Monogamy | Sue Miller

A beautiful and at times heartbreaking novel on the complexities of a marriage. Be this something you can relate to or not, it is written with a meditative pace and flows in a rhythm that reminds me of a rainy day curled up under a blanket.

The Huntress | Kate Quinn

A post WWII story of three main characters and the worlds that intertwine them. I have not fully completed this novel but the intrigue has me fully committed. What would you do if you found out your new step mother was a Nazi / German spy right as your father ties the knot? I am all the way down this rabbit hole.

Television Series & Films of Note:

Mouthpiece - for it’s physicality of the journey of grief,
Fleabag S02 - for it’s arresting commentary on what it means to overcome the crutches that you have created for yourself.
The Queens Gambit - for the chess world and beautiful acting of Anya Taylor-Joy.

There was a time when a nightly review routine was avidly at play in my life.

While being a student, an interpreter, a teacher. There is an element of preparedness that goes beyond getting to bed on time.

Pack the lunch, review the weather, pick the outfit, review the schedule etc.
Somewhere along the lines, I stopped doing it.

Maybe because I equated it with teaching or being a student?
Maybe because when you create from your own home office, you are used to staying accountable in the moment and reviewing tomorrow's task doesn't seem necessary.

Recently, I have begun doing it again, although this time with a different goal in mind.

Reviewing the day I have had and lightly reviewing the one to come.

Look over the tasks accomplished (both personal and professional) through journaling, document thoughts, record what is being tracked (habits, etc.), review the next day and its already scheduled meetings, appointments, tasks etc., check the weather.

This simple nighttime task, although not always done, changes the day ahead.
It seems like a small thing to do, but it shifts the energy and creates space for what is to come in my own mind.

A clearing of the clutter, a vacuum of the dust bunnies, a spray of lavender to lay down, close one's eyes and truly relax until they open again, and it's time to take on a new day in that new headspace of mine.

Another year in lockdown during my birthday.

In many ways, it was discouraging to be changing plans, yet again.

In other ways, it was a delicious opportunity to go inward and truly reflect on what another year of my life has meant and what another year of life to live could mean.

If I was to put my finger on something,

it would be those moments of quiet questions that have led and continue to lead towards the deeper and more important questions.

What are you called to do, now, with others?

This can be difficult to look at within the confines of a pandemic.

I would like to think that my world is vast, my connections and work is large, and that in fact I am called to create space for many, many people.

This is not untrue.

I also think that a habit of mine, and any of us in a world of so much access, is get caught up in the dizzying ‘much-ness’ of the world.

What came with the pandemic restrictions has been a grappling, and a true reality check to make us rethink what access and connection means.

We still scroll and listen and have our ties in places that far outreach us.

Yet,

How do we show up to those in front of us?

How do we show up for those far away?

There is a movement I have noticed.

What are you going to do when the pandemic is over?
When life is back to normal, what are your goals?

I am sensing in my deep spirit not to go back to that type of thinking.

I am called to go back to that guttural core of me and create that space in the here and now with the way things are today.

So a declaration that is happening in my thirty-second year is to continue the work with those who are in my space today. To honour the project ideas and work to adapt to the confines of any given moment.

Going back to what was, is to say that all that once was, was good and healthy.

I think we all know that 24/7 life was not a healthy route we all were taking.
I think we all have seen what baking bread, time to reassess our values, raise our kids, muddle in the quiet, struggle with the heartbreak of a world still so broken, and the senseless inhuman treatment of so many …

We need to humanize ourselves and our callings again.
To humanize ourselves means we are one step closer to humanizing ‘the others’.

Strip it back and see what we all have left to work on, cultivate and create.

So much potential in the human life if we but give ourselves the chance and space to sort, muse, ponder, wonder, and be moved into action.

Big.

Small.

or simply.

the one thing we can do today for ourselves and those who inhabit our space.

In the end,

it’s all a ripple affect.

Onwards to 32.

Six.

Her vibrancy has shone through like a ray of light the past year of her life.

Although in yet another lockdown for her birthday it is very evident that Zoë has changed so much in the past year.

Becoming more and more the person she is on the inside on the outside.

This year she has taught me to love, celebrate and feel more.

It’s been difficult to have to walk her through so many changes and upheaval that we never would have planned but her settling into the changes has been a reminder of how adaptable our spirits can be when surrounded by those we love.

