Share and Declare

I rarely get political, impassioned or activist on this site.

It's a part of me that I keep separate from what is written here.

But, I am feeling empowered to share and declare this morning...

I believe in equal rights.

I believe in marriage equality.

I believe that men and women should have equal opportunities.

I believe that no child should grow up afraid.

I believe all of us, no matter our culture, gender, sexual orientation, ability, background, race, ethnicity, religion or creed have opportunities to advocate and support one another.

I believe we, as a community, need to do a better job of standing up for one another.

I believe in solidarity.

I believe that we CAN make a difference.

I believe men and women should not have fear of being assaulted - mentally, emotionally, physically.

I believe that all of us, no matter our culture, gender, sexual orientation, ability, background, race, ethnicity, religion or creed have rights to live full, healthy, beautiful lives.

I believe in health equity and food democracy.

I believe we can do better in treating our planet better.

I believe that if you care, you should say so.

I believe in the best of people.

I believe that all of us, no matter our culture, gender, sexual orientation, ability, background, race, ethnicity, religion or creed have passions and dreams that should be ignited and lived out.

I don't want us to deny our culture, gender, sexual orientation, ability, background, race, ethnicity, religion or creed...instead, I want us to share and celebrate them with one another.  I want us to see those things as precious parts of our story that are valued and appreciated and loved.

I'm fired up, people.

Today's blog is inspired by Macklemore who has a story that should be heard.

Je t'aime...a big announcement!

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I'm a little late to the Valentine's Day Party.

My apologies.

This goes beyond being "fasionably late."  Which, just in passing, I'm not ever sure how it can be fashionable to be late.  I like to be prompt.  Just sayin'.

Here's what I love...

A husband that dreams big about our future.

Family that supports and loves you.

Tall boots with jeans and a cozy sweater.

A good cup of tea.

Decaf soy lattes.

Really long runs outside in the fall and early spring when the weather is oh-so-perfect.

Friends that make you laugh when you need it the most.

Vinyasa flow.

You know what else I love? 

Canada.

That's right...that big, beautiful country to the north of the US.

That country that stretches from ocean to ocean with a lot of variation in geography and language in between.

That country that has a dollar coin called a "loonie" and a two-dollar coin called a "toonie" and no pennies in production anymore.

In fact, I love it so much, I'm officially moving back!!!!!!!

Yup, you heard it hear...I'm back, Canada!  (well, at the end of March)

I'm not sure what is going to happen with work yet, but I don't mind.

Dave and I are beyond excited to be back together.

More news to come soon!

Everyday View

Happy Friday, readers...

Here's a little view from my windows today.

It's one of those slushy, grey, wintry-mix days out there.

*I hear mother nature might toss some sunshine our way a little later!*

To those on the East Coast...stay safe and warm out there.

To everyone...be fabulous and have a great start to your weekend!

Ukrainians in Saskatoon

A fantastic friend of mine at work, who is Ukrainian and spent a LOT of time in Canada living and working, shared this video with me. 

I thought I would pass it on to you!

Enjoy!

Steeped in Snowglobe

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I love it when it snows in the city.  Today, we were gifted with those huge, fat, big flakes falling from the sky.  They swirled around the skyscrapers downtown with a fury before settling onto cars, sidewalks, green spaces and noses.  

From my office, I looked out into the swirling winter goodness and felt...content.

Calm.

Alive.

Happy.

There is nothing like a shake of a snowglobe to bring out that big-kid-I-want-to-go-outside-in-THAT-and-make-a-snowman-and-then-let's-go-have-hot-chocolate kind of grin on your face.

I'm choosing not to listen to the people that talk about how cold or how much shoveling or when is summer going to come????

Nope.  I'm reveling in the grey, still-dark days and the softness that these fortunate snowfalls bring to an otherwise hectic and very loud city.

I am steeped in snowglobe, people.

Chicago Snow Day

Yesterday, I got out of bed and what, to my wondering eyes should appear?!?!

Big, fat flakes flying down on us from the sky.

It made my morning commute to yoga that much more magical.

I hope you are enjoying your weekend, friends...