jodi renee - lifestyle photographer for Calgary, Oakville, Toronto, Vancouver, Muskoka...

a short trip. a must trip. {the rocky mountains}

2012-01-25T19:57:00.000-06:00

Impromptu.
A short trip. A must trip.
The mountains.
...because feeling this small reminds me of how big it all really is.
love.
jodi renée

Jack turns 4. The fine art of Cake Eating and the best Christmas present eva!

2012-01-17T09:13:00.000-06:00

I thank you God for this most amazing day, for the leaping greenly spirit of trees, and for the blue dream of sky; and for everything which is natural, which is infinite, which is Yes.

~ e. e. cummings

My sister-in-law had mentioned the blank canvas that was her kitchen wall multiple times.
Then a conversation with my brother a few months ago:

Me: what inspires you about the kids?
Ryan: Jack teaches me to stand back...to let him do it. He's personified fun, a person with wants and needs...he understands. Natalie. She's so easy going and trusts that life will provide.
Me: what do you wish for them...so what are the most important beliefs you hold for your family? what do you dream...?
Ryan: Love. For the family dynasty...Love. For the children and their children to love life.
{insert melting heart}
While I already knew this about the kids...AND that this would be my brother's somewhat response, it's still heart-warming and awesome to hear and experience.
My brother and sister-in-law SEE these little beings not only as their children...they see and experience them as people. And in this huge space of really seeing them - they don't impose their own ideas, and beliefs. It allows for radical authenticity. For Jack and Nat to BE themselves - making their own way in this world. And trust me! They do.
It's inspiring to see two adults surrender to parenting and work more on being really great people.
What's more inspiring is being in the presence of my niece and nephew.

So back in the summer I had taken two images that for some reason seem to move me every time I looked at them. Ironically neither image had the kids looking at the camera. Jack IS the epitome of fun. He's like this container of joy. Tapped into the never-ending source which is evident in his sometimes sheepish smile and the twinkle in his eyes. He is infinite...he is Yes.
Natalie is curious about the world around her. Evident when she plays. Utter fascination.
Things that most overlook, she SEES and explores. Like the small lights on the DVD player (photo above). And there's a calm, an ease...a comfort in her presence. My brother's right when he says "she trusts"...and in this trusting, honest space that is Natalie, I believe that because she's alive...Everything is possible.

A blank kitchen wall is a canvas.
Two inspiring little beings.
Voila.
= art.
I was presumptuous to think that they'd want such big pieces in a place where most don't hang anything but photos of food or...(I don't even know what people place in their kitchen?? Fruit baskets and clocks, random photos of things that just inspire more eating?) And yet the kitchen is THE place in the home. Families coming together, nourishing themselves and connecting. Thus the importance of family meals together with all things electronic OFF - just my humble opinion anyways.

It's a sacred space.
The things you love, your family, your life...IS the inspiration.
Mel (my sister-in-law) upon asking if the photos were up, did they look good? BEST CHRISTMAS PRESENT EVA! ...(I kinda guessed this when she bawled unwrapping Christmas day...ironically not blood related and we both share the emotional flood that is anything striking the heart chords...like ANY THING.)
"The pics look awesome in the kitchen. It's a great reminder to keep myself centered and focus on what's important when I'm about to lose my patience!!!" ...amazing.

Try not to overlook the opportunities of inspiration that are already in your life. Right in front of you, right at your feet...(often knee-height, stained fingers and complaining of hunger.)
Use your space to remind you...inspire you...

I can hardly believe that my nephew is now 4...Happy Birthday bud! I LOVE you.
Words are not enough.
Graceful and guilt-free my niece hangs onto the legacy that is pure, indulgent cake eating.
ESPECIALLY when it's not even your own birthday. Have your cake and eat it too.
Have others cake and eat it...often.
sweet love O mine, there is so much these little people can teach you...
(ahem...and my birthday is coming up too. I like cake. I love cake. Jus sayin...)
jodi renée

Comments! Or just conversation! Would love to hear from YOU on the Facebook Fanpage!

Be daring. Be different. {inspiration}

2012-01-08T06:24:00.000-06:00

shauna + brian wed at the Hamilton Golf and Country Club {Ontario weddings}

2012-01-05T14:37:00.001-06:00

While I'm doing some organizing, renovating and planning, getting into the groove of 2012...
I thought I'd rewind and post Shauna and Brian's gorgeous October wedding at the Hamilton Golf and Country Club.

Lots of emails went back and forth before Shauna and I actually met up, one snowy day I believe in 2010. Taking only limited weddings for the past couple of years, she was concerned that I was going to turn her down. And it's not so much turning people down...
As working with the 'right fit'.
People write books and if you're intrigued, you buy it.
Artists paint what inspires them and if you're intrigued, you invest.
It's a completely different process using a medium of photography.
Clients hire you, investing...money AND emotion - only having seen the work that's inspired through working with others.
So many variables, pretty much everything is out of your control.
The one really important thing that IS in your control however?
The relationship and connection you have with your clients.
Your muse.
The work that's created is based on a foundation of trust.
Honesty.
I knew through our dialogue that it was important for Shauna to invest in something that truly resonated with her. When we met (and this is not uncommon) we dove into the day and the details like old friends catching up. Big embrace...lots of rambling and laughing.
She was inspired by the work she'd seen.
I was inspired by...her.
The twinkle in her eye...
Her gorgeous smile.
She's beautiful, inside and out.
Sharing a bit of her and Brian's unconventional love story...
I was Sold.

The outcome?
As you can see...One incredibly perfect day.
I am blessed that I get to spend a day like this with such unbelievably amazing people...laughing, crying...laughing some more.
(ok. And eating some melt in your mouth prime rib).

So be picky! More than just a client, this is a, relationship - an important one.
One that is SO worthwhile for both parties when you know what you want, and won't settle for anything less.
Win win.
Shauna and Brian I love you guys and thank you SO SO much for knowing that it was me that you wanted to work with...
Can't wait to see the photos up on your walls! ...happy new year.
much love,
jodi renée xo

I would love to hear from you!
Comments and feedback welcome on my Facebook Fanpage

Brock and Marta...a love story

2011-12-17T15:38:00.001-06:00

A lot can happen in the course of a day...
Disconnected to re-inspired.
It seems fitting to post (finally!) these photos now.
After just having had the most incredible food, and conversation with the best company...
I honesty think that 'conversation'...is one of my most favourite things.
Following great people of course :)

Rewind to this past summer...
More than a love story...they share a life story that is mind blowing and heart opening.
I knew when we originally did these photos in the summer that I was going to experience something extraordinary.
And right I was...
Because they're extraordinary people.
Brock so real, honest and down to earth.
Marta so sincere, compassionate and genuine.
Beautiful inside and out.
Everything is in sync...from the way they eat, how they nourish themselves and one another.
Coming together was a 'knowing'.
And it's inspiring to see two people completely move in a direction so effortlessly BECAUSE they know...who they are and what they mean to one another. (that's not to say they don't fight and Marta wins.) Obviously.

This is what makes my heart come alive.
And often, I can forget this. In a world where I make myself the most important thing.
There are so many great people in my life and the absolute blessing that IS THE WORK THAT I DO.
It's not about showing up at the door with a camera and an hour.
It's about sitting down. Having conversation. Who are these people, what do they love...who do they love...and WHY?
Insert an exploration of the heart.
We laugh...we cry.
And I've now decided that all the friends that are with me on this *journey* must be chefs (or at least have strong technical skills in the kitchen for awesome food...)
I want to embark IN your life.
Just as it is...
Because I can honesty say that looking through these photos, I not only see...I FEEL the presence of who these people are. A real, raw and genuine legacy that is...The Story of Brock and Marta...

Oh! and go figure that they're just like me :)
Owners and creators of Fit for Two TV! {dedicated to health}
Their mission? To inspire and empower others to lead happy and healthy lives. Truly believing that each person is their own health advocate. From workouts, to food and recipes...taking new risks...they'll sift you through the overwhelming info that's out there - essentially helping you find your purpose and joy. Inspired? Cuz I am...

From the dark to the light...
I'm reminded of THIS.

It is the lives we encounter that make life worth living.
~ Guy de Maupassant

love...jodi renée xo
follow me on Facebook...

treading water...

2011-12-17T07:47:00.005-06:00

To love yourself as you are is a miracle, and to seek yourself is to have found yourself, for now.
And now is all we have, and love is who we are.
~ Anne Lamott

Life is challenging...
And it'll test you.
Far more and to a depth that I've never experienced before.
Anything and everything from finance to friends...business...
love and life.
leaves me standing somewhere.
For a minute like someone pressed paused. As I digest...often shaking my head...
Before the tears seem to fall.
...someone has left the tap running.
Grab a dingy (a kayak for better manuevering if you wish)
I feel that I'm complicated at times. Too emotional.
I curse my ability to feel so much.
And yet, this is the place from where I create...
Funny that what attracts people to me is what also drives them away.
If I dial down one part...then the whole changes.
I feel that's where my discomfort comes in.
I start to question myself.

I wanted these writings to pick up and be more inspiring, light hearted...festive even.
And yet I'm brutal at being fake...hiding the truth.

I stopped by my parents yesterday...mom asked me if I remembered the cradle I used to put my dolls in when I was younger.
Of course.
Dad had painted it...it's like brand new.
They were going to give it to my niece for Christmas...
My niece.
And of course it would be a 'loaner'...they would give it back.
I wasn't prepared to unleash the floodgates. I knew my mom didn't have a raft let alone a life jacket.
I threw on the blank stare, peppered with mild irritation.
"You don't loan things as gifts and expect to get them back mom"...
Was it selfish of me to want to hold onto this? Someone else...someone whom I loved with all my heart could be enjoying this... when I may not...possibly ever have anyone to give it too? Like the book I bought years ago...tucked away in my chest...waiting. So often I'd considered it a gift to give someone else...

My biological clock right now tuned in like a Christmas station.
It's hard not to think there's something wrong with you when the rest of the world is signing up for baby number 2.
The irony. I LOVE kids and people...
The feeling of family and love's undeniable soul filled embrace.
I want a family...a home filled with laughter, chaos...and the smells of Christmas cookies. I want passion, oodles of love and ridiculous fights rooted in KNOWING that love endures. ...this is life. And why do so many of us run from the parts that make us uncomfortable? an effortless seeking to one feeling only?

I spoke to someone earlier in the week who said..."tread water Jodi"..."In the eye of of a storm, with your boat on the water...any amount of swimming can send you back in just one wave..."
Exhausting yourself, you'll get no further.
Thank God for life lines.
They're the people - and very few. Who actually know what's going on (...and can often be somewhat strangers)
They don't judge you. They're always there for you and NEVER get exhausted from trying to pull you out of the river of your own making.
They actually jump in WITH YOU.
And I can't tell you how long I'll be in this river.
I do know that I can and will ride this out...
I promise.
Because I trust in the greater purpose of this awesome, amazing life.
Believing that, if I just trust the flow NO MATTER HOW FEROCIOUS THE WATERS...it's taking me somewhere.
It knows.
...I might just need a few more swim suits (unless of course we're talkin abroad and heeyyyy let's just forgo the top...) Banana hammock anyone?

loving you...xo
jodi renée

The solution is at hand. Wherever the great dilemma exists is where the great growth is, too. As Einstein taught us, everything in the future and the past is right here now. There's always something ending and something beginning. Yet in the very center is the truth of your spiritual identity: is you. Fabulous, hilarious, darling, screwed-up you. Beloved of God and of your truest deepest self, the self that is revealed when tears wash off the makeup and grime. The self that is revealed when dealing with your anger blows through all the calcification in your soul's pipes. The self that is reflected in the love of your very best friends' eyes. I pray that your awakening comes with ease and grace, and stamina when the going gets hard...
~ Anne Lamott

the magical uncomfortable carpet ride {roller-skates sold separately}

2011-12-05T12:57:00.003-06:00

A genuine odyssey is not about piling up experiences.
It is a deeply felt, risky, unpredictable tour of the soul.
~ Thomas Moore

They invited me in for training...
for a J-O-B.
like the 9-5 kind....(insert cringe here)
Full time working for the man.