For her sixth year we pray for opportunities to connect with good friends, a free spirit, sharp mind and a growing in her inner self and the One that made her.

Everything Is Spiritual | Rob Bell

I have followed Rob Bell’s writing for decades now. He continues to stay anchored in core truths while also exploring the depth in what people today are aching for. His stream of consciousness style has always spoken to me, and here we get to let it sink into our bones. In many ways, maybe it’s his leaning to stream of consciousness that has allowed him to explore so much in thought, theology and open discourse with others.

We know those waters. Loss and pain and grief and wounds and not knowing what to do or where to go or how to deal with the agony of life. We know those waters. There’s spirit in there, hovering, waiting to bring something new out of it. This is why people who inspire us the most always have been through those waters. They’ve expierence that hovering. They’ve seen that new creation. - Rob Bell'

Sex & Vanity | Kevin Kwan

This book was highly disappointing for a myriad of reasons. It’s hard to truly finish a book I dislike but it is more difficult to write about why I dislike it so much. It’s art. All art is subjective. I write more freely here because I am a huge fan of Kevin’s ‘Crazy Rich Asian’ series which I believe broke barriers, was written with a beautiful wink to both the reader and all those who may relate.
Sex and Vanity is a retelling of Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen with a Chinese culture slant. Some elements work and most do not.
My biggest issue is that this reads exactly what it is: a man writing a female lead. Our protagonist comes off not only a fabrication of a man’s mind, but hallow. Her thoughts, her mannerisms all described were exactly why we have problems for young women. When men write us to be that hollow, that flimsy of character, all we get reflected back to us are the shallow and flimsy filters of ourselves.
Many women have these elements about their personality and character, but ALL these women have dynamic range to many degrees.
Case and point: Sophie Kinsella’s character Rebecca Bloomwood in the shopaholic series is outrageous. Completely out of this world shallow and airy. But we believe her. We laugh at her and with her. We find ourselves in her and we may know her. Why?
Because women written by women will always come from a different place than men writing women.
Men can do it, I believe they can, I have read books that are enrapturing and feel true to soul, but this…this was not it.

Films / Television Series of Note:

The Crown S04 - for the beauty of historical adaptations that give room for the complexities of people, a construct and an institution.
Fleabag S01 - for the raw honesty of a woman processing through trauma on multiple levels of her life. Cringe worthy and yet also insightful if you can sit through it to fully understand the various broken characters.
Before Midnight - Utter realness. Capturing the realities of a relationship, the good, the precious and the ugly and not discounting any of them as more or less important to the total sum of what it means to love another.

Where are your spaces where creativity exists?

A kitchen?
An office?
A patio?
A studio?

In our new home we are blessed by the previous influence of an artist. She left a space that breathes creativity.
And slowly but surely we found ways to adapt it for our daughter where she can putter, draw, write, paint… it’s massive.

Thankfully creativity doesn’t require big or small spaces.
It will be happy to join you at play in whatever size space you choose to meet.

It fills every crevice.

Over the course of this year I have been taking more seriously the spaces of creativity in our home.

My office / writing space was clearly defined early on in our move in last year.

Now I focus on our music / reading room.
Her creative room.
Our kitchen.
His office.

Spaces where our minds will wonder, ponder and sink into something entirely different.
Where our hands can move, play, explore and create.

Where is your creative space?
How do you cultivate it?

Spring has arrived and it has teased us with sprinkles of snow before settling into the purely Nova Scotian winds and rains that we are all used to.

The overlap of winter and spring.

With a new season,

a new playlist.

Highlights from the list:

Everyday People - Sly & The Family Stone

I first heard this song sung by Nicole C. Mullen and have always found a certain amount of joy, revelation, inspiration and insight in it. A song that seems to resurface over and over again through the generations.

It’s You I like - Fred Rogers

This song is a comfort. As a family we have been sinking into Fred Rogers words since the early days of the pandemic. There is a deeper message in his songs and episodes that translates even to the youngest of hearts. His songs make me a better person, parent and better to even my inner self.

Manhattanite - Frook

Gives that pep to my step. I have loved hearing it when starting a drive or my day.

