lifestyle.

This the longest I've been in Kelowna on vacation (rather than Christmas holidays) in awhile. It's lovely.

I feel myself slipping back into the casual, easy breezy lifestyle of the Okanagan.

It's always interesting coming back. When I was in high school, I couldn't wait to get out of here...but now each time I return as an adult, I almost don't want to leave again.

I feel a lot of clarity and space when I'm here. The things that seemed to matter so much in Vancouver, Toronto, life, relationships, blah blah blahhhhhhhh all become super clear on what really matters.

I'm finding myself making faster (and better) decisions, feeling better and stepping back.

When we chat about "recharging our batteries" and having a rest, I truly feel that here.

Yesterday I saw an old, dear friend who gave me my first tarot card reading. It was beautiful, scary, enlightening and was exactly what I needed to hear.

Ultimately things are coming to down to making space...I've been feeling and intense and big draw back to the pool. It's not just because the Olympics are on (although I love watching the swimming competition every day so far), but I want back in the water.

Yesterday it became very clear what I want and need to do moving forward into the next few months to keep on my path, keep being creative and going the distance.

But for now, I'll sip my beer outside, stream the Olympics and enjoy this beautiful Kelowna sunset.

Have a wonderful rest of the week.

tour.

'Tis the witching time of the summer.

I love this part of the year. The days are hot, and the evenings are a welcome relief from the heat. Every day is open to possibilities...meetings turn into hangouts, we end up waiting that extra hour for a happy hour patio.

Life is just lovely in the summer.

At the beginning of the year, a close friend of mine asked if I wanted to join in on an order for a Day Designer. My gut said yes before I even knew what I was getting into. A few weeks later a beautiful little box arrived.

The first few pages are tough. You work through your goals, values, emotions and so much more on paper. I remember sitting down in a crowded coffee bar on a rainy day with a newspaper, Americano and pen, ready to attack.

Only a few minutes into my planned "planning" session, I found myself way too overwhelmed and had to step back. A few days later I dove back in and found out a completely different path awaited me that I had hinted at loving, but was rearing it's head.

I won't get into the nitty gritty, but one of the reoccurring statements was about traveling and teaching. Combining those two together - a teaching tour is in the works.

Six months later, I'm on the eve of heading to the Okanagan to teach in two different cities, several classes for the City of Kelowna, Army of Sass and perform in a wedding flash mob proposal for a couple.

It's true, once you speak something out - whether it's vocal, written, etc. things happen. Your brain is triggered to start responding and putting into action what you really want.

Just a thought. Here we go!

vancity.

I just put two and two together that I have been officially back in B.C. for two months (is that enough two's for you?) 

So many incredible things have happened in the last few weeks in my home province - good times with friends, reconnecting with family members at weddings, celebrating the start of new lives and adjusting to a couple big changes on my end. 

Was it hard to come back? Of course. 

I've definitely had a couple moments when I thought to myself, what on Earth were you thinking Portia? 

But that too has past and I'm ready to start the next chapter this fall. 

Without further ado, here are a few of my favourite moments from summer 2013 as I start to pack away my short shorts - it'll be missed! 

Performing in High Society Cabaret at the Chic-a-Boom Room (my last TO show). 

In Niagara Falls with the Army of Sass dance teachers. 

My final night in Toronto - missing these ladies. 

Vancouver - my cousin Mike gets hitched. 

The Caravan Farm Theatre, a gem of the Okanagan. 

Celebrating Rochelle's birthday in Vancouver. 

Teaching at Dancing in the Park. 

Alicia and I - giggling, as per usual. 

fuel.

It never ceases to amaze me what it's like to be on the other side of the curtain.

I've spent most of my childhood (and parts of young adulthood) training and performing in as many styles of dance as possible.

After my injury a few years ago and being unable to take classes with the same free abandon as before, my perspective changed.

I turned to teaching. I had learned, seen and thought so much about dance and choreography, that it felt like the most natural step.

It wasn't all rainbows. There were actually a lot of butterflies. That's what three to five year-olds want to dance as in recreation centre classes.

This grew to teaching contemporary classes to the dance students at my old high school, many who have no dance experience. There were tough days, where it felt like you were speaking in a different language to a group of people.

However, there is choreography for everybody...a difficult but true mantra from an old director that I've adopted for myself. We are all equal, just stronger in different ways.