my (new year) weekend in summary

this new year's weekend was great. full, and productive.
the 'champagne'; family photo (we're sports fans, obviously); sisters; dance party, big time; sister photo outtakes (we're also uber awkward)
Friday: I left work early on Friday, and did some shopping… getting ‘essentials’ (as I call them) – a new lululemon hoodie (on sale!) and some of the most hideously comfortable jeans I’ve ever owned in my life from lavish and squalor. I’m really digging cheap monday jeans lately, and these are no exception… high wasted, stretchy, and feel like leggings, without the tackyness of jeggings (sorry for those of you who love jeggings). I then went home. and packed for my trip home, and then…. relaxed. Could you imagine? Relaxing. I watched some ‘walking dead’ (which I’m obsessed with – as per my obvious and overstated love for zombies), did some writing, and then went to bed.
Saturday: woke up sort of late, but not too late to ruin the day. Cleaned, packed, etc. and then met Alicia for a jaunt around the mall while I picked some last things up, including a late birthday present. We then made the decision that our days would never be as lovely as they could be, without pad thai. So we got some. And it was glorious. We parted ways, and I finished packing, wrote a birthday card, and met my friend for dinner at enoteca sociale. Amazing. To die for. We managed to get in, without a reservation on new year’s eve (if you can imagine), and ensured that prosecco was included in the meal. After we said our goodbyes, I drove to Mississauga to stop by Nate and Brianne’s *new house to say hi, for their NYE party. Chatted for about an hour, and then drove back to my parent’s house, where my sisters and their friends were hanging out. My NYE then involved dance parties to the sounds of electric circus, rap, and large amounts of Bambino to celebrate the new year. My parents walked over at midnight, and we managed a fairly pulled together family photo. We danced late into the night, and didn’t get into bed until late. But it was perfect.
Sunday: woke up too early (according to the night before), and had a huge breakfast with my family, and our quasi-adoptive family member Jeff (my sister’s friend). We then spent the day watching tv, football, and I wrote while chatting with my dad. We then headed out for a movie (which replaced our normal Christmas play), before I headed back to Toronto. I then headed over to my friend’s place just to hang out, watch a movie, relax. Got home at a decent time, and slept (after pure NYE exhaustion).
Monday: woke up elated that I got an extra day to spend doing nothing. I wrote. I cleaned. I organized. I took apart new antique pieces I got for re:claim. I watched ‘the walking dead’ and listened to music. Did some internet editing, and ate. And. That’s. It. A much needed day.
Hope everyone’s NYE was great – and happy 2012!

'people who predicted you’d be down for the count had to eat those words'

a perfect way to start the new year... with horoscopes.
just adore these horoscopes from russh magazine - though i can't recall how i came upon them. the photo collections are stunning, and the words themselves are beautifully written... whether you believe it or not.
for me.
Virgo

In recent years, you’ve certainly paid your dues. Just a few years ago, you had faced some of the most severe planetary challenges possible. Saturn entered Virgo and began restricting your movements and testing your mettle. If you said at the time that only a superhuman could survive what you (and Pisces) were being asked to endure, you’re right, but since then, you’ve proven just how tough you can be. You not only survived but also flourished, and people who predicted you’d be down for the count had to eat those words. The good news is Saturn is planning to finally make his departure from your financial earned income (second house) on 4 October. Your earned income should rise soon after, possibly as soon as the new moon 15 October. In the two weeks that follow that new moon, be ready to ask for a raise, or to negotiate salary confidently for a new position. You will likely be very pleased and surprised when you see your income go up at long last! You will still have to be careful about money matters, for Uranus will remain your financial house until March 2019. Keep an eye on money you owe, as well as money you share. Uranus wants you to become more skillful at creating contingency plans should funds from any source dry up suddenly for any reason.
Now let’s look at superb news, the arrival of Jupiter, the planet of good fortune, in friendly earth-sign Taurus, to shine his light in the area of your chart ruling big dreams, international travel and adventure, expansive experiences and learning, which is your ninth house. For any of these matters, you will see some of your best progress at the end of April and in early May. The new moon on 21 April will be stellar, and the luckiest weekend of the year, 12 - 13 May, will bring exciting results. And, more extraordinary news: Mars will spend an unusually long time in Virgo and will allow you to materialise a dream dear to you. In Virgo for nearly eight months, this suggests you'll be starting something new – it might be any number of things, including a romantic relationship!
Generally, you’ll have your best luck in love during the first half of 2012 when Jupiter will be there to support your every move. Later, Venus will move into Virgo from October 3 to 28, making October a standout month for you. Venus will work to increase your magnetism and charm, so all you need to do is be “out there” so that others can meet you.
Jupiter will brilliantly light your tenth career house of honors awards and achievement on 12 June and continue for a total of a year of rewards! Any new position you take on under this phase would NOT be a lateral move, but a big step up the ladder of success to a position of more power and responsibility. You’ll be thrilled with what will occur. By this time Saturn will be out of reach, so you really have a good shot at fixing your finances at long last. Watch carefully for what happens just after the solar eclipse, 20 May. And, the 28 November eclipse.
Now let’s turn to matters of love, which will also bring cause for celebration. The unusually long tour of Mars in Virgo will continue to 3 July. I particularly like the period from 21 April to 13 May, when all conditions will be superb. There is another day, 21 May, when Jupiter will meet with your ruler, Mercury. That’s sure to be a great moment for you, for on that day, all your interests will be served. Later, Venus will move into Virgo from 3 – 28 October, making it a standout month for you.
Dear Virgo, Mars in Virgo, later Venus in Virgo – wow! You have plenty of wonderful aspects to set your spirits soaring. It’s possible too that you may meet an artist, musician or other creative person and fall in love. You may create the kind of relationship that you see up on the silver screen, in the movies. That kind of poetry in real life does exist.
if that's the case, then WELCOME 2012. career moves, big chances, increase in wealth, and a romantic relationship. who. knew.

