JoeGirl

Hayley + Allan

noreply@blogger.com (JoeGirl) — Sun, 20 Oct 2019 02:26:00 +0000

What a lovely couple of days enjoyed with a lovely couple of humans.

Hayley Barry is an extraordinary hand lettering artist from Provo, Utah whom I happened upon on Instagram about two years ago. I was immediately in awe of and inspired by her intricate and pristine works of word art.

A year ago, when it came time to revamp our Panic-Free Pricing book into an e-course, I suggested to my co-author, Becca, that we include Hayley as a guest contributor, sharing her wealth of knowledge on the subject of pricing for mural projects. She was a complete delight to work with, writing an entire chapter and providing amazing video to support her material.

This past August on Instagram, Hayley asked her audience where she should host her next Hand Lettering workshop. I (not so) jokingly sent her a message reply, “How about Ottawa, Canada!?”

You can imagine my squeals of delight when she replied, “I’d love to! If you can secure a minimum of 12 participants, I’ll come!”

After working out the details, and selling not only the minimum of 12 spots, but selling out all 25, Hayley booked flights for her and her husband Allan to spend the weekend in Ottawa, starting with our workshop Friday night. Not only was this to be Hayley + Allan’s first trip to Ottawa, but their first trip to Canada!

The anticipation of this weekend has been not unlike that leading up to Christmas morning. Waiting for them to arrive at the airport yesterday morning was like waiting for Santa! My heart was racing and my palms were sweaty! We all did a little happy dance upon first recognizing each other—them at the top of the escalator, me at the bottom. People must have thought we were long lost cousins, or completely bonkers!

After their overnight flights, Hayley + Allan were just about ready to ground themselves in their AirBnB, so we headed that way taking the scenic route, stopping along the way for quick hellos with a mutual friend, and a bite to eat in trendy Hintonburg. While they rested, I headed to ALE—Amberwood Lounge + Eatery—to set up. (Handy that I work there part-time as the Event Administrator!)

Hayley + Allan arrived with Becca at 4:30pm, followed by 16 of the 25 workshop participants for an early dinner. The workshop began at 6:30pm, and was jam-packed with hand lettering knowledge, tips, tricks, and techniques—sprinkled with Hayley’s charm and humour to keep everyone giggling.

By 9:30pm we were all exhausted and ready for bed. Becca drove Hayley + Allan home, and we confirmed plans to meet up this morning for a full day of Ottawa sights.

We started this morning at the National Art Gallery, followed by a stroll through the Byward Market, landing at The Aulde Dubliner for Hayley + Allan’s first taste of Poutine! We then visited The Original Giant Tiger, as a bit of a gag—before taking her calligraphy business full-time, Becca worked in the Interior Design department of GT, and had requested Hayley take a selfie, should one cross her path.

To rest our legs a bit, and take full advantage of the season, I drove my guests to Gatineau Park. We made it to Huron and Champlain Lookouts, where Fall Rhapsody did not disappoint!

Farewells were bid at about 5pm, as I left them at their AirBnB with suggestions for places to explore during the rest of their time here before heading home Monday morning.

Our bittersweet hugs goodbye felt so much more connected than our excited hugs hello. Time and memories shared brought the three of us closer together as friends, and Utah has officially been added to my wish list of travel destinations!

I have been reminding myself constantly of the magic in this entire experience—from admiring a young artist’s work, to saying hello, to collaborating on a project, to inviting her to travel to lead a workshop, to touring them around my beautiful city, to becoming friends.

Some people frown upon social media for the lack of connection and withdrawal it seemingly causes in real life relationships. And while I don’t necessarily disagree, I also see and embrace the opportunities it offers for connections I wouldn’t have imagined without it—real, intimate, authentic connections.

What a lovely couple of days enjoyed with a lovely couple of humans.

Wordless Wednesday | Cuba 2019

noreply@blogger.com (JoeGirl) — Wed, 17 Jul 2019 18:43:00 +0000

xox
Joanne

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this story. Feel free to leave a comment and let’s chat!

Hola!

noreply@blogger.com (JoeGirl) — Mon, 01 Jul 2019 13:47:00 +0000

Tomorrow at this time, Quinn, Jake, and I will be on our flight to Varadero, Cuba.

This trip is a promise I made to my boys way back in 2010—the last (and fourth) time I travelled to Cuba. I promised them the next time I went, it would be with them—just the three of us. They were nine and four then, now 18 and 13.

Quite honestly, even though I have wished a thousand times I could have taken them sooner, I think now is the perfect time. They are old enough to understand the value and opportunity of this adventure, and young enough to appreciate our time together (I trust I have raised them to always appreciate our time together 😉). I am so proud to be able to make this happen—so looking forward to the laughs we will have, and witnessing the wonder in their eyes as we tour though Havana, their amazement at the sights + scenes, and their appreciation for the local culture, and my love for the country and its people since my first visit in 1998.

This will be my fifth trip to Cuba, and by all counts, the most special.
✨☀️👩‍👦‍👦💕

xox
Joanne

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this story. Feel free to leave a comment and let’s chat!

Time to shift.

noreply@blogger.com (JoeGirl) — Tue, 25 Jun 2019 13:42:00 +0000

Wow. What a year it has been. And not just the almost-year it’s been since my last post {sheepish grin 😏}, but 2019 so far. In January, I was completely fired up before and during my Thailand trip. Things settled down after my March women’s art retreat weekend, and have remained oddly quiet since.

This quiet stillness coincides with my recent “single” relationship status—something new for me. It’s been over six months since my five-year relationship ended, and I honestly cannot remember a time in my life when I was single for this long. At age 47, it’s an odd feeling. Sometimes I am refreshed and inspired by my new found “freedom”. Other times I am desperately lonely and longing for someone with whom to connect.

