Love Me "Do's"

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

The Journey, The Ride, The Connection

WOW

I just watched one of the most incredible videos via a friend on FB about the socialization and human connection of modern day society.

I LOVE THIS

The beauty, the rawness and the embracing of opening up and pushing beyond the daily isolation.

LOVE

It is about the experiences we share and that we are in it together even when we feel most alone.

Enjoy

Love Token 90: New City, New Studio

I attempted to try out the yoga classes in my building at work before the Christmas holidays, but the class size and the atmosphere (hearing students below playing bball, screaming at each other to pass the ball) just didn't mesh with the feeling I love that yoga gives me.

So I began my hunt for a small scale studio again.

As luck would have it - I found a small yoga studio right on my bus route home.

I signed up for an unlimited 1 week pass and away I went.

I decided to do two back to back classes last night and it was pretty amazing.

The first class was a good re-awakening of my limbs and got my connection back up and running but the 2nd class - oh the second class was *magic*

It was called Yoga Chill. I thought it was neat but was skeptical as it was a very modern twist to yoga. I am glad my skepticism was squashed

Picture this:

1 small 500 square feet room

13 bodies

Sun sets - yoga by candlelight

Background music to the likings of Jack Johnson, David Gray, Bedouin Soundclash and Ben Harper.

It was an indescribable feeling that yoga has never brought out of me - the feeling of human connection confined in a space all at peace.

Usually I find yoga a solitary mind, body, soul experience.

It was beautiful.

I am really looking forward to trying out the other classes and starting to engrain it back into my weekly routine.

I am so GLAD I found a new studio, and even though my limbs are pretty sore today, I couldn't be happier.

Love Token 89: Birthday Road Trip To Tofino

Dear readers,

Please excuse my latest absence, so much love to share and just not enough time to get into the headspace of entering on my page.

So let me rewind a couple weeks back and share the incredible, relaxing, candy for the soul, b-day trip for the hub.

I cannot speak in detail about the hub's experience as his was slightly different and entailed much surf...but I can say he was super happy and loved it as much as I did.

Mine however composed of a quaint little cabin - surrounded by lush, rainforest-esque nature.
Included in this little cabin were

A few of my dearest loved ones
Lots of giggles
Many of dance parties
Zennin' out in the hot tub
More giggles
Heart to heart chats
Connection, togetherness and love.

It was a beautiful weekend in Tofino, surrounded by nature at it's finest.
Our hot tub was on the back deck and surrounded by beauty - it is so hard to describe that you kind of just had to be there, in that moment and that state of mind.
But let me tell you - the heart was very happy.
And really that is all that matters

Friday, March 11, 2011

Relief Fund

On days like today, it is really hard to feel upbeat and positive when there is so much hurt and pain going on.

But, if there is anything I can make out of a love token today - it is the gift of helping one another. The importance of sticking together when times are tough and being an active member in the world community.

Please read below and if you feel like I do, donate and help provide relief to the tremendous tragedy that has affected Japan.

Red Cross responds to massive earthquake in Japan.

On Friday March 11, 2011, an 8.9 magnitude earthquake hit Japan. This has triggered 4 metre waves in Japan and tsunami warnings across the Pacific coastline, including British Columbia. At least 28 people are reported dead, and many more are injured or missing. The earthquake has caused fires and severe damage to buildings, leaving 4.4 million households without electricity.

The Japanese Red Cross has deployed 11 national disaster response teams to carry out assessments and provide first aid and healthcare in the affected areas. Emergency relief planning is underway.

The Canadian Red Cross is monitoring the situation closely and has emergency supplies and trained emergency response personnel ready to be deployed.

Canadians wishing to help support relief efforts underway in Japan are encouraged to contribute by donating online, calling 1-800-418-1111 or contacting their local Red Cross office. Cheques should be made payable to the Canadian Red Cross, earmarked “Japan Earthquake/Asia-Pacific Tsunami” and mailed to the Canadian Red Cross National Office, 170 Metcalfe Street, Suite 300, Ottawa, Ontario, K2P 2P2.

A little can go a long way.

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Happy Birthday To You Hub

A new chapter was beginning; a girl was changing direction in her life
A boy was turning a page

Heading toward the unknown, while butterflies of excitement and anticipation danced throughout their insides

The kisses good-bye from loved ones, the unpacking of old into new

A knock on the door, the exchange of glances; a smile and a sparkle

Two souls aligning, two paths joining and the start of their forever began

10 years of friendship, 9 years of love, 7 months of marriage and one constant feeling of peace.

Happy 31st Birthday Mr. K

Obtained via flickr: here

Love Token 88: Lunch Time Distractions

I was milling around on my Facebook page and being advised to update some settings, which led me to an application that I used in 2007 for celebrity look-a-likes.