The realtor left this morning with the advice I kinda knew for myself...
sell or rent.

Wishing that the wipers on the car could do the same for the stream of tears that were making their way down my face.
I did something that was unconventionally NOT me however sometimes embracing your inner bitch keeps her on your side ya know? fighting with the same team instead of against...
So I flipped the jackass on the highway the finger then politely waved as I passed him.
Where the funk is everyone going so fast in the same direction with their 360 blinders on?
Can we see the world around us? God I didn't need him to pass me a tissue or pull over on the side of the road to embrace me as I threw a dramatic 'fall down on my knees'.
And this is all GREAT news! a JOB...a possible move...
Just so many rugs being pulled out from underneath.
All at once.
I have to keep reminding myself that this IS the magic.
This glorious uncomfortable UNKNOWN of my life right now.
(although Aladdin's whole carpet thing seems A LOT more lucrative then the rugs at moment.)

I had a potential client tell me I had no conscious on the weekend...
And then follow up with a "you suck at your job" (in a nutshell)
Imagine that I had a gut feeling about NOT working with this client - which is why I fired her before I even hired her.
Yea, I have these feelings and in the past when I don't roll with'em, they rock with me....
And not the Rock and Roll where you pull out your favourite jean jacket that you've been dying to wear while pitching an air guitar to your biggest fan - you - in the mirror.
No. The roll that rocks your world and everything is just WAY more difficult than it needs to be.
There's a big misconception that we have to take all the business that comes our way.
Scrap that.
I started my business to create a dream job working with dream people.
Thus my salute to the 'gut' feeling.
It took me 2 minutes to digest that this MEAN person saying I had no conscious might wanna take a look in the mirror. Lady - I'm a photographer doing the best I can here. I will suck at a lot of things and business is one of them. My intentions are GROUNDED in full on heart.
Terrorists on the other hand...may be the ones that have no conscious.
Thank you for your un-business. Don't come again.

I think if I hear someone say, "I don't know what to say to you" (especially the people so-called closest to me) ONE more time! ...I might just do the dramatic fall on my knees.
Can you tell that this is something that I think I might really need to try?
I think we all need to at some point.
Probably why I have a therapist. Yep.
Support isn't SAYING the right thing or even knowing what to say - it's just about BEING there for someone.
Holy shit! we are so ignorant in our emotions that obviously we can't handle anyone else's
(insert the guy who sees you signaling on the highway AND because of those invisible blinders he pretends NOT to see you while your lane is already merging ...and well...you get the picture....) bird. flipped.
I grew up under a big broom that swept ANY kind of confrontation under the rug...
So quiet, so repressed...for so long.
Uh...probably why I'm an over-communicator that is dishing out my dirt to the WORLD.
and do you know WHY I do this?
Because we have all been 'here'...and some of us...still are here...
I have been inspired and MOVED by the people who share everything.
If I show you the pretty positive side all of the time (which I have for so long) then it's delusional.
Because to get HERE...this awesome *fucking uncomfortable* place...I need it ALL.
The ups and downs, the tears the laughter.
And I'm sad for humanity that runs from all of this...
We can't expect the world, when we run from yin...only to yang.
When we jump for joy at the sun and not for the rain (that makes the grass grow...)
Everything is necessary.

So I cry ALOT...coming down from the rock to fall on my knees...yessssss.
Probably really falling off the rock and if I'm landing on my knees...throw on some pads.
Most likely roller-skating -- That's a time-machine dream right there. And a disaster at the same time.
But because I'm that person that pulls...and motivates and moves...others.
Who does that for me?
it's tough...really tough.
(insert my therapist)
It's hard to hear others say "walk your talk"..."this is what you'd tell me"...
And hi.
I'm human.
I can't get to the places I want to go until I breakdown sometimes...
I have to go back often, to move forward.
And I'm ok with that.
I'll embrace that.
Just don't tell me I need depression meds...
because our ability to FEEL is the best guidance tool we have.
And I'm not judging those who need to take them, I just know - I love to feel.
Everything.
And if you're going to tell me, "I don't know what to say to you"...
well...really...I don't know what to say to YOU.
Only that I hope you don't ever have to say that to your significant other or children one day.

Imagine that my brother and I were strangers growing up and I called him during cry-fest to dump it all...
Like the wipers I would have needed if I were the windshield...clarity.
He SEES me - without even having too.
We created a relationship that goes beyond what I would have ever imagined.
Because I don't know what I'd do without him. He's my rock and my best friend.
Annnnnnd...
The point of this rambling?
Don't be worried...for me...or even yourself - if you're going through the shit right now.
As you make your way through, in and around this world however...
Take off the blinders.
Bring out your wipers...
It's time we encourage tears, rain...what have you.
And just BE what others need from us.
Ourselves.
Human BEINGS.
Not running from every uncomfortable emotion.
Swapping the blinders for the LOVE goggles (okay I'm sure you think I'm smokin some incense
hugging a tree over here - not at the moment thanks.)

Give people, close to you OR, that you've never met before...
the most valuable, precious thing you have.
YOUR TIME.
You have no idea what it means for me to get emails from people "thanking me" for sharing my fucked up BEAUTIFUL journey.
Don't underestimate the power of reaching out...
In it's smallness.
It's huge.
Massive love for you....
jodi renée xo

And if you're wondering why I'm looking for a full time JOB ...gahhhh...
you'll have to wait till the next chapter :)

Thanks for being here.

sinfully serving brownies for breakfast

2011-11-27T14:35:00.001-06:00

Life takes on many variations...we have to be willing to change the recipe some times.

...un-baked. Flourless...no refined anything.
FULL OF ENZYMES RAW brownies...
AKA "good for you"...

Meet Ginger Cake.
Not only is she gorgeous, she packs a fibre punch...
Fresh, warm and obviously ice cream.

Jumped ship on the "cleanse" my body...
I firmly believe that WHAT we believe...IS what we create.
I know how to eat extremely well. I've been fighting a few of the same pesky ailments for years and maybe it's a never-ending battle because there's...nothing to fight and only one thing to purify...
My mind.
The way I live my life, the way I eat and nourish my body, mind and spirit - it didn't make sense.
So if something was off - it was my 'thinking'...
From books to people...all with completely different advice or ideas about what to do.
Inside something was like "you know this...you know how to eat..."
Not trusting...second guessing...and constantly depriving myself of things that I love, that give me pleasure...

"If you correct your mind, the rest of your life will fall into place" ~ Lao Tzu

And it became that easy.
A decision. Going back to what I knew, how I was eating and firmly *believing* that everything I was doing for me was intentionally...awesome.
A weekend of brownies for breakfast.
Yep.
Here's the thing: In our constant efforts to heal ourselves...become more of 'this or that'...
Find ourselves, fix ourselves, change or transform.
On our way to 'becoming'...
We have forgotten...We ALREADY ARE.
Everything we need to be.
There is nowhere to GET.
No ONE to 'become'...
except our awesome, healthy and amazing selves...as 'we are'...

Oh the Raw Brownie Gods (and Goddesses) have reminded me that nourishing CAN be decadent and sinfully delicious. And yes, sometimes you can over-indulge and it's exactly what you need (you'll just be flushing the rest. What!? they are...full...O...fibre...) Move over prunes!
Like melted chocolate...life can get messy.
And it doesn't take long to remake, remold...
Gingerly we can approach ourselves.
Switching and substituting.
Trust yourself. Experiment.
And for the love of God...have fun and indulge!
I don't know about you, and I seemingly always deprive myself...

of the little things that give me SO much.
So while a breakfast of brownies may not be ideal for the long haul,

like a weekend of sand and sun (which I also desperately need!) I am soaking it all in ova here!
...hammock Mondays sound divine hey? Brownies...browning and a book! (recommendations??)
Anyhoo...
Believe it! These are recipes fueled with awesome, temple love'n ingredients! Super awesome.

ahem...moderation? very tough I know...

Anyone care for the recipes...?
Mulberry mayhem and ginger love!
xo
jodi renée

A big shout out to to Mums Original Super Foods! ...and SO Delicious Coconut Milk Ice Cream!
*great stocking stuffers...just sayin.

join me on Facebook! ...I want to hear from you!

my dirty dirty mind...

2011-11-22T05:37:00.001-06:00

I've been on a cleanse for about a month now.
The free dictionary's definition of "cleanse" is: to free from dirt, defilement, or guilt; purge or clean...hmmmm
Something doesn't feel right.
If you follow my posts on here and facebook you probably look like an animated figure with a big question mark over your head (if it's a lightbulb we need to talk!)
Because I eat ridiculously, fanatically...uber, obsessively healthy. Those all sound hard core and while eating seaweed paper in the car instead of fries is probably hard core (and well my nick name is hard core) it's actually not as hard core as it sounds. Ok, you're right it is.
I go out of my way to put the best, most nutrient dense foods into my body.
Because it's my temple.
It's yours too...well, yours is yours, not mine is yours...well it can be yours cuz we're all connected and part of the whole collective...
So wouldn't we want to be hard core about the temple?
Temple.
Sounds sacred and ancient, full of possibility...with stories to tell.
Ahem.
Sound familiar or feel good...resonate at all?
Your body is your freaking temple! Just like you wouldn't put regular fuel in your Ferrari 12 cylinder FF...why on earth are you putting less than premium into your temple 80% of the time? *note that anything hyper-linked in bold makes a great stocking stuffer!

So I've been off lately (thus the cleanse)...Stress and/or imbalance, at first, like faint, soft music playing in the background...until you're at a bloody rock concert standing right beside the speaker.
Not a subtle tapping anymore to grab intention, it's more like:
SISTA! What the fuck is up!? ...LISTEN!
Seriously. You know what' I'm talking about.
Then we get mad and frustrated at our temple.
Say wha?
The mailman brings you bills and bad news...he's just the messenger.
He's not at fault for your bad debt! Just like your body's not at fault for falling apart.
Bad debt or bad knees...The messages are for you...from you.
Embrace that this is a wonderful gift to explore.
There is room for growth and opportunity when we can SEE the message as a gift and not something that hinders and limits us. For limitations are only of the mind.

Insert every food and diet book known to man. I've honestly probably read them.
Insert every type of holistic and alternative practitioner...for...years.
Insert a merry-go-round of constantly cleansing or eating 'this way or that'...because of 'this or that'...
And how does all this FEEL?
Fucking crazy...yep. Not to mention that the concoction I just made for breakfast was pretty harsh.
So...harsh.
Knowing that when I eat too many fatty foods (even the good fats) my body puffs out like I'm 8 months pregnant -- maybe a blowfish even.
Eat this...
Don't eat that...
Stay away from...
Can't have this.
My God give me fudge pancakes sprinkled with brownies on top, smothered in ice cream (that would be buckwheat batter with coconut milk ice cream...ha! still counts as a gluttonous binge!)

In the 80/20 rule that is how we operate in most of our life...with everything.
Most being in the 80% that is not in our favour...for anything.
I operate like 90/10...FOR my temple.

