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.

Love: A Little More than Christmas Spirit

   Good morning dear readers and what busy weeks I'm sure we've all had. This past Sunday was the last day of a 5 day meeting my work and I had organized. Needless to say that we were pulling overtime well before those 5 days, but after every single day, I would get home exhausted, but smiling because things went so well.

   We had a day where we spent it on Parliament Hill, meeting MPs, senators and ministers to discuss the issues the francophone youths are facing every single day. We attended the question period, and hosted a reception in Centre Block. The next day we experienced a blanket exercise which helps understand the hardships aboriginal people have suffered, and encourages the reconciliation with them. We worked through our next 5 year plan for our organization, and had our statutory meeting where we voted for the changes that needed to take place. Needless to say that it was quite the productive and memorable experience.

   Not only was it productive, but it gave me the chance to really connect with our members from across Canada and get to hear them out since I will be starting my newest project alongside them and with them. What was even more encouraging for me is that everything went off without a hitch. Yes, we had a few cancellations and yes, we had to get a little creative but SO much could have gone wrong but it didn't. Instead, things went well and went right, and our membership had the chance to really connect and get their point across; something that isn't always easy. All in all, it was a weekend/week for the books and it was definitely a crowd pleaser.

   Now with another week started, I've settled into a different planning mode: Christmas spirit. This week I have two office parties, the lighting ceremony with Riles, a family Christmas on the weekend, and quite possibly roomie Christmas with Nicole on my return. I decorated our office space yesterday, and I've designated myself the elf of Christmas spirit for the office. I've planned a few surprises for my co-workers and they don't seem to object either. As I was getting their Christmas stockings set-up at their desks early this morning, the sun was slowly making its way to into the sky and it made me think that sometimes, it isn't just Christmas spirit that keeps us in a good mood, but realizing that in small moments, we also have little miracles that help things go right.

   So whether planning meetings on Parliament hill, or planning just the right amount of Christmas spirit for the office, things work out well because we believe that they will. Then, all that's left afterwards is to be grateful for it all. Smile a little dearest readers, and believe.

K.P.H.

Literature: The Click of the Keys

   Good day my dear readers and what a happy day it is. Though it is Black Friday and I plan on getting no shopping done whatsoever (since I value my life) I've decided to post an entry on a new project I'm working on. I've been blessed with a promotion at work which means I'll be sticking around Ottawa for another two years, but this also means that I manage to get most of my weekends off to work on whatever my little heart desires. Lately, I've been drawn to my new typewriter.

   At first I thought it was a lavish purchase (which it essentially was) so that I could feel like I belonged to the greats, but it called to me a little louder than expected and I found myself writing almost immediately. I had finished reading yet another of Charles Bukowski's poetry collections and I was inspired to write something completely different than anything I've ever produced before. In groupings of 4, I composed poems on a variety of subjects and they flowed through my mind easier than any of my other stories. There was something so real and so natural that it still freaks me out a little. My own voice has come through in a way that I never thought I'd be understood. I'm also motivated to try to get some of these newer poems published in magazines, or submit them in multiple competitions since for the first time in a long time, I'm proud of my work and I believe in its potential.

   So keep your eyes peeled for my new poetry collection called THE CLICK OF THE KEYS (a typewriter collection) which will hopefully be available sooner than later. Today's post gives you a sample; it's a poem from the 4th grouping I wrote. Let me know what you think! If you like this one, I could release more on the blog since I find they're all quite different. I would love to get feedback from my readers who have been so faithful to me. I'm actually approaching the 5000 original views mark which is yet again, another milestone for this writer who was often overlooked. I am grateful to have you on board. And without further ado:

There are things I wish you had learned.
Like how you have to
work to get what you
want. Or how
patience is an important
virtue. I wish you learned from
your mistakes instead of
using them as a crutch,
an excuse, a shovel to dig
yourself deeper than rock
bottom. I wish
you learned that there are
other things to life
and that not everyone
is a shitty human being. Or that
you keep finding them
because you act like a shitty human
being sometimes too. I
wish you learned to persevere when things
look bad, but to let go when there's no
way to win. I wish you
learned to have faith in
something instead of denying the existence
of goodness. Or to put your faith in the
thing you claimed that
can give you your answers. Or that it's okay
to ask questions.
I wish you learned that those closest to you
are always there even
if you only choose to notice
every once in a
while. Or that some people
will only stick around because
they want something. Or that
you seek the love of others and lose sight
of what's really happening. I wish you learned
you focus too much and miss the big picture
but that you
managed to worry about the future
when there's nothing to do.
I wish you learned that though
you may not always be liked,
you are always
loved.
There are things in your life
I wish you had learned,
and I guess now
would be the time.

