MONIKA BLICHAR: Vancouver Art and Entertainment

My FAB Art Life

2013-06-17T16:34:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I wrote my last post! So much has been happening in my art world; art shows, sales and commissions, a new art studio and boutique gallery and best, so many interesting and creative people! It really has been a wonderful few months and I am very excited to see what happens next both in my imagination and in the ones that are all out there waiting to be explored! "Like a drop of water in the ocean, imagination ripples outwards into the experience of our existence."-Monika Blichar Some of the creative happenings that we have been working on have included the newly improved and opened MAB Art Studio & Gallery Boutique, Art World Expo 2013, The FAB Art Program, fundraising for Make and Break Arts Foundation and our newest creative journey, "My FAB Art Life" an online Arts & Entertainment Channel launching soon! We are so excited to have the ongoing opportunity to work with so many creative, inspirational and motivated people and are looking forward to working with more of you out there this year! If you are in the Greater Vancouver area, feel free to visit us anytime at our studio and boutique or attend an event. If you aren't, be sure you sign up for our newsletter and stay in touch! We'll be launching the TV Channel soon so you can also watch us on various events, interviews and premium programming! Stay in touch by visiting www.monikablichar.com/contact and signing up for the newsletter!

"There is no secret to creativity. The only thing you need is to start imagining what you would like to see in your life." -Monika Blichar Stay tuned for more updates and information as we move into the newest chapters of our arts life! I wish for you all the success, creativity and happiness that you desire and look forward to hearing about your creative processes!

To leave off, a few questions for you to ponder... What have you done today to be creative? How do you envision your reality? Do you dream? What do you do to make your dreams a reality? When was the last time you drew a picture? How do you think being creative can help you in your daily life? Feel free to write or comment and let me know what you think! Happy Monday! Monika

Fashion is Art

2010-12-15T23:14:00.000-08:00

"Sequins, backless dresses, red lips. It's a beautiful image."

Many of us aren't lucky enough to sit in on a private VIP fashion show; the hair, the music, the fabric. Each detail fitted to perfection, with an aura of chilled innocence fluttering so slightly in the air. Each anticipating the preview, the unveiling and the birth of another beautiful image.

Blushing Boutique hosted their Christmas Party and Fashion Show this evening at their boutique located at 579 Richards Street in Vancouver. While guests, photographers, and fashionistas poured in, a small show paid hommage to local designer Shelly Klassen's vision for a perfect work of pure fashion.

As an artist, it is beginning to be clear that even outside the studio or gallery, our focus sets its own intention on the process of creativity and artistic development in the multitude of projects being realized outside the art world.
And yet, as I observed the beautifully put together clothing; holiday affairs in their truest sense, I wondered with awe how from just one look, a designer fashions her image into a collection. With considerations such as cut, presence, curves, fabric, accessories, Shelly Klassen and her wonderful team at Blushing Boutique surely have their hands filled with not only talent, but true considerations steming from art and fine artistry.

To see the various dresses, tops, and bottoms and art from local artists Sarazen Brooks, Michele Trask and myself, all which will surely inspire and awe you, visit the Boutique and receive a consultation from the various professionals who will not only make you feel chic and sexy, but also like a walking piece of art.

Until next time, I am left inspired by the art in fashion.

-Monika

Cultivating Event Sponsorship

2010-11-15T17:49:00.000-08:00

Original Article is featured on http://eventplanningcentral.wordpress.com/
where Monika is currently a regular contributor.

Just as in the celeb world, the world of events is also built on strategic piggy-backing and partnerships to achieve a more powerful result. Purposefully thought out cross promotions from sponsorships or partnerships can be highly effective in raising the level of productivity, business and recognition of an event.

Sponsorship Proposal
In order to gain support from the public, organizations creating special events or fundraisers often seek sponsorship, monetary or in-kind, in order to both raise the effectiveness and the economics of the event. When participating in cross promotions of any kind – joint ventures, partnerships, or sponsorships – a properly written sponsorship proposal is essential. Details about the execution of promotion are very important and must be adhered to. If you misrepresent one or more of your sponsors or partners, your reputation will suffer and you will lose the interest of the sponsor for future events.

