Tuesday 30 December 2014

Literature: Calling All Readers!

   Good afternoon my dearest readers and today I am writing a second time to ask for your help. With the New Year creeping just around the corner, I have decided to make big steps in the creation of my Right to Read project. I'm looking at documents (laws and regulations) to create a Non-Profit Organisation so that I can help as many people as I can. Whether or not you remember, creating the Right to Read organisation is part of my 30 b4 30 and I'd like to get a head start on it.
   I've been doing my research but there is always a possibility that something falls through the cracks. I want to avoid that as much as possible so I'm asking for your help. The Right to Read organisation is geared to help communities who do not have the resources to acquire books for their own. I wish to send a variety of them so that the community might have them at their disposal for recreational purposes, or for research.
   I personally know that I would not be the same person I am today without the influence of books, and I want to make sure that everybody has the same chance to be influenced by the wonders literature offers. What I ask of you today is to post in the comment section either links to lists of remote communities, or even the name of isolated communities that could use books in their town (or schools). It's an opportunity to come together and help those who might not know what they're missing, or that reserve their funds for things more necessary to their communities. A little leisure is good, and I'd like to offer it to those who might not be able to afford it.
   Your help if greatly appreciated by me, and those who you will be helping!

K.P.H.

Literature: Literary Indecision

   Good morning dearest readers! I am keeping my word as I attempt to post entries almost every day now. I think I've been quite successful to this point. As I looked back on previous entries, I realized that I hadn't released a literature post in some time so I've decided that it was now necessary to balance out the distribution of the 3 L's.
   This morning, I find myself stuck between a few of my hobbies. It would be great to sit around and catch up on some of the TV shows I've been wanting to see, but I want to take the opportunity to write since I haven't been able to let my mind wander by itself for quite some time; lastly I would love to read and get new inspiration to sustain my imagination. I was lucky enough to receive a variety of books for Christmas (some French, Horror, Humoristic Fiction and Fantasy) but I can't seem to make up my mind for where I want to start.
   I know I can't start with my French book since it's the tenth in the series and I've only had the chance to read up to the seventh. I would love to read a Horror book but I read one of that genre as one of the last books I've read. I started to read the new Thomas King novel which is The Back of the Turtle which is a type of Humoristic Fiction, but I've been dying to read some Fantasy. Next semester I have a feeling that I might have to read Tolkien for one of my classes and I've been wanting to read the Hobbit for quite some time, so I started it last night, putting on hold my Thomas King.
   One of the hardest parts about being an avid reader with a limited amount of time to read is the excruciating burden of having to choose. I wish that I could spend my days simply reading one book after the other (of course reading books that I've chosen myself) and to spend the rest of my time writing my own. However life doesn't not wait for a person who lives with her head in the clouds but it doesn't mean that I'll stop imagining either. It simply means that I must plan my vacations wisely. I invite you dearest readers to make a list of pros and cons, or simply to flip a coin for which book you'd like to read next because picking a favorite book is very much so like choosing a favorite child; something you can think about but can't have the heart to admit in the end. Budget your time and let your mind wander to whichever world your story takes you.


K.P.H.

Saturday 27 December 2014

Love: All I Need is a Book and a Cup of Tea

   Good morning dearest readers, I hope you all had a very pleasant Christmas as did I. As I ready myself to continue writing my newest story, I'm taking the time to share with you the name of a company that makes my favourite tea. 
   Reading or writing, I need a warm cup of something next to me; whether its cocoa, tea, cider or coffee, it helps me focus. During my week on Manitoulin Island this past summer, my mother, grnadmother and I went exploring and found these interesting boxes of tea at a cute B&B. It also had a cool little shop with all kinds of artisan items for sale. The boxes caught my eye right away because they were decorated with native art, and next to celtic art, native art and myths are my favourite. There were different types of tea for different purposes, but contradictory to Tetley tea (which claims to be able to provide SLEEP or CALM) this brand of tea actually succeeds. 
   The Algonquin Tea Company is the one who provides me with such wonderful tea. I've had the dream tea (which does wonders for a writer with a need for a wandering imagination) and I bought Ktie the sleep tea for Christmas since she needs something to calm her down when she gets too anxious with school. There are more that I can't wait to try since the first two have worked perfectly. 
   If you're not a tea drinker, that's fine... it makes a great gift. And for those of you who love tea, you might be able to find it at specialty tea shops or order it from the website I've linked below. Sometimes you have to try something new for it to make a difference.

http://algonquintea.com/our-teas/

K.P.H

Thursday 25 December 2014

Love: Christmas Spirit

   Good morning dearest readers and Merry Christmas to you all!!!
I am finally home and in the holiday spirit. I do apologize for the lack of entries on the blog but I have been extremely busy as you all have probably deduced. Since I am home, on break and have no homework to do, you can expect more entries from me. 
   I will be posting a new song very soon and you will get the chance to meet some of my friends from back home. It will be tough being away from my roommates for a while but I can't be upset at having extra time to spend at home with my family. I am truly grateful for all that I have this season and I wish you all the best. With all the odd weather we've been having across Canada, I am so pleased that I woke up this morning to a beautiful white Christmas. I look forward to sharing my many pleasant moments with all of you.
   Remember that the holidays are meant to be spent with those you love and to make a difference in the lives of those who are less fortunate than you. Be happy, be healthy and be present. 
   Joyeux Noël et bonne année!!!


K.P.H.

Sunday 7 December 2014

Laughter: Bath and Body Works Blunder

   Good morning my dearest readers! I am in a much better mood since exam season has started, and as odd as that might sound, it simply means that I get to study in peace without worrying about attending my classes in between. My focus is better and thus, my mood slightly more cheerful. With Christmas slowly creeping up on us, I find myself using my study breaks to get into the holiday spirit and to prepare myself for the impending time of joy and family.
   In an earlier post, my roommate Katie pointed out a quote where I had mentioned that bad things seem to happen every now and then, but they seem to be funnier and more frequent with Riley. Well, the title to today's entry is not about me. My roommates convinced me to get out of the house for a bite to eat, and at the end of dinner, Riley had errands he needed to run. We weren't going to leave him do everything alone, so we resolved to accompany him and get a Canadian delicacy: Beaver Tails. We had to pass through the mall to get to the pharmacy, when we passed by the story Bath and Body Works. I will admit that I do like the store, they've got good variety, but my roommates have taken almost a religious liking to it because of their scented candles. With all of their different sizes and smells, our apartment is taking on the vibe of a Christmas bakery. However, with Katie's convincing, Riley had decided to switch his small candles for the bigger ones knowing that they would last him longer. Wanting to put them back in their proper spot, Riley had noticed that one of the shelves was loose so he put it on the next one to avoid an accident. However, the top shelf that was free, had the same defect of the one he had avoided and thus, a number of candles fell to the ground. Katie and I were further into the store looking for a specific candle Riley wanted. At the sound of the crash, Katie simply looks at me and says: "Was that Riley?" before looking around the corner and bursting into laughter.
   Contrary to popular belief I felt bad and went to help Riley who was holding up the shelf to avoid having the surviving candles fall to the ground and join the rest of them. Once Katie composed herself, she helped and all was well. Riley did buy the larger candles, and Beaver Tails were now necessary to restore his spirit. I don't know how it's possible, but all of these unfortunate things keep happening; Riles just might be a walking hazard.
   In all bad circumstances, always help the people who are in the blunder before bursting into laughter. Then it will look like you're laughing with them and not at them, however bad you want to. Through all of our odd roommate dynamic, we will always embarrass each other, point it out, but still support one another in the end. Keep your head up, because it won't be the last embarrassing thing to happen, and it won't be the worst. The good thing about it? You'll have great stories to tell.