K.P.H.

Laughter: Thanked and Threatened All At Once

   Good morning dearest readers and how the week is simply flying by. I've been blessed with good days, and I can't seem to get out of this wonderful mood I'm in (but that isn't such a bad thing after all). I've been working on my writing and I've managed to find a new voice, and a new side of me that I like quite a lot. It seems as though this is the first time in a long time that I see the potential (the true potential) of my work. Whether its my positive outlook or my skills, this girl is on a roll!

   As you know by now, I am a woman of action, of adventure. This past weekend, I did just that. I had been planning to surprise my mom at her last leadership camp over the weekend to wish her well and give her a proper send off instead of slipping through the cracks unnoticed like she would have wanted. I gathered some of my old friends, and some of the original youth counsellors to meet me at the camp, and take part in this epic send off. I had also managed to get in touch with some of her coworkers to help me orchestrate the whole thing; and yes, I can be devious when I need to be.

   The whole endeavour to actually make it to that point was anything but smooth. I had to lead my mother off my track and managed to get some close family and friends to write her thank you cards for everything she's done for us. While she thought this was her surprise (and knowing all too well I had my hand in it), she couldn't shake her gut feeling that I was just going to show up at some point. It took everything in me not to show up with my dad to help out on the Friday night. No, I had to stay strong and show up with everyone else on the Saturday. However, getting to that point was even more difficult; at least it seemed that way.

   One of the youth counsellor's (who is also my best friend) truck wouldn't start and had to get it boosted before rushing to the camp. We had to hide in bushes in front of the school to make sure we weren't spotted as they searched for my mother, to make sure she wouldn't spot us while roaming the school's halls. Lastly, they snuck us into the school, but since we couldn't be there from the beginning of the ceremony, they hid us in the gym's showers, and we held our breath and tried hard not to laugh when people crept in and chatted amongst themselves, waiting for the last event to finish. Through all of this, my best friend finally showed up, and they rushed him into one of our stalls as we waited for the perfect moment.

   When the time came, we poured out of the gym, made a bridge and my mother passed underneath (a symbol of her passing onto the next stage in her life - a gesture that was done for us when we graduated) and she was absolutely speechless when she spotted us at the end of the man made tunnel. It was one of the most moving moments I've ever witnessed, and have been part of. Out of all of this, some of the teachers and other youth counsellors asked me beforehand, how my mother was going to react to us being there (especially since I had driven 6 hours to get there) and I told them that she was going to be so happy, and then that she was going to kill me; all in one moment. And lo and behold, she hugged me tight when she saw me, and immediately followed up saying "I'm so mad at you right now". The last statement merely expressing how she worries about me when I travel by myself, and how jealous she was that she missed out on spending a day and half without me.

   So with the hectic weekend and moment done, I know that I'd do it all again in a heart beat. I realized that my mother knows me extremely well and that sometimes her gut feeling can be terrifyingly accurate. Regardless of it all my dear readers, it was worth being thanked and threatened at the same time.

K.P.H.

Literature: Canada at its Finest

Good afternoon my dear readers! The clock doesn't stop for us, but at least once in a while we manage to get one extra hour; an occurrence which is happening this weekend. It either means more sleep, or more likely, more time to read! For this entry, I wanted to say a little bit about the amazing experience of going to see Jane Urquhart and Margaret Atwood roughly two weeks ago. I can't believe how quickly the time passes by, which is why I never miss a chance (if I can help it) to meet some of the people I idolize the most.

   I have had the chance to meet Atwood over 5 years ago when she celebrated her birthday in Sudbury, but this time, the setting was a little more intimate, and I went with my roommate who's as big of fan of Margaret (if not a bigger fan than I am), which made it all the more fun. I was simply ecstatic to meet Urquhart since I fell in love with her writing during my second year at university. I had just finished binge reading her novel AWAY, and I couldn't get enough of her. I later one freaked out when I fond out that she had been one of the guest Authors that took part in uOttawa Writer in Residence program (even if this happened long before I attended the school). They were both releasing new books; Atwood was promoting her new book "Hagseed", which is her interpretation of Shakespeare's The Tempest. Urquhart was presenting "A Number of Things", her compilation of 50 objects that she found represented Canada for it's 150th anniversary. It was awe-inspiring to see two Canadian women who are intelligent, worldly and witty. They represent everything that I ever aspire to be, which made each night incredible.