For the last twelve weeks, I participated in a business coaching program which included three 60-minute in-person energy healing sessions. I believe in the power of energy, so this portion of the program was the selling feature for me. Jessica was able to tap into my true energy and listen to messages I have been telling myself which simply aren’t true. Like “nobody loves me”, or “I will never amount to anything.” As quickly as she heard these messages, she was able to heal them. And, while the impact of her healing isn’t always felt right away, I can certainly sense a strong upward shift in my overall sense of self, empowerment, and trueness. It may take several months for a complete integration, though I can say with confidence, I am feeling so much lighter and brighter these days, and my energy is picking up for all things inspiring and creative.

If you follow me on Instagram, you’ll have noticed my quiet. I currently have two accounts—@indetailcreative and @liveyourspiritnow, and have been drawn to share less creative work on inDetail, and more “this is me” on Live Your Spirit!, simply because that is what resonates with me these days—little snippets of my life in the hopes that my moments inspire others to take time to celebrate or time to be still.

Developing Live Your Spirit! has been on my “if you could do anything” agenda for ten years—helping people tap into their true selves, and find ways to shine through everyday moments, even the difficult ones. My belief is that through creative play—any kind of play—and joy, and pleasure, and laughter, and even tears, we can find our lost selves again, and nurture ourselves, and live the lives we were meant to, as light and loving creatures.

Here’s the thing… I haven’t been living my Spirit.

How can I possibly develop and share a program with the world, when I haven’t put myself through it? When I have not been honouring my own Spirit? Nurturing her, holding space for her to shine, and explore, and inspire myself. How can I truly guide others to this connection, when I have been feeling so disconnected myself? (Sidenote: You’ve gotta read Lost Connections, by Johann Hari)

Thanks to some very real friends (you know the kind that shake you out of your slump and let you cry on their shoulders, leaving mascara on their shirt?), and the power of energy healing, meditation, self-care, journaling…, I am in a shift phase. I feel it. I am feeling the urge to create, and share, and inspire myself, and the magical part? I’m giving myself permission to do all of this without needing it to answer the question, “How will this make money!? ” Whoa. Pressure off.

So my plan (notice I’m not using the word idea? I’m amazing at ideas—that’s never been a problem. It’s working the plan to make those ideas reality where I tend to fall short.) is to get #outofmyhead and #intotheworld. And I’m inviting you to come along.

My main Instagram account, @indetailcreative, will soon be rebranded as JoeGirl, and I will share stories, posts, and links to JoeGirlTV live streams and videos on Twitch and YouTube. I will be writing more here, and am sketching out thoughts for a “Live Your Spirit! with JoeGirl” podcast. Yes, lots of ideas, and for the first time in a long, long time, these ideas feel right. They feel strong and powerful. Like their time has come, and I am ready to embrace and implement them! I am finally ready to get out of my own way and make it happen—for me + for you.

It’s time to be JoeGirl.
It’s time to Live My Spirit!

It’s time to shift.

xox
Joanne

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this story. Feel free to leave a comment and let’s chat!

Oh, and by the way, none of the third-party links in this post are sponsored. I just really like them.

Cancelled.

noreply@blogger.com (JoeGirl) — Sun, 12 Aug 2018 21:38:00 +0000

I am not a fan of bailing on plans. Especially plans I was excited + enthusiastic about. Especially plans which other people were looking forward to, and counting on.

In July, I hosted my third live online workshop—Magical Modern Calligraphy. Based on registration for my first two, I had high hopes that this one would be an easy sell-out. August rent? Covered! Little extra for a new bed because I’m sleeping in the double bed I had when I was a kid, with a cheap 15-year old mattress that leaves me feeling like I was flattened by a cement roller?? Easy!

Eight people registered.

Eight. Huit. Ocho.

Where the heck is everybody!? Y’all said you wanted to learn this stuff!? What did I miss? Why doesn’t anybody liiiiike meeeee?????

Chin up, JoeGirl.

I didn’t cancel. I was even excited for the eight gals who did register, as it meant more attention for them, instead of sharing the live time with 60 other participants.

I marched on and brought my A-game to the workshop.

Until my internet connection was lost. Yup. It crapped out right at the good part. Oh, it came back almost immediately, and 100% of the attendees were able to log back in to the call, BUT the connection wasn’t anywhere near strong enough to clearly demonstrate detailed techniques, as is required for fine handiwork.

Seriously, Internet?

I was embarrassed and wanted to cry. I felt terrible for the participants who must have been even more frustrated than I was. They PAID for this, for Pete’s sake.

With choppy, blurry, erratic video, we pushed though, making the best of a brutal situation. I promised to record a clean tutorial and sort out a more reliable solution for the next class in the series.

About ten minutes ago, I hit CANCEL on the next class in the series.

Since posting about it over a week ago, I have received but one inquiry, and a grand total of zero registrations. I can’t pinpoint why. And, quite frankly, it upsets me too much to think about all the possible reasons these classes were a flop—price, marketing, I’m not “the calligraphy girl”, Summer vacation… Ugh.

So what gives me peace? What makes it completely A-okay that I cancelled?

Not every idea is going to be a winner. And if this one wasn’t, the next one might be. Or the one after that. Or maybe even the one after that.

Ideas flow to me like water from a hose. Sleep eludes me more often than not because I have SO. MANY. IDEAS. Friends ask me for ideas and then probably wish I would shut the heck up because they just don’t stop.

Not every idea is going to be a winner.

And you know what? My mission in life isn’t to be the online art teacher lady. My mission in life is to inspire joyful living through creative play. I haven’t figured out exactly how to execute that in terms of business offerings. Oh yeah, you’d better believe I have ideas! But ideas can be super scary—especially right after a flop or two… or bajillion.

Chin up, JoeGirl.

xox
Joanne

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this story. Feel free to leave a comment and let’s chat!