To me the app was completely off but SUPER funny and also F-U-N.

Curious to see what it would pull out 4 years later I did it again and there are still some celebs this website is determined I look like (Kirsten and Martine) but some that I have grown out of (which I am kinda glad!).

I love mindless escapes like this every now and then and a good giggle.

PS - I WISH I looked like Vanessa Marcil (some of you are familiar with my thoughts on this chica!) so thanks My Heritage Website for a little pick me up on a typical Thursday at work!

Try it out for fun!

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

!Happy International Women's Day!

This fabulous excerpt was obtained from Tristan Prettyman's latest blog post found here

This girl rocks 100% - I swear she is my doppelganger in thought.

Either way, enjoy ladies & men

Love Token 87: The Brain Map

Last night I watched the novel-turned-movie: It's Kind of a Funny Story

To be honest I had no clue what this movie was about, I just had it in my library and put it in.

I REALLY liked it.

It paints the picture of adolescence and depression and really shows an accurate impression of it.

That it is not a constant downward spiral but peaks and valleys.

Intertwined with a multitude of emotions such as stress, anxiety, sadness, etc.

It has a satire dark humour twist to it and I loved the artistic concept of brain maps.

The imagination of the main character and what is "going on inside his head" and how he turns his issues into art in a very subdued manner.

I liked the concept, the writing, and pretty much how the whole movie seemed to evolve like I was just a fly on the wall.

Check it out if you have a chance - I wish I knew about the book sooner!

I am kind of tempted to draw my own brain map!

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Embroidered Literary Loveliness

creator: alli coate obtained via: Bliss

Go Somewhere, Do Something, Be Someone

photo credit: hannah ruth via Bliss

Love Token 86: Book Love

Books make me SMILE today...every day actually.

Illustrator Nan Lawson via Bliss

xo
M

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

This Is Your Life

obtained via Ice Cream Is Better With A Fork

Love Token 85: Personal Life Goal

I heard this statement the other night from "O" and I love how it summed it all up.

The beauty

The journey

The point

I will constantly strive to

"illuminate the human condition"

in all facets of my life.

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Love Token 84 - Books Are My Dearest Friends

I have a list of favourite books starting from a wee tot to my current age of 29.

I do not have an "all-time" favourite book - but favourite books based on certain years of my life.

0-5 years (ish)

Hand, Hand, Fingers Thumb

By: Al Perkins

I loved the repitition, rhyming and counting in this book as a child

5-12 years (ish)

The Scarlet Castle

By: Maurice B. Cooke

I found this book downtown T.O in a used book store on an outing with my parents.

I loved the fantasy element of it.

I am glad I got a copy as this was (I think) the only book the author published.

12-15 years (ish)

The Thief of Always

By: Clive Barker

I read this book while I was on vacation with my parents in Jamaica and I loved the fantasy and horror behind it

This was during my horror phase (which I still love!)

15-26 (ish) years

The Power of One

By: Bryce Courtenay

Oddly enough I fell in love with the movie first, then decided to read the book and then decided to use it as an assignment in one of my highschool classes.

This novel kick-started my love affairs with epics.

The message to rise against no matter what odds are racked against you is a constant motivator in my life.

This book is very dear to me and was a strong contender until my mid twenties.

26-27 (ish years)

Happiness

By: Will Ferguson

Through my book club my dear friend Marjorie selected this book and I was on a new love affair with this storyline and the author's writing style.

The satire, wit and pure genius behind this book puts a smile on my face.

It stood out and that's when I know it's a keeper in my heart.

27-29 years

My Year of Meats

By: Ruth Ozeki

Another book introduced via book club, this time from my dear friend Robyn.

Robyn is a fellow book lover and she read this gem in one of her Uni English classes and it became a top contender in her all time favs.

I completely trust her reccomendations - while we do not always love the same books... I was blown away with this one.

I would love to be Ruth's friend - that is how much I loved this book.

It was the first book that I after I finished I wanted to start at page 1 again.

Plus, I started reading it during a time when I was looking more into the backworkings of the food industry and really interested in how our food is currently being produced.

So the timing, the writing and the message were bang on.

I love this book and it is the last book I have read that has impacted me to a level where I can say it is my favourite book during my "late twenties" chapter in my life.

While many other books have touched me and I have a strong love affair with them - these are my cream of the crop.

The most memorable and/or impactful.

Thinking about this today, I closed my eyes and pictured myself taking a nap between all my lovely books.

Bookworm For Life!!

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

The Treatment of Humankind

Get involved.

Look at the deeper underlying issues.

