My Evening With Oprah

A few days ago I had the chance of a lifetime to go and see my mentor/mother/sister/friend, Oprah. Like every woman in the building, I consider Oprah to be all of these things to me. I have been watching her since I was a child and as a motherless daughter, Oprah truly did mother me in many ways. She has unknowingly guided me throughout my life and has given me dozens of tools to use to navigate through this life.

Oprah has mentored me, spoken words that a sister would speak and she has been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember. Although I did not have the privilege to meet O in person, I did have a dear friend who did get to meet her, and that is close enough for me. Truly.

The evening consisted of 16,000 women and a few random men, getting together at Rogers Arena here in Vancouver. Everyone was dressed to the nines in honour of our Oprah. Although I drove downtown with a handful of lovely friends, I chose to purchase a single ticket. You see, I did not want to sit with anyone I knew. I didn't want to be tempted to talk to those around me. I wanted to savour every word Oprah spoke. I wanted to internalize each word. It turned out to be the perfect decision for me because I did hang on her every word and I am still in deep process- trying to make sense of her messages.

The evening began with her dear friend, and her fellow billionaire, Jimmy Pattison introducing a surprise guest who would then be introducing Oprah. It was none other than Stedman Graham. Oprah's life partner of 29 yrs. This was a huge deal as O does not like surprises, and also because Stedman has never stepped into Oprah's work life. So to have him there was such a great honour and privilege. He spoke from the heart and his speech was deep and meaningful and explained who Oprah was to him.

Oprah was hilarious when Stedman was speaking. I could see her off stage from my seat and could hear her telling Stedman to hurry up and get off the stage as his sweet introduction was lengthy and not with out reciting poetry, nonetheless. She was just like one of us and getting restless waiting to take her stage.

When O finally took the stage she was in a gorgeous gown, her hair swept off her face and she looked like she always has. Beautiful. I noticed and took in every square inch of her. From her thick mink eye lashes that she is know for, all the way down to the red soles of her shoes that she took off for the second half of her show. To know her is to know that she doesn't like to wear shoes when she doesn't need to. All of these little nuances that I knew about, tickled me.

Her presentation began with her humour. Expressing how cold Edmonton and Calgary had been and how happy she was to see the warm rain of Vancouver. She went on to ask us all the one question, her one reason for being with us, which was to make us inquire within ourselves, as to "Why Are You Here? What is your life's purpose?" Oprah acknowledged that we were all here in this building because we had answered "the call". The evening really was about her explaining her calling, her purpose and when she first answered the call and what it has meant to her in her lifetime to know her purpose.

The first hour of the presentation was filled with her prancing across the stage, speaking to the audience and even singing a quick hymn. She spoke of Gayle, Sherri & Andre. 3 very important people in her life and if you are an O admirer the way I am, you know exactly who those people are and the roles they play in her life. She spoke about her show, then and now. She spoke to her challenges, her homes across the world and she spoke to me.

It may sound airy fairy, but Oprah's words went from her mouth to my heart. I was grateful to not be sitting with those that know me because I was crying for a fair portion the time. I was just so moved to be in the same space with this woman who has meant so much to me. Yes, I know that I don't know her nor does she know me, but that does not mean she has not meant the world to my world.

Funny, a few weeks ago I had a friend who expressed that she wasn't going to see Oprah and would't be excited if she were going anyway, because it is not like she was going to be seeing her one on one or in an intimate setting.  Well, I have a different view on life obviously, and Oprah proved this friend of mine so wrong. There was such a think veil of intimacy that seeped deep into everyone's soul. You could just tell how moved everyone was. The emotion was palpable.

I had planned on writing about this experience earlier, but I am still deeply processing all that I took in. Considering Oprah did not speak to much that I hadn't heard from her before, I am surprised that I am still processing. But it is true what they say about timing, when you are ready to receive a message, you will hear it. It will find you. Timing is everything.

As my fortieth birthday nears, I have been evaluating and reevaluating who I am, who I want to be and what is my purpose. I was recently at one of my best friend's 40th birthday celebrations and the experience offered me more insight on some of the changes I want to make within myself. The event was gorgeous, my friends are gorgeous, and we all have so much to be grateful for in each other. But I am going on 40... I know there are ways for me to be a bigger blessing to my friends. I know I can be a better me. I know that I am growing and evolving and with that sometimes you have to open yourself up to change that you didn't see coming. Being open to the process as you process.

