Celebrating Bead Heaven

I have to share with you the launch of this beautiful bead store, which is the heartfelt effort for our dear friends Andrew and Sherry. Justin and Andrew have been friends since they were in junior high. I can guarantee you that if anyone suggested at that time that Andrew would own and run a bead shop, there would have been some serious laughing going on! But here it is - a beautiful space of colour and creativity: Bead Heaven.

It is always inspiring and exciting to see someone put their heart and their work out in the world, to see people find the courage and wherewithal to share their gifts and create something in the world. It's something to celebrate! Congratulations, Andy and Sherry.

Bead Heaven sell beads, offers classes and will also feature the work of local artisans. Until the end of June, they're having an opening sale featuring 20% off of everything. If you're in Toronto, check them out at 569 St.Clair Ave. West, west of Bathurst. You can also visit their website at www.beadheaven.ca or find them on Facebook.

Be sure to say hi to Andy for me :)

Welcome Abundance!

Autumn is here! Crisp apples. Crisper air. Shorter days. Longer pants. At this turn of the wheel, our lives and spirits begin to turn inside. We shore up our riches and get ready for the long expanse of winter. And before it comes, we celebrate the abundance of the earth and our lives.

In the seasonal spirit of joyful sharing, here are my personal abundance practices. I'd love to hear yours.

Abundance Practices

1. Create a Gratitude Journal

I have been keeping a gratitude journal for years. At first I listed things about the world I was thankful for, like cold orange juice and baby's toes. Then I started writing 5 things I was thankful for each day before I went to bed, a beautiful ritual for closing the day.

2. Show appreciation.

Let people know they make a difference. We don't hear this nearly enough. Never miss an opportunity to say thank you. It's a way of connecting with others and with the Universe. Thanking the Universe throughout the day can really open your eyes to blessings, from the colour of the sky to a particularly good cup of coffee to getting a seat on a crowded subway.

3. Thank Yourself Too!

When was the last time you thanked yourself? It is so important to acknowledge the role you play in making your life, the lives of others and the world a wonderful place to be. When you say, "I am grateful I got this new job," add "I am so thankful I found the courage to apply, that I put together a kick-butt resume and that I took that course on Desktop Publishing!"

4. Be Willing to Receive

It took me a while to understand this one. I used to have a limiting belief about how much it was okay for me to receive, like I was entitled to "my share" and no more and I was responsible for not taking too much.

Then it suddenly struck me - what if the Universe actually wants to give me more? What if the Universe is sitting there waiting to give me gifts, excited to share all that she has to offer, and here I am saying, "Um, I'll take 5 gifts. That's it. No more. I don't want to be greedy." And there she is, joyfully showing up with armloads just for me, and I'm not willing to receive it. How sad!!

I have stopped putting limits on what I am willing to receive. What's the value in that? The Universe and I talked about it. I let her know that I am deeply grateful for everything she has brought me and I'm also filled with joy and anticipation about what she's going to bring to me next. She and I are both delighted! Every day feels like Christmas!

In this season of abundance, may you celebrate all you are thankful for, take the time to love yourself up with thanks for what you've contributed and created and may you be willing to receive all the abundance the Universe is aching to share with you.

Blessed Be.

Inspiration: Celebrating Creations and Beginnings

One of the things that moves me most in this world is when people make something happen. It might be a painting or a dinner or a skirt or a party or a business or a book. Where once there was nothing, now a vision has come to life. It is miraculous.

Today I'm inspired to share with you some amazing people and what they are creating in the world. Some are new discoveries for me and some I've known all their lives.

• Carrie & Danielle's Daily Q&A: As a coach, I know the power of a great question and these fabulous women inspire daily with their offerings. Contribute to the community discussion and/or use these as journal prompts to start your day!



• Movie Moxie: If you love film and want to expand your viewing beyond the regular blockbusters, check out Movie Moxie. She provides awesome coverage of festivals and more and is the only film writer I know who is deeply committed to no spoilers!
  


• Sacred Suzie's Full Moon Dreamboard: Suzie offers so much on her blog and her Etsy store, but what I wanted to share with you is her current venture in inspiring people to create dreamboards. You can collect your images throughout the month and on the full moon release your dreams into the world. Suzie inspires us to make magick!
  


• Melba's Creating in the Midst: Melba is a force to be reckoned with in the world of Creative Bloggers. Now she's created a 12-week guide to support people in creating in the midst of their lives. She'll also be leading a blogging group through the book.



• Jen's Right-Brain Business Plan: Jen is a coach and a creative and she has written an ebook designed to help us artistic types create a business plan that actually inspires and motivates us - a right-brain business plan.



• Mindy's Wish Studio Blogzine: Mindy recently started this fabulous blogzine with inspiring contributors from the blogging community. This is a place to go to get inspired.
  


• Jessie's Pet Portraits at Stray Dog Arts: Jessie is an incredibly talented artist and beautiful human being. Her intimate connection to the dogs she encounters can be seen in the artful and expressive way she paints their portraits. As well as commissioning paintings, you can purchase cards and prints of her work at her Etsy shop.



• Romana's Finding Creativity in the World: Romana is a brand specialist who is committed to helping companies express themselves authentically. She also has a gift for discovering the most fascinating and thought-inspiring people, ideas, creations, you name it! Check out her blog to get the creative juices flowing.
  


• And a new creative blogger emerges. Danette is a fellow coach, a Nia white belt and a creative dynamo. Check out her insightful posts and beautiful blog at The Drawing Board. You'll be hearing lots more from this woman!
  


• And speaking of creating something wonderful in the world, check out Polly's PozVibes when you need a little boost of positivity in your day!



• If you don't know my wonderful mentor Sunny yet, please stop by her blog and meet this generous, warm, soul-full woman who has made such a difference in my life.

I feel so blessed to know these creative, wonderful women. I hope you get to know them too!

Celebrating Suzie's Etsy

I am so inspired by the world of creative bloggers. And today I get to be double inspired by a creative blogger that is also my sister, Suzie. She has just relaunched her wonderful Etsy store with a large array of jewellery. A year's worth of creating has found its way out into the world. Not only are Suzie's pieces beautiful and handcrafted, she puts her soul into them, choosing every detail with care and investing them with thought, intent and energy. They are truly magical.

Above are some of the creations that I've been lucky enough to receive from Suzie. She has also made a custom pendant for the amazing Jessie and described the process on her blog here. You can read about Jessie's reaction here.

One of the things that's really important to me is taking the time celebrate - to celebrate life, success, joy, moments, everything. And today I want to celebrate Suzie's leap into sharing her creative and magical energy with the world. Congratulations Suzie!