Moving Forward

 

Pardon me? It’s been one exact month since my last post? How ironic. That was not planned. But now that I think about it, maybe it was just what I needed to gain a little perspective. Just like most things in life, guilt is so often apart of my blogging journey. I’m constantly pondering whether that post was as good as it could have been, or berating myself for disregarding any sort of posting schedule or routine. It seems however, that I’ve forgotten the precise beauty of what my blog is, which is a quaint space of my own where not one deadline or directive will guide me, where I am free to express everything from big thoughts to small purchases. I’ve learnt that guilt will get you nowhere, and coming to terms with the fact that things won’t always materialize just as you flawlessly planned, is essential.

These past few weeks have been nothing short of mayhem. Between living in a new city, starting a new job in an ultra-fast-paced industry, moving from one apartment to the next, and attempting to maintain contact with loved ones, I have had little to no time to reflect on it all. I’m so thrilled to finally be settled into a place of my own, where I have plenty of thinking space and much more time to devote to this darling space of mine. A fresh turn of the calendar, with so much potential.

Sleeping Beauty

On Thursday I sat in the second row among a sea of captivated spectators to revel in three acts of The National Ballet’s rendition of Sleeping Beauty. My girlfriend and I scurried into the grand theatre with two minutes to spare before the lift of the curtains, only to discover we were being seated directly in front of the orchestra, where the sounds of pointe shoes thumping, dancer’s exhaling and pirouettes spinning the surrounding air, act as accompaniment to Tchaikovsky’s impeccable score. Sounds like these remind those lucky enough to hear them, that these are actually human beings performing – a fact that can be easily forgotten when dancing that flawless is being performed with such ease.

Like so many little girls, I had my ballerina moments growing up, even performing in The Nutracker for several years. My mother, the veteran dancer in my family, still practices ballet to this day, after spending many years of her adolescence training professionally. Thus, knowing how much effort goes into each arabesque, every elevation on pointe, and all of those piqué turns, I was mesmerized and continually in shock throughout each act. I’m told that Sleeping Beauty is a show that’s rarely produced because so many dancers are involved in each scene – and even after several minutes, I knew this fact to be true. Throughout the show, fifty ballerinas would surround the stage at one time, all the while keeping in form and making the scene look uncluttered and completely in sync. I can only imagine the nightmares this show’s choreographer must have had throughout rehearsals (and likely even as the show is performed).

Aside from the brilliant dancing and overflowing stage, the costumes were absolutely jaw-dropping. In tutus, gowns and capes that echoed a couture show in Paris, the garments adorning each ballerina seemed to become one more character in the fairy-tale – depicting luxury and intricacy in their truest forms. It’s as though ‘costume’ is an inappropriate term for this type of mastery in dressmaking.

It was incredibly refreshing to take in a show that  projected such talent, when I so often find myself watching hopeless talent shows on TV, where ability and expertise are unfortunately, few and far between. It’s also a serious reminder of what can come about when people follow their dreams. It’s obvious that these dancers have dedicated their lives to this work. The blood-encrusted pointe shoes, bruises and aches, are all – I would imagine – worth the opportunity to showcase one’s technique in such a classic ballet. If the cliché lesson that Sleeping Beauty itself gives us isn’t moral enough, I can surely say that the efforts of ballerinas in the National Ballet are lesson enough of what dedication and sweat can get you in this world – exactly what you’ve always wished for.

Wishes

This week has been mildly hectic (sarcasm). I have not had one moment to breathe…and I’m not one of those people who constantly complains of their manic lives, fully exaggerating and making themselves seem wildly popular (hate that). My week, no matter how fast-paced, was also incredibly fabulous and memorable. I attended two fashion shows at Toronto Fashion Week, absorbed all the Canadiana fashion and enjoyed the hype of a big event. I was also fortunate enough to sit in the second row at the National Ballet’s Sleeping Beauty. Everything from the costumes, the symphony, the arabesques and all the magical choreography, left me incredibly inspired. I can’t wait to spend Sunday furiously typing away and recounting the events of this week, because there’s just so much to say and so much to share. For now, I leave you with a wish for some relaxation this weekend, and maybe (if you need it) a couple hours to yourself, enjoying only the things you love to do alone, whether it’s treating yourself or just lazing about with not a care in the world. After all, what else are weekends for?

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Love, Love, Love

Today is a day to celebrate love of all kinds. From the one who’s by your side always, to your parents, your grandparents, your best friend, your oldest friend or even a loyal pet. Life being what it is, it’s important for everyone around you to know how much you appreciate them, and it’s never too late to write a letter, make a phone call or share a cup of coffee. My heart is a lucky one, because it’s filled with many sisters, incredible parents, old friends and new, blogging buddies and above all, people who I know will always be there. To them, I say thank you and love you forever. To the readers out there who come back every once and a while, you are also my Valentines. Thanks for the support xo

Girl Interrupted

It’s so often that I find myself spending hours on end in front a screen. In today’s world, this is a reality that so many of us experience. Flipping through channels, typing ceaselessly – blackberry in hand where it dare not leave – and continually glancing at clocks, turning up the radio, answering the phone. All of these dependencies can become so routine that we don’t even notice how seemingly crucial they’ve become.

