Wellington County Archives - Page 5 of 7 - Wandering Wellington County

Meet 2018 Guelph Y – Women of Distinction Nominees

February 22, 2018 by nancy Leave a Comment

This year’s 2018 YMCA – YWCA Women of Distinction honorees are:

Bolatito Alawode
Claire Martin
Lisa Browning
Tami Martino
Nia Dennis
Teresa McKeeman
Brenda Gibson
Jackie Morris
Crystal Gong
Tanya Olsen
Dr. Sally Humphries
Dominique O’Rourke
Dr. Shoshanah Jacobs
Jagoda Pike
Jaya James
Lee-Ann Prickett
Hayley Kellett
Rosalind Slater
Dr. Bonnie A. Mallard
Sarah Spry

Wandering Wellington County had the privilege of attending the 23 rd Annual Women of Distinctions opening Honorees ceremony which took place at the Guelph YMCA-YWCA on February 13th. It was a small intimate gathering of all of the 20 honorees meeting for the first time. Local business women and community champion and Honorary Chair, Marissa Teeter announced the 2018 nominees. honorees had a chance to get to know each other with informal question and answers, and enjoyed some great deserts and refreshments.

Marissa shares, “Being a part of this remarkable community is such an honour and this year we want everyone from family members, to coworkers to community champions to be celebrated for their support of these remarkable Women of Distinction. These amazing women build villages up, have villages that surround them and support them, and together these 20 honorees will join a new village, a new community of Women in Distinction.”

It Takes A Village, is this years theme for the 2018 Guelph YMCA – YWCA Women of Distinction’s Awards; it represents the initiative to make the event more inclusive, accessible, than ever before. It acknowledges that the women who are involved represent a long list of individuals behind and around her who have inspired her.

This season, the Guelph Y will be giving individuals and businesses in our community the opportunity to purchase subsidized tickets for others. By having this option, it gives men and women of all ages the opportunity to attend the event and leave feeling inspired.

Ticket Sales for this event taking place on May 3rd at the RiverRun Centre will be on sales, beginning March 8, International Women’s Day, and launched at the Innovation Guelph Women’s Day Gala. For those who would like to purchase subsidized tickets prior to March 8, 2018 please contact Erica Charlesworth, Supervisor of Development by email at Erica.Charlesworth@guelph.ymca.ca or by phone at 519-824-5150 ext. 255.

We will be interviewing these talented and interesting women who come from all walks of life and share some of their inspiring stories. Check out our FB page for a great interview with one of the 20 nominees Tanya Olsen, owner of Royal City Nursery and Erica Charlesworth, Event Organizer of this years event.

https://www.facebook.com/wanderingwellingtoncounty/?hc_ref=ARR_B8kRo_pE4EMMyOScjdoq4ANX1XScaGj0NyYuLSM2iP7KhAWzPvkj4hbTMWB2eG8&fref=nf

Talk soon,

Nancy

Macaroons & Paris

February 21, 2018 by nancy Leave a Comment

BONJOUR!

“You stumble, and you soar. And, if you’re lucky, you make it to Paris for a while.” ~ Amy Howard

Have you ever wanted to visit Paris? I have heard many times from my daughter all about the fine pastries, the hotels, landmarks and ohhhh the food. My 11-year-old daughter announced months ago, “Mom, I am doing my speech on Paris this year!” I thought well good for you, but why Paris? She really didn’t have an answer. Perhaps I have mentioned once or twice, I would like to take her there one day!

This girl really has done a great job writing, preparing & presenting her speech. I may be a proud Momma, but I think her teacher agreed too, as she was one of the top 2 students in her class. She practiced for weeks, talking into the wall and flipping her cue cards, and learning to pronounce the Louvre, Pierre Cardin & the The Arch de Triomphe. Yesterday she was one of 10 to speak in front of her school. She could be in the running to be one of the top students in Ontario and win $1000.00. Proud Mom, thought MMMM…. this could be your ticket to Paris kid!

When I spoke with Meaghan about how her day went, she said “My legs were shaking, I am sure everyone saw them, and I think I talked really fast.” Oh how I wished I could have been there to hold her hand, and to cheer her on. She had asked me the night before, “What do I do when my friend makes a funny face at me and sticks her tongue out and waves her hands in the air”. Dare I tell her my true thoughts, I came up with “just pretend everyone is in their underwear!”. She said of , “OH MOM, don’t be so silly!”

