Affirmations

Affirmations are tools that many people from many disciplines use to shift negative thought patterns and to create postive ones in their place. If you design them well, they make a great gremlin repellent. I haven't always been a strong proponent of affirmations. In fact, when I first came across them, I was rather critical. I didn't see how simply saying something to yourself would make it so.

The key, I've since learned, is that the truly effective affirmation is not simply positive words we say to ourselves. Rather, it is a budding belief that we have inside ourselves that we want to grow and flourish. By focusing energy and attention on that belief, we are reminding ourselves consistently of what we believe in, especially when circumstances and other voices make it hard for us to remember. We are fanning that little belief spark into a flame.

Some guidelines on how to make an affirmation effective:

• Write the affirmation yourself. Now, if you read an affirmation that someone else has written and you feel yourself simply vibrating with resonance, it is for you. Use it. But generally, if you create an affirmation that stems from your own life and is in your own voice, it will have a stronger impact.
• Affirmations should be stated in the positive. So, instead of "I am not going to eat chocolate," perhaps, "I make healthy food choices."
• It's generally recommended that affirmations be short and sweet. Personally, I say go for what has power and impact for you. If "I am magnificent" doesn't have as much oomph as "I am a magnificent goddess of creation blessed by the universe with a plethora of talents," then go for the gusto!
• In The Artist's Way at Work, they recommend creating affirmations in direct response to your inner critic's voice. For example, if your affirmations are in support of you auditioning for the lead in a play and your gremlin says, "Who the heck do you think you are?" Your affirmation might turn out to be "I am a talented woman who shines on stage." Every time that critic comes up with something, defend against it with an affirmation!

Today I worked with the third approach and came up with some affirmations that I'm going to experiment with over the next week. They are direct responses to my gremlin's persistent voice. In fact, he's kicking up a fuss because I'm about to post them outloud and share them with the world! Ah, well, he's sure not making me back down!

Jamie's Affirmations for the week of June 25

• I thrive personally and financially doing work I love.
• The arts are a part of me.
• My clients, colleagues and loved ones believe in me, and I believe in myself.
• I know what I want, and I go after it.
• I trust my instincts and my judgment.
• I am true to my talents. I develop them and share them.
• I can make it anywhere.

Hustle & Bustle

Right now life is a bit chaotic. When I've sat down to write a post this week, I'd *blink, blink* at the computer, even though I've had lots of ideas that I'd like to explore. It's like I was on pause this week and the world kept shifting, shifting, shifting.

I've been dealing with some health issues. I've been trying to find what rests my spirit and relaxes my body. The best moment I remember was one day when I was sitting on the floor reading my Nia manual, and a nice breeze was coming in from the window and the birds were singing. And I thought, yes, it's this simple. Just breathe in this moment. I'm still learning to slow down, to find joy in a gentler pace.

On top of my health issues, my older cat, Bascha, is having some too. She and I have this amazing sympatico and often are going through similar struggles at the same time. The good news is that we may have some clues and possible solutions for some of the things that have been troubling her: her voracious appetite, her skinny-minny-ness, and some things more delicate that her private nature would prefer I not discuss.

And there have been some twists and turns and ups and downs and ins and outs in the opportunites of transforming my relationship to my day job. The wonderful thing is I feel full of confidence about moving forward. And what's exciting is that there are options, and I can play with them and try them on and adjust as I go forward. The most important thing is just to move!

I also know that underneath all of that is a really deep desire for my body and my spirit to have a break, a real soul-nourishing, remember what it's like to feel alive and like me, kind of break. And so I'm going to build that in.

So things are challenging and things are shifting. And every day the universe is pointing me in the right direction. I just have to look, listen and leap.

Self-Portrait Challenge ~ Pop Art & 100 Things I Love Today

This pic is for the Self-Portrait Challenge ~ Pop Art. You know, I feel like I'm on the cover of a 1970s romance comic, which is kind of cool! And I stumbled across this meme at Hundred and One, who got the idea from Jennifer. Don't you love the way inspiration travels? And how perfect is it that this came up right after 20 Things I Don't Like! What do you love?