Joyful Living through Creative Play

noreply@blogger.com (JoeGirl) — Sun, 29 Jul 2018 12:10:00 +0000

I’ve been sitting on my front step since 6:40am—and it’s Sunday.

There are two reasons I might wake up early: 1) the anxiety over money, relationships, work is too much to bear, and I need to distract myself from the rumination my brain forces upon me by hauling my ass out of bed and doing something—anything, or 2) none of the aforementioned condition exists and I am enthusiastic about the day and all it has to offer—especially if I have a new project or idea.

On July 10th, a very sweet lady passed away who impacted my life more than she ever knew. I only met Julie once. In September 2015, she attended my very first women’s art retreat weekend. Her energy was bright and buoyant, colourful and calm, happy and healing. She and I felt a kinship right away, as I know she did with many other guests that weekend, as did I. Julie and I remained in touch, albeit with decreasing frequency as her health was ailing.

In one of our earliest communications, Julie said to me, “Joanne, you are a healer.”

That single statement has affected me daily ever since, though it didn’t come as a complete surprise. People have been drawn to me for support, advice, respite, and cheering up since I was a child. I make people feel welcome, relaxed, listened to, comfortable.

What was most profound about Julie saying it to me, was that she, in fact, was a healer. Julie was an art therapist and teacher, and helped hundreds process pain and hurt through art and creative play. In Julie telling me I am a healer, she was encouraging me to give myself permission to keep doing what I was doing, and what I have felt for years is my purpose here on Earth.

Yesterday, I was inspired by another artist—Thank you, Universe—by way of Pinterest. You know artists, always wincing in anticipation of peoples’ reactions when they answer questions of, “What do you do for a living?” with “I’m an artist.” You may not always see the wince, but oh, it’s there.

I watched a few of Belinda’s videos, and WHAMMY, she hit the nail on the head for me a bunch of times. She speaks of having jobs to secure income (I have three, at last count). She speaks of friends and family encouraging her to get a real job. She speaks of feeling a complete lack of inspiration when she needs it most—for a commission, or an event, or to sell something, already! And when inspiration fails to ignite, she speaks of beating herself up, feeling inadequate, like a failure, like a fraud, like anything but an artist.

Belinda also speaks about healing though art, and she offers clients the space, time, and freedom to do so without judgement or fear.

It can cause such inner turmoil for us artists and creative healers. We often struggle to do for ourselves what we are meant to do for others. In my experience, it is in precisely those moments when I know I am affecting someone’s life, that I too heal. Seeing women around my studio table lighting up, and being inspired by my teachings, my experience, my story—heals me. It heals the wound that works so hard to convince me I’m not good enough.

Well, that’s garbage.

I am plenty good enough. Thank you, Julie and Belinda, for reminding me of that.

In the days ahead, I will be reworking and rewording my website to focus more on the healing powers of creative play, and the ways in which I will inspire joyful living though creative play. I will be more raw, more vulnerable, more forgiving, more open, more free.

Here I sit on my front step. The mid-Summer sun is warming my skin, even at this early hour. I’m sweating in all of my nooks and crannies, and am kinda wishing I had a Mojitio instead of this Matcha.

I am inspired.
This is why I was awake so early today.

Joanne
xox

Day One.

noreply@blogger.com (JoeGirl) — Tue, 24 Mar 2015 15:52:00 +0000

I returned to the gym today for the first time in… well, let’s say two years.

I cried when I arrived.

Not sure why. Perhaps emotional because, even though it has seen many changes since I left in 2012, it was the place I helped build in 2010. Perhaps because I know what I had accomplished in the past and I am afraid of failing. Perhaps because I am, deep down, super proud of myself for making this commitment. For whatever reason, the tears flowed—and I allowed them.

I picked myself up, received my circuit details, and went at it. Not hard, but enough.

Leg press, alternating dumbbell presses, standing rows, and a hanging obliques exercise called “Ski Jumps”, named way back in 2009 just for me :)

The weights weren’t high, or even particularly difficult, but I felt every rep. When the self-doubt creeped in, I closed my eyes, and just felt my body moving. I love that feeling. Push… pull… contract… expand… BREATHE.

Three rounds was a wonderful start. I’ll be back Thursday for Day Two.

Yes, I will be tight tomorrow—a feeling I have always loved, and often craved.

Proud.

With gratitude,
JoeGirl
xox

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

Returning to Health…

noreply@blogger.com (JoeGirl) — Sun, 22 Mar 2015 21:50:00 +0000

In 2009, I worked my way through a magnificent Body-Mind-Spirit transformation. I started the year at over 35% body fat and 163lbs, wearing a size L/12/14. Only changing what I ate, I managed to reach 138lbs by late May when I started training with the amazing Marshall Page. At that point, I was still 32% body fat, and wearing a size M/8/10.

Strength training twice a week, and eating clean 80% of the time, in only a month I was down to a size 6. By October I was 127lbs and 22% body fat, wearing a size XS/S/2/4. I hadn’t been that size/shape since high school. I felt strong, healthy, vibrant + alive!

Late 2009, I certified as a personal trainer and founded JoeGirl Fitness. I worked with female clients in their homes, their workplace gyms, outdoors in playgrounds and in commercial fitness centres. In August 2010, Marshall and I opened Marshall’s, where I continued to train and work with clients every day.

Mid-2012, I left the gym to return full-time to my design business. I stopped moving. I became less careful with what I ate, I fell in love with my favourite bartender, Jamie (that’s a good thing!), and focussed more + more on my business and being creative through design + art—lots of sitting on my ever-widening arse.

My changing body has been on my mind since 2012. I know I have been distancing myself from a healthy state every week—my body aches, I’m wearing a size L/12 again, my joints hurt, everything involving effort is difficult (Carrying groceries… Hello!???)—and I’ve been beating myself up about it.

