I reflect on the year of Aces in the last hours of 2024 with open eyes.

I was ready for big moves, and honestly, in these last hours, I have no aces from this year left to play.
I played them all.

Carrying ace cards throughout the year has taught me that I am more gutsy and daring than I ever understood myself to be. They allowed me to consistently reevaluate my choices and look for the opening to make a new, brave, and bold move.

One of those moves was already set in motion before 2024 began, and I happily laid down the card when I was accepted into a master’s program in creative writing. But in truth, I continually remind myself of that card in every assignment and essay/chapter I write.

Another move was for my daughter. She changed directions in her educational journey when it became apparent that she would lose her confidence if she stayed where she was. It is a privileged choice, but one we don’t regret making.

The thing about Ace cards and the moves I made this year with them is that they are only pieces of paper, but their symbolism is a permission slip—perhaps the sly wink we need when we doubt.

Just days ago, someone I love said,

“Yes, you’re going to shake things up obviously, but I don’t think it will necessarily be viewed as reckless. I think it’s brave."

I admit the cards I played this year have set me on a trajectory I had no idea I was capable of. Given this, I will need to be more connected and anchored in my embodiment of myself and this life more grounded.
Above all the shifts, changes and opportunities, I am eternally thankful for the souls surrounding me and the air I breathe.

To play an ace is to live.

And this year, I have truly, deeply and evocatively lived.

Onwards,

Books lined up on a shelf.

Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret | Judy Blume

Having never read the book, this was a delightful revisit to a novel that could have been on my shelf. It is a beautiful coming-of-age story that cracks you open and makes you remember the heart and spirit of your younger self. I am looking forward to watching its film adaptation.

When He Was Wicked | Julia Quinn

Slipped in another Bridgerton read. I can see why some fans would have wanted Francesca’s story included in the television adaptation series. The read was still a good one. As my friend and I would say, It’s like eating cake.

The Briar Club | Kate Quinn

Centred on the 1950s post-war era, The Briar Club features characters of Brair Woodhouse, a female boarding place. Although highly rated, this one did not scratch the fictional itch I was looking for when I read this.

A Gentleman and a ThIEf | Dean Jobb

Not only a professor of mine but also a local writer who riveted the world this year with this true crime story. Dean writes in a visually captivating tone that leaves your imagination nothing to desire. After sitting through a handful of his lectures, it’s no surprise that he leaves no stone unturned in this book. Anyone interested in true crime will find this a tremendous rapid read.

Nocturnal | Wilder

For those who like art mixed with poetic words, this book of poetry is beautifully made—a work of art in and of itself.

The Inheritance Games | Jennifer Lynn Barnes

A high school student finds herself in the centre of a dead billionaire’s pre-planned game to launch his family into a mystery after his death. With no known connection to this man or his family, protagonist Avery Grambs must decide how willing she is to follow the terms of the will or risk losing it all.
A great young adult read that is worth a film adaptation.

In the Dream House | Carmen Maria Machado

I used this book to study the use of metaphor. It’s haunting in its delivery and captivating in it’s entirety—a memoir to remember.

The Echo Wife | Sarah Gailey

A psychological thriller wrapped up in an eerie sci-fi concept. This book could easily be a Black Mirror episode. Highly recommend if this genre is your thing.

Family Values | Dr. Charles Sophy

If you are looking for an easy and quick read with prompts to help you re-orient your compass for a ‘team’ mentality in your family, this was great. Specifically in the sphere of intergenerational trauma/cycles, the way this book is packaged helps any partner/parent process the work they need to do on themselves and their history to navigate a safer environment for family evolution. .

Liturgy of the Ordinary | Tish Harrison Warren

Growing up under the Christian tradition, I have a connection to that which is meditative as an act of prayer. Recently, I read that art and creativity in and of itself is prayer. The act of it. In this book, Tish allows us to follow along to see how our ordinary lives give room for the mindful and prayerful moments, so many of us crave a conceptual da. I may not attend a church or relate as strongly to the tradition that raised me anymore, but I still live with mindfulness of how I can connect deeper and broader to the Divine.

Good Prose | Tracey Kidder and Richard Todd

A great read for any nonfiction writer. I appreciated the topics and pacing of this compact book.

Pines: Wayward Pines 1 | Blake Crouch

Recommended by my partner, who has become a reader of Dystopian books - I found this a great window into his new niche and am looking forward to picking up the sequal.

