What makes you come alive?

Yesterday I asked the question, what makes you come alive? And then... why aren't you doing it? And I suppose that's not really fair, because many people out there are in fact doing what they love, what makes them come alive. I'd love to hear your story...

For me, the first thing that comes to mind is traveling. New foods, foreign smells, opening a door and not knowing what is on the other side... driving a winding road through mountains I've never driven. Sharing a laugh with a local, watching a city wake in the morning... and go to sleep at night. Learning the customs and traditions, appreciating the history... the stories that make it unique. I am alive in the space of the unknown.

I am alive when I am connected. To nature, to people... to everything around me. Sitting on a surfboard just past the break, ocean currents along my legs, sun on my face, salt on my lips, a breeze dancing along the surface... birds above me, dolphins and sea turtles around me... waiting for the next set, the surge of energy that propels me along the surface... and in that moment... all I have is just the moment. Freedom.

Whether on this side of the world or the other, looking into another's eyes, sharing a laugh, feeling another's truth, whether it be hurt or fear or love... is powerful. The beautiful thing is that you can connect in a second... even with a stranger... and be changed from the exchange. The sharing of energy makes me feel alive.

Music. Art. Another's passion. Learning. Witnessing the human spirit. The smell of spring... and a spring rain. Laughter. Love. Teaching. Fall leaves. Summer breezes. So many things...

Photography. When I don't work, I am not connecting to others, to nature, to myself. I get anxious and agitated. I have come to need it in my life in a way like never before. It is challenging to capture exactly what I see... sometimes it gets lost in translation... but it makes me learn and grow and expand myself. I feel alive when I bring a part of someone else alive. When I show them a side of themselves they couldn't see outside of the photo. When I capture a moment that defines their love, a connection, someone's spirit unleashed, a truth exposed. I am alive when I am giving... because what I receive is so much more.

Yup, feelin' pretty alive...

 

PechaKucha... April 2010

A couple weeks ago I went to PechaKucha to hear a friend speak. It was the first I had heard of this event, now happening in over 230 cities around the world. 

PechaKucha Night was devised in Tokyo in February 2003 as an event for young designers to meet, network, and show their work in public.

It has turned into a massive celebration, with events happening in hundreds of cities around the world, inspiring creatives worldwide. Drawing its name from the Japanese term for the sound of conversation ("chit chat"), it rests on a presentation format that is based on a simple idea: 20 images x 20 seconds. It's a format that makes presentations concise, and keeps things moving at a rapid pace.

At the April PechaKucha event, there were some very interesting speakers, from graphic designers, fashion designers, architects, artists, and others that have created very interesting and successful companies. They shared their stories, their projects, their passions... and their obstacles. With each person, there came a point where they needed to go back to the drawing board, change direction, reassess what they were doing and why... and where they wanted to go with it. The other common theme about this group of individuals is that they didn't give up. They eventually overcame the hurdles, they took on bigger challenges, they created something new and different because of their drive and passion. They let go of the fear.

Martha Sturdy talked about a project of gigantic proportions, creating a horse-riding trail on her property in Pemberton... amazing.

Jay Balmer started his talk with his early days when snowboarding came about and his role in creating the world's first boardercross course...

Architect Gair Williamson shared his latest project, the Keefer, which didn't have one right angle in the house...

Bing Thom talked about an incredible project in Washington creating a design never before seen in architectural history and the challenges that posed...

Artist Pamela Masik shared her latest project, The Forgotten, a collection of 69 Portraits of the Missing Women from downtown Eastside. The collection has been picked up by MOA and will be shown February 2011.

Stephanie Corker Irwin  talked about her passions and the turns her life has taken. Her exuberant energy was inspiring, and one quote in particular got me thinking...

 

So it comes down to this... what makes you come alive?

And an even better question... why aren't you doing it?

He's the man...

Noah. He's the first baby born in my close group of cousins, so needless to say, he's a pretty big deal. This past weekend he turned one, which was a huge deal. Even though I may be partially biased, I have to say that Noah is one of the most beautiful, loveable, little boys I know. I feel this is in large part due to his amazing family... his mother and father, aunts and uncles, grandma's and grandpa's... all bestowing their love and creating a supportive community to help raise this little man.

Being a part of Noah's first year is such a special gift, thank you! I can't wait for the many wonderful years to come. Much love... xoxo.

 

Happy Birthday!

Okay, I am a day late on this... but I thought better late than never.

It was my older brother's birthday yesterday. He's two years older than me, which meant that he took care of me in some way for most of my life... even when I was the annoying little sister tagging along with him and his friends. He was such a proud brother, giving me a haircut when I was 3 that made my mother cry. We traveled a lot as children, and I think this bonded us in a special way. Sometimes the only children around, we were each others playmates and friends, having a special solidarity. A period of time went by where we grew apart, each growing up and finding our own path through the struggles of elementary and high school. Then I moved to the city for University and he continued on with his Forestry career. I have to say at this point I didn't know him very well... and it's only been within the last 5 years that we came together again, continued traveling with each other and the rest of our family. We got to know each other as brother and sister again, the people we had grown into. There are parts of me that I know only he understands... because he is exactly the same. He has grown into an amazing man, one with incredible work ethic, a passion for life, the biggest heart, the bluest eyes, and a laugh that is deep and infectious like no other. Now I am the proud sister.

I love you so much. I am so blessed to be able to call my brothers my best friends... xoxo

 

Cody and I when we lived in Germany. This must have been pre-haircut.

 

K'naan

I think a private concert with any singer is an incredible experience, but this one really blew me away. Although his latest album, Troubadour, is "an absolute epic", it doesn't compare to hearing him perform live. K'naan's voice, raw and soulful, draws you in. His lyrics talk of struggle, perseverance, disappointment, heartbreak... life... but it's his sincerity that really touches you.

One of my favorites. Thank you for such an inspiring evening... xoxo