Strength Finder

Working for lululemon has its advantages (more than I could possibly list), today I dove into one of my favorite company perks; our library. I should preface this by telling you that library is stocked with the epic life stories of philanthropists, entrepreneurs, self-improvement bibles and every fashion/business reference book that has ever been a top seller, I was looking for something short, you know...the 'thin' book, you know something I could read in a couple of hours to recharge my visionary battery. What I found was a book far from brainless; I picked up called Clifton's Strengthsfinder 2.0. I opened it and saw that someone wrote that this book is used as a stepping stone to allow you to do what you are best at on a day to to basis. Sounded easy enough, no brain work here I thought. I was sooo wrong. The first few pages had me hooked, I was informed that I (and most other people) leave natural talents untapped and are more focussed on improving shortcomings and (perceived) flaws.

The research for this book is rooted in more than 40 years of studies and investigations and has already help millions discover and develop natural uncultivated talents. Written with one purpose: to start a global dialogue regarding what is right with people, and even states that "it appears that the world is ready to have this conversation"

I rushed through the very attractive and luring intro and was quickly guided to a 30-40 minutes survey that was going to lead me to my 'top 5 strengths', once my strengths were unveiled my small red friendly looking book would became the skeleton key to my life. It held the answers, it held focus and the truth about what really makes me tick (insert dramatic pause). I finished the survey and kept reading; for each strength they bestowed upon me...these 5 five magic words that made me stand out from others there are 10 ideas to action and apply them in the real world. And get this; the book builds on these applications by giving you questions to answer to help apply these talents and shows you how to leverage yourself by turning them into achievements. The icing on the cupcake are quotes from very successful people who share the same strengths that you uncover for yourself, since I'm a word fanatic these quotes made this whole experiment more relatable to my (very boisterous and opinionated) inner skeptic. I will admit I studied the survey result carefully...from my most strongest theme to the ones I hide, all five were there staring me back in the face saying now what...I couldn't help but awkwardly smile at my book and wonder what would be born once I processed this 'no brain work' read. Never underestimate the thin book. Beware.

Huancacalle-Santa Teresa

This trip was five years on the making. Right after my Choquequirao trip, I moved to Montreal and always wanting to go back to the place where Robert Lee(American Archeologist) insists the Incas came to regroup during the conquest. Back in 2001, the Choquequirao trip took us through valleys, mountain tops, abandoned mines and ruins. One place stuck in my head and that was the Inca trail Vilcabamba- Machu Picchu. When I read that part of this network was been restored, I gathered information, a new pair of hiking boots and hired a guide, two mules and went for it.
The excursion took us to reach the Salcantay glacier and down the coffee-growing valley of Versailles. Great name for a place with wild thermal-water pools fit for kings. The Inca trail was only restored a part of the way, but remains of it are still being used as life-stock and commerce trading roads. Legend says that when the Incas retreated into the jungle, these networks of trails they had build with chiseled rocks, were turned over so to make for an impossible pursuit. This is referred to as Castigo Inca, the Inca Punishment.
Once we arrived to Santa Teresa, I was surprised to see that the one booming town had again reached it glory past. Here is where the big coffee farmers brought their crops to be shipped by train. The railways that were washed away back in 1997, gave way to a highway and a bridge that communicated the Cities of Cusco and Quillabamba to the Machu-Picchu station. I am sad to report that Santa Teresa is isolated once again, and the bridge was washed away by the mighty Urubamba River.

Inspiration

Tonight I was asked to think about the essence of my blog, One Eyed Queen. Is it clear to me yet? Or is it true, as the Spanish poet Antonio Machado wrote, that there are no roads, that the way becomes manifest upon walking?

I started writing down stories at the beginning of this summer as a way to keep myself occupied during my sabbatical. I've always loved stories - hearing them and telling them - and I've also loved writing, though I never fancied myself "a writer." One of my friends, Veronica, suggested that I start writing some of my stories, as a way to kick start my creative exploration. "You're a great writer," she said, though I don't think she's actually read anything I've written. "You need to write." To get me going, she gave me a spiral-bound-at-the-top writing tablet, the kind you'd pick up at a drugstore for $1.99, and told me to write the story I'd recounted to her the night before, my version of the night we met a few years earlier. It's a great story, she said... write it. And so I did. I read it to her after I'd written it, and she loved it... my first commissioned piece.

I wrote a few other "stories" over the next few weeks in that little tablet, just for the fun of it, at the beach, anywhere, about anything that happened to cross my mind. Then, in early August, I decided to bite the bullet and start a blog so that I'd have a more public space to share these stories on. Sort of like creating my own "open mic," a place for me to just put myself out there and see what kind of response I might get.

At the same time, I started reading other people's blogs... since I hadn't followed any others, I thought it might be a useful thing to do. Lo and behold, I found plenty of people writing about subjects that interested me greatly - most of them, incidentally, had to do with inspiring other people to do whatever they loved doing. Writers like Danielle LaPorte and Kate Moller inspire me with their "just do it" attitude, no matter what it is that you or I might "do". Authenticity seems to be the key word.

I thought I might inspire people too... just by showing up and being me. That's the main message I got from one of my longest-standing inspirations, David Whyte, in a four-part YouTube video he made about The Journey of the Artist. Just show up. Just be me. Just write.

And so I do. I write. Not as often as I'd like, not as easily, not as focused... but the words come when I give them the time and space. I can write about anything or nothing. I can write about what's new in the world (how about that sad excuse for a mayor in Toronto killing the plans for a light-rail line?), or about what's new in my world (I had a date this week!). Or I could just write about nothing at all.

Turns out, that's sort of my favourite subject... nothing at all. I write about it every morning, the very first thing I do when I wake up. Three pages in my lined notebook about nothing at all. It's just a way to get my juices flowing and clears out my head so that, if and when the time comes for me to actually write about something (and god forbid get paid to do that!), my brain will be more focused and sharp and ready to produce the next great marketing piece about [your product here].