Soooo...my point?
We must experience everything for ourselves.
All of my reading and absorbing of information is out of a pure love and enthusiasm for what the body is capable of. So having different opinions and theories allows us to come to our own conclusion.
Be mindful however, of...Dogma.
When we believe this or that to be true because a collective says it's true...
...we can often go against what FEELS right for ourselves.
Easier said than done.
I'm so aware of my body, what it reacts or responds too.
Ironically when it does start reacting...I start looking...outside of myself.
Last night I had a chat with someone who questioned WHY I was cleansing. I provided a myriad of answers.
Until this morning...(when I woke up at 3am starving!)
I began to question.
What if...it's not about the food or the cleanse.
What if it's...my relationship...my thinking around both?
Cuz that's really all that it can be.
I am hard core in my love for my body as a temple in this life.
If the cleanse represented a relationship (say in the form of a person)...what would that look like based on what I'm doing? ...depriving, not trusting, controlled and goal oriented, looking to 'get' a certain outcome.
Wow...where's the love!?
There can't be.

(...for some who have extreme conditions chances are your lifestyle is seriously contributing TO your ailments - that's just a whole other jambalaya of self loathe...and we need to talk...)
Me on the other hand...it just doesn't make sense because I live and walk the love that I have for this temple.
Your outer world is a reflection of your inner world...
It's my thinking that's in need of a cleanse.
Dirty dirty mind.
Purge - yes please!

We don't know 100% truth in ANYTHING.
Thus we need to question EVERYTHING.
When it comes to our own bodies and lives...
Our best compass is "feeling".
This is true. This is valid.
Not everything works for everyone because we are all so completely different.
Sure, we can pull out what works for some, test different theories and make our own life an experiment. That's probably the best thing we CAN do.

I believe the most important thing in a healthy life...
Is a healthy mind.
And a heart that is always full, ever expanding.
To love myself and my temple...
I FEEL...
The answers lie in my ability to trust what FEELS good for me.
And perhaps apply a filter to purify this dirty dirty mind O mine.

We are SO toxic in the way we treat ourselves. Often the most toxicity coming from the thousands of thoughts that we have to process that are worse than hormone laden meat and refined sugars.
Often eating that piece of ginger cake drowning in buttercream isn't quite as bad as your stress around eating it...then knowing you have to work out for another 2 hours tomorrow because of it, and how will you ever fit into the holiday mini dress you just bought...and I feel like my ass is growing while I eat this? guilt, stress...toxic!
Enjoy...indulge! nourish yourself with the pleasures of life.
If you take care of your temple almost all of the time...
Life expects you to indulge.
That's part of the enJOYment of it.

To the mat for some stillness and maybe to Dyson the old mind (no hyper link! I don't want a vacuum for Christmas!) ...this is my vacuum alternative though...jus sayin!

And I love all my woo-woo, my alternative practitioners...health super hero guru's...
They are part of the journey and I'm not dismissing them EVER.
Just want you to open up a space that cultivates the knowing you have always had...
and often we do need help along the way. Every bit coming when you need it.
loving you from here...
Jodi xo

you know there's a recipe coming for Ginger cake now...

okay...are you curious about this cleanse?
the idea is not to feed the 'bad bacteria' in the body. We have both GOOD and BAD. We need'm.
We just want the army of GOOD to dominate. Bacteria thrive off the stuff we loooooove...
yeast, sugar and starchy goodness to be exact.

So here's kinda what my food intake looks like:

Can you tell I'm German? hello Sauerkraut!
The stuff that's fermented naturally is actually a really good source of GOOD bacteria!

Awesomeness is the benefits of kale...and hale to the avocado. Sustaining me through this...

Here's where things go a tad askew.
More for ethical reasons I don't consume a lot of meat. Not to mention it's very acidic for the body. I partook in the carnivorous venture after my...uh...colonics (you can google that one) ...and this is where something didn't FEEL right. Again, I don't eat a lot of meat for various reasons. When I was given the go ahead TO eat quite a bit of it I thought...ugh...and then...yay!
I did sorta do a bacon dance at the market that Saturday. I mean...who doesn't like bacon! ...and it does look delicious. It was delicious...
it just kinda goes against so much of what I believe and what I've read...
(insert overwhelm and confusion...)

Steel cut oats.
Warming soul food on these almost winter days..avec raw, shredded coconut!
And I'm completely baffled IF this is allowed on the cleanse or if I can eat it...
It's really good for you. I do question grains...
Everyone has their own opinion.
Again! So many questions! it's fibre, I'm not consuming sacks of the stuff and it's...healthy...
I like it.
Can that be enough?? Because do you have any clue how much green I'm taking in??

See the conundrum? Toxic thinking from over-thinking, over-stressing! questioning...feeling guilty...
I'm off to bake a cake...
Or make some kale chips :)
...or meditate.
Again.

the unconventional celebration...aka 'the fuck up'

2011-11-15T18:17:00.001-06:00

amen for the cleanse that kept me from the eggnog this evening...

Or the nog.

just rum.

Not even ice.

I couldn't do it. Only because this probably would have ended up a totally different blog post had I partaken in the "just rum"

Cut to the chase!?

I bought my own condo in the spring - hoorah! (that might be the biggest celebration I allowed myself to have over this very committed, very un-gypsy-like thing I did...)

And true to Jodi style I purchased this condo in a city I didn't really EVER think I'd live in...

A little off the beaten track.

And did I mention I purchased it alone?

Wine and confetti I get it.

I still have not been able to find it within myself to let myself be happy.

Like the guy your friends warn you about...

I did years of the douche bag warnings only to find myself IN a douche bag living situation.

Easy easy...

FULL ON GRATITUDE...I get it.

And can I also relish and marinate in this big fuck up?

I'm allowed to fuck up.

I do it quite often.

We all do (we just often are too ashamed to throw the party for it)

And there should be a party - for the mistakes, the failures, the fuck ups.

They get us to where we're going...

You may have to jump over a thousand 'not the ones' to get to THE ONE...

You often know what you like, because you know what you don't like...

And it's not like you can test drive a home?

And yet...

I rushed it.

I let things go on longer than necessary until I'm bursting like those jeans after you've ate the whole cheesecake.....with a tub of ice cream......and then made room for brownies......

Not only is the belt coming off, the buttons were undone before I even started (I may even have had a spoon in my pocket...) Oh for real! I can eat pints of ice cream...(that's a whole other blog post though)

So I've been torn.

Do I make it work. Do I bask in all that preach and 'water my own grass so it's green...right where I'm standing'...

OR...is community, food.

Cuz I feel starving. And alone out here.

And I can do alone...

Probably under par for alone.

I thrive around people. Nature.

The lifestyle I know I thrive in is the one I just denied myself ...because I heard a voice.

That said "investment"...

Money was burning a hole in my pocket to invest...

And a much quieter voice said "it's not you"..."don't do it"...

bah! "I totally got this," was my reply "and just because you said that - I AM going to do it!"

yea, that's me having a written conversation with myself. crraaazeee...

And something felt right IN the space. And it still kinda does.

And that's the OTHER thing.

We think it's what we want that we want.

Riddle me wha?

Yea...it's never THE THING...

The house, the guy, the car, the trip...

It's the feeling it cultivates.

We're after the feeling. Always.

So as I longed for a space...I needed my own space...gots to have me my own SPACE.

What did I really want? What IS space?

To me? ...it's room...freedom...it's expansion. I wanted a place that was mine, that I could feel completely myself in...(oooh...might have to get my 'om' on around that revelation)!

Years of always having 'fit in' to someone else's space or 'living in the meantime'...

I wanted a home.

Loved by me, inspired by me.

And I certainly didn't see it empty...at 33...pretty much alone. My first home...

The hallways are empty. The silence can be deafening.

I work alone...

The 'way things look' is a default ironically that breeds purpose to my passion.

Thus it doesn't surprise me at all...that I purchased a gorgeous space and see the vision of a dream I've always had coming to life. I'm just wondering...does that matter?

When I missed what's truly important...

Relationships, people and connections are what fill me. Make me come alive.

See my conundrum?

I wonder if they're happy. The people.

Putting up their Christmas lights.

Trimming the tree.

It dawned on me that the last time I actually put up a real tree with someone was probably...oh...10 years ago.

So you can see why this evening I may be a tad verklempt...

my heart feeling like it's strangled by the dickie underneath the mock-neck (because I'm pretty sure that's a self torture in itself? Especially if it's cheap wool...rash!)

I know this has a purpose...

I'll take deliveries of the rum'n eggnog thank you. Don't forget the vegan cheesecake with an elastic waist-banded pair of sweats! What's a party without a tad of guilt the next day? :)

love (and a little lost)...

jodi renée xo

Am I being ungrateful? Am I not seeing something? Do you always have to make something work...or can you just...throw in the towel? Walk away...

I would love to hear from you! did this help or maybe I just sent you off to get cheesecake for kleenex and pure gluttony!? ...

navigating home

2011-11-12T08:18:00.001-06:00

How haunting the moon has been the last couple of nights.
And it gives me comfort...I'm not really sure why. I wonder if it provokes the feelings of craziness, loneliness and then the abundance of inspiration...(yep that sounds a bit crazy)
Anyone else have those feelings lately...ever...
Before the moon became so full a few days ago...there was moon, madness, balloons, and...there was geese! (right on cue. I often hire an entourage to sit amongst the fields...snow, geese, perhaps an elephant. Okay. No elephant...)
Been feeling really overwhelmed and scattered lately...lost.
I can easily lose my focus, my way.
I wonder if the message of the goose is for me.
Never lose sight of your vision. Navigate and continue the journey...no matter what. And when things become tiresome, let your community, your flock, your family...,guide you and take care of you.
We can accomplish more together than we ever can alone.
Don't become so driven and focused however, that you lose sight of what makes life truly enjoyable...the connection to other souls along this journey.
What wants to unfold, will. Allow integrity and proper action to weave a beautifully woven, warm and full nest. Home then becomes the place you always are.
Stay wild...
love xo
jodi renée

Wild Geese
You do not have to be good.
You do not have to walk on your knees
for a hundred miles through the desert repenting.
You only have to let the soft animal of your body
love what it loves.
Tell me about despair, yours and I will tell you mine.
Meanwhile the world goes on.
Meanwhile the sun and the clear pebbles of the rain
are moving across the landscapes,
over the prairies and the deep trees,
the mountains and the rivers.
Meanwhile the wild geese, high in the clean blue air,
are heading home again.
Whoever you are, no matter how lonely,
the world offers itself to your imagination,
calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting
over and over announcing your place
in the family of things...
~ Mary Oliver

the bold and the butternut

2011-11-09T20:35:00.001-06:00

Americans choose to eat less than .25% of the known edible food on the plant

~ Jonathan Safran Foer | Eating Animals

(thanks Marta for the book!)

