instagram.

We are now on Instagram! 

Five years ago when I started this blog, having a social media component (or straetegy) was just NOT a part of the equation. 

I've decided to hold my self accountable, continue to be creative and express what I want as a writer here as often as it seems fit. Instagram will give a peek into my musings and updates on new articles and posts. 

Follow along if you would like! @SunriseJunction

Have a beautiful weekend friends. 

graves.

One thing you might not know about me...I used to review music, hardcore.

It started during the summer of 2010 when I replied to a Craigslist ad looking for writers. What happened next was two years of reviewing live shows, EP's, interviewing bands and generally, living out my Almost Famous dream.

After a few years and an upcoming internship, university graduation and other opportunities, I had to let my music journalist career go.

Do I miss it? Absolutely. Would I go back? Maybe.

It's changed, I learned a lot about music, and I am thoroughly enjoying being in the audience at a show and not taking notes throughout it.

My good friend Emma posted this video on her blog a few months ago, and I remember it really hitting me when I first watched it. I have met countless band guys like Shakey Graves, but he takes the cake. His story at the beginning of this video is just, fantastic.

Enjoy.

sip.

Happy Monday! 

Fresh off the weekend, and it's another busy start to the week at Portia Favro HQ. Quite a few things fell into place last week, and I'm finally starting to feel the wheels turn and things clicking here in Vancouver. 

I'm working on another big, exciting and also risky project. More details coming soon. 

For now, I'll leave you with a little something to sip on...

rocks.

Whew, needless to say, the last few days here have been nothing short of eventful! 

Over the past week I have experienced some of the craziest highs and lows of this moving process - there was literally one point where I truly wasn't sure if was going to happen. 

Even though I hit a bump in the road, I'll be B.C.-bound this weekend! 

Throughout my packing process, I've come across several pieces from my time in Toronto that have been a part of my clothing, home and memoir collection. Last summer when I was moving into this apartment, I actually couldn't find one of my most valuable items - my demo footage from my TV internship in Kelowna during 2011. 

I remember tearing my old room apart - literally. Alas, those DVD's where nowhere to be seen. For a good year, I have given up that I would ever find them. 

Last week when I was packing up and giving away bits and pieces I didn't want to move/ship, I loaded a small box with items and put them out on the curb. I left to have dinner that evening with friends, and put moving out of my mind. 

When I got home, I saw the box and bent down to pick it up. It wasn't truly empty, inside were two CD's. 

My demo tapes! 

Needless to say, what is lost can definitely be found. Especially when you least expect it. 

I have uploaded everything to YouTube - check out the playlist of all my stories here.

Below is my favourite report about the Art Rocks Competition in Kelowna during June 2011. It's amazing to see how much my reporting grew not only over that internship, but also over the past two years. 

2012.

At this time last year, I was terrified of 2012.

I knew there were some big changes in my future, and I would be faced with that terrifying moment of "what I am going to do with my life?"

For whatever reason, I decided that if an opportunity came up, I was going to take it. Big, little, out of town, whatever. I was going to do it. I figured I would at least get a good story about it.

That escalated into some really unique experiences - some that went amazingly well, and other times, not at all.

However, at the end of this year, I have realized how much I have learned.

I learned how to lead a team in a professional enviornment. I found that with complete artistic power comes great responsibility. It's still true - patience really is one of the most powerful skills. And along the way, I met a plethora of interesting people who challenged everything I thought I knew, and pushed me to be the best version of myself.

2012 was definitely one of the best years of my life (so far).

Here are a few of the highlights:

Hanging out in the Montreal train station. 

One of my first segments airing nationally on Canada AM

Keanu and Brittney performing my piece, "Gotham"  

pausing.

Looking back at 2012, this has easily been one of the best years (so far) of my life.

Some incredible opportunities have come my way personally and professionally, and I'm happy to say that I feel like I've been able to take full advantage of as many as I could.

Although the tweets, photos and posts may seem like this year was smooth sailing, there were definitely some down moments. There were a couple of rough days (and weeks) where no one was calling me back about any job prospects, dance gigs or things to do.

Maria Shriver spoke at the University of South California earlier this year about the "Power of Pause". This video came across my path on one of my down days, and reset the tone for my approach to life.

Shriver spoke to the communication graduates about slowing down, and instead of jumping on the "fast forward" lane, to instead, pause.

"Pausing allows you to take a beat - to take a breath in your life. As everybody else if rushing around like a lunatic out there, I dare you to do the opposite," said Shriver. 