In the meantime, I aspire to inspire. Inspiration literally means "breathed upon" - so before we go any further, I'm going to go brush my teeth, and then I'll be back on my blog to breathe my next little tidbit of inspiration upon whomever might read it. For now, I'll leave you with this well-worn reminder... showing up, being you, using your VOICE in whatever way pleases you, that is all we're here to do. So let's just do it.

Just Jump In: Starting a Blog

Blogging. Everyone is doing it, except me it seems.

I've spent 25 years in the public relations business, and often when I have a chance to chat with my peers I find I'm the only guy in the room without a blog.

My short-term problem is that I can't find my voice. I'm unemployed right now, and if I were to start a blog, I'd most likely want to find a want to link my personal and professional interests together. My professional interests are up in the air right now.

Left to my own devices, I'd probably start a blog linked to public relations, politics and media. I guess I fancy myself as a bit of a pundit, and I'd like to express political opinions.

But, it's entirely possible that my next employer would restrict my ability to own such a blog. I've worked in the public sector most of my life (and likely will in the future) and always faced restrictions on political involvement or activity.

There's no point in starting a political blog if it can't include opinions.

My second issue is that related to my current employment status. I don't know how much time I can commit to a blog. Sure, at this point, I could post something everyday, but when I return to full-time, nine-to-five work will I have the time or energy to post something weekly, let alone daily? A current affairs blog that isn't current will be a loser.

A solution that I've been toying with is to start a blog on a much narrower subject. Specifically, I've been thinking of setting up a blog/website to push for term-limit legislation in British Columbia (and perhaps at the federal level). Basically, the idea is to prevent someone from being premier of the province (or prime minister of the country) for more than two four-year terms.

I can't imagine that a blog such as that would attract tens of thousands of readers, but at the same time, there wouldn't be the expectation that a site with that scope would have new content every day.

A friend of mine - a very successful PR executive in Vancouver - has been operating a crème brûlée connaisseurs page on Facebook for almost two years. She goes to restaurants fairly frequently, and likes to try crème brûlée when she can. Every time she tries the dessert at a different restaurant, she files a review of the dish, including its score on her four-factor rating system.

It's a brilliant idea. It's fun, and allowed her to practice working with serious tools on a not-so-serious topic.

The closest idea I've had is to start a blog on "What I saw on Commercial Drive Today". It would allow for photos and even video, while still allowing for writing. There would be room for serious writing too -- not everything on The Drive is pretty. Expectations for frequent updates would be low and it would be fun.

Blogging is like swimming in a cold lake; the first step is the hardest. The advice at the lake is to just jump in.

If I want to become a skilled blogger, I'm going to have to find a way to just jump in.

This too shall pass

"What is wrong with you today? you don't seem like your usual rambunctious self today!" my boss peered at me with a questioning look and I just laughed, and avoided the question altogether.

My week so far has been full of ups and downs, worries and good news and bad news. At times I feel like I'm sitting right in the middle of a hurricane and I'm just hanging on for dear life, trying to keep my head above water.

But I don't talk about any of that at work. There I am the one always joking around with my co-workers, always adding a smart remark to a conversation if possible. Buzzing around, going about my day, seemingly without a care in the world.

My life has gone through so many changes these past years and it seems like it's constantly changing, moving, renewing itself. It's a thrill ride, but I'm wondering every day where it will end up.

I know one thing for sure - I'm searching for my purpose in life and I've been doing that for a long time. I lost myself somewhere along the way and I'm trying to figure out who I really am.

This journey of searching started in my early 30's. I realized I wasn't happy with so many things in my life, and I was the only one who could change things. So I quit my job, went back to school for a year and learned some new skills.

I ended up at Emily Carr. It's an incredible place to work. It's completely inspiring, and the people who work here all have some artistic talent. The atmosphere is friendly and encouraging, so totally different to any other place I have ever worked. Most of the time, it is a joy going to work. But a few things are changing in my office right now, and I'm a bit hesitant to those changes.

My personal life has just been one giant mess these past few years, and I won't even go into that. That's a whole book in itself. But I got some news last night that I really didn't expect, not yet anyway. It made me reflect a bit, and it definitely made me a bit more quiet today at work. But I'll bounce back. Life will move on and change, and as my favourite saying goes...."this too shall pass".

The Listener. The Shoulder. My Very Best Friend. For Nan.

Often in life there are people that seem to have this gift of shifting perspective and adding pieces to my endless life-puzzle. This week I want to mention someone specifically; Yvonne Taylor, who is not only my best friend but is also my grandmother. I met Yvonne (Nanny) 27 years ago when I joined the family. I am her first grandchild (of 6) and people say that has soon as I popped out of mum I popped into her and poppa’s arms…and to be quite honest I don’t think I’ve left yet. Nan stands a staggering 5 foot and change with strawberry hair and a smile that seems to light up your heart and make anything that hurt’s go away. She does so many amazing things in so many people’s lives I feel as though I would rather write a book about her to give justice to mark she continues to leave on this earth and everyone around her. When speaking to her about our relationship this week she mentioned something I will never forget

"I have made many many mistakes in my life and never had any one to vent my frustrations, hurts or disappointments. So I just want to be there for you for the times you can't share with anyone else because you may be too close and just need a different prospective. I hope I can be that for you. Our skype date's and test messages make me feel 10 feet tall. These moments are special"

People wonder how I can call my grandmother my best friend because of the generation ocean that separates us. To be honest the thought has crossed my mind a couple times, when I decided to pursue the art of writing versus that pesky Engineering degree I spent 5 years stressing over..or when I came home 9 years ago with dreadlocks and saw the look on her face…there are too many moments to count. The only think I can say is that she never judged. She’s often said to me “I never think about dying because I plan on living a very long time through the conversations we’ve had”. It’s true. I have saved every e-mail, letter, article and text message she has ever sent. I remember every skype, phone call and face-to-face conversation and continue to reference them like a picture book in my mind.