I do hope this sexy butter beast made the cut.
Sadly, I don't think she did. Do you eat the winter squash? Cousin of the zucchini.
I'm addicted.
Fries are lookin pretty pale (literally!) in comparison to these baked butteries.
LOADED with fiber. Vitamin A is 'off the charts'...for real. So think youth, think radiance, think glowing skin and clear eyes!
Bake'm, grease'm (with some fine extra virgin olive oil or I like to use coconut oil)...salt'm...thrown'm in the oven for about 20 minutes or so (they take less time then sweet potato or yams) -- honestly you have hands down a fry like no other. And the kids will poop if they eat them.
Annnd you might just start trimming up. I honestly just realized that I've been feeling so full lately and it may be because of the 'feel full factor' of this bitchin butter. Equals not so hungry...weight loss...haaay...you feeling me?
Or you might get really bloated like me.
I eat a whole squash! and that's too much fiber...waaay too much fibre. Experimenting with my diet lately and well, this is kinda like my indulgence. Just when I thought a bran muffin at Starbucks was a cheat! ....food geek?)
I may even have to cut out this lovely beast...sigh
caramelizing releasing sugars...and I'm off the sugar train for a while. Sad and yet exciting! (more about this later in it's own spotlighted post)
Seriously. There's no excuse for eating the same old. Not to mention it's really quick and VERY yummy. Great family add-on. Don't be turned off because it's a squash and hangs with the gourds.
You will thank me.
Be bolder. Butternut and beyond! ....love xo
jodi renée

beauty in the face of darkness. A mother's vow...

2011-11-08T06:42:00.000-06:00

I can't believe a year's almost gone by...
I remember when my girlfriend called me last November. I was in Calgary. She had a favour...
A friend's daughter, Tamarra, had cancer...it was terminal. She was 18.
Could I do photos she asked.
Absolutely I replied.
Death at any age is tragic. And for some reason, Tamarra at 18 had entered my soul...I was out for a walk in the fresh, crisp, air...mountain back-drop...breath taking as usual and I was dying...
Aren't we all...?
I time-warped myself to 18...knowing all that was in front of me...all that was behind me. The past the future, all the sum of me...now. Where was I going, who would I become? What did the future hold? I imagined my days numbered, right down to the beating of my heart...stopping.
And as I walked, looking around.
Nothing had changed and everything was different.
The world around me was brighter than before. I was soaking this all in like the first time I'd seen it...and like the last time I ever would...
Curious, amazed and blessed.
Tamarra was terminally ill.
Imagining I was dying.
We are all dying.

cringing yet? ...(because we seem to make realities so effn' uncomfortable)
As I type I cry, and I love that I FEEL it all.
As I type I cry, with goosebumps for the AWESOME people that I get to experience.

I was a little concerned...really, only for a brief moment, that what I was undertaking was weird or wrong. For the reason that most of us avoid the reality that is...death.
And I couldn't imagine turning away from the truth that was before me.
To be in the presence of so much love at it's darkest hour. To be in the presence of a mother who's love for her daughter is a worship...
Is sacred.
She is life. And death. The epitome of what it means to be ALIVE.
Having seen up close, the face of darkness...she is the light.
And leads the way.
There is the path that most of us take...filled with illusions and untruths.
We are literally blind. It offers nothing. When we don't ever have to deal...(which sadly means to feel)...we aren't truly *living*.
Love comes wrapped in darkness. Expect it to break your heart and walk willingly into a fire that may just scar the depths of your soul.
Selfish beings are we to want only the joy, love and bliss that comes as the illusion of perfection.
Life is ugly and hurtful and full of sadness.
We don't ever know one without the other. We have to know both to feel...it all.

So I am inspired beyond words for this amazing woman, mother, daughter and friend.
The scars she bares for the world to see are fueled with purpose driven by passion. Please read her story below...
Her cause is something I truly, truly believe in.
Please participate and donate. Anything you give is a gift.
love...xo
jodi renée

It never ceases to amaze me how much impact a single photo can have. Sparking emotions so deep we forgot were even there. Frozen moments very much alive...to relive, reflect. Over the years we pack our photos into a box, a photo album or leave them on the computer and every once in a while we dig them up to laugh, smile, and cry. We take time to observe the smile of the story that goes along with the photo. We grieve for our youth, that long weekend or season, perhaps grieving for that person that's no longer with us. Photos - the most valued treasure we have.

Micheal and I met Jodi on November 20th 2010 at the Stedman Community Hospice in Brantford where my daughter Tamarra was living out her final days. When we were delivered the news of her cancer becoming terminal, we vowed to appreciate every moment were were given until the very last. A very good friend contacted Jodi to take photos of us while Tam was feeling good and Jodi embraced the opportunity without hesitating. We planned for her to come to our home on November 20th for family photos. On November 16th, Tamarra took a turn for the worse and was immediately admitted to the hospice for round the clock care. Jodi knew of this and we both agreed to move ahead with the photos.
We wanted the expression of our immense love to be the focus. Jodi showed no signs of being uncomfortable, she stood at the at the end of her bed while we all held her hand, kissed her cheek and her forehead...telling her stories and laughing at the memories. In the ultimate face of darkness, we shed light with Jodi there to reflect this.

When I look at these photos, I see the intense love I have for my daughter. She was a strong, young woman with a calm acceptance of her fate. I look at these photos and I see the strength we gave each other. I remember all the moments we laughed together, all the kisses, all the embraces, all the tears - I remember HER. Everything she encompassed. Who she was. I see the ups and the downs of a family struggling to make it work when there was nothing normal about our lives and I see the unity we created from it. "I fought" - and she did, "Live, Love, Laugh" and we did.

Often death makes makes people uncomfortable; it's the part of life that we're supposed to be sad, angry and resentful over. I would like the world to see death as simply, The Circle of Life. We are all born and we will all die. Some with no warning, some with preparation, and ultimately, the goal is to Live, Learn and Let Go. My daughter had a purpose and that was to teach me the value of unequivocal, unselfish, and unconditional DEEP LOVE...between a mother and a daughter.

In Tamarra's final weeks we visited a Naturopathic Doctor for some holistic oncology healing. We were given no promises, and we wanted to improve her quality of life as much as possible. Tamarra showed signs of improved appetite, skin colour, better sleep patterns and energy. We continued as long as we could. The cost was an issue...borrowing money from family, friends arranging fundraisers to pay for the cost. I realized that had we started these treatments earlier in her diagnosis, we may have had a different result and I started to wonder how many families miss out on such an opportunity due to cost issues. Immediately I vowed to make a difference. I started the long mission of founding the Tamarra Cherryholme Foundation. Our organization financially aids children/young adults to receive holistic cancer treatments and offers grants to the research department at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM). It's my way of celebrating my daughter's life in helping others through her experience and love: www.tamarrashonour.com

After my daughter passed away I looked around and thought "what am I supposed to do now?"
Everything I did, I did for her. My friend answered it quite simply, "Why don't you let someone take care of you now..."

That someone is Michael. He waited for an appropriate time to ask me, after never giving up on me, on us...and on May 23rd 2011 her proposed and I said "yes".

Jodi was our immediate selection for our engagement photos as she shared a very personal, and intimate moment with our family. On a gorgeous day in August...Jodi reminded us of the love we have for one another and how far we've come in our 3 years together. The shoot was simple, quick and the results are forever...lifelong...magic. Typically photographers are strangers, found in the yellowpages, on the internet or a referral from someone. Jodi is much more to us than that...
She's real. Appreciating the flaws and so called imperfections, she creates a space for us to SEE, appreciating them ourselves. We met Jodi under the most unconventional of times...and she brought out the beauty of our family, so flattered and honoured to be a part of our very intimate moments.

When I look at our photos, I see a true love story complete with sadness, anger, patience, happiness, victory, pain, hope, laughter and so much LOVE. I see a future and cherish a past.
More a gift than 'photos'...as they will forever be a part of our home and our family.
~T. Cherryholme
www.tamarrashonour.com

authenticity is magnetic...why I LOVE New York

2011-10-31T09:15:00.001-05:00

authentic.

1. true, genuine, or original; 2. worthy of belief

Nothing else can quite sum it up. "I love New York" as the phrase goes.
recap on a recent trip to NYC.

Is it any wonder WHY everyone loves New York?
In it's crazy chaos...

Everything, and everyone...is REAL. Authentic.

You can't walk a block without some little gem of a restaurant, cafe or clothing store. Anything and everyone goes. People EXPRESS themselves through their personal style and their storefronts. They don't hold back...and why would you want too? From the West coast of Victoria. To the East side of NYC, I'm drawn to these places. Authenticity is magnetic.
Sadly most places in between are conforming. Big time. Playing it safe.
And if you're a fan of Seth Godin's genius marketing, "Playing it safe...is risky."

If you want the success (or lack of) as the businesses around you, the mediocre lifestyle of your friends...if you desire to keep complaining instead of changing then:

Don't speak your mind.

Keep doing the same thing...you can expect the same results that way!

Go against how 'you feel' (your greatest tool of guidance)

Play it safe with your sense of style.

Cook the same boring things and eat at the same places...

Ask and care what everyone else around you thinks.

Hold back...
dial yourself down.

...I'm starting to wither just typing all of this.

Get my drift?

Enter The Juice Press. The marketing is off the hook. They firmly believe in what they do that all they really have is these stocked fridges below. Full of juicy, freshly pressed goodness.

Think liquefied salads. Greens to go! I am in heaven. It's green. Still heaven though (perhaps my heaven is more fieldy greens, less clouds? Or cloud dreaming FROM the fieldy greens?)

Greenwich is spectacular brownstones and old buildings. Love the character and charm...

Enter Slice! A-M-A-Z-I-N-G organic pizzeria! The deliciousness in the photos is their Intermediate Goat Cheese personal pan pizza. Swapping a whole grain uber thin crust for...gluten free RICE crust. Heaps of arugula and obviously true to the name...goat cheese. It's not that these places are just serving up slices of amazing-ness. WHO they ARE is infused in the decor...the music...their beliefs in organic and healthy eating. Slice by slice...(yes I ate that whole thing).

Pure Food and Wine. I've been dying to go to this all raw food resto after having read both the raw cookbooks by Sarma. So amazing what LIVE food can taste like (hello? not to mention what it does for your body). The above raw zucchini lasagna was a tad rich and yet sooo worth it.
Make sure you order one of their yummy juices and the ice cream for desert! (sayonara dairy!) Dairy is for the cows...literally. So me thinks we should keep it that way.

Looking for a breaky place on Sunday morning and came across...Doughboy Bake and Shop! This is when I really get excited. From little miniature solider boys to old comic books AND tea, coffee, muffins and cupcakes. Would you think the two go together? Of course not. Brilliant branding and authenticity hello?! is REAL. The owner of the bake and shop clearly has a love for both and all of these things. Why not rock'em all? Cuz it works. And is actually more charming and alluring this way.
We are charming, alluring and AUTHENTIC when we express and fully show up as OURSELVES. All of the random passions, things that light us up...they have a purpose.

The more you just BE YOU. Whether you're a brand, business or just ...yourself.
The more people will gravitate to the awesomeness that comes from inside.
Especially if you're a business owner. Their should be no separation. A clear expression of 'who you are and what you believe' will attract the SAME KINDS of people. You don't want to work with anyone else. That's what other businesses are for. Then we're no longer competing...
We're just being.
It doesn't get any more real than that...

And next time I need more time...a pair of shoes...
Hot red-bottom Louboutin's :)
love! xo
jodi renée

Grayson's Organic Blueberry & Walnut Muffins

2011-09-19T12:20:00.007-05:00

I adore pumpkin anything...
So I was determined to make something pumpkin-y and healthy happen.
I found a recipe for Healthy Carrot and Pumpkin Spelt Muffins (I think I'll hold off on the recipe until I fine tune it a little more!) I made A LOT of substitutions and perhaps like any change (big or small) one change at a time will get us to where we need to go - without overwhelming us. Trying to figure out the coconut flour math...
I said math.
And anytime there's math involved, I get a little squeamish. Apparently if you're replacing flour with coconut flour, you use only 20% coconut flour (it's jacked with fibre so you also have to do some replacing with liquids). This might not be so tough, however I doubled the recipe AND I swapped out a lot of the liquids. Like...chia seeds instead of eggs...
Can you see me getting over my head?? Total throw back to grade 11 math (which I failed...)
And just for the record I don't think I've ever run into Johnny and his apple conundrums OR have had to figure out the inside of an isosceles triangle. In my life.
EVER.
Poignantly Pumpkin...they WERE amazingly delicious and I definitely ate too much considering they were so dense - one muffin was probably the equivalent to THREE. Where can you go wrong with so much pumpkin and coconut? you can't. Do you want me to re-evaluate this recipe? I was going for vegan and gluten free ...

