A Year In Review

A year ago today I packed up my suitcase, said goodbye to my precious little boys and boarded a plane for Nova Scotia. As heartbreaking as it was I knew I was leaving my furbabies in really good hands which put my heart at ease a little.

The first week was a brilliant distraction. We spent it with Craig's Dad and Stepmom doing tourist-type things around Halifax. I am so thankful for all they did. Not only did we manage to get a lot of great adventures in, but I was also able to distract from the reality of the significant changes occurring in my world.

Before we knew it we were headed to Amherst where the reality of the situation really sunk in. Each day my heart seemed to break a little more as I new my time with the love of my life was coming to an end and he would be returning to Newfoundland with our three boys. I'm horrible with goodbyes. The day he packed up the car and began his drive back to the Rock, his mom, Beth packed up her car and drove me to the cabin. It is one of the most peaceful places I have been since moving here. We spent the long weekend there surrounded by inspiring women who over the next twelve months would all impact my life in significant ways.

The first few weeks were challenging as I learned to adapt to my new surroundings, sat behind the drivers seat again for the first time in seven years, and began this new life here. I met some incredible friends. Before Craig left he had introduced me to two of his friends, who have become two of my closest amigos since living here. Sean and Sarah have gone above and beyond for me. From games night to surprise road trips and everything in between. I then met Jeannine through the gym. What a burst of sunshine she is! Jeannine is like a personal cheerleader, you can't help but feel motivated by her. - she is truly an incredible inspiration. Through Jeannine I was able to meet Stefanie. Stef is one of those people who when you meet, the universe shakes haha. I'm sure I must have known her in a previous life. We had this instant connection that couldn't be ignored and have since become really close friends. As I explored my creative opportunities here through various art shows I met Lisa from L.A. Crafts  and Jackie from Surprise!! Baskets & Gifts .

A part of me longed be back home with the familiar faces I had been missing, living in the nest Craig and I had only moved into months before in such a grand location. I missed the salt air tangling my hair, and the crashing waves washing over my soul. I had made a commitment though, and returning home was not an option. So Craig continued to search for work here, and I continued to practice an open mind to my new surroundings and focused on the opportunity for self growth and exploration. Before I knew it it was Christmas and my family was moving here to join me. There are no words to describe how incredibly wonderful that felt.

As the epic adventures faded with the autumn leaves winter quickly brought me into this state of social hibernation. I put more energy into my paintings and into my personal life as I enjoyed the warmth of the nest while the winter winds blew outside. Thankfully Spring soon arrived and we welcomed it with open arms. This new season brought many new and unexpected twists and turns in my path called 'Life'. Some were fabulous turns, and some were very challenging twists. Together as a team me and Craig stood strong together and adjusted our sails. I spent many hours at the Bird Sanctuary connecting with nature as I tried to reconnect with nature and find balance. As I began to make the transition from hibernation into Spring, my soul sister Andi flew down for a week. It was her first time out east and we soaked it all up with breathtaking adventures.I am truly grateful for her time spent here.

Spring quickly blossomed into Summer and I emerged from my cocoon. I had an opportunity to pursue one of my dreams and after some hesitation, I jumped in with both feet. I began advertising art classes again. I was - and still am- amazed at how quickly the amount of interest in these classes grew from the community and surrounding areas given the limited marketing resources I have been using. It feels incredible to share my passion of art with others again in a hands on way. Through this new avenue I've meet some incredible people. Most recently being Rozlind and Amy. I had met Rozlind online through a Facebook page that is similar to the concept of 'Freecycle'. She was organizing her art supplies and had some things she was no longer using. I dropped by to pick up the items so I could share them with the students in my 'Intuitive Expressions' class. Before I knew it three hours had passed and we still hadn't ran out of things to talk about. Another instant connection was made.

There has been many incredibly wonderful opportunities for me since moving here, balanced with some pretty challenging struggles that have helped me grow. I've developed some amazing friendships here and created many wonderful memories. Though my heart will always be back in Newfoundland I will forever be thankful for the all the new people who have come into my life.
I wonder what the next twelve months has in store for me.

Liberate Your Inner Artist

 It's time to liberate your inner artist!!

 I want to share my love for art with YOU!

