Love: The Island is Calling, and I Must Go

   Good morning dearest readers, and how quickly time passes by when we are busy living our lives. It feels like it was just last week that I came back from my wonderful trip in Ireland, and wrote out the latest post. But as I checked the timeline, I had written it in early June, and now, we are on the last day of July. I'd like to apologize to my regular readers who check the blog almost daily in hopes there'll be new articles, when there aren't often. I'm so happy that the blog has reached a substantial amount of people (substantial in my books at least), but since starting this blog, I've committed to other writing opportunities. Some of you are aware of them (having read previous articles) but for those who are not, I am currently writing for two blogs (this one and another travel themed blog), creating content for an online magazine (which is being released shortly), participating in an online mentorship with a Canadian author, composing a poetry collection I'm trying to publish, as well as simultaneously write 4 different stories while 7 others are in need of editing. Let's just say that my plate is full at the moment.

   That being said, I don't want to neglect anything, but even super heroes need downtime every once in a while. I need to recharge my body, mind and soul, and what better way to do that than to go to the place that allows just that. Yes, it's that time of year again where I finally get to go back to Manitoulin Island. Though so many wonderful things happened last year, one thing my summer didn't allow was my annual vacation to the Island. Strangely enough, that is where I realized that some time off in my favorite place was necessary since it was harder to recuperate without that week. Now, being given the chance to go back at least for one last time, I've found myself dreaming of the peaceful week ahead. A simple life of lakeside luxury, relaxing reading and family fun.

   Even though these past couple of months have been the easiest to deal with, the knowledge that I'd be able to go back has been the light at the end of the tunnel. It's almost impossible to describe the feeling, the anticipation of going back. With dreams almost every night, a few pictures hovering in the background, and sweet memories playing on repeat in my head, the island calling to me has never been louder, and I'm listening with open ears and a happy heart.

   Everyone should have a place that makes them feel like one trip to it can fix anything and everything. Whether this place is the same are mine, or you've got some place else, it's a necessity to have one available. And don't forget, this can be a physical place, or even a person, or a spot in your very own home. Some are a little more easily accessed than hours, but a necessity nonetheless. So find your own island, and listen to it carefully. It lets you know when you need it; so don't keep it waiting my dear readers!

K.P.H.

Love: Green Hills, Guinness and Good Times

   Hello my dearest readers! How the times have changed and the seasons evolved. I left nearly a month ago for my two week trip to the beautiful country of Ireland, when everything here was still sad and bare, only to return to scenery as green as the Green Isle itself! It was quite motivating to come back to a city that seemed alive; it rather helped to tame my desire to leave the moment I got back. Now, after a couple of weeks already back in Canada, I thought it might be time to recount some of the great adventures I lived while exploring EIRE (which means Ireland in actual irish)!

   We started and ended in Dublin. My friend Gen and my roommate Nicole and I all met up, got our rental car, and headed to the outskirts of the city after visiting Trinity college, and the book of Kells. That was the day that I saw the kind of library I would like in my own home (knowing that the probability of that ever happening is very minimal, but I am a dreamer after all). We stayed in a wonderful Bed and Breakfast, went to a renowned pub for dinner and woke up the next morning fresh and ready to take on the world. We were making our way around the country by car in a clockwise fashion. Headed north, we did hikes here and there, stopped in some popular location (like Glendalough) and (as per my natural demeanor) I headed off the trail and explored a little on my own. We found wonderful places as to be expected; hidden glens, flowing rivers, green shrubbery as far as they eye could see. We stayed in remote locations outside most larger cities which really allowed us not only to get a feel for the local experience, but we managed to make this a relatively inexpensive trip because of it!