100 Things I love Today

Justin, my family, DANCING, wind, raspberries, being my own boss, English breakfast tea, Starbucks coffee, the way my husband makes me laugh, memories of our honeymoon, seeing someone find their way, experiencing a city by walking, a great haircut, Thai yoga massage, NIA, taking a great photo, storytelling, performance poetry, festivals, when people are who they are, jewellery, WHITE FLOWERS, creating an experience, throwing parties, going to the spa, working with people, planning & organizing, self-reflection, painting coloured backgrounds in my art journal, blogging, connecting with my tribe, celebrating, CHAMPAGNE, theatre, feeling beautiful, the scent of Aveda products, lively conversations, things that get me thinking, IDEAS, being near the water, trees, that colour when a white flower is really almost green, the feel of bread dough, SPARKLE, compassion, people that make a difference in the world (and that means you), going to the movies on a weekday afternoon, POPCORN, pedicures, feeling safe, a shower with great water pressure, feeling connected to the Universe, synchronicity, creating memories, experiencing life, the sacredness of sharing our woes, OUR RED COUCH, a comfy bed, soft sheets, white kitchens, having our own laundry, the ease of public transit, getting lost in a book, sci fi, fantasy and epic films, MAGIC, Canadian literature, RIVER ROCKS, stories of transformation, heroes, GLAMOUR, perfectly applied black eyeliner, sunglasses, cast parties, the excitement of performance, having a moment's peace, NESTING, puttering, fresh-squeezed orange juice, a rainy morning when I can sleep in, fresh pineapple, BEING BAREFOOT, Ontario peaches in August, going to the cat show at the Ex, completed to do lists, clicking with someone, movies about inspirational teachers, dance movies, fashion, creating, a fully stocked kitchen, HALLOWEEN, taking classes, FEELING ALIVE, dressing up, ritual, going for walks, interior design, the smell of fresh-cut grass, when things work out, presents

20 Things I Don't Like!

Thank you, Melba, for creating this meme and for tagging me for it! The day that I read about it a water pipe near our home burst. My husband got me out of bed at 2 am to see. It was amazing - 50' of water just reaching for the sky. I thought - yeah, that's why it's good to get these things you don't like out of your system! No bursting! I wish I could have taken a picture to accompany this post!

Instead I'm sharing my poor little plants that got thrashed by some roofers who tossed all sorts of building garbage on top of them. I went out and had a talk with them, (the roofers, not the flowers. Okay, I'm referring to the roofers, but I did also talk to my flowers) but as we had a language barrier all they seemed to understand was that I wanted their stuff moved, not that I could have wept for my little side garden. As they weren't in a rush to save my little beauties, I donned some work gloves and got out there myself. Sometimes even a geranium needs you to be a hero, hehe.

20 Things I don't Like

1. Callousness
2. Brussel sprouts
3. Black Forest Cake
4. All the -isms (sexism, racism, homophobia...)
5. Being tired but wired
6. Violence
7. People who come to a movie late and sit right in front of you
8. When people leave as soon as a performance is over, not taking the time to applaud
9. Making mistakes in front of other people
10. The guilt inspired by unfinished projects
11. Having my movement constricted
12. Shellfish (eating them that is. I have nothing against them as creatures)
13. Clutter
14. How weak my hands have become
15. Assumptions
16. Feeling trapped
17. Not knowing the next step
18. Restrictive clothing (except corsets. I like corsets)
19. Maliciousness
20. Practical jokes

Now, I am not up to date with my reading, so if I tag you and you've already done it, please note #9 and forgive me. And if you want to do it, dive in - the more the merrier. I tag Suzie, Shannon, Claudia and Laini.

ABCs of Me Meme

My sister Suzie tagged me on this one. Feel free to grab it and run with it if you haven't done it yet.

The ABC's of me....

Accent: I don't think I have one, but does anyone? I remember moving to Toronto from Montreal, I thought everyone had an accent. It was an accent best illustrated in a sentence like, "Are you wearing your new pants to the dance?" So nasal, us Torontonians!

Booze: Red wine in winter, especially a lively Shiraz. White wine in summer, especially a tart Muscadet. Beer after a movie, especially Keiths or in the summer, apricot wheat bear.

Chore I hate: Taking in dry cleaning.

Dogs/Cats: Two cats, Bascha and Jinx.

Essential Electronics: computer, cordless phone, phone headset, iPod, home theatre surround sound system.

Favorite Perfume: Delicious

Gold/Silver: Silver.

Hometown: Toronto.

Insomnia: Not that often, but when I have it - brutal!