   I could have also entitled this entry "What to say when meeting your idol" or rather, "What NOT to say when meeting your idol" because even after 4 years in an English literature degree, both Nicole and I struggled to find the words (or the right words) to express to our heroes how much we appreciated their presence and their contribution to the craft we spent so much of our time studying. Both nights were filled with emotion, and they will forever be burned into my memory. Never miss the chance my dearest readers to meet the people you look up to; it will either restore your motivation, or ignite your next big idea that had been waiting for the spark.

 

(PS. I stole a couple of pictures from my roommate to complete the collection, so props to her!)

K.P.H.

Love: "Love Will Always Be"

   Salutations on this Saturday dearest readers! The weekend has finally arrived and I'm taking the time today to catch up on a few entries for the blog. It seems as though my time is a little more in demand lately, but I'm not really complaining. I'm happy to be writing on more than one platform now, but I will always make the time to write on my own. After all, I've got readers to update and to entertain with the shenanigans I get into!

   Despite my busy schedule, I've finally managed to record one of the two new songs I wrote recently. I realized that I haven't posted one in a while, but writing songs is not as easy as I may make it look. The songs was inspired by a quote I liked from the play "For Life", where an actress said that she wanted to be told she was loved, but at the same time, she didn't want to hear it because nowadays people use "I Love You" more as a salutation than as the declaration it should be.

   Maybe it resonated with me because of my lack of luck in romance in the past, but I found that I needed to find a way to express how I felt about it. And so, I came up with this song. It outlines our expectations of love, what we wrestle with, what we settle with, but that through it all, we always have hope for it.

That my dearest readers is beautiful, inspiring and a little bit tragic all in itself.

K.P.H.

Love: Powerful Lyrics and Skillful Whistling

   Good morning my dear readers!! How I enjoy Thursdays since it's a reminder that the weekend is just one day away. I can't believe how quickly this week went by. I spent Monday and Tuesday at a work retreat, and I've been knee deep in work since. It's hard to believe that almost a week ago tomorrow, I was heading down to Toronto with my friend Geneviève to see one of our favourite bands: Boy & Bear.

   We were fortunate enough to have a spontaneous road trip (and by spontaneous I mean we only planned it a week in advance). Still we managed to get there just in time, have a place to crash for the night and managed to be front row for the concert. AMAZING!!! Gen and I saw them this summer at Bluesfest in Ottawa (always front row) and I was thoroughly impressed. The band has this kind of energy that is completely mesmerizing. They're really relaxed and chill on the scene, and I'm so very proud to state that I locked eyes with the lead singer and he smiled at me.

What's cool about Boy & Bear (other than their amazing music) is that they're still a small enough band to play at these more intimate venues which only adds on to the incredible atmosphere. They had a really good opening act called Kobi, and his sound (though quite different than B&B) was quite cool. He had a blues/classic rock vibe about him. I also locked eyes with him during one of his guitar solos, but that proceeded to be a little bit too long, and a little more than awkward. The overall experience was still super fun.

One thing to know about Boy & Bear (other than the fact that their drummer is this adorable bearded ginger man) is that they have haunting melodies, powerful lyrics and mind-blowing whistle skills. I can usually hold my own, but on their new album, the notes they can hit and the tempo they can keep is like nothing I've witnessed before. Ever since I had the chance to see them in July, I've listened to their music while I write and it sets the perfect mood for my stories. They connect with their audience with their honest songs. I've put their song Big Man on repeat more than once, to remind myself that "if failure don't hurt, than failure don't work"; a saying worth knowing and repeating when you've chosen a career path plagued with rejections letters. Despite it all, I keep listening; I keep writing; and I keep checking their tours dates to see when they'll be back. Maybe one day I'll be able to see them in Australia where they have a live saxophone solo for one of their songs. Yes, you read correctly, and yes, that would be epic to see.

So I encourage you to take the time to listen to them, or to go on a spontaneous road trip to see one of your favourite bands. The experience is incredible; the rush is intoxicating; and the time, memorable. I'm just so blessed to be able to have a friend to go with, and a car that will take me wherever I hear the world calling me to. There's really nothing to lose dearest readers; nothing at all but the tight routine you've weaved for yourself.

K.P.H.

