Catherine House | Elisabeth Thomas

This book fed my need for a ‘ boarding school’ themed read. A fascination I have had since childhood. Catherine House poses mysteries, darkness, and implies a lot with not all of it being made clear. For me, the enjoyment in this read was in the atmosphere, theme and descriptions.

The Paris Library | Janet Skeslien Charles

I was not as impressed with this book, but I do not think that is a true reflection on how good it may or may not be. I think I have had my fill of World War I & II themes. Following a woman who is passionate about books, the library she works at, and protecting the patrons that borrows them we get a unique birds eye view of what staying in France during the war may have been like.

Winnie the Pooh | A.A. Milne

Read aloud to our daughter over the past few months we laughed and laughed over each chapter. As a writer I have a deeper appreciation for the beautiful character and world building in this sweet little novel. If you have not read A.A Milne, I urge you, the experience will not disappoint.
I may have cried while reading the last few pages.

FILMS / TV SERIES OF NOTE

The Good Place S01 - Rewatched because the plot twists and true depths are solid gold.
A Simple Favour - because the film stayed with me longer than the book & it’s the perfect mystery watch featuring fabulous women.
Physical - Apple TV has some home runs. Highlighting a woman struggling with eating disorders and finding something that is more healing than her disorder.
The Great Canadian Baking Show S03 - because watching this as a family brings us so much joy…& hungry bellies.

After two long years of a pandemic, it was a relief to stand alongside a woman who has known me for over a decade. These past two years have been chock-full of changes and situations that have thrown us all for a loop.

Being that we share a love of food and wine, a visit to wine country in Nova Scotia together seemed fitting. We packed our sweaters, music and all the topics we had not yet talked about and set off for a two-day adventure.

Walking along the rows of vines of one vineyard, I couldn’t help thinking about how deep friendships, despite weather and circumstances, are much like the grapes grown for wine. They take in the life, events and atmosphere of the world around them.

Over the years, I have learned and understood that grapes are highly affected by weather, nature, and the specific location they are grown. The wine made from the grapes is often characterized by the place the grapes are grown and how they are treated.

So too are these friendships that have been given beautiful and redemptive space to breathe.

Friendships can display a unique character and quality from the atmospheres they have grown into and out of. And as wine gets better with age, so too, in my opinion, does dear friends.

Although we only visited two vineyards, we got our fill of the beauty and tastes of our province, conversation and time to exist beside each other.

And despite the fact that currently, ours is a friendship of long distance, the idea that we will continue to reflect the character of our environments, experiences, passions of ourselves while also becoming something better, bolder, and of more fullness is something that gives me deep appreciation, excitement and thrill for what has yet to come.

‘a feared & misunderstood creature of high intelligence, fierce loyalty and deep compassion’.

Not one for jewelry unless it carries meaning.

so many reasons for this necklace but the main one?
I’m claiming new territory in my life & it takes every ounce of energy to remember that this territory is already mine.

I have the stories.
I have the words.
I have the fierce wisdom.
I have the compassionate discernment.

Onwards I go.

The Soulmate Equation | Christina Lauren

A fun lighthearted vacation rom-com speed read of an owner of a dating app and a woman in her thirties trying hard not to look for love. It’s exactly what you think with a hint of something ‘sci fi’.

Dear Ijeawele, Or A Feminist Manifesto in Fifteen Suggestions | Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

It’s a small but impactful read that blew me away. Originally I picked it up from the library, but I will be buying this to re-read over the years while raising my daughter.

Seven Stones to Stand or Fall | Diana Gabaldon

A collection of Diana’s filler ‘buldges’ as she refers to them of various characters from the outlander series.

All Along You Were Blooming | Morgan Harper Nichols

Morgan Harper is one of my most favorite writers today. She has found a creative way to use words and imagery to heal herself, others, and anyone that comes across her work.

