Monthly Archives: May 2012

Today I Want the Sun to SHINE.

Posted in Just for Fun, Something A Little Personal by

Some days I don’t feel like being sunny. I don’t feel like smiling or being nice – I just want to chill out with the chip on my shoulder and contemplate how my life isn’t going anywhere.

But today, today I want the sun to shine. I want to feel some positive vibes and be annoyingly happy and cheerful (people at work are going to hate me today :P ).  Normally when I feel this way, I check out Casie Stewart’s BLOG or TWEETS  - she’s always sending out positive energy and glitter.

A few days ago she tweeted:

CASIE STEWARTCASIE STEWART ‏@casiestewart

“You really never know what is going to happen so put out that positivity and you will attract light into your life.”

That is my mantra for today and possibly all of JUNE – fresh start tomorrow everyone :) .

On a separate note, I really want to get this bad boy up and running! Maybe that’s what I’ll ask for for Christmas this year (*cough MOM and DAD I love you :P ). I’m still a firm believer in WRITING in a notebook or on scrap paper – which is what I’m doing when I’m not blogging, but how wonderful would it be to type on this rad typewriter? I always pictured my life as a writer, sitting at a long wooden desk, in front of a huge window overlooking some kind of spectacular view (mountains, water, a city), a cup of coffee to my right (a pot waiting in the kitchen just in case), a pile of notes to my left, and my Underwood typewriter in front of me. Ah, pure bliss…

*Pops own bubble*

BACK TO REALITY.

So, I’m taking all the positivity I have within me and chucking it at you – embrace it.

 –
Love Always
Vanessa Xo

It’s My Life and I’ll Write it all Down.

Posted in Just for Fun, Something A Little Personal by

I’ve been reading The Distant Hours by Kate Morton, and although it’s a slow read, the writing is delicious and smooth.

I love that line “Your voice is your own; it matters”. It’s so easy to forget about your voice sometimes. It’s much easier to agree with others then cause a huge stink. But why take the easy route? You’re never going to agree with everyone and I don’t think that there is any point in stifling your thoughts, your words, or your feelings – especially when it comes to something you feel so strongly about.

I used to keep quiet about a lot of things but to the demise of my beloved friends, family, and bf, I have learnt to speak my mind, to write the way that I feel, to observe, to question, and to fight. My brother, I assume, has seen the worst side of me when it comes to stating my opinion about something, but I think he kind of enjoys fighting with me about things, to see how far I’ll take it, how much I really care about the subject.

I don’t think it is necessary to pick a fight just to pick a fight but I know that everyone has a right to their opinion. I know that no one should be taken advantage of.

I know that whether it be through the written word or the spoken one,

your voice is your own – it is important, and you should use it. 

 –
Love Always 
Vanessa Xo

Dream for Yourself. Dream for Others. Do for those who Couldn’t.

Posted in Something A Little Personal by

A wonderful lady that I work with (let’s call her Diane) gave me a book yesterday. It isn’t just any book, it belonged to her sister (let’s call her sister Cindy). Cindy was also an aspiring writer but passed away before she could realize her dreams. The book that I was given is a journal that she used to write in – it’s filled with inspirational quotes, her thoughts, her dreams, her goals, her fears, her loves, and her hates.

I was given this book because Diane hoped that it would inspire me. She hoped that I could draw something from it. She hoped that it would help push me to reach for the stars. I looked at the book for a good hour before I actually opened it. I felt as if I was about to read someone’s diary and I got that same feeling I did at the antique shop in St. Jacob’s. I’m not about to spill the beans on the contents of this journal but I will share what I learnt.

In life, you are lucky if you’ve found a dream. You’re lucky to find something you are passionate about. You’re lucky to be able to pursue your dreams and achieve your goals. Some people go through the motions of their lives without ever feeling the excitement and fear that comes along with dreaming and dreaming big.

After reading Cindy’s journal I feel like giving up on my dreams is no longer an option, and to be honest giving up has entered mind once or twice. No, giving up is not an option because now I need to accomplish my dreams for more than just myself. I’d like to do it for Cindy too and perhaps for all those people who couldn’t achieve their dreams due to extenuating circumstances.

Dream.

Dream big.

Now dream a little BIGGER.

Do it for you and for all those people who never got the chance.

–
Love Always
Vanessa Xo

P.S. A warm thank you goes out to Diane and Cindy. You’ve inspired me and I will never forget it. My only hope is that my journals, blogs, and words can do as much for others as Cindy’s have done for me.

Papa Vince to the Rescue!

Posted in Family Time, Something A Little Personal by

Well, if yesterday I was Debbie Downer – today you can call me Ursula Upper (I Googled what the antonym for Debbie Downer is and that is what I got). Funny how your mood can change so dramatically from day-to-day. I think my mood change is thanks to a comment on my Sometimes I’m a Floater post, as well as a conversation I just had with my Dad.