I Know Things Now - Lilla Crawford

I wasn’t aware of Into the Woods as a musical until my early twenties. The entirety to of it speaks to me deeply. In part, because I think we all can relate to being in a season of confusion at one point in our lives or another. The awareness this character sings about although from a child’s perspective is a beautiful window into what it means to become self-aware and the revelation it can bring.

I hit a lot of duds this month which you won’t see here.
I do my best to let myself off the hook if by 50-100 pages in I am finding it rough to continue.
One in particular this month, I read 75% of it before I admitted it to myself and a few fellow book friends that it was a terrible read. Not worth finishing.

Two re-reads are in this month. No complaints.

The Hobbit | J.R.R. Tolkien

My Uncle gave me this for my 9th birthday. His inscription has always made me smile. I thought I’d pick it up again after all these years and see what I thought. To date, the opening line and proceeding paragraph is my favourite in all of the literature I have read.

“In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit. Not a nasty, dirty, wet hole, filled with the ends of worms and an oozy smell, nor yet a dry, bare, sandy hole with nothing in it to sit down on or to eat: it was a hobbit-hole, and that means comfort”

It pulls you in and welcomes you into the space that J.R.R Tolkien wants you to know about on a deeper level.
Although I have never been enthralled by all the scenes of battle, chase etc, I do utterly still love this book for it’s narrative, descriptions and overall wizardry of words that makes the reader feel as if this world is alive in their heads.

Voyager | Diana Gabaldon

A re-read. Voyager still stands as a great third instalment of the Outlander series. Bringing Claire back into the 1700’s to Jamie in a create and innovative way. Love how some modern references make their way into their relationship as Claire tries to relay the daughter they share she raised ahead in the 1950s/60s. If you havn’t read this book, be prepared at how much adventure and spins there are in the last quarter.

The Princess Saves Herself in This One | Amanda Lovelace

The second book from Amanda Lovelace I have read.
I noticed a lot of critique over how Amanda portrays her poetry. I find it beautiful and relatable. All women and young women deserve a space to place their words out to dissect them, open their wounds and realize that their wounds although their own and unique, are something we can visit and understand, find the pain and healing in from her simple yet well articulated thoughts.

Winter was a season of a lot of sinking into the moments. Taking time to rest on snow days, working hard at the desk on paper work and pitches and staying connected with loved ones.

Air Pods | Apple

I was beyond thrilled to be given these from Jeremy for Christmas. If you know me, you would know that the amount of time I spend attached to headphones is a bit ludacris. Zoom meetings, researching, writing, working with background music, listening to podcasts as I do chores (not all appropriate to have on while a little is present), talking to friends and family while I fold laundry or whatever… headphones are a thing for me.
Needless to say…I use these at minimum 3 hours per day. At most, 6-7 hours.
Worth it.

Cozy Love Candle | Blooming Studio

I do my best to buy soy candles with safe products in them. This Etsy store was a great find and I have a small amount left I will be able to burn next winter.

Word Magnets | Indigo

I couldn’t find it on there website, but years ago I found a box at Indigo of magnetic poetry and recently found another set that was focused on more wellness inspiring words. Putting my old set and new set together I have found a renewed love for using words on my fridge.
I’m sure my friends and family are rolling their eyes heavenward at this quirk of mine. I adore this small but meaningful habit.

Lotus Youth Preserve Dream Face Cream | Fresh / Sephora

A pricy night cream. The one thing I will say…I ADORE the smell and I am a huge fan of ‘fresh’ as a company.

Sail Necklace | Dana Grund

A Christmas gift From Jeremy and our five year old. This necklace is a tribute to our first home. Where we could hear the sail boats make ‘ting ting ting’ sounds in the wind.

Cement planter with Evergreen branches | Winners

A small find this winter at Winners. I am not one for an overly decorated home. But I do love bringing a seasonal nature atmosphere into the home. These little cement planters encompassed that for us.

The Home Edit Life | Indigo

A Christmas gift from the ‘sis in law’. She knows my weaknesses.