Burnout. The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle | Emily Nagoski & Amelia Nagoski

This book blew my mind in so many ways. I first heard these sisters in an interview and was rocked by their work behind laying out the hormonal release that occurs in the body during stress. Their explanation of stress and how it manifests was in direct correlation with my personal experiences. I knew I had to read this book. After returning it to the library I still felt that I hadn’t had enough time with it. I will definitely be picking up a copy for my own future reference.

TV Series / Films of Note

Gilmore Girls S01 - Because when the air turns crisp, it’s time for coffee and the Gilmores.
Good on Paper - Because Iliza tells this story off and on, and it’s even wilder to take in as a film.
Ted Lasso S02 - Because Ted is everything good, healing, and warm that this world lacks, with a healthy dose of real trauma shown amidst the smiles.

Impala Pastel Fade Roller Skates | Zumiez

Considering my love for Figure Skating, I’m not sure why it took me this long to pick up roller skating. Albeit there is a learning curve to skating on wheels verses a blade, I am absolutely loving the challenge and getting such a joy out of these beautiful skates. During the pandemic I have missed skating on ice, which I am hoping to do more of this autumn/winter season, but knowing that I have a pair of rollers I can practice with during the winter months in my basement is giving me so much joy.

White Point Beach Resort Mug | White Point Beach Resort

After celebrating our first honeymoon, baby moon, reunion after time apart, our 10th anniversary and booking yet another family at this resort it only made sense that we would bring home mugs to remind ourselves at our desks of the moments we continue to share as a family at this beautiful place. We are head over heels for the days we spend at this place.

Lover Sweater | Poppy & Olive

I walked by this sweater on the outside sale rack and my heart instantly leapt. I rarely make impulse purchases, but when I do, it’s because something spoke to every part of me. This sweater sums me up in a nut shell.

Heart of the Wolf Necklace | Pyrrha

This beautiful necklace came into my awareness through a best friend who has come to know my ins and outs sometimes even better than myself. I had been eyeing her necklaces for months wondering about them and their meaning. A simple shy question turned into a huge deep dive into the Pyrrha website and finding one that was symbolic to me. Heart of the Wolf is symbolic of all that has been misunderstood about my own intelligence over the years and how much I have stepped into my own confidence of who I am and that my own strength does not mean I loose any part of my deep compassion and tenderness for those around me. I love that Pyrrha is a sustainable Canadian company and that their foundations is that from collective inspiration.

Malibu Rising | Taylor Jenkins Reid

Every summer an avid reader generally hopes to land a good ‘summer/beach read’. Malibu Rising delievers in every single way.
I thoroughly enjoy the descriptions of this novel along with the generational stories that get developed.

Centre - Clockwise: Elephant | Ikea, Snooze pyjamas | Joe Fresh, Explore Magazines | Kiwi Co, Sneakers | Softmoc, Blue Dress | Old Navy, Strawberry Dress | Second Hand find from Auntie Nicole, Brave sweater | H&M, Jean Shorts | Old Navy, Wild - T Shirt | Joe Fresh, Rainy Day Activity Book | Chapters, Colored Pencils | From various family members over the years, Bunny Sharperner | Easter Gift from Mimi, Eloise | Chapters, SwimSuit | H&M, Sandals | Joe Fresh

Having a slower start to the summer due to the whip lash from the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, it meant as a family we were still catching up with delayed spring celebrations and appointments during July. Yet, once August hit, not only was the weather full of sunshine, but also full of beautiful summer moments.

NEW TO HER

Elephant

On a whim when at IKEA without her in tow, we picked up this elephant and it absolutely made her day. We try our best not to clutter her life with toys that will become meaningless and opt to give her things through out the year she will need and keep the fun new toys for birthdays etc. But we are not above a rare whim purchase to surprise her with. Carefully placed on her bed to greet her when she arrived back home, this IKEA elephant was instantly named “Jhombo” and has become a staple in all of our lives.

Blue Dress

Purchased for a family photo shoot, this blue dress from Old Navy is the perfect staple for a young girl who loves dresses.