So we moved on.
To Grayson's fail proof Organic Blueberry Walnut Muffins. These are really healthy and great for kids. Breakfast alongside a smoothie perhaps? Be mindful it's NOT gluten free, so make substitutions where you know you can! And would love to hear from you if you do! ...

Having an assistant in the kitchen who's under 3 is...
Madness.
and messy.
Not to mention a little chaotic and did I say mad?
It's also a way to encourage their little sense of SELF to BE ...
Confident.
Assisting and therefore they feel like they're contributing to something.
They get to build their capabilities to do independent work.
Gives them responsibility.
And creates little beings who grow into the world appreciating the work that goes INTO things, and the things we eat. Not to mention it gives them a chance to work with really nourishing ingredients that fill their bodies with love. Making it easier for them to say YES to these foods.

Soooo...I encourage you to make a mess in the kitchen with the little chefs by your side.
(and eventually when they've fine tuned the recipe and are old enough to handle the hot stuff...you've now got a short order baker instead of the other way around!)

Grayson's Organic Blueberry Walnut Muffins
3/4 C whole wheat flour
3/4 C whole wheat pastry flour
2 tsp baking powder - aluminum free
1/4 tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 C sucanat
1/3 C organic butter
1 organic egg
1/3 C almond milk
3/4 C frozen blueberries
1/2 C chopped walnuts

Mix flours, baking powder, salt, nutmeg, cinnamon, sucanat.
Mix egg, milk and butter...then add wet ingredients to flour mixture.
Gently add blueberrys and walnuts - don't overmix!
Fill muffin cups 3/4 full and bake @ 350 for 20 minutes.
Makes about 12 muffins so double the recipe because these are GOOD! (and good for you...)

love from the kitchen! xo
jodi renée xo

thanks Trish and Grayson for all your help!

celebrating women, sisters, mothers and daughters

2011-09-14T11:50:00.010-05:00

"Our lives as women, sisters, mothers/daughters, and a family...I love how your art affords the girls and I to have little moments that make us smile every time we look at them. You have documented every major change in our lives - a photo journey. Better than that - your photos bring up all the positive things in our lives and remind us how lucky we are to have a loving family. I think you are a treasure - I'm not sure if you really appreciate what a gift you are to the people you touch..."
~ Lori Curtis, President, C.O.O. Marketing Core

My work is not based on volume. For a few reasons...
I could not physically keep up to the work-flow of "quantity" ...and nor would I want too.
Because it's quality I'm after.
And not just quality work, as in...the WORK that I do and create - on the computer, prints etc.
It's quality relationships that FILL me.
Nothing is more dear to me than knowing I get to see and experience the lives of my clients EVERY year. It's an investment on both our parts and the appreciation is mutual.
My clients are just like me.
We value the same things, can share and laugh about the same things.
the crazy journey -- that is life.
I love how raw and real Lori is...I often open up to her (yes this is how close I am with the people in my creative world!) and she'll remind me that all of life's 'mistakes' have a place in the journey of life. If it's one woman that knocks my socks off with her uber strength and inspiration...it's this one.
She's a tough cookie, goes after what she wants, doesn't let life push her down and loves her daughters like crazy.

So thankful she's been a part of *my* journey.
I am grateful for this woman that reminds me of the importance of sister-hood. And not just the blood ties of a female tribe. But the human and GODDESS tribe.
We can support the world, and the men in our worlds, when we stand 10 feet tall and bullet proof, together, as women. We can be more together than we'll ever be apart.
The sky's the limit when hands reach down to LIFT YOU UP.
Dance with you, openly cry with you...
Basking in your chorus of Britney's "oops I did it again" ...and again and again...with you.
(this might come with a bottle of Bonterra's Organic Red and Lindt's darkest...)
A constant stream of celebration, pushing forward, upward and a never-ending support of empowerment.
We need to embrace that we will fuck up often.
That our ideas can change, giving ourselves permission to contradict ourselves - whenever we want.
That we can let the tears pour...
And just BE...
Ourselves. Open, unedited and raw.
Alright...often wild, unpredictable and over-emotional (NEVER a bad thing)...it's human and a necessity for a woman to FEEL so much.

Sister is the woman who knows there is nothing to 'fix' because nothing is broken. It's all part of the journey - that is life.
Sister is the woman that knows BEING there...is enough.

I think the fabulous Dara says it best...Every time we regard a sister's emotional waves as sacred and take faith that her tears are the only brilliant thing that needs to be expressed, the "Roots of She smile" and grow strong.

xo
jodi renée

Find me on FACE BOOK! ...follow me follow me...

small is the new big | home + style ideas

2011-09-13T12:25:00.007-05:00

A quiet, yet bold sentiment.
The babes speak the loudest in these spaces...without saying a thing.
They finish the room. Make it complete.
In it's grandiose overstatement, it's minimal, real and refreshingly honest.
I get a sense of 'who' lives in these rooms, the feelings they want to inspire, what's important and what they VALUE.
A beautiful statement we can make to the world.
Especially in our own abode.
xo
jodi renée

*apologies for the non-credit to these fabulous and inspiring pics I found.
If they're yours, please connect so I can kudos the love

kinda Quinoa Tabbouleh

2011-09-08T14:31:00.005-05:00

kinda Quinoa Tabbouleh salad...{keen-WA!}
fresh and simple.
not just simple - EASY! I think we've been over this little SUPA seed before.
We're talking PRE-Incan. That's pretty old.
So this seed has some H-I-S-T-O-R-Y! (not like the processed and packaged foods of today).
Which is a different aging process all together. Strip you down, then load you up with all the nasties so you can SIT ON THE SHELF FOREVER! mmmm...
OR, pre-historic, jacked with nutrients. Not JUST nutrients - essential nutrients. High fibre, high "complete" protein...
And just really nutty and tasty :)

The scrumptious salad above is quinoa bought in a box (if you buy it in bulk I recommend soaking it for up to ...uh...8 hours. Improves digestibility and your family will thank me) ...
so the boxed kind is usually pre-soaked and just give it a good rinse.
Cook up as per directions.
Then add:
*sliced roma tomatoes (if you cut out the juicy centre of the romas then the salad is less runny
*sliced and diced cucumbers
*a few sliced green onions
*handful of chopped fresh coriander (you can definitely use parsley or mint works wonders here!)
*tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil
*sea salt
*lime or lemon to taste
Stir it all up, throw it in the fridge and serve with whatever you're having for dinner!

Seriously...there's no reason you need to be serving up plain ol' potatoes or pasta when we've got some SERIOUS grains out there. Explore a bit. You'll be surprised!
go get your grains on! xo
jodi renée

"Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food" ~ Hippocrates

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raw pad thai

2011-09-05T12:26:00.004-05:00

This became more of a chunky veggie salad (as I didn't have the vegetable peeler to make the zucchini into thin noodles)! Doesn't mean it's NOT pad thai - just my own variation!
Start here:
*2 zucchini's (I used one green and one yellow here) - peel into thin noodles - OR just slice them as thin as you can like I did above
*handful or two of bean sprouts
*thinly sliced yellow pepper
*1/4 of a red cabbage - thinly sliced
*2-4 green onions - chopped
*handful of chopped cilantro (or to taste!)
*1 lime
*1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
*cashews, almonds are any kind of nut really! I substituted and used one heaping tablespoon of almond butter
*sea salt
Chop and slice, throw everything into one bowl...squeeze the whole lime with the olive oil and mix it all up...
The almond butter isn't as challenging as you'd think to mix in, just make sure to toss it around, stir it up a few times to coat it evenly...
Super simple. Great for lunch, dinner or snack...jam packed with water, nutrients, and fibre.
Let me know how it goes!
xo
jodi renée

the (summer) little things...that really are the big things

2011-08-29T08:12:00.009-05:00

So grateful for an amazing weekend!
Starts with a sneak-peek of Tanya + Michael's celebration of LOVE! ...
(These sessions aren't for the faint of heart either...a lot of laughter, and often a few tears. I got to see how Michael moves through the eyes of Tanya! And there was even talk of ingrown hairs...?) Yes. It gets downright dirty on set.
And not 'set' as much as SETTING...
I was in heaven with the light! And these wonderful, inspiring people that opened their hearts...
To market to market...ode to my Blackberry camera for these snaps.
I'm happy I have a market buddy now that gets as stoked as I do! Up early ...it's uh...fresh and local annnnnd CHEAP food people!!!! I'm full of gratitude for the farmers and the work that they do to fill our homes and belly's with such GOOD food. How does your family express their gratitude for the food you eat? It's a great tradition that I feel is forgotten...'grace'. And yet so powerful. Children need to know what they're eating and where it comes from...most importantly how hard some families are working for 'us'...
mmmm summer fresh and local peaches.
And I stocked up on tomatoes instead.
Next time I'll have to pick up the fuzzy navel's to brew up something peachy...

I love simplicity in the flavours of food and nothing is better than home-made tomato sauce.
It's as easy as...
*as many plum (aka Romas!) tomatoes as you like, you need and will fit in your pan
*garlic to your taste
*olive oil
*basil -- and I forgot fresh basil so I improvised here for more garnish and aesthetics than taste because...The basil makes the sauce!
Olive oil + garlic will dance in the fiery pan...when the lic's are lovely brown, throw in the chopped up Roma's. You'll get a feel for when they are done by watching them wither (the good and yummy wither!) ...toss in freshly chopped basil
And then throw in your cooked your noodles.
(I used brown rice spaghetti noodles to keep it light and gluten free)
happy Monday! Buon Appetito!
Sea salt...
always a little sea salt...
love xo
jodi renée

Shari + Mark...with Mason on the way!

2011-08-25T06:32:00.012-05:00

It never ceases to amaze me (actually recoil, gasp from within while trying not to retch at the same time) when brilliantly radiant expectant mommas say...
"I don't want to remember this time"
"No photos for me, I'm past the point of looking and feeling like myself"
can we just recap:
"I DO NOT WANT TO REMEMBER THIS TIME..."
???
Gorgeous Goddesses relish in the best and most unbelievable experience that us woman are BLESSED with.
I've not traveled this journey "yet" and what I can say is...
I can FEEL the difference in the women who hide away, shrink and recoil at the magnanimous changes going on within. VS...the gloriously ecstatic, radiantly divine Goddesses that rock the belly 'savoring' every minute, every hour, every day...
The babe can feel that too.
There is much more going on then your extra 50lbs.
Your swollen ankles...
Your stretch marks.
And that doesn't mean you have to 'photograph' all of the above.
Perhaps just a nudge to have a look in the mirror.
A really good look.

Shari walked into the hospital the day we were supposed to shoot.
False alarm.
And she was hell bent on celebrating this 'time'.
SO young, SO beautiful and SO excited! She rocked the body that yes, she has (she literally gave birth two days after we created the above) and I believe ALL of her beauty comes from owning it...embracing it.
Never mentioning 'fat' or swollen ankles once.
With a heart full of love and a belly even fuller.
Feel the difference?

