Creating!

Hot off the press last week was the new book by world reknowned author and healer, Louise Hays, and life coach extraordinaire, Cheryl Richardson.  The book is called "You Can Create An Exceptional Life".  I was so excited to receive my little package in the mail.  And, despite having 5 other books on the go on the night table, this one was on top and I was ready.  So ready in fact, I devoured the book in 2 days. 

Being so inspired to read their book, I began to wonder why I had all these other books and magazines hanging around the night table.  When I look at the pile I am able to express the words "I am sure behind on my reading".  I am not really behind, I am just not inspired to really finish the books.  So, why do I keep them there?  I am not in a class where I have to read the book.  I don't have to finish the whole thing.  I don't have to highlight or remember anything specific and I don't have to admit I didn't finish them.  So, why are they there?  I finally realized that I like to finish things.  I like to feel that I have given everything my best focus and attention. But, sometimes, we don't need to really be so thorough.  And, who is keeping tabs anyway?!

It's like the stickees on my desk.  I don't like lists, because I don't like to feel that I didn't complete something, so I put thoughts on my desk on stickees and as I deal with each one I am able to pull the stickee off and open the space.  Do I really need a stickee or could I just put the topic needing attention on my calendar and pick a time to address the topic and be done with it.  This would mean it is not incomplete, but waiting for attention.  What a concept!  And, imagine a desk that was open to thoughts of the day, rather than delays of details.

When I read a book and want to remember phrases from the pages, I turn up the bottom corners.  Sometimes I will write cue words on the corner too.  So, I go to one of the first upturned corners to read:  "We are powerful, creative beings who determine our future with every thought we think and every word we speak...In our purest, most positive state of mind, we are powerful creators of our very best lives,"  (page 29 and 30, Louise Hays).  This weekend I am devoting myself to find the creative energy within.  I am clearing the patterns and habits that hold me back from being free to enjoy the present.  I am cleaning up the piles of "incompletes", and "don't really need to look at", and I am enjoying the moments for being clear and mine and open.  Wow!  Feels like a fresh spring breeze...oh, I think I saw a snowflake...they too are perfect, unique and waiting to be marvelled in the moment.

Self Creation of Limitations

Sitting on my desk is a quote that I heard on a talk show a few weeks back:  "Many people are bound and held in the self creation of their own limitation."  I have been reflecting on this and comparing what I choose to do with what I am capable of doing. 

On Tuesday I taught my first webinar for ARPA and ACE Communities.  This was a challenge to present my dance material with no visual background and only dialogue and printed instructions.  I had never prepared a power point before, and I had never worked on so many computer details at one time.  Monday morning my barometer of a back was giving me the stress signals.  This is usually indicated by lower back pain and then everything seizes up.  Tuesday morning was a headache.  Why was I doing this to myself?  Perhaps I should just stick to what I do best - leading dance classes with people who can see me and follow!

Giving in to my fear would not suit my character.  In fact, not rising to a challenge has not even been in my vocabulary for many years.  Perhaps it was time to consider "pulling back the reins" and choosing an easier course.  But, what about the excitement of thinking in a different way?  How about making my material easy to understand and reproducable by non dancers?  If I did not rise to this challenge, others would not be able to benefit from all the studying I have been doing and all the experience I have gained over my career.  No, technology and fear would not be a consideration.

So, I prepared a piece that had audience participation, (I did not want anyone to sit through a movement presentation); I had questionnaires to be thought provoking, (I wanted to engage the people who need to respond and be involved in the process of learning); and I had a joke and photos to entice the visual learners, (I wanted people to be interested in the material on the screen).  It was a little weird to not see everyone's eyes, as I love to make eye contact with all of my students.  It was also difficult to know if everyone was following, as participants were not sure if they should vocalize a response or not.  But, I carried through answering written questions and responding to some of the dialogue.

When I finished I was so relieved!  But, I was also elated.  I had completed this incredible learning challenge, and I felt like I was able to get my ideas across and have them well received.  Being a presenter of a webinar would open new ideas and opportunities for me and the material that I present.  And, for those people living in a rural area where they could not access workshops or opportunities for my material, this was a new way to become connected to the world.  Thank goodness I rose to the challenge.