Sandals

Growing like a weed we opted to pick up a less expensive pair of sandals from Joe Fresh for her summer. They are practical, glittery and don’t break the bank.

STILL GOING STRONG

Brave Sweater

This sweater was a great addition to her wardrobe and is the perfect warmth for cool days, yet also just as loose fitting and easy for warm days that start off chilly.

WILD Graphic T

Various Graphic T’s. Pictured here is one graphic t, but there are a handful (about 4) others that are standing strong, still in good shape and still fitting. (I assume they didn’t make it in this pic because they were in the wash rotation.)

TIME TO GO

Swim Suit

The swim suit pictured here had its unfortunate last few wears over the summer. It’s in great shape, but our little spirit is growing like a weed. Time for a new one.

Various Socks

Not pictured here are the multitude of socks that got worn out, out grown or just lost in the mayhem over the last season. Seen here are the replacements for what was a very dwindling sock collection.

Top Centre - Clockwise: Striped Dress | Banana Republic, Lover Sweater | Poppy & Olive, Loose stripped T-Shirt | The Gap, Blue Bikini | La Vie En Rose, Grey Romper | RW&Co, Starfish Keds | Softmoc, Coral T-Shirt Sweater | The Gap, Brown Purse | Modcloth, Malibu Rising | Chapters, Tkees Flip Flops | The Bay, Jean Shorts | The Gap, Pink / Cream Camis | Ambercrombie & Fitch, Perscription Sunglasses | All About Eyeware, Bridgerton | Amazon

Although this summer started out slow for us after a third lockdown pushing various spring events, our August was everything we needed it to be. Having time for a family vacation, celebrating 10 years married along with friends visiting and beach days, we are alight with what that rest that sank into our bones.

New to Me

Lover Sweater

This sweater is extremely thick, high quality and just altogether beautiful. I have always loved the word ‘lover’. I think it captures something I hold deeply inside myself and it has a way of propelling me forward.

Bikini Swimsuit

After 6 years of beach and pool days my tankini swimsuit bit the dust this summer and I was forced to do the dreaded task of finding another suit that I would like. I loved how my other set hugged my body in all the right spots. This Bikini gives me the coverage I want while also adding more style to my summers.

Flip Flops

I have been in desperate need of a pair of flipflops and was thankful for my moms birthday gift in these.

Coral Sweater T-Shirt

I am a bit lacking in clear ‘shirt’ options for the summer outings and this coral sweater t-shirt adds a fun option for beach days, or just around the house on a cool summer morning.

Still Going Strong

Blue/White Striped Dress

This stunning dress keeps giving me life. It feels like it captures all of me.

Starfish Keds

This pair has that worn appearance yet still holding shape.

Purse

I adore this purse I invested in a couple years ago. It is easy to bring on shopping days or just out and about on the weekends.

Time to Go

Jean Shorts

Not pictured here is a pair of jean shorts I bought and used exclusively as my ‘jean shorts’ for the summers. They were quite honestly falling apart. Off they go.

Blue Second Hand tank

Not pictured here is a second hand tank top I have been wearing for 4-5 years in summer and autumn months. It was never 100% me, but it did the trick when doing life with a toddler in tow. I am not wearing it anymore, so it’s time to donate it. Someone will appreciate it more than I am right now.

White Point Beach Resort on a foggy morning.

To celebrate our 10th anniversary and to create memories, we spent the majority of a week at White Point Resort this summer. It was everything we needed and more.

The time as a couple to connect intentionally and romantically outside of the life we have been working hard for was healing and I am not unaware of what a huge privilege it is that we could set aside the time to make that happen.

It’s easy to think that we are capable of this endless wheel of meeting the needs of our jobs, our friends and family without those margin moments but it’s simply not true. If anything the pandemic has taught us, is that having ‘pause’ can create space for something altogether different.

Pause is scary.

Being alone, without the people, the hustle, the bustle is sometimes nerve wracking.

