Birthday wishes…

During the day to day tasks of life we often lose sight of our impact on those around us. We tend to feel forgotten, left out and not of import. That our lives would mean nothing should we somehow disappear. That story is best illustrated in It’s A Wonderful Life where George Bailey is shown his impact on the community around him. He realizes that he is loved and that his life greatly impacts those around him yesterday and today.

For me, birthdays are a great time to be reminded of our own impact on others lives. You are shown that you are loved on your birthday with friends sending well wishes, bringing cards and presents that let you know your friends understand who you are. It’s the most active day on one’s Facebook account where dozens of people send well wishes and the cell is lit up with text messages. I love birthdays. During the year I forget, I lose sight of how I can impact those around me. I’m reminded of a poem by Marianne Williamson, Our Deepest Fear.

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous? Actually who are we not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And when we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear. our presence automatically liberates others.

Perhaps my resolution for the New Year and my next year of life is to embrace the light.

Winter solstice celebrated…

One of the convenient aspects of living downtown is that many events and activities are practically right at my door. Last night Yaletown’s Roundhouse Community Centre was overtaken by the Secret Lantern Society as they presented the 16th Annual Winter Solstice Lantern Festival. In true celebration of the solstice the entire community center had been transformed into a performance venue. In the main gallery there was a centre stage draped with yellow material and ferry lights; when we arrived Taiko drummers were on the stage giving a brief taste of what they had to offer for their performance later that evening.

One of the things that really jumped at me was the musical performance in the theatre space. A trio of performers were bringing audience members into an almost trance state with their ethereal music. In the centre of the room was a wondrous lantern tree sculpture.

From there we went to the Gymnasium to take part in the Labyrinth. For me, this was the highlight of my evening. The chanting in the room, the flickering of hundreds of candles, silence and the steady of shuffle of feet slipped me into a trance-like state where I felt the most relaxed. It’s difficult for me to relax, clear the mind and meditate. But this evening it came to me easily and effortlessly. Perhaps this is a reflection of how my 2010 will go or perhaps its because I realize how fortunate I am. Either way, the Labyrinth has new meaning for me as we transition from the darkest day of the year into a new season.

Feeling like a kid again….

It’s 6pm, the workday is done and I’m feeling restless. What to do on these dark and rainy nights? I’ve got it…..ice skating!! Living in downtown Vancouver has its ups and downs. One of the best ‘ups’ is the recent addition of the GE Skating Rink at Robson Square. This public (and free) outdoor skating rink provides one with an opportunity to be a kid again. When the workday is over I feel the call of my white leather figure skates with hot pink blade guards. I pack up my office, grab my skates and sling them over my shoulder (old school style with the laces tied together) and make my way from my home to the rink. There I am greeted with Christmas carols, the sound of laughter and some pretty fun lights on the rink. I go to the far side where I lace up my skates (the advantage of having my own, I don’t have to wait in the long line for skate rentals – it’s a bargain at $3 though) and then gingerly step out onto the ice. I have to admit, I am always afraid that first step. Afraid that I will fall right on my butt and knock down everyone around me. But I don’t fall! I timidly start skating around and before I know it, I’m feeling like a kid again! That is the best way to spend my time during this festive season!

The spirit of giving….

Today was the Pan Pacific Christmas Wish Breakfast/Toy Drive. I’m fortunate to work with a client who believes in giving back regularly to the community it serves. And today was no exception! A team from London Drugs helped to bring in over 1,000 toys to the Toy Drive. Talk about giving to a worthy organization. It makes me happy to know that part of the work that I do will be making Christmas a better time for many who are less fortunate. I am not a wealthy person but I am rich in spirit. And that spirit keeps getting richer when I surround myself by individuals and organizations who share the same core beliefs as I do. Here’s a special toast to London Drugs and all of the giving they do during this season and all year round.

Seven Year Itch….

And now for a little cross posting. Here’s a link to a recent story about my seven year anniversary.

For your reading pleasure…

http://www.joiedevivremag.com/seven-year-itch-by-cynnamon-schreinert.html

I hope you enjoy the read!!

