Several people over the past year have recommended a documentary titled “Craigslist Joe” and said “you’ll love it.” Well…all of those people were correct. I’ve linked in the trailer to this film here and would like to share my thoughts and recommendations on it.
Tag Archives: Relationships
Every Day Is A Gift
Here in the states, Thanksgiving Day came and went. As I evolve, my belief is that this particular holiday offers an opportunity for people to embrace gratitude. If you’ve been a follower of this blog, you’ll know I believe sending out your gratitude every day is something to aim for…but is not always reached (certainly for me). In this short film by Louie Schwartzberg, through his brilliant photography and cinematography, he captures the gifts surrounding us each and every day. He invites us to treat every day as if it were our ‘first day of life and last day of life’…and if we approach each day like this, ‘then it will really be a good day.’ Take 6 minutes to watch this film and try not to have an ear-to-ear smile emerge within the first 30 seconds and stay throughout the film.
I repeat these words internally daily, externally almost daily and practice them as best I can (which is certainly not daily). Relentless positivity is the foundation of Come In From The Cold, a value Linda and I agreed on at the genesis of this adventure. This short film encompasses just that…and as he says in the film, ‘every day is a gift.’
Be well my friends…
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A Beautiful Moment
Family…
What do you see here? A family portrait? Love? Two beautiful, strong women and their amazing children? That’s what I see too. This portrait adorns the living room of Beth and Carolyn. It represents a family wrapped in love, a family with ups and downs, a family with rich traditions and a family that until this past Friday October 18, 2013…didn’t have complete, legal recognition. That last, ridiculous little tidbit of information, became exiled into history when Beth, Carolyn, their two children Trystin and Taylor, and about 10 of their closest family and friends walked into the Vista County Assessor’s office and got married!! Continue reading
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Tell me a good story
During my pregnancy and since the birth of my son, I have discovered a new community, a new ’cause’, which has become very important to me. I believe that our culture needs to address its approach to pregnancy and in particular, to birth. The fundamental need is for a truer representation of birth to be shared via word-of-mouth, the media, everywhere. Continue reading
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Creative connections…
A while back, a friend of mine living in New York City, posted a link to this project on his FaceBook page. I remember being blown away with the idea, but having no time to really digest it. I immediately bookmarked it and have recently taken a look back at what caught my attention so significantly at first glance.
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Keeping the gratitude flowing…especially for Linda Keys
As has been my intention as of late, especially here on this space, I’ve been sending my gratitude to those in my life whom fill me up in wonderful ways. Back in July, while attending the Toronto Summer Institute, the co-author of this blog, Linda Keys, surprised me with a post of gratitude for me. Back home in Ratho, being a mom to her newborn baby boy, Linda wrote and posted a piece while supposedly on a writing hiatus. It was an overwhelmingly meaningful piece for me to read. The back-story to the surprising nature of the post is this: for those who follow this blog, you are well aware that Linda gave birth to her son Findlay back in the Spring. Continue reading
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The Science of Happiness…
Back in July, I found myself sitting at “a table for one at the Gratitude Cafe“. Remember that? I’ve been particularly interested in the idea of intentionally sending my gratitude out to people in my life whom I love dearly and/or have the opportunity to meet and form relationships with. I know this is important to me and I know that it has profoundly affected my life in positive ways. Continue reading
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Courage
I have been lucky to make some lovely new friends during pregnancy and early parenthood; a little network of people who are sharing similar experiences at the same time as us. One of the most special new friendships is with Ivy, whom I met when we both started a pregnancy yoga class on the same day. Her beautiful baby Skye is less than two months older than our wee Findlay and I am so glad that our sons will have the opportunity to become friends. I knew straight away that I would like Ivy, but it took time and circumstance to learn just how remarkably in tune our attitudes are with one another, and how many deeply held values we share.
Ivy writes a blog and I would like to share with you a piece that she has written. Her message to her son celebrates individuality and courage, and – ultimately – community. There are indeed many people who live in fear. But there are many others who live with courage, mutual delight, and open hearts. There are many strong friendships awaiting Skye, and a network of people who are excited to share your journey. Ivy, Ryan, and Skye, we love you!
Enjoy Ivy’s beautiful writing, and this wonderful message:
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Who Am I Being?
I spent this past week gathered in Toronto with people from all over the world and entered into conversations about many things. The main thread I immersed myself in centered around loneliness and connection. Our group, facilitated by Connie Lyle O’Brien and Lynda Kahn, shared personal stories of loneliness and isolation. This conversation quickly grew into a dialogue about what we are doing in our own lives to combat loneliness and isolation. What emerged was the idea of authenticity, or as I wrote about a few weeks ago, identifying our integrity gaps. It is paramount for all of us to truly live the values we speak about…something I strive to do, though not always well, everyday. Continue reading
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Deepening Connection (a surprise post for Kirk!)
Kirk and I often write here about the kind of connection one might find at the beginning of a relationship; where neighbours reach out to one another or communities create contexts for citizens to meet. Today I want to write about those connections becoming deeper. I want to write about friendship.
With beer
It has been several months since I posted in this blog. I have been on maternity leave while Kirk holds the fort. Because of his generosity Continue reading
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Come In From The Cold 