We have our lives so perfectly ordered to create the background noise just the way we like to hear it, but eventually that background noise becomes undelt with trauma, over worked, over wrought and simply a lack of peace soul with the way things are as they are.

This vacation felt like the rope I was so clearly trying to grasp and articulate.

I

CAN’T

DO

IT

ALL.

I

CAN’T

BE

THE

SOLUTION

TO

ANY

ONE

PERSONS

NEEDS.

I

WASN’T

MADE

TO

LIVE

OFF

OF

NOTHING

BUT

EXPECTATIONS

AND

SCHEDULES.

I

WAS

MADE

TO

FLY

AND

LAUGH.

*spoiler alert: this is no new news.

No one was made to fully fulfill another person.
We are individually born as whole and solo beings.

We can be blessings to each other.
We can be the refreshing rain on the soil of another spirit.

We cannot be the sun.
We cannot be expected to exist simply to glorify anything but the One who made us.

What does this mean?

It means we do our best to honour and work to hone the life we are called into.

If you are privileged enough to carve out time and space for you to exhale somewhere quiet, I hope you find yourself a little corner of a moment to sit and listen to the lifeline rope you are holding on to and listen to what it is saying.

These are the things we hear loud and clear, yet need the time to fully see what it is we have been aching over.

Have you ever considered that the best of you has yet to be discovered?

We like to think that we can dress ourselves up with our experiences, education and accolades.

That who we are is the sum of our success and ability to dust ourselves off after a string of errors and mischief.

That we possibly can just forge ahead and put the mess of our past behind us.

No burial service, no atonement, no rectification.

Just walking away from the mess and letting the scabs form where they are as we stagger on.

If this is you dear one, then I must urge you… sit down. You are leaving bodies in your wake, and the next one might be yours.

Here’s the thing,

We humans have so much to learn from the digging into our failures, our past and our wounds.

We will repeat what we don’t heal and we will find a new way to ripple affect the damage we haven’t dealt with.

Success is not how many times you are able to walk away from failure and press on.

Success is found within the healing process. How deep you go to find the cause of the wounds of your past and how you carve out time and space for new and more healing ways to continue on.

We like to act like we are above brokenness. That our ability to damage ourselves and others along the way by our own inability to see the next bump in the road is just a simple accident, but the truth is,

without your own self reflection, healing and ability to see that you are just as faulty as the next broken and lonely soul…

you will always pass judgement and assume to know the depths of another person’s pain.

You will continue to walk away from the messes you make, shrug your shoulders and suggest that there is nothing more you can do.

But there is.

Always.

More healing to be found in the cracks of you.

And maybe,

just maybe,

working on healing your own broken pieces will create the safe place for new healing somewhere else instead of the shards you leave in your wake that people will walk on.

Malibu Rising | Taylor Jenkins Reid

A captivating and descriptive tale of a family that grew up in Malibu. Spanning the timeline of two generations we get to see the beginnings and the fall out of a family. This novel delivers the beautiful landscape of Malibu, while also revealing the destructive nature of what it means to put all your hopes and dreams into one solitary ‘element’. Be that a person, a place or a thing.
The perfect summer read.

Bridgerton | The Duke & I | Julia Quinn

I picked this up out of interest of wanting to read the novel before watching the Shonda Rhimes series. With adaptations I am always interested in what was chosen to be included or not. This novel although slightly different than its television series which is more ‘based on the characters of’ gives its own beautiful and romantic punch. I adore the society columnist giving her take at the beginning of each chapter (which Julie Andrews does such a great job at in the series with her voice over), and I love the strong female characters who are very much within the restraints of their era but yet remain three dimensional within their roles.
Beautifully done.
It’s safe to say I will be continuing on with this series both on Netflix and in books.