K.P.H.

Thursday 4 December 2014

Love: Getting in the Christmas Spirit

   Good evening dearest readers and I know you might be a little surprised to hear from me. Yes I'm still posting after all this time, but the silver lining is now shinning a little brighter. I've got a few things to celebrate today so I thought I'd post a new entry on the blog. I've just finished my first exam for this semester and I've reached over 2300 views of the blog. The numbers keep growing and I continue to be astonished at how people like to hear cheerful news for once, or how much people are interested in what I have to say. I appreciate this very much.
   So today as a treat, I've found a beautiful video to get all of you in the Christmas spirit. I have nothing against other religions or their celebrations, but I am Christian and I celebrate Christmas. I also have the right to show my beliefs and this video today shows just that, the story of the nativity of Jesus Christ. It is a song that lifts the spirit and put you in the holiday spirit, whichever holiday you celebrate. I myself am also getting ready to celebrate St-Nicholas (which is a Dutch tradition) on December 5th.
   There are always things to look forward to and one of my favourite things about the Holidays is family traditions. It's creating those lasting memories that will past down from one generation to the next, but also starting new ones to break the ice. Change is inevitable, but why not make it something worth remembering. I therefore invite you to post a link to your favourite Christmas (or holiday) song so that others might start up a new tradition if not learn more about yours.

Hallelujah: a Christmas Song

K.P.H.

Saturday 22 November 2014

Laugter: Bored Baker

   Good evening my dearest readers and I hope you are all enjoying the snow if you have gotten any. Personally, we've only gotten a few centimeters in Ottawa and I'm waiting for more. Though Fall is my favourite season, Winter is a close second because I absolutely love the cold, the snow and all of the things you can do outside in the snow and cold. It might seem odd to some people but I was born and bread in the North, and it's where my heart will remain.
   Now I didn't start this entry today to go on about things I like or things I miss, but rather about my incredible ability to distract myself. I'm slowly transitioning into the up and coming exam season, but I find myself in a quaint, festive mood. It's unfortunate that things so wonderful like Christmas, family and snow have to be put in the time period as horrible things like exams, evaluations and essays. To get my mind off of the bad and unto the hopeful, I find myself baking several different things throughout the week. I've made a lemon poppy seed cake, some banana chocolate chip muffins, apple turnovers as well as other various recipes.
   Oddly enough, this puts me at ease and gives me courage to continue attacking the mountain of finals that are confronting me. I don't think of it as procrastination (because some people might call it that) but rather an attempt to maintain and preserve my sanity. That is something to be admired rather than reprimanded.
   So if you find yourself at odds with your workload, try picking up a box of cake mix, or cookies and give your house a pleasant aroma to ease your mind into the hell that will be hard work. Plus, a bonus is that you'll have a treat to reward yourself once you're done. There's always a silver lining my dear readers, and it's up to you to take advantage of it.

K.P.H.

Wednesday 19 November 2014

Literature: We Are Seven

   Good morning dear readers and I hope that the cold isn't bothering you too much. I've got a little bit of time this morning as I sit and have breakfast to write a short entry in the blog. Lately, all that I've been doing is assignments and homework. I'm stuck reading things for one project while I read things for another to take a break from the first. I want to countdown the days until Christmas break but I don't want to at the same time because it shows me how little time I actually have to complete everything. Since my mind is on one mode only (STUDY), this morning's post in inspired by one of the text that I've read.
   One very famous poet that is known worldwide even if not everyone has read him is William Wordsworth. Though he might be famous, Wordsworth was never one of my favorite poets. I tend to like Medieval literature a lot and the occasional 17th century work. However, I had to read the poem "We Are Seven" by William Wordsworth and I fell into a deep reflection. It is a relatively short poem compared to some of his other works, but to me, it makes more of an impact. Short and sweet could be used here, but there a sense of irony in the poem. It portrays the ideas that many people today struggle with, and it is given in two different perspectives. I like to think of myself as the child in the poem rather than the adult. For once, youth is bliss. It's not a ignorance that the child continues to argue, but a lack to acknowledge a loss. It's a positive perspective.
   I invite you now to read the poem my dearest readers and to let me know what you think. Is the adult in the right, or in the wrong. Perhaps both child and adult are confused. Just know that any situation can be rectified depending on your take on it. It's how you see things rather than how they are supposed to be seen.

We Are Seven
 
 --------A SIMPLE Child,
          That lightly draws its breath,
          And feels its life in every limb,
          What should it know of death?

          I met a little cottage Girl:
          She was eight years old, she said;
          Her hair was thick with many a curl
          That clustered round her head.

          She had a rustic, woodland air,
          And she was wildly clad:                                    10
          Her eyes were fair, and very fair;
          --Her beauty made me glad.

          "Sisters and brothers, little Maid,
          How many may you be?"
          "How many? Seven in all," she said
          And wondering looked at me.

          "And where are they? I pray you tell."
          She answered, "Seven are we;
          And two of us at Conway dwell,
          And two are gone to sea.                                    20

          "Two of us in the church-yard lie,
          My sister and my brother;
          And, in the church-yard cottage, I
          Dwell near them with my mother."

          "You say that two at Conway dwell,
          And two are gone to sea,
          Yet ye are seven!--I pray you tell,
          Sweet Maid, how this may be."

          Then did the little Maid reply,
          "Seven boys and girls are we;                               30
          Two of us in the church-yard lie,
          Beneath the church-yard tree."

          "You run about, my little Maid,
          Your limbs they are alive;
          If two are in the church-yard laid,
          Then ye are only five."

          "Their graves are green, they may be seen,"
          The little Maid replied,
          "Twelve steps or more from my mother's door,
          And they are side by side.                                  40

          "My stockings there I often knit,
          My kerchief there I hem;
          And there upon the ground I sit,
          And sing a song to them.

          "And often after sunset, Sir,
          When it is light and fair,
          I take my little porringer,
          And eat my supper there.

          "The first that died was sister Jane;
          In bed she moaning lay,                                     50
          Till God released her of her pain;
          And then she went away.

          "So in the church-yard she was laid;
          And, when the grass was dry,
          Together round her grave we played,
          My brother John and I.

          "And when the ground was white with snow,
          And I could run and slide,
          My brother John was forced to go,
          And he lies by her side."                                   60

          "How many are you, then," said I,
          "If they two are in heaven?"
          Quick was the little Maid's reply,
          "O Master! we are seven."

          "But they are dead; those two are dead!
          Their spirits are in heaven!"
          'Twas throwing words away; for still
          The little Maid would have her will,
          And said, "Nay, we are seven!"



K.P.H.

Sunday 16 November 2014

Love: Remedy for Home Sickness

   Good afternoon dearest readers, I'm taking a quick minute to post a new song (not so new but still original) on the blog to make up for my absence. I'll be posting something else later on this week but I still cannot return to my usual routine just yet. You just wait until Christmas break where I'll post so much, you'll get sick of me...(actually please don't get annoyed).
   So here is the newest addition to the song database and this one is entitled: Bring Me Home.


K.P.H.