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“I’ll spend my lifetime seam ripping open all the pockets they sewed shut..” - Amy Grace
on the pocket: *places you thought I didn’t belong.
A Threads Project

Star & Moon Pyjamas | Indigo / Love & Lore

I love and have this set in a short-sleeved pair of pants for a year. It seemed a practical and enjoyable choice to pick up the longer-sleeved pant set. No Regrets.

Snoopy Napkins | Homesense

I am a sucker for seasonal napkins. Snoopy is our nine-year-old favourite cartoon character, which seemed a perfect addition for October.

The Market Candle - Fireside | The Market Wolfville

As seasonal visitors to the sweet town of Wolfville in Nova Scotia, we often dip into The Market Wolfville. I picked up this candle and loved burning it in autumn.

Nocturnal by Wilder | Indigo

Poetry is magical. This beautifully packaged book is too.

Pumpkin Pillow | Amazon

After seeing a version of this on a store's website and realizing I couldn’t order it - I went hunting, and this happy, hugable pumpkin has delivered in our cozy couch moments as a family.

Janis Joplin Vinyls | Second Hand

Janis Joplins' spirit, voice, and energy have my soul needs serving wh this season. Spinning her records is a saving grace.

Merit Concealer | Merit Beauty

Quick and easy. A lifestyle minimalist dream. I don’t have the energy to spend on makeup, but this is as easy and effective as it gets.

Autumn Vibes - Maison Margiela | Sephora

After purchasing a sample pack of scents to share and enjoy for our 13th anniversary for a few months, I have found that my favourite scent from the pack is Autumn Vibes. It is fitting for the weeks of autumn.

To the threads that have been, are and continue to be…
You’ve taught me what it means to hold space despite the chaos.” - Amy Grace
A Threads Project

Alongside Accessible Media Inc. and Lynn Matheson, I helped produce this episode of Our Community.

More Than a Drive showcases the tireless and dedicated work of MusGo Rider.

Watch Here.

“Thank-you for the mess…I am still working through it.” - Amy Grace
A Threads Project.

I spent the better of two decades telling myself University was not for someone like me.
I thought finances, intellect, individuality, and worthiness were beyond my means.
Was this because of my conservative upbringing, where women were often pigeonholed as the caregivers of their families while the men worked? Was this because of the teachers who saw my marks and considered me a lost cause? Or was this a lie of my own making?

The unwinding of these self-restrictive thoughts continues, but their hold on me does not.

Sitting in the lecture hall of the Unversity of Kings College on the first day of my master’s education earlier this year, I was struck by how, rather than standing out as an odd duck, I was simply normal.

A storyteller and producer who knew and had honed her craft and was ready to refine it to it’s next level.

“Storytelling is your power and home here.” Gillian Turnbull - Director of Writing and Publishing, University of Kings College

Back to school is not just an ‘era’; it is coming home to the side of myself that I had believed I needed to hide. The side that intuitively knows the heartbeat and cadence of the scene, can break down story and character development without blinking and is more knowledgeable about the craft of the story than she lets on. The side that spins words to find healing and wholeness, the side that digs deeper into the personal to dig deeper in the relational. The side that knows that the craft of writing is a craft that can build bridges as quickly as it can burn them.

To the side of myself I had let collect dust and believed was put to bed for good, I say welcome home.

You belong here.

“It took me way too long to realize that one core thread, was me.” - Amy Grace
A Threads Projects

First Love | Lilly Dancyger

A heart-wrenching book of essays on the true love stories in our lives. Friendship. Specifically Lilly and her relationships with all of the women she has called friends.

The House Across the LakE | Riley Sager

It's a perfect rapid read for vacation. A ‘who dun it’ that turns into something more than that. No need to spoil. If you are looking for a psychological suspense novel - this is it.

Good Inside | Dr.Becky Kennedy

After listening to various podcast episodes by Dr.Becky, I decided to pick up the book. Focusing on the core value that all children and adults are ‘good inside,’ this book helps remind us to take a mindful approach in our parenting to support self-regulation, compassion, confidence and resilience. Highly recommend.

The Soulmate | Sally Hepworth

Another great rapid read: The Soulmate is perfect for summer vacation. It is equally moody, entertaining, and suspenseful.

