JoeGirl

Inspiration 365: Day 28

noreply@blogger.com (JoeGirl) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 02:46:00 +0000

There is nothing quite like when a child who is not yours snuggles in beside you to watch a movie.

Reveals to me that children express emotions freely—love, fear, anger, pride.

Why do adults hold back? Where did that inhibition come from? At what point in our development do we begin to retract our expression and turn inward, or express false emotion?

To what gain? Or more importantly, to what loss?

Thank you, Sweet N, for the genuine, unabashed demonstration of admiration tonight. You taught me a lesson I won’t soon forget.

{ Psst… I love to receive feedback on my posts. Please leave your comments whenever you feel inspired to do so! }

Inspiration 365: Day 27

noreply@blogger.com (JoeGirl) — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 02:22:00 +0000

After a morning of freezing rain, treacherous driving conditions and sloppy sidewalks, the neighbourhood appeared to be an icky, slushy, brown mess.

As I drove home in the sunset, I noticed the twinkling ice-coated trees, lightly dusted with fresh snow which had begun to fall late this afternoon.

It struck me how, despite the seemingly ugly weather from earlier in the day, the calm of evening settled the city down into a glorious nighttime display of shimmer and brilliance.

{ Psst… I love to receive feedback on my posts. Please leave your comments whenever you feel inspired to do so! }

Inspiration 365: Day 26

noreply@blogger.com (JoeGirl) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 03:45:00 +0000

This morning’s sunrise as I headed West.
Silly voices with Jake.
Guilt-free chocolate additive for smoothies.
Working though some ego-based blueprints with Jackie.
Tara’s completion of the Foundation Program.
The prompt for GNOv3.
Editing JoeGirl.com to feature Design, Illustration + Live Your Spirit!™.
Nutiva Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil.
Tea with Tara.
Tara’s new skirt.
Marley’s meek curiosity.
The imminent return of my girl Cierra tomorrow.
Sleep…

{ Psst… I love to receive feedback on my posts. Please leave your comments whenever you feel inspired to do so! }

Inspiration 365: Day 25

noreply@blogger.com (JoeGirl) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 03:47:00 +0000

Growing up, I had one really, really good girl friend, and at any given time, two or three other girl friends I could occasionally call or hang out with. I tended to have more guy friends, and often felt more comfortable around them, as I was much of a Tomboy myself (for example, spelling my Jo, with an ‘e’ since the age of 8).

It wasn’t until launching JoeGirl that I really became focused on women, thereby attracting more women into my life. In the last 18 months since opening Marshall’s, I have become very good friends with over a dozen women—any of whom I could call at a moment’s notice to join me for a drink, a meal, a shopping spree, or a good cry.

One of those women is Chantal. Gorgeous, real, humble, sweet, spirited, tender Chantal. {I do believe she is the most beautiful woman I have ever met. Seriously. People Magazine has yet to feature anybody more stunning than this girl.}

After being unable to attend each other’s fortieth birthday party, Chantal and I agreed to set a lunch date. Today was the day. Given recent events and a rough start to my day, I walked the 100 paces from the Centre to Back Lane Café, wondering how my mood was going to pick up enough to be anything more than mediocre company.

As soon as I saw her face, my lugubrious mood lifted immediately. We caught each other up on our recent goings-on for no less than thirty minutes before even placing our order. Seems we have been leading similar lives, struggling with similar issues, battling the same ego wars. It was refreshing and uplifting to share our wins and losses with somebody who has really been there. And yes, we cried.

I practically skipped back to the gym, beaming with an optimism for my future—the okay to feel what I have been feeling, and the confidence to surge ahead with my dreams.

Chantal, you are extraordinary. Thank you for walking into my life, and welcoming me into yours.

