It is New Years Eve eve....
New Years is one of my favourite holidays of the year. Superceded only by my birthday, I like both occassions for the exact same reason- it is a perfect opportunity to reflect on time passed and to begin fresh starts.
2010 was quite the year. Some highlights:
-starting 2010 on the beach in Ecuador and finishing a month long vacation with my family as we celebrated my brother's wedding! We hadn't vacacyed as a family since I was 14. Memories created- priceless!
-surprising two very special friends with tickets to a Blue Rodeo concert. Nothing gets you through the dead of winter like Jim Cuddy in skinny jeans and the company of two beautiful sister friends. And Canada won gold on our home turf. Absolutely amazing to see so much Canadian pride.
-birthday celebrations in April, one word: epic.
-summer travels- Las Vegas, a roadtrip from Vancouver to Edmonton, and another opportunity to experience the jungles, mountains and deserts of Peru. Traveling sobers me, grounds me, and ALWAYS challenges me to grow. I send extra love and gratitude to my travelmates in Peru in July. That month shifted my energy in a way I find so hard to explain in words yet feel deeply and effortlessly in my heart. Pure and true magic.
-a wonderful August training period with the Residence Life Team at Ryerson. True tests in being present to the grand opportunity I am afforded in my work life as my beautiful co-workers and I work with students that challenge us, inspire us, make us laugh, and most of all- make each and every day at work a dynamic adventure.
-synchronicity providing an opportunity to teach Life Skills at the college level- w.o.w!!!! Combining my teaching skills with an age group I feel so connected to in an environment that I find so enthralling has made the last 9 weeks of 2010 extra enlightening. Can't wait to see what experiences branch from this opportunity.
-living with besties- roommate relationships are extra special. These people have seen me at my best and at my worst. I can truly say I have practiced the act of giving and receiving unconditional love. I will forever cherish the memories made, the laughs had, the tears shared, and the bonds deepened in this time together.
-change, change, change- continually learning to deal with it, to face it, to smile deeply at it, and to surrender to flow of the universe. Thank you to those who help me through the resistance/anxiety and get me through to the other side. Much much much appreciated! :)
I am looking forward to 2011. I have learned to breathe deeper this year. I have experienced such incredible beauty in nature, people, and in myself. I have journeyed through darker moments and allowed myself the chance to truly experience these times with the same reverance I have for the perfectly timed conversations, the books that have come exactly when needed, the people I have met and/or reconnected with, and all of the other divine experiences I have been privy to this year.
One the eve of 2011, in the truest sense of the phrase, I deeply understand, and feel- it REALLY, really, really, REALLY- is all good!
Happy New Year! May life shower the most sublime experiences that will further your journey, your growth, and your ability to deeply contribute to our world in the way only YOU can.
I send you my fave song of 2010- throw your hands up, feel good and celebrate!!!
Much love,
j
Friday, December 31, 2010
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Monday, December 20, 2010
Mach & Daddy- La Botella
Pink is still ruling my subconscious. This is quite possibly due to a weekend filled with raising glasses while celebrating my Grandmother's 85th birthday party with my incredibly entertaining and LARGE family.
My mother is one of 15 children and all but three of her siblings live in the Hamilton area. On average, each of them had 3-5 children. It means I have over 35 first cousins on this side of my family alone. Many of my cousins now have children of their own, and our family has gotten so large, we have our Christmas gatherings in banquet halls to accommodate us all. It is always QUITE the experience hanging with the Chevez crew. This is a pic of my Grandmother with all of her 15 children taken on Mother's Day in 2008.
I learned a lot from growing up in such a large family. This weekend I was reminded of how important it is to celebrate, to have fun, to let go of worries, and to enjoy the time you have with loved ones. It was pretty incredible to be in a room of 100 + people all there to celebrate the family created, loved, and molded by such an incredible woman.
In her younger years my Grandma was first to get up on the dance floor and show her moves. As she got older, her dancing diminished but her presence at family parties did not. I distinctly remember sitting beside her as a teen as she commented on people's ability to dance and celebrate. She acted as the dj telling us to switch songs or play more of certain types of music. Inevitably she would get up and start cooking as the rest of us danced into the wee hours of the morning. As she got older she would push through her tiredness to be able to observe us having fun encouraging dance-offs and hours of dancing and laughing together as a family. These family celebrations remain some of my most cherished childhood memories.
Now that she is older and living in a nursing home, she does not get to see the end of the celebrations but is still very much the reason we all get together so joyously. I send this song to my inspiring Grandmother today. Though she would disprove of the music, she would laugh wholeheartedly at the antics this song inspires on the dance floor among my family and I.
Happy birthday Grandma!
My mother is one of 15 children and all but three of her siblings live in the Hamilton area. On average, each of them had 3-5 children. It means I have over 35 first cousins on this side of my family alone. Many of my cousins now have children of their own, and our family has gotten so large, we have our Christmas gatherings in banquet halls to accommodate us all. It is always QUITE the experience hanging with the Chevez crew. This is a pic of my Grandmother with all of her 15 children taken on Mother's Day in 2008.
I learned a lot from growing up in such a large family. This weekend I was reminded of how important it is to celebrate, to have fun, to let go of worries, and to enjoy the time you have with loved ones. It was pretty incredible to be in a room of 100 + people all there to celebrate the family created, loved, and molded by such an incredible woman.
In her younger years my Grandma was first to get up on the dance floor and show her moves. As she got older, her dancing diminished but her presence at family parties did not. I distinctly remember sitting beside her as a teen as she commented on people's ability to dance and celebrate. She acted as the dj telling us to switch songs or play more of certain types of music. Inevitably she would get up and start cooking as the rest of us danced into the wee hours of the morning. As she got older she would push through her tiredness to be able to observe us having fun encouraging dance-offs and hours of dancing and laughing together as a family. These family celebrations remain some of my most cherished childhood memories.
Now that she is older and living in a nursing home, she does not get to see the end of the celebrations but is still very much the reason we all get together so joyously. I send this song to my inspiring Grandmother today. Though she would disprove of the music, she would laugh wholeheartedly at the antics this song inspires on the dance floor among my family and I.
Happy birthday Grandma!
Friday, December 17, 2010
Pink- Raise Your Glass
Well my loves, it has been a rough week. Let's talk about it, shall we?
I am currently trying to find a new apartment in the city and the search has been less than fun this week. It is so interesting to see how others live, to contemplate moving to a new part of the city, and to realize I have to say goodbye to the place I have called home for a year and a half. The nostalgia takes over and though logically my mind KNOWS that it is not best to dwell in the past and focus on what you are about to lose, my heart refuses to accept this awareness.
My heart breaks just a bit with every walk home through my current neighbourhood. Floods of memories hit me as I move through my apartment and I am taken back to REALLY good times spent with good people. I get quite sad that it is all coming to an end so soon.
Combine this with NOT knowing where I am going to live next and the part of my mind that absolutely NEEDS control starts to get just a little anxious. By little I mean shortness of breath, restless sleep, and general crankiness.
The optimist in me knows the shift is around the corner- the perfect spot is coming my way and all of the questions I have now will be answered in good time. I know it is pointless to worry, and that the universe will ultimately deliver just what I need- a great neighbourhood with a soulful apartment that will deliver the perfect energy for me to build a home for myself in. The new chapter that will begin in this space is going to be nothing short of amazing.
So I will turn this attitude around and raise a glass tonight with friends and enjoy the time remaining in my spot. I would REALLY appreciate perfect apartment finding energy and vibes being sent my way in the next few weeks. If you have a direct line to the universe/Santa/a festive holiday icon, please remind them of your friend who deserves a great spot in this fine city with the following features:
-annex or little italy (Bloor to Dundas, Spadina to Ossington)
-exposed brick/fireplace (not essential, but awesome!)
-balcony/walk out deck
-1 bedroom in a house
-max of $1400/month all in
-great landlord and house mates/neighbours
-good energy from prior tenants
Wouldn't this be an awesome Christmas gift?
Much love,
j
I am currently trying to find a new apartment in the city and the search has been less than fun this week. It is so interesting to see how others live, to contemplate moving to a new part of the city, and to realize I have to say goodbye to the place I have called home for a year and a half. The nostalgia takes over and though logically my mind KNOWS that it is not best to dwell in the past and focus on what you are about to lose, my heart refuses to accept this awareness.
My heart breaks just a bit with every walk home through my current neighbourhood. Floods of memories hit me as I move through my apartment and I am taken back to REALLY good times spent with good people. I get quite sad that it is all coming to an end so soon.
