apartmentday.

Bonjour May!

To steal a note // style from my wonderful friend Breanna of Sex and Sandwiches:

Currently listening: "Prisoner" by The Weeknd ft. Lana del Ray (listen here) 

Drinking: a glass of rosé wine. One ice cube. 

Sitting: at home.

Today is my first full day off since March 29. By full day off, I mean - no meetings, no calls, no rehearsals, no dates. 

Zip. Nada. Kapeesh. 

Well, my parental units are coming into town so I'll be having a rendez-vous with them, but that doesn't count. 

Since leaving my "day job" I've been to Terrace, B.C., Portland and all over the Lower Mainland teaching, dancing and enjoying the sights in-between. This morning, I relished in the glory of not setting an alarm, staying in my PJ's until 3PM, and my only chore being to go get a said wine that I'm enjoying now. 

I'm having what one of my good friends calls an "Apartment Day". That means, not leaving your home (unless for crucial supplies...again, the wine) all day. It's up there with one of the most glorious feelings one can experience. 

Like any good party girl, I like to go out every night of the week that I can. If someone invites me over for a drink, I'll be there. If there's a show happening, I'll find a way to get the money to go. Life is too short to stay home and watch Netflix. 

But there are are moments that I need to step back. I can feel it physically - especially now that I'm teaching and choreographing almost full-time. 

I felt it this weekend. I needed to take today to recharge my batteries. Take a moment. Soak in the nothing. The lull. The sunshine. The words of my book. 

Life is good. 

If you can, take an Apartment Day. I promise, it will feel lovely. 

eves.

The perfect recipe for Christmas Eve? 

A good holiday album. I'm personally loving She & Him's, "A Very She & Him Christmas" 

An extra cup of coffee with Bailey's. 

Soaking in quiet moments at home with family. Add a Christmas movie or binge-watch a Netflix series for extra comfort. 

Wishing you a divine holiday. Merry Christmas. 

abode.

Home. Home. Home. 

Home has changed a lot...physically quite a bit in the last few years (yay for apartment dwellers) but also emotionally. 

Every year, coming "home" for the holidays changes. Sometimes it's to the place my parents and other family members are living. Other years it's far away from it all. 

There have been many Christmas's over the last seven years where one or more of my siblings or I have been away or needed to leave year because of a work commitment, et cetera. This year, one of my brothers is working at a ski hill, several of my friends are in and out of town with family commitments, and couples are splitting their time in-between two provinces or cities.

We're growing up. 

Since moving in 2013, I found a place for my roots to be nourished to grow. I've noticed a drastic change in my behaviour and attitude this holiday season. Other years, I've run around like a mad woman socializing, laughing, leading workshops and honestly, having a grand 'ol time. Bcak then, that's how I sought comfort and stability.

I know it's freaking corny, but home this year is with the people I love.

Since I've been back, I've been hanging closer to home. My dearest of friends, family and I have a couple little traditions and social engagements, but they're very personal and small. 

Merry Christmas friends. May you have a beautiful holiday season. 

2013.

So, 2013 was a big learning year. 

A lot things didn't work out...but then again, sometimes not getting what you want is sometimes a remarkable stroke of luck. 

Thank you 2013 for showing me what my limits were, then breaking them. 

Thank you Toronto for being sweet to me for five years. I'll be back soon. 

Thank you Vancouver for taking me for exactly who I am. 

Without further ado, here's a few highlights from this past year. Looking forward to 2014! 

Let's do this. 

Kicking off the new year on the renovated set of Canada AM

Stepping back in Puerto Vallarta 

Celebrating Deona's big debut in the Shawn Desman "Alive" movie 

Emceeing The Vibe Dance Competition in Kelowna, B.C. 

Reuniting with one of my besties after a year

The moment I decided to move to Vancouver

Watching my Army of Sass Corporals perform my choreography at The Chic-a-Boom Room, Toronto

These girls.  

Au revoir Toronto!  

My cousin Mike and marries Stacey in Vancouver. 

Not a shabby way to spend the summer. Kelowna, you're lovely. 

The official move to Vancouver., brothers in tow. 

Thanksgiving in Kelowna. 

Changing of the seasons in Kits. 

After winning second place in Vancouver's Next Bombshell with one of my favourite ladies by my side. 

Celebrating the success of Sexy and Wealthy in Heels Vancouver at our launch. 

Beyonce. That's all. 

Working with The Lovers Cabaret on our next show, "The Lovers of Marley"

Performing as "The Lady" in High Heel Revolution at The Chic-a-Boom Room in Vancouver

The Favro Family Christmas Card, 2013. 

lemony.

