Inspire Me: Focus

2017 has not been an amazing year. There are a lot of good that has happened this year- including a really fun night out with friends this past Friday- but a lot of hurt has also happened. When I look back at the past 10 months, it's the hurt that stands out. I believe that every situation- no matter how negative- is a good thing if you are able to learn or take something from the situation. I have had a lot of lessons and eye opening experiences this year. 

 

While it is natural, especially because of the sheer volume, to focus on the bad, the negative, the hurt. I am constantly reminding myself, and forcing my self to do this:

Book Club: North of Normal

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Book: North of Normal

Author: Cea Sunrise Person

Indigo Summary:

Sex, drugs and . . . bug stew? An utterly compelling tale of survival—of nature, family and genetics.
In the late 1960s, riding the crest of the counterculture movement, Cea’s family left a comfortable existence in California to live off the land in northern Alberta. But unlike most commune dwellers of the time, the Persons weren’t trying to build a new society—they wanted to escape civilization altogether. Led by Cea’s grandfather Dick, they lived in a canvas Teepee, grew pot, and hunted and gathered to survive.

 Living out her grandparents’ dream with her teenage mother, Michelle, young Cea knew little of the world beyond her forest. She spent her summers playing nude in the meadow and her winters snowshoeing behind the grandfather she idolized. Despite fierce storms, food shortages and the occasional drug-and-sex-infused party for visitors, it was a happy existence. For Michelle, however, there was one crucial element missing: a man. When Cea was five, Michelle took her on the road with a new boyfriend. As the trio set upon a series of ill-fated adventures, Cea began to question both her highly unusual world and the hedonistic woman at the centre of it—questions that eventually evolved into an all-consuming search for a more normal life. Finally, in her early teens, Cea realized she would have to make a choice as drastic as the one her grandparents once had made in order to get the life she craved.

From nature child to international model by the age of thirteen, Cea’s astonishing saga is one of long-held family secrets and extreme family dysfunction, all in an incredibly unusual setting. It is also the story of one girl’s deep-seated desire for normality—a desire that enabled her to risk everything, overcome adversity and achieve her dreams.

What I Have To Say:

This was a compelling read. Cea does a great job of sharing her unconventional childhood, and in a way that makes you want to keep reading. While it was an interesting read, there were also points that were sad and made you really feel for this child. This is a memoir, but the characters and experiences  are so out there, it's hard to believe they aren't made up.  

Final Verdict:

Fascinating is the best way to describe this book.  

Currently- October Edition

I haven't done a Currently post in ages!! What better time to do one than now?!

 

Watching

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I love this show! I'm excited that Season 4 has FINALLY started, but I am also watching Seasons 1-3 on Netflix

Reading

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I am a Sophie Kinsella fan, and I read this book for Book Club in March, but I wanted a lighthearted, easy read, so I am re-reading this book.

Listening

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 I am LOVING Thomas Rhett's new album- I have it on repeat!

Drinking

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 I have been on a Gatorade kick the past few months, drinking a few bottles a week. Yellow (lemon lime) is one of my favourites. 

Eating

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Breakfast foods are my favourite, I will eat breakfast for all meals. 

Wanting

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I had a pair of Havianas, which broke this summer. I am desperately wanting another pair- these are seriously the most comfortable flip flops ever!

Loving

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My love for the beach is well documented. While Summer is my favourite season, I do love Fall beach days too. The air is crisp, the water is cool but nice if the sun is out, the tourists are gone. There's just something about being at the beach, in shorts and a sweatshirt, with the wind in your hair. 

June // May // April // March // February // January // December // November

Hey, It's Ok

With Amber from Airing My Dirty Laundry

To be sadden by the recent attacks in Las Vegas and Edmonton. There is so much hate and violence in our world.

That I thought the season premiere of How to Get Away with Murder was kind of boring. It picked up near the end, the last few minutes. But for the most part...boring. Hopefully the season gets better, 

To have celebrated the life of a friend in the most epic and "Willy Way" possible. It was one heck of a part for one heck of a life. You are so missed and loved. 

That be sad that Dan Girardi is no longer a New York Ranger, but excited that his and Ryan Callahan are reunited in Tampa Bay!!

To be hope that the weather this weekend will be nice enough to celebrate Thanksgiving at the beach!

Inspire Me: Accept It

Happy Monday and October! I can't believe that not is Summer of over, but so is September!! I have had a busy few months, hence the blog break. And while things are still busy, I'm looking forward to being back to blogging!!

 

I have tons of ideas for posts, but we'll see what happens. There has been so much change and transition the past few weeks- with more to come- that I am really focusing on living and enjoying the moment, and not thinking to far ahead to the future. You never know what will happen...go with the flow, roll with the punches, and all that good stuff!!

Here is some inspiration for the week: