The sun Shines we Shine

It's so very simple. Like we didn't know it but as it turns out the stats are in - when it is warm and sunny and all one has to don is the lightest of shifts and some flipflops - there are bound to be smiles!  How effortless! I remember my days in Florida walking into the local supermarket to smiling faces of, yes, even employees who kept eye contact and honestly asked, 'how you doing?" to which I got to flirtingly reply, "good, you?" all breathy like.  What happened to those days? Well, they're baaaaaaack.

It is sooooo easy to get people smiling now. One woman, in the woods on a dog walk of the most perfect of outdoor conditions by the side of a lovely, clean river, just couldn't wipe this silly grin off her face while passing me.  It is just too much happiness for us dog walkers. Finally! A chance to be outside all the time - when we want to!  Thank you very much. So we're all slap happity happy now and I can see it lasting for a long long time.  I will tell myself that for as long as I wish. So there.

Also, it feels pretty sexy to have some color too! No denying it. Thank you Lord!

Flattery will get me Everywhere

So, I decided that if men were not going to turn their heads to me, to catch my cool new earrings, then I would look at them. Screw it! A woman's gotta do what a woman's...ah, you get it. So, I decided to quit my whining and put my smile where my mouth is.  

As it were.

The negative brain speak is not getting me anywhere in changing the vibe I'm putting out there.  Here I was thinking I was all that - because I smile but really, it's not enough. It's what's under the smile that really matters and mine wasn't all so pure.  I'd be like. "who the eff is he to not even glance my way?" or "what is he wearing????" Or " check out that broigus (miserable) face." But no more - those days are gone.  

VPD

 Now, I am making eye contact,  smiling coyly (didn't think I had it in me in my ripe old age), and even speaking. Yes! Speaking.  So, a couple of cops pulled up beside the car when my friends and I were on the way to the beach.  I looked in and instantly got my flirt on. I mean, they were cops.  And in this town they are some of the hottest men.  So, I just twirled my finger in a little wave and said, "Hey, I like your hair." because honestly, you have never seen a cooler hairstyle on a cuter guy than this young man of the people.  He laughed and told me mine was nice too - great opportunity for me to practice the ancient flirting technique of the classic hair caress so I did and added a  "really? Oh.... well.. thank you." Then it got all funny when the other cop - truly hot, leaned forward - bald as a cueball to say, "thanks a lot." There was laughter. All were smiling.  And it got even more awesome when he got on his PA and said, "move along m'am".  Classic! Laughter, a drive off -  a successful flirt!

So now, a few days later, on my drive home, I take the opportunity to flirt with a young boy who passes in front of my car. I just couldn't stop myself, I connected eyes and smirked like I had a little secret.  Ooooo weee I like me some flirtin'!  

Les jeux sont fait and they will continue. Just need some serious summer heat to don minimal amounts of clothing.  Then it's a whole new game. And the flirting - or flattery, must continue. Doing my part Vancouver by using my feminine wiles to gain some grateful smiles.

Say cheese!

EVENT: Dig the 2 Day Pop-up Shop - Garage Style

 

The Two Day Pop-Up Shop – Garage Style   ∙ DigVancouver

When:   Saturday, June 9^th from^, 10-4 ~ Sunday, June 10^th from 10-4

Where:  Lane way access only – address: 1142  East 14^th Ave (between Glen and Clark)

Dig Vancouver presents the story of

The Two Day Garage Sale with Awesome Cool Stuff

 Once upon a time there were two friends who realized their similar obsession:   finding quality things. Treasure hunting, if you will. Yes, they did this as a hobby on their own and now they had a partner.  So, they created Dig Vancouver and collected and collected and stored fantastic furniture, funky household goods, and renowned art.  

Well, now these girls are ready to part with these horded items – items of incredible value and coolness.  Some things will require a little handiwork if you are into that sort of thing. But, rest assured whatever has been collected can be deemed valuable - they don't shlep for nothing. 

Yes, they will relax in the yard, in the sunshine (Fingers crossed. Either way, tents will be erected). “This will be a fun stop on Vancouverites’ weekend comings and goings!” exclaimed the ladies in unison. “We’ll play funky music!” One said, “We’ll socialize!” the other retorted. “People will buy things!” they both yelled. 