Top Centre - Clockwise : Blue Long Sleeve | Second hand find from Auntie Nicole, Crayons | source unknown, Robe | Winners, Reading socks | Indigo, Good Night Rebel Girls Book 1&2 | Indigo, Pyjamas | Gift from Mimi & Yeye, Calico Critters | Christmas / Birthday gifts from family, Roots Joggers | Roots, Jeans | Old Navy, Baby doll | MiniKane , Pink Dress | Second hand find from Auntie Nicole, School Books | Various family members, Ready Set Draw Activity | Auntie Jasmine & Uncle Tyler, Long Sleeves | Old Navy, The Compete Baking Books for Young Chefs | Indigo, Beads | Christmas Gift from Mimi & Yeye, Christmas Doll Dress | Handmade from Auntie Nicole

This season we have found that our growing girl is all about re-wearing her favourites to till they are thread bare. Many of the new purchases to fill out her wardrobe never got touched as she would rather wear her ‘favourites’.

New to Her

Cloud Pyjamas

A Christmas gift from her Mimi & Yeye, these pyjamas fit perfectly and are the sweetest things on her.

Jade Minikane Doll

With the help of her dear Auntie Nicole we were able to get this new baby doll in time for Christmas. To say it was her favourite gift is an understatement. She was in awe of this lifelike baby and she cares for it so tenderly. A purchase we will never regret.

Reading / Cozy Socks

Worn through a pair she received from a ‘great aunt’ two years back, she begged for replacements.

Still Going Strong

Roots Joggers

Although they are becoming shorter on her, these joggers are long lasting and her favourites. We will definitely replace when she has outgrown them.

White Robe

This beautiful robe is becoming smaller and smaller on her but she loves it so much. We love seeing the joy she gets from it.

Time to Go

What needs to go she’s been ‘over wearing’. It’s almost comical how hard it is to get her to wear anything else. A few items are not seen here as they were either on her body when this picture was taken, or in the wash. (yoga pants, shirt, pink and grey zip sweater)

What isn’t shown here:

Pink Zip Sweater, Old pair of Reading socks, Pants outgrown, Pyjamas outgrown

Kaitlyn Adair from Rebel Film Productions graciously invited me on her series ADHMe to discuss the in’s and out’s of self regulation and what it looks like to be productive.

Ep.2 Description
ADHMe episode two: Productivity

I talk with @byamygrace about productivity, tuning into self, and how to have one seriously organized week!

Amy’s self-regulation practices:
-Monday to Friday:
Wake up at 6am (have everything prepared the night before so wake up is cared for)
Block the day into 4 hour chunks and theme the blocks in a way you like. (Amy’s were glow up, production, creativity, and connection).
0 inbox-organize emails

-Weekend:
24 hours unplugged, free time

-Once during the week: write night, make it a thing.

-Be present to self. Reflect, consider, action.

Link Here <—-

Top Centre - Clockwise : Soyia & Kyo Winter Jacket | The Bay, Christmas Pyjamas | Suzy Shier, Cozy Love Soy Candle | Blooming Studio TO, Yoga Shirt | Lulu Lemon, Yoga Pants | Aerie, Bye Bye Under Eye Brightening Cream - It Cosmetics | Sephora, Lotus Anti-Aging Moisturizer - Fresh | Sephora, Pleather Pants | RW&Co, Burgundy, Beige, Black Turtle Necks | RW & Co, Skinny Jeans | The Gap, Resilence Fragrance | Bailly, Henley Shirt | Aerie, Star Sweater | Aerie, Joggers | Roots, Sails Necklace | Dana Grund, Rose Gold Watch | Fossil, Brown Button Sweater | The Gap, Voyager - Diana Gaboldon | Chapters, Oversized Beige Sweater | H&M.

Kicking into a new year, new work projects and a new routine made me realize that although I have comfort in working from home during the pandemic, I do miss pulling out more of my ‘eventing’ clothes. It’s clearly reflected here that my main focus is comfort, with a professional flare.

New To Me

SOYIA & KYO Jacket

This purchase took me over five years to make. During pregnancy in the fall/winter 2014/2015 I broke the zipper of my winter jacket to a point where it didn’t make financial sense to try to fix it. Since then I have been able to get by with older jackets and more than a year ago I purchased a nice wool jacket with a good hood. That being said, one cannot wear a wool jacket while playing in the snow without causing it damage. This year I bit the bullet and purchased this hefty jacket which will hopefully last me decades.
So far, it’s living up to my expectations.

LuLu Lemon Long Sleeve

For the longest time I have wanted an exercise top with long sleeves. I often go elsewhere for workout clothes, but upon much research this top came one of th highest recommended. I love it. Again, another pricey purchase I am hoping will last me many years.