I was also excited for the different attendees.  I had people from across Canada as well as New York and their areas of interest were very different.  This showed me the incredible potential that the webinar had for all kinds of people, and not just the participants attending a conference on a specific topic.  Also, I could reach people across the world with this technology.  Who would believe?!

So, now after a few days to reflect and think about the presentation, I am excited to bring more ideas and opportunities to people.  I would love to add a camera to visually be able to share techniques and patterns of movement.  The jitters are gone and the excitement of creation is taking over - of course, that is my favorite part of presenting!

As I stare at the quote on my desk again:  "Many people are bound and held in the self creation of their own limitation," I wonder if I can move the other stickee over top:  "I am filled with unlimited potential and I know exactly what I need to do to express this potential in amazing ways," (Cheryl Richardson).  Yes, this quote definitely resonates at a higher frequency, and it opens my mind to potential - Amazing, Creative, Energetic potential.   What's moving you forward?!

Walk the Talk

What is the most repeated phrase you say to yourself each day.  Do you look in the mirror and berate yourself for your weight?  Do you assess the blemishes on your face?  Do you wish the color of your hair was different?  Do you curse the aches and pains in your joints as you get out of bed?  Do you remind yourself that the inability to sleep, eat, walk, move etc is just a sign of you aging?  Wow!  Had you thought about your personal dialogue before?  And, how long have you been speaking to yourself this way?  Days, Weeks, Months, Years?  How much time have you spent so far over your lifetime engaging in this dialogue?

What happens if you begin your day with "Good Morning Sunshine!"  "Hello Doll!"  "I love being you!"  What a way to begin your day!!!  And what if you continued this dialogue with congratulations for making a great breakfast, or taking time for a walk, or meditating for 10 minutes before starting your day, or loving yourself in the afternoon when your energy may drop a bit.  What if you stood in the mirror in the evening and thanked your body for giving you such incredible opportunities through the day, or gave yourself accolades for a job well done at work, class, with family, children, etc.  And, as you brush your teeth before bed, what would happen if you thanked yourself for being such an inspirational being, an abundance of energy, a source of support for family, or a wonderful friend?  Wouldn't it feel fantastic!  Those positive neutrons would be embraced by your body.  They would latch on and glow with the accolades.  Your energy would be fulfilled and the smile on your face would be genuine.

So, what are you waiting for?  How long will you play the same old record for?  When will you be worthy of recognition, self love, and personal abundance?  Start today.  Smile at yourself in the mirror and say "Hello Beautiful!  Thank you for this incredible life today!!!"

Are you taking care of YOU?

For the last few weeks I have been training in new methods of delivering information about how to repair the body easily and effectively.  I have been trained in Touch for Health techniques for almost a decade, and I have taught these techniques for over 5 years.  I have created a very well received workshop called “Tender Tootsies” that helps people to reconnect with their feet and strong, supportive posture.  I repaired my body using these techniques and went from an inability to walk to rebuilding all my muscles from the floor up.  I have been an avid Tai Chi enthusiast for almost 15 years, and the benefits of Tai Chi and Qi Gong have become a daily practice for me as well.  Now I am adding the expertise of a program called “Circuits Alive” that balances all of the muscles in the body for better functioning, better performance, and better competitive edge for the elite athlete.  I am also launching a new program called “Dancing to the Rhythms of the Cosmos” that combines music, dance and song to balance the muscles in the body.  This program is fun, engaging and something that people can share with each other in a compassionate and energetic group setting.  All of these techniques have something incredible – the ability to make a difference on your own body, to alleviate pain and suffering, and to find joy in moving.  What puzzles me is why so few people know these techniques and use them to promote their own health and power of wellness.

I am always curious about techniques that are quick, simple and most effective and “how can I do it myself?”  I am truly amazed when I introduce such techniques to people and how many people have no body awareness and just use their body as a vehicle to get to their mental goals.  When their physical body lets them down, these people are so quick to confirm:  “They are getting old”.  How did this disconnect happen?  Why are we so blocked for understanding our body, its mechanics, and its needs?  Why do we want someone else to fix us, and why do we concede so easily that we are not fixable?