My girlfriend and I have been talking for years about taking her granddaughter and my daughter to visit Paris on their 10th Birthdays. Their 10th Birthday’s have come and gone, and this year they will both be 12. I hope we can take them before they turn into teenagers. Time has a funny way of passing quickly and before you know it, within a blink of your eye the kids grow up and are out of the house, (so I am told).

Meaghan said to me, “What you never ate Macaroons when you were in Paris?” Sadly I didn’t, however I found a great place I would love to go to and partake in tea and maybe a few macaroons. One of Meg’s line in her speech, “You don’t want to forget about those baguettes, when they come out of the oven, they are hot and taste just like……”

Perhaps this speech on Paris has a purpose to refuel the travel bug in me, and make concrete plans to get to Paris? I have fortunate to have been twice in my lifetime and know that it is an amazing City. I know Meaghan & I will get there one day, do you want to come with us?

Auviour ~

Nancy

Wandering Wellington County on Family Day 2018

February 19, 2018 by nancy Leave a Comment

“FAMILY IS NOT AN IMPORTANT THING, IT IS EVERYTHING.” ~ Michael J. Fox

Good Morning, Happy Family Day to you all! It is the official 2018 Family Day here in Ontario. I remember when this newish Statuary Holiday was first introduced. I thought to myself, “What a Holiday for Family!” Now a few years older, and a few kids later I am very thankful for a day to celebrate FAMILY.

I am very grateful for my family today, and for me family isn’t just the blood I share with others, but many of the bonds and friendships I share, I truly consider part of my family too. I must say I haven’t always felt this way, in my youth I wasn’t so excited when my (family), father and brother would drop me off in front of the high school in the old Oldsmobile leaving with a 100 waves out the window along with loud honks trailing their cloud of smoke. I remember I would slither out of the car and escape into the students trying to be as cool as I could, whispering, “I don’t know who those crazy people are?”

Yeah….. finally the weather is starting to look a little like Spring in Wellington County, the sun is shining, and there is rain in the forecast. Hopefully clear out a lot of this snow. But we must remember it is still February and I am sure old man winter is not done with us yet.

My plan for Family Day is to take the kiddlets public skating today, I believe it is free, and you can’t go wrong with Free. I think they may even have hot chocolate and snacks, and maybe a little lunch. Later in the afternoon we are going to drop by my parents in Guelph, and enjoy the day hanging out with them. My son said “well, what are we going to do there today?”, I said, “Well Just hang out, because we are one big happy family!”

Perhaps we are not always happy, like the iconic “Leave it to Beaver” family, but I know we all love each other, and no matter what goes on in life, I know my family has always been and will always be my rock. For that I am eternally grateful, yes grateful even on those days we don’t like each other, or agree with each other. Yep we all have those days.

I know there is lots of fun things going on today in Wellington County, maybe drop by the Wellington County Museum they have a whole day of fun activities planned, and its free admission today, with donations greatly appreciated. Here is the link for this event, https://calendar.wellington.ca/museum/Detail/2018-02-19-1300-Family-Day

Maybe I’ll see you skating today? I hope you all have a wonderful Family Day, even if all you do is stay home in your PJs’ and just enjoy each others company. That’s what it is all about, right?

Talk soon ~

Nancy

February EVENTS in Wellington County

January 31, 2018 by nancy Leave a Comment

WANDERING WELLINGTON COUNTY -Adventures in My Backyard EVENTS

Here is a list of some events going on in Wellington County FEBRUARY 2018

(Let us know about your event, info@wellingtoncounty.com)

GROUND HOG DAY – https://www.facebook.com/Wiartonwillie/

VALENTINES DAY – Feb. 14th – http://wellingtonwaterwatchers.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Valentine-slider.png

FAMILY DAY – Feb 19th – Wellington County Museum https://www.wellington.ca/en/discover/events.aspx

MURDER MYSTERY DINNER – https://grandriverraceway.com/murder-mystery-dinner-theatre/

Wellington Advertiser Event Listing – http://www.wellingtonadvertiser.com/index.cfm?page=community

The Grand Radio Events Listing – http://thegrand101.com/events

WELCOME

January 31, 2018 by nancy Leave a Comment

Hello ~

Thanks for stopping by, I know what you are thinking another blog? Well this isn’t just any blog, it’s the WANDERING WELLINGTON COUNTY – Adventures in My Backyard BLOG. We are located in the Village of Fergus, ON and I want to share with you all of the wonderful adventures you can discover right in your backyard! So sit tight, grab a coffee and enjoy my weekly musings of a small town girl, playing and having fun in her backyard.