{ Psst… I love to receive feedback on my posts. Please leave your comments whenever you feel inspired to do so! }

Inspiration 365: Day 24

noreply@blogger.com (JoeGirl) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 01:49:00 +0000

Some Thank You’s are in order today…

Thank You, Wayne. For saving my ass {again}.
Thank You, Scott. For playing so sweetly with Jake this afternoon. I had not before seen that side of you. You will be a remarkable father some day.
Thank You, Matt. For listening as I moaned about the state of affairs. You have become a great friend, and I look forward to spending more time with you in the future.
Thank You, Cierra. For being strong. You are a bright light, surrounded by love.
Thank You, Tara. For your text message smile this morning. You have no idea how much I needed it.
Thank You, Kelly. For your trust. It speaks volumes.
Thank You, Mom. For your encouragement. You always put it all out on the table. Raw and painful sometimes, but always offering tremendous growth.
Thank You, Marshall. For giving and receiving so much love.
Thank You, Quinn. For taking so much initiative this morning to help out. You are amazing.
Thank You, Jake. For being the best junior receptionist Marshall’s has ever seen. I am so happy you are feeling better tonight. Sweet dreams, Little Bear.
Thank YOU. For your regular readership and continual support. Now, if only I could encourage more feedback and comments. Are you really out there?

So… what inspired YOU today?

{ Psst… I love to receive feedback on my posts. Please leave your comments whenever you feel inspired to do so! }

Inspiration 365: Day 23

noreply@blogger.com (JoeGirl) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 15:33:00 +0000

I didn’t write yesterday.

For all the wonderful things, people and experiences in my life, yesterday was a dark day. I went to sleep with tear-stained eyes and a heavy heart, my mind struggling with anxiety and fear. Not feelings I typically harbour, especially at the intensity at which they came on yesterday. So many rotten situations compounding at once. Of course, all opportunities for growth, though hard to see the light at the moment.

In hindsight, there were many inspirations yesterday:

Jake’s sweet dialogue about the phrase Sunday Night… “Mom, the words Sunday Night don’t make sense. Sun. Day. Night. It frustrates me, Mama.”
Quinn’s Kung Fu Panda 2 movie review for school, and A grades on two geometry assignments.
Rave reviews to my latest batch of JoeGirl Cookies.
Tara’s sweet thought for the day, about the gift of love.
Hot bath + red wine.
Nat’s offer of a contract project for the Westboro BIA.
The quirky employment application questionnaire from a local design agency. Forcing me to think about myself in a completely different way. Not such a bad thing.

For the record, I am currently looking for flexible full-time, regular part-time, or freelance design contracts. As you know, my best work comes in the form of publication design, colour and type selection, organization and time management.

So… what inspired YOU today?

{ Psst… I love to receive feedback on my posts. Please leave your comments whenever you feel inspired to do so! }

Inspiration 365: Day 22

noreply@blogger.com (JoeGirl) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 02:36:00 +0000

You want to hear something crazy?

I am friends with my ex-husband’s girlfriend on Facebook.

Yep. Wacko. I know.

The three of us went to lunch last November 11, 2011. As nervous as a teenaged girl on her first date, I wanted her to like me. I didn’t want her to be uncomfortable or uneasy. I simply wanted everybody to get along as adults should. We met under the guise of a colour consult, so I came equipped with 30lbs of paint fandecks, and she brought samples of her bedroom linens. It was the perfect—albeit unnecessary—ice-breaker.

I think Andrew was the most uncomfortable of all of us. He was fidgety and quiet. Likely thinking, “Oh my God, my worlds are colliding.”

Within 24 hours, she and I had connected via private message on Facebook. Within another six, we were “Friends” with Andrew’s blessing, of course. Ever since, we have ‘liked’ and commented on each other’s status updates, photos, links and shares.

What a wonderful situation—to not begrudge the person who now occupies Andrew’s heart, simply because society expects me to. I am thrilled for both of them… so deserving of happiness.

Thank you, Caroline. You inspire me.

So… What inspired YOU today?

{ Psst… I love to receive feedback on my posts. Please leave your comments whenever you feel inspired to do so! }

Inspiration 365: Day 21

noreply@blogger.com (JoeGirl) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 02:51:00 +0000

Quinn + Jake are buddies most of the time. There are five years between them, so it is commonplace for them to disagree on things like what movie to watch (Pixar versus Harry Potter), what to eat (pizza versus Brie and Paté) or what crafts to make (those melting iron bead things or fine bead jewelry).

While it is obvious Jake adores his big brother Quinn, for the most part Jake seems to be a thorn in Quinn’s side (based purely on Quinn’s perspective, that is).

Tonight the four of us snuggled on the sofa bed to watch Daddy Daycare. Usually Jake wants to be beside Mommy. Tonight, he wanted to be beside Quinner. No words were said to indicate this—merely body language. Throughout most of the movie, Jake was pressed right up alongside Quinn, and in several instances, climbed right up on him to lay in Quinn’s arms. Quinn embraced his adoring little brother, rubbed his back and hair, and simply let him snuggle. There were no bitter words like “Get OFF me!”, or “Mawwwwwm, tell Jake to leave me alone!”