Monday 10 November 2014

Love: She Is

   Good morning dearest readers. I apologize for my absence on the blog, but I will continue to be scarce for the next few weeks because I find myself on the last stretch before exams start, and there is still much to do. So for the sake of my mental health (and for that of those around me), I might limit my posting to once a week. I will make up for it bountifully during my Christmas break, so much that you might wish that I was in midterm season once more.
   So this morning, I though about posting a link to a song that just makes me so happy when I listen to it. This is one of my favorite songs at the moment and it makes me hope that someday, this song might actually apply to me. If you are single or happily taken, you have to be happy with yourself for you to let others to be happy with you. I've got a great relationship with myself and I'm okay being alone, because I'm not lonely to contrary belief.
   This song is entitled She Is by Lady Antebellum; a great band that I had the chance to see this summer. It's great how some songs just seem to work and tell you what you need to hear in the right moment. Listen closely and I hope that it speaks to you as well.

She Is - Lady Antebellum

K.P.H.

Tuesday 28 October 2014

Love: The Poet and the Author Share One Mind

   Good morning my dearest readers and I truly hope that the weather has not put a damper on your spirit. I'm working hard to stay on top of all of my midterms and now I've decided to take a break before my mind splits and I find myself with multiple personalities so that they can each take a turn writing one of my exams.
   I've decided to write two short poems for today's entry since I haven't published any of my poems other than an autobiographical one very early in the beginnings of the blog itself. The ones I'll be posting are two of my favorites that I've ever written. They are simple, and sometimes, I find that writing less (or saying less) gets people's attention a lot more than a long description and complicated wording.
 
From Thee to Thee
 
For those who say but won't hear thee speak,
LISTEN.
To those who hath heard but shy away in speech,
TALK.
For whom sees all but closes thy heart,
LOVE.
To whom feels deeply but shuts thy eyne,
SEEK.
For all who hide but wish to act,
GROW.
To all who do but should retreat,
REFLECT.
 
 
Five Lessons
 
Time,
Ticks by, knowing why
Blink of eye, cease to try,
To stop it.
 
Love,
Heart pounds, can't touch the ground,
Lost and found, one single bound,
To reach it.
 
Faith,
Holy might, seek the light,
Crusaders fights, know what's right,
To find it.
 
Truth,
Righteous swear, wrong beware,
To heart's compare, chief's declare,
To leave it.
 
Life,
Exciting start, bear the mark,
Story sparks, fear the dark,
That ends it.
 
 
K.P.H.

Sunday 26 October 2014

Literature: Not in my Right Mind

   Good afternoon dearest readers, I hope you are all well. So many things have happened this week; some have been tragic and some I have rejoiced in. If you have watched the news, you have been aware of the events that happened in Ottawa on Wednesday, therefore I do not need to relate those sad events, but send my deepest condolences to the family of the fallen soldier. What was happy was my Friday night which allowed me to go bridal gown shopping with Katie, which she returned the favor by making me try on bridesmaid gowns. They are much better than what I was expecting from traditional dresses.
   But I do not intend to use this entry to describe my entire week because I am short on time. Yes once again I must cut my entries short and I apologize. It is not something I plan on doing every week, simply on the weeks that I feel that my mind has left my body. The life of a student is always tougher during the months of October and November. People claim to hate December because of exams, but I'd argue with those people that it's actually easier because you don't have to go to school in between your exams and that you can actually dedicate entire days to master your subject instead of feeling preoccupied and overwhelmed with everything else you have to learn at the same time. Midterms are not a fun thing my friends but the good thing that does come out of it, is that you feel like a huge weight has been lifted off of your shoulders when it is done, and you look forward to when it will all be done. Plus the satisfaction of it all is quite rewarding; I always feel like I've conquered a beast (and if you look at some of the volumes of work I have to read, there isn't that much of a difference).
   The best thing to do is to make sure you eat, that you have your favourite playlist on repeat that that you have ample amount of whatever warm beverage you love. Complete and utter comfort is the only way such a things as midterms can be vanquished. I encourage you to take a deep breath, take my advice and to picture yourself in a heroic tale since it might just be the perfect outlet to make this easier to pursue. Study well, study hard and see you all on the other side!




K.P.H.

Tuesday 21 October 2014

Literature: Gilmore Girls

   Good morning dearest readers and with this morning's short post, I would simply like to talk about a new show I've started to watch and absolutely love. It may be a little cliché and corny, but I do enjoy watching the Gilmore Girls.
   I've recently started to watch the show with my mom and the relationship between mother and daughter in the show is not really similar but just as strong as the one my mother and I share. Other than the great casting and witty come-backs, one of the things I love the most is all the literary allusions you can get in every single episode. I thought I read a lot but after referencing the Rory Gilmore reading challenge, I feel like I have some catching up to do.
   So if you're in the mood for a feel good show that regardless of how mind-numbing you think it is but it actually makes you feel smarter watching, check out Gilmore Girls and you won't look at TV Shows the same way again.

K.P.H.

Saturday 18 October 2014

Laughter: The Cold Never Bothered Me Anyway

   Good evening dearest readers, and I hope you aren't shying away from this entry because of the title. I am a BIG Disney fan but the entry today unfortunately has nothing to do with the movie Frozen but instead everything to do with work!
   Throughout the month of September and the beginning of October I've had the chance to travel a little bit everywhere to recruit new students to attend the university and it is one of the main reasons why I love my job. I get to talk about my choices and hope that it can make the lives of others who are stressed that much easier. I haven't felt like I could make a difference in the lives of people like this since my leadership camps in high school.
   It seems that every time there is a big event that I have to work this year, the weather isn't the best. In Toronto, it rained (and I mean poured) for days; on our way back the turbulence was so bad it even scared our most experience flyers. Upon my arrival to Timmins, it was 1 degree Celsius and snowing (well more like slushing). Today on the day of our Fall Open House, it was raining and there was lots of wind; the kind that's cold and that cuts through your clothes.
   It seems that throughout all of this bad weather, I always find myself walking slowly through the night rain, or inhaling the crisp cool air as I hug my coat tighter to me; or that I smile a little bigger as I see people rushing in while I direct them where to go. Growing up in Northern Ontario seems to have knitted the cold within me so that I'm impervious to it. Sure I still get cold once in a while, but that usually means that I'm getting sick.
   There has always been that endless debate; would you rather always be cold, or always be warm? I would always choose to be cold, because then you have simple ways of warming up rather than costly ways of cooling down. There's a freshness that comes with it that I wouldn't trade for the world. So as I put on my fall boots and mittens, I sit outside and read a little in a park because there's nothing like the feeling of cozying up and having the tip of your nose just chilly. I invite you dear readers to embrace the cold and to let it not bother you, because there are always ways to make it worth your while!

K.P.H.

Monday 6 October 2014

Laughter: First Time for Everything

   Good evening dearest readers! I'm taking a quick break from my long list of things to do this week to post this entry because I got to have a great experience this past Sunday. Lately, I've found myself planning and organising everything I'm doing to make sure everything gets done in time, and that's fun, but there comes a time in every person's life where they wish there wasn't a list and that life could actually be spontaneous without having to live with the consequences. I can't wait until next week when I'll be able to breathe a little more, but I'm still waiting on answers so I can plan (ironically enough) which will allow me to finally relax a little.
   What I had the privilege to do on Sunday was work with Patricia at Ottawa Geek Market and sell her novels at her booth. I am proud to say that I sold three of them in an hour and a half. I stayed a little while longer to learn from the master because self-promotion is not an easy thing, especially with such a specific genre. With her, nothing seems impossible and I did learn a few tricks. I can't wait to put it into practice (well that is when I actually become a published author), but little by little, I'm putting myself out there and taking more risks than I used to. I keep working on my newest novel and I'm looking into more writing competitions.
   Every little bit helps when you're not sure where to start. Even if some of the points were a little awkward with the small talk that Patricia made to bring the conversation back to her novels, I learned that life's too short and everybody knows things that they don't always want to admit. Shake off that shell and live a little. Things that might seem a little bit awkward in the beginning come natural to others. Everyone's human, so there's nothing to hide.