Embracing beautiful from where you are now means feeling like a million bucks NOW.
Good luck getting at a thousand if you don't.
Owning the changes that happen through life whether you're expecting...or not.
Your body is a gorgeous vessel that carries you through this crazy journey.
Treat it like a temple...
Always.
xo
jodi renée

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and if you like what you see/read feel free to pass on the love...

"We're damn lucky to have our bodies, these strange, multi-functional machines, that let us leave our legacy on the planet. I hope you realize how powerful they are and decide that today you're going to start treating it with love and kindness. Think of it like a child; if you were to continue to feed it on mental and physical abuse, and stave it of love and nourishment, how would it grow into anything other than an angry, bitter and cold-hearted? Whereas if you tell that child every day that it is beautiful, loved and can do anything, there's no limits on what it can grow up to be...it's pretty simple: Serve your body best so it can serve YOU best ~ Evanna Lynch

WedLuxe Magazine | true love, true luxury

2011-08-22T09:59:00.009-05:00

SO excited that Jaime and Patrick's A-M-A-Z-I-N-G wedding was featured on the WedLuxe Blog. Their wedding story and all the details from the incredible event are posted -- so go have a look! Just thought I'd throw in a few additional favourites...Let me know what you think!
xo
jodi renée

outta your mind. The best place to be. (and probably the safest)...

2011-08-21T18:01:00.004-05:00

I stubbed my 'other' toe just to make them matchy.
Which means that one IS stubbed. Yes.
Sexy blood blister and this time I went for ripping of the skin.
I wait for things to happen about 3 times before I 'get it'...
so long Havanas. It's been swell.
And then I always wondered, while washing my blender...HOW, I didn't ever cut myself.
Thoughts become things (it's a mere puncture wound)
Send medics only if they're tan and buff please.
And a new paring knife that works well as a nail file - ouch.
Vive la aloe plant that I'm slathering.
All
over
my
body.

AND that folks, is a well rounded almost dangerous weekend.
Do you think the Uni is trying to tell me something...anything??
How about "pay attention"! slow down.
Gentle...

Not so gentle massage trying to create some space in my hips.
They're beyond tight.

the body has all the wisdom we need.
So I step onto my mat.
Ground the four corners of my feet, where are my shins?...lengthen the spine...open the heart...space in the hips.
then it dawns on me...if there was a person beside me, vocally speaking this out loud I think I would chuck out a Jackie Chan on her...him? it?
I can get so caught up in THINKING that I have to know all the motions (that I know!)...I just gotta trust that they'll ripen themselves out of my sweet and gloriously svelte yoga pod.
The more I try to 'get it' all, the more I'm missing the juicyness of the practice.
If I breath and move I'm fine. If I'm aware and feeling...amen.
If I'm totally surrendering to the moment and allowing ME to just experience.
that's kinda living.
Probably spacious.
and I can take my fuckin ridiculous thinking hat off...

Just like fueling my body with nutrients - I don't even think about it.
Which is how I end up with a stupendous tofu and red cabbage stir-fry (cabbage cringers seriously you don't know what you're missing on a palate and cellular level!)
Which is also why juicing is NEVER a chore! Celery, beet, carrot, and apple rainbow reverie...
AND...making it to the meditation mat.
A must.
(and yea that's my 6:30am view above...ommmmmm)

...imagine practicing *life* from this amazingly awesome and KNOWING place.
that you know.
what you need to know.
when you need it.
And often the more you THINK about things, the more you'll just fuck'em up.

If you're over thinking in one area...
You might not think twice about sticking your hand in a blender.
with the blade.

happy almost monday...(sometimes I work Sundays just so I can have Mondays OFF!)
xo
jodi renée

fill yourself up.

2011-08-17T13:01:00.004-05:00

A commitment to mediating.
For oh...40 days straight. Starting at 20 minutes.
Actually those commitments aren't usually very hard for me. I've tossed in yoga though just to make things a little bit tougher. And it's not the physical practices of both that make it tough. It's actually carving out the time.
I find when I don't do them both first thing in the morning. It gets impossible to do them at all.
Funny how I'm more concerned about others reactions when I want to park my lotus ass in their basement digging for my inner peace.
I mean...their reaction is really none of my business. Out of my control.
So why even give it a second thought?
Thoughts, thoughts...too many thoughts.

I'm committed to both these practices and filling my days up with things that make me come ALIVE...

"Don't ask yourself what the world needs, ask yourself what makes you come alive. And then go and do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive
~ Howard Washington Thurman

I've been feeling disconnected lately. There's a whirlwind of change going on that many of you don't know about. It's pretty huge for me and did I mention chaos? I feel like Dorothy sometimes and wishing those ruby reds would take me back "home" (red bottom Louboutin or Jimmy Choo's are a good substitute).
Home...home.
And seriously...where IS home? The symbolism with all this change?
Finally the inside-hall-pot light comes on - it's 'here'....within.
A never ending search for home, that comfort...that FEELING.
Not that thing, the person or place. It's the...FEELING's we're after.
And unless you find it within,
you're never going to find it anywhere else...outside of you.

What the funk does this have anything to do with me practicing yoga and meditation daily?
And how on earth does this tie into all the beautiful (and yummy) images above.
Aha. This is where everything connects. Like the movie you never really 'get' until the very end.
(well I hope this isn't like the book that you never figure out...thanks The History of Love)

If you're feelin lost...
YOU are not.
You've just lost your way. There's a difference.
And often we need to veer away from the path to remember where it is that we're going.
Maybe we even need to change direction...or ask (Mapquest ain't always right you know...or...umm...the driver).
The body is the best compass that we have.
Yoga connects breath and movement.
In meditation we close our eyes.
Turning inward...moving and observing. The answers are ALL there.
We just have to give ourselves some time...patience.

"What you seek is seeking you" ~ Rumi

I might not have all the answers.
And this commitment to a daily practice IS the answer.
Along with filling up my days with the things that I love:
*yoga (go figure)
*meditation...yeaaaaa. I actually do kinda love it
*amazing food that fuels me AND my body - kinda like the delicious Kerr Street Cafe eats in oakville (see scrumptious salad pic at the top of this post. Paired with an uberlicious Vanilla Mint tea)
*amazing people
*great conversation
*fresh air
*my anything nature fix
...those are just a few.
And I find when I can get MOST or all of these things into my days. I feel full.
Kinda like yesterday.

What are the top 5 things that make you come alive or that make your day seem full and/or complete? Can you commit to implementing all of 5 of these things daily? Would love to hear from you!

Thanks BluBoho babes for our amazing and inspiring lunch date yesterday. Love that my amazing people are all connected (and adorned quite the same! Stunning model family above - ok they're not models they're real people, more beautiful because of it! Is wearing my FAV Chan Luu bracelet wrap which you can pick up at BluBoho fyi...)
Not to mention THIS family goes down in the archives of 'favourites' for so many reasons. That's entirely another post...
Beyond grateful.
Getting empty so I can fill up again...
Madly loving xo
jodi renée

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squeezing the juice

2011-08-09T13:33:00.007-05:00

The company you keep.
AKA. Your tribe.
Do they lift you up? support you? empower and encourage you?
Can you tell them anything and everything and KNOW for CERTAIN there is a space they hold for you?
To be...
YOU.
Gloriously raw, authentically vulnerable...
Pissed off, sometimes off the cuff, often emotional and unapologetically YOU?
Without...Taking it personally, passing judgment...or making it about them them?
At every opportunity we have the ability to 'show up' for the people in our lives. Our tribe.
Aren't relationships THE most important thing?
There is a misconception that full blown honesty is rude/harsh and yet is REQUIRED for you to show up and fully be present (and juicy!) in your relationships. It's often our own fear of how to respond that keeps us from 'going there'...
It's not enough to be the cheerleader (rah rah you can do it! those jeans don't make you look fat! I love your mother! good for you for staying in that horrible relationship!)
We need Champions.
Sans sugar coating.
Motivated by love...
That can get uncomfortable. Hard to hear.
Emotional...and down right dirty.
Champions have your best interest at heart...SEEING the greatest potential IN you and FOR you.
They show up, putting themselves out there...
And run the risk of severing the friendship ties...
That obviously don't bind IF:
you can't SEE them enough to know their intentions.

It's not a surprise we all like the juicy peaches.
Partly BECAUSE they're messy.
There is so much juice to be squeezed...
outta life, love and all your relationships.

The messes can be cleaned up.
Dried up peaches are just not the same (...you can't even get close to the pit!)

from the peach pit and beyond...xo
jodi renée

what's on your walls? | home + style ideas

2011-08-05T10:08:00.006-05:00

You are the product of your environment. So choose the environment that will best propel you toward your dreams...
Are the things around you moving you toward success - or are they holding you back?

This is why I love the ideas above.
In their chaotic busyness, they are actually quite simple. Monochromatic framing helps with this as well as...choosing anything and everything that inspires you.
This kind of design often seems daunting when my clients mention it or are inspired by doing something of the same. And really...the simplicity lies in choosing what makes you FEEL good, inspired, come alive or something that just makes you smile. This can be anything from photos to artwork to quotes...a painting or a page ripped out of a book. Because it has meaning for YOU...that's enough.
Simple.
Inspiration.

To have this meaningful inspiration in your home fuels your soul and keeps what's important at a moments glance.
Because I'm so visual this is SO important to me.
Blank walls do nothing for my creative spirit ...only drive to fill them with things that make me feel...well...inspired.

What's on your walls? Does it light you up or has it been up since you bought the house and has now become part of the dry wall? Let go of what you think should be on the walls and replace it with stuff that makes you feel...
I challenge you to do a scan. Let me know what you come up with...

love...xo
jodi renée

begin again...

2011-07-23T06:19:00.004-05:00

If one dream should fall and break into a thousand pieces, never be afraid to pick one of those pieces up and begin again ~ Flavia Weedn

I want a little part of that...West Coast flavour {gypsy me and Victoria BC}

2011-07-22T11:59:00.007-05:00

I absolutely love BC and it felt amazing to be back in Victoria. My unbelievable hosts (I'll write more about that in the next post) and SO many authentic restaurants, cafes, boutiques etc. Not to mention...nature.
Revitalizes the mind and nourishes the soul.
Inspiration overfloweth when walking the streets of downtown Victoria. Each business no matter what they're selling exudes the personality and authenticity of the owner. There's a confidence, passion and story that every person shares while working. A belief in the 'work' they do. I want a little part of that...
I want a lot of that. Made me reflect on how conservative we are here out East.
If we boldly step into who we are and what we believe in then...THAT sells.
We can incorporate ALL that we are in ALL that we do.
Cuz that's real...
That's magnetic.

Here's some gems I came across...
Pagliacci's Italian Restaurant -- this restaurant has been around forever and is still packed ALL THE TIME! amazing energy and ambiance. GREAT food!
(admittedly I indulged in the white bread -- highly addictive)
Skanda -- hello amazing jewelry and metal making, bead threading goddesses! my only concern was walking out over-adorned ...is that even possible?
Outsite Indesign -- Modern organic design for the home. I LOVED this store...and the philosophies behind it all. Design in it's natural, simple form is ...beautiful.

...this is just some quick pics I took with my Blackberry.

Stumbled upon Rebar Modern Food ...
You can pick up their fabulous cookbook on Amazon.
Because the food is not only unbelievably rock-star healthy for you...it's AMAZING!
I know when I travel it's challenging for me to keep up with the same eating routine. Staying with other people or not being able to access my lovely dependable green goods, I'm usually at a lack for ...well...Green! The kale, beet, carrot and celery elixir was just what I needed to re-fuel and the quinoa was...decadent! (can you tell I'm a lover of all green godly things for my God Pod? ...that would be my body...thanks Crazy, Sexy Kriss Carr!) Yep. That book is a bible you also need pick up!
...pretty much sums it up?