Starting July 5th I will be offering both private and group art classes from my nest.  Are you ready to get messy with acrylics? It doesn't matter if you already express yourself with art, or have never touched a paint brush before. My classes are personalized for all levels. Gain confidence as you learn how to express yourself through painting. In an encouraging creative environment setting we will explore the world of art as we learn new techniques, study the masters, and experiment with different styles of painting.


So how will this work? 

Given the limited amount of space I have, group classes will have a maximum of 5 artists. Which means you must book  and pay for your seat before the class to ensure you have a spot. When you message me to confirm your seat we can arrange for payment. Over the next few days I will have all classes posted on my  facebook page  along with descriptions and cost my events section on my page, as well as on my website. All materials will be covered in the cost of class unless otherwise specified. If materials are not included, I will send you a list once you are registered of the materials required and where to purchase them. This list will have two options for supplies depending on your budget.

There are different age groups for the classes. These groups are broken down into ages 7-12, 13-17, and 18+.  Be sure when registering that you chose the correct age group. Some classes, like Pepperoni and Pointillism will be offered on an ongoing basis. Each class we will do a different painting.

Interested in a private lesson? We can pick from classes available, or customize a class that suits your level and interest.

When you arrive be sure to be wearing old clothes. Acrylic paint will not come out of your clothes. No need to dress to impress here haha!


Are you as excited as I am? I hope so! Can't wait to see you and get our art on!

East Coastin' Adventures

I just had the most incredible week!  With a whirl wind of changes in my life recently, this past week was refreshing. My dear friend, and soul sister Andi came to visit me. Coming all the way from Ontario, this was her first visit out east and the adventures were endless.

Saturday morning we woke up bright and early and took in some successful yard sale treasure hunting. Andi found me a fabulous bar chair set to go in our kitchen along with a Moroccan style lamp. We then headed off to Maltby Stables where we took in a horseback riding lesson. The instructor was amazing, and the experience was one we won't soon forget. She also got to meet some of the girls I am friends with here. We then headed to the cabin for a few hours where we explored the beach while the tide was out and enjoyed a lazy afternoon in the sun.

With a new found taste for the salty air, our next adventure lead us out to Partridge Island where we had a picnic in the car on the beach. It was way too cold and windy to set up and eat outside haha.  When we finished our yummy lunch, we bundled up for a quick stroll on the beach. Spotting some interesting driftwood the two of us walked right into a pond and our shoes were soaked right through!
Back into the car we went with the heat on high to dry off. As we made our way to our next destination a sign caught our eyes. "From Away". I had to stop and get a picture of my mainlander friend (also known as my CFA - come from away friend) standing by this sign. We popped into the store for a little looky-loo and fell right in love! The owner is quite the character and has the most interesting collection of treasures from around the world, or as his store is rightfully named, from away. Andi found some fun and colourful presents there. After an interesting conversation with the owner, we then headed to Driftwood Beach. That's where the start of our hilarious self timer photos began. Oh my, what an epic time we had trying to get a picture of the two of us. On our way home we stopped to admire the most beautiful pair of horses who were just right in love with each other. Using our left over carrots from snack we won their affection.

Our next adventure brought us over the bridge to the land of red! We spent the day in Summerside, Prince Edward Island. I had arranged a lunch date with another friend of ours who we haven't seen since 2008. I met Rhonda at the hotel and was trying to stall her until Andi came in to surprise her. I should mention that I fail at surprises. In attempts to stall Rhonda and keep her in the lobby where Andi could easily find her, I said I had to use the bathroom. I didn't want to miss the moment of shock, so I was peeping my head around the corner to see if Andi had made her entrance yet. Well...I failed and got caught by Rhonda haha. I must have looked like a creeper. I said something along the lines of how confusing the hallways were, and luckily that's when Andi came through the doors. Well I thought Rhonda was going to fall right through the floor!! It was so awesome to be in the company of these women again. We had a delicious lunch followed by a wonderful tour around town. The beach we had stopped at was a one stop shop for beach combing. I found beautiful shells, beach glass and a giant piece of beach pottery. Yahoo!! Before we knew it, it was time to drive across that bridge again. We said our goodbyes and arranged for another date. There's going to be some time had July 2014! hehe

Our last great adventure for the week brought us to New Brunswick where we took in some local arts and crafts and enjoyed a giant feed at the Big Stop. The weather wasn't the best for adventuring so we decided to head home for an evening of relaxing before we had to send Andi back on the plane the next day. I also suck at goodbyes, so after a quick picture and big giant hug, I headed back home, sad to see her go, but so happy to know she will be returning next year.