The Next Mrs.Parish | Liv Constantine

This is the sequel to The Last Mrs.Parish. I read it during vacation and deeply enjoyed how all the characters continued the chess game that made the first book fun. I am amazed this hasn’t been made into a film by now. It's a great read all around.

FILMS/TV SERIES OF NOTE
Baby Reindeer - because it’s a true story that will leave you speechless.
Parent Trap ‘97 - because a rainy day on vacation deserves a great classic film to watch.
Argylle - because it’s a fun play on all the spy troupes one can find. Films don’t always have to be serious.
Physical S03 - because it’s a fun summer watch & I think Rose Byrns makes it. (warning: dysregulated eating is an underlying theme)
Inside Out 2 - because the second is as deep as the first.

The Last Breath | Kimberlly Belle

This is a fun, suspenseful read when one is looking for a distraction. The graphic descriptions of small portions seemed unnecessary to me. Readers don’t need as much gore to buy in as one might think.

The Old Moon in Her Arms | Lorri Neilson Glenn

Hearing Lorri read a small portion of this book on the first day of my degree was a moment I will not forget. Her words and presence are as deep as they are witty, and there is a reflectiveness in her writing that I deeply aspire to. Reading this collection of essays has been a refreshment and a beautiful anchor point in why I wanted to do this master's program.

The First Shot | Liv Constantine

I re-read the prequel to prepare for the sequel to The Last Mrs.Parish. I love the protagonist's twists and turns, and it says enough that I willingly ‘re-read’ this.

Family Trouble | Joy Castro

This book of essays is from the required reading list in my Master's program. It is a collection of essays from those who have written memoirs and writings that reflect their families.

Lessons in Chemistry | Bonnie Garmus

I adored this read. Bonnie’s beautiful writing keeps this story alive and the characters even more. Without spoiling, this book follows a female chemist's struggles and life happenings in the 1960’s. It is as charming as it is pointed. It’s very clear to me why it got picked up for a tv series on Apple TV.

The Last Mrs.Parish | Liv Constantine

In preparation for the second book, I reread the first. Liv Constantine (team of two writers) did not disappoint in this reread. I found it as riveting as the first time. No spoilers. Just read it for yourself.

FILMS / TV SERIES OF NOTE

I am Celine - Her voice and interviews filled a lot of important moments for me, and watching this was as impactful as those moments.
Wish - For the art style alone (& if you pay attention - there is a fascinating narrative woven in regarding those in governance and leadership).
Baby Reindeer Season 1 - Because it claims to be a true story and has been talked about for weeks. It’s FASCINATING.

Our Knots are showing.
A Threads Project

As our little family of three evolves, we have begun to explore what dipping our toes in travel looks like for us and decided to start where are hearts were already, with our best friends.

Visiting Nanaimo, British Columbia, along with other obvious places (Vancouver, Victoria, Coombs, Chemainus etc.), was a no-brainer. Our goal to experience the coast they live on and the landmarks that make up their lives was quite honestly the best place to start.

Standout moments/experiences

• Capilano Suspension Bridge & Walkways

• Lantzville Beach for a dip (it seemed essential to experience the Pacific Ocean)

• Window Seat Books in Nanaimo (beautiful independent bookstore)

• Horang - Korean-inspired restaurant bar - (the food was explosively good)

• Sticky Rice Mango Bowl at Dumpling Drop in China Town in Victora

• Butterfly world (we learned some things)

• A ridiculous souvenir our daughter picked up in Coombs (it became a mascot of the trip)

• The special moments together when we did nothing but talk, read, nap and muddle about.

I don’t need to travel to feel fulfilled or inspired, but I deeply enjoy living alongside those I love, and this adventure gave me all those values and then some.

Starting 2024 with a word like Ace felt like a power move that scared and excited me.

The 2020s have been notorious far for being wild and completely unhinged in what they have brought us, and yet - perhaps that was why I needed to plant my feet firmly on the ground and claim a word that I had already been secretly honing in on.

During the past six months, Ace has taught me…

Ask the Questions

If something doesn’t pass the smell test, you are right 99.9% of the time. Don’t question your concerns after seeing the proof.

Make Your Move

You move how you need to move for yourself and those you advocate for.

Stay Patient

While waiting for things to play out, stay quiet (only after you have made your move), humble, and patient.

Celebrate the Outcomes

When the outcome turns in your favour, celebrate. Your hard work deserves to be relished.

