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.

Winter Solstice

Soon the Winter Solstice will arrive and with it the return of brighter, longer days in time for the end 2011. I wish there were words to convey all that learned in this year. Very possibly the most heartbreaking and breathtaking year of my life. So many highs, so many lows and everything in between. Meeting new friends and loving old friends, and then having to let go of both of them... oh, the lessons. Life lessons come in all shapes and sizes and within their own time lines. I wish I could reach out and change part of the landscape of this year, while in the same breath I fully understand that we should also be grateful for unanswered prayers. If I had sum up what this year has meant to me, it would be that a massive chapter in my life has come to an end while a new one has been revealed. We all have the peaks and valleys that create our life's story and it fascinates me to no end to be present and in the moment while it all unfolds. There have been so many amazing people that have taught me so much this year. Watching loved ones achieve their dreams. Whether it has been having children, landing their dream job or simply finding it within themselves to live, take and own their lives and to allow themselves to grow into their 'best selves'. I have a lot to learn from them and I honour those friends for being so courageous. This year I have faced some truths about myself and I am proud to stand up, stand tall and to admit to myself my flaws. It must have something to do with growing up and realizing all of the ways I am still evolving. I can also own that I have done some amazing things too. Firstly and foremost, I have surrounded myself with amazing people. I am proud of my circle of loved ones and what they have taught me, how they have supported me and loved me every step of the way this year. I owe a deeply humble debt of gratitude to all of them. I realize that this is a far more personal blog entry than I usually post. I normally write about the jewelry business at some point, but today I wanted to acknowledge my friends. From Halifax to Vancouver Island and right here in my own home. I want to say thank you for your wisdom. Thank you for sharing your love and compassion and I hope you have been able to find some nurturing in our friendship also. Life has become more than ever about the dance of intimacy in my friendships. The trust, the lessons, the vulnerability that comes with being open and honest. Whether it be in our moments of triumph or in those moments where our ugly bits surface. It is all about the fancy foot work that creates a forgiving flow in our closest relationships. Thank you for loving me through all of the above. With 2012 fast approaching, I want to extend a warm winter wish to each of you reading this. My wish for your new year is that you allow yourself to be cared for. So often we are the caregivers. I hope that you find it in yourself to be cared for. Whether it is a friend who offers you a heartfelt compliment or a stranger that offers to buy you a coffee... accept it. What goes around comes around and you have love and light coming your way. Allow yourself to give the gift of giving to someone else. This has been my greatest lesson this year and it has taught me more about myself than anything else in my lifetime. It has been an amazing journey this year. Thank you for being apart of it. Thank you for being your beautiful self. Gratitude. It is where I will be in 2012. Love, Tiffany

Thank You Summer

September arrived in a blaze of glory, and not a minute too soon. The summer finished on a high note and although I learned and enjoyed ever aspect of it, I welcome September and the routine she brings. I love the spontaneous nature of the summer's pace, I know for certain that my family flourishes with a well scheduled calendar. Autumn is a mere two weeks away and I can hardly wait to welcome my favorite season. I love to pull out my sweaters and boots. There is nothing like feeling the crispness of the fall air on your face. With the fall also comes 'Trunk Show' Season. I love packing up my jewelry and taking to private home parties where you can meet the people that appreciate and wear your work. There is nothing more rewarding in my business than to meet the people who wear the blessed stones that I work with. I have been working hard on my fall collection and I am delighted at how it is coming together. This season I have been working with New Jade, Chocolate Pearls and dozens of funky pendants. I have been loving my work and loving the materials that are trending in New York & Paris. Half of the fun I have is watching the trends abroad and working to put my spin on them. So far the feed back I am receiving has been great and that has me really excited to launch the collection next week at my first Trunk Show of the season. I am looking forward to watching fall arrive and being further inspired by nature's beauty. Sending you love & light, t.

Summer, Is That Really You?

While everyone was complaining about the lack of sun, I was right there

with them. Normally I am the one who reminds everyone that we live

in a rainforest. To think that our summer has been shortened only gives

me hope that our fall will be long and hot.

