prairie girl musings

Tag: life

  • Looking Back On 2019 & An Announcement

    Looking Back On 2019 & An Announcement

    2019 was an interesting year both personally and professionally. In many ways, it felt like an entire lifetime. I married my best friend, spent quality time with my family, travelled the world, and shared a lot of it with you all. Professionally, I finally feel as though I found my sweet spot — a nice mix between client work and personal projects. I dipped my toes in video, wrote for a handful of publications, and as a result, this blog has taken a bit of a backseat. Over the years, it’s grown into a space where I can share personal stories, milestones and struggles that hopefully hold some universal truths and thought-provoking questions for you.

    Surrounded by our friends and family, Nick and I got married on our ten year anniversary. It was better and worse than I could’ve ever imagined. The day after the terrorist attacks, we were all in shock, heartbroken and yet incredibly grateful to be with our loved ones. Leading up to our wedding, I had become consumed with all the menial, superficial details of our day. I became obsessed with celebrating this milestone, one that felt like the most important day in the world. My entire perspective has changed after the 15th and it felt like a wake up call.

    I haven’t said or written much about the Christchurch terrorist attacks that killed 51 precious souls in their place of worship mostly because I haven’t found the words. Perhaps it’s not my place, but it’s something I think about every day and am still trying to process. The response from our city, our prime minister and the world was comforting; Jacinda Ardern managed to change gun laws within six days and her empathy has truly come to define her as a great leader. The donations, messages and aroha flooded in from everyone and everywhere… Yet there are still echoes of xenophobia and racism in New Zealand. Stereotyping, generalisations, ‘harmless’ comments and jokes, people flat out refusing to pronounce Māori words and names correctly. I remember when Taika Waititi’s video with the Human Rights Commission first came out and how it brilliantly illustrated the subtle ways prejudice thrives in this country. I hope in five or twenty years from now, we haven’t forgotten about our nation’s darkest day and we’re all still doing the necessary work to build inclusive communities, voting in favour of governments that welcome immigrants and refugees, actively learning about other cultures, races and religions, and remembering the country’s history and educating ourselves on the Treaty of Waitangi.

    The rest of the year was a bit of a blur, taking on new projects with local, national and international businesses. I worked with Christchurch hospitality clients and filmed a travel documentary with American Airlines (out in March!) I travelled to Dubai, Europe and the UK with Nick before heading home to Canada for family time. It was Nick’s first time in Europe and he fell in love with Amsterdam, where he spent 2.5 weeks studying urban economics and cycling everywhere. We even found our Smash Palace equivalent and plenty of amazing eateries and cafés. It felt like somewhere we could live long term. We also went to Paris (Paris is never a bad idea!) and London where we stayed with Nick’s uncle, Andrew, the ultimate tour guide and cultural buff.

    That said, the amount I’ve been travelling has been weighing on me, especially given the climate crisis and the fires in Australia. I’ve always loved to explore and experience different places and cultures, but these signs are impossible to ignore and I know I need to cut back. I’ve been taking steps in all other areas of my life, limiting the amount of meat I eat, cycling rather than driving, and buying way less (also accepting very few PR packages). So, in 2020, I’m making some big decisions about travel for the next wee while. I’ll be sharing more about that in the coming months…

    I got a bit personal with you all this year, sharing my fertility struggles and the outpouring of love offered me hope in what felt like a hopeless situation. I can’t thank you enough for your messages, comments and general support. I’m usually quite private when it comes to my personal struggles, but this had been on my mind for years. I even started having dreams (more like nightmares) and it was impacting my sleep. I had written six or seven drafts by the time I finally mustered up the courage to share. Needless to say, I was blown away by the response I received and was reminded of how important it is to be vulnerable with one another.

    And for my announcement…

    I’m proud as punch to announce that I’ll be launching my very own consultation sessions in 2020. These one-on-one sessions are in response to questions I am frequently asked directly on Instagram or in person, on subjects ranging from how to get started in marketing to approaching editors and getting your writing published. While I do my best to answer every question I receive, sometimes they require a bit more thought and attention. I am now at a place professionally where I feel equipped to offer advice on the publishing and marketing landscape and will soon be opening up a form on my website (go check it out if you’re wondering what I’m talking about…) These consultation sessions will be open internationally via Skype and FaceTime as well.

    All in all, 2019 has been a year of growth with some of the highest highs and lowest lows. As I get older, I’m not as focused on ticking off the big milestones, I want to make memories with my loved ones and become a better person, someone with integrity and continue to speak up for what matters. Wherever you are currently, whether you had the best year of your life or you’ve just managed to get by, 2020 is a clean slate. The year is yours, so plan something amazing! Here’s to making it a good one!