Brown Knit Button Sweater

I have a confession to make. I convinced Jeremy to buy this. He isn’t one to spend time thinking about what he needs. I usually do this for him as I get tired of him putting himself last. But the real sneaky side of me, has to admit, that as women, we all know that mens sweaters are the best, and I may be wearing this more than he is at this point. I will take it off the moment he turns around and it’s obvious he wants it for the day… but, I grew up watching my mom walk around the house in my dads sweaters… it’s a thing. Hard not to do it myself.

Still Going Strong

Pleather Plants

I adore these pants from RW&Co. Being black they go with everything, and they are stretchy so it’s not an uncomfortable wear. One would have to tare these out of my cold and dead hands. I love them that much.

Turtle Necks

I took a break from turtle necks when I left my interpreting career. I needed to find a new me. But now that I am fully rooted into a different profession and feeling (mostly) confident about my place in it…I have to admit, welcoming turtle necks back into my life is like embracing a serious side of myself that I had missed. I love them and in the maritime chill of the autumn/winter, they do more than just make me feel snappy. They are so cozy.

Time To Go

Reading / cozy socks

I have worn my thick socks around the house to the point of holes. It’s no real surprise. They can only last so long. I will have to retire a pair or two by Spring.

Thankfully I have built my winter / autumn wardrobe up well now that not much has to be tossed or replaced.
Next year, I will try to focus on getting a pair of winter walking boots (for trails and nature walking) as the two boots I have now are best suited for city or side walk walking.

Zen in the Art of Writing | Ray Bradbury

I was immediately taken by these essays in their simplicity and directness. It reminds me of Elizabeth Gilbert and Anne Lamott all mixed together. I appreciate anyone who can find a way to put the art of writing into terms of both practicality and mystically. Both sacred and and not all at once.

Howards End | E.M. Forster

Howards end is a must read for anyone. Clearly we havn’t learned the lessons in this book yet and although set in the early 1900’s when so much was changing in society, we still see that need to cross the boarders of ‘the others’ and as Margret would say “Only Connect”. That is the entire point of this novel. If that we could only stop over analyzing everyone, and everything and just simply ‘connect’ with the other, we might find that we have something to learn, find and understand in ‘the other’.

Untamed | Glennon Doyle

Opening with a clear and beautiful analogy about a captive cheetah trained to chase a rabbit to stretch it’s legs and the wild in each of us (especially women) who society has trained us to stay poised, tame and quiet in our place, this book has it’s punches and it was a lovely slow read to digest. I would suggest this read to anyone who wants to ponder words, but also with the understanding that this reads more like a journal in the second half.

The Miniaturist | Jessie Burton

I forced myself to slow down upon reading this one, as the narrative is mysterious, intriguing and fully flushed out. I enjoyed learning about this woman and the house she resides in with every page and chapter. Knowing that there is a mini series to enjoy only makes this read sweeter still. One for the memory books.

Film & Television Series

Before Sunset | for the beautiful artistry of relational dynamics and the capture of stream of conscious conversation.
Killing Eve S03 | for the beautiful through line of thrilling dynamics mixed with an irresistible comedic affect.
Julies Greenroom S01 | for the absolute joy of Julie Andrews & Jim Henson Puppets in one project.

We made a goal at the end of 2020 to start to make an effort into dining together more.

Our current lives as a family doesn’t lend itself to the traditional ‘family dinner’ every night, but we do find joy in eating and experiencing that togetherness through the creation of food, atmosphere and conversation.

It seemed the best way around this was to pick a handful of recipes out at the top of the month and make sure that we make the effort of enjoying those meals together however and whenever we make them. It also means that during the times we are busy, we can fill in with our fav meals or our go to healthy fillers (salads, smoothies, oatmeal etc)

As a sampling
For the month of February we settled on the following:

DINNER

Spicy Pesto and Asparagus and Ricotta Pasta with Crispy Prosciutto
Phone Box Red Wine

FIKA / COFFEE BREAK

Linzer Cookies

We also choose a new / seasonal recipe for:

Breakfast
Lunch
Happy Hour
Dessert

Doing this at the top of the month allows us the freedom to go with the flow of our week, not put too much pressure on when we can have a sit down meal / dining time together, but it also gives us the motivation to find ourselves in the kitchen with music on and enjoy the foods of the season.