Just incase you have not heard, it will be an El Nina winter. Lots of snow early and long snowy ski days that will do the spirit good. That fact gives me hope and keeps me excited despite the recent rainy days.

Although many of our summer plans have not come to fruition, many of them have and the summer in our homestead has been awesome. I have been practicing new boundries in all aspects of my life and that has allowed for an incredible string of adventures.

We have been kite boarding in Nitinaht.Camping in the grand U.S. of A, and have spent nice lazy days by the lake. Our family time has been awesome. In order to keep the balance I have had to say no to the invitation we received to The Emmy Awards. (Brad & George will have to wait for another year for me) We are honoured by the invite but delighted to decline the pressures and time away from my family that these honours bring. It isn't all glitz and glam, it is hard work and hard time. Maroon 5 once sang...

"it's not rainbows & butterflies, it's comprimise." That is the real picture.

A few weeks until the school year starts and my lovelies are back on someone elses schedule. I appreciate these freedoms of loving my kids on their time rather than the school systems. That said, I welcome the routine and the promise of rituals that we enter knowingly.

Ahhh, summer. You have been a fickle bird this year... figure it out for next year Yo!

Love & Light,

t.

The Law Of Attraction:

If there is one thing I know for sure, it is that when you let go and relax, amazing things can happen. Over the past several summer weeks I have been away from home quite a bit. There have been several of my friends that I have been wanting to connect with and despite great efforts it has just not happened.

Yesterday I was meant to head up to the Coast for a little R & R on an early ferry but decided that the kids would enjoy some tennis at the Odlem Brown Tennis Tournament. After they played we headed down for a snack and who was there but two of my dear friends that I had been texting for 2 days trying to make time to see one another. As soon as I surrendered to the fact that it would have to wait yet another week I was gifted with the opportunity to hug them both!

One of my friends has spent her summer on her boat with her family. When she is home I am away and vice versa. Today I had to drive down to the local store on the wharf to get some juice and who do I hear greeting me across the store was the other dear friend that should have been way up Desolation Sound by this point, but there she was... arms open and another hug to get us until we can have a girls date on her boat on Bowen. Dreamy.

Recently a few months back, my dear friend Carmen put me onto a website that is called Abraham Hicks. I highly recommend it for anyone who is looking for a postive message that relates to your daily life, then this is something you may want to search on Youtube.

I have turned a few friends on to the site and I have watched their lives shift. Not always a massive dramatic shift, but a fluid continual renewal in their life's purpose realized. I myself have undergone a life changing shift which has allowed me to really look inside and 'refind' myself. My road was more dramatic, but fascinating and challenging in a way that has brought me to a place of authenticity that I didn't even know of.

The law of attraction is a powerful tool. The Dalali Lama says "If you want to know what your future holds, look at what your mind is doing right now." If you can think it, you can be it. If you can imagine having it, you can have it. You need to feel what it is like to have what you want. The universe is ready to provide what you are prepared to endure. The good and the bad.

If you ever take my word for something, take it on this one... Abraham Hicks is a game changer.

Love & Light,

t.

" When Someone Shows You Who They Really Are, Believe Them." - Maya Angelou

I use this quote often. I have a few people have asked me what it means.

Well, when I went to see Dr. Angelou speak, she explained the quote as meaning

that when you have known someone for years and years, decades or just days, regardless, when the shiny situations fade and the rust begins to show and someone has the chance to react to something gracefully or react with jealousy or ill intention, believe that is who they are. People are only good as the worst that they treat you personally.

She also goes on to say that when you have rough patch in your life which we all go through or you face a crisis, you are meant to notice who shows up and who doesn't.

Life is full of opportunities to show people who you really are. We are all human, we all make mistakes and miss opportunities, but who is routinely, constantly missing the boat. Are you always missing the boat for certain people, then this means that you are not truly keeping their best interests in your heart.

Maya Angelou is such an eloquent speaker. Her words are gospel to me and her delivery is like poetry in motion. My favorite work of hers is "Phenomenal Woman." I encourage you all to google that!

Love & Light,

t.