Rise to the Occasion

Hard work doesn’t end at the celebration point. Continue to rise to the occasion.

Looking back at January’s 2024 OneWord Post : A Year of Aces

Summer’s arrival often hits me hard.

There is a headiness to it, the way the humidity falls in the air as the gardens bloom their last flower of the spring and the way the sun raises itself to what seems like the highest point in the sky.

It glares down sharply, and if I am being honest, the first day of it makes me nervous.

Summer’s arrival is a reminder of traumatic memories like a phantom pain.

I may know the pain is from years past, but here I am again reminded of that initial ache—that first bloom of despair.

It happens often during the first few morning walks of the summer season. I have tracked its timing for the past decade and noted how I subconsciously groan, shield my eyes, and catch the skip in my breath as my heartbeat speeds up.

The connection between the mind, body, and soul never ceases to amaze me.
I may always have this reaction to summer’s arrival, and I am learning to acknowledge the phantom pains as they are: phantom. Illusive. Figments. Something I cannot see or touch - but feel is there.

In these moments, I have learned to place my hand on my heart and envision myself standing ankle-deep in the ocean waves. The sharp, cold lick of the Atlantic bringing me back to my center self. I let my mind remind myself of the sound of the ocean waves, and I imagined the coastal fog surrounding me like a protective hug. Only the seagulls can see me, I tell myself.
And then…
Somewhere in the reminder of all that is grounding, safe and true - the phantom passes, and it is just me outside in the summer sun - with plans for the day and hopes for the weeks ahead.

I’ve been picking at the threads…
I didn’t realize there were so many.
- A Threads Project
byamygrace

Run Hide Repeat | Pauline Dakin

In preparation for taking a course from Pauline, I had the foolish idea I could finish this sega before her classes. Clearly, I misjudged my calendar and energy during residency, and I found myself in front of Pauline only 35 pages or so into her memoir, yet riveted by her story already.
I resolved to finish it before the end of her course.
And I did. I couldn’t put it down.
For what it’s worth, Pauline makes space for what so many of us have underpinning our upbringings. “It must be real because they say it is and love me.”
What happens when you begin to doubt the history that made you and find that things might not be exactly as they seem?

The Dead Romantics | Ashley Poston

It is a surprisingly fun read after a month of heavy reading to prepare for residency in my master's program. The Dead Romantics is outlandish in its premise (a woman falling in love with a ghost), yet it gives a light-hearted, meaningful read for a tired mind.

Nine Perfect Strangers | Liane Moriarty

Going against all my values, I watched the Nine Perfect Strangers before reading the book. I am righting this wrong by reading the intense sega that was turned into a limited series and finding it just as enjoyable.

The Tea Dragon Festival | K. O’Neill

Due to it lying about our house, I picked up the second one my daughter had out from the library and let myself enjoy the world she was in.
The Tea Dragon series is imaginative, fun and beautiful to look at.

TV/FILMS OF NOTE
Bridgerton S03 - because everyone needs to eat cake sometimes… this was my cake after a long day of work.
Gilmore Girls S04 - because my brain was too tired to watch anything but comforting rewatches of the Gilmore households.
Inside Out - because I knew it would be a perfectly timed watch with our nine-year-old

Sitting in Alumni Hall, taking notes from brilliant local and national minds, swapping thoughts and texts with fellow writers and students, clicking laptop keys and hastily scratching pens…Residency was everything I could have wanted and then some.

We don’t often consider the true value of an academic journey when we are inside it as a young person. We are too busy striving to succeed and get to whatever we believe that-next-something needs to be.
I am reminding myself to stay in the moment I am in.
Soaking it all in.
One word and one sentence at a time.

Highlights / Notations to remember

1. The chocolate tin was a great idea. (stay stocked up for motivation through the late afternoon lectures.)

2. Keep documenting the little funny things in your path. (The poetic epitaphs carved into desks, the random condom in the back of a lecture hall, and the way your fitness watch alerted you to breathe deeply when you got nervous before pitching to a director)

3. On the ‘day off,’ block off a full morning, afternoon, or evening to rest. (a two-hour nap is not enough recharge time.)

4. Plan to skip something small on day seven. Don’t feel guilty; your nervous system needs a reset by this time.

5. Pre-schedule / book a hot yoga session for your first day back to normal living. (You’ll feel good just knowing it’s coming)

6. Keep up those morning walks, no matter how early you have to wake up for them. (Truly, they kept you sane!)

7. Stay aware and open to the students around you. (reach out to the person overwhelmed in the corner, listen to the project concept of the other writers, ask how others are doing, share insight and ideas where helpful and stay open to what you may not understand.)

