Originally published September 23 2014

You know what's fun?  Sobbing on an airplane while watching a movie. Because of course you can't hear yourself, so amplify what you can hear by like a thousand and that is what all the other passengers just woke up to.  The Fault in Our Stars killed me, I never read the book, and because of Shailene Woodley's misinformed statements regarding feminism, I was a little disenchanted with her, (as a lead character, come on girl don't you want to be paid as much as your male counter parts?), but it was the only option I hadn't seen yet.  So as the tears ran down my face right from the onset of the movie, my thoughts also went into overdrive.
I had also just finished catching up on Alicia Keys new project the #Wearehere campaign, a fantastic effort to tackle many different social issues, and I was already a little sensitive to the injustices of the world.  I love when celebrities lend their voices to causes that hopefully they believe in, it is something and it is important.  But I truly respect and admire a celebrity that is fully invested of their own accord, because they believe in something so passionately.  Alicia Keys, Bono, the different UN Goodwill ambassadors such as Angelina Jolie and Emma Watson, newly appointed Leonardo DiCaprio as the messenger for peace,  bravo and thank you from my heart.
So together these two things created the perfect storm.
I wondered why we need triggers to remind us that we have one go at this thing called life. Why would you want to be remembered as a bully, a tyrant, or ignorant.  What is the point of these ongoing wars?  Of discrimination based on skin colour, religion, gender, or sexual orientation.  How do we build a society based on compassion and love?  I am sure like many of you, I want working solutions.  I want to live in a world where we reach out to people with less hope, with less fortune, where everyone lives equally and without fear.  I want to live in a world where this conversation is no longer happening.  But until then...
You have a home base (it is not your physical home) it is right where you are standing now.  Where the people that surround you are as important and as equal as yourself.  Domino this effect into your family and friends, neighbours and strangers, and then the world community.  We all have an opportunity to help shape the world that we desire.  But as the old saying goes, you can't love anyone else until you love yourself.  We must start with ourselves.
Home base (yourself, myself) - Taking care of oneself both physically and mentally.   Just like a car we need proper fueling, oiling and maintenance.  We need to stop taking ourselves so seriously.  Have fun, and dream.  Believe. When you truly love and appreciate your whole self you can move on.
Family & Friends - Be involved, forgive, assist and share.  Recognize and appreciate uniqueness, be thoughtful and empathetic.
Neighbours- there is nothing that makes you feel more secure than living in a healthy community.  Be present and active. My neighbours share garden vegetables, and lend out lawn mowers, they greet each other on the street, most of the time by name, and sometimes we even have BBQ's.
Strangers- You never know what is going on in someone's life.  Respecting boundaries, but at the same time lending a hand, or an ear can sometimes make a wonderful difference in someone's day.  Have you heard of paying it forward, this phenomenon actually works, so start a chain reaction today.
Humans of the world - What can one person do you ask?  Ok sure the majority of us do not have the capabilities or resources to single handily stop a war, or feed a starving nation.  But in a democracy your vote could help.  Your activism can help. Your funds can help.  There is always something you can do.  It doesn't have to be big, it doesn't have to cost you a penny.  It just has to come from somewhere good.
I like that I cry on airplanes, it makes me real.  I like that I have an unwavering belief that one person can make a difference. That hope is one of the greatest gifts you can give someone and that compassion is essential.  The only person you are truly accountable for is yourself, so you have no excuses.  If you want to join me and start our own movement leave a comment and let's start brain storming, or if you have a cause you support leave a link.   Luv K8e

You can call me old fashioned,  I will not twinge, I will probably take it as a compliment.  I also consider myself pretty modern, up to date and open minded to the idea that life will always be changing and evolving.  How can you combine the past and the present to create a happier, healthier, safer future?