If you are wondering well why would I want to join this small town girl on her adventures? I’ll tell you because once I share things with you, just maybe you will make new discoveries of your own. My hope is this will be a community type of blog where we can share cool stories of people in our community, and fun events going on in Wellington County and Beyond ……..

Perhaps you where thinking you had to take a trip to Paris, France to gain perspective on your travelling adventures. Or maybe you think you need to escape this winter we are having in Wellington County and go to the Islands. Well that would be nice, but you have to take me with you!

So if you are staring out the window and watching the snow fall, just like I am. Take a few minutes, put a good cup of hot chocolate, or your favourite café au late and lets laugh & cry, but let’s do it together. I am building up my social connections, so be a dear and share this new blogs with the world, or maybe just your world in Wellington County or drop me a note info@wanderingwellingtoncounty.com!

Talk Soon ~

Nancy

Miranda Kissick – YOGA Teacher

May 2, 2016 by nancy Leave a Comment

Miranda Kissick is a Yoga Teacher. I met with Miranda 2 years ago when I began my journey in learning the practice of Yoga. She is awesome! If you have never tried yoga before, go see her! If you have been practicing yoga for years, go see her you will not be disappointed. My friend Tanja (who is devoted to the practice), summed it up perfectly “Miranda speaks and practices from the soul!” I know if you are lucky enough to have the opportunity to attend her class and experience her spirit and quiescence you will know you have found something truly wonderful in your life. I call this a gift!

HOW DID YOU GET THIS JOB?

I am in essence a private contractor, so I am self-employed. I work for a studio, teach yoga to people in their homes and work at a local fitness club.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB?

First and foremost I like helping people. We live in a society where many people’s’ lives are over-scheduled. As a result, people are more stressed than ever. So if I can be of help to someone in learning how to breathe and relax, then I am happy. Another benefit of this type of work is being able to set your own hours. I can work as much or as little as needed and schedule my day around family commitments.

WHAT WOULD YOU RECOMMEND TO SOMEONE JUST STARTING OUT IN THE WORKFORCE? (Especially if they want to do what you do?)

For someone just starting out, the first decision is where to go for your yogic education. There are many schools/programs available, so ask around find the best fit for you.

Also, had I known I was going to be teaching yoga for a career, I could have benefited from greater exposure to courses such as anatomy and kinesiology. Being a physiotherapist or personal trainer would be helpful to someone wanting to teach yoga. the more knowledge you have about he body the better. Also, having a degree or career in one of these areas would allow someone pursing yoga to support themselves!

Yoga training is a lifelong pursuit, and training is expensive. It is possible to make money teaching, but many people struggle to earn a living solely through teaching yoga unless you have another means of support. To actually own and run one’s studio is costly and one needs business savvy as well as the ability to hire additional teachers.

HOW DID YOU GET TO WHERE YOU ARE TODAY?

I’m where I am today via a very circuitous route!! I attended Purdue University (many years ago) and have a degree in Humanities, with a minor in travel and tourism and recreation. I worked in the travel industry for many years and then I working in the publishing industry in sales. I always had an interest in fitness and dance and yoga…. but never expected to actually become a yoga teacher. I did take several yoga classes throughout my young adulthood, so perhaps I was preparing all along. The seeds were planted years ago…..but just took time to sprout!

WHAT ARE YOU READING NOW?

The Bhagavad Gita, a mystery novel, and La Prisonnaire. (A true story of the 20 year imprisonment of a Moroccan woman, by her own adopted father.)

FAVOURITE COLOUR?

Blue…..For as long as I can remember.