    I’d love to hear more about what you’re up to in 2020, leave me a comment below. x

    Photo by Hannah Bird Photography

     

  • On Doing Nothing

    On Doing Nothing

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    Toronto is a hotbed for overachievers; those who rationalize being overworked and sleep-deprived. We’re New Yorkers in training, in a city that’s on the verge of growing up without any real identity. While I appreciate ambition, especially in these ever-crucial years, I don’t understand why we’re encouraging each other to work longer and harder without any real benefit.

    Does this scene sound familiar? You’re writing an email to your boss, while running on the treadmill, and updating your blog and preparing a coffee. I’ve become SO SKILLED at multitasking, that I’m unable to focus on one.single.task. at a time. In fact, while I type this post, I’m also boiling the kettle for tea, watching (or listening) to an episode of Happy Endings, and talking to my mom on the phone. Do you see what I’m getting at?!

    I recently read this article that perfectly described what I’ve been feeling for awhile: there’s much value in doing nothing at all. Many of us (myself included) feel the constant need to justify our actions and our goals. That is why I vow to spend two full days of my holidays, (I’m back in Saskatchewan, so it shouldn’t be too hard) completely disconnected. It should help that one of my best friends is visiting from New Zealand, and I’d like to devote my time to catching up (we haven’t seen each other in over a year!) and touring her around.

    How do you recharge when you know you’ve been running in circles?

    xo, Vanessa

  • Let Freedom Reign

    Let Freedom Reign

    Last night, a light went out in the world.

    South Africa lost its greatest son, Madiba, one of the most courageous and profoundly good human beings this world has ever known. The world was truly fortunate to have Nelson Mandela for 95 years, and his legacy is the peaceful South Africa we see today.

    In memory of Madiba, here are a few of his many influential quotes:

    “For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.”

    “As I walked out the door toward my freedom, I knew that if I didn’t leave all the anger, hatred, and bitterness behind, that I would still be in prison.”

    “There is no passion to be found in playing small – in settling for a life less than the one you are capable of living.”

    “Education is the most powerful weapon, which you can use to change the world.”

    “May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears.”

    “It always seems impossible until it’s done.”

    “Part of being optimistic is keeping one’s head pointed towards the sun, one’s feet moving forward. There were many dark moments when my faith in humanity was tested, but I would not and could not give myself up to despair.”

    May his legacy live on.

  • Next Stop: Chicago

    Next Stop: Chicago

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    Chicago’s been on my list of must-see cities since my family visited (sans moi) a few years ago. Granted, I was living in New Zealand at the time, so passing up on a few North American trips didn’t seem like such a big deal. Nevertheless, I’m looking forward to visiting the Windy City! I’m especially excited to see Chicago’s outdoor public art, something it’s known for around the world. Chicagoans truly take pride in their city, which makes it such an amazing city to visit. My New Yorker cousin (who formerly lived in San Francisco and Toronto) said that she loves Chicago because even the homeless marvel at their city: “Would ya look at that sculpture? It’s beautiful!”

    My sisters and I will arrive in Chi-Town tonight, and I’ve already drafted up a list of things for us to do. Of course, there won’t be much time for sightseeing as we’ll be in meetings all day, but a girl can dream:

    1. Ukrainian Cathedrals: I can’t wait to check out the majestic domes that peek out over the treetops in the Ukrainian Village of Chicago.

    2. Pilsen Murals

    3. Spend an hour perusing the Randolph Street Market

    4. Grab a coffee at The Wormhole on Milwaukee Avenue

    5. Indulge in a slice of Chicago’s deep dish pizza at Lou Malnati’s

    6. Sit down for well-crafted cocktail at The Violet Hour. 

    7. Warm up with a hot chocolate from Hot Chocolate.

    8. Check out the Chicago skyline atop the Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower).

    9. Enjoy a rooftop drink at our hotel’s bar.

    10. While there’s no shortage of good breakfast places in Chicago, I’ve heard that Bongo Room serves the perfect laidback morning feast.

    11. Visit Tribune Campus at the Illinois Institute of Technology.

    Have you ever been to Chicago? What are some must-sees and dos for a non-tourist traveller?