Only love.

…What inspired YOU today?

{ Psst… I love to receive feedback on my posts. Please leave your comments whenever you feel inspired to do so! }

Inspiration 365: Day 20

noreply@blogger.com (JoeGirl) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 03:15:00 +0000

You know those times when you see a product in a store that you think looks super cool, but… well, you’re not too sure if it’s really gonna work as well as they say it will? So you go home and look it up online, and… yah, people say it’s cool, but… really?

So the item falls to the back of your mind until you come across it again in another store. Damn. That thing really looks so cool. You add it to your Christmas ‘maybe’ list for the kids. You continue to investigate online—customer reviews, photos, blog references. Yep. Trés cool.

What the heck. It is reasonably priced, available for purchase in your neighbourhood, and again… seems really, really cool. You go for it. You wrap it up all purdy, and eagerly anticipate your children unwrapping it, and reveling in its glory more so than any other gift under the tree.

{Who are we kidding? There was a remote-control helicopter under the tree this year.}

But you know what? I nailed it. ZOKU nailed it. Their Quick Pop maker is everything they said—and I hoped—it would be, and it is without question the gift we have all spent the most time enjoying since its unveiling Christmas Day. Elegant design, simple use, fail-proof instructions, creative recipes and the opportunity to spend time exploring adventurous flavour combinations for—and with—my kids.

Go check it out. You know you want to. ZOKU Quick Pop Maker.
And yah, it can make grown-up pops too.

Chocolate Peanut Butter with Fresh Strawberries

Inspiration 365: Day 19

noreply@blogger.com (JoeGirl) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 02:39:00 +0000

At about ten minutes to three this afternoon, a man with a kind face walked into the Centre. No, there is no punchline. He spoke softly, with a broad smile, introducing himself as local Naturopathic doctor, Julek Meissner. He mentioned a mutual friend, Wayne, and I instantly recalled the fondness Wayne expressed for this man standing before me.

Julek’s smile and gentle demeanor immediately lifted my Spirits. It had otherwise been a low-energy/low-vibration day. Marshall arrived just as Julek was leaving. The three of us chatted about our shared beliefs in Spirit, Energy + Frequency. It was a delightful albeit brief conversation, though one which led to the two gentlemen booking a date for tea and further discussion next week.

People are fascinating. Julek reminded me to never feel intimidated to introduce myself to another. You just never know what you’ll learn from the encounter, or how you will feel afterward. Go for it!

{ Psst… I love to receive feedback on my posts. Please leave your comments whenever you feel inspired to do so! }

Inspiration 365: Day 18

noreply@blogger.com (JoeGirl) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 03:03:00 +0000

“Sixty!? How can you possibly be sixty!?”

Those are the words I blurted out when my Dad answered the phone this morning.

“If you’re sixty, that means I’m forty… and that’s just not right.” He agreed.
Then, we BOTH agreed to stay 26 forever.

Happy Birthday, Dad.
I soooo love you.

…What inspired YOU today?

{ Psst… I love to receive feedback on my posts. Please leave your comments whenever you feel inspired to do so! }

Inspiration 365: Day 17

noreply@blogger.com (JoeGirl) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 01:53:00 +0000

Tasty Tuesday…

Inspiration 365: Day 16

noreply@blogger.com (JoeGirl) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 03:06:00 +0000

Tonight, I am inspired by the many strong, beautiful women in my life…

Kelly, for working so hard to promote my new business direction;
Tara, for listening and lending a new perspective;
Cierra, for being so passionate about raising awareness to her peers about safe driving;
Elsbeth, for her determination and perseverance;
Melissa, for racking up the overtime so she can contribute enough to her RRSP to avoid paying taxes;
Tali, for inquiring about a power lifting program for women {oh, yah!};
Clarissa, Karla and Jennifer, for joining my 6-Meal Dinner Club within three minutes of receiving their invitation {Don’t be offended if you did not receive an invite. This is a spin-off for the participants of last week’s Nutrition Workshop. I will offer more dinner clubs down the road.};
Céline, for opening the Centre at 6am today after buggering-up her knee last night; and
my Mom, Sharon, for yesterday’s encouraging words which echoed throughout my thoughts all day long.