Nanny has been there. She has been there for my biggest hurts, successes and challenges. She seems to always have the right advice (whether you want to hear it or not), she is one of very few people who can see past my stubbornness and actually get through to me. She has ability to somehow move the clouds in BC when I can’t see the light (which is impressive since she still lives in Ontario). She is a powerful businesswoman and balances that with a heart that bigger than life. She is often the only voice of reason and often show’s up in my subconscious telling me to think about what I’m doing. I wish there were words that could describe the love and respect I feel for this woman. All I know is that what she is and has been for me shows up in all the things I feel most passionate about in life.

She is by very best friend; I often say if I become half the woman she is I will live a very big and satisfying life. I love you Nanny for the person you are and the person you’ve helped me become, you are a shining star and I pray that everyone who reads this will share the love with whoever is this person for you

A Public Profile

An interview with Jim Brown, Partner Public Architecture and Planning

I interviewed Jim by phone in his San Diego office. A number of times he couldn’t make out my questions. Frustrating to me, he treated my part of the conversation in the same manner he treats design – searching for found objects and hidden treasures rather than needing to hear all of what was said.

I mistakenly assumed the name of his firm – Public – was a comment on his interest in the urban realm. He corrected me, telling me the story of his first office that had been the former location of a Notary Republic. The name, as it turns out, came from the creative recycling of the former tenants signage. And thus Public was born.

The name foreshadowed the firm’s later foray into the public realm. In the immediate term the name reflected Jim’s immediate curiosity about found objects – a fascination that is threaded throughout all of Public’s projects.

Their work began in furniture and gates, and sometimes objects for people’s backyards. Hardly public at all. Later they received commissions for buildings – all individual projects but always with an emphasis on how the buildings responded to its contexts or addressed the street. With every building, there was intent to enhance the neighbourhood. Overtime most of their projects introduced art into the architecture, a sort of offering to its surroundings.

Their current work exudes public and includes a permanent exhibition of street art and a Friendship Park straddling the border of Mexico and the US.

The graffiti exhibit happened by accident. Jim submitted a building he design and owns as a possible site for a new exhibit that was opening of the San Diego Museum of Contemporary Art featuring graffiti artists. Two days before the exhibit was to open he got a call from Shepard Fairey an internationally recognized artist – he had no site for his temporary exhibit. The local college could not agree to sign the liability waiver. Jim’s response – ‘Sure you can use my site, you can do a permanent exhibit and I can sign the waiver right now’. The response was typical of Jim’s trusting and open ways. In the process he came to know Shep Fairey, learn that they started out in the same office building just a few years earlier. Jim watched as this impromptu phone call and decision changed the nature of his neighbourhood. When Shep arrived the next day people recognized him almost immediately and passersby tweeted the news to friends. In short order a street party-like atmosphere surrounded the installation of the exhibit. A very public affair.

Jim’s latest project is a park – that straddles the border between the US and Mexico, just south of San Diego. A one point the border was defined with a single chain linked fence. Families living on either side of the border could reunite at the fence, making contact with one another through the openings in the fence. In the days post 9/11 the border tighted and now two parallel fences 150 feet apart define the separation between the two countries. These families, once able to meet at the fence, are disconnected. Jim’s proposal – Friendship Park is a space, a container carved between the two fences where families and friends can meet. Strangely he says his design now takes a back seat to his ongoing meetings with border patrol and the negotiation of policy.

I can’t help but wonder why is this important to Jim? Why undertake this project? Jim reflects on the times we live in – his sense of increased security and real or perceived violence and concludes that Americans and Mexicans need to remind themselves that they are still friends and neighbours. ‘It’s in our best interest to remember that, and not be swayed by the temperament of the times.’

What motivated him to take this on? It all started ten years ago. He came across information on the Loeb Fellowship, a program for leaders in the built environment at Harvard University. He was intrigued. Every year he would print out the forms and contemplate his application. And he asked himself – ‘What would I do, if given this opportunity to dream, to grow, to take a quantum leap? He asked himself - what was the challenge he would undertake, how would he apply his leadership? He turned to his hometown – to unearth the issues it faced. In his field the prominent practitioners in the public sphere were pointing to an issue that defined the city – its relationship with its neighbour to the south. He too concluded this was the most important issued. He gulped and took it on.

He is far from done, his now regular meetings with the border authorities look like they will continue for some time. And from this he is learning that to truly be ‘public’, one has to be willing to stick their neck out, stretch one’s comfort zone and fully engage.

A Second Life: Local acting student making a new start

If you could live your life over again, would you do anything different?
A student at a Vancouver acting school is going back almost 30 years and taking a different path.
When he was in high school in southern Ontario, Sotos Petrides had applied to enter journalism and acting programs for his post-secondary studies. Within the same week, he received letters of acceptance from both programs. He had to make a choice.
Petrides’ father – naturally – said journalism was a much better, safer choice. Acting is something you do for fun, journalism is something you do so you can earn a living and support a family. So, Petrides enrolled in journalism school.
Almost 30 years later, after a varied career, Petrides has chosen to take the other path and go to acting school.
“It’s the right time,” said Petrides during a recent conversation over coffee in Vancouver’s Marpole neighbourhood. “I have no mortgage, no kids. Nothing is holding me back from doing it.”
One of a dozen students in a year-long program at the New Image College of Fine Arts, Petrides isn’t the oldest in the class, but he’s close. Most students are in the 19 to 23 year-old range, most are female.
Petrides has already had two paid acting gigs, and he got a call about a third while we were in the coffee shop. They’re not major roles, but he was getting paid for all three, and he had only been in acting school for a few months. The money is barely enough to pay the rent, but he is now an “actor”.
“The industry here is small enough that it’s important to get along with everyone,” said Petrides. “I want to make friends every way I can. If people like you, they want you to succeed.”
Petrides will be able to call upon his own experiences and successful business career in developing new networks and relationships.
Born in Cyprus, 47 years ago, Petrides was raised in Mississauga, Ontario, where he got involved in theatre.
He studied “drama” - as they call it - for four years in high school. In fact, his high school troupe travelled around Ontario, doing performances based on Aesop’s fables for elementary school students.
Acting is in Petrides’ blood, and at the mid-point in life, he has decided to make a career in acting. His goal is to play a doctor, lawyer, father or businessman on a television series. It seems that’s where the really money is in acting.
“My previous careers and enterprises were serious,” explained Petrides. “My motivation at this point in my life is to pursue a new career in acting and to have fun.”