Realize finger pointing and name blaming is not the solution to the epidemic of "bullying".

Remember the age old adage "it takes a village to raise a child"

Bring back the sense of community in all its entities

Recognize that love is louder

Integrity and respect are stronger.

http://www.pinkshirtday.ca/

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Love Token 83: Taking the Scenic Route

One step

Two step

Three step

Four.

My wonderful man has been getting more work which means less lifts to campus and more opportunities to take the bus.

Sunny mornings in Victoria BC are beautiful, the way the clouds scatter the sky and the sun kisses the island makes it hard to not want to jump out of bed and be thankful for another day.

I think the greatest part of my recent bus rides to work is getting on campus and looking around on a clear sunny day and seeing my presence is traced by the beautiful etchings of glorious mountains in the distance.

I love that I now live in a place where I can see ocean and mountains combined.

And while yes money is tight, I am happy to know what satisfies my soul has no $ amount tacked to it.

It puts a little extra bounce in my step, a brighter smile on my face and a feeling of content in my heart.

Monday, February 21, 2011

Anthropologie Is Stalking Me In The Mail

Today I received the new Anthropologie catalog in the mail.

Really do not recall signing up for it - since I am poor and Anthropologie is for the rich and their trust fund babies.

But sigh, I love that store - and holy hannah this new catalogue is incredible!

I want every single outfit.

Share in this glory with me - at the very least as clothing eye candy.

Hopefully I can thrift shop some similar "less hurting on the wallet" concept outfits.

Enjoy!

PS. Love their non-stereotypical beauty queen models!

The 11th Hour

What if we choose to eradicate ourselves from this Earth, by whatever means?

The Earth goes nowehere.

And in time, it will regenerate, and all the lakes will be pristine.

The rivers, the waters, the mountains, everything will be green again. It'll be peaceful.

There may not be people, but the Earth will regenerate.

And you know why?

Because the Earth has all the time in the world and we don't.

So I think that's where we're at, right now.

-Oren Lyons, The 11th Hour

Love Token 82 - Docu-Do's!

Happy Monday Blogettes!

I hope everyone had a beautiful weekend, spent it with positive presences and told at least one person that you loved them.

I have been doing my homework for the upcoming 83rd Academy Awards on February, 27th.

I usually make sure to watch all the nominees for Best Movie and Best Documentary and anything else that strikes my interest.

I have been able to watch 3/5 of the documentary nominees and let me tell you, they all moved me for different reasons:

One to heartbreaking tears

One to gutwrenching fright

One to frustration & dissapointment

I do not want to caste any perception for you, or paint the picture on your behalf.

Let me merely suggest you watch them for yourself and let the impact unfold on its own.

But they all have a common theme of where the cause of each demise stems from.

So where was the token of love in this?

Well, I love me a good documentary and I loved each one of these very much so, just as much as The Cove, The 11th Hour and Food Inc.

I completely agreed with the point of views for each of these documentaries...which may or may not be the case for others.

However painful and hard they were to watch, I was informed... now what I choose to do with this information is what empowers the viewers to act; to make choices slightly differently; to not follow but lead.

Each docu showed the impact of the human condition and what that looks like when manipulated and "sold" for a price.

I could ramble on and on - but like I mentioned - you be the judge:

Restrepo

Gasland

Inside Job

It is a matter for the heart and mind...

Friday, February 18, 2011

Love Token 81 - Lunch Break Equation

Today's love token was a full mind, body and soul equation.

Heart & Body

10 minute walk to Tuscany Village

Mind & Soul

"Hi, I will have a tall non-fat light whip peppermint mocha please"

Peppermint Mocha all year round is beyond a token it is a gift!

Heart & Body

10 minute walk back to UVic

Heart & Soul

Soundtrack by the likings of:

Jackson 5

Mumford & Sons

Dixie Chicks

Gavin DeGraw

Regina Spektor

Ingrid Michaelson

Cee Lo Green

Taylor Swift

How did your lunch break add up today?

Thursday, February 17, 2011

The Love Bar

Where everyone should set their bar of standards for receiving love...

"I love you more than songs can say..."

-John Mayer

Darryl & Vicky Photography

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Love Token 80 - Passion

To have passion for life is to fully live.

What triggers our passion, what inspires us to invest in particular interests, hobbies, lifestyle?

The word passion danced ever so lightly on my brain this morning.

I love when I see a human being be fully passionate towards something.

That to me it is inspiring, it makes me want to re-look at my life and see if I am fully pursuing my passions and is a beautiful reminder to keep moving forward, to keep adding substance to this journey, to keep being present, to keep enjoying life.

Where did this train of thought ignite from on my lovely bus ride to work along the east coast of Victoria, BC?