Thank you, Ladies.

…What inspired YOU today?

{ Psst… I love to receive feedback on my posts. Please leave your comments whenever you feel inspired to do so! }

Inspiration 365: Day 15

noreply@blogger.com (JoeGirl) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 02:42:00 +0000

It has been three sleeps since my inaugural Live Your Spirit!™ workshop on nutrition last Thursday night. In the hours that followed, I received nothing but positive feedback and encouraging praise from the five ladies in attendance. Another nutrition workshop has already been organized for a group of 12 participants later in February. My instinct to continue with a full series has been validated enough to spend much of this evening developing a complete line-up of workshops.

In additional to Nutritional Blueprints, future workshop topics include: Fitness Blueprints, Attracting Your Ideal Mate, How to Love + Be Loved, Attracting your Ideal Career, Parenting Blueprints, and Attracting Wealth.

I am so excited and inspired to develop these programs! With the information gathered at each workshop, I will develop my Live Your Spirit!™book series—a collection of lessons, questions, case studies and practical action plans for every aspect of life.

…What inspired YOU today?

{ Psst… I love to receive feedback on my posts. Please leave your comments whenever you feel inspired to do so! }

Inspiration 365: Day 14

noreply@blogger.com (JoeGirl) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 02:33:00 +0000

Green Tea at Red Salon.

Also tonight, Marshall, Cierra and I have had (and continue to have) the most inspirational, motivational, “shit-or-get-off-the-pot-inal” evening ever. I love this life.

{ Psst… I love to receive feedback on my posts. Please leave your comments whenever you feel inspired to do so! }

Inspiration 365: Day 13

noreply@blogger.com (JoeGirl) — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 04:08:00 +0000

So, it looks as though our sweet guest Cierra has decided to stay in Ottawa. This means living with us until she can afford her own place {yahoo!}. In order to do so, she needs to find work. This girl—she’s amazing. At sixteen, she has more of a head on her than some 30-year olds I know.

In the 48-hours since making this decision, she has written two job applications, revamped her resumé, talked to the community center about volunteer hours and has a list a mile long of retailers and other businesses to approach about employment. I tell you, business owners will be foolish not to hire this bright, young woman.

Cierra’s “Don’t sit still” attitude will carry her far in this life. A life which will most certainly reflect her beauty, and reward her perseverance throughout her entire journey.

{ Psst… I love to receive feedback on my posts. Please leave your comments whenever you feel inspired to do so! }

Inspiration 365: Day 12

noreply@blogger.com (JoeGirl) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 04:40:00 +0000

Do you remember reading in Day 1 about my proposed workshop “Nutrition for the New Year”? Well, tonight was the night, and it was wonderful!

Five ladies gathered around my dinner table to discuss nutrition and its effects on weight management. What they weren’t expecting was that for the first 2/3 of the two-hour session, we would hardly talk about food at all.

We all know how to lose weight (or as I like to suggest we say, ‘release weight’, because what do we automatically want to do when we lose something? We want to find it. I digress.) So, we all know how to shed the unwanted pounds, but more often then not those pounds find their way back. We stop attending Weight Watchers meetings, the cleanse is over, the bootcamp wraps up, the holidays arrive, and so on, and so on.

So, what needs to change to promote lifelong, sustainable results? We must analyze our existing blueprints (beliefs, habits), determine if they promote or prevent our ideals, reprogram the ones which prevent, and replace them with ones which promote. Easier said than done.

We discussed cultural, generational, societal, religious and other beliefs which may be holding the realization of our goals at arm’s length. For example, Miss K is Mexican. Her culture, as she expressed, is all about the “Manga! Manga!” Food is Fiesta! Then there’s the whole meat ‘n potatoes way of thinking. Which habits, you may not even be aware of, are holding you back?

We discussed goal setting and goal management, self talk and affirmations, and a favourite suggestion from Dr. Wayne Dyer, how to “Change the way you look at things, (so) the things you look at change.”

We discussed how all emotions are based on either love or fear. When you procrastinate, are feeling guilt/anger/envy… ask yourself “Why am I afraid of this?”, then deal with the fear, not the superficial emotion. Powerful stuff.

