August Happiness Challenge ~ Aug 30 ~ My honey's birthday

Today is Justin's birthday. We've started a tradition of taking each other's birthdays off work and celebrating. I highly recommend it! Today we headed down to the Beaches to indulge in coffee and French toast and then a walk along the boardwalk. The weather was gorgeous. It was sunny but cool and lovely and oh, so quiet, which is a rare treat in the Beaches.

Then we spontaneously decided to check out the movies and ended up seeing Snakes on a Plane. Holy cow, I thought it would be like Anaconda but it was more like the disaster movies of the '70s. What a roller coaster ride of shrieks and laughter. I actually jumped out of my seat at one point, which pretty much kept us laughing for the rest of the movie!

I love having special time with my husband. We have such a good time together. He's the best thing that ever happened to me.

August Happiness Challenge ~ Aug 29 ~ Entertaining

It was so nice that my Nia buddy, Beth, was in the Toronto on Monday and came over for dinner. We don't get to see each other very often, but it's always a treat when we do. We did our white belt together in May 2005 and will be going for our blue belts together in November. Wow, how time flies!

Since Justin and I moved into our home we really haven't had very many people over. It was great to get motivated to pretty things up. For the first time ever I was able to bring a flower in from the garden, this wonderful hydrangea.

August Happiness Challenge ~ Aug 28 ~ The Ex

Shannon and I have a yearly tradition of going to the Canadian National Exhibition. In Toronto the arrival of the CNE marks the end of summer. It's the last hurrah before the fall. Many people go for the rides or the games, but Shannon and I always plan our trip around...


the cat show. We're still a little mystified about the details of how it all works, but we've definitely got a system down for enjoying the show. The real key is to find the judge that you enjoy watching and stick with him or her. This year we had great luck with Terry Farrell. He really had a way with the cats and spent time talking about the different breeds, what they looked for, what the ribbons represented (one of the most confusing aspects from the newbie chair) and the strengths of the particular cat being judged. This beauty is a sphinx.

Of course the other reason we go is...

perogies. This is our favourite exhibition treat. You can make it at home but they do it with butter, dill and onion - yum! And I think the great thing about the CNE is that you never know what you'll see.

One year we saw various police division competing in tug-of-war. I think one year I even saw caber tossing. Yesterday we saw bees and butter sculptures and Flamenco dancers. We got a handful of lavender from a woman selling sachets. We saw flower arrangements and horseback riding. We touched piglets and found out they're really warm. We touched a chicken and found out they're really soft. And we finished the day with a beaver tail pastry - Killaloe sunrise, of course (butter, cinnamon and lemon), a flavour which apparently only us crazy Canucks eat. Delish.

August Happiness Challenge ~ Aug 25 ~ Yoga with Jinx and more

Friday was out of control with happiness. One of my favourite moments was when my cat Jinx realized that my yoga mat makes her happy - very, very happy. My sister Suzie had recommended Living Yoga with Padma, so since I was home I thought I would try it out. Jinx thought it was a great idea. She was with me every moment. In fact, it's the first time I've done the bow pose with a cat on my back!

And the happiness kept on coming as Shannon and I went out for dinner and then out to see Step Up. Now, you have to know that dance movies make me really happy! And Shannon even did a tarot reading for me too! Friday's rock.

August Happiness Challenge ~ Aug 24 ~ Matinees

I love going to the movies by myself in the afternoon - a weekday afternoon. In one of my jobs I had a very irregular schedule and often when that particular time slot opened up, I would take myself to the movies. I love it. No pressure. No wondering whether anyone else is enjoying the movie or or not. No one to judge how much popcorn you eat or how many tears you cry. It's just a sweet indulgence in contrast to the days chained to a desk staring at a computer screen. Ah, sweet freedom. This also knocks #69 off my 101 Things in 1001 Days list: Go to a movie by myself on a weekday afternoon.

Now, the only unfortunate thing in this instance was that I didn't particularly like the movie, Conversations with Other Women. There's a really interesting idea in there and Helen Bonham Carter is wonderful, of course. But all in all, I found it lacking in heart and didn't feel that Aaron Eckhart was strong enough to carry the movie with her. But apparently I'm in the minority as most critics are praising this film immensely. Ah, well. I enjoyed the experience and just want to put this right back on my list so I can be inspired to do it again!