Thanks Lisa for your wonderful comment :)

Whenever I get sulky or depressed with where my life is headed, my Dad always tells me to relax. He tells me that I am working as hard as I can right now and I am doing my best in my current situation. He tells me not to rush things, he tells me not to compare my life to anyone else’s. He tells me to go to work, finish school, and the good things will follow. He reminds me that I am not “behind” anyone because everyone has a different life, a different path. He tells me that my time will come. He tells me that if I work hard and I trek through the next little while, my time will come.

 

Thanks for the chat this morning, Dad!

Happy almost Friday!

–
Love Always
Vanessa Xo

Sometimes I’m a Floater

Posted in Something A Little Personal by

Yes, I feel like that kind of a floater today!
From: http://coppermillionaire.wordpress.com/

Sometimes I let myself float through life and not think about anything. I simply do what I have to do in that moment, in that day. In fact I normally find something to take up so much of my time that I don’t have to think about what’s going on in my head, or in my heart. My sister’s wedding was great for that. I was able to put off a lot of decisions and focus all of my time and energy on making her day a special one (including her shower and stagette).

So, now that she is married and out of the house – what’s a girl to do but sit back and start worrying about her own life. Yikes. Still in school, still writing (and not getting far), still part-timing at the pizza place – practically standing still or running in circles, I can’t tell anymore.

Gawd, could I BE anymore EMO today?!?

Maybe I should just sit still for a while. Be content in this stillness.

Maybe then I will be able to pinpoint my goals and take the right path to get there.

Maybe I’ll let the stillness help me.

–
Love Always
Vanessa Xo

Although I’d Rather Be Wearing Flats…

Posted in Just for Fun by

It seems that I’m a little late to the party on this whole STLTO Wine experience. I’ve read blog posts about it on I’m Charming You but didn’t really care for checking out the wine until I read an article about Sarah Liberatore in Panorama Magazine.

I’m not much of a drinker and even less of a wine connoisseur but I would consider trying a wine “made by women for women”. With an acronym that stands for Sophisticated Timeless Lavish Trendy Outstanding, I can tell that this brand is for me. What will ultimately get me to try STLTO Wine, however, is supporting a young Canadian entrepreneur.

Sarah Liberatore is only a year older than me and has started up her own company – WOW. If that isn’t inspirational then I don’t know what is. I love hearing success stories about young Canadians and always use them to fuel my own ambitions – if she can do it, then so can I. The article about Sarah Liberatore in Panorama magazine goes into greater detail of the journey that got her wine label recognized and into LCBO stores. Should anyone be looking for inspiration, I would start there. The article and in turn Sarah, prove that with hard work and dedication you can get what you want – you can do the things you are passionate about.

You can be successful.

–
Love Always
Vanessa Xo

There’s Something to Be Said…

Posted in Just for Fun, Something A Little Personal by

There’s something to be said about small towns/villages in Ontario. Yesterday the bf and I took a day-trip to St. Jacobs Ontario.

Hi there!

To be honest, I didn’t quite know what to expect but the moment we parked the car and looked around, I knew that I was going to love it. The town kind of reminds me of Stars Hollow (Gilmore Girls reference) and maybe that’s my reason for loving it. My favourite places in St.Jacobs would have to be The Spring Street Antique Market, The Shadetree shop, and the bakery.

 

I haven’t walked into many antique shops in my life and it felt kind of eerie being in one. I was fascinated by the three-floors of antiques, from pens to radios to dolls to jewellery but I didn’t want to buy anything. I looked at all of the things and felt like they still belonged to someone else. I wondered what the story was behind that suitcase, behind that kid’s bike. I wondered what that man or woman used to write about with that pen or with that typewriter. I feel like when you own something, a book, a pen, a desk – especially for a long time, it becomes a part of you, a part of your story and I don’t know how I feel about taking it away from someone. I sound nuts don’t I? Hmm on to the next one…

 

The Shadetree is an awesome store/ lunch patio. The house itself is 147 years old and only had 3 owners in its lifetime! It’s only been an actual store for 20 years! It seems as if the original structure of the house is the same, it was just painted and stuffed with wonderful little trinkets, cottage decorations, and home decor. The bf bought me the KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON poster that I’ve been wanting for the past little while (Thanks Alex!).

 

Next came the bakery where we shared an apple fritter and coffee! The bakery is huge GINORMOUS and everything is so fresh. I could probably sit in there all day and bask in the glorious sweet scents. There are a lot more stores to see but I don’t want to ruin anything for you if you plan on trekking it out there (btw it’s only about an hour drive from Brampton).

 

“a word or two… ” is a little stationery store – had to go in based on its name.