to a new year for all of us.

this year, i am making few resolutions.
1. to seriously research a get away in India that will help me with my back pain.
2. to focus 25% of my attention on building my jewelry and online brand.
3. to hold 3 shows in the year 2012.
4. to submit one piece of writing a month, to an online publishing site, like thought catalog.
5. to get my jewelry in at least 1 shop this year.
6. to save 25% of my net income every month, to pay off debt, and save for travel.
7. to write every day. about something. anything.
8. focusing more on me. making decisions for my happiness - and no more doing things, saying yes, making plans for everyone else's happiness. example: i was asked by a coworker to go for drinks the other night, after work... and, though i wanted to, i said no, so that i had time to go grocery shopping, and write. seemingly insignificant, i know. but worth the early bed time, and the money i saved.
9. to craft once a week. and focus on giving only handmade gifts.
10. to stop comparing myself to others. to ignore numbers on everyone else's etsy, blog, etc. and focus on the depth and work i am producing in my own life. and to garner happiness from those individual things.
every year we get a chance - a new chance to start again. my friend just said to me, 'whatever happens, you'll either leave it in 2011, or have a new and exciting start to 2012." and i love that. i love it entirely. and that's how i'm going into it. leaving it all behind in 2011, and starting fresh in 2012. and taking all the good with me.
// image from bre at moxee

what are your resolutions?

2011 in summary - what 2011 meant to me...

as with last year, i truly believe that reflection on your place in life, and what that brings, is the reason we are given touch points - yearly reminders of where we once were.

"the most beautiful people we have known, are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. these persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. beautiful people do not just happen."
elizabeth kubler ros.
this year has been indescribable. emotional roller coasters, lots of great trips, standing by 2 people who are completely and utterly important to me, while they gave their wedding vows... all of these things contributed to the person i can see in the mirror today. i will encapsulate 2011 as a great year. a lot of things happened. but without those things, what would life be worth?
Valley: in fighting with my sister, i realized that sometimes - as the result of being a person who doesn't share their emotion - people can't tell when i'm hurting, and how badly i'm hurting. when people don't know, they can not possibly be prepared to hold out their hands, in help. so at times, when i was at deep lows, i was left alone. it took a lot to realize that if people don't know - if i don't reach my own hand out for help first - people have no idea how to get me out of the valley. i'm better prepared, sitting in the dip of the valley, to reach out, and ask for help.
Mountain: continued back issues, felt like a continuous uphill battle - always in pain, hitting a plateau, working my butt off to try to feel better, and to no avail. however, that climb made it easier to make my own decisions - to quit the cane, to avoid walking with a limp, no matter how badly it hurt. all of those moments of pain, and frustration, gave me the guts i needed to work against the steep mountain i was grasping at, and kick the shit out of the incline. i know i'm better for it.
Swiftly moving rivers: this year, i actually committed to becoming involved in things that actually mattered to me. and if that meant no spare time, sobeit. the internship, the planning of the art/jewelry show, the commitment to building my jewelry brands re:claim and thackeray's vanity, delving into new projects with people i respect (more on Alex and my project in 2012), and dedicating time to writing things that matter. and i loved every second of it. but trust me - when you have that many things on the go, the days move quicker than you ever thought possible. and again, i loved every second of it.
Calm streams and ponds: this year, i actually took moments to myself. and - better yet - non drug induced moments. i painted in parks; i sat for hours and designed, and created; i read books, and wrote poetry; i dedicated myself to writing things that mattered, even if it got me in trouble.... and those moments in time where i was completely and utterly alone? those moments helped me to be the best version of me possible. and i will commit to spending more of these moments in 2012. 
Sunrises: beginnings of friendships, relationships, new babies, new oppourtunities, and new days. many many new days, that provided a new oppourtunity to do something different. to be brave. 
Sunsets: the loss of a political leader, and hero; the realization that i'll never travel the way i used to, run the way i used to, or do many things the way i used to; the acknowledgment of the closing of one chapter of my life. 
but the beautiful thing about sunsets? they always make way to sunrises. 
(last year's post)
// all photos from the 365q project