While in Florida, Grace and I were shopping for her Grade 8 graduation dress, and I caught my reflection in a 3-way mirror. Ouch. While I know being healthy + fit is about so much more than how we look, the me in the mirror told a story I needed to hear—loudly. I have gained weight. I have become sedentary. I have become lazy. I have not been taking care of myself. The scale back home—something I try to avoid—confirmed I have crept back up to 165lbs. Wow.

The good news? My reflection, highest weight ever without being pregnant, constant discomfort, and the smack-in-the-face has incentivized + motivated me in a big way to make a change—to commit to ME again.

I made an appointment with Marshall to resume training 2x a week. I’m going to try out this new thing called “Yoga” with Jamie’s Mum, and ideally go once a week. I have just returned from Farm Boy with a stack of clean foods that I LOVE, and am about to spend some time writing a set of powerful, heart-centred affirmations to keep my mindset strong + focussed when those moments of weakness sneak in. Oh, and I bought a FitBit ChargeHR to monitor my activity levels, heart rate, calories in/out, sleep quality and be a constant reminder to take care of ME.

As in 2009, this commitment isn’t about acquiring a bodybuilder physique. It’s about returning to health, strength, confidence + wellness. While I would love to see my 2009 body again, I am deliberately choosing to start fresh without comparing my pending results to those I experienced five years ago. What I accomplished then was nothing less than remarkable. I inspired many others to make positive changes in their lives, and I felt like I could do anything.

This time, I am aiming for strength, health, vitality + overall wellness. Whatever happens to the shape of my body will be a happy side-effect.

Here I go… I am so ready.

With gratitude,
JoeGirl
xox

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

Considering 2014

noreply@blogger.com (JoeGirl) — Mon, 06 Jan 2014 04:31:00 +0000

On my “Think About” list for the year ahead:

return to my “fighting weight” of 130-135lbs and 22–25% body fat thru nutrition, cardio + strength training
paint the doors + trim in our and Grace’s room.
choose the perfect grey to paint the common areas: foyer, upstairs hallway, living and dining rooms, kitchen, powder room
learn 12 songs on my new guitar
travel to Florida for the Spring break with all four kids
pay off 50% of my credit card debt before Dec 31, 2014
build Mavis Naturals to a minimum of $500 in monthly sales
construct storage room shelves and get the $#%&@ organized!
take more photos + videos of my kids
write + illustrate more

Happy New Year! What’s on your list?

{ Psst… I love to receive feedback on my posts. Please leave your comments whenever yo

“Operators standing by…”

noreply@blogger.com (JoeGirl) — Sat, 12 Oct 2013 20:26:00 +0000

In my last post, I shared a little secret. Well, I have been busy branding, researching, and most recently cooking, in order to grow Mavis Naturals a little more each day.

The website is up and running, with the first few products ready to go! The blog is being updated daily when possible, and the Facebook and Twitter accounts are hopping with action as well. Please consider sharing, liking, following + commenting so Mavis can continue to inspire the use of all-natural, handcrafted skincare throughout Ottawa and the rest of the world.

Oh yah, for those of you wondering, there are only 73 shopping days until Christmas :)

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

Mavis Naturals

noreply@blogger.com (JoeGirl) — Mon, 16 Sep 2013 16:16:00 +0000

After mixing and using my own skincare products for well over a year now, and sharing my treats with friends and family, I am happy to announce the founding of Mavis Naturals!

Mavis Naturals creates deliciously natural, handcrafted skincare, made in small batches right here at home! Follow me in the development of the business, via my Mavis Naturals Facebook page or follow us on Twitter!

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

“Hey, JoeGirl! Can we go thrift shopping?”

noreply@blogger.com (JoeGirl) — Sat, 07 Sep 2013 14:40:00 +0000

Jamie and I are loving our weekly trips to local thrift shops. We scour the household items section for vintage Pyrex, FireKing, CorningWare, milkglass, hobnail glass, mini pitchers, and other vintage—or vintage inspired—items. Here’s the latest collection of fun finds. We may even offer some of our goodies up for sale on eBay…

We are on the lookout for a vintage/retro sofa and chair next!

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

Happiness 101.11

noreply@blogger.com (JoeGirl) — Fri, 09 Aug 2013 16:22:00 +0000

It’s almost lunchtime on Friday. I am in my new lower-level office space, in my new-to-us condo townhouse, on the outskirts of Canada’s capital, Ottawa.

A lot has changed since I last wrote, way back in November 2012. The simplest way to tell the story, is by listing my current happinesses, and letting you fill in the blanks. Enjoy!

Pulling into the driveway to see our two crazy dogs up on their back legs, pawing frantically at the sidelight window, desperate for us to “Come inside, NOW!”
Overseeing our two big kids (Q now 12yrs, Miss G 11.5yrs) collaboratively preparing meals and special treats in the kitchen.
Listening to our two little boys, The Twins, (TJ now 7yrs + DJ 8yrs, born on the same day a year apart), chatting together before falling asleep in their shared room.
Appreciating the last of the daylight as it kisses the tops of the trees in the rolling park outside our front door. As Jamie and I sit on our front step enjoying—most often—a sip of Bourbon, we recount the day’s highlights and anticipate the day ahead.
Discovering + downloading new music from NoiseTrade.
Finding treasures at thrift shops to decorate our home + my body.
Browsing Pinterest, especially for home decor, blended family ideas, fashion + crafts.
All six of us at the dinner table.
Just the two of us at the dinner table.
Having my hair brushed + braided at bedtime.
Exploring new craft distilled + small batch beverages with Jamie—bourbon, whiskey, gin, wine + beer! And yes, we enjoy in moderation.
Tickle Tuesday at bedtime with The Twins.
Late night grocery shopping with Jamie, hunting for deals.
Listening to the kids’ daily highlights.
Receiving text messages from the kids when they are at their other parent’s homes. FaceTime is even better!
My big kid still wanting tuck-in at bedtime, complete with chatting, hugs + kisses.
Hearing my ‘new’ kids tell me they love me, both in person and on the phone.
Spending time with my parents at the riverfront home where I grew up, and sharing that magical place with the kids.
Being a super cool Mom, and super fun ‘Dad’s girlfriend’.
The beautiful way our children have become friends, truly enjoying each other’s company.
Loving + being loved.