   We continued our trip by visiting more common tourist spots that were popular for good reason. Areas like the Rock of Cashel, Blarney Castle and grounds were waiting for us to explore them in our very hands on fashion. I did kiss the Blarney stone and have acquired the gift of Gab (even if some say that I was already gifted with this), and played around in the wonderful gardens. We also did off the beaten path activities, such as night kayaking! That's right, you read that correctly. We met some of the nicest and most Irish people during what was probably the best 2 hours (or at least in the top moments) of my entire trip. Other moments include Ballycarbery castle (where I got to climb, and play in the old castle ruins), the Cahergal Stone forts (where I also got to climb and play in the old fort ruins - pattern?), the Giants Causeway, St. Nicholas's Cathedral, Carlingford, and anytime there was a dog around, whether it was at the apartment we were staying at, or simply wandering in the road.

   Driving (though stressful at times, and especially in the beginning) also turned out to be one of my favorite things about the trip. It granted us so much more freedom as well as the ability to find little hidden gems that the Irish people also enjoy. I really love the immersive experience, and feel that it adds so much more to the overall vibe of the trip itself. Plus it really added to my overall confidence, reassuring me that in the near future, I could do something like this on my own (which has always been a dream). And so with winding roads, a small car, and a whole lot of adrenaline and courage, we made it all around and got to see some amazing sights.

   Though I know I'm not describing every waking moment of the entire trip (the places we stopped at on the side of the road, the food we ate, the places we slept in), the overall trip was absolutely splendid and entirely unforgettable. I know that someday, I'd like to go back and do the things we ran out of time to do, but regardless if that day comes or not, I'm happy with what we ended up accomplishing during those eventful two weeks. So if you're looking for a place that will entrance and surprise every day with its history, progress and fairytales, then Ireland is the place for you dearest readers, just like it was for me.

K.P.H.


P.S.   Should you want more detailed accounts of the trip, or just curious about the actual itinerary of the trip, feel free to check out my other blog that I co-write with my friend Gen: northernwanderwomen.blogspot.ca 

Laughter: The Things We Do for the People We Love

   Good Monday dear readers! I hope you all had the chance to rest up a little over the weekend because it seems as though this week will be either much too long, or much to short. We never seem to be able to get just the right length, but at least we know that eventually, Friday will come.

   I had quite the eventful weekend as I road tripped to Timmins, Ontario to meet up with friends on Saturday night to celebrate all of our achievements. There were a number of us from our Iceland trip (that I hadn't seen since then), as well as some new faces I'm sure to see again in the near future. From one end of the province to the next, I had decided to do the drive a little over a week and a half ago because I knew that I missed that group of friends. It was a great night, and the drive back Sunday was a little more painful than anticipated. I did however get the chance to spend a little more time with my brother and father (since I probably won't be able to see them for quite some time because of my travels and because of work), but it's when we discovered that Gen's flight back to Kingston got cancelled that things got even more interesting. We decided to drive to Ottawa together, and that she'd grab a train from Ottawa to Kingston early this morning (and by early, I mean before the sunrise). So that's what we did, but the drive back to Ottawa yesterday was spent in a constant rain pour. The drive from Timmins to Sudbury was cloudy, but dry at least. We were also passengers during this drive, instead of the actual drivers.

   I don't know what it is, whether it's fate or just some sort of unfortunate joke at my expense, but 8 times out of 10, when I drive back to Ottawa from somewhere, it's always either raining, snowing or hailing the WHOLE DRIVE BACK. Yesterday was no exception. I don't know if it's a sign or not, but I'd really like for once that the end of my adventures wouldn't be prone to precipitation. There's nothing I can do about that, but I just can't help laugh when it seems like my drives back turn into those corny endings of rom-coms (all sad, rainy and with depressing instrumental music playing in the background).

   Either way, I have no regrets and I take full responsibility for the situations I get myself into. The reason I'm so okay with all of this (despite how exhausted I am) is even if I'm physically (and possibly mentally) tired, is that I get emotionally recharged. I don't mind going to great lengths to spend time with people who mean the most to me, or to help them out whenever needed. Those who are close to me can attest to that, but it's also because I know that they'd do the same for me. So I hope you either have people like this in your lives dearest readers, or that you find them soon, because everything and anything is worth doing when it's for the people you love!