Combine this with NOT knowing where I am going to live next and the part of my mind that absolutely NEEDS control starts to get just a little anxious. By little I mean shortness of breath, restless sleep, and general crankiness.
The optimist in me knows the shift is around the corner- the perfect spot is coming my way and all of the questions I have now will be answered in good time. I know it is pointless to worry, and that the universe will ultimately deliver just what I need- a great neighbourhood with a soulful apartment that will deliver the perfect energy for me to build a home for myself in. The new chapter that will begin in this space is going to be nothing short of amazing.
So I will turn this attitude around and raise a glass tonight with friends and enjoy the time remaining in my spot. I would REALLY appreciate perfect apartment finding energy and vibes being sent my way in the next few weeks. If you have a direct line to the universe/Santa/a festive holiday icon, please remind them of your friend who deserves a great spot in this fine city with the following features:
-annex or little italy (Bloor to Dundas, Spadina to Ossington)
-exposed brick/fireplace (not essential, but awesome!)
-balcony/walk out deck
-1 bedroom in a house
-max of $1400/month all in
-great landlord and house mates/neighbours
-good energy from prior tenants
Wouldn't this be an awesome Christmas gift?
Much love,
j
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Big Boi- Shutterbug
It's winter, it hurts to get up in the morning, not gonna lie. This song made it a wee better today. Just a bit.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Peter Katz- Son, Til You Come Home
Go to this website, click on "Son" and proceed with reading this post!
http://www.peterkatz.com/music.html
Peter Katz is one of my favourite Canadian Artists. I discovered him through friends who highlighted his music as being soulful, meaningful, and beautiful. I listened to his cd and liked what I heard but it was not until I saw him live that I really fell in love with his lyrics and his absolutely magical voice. Let's be honest, he is easy on the eyes as well.
His song "Son" woke me up yesterday. This song quite literally brings tears to my eyes every single time I listen. This song perfectly captures a parents' encouragement and love to a child with a dream. I love the ultimate question of the song: Do you believe in what you do? Combine that with the image of a community of people in one room encouraging him to "get up there and do what you do"- gets me every time.
Today "Til You Come Home" stirred me awake. Another beautiful melody especially on a blistery cold Toronto morning. I am getting really excited to head home for the holidays and I can't wait to be there for a few days sharing my time with my parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, siblings and my amigos in Hamilton.
I really hope you take the time to listen to Peter and let him into your musical library. The perfect backdrop to this holiday season.
Much Tuesday love!
j
http://www.peterkatz.com/music.html
Peter Katz is one of my favourite Canadian Artists. I discovered him through friends who highlighted his music as being soulful, meaningful, and beautiful. I listened to his cd and liked what I heard but it was not until I saw him live that I really fell in love with his lyrics and his absolutely magical voice. Let's be honest, he is easy on the eyes as well.
His song "Son" woke me up yesterday. This song quite literally brings tears to my eyes every single time I listen. This song perfectly captures a parents' encouragement and love to a child with a dream. I love the ultimate question of the song: Do you believe in what you do? Combine that with the image of a community of people in one room encouraging him to "get up there and do what you do"- gets me every time.
Today "Til You Come Home" stirred me awake. Another beautiful melody especially on a blistery cold Toronto morning. I am getting really excited to head home for the holidays and I can't wait to be there for a few days sharing my time with my parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, siblings and my amigos in Hamilton.
I really hope you take the time to listen to Peter and let him into your musical library. The perfect backdrop to this holiday season.
Much Tuesday love!
j
Friday, December 10, 2010
India Arie- Video
I can not lie, today's song was actually a repeat of yesterday's song. This makes me think I may need to turn off my radio and get Shawn Desman out of my head. I've decided to take this opportunity to instead post one of my favourite all time jams- India Arie's Video.
I first heard this song in my early 20's. I connected with the relaxed guitar sounds, the rhythmic beat, the empowering lyrics, and of course India's riveting voice. I aspired to be as confident as Ms. Arie was.
And so began my decade long love affair with India. Her music has been the soundtrack to so many moments in my 20's and I truly feel I grew up to her soul. I often imagine what it would be like to have a tea with her swinging on a front wrap around porch with her discussing life, love, and relationships.