They are especially proud to be consigning some incredibly soulful and provocative works by internationally acclaimed local artist Jan Wade. Wade's work deploys the materials and symbols of the everyday to explore issues of post-colonial identity, ethnicity and spirituality. Drawing creative resources from her own cultural history, Wade’s work focuses on altars as vehicles of worship and memory, as vessels for African spirituality and to reconcile the painful past of the African Diaspora. (To view Jan’s works click:  http://www.janwade.com/.) 

Please come by and bring someone who needs some stuff - or doesn't but can't resist a bargain. There will be treats.  It will be fun.  You’ll be recycling – always good!  Bring the big vehicle – you just never know.  These ladies are wheeling, dealing, and ready to sell you what they’ve collected! They like to share!

Thanks and this story ends with, you guessed it, love. You see, at the end passersby end up falling in deep and desperate love with some of the pieces…so much so that they simply cannot go home without them. Because love is good right? What a wonderful story. See you there!

Please: no early birds or doorbell ringers – laneway access only

Full Moon Madness and Self Realization

Here I am still at my computer - writing inanities to whomever will read them on Facebook or what have you only to realize that I should just document said musings on my own blog. It's been a while. I always start with that - not too auspicious.  All the same, I have to say it because this is where it actually feels good and easy to write.  For this site, it pours out of me.  Sometimes it lands all messy and other times perfectly arranged.  You just never know, but you let it flow.

Okay, so what' s on the agenda? Well, it's chilly but gorgeous.  Sometimes the mountains just serve to remind me how insignificant I am.  How can I match such beauty? I guess I don't have to.

Started writing my comedy routine - because I've decided that I want to tour the world helping people become better versions of themselves while making them laugh. Not a tall order.  If you're gonna dream - well, dream big - as they say.

Working at so many things right now and sometimes just wonder if multi-tasking is a way of disconnecting myself from my truth. Or, is it me? Do I function better doing many jobs rather than just one? Is that what I need to stay interested?  I have no idea.  And here I am professing to help people, especially young people, find their paths in life.  But, that's it - that's what I can do for everyone else but for myself...well, I guess I then wind up finding my path too.  It's through service to others that I become my best self - one that really fills me up. The kind of work that has me all solid and grounded at night. Looking in the mirror is effortless.

We'll see.All I know is that I have to submit a bunch of stuff to a site that empowers women - I think I can, I think I can, I think I can...the little Jodi that could!

Me - NOW and THEN

I probably haven't written on this thing for a while because I had nothing smile worthy to share so dim was my view. But now, as you'll read, I'm a whole lot better off for dragging myself through the sludge.  I'm not saying it will be all roses in the future, but I'm hoping the worst has passed for a while.  Is that too much to ask?  Anyhow, I am smiling more these days...find out why. Read on.

Current "Me":

I'm an entrepreneur - a woman of many means. I do: PR; personally assist successful business women (because they rock!); promote the family business; sell credit card processing (aka. the lottery); cook for a friend, a "she" as it happens, who is a rigger for the BC Place roof (12 hr days, 7 days a week); collect stuff to sell at my own event (with pal of same name weird); shlepp shit for Live Nation (but get free entry to most concerts  along with tons of free food to fill the fridge); am surveying a few other original business concepts; and basically, having the time of my life. 

No office for me. 

I figured out how to make that happen. 

The idea of waking up, for the second year in a row, as a dog owner in blustery Van City, only to head off to some office, work amongst people and make nice nice, then leave in what looks like night time (which it has since 3:15) made me want to off myself.  I’d get pains in my stomach just thinking about it.  Like getting showered and dressed super early, and bringing a lunch!  Forget it.  I’m done. So now I work five-plus jobs but somehow it doesn't feel like work.  I do feel totally responsible for bringing in more business (which sometimes just means making the boss’ life easier).  But as long as I back these businesses, and the women who run them, and enjoy their company then I win. Money became secondary to spiritual survival. What I decided was that no matter what happened I had to be happy and couldn’t do what I hated.  It was my fear of an uninspired life that made me take all those risks and become plum broke.  But now I know what I was supposed to learn and it’s all about what I do from day to day and what/whom I support.

That’s a good feeling

along with the not having to pick up poop in the wee hours. 

