In this connected world…

If you know me at all, you know that I am attached to my Blackberry. Very, very attached. It is my lifeline, my sanity… and insanity.

I am in a long distance relationship – actually several of them to be exact! I live hundreds of miles from my man, and from many of my best friends and family members. So, my Blackberry acts as our lifeline. My phone is what keeps us all together. Evening chats, so I can pretend I’m just down the street from someone. Maybe my phone has gotten too much of a work out these days!

This afternoon, I was working from home – social media monitoring – to be more specific. I was hyper-connected. I had two laptops set up (my personal and my employers’). Each laptop displayed various monitoring tools, telling me what kind of activity is happening online. And even though I had access to my work and personal emails, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, I felt disconnected!

It’s incredible how much we get used to these advanced technologies at our fingertips. I remember when I had a pager! That was a lifetime ago. So, now hours later, I’m charging the (second) Motorola Razr that my lovely friend has “donated.” If it works, at the very least, I’ll be able to place a phone call or two before I can get into Rogers!

Laughing Baby

This is bound to make you laugh...

I ♥ food!

Can I just say delish?!

I think I've written about this resto before, but I just had dinner with my lovely friend Jess at ChuChai. Lovely, totally vegetarian, BYOW (bring your own wine) Thai place.

I forced Jess to try the Miang Kam (not sure of the exact spelling), which is the chef's special appetizer. I can't tell you exactly what it is, but it's an edible leaf, which you wrap around the little pile of toasted coconut shreds, a tiny piece of lime, a cashew and a secret sauce/jelly. Talk about an explosion of flavours!

I ordered the Vegetarian Chicken with cashews and pineapples with a side of vermicelli noodles. Yum. Jess had the Vegetarian Chicken with peanut sauce and crunchy spinach, with a side of sticky rice. Even yummier. It took forever, which isn't usually the case, but we were both stuffed. I wish I took a picture.

You should go. (If you're in Montreal).

A little how-to... Creating the perfect outdoor sanctuary

For your home, you want nothing but the best. So, whether you love to entertain or enjoy rest and relaxation, inside and out, you shouldn’t settle for anything less than the best.

When the hot weather rolls in, it is becoming increasingly common for homeowners and apartment dwellers to outfit their outdoor spaces as they would those indoors. There are countless manufacturers that cater to helping consumers decorate their outdoor living rooms, allowing them to maximize the use of and personalize their deck or green space.

When planning the décor for your space, think of how you want the area to be used. If you’re looking to develop a lounge area on your deck or in your backyard, you’ll want to ensure your space is inviting, comfortable, and relaxing. Not only will you spend many hours enjoying it, but you’ll want your guests to enjoy it just as much.

The first step to designing the perfect space is to determine a theme. Are you drawn to a cottage-feel, with Muskoka chairs or rustic pieces, or clean, modern lines in glass and metals? Think about using neutral coloured furniture, which is designed to withstand the elements. Low seated couches and chairs, assembled in a square or circular manner, will ensure the easy flow of conversation. Coordinating coffee and side tables are often available to accompany sets of couches and chairs.

Purchasing a weather-resistant or waterproof canopy or gazebo to enclose your space will allow you entertain even when the skies open up. Within your canopy, adding low, decorative outdoor lights create a soft glow and a cozy feel.

An outdoor fireplace or water feature can also help transform your outdoor room from a plain space to a sanctuary.

In order to make your space unique, incorporate an element of exoticism by introducing a focal point or conversation piece to the space. Adding African masks or African crafts, likes the ones found on Afrikdecor.com, will give the space a personalized touch.

Surround yourself with the natural elements found in your yard, items that appeal to you, and you’ll have created the perfect outdoor living room.

Im(post)or

So, it's been so long since I've written that I feel like an impostor. It's crazy how time flies, and with it being summer, between work (which is very often) and play (not often enough), I have been very easily distracted. And, surprisingly, uninspired.