• I like it so very much when a gentleman opens and holds the door open for me, it is polite but it is also showing me he is not disconnected and is aware of the people around him.  But before my fellow feminists start cringing I would be just as grateful if it was another women.  And I will be the first to hold the door open for my fellow people if I arrive at the door before you.  It's simple, be aware, and show courtesy, everyone wins.  
• Maybe in 1954 Swanson wasn't really concerned about the nutritional value of the t.v dinner. And probably the introduction of the television could be considered the first piece of technology that began our modern disconnect with each other, but back then, just after the war, it brought families together and offered the "mom" of the house plenty of extra time to remove her curlers and iron a couple loose shirts.  Our *family gets together every Sunday, and even though our mouths might be full of delicious Italian grub, and the conversations might be on the lighter side, it gives us a chance to catch up and connect with each other. 
• Poodle skirts were super cute, but a bit on the impractical side.  It should be the fashion industries goal to create a hemline that is both flattering yet functional.  I personally am tired of seeing butt cheeks.  
• In 1913 Igor Stravinsky shocked Paris with his groundbreaking ballet The Rite of Spring, causing the audience to riot, Elvis Presley caused a stir with his wild (yet fully clothed) gyrating hips, prompting parents to go into full centurion mode, and remember when the Catholic church got involved when Madonna used controversial images in her videos and live performances.  The artists of today try to shock, but in my opinion it just comes across as desperate attempt to remain relevant.  I want to hear your music, see your art, surprise me.  
• Communicating with each other, like real humans one on one.  Gosh I can see the irony of me writing this to you in a blog, but I am worried we have or are in the quick  process of losing the ability to converse with one another.  Most people (including myself) don't pick up the phone anymore to make a call.  We text, or message, or email.  Facebook for all of it's good, has also created a society that places value on the amount of "likes" you are able to accumulate.  Remember in your day to day activities to personally interact with the people around you.   

Of course I could keep going, and probably will down the road, but even I get bored of my own dialogue sometimes.  There are also some things we could talk about where evolution is more important than ever, such as equality for everyone (#YesAllWomen, #Ferguson), and the idea that everyone should have the right to the basic necessities in life (like how in 2014 do some people not have access to sanitary water and in my city of Toronto a %29 child poverty rate should be unthinkable). I would love to hear your ideas about this!  Luv K8e
*Also my friends are my family, and we make a point to have frequent potlucks (who needs any other excuse to eat delicious food?).
September CHALLENGE : Mail that Snail.   Isn't it nice to receive a note in the mail?  The time and thought it takes to write and mail a letter is so precious.  I challenge everyone here to Snail Mail someone close to you, or someone you have not been in touch with, comment below when you do.

Originally published August 14, 2014

Today I spent a portion of my afternoon, watching videos of Japanese Macaques, they appeared to be enjoying the frigid temperatures as they played around making snowballs, wrestling, pondering mites, and bathing in hot springs.  This is how I enjoy the winter, in the comfort of  my home.  It is cold out, and even for me a self declared hibernator, making sure I have a few winter essentials around is paramount to my survival and sanity.  I have to give myself a boost once and a while, so that I literally will not decide just to play bear and sleep through the winter.
Here are a few glorious things that make the cold seem a little more manageable.

• Nothing beats fresh out of the dryer, flannel bed sheets.
• You have to leave the house for these treats, but bundle up, and get toasty at Aroma Espresso Bar, with a steamy cup of hot chocolate with big fluffy marshmallows; or spice your day up with a Mayan hot chocolate from Soma, I never leave without some chocolate.
• Do what the monkeys do!  In Toronto I cannot get enough of Body Blitz spa, with two serene locations.  Grab a friend or go solo, relax and warm yourself up.  Or if you are in the Ottawa area, my sister raves about the outdoor coed facilities at Le Nordik.
• Planning or day dreaming of an adventure to a hot tropical climate is the perfect distraction.  Take a stroll down Pinterest lane and marvel at all the beaches, bathing suits and sun tans, or plan the real deal.  Shortly I am packing my bags and heading south to Buenos Aires Argentina (check out my trip), planning this adventure keeps my focus away from the gusty winds and snow covered roads.
• Candles are like mini fireplaces that require little cleanup, and offer a beautiful array of aromas.

I am planning to spend a little bit of the season outdoors, it feels important to embrace nature in all of its entirety.  I try to go ice skating at least once a year, and this year trying out a pair of snow shoes might be in order too.  But mostly I will be staying in, until the thaw I will be cozy and comfortable in my home.
Hope I warmed you up!  Luv K8e