I can see where she is coming from, however, with the financial pressures of paying for your rent, utilities, and well, just trying to have a life, how can we pause?

That's when I put two and two together. Pausing doesn't mean having to run away on a vacation. Maybe pausing means still working, still trying to figure it all out and still giving everything a chance.

This philosophy helped me I take some risks this summer. I didn't marry myself to anything that would have kept me away from projects I wanted to pursue (like working the Olympics). My pause included working as much as I could, doing anything - writing, life guarding, choreographing - but with a goal in the future I wanted to reach.

Having the stability of the work and power to call the shots before the Games gave me a refreshed and clear mind heading into that period of time.

I thought I would have no work after London 2012, and still took a risk to stay in Toronto. Since then, I've had the chance to participate in so many interesting projects and gigs. Had I moved home or taken the "safe" path, I wouldn't have had any of those opportunities.

In so many ways, I think I'm going through another "pause". I know a heck of a lot more about what I want to do now, and 2013 will be my year to attack those goals head-on.

If you have 20 minutes, I highly recommend listening to Shriver's whole speech. Even if you're en route on your path of life, it still puts things into perspective.

glory.

It's been a glorious, long hot summer here in Toronto.

It's been different - not going home to my summer job, friends, family and life in British Columbia was something very new for me (as well as the humidity of Ontario).

However in ways, this was my favourite and best summer yet both personally and professionally.

Big and small, here are a few of my favourite moments:

The last photo shoot with my favourite photographer Katie before she moved back to B.C. (and is getting married next summer!)

Taking in the "50 Years of the Rolling Stones" photo exhibit opening night at the Analogue Gallery with fellow J-Skooler (and my lovely friend) Cashlyn.

I got to celebrate my two passions with my friends and family on the same day.

I graduated from Ryerson University with a Bachelor of Journalism in the afternoon, and performed in a big dance show that evening.

newsy.

"So what shows do you watch?"

I'm finding that in both the dating and friendship worlds, this question keeps coming up more and more. Just like political mindsets, taste in music and areas of the city both divide and bring us together - I arguably can say the same about TV shows.

But it's not just the ones we get on basic cable, (Yes, I admit to watching some reality shows when I'm near a TV...ahh the joys of no cable) but also those on the specialty networks. Yes, I'm talking about HBO, but also AMC, MTV, CBC and more.

Recently, I have found both HBO's Girls and The Newsroom have sparked a number of arguments between truth and TV-land glamour of the shows between friends.

Since I dabble in the reality of this simulated worlds, I try to put on my journalist hat as an outsider and hear what my reporter friends, normal friends, superiors and colleagues all think. There have been a matter of opinions, and some I definitely do and do not agree with.

When meeting someone for the first time, I find the inevitable "Do you watch Mad Men?" question always comes up. Now, I love John Hamm just as much as the next girl, but I am sorry to say that I have never taken the time to get into the show. I want to, but just need access.

Some people at this point may take another hesitant sip of their drink and change the subject.

So is this what we have changed to? The fictional lives of our favourite characters in television shows are synonymous with those in reality? We love to follow a storyline, ponder and analyze the lives and decisions of characters - and more than ever, they have become a part of our real lives too.

I gotta watch more TV.

Just a thought.

PS this is my current obsession du jour - The Newsroom. I saw a sneak peek of the pilot last month through a contact, and am absolutely lapping up each episode now. Check out the trailer below.

paulo.

"If you’re brave enough to say goodbye,

life will reward you with a new hello."

- Paulo Coehlo

Never before in my life has this statement run so true.

This is my first real summer away from home, my normal routine, et cetera.

I debated whether to go home, to go travel, to get ready for school again.

However, I had this pull to stay where I am. It was a tough few weeks of figuring things out, but now I feel at the brink of some major opportunities and a fantastic part of my life.

Now I just have to decide what the perfect outfit will be for training tomorrow AM...

grad2012.

Two weeks ago, I graduated from Ryerson University's Bachelor of Journalism program.

There are so many opinions and judgements about graduation days, but I have to say that the entire process and aura of mine was magical.

The ceremony was personal, short and sweet and my hair looked awesome when I walked across the stage (clad in sparkly gold shoes of course!)

A few of my close friends who are now living far away came back for the ceremony, and there are definitely few things more special than a real reunion. I've been lucky to make some very dear friends while living in Toronto that I know I will have for the rest of my life.