To bring you up to speed… I've had visitors often, birthday sing-a-longs/jam sessions, dinners, drinks, I switched to a Quebec driver's licence, joined a developing non-profit organization (which aims to help youth receive arts education), registered myself as a business, worked, went to festivals and comedy shows, landed more freelance work and worked more, applied for real jobs, and got a real job. Which I only started two days ago and love already.

It's unreal how scatter-brained, maybe even overwhelmed, I've been in the last month or two - and only a tiny part of that had to do with work. I missed family and friends more this month than really any other since I moved. It's been that weird, kind of low feeling that makes you lazy. I want to do nothing. But instead I drown myself in work. But then, half the time I sit down to work I stare at a blank page or screen for ages until I actually get cracking. WTF?! I'm hoping that now with a full-time job, it'll help. Perhaps all I needed was a bit more security - worry and fear tend to make me do crazy things. Only time will tell.

So, tonight my roomie's away for the night. I'm staying in. Partially because last night was a gong show with friends visiting from TO and I'm exhausted, but mainly because my dinner-drinks-date cancelled… To her credit, she has a proper date with a good-looking gentleman tonight (lucky lady!), in place of our date with some burgers and poutine. Instead, I will tidy up the debaucherous mess that is my apartment, have a phone date with one of my besties in TO to catch up, and hopefully sit down at the keys to try and develop some progression of notes that resembles music. That'll be a laugh!

Brutopia Brew Pub

If you're in for a night filled with art, beer and good music, Brutopia is the place to be.

With Open Mike night on Sundays, anyone is welcome to get up on stage and serenade the crowd.

Some Thursdays you'll be singing along while Pat Lesyk belts out a great variety of tunes, from the Beatles to Jack Johnson.

If it's sunny, pick a table on one of the patios. If the upstairs bar is open, wander through the gallery to check out the featured art.

Or, just order a pint of one of their eight house beers on tap, grab a seat, and see what happens...

Playoff seats? What!?

(I know, I've been M.I.A. for ages...over two months...and I have loads to fill you in on, but I'm going to do it out of order!)

So, I have the best roommate ever. Knowing that I had never been to an NHL game in my life, he managed to score tickets to Game 6, Habs vs. Caps, and brought me to the game!!!!!!!!! ( Habs vs. Caps = Montreal Canadiens against the Washington Capitals, for those who don't follow hockey).

The evening started with a rush home to change and get some gear, a stop outside the Bell Centre at the Tailgate party where my friend Colin Moore (joined by Ryan Batistuzzi and two others) were playing for the crowds. I arrived at one end to hear AC/DC's "You Shook me All Night Long" belted out in Colin's distinct voice, leading us to the stage. After watching the band, I rushed into the HABS Zone to get myself a jersey - I needed to be fully equipped for this Playoff experience!

Our seats were in section 113, centre ice, about 18 rows up. They also just happened to be next to a few guys I used to work with! I could see everything! WAY better than you can see the games on TV! I could make out the expressions on the players' faces. I could barely hear myself think over all of the screams or the "Ovi Sucks", "Halak", or "Go Habs Go" chants. The atmosphere was electric.

The Habs had us on the edge of our seats and handed fans a glorious win. So glorious that I was in a euphoric state all night. It was an experience unlike any other; the noise, the adrenaline, the jerseys, the game, only to top it off with crowds celebrating in the streets.

I am one lucky lady to have been a part of it all.

Now, fingers are crossed for tonight's Game 7... Go Habs Go!

Montreal High Lights Festival

This city is marvelous. I might be a bit biased... I guess I'm technically still in the honeymoon period of my love affair with Montréal!

I guess I just find it amazing that every time I speak to someone who has lived here (usually a lot) longer than I have, they're telling me about a festival or an event that I should keep an eye out for.

