capture them and find a way to showcase what I see about the world around me, I also recognize I came into all of this unconventionally.

It wasn't until I made my most daring and scary move thus far in my creative / documentary career yet at the end of May that I realized I was putting myself out there in a way that scared me.

And then S P A C E, meant a totally different thing.

Space became a challenge to remember how to hold space for me when no one else is around to hold me.

When the quiet rages, the lack of response, recognition, and relational interactions persist.

What does it look like to hold space for me?

It has led me back to me.

We believe that we hustle to success.

That we become millionaires from building something from the ground up and never stopping.

We believe that we are the makers of our own designs.

We forget that we are the souls that need our whole selves, not just portions we leave on the shelf because they are too weighty to carry.

I continue to strive to fill up, hold, make and create space that honours myself and those around me, and that may mean that I won't see the bigger picture until much later, but I will not become less of myself in the process. I will not shelf my healing until later, and I will not lose relationships that matter along the way.

I will honour the whole process, not just the portions that look like success. I will also honour the quiet and most mundane and lonely moments.

They all

equally

matter.

Carefully curating music to carry with me throughout a season is a way I connect with my goals, intentions and overall mindset.

Here is a sampling of the songs that stick out to me the most in this Summer collection I have made:

For the full playlist:
check it out on Spotify

Elastic Heart | Sia

Something about Sia’s raw voice, lyrics and how she puts together her music videos to represent her songs get me every time. She is a prolific artist.

Electric Love | Borns

Something about this song brings me back to electric pop in a nostalgic yet modern way. I love this song playing as I practice rollerskating.

Now I’m In It | HAIM

I have loved HAIM for many years, and this song reminds me of that young 20-something in me, with wide open summers, car windows down, wind in my hair and my best friend in the passenger seat.

august | Taylor Swift

august is one of those tracks that will keep coming back with each generation. T-Swift really gave the world a beautiful nostalgic piece to capture something so many of us understand.

”slipped away into a moment in time.”

I Think We’re Alone Now | Tiffany

I’ve been saying it before the cool kids realized. 80’s music is one of the best eras for music. Lyrics, musicality, beats, rhythms, energy, heart, soul…you name it. Tiffany’s “I Think We’re Alone Now” captures a summer date night feeling that I love to be reminded of. Heat making the air thick, sun setting, waves crashing against the shore, bare legs skipping along… chasing each other down the beach.

Rushing and racing and running in circles
Moving so fast, I'm forgetting my purpose
Blur of the traffic is sending me spinning, getting nowhere

My head and my heart are colliding, chaotic
Pace of the world, I just wish I could stop it

- Emmy Rossum - Slow Me Down Lyrics

Since the beginning days of 2022, I have felt this build-up of unrest and concern. Something within was becoming at odds with the world around me. I have learned over the years that this often occurs before or during significant change.

The Summer of Slow is a meditation to remind me of my values in my personal and professional life.

What it looks like:

• Maintaining a strong AM / PM Routine (morning workout, breakfast, journals - bedtime routine etc.)

• Everything between the AM / PM routine is unscheduled (don’t freak out: appts, and contract deadlines still maintain a place in the calendar)

• A weekly beach day or evening

• Write a letter weekly (communicating with those I love slowly)

• Document mindfully (follow the inspirations and whims)

• Read for work & pleasure often.

• Visit the library often.

The world we live in is not a world that is geared to slow, yet the best and most provocative work I have been moved by so often has the story of years of thought and mindful work behind it.

I want to be that type of person.

The one who puts every ounce of insight thought, and curiosity into their work.
One can only do that at a mindful pace and from a place of intentional space.
Yet structure is where the work is honed, which is what I also seek to find in my Summer of Slow.

I seek to mine the gemstones of meditative thinking, processing, being and creating.

The underpinnings of what it means to slow the heartbeat to hear the world around me so that when I speak and move, I am doing it from a place of anchored confidence, compassion and intentions.