Event Sponsorship
It is important to keep your sponsor or partner satisfied throughout the event process, as their satisfaction will directly affect the success of your event. Will an event sponsorship can help take your event to the next level, it also has the ability to go sour. If fail to accurately promote who is supporting or executing your event, the relationship and trust will break down and will cause unwanted stress or resentment, both damaging to your event and to your business. One extremely effective strategy for overcoming misleading or ill-represented details of any event sponsorship is to provide all your sponsors and partners with all promotional materials before they go to print. A second eye often eliminates forgotten information or spelling mistakes!

Event Promotion
Lastly, your partners and sponsors are surely supporting your event or cause because of a close and personal affiliation with what you are doing. They have some connection to your business and want to see you succeed in with your event. A detailed and well cross-promoted event will ensure that you receive recognition from your own network, but also from all of the networks belonging to your sponsors and partners. People, causes, and awareness are greater in numbers. Being loyal to all of those involved will ensure repeat and new sponsorships and partnerships from all sorts of group or individual supporters and networks. In turn, you will build a solid relationship with many of your supporters and thus, will grow your business in the process.

Event Sponsors
If all else fails and you are wondering about cross promotions and your responsibility as an event organizer, ask yourself one question: If I was the sponsor, what would I expect from my client? If you are loyal, strategic and honest, one day, you will act as a sponsor by helping others achieve their goals through special events. After all, what goes around comes around!

Monika Anna Blichar holds a BA in French and English from the University of Victoria. She also studied art at Camosun College where she learnt various techniques and strategies in creating contemporary pieces. Monika continues to pursue creative projects and is exploring various professional opportunities in the arts, including event coordination. Art has played a significant part in Monika’s life and continues to be an outlet for her free-flowing imagination. Monika currently lives and works in Vancouver, BC, working on numerous art-related events around the city.

The Golden Brush Painting Competition Huge Success!

2010-07-09T07:08:00.000-07:00

July 9, 2010

Artists, Guests, and Volunteers of The Golden Brush Painting Competition 2010,

Thank you to all who participated, worked, and attended The First Annual Golden Brush Painting Competition 2010 on July 3, 2010. Our first of a series of competitions went extremely well and we are very happy with the outcome of this fabulous event!

First, a great big thank you to all of our artists who made the show possible. Without the cretive genius of talented artists in our area, arts events and parties such as these would not be possible! It is amazing to see the outcome of collaborations of not only businesses to put on a show such as this, but also of the artists who created five original pieces of art and who also agreed to donate 100% of the proceeds to our chosen charity; Make and Break Arts Foundation. We are in awe and amazed at the talent that was displayed on Saturday night!

As co-founder of the event and participant in the live painting competition, I am pleased to have worked not only behind the scenes with Kevan Seng, Capulet Art, but with the artists on Team 2 as well! Both parties did a beautiful job in creating the event from start to finish as well as creating a unique piece of art purchased by a local art lover. I had the greatest time working with all of you to make this happen and am most certainly looking forward to the next competition! It was truly a magical experience working with Kevan up to the days of the competition and then with Andrew Briggs and Zoltan Kapus infront of a vicarious audience under the restraints of the dreaded one hour time limit! Thank you for working with me, I have learned many great things from all three of you fine fellows!

On behalf of Make and Break Arts Foundation, I would like to extend a sincere thank you and appreciation to all the members, guests, and volunteers of the First Annual Golden Brush Painting Competition. Your efforts both the evening of and the days leading up to our event at the Elliott Louis Gallery on July 3, 2010 allowed us to sell five original pieces of art for $1230 and raise $263.45 from donations and raffle tickets. The funds have been used to cover the cost of the event and the proceeds of $600.52 will be reinvested into the next competition. It is overwhealming how supportive, hardworking, and genuine our arts group and following has been and we are very thankful for all those who have made this event possible. Without the support of the local art lovers, collectors, friends and family, we would not be able to create events such as these. It is because of our collective that we have the ability and means to do so, and for this community of wonderful people, we are very grateful.

The winners of this year's Golden Brush Painting Competition are Raymond Chow, Ron Sombilon, Arlana Green of Team One. Their live creation fetched $400 for the foundation and set the bar for our next challengers! Way to go Team One!