This week it's the "Festival Montréal en Lumière," running from February 18 to 28. Tonight is the festival kickoff and I'll be heading down to Quai Jacques Cartier in the Old Port, to take in the festivities and be transfixed by Malajube's melodies - they play at 20h00 tonight. I'm bringing along my old roomie, her mother and sister, who are visiting from France, so it should be a good time.

The festival hosts a very wide variety of events and attractions. I'm hoping I'll find time to check out some of the free events (don't judge, I'm unemployed!). I'm aiming to visit the Leonard Cohen Artworks exhibit, The SAQ Bistro for some tasty treats (wine, roasting marshmallows and sausages), as well as the BMO Ferris Wheel and The Giant Labyrinth - I'm a sucker for some childhood fun!

I'll make sure to bring my camera and report back!

A new HOME...

The last three months have been a whirlwind... If you have been reading, you'll have an idea of what I'm referring to: a job loss, two temporary apartments (with fantastic roomies), freelance work, friends, music, and three moves.

Now, I finally have a home! I have spent the last five days, packing up, moving, flying to Toronto, packing up, moving back to Montreal (with many thanks to kind friends), unpacking, going to Ikea, building Ikea furniture (something I would not have been able to complete if it weren't for my awesome roomie), and organizing.

Now, I just have to finish arranging my room, and we're only missing some stuff on the living room walls, a toaster and a microwave (which are kindly being donated to us by my roomie's cousin).

Needless to say, it's yet another late night and I am to be at the office to do my freelance work early tomorrow morning. I'm exhausted, but overjoyed that I finally have an apartment that I can call home. So, I would like to extend an endless amount of gratitude to all of the people that helped me stay sane and offered assistance and kind words.

Now I can really focus on finding a full-time job!

I'll keep y'all posted on any new adventures as they arise...

Sally and Me

The official launch of Sally Folk's album, Sally and Me, took place last week at Le National, a gorgeous theatre/concert hall in Montreal. In a vibrant display, with kiosks set up for mini manicures and makeup applications, Sally Folk and the Shoop Shoop Band showcased their talent.

The Montreal native is a self-made author, composer, and singer. Sally is a representation of the spontaneous, free-spirited self, whose goal is to unite women of all backgrounds, and break free from social norms.

The black-bobbed, red-lipped Sally is accompanied on-stage by an astonishing medley of musical genius making up the Shoop Shoop Band, which gives the performance a modernized, big-band feel.

Sally and Me will be available for download at most online stores. Copies of the physical CD will be exclusively available at live shows, where 2.00$ from each album sale will be donated to Young musicians of the world. Young musicians of the world is a non-profit organization that provides free education and training in traditional music to children in the low income category.

Keep an eye out for Sally Folk, I’m sure we’ll be seeing much more of her.

My Generation

I received a forwarded email from my mom last night with a link to a video. In her note, she said, "This gives me hope that your generation will get it right." I found this interesting and thought I would share.

This video, submitted to an AARP contest called "U @ 50" by a 20 year old, is powerful. Watch the video in its entirety - listening and reading throughout. The first half is distressing, the second instills hopefulness. I too, hope we can get it right.

Au revoir 2009

While watching Julie/Julia with a glass (or two) of Jackson Triggs Dry Reisling and some brie and prosciutto last night, I realized how terrible I've been at keeping this blog going.

I normally would say, life has gotten in the way, but if I'm honest with myself and you, it's that I haven't given it the time that it deserves. So, I write this post, as the last from the year it started as, not a farewell, but as a hello. The ending of one chapter, leading to another.

I'm not making "real" resolutions this year (like going to the gym more, or saving X amount of money), but I will try to be truer to myself than I've been so far. What's your New Year's resolution?

2009 was, I'll say, a "good" year (for all intensive purposes). I had some VERY happy times - times of love, excitement, and inspiration. There were times of sadness, anger, and disappointment. I've broken hearts and had my heart broken (not necessarily in the romantic sense). But with every incline and decline on this rollercoaster that we call life, I have learned something.