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

JoeDesigns©… For Hire!

noreply@blogger.com (JoeGirl) — Mon, 05 Nov 2012 18:49:00 +0000

Most of you already know I have been a doodler my entire life, designing handmade greeting cards and, more recently, gifting custom illustrations to friends and family members who have purchased a new home, who have had a new baby, or who are celebrating a special birthday or milestone.

Many of my loved ones have been encouraging me to offer my illustrations for sale. So… in time for the holiday season, I present you with a sampling of my custom artwork. If you would like to gift a custom illustration to a loved one, I invite you to contact me so we can collaborate on your keepsake gift.

Here is some of my recent work, to inspire you to consider a custom illustration for your loved ones.

Artwork is provided on heavy watercolour paper, as either a 5x7 or 8x10, and is shipped in an acid-free sleeve with a heavy card for protection.
May be matted and framed for an additional charge.
Commissions vary, based on complexity and size of the illustration, ranging from $45 for a 5x7 nameplate, to $250 for an 8x10 home illustration.

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

Video: Do Something Different!

noreply@blogger.com (JoeGirl) — Fri, 02 Nov 2012 21:52:00 +0000

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

30mins 07sec

noreply@blogger.com (JoeGirl) — Fri, 02 Nov 2012 21:34:00 +0000

Despite my best intentions to complete the CN Tower climb in 25mins or less, it was much tougher than I expected. My finish time was 30mins 7seconds. Actually, not too bad, considering I had to slow down several times for people ahead of me.

Our heat of about 10 people timed in at 6:35am. I was expecting to be able to “trot” up maybe 7 or 10 flights before needing a rest. Nope. Not a chance! After three flights, and maybe one minute, my quads were throbbing, and I was asking myself how I was ever going to reach the top—144 total flights of about 12 steps each flight.

So, I decided to take it slow. I needed to stop and rest about every 5–6 flights. I had the heart-power, but, surprisingly, my quads were seizing up. Then, I would catch my breath and trot up 3 flights, walk up another 3 or 4, then rest again. Before I knew it, I was at flight 50 (signs were posted every flight). Good Lord… only 1/3 of the way there.

Then, flight 100.

Keep in mind, this was a hand-free climb, so there wasn’t a drop of water to be had. The stairs (narrow metal utility stairs you would find in a fire escape) were dripping with sweat from the climbers before me. Lovely.

Then, flight 140.

Can you believe, at this point I wondered how I would possibly climb four… more… flights. UGH!

But, I did it. I timed out at 7:05am—30mins 07secs.

THEN… we had to climb another EIGHT flights of stairs to reach the elevator and observation floor. This staircase was different, and likely could not be included in the official climb due to safety reasons.

Holy Mackerel, I was SPENT! My climbing partner, Josh, was at the top waiting for me (his time was 16mins 34secs), cheering me on as I entered the main lobby area at the top. He walked me and my Jello legs over to the hydrating station, and we stepped outside to the observation deck to cool down. The sky was dark, the city alight. It was gorgeous. I did it! I was so proud!

Thank you for your support. It was a challenge, and an adventure, and I did it!

Joanne

PS: We proceeded to play 18-holes of golf that afternoon for a church tournament, then attend a fabulous house party that night, not back home until 2:30am! Needless to say, Sunday was a day of rest!

PPS: Much to my amazement, my legs did not seize up at all in the days following the climb. My right shoulder was sore however, from pulling myself up with the railing! :)

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

JoeGirl set to Climb the CN Tower!

noreply@blogger.com (JoeGirl) — Tue, 18 Sep 2012 15:47:00 +0000

On October 20th, I’m participating in 2012 Enbridge CN Tower Climb for United Way, and will be climbing 1,776 stairs to the top!

Help me reach my fundraising goal by sponsoring me in the Enbridge CN Tower Climb for United Way! Every dollar raised will go toward United Way Toronto which helps provide stability to community agencies and strengthens their capacity to serve our city—both today and into the future.

By sponsoring me, you can help create opportunities for a better life for everyone in our community. Of the pledges I gather, 100% of the funds will directly go to United Way Toronto, helping support a wide network of health and social service agencies serving our community.

If you would like to sponsor me, please click on the link below. Once you’ve made your donation using your credit card, you will receive an electronic tax receipt immediately. It’s fast, easy and secure to do!

Sponsor JoeGirl’s CN Tower Climb!

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Wordless…

noreply@blogger.com (JoeGirl) — Fri, 14 Sep 2012 23:44:00 +0000

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Happiness 101.10

noreply@blogger.com (JoeGirl) — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 16:19:00 +0000

Returning to my favourite place on Earth after being away for 26 years.
Letting go of past fears and embracing present strengths.
Amazing friends.
Taking my kids to Toronto, and to the top of the CN Tower.
Learning about religion, politics + golf.
Ice cream in the park.
24hr bike tour of Ottawa with Quinner.
Kayaking.
Swimming though seaweed.
The Old Spaghetti Factory.
The LEGO® Store.
Butterflies.
Bargain hunting at Value Village and The Salvation Army Thrift Store.
Knowing my boys are so wonderful and fantastic, and being told so by all who meet them.
Snuggles + Giggles.
Allowing love—in all forms—to enter my life.

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Inspiration 365: Day 102

noreply@blogger.com (JoeGirl) — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 00:33:00 +0000

Let’s just ignore the fact that I have missed/skipped/ignored/avoided my original intent to write every day for Inspiration 365.