Thank you to so many who have been my village supporting and helping me get through this phase.

I have some incredible opportunities coming up, and I wouldn't have made it this far without you.

Below are a few shots from the day by myself and some friends. Enjoy!

ryehigh.

Wowza this has been an absolutely insane week where I got to celebrate a couple of major milestones in my life.

I am so happy and pleased to have graduated from Ryerson University with a Bachelor of Journalism and will be working for the CTV Olympic bureau during the 2012 London Olympic Games.

What made it even sweeter? Finding out the day before graduation and getting celebrate all of our successes, hard work and the past four years in a jam-packed weekend. I would not have traded it for the world.

Pictures and more coming soon. I just got back into Toronto, wished my parents well at the train station and am back to the grind. But first, time for a good sleep tonight!

Thank you to so many for your well wishes, I appreciate them all!

solus.

It's hard to believe a month has flown by living at my new apartment. I'm absolutely loving living a bit farther west in downtown Toronto, and slowly but surely am learning and living in the dynamic of my new neighbourhood.

One thing I've been embracing for the past month was something that used to really scare me...eating alone.

Of course, it's perfectly fine to grab a coffee at a cafe and catch up on email solo, but I still feel like it isn't always okay for someone to go into a restaurant alone.

Even tonight as I made my way into a new sushi place I have been interested in trying, the sound of "Oh, just one?" was almost enough to send me out the way I came in.

However, novel in hand, I had access to the choice table in the restaurant (near a big window overlooking the street), was given samples of various pieces of sushi and finally got a good chunk of my book read that I have been meaning to do.

I took as long as I felt, paused, sipped and people-watched. In a city and lifestyle where one is constantly hyper-connected and surrounded by people all the time, taking an hour of solitude in a public place was fantastic.

Next on the list? I'm thinking Indian food (still looking to find a good place in Toronto - let me know if you have a recommendation).

This is also leading up to a very exciting week for me and my university peers. On Friday we will be donning caps and gowns and graduating from Ryerson University's Bachelor of Journalism program. My parents will arrive this week, and there will be many celebrations and cheers to be had!

Needless to say, I've just gotten really excited.

All the best into the upcoming week!

pull.

Let's face it - people in our society are obsessed with age.

My body has drastically changed in the past five years especially.

My rebound/recovery time is much faster than even what it was a few years ago. For the first time, I feel the strongest I have ever been, and I finally see it in the way I move and dance. There were little muscles hiding under there all these years!

Obviously in my early twenties, I don't have the same aches and pains some twice my age do, but there are days when my ankles literally feel like thin pieces of glass.

However, the strength I feel no matter what kind of dance I'm doing is what keeps me pushing on.

Mentally, I am realizing I see the world through a different light - especially choreography and journalism.

Four years ago at this time, I had a swollen knee and aspired to be a magazine writer. Now, I'm dreaming of choreography in my head (some that has done so well at competition - I'm so proud and happy!) and see understand there are much bigger issues to write and broadcast on the news.

I know some people talk about their drive dying out, but I'm realizing mine is changing.

Yes, there are slower weeks, but that drive is still here.

I wrote a few weeks ago about feeling pulls into certain things. Again, I'm feeling another pull to keep creating and show what I'm made of.

After a very successful competition season, I can now add "award-winning choreographer" to my resume. I wrote a bit ago about feeling "pulls" not pushes towards things. Right now, I feel pulled in a couple directions and things are starting to work out the way they are.

My artistic director said to me once, "Good things will happen, they just won't come all at the same time because it's overwhelming. But put in the work and they will come."

Just a thought.

mags.

This is it.

The final issue of McClung's Magazine, spring 2012 is done. After this month, I turn my social media passwords and duties to the next director.

It's hard to believe how much time has flown by during my time at Ryerson, and in particular McClungs. I owe this little magazine a lot...it was where my first article, about Barbie being a positive role model was published.

A photo shoot with a long blonde wig, a few edits and months later, I still get that tingly feeling in my fingers when I am holding that issue in my hands.

I remember thinking for the first time, I did it, I really did it.

After working as a copy editor last year and now closely with my close friend Katie Engvist, a photographer, we really hit out stride with styling, creating concepts and shooting the photo essays over the 2010-2012 school years.

As I close the page on this magazine, make sure to check out my final photo essay I had the privilege to style and work on.

The concept was developed as "anti-beauty products" and listing the dangers in makeup. I had so much fun working with some of my favourite people to create the look and a feel for the shoot.