I hope you had a fabulous first time experience to the East Coast Andi! It was beyond fabulous having you as our first guest in our first nest and we can't wait to have you back next year!
Ps next time we have to make it to the best of the east coast provinces - Newfoundland ;)

Representing Project brEAThe in the Northumberland Strait

Myself, Andi, and Rhonda

Shemar tries to sneak into Andi's carry on

The b'ys and their ladies

 In everyone's life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit.
-Albert Schweitzer

May 2-4 Adventures

What a fabulous May 2-4 weekend! For those of you don't know, May 2-4 is a long weekend here in Canada to celebrate the Queen's birthday. Victoria day is a public holiday here which is marked on the last Monday before May 25th. It also happens to be the long weekend that kicks off the summer season! I've noticed that it's not so much a big deal here in Nova Scotia as it is back home on the Rock. Not sure what's up with that, but it sure never held me back from creating a good one!

Friday I woke up feeling a little bit crooked. Even the glorious sun couldn't convince me to get out of bed at first. So I threw on a documentary, Munay Ki: Healing the Luminous Body and before I knew it, despite my interest in the film, I was soon back in dreamland. Beth woke me up practically singing about how beautiful it was outside. So I decided it was time for some serious opposite action. Despite my foul mood, I got up did some nesting. Soon Beth returned home with a Big Mac 'Happy Meal' to help cheer me up! How sweet is that? But her generosity didn't end there, she also let me borrow her car so I could escape to Joggins for a few hours of peacefulness. Was it ever. I was able to remain present for the two hours I was there on the beach. Watching the tide go out, hearing the waves crash , feeling the salt air tangle my hair. It was exactly what I needed.


Saturday we hung out around the nest. Beth and I had some 'nail therapy' on the back deck as we soaked up the sunshine. I tell ya, I may know how to handle a paint brush, but when it comes to painting my nails, the final result is not too appealing haha. I fired up the BBQ and we had some burgers for lunch. After a full day in the sun, we headed out to the beach for a birthday party. Our friend Fran was the beautiful birthday girl. It was so lovely to be in her company with a campfire on the beach. And the spread of food she had!!! Delicious! We had everything from mango salad, to chicken kababs, quinoa, thai noodles, quiche, and fiddle heads. Yes I finally tried fiddle heads! I really like them too.

Sunday was 'Family Funday Sunday'! Beth made the best picnic spread I've ever seen! We had three choices of sandwiches, muffins, cheese and crackers, dip and baked pitas, fruit salad, and potato salad! We loaded up the car bright and early and hit the road. Some of you may remember my blog from the fall where Beth had taken me on a scenic drive that reminded me of home. On Sunday, took that same adventure route again. Only we started with Joggins this time, then on to Apple River, Driftwood beach in Advocate, Cape d'Or, and finished at Five Islands. In Cape d'Or we stopped and had a super awesome picnic that Beth had made for us! It was so tasty!

With all that adventuring I was pretty tired today. Owen slept over last night so this morning we got up and had a yummy breakfast and then headed out to the bird sanctuary for a little adventure. When we got home I did some nesting and then when he went for his nap, I joined too! haha. Naps are the end of me! I slept for the three hours he slept, and I am still trying to wake up from it. So now I am making a stir fry for dinner and hope that will give me enough energy to finish up some laundry before I make an early visit to dreamland tonight.

Hope you all had a safe and mega fun May 2-4!

Joggins on Friday during my peaceful escape

Found this washed up on the beach. No idea what it's from, ohh the mystery!

Family Funday Sunday kicks off at Joggins where my little nephew dips his toes in the water

Making a wish at Apple River

Soaking up nature at Driftwood beach in my Project brEAThe shirt.

It's not every day you see a Dragon at Cape d'Or! We were excited.

Driving Behind Myself

Ever get stuck behind the turtle driver? You know who I'm talking about. The driver who is afraid to use their gas pedal. The driver who potentially super glued their foot to the breaks? Well for the past month I've been part of that special drivers club. And a few days ago, I got to experience what it's like to drive behind myself...