After an hour of Oprah speaking. She sat down with George Strombolopolous. There was a seating area at the back of the stage that moved forward when George took the stage with Oprah. George joined us all and went on to interview Oprah on what she had shared with us. He also went on to ask her interesting questions like "What do you think of Lance Armstrong." I was so proud of Oprah and grateful that she stayed in her grace and said "I think he is human and perfectly flawed. He was this great icon that took a great fall and because of this, he will be able to live a more authentic life. That's what I think of Lance Armstrong. I never wanted to apart of this witch hunt." George went on to ask her about her school and she didn't shy away from the abuse scandal. Oprah shared with us that seven of the girls from her school are living with her and Stedman while they are at university. She really let us 'in'. I love her for her candidness.

By the time it was time to say good-bye, I felt nourished, invested in, and grateful. I have had friends ask me about what my 'take aways' were, and I have to say that when she spoke to us about gratitude and writing down and speaking 5 things a day that we were grateful for that this practice will serve our life's purpose, was a great gift and another tool that will assist me in my life. That is one great take away. The other thing that was deeply moving for me was when she said "You are not your ancestors mistakes, you are your own future." This meaning that no matter what or how you came to be, regardless of who has hurt you or neglected you in your lifetime, you are not that mistake. You are not a victim when you are in the moment. You are here now and you are the choices you make." I know this to be true but to hear it from her lips to my ears was a powerful gift that I cannot explain.

As the lights came up, and the tears dried, women all around me were silent. There was no sound except that of shuffling feet. Everyone was in awe. The word reverence comes to mind. There were lots of smiling eyes and just a sense of universal gratitude. Oprah had spoken of her friends,
The Dalai Lama, Nelson Mandela, Deepak Chopra and more, and the same way you would leave their company with a deep sense that you have just been in the company of greatness, so were we as we left this stadium of like minded people that are the light and love of this world. To even recall the memory brings me to a humble place.

So the question remains, where do I go from here. I think I just sink deeper into my gratitude. I make the changes that I can see coming and I commit to be a truer version of myself. I take Oprah's words and slowly but steadily make them my mantra.

Hands down, this experience was in the top ten of my lifetime.

Life is good and we are our choices. What choices am I making? Are they serving me? That is how I go forward. I encourage you to ask yourself these questions. They are life changers.

love & light,

t.

Thank You 2012

Being up the Sunshine Coast here, resting in our family’s cabin, it is easy to forget the hectic schedule that December delivers. Here, from a cozy chair I can gaze out the window and watch boats sail by, eagles soar and I am easily enveloped by the tranquility that this sacred place offers .

Sharing this peaceful time with my family,  including my husband’s parents has been a beautiful reprieve. It is lovely to hunker down and just be. The children are in their element. There is no place that they love more, or people that they adore more, so being up here has been the perfect medicine for all of us.

My in-laws left today and were only here for a quick overnighter. So it returns as it is each year at this time, there are just the four of us and our dogs up here to say good bye to the year and to welcome in the new one. It gives me great joy to spend this quiet time reflecting on the year and revisiting the lessons and blessings while sending out thoughtful intentions out for the new year.

I usually write out some goals and revisit past ones and do an inventory of the successes and do some reconsidering of the ones that did not come to fruition and then giving a good hard look at why that might be and what lessons came from it. Half the time the lessons of the failures were the whole point rather than the completion of the goal. Besides, you can always have a retry at the goals that were unfulfilled, at least I believe so.

2012 was quite the year. I think that if you read my blog, you know of my blessings and lessons so I need not go into detail here. It’s safe to say that it was a big year of

great things, and of great extremes.  Our family saw great adventure and greater adversity in the way of ailing health and wellness. Please keep my family in your prayers as we head into 2013.

If I were to sum up 2012 I would have to focus on Faith. This year I found that I turned to faith in a bigger way than I ever have before. That will happen to you when someone you love’s health is in jeopardy. You will turn to faith to keep you in the light when the shadows come calling.

I have always enjoyed having that solid belief system in something bigger than me. After several years of losing people that I loved very much, I turned from my faith and began to question all things related. I have always been a spiritual person. But in the face of great loss, and great questions surrounding the why that comes along with it, I have paid little attention to the God in things. I have focused on the light and love more and ignored the source you could say. Losing so many important people in such a small period of time was just too much pain, and I had a hard time believing that there was a God that would orchestrate such darkness. And then with the arrival of my nephew’s illness, I had no where else to turn but to God. The doctors do not have all of the answers and the ones that they do have are not serving my nephew’s health in the way that we need right now.