K.P.H.

Saturday 4 October 2014

Love: Anti Social Network

   Good afternoon dearest readers. Today's post is short because I want to post a link to a video I thought was quite moving and true to its utter core.
   I'm not a negative person but some things do make me angry and fill me with despair. Though I am not one to sound hypocritical because I'm using the internet to spread the word, but I don't spend every single waking minute of my time on it. I don't carry my computer everywhere with me. My phone is always the one that lasts the longest because I'm the one who checks the least. Prince Ea, through the art of spoken word highlights our world today and how the methods that were supposed to keep us connected are pushing us further apart.
   Listen closely to what he has to say because words are precious, but reflect on what your own actions will be after because they will mean more. There is no point in awakening a feeling if we do not act upon it. Think long and hard about whether or not your ways of staying connected aren't ways to tear you apart from what truly matters.

Smile at that Dying Battery

K.P.H.

Friday 3 October 2014

Literature: The Crimson Dream

   Good earl afternoon dearest readers, I hope you that your Thursdays went by without a hitch as you awaited your weekend. Yes it's finally Friday and I am also excited but I thought of posting one quick entry this morning before going to work.
   Last night I had the privilege to attend the official book launch party of Patricia K. McCarthy's new book: The Crimson Dream. I've been volunteering a little with her ever since I took the writing workshop this summer and I will continue to do so. You might even see my handy work on certain book review sites (since she has asked me to do so) or even a little blurb here and there.
   So keep and eye out for my name and hers if you're looking for a new kind of genre. It will be interesting to hear what you think, but also if you've written something like it as well. We can always find inspiration and new opportunities in places we might not have thought possible, so keep on trying and keep on hoping for new experiences.

K.P.H.

Tuesday 30 September 2014

Love: Unexpected Travels

   Good morning dearest readers and I hope you are all seizing the day. I find myself in the cool yet refeshing town of Timmins Ontario as I am working a fair with the university. If I haven't said it before, I'm saying it now: I LOVE MY JOB! 
   There are many perks to working whike being a student but there are a lot of things to consider as well. Some people might find it too much, and at some times it is overwhelming, but when I see the difference I make in some students lives...that's worth everything. It does also help that I get to travel and it makes me realize how much I actually love my parents jobs since they get to travel so much. It makes me want to get a job that will allow me to do so. Sure it might get lonely but this is coming from a girl who wants to live off the grid in a cabin in the woods; being alone was already outlined in the plan. 
   It's not that I want to be a hermit, but being alone gives me time to think and to be alone with my thoughts so I get to work them out. If someone wants to tag along, I won't deny the company. So don't be afraid to take time for yourself and to spend time by yourself because sometimes everyone else's voice is so loud, you can't even hear your own. Relax and retreat and listen to what you have to say.

K.P.H.

Thursday 25 September 2014

Literature: Medieval does not stand for Mid-Evil

   Good morning dearest readers and I apologize for my absence on the blog for the past few days. I had been gone to Toronto for a university fair (that went incredibly well I might add) and I've been busy ever since I've come back. I am pleased to note that I'm attempting to start a new habit that will be a healthier one for me; and it is going to the gym so that I can stay healthy. I've only started this week and already, I feel better. Now because of this new habit I won't be giving up the blog, but I will try to continue both. School still has to come first, but my health (both body and mind) are also important to maintain so that I can do well in school. Every little bit helps to keep the well-oiled machine running.
   Now one of my classes that I'm taking this semester is Medieval English and it is one of my favourite classes. One- the professor is funny and entertaining, two- I've already read half of the material assigned so it's pretty much just some revision for me, and three- my roommate from first year Justine is in the class with me! It's easy to see how this is such a fun class, right?
   One day, the professor brought up the spelling of the word "medieval" to ask us what is medieval literature. He explained that once, one of his students had spelt it "mid-evil" which is incorrect, and yet it had some truth behind it since it was written in middle English ("mid"). The student had tried to argue that with middle English, is wasn't the spelling that mattered as long as it still sounded the same when it was dictated, but during this day and age, correct spelling of a word does matter.
   None the less, this got me thinking on how I really like medieval literature. There's something about the freedom of the words, and using certain references to incite a thought all the while it means something utterly contrary. It's the fun of the word play and of the fantastical stories. It's about the racy language and funny tales that would even today make a prude woman blush and yet, there's something so simple about it that makes it classic even if people continue to associate it with the dark ages. Some of the best known texts and stories emerge out of this time, and they are the ones that so many "classic" texts were influenced by (no matter how many times they try to deny it). Medieval literature houses texts like Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, and the legends of King Arthur and Camelot. There are also some of the most beautiful and honest poems about Mary and Jesus, and yet there are some about the changing of the seasons and all the sentiments they bring.
   The saying "we cannot judge a book by its cover" is a saying I believe to be false. I always judge a book by it's cover because if it does not attract my attention, if it does not reel me in or catch my eye, I will walk right past it. The only time we might not judge its cover is if it is already famous and well known. The content of the text is important, but also is its reputation and appearance. So keep your mind open and your eyes sharp and you will be surprised by the amount of treasures you will find!



K.P.H.

Thursday 18 September 2014

Laughter: Student Budget

   Good morning dearest readers, and I hope you're happy it's Thursday because tomorrow is Friday! I've got quite the busy day ahead of me so I'm mentally preparing myself for this long day. I thought I'd write an entry today since I don't think I'll be able to during my weekend in Toronto, but I'll be writing once again on Monday.
   Last night Katie and I got to partake in a free live cooking show that we were invited to because of our participation at the Bridal Show. It was at a place I had never heard of before but it was quite insightful. We had a good dinner that was prepared quickly AND on top of all of that, it was healthy. The point of it all was that for the company to show off their products and to hope that the attendees will buy them at the end of the night. Usually the whole thing was designed for couples, but since Katie's fiancé was 8 hours away, and that I had attended the Bridal Show with her, they had accepted us to go together. The one problem with that is that they were trying to sell REALLY nice but REALLY expensive products to students who are trying to not dig a deeper hole in which we already find ourselves.
   We were the youngest ones there, and probably some of the most impressed, but we could not afford it. Most of all of the employees were taking their turns trying to show us different deals and trying to persuade us with cheaper options, but I didn't feel like paying 25$ a month for the next 4 years while I'm still trying to pay off my tuition.
   I understand that everybody has a job to do, and everyone wants to prove that their product is the best, but there are only so many ways I can say NO in a polite manner before people start to get on my nerves. So if ever you find yourself in a similar position, keep your word and stand your ground because someone else will buy what they want and it will not have made that big of a difference. If you expect to get everything you want right from the beginning with little work to it, then you have nothing to look forward to, nothing to work for, and nothing to hope for.

K.P.H.