K.P.H.

Love: The Northern Wander Women

   Hello my dear readers and happy Friday to all! With a new weekend starting in just a few more hours, I'm bubbling with anticipation. I'll be heading up north for the weekend to meet and catch up with some old friends I heaven't seen in a long time! But that isn't the only SUPER EXCITING THING that's got me in such a good mood. My friend Gen and I have officially launched our travel blog!!!

   As we spent the last few weeks brainstorming, fiddling and organizing the launch, the Northern Wander Women blog is up! We are also on quite a lot of social media sites so it's easy to like and follow us wherever, whenever! If you want to see how you too can travel instead of tour this wonderful world of ours (whether its across the sea, or your own backyard) stay tuned and follow us as we roam from home!

Twitter: NWanderWomen
https://twitter.com/NWanderWomen

Facebook: Northern Wander Women
https://www.facebook.com/northernwanderwomen/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel

Instagram: northernwanderwomen
https://www.instagram.com/northernwanderwomen/?hl=en

Snapchat: NWanderWomen

Pinterest: Wander Women
https://www.pinterest.com/northernwanderw/

and of course:

Blog: Northern Wander Women
https://northernwanderwomen.blogspot.ca/

Show your love and support dear readers, and tag along on the greatest adventures yet!

K.P.H.

Laughter: Either it's Fate or I'm Just Clumsy

   Good morning dearest readers and I hope you all had a wonderful Easter weekend. I, myself, had the chance to go back home to Sudbury for the weekend to spend some quality time with family and friends. Not only was it relaxing, but it turned out to be quite productive as well. But, like all of my laughter posts, all happy stories have an unfortunately hilarious twist; and this one is no exception.

   Other than hanging out with Gen at home (booking places to stay in Ireland and reviewing some things for the blog), meeting up with my best friend Jordan for coffee, playing games with my brother and going for hikes, I also accompanied my parents to our lot near the lake on Friday. We wanted to go to clear up some of the branches and brush that we accumulated on the lot. We had two fire pits set up and began to clear out the load in an environmentally friendly fashion. At some point, I felt something hot on my foot, to realize a small crackling ember had lodged itself inside my boot while I was loading my fire pit. Frantically, I put it out and paused for a quick lunch break. Things were progressing smoothly but I had resolved to be more careful, and not to stand so close to the fire pit.

   Doing so, something else happened. As I tried to stand slightly further away while throwing in the branches, I found myself leaning in closer. After repeating this a few times, and strange smell arose in the air. As I tried to grasp what it was, I brushed my hair out of my face only to realize that the smell was coming from my scorched hair. NOT A FUN DISCOVERY!!! As I nervously combed through it with my fingers, I knew that the damage was done and no amount of wishful thinking was going to fix it. So I put it up in a bun (to stop it from getting worse) and continued to clear out the brush on the lot.

   The practical thing about this whole situation, was that I already had a hair appointment planned for the Monday, so something could be done the tame and control the sizzled mess that now adorned my head. However, what I found funny throughout this whole experience was that I had been wrestling with the idea of cutting my hair shorter for quite some time. I had decided to cut it once my first work contract was done, and before heading on my next big trip; but that plan changed when I got a new contract and new trips were being planned. I wanted to grow it out even more and cut it later with a friend, so that we could donate it for a cause. I guess fate intended that I stick with my original plan, no matter the other changes taking place in my life. Either that, or I'm just too tragically clumsy for my own good.

   Despite all of the madness at the time, the change is good for me. It's a new look to suit all the new opportunities and adventures that I will be embarking on. Sometimes dearest readers, your plan A will be better than your plan B, no matter how much you wish to stop the switch. Let life work its magic and be open to happy accidents. You never know what they'll bring you!

K.P.H.