People always balk at the word God. I am not talking about Jesus or the other prophets that make many people cringe, I am talking about the life source in the world. There are so many questions I have regarding God, but what I do know, is that I have spent dozens of hours praying for my young nephew this year and each time I have finished, I have honestly felt better. There is something to be said for that.

I have high hopes for 2013. I have a long list of hopes and dreams that I plan on meeting along the road to fruition. First and foremost, a cure for my precious nephew and for all those out there fighting for their lives. I have a wish to see my beautiful children grow strong and healthy and to prosper in all they do. I hope that my husband continues to feel loved and to find solace in his work and play. I want my friends and family to love and be loved, to find fortune of heart and spirit where ever they go and to find the peace in spirit as I have this year.

I want to continue to live a generous life where I put others before myself and I want to be a role model to my children that no matter what happens to you in any given day, your happiness is directly linked to your attitude. With a positive attitude and a healthy outlook, anything is possible and nothing is quite that bad.

In 2013 I want to continue 2012’s theme of simplifying. I want to simplify on a grand scale of small things. Everything from the linen closet to the circle of people I share my life with. I want to just bring everything to a cleaner more user friendly state of being that supports a healthy and happy existence for my immediate family and myself and that will further solidify the amazing foundation I have built with my nearest and dearest, including those whom I wish to build one with.

2013 promises to bring many blessings, but this year I don’t have a long wish list of gifts I want to ask of her, I just want more of the same and I want to need less of it.

I feel that I have been so blessed, that I just want to have a quiet, low maintenance year where I find all of my gifts are in the giving. A place and a way of life I have come to have deep appreciation for.

Being up here at the cabin and away from our daily routine, I am offered a clarity that I would not otherwise have. At home there is always a chore list, jewelry to make, friends to call back, where up here, the world stops and the quiet moves in.

There is a stillness here that allows you to catch up with your inner voice and to really stop and listen to what the universe has put in front of you.

Since I have been up here, the word that keeps coming to mind in my head is gratitude. I am just so grateful for a blessed year of life long memories and lessons that will re-gift them selves to me for as long as I live. I have beloved friends and family that make me feel loved and appreciated and I have you, a crew of people that somehow find some value in hearing about my journey through this crazy life.

Thank you for continuing to read my blog, and I continue to hope that you find a small piece that speaks to your heart and that somehow inspires you. I hope that there is a little piece of me that resonates with you and that makes you feel heard, understood or at the very least that there is a kindred spirit out there that is learning some of the same lessons as you.

From my heart to yours,

Happy New Year.

love & light,

t.

Gratitude

September has come and gone. Indeed she followed through with her promise of routine and structure and has left in her wake a month of solid sunshine and warmth that has continued into this glorious October. I have refitted the house with autumn colours and have put away the ocean blue accent pillows for yet another year.

There is something sacred about the ritual of honouring the changing of seasons. It feels slightly tribal. I can find deeper meaning in anything, but when fall rolls around it seems that there is just more meaning in most things and it is easier to find depth in daily life. People slow down again, they stop longer to chat on the street, they pick up the phone and connect again with those that summer somehow kept from us.

There are so many things to be grateful for as we close in on the last few months of 2012. This year has been one of many blessings and many profoundly rich reasons to be humbled in gratitude. If you have read any of my previous blog entries you also know that this year has challenged my family at it's core.

In all of the many blessings and challenges, there is a common thread that binds us into the same boat of grace and gratitude and that, has been our family. Whether I look back at our time in Mexico this spring or fast forward to my nephews diagnosis in June... it is the family bond that has cradled our journey in both the bliss and the blinding reality of a life threatening illness. I am not sure that there is anything more beautiful than the love that comes from the deeply bound family unit that I come from.

Growing up I never felt those ties that bind, but this more than ever I feel them, I sew them and I absolutely tend to them. The past 12 months have brought my own immediate family closer and that of my siblings and I. Don't get me wrong, I have always been close to my siblings, but like I said, when you sit in wait, between life and death, your earth bound connections strengthen in a way that is indescribable. Life changes. Important things become more vital, small things cease to exist, the sky gets bigger and your words become kinder, and you somehow learn to be braver.

I am so grateful for all of the goodness that has come my way this year. I am also grateful for the lessons that have come from the more unfortunate occurrences, for those have taught me the most, and again, at the top of that particular list you will find Cancer. I have a couple of friends and my super, awesome, brave nephew that have been battling that bitch. (forgive my french) I have been watching even closer and have seen first hand what true bravery looks like, what real courages acts like and how true grace carries us when we allow it to.