"It is a mircale if you can find true friends, and it is a miracle if you have enough food to eat. 

And it's a miracle if you get to spend your days and evenings doing whatever it is you like to do. 

And the holiday season - like all the other seasons - is a good time not only to tell stories of miracles, but to think about the miracles in your own life, 

and to be grateful for them." 

- Lemony Snicket, The Lump of Coal 

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. 

five.

The lease is signed, furniture sold and my entire life is packed up in eight boxes and two suitcases.

I have always felt free to go on adventures and carve my own path, but this moving process has really shown me how many roots I have put down in Toronto.

This is my last day in the city - thank you Toronto for a fabulous five years. It's very bittersweet to leave, but I'm excited to make the jump and try on a new city.

Next stop: Vancouver!

Wishing you all a great long weekend and Happy Canada Day! 

holes.

I'm not saying it's going to be easy. Nothing in life is easy. 

But that's no reason to give up. 

You'll be surprised what you can accomplish if you set your mind to it. 

After all, you have only one life, so you should try to make the most of it. 

- Holes, by Louis Sachar 

I truly could not have stumbled upon this quote at a better time. Better my last dance performance in Toronto last night (which was incredible!) and encountering an obstacle in my moving process, it's a great reminder to "LLL." 

LLL is my mother's saying - "live your life large." 

There are always going to be things out of our control, things will do wrong and well, life happens. 

However, if nothing else, since the day I arrived in Toronto five years ago to now has been an incredible learning experience. 

I've made some of my best friends for life, incredible connections and have had the opportunity to perform and dance again after thinking that life was finished for me. I've had the opportunity to travel and see New York City, Montreal, Niagara Falls,and various parts of Ontario while living here.Living here has broken down any walls I had, and now I'm not afraid to pick up my bags, jump on a bus, plane or train and just go. 

This is just the beginning. Toronto, thank you for being a huge chapter of my life. You'll be bookmarked, for sure! 

Next stop - Vancouver! 

class.

My Christmas break officially starts today.

In the past five days, I have taught 15 dance classes and choreographed a contemporary solo for one of my dancers for the upcoming competition season.

In-between all that, I've been lucky enough to meet up with friends and spend time with my family. It's amazing to walk into a room and know wholeheartedly that the people in it have your back, one hundred per cent, even if you're not in the same town.

I've had multiple requests about when I'll be back to teach/choreograph/work/visit etc., and I'm a definite "maybe" in the new year. There is an incredible opportunity in the spring that I'm hoping to make a special vist back for - stay tuned!

Hope you are enjoying your time surrounded by loved ones, nibbling on something sweet and playing some charming music. Take it all in - the holidays only come once a year!

deciding.

"Sometimes we need to stop analyzing the past, stop planning the future,

 stop figuring out how we feel, stop deciding exactly what we want,

 and just see what happens." 

- Carrie Bradshaw, Sex and the City 

November and December have been full of a lot of interesting projects, work, events and moments for me. 

Sometimes it's good to sit back and take a moment to appreciate what has happened. In so many ways, this helps me see opportunities more clearly, and thus grab onto the next one comes by. 

I know December has just begun, but the next 10 days are full of work, dance, writing and packing before heading to Kelowna for 11 days. I'll be teaching a plethora of classes when I'm home - make sure to follow me on Twitter and Facebook for the latest updates where they're taking place. 

mondays.

A few years ago in a restaurant in the middle of Mexico, I remember reading this quote scribbled on the wall in black sharpie: 

"If we don't meet your epxectations, lower them. Then everything is a bonus". 

This year so far has been a bonus. I went into 2012 knowing I would graduate from university. I had it set my mind that I would work as hard possible to pursue my passions. 

Growing up, I was a control freak. I hated not knowing what was coming at my next. However, with the news, live performances and well, life, I have finally freed myself from these constriants.

Personally, I have had a few friends experience loss or have had their world turned upside down by things they can't control. This really hit me how small the window is for us to grab opportunities and run. Yes, not every one may be perfect, but it's experience. 

I've gotten some really lovely tweets, messages and texts in the last week of people saying it looks like I'm doing well. I'm very lucky to be in the right place at the right time, working with some incredible people. Looking at each day as an opportunity has changed what I do, and I am in full, wild pursuit to make my time here (whether it be in Toronto, or on Earth) as valuable as possible. 

However, I wouldn't be able to live the dream without the support of my amazing family and friends. Major shout out to you all, you're my village that has picked me up when I tripped and have my back. 

Just a thought.