Peter Pan and Wendy | J.M. Berry

J.M Berry’s writing has always been an inspiration to me. I believe I first read Peter Pan as a late teen and re-fell in love with the tale. Of course, some of the depictions are outdated, but when you move past that dated stereotypes and focus on everything else, you can see how perfectly wonderful a storyteller the man was. He breathed creative genius in so many ways. Words weaving in and out of the narrative, giving the reader something to hold on to. It’s no surprise that Peter Pan was first a play before a book. It’s words depict a fully visual and beautiful world.

The Next Right Thing | Emily P. Freeman

Emily has been a writer I have followed for years. Her podcast ‘The Next Right Thing’ a comfort during many a time, especially during the pandemic. That being said, it seemed sad that I had not yet read The Next Right Thing Book yet, so I have finally rectified that. If you are looking for a read that will give you permission to mindfully and intentionally process through your life and decisions, this is a perfect read.

In Film / Television

Dirty Dancing | because while in our cottage during vacation at night with our daughter asleep, this seemed like the perfect summer watch. It was. For me, summer air & dancing is the most delicious thing.
Bridgerton | because adaptations are my jam and this is no exception.

The Crucible | Arthur Miller

Written during the early 1950’s to mirror image the anti-communist era by rewinding the clock and looking at the 1700’s Salem Witch trials, this read is a huge reminder that history does repeat itself. We are so fickle to think there is not a repetitive nature to the human existence. The only true thing that can help curb history repeating itself is awareness. An awareness of ourselves and the world around us. So much of history is built on the foundations of fear, misunderstandings and lack of grace. This book couldn’t be more relevant today for all of the polarized societal shifts we are seeing.

Glad to have read the play, but even more interested in seeing it live.

A Whole New World | Liz Braswell

A retelling of Disneys ‘Aladdin’. I have been following this series slowly where commissioned authors retell these classics / Disney tales in new and twisted ways. This adaption is no exception. If you like this sort of thing, these books are a fun read.

On Greif & Grieving | Elisabeth Kübler-Ross & David Kessler

I have been reading this book for research on the grieving process. Especially now that David has expanded on this in a second book, it’s easy to see why this is a book that many recommend. It’s a staple for understanding what a person goes through in any sort of grief.

Films & TV Series of Note

Toy Story 3 - for the family film night & because it is the best of the series.
The Handmaids Tale S04 - for the reminder that we are only ever one step away from becoming a society that would spiral out of control.
Back to the Future - for the summer nostalgia

I say this a lot.

Grace.

We need to pass grace.

But sometimes, I say it with pain in my heart.

If anything has taught me more about grace… it's becoming a parent.

I'm not sure that I genuinely understood forgiveness and its complete process until working through the parenting journey.

I still am.

It's hard.

Hard to see that there are things I will need to be forgiven for. I will need to create healing space in my child's life and understand that there is no end to that cycle of needing to create space for a person and the grace to exist in the air between us.

Grace is a path I am walking and stumbling in again and again.

Sometimes it's a beautiful journey, and other times it becomes dark and full of thorns.

I can feel weary in the journey of forgiveness.

Yet, the idea of turning back, of not continuing on and finding that next part of healing, albeit alluring, is not a place I want to go.

We get frozen in time without the path.

We need the path.

It's just… hard.

Painful and not always a fun feeling.

And sometimes, I want to stamp my foot and decide to stay where I am.

I don't need to go any further.

But then…

I am raising this little spirit and the path is for her to learn as much as I.

If I can't pass grace for the pain within myself and exist with it, I can't give grace for the pain within others.

It's hard to look at.

It's not fun.

Yet,

it's a path.

A journey.

And thus far, the path has provided me more grace, more healing and more compassion than not being on the path.

So onwards we go.

Here is the playlist for this summer 2021

Summer of Now - James Blake

Around 1:22 this song picks up in a way that gets me in my inner core. There is something about a nostalgic song regarding summertime that adds to those reflective moments. Roll down the windows and turn up the volume on this baby.

Cigarettes and Coffee - Otis Redding

This tune makes me think of every good feeling that a couple could experience rolled up into one tune. Bare feet, two mugs, sitting on countertops late at night while cooking, deep talks and the sounds of good music in the background.