Citizen of the World

Sadira Rodrigues is the Director of Continuing Studies at Emily Carr University of Art + Design.
She is an Art Historian & Curator with a Masters Degree from UBC. Sadira started her career at the Vancouver International Centre for Contemporary Asian Art, where she was the first curator in residence.

She continued her career in the art world at the Vancouver Art Gallery where she led the Fuse program for a few years.

"I was teaching at Emily Carr and remember seeing the job posting for a Continuing Studies Director. A friend of mine kept encouraging me to apply for the position but I never thought I would get it, especially after the intimidating panel interview!" Sadira laughs.

But Sadira did get the position and she has spent the last few years re-vamping the Continuing Studies department, and with great success. Sadira is a born leader, she's full of contagious energy, positivity and a strong zest for life.

"I love my life! my family, partner and work! I'm an avid gardener and I love to cook. The people I work with are my second family. But I'm not a workaholic. I believe in the importance of balance between work and life."

Sadira has a fascinating and colorful background; she was born in Zambia, grew up in Zimbabwe, India and Paraguay before ending up in Canada with her brother and parents at the age of 14.

"My mother was a hippie and moved from India to Africa when she was 19 years old! My family is full of very strong female characters. Education and family is very important to us."

Sadira had only gone to catholic boarding school for girls, so when she came to Vancouver and went to a blended high school it was a real culture shock to her.

"I was completely distracted! I couldn't get my home work done!" Sadira laughs heartily. "My parents were quick to transfer me to a private girls only school within a few months."

Being such a citizen of the world, I wonder how Sadira feels, is she Canadian, Indian or African?

"I'm completely Canadian! I especially feel very Canadian when I go to India. But growing up in so many different countries at such a young, impressionable age taught me to be very empathetic and patient."

One of Sadira's passions in life is community based education.

"It's wonderful to be able to provide people from all walks of life access to an institution that they wouldn't have thought about going to. We work with Humanities 101 at UBC and we have provided people from downtown eastside, as well as aboriginal teens, access to a wide variety of programs. We also offer children of staff and faculty opportunities to part take in certain programs when there are spots available."

Sadira tells me about a turning point in her career.

"Working as a Manager of Arts Programs with 2010 Legacies Now was very eye opening for me. I travelled to 52 communities around BC and took part of 3 hour workshops organized by the Community Arts Council. I met artists of all kinds, and it was an amazing experience. So many of these artists didn't know how to apply for funding and how to get their art noticed. My experience was mostly with urban centres and working with Legacies Now opened my eyes to the whole art community in BC."

I wonder what Sadira dreams of, and what are her plans for the future?

"I would love to live on the Sunshine coast, or on a small Gulf island where I could grow my own food, and use it as a tool for education. I don't know when I would be able to do this, but it's so important to have dreams," Sadira smiles confidently.

Sadira is such a strong, capable and determined woman and we're so lucky at Emily Carr to have her in charge of our Continuing Studies department. She can certainly make dreams come true, not only for herself, but for our students as well.

Mystery Blog

My very wise teacher asked me tonight to introduce my blog....the problem is that I really don't know what my blog will look like yet.

The whole idea of creating a blog started over a few glasses of beers at the Pirate Pub this past summer. Another wise friend of mine, Nadia, told me that I really need to start writing down my life experiences and observations and why don't I get a blog up and running? it sounded like a perfect idea, as we sat there in the summer breeze, enjoying our beers, nibbling on nachos and fantasizing about our future.

Nadia wants to teach yoga, get a summer house, learn how to sail...the last wish came about as we admired the sailboats going by and wowed that one day, it would be us sitting on deck, watching the world go by as we sailed out towards the ocean. We had some grand plans that night, and the beers were flowing.

So back to my blog....other friends of mine cheered me on throughout the summer when they heard about my blog plans. My friend Benita found out about the Art of Blogging course that was being held at Emily Carr and phoned me on my summer holidays and told me to sign up immediately before the class was full. There was a sense of urgency in her voice. It sprung me into action and I made sure I signed up for the class as soon as I came back to work.

And yet, the whole purpose of my blog is still a bit of a mystery to me. What will it be for? who will read it? and what is the whole purpose of it? perhaps I'm just analyzing it too much. I should just sit down, post some of the stories I've written throughout the years and just take it from there. Just go with the flow. I'm always trying to ignore that little voice inside my head that keeps asking me why am I doing this and who will really care? perhaps someone out there will care what I write about, perhaps not. That remains to be seen.

A pivotal moment in my life

Involvement in politics during my high school years made me who I am today.

Apart from being involved in student council, including a one-year term as president, I also became involved in the Progressive Conservative Party provincially (Ontario) and federally.

My parents were party members, which laid the groundwork, but the person who brought me into party politics was someone I met through a summer job.

I was what is known as Red Tory – generally defined as someone who is fiscally conservative but progressive on social policy. I worked for Red Tory leadership candidates and cabinet ministers.

For the record, I have not voted for the federal Conservative Party since it was created through a merger of the Canadian Alliance Party and the Progressive Conservative Party. I have voted for the Green Party candidate since that time – as have a number of other Red Tories – except once when I voted for the Liberal Party when Paul Martin was leader. Generally, the Conservative Party is too far to the right for my tastes.