Many people spend several minutes or hours a day grooming for the public and preparing their public image.  There is the long, hot shower; the hair gel; the blow dryer or curling iron or straightener; the deodorant products; the makeup; the clothes; the jewellery; the cup of coffee; and the minutes of time staring into the mirror; and the berating of the body for the extra pounds that are staring back.  How much time is spent meditating or reflecting on the type of day you would like to have, the goals you wish to achieve, the dreams you wish to move towards or the people who need a few minutes of your compassion for the challenges they may be facing in their lives?  How much time is spent cooking a really nutritious breakfast that nourishes your body for the day?  Equally, how much time is spent preparing and cooking the lunch or dinner as well?  How much time is spent thinking about breathing, and assuring your body that it is getting full deep breathes to nourish itself?  How much time is put into exercises and activity to move, challenge, feed and heal your physical body?  And, finally, how much time is spent nourishing the spirit throughout the day?  (– And coffee doesn’t count!)

Many of us spend so much time in our heads that we believe we are very active because our brains are active.  At the end of our busy work day, we are mentally tired, and this translates into physical fatigue as we neglect to nourish and feed ourselves throughout the day in a mental, physical and spiritual way.  So, are we getting old?  No.  We are neglecting and abusing our most precious gifts.

If you have the opportunity to make a change for yourself today, think of what it would be.  What could you do to bring balance to the Triangle of Health:  Spirit, Mental and Physical Wellbeing?  Start with a few minutes of deep breathing.  Allow yourself to relax and breathe from deep down in your belly.  Feel all of your muscles relax, your head clear, and your body move to a simple state of just being.  Breathing for up to 15 minutes at a slow and deep rate of 6 breathes per minute can completely change your day and your body’s ability to react to the day.  Next, find one change to your dietary routine that will allow you to feel the benefits of being nourished.  Perhaps you add drinking 6-8 glasses of water throughout your day rather than filling up on caffeine drinks or sugar drinks.  Perhaps you sit at the table and talk as a family while you eat your dinner.  Perhaps you prepare your food from scratch rather than pulling it from a box.  Lastly, find some way to exercise and enjoy your body each day.  We have lost the ability to walk to work, take the stairs, play outside, or engage in a physical activity rather than going for a coffee to chat.  Enjoy the outdoors as you walk around the neighborhood; put on some of your favorite music and dance in your living room; or challenge your children to a game of ball or soccer. 

Below I will list a few of the techniques that I have learned from Specialized Kinesiology that I use every day to assist me in my quest for finding balance in my life and honoring the physical vessel that helps me to accomplish my goals each day.

1)       De-Stress:  Emotional Stress Release is as simple as putting your finger tips on your forehead lightly and taking some slow, deep breathes.  This process brings the body out of survival mode and helps the brain to formulate ideas and tactics for dealing with challenges.

2)      Energize:  Cook’s Hook Ups bring the energy into alignment and a free flow.  Cross the right foot over the left, and then cross the right hand over the left and link the fingers.  Put the tongue on the roof of the mouth and breathe deeply for one minute.  Then, put the feet parallel and touch the fingertips together as you place the hands in front of the belly button.  With the tongue still on the roof of the mouth, continue to breathe deeply for one minute.

3)      Walk with Ease:  Rub between the bones on the top of the foot and the side of the foot.  If there is a spot that aches, give it a little more rubbing until the ache subsides.  This will assist the body in finding strength in the muscles of the feet and coordinate the muscles for ease with walking, running or exercises.

4)      Decrease Pain:  If there is a spot that is bothering you, place the hand or hands over the spot.  Very often the hands will heat up as the blocked energy is released through your touch.  Leave the hands over the spot until you feel them cool off.  Or, for arthritic pain or swelling over joints, place the fingers over the joint very lightly in the shape of an X (the pinky finger will be an extra).  Hold this square position over the joint for several minutes.  With time the swelling may lessen and the pain may subside.

There are so many ways to find balance in your life.  What is holding you back from being the best you can be?  Do you have the tools to help yourself?  If you don’t have the tools, perhaps you could add some of the suggestions added in this article.  When will your body be important enough for you to remember it each day?  When will you stop growing old?

Be Careful What You Ask For!

When the movie “The Secret” came out, I was hooked.  I got to work thinking about my dreams and I created my own vision board.  I am sure many of you reading this have thought about a vision board.  Maybe some people made one, maybe some of you put a list of ideas together.  But were you clear?  Did you really understand what you were asking for?  Did you really think it all through?  I thought I did…but there are many interpretations to pictures and words.