Then we began to talk about body composition versus body weight. Would you rather be 140lbs and 30% body fat, or 140lbs and 18% body fat? The scale says the exact same number, but these two bodies look and feel completely different.

Finally, we learned about carbohydrates, proteins and fats, when to eat them, and how to combine them to avoid creating and storing fat.

And we talked about life. These five ladies all came for different reasons. Their motivations for wanting to shed pounds were all unique, and all fascinating. Their questions prompted lively conversation, resulting in many ‘a-ha!’ moments.

As much as these women came to me for guidance and information, they in turn offered me many lessons and much inspiration. What a thoroughly enjoyable experience. One I am certain to repeat in the weeks, months, years ahead.

…What inspired YOU today?

{ Psst… I love to receive feedback on my posts. Please leave your comments whenever you feel inspired to do so! }

Inspiration 365: Day 11

noreply@blogger.com (JoeGirl) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 04:20:00 +0000

Found myself looking at houses on the internet today. Some wonderful places, indeed. My gut does somersaults when I look at houses… Little houses, big houses, local houses and houses afar. Modern houses, country houses, cottages and seaside villas. Nothing else inflicts the kind of passion within me as house design and the possibilities within.

Should’da, would’da, could’da been an architect, interior designer, real estate agent.
Alas, I can always look.

…What inspired YOU today?

{ Psst… I love to receive feedback on my posts. Please leave your comments whenever you feel inspired to do so! }

Inspiration 365: Day 10

noreply@blogger.com (JoeGirl) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 03:10:00 +0000

A video I came across last night… Walk Off the Earth, a band from Burlington, Ontario.
Love their sound. Enjoy…

{ Psst… I love to receive feedback on my posts. Please leave your comments whenever you feel inspired to do so! }

Inspiration 365: Day 9

noreply@blogger.com (JoeGirl) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 02:39:00 +0000

As soon as the first snowflake fell, Quinn + Jake began asking to go skating. Last year was Quinn’s first successful season on skates. He had a mission and did not stop until he was satisfied he could skate at his best friend’s hockey party without embarrassment. He caught the bug—bad—and could hardly wait for the ice to freeze so he could strap on the skates once again. Jake too… although more so I think just to keep up with his big brother.

This Winter, we have been blessed with the loveliest of house guests who…oh, just so happens to be a skate coach.

Watching Cierra work with Jake tonight, and seeing both boys revel in the pride that comes from participating wholeheartedly in Canada’s greatest pastime (ahem, besides skiing), was truly the greatest inspiration today.

…What inspired YOU today?

{ Psst… I love to receive feedback on my posts. Please leave your comments whenever you feel inspired to do so! }

Inspiration 365: Day 8

noreply@blogger.com (JoeGirl) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 03:03:00 +0000

As seen in the wonderfully retro basement of Tara’s 95-year old Grandmother…

{ Psst… I love to receive feedback on my posts. Please leave your comments whenever you feel inspired to do so! }

Inspiration 365: Day 7

noreply@blogger.com (JoeGirl) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 01:37:00 +0000

On the way home from skiing today, we listened to various weekend radio pop chart shows. Rick Dees was wrapping up, and The Canadian Hit 30 was next up. During both shows, several songs were included which are on my own personal hit list. So I quietly asked myself… Why do I love these songs so much? And it struck me… they all include the saxophone.

Here are a few of my favourite sax songs. Amazing how the same instrument can play such an integral role in songs of such varied genre. Enjoy.

Mr. Saxobeat, by Alexandra Stan

The Wedding Song, by Kenny G

Winter Winds, by Mumford & Sons (I think this is a trumpet, or other horn, but still… it counts)

Calabria 2007, by Enur, featuring Natasja

In the Dark, by Dev

12 Y 23, by Irakere (Please excuse the video/sound quality. This is the first track on the first Cuban album we ever owned. A gift in fact, from a local Cuban friend, Jorge Luis Mandina Perez, during my first trip there with Andrew in November 1998)

…What inspired YOU today?

{ Psst… I love to receive feedback on my posts. Please leave your comments whenever you feel inspired to do so! }

Inspiration 365: Day 6

noreply@blogger.com (JoeGirl) — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 03:27:00 +0000

From the moment they were first born, I have taught my boys to be gentle. Wait. I feel like I have written this before. Oh right, I have.

