Perception Meets Reality

It seems that it was just yesterday that I sat down to welcome 2012, and now
I find myself preparing for February. I am amazed at just how fast time flies.

This year has already provided a valuable lesson. Have you ever had a trip
planned and been so excited about it that you imagined just how awesome it
was going to be? Such is the case with me. I had, had a trip planned for
nearly a year. It was for my sweet, young cousin's destination wedding.

I was going to travel solo and the thought it was a brilliant idea. No kids
to watch after, a loving husband staying home to love them up. What
could be more perfect? Well, if you are anything like me, you are
likely capable of romancing an idea to the max. I had built this
trip up to be epic and it really was in every way until day 6, that is.

Day 6 came with a big dose of reality. I missed my family terribly. The
original idea of traveling without them was more than fine, but the reality
made it less than fine. I had not anticipated getting nearly as home sick
as I became. It may have had something to do with all of the great people
I met and wanting to share them with my best friend and partner in life...
or it may have had to do that all of those great people were also there
with their better halves.

So, the lesson for me was to be careful how perception does not always
meet reality. Again, the trip was epic, the wedding was epic and I could
not have been happier that my sweet cousin Megan had the wedding of her dreams
and I was so honoured to be apart of her dream day.

There were so many amazing people I met, Poc, Kourtnee, Kristin, Ashley, etc...
these are now friends that I would not have otherwise met that eased the pain
of missing my family. These amazing women were the gift my cousin gave to
me- by simply inviting me with her to the Mayan Riviera. I love it
when my sisterhood grows with strong, fierce and lovely women.

I was able to gift some of my jewelry while away. It inspires me
to create new work. Even though I am on a hiatus from Buddha & The Raven,
I am still allowing myself to be inspired and to create personal pieces
for personal friends. One charity I am honoured to be donating to is for the iconquer
team which is apart for the Ride to End Cancer Foundation. I love the
opportunity to chip in and support my friends and pay homage to those
I have loved that are fighting cancer and for those who didn't win
the battle.

If you ever have a cause that needs a charitable donation, don't
ever pause to contact me. You can count on me to donate in some
capacity.

My personal charity of choice is in memory of our beautiful Kerry Kirstiuk.

www.campkerry.com


Sending you all love & light,

t.

Welcome 2012

So, here we are. In a blink of the eye 2011 was here and gone, and we find ourselves a little wiser and a little worn but we survived with successes just in time to greet a new year. It is amazing how incredibly full this past year was. So many blessings and so many heartfelt lessons. I wish I could say that they were all enjoyable, but I can say they all left me for the better. I love a new year. I love the fresh slate and the gift of a second chance to get 'it' right. The new year is the promise of a new day. I have such a good feeling about this coming twelve months and the adventure and love that it has in store for all of us. Embarking on uncharted territory can make us cautious and reserved; however, if there is one thing I know for sure, it is that jumping in with both feet makes for a less shocking entry. The more timid we are, the less invested we become. It is my hope that I and everyone that is reading this finds it within them to dive in to whatever and wherever their hearts lead them. (while being responsible and considerate) This year my sole purpose is to focus on my family. I have made the thoughtful decision to step away from my business and to direct that energy on the three people who mean the most to me. On the heels of a year where jewelry took up my every spare moment, whether it be in creating, sourcing, or designing... this year I am taking my life back and giving thanks to the amazing opportunities that Buddha & The Raven allowed me. I am not shutting down the business, I am simply taking a year hiatus. If last year taught me one thing, it is that it is impossible for me personally to do 7 things really well. It is not a lack of effort, it is a lack of ability. I am capable of kicking ass if I limit my plate to a couple of things. Funny how it took me 30 something years to figure that one out. So, as I head out in to this amazing year I give thanks to my friends and family for the love and support that I know I will have with me. I only hope they know that I am right behind them all the way. Wishing you all your highest and the greatest good for your own wishes for 2012. You deserve every joy your heart desires. Go get it! Love & Light, t.