Literature: The Luck of the Irish

   Good evening dear readers! As the weekend slowly creeps nearer to us and I wait patiently for another eventful time, I almost forgot a significant day. In exactly 30 days from now, I will be boarding a plane, on my way to Ireland! The land of leprechauns, fairies, lucky clovers, guiness beer and the highest population of gingers per capita; it's going to be a great time!!

   Before every trip (like my last one to Iceland), I take the time to read up on the country. To get a virtual feel of the land and find guide books that will get me a better idea of what to expect. My goal (when exploring a new country) is to be a traveler, and not a tourist. I search for my guide books in special stores and with specific intentions. I also tend to read works by writers/poets who are from the country I plan on visiting, as well as immerse myself in music from bands from there. I try to create an experience, before the actual travel experience. The reason I do this is not only because it's fun and entertaining (because let's be real, it's like I'm becoming a local) but because it gives me something to reminisce about when I come back. It's like every time I'll read Jane Urhqhart, or listen to Kodaline, I'll get these flashback feelings from my travels. At least that's what I hope will happen. It did with Iceland. I can't help being a little nostalgic now when I listen to Kaleo or Of Monsters And Men. 

   So what I recommend to you my dearest readers is not only to research the place your planning to travel (because it's really more of a necessity to know what you're getting yourself into that just a helpful suggestion) but immerse yourself in everything at your disposal that's related to the place. Books are good, but make sure to get a mix of both fact and fiction. It'll prepare you just enough before blowing your mind once you get there. The "THERE" is fun, but it's also the "GETTING THERE" that's just as exciting.

                       

 

K.P.H.

Love: A Weekend of Wonders

   What started out as a calm weekend quickly turned into a three day adventure my dear readers. It consisted of three cities, two major events and many miles to get us from point A to point B (and when I say "we", I mean my friend Gen and I). She took the train from Kingston on Friday so that we could officially start our epic weekend early enough on the Saturday. We went to dinner, came up with a game plan for the next day, and called it a night.

   Saturday began with waffles and ice cream at the local coffee shop down the street, and soon after, we headed to the exhibition centre near the Ottawa airport for the Ottawa Outdoor show. I had gotten us tickets ahead of time, and we hoped to get some ideas (or at the very least some discounts) for anything and everything related to our travels. I had also met the organizer of the event previously (as he also happens to be the editor of that magazine) and I had high expectations. We got there in good time, explored the booths, got some tickets, pet a few animals and even participated in minnow racing. We did lose, but we didn't mind since we lost to a 5 year old little boy; he was quite pleased. We took our bags of free "swag" and headed out.

   Our next destination was Merrickville. Yes, we went to one of my favorite places since I thought it was imperative that Gen could relish in the love I have for this adorable town. We had lunch, did some shopping, bought some books and listened to the locals over some coffee. She loved the feel of it and we made a deal to come back over the summer so she could see it when it was busier and more beautiful. She didn't hesitate to agree. Then we headed back to Kingston late in the afternoon to arrive there in time for dinner. We ate at one of her favorite pubs (Red House), and once we were pleasantly content, we went back to her apartment, got in our pj's and spent our glorious Saturday night formatting and creating our new travel blog; (yes dear readers, you will get to read even more of my crazy adventures, but this time, they'll be a little more specific).

   After breakfast at a wonderful coffee shop on Sunday, I left early in the morning to make my way back to Ottawa to go to the Juno's Songwriters' Circle with Riles. As always, he managed to get amazing tickets (which happened to be front row, dead centre this time) for this intimate concert. There were 7 artists who performed songs after explaining the backstories to them. I LOVED it so much since I related with them on a personal level. What they were saying, were things I told myself often. The event was hosted by Bruce Cockburn, a legend in himself, and accompanied by performers Chantal Kreviazuk, Colin Linden, Daniel Caesar, Donovan Woods, Lisa Leblanc and Paul Murphy. Some of them I knew, and others, I grew to love in a matter of two songs. After a couple hours, the show ended and, Riles and I went to lunch. It was nice to do something a little different other than our regular movies (not that I don't enjoy them) but I always have so much fun when we try new things too.