A tremendous thank you to Elliott Louis Gallery for our venue, Capulet Art, Liza J. Lee, all our artists, volunteers Rya Kobewka, Mrs. Seng, Ann Simpson, sponsors Raw Canvas, Ron Sombilon Gallery, and all our guests, mentors, friends and family, who without you, this event would not exist. Thank you for supporting our vision of making arts and culture accessible, real, and possible in our community of artists and the general public.

We are looking forward to working on the next competition and hope to see you all there!

For all of our event photos, please see Ron Sombilon Gallery on Flickr:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/23889619@N04/sets/72157624422910102/

With gratitude,

Monika Blichar
MAB Ventures Inc.
http://www.monikablichar.com
+1 (604) 999 6177

Kevan Seng
Capulet Art Inc.
direct: +1 778 855 0289 | fax: +1 604 608 3847
http://www.capuletart.com | http://twitter.com/capuletart

ONE WORLD ART SHOW AND FUNDRAISER GREAT SUCCESS!

2010-05-24T00:56:00.000-07:00

One World at Science World on May 1, 2010 – A Community Engagement and Audience Development Success

Thank you for making “One World Art Show & Haiti Fundraiser” on the evening of May 1, 2010 a great event. It brought in an impressive community of art benefit supporters, showing the Vancouver art scene is thriving and giving back for Haiti relief. Over 600 artists, guests, sponsors and volunteers attended the event at Science World. Highlights of the event included:

Sponsored live paintings on canvases, haute couture hand painted dresses by
Angleic Visions and live models who participated in a high end body art competition coordinated by Nailia Minnebaeva of bodyartcalendar.com. The winner of the competition was Jennifer Little and Lee Kembel. Second place went to Marie-Helen Babin and Svetlana Konoplijova. Honorary Mention to Ashley Forshaw, Tibor Farkas, and Shaun Noelte for their expertise and amazing works.

In addition, there were over 60 exhibiting artists showing and selling their photography, paintings, sculptures and other visual mediums to a large audience.

The silent auction and sponsored live paintings raised over $1800 for Haiti’s relief to SafeWater Nexus. Steph Forster, Vancouver’s Street Beat reporter and “One World” artist, is going to Haiti to assist and report about the SafeWater Nexus efforts.

Notable guests included Pamela Masik of “The Forgotten” – of the 69 giant portraits of the murdered Downtown Eastside women and Ted Lederer of Elliott Louis Gallery who has been promoting and supporting Vancouver artists for many years.

Diane Farris of Diane Farris Gallery with the recent “Twitter/Art + Social Media” show donated an autographed NHL jersey and photo from Haitian-descent Georges Laraque for the silent auction. She was unable to attend due to health reasons.

Also regrettably, Don King, representing the United Nations for their policy writing and development for the long-term rebuilding of Haiti was unable to attend due to unfulfilled travel arrangements into Vancouver.

All logos and sponsor details were listed on “One World” Facebook event page, Monikablichar.com, MAB Ventures Page and post cards. There were extensive promotions with THE EXPRESS Spotlight on Shaw TV, the “Artist Lounge” on CJSF 90.1 FM, Twitter, Facebook, Artistrun.org, print media and online media.

Monika Blichar was also interviewed by the Agora during “One World”. Andy Chu from FMA TV attended and took event photos. Ron Sombilon and Matt Nest also provided event photos throughout the evening. You can find their photos of “One World” at:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/23889619@N04/sets/72157623989285018/

For more information about “One World”, contact Monika Blichar below.

CONTACT:
Monika Blichar, MAB Ventures Inc.
604-999-6177
monika_blichar@hotmail.com
www.monikablichar.com

Seeing through a lens

2010-02-03T08:53:00.000-08:00

Life is a photograph. Or rather, a collection of many frames, stills, poses, that combine to make one gigantesque tapestry captured by history, time, and images from the depth of the mind. Pictures of life.

The more I look around me everyday, the more I find intersting beauties to capture. Sometimes I find interest in people, nature, landscape. Other times, I like to look closer and see texture, drops of water, or the breath of a living being. The muse changes, just as time; transforming, evolving, shifting. Inspiration can be found in an array of places. It's enough to look at our own two hands, our nails, our soft palms, and then be surprised that these are the tools that let us accomplish so many of our dreams.