Wednesday 17 September 2014

Love: Grumpy Cat

   Good morning dearest readers. It's Wednesday and the week is halfway done. I can't believe it because we're closing in on finishing the 3rd week of September already. Many of you might be intrigued with today's title since the figure of Grumpy Cat is quite the famous one around the world. I myself enjoy its dry, sarcastic humour because sometimes it's so blunt but so true.
   I've had quite the momentous couple of weeks with so many things happening at once all the while catching a cold I'm still trying to get over. I've had a lot more trouble with classes this year than any other and I find myself only following four instead of my usual five this semester. That means I'll either be following a super intense second semester or find myself in summer (spring) school all over again. You do what you have to do so you don't go insane too. I had to meet with a professor and the meeting didn't go as well as I'd had hoped, so this is how it all came around to it.
   All of this put me in a relatively bitter mood especially since I had a lot of homework and assignments to complete, because I want to get ahead on homework before I leave for Toronto this weekend since I do want sometime to relax. My roommates finished at the same time I did, but decided to go to the mall; they invited me but I declined because I wanted to talk to my mom about what I had decided to do, (I'm the kind of person who feels like when I can't do it, I call my mommy -- and that's okay because a lot of people do and parents think about what's good for you). So once I hung up with my mom, I started some homework and ate dinner. Katie and Riley were taking some time to get home but I was in my room when they came back. They called me downstairs and when I went to see them, they were holding up (and I quote) a "cheer up" gift.
   They had gotten me candy that Riley picked up (because he wanted to contribute) and an adorable mini Grumpy Cat plush toy. He might be grumpy but he made me smile, as did my roommates. They know me too well and I am forever grateful to these dear people who continue to think about me. The greatest thing is knowing you have people who know just what you need and when you need it without you having to tell them what's wrong; these are the kind of people you need to surround yourself with.

Meet my dear Grumpy:


K.P.H.

Monday 15 September 2014

Love: There's Sadness In Her Smile and Joy In Her Tears

   Good morning my dearest readers and I hope you have all enjoyed your weekend. Mine was spent on a roller-coaster of emotions as one event on Saturday was sad and the other on Sunday was happy. Good things and bad things can arise in any kind of situation but it is our reaction to it that truly showcases the outcome.
   On Saturday, my family gathered around to celebrate the life of my dearly departed great uncle Roger. He was an amazing man that had accomplished amazing things; many of which most people probably don't know. I had heard most of the stories when I was four or five, so I didn't remember most of them. It was a big shock, but also quite sweet to see everyone that showed up to say their goodbyes. There were family members I hadn't met yet, and others I hadn't seen in twelve years. I got to be reacquainted with some cousins that were actually my age for a change. One of them (and I'm super excited about this) is actually going to school at the University of Ottawa!
   On Sunday, Katie got us tickets so that we could attend the bridal show in Ottawa. I had been to craft shows and different exhibitions with my mother but never would I have expected such a turnout. It was actually quite fun! I made sure to get all of the info while Katie looked around; I got us good spots for the fashion show so Katie could really see things that she liked; and I also made sure to look out for things that I thought Katie would really like all the while making sure she entered every possible draw she could (free stuff is always good stuff). We finished the show with a lot of info and ideas in our heads as we headed off for lunch at a new sushi place, to then go back home and end the night with a few episodes of our favorite show.
   The biggest thing in life is that people have a hard time knowing when it's okay to be sad, and when it's okay to feel happy. Some might feel isolated and alone with one, while others might feel guilty if they feel too much of the other. Whether you've figured this out or not, life is a balancing act, and it's okay to feel both deeply and whenever you feel them. There's always a tint of sadness in every smile, and a tear of joy for every one shed in heartache. So ride the roller-coaster and let your heart feel all that it can because it is better to feel everything so deeply than to feel nothing at all.


K.P.H.

Friday 12 September 2014

Laughter: Shake It Off

   Good morning dear readers and I have a funny thing to show you all. I think that with the return to classes, I've been doing pretty good in keeping up with the blog but yesterday I was very sick and could barely manage to get myself out of bed, let alone to the computer to write an entry. To make up for that, I've included a link below to a video that goes along with today's entry.
   There's nothing that bothers me more than people who are trying to be who they are not. Not to critique Taylor Swift (which is ironic given the song title) but I never really saw her as a country artist (most country artist today I don't consider authentic country stars) but more of a pop star. Her newest single "Shake It Off" gives off a pop vibe with no country in it. I will admit though Taylor Swift is not one of my favorite artists (I myself liking more the literary Swift), I will give her credit that she can produce catchy songs.
   Oddly enough a lesson can be pulled out from the song and that is to not be afraid of being yourself and making sure that YOU are the only person whose opinion you need to be worrying about. Everyone else is just a watchful eye who will seek out your faults. Be happy in your own skin and when push comes to shove, just "Shake It Off". So I invite you to watch the song but interpreted by a fraternity (I can't remember the university) and see how they shake it off all the while looking like they're having the time of their lives. If you're happy and comfortable with who you are, then everyone else will see it and be happy and comfortable as well.

"Shake It Off" Lip Dub - Frat House

K.P.H.

Wednesday 10 September 2014

Literature: The Other Side of the Story

   Good morning dearest readers! I hope your week is passing by as pleasantly as possible. As for me, there have been bumps in the road but I'm making the best of it. I've finally switch my last class and I've decided to go in a direction that I wouldn't have on a regular basis, but new experiences demand spontaneity.
   Last night in between homework and dinner, I was able to take a short break and finish writing the second song to go with the second story of the new novel I'm working on. It took a little bit of time, but it was tough to create two very different songs, each with a different sound and yet have them both be similar in one way; (that's the challenge that I'm facing with this new book). Having to build two completely different characters and stories to have them meet up in the end and be almost the same thing while trying to keep them separate is not simply done with the flick of the wrist.
   The greatest ideas are forged in the mind during an unexpected time and it tells something very particular about ourselves. I can clearly see how I'm shadowed in this new story but since it has only been for my eyes only, no one can really understand the underlying pun. Never be afraid to let yourself shine through your pages because you'd be surprise how many people feel the same way and will relate to you so much more. Let your true colours shine, but don't get caught in those shades of grey. Here is the official release of the Remain Nameless song (even if those exact words aren't said in it).



K.P.H.

Sunday 7 September 2014

Love: Bridal Buzz

   Good morning dearest readers, and as I get ready to finish my last day of training, I thought of writing one quick entry as I am still trying to fall back into my old routine.
   Last night when I cam back from a long day at work, Katie and I spent the time to talk about her new engagement and started to brainstorm different ideas for her wedding. Yes, you heard that right, Katie got ENGAGED this summer to her wonderful boyfriend (now fiancé) Brad. I am so very happy for the both of them and even more happy that they are letting me take part in this beautiful celebration. It is still relatively far enough away but one can never start too early especially with something so momentous as a wedding. We spent time last night looking at dressed, talking of colours, little details and how to really make their wedding, something special from what has already been done.
   If you find yourself in a similar situation dear readers (first CONGRATS!) and second, take the time and don't rush into it. Yes things need to be planned on a large scale but what people sometime forget is that it's the smallest details that make the biggest of impact. You don't BIG to make a BANG. So keep breathing, and sooner than you think, that special day will be here and you'll be the happiest that you've ever been!

K.P.H.

Saturday 6 September 2014

Laughter: Rained Out Fun

   Good morning dearest readers and I hope that you are all having yourselves a good weekend. I myself am getting ready to go to work since I have training all weekend for this upcoming year; oh how I love my job!
   Last night, the city of Ottawa experienced a very violent and strong thunder storm. Katie is terribly afraid of them and she was stuck home alone since both Riley and I were at work. I was inside the whole day so I wasn't really affected by it, but Katie looked completely relieved when I walked through the door. One of the funniest things was that Riley lost power at work and even their back-up lights went out. He looked thrilled when he came home with his drenched coat that was still dripping when he hung it up. I don't always take pleasure in people's misfortunes, but Riley somehow always seems to make it look funny when something bad happens to him.
   Now I don't want you to think that I'm a careless person; no, quite on the contrary. But if we were to take everything so seriously and make a big fuss about the little things, well everyday would seem like a rainy day instead of being filled with beautiful sunshine. It's always better to see the good in the bad rather than the bad in the good. Knowing that both are in every situation is realistic, but what defines your attitude is which one you choose to nurture.