Please refer to ‘Exhibit A’ before continuing…
‘G is for Gentle’, originally posted July 4, 2008

Thank you. Let me continue…

My boys are most certainly gentle. At ages ten and a half (remember how important the increments were between birthdays?), and five and a half, they have grown into thoughtful, compassionate, observant, sweet young men. Sometimes they need reminding. Don’t we all? Yet most of the time, they take their gentle very seriously.

Gentle. When Quinn comes and wraps his arms around me for no other reason than just because.
Gentle. When Jake asks his daycare provider to phone me 30 seconds after dropping him off so he can tell me one more time that he loves me.
Gentle. How they take turns having Marley sleep on their beds, and whisper sweet nothings to her as if tucking her in.
Gentle. The way Quinn helps me bring the groceries in from the car, saying things like “No Mom, let me do it.”

Tonight the boys and I went to the movies. On our way out, Quinn held the door open for a man headed inside. He looked Eastern European—tall, dark moustache, maybe in his 50s. I don’t think that matters, but wanted you to imagine his character… In a great, booming voice he said to Quinn:

“Thank You! You are a gentle boy!”

Quinn beamed the entire ride home. So did I.

{ Psst… I love to receive feedback on my posts. Please leave your comments whenever you feel inspired to do so! }

Inspiration 365: Day 5

noreply@blogger.com (JoeGirl) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 03:05:00 +0000

Before we proceed too far into the year, I thought it might be a swell idea to define what it is I am yapping about for the next 360 days. According to thefreedictionary.com, the definition is this:

in·spi·ra·tion (nsp-rshn)

noun.

1.

a. Stimulation of the mind or emotions to a high level of feeling or activity.

b. The condition of being so stimulated.

2. An agency, such as a person or work of art, that moves the intellect or emotions or prompts action or invention.

3. Something, such as a sudden creative act or idea, that is inspired.

4. The quality of inspiring or exalting: a painting full of inspiration.

5. Divine guidance or influence exerted directly on the mind and soul of humankind.

6. The act of drawing in, especially the inhalation of air into the lungs.

I particularly like items 1a and 5. Something which inspires me, speaks to me—either by causing my heart to skip a beat, prompting sudden outbursts of laughter, sending chills up my spine, or producing a tear.

Today was a wonderful day, though not a particularly inspiring one. I enjoyed a light lunch at AlphaSoul Café with my dear amigo Wayne which, while delightful, was more an exchange of information than it was inspiring as we spoke primarily of business and my bathroom debacle (see Day 4).

This evening I spoke with various folks for various reasons—on the telephone! No text messaging, no email, no Facebook chats… Real. Live. Phone. Conversations. It was lovely! One, a gentle lady for whom I am designing a new website. Another, a couple for whom I am consulting regarding their home colour palette this coming Sunday, and most importantly I spoke with my sons and my Mother, whose voices I long to hear every day.

Alas, this is not meant to be a record of daily events, so I leave you with my question of the day—and every day…

…What inspired YOU today?

{ Psst… I love to receive feedback on my posts. Please leave your comments whenever you feel inspired to do so! }

Inspiration 365: Day 4

noreply@blogger.com (JoeGirl) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 02:08:00 +0000

I arrived home this evening to find my landlord sitting on the edge of my bathtub {where I was so eagerly headed to soothe a persistent headache} cowering over a gaping trench dug out of my sweet, original, hex tile floor.

Oh, yes… That is the downstairs neighbour’s bathroom you see through the opening.

Oh. No.

I had received an email yesterday requesting permission to enter with a plumber to investigate some reported leaking in the downstairs apartment. No problem, I reply.

This is how he left my once glorious, immaculate, private haven… promising to return tomorrow to begin filling the trench with something to build up the floor again. This ought to be interesting.

So, where is the inspiration in this mess?

I could have reacted poorly, throwing foulness at my landlord, refusing to pay a portion of my rent, demanding he put me and my family up in a hotel until it is fully repaired, and so on.

But no. That kind of reaction is not in me (or at least not in my outside voice). It was clear he was embarrassed, frustrated, discouraged and upset, so what would it have accomplished for me to respond in anger? He and the plumber had been there since noon, and it was now 7pm.

I prepared a small plate of carrots, hummus and pita wedges for the two of them, and continued about my business, grateful to have such a beautiful home.

{ Psst… I love to receive feedback on my posts. Please leave your questions, comments + feedback whenever you feel inspired to do so! }