awkward.

As a writer, I'm constantly trying to keep up with what my peers, friends and mentors are reading and writing on the interweb.

Recently, I stumbled across a wee blogger trend called, "Awkward and Awesome". Basically, a fun-facts kind of list for your readership.

Secrets, secrets are so fun when you're a part of one - right?

Oh dear, here we go. My first:

Awkward and Awesome #1

AWKWARD 

- I truly love the scent of men's deodorant and several colognes. I must admit, as much as fresh cucumber and mint is lovely for us ladies, there's something about that musty smell that just gets me

- People still say "woot woot". Guilty as charged. 

- Naked pregnancy photos. Just, no. 

- Getting so into a song on your iPod you decide to strut down the street. Then you get a leg cramp. 

AWESOME 

- Running into friends you haven't seen in far too long on a busy street. 

- Improvising and making a personal homemade French onion soup in less than 1 hour. 

- Really, really digging crochet bathing suits at the moment. 

- One very sexy night out. That's all. 

Just trying something new...little tasting of personality never hurt. 

Have a beautiful evening. 

me.

Looking back at the last year, this has been one of the most defining eras of my life, so far.

2013 was hard. I realize now that back then I was incredibly sad and probably a bit depressed about several things happening in and around my life. However, I felt like I had little power to change things.

I allowed and made myself be and act very small.

However, after visiting Vancouver and decided to move a few weeks later, I found myself starting to soften.

The things I kept so secret and private were public - by choice - and my passion and hobbies were starting to turn into a full-blown career.

I felt my roots start to solidify. I could do this. I can be the person and dancer I always wanted and dreamed I could be.

As you well know, several important performance opportunities came up this past year that challenged me physically, emotionally and mentally. It wasn't all sunshine and roses, but as an artist and performer, you put on a brave face and go out to give it everything you have at that moment.

After all, the show must go on. 

A good girlfriend from Toronto joined me at a party this past weekend, and I was absolutely thrilled to introduce her to all my new friends and beautiful circle.

As we walked home, she said, "Portia, those people all take you for exactly as you are...just own it."

My word(s) and goals for 2015: Just do it. Be me. Be 150% just me.

No more people pleasing.

Thank you Vancouver for taking me for who I am...flaws, talents, successes and all.

Just a few thoughts. Sweet dreams.

bey.

Just a few bits and pieces of what I'm into at the moment. Have a good Saturday evening. 

maurice.

"My big concern is me and what I do now until my time of death. 

That is valid. That is useful. That is beautiful. That is creative. 

And also, I want to be free again. 

I want to be free like when I was a kid...where we just had fun." 

- Maurice Sendak 

thankyou.

And with that...my performance calendar and season for 2014 has come to close. 

I've been SO blessed to have had the opportunity to teach, perform and be a part of some fantastic work in the dance and entertainment industires this year. 

Thank you endlessly to my friends, colleagues and family for your ongoing support. 

I'll be taking the rest of the month to rest and repair my body (and soul) for 2015. There's a couple new things in the works. More to come. 

Here's a few highlights from the past year. Cheers and have a great week. 

The Lovers Cabaret presents: Mistresses (July 2014)

Mistresses, The Encore (September 2014) 

Brilliant! Fundraiser for St. Paul's Hospital (September 2014)

Army of Sass Vancouver presents: Queen B (December 2014)

Performing at a beautiful wedding (November 2014) 

The Lovers Cabaret presents: Lovers of Queen (November 2014)

The Lovers Cabaret presents: Lovers of Marley (February 2014)

Age of Electronica (June 2014)