Becoming active in party politics was significant in two ways: socially and to my career development.

I developed very close relationship in politics. Many of the friends I made in those early years are still my best friends today (and most of them don’t vote for the Conservatives either). My theory is that you build very strong bonds when you campaign together. You work together, on an event that has a very tight timeline and do-or-die conclusion date. You ride a rollercoaster of emotions together.

Most jobs I’ve had in my life flow from my involvement in party politics. I either worked directly in politics, or government relations, or I got jobs through friends I made in politics.

I strongly encourage young people to get involved in politics, regardless of which party they choose.

Most dramatic moment

The most dramatic moment in my life....was leaving Finland when I was 18 years old. My parents decided to immigrate to Canada and I was asked if I wanted to come along or stay in Finland. I was studying journalism at that time and already had a few job offers. I was just about engaged and had my whole life planned. I decided to leave it all behind and go to North America with my parents.

I had never even heard of British Columbia before. We ended up in Northern BC for the first few months and it was a bit of a shock to the system. We lived in a very small rural community and everyone knew about us before we had even arrived. I went to Northern Lights College in Fort St John for a term, before moving to Langley with my parents.

We lived in Canada for 2 years, and these were fun, adventurous, incredible years. I moved back to Scandinavia in the early 90's. I ended up in Stockholm, Sweden, and worked in a Greek travel agency. I travelled to Greece a lot during the next few years, and just about moved to Athens when I got a job offer there....but fate got in the way and I moved back to Vancouver in 1995.

My whole life changed after that first move to Canada when I was 18. From then on, my life has taken some interesting twists and turns. And continues to do so.

Dramatic Moments

Funny that...the most dramatic moment in my life. The political cartoons I researched for the project held many surprises. I began to think that all that had happened to me over the previous few years was pale in comparison to the world woes. Pearson, as proper and dapper as a PM could be in those days was a great fan of James Thurber and off I went into their histories via cartoons of the era.
It still hangs wherever I live to remind me of the moment: Thurbers cartoon of three frames depicting 'the worst moment in my life' shows an indivduals angst at his mothers death; then his divorce; the third frame one where the individual looks at the viewer and the caption "This is the worst moment of my life" for me said it all.
There's more to come.

Finding Your Way

Vickie learned to play tennis, at 11 years old, hitting a tennis ball against the Brighouse Elementary School wall. A pivotal point in her life. When she plays tennis she feels more comfortable in her skin. With tennis, “I can be so-so at some things and really good at others but you can still find the flow and experience the moment. It becomes an expression of who you are.” Tennis teaches you to exploit your strengths. Tennis has been a part of Vickie’s life on and off for 40 years.

First and Forever Loves, The movie Wizard of Oz, tobogganing, singing like a screech owl, her family and Babs. “Everything about her stood out – her energy, her sense of humour, her voice and the fact that she was a woman.” Let’s not forget pancakes and bacon with real maple syrup, Banff and Airmiles. She has earned cappuccino makers, telescopes, CDs, Roots, Chapters and Boston Pizza gift certificates.

Vickie’s dream is to be a “prolific writer and painter in the second half” of her life. Her greatest strength, her sense of humour, will help her accomplish her dream. “I think a sense of humour allows you to look at things from both sides. It’s about floating up, looking down and going Oh God and thinking I don’t totally get this but I need to get it out.“

A trip up the Andes down the Cloudforrest

Choquequirao

This ancient city in southern Peru, compared only to the Machu Picchu, or big mountain, makes for the absolutely perfect adventure trip. The access to this magical place, though treacherous, takes anyone through a life-changing journey. The willing who make the effort, will charrish the experience and can be taken as an alternate trail to the big mountain. The length of the trip can take up to six days.

The bus that departs for Abancay is usually on time and the place to get off is called Saywite. To walk to the town of Cachora should take about an hour and walking uphill to Playa Santa Rosa, another four, where an obligated stop through the night. The morning is usually quite muggy and an early stroll will take you to Choquequirao. A day should be enough to visit the complex including the Ushnu, a watching tower on top.

The only trail continues on to Machu Picchu, Vilcabamba, or the mighty Salcantay. I recommend the one to the ruins of Huancacalle and Vilcabamba, which are at a lower elevation; the vegetation is more plentiful and good guides do this trek regularly.

My pitch for this story is to relate ten days of adventures in the lower-Andes region of Peru. This trip is a true Indiana Jones adventure, is really off the beaten tourist path and it has the elements for a good story and can be used as an itinerary.

Albert's back in town

"How many goddamn lobbies does Sheraton Wall Centre have?!" my good old friend Albert was waiting in the South Tower while I was sitting in the lobby in the North tower for 20 minutes, wondering if he had managed to get lost somewhere on Burrard street.

We both walked outside, mobile phones in our ears and started looking for each other. And there he was , fashionable as always. A green army jacket with fur around the collar, a cool beige hat and big rim glasses. I was pleased to see that Albert was still Albert ; his funky style and his sarcastic sense of humour intact and in fine form as always.

Albert's been away from Vancouver for almost 9 years. He's been living in Okinawa, Japan, and in Hong Kong. He's travelled extensively while in Asia and he's fallen in love with all things Korean.

His eyes light up as he starts telling me about the amazing Korean pop culture. How the Korean movies, most of them dramatic with tragic endings, are gaining more and more popularity all over Asia. How the cool pop music can make anyone want to get up and dance. He blissfully recalls signing karaoke with a good friend in Korea. "Ah, the Korean girls! such grace and style!" he says with a glint in his eye.

Albert is quite the fashion icon himself. I remember meeting him for the first time 14 years ago when I started working at a travel agency where he was the resident expert. I was in awe of his impeccable style. Every morning he used to make a grand entrance as he strolled in dressed to the nines in unique and colourful outfits.