    For frequent updates, follow my Instagram and Twitter accounts!

    xoxo, Vanessa

  • Land of Living Skies

    Land of Living Skies

    There’s something incredible about returning home after being away for a long period of time. I was recently back in Saskatchewan for the first time since relocating to Toronto. Oddly enough, I came home more frequently when I lived in New Zealand. I’m not sure why I haven’t been home. Perhaps it’s been because of my internship and job hunt. With the oftentimes haphazard scheduling of interviews, I didn’t want to miss out on any opportunities that came my way.

    Regardless, it felt amazing to be back at my parents’ house in Yorkton. They’ve only lived here for the past three years, but it always feels like home. It’s the constant in my ever-changing, never stable life. It’s the place to which I return from wherever I’ve been living. As the complete antithesis of Toronto’s urbanity and chaos, Saskatchewan feels like a retreat, an escape from the everyday challenges I encounter in the Big Smoke. I always harp on about how much I love urbanity, and it’s a necessity for me at this age, but Saskatchewan has indescribable charm and vast beauty that many city dwellers will never experience.

    It’s also a place where my family has lived for a number of years. Throughout my life, I was fortunate to live nearby to all four grandparents. Last week, after the passing of my paternal grandfather, I realized what a luxury it was truly getting to know my grandparents. Many of my cousins, aunties, uncles, and extended family are all located in the prairies as well. It’s serene, with vast blue skies and perpetual sunshine. Most of my childhood and teenage friends still reside in Saskatchewan, which makes for a wonderful reunion whenever I am here.

    When I was completing a multimedia project for my creative writing course at The University of Auckland, I conducted an experiment comparing my two reference points (at the time): The Prairies and The North Island (of New Zealand). It was an introspective assignment that I delved into wholeheartedly. It enabled me to record my experiences with displacement. Should you be interested in reading my exegesis, I’ve attached the link here.

    Saskatchewan, I do not appreciate you enough. You’re a wonderful place to call home.

  • Aotearoa

    Aotearoa

    It appears I have the attention span of a goldfish.

    After starting a travel blog at the end of 2010, following my first semester at the University of Auckland, I discarded la vie en tie-dye after two pitiful posts. Two posts. It’s not that I haven’t had a lot to write about. In fact, even I can barely keep up! This is probably what I have desperately needed over the past two years while living in New Zealand and travelling the world. I have had multiple requests from friends living overseas who wanted to stay in touch. So, here goes attempt no. 2 (or fourteen, but who’s counting?)

    Upon departing the ivory towers of university (albeit temporarily) last month, I’m ready to set foot in the real world. At least this is what I am perpetually telling myself. Self-doubt somehow always seems to cloud my thoughts, rendering me insecure and fearful. How will I ever fill the three-inch Louboutins of a big, working girl? Moving to Auckland was a challenge in itself due to both the distance and unfamiliarity. However, having already completed a semester abroad in 2009 – the leap felt natural. I told myself I would thrive in a big(ish) city and Auckland’s  1.5 million seemed like the perfect fit for my small-town, prairie girl troubles. Indeed it was, and my two years as an English major (after transferring from MSU) flew by. Armed with a Bachelor of Arts, and a eclectic bunch of amazing friends who intrigue, inspire and perplex me, it is now time for life’s next big challenge. I rather rapidly decided this meant leaving New Zealand for the more abundant job market of North America. Clearly, I’m still deciding whether this was the right decision for me.

    While I ruminate this decision, I’ll leave you with a few of my favourite Auckland memories and things. As any Kiwi-implant can tell you, New Zealand has a FANTASTIC and refreshing design scene. Wellington, the arty capital of cool, features amazing cafes and boutiques frequented by the country’s best artists. Auckland (despite its sprawl and public transport issues) possesses some the most diverse, well-heeled suburbs I have ever encountered. Obviously, I have developed a fascination with New Zealand’s small, but incredibly distinct fashion scene. Oh, if I could but spend another semester in Auckland, I would have my Nikon permanently strapped to my shoulder in order to capture some of the looks of the moment. Kiwis are a daring bunch, and university life in Auckland provided me with some of the best style moments in my twenty-three years.

    Here are some of my favourite local looks: (courtesy of Auckland Street Style)

    I’m in love with these Ruby stretch cords, she pulls them off on fashionable High Street in Auckland.

    Karen Walker is a hit for all ages, especially when paired down with Converse sneakers.

    Aucklanders are known for wearing lots of black, especially in the cold, rainy months of June, July and August. I love the billowy long skirt with the casual jumper on top.

    It is true, nobody does knitwear like Ruby and nobody looks as fabulous in Ruby as Nicole Warner from Gary Pepper Vintage.

    More to come on Saskatchewan summers.

    V.