August Happiness Challenge ~ Aug 23 ~ Fingerpainting

Not only did I get to have fun fingerpainting today, I also get to knock #68 off of my 101 List - double the happiness quotient!

Today's been a bit of a tough day. This week is my first week just focusing on my own business. It's an interesting emotional ride. Building my practice and continuing to grow as a coach challenge me to stretch out of my comfort zone. To keep growing, I've got to keep reaching out, trying new things, sometimes succeeding and sometimes learning from my mistakes. Sometimes it feels great and exciting and inspiring. And sometimes it's like, well, ouch, that hurt!

So after working pretty hard and being pretty focused the past couple of days I felt like I needed a break. I needed to do something that used a different part of my brain and let the planning part rest and relax. So I pulled out the fingerpaints. Thank you so much, Shannon, for giving these to me.

Fingerpaints have changed since I used them last! These were wild little colourless creams that only turn colour once they're on special paper. I did one whole sheet just watching my fingerprints appear in colour on the page. It really was magical. (Shannon, I've saved some for you to come over and try it!) So, let me encourage you secret artists out there. If you really want to create but find art stuff intimidating, go out and buy some little kid art stuff and play! Let me know how it goes!

August Happiness Challenge ~ August Blooms

My clematis offered up this beautiful white bloom. We had some spring blooms and then nothing, so I thought she was done. What a beautiful surprise.

August Happiness Challenge ~ Aug 21 ~ Bascha's a Healthy Cat

As some of you know, our cat Bascha has had many health problems over the years. She's diabetic, deaf and recently we found out she also has a problem with her thyroid. We just took her to the vet and the great news is that with the new meds she's doing great! Woohoo! I have to tell you that this 16-year-old girl is a real tough cookie. She's been through the ringer and held on. She's full of smarts, love and affection and has no problem asking for what she wants. Justin calls her the Queen.

August Happiness Challenge ~ Aug 20 ~ Reiki

I studied Reiki about 2 years ago. I chose to do so on a complete whim. It crossed my path, and I thought it looked interesting so next thing you knew it I spent a Saturday in class with Barb Keshen. I think Reiki is such a beautiful practice. By focused attention and energy flow, you support a person in finding their own healing. Since learning reiki, I have found that certain fears and anxieties that I used to have have simply dissipated. That has been a gift.

For the past while I have not spent much time on my reiki practice. Recently I've felt a bit sad about this because I know there is a lot of need out there for loving energy and healing. So this Sunday I initiated a regular reiki practice that I hope to maintain. I hope to experience, share and be a conduit for healing during this time. This feels like a really positive move for me. And it reminds me of what is possible when you make room for the things that bring you joy to have a place in your life.

August Happiness Challenge ~ Aug 19 ~ Theatre

I love the theatre. It's been long time since I've been to a performance and longer since I've created or participated in one. Just recently I've been missing it. I miss the collaborative nature of the theatre. The way magic happens and often when you least expect it. How grimy, gritty places turn into worlds of wonder. I love the theatre.

For our anniversary Justin & I decided to plan activities instead of buying each other gifts. We went to the ballet in the winter and now we've gone to the Soulpepper production of Eugene Ionesco's The Chairs. The play spoke to me right now about the way in which we need to make meaning even in a world that may prove meaningless. And I was a bit unprepared for the way in which just being in the theatre called out to my spirit. Until the moment we sat down, I hadn't realized that theatre even had a smell that I recognized. It made me feel at home.

I'm not sure what this means for me, perhaps nothing, perhaps an invitation to make magic. I just know for now, sitting in a theatre makes me happy.

August Happiness Challenge ~ Aug 18 ~ Dance

So many amazing things go on in Toronto - and so many of them free! Today I was able to complete #5 on my 101 Things in 1001 Days list: Go to fFida, which looks like it's now called the Toronto International Dance Festival. This evening Shannon and I were able to pull up a cobble in front of an outdoor stage in the Distillery District and for free watch people's choreographic and dance endeavours. It was great. There was quite a range of performances and styles, and every one put their heart on the stage.

August Happiness Challenge ~ Aug 17 ~ My journal

A while ago I wrote about creating an art journal that served as a wish/spell/prayer book. This is a practice I've really taken to. I've loosened up a bit and don't put any pressure on myself to paint or draw every day, though I almost always do. Recently I have been doing a self-portrait a day, being really unattached to the results, just grabbing a pen or a pastel or a coloured pencil and capturing how I would draw myself on that particular day.