We toured to the beautiful Chinese cemetery at Harling Point. The Chinese believing that even Feng shui can apply to burial sites and this particular site is a privileged site combining natural elements while capturing the vital forces (good luck for the deceased and their descendants!) Luck while you're dead?!! It's tough enough getting it while you're alive!
Walking towards the water we came upon this algae infested tide-pool. Me loves me some cool green algae! I think it's amazing when kids can become curious about so much that lives 'with' us and around us. The west has no shortage of of things to explore that's for sure.
At first when I looked into the water, all I saw was this face!
Kinda ghostly...very creepy. So bizarre to think a whole other world lives beneath the surface. I now wish I had of kept the first photo I took of him. Too creeped out even having it on my phone I deleted it.

A-M-A-Z-I-N-G wind down the day with The Show! A breath of fresh air wine that's a lil on the adventurous side. Very tasty...
And often hard to find the delicious wines I sample out West here in Ontario. If you pick this one up, let me know where you found it! (or you can just send me a bottle...or 3. Ok. A case works too!)
xo
jodi renée

watermelon delight...stay cool!

2011-07-21T12:29:00.000-05:00

Embracing otherness, embracing myself :: Thandie Newton on TED talk

2011-07-20T15:50:00.002-05:00

...beyond inspiring

the Mori family | Burlington Ontario family photography

2011-07-20T12:35:00.006-05:00

an incredible family that I've been blessed to work with for years...
they are such happy, full of life people, beyond grateful for their dynamic duo!
the boys know how to keep me on my toes.
I love this insanity...
xo
jodi renée

Summer Smoothie | Berry Belly Blast Off!

2011-07-11T12:31:00.006-05:00

This yummy smoothie is packed with digestive greatness. It's of the utmost importance to keep things moving along and out, while creating a clean and healthy flora-full gut! (that sustains a healthy immune system)
Absorption of nutrients comes from a healthy digestive system which can be achieved by drinking plenty of water, eating foods rich in fibre, dense in nutrients, and including daily probiotics (pro=FOR, biotic=LIFE)
Also recommended? Dial down and manage any stress. Stress can be the cause of many digestive concerns ...I get uber bloated when stressed.
Your 'gut' really is trying to tell you something!

Summer Smoothie | Berry Belly Blast Off!
1 scoop chocolate Vega Protein by Sequel
1 scoop natural Sun Warrior Protein
1/4 tsp of ChlorEssence by Sequel
1/4 tsp of Probiotics
1 cup of water
1 cup of fresh (I freeze'm fresh and use them right away so they're fruit-cubes of smoothie goodness!) blueberries, blackberries...whateva you're belly desires. I prefer to use the darker berries that are rich in antioxidants.
Banana optional...
A handful of spinach is up to you...(and seriously kicks this up a notch!)
love. A must!
...blend.

Let me know if you have any questions about the above products I have recommended or the recipe.
And seriously ...blast off?
You're in good hands.
health is yours!
love xo
jodi renée

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avocado on toast = simply delicious

2011-07-07T10:44:00.002-05:00

Must be the weather...head feelin foggy. Then it's to the salty carbs I go!
Here's some healthy fuel for those cravings...
*chunky rustic bread. toasted
*lots O avocado. generously spread
*sea salt. sprinkled
bon appetite! ...xo
jodi renée

shut up. show up. LISTEN {the art of conversation} Yes it's back to the basics

2011-07-06T07:06:00.011-05:00

My time is valuable and YOU are important to me.
So I want to savour my time and focus on what I need to do to get to where I'm going
So that when I'm in front of you, or on the phone. I can give you ...all of me.
Or what's the point?
half ass friendships? and mediocre relationships?
How we do one thing is how we do everything.
And I want to 'show up'
for me.
And then for the people in my life.
I want to give ME all of my focus, time and commitment
so that I can give YOU the same.

Communication and conversation...it's a part of who I am. It's in all of us to want to connect.
I recently finished the book "Fierce Conversations" in which Susan Scott brilliant states:
"The conversation IS the relationship"
How profound...
And sadly...REAL conversation is what most of us are avoiding.
Real communication is about hearing what the other is NOT saying just as much, if not more, than what is being said.
True listening.
Deep.
Raw.
Honest.
Meaningful conversations.
(annnd yea...the ones that change people, often come jam packed with discomfort...) Woo!

You can use the excuse that we live in a technology world and that's life.
You've also just defined what's important to you.
and who's not.
The most valuable and precious thing you can give someone is ...your time
Your focused and attentive...curious and caring TIME.

People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel ~ Maya Angelou

I recently ran with a friend of mine who chatted the whole time...
about...
everyone else.
Not inspiring and uplifting chat either. Toxic gossip.
I felt like I was running live stream with Entertainment Tonight.
On the phone with a friend who replied "oh that sucks" ...however if she was listening, would have replied "that's awesome!"
Or how about the two of you that sit there on your phones all night...texting.
Talking/typing to everyone else and not each other.

When was the last time you truly listened to someone?
Without interruption? Without interjecting your own story?
Without constantly checking your phone?
When was the last time you walked away from a conversation feeling empowered, changed...inspired?
Do you only send birthday wishes on Facebook or do you send a card in the mail?
When life changes are happening to those that mean the most to you -- do you Blackberry message them or actually pick up the phone to say "What goes on in your life is important to me. I'm taking the time to give you the most important thing I have ...my time."

I believe it's so easy to make people feel important.
It's really as simple as giving them ...your time.
You.

A leader, successful business CEO, champion of anything...and a true friend cannot get excellent results by 'half assing'.
Great and successful anything requires ALL OF YOU.

So if you want to have amazing friends, and unbelievably successful relationships.
BE that amazing...
Shut up.
Show up
and LISTEN.
(and once in a while pay homage to Alexander Graham Bell...you know? the phone! And here's another tip...there's a good ROI when you shut your Blackberry off for date night fellas! heeey!)

love ...jodi renée

really...limitations huh? watch this...

2011-06-28T19:10:00.002-05:00

this is probably one of my favourite inspirational videos.
The water always speaking to my soul...
and more so, the unlimited and unbound human that let's nothing get in his way...
Whether it's for someone, something or yourself ...whatever FILLS you needs to be filled.
It is your 'birthright' to go after this with a tenacity and hunger that's unstoppable.
There will be nothing that gets in your way.
Except..for you.

please watch ...and maybe re-think what's really stopping you.
xo

BIRTHRIGHT from Sean Mullens on Vimeo.

Letter to 6th grade me...

2011-06-21T21:34:00.007-05:00

6th grade track and field day.
Imprinted
On my mind
In my heart
...a constant reminder
of when I gave up. When I didn't even 'try'
Petrified of the 'judgment' of everyone else not recognizing that they would never ...EVER matter. That the most painful judgments were the ones I would carry with me - my whole life.
The ones that dictated who I should be, what I should be...comparing myself to everyone else.

I wrote that letter ...because she's back. I can hear the song she sings in my head with the chorus:
You can't do this
You will fail
You don't have what it takes
You don't know what you're doing
...You aren't good enough (this last one's a repeater with strong solo vocals!)
Lovely song ain't it? I wonder if I should pull something together with a synthesizer perhaps, make it down-loadable from Itunes? Throw in a few bongos and we could do a tribal remix?

The closer I get to something so radically fearful 'for me'...
The louder this chorus plays in my head.
Because it knows...
What knows and when did this become the matrix???
The YOU that knows your greatest potential WANTS to be great.
The YOU that you have lived your whole 'trying' to be...perhaps even wanting to be...
Wants to keep you the same mediocre, inauthentic facade that never changes.

More concerned that I was overweight and a very slow runner.
Okay, I sucked.
Trumped me even TRYING...
the irony?
at some point in my 20's ...I just started to run.
It was easy.
Effortless.
Like I'd been doing it all my life.
Sometimes 10k, 3 times a week.
It fills my soul, is a passion and gives me SO much.

I don't want to live in the 'what if's' ...and seriously. WHAT IF?
Leaning INTO the thing that scared me the most ...I could have been a track star? Given myself the confidence it needed at such a critical time (cuz who doesn't need more confidence in grade school...)
There is a reason this thing, whatever it may be, however small it seems to others...
IS big.
For you.
Because there is something so magnificently beautiful on the other side...
A passion perhaps? A new love...
Something that fills you.
Changes you.
Frees you.

So in ode to the fears that are looming and knowing what I didn't know then
I've decided to change the chorus:
You CAN do this
You won't ever 'fail' ...
You have what it takes
You know what you're doing
...You ARE good enough (repeat 10 times and fade out) ...
Let those bongos play.
It's a catchy tune hey?

I believe in you...
love,
jodi xo

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I LOVE ...BluBoho Jewelry

2011-06-16T11:29:00.012-05:00

Is it any wonder WHY I fell in love with both Cheryl and Maggie AND their inspirational, story-telling finds?? The hearts and souls of these two girls make an impression just as magical as the jewelry. The only way to experience what I'm talking about? Make your way into the bountiful, blissful and beautiful ... BluBoho.

Dreaming...
It began when we started admiring each other's jewelry collections. Seeing new bits on each other's wrists, necks and ears every other day. A love that became a conversation around how we could continue collecting...we realized that our absolute favourite designers were the hardest to come by so we felt it was our duty to create a space for beautiful pieces, positive energy and creation. The signs kept coming that we needed to open a storefront - the "perfect" space (the one we wanted and the only one we dreamed of) right downtown Oakville became available just as we started looking. On March 1, 2001 BluBoho opened it's doors, filled with antiques, fresh flowers, love and incredible jewelry. Choosing designers from all around the world who create pieces with impact. They are like-minded, radical, free-spirited and creative. We put them all together because there is a synergy and beauty created in the store and on the body when you mix the amazing energy of these powerful people and their creations.

We want to be the place people come, to mark the occasions in their lives. Birthdays, babies, convocations, epiphanies, love, and sorrows...

Who or what inspires you?
People who live in the moment, stand for greatness, and believe in authenticity

A fulfilled day for you is...
creating memories, laughing, living in the moment, practicing yoga, eating fresh and healthy food...being with people we love

Favourite Quote
She believed she could, so she did

Indulgences...
Chocolate, anything sweet, travel, tea, pedicures, star gazing (the ones in the sky), fresh flowers, candles, music

Fav Reads
Alchemist, Alice in Wonderland, Taschen coffee table books - any and all!

What you wish to leave behind?
...Joy!

What are your favourite pieces in the store right now?
Well that's a tough question! We love every piece - that's why we had to open a store which we sometimes lovingly refer to as our 'walk-in jewelry closet'. If we had to pick - any and every Chan Luu wrap bracelet. They are 32" long, wrapping around the wrist about 5 times or once as a necklace. They come with silver, gold, rose gold, and every semi-precious stone you can imagine. We are loving the pearl right now - gorgeous for summer. Always loving the Good Charma sets of 6 - so you can pass one along on your journey of life, spreading love and good karma.

Where do you see yourself and the business in the future?
We would love to open more stores so we can bring beautiful pieces, incredible energy and a sense of community to more area's. Toronto is on the radar, and we both love Ottawa, Halifax and the West coast.