Let’s just say that this month was a lot of chocolate, and decadent recipes.

Somehow, somewhere, at some point we are apt to find ourselves believing that in order to do what we feel intrinsically called to do (especially those called into creative industries) we must sell our whole selves to an industry in order to be taken seriously.

To be a writer, one must be churning out manuscripts, scripts, poems and plays like machines.
To be an actor one must be in every topical show, series, performance that the current society is raving about on twitter.
To be a visual artist, one must have a booming social media account full of Lucious images that gain a million likes within seconds of posting.

Somehow we have found that this means ‘success’ and that this is what we need to do in order to be validated in our work, our life and our ultimate existence on this earth.

It’s all a lie.

All of it.

If you write, you are a writer.

If you act, you are an actor.

If you make visual art, you are a visual artist.

How much or how little is irrelevant.

How many people know your name is a selfish and silly game the creative industries and society have taught us to believe equals our self worth.

What matters?

How much of yourself is in the work you do?
How are you showing up for your work, not just in the moments you do it, but also the moments you don’t?
How do you cultivate and create space for those that consume, collaborate and support the work?
How do you honour your own rhythm and pacing?
How are you living not just within the work, but outside the work?

Everything informs everything.

Martin Short is known to have this idea that he is only the sum of his total whole self. If he has nine sections of his life, and one aspect of his life isn’t doing the hottest at any given moment then the rest of those parts, no matter how seemingly important or unimportant are all part of the balance to remind oneself, being successful at one part of life, but terrible at the other parts does not mean success. But to find ways to honour varying aspects of oneself, is to approach life and work as a whole person.

Creatives like to think they are the best or the worst depending on the day.

I’d like to see more of us believe that we are just like each other.

Human beings answering a calling as best they can while working to be there for their friends, family, side projects, personal growth and everything inbetween.

We are more than our awards, subscribers, honourable mentions, our nominations and our successes, or lack thereof.

We are people.
Living.
Breathing.
Thinking.
Reflecting.
Working.
people.

CODE NAME HELEN | ARIEL LAWHON

This was a joy to read. A riveting narrative on a woman who equipped herself and used her wits and skill to further the war efforts. I especially adored reading the dynamic of the man at home behind this fierce and savvy woman.

THE OBSTACLE IS THE WAY | RYAN HOLIDAY

This was a welcome read entering a new year. Ryan was able to deliver a compact book with bite size chapters that were chock full of tidbits and new ways to look at life and it’s challenges. It’s easy to get discouraged by a problem, but to get creative and look at it at different angles is enlightening. I would re read this at random any day.

Films / Television Series of Note

Spinning Out S01 - because I miss figure skating & was devastated that this didn’t have a second season.
Younger S01 - because my cousin other half told me to indulge and it’s a great laugh.
Before Sunrise - because I am watching the triliogy over again…it’s that good. (if you actually want real dialogue, real people, real love, real complexities.)
The Undoing S01 - because Hugh Grant as a complex character was everything we needed & Nicole Kidman is on fire…as always.

After a hard year, it seemed fitting to me that the tracks on this winter seasons playlist were both hopeful with a few reflective tones.

Winter 2021 Playlist

Stand Outs

New Kind of Beautiful | Lindsey Rey

Opening with Lindsey Rey. I first heard this song in December when the last episode of Greys Anatomy aired before the Christmas break. As always the amazing Alexandra Patsavas brings a greys episode to a close with epic tracks. This one felt so timely for the world, for the families, for the souls, for the singular person.

“A new way a new road, to a new kind of beautiful…..not like it was before.”

Want | Birdtalker

This is another soul cry track moving into the new year. We have seen division, terror, systemic racism and endless pain. When I heard this track a few months ago, it moved me. This is my heart cry for my work, my family and how I move through the world.

“I don’t wanna have a dagger tounge. I dont want my words to be a weapon, but a healing balm.”

Vincent | Ellie Goulding

This song has always been a favourite of mine. I first heard Josh Groban sing it when I was a teen and fell in love. It was around the time I began learning how to figure skate and how every song to me, was an opportunity to dream of choreography. Ellie’s rendition brings me back to that feeling of limitlessness I felt in those days and how much pain I was coming into the realization that the world was holding. A bittersweet tune full of bittersweet memories.