K.P.H.

Friday 5 September 2014

Literature: Aspire to Inspire

   Good morning dearest readers, and I hope some of you are still sleeping at this point. I must work early this morning therefore I'm up and at 'em. This morning's post is directed to my newest story that I've been working on bit by bit since the Island. Like I had mentioned before, Manitoulin Island is a magical place for me where things tend to work in my favour, regardless of what I might be working on at that time. I was working on an idea I had got while reading one book and then having two separate ideas already in the works, I decided to make the two, one.
   This newest novel will have two stories, told by two different people, but (without giving the biggest twist ever) there are still somehow one story, (try to figure out that one). One of the stories is called "Though I May Wander" and the other is entitled "Remain Nameless". Some of you might remember if you have been keeping up with older entries, that I did a poll to see which titles people preferred and I used the info I got.
   So with today's post, you've noticed a video; that's because there's a new original song (wrote it on the Island...that and half the book almost). And with every story I write, for me, they must have the song that accompanies it; the story must be told in a musical manner without telling the whole story. Therefore, today you can hear the song for "Though I May Wander" since I'm still working on the one for "Remain Nameless".
   The best thing to know my dear readers is that there might be tons of artistic works out there and there always a need to be original. It's okay to create after being inspired by someone's work, as long as you don't literally copy their work, then that becomes theft.But you can still be original through inspiration. Once we are happy with what we can achieve, there might be others who's talent does not come so easily. The greatest thing for us to do once we have been inspired is to then aspire to inspire others.


K.P.H.

Thursday 4 September 2014

Love: Scare Away the Dark

   Good morning dearest readers as I greet you with a second shorter entry. I've recently figured out how to create playlists on Youtube and it has been the grandest of time. I've also been able to find one of the songs I've been searching for ever since my dad and I heard it on a special edition of Coffee House radio on his Sirius radio while we made our way back from Manitoulin Island.
   It easy for us to listen to music while accomplishing a task we are doing in hopes that it makes the time go by quicker, or that it will give us the energy to keep going, (I always find an upbeat playlist to listen to when I'm cleaning). What doesn't always happen is when we stumble upon a song that speaks to us in ways we can't fully explain because it seems to understand the current struggles we might be facing.
   For me, it's a song by Passenger (one of my favorite artists at this time), and its title is the same as the entry's: Scare Away the Dark. I've been listening to it at least once a day and it gives me an added boost to remind myself that the choices I've made are good ones, that I'm living my life in a way that is good and that it's okay to be happy with what I have. It truly is incredible the things a song can tell you even when you think you're not really listening. So listen to my song, or you might have your own already in mind; it's always a good way to start your day with a smile on your face and peace in your heart.

Scare Away the Dark - Passenger

K.P.H.

Laughter: The Roomies are Back in Town

   Good morning dearest readers, and yes this Tuesday is a good one. I've officially started school once more and my schedule couldn't be more overloaded already. This morning, I want to release two short entries to account for yesterday's slip because since school has restarted, I want to fall back into my old routine.
   This morning's entry is directed to Katie's arrival two days ago. The moment she walked through that door, it felt like she had never left. I had prepared a special "Roomie Dinner" so that we could all eat together while we watched one of our favorite shows. We then played a few rounds of Anomia and called it a night.
   Throughout the summer, it was fun hanging out with Riles (when he would actually socialize) but it's fun to be the three musketeers again. We haven't stopped laughing since she's stepped through the door and that feels good. The worst part is that for Katie and Riley, this is a slow time for them, but because I'm still working in between, this is the busiest time I've been in a while. Plus my grandma is in town, and of course I am spending time with her because I absolutely love her, but slowly but surely I'm starting to realize that there aren't enough hours in a day for me to get everything I have to get done while also doing the things that I want to do.
   With that, choices are hard to make, but at least with all three of us back in town, if I make a wrong choice, at least I won't be laughing by myself.

K.P.H.

Saturday 30 August 2014

Love: A Diamond in the Rough Found

   Good evening dear readers and what a wonderful day it has been. With the last post written today that was directed to Thursday, this post is directed to last night and this morning. I tagged along with my mother to a small town called Williamsburg to find a long lost friend of hers before we made our way to Oshawa to celebrate my brother's 23rd birthday.
   When you watch movies and see long lost friends being reunited, it's a beautiful sight and it was just that that happened when my mother found her friend that she hadn't seen in more than 25 years. We were greeted with open arms into their beautiful business of Bed & Breakfast and Tea Room. It's a beautiful old home filled with antiques and original artwork. There's amazing food and incredible customer service. Every room is different and the character and ambiance of the home completes the experience. We had a wonderful night's sleep, and woke up to a tasty breakfast as well as more catching up. 
   For someone whom I had never met, I've never felt more welcomed into someone's home. It is definitely somewhere I will return and a place I am suggesting because the experience is surreal. I'd like to personally thank the owners Victor and Marcel for a beautiful stay and I look forward to seeing you again. 

Check out their website at:

Or look them up on Facebook at:
The Village Antiques & Tea Room-B&B

K.P.H.

Literature: The Lion King

   Good afternoon dearest readers! I'm taking advantage of my last weekend before school starts and it has been the most wonderul weekend yet! So I can garantee that I will release another post today to talk about my day today. 
   So Thursday my mother and I took a spontaneous trip to Montréal for the night to be able to go see The Lion King, the musical. I had never seen the play before and it was an incredible moment. Not only was it just completely breathtaking and the actors stupendous, but it was a trip worth taking. I have never felt so imediately mesmerized by any of the plays that I've seen up to now. 
   I can't even begin to explain how wonderful it was because against my will, I will admit that words cannot always explain things right. Therefore I encourage you dear readers to jump at any opportunities that pass by your way because they can turn into something more than wonderful. 

K.P.H.
   

Tuesday 26 August 2014

Love: Sensational Summer

   Good evening dear readers, I hope you all had a profitable day. Today was a bittersweet day for me since I got to see my friends at work again and the tours went well, plus we even went out to lunch together as a team, but the sad part is that today was the last day that all 6 of us would be together for the last time. 
   There are always times that you never expected someting to turn out as well as it did, and though it gave you so much, it's always sad to see it end. I know that I'll see my friends again at work and on campus (we're obviously going to hang out again) but there's something about the atmosphere that I'd wish that school would hold off for just a few more weeks. 
   But the time moves forward and my friends know how much I appreciate them, and I was also fortunate enough that our boss is a wonderful boss who not only cares about the university but also about her team; she is truly a role model I look up to. Now as I face these last days, I know that I will always have their support regardless of where I am and that is truly more than I could have hoped for. I am, and will forever be grateful that Ryan, Françoise, Daphné, Loïc, Sherry and Trystan are, and will remain my co-workers, my friends and my ambassador family (amb-fam).

Much love,
K.P.H.

Saturday 23 August 2014

Laughter: Ice Bucket Challenge

   Good morning my dearest readers! I hope you are all well rested or still resting on this fine Saturday. I'm getting ready for my Saturday shift and it's turning out to be a beautiful day. I realize that it's already August 23rd and that my post have been few this month (one reason being I was on my vacation where there was no reception or internet) but I will really try to post a lot more for the last week and few days that are left.
   This morning's post is due to a trend that has been sweeping the nations; the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. Many celebrities are participating as well as many non-famous people. It's the quickest I've seen a cause get so much coverage in so little time. It is a great cause, if people are actually donating to it. It is not just to do the challenge to say that you have done it, but to know what it's actually about and make a difference. If you have been nominated, it is not just so that you can pour a bucket of water on yourself while you wear your swimsuit; the intentions are much more meaningful so you should put more emphasis on the cause than on yourself.
   With that said, some of my co-workers have done it and have donated to the cause, and because of this, this trend is passing through the university. All of it is doing good, but once in a while, it seems that not everyone has the coordination to pull off such a task. So if you are nominated, make sure you heart is in the right place and that you do have the strength to actually lift the bucket because some people only get an A for effort.