It's no secret that I am turning forty next year. Growing up, I thought that I would have life figured out by now. Instead, what I now understand is that when people say take one day at a time, it really means that we are to slow down, breathe deeply, love unconditionally and live with passion. "Live each day to it's fullest" is not just some passe quote. It really holds value to our human existence. What I have finally figured out is that there is no figuring life out. It is what it is, and our journey will become what it will, in accordance to how we respond to life on a daily basis.

Everyday is a bounty of blessings if we will just allow ourselves the pleasure of seeing the bright side. It is so easy to find the faults and shortcomings that find us in a day. It is also even easier to choose to reside in the light of each moment that is ours to claim. I am not saying that life is rainbows and butterflies, I know better, I know it is also compromise and acceptance. I also know it is exactly what we make if it.

2012 was filled with beauty. As we approach Thanksgiving, I am profoundly grateful for the love and light that has found it's way into my heart by way of family and precious friendships and I wish the same love and light to find you and yours. I hope you have been as blessed as I, and that next Thanksgiving you will have even more in your heart to be grateful for.

Happy Thanksgiving!

In Gratitude,
t. xo

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.

It's Like Rain on Your Wedding Day.

Forgive the space between entries. I was too busy living life to slow down and document it. I have a brief moment of reprieve between the next scheduled obligation. Seems like today has been full of deep sighs and deep gratitude. There have been so many beautiful moments with family and friends in the past 6 weeks that I just have been humbled time and time again. There have been 2 family weddings, a BFF's wedding, I co-hosted a surprise 50th Wedding Anniversary, adopted a 3rd dog, spent 4 days with my YaYa's at our Mecca aka 'the river house', saw The Princess buy a house and move away from me, took the kids on their first, rustic camping trip on the West Coast of Van Isle, watched my husband learn to Paraglide, watched my husband learn how to Kite Board, spent 6 hours in emergency with a 3 yr old suffering a fever of 104', have been saddened to watch two of my dear friends lose a father and a family matriarch, and tomorrow will be a very sombre day as I attend the funeral service of a friend who succumbed to cancer. So much good to rejoice, enough sorrow to reaffirm how precious life is. Which brings me to the greatest pride and joy of all of the events so far this summer, and that is that The Silver Fox & I celebrated our 10 year Wedding Anniversary a few days ago. 16 yrs together, and 10 yrs married have made for the greatest joy of my life.
We had always spoke of one day having a very cool & funky native Talking Stick, so this year I went down to the Squamish Pow-Wow in early July and gathered a few essentials that I needed and then just followed the inspiration of our own personal Haida art collection and went for it. Not bad for a first try. I used beads, and stones and even some woven organza that was used in our wedding ceremony and incorporated these things onto the stick. A personal touch that makes the staff a true reminder of our 10 yrs together, then and now. I also used a gorgeous Raven feather as an offering of this Raven's endless love for her favorite Fox/ Wolf really... So where I have not been actually making gems, I did create a sacred family heirloom that is among the most special pieces of art that we own.

So certainly this summer has been full, and it is far from over. The next several weeks are full as well. I have had little time to create jewels; however, my spirit has been nourished by many new friendships, many old friends and the smile of a bride despite the rain on her wedding day. My lessons have been subtle but frequent. My bliss has been ample and my craving for deeper connections within an even tighter group of people has been steeped. I just cannot ignore that the past several weeks have sailed by while I have barely had a moment to sit. It has reminded me that what is most important is what is in front of me, who is behind me and those whose hearts I guard. These are the bright lights that guide me and whose light I want to bask in.

That is all for now. Ramble as I have, it is a sign of how much has been on the go as of late, and when September rolls around with her promise of routine and predictability, I am confident that I will return to a regular date with the blog.

Until then, sending you Love & Light,

Tiffany

The Solstice - Sowing What You Want To Harvest

Just when I thought June was here with the promise of extra time to slow down and enjoy life,  I quickly realized that I had my months mixed up. Yikes. June is one big school obligation after another.  But alas, we all survived and July is here and I again have time to return to the things that bring me joy, like having a slow morning with coffee in hand and my kids snuggled in next to me, all the while we lounge in our 'comfy cozies' as we like to call our pajamas. Hello, 10 a.m. !