I've learned that I can't plan for everything, that I'm (somewhat) resilient, that I can love and be loved, that I respect and admire, and am respected and admired.

I've learned that money comes and goes, that happiness comes when you allow it to, and that family (including friends) don't hold grudges (thank you, and I'm sorry for all the silly things I've done). I've learned more about what I love and am passionate about. I've learned that I CAN bake, and if I try, I CAN cook. I've learned to write for myself, to sing like no one's listening, and to throw caution to the wind.

This year, loved ones passed on, loved ones got enganged, retired, or started new lives in their own rights.

Through all the happy and sad experiences my friends, family, and I have powered through this year, 2009 has been a good year. But, I hope 2010 is better, for everyone.

To all the people each of us has loved and lost, cheers to you.

Here's to a healthy, happy, prosperous 2010.

MONEEN RAW: Believe

While I was growing up, I was fixated on the indie music scene. Moneen is one of the bands I saw play on a variety of occasions and have always tried to follow through the years.

The recent release of their fourth full-length album, the world i want to leave behind, is an inviting amalgam of mature, fresh and classic sounds.

A friend just posted a link to this MTV News Raw Performance of Believe, and I thought I’d share the video:

NOT the End...

It's amazing how life works. This post is meant to inform you about what is happening in my life, but I think it has become more of a self-directed pep talk.

One week you're changing your life for an amazing opportunity, in a second the wind's been knocked out of you and you're on your ass.

Excuse my French, but I'm not too pleased at the moment. The job, that got me off my butt and moved me to Montreal, is no more.

So, needless to say, I'm unemployed and swinging lightly above rock bottom (at least what would be rock bottom for me - it's obviously different for everyone). However, I'm optimistic that something else will come along.

You can't have it all, right? It was almost too good to be true - the perfect job, the perfect city, and I almost even had the perfect apartment.

Now, I'm searching not only for jobs and more temporary accommodations, but also for myself. I'm torn, because I know some of my friends and family will want me to come home (although they won't say it), but I'm not ready, not yet.

It's incredible the emotion one goes through in a situation like this - shock, fear, sadness, anger, denial, resentment, and acceptance. Not necessarily in that order, but you catch my drift. Whenever you lose something that's dear to your heart, you have to go through the motions. Albeit brief, this chapter that I loved has come to an end, but I'm grateful to have had the experience, despite the outcome.

This still does leave me, to some extent, feeling empty. Like a tiny hole has been carved out of me. But it also leaves me with dreams. Dreams that I will work hard to fulfill. Dreams that I know will come true after some time and perseverance. I longed to live in this city for so long that I cannot let the dream dissipate that rapidly. I longed to be in a place that inspired me, allowed for breathing room and creativity, and that's exactly where I find myself.

I will take this free time to find something else that I love, something that will allow me to live this dream and grow as a person.

I will find my place - whether or not I'm doing what I expected, or what anyone else expected. I'm not ready to leave Montreal, so I'm putting my foot down! Montreal can't get rid of me that easily!

The Beginning...

So, it'll be two weeks tomorrow that I arrived at my new (temporary) apartment in Montreal. Since I can't seem ease myself into anything, I started my new job the morning after I arrived.

It has been a whirlwind two weeks, but it seems as though I'm settling in nicely. My lovely roommate is on exchange from France, so I'm lucky enough to work on my conversational French on a daily basis. Not only is she extremely nice and down to earth, she is a fantastic cook and has now made me lunch twice! I couldn't have asked for a better situation while I'm settling into my new position.

Our apartment is in a perfect spot, close to the metro, amazing restaurants, bars, and stores. Our kitchen is "petite", but it is perfect for two people. We have a comfortable dining room, and my room is large enough to essentially be a living room and bedroom all in one.