8. And document the normal things. (Capture that rainbow on the first evening, the way the rain splattered at your feet, the debrief voice memos with your friends, the lectures, the way your desk looked, and the way the sun lit up the campus.)

9. Do as much as you can. Enjoy the whole process. You’ll only be doing this MFA once.

10. Enjoy every single damn second.

The Old Moon in Her Arms by Lorri Neilsen Glenn | Kings Co-op Bookstore

During Residency, Lorri Neilsen Glenn read from this book a moment that felt like a personal connection. Her unique way of weaving words, a trait only the best writers possess, left me enraptured and filled with anticipation for the two years ahead. After attending one of her classes, it became even more apparent that she continues to masterfully weave in her words and her craft of creation and life.

These are the women who catch my breath every time. I find their appearance and approach magical, mystical, and otherworldly.
I am honoured that she signed it, and I am so excited to read it officially over the summer.

Stoic Reminders Cards | Intelligent Change

I love quotes and reminders in life, and these packs of historically evergreen quotes alight my desk from week to week, helping me to stay mindful, present and awake in all of life's ups and downs.

Black Backpack | Lo & Sons

A friend asked me if I would get a backpack for my new journey as a master's student, and I laughed at first. Yet, realistically, it was the smartest choice. Over the last decade, I have made do in all my work adventures with three or more bags. I need a bag for my laptop, a bag for my notebooks and books, a bag for my gear, and a purse. Also, a lunch bag if needed. All of these bags have led to a very heavily laden me. Considering this year's life changes and adventures, I felt that purchasing a backpack that could be both work and air-travel-efficient is a great ‘all in one.’ Having it during residency proved to be exactly what I needed. I am so happy with it. It is worth all the shipping and currency costs.

Lindtt Chocolate Bars | Lindtt

During my first residency, I found motivation and energy by having a square of chocolate per session on any given day, which could be four to six sessions of taking in material, feedback, etc. I toted my tin around with broken pieces of this chocolate and shared it with my new residency friends when they, too, needed a ‘pick me up’.
Carrying these squares with me as I proceed to work on my book.

A La Sala by Khruangbin Vinyl | Taz Records

After having May Ninth sent to me by my best friend in amusement over its title being my birthday day and the lyrics having my favourite weather embedded in them, it felt fitting that this record arrived for my birthday after my partner heard the lyrics and agreed with her that it felt very much like a song made just for me.

The Umbrellas of Cherbourg Vinyl | Second Hand

Not in make anymore, we could find a copy second hand over the various vinyl stores on the internet, and this addition makes rainy spring days feel even more magical. The Umbrellas of Cherbourg is one of my favourite musicals of all time. Its bittersweet story speaks of more than sure sugar-sweet. It’s real, it's raw, and it’s ever so rainy. My favourite thing.

University of Kings College Hoodie | Kings Co-op Bookstore

Making sure my first semester of a master’s degree has a hoodie to do during late-night edits and early-morning writing sessions.

Why?

If you are anything like me, I often live in the future. I plan, aim, and predict while life is playing out in front of me.
An act of symbolism and ritual anchors me in the moment.

Setting a wild yet attainable goal often gives me purpose and something to live for in the every day, keeping me anchored. Yet so often, once I have reached that goal, I am busy planning the next one and not savouring the moment as I should.

Leaving an Ace card behind gives me the opportunity to savour what has been achieved. It is a tangible, personal way I can honour the moment without too much planning or fanfare.

How?

Be as simple and understated or as extravagant and bold with your chosen location.

A simple ‘pull it out of your pocket’ and leave it on the seat behind you where your goal/moment occurred, or a lipstick kiss implanted on the card while you slip it between memos for someone to find after you receive that raise…
It’s all up to you.

***I plan to leave one behind at a specific location very, very soon. Although they have been alerted of our plans for change, this is a symbolic gesture that we did what we needed to do for ourselves as a family.
It was an exploration journey of what else might be out there that evolved into a new adventure and an ace card is soon to be played - left behind in a crevice somewhere as a token of bravery and determination.

The Ace Dare
How to Take the Dare
The Ace Dare Journal Prompts