Here's a sneak peek:

You see the photo essay and can read the entire spring 2012 issue of McClung's Magazine online here.

describe.

The only way I can describe this past semester is in one word - inspiring.

I have met so many incredible people who have changed the way I look at the world now. Whether it be a student, parent, politician, celebrity, singer, scientist, etc., I find my mind continually blown when I see what people are working on.

This made me think - there's an old saying that "many hands make the work go faster". I think this is true in some of these people and projects I've seen.

Yes, we all want to change the world, but sometimes that task can be a bit daunting...especially if you're going at something alone.

However, if we all try to do something to connect with the objective to creating a better world, place, whatever your fancy is, I really, truly believe there are enough people out there to help make this dream a reality.

It's tangible, real and going to happen during this generation. I can feel it.

Just a(n) (inspired) thought.

carry.

My first day and first class of my day twelve year is one of those that completely changed my life. I remember what I was wearing (a nipped-waist blazer with a summery dress) where I was sitting and knew absolutely no one around me.

A man came into the classroom, scribbled his name on the board. "I'm Marzio Manderioli," his voice warm and kind, "But you can call me Mr. M."

Mr. M then proceeded to have us all interview a few people sitting around us. I remember most of them were in grades eleven and ten, and were either feisty or couldn't carry on a conversation.

What had I gotten myself into?

We were now supposed to all work together and create the school newspaper and keep track of the school news. We had to be dedicated, but not insane. We had to be aware, but also flies on the wall.

What had I gotten myself into?

Little did I know that week to come I would meet a few really important friends that I still have in my life (who are from all age demographics - friendship has no number), worked and created relationships with much more tech-savvy people that I to create Photoshop magazine covers we had never done before and changed what I wanted to do with my life.

Before it had all been about pursuing dance or history...but I applied to a journalism program because I couldn't let go that there is a world that could be as much fun, and challenge me as much as that hour and half class every other day did in high school.

Looking back on the past four years, I had no thought that I would do any of these things in 2008. It's good to slow down, look back, and carry on forward.

Just a thought.

Have a fantastic weekend! I'm looking forward to spending and entire day off - what a treat!

hints.

It's been a busy, busy day (and week) but I'm more than excited to start rehearsals and dancing again tonight with my group.

I have two pieces on air next if things go well -keep your eyes peeled for the segment I produced about bathroom products that could be dangerous for your health (hint: one is hanging in your shower) and potentially an Irish feast on Friday!

Than you to so many for all their support and help, I really appreciate it!

24.

I think I may burst with happiness.

Holy smokes that was so corny to write. But it's true.

There's been more than one thing line up in the last 24 hours that have made me just smile from ear to ear.

The besting and curse though is they are both in my two passions - dance and journalism - which I'm still trying to do side by side.

I know I've been talking about it forever, and school has been my middle ground that's helped me stay balanced. But with only five weeks left of filing reports to Ryerson and two months to the graduation ceremony, things are going to change.

Whatever what this all plays out, it's going to be okay. I'm just stoked to be on this journey (and all this happen on a Monday!)

Mantra of the week: the world is my oyster.

spontaneity.

As much as I like the carefree and spontaneous nature of my life (and I have to be, I'm a journalist), there's a part of me that will always love routine, repetition and the comfort of what's coming next.

One small way I can maintain and have control over at least one aspect of my life is knowing where to go for certain things. The wonderful thing about living in a metropolitan city like Toronto is you can be out walking at any hour of the day or night, and the coffee shops are still full of people working, the bars are busy with young and old partiers, and you get ice cream at 10PM just because you feel like it.

One of my girlfriends and I have our religious date. Some may think it's boring, but for us, it's perfect. We have a token restaurant we both love (and I don't get to enough), and end up hours-long conversations about everything over soba noodles.

Our apartments are steady. In a time when I know I'll be moving out of what's been my home for the past few years, I can really see how this little place has grown up with me, and I think I'll miss these lime green walls.

On Monday, I'm starting the last half of my semester working at CTV's Canada AM as an intern. I tested the travel route today, and it's interested to see how this will now be my new constant. Right now, it's the eve again. The eve on the unknown.

Who knows what's going to happen? I'm willing to try. It's the spontaneity that keeps us alive.

wednesday.

It is beyond comforting to know that you may be somewhat decent at what you love to do.

#Partylikeajournalist - back from one event and off to cover another. The plus? No essays/midterms/test ever again.

Happy Wednesday!