In my early teens, I attended summer camp where these types of devices became worthless. Watches and time-keeping were not permitted, as the daylight would allow the routine to establish itself naturally. Hours would pass before someone realized it was time for lunch; whereas elsewhere, the clock striking twelve would indicate mealtime. We were never really aware of a day’s length. In a world where 8-hour shifts, 40-hour weeks, 1-hour meetings and any other thinkable numerical value reigns, it was (now that I am old enough to realize it) liberating being relieved of any sort of schedule.

Although I was quite young when I experienced this woodsy freedom, I know that it has affected me in the long run. I stop myself every few weeks, realizing I haven’t taken it all in. So, in an attempt to offer myself (and in turn, my readers) some advice, here are a few things that will give you a chance to turn your back on technology, and actually think about something without a beep in your ear or a flash of light in your eye. Don’t panic. You’ll survive it.

1. Write in a journal, for no one else but yourself. Try not to think about what you’re writing. Don’t imagine someone reading it, or maybe even worse, don’t imagine yourself re-reading it. Don’t judge yourself for what you’re writing. Write what you feel, what you do, what you’re thinking. You’ll probably end up writing something you never even knew was in you.

2. Go for a walk. Leave your phone, iPod and watch at home. Discover a new nook of your neighborhood. Walk somewhere you’d normally drive or take public transit to. Forget about your day planner and enjoy the scenery. There’s likely something around the corner you missed between emails. And if there isn’t, you’ll undoubtedly clear your head of the day’s anxieties.

3. Take the night off. Warn your friends, family, co-workers and Twitter followers that you will be out of touch for a few hours – and then stage a blackout. Seriously. Pretend everything around you is inoperative. Do you even know what you would do? If you think you’ll be bored, then you’re more hooked than I thought. Read a book, write someone a letter, sort through piles of photographs, make a bucket list…the possibilities are endless. You’ll have more fun than you thought possible without a playlist, TV show or group chat full of gossip at your fingertips.

Uninterrupted alone time. Don't underestimate it.

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Heart-Shaped Balloons

I’ve posted about my group of girlfriends before (ex: 1 and 2) but you’ll have to bear with much more of my gushing than that. This topic has arisen once more for one particular reason; a wedding. My best friend was recently lovingly proposed to and she (between screams and wide grins) said yes. Almost instantly, a flurry of textures, colors, places, people and so many plans began to float around in her head…and consequently, each of ours as well. As a fairly young group of girls, this is the first wedding to come our way. Being bridesmaids, and thus, planning the bachelorette, perusing wedding dress websites, discussing venues, gifts and all those juicy details, is really making us anxious for the year ahead.
I have to say that I am so thankful for the man that has swept her off her feet, because, as I’m sure you agree, your girlfriends always deserve to live the fairy tale they imagine for themselves. There’s nothing better than watching someone you love experience a thing so dreamy. Congratulations to my girl and her man, and I look forward to all of the festivities that will ensue…if we’re lost when it comes to weddings, we are professionals when it comes to celebrations. xo

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Bright Lights

This past week has been quite the whirlwind. My family and I drove from Florida back home to Montreal (a 26 hour trek that we do almost every year so our dog doesn’t have to fly), I immediately began packing up my belongings upon our return home, and a few days later, I was driving to a new city to start a fresh chapter of life. I’ve now settled into a loft in Toronto where my boyfriend and I are searching for new jobs, and roaming the streets stumbling upon quaint restaurants and inviting boutiques. A whirlwind indeed. But I can’t say it’s not a welcomed change. After spending three thrilling months backpacking in Europe, the ‘daily grind’ as we call it, is nice to be apart of. Sometimes a swift change of pace is exhilarating, even if it involves a scheduled routine.

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Have a Holly Jolly Christmas

Merry Christmas! I hope all the stresses of this season have fallen by the wayside, and you are spending a care-free day in your pajamas, with the ones you love. Put up your feet, have a laugh and enjoy every moment of it. Much love!

Pen Pal

I’ve been neglectful this week, I know. The trouble is that our EuroTrip has suddenly crept on me and throwing a big event at work didn’t help either. Let’s just say that free time has not been abundant lately. To do lists are currently running my life, and my birthday is on Sunday so making time for a bit of partying is a must! The goodbyes are really what’s bringing me down these days. While I know that three months in Europe is priceless, I find myself feeling guilty for leaving my loved ones behind for so long? It’s an odd feeling because they are so happy to see me embark on such an experience, while all I can think about is what I’ll miss in their lives. With a big group of girlfriends, life events occur more often than one would think, and I don’t want to miss anything. I’ve written about this feeling before, when I was feeling guilty about balancing all the things life involves. Anyway, postcards, blog posts and Facebook messages will hopefully make up for my absence a bit and when I get back, I’ll have plenty of time for catching up. More about the trip soon!

 

 

Day Dreaming

Anticipation can really get a hold of you. The endless countdowns, the list-making, and continuous chatter preempting more thoughts about an anticipated event. We are in that period now, awaiting our EuroTrip. Every workday includes several texts back and forth “can we leave tomorrow instead?” or “are we there yet?”. The trip is supposed to be completely spontaneous; we don’t want to plan our route to a T – but as the anticipation builds, it becomes more and more difficult not to think about every detail! Where will we stay? For how long? Will we reach every spot before time runs out? I’ve got to stop asking all of these questions, and focus on the now. But, just to get some of my travel longings out, here are some images floating around in my head while I day dream.

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