Back to June, whoa Nelly! It is hard not to feel overwhelmed by just the thought of all we accomplished in those short weeks. First of all Happy Solstice. This year I am especially grateful for this fresh start, this new year and the new beginnings that the Solstice brings. Although I am usually quick to remember that every day, in every moment we have the choice to 'start fresh', be renewed and that happiness is a choice. I always welcome and celebrate the Solstice as it is the global celebration for the like minded, earth loving people that recognize that we have the next 6 months to sow positive seeds that will return to us by way of a bounty of love and friendship we will harvest come the next Solstice. So let me remind you of this sage quote that keeps me grounded:

“Watch your thoughts, for they become words.

Watch your words, for they become actions.
Watch your actions, for they become habits.
Watch your habits, for they become character.
Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.” - unknown

 

I am eager to remind my family that our thoughts truly are the seeds we are sowing which we will surely harvest sooner than later. Trust me, I catch myself daily with smart-ass one liners that I think are freaking hilarious and if I don't speak them chances are one of my beloveds will, because I have surrounded myself with like minded people that enjoy witty, cutting humour that is by my standards, hysterical.

Recently though, I have tried to enjoy the humour but countering it in thought with a silent recognition of what the truth is actually:  ( and here I would insert the thought that I seriously believe) It will make for a better harvest come the fall. Fingers crossed anyway. :)

June also marked a major milestone in our family. We are sending our Sweetpea to Grade 1 in September. So long Kindergarten, it's been swell. Where did this time go. If this is the rate in which the next 12 years of her school career is going to go, then stop the train,  I want off! I used to laugh at 'those women' who would stop me on the street when Sweetpea and I would be walking the seawall with her stroller. They would warn me that I should savour these times and enjoy every minute as they will fly by and before I knew it, that wee babe will be heading off to Grade 1.  I would like to apologize to all of those women who I politely nodded to and then blew off as I thought to myself as I walked away,

" Okay Mrs. CoCo LoCo's - whatever you say. Maybe it's time to get a hobby!" Yes I apologize to you, because you were right.   You   were    so    right.

Beyond our family milestones there has been a major development in the direction of Buddha & The Raven Studios. I have decided to get serious about joining my peers in getting some exposure by way of the Urban Artisan Shows in our community. I have recently submitted my work to be juried by a few different shows. So far, so good! I will be showing at a some shows this fall. I am very excited to get out there. The other big news is that I have recently made the decision to get back into the retail world. Stay tuned I will be announcing my first retailer here on the North Shore soon! :)

I was also privileged enough to be invited down to the set of the television show 'Sanctuary' where not only did I get the opportunity to watch all the magic go down, but also to offer a private showing to the kind folks there. It was a great experience and I certainly welcome more of them. If you have a group of friends or coworkers that would like to have a viewing - I show up during the lunch break and am happy to show my wares. 

Although it is July, I am already creating pieces for the upcoming Christmas Home Shows that I have been invited to participate in and will be hosting. (that's right I said! I said it!- Christmas, Christmas, Christmas! I don't believe that Christmas is a bad word- it's just another name for Santa!) Again, if you want to host a wine and cheese for your friends, I am happy gather up several artisans to bring there wares to your home for a private showing. In fact these evenings, or afternoons have become quite popular in fact, that we now do several each fall. It is just a great way to stay out of the malls, while still finding unique and beautiful things that are Canadian made by local artisans in your community.

(no carbon offsets required) :) 

I don't shop for gifts in stores anymore. Instead I call these girls and I always find the perfect something for whatever my gifting occasion is. (and I always find a little sumpthin' sumpthin' for myself!)

 

Recently I was reminded of this and it stuck a cord so deep within me that the lesson of self responsibility pained me. First of all, I know this lesson and it annoyed me that I allowed my ego to get in the way of not taking someone else's actions or more so, lack of action, personally. Secondly, this lesson is a painful one that although I know it, it needs to be revisited by myself and people like me, that being those who are hyper-sensitive. 

Being hyper-sensitive is in someways a brilliant blessing that brings certain metaphysical abilities that I appreciate; however, it also brings along the pain of adjusting and re-adjusting to the thirsty grip of the ego.

Sometimes this dance of being present is exhausting and when I am feeling emotionally fatigued, that is when the ego sneaks through the back door and sets me up for   the   illusion   of    e x p e c t a t i o n s  . . .

That said, I hope you find something in that last paragraph that resonates within you. Off to the garden to sow some more seeds for the falls harvest. 

May the Force be within you.. wink wink.

 

Tiffany