Here are some of the interesting stills I captured the past few months while exploring one of the greatest cities in the world. What a maigical muse.

MAB Ventures Inc. & Erin K Productions Ltd.

2010-01-22T13:20:00.000-08:00

Hello All,

I am pleased to announce that I have finally incorporated my company! MAB Ventures Inc. is up and running, and boy, are we running around!

In my first adventure, I have made a wonderful new collaboration with an old friend. Erin Cameron, founder of Erin K Productions, is a cinematographer, writer, actor, and mother! We both attended the same high school, and now, ten years later, we are working on our very first project together! Very exciting.

Erin will be assisting me in coordinating our Haiti Relief Art Show and Sale Fundraiser. We have secured Science World as our venue and the date set is May 1, 2010. We have been busy reviewing applications from many talented artists, finding sponsors and donations, and getting all the tweaks together to put on a fabulous show that will raise lots of funds for our friends down south. So far, so good!

Everything looks fantastic so far and you are interested in working with us for the show, we welcome your emails, questions, and ideas. Artists, bands, sponsors, local businesses are encouraged to apply!

Welcome Erin Cameron! I'm looking forward to working with you!

Spring show is gearin up!!!

2010-01-08T17:56:00.000-08:00

Hi all!

Happy New Year! How fantastic is it to have a fresh year with a totally clean slate! I hope that all of you are looking forward to 2010 as much as I am! With all the exciting things happening in Vancouver in the next couple of months, how could one not be anticipating tomorrow?

Just a quick note to let everyone know that I am recruiting participants for the Spring Arts Show. The theme is centered around going green and environmental education. What a great fit for such a green city! If you are an artist, or you know one, make sure to get in touch! This show is going to ROCK and I'm looking forward to making it just as fun, or perhaps even more, than ARTSEA which happened just this past November. Photographers, painters, writers, actors, any creative geniuses out there, make sure you get your chance to participate in an epic event!

I am also looking for contributions from local businesses and organizations in terms of sponsorship and donations. If you would like to donate goods or services or your company is interested in cross promotional marketing, I would love to hear from you!

I look forward to hearing from you and am looking forward to building another fantastic event here in beautiful Vancouver!

Happy beginnings!

Monika B
monika_blichar@hotmail.com

OZ COFFEE MUGS from Zazzle.com

2010-01-03T20:57:00.000-08:00

OZ COFFEE MUGS from Zazzle.com

ZAZZLE.COM

2010-01-03T19:45:00.001-08:00

create & buy custom products at Zazzle

The Sweetheart Collection

2009-12-15T11:09:00.001-08:00

CHECK OUT NEW COLLECTION AND RECENT WORK!!!!
THE SWEETHEART COLLECTION IS AVAILABLE IN ORIGINAL PAINTINGS, PRINTS, TSHIRTS, ECOBAGS, AND CARDS!

Contact me at monika_blichar@hotmail.com for yours today!

Goodbye 2009! Hello 2010!

2009-12-04T14:13:00.000-08:00

In the spirit of the Christmas, a time to be with family, friends, and loved ones, I have found myself more excited than ever this year to celebrate. Maybe it is because the sun has been out the past few days, the lights around the city have popped up, or the funny children's requests to Santa I hear on the radio every morning. I'm not sure, but for some reason, this Christmas feels like one of the ones I had when I was a child, patiently waiting for the big guy to come to my house and drop off all those goodies I so wished for.

Working in a school during the month of December is, as many of you can imagine, almost as bad as working with kids the day after Halloween. The halls are usually bustling with excited laughter, candy canes, and the hums of Christmas Carols. Students and staff are counting down the days while they finish their exams, report cards, and tie up any loose ends before the end of yet another year and the beginning of a new one.

As someone who is very goal orientated while grateful for past and present opportunities, I was interested in learning about what my students were thankful for in 2009 and what they are looking forward to in 2010. Here are some of their responses!

I hope you all had a wonderful Chirstmas and are looking forward to a very eventful, happy, and successful New Year! All the best!