My vision board had a picture of several trip destinations and dates.  I have accomplished several of those.  They were easy. One is still on the board and I am looking forward to having this trip come to fruition. 

 I had a picture of a sports car, as I wanted something frivolous and fun.  I had the opportunity to purchase this car in the fall, and I test drove the car, and I sat in it, and I thought hard about it.  Guess what?!  It was frivolous and fun, but not practical for the world we had moved to.  Did I buy it?  No.  It was not a good fit for me.  Oh surprise!

I had published several books at that point in my life, and I thought it would be great to sell more books.  Now this can be interpreted several ways.  Sell several copies of the same book, or create more books and sell copies of them too.  Guess what I did.  Made more books and sold more copies of them.  Yes, I have lots of books, but I have not sold enough copies of any of them to turn a good profit.  I guess I should have been more specific about this one. 

I included a picture of the kind of house I wanted, but when I chose the picture, I was really in love with all the trees around the house.  Well, I have a new old house, and it does not look at all like my picture.  But, what I love about my house is the view from my bedroom window.  I am over the trees and I feel like I am in a tree house.  I love the feeling.  Does it feel like the view I had in my picture of the house?  Yes.  I guess I got what I asked for.

When I sold my business and moved across the country it was to fulfill our family’s dream of living in Cape Breton.  I was happy to let go of the hectic pace and to have more time to spend with my teenage daughter.  I wanted more quality time with her, and the opportunity to share that time while not being so tied to my work.  We have just finished four months of treatment to eradicate Hodgkins Lymphoma from her body.   I stopped all work and devoted myself to her care and recovery.  We have been inseparable through this time.  I sure got what I asked for with this…I think I should have been a lot clearer on this one. 

So, moving forward with my career, now I am working at a new brand name for several of my new program creations.  I am trying to find a good catch phrase to launch these programs into a financial filibuster that finally produces the financial freedom and professional development that I have been working towards for years.  My dad reminded me the other day that I often have such incredible energy for creating that I forget to forecast and build the financial picture too.  This all has to be part of my vision board for sure.  So, I am taking special care to really look at the brand, the forecast, the desired outcome, the program success and all.  What I do know as I work on this – BE Specific!  I will get what I ask for, so I need to make sure I know what I want, and I need to be clear at describing it.

What is on your vision board?  Have you been clear?  Have you taken the time to really think about what you want from your future?  Do you have a plan or are you just “winging” it?  Do you have goals with clear time tables?  Are you ready to really achieve your dreams, or are you still “dreaming” about them?  Just thought I would ask.  Be Clear about your answer!

What We do With our Talents can be Very Inspirational for Others

As a retired dance studio owner, and as an avid dance instructor, I have spent the last little while reflecting on what people do or don't do with the talent they have.  And, is it right to not use your talent and let it go to waste? 

When I first started learning about Cape Breton Stepdancing over a decade ago, I was thrilled at the level of expertise that was passed down from generation to generation and from family to family.  There was so much history in this art form, and so much personality in the style that each family had and where their steps came from.  For the Fraser Descendents, this is a big part of their story.  Willie Fraser, a famous and sought after dancer and gaelic singer from Inverness County, first learned how to dance when he was four years old.  He would wake up from dreams in the night with steps in his head and pronounce to the family what he had learned the night before.  After several weeks of these dreams Willie had a series of steps to string together and to practice in the day time.  As Willie became an adult, he was well known across Cape Breton Island for his steps.  Even after he was married and with several children, he would come home from work and a car would be waiting for him to take him to a dance where people would be waiting to see him show his steps.  In those days there was hardly enough money for the fiddler and the piano player, so the stepdancers performed for their own love of the dance.  On one such occasion the Priest of the local parish felt obligated to give Willie something for all his efforts to come out to the event and leave his family and wife at home, so he blessed Willie's feet in thanks.  From that day forward it was an honor to say to the dancer - "Bless Your Feet" after their performance.