I had lunch today with a fellow soul sister who is also leaving her 20's behind soon. We reflected on our recent revelations on the importance of loving ourselves deeply and fully. We talked about the hypocrisy of having a time line for life. We smiled and breathed easier in resolving to approach life with a spirit of SURRENDER and RELEASE. We acknowledged our tendency to control and connected with alternative approaches.
Ms. India, I feel this song in a new way today. I acknowledge I am a queen and everything will always be alright. And Katie, I will lunch with you any day! I hope this song inspires you as much as it has me!
I first heard this song in my early 20's. I connected with the relaxed guitar sounds, the rhythmic beat, the empowering lyrics, and of course India's riveting voice. I aspired to be as confident as Ms. Arie was.
And so began my decade long love affair with India. Her music has been the soundtrack to so many moments in my 20's and I truly feel I grew up to her soul. I often imagine what it would be like to have a tea with her swinging on a front wrap around porch with her discussing life, love, and relationships.
I had lunch today with a fellow soul sister who is also leaving her 20's behind soon. We reflected on our recent revelations on the importance of loving ourselves deeply and fully. We talked about the hypocrisy of having a time line for life. We smiled and breathed easier in resolving to approach life with a spirit of SURRENDER and RELEASE. We acknowledged our tendency to control and connected with alternative approaches.
Ms. India, I feel this song in a new way today. I acknowledge I am a queen and everything will always be alright. And Katie, I will lunch with you any day! I hope this song inspires you as much as it has me!
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Shawn Desman- Night Like This
This blog is making me see just how much Canadian content I have in my subconscious, for better or worse. I'll let you listen and decide for yourself!
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Daft Punk- Television Rules the Nation
I got a late start to my day today, but this jam seemed to make it all better. Yesterday turned into a tough day. I was feeling anxiety about my search for a 1 bedroom apartment in the city, the wind was blistering cold, and overall I was in a b-l-a-h mood.
Luckily Tuesdays happen to be body jam evenings and I always feel better after I pound the floor and dance it out. This is a remix to choreography from a release that happens to be VERY cardiovascularly challenging.
When I heard the first notes over the speakers my muscles immediately seized in anticipation of the pain that was about to come. After the 5 minute routine I was physically exhausted but mentally rejuvenated. My stress was released and left on the studio floor.
When the going gets tough, I dance it out. Dance it out people, just daaaaaaaaaaance!!!!! :)
Luckily Tuesdays happen to be body jam evenings and I always feel better after I pound the floor and dance it out. This is a remix to choreography from a release that happens to be VERY cardiovascularly challenging.
When I heard the first notes over the speakers my muscles immediately seized in anticipation of the pain that was about to come. After the 5 minute routine I was physically exhausted but mentally rejuvenated. My stress was released and left on the studio floor.
When the going gets tough, I dance it out. Dance it out people, just daaaaaaaaaaance!!!!! :)
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Matt York- Lucky Man
Mmmmm this song makes me smile in my heart. A perfect wake up on a snowy wintery morning.
I recently went to see Matt York play at an intimate get together at the The Inner Garden at a show called Grass Roots. This was the second time a Grass Roots show had been organized and it was a magical evening. The space was incredible, the crowd was super chill and of course, the music was wonderful. I felt like I was listening to a live version of some of my favourite songs in the comfort of my the most beautifully calming, meditative, and community building space. It was an incredible experience.
Matt played a soul enriching set and after the show I got up the courage to ask him if I could help him sing the hook of my favourite song of his at our annual O'Keeefe House Backyard concert during Orientation week at Ryerson. He said yes without ever hearing me sing one note. Honestly, such a nice guy.
I recently decided to fulfill a childhood dream of mine and started taking voice lessons. My teach tells me I am a natural and I am definitely excited to accompany Matt in the near future!
If you don't know this artist, trust me on this one- you need to! Enjoy!
I recently went to see Matt York play at an intimate get together at the The Inner Garden at a show called Grass Roots. This was the second time a Grass Roots show had been organized and it was a magical evening. The space was incredible, the crowd was super chill and of course, the music was wonderful. I felt like I was listening to a live version of some of my favourite songs in the comfort of my the most beautifully calming, meditative, and community building space. It was an incredible experience.
Matt played a soul enriching set and after the show I got up the courage to ask him if I could help him sing the hook of my favourite song of his at our annual O'Keeefe House Backyard concert during Orientation week at Ryerson. He said yes without ever hearing me sing one note. Honestly, such a nice guy.
