Holy moly. I don’t mean to brag (yes I do), but I have some pretty talented & amazing people in my life, you guys. Let’s take a little look see about what some of them are up to lately…
I know I have mentioned my upstairs neighbor Amanda previously. She is the creator and reigning queen of Living in a Green Room: An Illustrated Life. What is she up to lately? Being crazy-cool, that’s what. She recently posted this epic blog post about evolving/growth for bloggers (meta!) that make my brain do back flips. I’m still in the processing mode for how much her Blog Dreams Mind Map rocked my world as far as possibilities and aesthetics.
Chris is a lover-of-words. F’serious. As the mastermind of Firefly Creative Writing, she offers writing workshops in-person, via snail mail, & online. I have been devouring her mini-audio workshops (free during their release month!) & anticipating the launch of the Canada Kiss Map (February 14th) She has something for everyone in her bag of tricks, which as an introvert – I totally appreciate.
Have you seen Danette’s new Pen Pal Coaching package? Over at the Radical Creative Sanctuary, she is offering amazing opportunities for those looking for a safe place to explore personal or professional topics in your life. As she points out, “Having a coach for a pen pal means you have someone in your corner you can write to say, ‘I DID IT!’ & know they are in your corner.” What a wonderful way of connecting with your thoughts & writing; Perfect for those with a schedule that doesn’t lend itself to traditional phone coaching!
& I’ll leave you with an awesome video for my bike shop of choice, Bikes on Wheels. Go forth & be inspired by all this local Toronto talent.
I love that feeling – when you’re stressed over a decision & you follow your heart…& you immediately feel a weight lifted off of your shoulders. & you exhale & know that it was the right choice.
This photo is from Halloween 1989. If you were at all confused, I’m the one on the right. & you’ll just have to take my word that it is Travis on the left.
A few of you might remember “A Study in Siblings” – my brother & are really different in A LOT of ways. One thing I discovered recently was that he is as covert as I am – while he loves a good time, he prefers not to celebrate his birthday directly. The Tarr children are as sly as they come!
He is unapologetic for his passions.
He sweet talks his way into being upgraded to first class.
He loves a good wedding.
Oh man, does he love a wedding.
Happy Birthday, Travis!
I was home. & apparently Zen 2.0 is right underneath a den of ninjas. Okay, probably just one ninja. Or one person who moonlights as a ninja in her spare time.
But to get back to the point, I was doing some journal work when all of a sudden I hear a DING that means I have received a message.
Say what?! All had been calm – or so I thought…
I checked outside only to find a beautiful bouquet of orange tulips! They were, “It is the end of February, Hallelujah!” flowers from Amanda.
How amazing & thoughtful is that?! Robin & I are so lucky to have her near-by, especially since she uses her ninja skills for good & not evil.
What a wonderful way to start March off!
One of my latest favorites. It is beautiful & light lavender & sparkly & it makes me gesture more wildly with my hands, which I’m pretty sure makes my story telling more vibrant.
If you want to make your gestures even more glamorous, you can get your very own from Rings by Stephanie.
Recognize anyone? I’m the young lass to the left & my brother is on the right. I am IN the moment of enjoying that popsicle. & obviously, if you couldn’t tell – sitting in the center of Disneyland. We both look pretty mild-mannered – but when you look closer…
Travis=Extrovert
An extravert is energized when around other people. Extraverts tend to “fade” when alone and can easily become bored without other people around. Extraverts tend to think as they speak. When given the chance, an extravert will talk with someone else rather than sit alone and think.
& me? Well…
Allison=Introvert
An introvert is energized when alone. Introverts tend to “fade” when with people and can easily become overstimulated with too many others around (preferring one-on-one or small groups). Introverts tend to think before speaking. When given the chance, an introvert will sit alone and think rather than talk with someone else.
We’ve come into conflict often – as siblings are ought to do. Battling it out between extraversion & introversion. It’s not to say that each of us don’t have our ‘opposite’ moments – my brother can be contemplative & I can hold my own when I need to in a crowded situation. My brother is still more likely to be the one making friends with strangers in line & I’m still the one you’re more likely to find curled up with a good book & a cup of tea.
You have to have both sides of the coin, after all.
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Are you an extravert? Introvert? Ambivert? How have you learned to mediate it among others?
One Ms. Chris Kay Fraser is putting on a Love Letters contest. & contrary to popular belief – love letters aren’t just for lovers.
So fill the world with a few more love letters. Can you not imagine your Monday without chatting with the guy who comes to fix the copy machine? What about that tree you love sitting under with your beau? Or your best friend who lives across an entire country but would never forget to call you on your birthday?
Tell them. Her. Him. Yourself. It. The universe.
Write to your future, wax philosophically to your past…
Just write.
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& be sure to mail your love letter to Chris to get the chance to snag some sweet prizes. Among them: a hoop donated by yours truly, a massage from Michelle “Magic Hands” Yee, RMT, writing lessons, yoga, music…oy! What are you waiting for?! Spread the wealth!
Happy (Canadian) Thanksgiving!
I don’t have too much else to say today. I’m too busy being thankful. For this hot cocoa, that library book & those people over there! See? Gratitude up the wazoo. I’m especially thankful for the people who support my ‘thang’ – whatever it happens to be. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