It hasn’t been a particularly inspiring year thus far. Oh sure, I could have scrounged to find something to include every day—a funky website, a whimsical chapeau at a local second-hand shop, a quirky quote from the kids… But to be fair and honest, come bedtime, all I have wanted to do lately is crash and move toward a new day.

I thought tonight that it might be a good idea to write about the good, the bad and the ugly of late, just to bring you up to speed on the goings-on of my life since my last post, way back in February. I’ll do it in reverse order, just to keep things interesting…

The Ugly

Two words: I’m broke. Yep. I have never been more in debt and “up the creek” as I am now. Last month, my rent cheque bounced because Visa helped themselves to $500 from my rent account to cover the minimum payment on my over-extended credit card, which I have had to use to cover basic expenses just to get by. It sucks. Big time.

The Bad

My downstairs neighbours in the three-storey triplex where I live are jerks. Well okay, that’s not nice, but they are behaving like jerks. I live on the main floor, and last September a young couple moved in below me. They have been so noisy that I have had to rap on their door twice to ask them to quiet down so my kids could sleep. While we were away in Florida, Cierra stayed here with Marley. Upon our return, she described how they were so loud at all hours of the day and night, and there was so much screaming going on, that she considered calling the police. I immediately called the landlord, who had previously been informed of their regular volume issues. He agreed to send them an email complaint. The next day, upon their arrival home and seeing me in the window, they proceeded to slam doors, crank up the volume, bang the ceiling, and yell obscenities. Nice. More complaint to the landlord. He presented them with official complaint forms, and it has been eerily quiet ever since. It has been over a week now. I’m afraid the whole place might blow up from the tension.

The Good

I have officially relaunched my design career, under my original business name inDetail. It feels so good to be reaching out to past clients and making connections with possible new ones. I thrive on creating, designing, and beautifying all things. Call me.
In March, the boys, Marshall and I enjoyed our annual drive to spend the Spring break with my parents in Florida. This year, I was able to convince my sister and her family to join us. We drove down in tandem, exchanging bits of news and giddiness via walkie-talkie. The weather was glorious. The boys fantastic. Busch Gardens always wondrous and rejuvenating.
Word is getting out that I’m good with colour. I have conducted several home colour consultations this Spring. I always love hauling out my collection of fandecks, pouring through the thousands of colour options, narrowing it down to a select few that speak to me based on the surrounding decor, essence of the client, existing objets d’art, then presenting my ideas to the homeowner. Again, call me.
Some blasts from the past have been reaching out to reconnect. As much as I try to keep in touch with everybody who is special in my life, it is often tricky with the crazy schedule I keep. Having said that, to be thought of by others always touches me deeply, and I do so appreciate every note, phone call, ping and email from all those I cherish. Thank you.
I am getting better at asking for help. {H.E.L.P.} Refer to the aforementioned Bad and Ugly sections.
At the boys’ Scouting event this past weekend, one of Quinn’s leaders made a very deliberate point of approaching Andrew and me. “You’re Quinn’s parents, right?” “Yes, yes we are!” “Well,” he said “I just wanted to tell you Quinn is an amazing kid. He is truly a joy to have in our pack. Always listens and contributes. Never any behavioral problems. Really wonderful kid. Thank you.” Another leader overheard this and added “If only we could have another 19 just like him!” Andrew and I beamed. Quinn is an amazing kid. And truly, it never really surprises us to hear comments like this, but it sure does feel good every time.
Jake is now bringing home early readers. He relies mostly on the pictures adjacent to the words, but when he takes his time, he can actually read! I love this stage. He tries to read every word that crosses his path. A whole new world of discovery.
I applied to a full-time job last week, and am damned excited about it. The job posting reads as though it was written just for me. Surely they will call me for an interview. The idea of working 9–5, having a regular, reliable (and awesome) paycheck, sick days, vacation days, benefits and an excuse to go wardrobe shopping {did I say that aloud?} sends shivers up and down my spine. Very optimistic. Of course, I will keep you posted.
Had a bit of impromptu fun this past Monday, posing for some photographer friends who needed a model to test out some new lighting equipment. I have often toyed with the idea of modeling, and select few have suggested I might be kinda good at it. Was fun.

That’s all for now. Writing this took a lot out of me. I will try to be more regular {and upbeat} with my posts. Thank you to those of you who indicated you missed my writing. I missed it too.

Some photos to further entertain you…

One of my illustrated notecards, for my niece Sophie’s eight birthday.

Taken by the funky + cool Justin van Leeuwen at JVL Photo

Beaver Buggies + Kub Kars (not sure why it isn’t Cub Cars, but there it is…)

Taken by the über-talented Younes Bounhar of Double Space Photography

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Inspiration 365: Day 54

noreply@blogger.com (JoeGirl) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 01:31:00 +0000

[ Yes, I skipped a few days. Forgive me. ]

Today was Quinn’s Grade 5 ski trip to our regular hill. I volunteered to join the class as a parent helper, but was {don’t tell anybody} not particularly looking forward to the outing. “Why?” you ask. While I do love skiing and the outdoors, and I love spending time with Quinner, there were a few potential issues that were making me wince a little.

1. The weather has been so mild all week, even raining at times, I was anticipating lousy conditions. Considering I had to pay for my lift ticket, I didn’t want to be forking over my pennies to ski in slush or on ice.

2. Quinn is considered an advanced skier for his age group. This is his eighth year on skis, and his fifth in the racing program. He knows his stuff, knows the trails, and often goes skiing on his own without supervision. Most of his school friends are hockey players, having never clipped a boot into a binding before. Two of these guys (I’ll call them A-boy + H-boy) were assigned to my group to make our foursome. While I love teaching kids and working with them, I was not sure how we would all have an enjoyable day. Either Quinn would be bored on the easier runs, or his buddies would be frustrated and not able to keep up.