“Now I think I know. What you tried to say to me. And how you suffered for your sanity, how you tried to set them free.”

High | Miley Cyrus

Miley’s voice gets me every time. That genuine rasp she’s had since she was a kid, that rebel heart. Sometimes I have to roll my eyes at her antics, but there is no denying when she lays down tracks with her vocals, she has something that is unique to her and this is one of those for me. Oh, there is Miley putting beats and vocals to something I can feel my heart respond to.

“And you, like a rolling stone, always building cities on the hearts that you broke.”

24 / 6 | TIFFANY SHLAIN

This read all about taking a day to rest and unplug from screens was right up my ally. If you know me at all, you know that as a personal rule I am unplugged on Saturdays. This puts another spin and perspective on why that might be the best thing for you.

THE MOMENT OF LIFT | MELINDA GATES

I loved getting Melindas perspective on all things work/mothering and passion for both. Her relationship with her husband is one that they have honed and harnessed to inspire, collaborate with and love each other.

REFLECTION | ELIZABETH LIM

A fun rapid read twist on what happens after Mulan causes the avalanche.

ONCE UPON A RIVER | DIANE SETTERFEILD

At times, I struggled to keep track of the characters of this one. If you love a good plot twist, and major character weaving, this is a good one.

UNTAMED | GLENNON DOYLE

Does this really need any explanation? Glennon speaks to the heart of personal identity, womanhood and all that we have struggled to overcome in a society that repeats its mistakes over and over again.

THE SCOTTISH PRISONER | DIANA GABALDON

I admit, I found myself skimming sections of this huge novel. Mostly, because as this is an “aside” to the series of a side and main character, I accidentally fell into thinking I had already read sections, when really it was more zoomed in moments, filling in the gaps and giving us insight into what John & Jamie got up to while Claire was in the future.

THE ONLY WOMAN IN THE ROOM | MARIE BENEDICT

An interesting take on a woman during WWII trying to navigate the pursuit and marriage of a dangerous man. I found it interesting. The main character a delightful read.

Since March 2020 I have done monthly vlogs to better understand what it means to use Final Cut Pro. Although I haven’t even scratched the surface as far as what the program is capable of, I think I was able to hone in on what it means to curate content, edit it down, add some fun shot ideas and maintain a through line with each episode.

This is the last episode in that personal challenge to myself.

Not sure exactly what my next personal media project will be, but I have a few ideas up my sleeve.

Stay tuned!

Entering 2021, there was a strong rising up in me to embrace the growth and shifts that had occurred in 2020, not with a rebellion, but with a spirit of quiet confidence.

Much has shifted in the personal and professional aspects of life this year that it seems the only way to continue is to merely that: continue.

Sometimes one needs a shakeup, and other times, one needs to allow the growth from before to allow the next wave of change and progression to continue.

Flow

noun 1 [in singular] the action or fact of moving along in a steady, continuous stream: the flow of water into the pond.

I have recently come into an awareness of how to harness my daily rhythms to allow me to work more openly and efficiently. Starting work at six o'clock am, getting the bulk of my tasks down first thing to free up my mind for any lingering or surprising tasks/events has allowed me the creative space to be innovative in my work.

It's easy to get caught up with the busywork. Scrolling on social media, answering emails and falling down rabbit holes when researching.

Embracing the idea that I can plan my days to flow in a natural way instead of trying to cram every second with a to-do list and inevitably numbing my mind with scrolling as breaks that were inefficient methods of pretending productivity was a game-changer.

The questions I keep coming back to:

How can I harness this new awareness?

How can I not lose what I have learned?

How can I go into a new year and not forget?

And there it came.

The concept of flow.

That you can go from one thing to another with a steady and continuous movement. That it doesn't need to crash or bang, or even shout. That it can be as simple and beautiful as the quiet confidence of moving from one year to the next.

Throughout this new year, I hope to continue the work I have begun. To push projects into production and to the writers' rooms, be them physical or virtual.

I will remember the rest that is required when working hard to create and collaborate. I will set up boundaries to keep myself from getting distracted with the mindless busywork that seeks to distract me, like fast food.

I will remember that to create is to also allow the concept of flow to produce a rhythm that is as sustainable as it is in motion.