First Year in Calgary...

Today is a pretty big deal, it's one year to the date that we have officially been residents of Calgary. When I think back on everything that has happened in a year, it kind of makes me head spin. This city has made a mark on us for sure. It's frustrating, overwhelming, discouraging, exciting, beautiful, diverse, interesting, cultural, lively and incredibly fun all at the same time! How does that happen? haha... basically I've never felt more at home, more like I belonged in a place more than I do here. This city has everything we need, mountains within a 45 minute drive, big city night life, fashion!!! (true fashion, not like.. i saw this on pinterest now i have style kind of fashion), world class snowboarding resorts (which we can proudly say we're locals of), short commutes(we're lucky, not everyone in Calgary can say this), big money (we'll get there), an amazing cultural scene, a beautiful home that we've created together, an unreal music scene, anddd just the city itself. You really have to spend time here to feel it, it's alive and it's amazing. This year we've also had an addition to our family, we've adopted our first baby... fur baby that is. His name is Jeffery and he completes us. He's always happy to see us, and he's fucking cute as hell. lol. Ty will never admit the level of love he has for Jeffy, but I know that he's just as cat crazy/lame as I am. I love it. So, Ty, this one's for you. Thank you for taking this journey with me, I could have never done it without you. I know that living here we will continue to grow into the people we're supposed to be. I love you, you're my PIC, my yin, my better half.

Thankful...

Thanksgiving, it's like the 'welcome to fall' holiday that I look forward to every year. Thanksgiving is my favourite holiday, period. It's like Christmas but way more mellow. No pressure of gifts, no treacherous road conditions, no stress, no worries. Just sit back with the fam, eat an amazing meal (Dawn's turkey....no words), sip some vino, and chill the fuck out. The "itis" is really the only downside. Traditionally Thanksgiving is the time of year everyone reflects on their blessings, and expresses what they are thankful for this year. So here we go... First & Foremost, I am Thankful for Ty. He's the one person in this world that I know will always be there when I need someone to talk to, someone to calm me down, someone to cheer me up, someone with an honest opinion, someone to call me out on my shit, and someone to love me. It's important that you have someone who's your backbone in life. He is mine, I am his. I'm also thankful for the opportunities to travel I've had this year, I've been able to see some of the most amazing sights our country has to offer, not only see but feel, to be submerged by mountains, lakes and skies is truly a blessing. I'm also thankful for the friends I have in my life, this year I've definitely found out who's a true friend, and who's just there for show. It's a harsh reality check when it happens, but it's also a great eye opener. And last but not least I'm thankful for the family I am proud to call my own. My beautiful Nieces, my hilarious Nephews. My sisters, My mother, and everyone else who is there when I need them. I appreciate you. I am thankful. (and my Jeffy, I love him. He always makes me happy)

remember to breathe...

Does life ever make you feel like you're drowning? Like no matter what you do, or how hard you try, you just can't get ahead? Well i've felt this way for the past few months. Not sure what exactly triggers the feeling, but it's there, and it fucking sucks. Whenever I'm feeling totally overwhelmed, I have one technique that is a guaranteed success. Breathing. It seems really stupid to say, because duhhhhh we're always breathing. But when do you ever focus on breathing, just clear your mind and breathe. Focus only on inhaling, filling your lungs, than releasing. When I do just this, my mind settles, I think clearly and calmly and the problems that were once overwhelming become trivial. Close your eyes, inhale deeply, feel the air fill your chest. Exhale, slowly, feel your lungs contracting, calm. Repeat.

swedish songstress, Miss Li...

Even though hiphop is my true love, i do tend to be easily distracted, and today miss Lykke Li has been stealing the spotlight. I've been a huge fan of Lykke Li since the first single I heard of hers "little bit" back in 08? it's still one of my favourite songs. It reminds me of one of my best friends Lauren. She is the one who introduced me to this twenty something swedish songstress & since then i've been head over heels. I love the moods that her music depicts, her use of instruments (most of which she plays herself), and her powerful soprano. So, if you're into indie/pop/electronic goodness, give her a taste. Sure to please the senses.

summer summary...

It's friday morning, 10:02, and I'm feeling fantastically optimistic. Not quite sure why or what for, but I feel good. It may be the season change, isn't fall fantastic? What the new year is to most people, fall is to me. It's the beginning of the year, maybe it's a mindset I have since school, but it holds true. Sure summer is fun, but fall is breathtaking. The colour, the clothing, the pumpkin spice latte, the cold air in the morning, the scarves, the blankets, the crunchy leaves that cover the ground, but above all else... opening day is just around the corner (49 days, but who's really counting?!). I've been trying to make an effort to embrace the seasons, for the past few years I've hated every single season with the exception of winter (If you know me, you know why). But since moving from Saskatoon I've truly been able to enjoy all periods of the year. This summer was amazing for us, stampede breakfasts(fucking madness), we took a few day trips to the mountains, enjoyed the city's nightlife (a little too much some nights), put our new cruisers to work, saw some of our favourite artists in concert, got tattoos, went to a few festivals, and took a week long road trip through the Okanagan to Vancity, and really just tried to have fun! Gotta love not having children! Those little fuckers ruin everything. Peep game...

Riverside doobs with the homies (Saskatoon)

Jazz Festival, The Roots (Saskatoon)

Beach Life with Gizzy (Shuswap Lake)

Winery Tours in the Okanagan (Recline Ridge, Tappen BC)

Oceanside Coffee, Revolving Restaurant (Vancouver)

Gastown (Vancouver)

Banff Daytrip

Dreambank...

My Dream is to embrace life. To live my life to its maximum potential. I long to embrace each opportunity, accepting each experience as a contribution to the person I’m supposed to be. I dream of seeing the world, indulging in cuisines I would have never thought to try at home. I dream of learning languages, and being able to communicate with people who share different views of the world. I dream of letting go of any insecurities that may hold me back from embracing the world. I dream of letting go…

-Lucille Skjarstad

ink...

Well... the time has come. Shaky hands, sleepless nights, and overall daily anxiety. It's tattoo time! I love the week before a tattoo, its crazy, nerve-wracking, and very very exciting ... you know that your body is about to change forever, and for me this is my largest tattoo to date, so i'm extra antsy. The week that follows the tattoo is an even bigger deal, but I'm a fan of the anticipation. Ty & I booked appointments with a fantastic tattoo artist, Hilary Cooper, back in February, and the time has finally come. Ty is getting an angel on his left arm (pics to soon follow) and I'm getting a dreamcatcher on my left leg. A little homage to my aboriginal culture. I've wanted to get a dreamcatcher tattoo for awhile now, but didn't actually commit until we went for consultations in Feb. But, very much looking forward to it, stay tuned...