Quinn and I opted to drive to the hill instead of taking the school bus (more of that good ol’ quality time). We arrived about 45 minutes ahead of the class. While we waited another NINE schools came, resulting in about a thousand kids, of various skill levels, all ready to ski.

Once everybody had their tickets and gear, we were told to go to the star test station so the kids could be qualified to ski safely. A-boy had been on skis once or twice before and, as an avid hockey player, understood the science behind weight-shifting, balance and speed control. H-boy had never been on skis, and rarely on skates. These big planks on his feet made him stumble and fall simply getting from chalet to rope tow.

The hill was clearly ill-equipped to handle so many kids. The few instructors there weren’t so much teaching as they were herding kids through tow lines, hollering at them to “Keep going! There are too many kids here to hold up the line!” Poor H-boy stumbled on his first attempt to grab the rope tow. I exclaimed to the lift operator this was his first time on skis. “Oh! Well then he should be over THERE!”, pointing to a station where kids were learning how to STOP. Oh, there is a process here! So H-boy and I went over, while Quinn and A-boy proceeded to acquire their star with ease.

After six attempts, H-boy passed his stopping test, but not before frustration and defeat set in. He told me several times “I suck” and “I can’t do this”. My heart sank, but I encouraged him to keep trying. I took him over to the Turning station for his next step. He rode the magic carpet, while I skied uphill to meet him at the top {it’s a mild grade slope, at best}. Again at the top, there was a line up of kids waiting to go down, weaving gracefully through pylons, and who were expected to make turns and stop successfully at the bottom. There was zero instruction, only crowd control. “How can you expect kids to keep going, when they don’t even know what they are doing!? Most of these kids have never been on skis before, let alone know how to turn!” I said {forcefully, but not yelling}. “Hey, I’m the only one here. I’m doing what I can” was his response. “Well shuffling them down the hill is only going to result in a pile-up and potentially injuries. These kids need to be taught.”

I took H-boy to the side and tried to show him how to shift his weight in order to turn. He just wasn’t getting the hang of it. He toppled over at every attempt, becoming more frustrated each time. You know that point, when you just feel so lousy, you don’t even want to try? That’s where he was.

I looked up and saw Quinn patiently waiting, clearly bummed, but also feeling sad for his friend. It was now almost noon, and Q still hadn’t even gone down the hill. I approached their teacher with the situation. She suggested she might be able to find another group of kids at H-boy’s level with whom he could learn to ski. Feeling awful about his first experience, I agreed this was the best idea given the situation.

I thought about H-boy all day, wondering how he was doing. I learned that he spent the three hours after our last turning attempt just sitting in the lodge.

At about 3:30pm, I saw the teacher at the bottom of the hill. She caught my attention and was thrilled to tell me H-boy had decided to get back out there and try again. She pointed to the top of the wee rope tow hill, where I saw him prepping himself for another run. I waved, and he waved back. From fifty yards away, I could tell he was beaming with pride.

I had promised his Dad I would take photos and video, so here was my chance. In the time it took me to haul my iPhone out of my pocket, Quinn, A-boy and Q’s BFF L-boy were on their way up the rope tow to ski with their buddy (I’ve known all these kids since they were four years old. They are all such wonderful boys).

He was so excited coming down the hill. My heart sang at the sight of his huge grin as he sailed by me. “This is awesome! I’ve never gone that fast before! Well, except for that time I was in an airplane, but that wasn’t ME! I love this!”

We were so close to the end of the field trip, and time for the kids to be hustled back on the bus. I told the boys to stay where they were, I would be right back. I headed over to the teacher and asked her if I could keep H-boy with Quinn and I, and that I would drive him home. Seeing how excited and pleased he was, how could I put an end to his fun knowing I could give him the opportunity to continue? After speaking with his Dad, she gave me permission to keep him under my wing a little longer.

H-boy couldn’t believe his ears. “Thank you!” I made him a deal that if he could come down the learner’s hill three times without stumbling, I would take him on the chairlift for a few runs. He did it.

This little boy who was so devastated only a few hours earlier, was now wishing he could ski all night, and every day until Spring arrives. I felt so proud and thrilled to be able to give him this experience.

We proceeded to go down the easiest run four times, his turning and control improving each attempt. Quinn was so patient and encouraging, cheering H-boy on as he went along. He was exactly the kind of friend I always hoped my kids would be. I was proud of him too.

It was soon five o’clock, and time to go. We all could have easily stayed until 10pm close, but I had promised his Dad that H-boy would be home by 5:30pm.

We were all fired up from this amazing afternoon. What a transformation—a brilliant display of courage, perseverance and determination.

H-boy, you are awesome and inspiring. I will be happy to bring you skiing with us anytime.

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The Boots

noreply@blogger.com (JoeGirl) — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 18:22:00 +0000

In case you were wondering…

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Inspiration 365: Days 44–47

noreply@blogger.com (JoeGirl) — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 01:57:00 +0000

Let’s forget days 44, 45 and 46. They were dark days. Yesterday particularly, as I spent most of it in bed with what I tend to call “gut rot”–in medical terms, diarrhea. A slight stomach bug, I’m sure, but uncomfortable to say the least.

Those days are gone. Let’s focus on today. For today… was awesome.

I decided early last week to book this week off at the Centre to focus on my plan to breathe new life into my design career. Design truly is what I do best, and is currently the most profitable way for me to single-handedly support my family.

The plan for the week was to continue work on a few modest design projects already on-hand, and spend as much time as possible reconnecting with former clients, and connecting with potential new ones. Due to delays in progress, and the—ahem—gut rot, my week’s plan has been somewhat kyboshed (sp?). Today made up for it.