I had quite the healthy respect for Albert and his extensive knowledge about the travel industry as well. He didn't have much time for the new kid on the block and he wasn't the one you would turn to for too much help. But once I got the hang of things, we became fast buddies.

We shared some good laughs over the years, and we often went out to the bars after work with our colleagues. The travel agency we worked for was a bit like Fawlty Towers. Our crazy boss was endearing in some ways, and maddening in all other ways.

Albert is quite the linguist and is always learning new languages. He decided one day that he needed to learn Japanese. He took a language class and announced a few weeks later that he was moving to Japan. He lived in Okinawa for 4 years and perfected his Japanese skills.

"The beaches! the wonderful weather, the delicious food, the nice people..." Albert reminisces about his Japanese years. "But terrible working conditions. We worked from 8 am to 9 pm. We had Sundays off and one day in the middle of the week. "

After a few years, Albert grew tired of his Japanese adventures and decided to move to Hong Kong, where he grew up.

He lived on the countryside and rolls his eyes dramatically when he tells me about the commute to downtown Hong Kong. "The transit system is very expensive and I commuted 3 hours a day. Commuters are packed like sardines on the trains. The air pollution is terrible in Hong Kong but there is one good thing; the shopping! such amazing deals!" Albert's eyes light up as he tells me about all the affordable fashion, his vast collection of shoes and hats.

"My old friends have all moved on with their lives in different directions and I don't feel connected to them anymore. I've travelled so much since leaving Hong Kong for the first time, I have a different perspective of the world."

I wonder what Albert's hopes and dreams are for the future, and how it feels to be back after so many years abroad?

"It's so good to be back in Vancouver! I don't feel it's changed much but it's all good! I just want to be happy and healthy. I look forward to reconnect with old friends and I hope that tomorrow will be brighter than today" he says with a big smile. It's good to have Albert back in town.

I've been car-less for three months now. Day to day, my life is better without the car, although sometimes, it's a pain.

Every morning, my 8 year old son and I walk to school. It takes us a half an hour to get to school. Then I walk another half an hour to work. At pick-up time, I walk back to his school and then home with him, which means another hour of walking for me. That's two hours of walking. Two hours of being outside. And two very special hours of alone time for me and my kid. And, my dog enjoys all of this, too.

Walking has made me realize what a gorgeous fall we had. How many perfectly beautiful mornings greeted us as we started the day. I thoroughly enjoy these afternoon walks and I love walking home with my son, stopping for a cup of hot chocolate or a bowl of soup at our favourite cafe. A new routine has evolved around our new lives as pedestrians. If it's dumping rain, I always have the option of grabbing a Car Coop car. Well, almost always. (More on that when I get to the parts of being car-less that, to quote, my son, suck.)

He still says he misses the car. "If we had the car, we could be there in about a minute," he often reminds me, as we head out. "We could sit and relax."

"YOU could sit and relax," I say. "I wouldn't be able to look at you while we talk. When you show me a cat in the window, I wouldn't be able to take my eyes off the road. Remember how you used to hate that?"

He shakes his head. "I liked sitting in the back and just relaxing."

"I like the adventures we have walking."

Yes, every day offers another new experience on the pedestrian trail. The colours of the leaves as our feet kick them up, the quirky people we pass, the stores I never noticed from the car, challenges posed by wind and rain and soggy feet. And inevitably, the times I'm late, or exhausted and I STILL have to walk, run, or whatever it takes. The times he doesn't feel his best, or hasn't had enough to eat, or right, when we look out in the morning to see the skies sobbing. And we still have to walk. I pull out my large umbrella and there you go. I often suggest he get a ride from friends, on those mornings, and prepare to make a call.

He shakes his head. .

"I wanna walk, Mom," he says. "C'mon."

Interviewing for profiles

This is a photograph of Oriana Fallaci, one of the best interviewers who ever lived. Oriana was an Italian journalist, author, and political interviewer. A former partisan duringWorld War II, she had a long and successful journalistic career.

She interviewed many internationally known leade

rs and celebrities such as the Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Dalai Lama, Henry Kissinger, the Shah of Iran, Ayatollah Khomeini, Deng Xiaoping, Willy Brandt, Zulfikar Ali

Bhutto, Walter Cronkite, Muammar al-Gaddafi, Federico Fellini,Sammy Davis Jr, Nguyen Cao Ky, Yasir Arafat, Indira Gandhi, Alexandro

s Panagoulis, Archbishop Makarios III, Golda Meir, Nguyễn Văn Thiệu, Haile Selassie, Sean Conn

ery and Lech Wałęsa.

A little inspiration, I hope, to interview someone you admire or find fascinating, or evil!, this week.

Tips: tell the person you have a half an hour to an hour for the interview (up to you.)

Be sure to start ending it, 15 minutes before you've said you will. In other words, say something like, "I just want to let you know we have only 15 minutes left."

People do better with limited time, than feeling like it's open-ended.

If you don't know where to start, ask what were the turning points in a person's life, career, or thought process. What was the most dramatic moment of their life, the moment that makes them who they are.

The best interviewers are challenging as well as sympathetic. If you challenge a person, they are likely to speak more strongly about what they believe in.

Try to get people to tell you stories...Then tell theirs.

When you write it up, you CAN change their words a little to make them sound better. In other words, you CAN make their sentences flow, cut out ums and run on phrases. Tighten it up.

In terms of using their words, you only want to use quotes when the quotes are exceptionally strong and say it better than you can say it in your narrative about them. Try to write a profile, a short one, not a q and a.

You might refer to the New Yorker again to see how it's done when it's done as well as it can be done.

Building a Word Press Blolg

Tris Hussey is telling us how easy it is to use Wordpress. "Somebody else does everything for you."

It's a content management system. Content is divorced from graphics.

Like teenagers are divorced from their parents.

For Godsakes, don't buy anything from GoDaddy!

At Wordpress, they're responsible for keeping the lights on. They update it. Keep it free of hackers.