I must proudly admit, I'm getting a better handle on driving. I no longer look like a 25 year old granny with the seat pulled up so far the steering wheel became an extension of my legs. My shoulders are no longer bunched up to my ears like my laundry pile. haha. Since my last post, I've realized that 50kph isn't that fast after all. At least compared to 80kph when I was lost trying to find the hospital and ended up in Fenwick. Nope, 50 is not that bad at all. Since my last blog I even pumped gas!! (Ok small potatoes for some people, but this is probably  at the top of last week's challenge list for myself. I've been stressing over it for about 3 weeks now? Turns out it wasn't that big of a deal as my over active imagination lead me to believe. Yay for me!!)

And then, the day arrived. On my way home, I turned the corner and started driving behind myself. Well, actually this driver was worse than me. I like to stick to the speed limit. It's what the sign tells you to do and puts me on the good side of any police hoping to meet their ticket quota haha. But seriously...20KPH?! in a 50 zone? You're killing me b'ys! Each street that approached I crossed my fingers they would turn...nothing. Finally after what felt like a lifetime (or 3 agonizing minutes in the real world), they made their turn and I was able to get back up to my comfort speed. I'll have to cram in all the driving I can before the car gets put away for the winter (it's a sexy little convertible, not really the best car for Canadian winters). Thank goodness Santa let me in on a little secret, I'm getting a new winter jacket and winter boots to keep me warm as I trudge through the weather. 

So I also made two new friends this week! Felix and Fiona. One is a little camera shy, but they make great company while I'm down in my 'Spidey Cave" (my make shift art studio). This beautiful little creature is Fiona. At least I hope she's Fiona, unless she's a boy, then it's Felix..haha

                                                          

Well I've been on many other adventures this past week including a trip to Crystal Palace in Moncton with my little tater tot nephew and a local farm where he made friends with a baby donkey (it was too cute for words, it's like the donkey knew they were both babies). I've challenged myself time and time again, which is why this blog is a little late being posted. I had to take some time to self nurture and slow down the pace a little bit. Life is all about balance and I sure have felt the incredible lack of balance since my move. But it's also been an incredible rush of new sights, experiences and growth. 

And so I will leave you with a giant thank you from the bottom of my heart for popping by my blog, and a quote that spoke to me this past week;

Insist on yourself. Never imitate.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Stepping up to the Boogeyman

What fear are you willing to face today? 

(stay tunned at the end for a very special announcement!!)

Since moving to Nova Scotia, there have been a lot of fears that I have had to face. I think the biggest was getting behind the wheel of a car again after 7 years of not driving. AHH!! But I must say, I'm getting better, my nerves were shot though for the first 6-7 drives haha.

 On Sept 16th, a dear friend of mine quoted in a blog " I remembered the advice on my yoga bag to do one thing every day that scares you."  (P.S I highly recommend you check out her blog. She is an incredibly talented artist with a great sense of adventure!)  

On Sept 22, one of my favorite bloggers and Facebook pages, St. John's Mom Blog,(If you are in the St. John's area or just want an interesting read, check her blog) replied to a comment I had made about stepping outside of my comfort zone and trying ZUMBA at Your Place Fitness and Tanning here in town. She had recently stepped outside her comfort zone as well to try martial arts. Which inspired me to start this blog! How's that for an introduction lol?!

Have you ever heard of Opposite Action? It sounds super simple, but it's actually not always as easy to do. The name basically spells it out. You do the opposite action of what you want to do. I stumbled upon Dr. Alice Boyles who has a great blog outlining Opposite Action. Believe me, a lot of times, I just want to run and hide instead of doing the opposite action, even when it comes to 'the little things'. But after practicing the idea of opposite action A LOT this month, I realize how rewarding the feeling of accomplishment feels, and how my self confidence even grew a little. So each time I face something that scares me I try to remember other fears I have overcome, or at least faced hehe and try to move on through the next one. 

I'll be sharing some of these stories as I continue my blog. And I'd LOVE to hear your stories!! Please share them in the comments below. Be proud of yourself and tell the world how awesome you are!!

And now for my super special announcement!! I created a contest on my Facebook page. Followers could submit their idea for the name of my blog. I was so excited to see new and familiar faces playing the game and sharing their creative side! I am happy to announce that full credits for my blog name goes to Beth Nuttall! Thank you so much to everyone who participated. Remember to check back to my Facebook page for more more chances to win. 

   ☮ ♥ ㋡

Sadie Jane