Job Title: Life Coach.

Kids: No, not in my cards.

Living Arrangements: Living in our own house with my beloved.

Most admired trait: I'm guessing here - maybe joie de vivre, maybe bravery. If you're thinking something different, I'd love to hear it.

Number of rings on your fingers: 4, my engagement ring is on my right hand and my wedding ring is on my left. I have a thumb ring and I have this spectacular ring Justin once bought me with an engraving for the goddess, for Jupiter (my planet), Sagittarius and a sign for alchemy (meant to represent my moodiness. (And btw, this question originally asked how many sex partners you had, but I changed it, hehe)

Overnight hospital stays: None, and I'm very thankful.

Phobias: The dentist, deep water and heights.

Quotes: "I am only one; but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something. I will not refuse to do the something I can do." (attributed to Helen Keller, Josef Karsh and a variety of others)

Religion: That's between me and the Universe.

Siblings: I am so, so blessed to have 2 sisters, Suzie & Shannon, and a brother, Jason.

Time I usually wake up: 6:45 - isn't that painful? And I'm waking up earlier as I try to partake in Morning Pages!

Unusual talent: I can shuffle off to Buffalo (tap dancing)

Veggies I refuse to Eat: Squash.

Worst Habit: Not answering the phone.

X rays: Not recently.

Yummy food I make: I make a great smoothie, and a favourite meal at our house we call the "Rosty"

Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius!

Colour Week ~ Brown

Tuesday's colour is brown. I was almost stumped by this. I thought I didn't have any brown at all. In fact for most of the day the only thing I could come up with was my eyes! Then I realized that I do have a few things, and a few things that really mean something in our home. (They must because they probably wouldn't have made it in on colour alone, lol).

On the middle to the right is the first piece of furniture I ever fell in love with. I loved it so much when I was a little girl that I offered to dust it regularly! And at some tender age I ever so tactlessly asked my Mom if she would leave it to me. Luckily my mom is understanding, and when she found she didn't have room for it, it made it's way to me. Yay! I enjoy it daily.

On the middle left is the upholstery material of a stool that goes with a vanity I inherited from my grandma on my Dad's side. I use the vanity as a desk and sit on this particular stool whenever I do my coaching. One day I'd like to get it reupholstered in something lush and decadent.

In the centre, top and bottom, is my husband's favourite painting. It literally stopped him in the street and begged him to come in and take it home. It sits in the den above his desk.

The wood on the left is our floor and on the right our new cutting board. I'm so glad I took that picture of the cutting board because I quite love the colour of it. Who knew that when I bought that it would not only be an important part of cooking dinner but would also appear on my blog?

Colour Week ~ White

Claudia is participating in this colour week, and I've been enjoying her colour explorations so much that I wanted to participate. And especially today because today is white, and I am wild about white. Frankly, I wouldn't have expected that would ever be the case. Except for kitchens. I have always loved a white kitchen. Poor Shannon knows because she's helped me do some serious white kitchen painting! (Thanks, Shannon!)

When I first moved in with my husband (then boyfriend) he wanted all the walls white. I thought he was insane. I acquiesced (a rare occurrence) and came to love the cool, open, peace of white. Not cream. White. The kind of white that when you go to the store they say, "Oh, that's going to be too cold." Yeah, that one. Cool, crisp, white.

I also have an incredible soft spot for white flowers. I have always loved them. When we were getting married I absolutely wanted white flowers. Doubt surfaced when I saw a picture where someone's white flowers made the white wedding dress look less white. And of course my dress was white, winter white. I tried to come up with other options but every time I looked through books of bouquets, I would come across white flowers and sigh. My florist finally told me to just give in. I did. And I'm glad.

Enough

This quote is from my Nia teacher, Martha. It meant the world to me when she said it. In Nia, Level 1 is movement that's close to the body, smaller, less energy. Level 3 is when you really let it go, take it out there, stretch yourself and your body into what it can do. You take up space! My heart filled with joy when she gave us all permission to take up space, when she let us know there was enough.

In my life I've often felt like I had to keep it small. I have felt like I wasn't allowed to take up too much space, to want too much, or first and foremost to demand too much attention. And as someone called to the performing arts, this certainly caused some inner turmoil. This is why my gremlin's favourite saying is, "Who the hell do you think you are?" After a time it actually felt like even wanting something was asking for too much, so much so that for a time in my 20s I think I even forgot what I liked.