Committed to intention…

If there was ever something that I wish I had had an opportunity to learn when I was a child it is ballet. The graceful moves of the dancers, the lean muscles and the exquisite costumes of the ballet have entranced me since I was very young. It is only now as an adult that I am fortunate enough to be able to purchase tickets to these extravagant arts events. This past weekend I had the opportunity to see the Royal Winnipeg Ballet perform Moulin Rouge at the Centre in Vancouver. My friend and I had what I would describe as some of the best seats of the house. We were balcony, front row, centre. No one in front of us, we had an unobstructed view of the entire stage and were able to look down and watch the fluid movement of some of the most beautiful ballet costumes I have seen. This was an event we decided to do for a birthday celebration rather than go out for an evening of potential debauchery or a material gift that wouldn’t have the same value as an outing to the ballet. My favourite aspect of dance is that the dancers must be committed to their intention as their bodies are telling an emotional story of love and loss. If we went through our day to day lives committed to our intentions what could we accomplish? Watching these dancers proves that amazing things can be accomplished.

Memories unlocked….

I had the pleasure of attending the Opening Night of White Christmas at the Stanley Industrial Alliance Theatre on Granville Street. The Arts Club has always produced musicals that are fun and whimsical while making excellent use of the stage and theatre. White Christmas was no different. Watching the actors playing out some of the beloved dialogue and singing the enthusiastic songs from the movie I felt a shiver through me. Goosebumps from time to time would appear on my arms and I would shake it off to wearing tights and having my sleeves rolled up. But then it came to me. The reason that this production was keeping me engaged and unaware of the passing time was my emotional connection to the various pieces of White Christmas. Memories started to be unlocked as my mind drifted through years of holidays spent with my grandparents, my family – special moments in time that are locked up in my mind. It could be the start of holiday advertising or seeing products in the stores but call me old-fashioned, it brings up the nostalgia within me and I actually like it.

On being human…

I had the opportunity to attend an event through Third Tuesday Vancouver where Tod Maffin was speaking about when good buzz goes bad on the internet and a Swarm occurs. My favourite part of the presentation how he kept bringing everything back to the image of the bees working together in a swarm, coming together for the ultimate same purpose and how every worker bee has an important role in the swarm. The one phrase he gave in his presentation that really stuck with me was the art of becoming more human. It made me think about how we each go about being a human. Sometimes I worry that in this digital age we have lost that humanity, the beauty of a human being. But then it struck me, if every worker bee has an important role to fill don’t we all have an important role to fill in our daily lives. Shouldn’t we grasp this topic?

This afternoon I had an experience where I was assured that being human was still important to people. I shared an elevator at the Vancouver Sun building with a woman who looked quite rushed. In the short elevator ride she made a comment that she should stop on the main level for food before rushing off. I laughed and smiled. When the elevator doors opened I stepped aside and let her go first. As someone who has often been that busy, rushed woman I knew those few seconds might make her day. And you know what? It did. She stopped and said that it was very kind of me. I believe that one good action leads to another good action and soon there is a stream of good actions. Could this perhaps be part of being human?

Dinner with friends…

Last night I had the great fortune of being invited over to the home of two god friends. Both of them are exquisite cooks and create these incredible evenings of appetizers, main courses and dessert. Usually, whenever I am invited I am responsible for the dessert. So far I’ve been batting a 1000 in terms of choosing the right dessert. Last night’s meal theme was German and that included heavy things like Schnitzel, Spatzle, Pesto Spaghetti Squash, Cucumber and Dill salad all finished with a green salad featuring white asparagus. For dessert I went to Granville Island and visited Stuart’s, located a few booths away from JJ Bean (one of my favourite coffee places on the Island. In the past I have ordered 6 desserts and divided them up to create a taster platter of chocolate cakes, cheesecake and tarts. With the German theme I knew that the meal would be heavy. I remember dinner with my grandparents, the smell of Saurkrauet in the air, and knew the key would be something light. I chose a Strawberry Flan that contained a delectable layer of white chocolate, smooth custard and topped with gorgeous red strawberries. It was a perfect finish to a wonderful meal with amazing company. To have an evening like that, I realize how lucky I am.

Brunch…

It is true that brunch has always been my favourite meal out.  It is the one meal where there is no pressure to get dressed up (unless you want to) and the meal is inexpensive compared to dinner and drinks with friends.  I’m quite thrilled that I was a source in a Vancouver Sun article all about going out for brunch. Denise Ryan and I had a great chat yesterday about going out for brunch/breakfast.  The interest is this topic is due to the recent closure of Slickety Jim’s, one of Vancouver’s top Main Street breakfast spots, due to a major fire that destroyed the entire block of Main and East Broadway.  To find out what we talked about check out http://www.vancouversun.com/Brunch+cafes+serve+taste+city+character/2223689/story.html.  I have always been a fan of breakfast potatoes.  In fact, I make some of the best potatoes at home.  The key is to add white onions, carmelize them first, then add the boiled potatoes and saute with ground pepper and ground sea salt.  Delicious!