We live across the street from a beautiful park, where they've started putting up Christmas lights, giving it a somewhat romantic air, despite the barren trees. Besides the fact that I'm usually cold, I'm actually looking forward to the snow, positive that it will make everything around here look positively picturesque.

I must admit that not only was this an extremely exciting change to take on, it was also extremely terrifying. However, since the moment I arrived, I have not experienced an ounce of regret. I, of course, would not have been able to make the move (literally) without my mother and my "big sister." They were a great help - driving me down, helping me move in and organize, and offering support and encouragement every step of the way. Support and encouragement was also plentiful from the rest of my family and friends. It has also been very refreshing to meet so many wonderful new people, who, in addition to more encouragement, have offered an immense amount of advice and hospitality. Thank you all.

I will do my best to post as often as possible going forward, but as I'm still adapting to my new surroundings and position, and looking for a permanent apartment, I cannot make any promises.

In the meantime, below are links to some bands/musicians (some that I have mentioned in the past) that played on Saturday night at Le Divan Orange:

Chasing Bright Lights

Hugh Manns

Cavaliers

Mike Hale

Austin Lucas (or: http://www.austinlucasmusic.com)

Colin Moore

BIG Move

Since it’s been just about a month since my last post, I thought it might be time to explain why I’ve been MIA.

As I’m sure you’ve noticed, I love Montréal. Over the past few years, I’ve

thought often about living there, but fear always got the best of me. “Fear of what?” some people have asked. Fear of the unknown? Fear of change? Fear of failure? To be honest, I’m not really sure what I was afraid of.

I made some choices this summer to do the things I’ve always wanted to do, so I began seriously exploring the possibility of making this move.

I was recently offered an amazing opportunity at an incredible, quickly growing company. Without hesitation, I said yes. This meant, however, that I had to give notice at my other position, find a place to live, sort out my finances, pack up and move, in just over two weeks.

So, I have a place to live (albeit temporarily), I’m almost done packing, and besides being exhausted and a little bit terrified, I am beyond excited to start this new chapter in my life.

I will do my best to post more often and offer you some insight into my new world in Montréal.

À bientôt!

J'♥ Montréal

There’s something about meeting a friend for a cappuccino at a quaint French café, something about cobblestone streets, something about the arts and music. For me, there’s just something about Montreal. 

My train ride into the city landed me beside a very intriguing young gentleman who showed great interest in “my numbers.”  I’m not talking about phone numbers, I’m talking about numerology.  If that’s not unusual enough to some, J.P., let’s call him, charted my numbers on a VIA Rail barf bag.  

He explained that I’m a very spiritual person – but not necessarily in the religious sense, that I’m very creative, and that I’m a nurturer.  Strange, but those who know me best would say that pretty much sums me up. 

He told me this is my “Buddha” year, my year to “build the foundations” of my life.   It seems as though that’s what I’m doing, albeit, subconsciously. 

As I sat on another (much more comfortable) train five days later, I watched the amazing city disappear as the train pulled away and felt a twinge of sadness. 

 

Let me tell you why: The city exudes brilliance, a unique, contagious creativity that spurs happiness and inspiration within me.  I have some wonderful friends who call Montreal home, and every time I visit, I am lucky enough to meet lots of new, wonderful people. 

My mini vacation was filled with great food, great company, some pretty good wine (and some not so good), fun house parties, and fabulous bars with lots of outstanding music.  For the second time in the last few months, I failed to play tourist and pretended that Montreal was home.

I spent time at a few different cafés, ate at some great restaurants, bought groceries, and cooked a lovely meal in the lovely apartment I was staying in.  I sat on a terrace and wrote, reflected.  I ‘people-watched’ from a park bench and the steps of a café.  I read.  I danced.  I practiced my French.  I laughed.  I played piano. I saw lovers, children, students, men and women, each writing their own stories, shaping their futures.  Each doing exactly what I was doing – living.   

Merci, Montreal.   