Willie has expressed in interviews about those days, that he felt if he was given the gift of dance, then it was his obligation to go where the dance was needed.  It would be rude for a stepdancer to not get up for the fiddler playing a Strathspey for the dancers and to disappoint a waiting audience.  The same holds true for musicians and performers.  How often do you see talented people being coaxed to get up and perform, and they refuse to oblige?  They think it is awkward and presumptuous that people would be interested in them.  Sometimes they are shy and want us to buy into that too.  For those people without artistic capabilities it is a real disappointment to not enjoy the talents that others have been gifted with - no matter what level of expertise they are at.    We all enjoy being entertained and a supporter of a performance.

On the bulletin board in my office I have hung many quotes over the years.  One that has stuck out to remind me of why I need to perform when the opportunity arises is:  "Nervousness is a Selfish Act" - anon.  When I have felt my feet weren't ready to perform, or I was not sure about getting up infront of the audience in the hall for the night, or if I had not practiced and I was not confident in my muscle memory, I remembered my gift.  I remembered my opportunity.  I remembered my audience.  I have an obligation to get up and perform, and I know I need to enjoy every moment of my gift and completely give to my audience.  It would be selfish of me to deny us all and let fear dominate the evening.

As a teacher I was always encouraging my students to chase their dreams, embrace their opportunities and to shine wherever possible.  This past month has been the start of the festival and competition season, and the dancers I left behind a year ago are now reaching their first performances without me.  I am sad that I am no longer their teacher, and I am sad that I am not the one leading them this year.  However, I am thrilled that my passion for performance and sharing has helped them push through this year of big changes as they embraced their own passions. 

The first performance of excitement was a fundraising event to support alternative cancer treatments.  Many of my former students chose to use their talent to create a statement.  A very talented musical theatre singer arranged a favorite piece of music called "Home" originally sung by Vanessa Carlton, and gathered her friends into a band using their musical skills.  I should note here that these performers are all preteens.  Then, a former dance student, choreographed a moving lyrical piece to accompany the band and singer.  They created this piece for a close friend of theirs, my daughter, who has battled Hodgkins Lymphoma this winter and who has not been well enough to perform.  At the time of the performance we were not sure if she was cancer free yet, so her friends rallied to perform a piece that would inspire her to dig deep and succeed to find her health, with the knowledge that no matter how far away everyone was, they were all "home" with her and they were supporting her through this ordeal.    I burst with pride knowing that they have all embraced their talents and they have let their passion shine through to bring their gifts to others.

The second performance of excitement was the first competition event for the season.  Changing teachers, changing styles of dance, and changing studios was a big adjustment for everyone.  My son was able to spend some time at the competition watching these former dance students and he called after the event bursting with pride.  He could not believe how all of our former students were shining.  They were passionate.  They were strong.  They were well prepared.  And, they were confident to share their talents with the world.  Again I burst with pride thinking about how these dancers had embraced their passion, dug down deep and found a way to shine in a big way with their own performances.  They are the next generation that will go forward to share their talents with the world. They are not afraid to express themselves and use their talents to help others realize they should chase their own dreams. 

Being an artist is such an incredible gift.  We can be passionate, expressive, crazy, or anything we want to be.  And, we have the power to put a smile on peoples faces.  We can bring energy to bodies that don't have the ability to do what we are doing.  And, we can inspire and motivate others to try their best and chase their own passions.  If you have the talent and gift - Celebrate.  If you witness the gift - Celebrate.  But, most importantly don't let nervousness bring hesitation to your passion and prevent you from doing what you were given the opportunity to do - Perform and Love It!

One Smile Says it ALL!

Comfort is a word that all of us use in the winter time when we want to be safe and warm from the winter elements.  We might have “comfort foods”  or “food mom used to make” to help wrap us in memories from our childhood when we were taken care of.  We might wrap ourselves in a warm blanket or set a fire before us.  We might add hot chocolate and marshmallows to our plan.  We might play music that brings back warm memories, or read a book that we remember with fondness.  And, then we reflect on the friends who surrounded us for our life adventures.  We remember our family events, grandparent hugs, presents from Aunts and Uncles, glowing parents watching over us.  And, we remember our friends.  We remember the buddies who got us through the school years, our teens, our relationships, our children, our aging.  And, we remember those in our world that set up a community of support that would raise us, help us, nurture us, support us and celebrate us.  In this we find “comfort”.