If maintaining a WordPress install is not high on your priority list, creating one with beautiful things is high on your priority list, stick to Wordpress.com

It's free! Score!

It's beyond cheap in terms of a domain name. It's $15 a year to get a domain name and map it to a Word Press site. That means when you say LindaSolomon.com is going to connect to this Wordpress blog called Linda Solomon wordpress blog.

Domains cost money. No getting around it. Unless you're government or university.

Wordpress has a policy that you own your content, not them. They'll make it easy for you. If you have to move, for a small fee, they'll redirect all the traffic from your old website to your new one.

No other host will do that. Tumblr will let you map domains, but they don't always let you say you are moving.

Enough geek talk for now!

The guy who wrote Wordpress write it when he was 18. Texas. Jesuit education. Genius. Firm believer in freedom of speech, freedom of expression. People in china don't sign up for Wordpress blogs, because he would not bend to China's rules. He firmly believes that you own your stuff. He makes it easy for you to import and export stuff. You're not locked in. It's cool and easy but you're not locked in.

It's a fun place to play, even if you aren't going to use it seriously. They're free and it's fun. It's easy to disguise who you are.

Get you own Wordpress.com account in seconds.

It has to have a starting place, a beginning address.

Sillycatsyvr....

Passwords: think of a short phrase...like Ilikecoffee
It's good because it's long. But it sucks because it's in the dictionary.
Hackers just run a bunch of dictionary words against it.
Words. Not so good.
Substitute out the letters for their geek equivalent. Avoid the letter "l"
Avoid the letter "o"
Easy way to make a strong password out of the above is instead of i use the letter 1, e becomes the letter 3, c can become a parentheses and o becomes 0 (zero)


Twitter was hacked a year ago, because one of the administrators had the word Password on her gmail account as the password. Once the hacker got in, they had access to all of the documents that had been shared on google docs including the passwords the servers.

They took over Twitter. They shut it down. Because one person had password as their password. That's where a Hacker...

Never give your password to Tech Support...

End password rant...

Tip from Oli

Space as Platform

I studied architecture - I never practiced but I was deeply shaped by the experience. Typically architecture students divide into two camps - the 'I want to save the world' and 'Architects are Gods/I aspire to be a starchitect' camps. Grossly generalized yes, but with some truth to it. I fell into the 'I want to save the world' segment, believing that good design could cure all the world ills - housing for the poor or homeless, places where we could make meaningful connections with other people, environmental crises of various kinds.

Last week I attended a conference Our Space, Our Places that brought together folks from non profits groups across the lower mainland to talk about real estate. One of the speakers, Margie Zeidler, also a former architecture student, recounted her renovation of an old manufacturing building in downtown Toronto into a thriving centre for the arts and creative industries. During a downturn in the 90s she took a risk, along with some friends and family supporters, and bought a large vacant building and set about to rent offices to artists and other organizations that are community focused. The building (401 Richmond) became a mecca for creative types and has become a landmark in the city's cultural scene. It is now overflowing with tenants so much so she went onto secure another building because the demand was so great.

In the new building Margie's company Urbanspace gave a generous grant to a group of entrepreneurs who wanted to create a shared space for organizations committed to social change. The Centre for Social Innovation, as it became known, provides deskspace and offices as a way to connect innovators and spark new ideas and ultimately social change. The predictable upside for many is that they typically have small staffs and so can rent a few desks and have access to board rooms, a kitchen and other office amenities. On the less predictable side, studies conducted on the 200+ organizations that base themselves at CSI show that the organizations are more productive, get business through their space neighbours and their employees are happier!

CSI's Eli Malinsky, Director, Programs and Partnerships shared their philosophy of 'space as platform'. Unlike my dreamy-eyed architecture student thinking, they believe that designing great spaces doesn't necessarily save the world. Sigh. But space creates opportunity - to bring people together, for ideas for ferment, for community bonds to be formed, for people to work towards common goals. CSI has become so successful they have recently purchased their own buildings, as a way, of creating their own sustainability.

And so for Vancouver non-profits, our friends from the east brought us some valuable lessons about the power of space to create something bigger than any group could do in isolation. About the power of space to allow for collaboration and the creation of community. Okay so maybe its not 'changing the world' but it is changing Toronto...and hopefully through their examples we could change Vancouver.

(Images are from Urbanspace website)

PLAISIR SUCRE WAS MY PLASIR…

Well, I’m not sure how to start this post any other way than telling you I just had my taste buds handed to me…it all started yesterday around noon, I was in a deep conversation with my good friends Mike and Tracy about the importance of supporting each other by attending the ‘work christmas party’ (this somehow involved me promising Mike a dance..which was a poor idea picture a drunk Elaine Benes), all of a sudden a man walked into the lab looking for grooves for his wife, I noticed his accent immediately, and asked what part of France he was from, he raised his eyebrows and exclaimed “Paris!” (but only the way someone from Paris can say it..it sounds more like Peri and is generally attached to a smile). As soon as he said it I to tell him about the French Restaurant Jake had taken me only the night before (La Brasserie) which instantly escalated the conversation fueled by his passion and knowledge for French cuisine, Fabrice (his name) mentioned La Crocodile and how it would trump any sort of experience that I may have had in any other French restaurant in Vancouver, we laughed and playfully defended our experiences at both. This conversation had mutated into a discussion over French pastries, I (of course) mentioned the to-die-for croissants we all know and love at 49th Parallel on 4th, he laughed ‘Ah my dear Oleef..you have not had a pastry yet..come to my bakery, I will show you a pastry, I will take care of you’. My eyebrows were raised, we shook on it and I promised him that he would see me.