IS THERE SOMETHING IN YOUR CHILDHOOD WHICH MIGHT HAVE INFLUENCED YOUR CAREER PATH TODAY?

When I was in grade school, I used to watch a PBS program called Lilias Yoga and You. I was strangely attracted to this very slow-moving program with one person (Lilias) in a body suit doing yoga. She had a very gentle and calm manner and wore her hair in a long braid down her back. She seemed quite exotic to me!

This was in the 1970’s and I lived in a small farming community in the middle of Indiana. I was truly mesmerized by Lilias, and have only realized recently that this was the very first seed of yoga planted for me. One can see old videos of Lilias on You Tube and she is still teaching today!

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST ACCOMPLISHMENT (work related?)

One of the truly wonderful benefits of teaching yoga is the daily satisfaction of seeing someone’s life change (if only a little) by their practice. If someone feels better after class than they did when they walked into class, then I have accomplished my goal.

IF YOU COULD TALK TO A ROOM FULL OF PEOPLE INTERESTED IN YOUR WORLD – what would you say to them and why?

Number 1 … any person (body) can do yoga and every “body” can benefit from yoga practice.

Yoga is the simplest action or practice that one can adopt to achieve the greatest, most powerful positive change in one’s life. Mental happiness,m the ability to concentrate, relationships, personal peace and contentment compassion for self and others.

The health benefits include better sleep, a balanced nervous system, flexibility, better digestion, lower blood pressure, a calm mind and happy heart, more energy, and increased sexual satisfaction…..just to name a few!

Need I say more! Try yoga today.

You can find Miranda at the Awareness Yoga Studio in Elora, www.awarenessyoga.ca The studio is located downtown Elora, with a view of the Grand River. Miranda has a great “Gentle Yoga”, Friday Class. I always enjoy coffee after the class with “my yoga girls!”

3 Greek Sisters – Cookbook Authors

June 2, 2014 by nancy 3 Comments

I had the pleasure of meeting with the 3 Greek Sisters recently. They are Cookbook Authors of 2 published cookbooks. We are both members with the Guelph Mompreneur’s Group. An association connecting Mom’s in the business community with chapters across Canada.

Owners of “Adelfes” – Publishing Company

Cookbook Authors – Betty, Eleni and Samantha Bakopoulos

“Three Sisters Around the Greek Table”

“Three Sisters Back to the Beginning”

HOW DID YOU GET THIS JOB?

We created our own job! The 3 of us had careers of our own before the cookbooks, one of us was still is an artist, and two are former teachers. There came a time when our lives took us in different directions. We were either at home raising children, or due to our husbands’ careers, found ourselves displaced in Ontario somewhere. During this time, we pooled our energies, combined our talents and passions and started writing down all recipes that we grew up with. We were lucky enough to grow up with wonderful home-cooked meals and our family dinner table was always the centre of our home. We knew we not only had great recipes to share but a great story that many people would relate to and perhaps be inspired by. We had all the parts required for writing a cookbook: we love writing, we are passionate about food, and Eleni is a photographer. So the adventure began. We also decided to self-publish and started our own publishing company.

Four years later, we have 2 award-winning Greek cookbooks, best-selling status and we have appeared on radio, television and in print across the Country.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB?

We love that there are always exciting new things happening that we never would have dreamed before writing the books. Our first book was awarded Best Foreign Cookbook by the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards. This meant that we would be competing on an International level, and that competition took place on Valentine’s Day in Paris, France. It couldn’t get more exciting than that! We decided to take the plunge, we all went to Paris in the winter and we took along our parents – they deserved the award just as much as us. We ended up placing 4th in the World.

This year, our newest book won Best Mediterranean Cookbook and the International awards take place in Beijing, China in May. We are hoping that we can head to the far East and be there in person.

WHAT WOULD YOU RECOMMEND TO SOMEONE JUST STARTING OUT IN THE WORKFORCE? (Especially if they want to do what you do?)

The best advice is to talk to someone who has already walked the path. They can give you so much information on what the world of publishing is all about. We reached out to several cookbook authors, Emily Richards, Elizabeth Baird, and Greta Podleski; each women was candid and honest and their feedback was priceless.