   So as you can see my dearest readers, things don't always go as plan, but sometimes that's even better. We learn, we discover and we grow. It isn't just in travelling that we find this, but whenever we take a small step out of our comfort zone and try something different. With a busy month ahead, and a big trip coming up, I feel nothing but excitement as I await all the adventures ahead of me!

K.P.H.

Laughter: The Good Kind of Crazy

   Good afternoon dearest readers and here I am yet again. After such a long absence (and my first post in French) I didn't want you to feel like I was neglecting you. For those of you who cannot understand the French language, I simply stated that the reason why I haven't posted in a while wasn't because of a lack of material to write about, but rather a lack of time on my part. Slowly but surely I will continue to divulge my numerous adventures and I hope you will tag along for the trip because I enjoy it all oh so very much.

   Now today's post is in relation to the wonderful concert I attended this past Tuesday. What's funny about it was not so much the show itself, but the circumstances and decisions, and our overall attitude before, during and after the show. It was a concert performed by The Lumineers with Kaleo as their opening act; (I had been able to see the first group this summer, and I had been dying to see the second act ever since I bought their first album in Iceland). Needless to say I got a little stir crazy. However, one of the main reasons I wanted to go to this concert (other than to listen to AMAZING bands) was because it was 10 days before my original last day at my job. When I accepted my first contract at my current workplace, my last day was supposed to be March 31st, and I was in the mood to have something to celebrate. Ever since I landed my second contract, (I should celebrate that too) I'm not set to finish until November 30th 2018. That's a little more than 10 days. Despite that, I fan-girled hard when Kaleo took the stage and blew my mind as they played most of my favorite songs; there's only so much you can do with 45 minutes after all. The Lumineers dazzled us with a heartfelt and catchy performance, and we left the venue smiling. With a few funny pictures, we returned home to rest after such an emotionally exhausting day.

   But the story doesn't end there my readers. My friend Gen had taken the train earlier that day to arrive in Ottawa 40 minutes before the show was set to start, getting us to our seats just as the opening act took the stage. We sang to our hearts content and returned to the apartment for some light snacks (having barely eaten that day) and for a well-deserved rest since we all had an early start. Gen even more so since she was taking the 5h30am train back to Kingston the next morning so she could get to her 9h30am class. She informed me after that this wasn't the first time she did something so spontaneous (and a little crazy) to see bands she liked. I recalled that in October we had done something similar, but not as pressing as we impulsively roadtriped to Toronto to see Boy and Bear at an intimate venue.

   It made me think that we really invest our time and energy in things that make us happy (when we can actually do it) because we all too often compromise and set aside what we want to do for what we should do. Though it doesn't always last long, and could actually leave us a little more exhausted than before, we take our crazy adventures and spontaneous natures as a good kind a crazy. Wouldn't you agree my dear readers? Perhaps it is time you tried your own good kind of crazy out and see what you discover!

K.P.H.

PS. photos props to my roommate Nicole.

Love: "Le tour d'une toune"

   Bonne soirée mes chers lecteurs. Je ne ferai pas une grande introduction, puisqu'elle va se faire plus ou moins sur le vidéo mais j'ai pensé que c'était à peu près temps que j'écris de nouveau dans le blog. C'est pas qu'il me manquait d'inspiration, mais plutôt un manque de temps. Généralement, j'écris en anglais, mais après avoir passé mes journée en français, je croyais bien qu'il serait temps que j'intègre ma passion d'écriture et ma créativité avec ma culture et mon amour pour ma langue maternelle.

Pour cette raison, le vidéo d'aujourd'hui est une de mes chansons préféré en anglais que j'ai traduit en français; et avec ce changement, le "cover" de cette chanson est devenu une de mes préféré à jouer. C'est une représentation parfaite d'un marriage de deux de mes amours. Donc sans trop dévoiler, je vous présente mon premier "cover" en français. Je vais afficher d'autre entrés dans le blog sous peu (et oui, d'autre en anglais aussi).