Best moments in 2009:

"In the summer, I went to watch an amazing concert in Hong Kong by Raymond Lam. It was a brilliant show in on e of the biggest concert arenas in Hong Kong. I loved it. I wished I can go there again and hope to see my cousins in HK there again!"

"Wathcing 2012! Most amazing movie ever!"

"Spending time with my brother's dog."

"Left for Dead 2" (I think this is a video game!)

"Making the B-Ball team!"

"Making more friends!"

"Nights of summer."

"The best moments of 2009 mostly happened in summer. I had gone to a six week camp in Alberta and had to survive on a fifty odllar budget per week. I met lots of people and learned if you want to move up, you have to give respect and appreciate whatever someone does for you. My most clear memory of this was when this man was at the side of the road next to a McDonalds and I looked at him sleeping. He had a dirty blanket and a garbage bag as a pillow. I went inside McDonalds and bought him a meal and brought it out for him."

"My best moment was when I got my XBOX. I was so happy especially because i earned it by myself."

"The best moment in 2009 was when we were all around the fire at camp. It was the best because I got to get to know my best friend better."

And of course, from the teacher herself:

"My best moment in 2009 was realizing that if you really want something to manifest, you have to make it happen and never give up. I was fortunate enough to have many strong people in my life this past year who have encouraged and mentored me, helping me realize that dreams aren't simply visions in our minds. I realized through determination, hard work, and a positive attitude, anything is possible and that all is real in this magically beautiful life."

What we are looking forward to in 2010:

"Moving into my new apartment."

"Having a blast and 2010 Olympics!"

"Carrying the Olympic Torch on opening day."

"Egypt."

"Hanging with my friends and playing soccer."

"My grandparent coming back from India."

"Eclipse the movie."

"I am looking forward to more French class and an end to all the corny end of year jokes!"

"Getting my braces off!"

"Not loosing my glasses!"

"Pass the 8th grade and survive school."

"To win."

"Season two of Glee."

"Try to have the biggest and best birthday party."

"Get on the Honor Roll."

"Taking horseback lessons."

After reading these responses, I always fill up with a bittersweet feeling. On one hand I am so happy that many of these young people are so willing to share their dreams and what they are grateful for, no matter how big, small, serious, or totally nutty they are! It's a great feeling as a mentor to know that your student feels safe enough to share his or her most personal and private thoughts with you. I truly believe that it is because of solid, respectful relationships that all goals, visions, and dreams progress and transform from fantasy to reality. Sadly, this knowledge reminds me of the realities of life. Many of us as adults forget the simple pleasures in life; friends, family, education, hobbies, the things that make us feel alive and lead us to pursue our passions. Falling into the dread of our own doubt is all too common, and as many of these young people remind me, sometimes, it's just best to look around and be thankful for what you have in the present, which is the greatest gift of all.

So, in the spirit of holiday glee, I would like to extend to you and yours a very Happy Holiday season and an even more special New Year filled with Health, Harmony, and Love. May all of your dreams come true!

Cheers!

Monika B

O! What I'm looking forward to in 2010:

1. New collaborations and business plans! I'll fill you all in as soon as I can! So exciting!
2. Going to Mexico and seeing Rob on a plane for the first time! This will be priceless and I promise I'll post pics! lol
3. Painting more! Adding more to The Sweetheart Collection and seeing them at various locations in Vancouver!
4. Surprises
5. Summer
6. Writing more of my book...hopefully it will be done this year!
7. Meeting new people and seeing new talent!
8. Art Shows!
9. Following my dream.
10. Never giving up!

"Art~Sea" A Fundraiser at the Vancouver Aquarium Hosted by Monika Blichar and Rype Entertainment

2009-10-27T08:35:00.000-07:00

One of my goals is to open my own art gallery and working studio. I have been talking about it for some time now and having participated in so many shows this year, I'm getting closer and closer to actually taking the plunge and putting something together. Instead of trying to push things too quickly, I figure I should dabble in many areas of the arts scene and gain experience in as many artic ventures as possible. Make sure this is what I really want to do before I actually go ahead and do it.

