chosen.

What's the happiest place on Earth? 

Disneyland? In your lover's arms? Home? 

These past few weeks - between Kelowna, Toronto, NYC and Vancouver, I found home in my chosen families. I've had friends who's travelled far and wide, and those who've stayed close to their roots. 

I've struggled with where to call "home" after moving every few years growing up and now as an adult. 

Travelling around has made me realize Vancouver is home, geographically. 

This weekend, I remembered where home really was. 

On stage. 

Flanked by dancers. Lights. An audience. I don't even have to move big, far or wide. I can just relax and be. 

Welcome to my home. 

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. 

almost.

"Almost. 

It's a big word for me. 

I feel it everywhere. 

Almost home. 

Almost happy. 

Almost changed. 

Almost, but note quite.

Not yet. 

Soon, maybe. 

I'm hoping hard for that." 

- Joan Bauer, Almost Home 

home.

"Home is the result of intersecting lives.

It is the secondary color created by individuals in relationships...yes, home is the landscape of people, places, and things up which we live out life. 

But, it is mostly about people. 

That is why home can be a suburban neighbourhood, or a struggling farm or a ship at sea, or a war-torn nation. 

After all, home is where the hearts are." 

- Austin Sailsbury in Kinfolk Magazine, Volume V: In Search of Home 

When people ask where I'm from, my answer is often determined by how long I'll be socializing with them. 

After moving around a couple times during my childhood, high school years, then off to university and beyond...I don't have a solid "hometown". 

However, I have divine friends and contacts throughout Canada, the U.S. and the world, so the above quote certainly hits home (no pun intended) for me.

top5.

Depending on how you look at it, opening up your calendar and seeing a month full of appointments, commitments and more can be either daunting or exhilterating. I tend to work better when I have absolutely too much on my plate, as it foreces me to balance my time perfectly. If something goes out of whack, my whole month will get thrown off.

However, I read an article about comedian Tina Fey and her secrets to success the other day, and her's is quite simple. Always, always say "yes".

This couldn't have come at a better times - I've been approached with some very unique opportunities this month. I'm saying "yes".

This also applies to things I want to do around my home. I've been in my new apartment for five months (wowza!) and I keep meaning to get little projects done or what not.

Thus, January's  Top 5 is dedicated to the home. 

Coffee Table. 

I'm a huge fan of the exqusitely talented Emily Schuman of the blog Cupcakes and Cashmere, and love this video she released this week. I'm on the hunt for a great coffee table tray that isn't too expensive. 

Gallery Wall. 

This challenge has been haunting me over the last few months. I have acuqired some art, but I'm very indecisive about what the hanging arrangement will be. Luckily, I found this nifty layout guide. 

Time to start experimenting! 

Accent Paint.

 

So simple. So effective. 

Typography. 

 

Christmas lights, a steady hand and an outlet. I'm thinking this might even be fun for my living space/room as well. Now the question is, what word do I choose? 

Patio Time. 

One of the things I was desperate for when I was looking for an apartment was somewhere with outdoor space. I have a sweet little backyard patio that will be divine once the warm weather comes back. 

I'm hoping to incorporate some more Christmas lights into the tree, and also have a little herb garden (is there anything better when you're cooking to go cut some fresh basil). Oh spring, come soon! 

Again, these are just some ideas. Fingers crossed I can get some of these little projects done before the warm weather arrives. 

Have an amazing weekend and enjoy! 

christmas.

May you have a merry little Christmas. 

I hope you are home (or away on a vacation!) and surrounded by loved ones. I'm lucky to be this year. 

Enjoy and happy holidays. 

ok.

There's something really magical about coming home for the first time in awhile.

There so many obvious changes, but at the same time, nothing different. You fall back into those same routines, yet some things have staggeredly changed.

There are moments where I think "Why on earth did I leave all this?" and others where I think, "Thank goodness I left this".

Alas, this is the predicament of this life.

However, this holiday season, I'm so thankful to have the time to come back to my family, friends and some roots. Stepping back and seeing the world from this angle really solidifies what I'm doing now and how far I've come.

There's still a part of my heart here - and for that, Kelowna will always be one of my homes.

Just a thought.

PS I'm off teaching all over the Okanagan this week!

jackie.

Oh how time flies - I'll be back in Kelowna one week from today! 

2012 has easily been the best year of my life. This week has been fantastic in particular as well. Cheers for working mucho, rehearsing mucho, performing to a sold out crowd and celebrating it with all with good friends. 

That reminds me, I'm off to two more holiday parties ce soir...'tis the season! 

keith.

Well, the move went well, I'm all settled into my new place (just need some furniture) and happy as a clam.

Photos to come as I embark on this design adventure on my budget and need to be creative. I have many ideas swimming in my brain and can't wait to try to make them real.

Hope you are having a lovely long weekend and soaking in these last few summer days.