K.P.H.

Literature: Books Fit for 2017

   Good morning dearest readers! With the weather finally cooling down, I feel like it's appropriate to stay inside a little more and cuddle up in my bed with coffee and a good book; that is, at least on those days that I don't have to work. Once I cam back from my holiday break and settled into my new job at work, I felt like it was time to settle on some time for myself again. With my new resolutions ensuring that I get a good dose of my favorite people, and a strong helping of my writing, I figured it was a right time to assemble my reading list for 2017.

   Last year I attempted the 50 book pledge and I got close. But with my life in turmoil and half of my year taken by school, it was only natural that I didn't quite hit the mark. So instead, this year, I've decided to aim for that half point, and whatever books I read extra will be bonus! I've got a good mix between fiction, non-fiction and poetry books which I believe will give me a good balance throughout the year. Now I ask that you do not judge the reading list as some of you might be a little shocked by some of them (and by shocked, I mean that you probably assumed that I've already read it but I didn't actually yet). If you've completed any of the below, please do not tell me any spoilers because there's a good chance that I never forgive you. Reading transports me to wonderful worlds and allows me to live out great adventures... don't rip me out of that because you can't keep your mouth shut. So take a look, and feel free to use my reading list as your own; I think you might enjoy it just as much!

1. Trigger Warning; Neil Gaiman
2. Harry Potter (HP) and the Philosopher's Stone; J.K. Rowling
3. HP and the Chamber of Secrets; J.K. Rowling
4. HP and the Prisoner of Azkaban; J.K. Rowling
5. HP and the Goblet of Fire; J.K. Rowling
6. HP and the Order of the Phoenix; J.K. Rowling
7. HP and the Half-blood Prince; J.K Rowling
8. HP and the Deathly Hallows; J.K. Rowling
9. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them; J.K. Rowling
10. The people look like flowers at last; Charles Bukowski
11. The Spawning Grounds; Gail Anderson-Dagartz
12. Percy Jackson: The Last Olympian; Rick Riordan
13. The Death Cure; James Dashner
14. The Kill Order; James Dashner
15. Big Magic; Elizabeth Gilbert
16. The Woman Who Lived with Wolves; Paul Globe
17. The Educated Imagination; Northrop Frye
18. The Weight of Glory; C.S. Lewis
19. The Boy Who Drew Monsters; Keith Donohue
20. Life from Elsewhere; Amit Chaudhuri
21. Rooftoppers; Katherine Rundell
22. The Shack; Paul Young
23. Rumi (poems); translated by Farrukh Dhondy
24. No Matter the Wreckage; Sarah Kay
25. On Love; Charles Bukowski

   So now dearest readers you know the list of journeys I plan on embarking on, and I hope you will choose a journey as well; maybe not one of mine, but select one that will suit you just as well. We are truly incredible people, seeking out incredible lives. I don't think I would mind if my thirst for adventure never be satiated. It means I have wonderful things to look forward to.

K.P.H.

Laughter: Joy that Echoes

   Good day dear readers and what a wonderful Tuesday it is. As part of my New Year's resolution, I vowed to write for myself at least once a week, and I've kept that promise too. What I like about my resolution is that it doesn't limit myself to once a week either, but simply states a minimal number. Aiming low and reaching high is usually a good way of working for me.

   I've been lucky enough that ever since coming back from my holiday break, Riles has started his new job/placement. Because of this, most of his regular classmates/friends have left the city for their own placements. It's not that Riles and I don't hang out outside of school, but it wasn't always as easy because of our conflicting schedules. Now we literally work the same hours, and the same days which makes hanging out a lot easier. Upon coming back to Ottawa, Riles and I drove back down together (since I had been in Stratford to visit Katie during the end of my break) and the night after, Riles proposed two movies we could go see. I agreed right away, and he then suggested another one not too long after. I think Riles was afraid that I'd get overly excited so he felt the need to follow-up saying that he didn't want to monopolize all my time, and that hanging out with me wasn't the only thing he could do, but I just smiled and nodded so that I wouldn't blurt out how happy I was and scare him off like a baby deer.