Today I enjoyed an inspiring lunch date with fellow creative, Justin van Leeuwen. Justin is a local commercial photographer, whom I have been following on Twitter for months now, maybe even a year. I stopped him on the sidewalk one day last Summer to introduce myself, as we had exchanged tweets online a few times, but had not yet met IRL (in real life). In my efforts to expand my local creative network, I thought of Justin right away. Knowing his favourite lunch spot, I asked if I could join him there to talk shop. “Hell yes!” was his response. I knew right away this was going to be good.

I imagine Justin has no idea how influential our lunch conversation was. Here are but a few of the key points I took away from our time together:

You can’t expect to find inspiration and creativity stuck in the same routine, within the same four walls, day after day. You need to explore, watch movies, surf the web, take workshops, travel, meet new people… Get out there.
Up your rates. Prospective clients take you much more seriously, and value your work more, when there is a larger investment. Don’t be shy. Charge what you are worth.
Network, network, network. Just keep talking.
Do what you love. Your enthusiasm, passion and drive will bring the work to you. Once people know you are out there, doing it full-time, you will be flooded with work.

http://jvlphoto.com/pixelpost/index.php?showimage=950

Thank you, Justin. I anticipate many future chats with you. You are über cool and I appreciate your time today so very much.

After such an uplifting lunch, I was all fired up. When I am fired up, I explore and strut my stuff. On the way home, I decided to pop in to one of my favourite neighbourhood exploration spots: St. Vincent de Paul—a second-hand shop, not unlike a Salvation Army Thrift Shop. I wasn’t looking for anything in particular, but figured I would be drawn to the housewares. I love picking though vintage table- and service-ware. I did find three little gems: a wide-mouthed Mason jar for 69¢, a sweet painted red tin bucket for 59¢ (perfect to house my collection of pens, markers and paintbrushes) and a turquoise and green glazed pottery bowl vase for 99¢ (just waiting for this Spring’s harvest of my Grandmother’s Peonies). I was excited by these three bits on their own, but continued to browse the rest of the store. Books, racks of clothes sorted by colour {clever!}, furniture… and hmmm, I wonder if they have any boots here.

Side note: I have been looking for boots for, oh… about three years now! The perfect boots at the perfect price have been very difficult to find.

Until now.

A rack of shoes and boots appeared as I turned the corner out of the furniture section. It shone as though illuminated by Heaven. There they were. A pair of patent leather, er, vinyl, deep plum knee-high, 2-inch heel boots. Glorious. Oh! What’s this? Just my size? To quote the lovely Justin van Leeuwen, “Hell yes!” They slid on my feet and over my {rather husky} calves like butter. The price? A mere 800.

800 cents, that is. Yes folks, these most delightful boots were $7.99. I don’t know who St. Vincent de Paul was, but today he most certainly is the saint of all good things at amazing prices. SOLD.

But wait, there’s more. There was another pair. This time black, with a longer, slightly squared off toe. A higher heel this time, more Stilleto than chunky. Like butter again {no way!}. This pair only $6.99.

I grinned from ear to ear when the teller rang up two pairs of boots, a tin bucket, wide-mouthed Mason jar and pottery bowl for a grand total of $17.35.

What brilliant day. The evening was topped of by Marshall exclaiming that he had the night off. “What does your tummy want for supper?” PASTA. I needed something starchy to absorb the acids that had been wreaking havoc on my gut the last 48 hours. I suggested we pick up To Go meals at Parma Ravioli, just at the end of our street. In the 18 months since we moved here, we had not yet set foot in the doors of this establishment. Pasta is not a regular item on our meal schedule. The shop was gorgeous. Stunning take home meals for under $15. Fresh pasta and homemade sauces to prepare at your leisure. Shelves of gorgeously packaged olive oils, tomatoes, dried pastas. Everything an Italian grocery should be. I chose grilled chicken breast on egg noodles with a mushroom cream sauce and grilled peppers. Marshall chose grilled pork tenderloin on a tricolour Fettucine in rosé sauce. Both meals amazing.

I love days like this. Doing my own thing. Being productive, engaged… inspired.

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

Inspiration 365: Day 43

noreply@blogger.com (JoeGirl) — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 23:40:00 +0000

Sunday.

The whole day relaxing with Marshall…
Lazy sleep in.
Smoked salmon on sour dough toast with capers and sunny-side-up eggs.
Work on respective computers; me for Chinatown, Marshall for upcoming e-book.
Trek to Kanata to discuss Google Places and AdWords with new tech friend.
Back to Merivale Road to Staples, Pier1 Imports, BouClair Home and FitShop.
Home for an early dinner of leftover Prime Rib, Brussels sprouts, yellow peppers and a great bottle of Spanish red.
In bed before the Snowbirds. 6:38pm to be precise.
More bedtime writing for blogs and journals.
Aiming to be asleep by 8pm.
5am comes early.

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

Inspiration 365: Day 42

noreply@blogger.com (JoeGirl) — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 00:13:00 +0000

One of the many things that excites me about working from home again, is the idea that I can book appointments to train at the gym with Marshall without any expectation or requirement to don my “staff” hat while I work out.

You may think because my boyfriend owns a gym, and because I spend my days working there, that I can train any time and should therefore be in the most amazing physical condition ever.

Not so.

In fact, working there has made it almost impossible for me to isolate quality training time when I don’t feel obligated to answer the phone, respond to questions, watch the front door or be otherwise distracted by business matters.

On weekends the gym closes at 6pm. I knew Marshall had no late afternoon appointments, so I logged into the schedule from home, booked myself in, and surprised him at 5pm for a training session.

I was on fire—so excited to train with no other cares in the world. Simply to give my workout 100% concentration, effort, and enthusiasm.

4 sets of 12 deep squats, 12 deep bench press, 8 frogs, 12 hammers; followed by 3 sets of 12 box jumps and 8 dumbbell swings.

Tonight’s workout reminded me how much I love training. All the more reason to secure regular freelance design contracts on which I can work from home, so I can continue setting regular unencumbered appointments at the gym with my most amazing personal trainer.

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