ALS Ice Bucket Challenge Fails

K.P.H.

Wednesday 20 August 2014

Love: The Soul of the Island

   Good morning dearest readers and I hope you have either slept well last night or are still sleeping well at this point. I'm up early since I'm getting ready for work but while browsing on my phone this morning, I stumbled upon some of the pictures I took while vacationing on Manitoulin Island. If you've read some of the older posts you know that Manitoulin Island is my favorite place on this planet and that I crave to go back the second I leave it. Well I'm missing it already so it's a good thing that I took pictures.
   The ones I will post are taken during my favorite part of the day there. Sure I like my mornings since I go for coffee with my dad but I don't have the chance to look at the sunrise. And I like the afternoons since we go golfing, or kayaking, or spend time with family, but the weather changes out throughout the day. The one time of day that continues to be utterly beautiful is the sunset. We've recently had a string of bad weather and I did feel it on the island but regardless of rain or cloudy days, the sunset was always breathtaking.
   When I see the sky the way you'll be able to see in the pictures, my mind is filled with wonder as I try to imagine if aboriginal mythology is correct. Maybe, just maybe the island does have a soul and it reflects and grabs hold of my attention with its mesmerizing sunsets. Regardless of what I think, I just know that its a time of peace and reflection, and one of the main reasons why I keep going back.




K.P.H.

Monday 18 August 2014

Literature: Breaking those Boundaries

   Good evening dearest readers and I am pleased to report that I am back from vacation and therefore will try to write as often as possible since I have no scheduled other arrangements. Slowly but surely school is creeping its way forward as summer unfortunately inches its way to an end. It's never fun to see vacations end but how could we appreciate them if we had them all the time. By now I'm sure you all know how being grateful for what you have is very important to me, because if you cannot be thankful for what you have, how can you expect to appreciate what you want.
   Now I didn't start this entry to lecture you all on being grateful, I have started this entry to confess. I'm not a person who's big on change. My parents know this (a little too well I might add), my friends know this and my roommates know it too (especially when I stay upstairs and don't want to go out because I have to make a big decision). I do have big decisions to make coming up that will alter how certain things turn out for me and they aren't easily made. However, I didn't have that much trouble breaking a literary boundary. I have said, and I stick to my word when I said that I will NOT read a Jodi Picoult or Nicholas Sparks book because they are sappy and corny and everything I try to escape when I immerse myself in a literary journey.
   When I followed a fantasy writing workshop with Ottawa's very own Patricia K. McCarthy, I acquired a new mentor. I've had the privilege to be coached by Nancy Richler, and now Patricia has been gracious enough to offer me more opportunities than I could have imagined possible at this stage of the game. I will be able to attend a book launch party (and get to meet publishers and agents), I'll be working a booth at the Ottawa Geek Market selling Patricia's novels as a 'booth babe' (which is quite the flattering title), and also be able to write pitches, and be her available helper and volunteer. Because I'm getting so involved with an entrepreneur/author, I've started to read her Crimson Vampire series. Each book takes on a different sub-genre and I'm quickly learning that maybe my tastes are a lot more eclectic than I thought. She brings a very different and unique twist to the common day vampire. The novel is not focused on the mythical aspect of it all, but of the true, normal love between two people who are each other's worlds. And I'm telling you now, Twilight has nothing on this series. I've nearly finished the first novel of the six and my interest is peaked (ps. the vampire doesn't sparkle because that would be stupid).
   So whether you are on the fence about reading her books or just want to do research on a Canadian author, I'll include her website bellow. Everyone needs a little help sometimes and it's good to support each other because the struggle is real. With a little hard work and a helping hand, it's amazing what turn the world takes when your eyes open wider.

http://www.patriciakmccarthy.com/

K.P.H.

Friday 8 August 2014

Laughter: Okay Alice

   Good morning dearest readers and I know it is still early so I don't expect most of you to be awake yet, but I wanted to write one last entry before I left for my vacation this morning. It will be a quick entry at that.
   For many things, my mother and I share many interests. However, when it comes to books, I tend to gravitate more towards my father's preferences than my mothers. It's not that my mom doesn't read good books, it's that she's a lot more open when it comes to books than I am. I'm not one who likes sappy, lovey-dovey or even those who claim to be fiction but portray a much too real story to be able to have that title.
   My mother just recently finished a book entitled "Still Alice" and from what I understand, it's the story of a mother who has an early stage of Alzheimer's which is only going to get much worse with time. This is a serious issue, but my mom enjoyed it because it made her think and consider a whole new perspective to how she sees the world now. My parents have even started a kind pun back home related to the book. When one of them starts to forget something, they just tell each other "Okay Alice, what did you forget?" and then proceed to help each other find the item that has been lost. As I was packing last night, I couldn't remember when I had put some papers and my new contact lenses that my mom had given me on Tuesday, and I spent the night retracing my steps to no success, just to have her look in the box of books next to the bed and pull out the bag that I needed.
   Though I hadn't read the book, I still know much about the story since my mom likes talking to me about it. Even if we don't all have unfortunate early signs of Alzheimer's, we still seem to misplace things a lot more easily. When you've got too much on your plate, relax, take a step back and get someone else's perspective because you might just be overthinking the whole things. Pace yourself at everything because life's a marathon; sure you can come out on top, but you'll end up exhausted too. Live you life the way it was meant to be lived!


K.P.H.

Wednesday 6 August 2014

Love: Forget your Fancy Footwork

    Good evening my dear readers and I wish you all well on this fine Wednesday. I am fortunate enough to only have one more day of work before I am able to leave for my vacation. I should probably mention that right now, but I will not be able to post entries for the upcoming week because there is no internet nor cellphone reception where I am going. It's not that I don't enjoy all of your company, but once in a while it's good to live disconnected for a period of time.
   I still have to finish packing but I didn't wan to leave without posting a couple last entries that you can read while waiting for my return, so today I've decided to post another video. It is something completely different, and by different I mean I'm not using a conventional instrument, and by not a conventional instrument, I mean I'm using a cup. Yes my dearest readers I have attempted (and I personally think that I've succeeded) the Cup Song that has been introduced to the world through the movie "Pitch Perfect". I actually had the chance to learn the cup routine before the movie even came out at a French youth convention, but it just made it a little easier to learn the entire song from the beginning.
   If you've been able to master the cup song, or have given a not-so-traditional twist to a popular song, I suggest that you share it so that more people can be inspired by your work. It is true what they say; it only takes one match to light a spark, and from that, the whole sky can be lit. Therefore dear readers I encourage you to let the creative juices flow and show the world the fire within.



K.P.H.

Monday 4 August 2014

Love: Cover Me Up

   Good afternoon dearest readers and I hope you are all enjoying your Monday. This week is the week I finally get to pack up and head over to the place I've been longing for ever since I left it last; yes, I am finally going to Manitoulin Island. I'm leaving soon but I still have a work week ahead of me. However, there is nothing that can bring down my good mood right now.
   With that said, I've decided to release a video today and it's something rather new to the blog. You will see that I have my guitar out therefore it is not the fact that I'm singing that's new, it is what I'm singing that's new. For the first time I've decided to release a cover of one of my favorite songs. Usually I tend to showcase my own songs, but since I've only had the chance to copyright the ones that have been posted, I will be releasing covers for a little while now until I have everything else organized as well as new material written.
   So I invite you to enjoy my dearest readers and feel free to post a response in the comments of one of your favorite covers; whether you are the one covering it, or it is being interpreted by another artists. Always remember that anything can be beautiful, but it is when we see it through the eyes of another that we have a whole other appreciation for it.