   The first movie we went to see was at this local theatre and it was called "Loving". It was quite the interesting story, and I really enjoyed it. Now I must explain to you why this entry is filed under the Laughter section of the blog. The movie theatre we went to is an older theatre. It's vintage, has one large theatre and you have to pay cash (that should give you an idea of how old it is). Now the ideal spot to sit to get the perfect view is right in the centre row, but in the middle of the theatre since if you sit at the back (like you would do with modern theatres) you can't see as well with the slightly smaller screen. So when we got there, we sat down in these prime seats, and talked, and watched the previews. As to be expected (when I hang out with Riles) I laughed, and I laughed loud. And then I couldn't stop laughing because I realized that in this large, old and semi-empty theatre, my laughed echoed because of where we were sitting down. Riles's eyes grew large as he realized what this meant and I could feel him stare at me every once in a while through the movie to make sure that I wasn't going to laugh at inappropriate moments, because it was a sure fire way for everyone, and I mean EVERYONE to hear. I know that my laugh is funny alone, and that I've got a voice that carries, but I've never heard it echo before; it was like I was in surround-sound.

   The good news is that I laughed only at the appropriate moments, so Riles wasn't embarrassed (well at least not much) and we left the movie to grab a bite to eat. And because it went so well, I'm sure the offer to go see the two other movies still stand. So I'll leave with you a quote I heard not too long ago that I had to attribute to the situation at the movies. It stated that: "How beautiful it is that we laugh because our bodies cannot contain the joy." That my dearest readers is a wonderful thought, but I must ask myself exactly how happy I must be, since I am always laughing, overflowing with joy. It is a beautiful thing to hear a joy that echoes in the simplest of ways.

K.P.H.

Love: Aspire to Inspire

   Good morning my dearest readers and Happy New Year! As we welcome 2017 and ready our resolutions I find myself more excited than ever. As many were happy to bid farewell to the ominous 2016 with all of its wretchedness, I like to look back on it and remember the wonders it offered me. As you know, I'm positively positive about everything, so why should one unfortunate year be any different to me.

   In 2016, I graduated from university. I travelled to Iceland and made incredible friends. I celebrated my grandparents 55th wedding anniversary in Newfoundland with them as I drove them around. I interviewed for good jobs and worked on integrating myself into the workplace. I got spontaneously hired for one of the largest (if not THE largest) french-canadian youth NGO. I moved into a new and beautiful apartment near a beach. I met incredible people and made close friends from all around Canada. I got promoted at work. Met an incredible author. Started writing for a new blog. Got offered to be a partner on two new writing projects. Started writing a new novel. Completed a new poetry collection on my typewriter. Continued my volunteering on the OAR. Surprised my mom at her retirement party and got asked to be my best friend's maid of honour. With all of that good, I don't think it's necessary to dwell on the few moments that weren't perfect.

   Because of this, I've resolved to maintain my resolutions that revolve around me for once. I plan on calling family and friends once a week (minimum) and to write once a week for me. Simple yet achievable. And through it all, it'll push me to keep working on the dreams and goals I haven't prioritized for far too long. I think it's time I let myself be for once.

   Doing this, I hope will set me on the right track. I hope that my attitude, and my work, and my writing will then inspire. I will aspire to inspire others, and I will aspire to be inspired by others. It's how I get my best work done, and it's how I get my best ideas. I've come to realize that when I allow myself to let myself through seep my writing, I create works that I am genuinely proud of and can see being successful. I've seen the way I must try to work this year my dear readers, and I hope you have found your sign as well. If you haven't had it yet, then here it is; I'm offering it to you. Aspire to let it inspire you and let this year allow you to do the things you've always dreamed of accomplishing. The time is now, or it is never.

K.P.H.