Happy New Dreams

In the past few hundred days categorized under the 2013 umbrella, I wandered from one coast of Canada to the other-- all the way from Van city to the furthest tip of Cape Breton that my rental car and little feet could take me. Somewhere in between, in the Spring, I ventured to Cabo and then in the Fall to New York City.

Each place I visited and person I met lit a small yet undeniably motivating spark within me. Together these sparks ignited a fire in my mind, one that allowed me to follow through with my 2013 resolution to kickstart this blog and share my thoughts and world without reservations. Sharing in this way would have been a complete waste of time without the love and support of my friends and family- new and old.

To those friends and family, big and small, near and far: thank you for the constant heart warming reminders that this blog wasn't (and isn't) a waste of my time. Thank you for helping me realize the diversity of my blessings. I have learned and lived well this past year. I am infinitely grateful. The unending encouragement has implanted a whole new set of resolutions within me. Here's to happy new dreams, happy new desires, happy new ways, and a HAPPY NEW YEAR. 

 

These are just a few of my favourite moments from this year with a few people that I absolutely could not live without! 

With a 2013 kind of love,

J. 

A Gift From Me to You

Sorry it's not wrapped. As much as I love this time of year, every year I find it harder and harder to buy into the overwhelming pressure that stems from Christmas consumerism. It begins before we have time to remove the pumpkins from our porches and ends with a discounted Boxing Day bang, almost literally. Bang bang. Dead bank accounts. 

As a lover of words and in support of the things I love the most about this holiday season (togetherness, never ending cheery music, people smiling, good food, great drinks, and time off work to soak it all in) here's an early and small gift from me to all of you-- a few of my all time favourite holiday quotes that have nothing to do with ribbons and bows:

“This is my wish for you: peace of mind, prosperity through the year, happiness that multiplies, health for you and yours, fun around every corner, energy to chase your dreams, joy to fill your holidays!”     - D.M. Dellinger

“May your walls know joy, may every room hold laughter, and every window open to great possibility.”      - Mary Anne Radmacher

“The holiest of holidays are those kept by ourselves in silence and apart; The secret anniversaries of the heart.”      - Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

“The joy of brightening other lives, bearing each others’ burdens, easing others’ loads and supplanting empty hearts and lives with generous gifts becomes for us the magic of the holidays.”       - W. C. Jones

“The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart. Wishing you happiness.”      - Helen Keller

"Christmas is built on a beautiful and intentional paradox; that the birth of the homeless should be celebrated in every home."      - G.K. Chesterton

"Unless we make Christmas an occasion to celebrate our blessings, all the snow in Alaska won't make it 'white'."      - Bing Cosby 

Wishing you and yours a "white", laughter-filled, peaceful holiday season. 

With unwrapped, free, warm wishes and love,

J (and Blondie too).

Cheers to my California Girl

To this beautiful, smart, talented, creative, encouraging woman who opened her home to us this year when we were just getting on our feet, who cooked us wonderful meals and supplied endless words of encouragement while we house searched and I went on job interviews in search of my calling, the happiest of birthdays to you today. (Who doesn't love a good run-on sentence??)

To call you a friend would not nearly suffice. You have been a sister since the day we met. Although our careers, travels and new found hobbies haven't allowed us to spend nearly enough time together this past year, your love and support has meant the world to me. As a sister, friend, mother, entrepreneur (and frequent dog-sitter) you are truly inspiring. I look forward to your continued and infinite teachings! 

Here's to you Melly. Many cheers. 

With love, always,

"JEM" :) 

P.S. Buy this woman's amazing, all natural, hand made soap at http://latherandrinse.com. Your skin will thank you. Seriously do it - I'm stuffing all my stockings with L&R this Christmas!!

Blizzard Bliss

There's absolutely nothing better on a stormy Monday afternoon than curling up under a soft blanket, the scent of cinnamon and vanilla candles, eating soup from a mug and getting lost in thousands of inspirational words strung together by brilliance (Gretchen Rubin's The Happiness Project - a must read). 

Many thanks to Mother Nature for the not-so-subtle hint and opportunity to throw on a pair of sweatpants, slow the heck down, rejuvenate and rehydrate. 

 

I had a wonderful time this weekend officially welcoming the start of the Christmas party season. After drowning in red wine, rum and eggnog and margaritas for the past 48 hours (Tis the season...for the former anyway...and who can resist the latter!) I'm welcoming this little blizzard break with open arms.
Thanks also goes out to these boys for the drinks and laughs this weekend. Extending so much love to you all for taking me under your wings this past year. You've taught me more than you will ever know - less about the importance of a career and more about loving what you do and who you share it with.

           

Missing a few key people in these photos - you know who you are

 

Stay warm today my friends. 

With warm and cozy love,

J.