So that brings me to this morning, a full day off, no plans in sight, Jake and I hopped in the truck and squirted up to 10th and Arbutus. As we approached Plasir Sucre the familiar eyes of the owner met mine through the glass, he was on the phone but it didn’t stop him from coming outside to greet both Jake and I. ‘Ah Oleef! You came! Come in! Let me take care of you…’ Jake and I walked into the packed boulangerie and were in aw. The aroma of exotic tea and spices mixed with the scent of fresh bread being baked took us by the collar and led us directly to a beautiful display of pastries. Fabrice immediately began filling a paperback with chocolate, almond and plain croissants, he handed them to me and looked me in the eye reminding me that he said he would take care of me if I came..I smiled and thanked him handing the bag of goodies to Jake, before I could do anything else he started to slice something and quickly handed both Jake and I a slice of freshly baked peppercorn bread. I had never tasted bread like this before, somehow he was able to keep the firm crust that lined a spice infused slice of heaven. He wrapped up the rest of the loaf and handed it to me, giving me another silencing look when I reached for my wallet. We sat down and opened the bag, Jake taking the almond croissant and (of course) I dove for the chocolate. We sat there in a haze of flavor, discussing the experience must be similar to how it must feel to taste really good food for the very first time. We spent some time thanking our new friend, admiring some of the other dishes people were having and smelling some of the bakeries beautiful selection of tea’s. I was very happy I met Fabrice, and so was my stomach! Jake ended up telling two people about the little shop on as we ventured back to the truck (no joke-finishing the second croissants).

Need more proof? http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/14/1501365/restaurant/Kitsilano/Plaisir-Sucre-Vancouver

Follow me on twitter @olimaughan or www.olimaughan.com

Forbidden Fruit

Before we ordered the deep fried chili crab, my Sweetie’s cell phone buzzed taking her away from the menu to focus on a text message. “Excuse me,” chair backed away from the table, fingers tapped electronic buttons, phone pulled to ear, “I have a call to make.” Me, nervously looking from guest to guest at our large round table, shrugging an apology before immersing myself in the colourful, leather-bound menu.

Somewhere between the eggplant and the sweet garlic scallops, the same annoying text message interrupted the conversation for a moment. And again, after birthday cake, this time causing me to raise both my eyebrows and glare into my Sweetie’s distracted face.

On the drive home, shortly after dropping off one of our guests, another call. “Yes, yes,” she said. “But isn’t it too late now? No. Are you sure? Okay, I’ll be there in five minutes.” Me, driving, intensely focused on the road, shiny from a recent rainfall, pretending not to listen.

“Turn left at the next block,” was my instruction. “Half way down the block, the house with the lights on. Stop there.” I pull in front of the house and someone runs over and hands Sweetie a closed container. “Thanks,” she says. “I’ll call you later.” And then I drive home.

After parking and getting out of the car, Sweetie grabs my hand and pulls me around to the back deck. In the dark of night, she hands me a spoon and slowly opens the container. I furl my brow and shake my head. “Durian,” she announces, “try it. It’s too stinky to bring in the house!” We held our breath and dug into the creamy fruit. The forbidden fruit.

Photo: WikiMedia Commons.

The Royal Jewels

This week's post is brought to you care of One Eyed Queen's blog. Hope you enjoy!

A town by the Sea

A town by the Sea

Chorrillos, its name refers to the streams of water that used to run down the sea wall into the Pacific Ocean. The historic Morro stands as a reminder of battles fought centuries ago and now tells the story of the district that once was the jewel of the Pacific. A different battle is happening in the kitchens of many restaurants in the port-town of Chorrillos, which were once rarely visited by locals, now they host celebrity chefs such as Anthony Bourdain and Gaston Acurio.
The proximity to the source makes Sonia’s Restaurant a favorite among connoisseurs of fresh fish and seafood. A short distance away from this success story is the fish terminal, and Sonia’s husband is one of the brave seamen that passes though it every day.
Approximately twenty-five years ago when I first visited Sonia’s Restaurant, and as a child I discovered the power of fresh seafood. People from every corner of Lima’s society were eating on the same cheap table-tops covered in plastic, rustic wooden chairs and constantly-watered dirt floor, so the dust woudn’t blow up. The classic ceviche, the mussels “a la chalaca” or the specialty of the house, Mushame, were a never ending story.

Incredibly, when the fishing boats arrived bringing more fresh fish and all through the day other fishermen would come by to offer specialties from the sea. The boat parked outside for all the kids to admire and as a reference since Sonia's did not have a visible sign outside. Still located in this familiar neighborhood, this restaurant became a sort of shrine even in times of high crime and poverty.
Chorrillos, once a wealthy neighborhood until the early 1800's when war devastated the city of Lima and it burned to the ground. Its charming people and the views of the coast, also a warmer micro climate and always clear skies, makes for a good stroll through the Malecon and descend to the fish market, and also sample some of their specialty dishes. Another side visit is going to Herradura Beach, either by boat or by car.

There will always be stories to tell about this heroic town and its people, but the memories we preserve will never wash away with the tide.

Hastings, Tsawwassen, Hillcrest, Kitsilano Saunas

Sweat is sweet. Earlier this week at Kitsilano Community Centre, I learned about three other great public saunas in the area. Oldest on the list - Hastings Steam and Sauna located on E. Hastings since 1926. Maybe a bit of a splurge, it costs $20.00 for 90 minutes. A touch of luxury, your own private sauna, includes sheets and towels. Clean and private.

Next a thirty minute drive from Vancouver, Tsawwassen Community Centre sauna costs $3.50 entrance fee. A community vibe, locals come and talk about anything ranging from politics to eating spots. Non-stop talk.

Next, Hillcrest Community Centre built for the Olympics. The facility houses a sauna, steam and whirlpool. Expect no privacy at this beautiful facility, people come in droves. Your entrance fee costs less than $6.00. Entrance includes aerobic swimming classes, jump in.

Sometimes I skip the workout and go directly to the sauna. My current favourite Kitsilano Community Centre. Quiet. Regulars abound, chatty newcomers are glared into submission unless they’re talking about saunas.