Literature: Brave Enough

   Good morning my dearest readers and what a morning it is! It's Friday!!!! Though most of us still have to work through the day, at least we have the weekend now to look forward to. Not only do I have great plans, but those plans involve a spontaneous road trip to Toronto to see an epic band with my friend Geneviève! In addition to that, I've also officially become part of the writing team for the blog thirtyish.me (yes, I am now a working writer) and I LOVE IT!! But this post isn't a Love post, it's a Literature one; so let's get to it!

   I've been cruising through one book after another since I've realized that my deadline to complete my fifty book pledge is only a couple of months away, and I'm just a little over halfway done. So I've started to read a lot more poetry, and short-story compilations because I feel like it's easier for me to finish those off while on my way home from work, or during my lunch break. And today's post is in regards to the book I finished yesterday, which is a compilation of quotes published by Cheryl Strayed (the author of Wild), and though I haven't had the chance yet to read her latter mentioned story, I'm more excited than ever now to read it after completing Brave Enough.

   Cheryl Strayed has a very honest and straightforward way of writing and reaching out to her audience. Her words ring true with the reader, regardless of the age. I found myself relating and nodding along to quotes about parenting and marriage (when I've lived neither of these things yet), but it's the promise of the future, and of the reality of it that resonates. After only a few pages in, I had to stop and read a few of the quotes out loud to my mom, and proceeded to tell her that I'd like one of the quotes framed and gifted to me at Christmas because it was just that good.

   The things with quotes (and especially this book) is that we relate well with other people's words, because they express things we feel but have been able to vocalize until then. We all express ourselves differently, and writers are the ones we turn to to find the outlet we are unable to fathom. It's to make sense of the little voices in our heads, and to identify them by putting a tangible voice to them. It then echoes in the words of another. The best part of this book, is that it gave me the boost I needed without even knowing that I needed it at that moment. Sometimes you just need a complete stranger to tell you how incredible you are, and to keep pushing through whatever it is your struggling with, and to shoot high because that's the only place you should be aiming for.

   So I hope that you will be Brave Enough my dearest readers to go after the life you've imagined, because you honestly deserve it. And if ever you would need a little encouragement (which we ALL do sometimes) let Cheryl Strayed be the one to give it to you!

K.P.H.

Laughter: It's All About That Game, 'Bout That Game, No Pressure

   Good afternoon and welcome back my dear readers from your wonderful Thanksgiving. Yes, this past weekend was that time of the year where Canadians get together and are grateful for what we have and who we are. Most people drove home, or had guests show up on the Friday to get the chaotic weekend started, but I postponed my departure until Saturday morning because Nicole and I had something really important to attend... a football game.

   Now for those of you who are oblivious to the fact that Canadians actually have their own football league, just know that the game is just as incredible, and our athletes are WAY less paid than the americans. We have just as many crazy fans, and just as many team rivalries, but we're just a little nicer to each other when it comes to our sportsmen like conduct. So the game we went to see was the Ottawa RedBlacks versus the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Those two teams are long-standing rivals which makes the match that much more intense. Furthermore, the Roughriders were having a pretty bad season so far, while the RedBlacks we doing pretty well for themselves.

   Now since Nicole is from Regina, Saskatchewan, naturally her team is the Roughriders (which I've adopted as my own since the last time we went to a game and the Riders won), but we weren't the favourite to win. We were mentally preparing ourselves for some friendly heckling, while Nicole called for a "nail-biter" of a game. That's exactly what we got. After a big lead, the RedBlacks caught up to tie the game and forced all of the exasperated fans and energized teams into overtime. As a last-ditch attempt to win, the RedBlacks overshot their field goal, but when Saskatchewan tried the same move, they manage to land it, thus winning the game. It was super intense, and every time I go see a RedBlacks versus Roughriders game, it's never easy on the nerves.

   Aside from all of this, throughout the game, Nicole and I kept our spirits light with jokes and funny cheers. Now you probably all know how ridiculous my laugh can be (especially when it morphs into other demonic laughs), but despite the roaring crowd, two younger girls who were sitting next to us couldn't help but listen and laugh along to my boisterous chuckle. They would quite literally stop their conversation when there was any indication that I would laugh. They proceeded to tell me that they loved my laugh and that they were laughing with me (and not at me) which made me less self-conscious. They were rooting for Ottawa (which was losing) but they didn't seem to care anymore.

   So another day, another game, and another explosion of laughter gone by, and Nicole is still nowhere close to recording my laughs to put them as her ringtones on her phone. I'm just happy that my carefree attitude and contagious laughter can brighten up anyone's day. Just know dearest readers, that if you go see a Canadian football league game, they can apparently be a lot funnier than one expects!

K.P.H.