Our community is our extended family.  Sometimes they know more about us than we would like, but they care.  They help us with projects and activities and provide volunteer time to achieve great things for those around them.  They strive to create a working relationship that can create opportunities for others in the community through special programs and initiatives.  And, our community provides us with comfort.

It is very stressful to enter a new environment (school, workplace, activity, community) and find out how you fit.  Creatures of habit, we prefer to stay where we know how things work and what the outcomes will be, but sometimes we have to move out of our comfort zone and create new communities.  How do we do this?

From our perspective, the new one trying to fit, we want to share, build, learn and grow with the new people and surroundings around us.  From the community’s perspective, they want to learn about us, enjoy our different perspective, and help us find a way to feel like we fit. 

How do we find a way to fit?  It starts with a smile.  An exchange of this simple gesture can mean so much.  It can be heartwarming.  It can be inviting.  It can be accepting.  It can be encouraging.  It starts with a caring word.  “How are you?”  “Can I help you?”  “Where are you from, or where you to?  And it is the time that someone takes to help us feel comfortable and important.  “Just call if you need something.”  “Here, let me show you where that is.”  “Let me introduce you.”  It is only a few words put together and a gesture, but once the anxiety is decreased, we can relax and open ourselves up to a whole new world of possibility.

Simple gestures.  Acceptance and comfort.  Just one smile can make a world of difference.  What would happen to your day if someone came to you with a smile, or caught your eye?  How would you feel if you started the smile and you brightened the day of someone else today?  How would one smile change the way the community around you felt about you, became engaged in an activity with you, or welcomed you?  How would a new person feel if they were the recipient of your smile today?  We all want to belong, and it is up to us to find the way for us all to feel the comfort of belonging – Smile and Pass it on!

Take a Walk on the Cultural Side

Moving to Cape Breton as a place to retire was a big attraction for my husband and I due to the vibrant cultural scene.  We love the Cape Breton music, the dances every night of the week, the kitchen parties, the mini concerts in all the communities every day of the summer, and the infamous 10 day music celebration “Celtic Colours” in October each year.  Being full time residents now, there are still dances each week, concerts every weekend, and more as the Christmas season approaches.  We have attended several shows at the local theatre as well as travelled to surrounding towns too.  We thought the winter would be quiet, but it really is the time for the locals to enjoy each other and continue to enjoy the music and culture that radiates from them during the tourist season, through winter jam sessions, kitchen parties and Christmas concerts.  We did not feel this same connection to culture in Alberta even though we did attend many shows and concerts throughout the year.  It seemed that sports was more predominant and there was always a reporting of the stats of the Calgary Flames or Calgary Stampeders.

 In a study released by Hills Strategies on consumer spending on culture in Canada, it was discovered that consumers spend three times more on culture than the government does at all levels ($9.2 Billion in 2007-2008).  And, Canadians spend double the amount of spending on live performing arts ($1.4 Billion) than on live sports events ($650 Million).  This came as a shock to me with all the avid hockey enthusiasts that we have.  As well, with the sports report that accompanies the news each day, we don’t ever hear an arts report with reviews of the latest shows on the daily news.  Why not?  If society is recognizing the importance of culture in their lives, why do we not reflect this in our news reports? 

In our two local papers in Cochrane, Alberta there would sometimes be an arts report, article or picture of an event that happened.  But, these reports were often every few weeks.  The local Folk Club managed some great coverage for a few weeks prior to their shows, the local high schools would have coverage for a few weeks prior to their fall and spring musicals, and the dance groups would have their odd photo in, usually in the spring with competition results.  The sports sections were always full of results, stats, photos, and about three pages of reporting per paper.   Diversely, in the Inverness Oran, our local paper for Inverness County, Cape Breton, there is an arts section that is jam packed in the summer months for at least three to five pages.  There are announcements of what is happening where, and there are many photographs covering the events and who the participants were.  Everyone cleans out the stores on Wednesdays when the paper arrives, it is the bible for the area for all the cultural events.  There is a sports section as well, and there are equal pages allotted for stats, results and photos.  There is a wide spectrum of reporting for all the sports and age groups.    