I have always volunteered my time to different organizations and causes. I've worked with the BC Cancer Agency, World Vision, community events and children's events. To be honest, volunteering is a lot of fun. You meet new people, learn new skills, you are a part of the community through your willingness to help others. It's not for everyone, but it has certainly helped me feel better about my place in the world and how I can make a more positive impact in it. If you haven't tried in a while, I would strongly encourage you to go help an organization that interests you, most of these non profits are screaming for help in a variety of areas.

So, being the creative genius that I like to think of myself as, I decided to go ahead and merge volunteering and the arts together and create a fabulous event here in Vancouver.

"Art-Sea" will be held on November 14, 2009 and the one and only Vancouver Aquarium. In addition to a fantastic venue, I have hand selected 30 artists who will show and sell over 250 pieces of unique artwork ranging in mediums from acrylic, oil, collage, to photography. Each artist will be present and more than happy to answer any questions or help you pick out that perfect piece just in time for the Christmas season. Further, we have organized a silent auction, walking art, music, hors d'oeuvres, and bar service. This should be one of the best art showcases in town and just to add that cherry on top, we are donating partial proceeds to a great organization; The ArtsUmbrella. This spectacular group of people helps offer arts programs to underpriviledged children in the lower mainland. How could you not feel good about attending or buying some art? Everyone wins.

So, if you aren't busy on November 14, grab a ticket from Clubzone.com and make an appearance at "Art~Sea." The turtles, dolphins, seahorses, and sharks will surely appreciate it!

See you there!

Monika Blichar & Rype Entertainment
monika_blichar@hotmail.com
604-999-6177

http://www.clubzone.com/events/Vancouver/164753/ARTSEA-at-the-Vancouver-Aquarium

New Work at BC Home and Interior Design Show BC PLACE STADIUM October 15-18, 2009

2009-10-09T15:16:00.000-07:00

Here's to fabulous event held at B.C. Place October 15, 16, 17, and 18. I will be unveiling new work and look forward to seeing you all there! Here is a sneak peak!

http://www.bchomeandgardenshow.com/ME2/Sites/default.asp?SiteID=50F5BEDD5B7346B381567175B4EAE281

Body Painting

2009-10-09T12:04:00.000-07:00

I never really thought about using human flesh as a canvas. In fact, it wasn't until a friend of mine asked if I would paint her pregnant belly for her until I actually considered it. That was an interesting session for sure! I think the baby to be was curious too because she kept poking her mom's belly as I painted! Here are some shots from a recent event at Pop Opera in Vancouver. My model was Alex who is a talented dancer and teacher. She looks as good in the clouds as she does on earth! Enjoy!

Photoshoot with my Sister, Photographer Vannessa Griffiths

2009-09-28T11:44:00.001-07:00

http://www.flickr.com/photos/veggy/sets/72157622181939847/

A Day to Remember

2009-09-28T01:45:00.000-07:00

Many days are days to remember. Birthdays, wedding days, graduation days. Landmarks in life that are celebrated with family and friends. Momentos in the scrapbooks of our lives meant to remind us of our varied journeys, how incredibly magical these fairy tales truly were. Today is one of those days, not because it is a day I want to remember really, but because it is the day I learned a little more about being human.

One year ago today, I lost my mother to a battle with Cancer. It was one of the worst days of my life. I still remember the gut wrenching feelings I was going through the entire night prior, as though my body could feel her slowly slipping from this reality. I stared at the moon all night long, it was so perfectly visible and eerily bright. When my sister phoned me that morning to tell me Mom was gone, I knew even before she uttered the words through her sobs. It was heartbreaking and I remember how all over again, I was going to have to learn how to live without someone I loved.

I dreaded September 27 all year. The last year has gone by so quickly and with trying to go to a brand new full time job, take care of an estate, keep fit, and follow my dreams; looking back now, I don't know how I did it. It's a wonder how I made it through this past year without her actually. I used to talk to her everyday, sometimes even more than once. About nothing in particular or everything important all at the same time. She was just always there. I could tell her anything. It's been so hard not having her the last year, even now, I haven't found anyone who fills the void I feel especially when I need someone to listen. I have a sister that is both beautiful inside and out, a dad who's a silent powerhouse, relatives who are pilars, and friends who I wouldn't consider trading for anything in the world, not even the stars; yet, there is something about a mother that a person can't replace. The essence of mom for all of us is such so precious, a truly one of a kind thing.