Onwards,

The noise of the world is getting me caught up
Chasing the clock and I wish I could stop it
Just need to breathe, somebody please
Slow me down

Replica : When the Rain Stops | Sephora

A combined birthday / mothers day gift to myself in the form of scent. I like having a work day scent and a ‘at home, relaxing scent.’ When the Rain Stops is perfect for my at home mood.

Replica : Whispers in the Library | Sephora

A combined birthday / mothers day gift to myself in the form of scent. Whispers in the Library reminds me of sitting in a coffee shop and pouring over words. My version of a perfect work day.

Zoom H4n Pro 4-Track Portable Recorder | Amazon

Although I have yet to truly deep dive this new beauty, I am going into the summer with goals that will incorporate it’s use. Knowing that I can lean on this recorder when I need to is the exhale and tech supportive I have needed.

Run Towards The Danger by Sarah Polley | Chapters

I like to say I was a fan of Sarah Polley before most of the people around me even knew she existed. I was following her work as an actor from an early age, and although I didn’t see her work that she produced / wrote / directed until my early twenties, I wasn’t that far behind. I felt like I was stumbling on a hidden gem of a soul that no one was talking about when I caught up with all her projects in the 2012/2013 era.
Sarah dares to work on things that others may shy away from. She does the internal work in her projects and it speaks to a deeper place than any indulgent television series could give me.
I consider her work and words a bit like therapy in the form of art. Deeply scary, provocative and healing all in one.

Piquettes | Benjamin Bridge

A close friend decided that I needed to be treated to her summer routine of having Piquettes on hand for my birthday. Sometimes the simplest of gestures are the most meaningful. The case I received came with four different kinds. Three alcoholic, and one non alcoholic. Each of them are light, summary and add a beautiful spring to my step. I am saving most of them for the summer months.

Pothos plant | Adopted plan from a moving bestie

The same friend who sneakily had the Piquettes delivered, also made her move to a neighbouring province. Having an abundance of house plants she asked if I was interested in taking a few more? I was thrilled to take this one specifically. This particular blend of Pothos was clearly worked hard on by her and I am dazzled by it.

Hello Neighbour Puzzle by Hobbry | Chapters

I fell in love with the Hobbry brand when I saw the Indigo / Hobbry collab at Chapters. Something about the way Hobbry creates puzzles for the various seasons at my favourite box book store tickled me. Despite there being a million different puzzles in the world, I love a good collaboration and am loyal to brands I am impressed by. I am doing my best to only collect Hobbry/Indigo collabs for the foreseeable future.
*puzzles are an activity that deeply ties be back to my late paternal grandparents. The act of doing one is a nostalgic comfort.

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

Wrong.

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

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

For this Spring

Open-Front Cardigan Sweater

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

Indoor Training Shoes

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

Pink Kate Spade Clutch / Purse

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

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

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

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

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

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

Social Media.

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

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

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

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

And I am left with:

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

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

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

This winter felt deeply like a retreat of the soul.

Weekend storms, ice covering trees, snow piled up and the air bitter with gusts that cut into the core.

As if everything in nature was pointing to a need to sit down, take cover and hold on.

I have felt as if the snow was covering me. Keeping me warm, yet sometimes the weight of it, confusing.

Ideas have been tucked away, words slow and stilted, my voice tired.

And then I began to see the robins.

One by one, they began to fill the trees around me, reminding me that there was something to remember about this time of year.

Something they were too anxious to wait for,
so they came early.

I can feel the spring air coming and something new and stirring in the soul with it.

Ideas are fluttering around my head again, the words are coming quicker now, and my voice is gaining strength.

Winter is ending.

I am tying up the loose ends of a radio project with CBC Producer Natalie Dobbin, finishing the first draft of script alongside Ian Wilson, pitched with Lynn Matheson at Transmedia Zone’s pitch event, exploring my own personal projects through monthly short videos and wrapping up the second draft of a script.

Spring is arriving.

I am seeing the projects bud up in front of me. An audio project here, a documentary there, and that sweet dear project reminding me it needs more sunlight.

There will be rain, winds and cold snaps, but there will also be warm light, fresh soil, and new connections to be made.