Well ...two musical entities that are new to my libraby of lyrical delights:

1. Mumford & Sons: Sigh No More

They have been on my backburner of recent artists that I have been enjoying.

It has been a slow love affair but it has come into full fruition.

I think the catalyst was watching this band at the Grammy's - they were so "passionate" and such raw, true musical wonders.
Plus their omage to "O Brother Where Art Thou" outfits rocked!

This performance was what saved me from throwing a potato at my TV screen after the ridiculous theatrics of Lady Gaga - who seems ever so lately to care more about showboating and ego then about the "music"

(I do not even "not like" Gaga - maybe we have just grown apart)

Anywhoo - I think that could be a whole other topic...

...Back to the lovely Mumford & Sons

When I think of the under and over tones of this band I think Celtic/Folk/Hiillbilly collision of musical genius. To be honest, if you separated those music genres I really am only partial to Folk.

But the way they execute their album is so fresh and moving.

Yes that is what it was - I was moved by their performance and that was exciting to me...because it is not an everyday thing, and I love that.

I love how they constantly inter-change instruments throughout their performances - because it is not primarily about "them" but about their "music" - how refreshing.

2. Cee Lo Green: The Lady Killer

Another performance that evoked a different type of passion.

I love how Cee Lo doesn't give a "stick" about what the industry compels him to write, play or wear - he is passionate about his music and is passionate about having fun with it - keeping it light - not trying to be the symbol of music but a contributing factor.

I mean fair enough to say - you have Cee Lo Green's outfit ...

...and Lady Gaga's outfit (one of many "after" she hatched from her egg...)...

...both so extravagent but for different reasons.

Cee Lo doesn't take himself too seriously, Gaga does.
We get it "you were born that way" - now lighten up!

Cee Lo Green just rubs me a better way - I find him trying "less" hard to stand out and be something different - he is not constantly shouting from the roof tops

" I am different, look at me - hey look at me!!!" he is just - well, present!

(Man, how did this turn into a slight hate-on for Gaga?! - oh well - organic thought - I will leave it as be)

Either way his latest album is a hoot (yup a hoot) and his latest single is just icing on the fabulous cake of

The Lady Killer.

So the love token this am - was feeling inspired to keep being passionate about life and it was triggered by these two gems above for completely different reasons.

So thank you to these musical treats and also a "must do for you" - if you want ;)

What moved you today?
What inspired you today?

I hope your day inspires and moves you to keep living a full and passionate life.

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Musical Philosophy

Something fun to check out and see if any of your favourite artists are on the posters.

musicphilosophy

Monday, February 14, 2011

Love Token 79: A breath of freshness

A take a big inhale... as I pluck another basil leaf off my plant.

I love the smell of fresh basil.

I love the smell of fresh.

Love Token 78 - A Day That Focuses on Hearts and Love

Happy Valentine's Day!

I love a day that loves and encourages LOVE.

Really...is it THAT awful folks? ;)

I don't care about the greedy goblins trying to make money off it - what is new really...that is every day!

I just love that in a world constantly faced with hardship and sadness there is a focused effort on the symbol of love.

Whether the concept of the day is genuine or not....it is offered to us for the taking and how we interpret it and use it, is of our own desires.

No one is forcing us into Hallmark to purchase big candy hearts and love grams :)

Let's focus on what it can really be about...if you want...caring, compassion, kindness, compliments, love...

Whether a hug today is a little tighter, a kiss a little longer or a simple statement of "you know I really love you".

It is a day that encourages and reminds us that as the days escape us and the routines can make life a little mundane - a little fresh pick me up of affection and love - can really brighten a day.

So jump up and down and have fun with a day of love, so we can just for a moment not focus on the oh too many days of hate, greed, violence and destruction.

For those out there - you know who you are - you are the greatest most priceless gift I have ever received and hey - I LOVE YA!

Saturday, February 12, 2011

Love Token 77: Saturday Morning Starts

It is widely known, how you start your morning shapes the rest of your day.

My love token this morning was what I selected to start my morning off with.

1. Dixie Chicks - Taking The Long Way Home Album

I love the Dixie Chicks.

Their strong sense of self, their belief to rise against and the genuine emotion that is captured in their music.

Children lose their youth too soon

Watching war made us immune

And I've got all the world to lose

But I just want to hold on to the

Easy silence that you make for me

It's okay when there's nothing more to say to me

And the peaceful quiet you create for me

And the way you keep the world at bay for me

- Easy Silence, TDC

2. Vanity Fair Magazine

This is one of my favourite magazines. It has such thought provoking well written, non-preachy articles. My mind always spins into worldly thoughts after I put down a good read from VF - which I love and appreciate.