This Will Be - Natalie Cole

Blame it on the 98’ remake of The Parent Trap, but this song for me says summer. I would binge this film during my childhood summers. The end credits rolled to this track. The opening chords get me every time.

Gratitude - Brandon Lake

I love this thankful prayer. Sometimes words are best said heavenwards.

Drums of Autumn | Diana Gabaldon

Rereading any Outlander book is a treat. This remained no exception. Leave it to Diana Gabaldon to give us even more epic story development that crosses time, eras, generations, genres and cultures. This is my second time sitting down with Drums of Autumn. #noregrets

Many Ways to Say I Love You: Wisdom for Parents and Children from Mister Rogers | Fred Rogers

Words of Wisdom from Fred Rogers on the various forms of love. There is nothing more healing than that.
(note, I read this through my ‘iBooks’ app,.

The Paragon Hotel | Lyndsay Faye

Not yet finished, but a riveting historical mystery set in the 1920’s during prohibition Oregan and New York City. With a character who refers to herself as ‘Nobody’, it’s a constant page turn to discover where she came from, where she plans to go next and what is keeping her at the Paragon Hotel.

FILMS /TV SHOWS of Note

Ted Lasso S01 - because it might be the best comedy that hit TV ever. Exposing mental health, real life and comedic life all in one.
Q Into the Storm - because although Q-anon was something I knew about, the deconstruction of where it all began and the ways it spread is something next level scary and worth taking in for the broader awareness of how conspiracy theories can either make or break you.

Pothos

As we wait for our music / reading room couch to arrive I thought a new plant for the bookshelf would be a great idea. After research, I thought we’d start with a Pothos. So far, so good.

Spring Soy Candles

I sprung for the Spring set from Okanagan Candle Co. I have been sad to wait for my favourite local soy candle maker to start production again, but supporting another Canadian business, despite the distance seemed like a smart idea. I love that this pack lets you try all the candles to decide which one is your favourite.

Secret Garden

A secret, yet not so secret if you know me well, is that I ADORE a good Korean Drama. No matter how kitchy they can be, there is something so sweet and lovely about sinking into a limited series that attempts to embrace the ‘love story’ concept in the format of a KD. This series remains the best I have ever watched. Originally I watched this in 2011 and this would be my third rewatch of the series.

Origins Toner

I finally have landed on a toner that fits my skin type and current needs.

The Ordinary Cleanser

A gift on my birthday, and let’s just say “I see the light” in regards to ‘The Ordinary’.

String of Pearls

A pick up from Bloom on a whim. Another lovely music / reading room additive.

On Grief and Grieving

A book I am studying for a project.

Checks and Balances Exfoliant

Another back to the basics product that I am highly in love with. Simple is best with me.

Top Centre - Clockwise : Canadian Currency Tray | Amazon, Jewlery Box | Birthday Gift from Auntie Nicole, Lounge Set | H&M, Kiwi Co Crate Puppet | Kiwi Co Box from Tai Ma, Rainbow Ribbon | Gift from Auntie Heidi, Sketcher Sneakers | Soft Moc, Pyjamas | Gift from Mimi & Yeye, Disney T’s | H&M, Yellow Dress | Zara, Brave Hoodie | H&M, Star Pants | Gift from Mimi & Yeye, Heart patch Jeans | Old Navy, Short Overalls | Old Navy, Winnie the Pooh | Chapters, Welcome to Pawston! | Chapters, Bike Helmet | Canadian Tire, Readers | Chapters

Spring is always an exciting season for us as parents and for our little, as a birthday marks the beginning of a new year in her life. Turning six feels big to us. In truth, every age thus far has brought major milestones. This year her main birthday gift was a blue bike. Complete with a bell and no training wheels. A huge step for her, since due to various life circumstances she hadn’t had a bike since her pink tricycle.
That along with various other milestones we have had and eventful spring, to say the least.