We ate lunch here! It was amazing! The burger tasted as if it had never been frozen – like they got the meat that morning! It was corn-fed Canadian beef and it was so light and delicious! Cue drool and apologies to all my vegetarian/vegan friends.

Overall it was a fantastic day and St.Jacobs really impressed me. It was busier than I expected but it was still quiet, peaceful, and serene. You could literally sit outside for hours and let your brain wander, take in the crisp smell of nature, and still be surrounded by so many stores and people. I love big cities (New York I MISS YOU) but I don’t think anyone should rule out rural towns.

If you’re looking for an inexpensive, relaxing, and fun day-trip, I totally recommend checking out St. Jacobs and if you know of any other towns/villages in rural Ontario worth visiting comment on this post :)

A poster from Shadetree.
Didn’t purchase it but had to INSTAGRAM it.

It’s so important to love your life and to do things that bring you joy and laughter.

LIVE WHAT YOU LOVE.

DO WHAT YOU LOVE.

Be Free.

–
Love Always 
Vanessa Xo

I’ve Said it Before…

Posted in Family Time, Something A Little Personal by

I just finished helping Mama pack up Jessica’s room.

Thankfully there were more dust bunnies floating around the room than tears dripping down my cheeks – I think I’m all cried out from the wedding. I’m not excited about my sister leaving but I keep repeating my new/old mantra;

“Ohana means family. Family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten.”

That mantra is the only reason why I am okay with all this change. Everything in my life is about to change, all of our traditions will alter, and this house will feel a little bit emptier but that doesn’t mean that life has gone to shits.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Family is everything.

Even when we are apart, we are always together.

–
Love Always 
Vanessa Xo

Reunited but it’s not the Same

Posted in Family Time, Just for Fun, Something A Little Personal by

While on vacation for a week, we left our puppy with Club Paws. It’s a boarding house that finds the perfect match for your puppy. Waffles stayed with an older couple for an entire week and he finally came home yesterday.

Although Club Paws took great care of him and Waffles had a wonderful time with the couple, I was a little jealous when I heard that he loved cuddling with his parents-for-the-week. He’s my puppy – don’t cuddle. I think my entire family was scared that when he came home he wouldn’t recognize us or that he wouldn’t want to come home.

Cheryl dropped Waffles off at home early in the morning yesterday and at first he was extremely excited but then he just walked off by himself and ignored all of us.

Cheryl said that it is normal for your dog to snub you a bit for the first few days, considering that we literally abandoned him for a week I understand how he feels. I cannot wait until he’s back to normal though. He was so mopey last night and refused to give me kisses!

I definitely recommend Club Paws if you find yourself in a situation where you need your dog to have a little vacation – he was treated well, the couple fell in love with him, he was treated the same way we treat him at home. However, I don’t think I’ll be able to leave him with someone else again – with my sister gone this house already feels too empty for my liking!

Hope you have a Happy Tuesday and remember to give your pup a kiss!

–
Love Always
Vanessa Xo

Back to Life – Back to Reality.

Posted in Family Time, Just for Fun, Something A Little Personal by

 

The thing about vacations is that they end as abruptly as they begin. One minute you’re packing, the next you’re lying on the beach – sweating like a pig, and seemingly the next minute you’re on the flight back home. You get a week to spend your time however you choose. You get a week with forty family members and about thirty new people you are welcoming into your family. Your life is literally on hold – well your REAL life anyways. Any problems you have, any decisions or choices that you’ve been afraid to make – they all melt away for a week.

Sometimes that is all your body, mind, and soul really need – a break. I’m not so foolish as to think that something amazing was going on while I was away, that I would come back and my life would be in order, that I would have all of the answers to my future right in front of me – but a girl can dream can’t she?

Although I went away solely for my sister’s wedding, I think this vacation was great for me as well. It gave me time to relax, to think, and to reflect on a lot of things. Now it’s time to get back to real life, to a routine, a schedule, and to look for a new job/ start a career. But before I jump the gun here, I’d like to share with you a few moments from my sister’s wedding.

Welcome to paradise!

Don’t forget your hat!

As you can see, I didn’t take very many photos – in fact I was barely on my cell phone, blog, Twitter, or Facebook and it was wonderful. It felt amazing to NOT be updating my status every five seconds and actually TALKING to people – ya know that prehistoric form of communication? Yeah, I think I much prefer it to the cell phone.

I was a ball of nerves on the day of the wedding but thankfully the day ran smoothly. My sister was the most beautiful bride and my brother-in-law looked happier than I had ever seen him. Although it was the hottest day of the vacation, it was also the most exciting one. I am lucky to have such an amazing family and immensely proud of my sister and her husband. Congratulations once again you two – cannot wait until you get back from the Honeymoon! Thanks again to everyone that attended the wedding – it was an amazing and unforgettable week <3!
Now it’s back to life – back to reality.
Thank goodness for memories.
–
Love Always
Vanessa Xo