Also, you need to realize that the world is changing, and social media plays a big role in marketing. Whether you like it or not, you will have to engage in twitter, Facebook and all the rest if you want to expand your brand and business.

HOW DID YOU GET TO WHERE YOU ARE TODAY?

It was a lot of hard work – writing the book was just the first part, and in many ways it is the easiest part. Marketing is a job that never ends. You always have to think of ways to let people know about your products and why it is something that every home should have.

One of the best pieces of advice we read was, “do 5 things a day for your product” – it could be a phone call to a book-store, a blog, or a Facebook post. If you keep to that each and every day, you will reap benefits.

WHAT ARE YOU READING NOW:

Betty: Three Day Road, Joseph Boyden

Eleni: The Orenda, Joseph Boyden

Samantha: 419, Will Ferguson

FAVOURITE COLOUR:

Betty: Purple

Eleni: Red

Samantha: Blue

IS THERE SOMETHING IN YOUR CHILDHOOD WHICH MIGHT HAVE INFLUENCED YOUR CAREER PATH TODAY?

When we were young we were very fortunate to spend our summers in Greece with our Grandparents and extended family. We jokingly referred to it as “Greek Girl Guides.” It was like travelling back in time. We made egg noodles from scratch with our Grandparents. We went crab hunting in the ancient Neda river, and had lamb on a spit in the shade of olive trees. Those memories made a very strong impression, one of food, celebration and family as the key to happiness.

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST ACCOMPLISHMENT (Work Related?)

Selling over 16,000 books! In Canada, that is a huge number, especially when 4 years ago, no one knew who we were.

IF YOU COULD TALK TO A ROOM FULL OF PEOPLE WHO ARE INTERESTED IN YOUR WORLD – WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO THEM AND WHY?

When it comes to food and family, make the time. Eat together. Connect with your food and each other.

WHO IS YOUR FAVOURITE PERSON (MENTOR?)

We would all agree – our parents. They came to Canada in 1970 not knowing the language and having to work so hard to make ends meet. They were like all immigrants in the 70’s. They worked days and nights to make a better life for their kids. And they did just that.

They also gave us courage to become entrepreneurs, they have been truly supportive of us throughout the cookbook journey. In fact, they still join us at events and roll up their sleeves to wash a pot or two if needed!

WHAT ELSE WOULD YOU LIKE PEOPLE TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?

We have a warehouse full of books! They can be purchased at Chapters, Amazon, and our website, www.3greeksisters.com

Lisa Dalrymple – Children’s Author

May 1, 2014 by nancy Leave a Comment

HOW DID YOU GET THAT JOB?

Lisa Dalrymple and I sat down at a local coffee shop in Fergus, Ontario where she lives with her husband and 3 children. She began her writing journey at the age of 8 in England. She has a Masters Degree in English and is a published Author of 3 Children’s Books.

1. IF IT’S NO TROUBLE … A BIG POLAR BEAR

Written by Lisa Dalrymple / Illustrated by Lizz Pratt (Tuckamore Books, 2012)

2. BUBBLY TROUBLY POLAR BEAR

Written by Lisa Dalrymple / Illustrated by Lizz Pratt (Tuckamore Books, 2013)

3. SKINK ON THE BRINK

Written by Lisa Dalrymple / Illustrated by Suzanne Del Rizzo,

(Fitzhenry & Whiteside, 2013)

HOW DID YOU GET THIS JOB?

We moved from England to Canada when I was 8. I don’t know when I began writing, but it was least that long ago. Lisa has a BA in English from the University Western, and a MA in English from the University of Guelph. She is a published author of 3 Children’s books.

1. If It’s No Trouble… A Big Polar Bear

2. Bubbly Troubly Polar Bear

3. Skink on the Brink

Lisa alongside the illustrator Suzanne Del Rizzo of the book Skink on the Brink, were the Winner of the Writers Union of Canada’s Writing for Children’s Award, 2011.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE LEAST ABOUT YOUR JOB?

I have learned patience. She said it might take months or years for someone to follow-up about her submissions. Through this she has honed her ability to focus on multiple projects at one time.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB?

I get to work in my pajama’s Being a mother of 3 children she enjoys her flexibility she has with her young growing family. Although she has flexibility she follows a daily routine and tries to write every day.