My mom was definetly a one of a kind thing. She was a vibrant Polak; a Polish Princess with a flair for fashion and a love of red wine spritzers all year. Dorota Moszner Blichar was a woman who never walked into a room unnoticed, even if it was at her daughter's humiliation. She had an aura about her that screamed life and goodtimes. Cease the day! Live! Love! Laugh! And do it all in a pair of really great heels! She was a truly amazing person, friend, mother, wife, and woman. I feel so fortunate to have known her, even when she would drop me off to High School in her sweat pants and ball cap. She hated getting up in the morning and I hated that she left the house so unkept!

I thought about what I might do today for the past few weeks and knew that she would have never wanted me to sit around and mope. She was so bubbly all the time and even in the end when she felt so awful in her own skin, she still managed to crack jokes and drink her wine spritzers. In keeping with her positivity and courage, I thought, "Well, hey, do something spectacular for her today!" I called my trainer
Daniela a few days ago and arranged for our next session to be the Grouse Grind.
The Grind, a popular hiking trail in Vancouver, is a 2.9k trail up the face of Grouse Mountain, also known as “Mother Nature’s Stairmaster.” More than 110,000 hikers a year take on the grueling terrain, which begins at Valley Station and ends at Peak’s plateau, a total elevation of 2,800-feet. The average climber takes about an hour, beginners require up to two hours to complete the hull.

I had never hiked that high or that long but despite my lack of hiker's knowledge, I put on a happy face and braced myself for a climb that would surely empower me and honor my mom in my mind in some form. We started at about 9:00am and the first half was by far the most physically challenging thing I have done in a long time. If you have the priviledge of working with a trainer like mine, well then you would understand how hard I have worked this year with her; she seriously kicks my butt every time I see her. It's awesome.

After about the half way mark, which seemed like a lifetime when you're climbing a billion stairs, you get into a zone and even though you're body is screaming at you, your head is telling you that you can do it. Maybe it was the panting breaths all around me that reminded me I wasn't alone in this challenge or my own inner voice saying that I had to keep going. I'm not entirely sure. There was a moment where everything around me disappeared and it was as if I was in an adventure video game racing to the top of the forbidden mountain for the elixir that would give me another life. All I could think about was getting to the top, finishing, succeeding. I think there was even a moment where with every step, I heard 'Mom.' That helped, even though I knew she would never be caught dead up there in a million years.

When I got to the top it was an amazing feeling. Not only did we finish in just over an hour, but the postcard view rejuvinates the senses within seconds making you forget that your legs feel like Jell-O. You feel as though you are in another world entirely, far away from any harsh realities of life. It is stunningly wild; the entire city surrounded by water, the buildings in the distance, everything lost in the shrubery of the BC Coast. So lucky are we Vancouverites to live in such an amazing place where we can see the beauty of Nature all around us everyday. And thanks to my mom, I get to see all of this, not just BC, but life.

Sometimes we humans say things too quickly, not often enough, or too late. Moments pass us by and when we knew we should have said something at the time and didn't, we regret not putting it out there when we had the opporunity. I am sure I am not the only one on this planet to feel that sense of loss and the pain of not being able to turn back time. Maybe things would have been different, "if only."

Today I learned that I don't have to regret the past anymore. I don't have to regret not being there with my mom when her spirit went to heaven, or Steve when he flew up there a year and a half before her. I don't have to feel remorse for the things I couldn't change growing up, the things I should have done in different situations, or the way that my role in this story affected each of the players, some of whom are still here and others who have faded into their own tales, each with their own plots. Looking down at the vibrant city hub, I truly realized that life is an adventure, even in hard times and loss, we create our destinies.

I don't know if I ever told my mom I loved her enough, if I hung out with her enough, or if I even thanked her for giving me life. I don't know if I told her how grateful I am that her and my dad decided to move to Canada, to give me and my sister the opportunity to be great in a new land. To be an artist, a writer, a university grad, a homeowner, a world traveller, a triligual being; things I wouldn't have ever been had we stayed in Poland. I really can't say that I thanked her for the opportunity she gave me and the life that I have now because of her courage, determination, and drive in a country moons away from all she ever knew.