As I've grown older, I've seen through those cautionary tales warning that bad little girls are prideful and selfish when they have desires of their own and want to take up space. I don't believe that there's a limited amount of love, attention, positivity or joy in the world. In fact, I believe that when each of us experiences those things, they grow exponentially. The more joy we have, the more joy we are able to share and the more we are able to celebrate other's joy without reserve.

This "not enough" mentality is pernicious. I'm really surprised when it still rears its ugly head in my psyche. For example, if I'm reading someone's blog and they have tons of comments, no matter how much the post moved me, I notice that I resist commenting. I think, "She's already got 21 comments. She's got enough." What's enough? Can anyone have too much support, encouragement, appreciation, camaraderie?

I don't think so. So when that "not enough" dragon raises his head, I choose to put up a fight. I choose to revel in abundance, to laugh deeply and loudly, to contribute my opinions and comments, to acknowledge my gifts and those of others, to make mistakes outloud and to say the wrong thing, to put myself out there to be seen and heard, to share who I am and with exuberance enjoy what others share too.

I choose to be a heroine of abundance, to overindulge in joy and laughter, fun and self-expression, love and magic, song and dance, to share fully all that I am and be open to the magnificence of others. Join me on this adventure. There is room for all of us. There is enough.

#93 ~ Find 7 New Allies; And New Developments

On Monday, I posted about taking another step away from my day job into my coaching practice. I want to thank everyone who posted such beautiful and encouraging words to me that day. I want you to know that you all made a huge difference in my life. I suddenly realized that I could cross "Find 7 new allies" off my 101 list! Thanks to blogging I have allies around the globe, creative, warm, sensitive, generous, brilliant people who are sharing this journey of finding our way in the world, becoming more and more deeply who we are and connecting with each other.

This is so powerful. I know we are helping to create magic in each other's lives. You can see it as a wave of exploration or inspiration goes through the tribe. You can feel it when you read that things people were just starting to say out loud are now coming true. We are witnesses to each other's possibility, vulnerability and achievements. Thank you for being mine.

And so, my gorgeous allies, let me share with you some new developments.

Before I went into work on Monday, I read Laini's comment where she said she didn't really understand whether I was quitting or going to 3 days. You know, I was really emboldened by that. I thought, "Geesh, I'm just dropping a day. Heck, if I wanted to I could probably quit! Losing a day is a walk in the park!"

And the universe also continues to participate by providing her own comments. On Monday I'm sitting on the subway, an article called Bless This Mess by John Porcellino in Utne. And I read the following words,

"I remember waking up one workday morning and just wishing somehow that the day could be over. And I thought how sad that was - to just want your life to go away."

Ouch, that gets me.

I get to work and so I don't cop out, I immediately email my boss saying I'd like to discuss a shorter week. When I sit down in her office, she explains that due to budget constraints the option of going to a shorter work week is no longer available and can't be discussed until January. January? I hear the following words come out of my mouth,

"Oh. Well, I guess that means I'm going to have to start considering an appropriate end date."

Did I say that? Yes, and I said it without hesitation. Here's what I notice. I'm not nervous. I'm in no way feeling anxious. In fact, I'm getting a little bit excited. I'm starting to think about what this means, what my next step will be, what it would be like... I notice that I feel like me.

Now, gang, I haven't quit yet. My boss said she doesn't want to lose me and said she would see what she could arrange. So, here's what I know. Whatever happens is awesome. I'm going to see what is available, and then I'm going to make the right choice for me for now. The magical thing is I'm really not afraid. I'm excited about the future. I'm excited about what's possible. I know that I can do this.

And to top it off, as I got on the subway to go home, Michelle Shocked serenaded me via my iPod with this line from Too Little, Too Late:

I'm taking the liberty... to liberate myself.

Self Portrait Challenge ~ Pop Art & a Meme

I thought along with my Pop Art Self Portrait, I'd include this great mean that I stumbled across at Pilgrimage to Self. Crazy fun!

Instructions: Put your first name followed by ‘needs’ into Google Search and list the first 15 searches, with no duplicates. Here are mine.

Jamie needs...