I recently decided to fulfill a childhood dream of mine and started taking voice lessons. My teach tells me I am a natural and I am definitely excited to accompany Matt in the near future!
If you don't know this artist, trust me on this one- you need to! Enjoy!
Monday, December 6, 2010
Beyonce- Why Don't You Love Me- Jump Smokers Remix
Happy Monday everybody!
This morning I woke up to this jam. It is snowing in Toronto and today was the first morning I actually had to bundle up in full parka, and snow boots for my commute to work. The snow caused me to consider taking the subway but with this beat in my head, I put in my earphones, searched for Beyonce on my iPod, and began the 30 minute walk.
Usually my morning jam lasts about one block of walking before I let shuffle take over. Yet today I found myself putting this song on repeat. First this remix provided a steady beat to pound the freshly snowed upon sidewalk. Second, I listened to these lyrics deeply and considered who Beyonce was singing to in this song.
We can all take this song at face value- a fiercely independent woman communicating to someone she loves who does not love her back. She sounds angry, dark, and pointed as she questions why this person could not love or need her.
I've been considering my own fierce independence as of late and this song brought back moments when I asked these very questions of specific people.
Looking back, I put emphasis on those people NOT loving me, and lost sight of my ability, need, and commitment to love myself. Putting money in bank accounts and not asking for help, developing those smarts and taking every challenge on- no doubt I have proven I am more than capable of taking care of myself. In fact, I identified deeply with the image of a strong, independent woman who could do it all ON HER OWN.
I've got beauty and class, there's nothing not to love about me. These words could not be any truer for me. And now I am also ready to be a little softer, to share and connect, and to truly be open to others caring for me as much as I care for them.
Dance this one out, especially if you are reading from your desk chair.
Much love especially of the self kind,
j
This morning I woke up to this jam. It is snowing in Toronto and today was the first morning I actually had to bundle up in full parka, and snow boots for my commute to work. The snow caused me to consider taking the subway but with this beat in my head, I put in my earphones, searched for Beyonce on my iPod, and began the 30 minute walk.
Usually my morning jam lasts about one block of walking before I let shuffle take over. Yet today I found myself putting this song on repeat. First this remix provided a steady beat to pound the freshly snowed upon sidewalk. Second, I listened to these lyrics deeply and considered who Beyonce was singing to in this song.
We can all take this song at face value- a fiercely independent woman communicating to someone she loves who does not love her back. She sounds angry, dark, and pointed as she questions why this person could not love or need her.
I've been considering my own fierce independence as of late and this song brought back moments when I asked these very questions of specific people.
Looking back, I put emphasis on those people NOT loving me, and lost sight of my ability, need, and commitment to love myself. Putting money in bank accounts and not asking for help, developing those smarts and taking every challenge on- no doubt I have proven I am more than capable of taking care of myself. In fact, I identified deeply with the image of a strong, independent woman who could do it all ON HER OWN.
I've got beauty and class, there's nothing not to love about me. These words could not be any truer for me. And now I am also ready to be a little softer, to share and connect, and to truly be open to others caring for me as much as I care for them.
Dance this one out, especially if you are reading from your desk chair.
Much love especially of the self kind,
j
Friday, December 3, 2010
Sam Sparro- Black and Gold
It has been such a busy week and I definitely went to bed last night feeling pretty exhausted and spent. Morning came a little too soon today, but it was DEFINITELY made better by waking to this tune. I decided to walk to work today and enjoy the brisk air and bright sunshine. This tune made my walk even better!
Have an amazing weekend amigos!
Have an amazing weekend amigos!
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Donna Summer- Last Dance
I am sure I was a disco superstar in my most recent past life. I spun records in my NYC apartment with my disco ball glittering above my friends and I grooving to the likes of Donna, Earth Wind and Fire, and Marvin. My hair was BIG and glitter was all the rage. There is just no possible way disco can energize me and get me as excited as it does without this previous connection.
This song is a classic. No auto tune here friends, just pure talent compelling us to take that last opportunity for romance in an evening- and dance our hearts out to that final jam.
word.
This song is a classic. No auto tune here friends, just pure talent compelling us to take that last opportunity for romance in an evening- and dance our hearts out to that final jam.
word.
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