As we went down the mountain today and as I was looking at the face of the mountain I had just devoured, I realized that even though I may have regrets about things unsaid or undone, I can't change what has happened in this life, I can only make it better as time goes on. I can only keep moving forward, pursuing my dreams, keep climbling those mountains. "Nothing in life is perfect, Mons," said my friend Aaron yesterday, but I beg to differ. Life is perfect just the way that it is. All the ups and downs, all the excessive drama, the dusty turmoil, the evasive emotions. All the accomplishments, happiness, joy, sorrow. The interconnectivity between all things. The bright city lights on a dark night.

And this, Mom, is what I would like to send out to you on a day that is so bittersweet for all of us you left behind. A tribute to one of the most remarkable ladies that ever lived and who keeps living not only in my memory, but of all those she touched with her crazy ways and thick accent. Thank you for always believing in me, always loving me, and always telling me to grow up when I was a brat. Kocham cie goraco.

XOXO
Monika

Sunshine and Lemondrops

2009-09-25T09:40:00.000-07:00

Let's turn back time!

2009-09-25T09:02:00.001-07:00

Sisters

2009-09-13T15:18:00.001-07:00

LOVE

2009-09-07T09:48:00.001-07:00

LAUGH

2009-09-07T09:46:00.000-07:00

Daily Thought

2009-09-01T22:05:00.001-07:00

What would you do if you lived in a perfect world?

Would you live in a meadow, a cabin by the sea, an apartment in the city? Would you walk pleasantly through the middle of the city, smiling, saying hello to the beautiful people you've never met? How about traveling through the Amazon, the Jungle of Life, the vast Emptiness of the enoromous oceans which surround and feed us. Would you love more? Laugh with more rumbling from the pit of your stomach? Maybe even call an old friend, someone who you had a quarrel with, just to say hello and see how their journey was panning out? Would you dance more, sing louder, or smile brighter? What would you do if there weren't any wars, any hunger, any poverty? If inequality were bannished, racism, hate and greed, all disappeared, just like that. What COULD you do?

What would our lives look like? Do you think about how many summers you have left? How many opportunities you have left to see the world, see your great aunt, see your parents? Maybe you could say thanks once more, thanks for the life you were given, thanks for the love you experienced, the kalidescope of emotions that were both stimulating and devastatingly difficult to migrate through. Maybe you would go play catch with your son, drink invisible tea at a tea party with your daughter, take bunt cake to your grandmother's trinket packed room at the old folks home down the street. Maybe even, you would volunteer some time to a good cause, we all need help sometimes.

In my perfect world, I see a union of people, a collaboration of talent, unique identity, supernatural forces all working towards a common goal, a greater good, a breath taking glimpse of the Garden of Eden. I see love, real, pure, innocent love. Love for each other, for the life we lead, the life we create, the living things all around us. I see humanity at its finest, imperfections invisible, perfection within us all. Mankind working through the fallen emotions, the jealousies, the greed, the rage that obstructs so many of us from moving forward in time, in space, in evolution of the creation of a perfect world. I see men and women, pursuing things they love with a passion so deep nothing gets in their way, for their eyes are so focused on their goal, no pleasure or pain affects these masters at work.

I see fields of blooming lilies, filling acres of air with an aroma of a thousand rejuvenating breaths. I see a rainbow of colour in an eternal sphere of eyes, eyes that resonate self assurance, peace, wisdom, and love. I see fingertips running across plump lips, long hair flowing tameless in the sweet winds of change, wet feet being kissed by the waves of the sea. Each flowing vien running parallel with the symposium of synch discovered.

I see rooms filled with laughter, babies breathing new life into their surroundings, hands placed on lips and hips, judgements suspended in natural rigidness. I see a world full of messy scrapbooks filled with songs of creativity, poems full of personality, picutres embracing people who are not afraid to show and tell. I see people biting apples and sleeping with rose petals. I see you and I, walking through OZ.

What do you see in a perfect world?

2009-06-30T21:38:00.000-07:00

I See You

2009-06-30T21:36:00.001-07:00

Splatt