Further in the Hills Strategies report they found:  “In a context where “social networks are the link between cultural engagement and neighborhood economic vitality” the presentation indicates that “arts and culture are one way that neighbours build connections”…These connections can enhance “collective efficacy” in addressing community problems…the cultural sector can create “connection across barriers of geography, social class, and ethnicity, (http://placingcreativity.org/conference-2009-presentations/)”.  What would happen if we changed the way we reported the arts and paid attention to it in our lives on a more global scale?  What benefits would our communities see?  How could we use the arts to strive for change in our neighborhoods?

While working with ACE Communities this spring introducing the arts into Rural Alberta, there was a bond built in the involved communities.  There was a crossing of commitment between preschool groups, school age groups and seniors groups.  There was a combining of resources, intergenerational interaction, and a motivation for students to become more involved in their community rather than just through the school’s initiative.  Much of the funds used for the project started with a boost from the Alberta government, but there was fundraising by the groups to provide more for themselves.  There were special programs and concerts developed, and there was usage of facilities for the arts that would normally sit idle.  The community was drawn out to participate in many ways and on many levels, and there was a commitment to the members of the community to do more in the future and to further establish the bonds that were created.    All this was happening with the introduction of 2 dancers and 2 musicians and some community classes to introduce the arts to the community. 

In Longview, Alberta, there was a group of musicians who were self taught and eager to learn any way possible.  They put on a big dance fundraiser prior to our arrival, and then they had two more concerts once we arrived.  They strived to take every tidbit of information about dance or music from us, and it showed in their improvement over the 4 days.  Children who could not access certain types of dance lessons, took every lesson they could and were motivated to do more to coordinate with other communities.  One dance class even had 4 generations dancing together and the oldest participant was 93 years young.  Two of the main organizers for the events were not musicians or singers or actors, they were just avid volunteers who wanted to see more for their community.

The findings of Hills Strategies is vital for our understanding of the connection between the arts and culture and development of a thriving community.  We are attracted to places that make us feel good.  Attending choir performances, theatre shows, community events, and dances, all have ways to bring us together and to feel good about ourselves and our neighbours.  Many of these events require volunteers, and this is another way we feel good about participating.  Sports is something some of us may participate in to be active and healthy, but the Arts feed all of our souls and fulfill us in different ways.  We need to pay attention to the statistics and keep culture in our minds when we are making budget cuts and program cuts.  Culture is vital for our bonding as a community and as growth for our nation with citizens who feel connected, involved and engaged.



The Greenwell's performing together



Seven years ago a friend of ours survived cancer and wanted to give back so others could benefit from the help she received while recovering.  She began a special fundraising event called “Carpe Diem”, meaning “Seize the Day”.  She chose to bring her passion for musical theatre and her husband’s talent with instruments together with her desire to include her children, family and friends in celebration.  They created an adult band that spanned several different genres and gathered performances from their friends that could share talent in song, dance and theatre.  After all these years of fundraising, her children now have a teen band and a children’s band.  They initiate many of the activities and announce for her.  Rehearsals begin months in advance of the event, and creative ideas are shared across generations.  There are three or four generations always present for her event, and everyone gets involved singing, dancing or acting.  The Arts is an opportunity for everyone to play a role and to participate.  Many of the attendees have not missed a year and some plan vacations to coincide with the event if they have moved out of the area.

Canada is a diverse cultural nation that has the ability to blend, share and learn from so many styles and types of people and cultural initiatives.  If we could bring this to the forefront of our lives in the news and in our activities, we may be able to see the positive connections that can happen between people who all want to belong and grow together.   As we spend our cultural dollars in our communities, we need to reflect on the privilege the arts has brought to us as a whole.  And, we need to demand this dedication of our government to stay involved and support initiatives in the arts that help us all to achieve the goal of a better neighborhood to live in.   

 

Life...It's All About the Food

This past weekend I was lucky enough to be visiting some great friends of mine that I had not seen in a long time.  Their daughter is 8 years old and loves to cook.  When I arrived there were 3 containers of sugar cookies all cut out in the shape of reindeer, snowmen, bells and angels.  “Auntie M, do you want to decorate with me?”  My children are now in their late teens, and spending time with mom decorating isn’t exactly on their list of favorite things to do.  I quickly responded to Sarah, “I would love to”.  This started the most magical afternoon of giggling, breaking cookies, eating them, and telling stories. 