1. your vote!
2. a little help to get up on the bed.
3. to grow up and stop making all of those horrible faces.
4. a kid.
5. to feel loved.
6. to include interesting quotes from the competition judges.
7. a teacher.
8. your damn phone numbers.
9. a car.
10. a vacation.
11. an amanuensis (One who is employed to take dictation or to copy manuscript. I had to look it up, hehe)
12. more than a mother's love.
13. to start packing and unpacking boxes.
14. to decide if she is going to continue to go along with the coach in what places her in an uncomfortable position
15. permanency.

See more self portraits and participate at Self Portrait Challenge.

Becoming

My life is changing. When I think of that I hear Galadriel's voice from the beginning of Lord of the Rings film, "The world is changing. I feel it in the water. I feel it in the earth. I smell it in the air." And in many ways and for some strange subconscious reason, I've been avoiding that change.

A few years ago I felt this huge discontent, this yearning to find a profession that I would love, that would feed my soul and my physical self and that would feel like me. I searched hard. I answered every career questionnaire I could find. I read books and books and books.* I came up with a hundreds of business ideas. When I stumbled across coaching, I committed to pursuing each step as long as it felt right. It always did. Now, 3 years later, I'm a certified professional coach who has had a practice for 2 years. And still I hold onto what I call "my day job."

This is not generally my personality. I tend to dive in. When I saw Nia for the first time, I knew it was for me. I went to one class and then signed up for the white belt training. When I read about Reiki, I thought "I'd like that" and signed up for the next course. When I auditioned for drama school it was because somebody casually said to me, "The auditions are next week. You might enjoy that."

So what's different? I think it has something to do with making the grand step from student to practitioner. I'm at ease with learning. I'm comfortable with starting. I'm used to working really hard on something that isn't my job. But this step to really making my life and living based on my skills and abilities is new, brand new. I've become so used to believing that it will come true in the future that it's hard to believe that the day is here.

All the best things in my life have happened when I've paid attention to all the messages and synchronicities around me. The messages from the universe to me on this have been crystal clear. Last week I saw 2 colleagues that have left their stint at the same day job - both described the sense of freedom they now have in their lives. The tarot cards I draw daily have consistently expressed a theme of change and letting go, of new opportunities and joy. The other night I dreamt that I had a beautiful new house and an amazing new job appearing in a spectacular play with great creative artists. I was so excited. But the director told me that to get my script I had to go to the WOBB building and I had no idea where that was. All I knew was that it seemed to be a vast distance away. No one I asked seem to know exactly where it was. Though they all knew that it existed. I knew that the results would be amazing. I just didn't know how to get there.

And the night before last, at 2:00 in the morning, I woke up with a start thinking about my first coaching teacher. She had said when she made the move from her job to her coaching practice she had 6 months of expenses in the bank. I remember internally rolling my eyes and thinking, "Sure, like most people can do that. Who can have 6 months of expenses in the bank?" Sitting in my bed, staring out into the dark, I thought, do I? I ran downstairs to the computer and figured out my bare bones expenses. Then I looked at my coaching account and also the two recent tax refunds I had received. 5 months. I have 5 months of expenses.

So, what am I doing? This week I will change my status from 4-day a week staff member to 3-day contract worker. There are risks. Definitely. The most of which is that I have very specific scheduling needs. Ah, did you see how my gremlin snuck in there? I just noticed him myself. See him trying to prepare me for the reasonableness of not following through? Well, I'm not listening.

I know I can do this. I love my clients, and I know that what I do makes a difference in their lives. I know that being my own boss makes a difference in mine. The universe has consistently been there, supporting me and guiding me. This is the time to take my leap of faith.

I am so thankful for Melba's recent post which included this quote from Charles DuBois:

The important thing is this; to be able at any moment to sacrifice what we are for what we could become.

*Note: If you're searching for your path, let me share that I found Callings by Gregg Michael Levoy and Finding Your Own North Star by Martha Beck to be enormously helpful.

Mock Oranges & Me

When I was a little girl, the first plant I remember falling in love with was the mock orange that my mom had planted outside my little brother's window. In the spring it was covered in an abundance of delicate white flowers and the scent was sheer heaven. When we moved to Toronto, I begged my Mom to plant one outside my window. And she planted it in the front yard where I could see it.

Yesterday Justin and I went out to our favourite neighbourhood haunt for dinner. We walked past this corner grocery store that always has lots of plants out front. This burst of white flowers caught my eye, and I stopped to get a closer look. The scent was enticing. You've already guessed it. Yes, it was a mock orange! I've looked for one without luck and here it was just waiting for me to find it. I asked in the store if they would hold it for me until today and a wonderful gentleman there told me, "Don't worry. No one will touch it."

