The Grand Strategic Plan for Julia

Posted on January 23, 2011 by

Thanks to an enlightening session on strategic and communications planning by Ethos Strategy Group, I’m ready to…plan.

I like the quote used, “If you don’t know where you’re going, you’ll wind up somewhere else.” Yogi Berra

A bit of that is happening to me. No….actually, rewind. I thought I knew where I was going and now, I realize it’s not where I want to be.

No worries, though. I’m taking this in stride.

So, my big plans are to ask myself the following questions:
Who am I?
Where am I going? ( the new direction…not the old one)
How am I going to get there?
How will I know when I’ve arrived?

Now, anyone in education, can basically tell you that this is Assessment for Learning but in the business world, well…folks…its called Strategic Planning.

Just need to focus on my vision and mission and I’m set.

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Wordle

Posted on January 8, 2011 by

On a bit of an obsessive streak with this one…so I apologize ahead of time if my next few posts end up being word clouds.

Wordle is a fun and highly contagious creation where you can make original word clouds. I decided to put in my own website address and this is the word cloud it created.

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Vancouver Scavenger Hunt 2011 Coming Soon!

Posted on January 7, 2011 by

It seemed a lot of folk enjoyed this hunt. I’m planning to start it again soon, just need a new batch of hard to find pics for all those people who know Vancouver too well!

I’m thinking of adding a historic element to it, what do you think? Maybe some old pictures from different areas around town.

My last year’s contest prize was a membership at the VAG. I’m really trying to get a few more sponsors so if you know anyone who wishes to support this fun event, please send them my way.

I am considering offering one rather lovely gift – a vintage map of BC. I’m currently the owner of many and toy (now and then) with selling them. I really have a lovely collection. I’m going to spend the next few weeks getting this together and will definitely let you know.

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Trench Gallery – It’s a War Out There

Posted on January 7, 2011 by

A fairly new addition to the art circuit is Trench Gallery, wedged between the walls of the Mission House building on Alexander Street in Gastown. I’m very familiar with this great building as Taz and I looked at buying a loft there ten years ago. Tears still stream down my face thinking about this failed venture. Oh, if only…

Deep breath.

So the gallery name seems fitting…on all levels, personal and professional. For Craig Sibley, owner of the gallery, he concurs. I actually met Craig during my bout at Emily Carr. I needed someone to help me make a coffin. Taz put me in touch with Craig, who at the time, was making large scale wooden sculptures.

Ten years later, our paths converge once more. I’m happy to say not over a coffin. Quite the opposite. Trench Gallery is a edgy and much-needed addition to the Gastown community. I’ll be featuring Trench Gallery artists on my Artist of the Month page for the next few months.

I’ll be featuring Carrie Walker in February. Her reclaimed Fire work is up at the gallery until February 12th.

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January Artist of the Month- m.a.tateishi

Posted on January 7, 2011 by

A new year, a new artist. Well, not new. m.a.tateishi is quite established in creating works of abstract art. But that’s not where she started. Mainly skilled in still-lifes, Mary Ann took up a challenge by an Emily Carr instructor to work in abstract and just never really stopped. That was eight years ago.

Intrigued with the notion of painting upon painting, Mary Ann’s greatest pleasure is experiencing the beauty of what lays beneath layers and how images reveal themselves. A huge part of abstract in her eyes, is the ability to let go, of never really knowing the outcome. For her, the process of stepping back and reflection is her only guide in knowing when a painting is complete.

Now, Mary Ann has a lot of paintings on the go. Generally, five at a time is the norm which would put Mary Ann in the category of… basically, prolific. They are colourful, bright and filled with joy. I’ve eyed them for awhile.

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And when asked what was new for the new year, Mary Ann and I discuss my favourite word, collaboration. Her resolution is to push her boundaries, work with other artists, experiment.

Ditto. I’m with her 100%.

Good luck, Mary Ann. Thanks for opening your studio. Make sure to take a look at her portfolio. Her work ranges from $300 to $1500.

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New Year’s Intention #1 – Go Snowshoeing

Posted on January 4, 2011 by

Over the holidays, my family and I ventured to Mt. Washington and snowshoed. Snowshoed for two hours with a five-year old. Impressive in my little world. And yes, it was a workout, especially while pushing a five-year old up a very steep hill (we took a wrong turn or two). So, of course I got to thinking about being in a healthy state of mind and body and snowshoeing seemed an ideal fit. And, if you read my most recent post, I’m all about working at healthy intentions in the year 2011.

I recently came across a Youth At-Risk Foundation, Take a Hike, which provides youth at-risk alternative means of education through adventure-based learning. They are hosting an annual event, Moonlight Snowshoe, on February 17th from 6 to 9 pm on Mount Seymour. You can go to their website for more details.

With a $20 registration and a commitment to raise $100, the foundation’s goal is to raise $40 000 which would help fund two multi-day expeditions for 40 youth.

So, I’m summoning all those folk out there interested in a bit of fun for a good cause. If one of your resolutions is to be more active in mind, body and community, this event is a perfect fit. Hope to see you there.

Please pass this post on to anyone who would be interested. Thanks.

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Happy for 2011, Howsoever it comes

Posted on January 2, 2011 by

I recently read of one man’s attempt to list his 2011 resolutions and upon coming up with nothing but regret, he realized the problem was deeply rooted in semantics. Forget resolutions – it was too caught up in the past, of regrets, of what ifs and instead, he flipped it and decided to look at his new year with intentions.

Basically, he did a Don Draper. Forget the past, in fact, “you’ll be shocked at how much it never happened” and instead move forward, look only to the future – the past means nothing. Now, we know this particularly mentality doesn’t really work…i mean, Don is pretty fucked up.

But…the big But is this…I like the idea of creating a list of intentions. The pressure seems to be off a bit. I can’t fail with intentions. I can simply try.

So today, I welcome a year of good intentions, of trying my best howsoever it comes.

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