The event reminded me of the motto our family has always lived by: “It’s All About the Food”.  We remember events by recipes and family members, we always include some fantastic nibblies for a social event, we cater to our guests with libations and sweets when they visit, and we hand down traditions as a sacred rite of passage.

A few Christmas’ back we had a guest spend a week with us from Cape Breton.  It was her first time in Alberta and we wanted to show her all the things about Alberta that we love.  We spent time at the Banff Springs Hotel for Sunday Brunch; we took her for Vietnamese Food at our favorite local spot; we went skiing and ate on the hill; we went into Calgary for some major shopping and a hot chocolate at the top of the Calgary Tower; we had fondue; and, we did raclette.  When she phoned home to let everyone know what she was up to, she didn’t mention the landmarks, she bragged about the food!  That was our first real reflection on how important food is to our social environment.

Last night we were at a Christmas concert in Port Hood, Cape Breton, and before the concert finished we all had to join in and sing the last song – our reward would be the numerous treats waiting on the back table:  sandwiches, squares, punch, oatcakes and cookies.  No event is complete on the island unless the guests are treated to the best goodies, and of course King Cole black tea.

My family has roots in Hungary, and paprika has always been an important part of our recipes.  I remember my Great Grandmother making us donuts upon our arrival for our vacation.  We would then have a huge lunch, usually with homemade soup and noodles, fried chicken or chicken and dumplings, and bird’s nest cookies for dessert.  One day of our vacation was always set aside to spend a day with Nagymama, (as we affectionately called her), where she taught us how to make noodles from scratch.  One day I had the honor of learning how to make strudel as well.  She rolled the dough so paper thin by hand, I could not believe her patience and perseverance.  After lunch, Papapa, (my Great Grandfather), would walk us to the corner store and give us a quarter.  My sister and I always bought a bag of barbecue potato chips and savored the walk home with our great grandfather.    

At my grandparents house, my grandmother was famous for her homemade bread.  She always had fresh twists ready when we arrived, and breakfast would see the loaves of bread disappear quickly as our homemade toast was slathered with fresh apricot jam that was runny and soaked into our bread.  I always found room for 4 pieces of toast on those breakfast mornings.   My grandfather always insisted on taking a picture of the dinner table before we ate at our family gatherings.  He had lost both his parents and the family farm by the time he was fourteen years old, and there were many days and nights that he wandered the roads across Canada trying to find somewhere to get a bite of food.  By taking a picture of the table for our family feasts, he could give thanks for the many blessings that he had found since that time. 

As we prepare for our Christmas celebrations this year, we have moved across the country to Cape Breton Island and we have left our extended family behind.  Our son, who is now out on his own, is visiting us for a few weeks.  What do we think about?  What would you like to eat while you are here?!  His first two requests, having been on the road for six months and eating restaurant food a lot of the time, was for my homemade pancakes (my Dad’s Dad’s recipe), and homemade macaroni (my husband’s claim to fame).  For his birthday I made Waldorf Astoria Red Cake (my mother-in-laws recipe).  Next week we will have the fondue pots out for some favorite beer batter with mustard sauce and sausages.  Devilled eggs will be on the menu for Christmas day, that is what both Mom’s always made for us.  And, no visit is complete without a few dozen chocolate chip cookies in the cookie jar.

As the commercialism of the season descends upon us through the weeks leading up to Christmas, I embrace my fond memories of dinners over the decades and with my family.  I think one of the greatest gifts I could pass to my kids, is a recipe book full of the favorites and the stories that accompany each delicacy.   My Great Aunt, who passed away this past January, published a cookbook of my Great Uncles recipes from the old country and from his time as a cook in the war.  This family heirloom is a bigger treasure now that she is no longer with us.  And, she was a writer.  She wrote for her local paper for over 3 decades.  We used to get angry with her telling family secrets from our various family events.  But now, as I look back at her stories, she recorded our history for us.  She preserved those precious moments visiting with each other and sharing the dinner table. 

Even the Christmas tree was full of popcorn strings with cranberries, gingerbread cookies, and candy cane treats!

As you plan for your festivities this season, take a moment to reflect on the traditions you are carrying on.  Perhaps you will have time to pass a recipe forward or attach a story to a favorite dish.  "Bon Appetite" as Julia Child’s would say, and Happy Holidays from our family to yours.