WHAT WOULD YOU RECOMMEND TO SOMEONE JUST STARTING OUT IN THE WORKFORCE? (Especially if they want to do what you do?)

Read a lot and talk to people about your writing and create a network of peers. Feedback is critical and appreciated to Lisa with her writing.

Find “like-minded” people. Figure out how and why they are doing well and surround yourself with this attitude! Mentor-ship is very important. She finds women or other writers to be very supportive. Yes, many writers of kids’ books are women, but I hate to sound like I’m stereotyping.

She really enjoys being part of the Canadian “kid lit” , as in kid’s literature. It takes skill, perseverance and luck!

HOW DID YOU GET WHERE YOU ARE TODAY?

Lisa works very hard at her craft. She has faced over 200 rejections from publishers and submissions but that didn’t stop her from following her dream. She knew in her heart and wanted to share her stories which she felt needed to be published for our children.

She held on to her dreams and motivation and surrounded herself with supportive people. She didn’t give up! Having personally met with Lisa and attended one of her writing workshops I know she is truly passionate and inspirational to aspiring writers and and anyone who wants to follow their dream!

WHAT ARE YOUR READING NOW?

Midnight in the Garden of Good & Evil

FAVOURITE COLOUR?

Lisa quickly told me it was purple! She used her favourite purple pen when signing a copy of her book, “Bubbly Troubly Polar Bear” for my children.

IS THERE SOMETHING OR SOMEONE IN YOUR CHILDHOOD WHICH MIGHT HAVE INFLUENCED YOUR CAREER PATH TODAY?

One significant memory from her childhood is sending her “Grand Pop”, who was a Champion Boxer” her writing to review. They would share letters with her family back home in England. They would offer her their feedback and reviews. This helped her support her writing craft at an early age and they continued writing for many years.

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST ACCOMPLISHMENT (Work Related)?

LISA WON! Her book “Skink on the Brink”, was the WINNER of the Writers’ Union of Canada’s Writing for Children’s Award.

It is a coveted award which there were over 800 entries.

IF YOU COULD TALK TO A ROOM FULL OF PEOPLE WHO ARE INTERESTED IN YOUR WORLD – WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO THEM AND WHY?

Perseverance, do not give up. Lisa has had her share of rejections and used her patience, perseverance along with her supportive community of friends and family to overcome the 283 rejections. Until that day, July 1, 2011. Her first book would be published, “If it’s No Trouble …. A Big Polar Bear”. Later that same day she found out she was the winner of the “2011 Writers’ Union of Canada Writing for Children’s Award for her book “Skink on the Brink”.

WHO IS YOUR FAVOURITE PERSON (Who is your mentor?)

Husband Marc and 3 children, Natalie Sage, Danielle Kate and Ethan Alexander.

WHAT ELSE WOULD YOU LIKE PEOPLE TO KNOW ABOUT YOU (or anything else you would like to add to this interview?)

Lisa will be busy writing new stories for her launch in 2014. In October 2014 with illustrator David Sturge and another book launch in the Spring of 2015.

A Moose Goes a Mummering, illustrated by David Sturge, published by Tuckamore Books, Fall 2014.

WHERE CAN I FIND YOUR BOOKS?

Look for Lisa’s books at our local book-store (Roxanne’s Reflections & Books), in Fergus, or Chapters.

Lisa has a Facebook Page. Visit her Website. She loves to visit children in local schools and organizations to share her stories, contact her for more information!

What does a School House have to do with Labels?

October 10, 2013 by nancy Leave a Comment

I love this picture as it makes me reflect upon school days gone by. Did I mention to you I live in an old schoolhouse. Our house is well over 150 years old. When we first walked thru the house I could feel the good vibes in the home. Sometimes I think I can hear the chuckles of those young kids playing ball outside. I am not sure if you believe in energies around us? One night I was up late, as usual in the shop getting some of our label packages out. I could definitely feel the presence of spirits gone past. It was as if I wasn’t alone in the room. Did I mention it was the first week of school as well.