Today it has found a home in my garden, and I am full of memories and joy.

Nia

Whenever I've mentioned studying Nia, people ask me for more information about it. So I thought I'd write post providing some info that might be interesting and/or helpful.

Nia is a holistic fitness and lifestyle practice that blends dance arts, martial arts and healing arts. It is based on the premise that through movement we find health and that healing and pleasure come from following the body's way, your body's way. Nia's philosophy encourages you to embrace yourself, using the experience of movement to learn about your self, your body and to guide you to wellness.

Recently my teacher, Martha Randall, was interviewed by the Toronto Star, and I just love her description of Nia: "Nia is teaching that kind of mindful movement. There's a balance between form and freedom. Always the invitation is to do it your way, the way your body wants to adapt to the movements."

I came across Nia two years ago at the Yoga Show in Toronto. I saw a demonstration class and found myself weeping. It spoke to me in such a deep way. The class was full of all different kinds of people joyfully moving together and yet in celebration of their uniqueness. The instructor encouraged the audience to participate in any way, even if just moving your toes or your hands. It was alive, and it was joyful. I was hooked.

I believe so deeply that dancing brings us to life. It reminds us that we are living, breathing, sensual beings. When we dance, our blood courses through our bodies shaking up anything stagnant - old energy, old thoughts, old patterns, old baggage - and gives us an opportunity to release and make room for the new. Are you ready to move?

• Nia does have one DVD available called Global Unity. You can order it here.
• Find out of there's a class near you here.
• If you're in Canada, you can check out classes here.
• There is a book, The Nia Technique, but I would recommend it primarily as an adjunct to your classes not in lieu of them.

Note: All pictures property of The Nia Technique.

Inspire Me Thursday & Crayons...

I managed to eek out a little bit of time for myself today and was inspired by both Inspire Me Thursday's project this week, Word Art, and also by my crayon box. I decided I was going to try to create a piece of word art and started scouring my magazines for words that spoke directly to me. And then I looked at my crayon box, and it had the suggestion of drawing your foot and decorating it. I couldn't resist! I immediately put my journal on the floor and outlined my foot. I did break the Word Art rules of only using words, but I hope they'll forgive me.

Note: Lol, not only did I break the rules, I'm a week behind! Well, at least I was creative today, hehe.

101 Things in 1001 Days ~ update 4

Wow, it has been a long time since I've done an update. Before I panic about that I reminded myself that I have until December 1, 2008! That's a year and half to get the rest done! A step at a time, Jamie, a step at a time.

1. Pay off my student loan (in progress)

I keep making progress on this one by aggressively making as strong a payment as I can each month. I wish I could have spoken to my younger self and said, "Don't do it! Take longer to finish and work more. Don't mortgage your future!" Alas, I didn't get that message. I keep staying focused on the good side - look at how rich I'll feel when I don't have to make these payments anymore!

2. Get my Nia Blue Belt (in progress)

I am excited to say that the founders of Nia are coming to Toronto to offer the Blue Belt training in November. I am terrified to say that I have reserved my spot! I love Nia. I can't say enough good about it. But this year I've been so focused on completing my coaching certification (#59) that I feel like I'm coming back to Nia a complete newb. When I received my prep materials this week I thought, "Oh, man, there's no way that I can do this." But I am sticking with it. I've got wonderfully encouraging people in my life and they think I can do it, so what the heck?

33. Go to 10 new restaurants (3/10 complete)

I realized that when I wrote this I had a particular idea of what a restaurant is. When I've "popped in for a bite" at a place, I am not necessarily going to include it. Here are the restaurant adventures I will include:

Simon's Wok: This is a great vegetarian Chinese restaurant that Justin, Shannon and I went to with Vern in order to celebrate his progress on his book! Thanks Vern for introducing us to this yummy spot.

Cafe Luxembourg: How cool is it that I can include a restaurant from Holland? Justin had fond memories of this restaurant, so we made sure to make it a stop when we were in Amsterdam.

La Brouette: This was the restaurant we went to in Brussels. We had a lovely lunch on the patio. When Justin and I ventured inside, we both looked at each other with that "We have GOT to come back here" look.