New to Her

Yellow Dress

A beautiful dress from Zara for her 6th Birthday. A little family tradition. Every birthday deserves a new dress.

Brave Hoodie

Although she takes forever to get used to new clothes, especially anything that is outer / extra layers, she took to this new hoodie eventually and it has become her favourite. I wish I had one for myself to be honest.

Sketcher Sneakers

Although she was voting for the light-up sneakers, we needed to put money aside for her bike and stuck with the non light up pair. We will meet that desire on the next go around, which will probably be sooner than later. She’s growing like a weed.

Still Going Strong

Readers

Although she has had readers in level 1 and level 2 for awhile, adding new ones to her collection is making her a ravenous reader. No complaints about that.

Disney T’s

Graphic T’s that have a sweet nostalgic quality to them are my fav. I love it how these haven’t worn with weekly washes.

Star Pants

Thankfully these have been a great fit during Winter and Spring. She is a weed these days.

Time to Go

Pyjamas

Over the Spring she has actively grown out of her sleep-ware. Very doubtful any of these warmer pairs will fit come Autumn.

Various shirts / pants

Not pictured here are various pants and shirts we have had to pass along due to her growing arms and legs.

Top Centre - Clockwise: Graphic T Femme | Dynamite, Graphic T Music Notes | Mod Cloth, Cream Scarf | Indigo, Romper | RW&Co, Origins Exfoliant | Sephora, Origins Toner | Sephora, Monarch Butterfly Sweater | Winners, Loose Black Pants | RW&Co, Karl Lagerfeld Flats | The Bay, Pleather Pants | Zara, Drums of Autumn by Diana Gabaldon | Indigo, Girlfriend Jeans | The Gap, Black Cami | H&M, Long Sleeve Shirt | RW&Co, Oversized White Button Shirt | Aritzia, Ordinary Face cleanser | The Ordinary, Ordinary PM Toner | The Ordinary, Cream Oversized Hoodie | Aerie, Tan Turtleneck | RW&Co

Spring saw us in Nova Scotia in the third wave of the COVID pandemic.

This being the hardest wave we have seen yet due to variants. For the first time we were parents of an ‘at home learning’ child and had to navigate our own careers alongside her education.

Thankfully, our Province is opening back up as case numbers drop and the number of vaccinated people go up.

This has meant a more curated approach to my spring capsule this year. More ‘at home working’ outfits and weekend cozy vibes.

New To Me

White / Grey Romper

I adore this romper. Relaxed, light and playful, it adds a lot to my spring / summer capsule.

Beige Hoodie

Although the softest fabric inside and out, this hoodie began buzzing after the first wear. It does not hold up well to look the way it was marketed as from the get go. It does however remain in tact and as warm and as cozy soft as ever. Unfortunately I wouldn’t suggest this for anyone due to it’s lack of ability to hold it’s smooth appearance.

Taupe Long Sleeve

A purchase early spring that was to help with my lack of long sleeves that are not ‘turtle necks’. It is a season fav.

White Oversized Button Shirt

I hunted all Spring for this and am not disappointed with this expensive purchase. The material is high quality, it’s loose yet shapely at the same time. I expect this to be in my wardrobe until it’s threadbare.

Still Going Strong

Tan Turtle Neck

Great for those early spring days in March when a turtle neck is still the best option.

Butterfly Sweater

Though not the most expensive sweater find with the highest quality, the graphic decal is holding up well after multiple washes and it symbolizes a change in my mindset that began during the pandemic. Always a sucker for symbolic capsule items.

Girlfriend Jeans

They do the job. No complaints.

Time to Go

Grey Bridesmaids Dress

Purchased for the besties Wedding in 2017, this dress has seen a handful of wears. I am feeling that it is time to put this baby up for sale. (Not pictured here.)

Ankle Socks

About every pair of my ankle socks had holes in them by mid spring. I ordered another batch of under armer ankle socks to replace them.

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.