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"  

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!

solstice.

"I never change, I simply become more myself" 

- Joyce Carol Oates, Solstice 

Whew, it's been a busy but good first few days back in Kelowna. So far I've taught 12 dance classes of various styles across the city and have been able to see quite a few of those that I've missed dearly. 

The best part of this...I had the chance to teach a dance class for students who had physical and mental disabilities. This group of dancers was so enthusiastic and put a smile on my face - they took me and my choreography with an open mind and ran with it (literally). 

I'm so thankful for the opporortunites that have presented themselves this past month. With Christmas coming up and recent news we've been hearing, counting our blessings seems more important than ever. 

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!

zooey.

Humming this to myself as I'm en route to the airport. See you soon Kelowna!