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. 

cart.

After how crazy it was trying to find an apartment this past September, it's hard to believe it's already been three months since I moved into my humble (new) abode.

After a few weeks of sleeping on an air mattress and using a dumpster-dive speaker as a chair, I saved up, put out the cash and have a furnished place. Hey, there's even a touch of art on the walls!

From here on out, it's all about the details. Those little items that are the "icing" to an apartment. They aren't essentials, but as I live here, I'm seeing places where I could put something.

There's a little section of the wall next to my kitchen that is screaming at me to make into a mini bar.
Thus, the hunt for a bar cart has begun.

white.

"I began to realize how important it was to be an enthusiast in life. 

If you are interested in something, no matter what it is, go at it full speed ahead. Embrace it with both arms, hug it, love it and above all become passionate about it. 

Lukewarm is no good. 

Hot is no good, either. 

White hot and passionate is the only thing to be."

- Roald Dahl 

This quote basically sums up this year so far in a nutshell. This past week has been a perfect example of running after your dreams with wreckless abandon. 

Sometimes it can feel totally out of control and you have moments of doubt, but at the end of the day, you realize it's a part of the process. 

I just got back from a wild dance show tonight, The Bazaar, which was full of new and vetern dancers/choreographers to the Toronto dance scene. Each number had to incorporate a Justin Timberlake song, and could be any style of dance. 

I grew up watching N'Sync videos and dancing around to JT at dance class, and I was apparent most of my peers there had as well. This was the perfect theme for our generation. Never before have I seen such interesting use of talent - fouettes with waacking, down and dirty hip hop crews slow jamming and so many flashbacks to my childhood. 

I left refreshed and full of ideas - I can't wait to get back in the studio and start moving around with some of my dancers. Something is brewing, I can feel it.

calvin.

This video is a bit wild, but I'm absolutely gaga over this song. For whatever reason, electronic music has completely taken over my playlists (maybe to keep me awake for those early AM shifts)

I've been a huge fan of Florence Welch since I first heard "Howl" by her a couple of years ago. Her voice hits you to the bones, so much soul.

I'm especially loving her David Bowie-esque ensemble/coiffure in this video.

My apologies for being a bit m.i.a. this week. I have been working mucho at the television station and dancing my feet off at rehearsal and performances. I'm one month away from being home for Christmas where I also will be teaching a plethora of classes across the Okanagan across the 10 days I am there. Stay tuned for details coming soon!

Expect to be hearing this in class for sure.

Calvin Harris featuring Florence and the Machine, "Sweet Nothing"

manhattan.

"Chapter one, he adored New York City..."

The first few notes are some of the most iconic sounds we will ever know as humans. On this cold, rainy evening, this piece of music captures everything about the weather, the city, the news all in mere moments.

Tied in the opening sequence of Woody Allen's infamous film, Manhattan, (one of my favourite movies) the rain doesn't look so bad after all.

"Rhapsody in Blue" by George Greshwin. Enjoy.