I remember my early school days being carefree and joyful. I associate many good memories with my younger school years. I still remember the Kindergarten room with Mrs. Watson, she was so beautiful. We had the most amazing “play” helicopter in the room. We played in the kitchen making lunches and dinners. I remember those little wooden cubby holes where my blanket was and those wonderful story times. Now that I am writing this I remember looking at that wall, high above and seeing my name on top of the huge shoe pictures with the real laces. It would be mine when I first learned to tie my shoes.

Childhood memories can be such a wonderful thing aren’t they? Well since it is past midnight I think I must lay my head down to sleep and dream of those carefree days with the wind blowing while I played hopscotch with my giggling school friends.

What a lucky girl I am to live in such a great historical place today. I hope the many souls which have gone to school here have shared their stories and great memories with their loved ones.

Sweet Dreams……………………………

Talk soon

Nancy

Secretly I would love to be labeled an “Artist!”

September 26, 2013 by nancy Leave a Comment

“True Art is characterized by the irresistible urge in the creative
artist” – Albert Einstein

This month we talk about art and technology.
First, I will reflect upon Art. I love it ! There – I said it. I have
been told I’m an artistic person as I love to create. Some of my
hobbies include pottery, encaustic and my new passion writing and
blogging. Having recently had some unexpected surgery, I was very
dismayed at having to cancel a one week encaustic course I had signed up
for several months ago at a local Elora studio. My doctor advised me a
week of bed rest. How does a mother of 2 kids who runs a household and
a new business lie down for a week ? Well in little bits here & there.

I was envisioning a luxurious week of pretending I was an “artist
working in the studio” as an escape from reality. I had participated
in such an event years ago and thought it one of the best things I’d
ever done. I’ve dabbled in the above encaustic and pottery and I would
love to live solely to create beautiful art that touches both the mind
and the soul. Secretly I would love to be labeled an “Artist” and
wonder what it would be like to have my pieces greatly sought after ?
Yet even now I am deeply attached to the few pieces I’ve created and am
not sure I could detach myself from them. My brother was once an
owner/operator of two fine art galleries – he had a talent of dealing
with the artist and knew how to successfully market and sell their wares
– a talented wheeler-dealer. So I’ve had the the opportunity to meet
quite a few talented artists along the way. I believe most artists may
share the paradoxical mind set of the above described detachment from
their pieces.

And Technology – unlike most people in this civilized world I recently
upgraded to my first fancyphone – as I like to call them – it came in
the mail a few weeks ago. How on earth will I learn to operate it is
yet another matter. I must say I love browsing the internet on
occasion, but to watch people walking across the street and texting – I
just don’t understand what is so important ? OMG I cannot believe how
cell phones are everywhere (guess I’m old school). I do have a cell
phone but ok, I admit I have have never ever texted in my life. What’s
a girl to do ? I need some training from my cousin’s son, who is 14,
he knows more about these smart phones than me. Is it a smart phone ?
Well it is smart looking for sure. Speaking of phones, my parents are
really old school. They were at the bank the other day and the teller
asked them for their email and they replied “we don’t have an email”, so
she asked for their cell phone number, they replied “we don’t have a
cell phone”. So she finally asked them if she could leave a message on
their home phone if she needed to. Well, you guessed it – “we don’t
have an answering machine” was my mothers reply. As she says, “we have
call display so I don’t need an answering machine !”.

I have a love / hate relationship with technology. I run an online
Label business which is hard to believe, given my technologically
challenged ways. This has been a “year of learning” for this girl. I
am finding I really like learning about this online business of mine and
about web sites, search engine optimization, Google analytics, PayPal,
E-checkes, Facebook, Social Media marketing and oh yes- labels too.
This last year has been one in which I’ve received a tremendous amount
of support and encouragement. My previous business advisor, Valerie,
at the Guelph Business Enterprise Centre told me starting a business is
really like having a baby. Since I am a new mother of 2 small children
that analogy really hit home. I can see how you need to have patience
as you enter new territory. You will have ups & downs, you will want to
reach under the covers and never come out, you will have amazing days
and wonder why you didn’t do this sooner. Oh I guess this is just like
riding the waves of life – it is what you make it.
Perhaps when I have some spare time again I will set up my own little art studio, turn the music
on and lose myself in creation. We all need to start with a dream !
What are you going to create today ?