2011 in summary - my favourite memories of 2011

last year, right before the new year, i compiled a list of memories that made me smile from the year before... and i like that that did... it reminded me that despite what may have seemed like a dismal year, there were plenty of good things.

this year, i will do the same.
so.... my favourite memory from…
January: despite being at the peak of my pain, i spent a ton of time with friends. i really pushed myself to get out of the house. i also got to spend a lot of time with my family after Christmas, which is unusual. Missy's dance show, babysitting, LOTS of vegan cupcakes, and birthday parties. i got a good reminder of how much i LOVED life as a student.
February:  though i was REELing from my car being broken into, i had no time to think about it... as my little niece was born on February 7th (also my sister's birthday). she's been simply one of the most incredible things to enter my life. i'm constantly reminded of the blessings i have... through all of my nieces and nephews - and she was no exception. plus - it was the first time a child was named after me... and for that, i was honoured.
my new little niece GMAA
March: quite simply, in and amongst the back, food poisoning, and some other wonderfully hilarious things, i got to spend time with friends. every chance i get to spend time with my laurier friends, is a lucky one. the weekend that 4 of us did a road trip for a st paddy's adventure (not on st paddy's day) was a wonderful reminder to me.
laurier friends at our impromptu st paddy's celebration
April: again, despite the car accident i was in with 2 of my cousin's over Easter, April marked the 1 year anniversary of the closing of la perlerie - the bead store i worked in. the store - though seemingly insignificant as a part-time job - was life changing, as it solidified my love for jewelry and creations, as well as introduced me to some of my best friends in the world.
plus! i got my new computer, AND celebrated the 30th birthday of a great friend slash big brother... who i am also VERY lucky to have (and was exceptionally lucky to have in high school as a guardian).
mike's 30th birthday
May: and again, disaster. i found out i owed a ridiculous amount of money in income tax, because the company i work for had not been charging me enough for the past 2 years. however, the highlight? mini olympics with laurier friends... and finding out that the first of my friends (my very first roommate from university and my good friend matty) were going to have a baby!
mini olympics in May
June:  i not only got to spend an entire weekend with my little niece, but also got to spend another weekend at our annual family picnic... which i am so lucky to be able to have. so many families have so many issues and - though we have MANY of our own - our family is one who sticks together, and loves spending as much time together as possible.
family picnic
AND i got to go on my first trip since i hurt my back - to visit my mom's side of the family in sault ste marie. indescribable.
sister, cousin and i in sault ste marie
i got my first taste of what it was like to be a writer... with negative backlash to something i wrote. the most interesting part was that the entry solicited not only angry backlash, but the most positive response i have ever received from friends and readers throughout cyberspace. it was empowering, to say the least.
July: it was almost like all the bad culminated in july to produce one of the best months ever. i not only got to spend a week 'camping in luxury' with some of my best friends in the world, but i also got to visit friends and my sister in vancouver, as well as a quick jaunt to vancouver. in between then, since i was in mega planning mode for my lovely friend Mary's wedding, we did a little bachelorette, AND shower. how could i pick just one thing??
August: easy. Mary got married. no question the best moment of my summer. though it was a whirlwind 3 days, involving a bit of drama on wedding day, and not a lot of sleep overall, the whole weekend was amazing, beautiful and so worth every second of every day. i only wish it could have been longer, so i could have spent longer with the amazing people i got to meet, and, of course, 2 of my favourite people in the world - mary and reuben. then, to top the month off with a million jays games? perfection.
the wedding party
i will also say - though this isn't my favourite memory - that august also brought sadness, as my hero, jack layton, passed away from cancer. i could go on and on about what this meant to me, but i did so immediately, right then and there. my reflections here.
September: i got to spend an EARLY 30th birthday with my dear friend cole, AND i had another addition to my barage of nieces and nephews - the 4th of the clan was born... and i was yet again, elated.
cole's birthday speech
new niece - GSLP
October: spent this month, and the next exploring what it meant to be me. made some MAJOR life decisions.... and, to be honest, spent this month just enjoying happiness for the first time in a long time. i also got to spend thanksgiving with my mom's family, for the first time in a LONG time, with my friend denver. the weather was perfect, and man... my family is amazing.
thanksgiving campfires
November: annual movember, and another baby born. tons of time with nieces and nephews... and lots of love to share. i am a lucky woman.
December: december is obviously filled with amazing Christmas visits, food (lots of food), etc. but i also got to see bon iver for the first time, in what could easily be described as one of the best concert experiences of my entire life. it was perfection. like a snapshot in time that i'll hold true, after the rest has been left to embers. our little nugget was also born - our university friend's son... the first baby in that group of friends, which was surely cause for celebration.
i also coordinated my first art/jewelry show... which was daunting, time consuming, and in bad timing.... but it went off as expected, and with some success. a good moment of encouragement for more shows to come.
alex and cat at 'a curious gathering'
it was a year. a good year. a year of cottage visits, mexican madness, another birthday, time with nieces and nephews, some pain - physical, emotional, and heart related - but above all, it was a year for life changing moments with friends and family. and 2012 will be no different.
what are your favourite memories of 2011?