Jeff Hutchens

In March, Photo District News (PDN) came out with their top 30 emerging photographers to watch for this year.
Jeff Hutchens recently caught my eye with this photograph.

While I sit inside on a lazy, rainy Saturday, comforted by the thought of being in Montreal, this photograph made me daydream of an afternoon stroll in an ancient European village.

http://www.jeffhutchens.com/contents.html

Great finds at this year's Cabbagetown Festival

Every year, this community festival becomes more and more vibrant.  With part of Parliament Street closed off to cars and Riverdale Park as the main hub for artists and vendors, there is so much to see, listen to, and taste.  

Keep your eyes peeled for lots of food, performers, unique art pieces, jewellery, home furnishings, artisanal goods, and natural products. (www.cabbagetownfestival.org)

Some of my favourite finds from this year’s festival include:

ECHO Arts and Design

With hand-painted recreations of famous artists’ works, Adryan Manasan offers incredibly unique totes and canvas box lamps, at a very affordable price.  He will also take special orders.   My favourite lamp on display showed Picasso’s “The Old Guitarist”.  I’m torn between that one or getting a special order with Modigliani’s painting, “Adrienne (Woman with Bangs)”.  Table lamps go for $50 CDN, floor lamps will run around $140, and totes around $25.  (www.echodesign.ca) 

Guilt Free Chocolate 4 You: Xoçai

Have you ever heard of healthy chocolate?  The lovely independent distributor hosting the booth explained that these chocolate products are made with unprocessed cocoa powder.  They are sweetened with cane juices and are combined with Açai berries and blueberries.   These chocolates are lower in calories and have an abundance of antioxidants.  We tried the “Xobiotic Squares”, which contain two probiotic strains, with a total of 1 billion per three 11 gram squares.  I wasn't sure what that meant, but apparently its beneficial: the “Xobiotic Squares” are great for enhancing digestive health, and, at least to me, are MUCH tastier than a plain yogurt. (www.guiltfreechocolate4you.com)

Free My Interior

This two-person show had the most extravagant, affordable throw cushions on display ($25 for one or two for $40).  One cushion cover made of ruched satin had a belt around its centre, another, which I fell in love with, was faced with black velvet and had five thin gold chains running from top to bottom on its left side.  Talk about conversation starters.  In addition to these custom cushions, the duo also do interior design, painting services, colour consults, home staging, and home organization. (www.freemyinterior.com)

Earth to Body 

“Skin nutrition” at its finest.  A family friend swears by their shampoo/soap bar, saying it lasts forever and her skin can’t do without it.  If you saw her skin, you’d know she’s not lying.  Earth to Body makes all natural, “plant based, organic, fair-trade, vegan and gluten free” products from scratch.  From creams and salves, to oils and sprays, and even Earth to Baby products, they offer items to help customers lead a naturally beautiful life.  I decided to try the facial toner for my sensitive skin.  It’s made of distilled water, rosewater, range-flower water, vitamin c, lavender, sweet orange, lemon and lemon seed extract, and not only is it refreshing, it smells lovely. (www.natural.ca) 

Now I'm inspired to get creative...

Death Boat moors at the Bovine on September 5th

I’m going away for the weekend to uphold my end of an annual tradition watching a Guns N’ Roses cover band in Kawartha Lakes, but I’m going to be missing an incredible show in the city.  So, if you like the unruly, and if you happen to be in Toronto over Labour Day weekend, check out Death Boat at the Bovine Sex Club on Saturday, September 5th.  

Viewer discretion is advised (sorry mom!), but you won’t be let down by this nine-piece pirate metal act from Montréal.   Their debut album, The Trilogy of the Mystic Stone, tells the incestuous, humiliating, facetious tales of life on dark waters aboard the 'Death Boat' and the 'S.S. Sex Offender'.  It’ll be a sight to see them rock out on the boat.   

To listen and learn more, check out http://www.myspace.com/deathboat666