I find that the ritual of starting my day with my morning pages and ending the day with reflecting on its highlights and what I'd like to acknowledge myself for, what I am grateful for and what I wish for has become a powerful practice. I feel grounded, hopeful, focused. It's really exciting to one day be writing something I wish for and then later be writing my thank you for it!

August Happiness Challenge ~ Aug 16 ~ Lunch with Shannon

I love being able to set my own schedule and see Shannon for lunch during the week! We had a good time chatting and thinking and considering the relative value of various organization systems - lol, what geeks! It was awesome.

August Happiness Challenge ~ Aug 15 ~ Life as My Own Boss Begins

As of this moment, the only person I work for is me! I am continuing to work freelance for the company and consider that a part of my multiple streams of income strategy. Freelance is right - I am FREE!

August Happiness Challenge ~ Aug 14 ~ River Rocks in My Garden

I find river rocks irresistable. Whenever we go to the Beaches, I come home with several in my pockets and purse. I still have one that I picked up as a little girl that fits precisely in the palm of my hand. Somehow a pile of them had made it into the kitchen and Justin asked me today where I would like them. I replied that I really wanted them in the garden but knew he didn't want them there. We pulled out so many stones and little rocks from the soil that he just can't imagine wanting to put any back in. But today he looked at me and said, "Go ahead. Go put them in the garden." I ran out there and placed my little rocks around like I was helping the Easter Bunny hide his eggs. I'm still smiling about it now!

August Happiness Challenge ~ Aug 13 ~ Little Miss Sunshine

Little Miss Sunshine may be my favourite movie of the year so far. The acting is fantastic. After the film, I found myself repeatedly saying, "Oh, and I loved the moment when..." Really worth seeing.

August Happiness Challenge ~ August 11 ~ Friends & Locksmiths

Friday night I came home from hanging out with Shannon. I put my key in my lock and turned, and turned, and turned. The lock spun but did not open. Great. You know that moment when you're confronted with a challenge and hope that you'll be resourceful and independent but instead *blink* *blink*?

I pulled out my cellphone and called my husband who was out with his Friday night friends. They immediately started brainstorming strategies. My sister-in-law joined the think tank and got on the phone to locksmiths, finding someone local and affordable. Shannon got a call every few minutes to get an update. My husband grabbed a cab home.

And I sat there reading a book on my porch, watching who comes by our home on a Friday night. I saw 4 drunk teenage boys shocked and angered by the fact that taxis wouldn't pick them up. I saw a young couple fight and make up, going from sobs to kisses. I saw lots of dog-walkers and people on their way out. I felt calm. My honey came home and brought his interrupted dinner. We sat on the porch sharing pasta with a plastic fork and waiting for the locksmith.

The locksmith was young, polite and professional. He had us in the house in no time. We even took the opportunity to get him to key the back door lock, which I didn't even know was possible. Replacing our locks had been on our list since we moved in 2 years ago, and now suddenly it was done.

So on Friday I learned that a locked door can be opened without a key. I learned locksmiths can create a keyhole where before there was none. I learned that things can turn out better than expected and what starts out feeling yucky and uncomfortable can sometimes turn into a romantic moment on the porch. And most of all, I was reminded that I am not alone.

August Happiness Challenge ~ Aug 10 ~ Books that Make You Think

I've just recently picked up On Becoming an Artist by Ellen J. Langer. It feels different than self-help, inspirational books on creativity. I found this book in the Psychology section. Ellen Langer has researched into written about mindfulness, which she describes here:

"Mindfulness is an effortless, simple process that consists of drawing novel distinctions, that is, noticing new things. The more we notice, the more we become aware of how things change depending on the context and perspective from which they are viewed. Mindfulness requires, however, that we give up the fixed ways in which we've learned to look at the world."

In this book, she applies mindfulness to creativity. She talks about how our mindlessness of what we've already learned about the world and ourselves serves as a roadblock to creativity and encourages us to open up to the power of uncertainty and thus, creativity.

"But think of the benefits if we actually made choices instead of following a script."

And here's the line that has really left me thinking:

"When we stop experiencing ourselves, we end up treating ourselves as objects of evaluation."

Does that mean that an antitidote to self-judgment lies in simply becoming connected to ourselves in the present and truly experiencing who and where we are? This makes me think about the mirror meditations that Liz is encouraging people to be a part in.

How could you experience yourself today?