Former "Me":

I am a 45 year old woman who is single, unemployed, and without my own home.  Yes, it may sound sad...but it's not.  Because, you see, I am in the situation that I'm in because of the risks, moves, and challenges I've taken on.  I was a waitress for ten years, taught high school Drama for ten years, ran a business for the last three years in Florida, and am now back in Van City where I plan on making it big!  Instead of ranting about Vancouver's shortcomings to everyone I meet (not great on a first date!), I figured I'd start my own blog.  Along with the bitching will be honest accounts of thoughts, conversations, happenings, and the like.  Love to all!  In the end, all we have are the memories and the ones that count are those involving connecting with other living beings.  Happiness  is a choice y’all – start with a smile.

My Very Own Mr. Miyagi!

My friend and I, both late 40's, started playing tennis.  It made sense to us - play outside while you can, meet people who will undoubtedly smile at us chasing balls, and get in shape.  And it is fun! The mind is working overtime, and that doesn't hurt either in our old age.  We must concentrate on what the hell we should be doing in order to friggin' hit that ball to each other.  It looks easier than it is.  That said, we've got potential. It helps that I'm a pretty good observer and don't mind watching players better than me (which is...um...everyone) and learning from them.

So, last night, dragging our asses after some forty-five minutes of playing or um, ball chasing, we notice an old Asian man playing by himself.  He's methodically lining up his balls (hey now! Respect!), hitting them to the other side, walking very Zenlike to the other side of the net, collecting said balls, and repeating the procedure.  I yelled to my partner, "Hey! He could be our very own Mr. Miyagi! Here's our chance to get a free lesson."  So, we started smiling at him and excusing ourselves when we had to run in front of him to collect our wayward balls when he took notice of us.

He told us that we were doing very well to which we pshawed and all of that.  But then he quickly advised us to get lessons pronto or else we'd develop bad habits that would be difficult to change. Hmmm.... like the drinking and chocolate consumption?  Sounds familiar.  So, we kind of asked him what he knew and he was thrilled.  He gave us great tips, made us practice, told us to aim the ball to him because he was too old to run far, and really knew what he was talking about.  Well, Mr. Miyagi he was because not only did he motivate me to improve my game but he inspired me in a more profound way.

Mr. Miyagi, or Chan, is 91 years old.  He teaches badminton and tennis to the old folks in the community center, has lived in this community for many years, and seems pretty happy (I mean, he must be, cause there he was, in the evening, alone, playing tennis).  He stated that he'd been playing tennis for a while so I imagined him playing as a kid.  Well, not so, as he let us know that he started ten years ago. My friend and I looked at each other - so... we've been making excuses for not running for the ball because we're so old to be starting this sport when Mr. Miyagi here started at 81.  Gulp.

Now, we're all smiling.  It works.  Get out there - before the rains come back, play outside like a silly kid, talk to strangers, learn from others, and attract smiles.  It's that easy.

Smiling Downs

As I recall, the last blog was full of sunshine and lollipops.

Well, as I sit here, in our lovely city, waiting for the sun to really cast its warm glow, I am well aware of the challenges we face.  Riding the waves - the ups, the downs, and the in betweens, I know how difficult it is to look outside myself to smile at passersby.

But, as I recall, when things are their toughest, is the time to step outside yourself and smile, give, and push the generosity card.  I've been in a state of LACK for the past while now.  One where I focus on what I don't have, rather than what I do have.  No matter how much I pontificate about  Vancouver and how crucial it is that we smile at our neighbours, I look at the homeless pair sitting across from my home, in the park, and fail to be welcoming.  Is it me?  Okay, bad example, but still...

My pal, who was kind enough to take me out last night, said that the best way out of lack is through giving.  So, that is my new way.  I will give till it hurts.  I will socialize, listen to others talk about how difficult it was finding those designer jeans or decorating their new home, and I will care.  I'll really, really care.  My mind will not drift to thoughts of "can I afford a good cheese this week?" or "am I going to be single for the rest of my life?"  Instead I will really take an interest.  Through giving I will get.  So selfish really,

So, as the sun fails to shine, as I'm chilled in my kitchen with a definite lack of motivation regarding work, as I look down at my toes reminded of a drastic pedicure need, as I notice dust bunnies forming mouths in which to speak to me, I will find a way to smile. First at others, then at myself.

It's just got to be.  Things will turn around.  Life will improve.  There is no lack - only love.  I have LOVE!  My time will come. 

I feel like Stuart Smiley.