K.P.H.

Tuesday 29 July 2014

Laughter: It's a Small World After All

   Good evening dear readers and I am proud to report that this will make two entries in two days... could I be slipping back into my normal routine? I guess you'll just have to keep checking to see. For today, it will be just a short entry on a observation I've made.
   There have been great things that have happened ever since I've been at university; some things did seem to be a little odd, but it was just because I wasn't in the right environment to get the right outcome to accompany it. The main thing I'm talking about is unexpected coincidences and connections. More and more, I find myself running into people that I know, that somehow met others I knew. Or someone else might have worked a job, or previously owned something I stumbled upon, or even vice versa. The example that inspired me to write this entry was brought upon by my roommate Riley; (yes I still live with Riles, and I know that he hasn't been in too many entries lately, it's simply because now Riley works later at night some days and I've got more people to add in my entries too). I've been meeting a lot of new people with all of the new ambassadors that got hired for the upcoming year, and many of them are taking initial tours during the summer to see what it's all about; because of this, I had the chance to make new friends too and be glad with this year's crew. There was one future ambassador I toured that was just so positive and dedicated, that he is already one of the favorites in the office. Turns out that Riley works with the same person at his new job.
   It just goes to show how small this world can actually become when you look at the intertwined web that is our lives. This isn't a bad thing, but it does put into perspective exactly how your actions can reach out, even when you might think that the line is drawn. And with that dearest readers, be smart and be good because what you put out into the world will return to you in due time.

K.P.H.

Monday 28 July 2014

Love: An Artist's Signature

   Good evening my dearest readers! I hope you are all well rested and have survived the ever-so dreaded Monday. I myself has made the most out of it; I've learned new things about my school campus, learned new skills at the job and started to develop a hidden talent.
   In the past couple of days, I've decided to pick up once more an old hobby of mine; jewelry making. I've been at it for roughly about 7 years now and with my writing, school and work taking priority in my life, I've only recently stumbled upon free time that allows me to take it up again. Making wire wrapped rings were my speciality once (back when I actually had the tool that made it easy) but now, I find myself struggling to find the right nail polish cap that fits the right ring size. You get creative when you don't have all the right tools, but with a little more time, and a lot more patience, the results are still quite beautiful.
   Now I'm not one to brag, but when I discover a hidden talent that will also help me define my work from someone else's, I become a very happy camper. This is one of the main reasons why I add something new to every story I write, that way I'm never defined to one simple trivial aspect. With certain crafts, such as painting, sculptures or whatever might directly interact with the public, some artists choose one fine point that will make their work recognizable amongst the crowd. For some, it's the medium in which they choose to work with like stone, or clay; other's might have certain colour or a tool they like to use that defines their work. Just recently, I've found a certain something that would make my jewelry collection one of a kind. I know that there are others who use this medium to either paint, sculpt or even use it in their pieces, but for me, it reminds me of home. I've decided to work with wood pieces. Whether they are simple tokens or small branches of a tree or a large focal piece, I've acquired a wood burning tool that allows me to personalize every part of it. My first piece is a modge podge of Viking runes mounted on a necklace. Each rune is burned into a piece of wood and then added to the necklace. Have patience with me since the only small tokens I could find were heart shaped but I'm hoping to find less telling pieces soon to continue my new collection.
   I encourage you today my dearest readers to either find your muse or rekindle an old one, and get those creative juices flowing because you never truly know what you can do until you've tried every possible solution.
 

K.P.H.

Thursday 24 July 2014

Literature: Take What You Can Get Until You Can Get More

   Good morning dearest readers, and I hope all is going well with each of you this morning. Many wonderful things have happened in the past couple of weeks and here I am, finally back in Ottawa and ready to write. I've had time to rest up and relax all the while getting some sight-seeing done. Like I had mentioned a little bit before, my time back home was absolutely perfect and restful, which allowed me to take my second vacation only a couple of days after to Niagara Falls with my dear friend Ryan. It was time well spent and now I find myself back to work; well at least until I get to go home one last time in August before school starts.
   Now the reason for my writing this morning is due to recent good news. Even though the title of today's entry might sound a little pretentious, I can guarantee you that it is nothing of the sort. The title simply refers to going after what you want, and working your way up to it. It is not possible to acquire something right from the beginning without some hard work, because then when you get it, it's not as satisfying. You have to start from point A, to make it then to point B, to then persevere through the entire alphabet to your end goal.
   When it comes to my writing, I didn't wake up one morning and write an entire novel then have it published the next week. It's been years in the making, to create more than one story; to submit, get rejected, to make ties with different people and take advantage of every opportunity to better myself. Progress doesn't just happen over night.
   With all of that explained my dear readers, do not get discouraged when things take a little bit longer than expected, it simply means that it is worth so much more. Work hard and the reward will be great; but once you move forward, do not stop but continue your way up the ladder of success. I pray you to remember what Winston Churchill once said: "success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts."

K.P.H.

Thursday 17 July 2014

Love: Inspired by Words

   I wish you well dearest readers on this last of four entries this evening. I will be attempting to post two videos on this entry and if I can't, then I'll post one last entry as a part two to this one so just stand by and see. The two songs I'm posted today have two very different sounds and two very different themes but they can be related to none the less.
   Everyday I find myself amazed by words and intrigued. How can the same 26 letters change someone's life simply by their arrangements. I had found a perfect quote from Yann Martel in his book Beatrice and Virgil, and it inspired me with these words:
   "Stories identify, unify, give meaning to. Just as music is noise that makes sense, a painting is colour that makes sense, so a story is life that makes sense."

   So with those words, I invite you to listen, and to be inspired with the words that frame your life.




K.P.H.

Love: Being Happy with Who You Are

   Hello dearest readers and won't you join me as I deliver on the third entry today to make up for my absence in the last twelve days. I got to talk about vacations and writing in the two past entries, and they somehow both have something in common, (other than the fact that they both feature me). In reality, they both focus on ways to improving who you are. One is more focused on rest & relaxation while the other works your mind.
   I am constantly working on ways to improve and better myself, but that doesn't mean that I don't like the person that I am. Sure I can wish that I'd be thinner, or shorter, or have brown hair, or green eyes, but those a trivial things that wouldn't make me any less me than I already am. Those are all things that I could change if I wanted to, but I am happy with who I am, and I like ME.
   I don't want to sound conceited and I promise this declaration has a point. A singer I truly admirer recently released an empowering song to encourage everyone (but geared more towards girls) to love themselves. There is so much pressure with how we look that skin-deep beauty seems to be the only concern. It really doesn't matter if others don't like you; the worst thing happens when you don't like yourself. Be happy with the great person that you are because regardless of what you think, you are unique and you are the only you on this earth. So be that you that you are because everyone else is taken. And even if I don't know you, you who is reading my own words, I know that you is pretty damn awesome and YOU shouldn't change. This singer's name is Colbie Caillat, and she rejected photoshop, makeup and everything that's false in front of the camera to show others that it's okay to be you all the time, and people will love it. The song Try, by Colbie Caillat is my song of the week, and I encourage you not only to listen, but to seek to understand.

Try - Colbie Caillat

K.P.H.