August Happiness Challenge ~ August 9b ~ The Unexpected

Today I walked out of the second floor office where I got my first ever Thai Yoga Massage and this is what I saw. It just took my breath away. It was so unexpected. It felt like it an invitation.

August Happiness Challenge ~ August 9 ~ Quotes that Remind You

Your dreams are

your real job.

Joyce Spizer

August Happiness Challenge ~ August 8 ~ Flying with Routines

Well, it feels distinctly unglamorous to share with you that one of the things that makes me happy is the sense of serenity that I get when things around the house are at least relatively clean, tidy and ordered. And every time things get out of hand, I return to that dear woman, Flylady and her principles of loving yourself by letting go of perfectionism and taking baby steps to get your house in order. Her system is simple, loving and detailed. If you sign up for the email group, you get something like 15 reminders a day, plus testimonial and more. (I say that so you know what you're getting into if you sign up)

Recently when Justin and I were feeling like things had become particularly chaotic, we went with the Flylady concept of creating a list of daily and weekly routines. I've got my own as well, but on the fridge is a list of the things that we'd both like to get done every day in our house and either of us can do them. We've had this in place for 2 days and already our house looks better. We're smiling a little bit more and feeling more relaxed at home. It's not about doing it all, all the time. It's about doing the best you can, enjoying what you've accomplished and waking to a fresh day to start again tomorrow.

August Happiness Challenge ~ August 7 ~ Time at Home with Myself

It's a civic holiday today, so I am home and enjoying the day. It has been a lovely quiet and reflective day. I've been able to do some puttering around the house. It's amazing how much better I feel when the dishes and my laundry are done. In between doing a bit of this and that around the house, I've taken some time to sit and read a really inspiring and helpful book called The Success Principles by Jack Canfield. Lots of fabulous stuff in there. I'm currently reading about rejecting rejection.

And it's amazing how now that I've quit my day job, I'm finding inspiration everywhere. Today I've been working on a new program idea that will support people in going out and trying something for the first time. One of my favourite things as a coach is supporting people in stretching into something they've always wanted to do but have never quite had the courage to try. I'm really excited about this idea and will share more when it's ready to launch.

August Happiness Challenge ~ August 6

A few weeks ago my husband and I were walking along the boardwalk in the Beaches. We'd never walked very far West, so it was fun to see new parts of Toronto. I had no idea that there is a huge area for beach volleyball. Tons of people were there. Then we cut up North and suddenly saw water shooting quite high up and of course, had to investigate. It was this fantastic fountain. I was so disappointed not to have my camera with me that day. Today we were down there again, and this time I was equipped! And not only did I enjoy the fountain, but clearly this golden retriever whose wake you can see in front enjoyed it too!

August Happiness Challenge ~ August 5

This morning Justin and I decided to sit out on our deck, have coffee and read. He noticed the red of our very first tomatoes this season. When we moved into our house and had a garden, the first thing my mom brought over were tomato plants. They're just an essential. It's so nice to make a salad and pop out back to add some red. And I absolutely love the peppery smell of the leaves. Our tomato plants made me happy today.

August Happiness Challenge ~ August 4

This is one of my favourite kinds of skies - blue, blue blue and filled with enough gorgeous white clouds to make it interesting. When I was a girl I created a game called "Lightness, Darkness" (Remember, Suzie?) You could only play this game on a day that had clouds and a good strong wind. You know, the kind of day when the earth in front of you is sometimes light and sometimes has the shadow of a cloud skitting by. When you were in light you could move around freely. And when in shadow, you became a shadow, waiting for the sun's rays to hit you next. It was like you were playing tag with the sky.

August Happiness Challenge ~ Aug 3

Shannon has inspired me to climb on board the August Happiness Challenge wagon. I know I've sort of disappeared from the blogdom a bit lately, and I'm finding this challenge teasing me back gently! So I'm diving in even if it is day 3!

Today what's making me happy is a French pedicure! One of my friends was so kind as to pass along to me a spa gift certificate that she couldn't use. I love the spa! Going to the spa is like a mini vacation to me. I feel relaxed, pampered. One of the things I really appreciate is that it tends to be quiet. Quiet is something I almost never experience and so I really appreciate those rare and precious moments when I do. This week I was able to go to the spa, relax in the steamroom all by myself, use the whirpool, sit in a room full of candles and orchids, drink herbal tea and read and then get this beautiful French pedicure. So today when I look at my feet I'm happy and smiling!