Hand Made Life

Drew and I had the delight of spending an afternoon filming with author, playwright, and all around creative human being, Pauline La Bel for our short documentary, Sound Water. 

On our ferry ride over to Bowen Island, I brought up the insanity of choosing the potentially “harder path.” You know the one. The one that takes a less traditional route, rather than the well trodden path. Like working for the ferries, earning $30 an hour with a pension and a steady income. Like, why are we making things so complicated in our attempts to make a living instead of just taking on what's there?

Of course, working a pensionable, regular, stable job isn't necessarily what I want, or a bad thing.  But why go through the ups and downs, battles with doubt, taxes, legalities, uncertainties, etc. etc. So we brought this question to Pauline. To give you a little context, Pauline is writer, performer, singer and has had an emmy nomination to boot.  She's also 74 and published her third novel at 68. Needless to say, she's a boss. 

The response she gave was wonderful. Simply put, she said: "you’re choosing the hand made life.” That sentence stopped us in our tracks and put a smile on our face. 

Yes, this is the hand made life. 

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In other news, we didn't get the Story Hive grant, but are still going to make this documentary happen (of course!). If you know any generous private donors, hit us up! 

Drew enjoying the left over hand made pizza. 

Success is in the Present

The past few days I've been reflecting on the idea of "enough" and how it's related to success. I left the corporate world so I could find my own ladder to success and even though I'm on my own, it's easy to fall into a different trap. Thinking that the bigger, newer, sexier project will bring in a feeling of success. Or that only when I land a certain project, win an accolade, or am recognized externally, will I finally find success. 

Reading this article by Leo, put some light on my future focused idea of "enough" and "success." He writes about the fallacy of success being achievement in the future vs. doing what we love right now. 

When I step back and take a look at what I set out to achieve 5 year ago, I am by my own definition, successful. Here's what I wrote down in February of 2013: 

 "In 5 years, I am finding my true style and able to operate a self-sustaining photo/video business" 

Yes, we can all define our own versions of success. But when can I recognize that I'm living a life that I set out for myself 5 years ago, right now? Isn't doing something I care about for a living a success in itself?

I'm curious to know how you all find success in the present? How do you deal with the never ending process of trying to achieve more? 

#HEATCHECK Music Video

It's been a couple weeks since I've gotten back to Vancouver and it's finally feeling like I'm getting settled back into my regular routine. Have a watch of the HEATCHECK Music video with Francis Arevalo:

A few months ago my Dad & Uncle officially closed down Killarney Market. I grew up at the store and besides school and home, this was the next place I spent the most time. As a kid, I would spend weekends playing in the backroom, waiting for my parents to get off of work. The store felt like a second home. 

Since getting into filmmaking and helping the crew during Michael Buble's Music video, the idea of filming something at the store was always in the back of my mind. It wasn't until 10 days before they ownership was officially changing that this idea with Francis sprung up. A huge S/O to the crew that came out and made this possible! 

Here are some thoughts from a facebook post I shared a while back:

I was reading over the comments on the Killarney Market facebook page and it was a surreal experience reading what all the customers had to say. One of my favourites being: "I'm in mourning, that's for sure" And, in referencing the Michale Buble Music Video: "The last time there were this many white people in Killarney was 1972." Hahah.

Walking around the store the past month, I was reflecting on the impact the Legacy my Dad, Mom, Uncle Tito and the number of staff have had on their community.

My dad told me once that the store's importance wasn't necessarily in running a "successful" business, but creating a place of community for the neighbourhood. I saw this firsthand working there from the time I was 8, until high school. I got to know regulars, I was raised by employees from all different backgrounds, and learned what it meant to be in a service industry. I saw the importance of grocery shopping in peoples lives: a lively encounter with an old friend, a chance for people in the neighbourhood to gather and a place for people to come and feed their families.

It's only now, after my parents have retired that I can fully see the legacy and impact they've had on the Killarney community. It really has me thinking about my business and my work and why I do what I do.

Off to the Headwaters!

Like many outdoor recreationalists from Vancouver, the Howe Sound was my first experience of connecting with nature. Living and working at a children's camp gave my the opportunity to learn to rock climb, hike the surrounding parks, and spend time by the water. As with most visitors, the turquoise body of water along the Sea to Sky struck me. 

The inspiration for this film started with a simple question, where does the water come from? Which led to a series of questions: what does our connection to water mean? What about our connection to nature? And our relationship to ourselves?

This question is what is leading us on the journey to the Elaho Range, to the headwaters of the Sound. 

I knew that making a rad adventure film wasn’t enough -- I wanted to learn more about the significance of the area and especially what water means to the Squamish Nation and locals around the area. My hope is that our characters will be able to shed some inspiration, knowledge and stories about their connection with water and the land. 

Through sharing the beauty of where the water comes from and its significance, I hope our audiences can gain a greater appreciation for this beautiful area. 

I wouldn't be honest if I didn't share that I'm feeling everything: nervous, excited, stoked, scared. It's such a gift to have the opportunity to do this. 

A huge shout out to our supporters: MEC, The VIMFF Festival, Outdoor Explore, Squamish Terminals, Climb On Squamish,  Blackcomb Helicopters, and Backcountry Brewing!! 

Overcoming Self-criticism.

"In certain states of humiliation around work, there is a mocking and contemptuous voice inside one's head. It suggests that love, respect and kindness only ever come via worldly success and competence...We need to incorporate a voice that separates out achievement from love. That reminds us that we may be worth of affection even if we fail and that being a winner is only one part and not necessarily the most important part of one's identity. - The School of life."

The School of Life, coming in hot when one needs it most. The title is a bit deceiving, but it is a beautiful reflection on our tendencies for self-criticism. I know I deal a lot with self-criticism and this was the perfect video to create some space and give me some perspective. I hope it does the same. Here's to cultivating a better relationship with our inner-self. 

Here's to more compassion. Less negative self-talk.

More rest, self-care, and reflection. Less burnout. 

More generosity and vulnerability. Less stinginess and fear. 

More fun and connection, Less stress and anxiety. 

Here's to Wednesday. Here's to another day.