The moral of their story?
Dreams come true. The universe is magical and WILL open doors for you that need to open

Make sure to drop into the store on Lakeshore in downtown Oakville...
And don't forget to LIKE them on Facebook!
xo
jodi renée

yummy yam + beet chips | recipe

2011-06-07T09:38:00.005-05:00

Yam + Beet Chips

There's no turning back. And really no excuse since this is the simplest and easiest recipe on the planet. Chips and fries beware! Move over potato!
These RAD ROOTS are chalk full of fibre, anti-oxidants and other unbelievable nutrients.
Serve'm up to the kiddies! The natural sugars release while baking making them taste...just like candy!

Pre-heat oven to 400
Prep a cookie sheet with tinfoil (unless non stick)

Peel and slice a bunch of yams and beets - thinly slice both
Toss the sliced yams and beets into a large ziploc bag with one tablespoon of coconut oil (*remember this awesome oil doesn't change even when heated to high temperatures! If you don't have any handy however you can use extra virgin olive oil - just remember to buy oils in the dark glass bottles)
Spread the oiled up yummies onto the cookie sheet and sprinkle with herb of choice (I like to use thyme, basil ...or if you're going for that desert like taste you can use cinnamon!)

Bake and watch...
When they look a little crispy on one side, flip'em over to bronze the back-sides. Usually takes no more than 30 minutes all together and depends on how you sliced them.
Once out of the oven, sprinkle a little sea-salt over ...and Enjoy!
xo
jodi renée

Send me your feedback and comments on my Facebook Fan Page!

breakfast of books...mmmmm feed me

2011-06-02T16:10:00.009-05:00

Food isn't just about nutrition that supports and nourishes the body. The road to great living, leading and being a champion at anything is about 'mental fitness'. Feeding the body optimal foods to clear a path for your best thinking AND, feeding the mind the fuel to stimulate growth and expansion.

Coffee and the morning news? = ANXIETY

A breakfast of body love, mind love? = SUCCESS

Follow the recipe below...
*Bob's Red Mill Organic Kamut Cereal (cooked according to directions on the package. And I'm still practicing the fine art of NOT boiling over these cereals while cooking stove-top) You could also use any of the other grain cereals or just grains (rice, quinoa, buckwheat...etc.)
*Scoop your serving size into a bowl and drown in a 1/2 cup of unsweetened almond milk. No sugar added in this baby and the almonds naturally give off some of their sweet-nass. Let's leave the cow's milk for the baby cows...I think the design was brilliant that way. Ever wonder why so many people are lactose intolerant? I'm sure the cows would be a lot intolerant to our milk too.
Dairy consumption can also be linked to ...allergies, eczema, asthma, arthritis, inflammation, zits and weird rashes!
Anyhoo...back on track here before I get into the really gross stuff and then the segue into jam will be really tough!
*Jam! home-made, organic...sweet JAM! Paying a little homage to my roots with some Partridge Berry jam. Super tart, super yummy. Dollop a little on top of the Pharaoh's sinking Kamut (yes! the grain dates that far back! And once you're recharged on this ancient grain you might be energized enough to build your own pyramid!) Don't say I didn't warn you...
Bon Appetite!

Books. Books. and more Books! It's no secret that I'm a geek still rocking my library card (hello? it's free education people!) Probably more important for me than feeding the body good nutrition is the fuel that I feed my mind.
The start of your day should empower you, inspire you and encourage you. I can't stress the importance of making sure you fuel BOTH your body and your mind as you start your day.

The above book 'cue' is currently what I've read, am reading or about to read. A nice blend of business, self development, spiritual awakening and pure enjoyment.
Crazy, Sexy Diet - FOOD and LIFE BIBLE. Buy a copy and own a copy. Kriss Carr illuminates how to live your crazy, sexy potential by becoming a warrior for your own health, blissful in your own skin with a by-product of awesomeness for the rest of the world.
The Thank you Economy - need I say more? We are uber connected and disconnected at the same time. Businesses have a great opportunity, more so than ever, to speak directly to their people. Life/business is all about 'relationships' and Gary V is a master at using social media to it's fullest to both jump-start or kick-start AND maintain super biz success.
Fierce Conversations - conversation IS the relationship. Enough said. There are always conversations AKA communications that you need to have with others and more importantly yourself to move ahead to the next level, get you out of a rut and remove the barriers from your life. What conversations are you having? OR...what conversations are you not...
The Purpose Driven Life - Wonderful changes begin to happen when you live your life on Purpose. Thanks Rick for the reminder of what's important. Get off auto-pilot folks! Who's life are you living anyways?
The Happiness Project - Happiness is the meaning and purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence. Yes! Are you feelin my theme here? :)
I'm still reading the other three and will write a review for each when I'm done!

What are you currently fueling your body and mind with? and does it clear an abundant life for health, happiness and success?

Let me know if you have any questions, I'd love to help! and did you find my ramblings beneficial? Let me know on my Facebook Fanpage!

here's to health, happy and success!
xo
jodi renée

I love you maui sunset...

2011-05-30T11:45:00.013-05:00

2.
3.
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7.
8.
9.

Can you believe this is all the same sunset!? I don't think there's another place in the world where one sunset changes drastically with each passing minute...more breath taking then the next. Obviously a few of these have my artistic spin on them making them radically different from the others, however for the most part not one frame was like the other while I was shooting.
I need help choosing some art for myself and would love your feedback! I'm an ocean gal at heart and if the closest I can get right now is surrounding myself with the visual ...amen! Which ones are your favourites?
Let me know by leaving me a comment on Facebook! I've left a number on the left 'underneath' the images! thanks!
xo
jodi renée

pass the snorkel

2011-05-30T11:00:00.000-05:00

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2.
3.
4.
5.

7.
8.
9.
10.
11.

I'm literally drowning in my options here (yes I'm biased!) ...I LOVE LOVE so many of these pics that I created while in South Carolina for my birthday.
I need your help again! I have a vision for an idea of a very large 'water' piece (thus the appropriateness of the above pics!) ...I'm probably leaning towards a 30x40 or larger canvas. Looking for serenity, calm, inspiration and expansion. The water always makes me feel unbound...
Which images do you gravitate towards and why?
I'm so appreciative of any feedback you can give! Would love to hear from you on Facebook! I've left a number on the left 'underneath' the image.
Thanks!
xo
jodi renée

earth couture :: simple. natural. high fashion.

2011-05-26T05:44:00.001-05:00

earth couture:
inspiration made of this earth. inspired by earth
all things natural. earth's finest fashion

Hair Styling & Wardrobe |Vince @ Teknik Salon & Spa
Location | Weddings In A Barn
Photos | jodi renée
Model: Amelie P.

Staying creative requires us to keep on top of trends, experimenting all the time, thus creating our 'own' trends. Being artistically successful is birthing a brand that speaks the expression of our own heart and therefore attracts clients of the same. The expression that we speak, in whatever form that might be, is then aligned to move forward into the world...authentically.
Authenticity is not a competitive brand.
It's real.
And pretty damn powerful.
All by it's creative self,
it endures.
Constantly reinventing itself.

It's important to me to align with other creatives, professionals and a community that shares the same beliefs that I do. Standing out just by being authentically themselves.
Relying on inside vision, fueled by passion, and a belief so strongly in what they do...more importantly WHY they do it.
With great ease, creativity then just flows from within.

I am a total lover of the 70's vintage, boho look especially with the organic and Au-natural upgrades. Recycled is the new black - so don't even bother asking where we got this 'one-wear-wunder'. This Couture had multi-use therefore minimal footprint make it a fan fav of our dear sweet 'Earth'.
Sometimes all you have to do is look in the box to find the next fashionable trend (that's a hint for all ye creative curi-osos!) AND in your own backyard.......or up a couple streets and down a few regional roads to your next fairytale 100 acres of farm paradise!
The model and location, paired with the hair and wardrobe = vision accomplished.
Simple, natural, yet high fashion.
xo
jodi renée

What inspires you? and what creation manifests from this inspiration? Remember, we are all artists. Creating comes from a place within where imagination, emotion and passion all express themselves through you.
Form makes no difference.

Leave any comments on my Facebook Fan Page! I would love to hear from you!

Leave the familiar for a while :: inspiration

2011-05-25T11:51:00.018-05:00

I came across this poem by Hafiz and fell...
in love.
Image above was taken in the glorious maui last year...let me know if you want to see more...
I have some gems taken from this magical place. Another love of mine...
xo
jodi renée

All The Hemispheres ...

"Leave the familiar for a while.
Let your senses and bodies stretch out

Like a welcomed season
Onto the meadows and shores and hills.

Open up to the Roof.
Make a new water-mark on your excitement
And love.

Like a blooming night flower,

Bestow your vital fragrance of happiness
And giving
Upon our intimate assembly.

Change rooms in your mind for a day.

All the hemispheres in existence
Lie beside an equator
In your heart.

Greet Yourself
In your thousand other forms
As you mount the hidden tide and travel
Back home.

All the hemispheres in heaven
Are sitting around a fire
Chatting

While stretching themselves together
Into the Great Circle inside of
You."

~Hafiz

simply white :: design inspiration

2011-05-20T09:03:00.006-05:00

White is the blank canvas that draws you in.
to take a closer look.
A frame of white creates a pristine, clean and contemporary gallery ...the perfect backdrop.

I love the minimal feel of the images above. An oversize print in a dining room that peels back to just eat and art. Don't be afraid to make two unique pieces the focal point in a room. They become beautiful just by their large and 'wow' factor - ironically simplicity being their nature.

Wood and white is an absolute fav of mine. White will lean to modern, while the wood keeps everything warm. Be open to the spaces that you would normally overlook. The staircase is a tiny space with an odd wall. We all have a few of these walls, and they are the perfect opportunity to create something with frames, words and images. Let yourself get really creative.

The last image: Organized and Unfinished Beauty.
With room to 'add' or possibly just leave 'unfinished' (notice that one framed image is missing near the end?)
I love this.
Shy away from the norm of completing everything. In it's unfinished-ness I find myself questioning -- and what a beautiful thing to be curious.

What beautiful and curious spaces are you creating?

happy long weekend
jodi renée xo

Why You'll Never be Perfect

2011-05-16T08:38:00.018-05:00

per·fect / lacking nothing essential to the whole; complete of its nature or kind

Ring the bells that still can ring
Forget your perfect offering
There is a crack in everything
That's how the light gets in
~ Leonard Cohen

A circle my friends, is complete. It's whole. Perfect.
On this journey through life so many of us our searching, striving...
We want to be perfect. Or give the illusion that we are, and that everything in our life is.
OR we short change ourselves by the following phrases:
"Nobody's perfect" "we can't all be perfect" "imperfectly perfect"...
hmmm...
Gut punch to the core, knock the wind right outta me.
I've been on that search all my life.
It's a soul battle that comes with many war wounds -- soul wounds.
And until you surrender, you will keep on fighting.
Battling you against the world. Battle of the Self...
Ultimately fighting for ...*you*
Always trying to 'fix' something or fill in the holes...
What if all along we've all been okay? I've been okay?
What if the search for perfect is so fucking uncomfortable because we already are...
perfect.
The dissonance and dis-ease stemming from us against -- that which we already are.
Define perfect. Aren't we all different to begin with? Who's model, definition or idea are we
trying to live up too?
And no wonder it's so damned uncomfortable.
RELISH THAT YOU ARE *YOU*
ONE OF A KIND
PERFECTLY *YOU*

Give up apologizing and the striving...
don't excuse your so-called-flaws or where you are right now in life...

BE RADICALLY AUTHENTICALLY AWESOMELY...
YOU
= PERFECT

You have everything in you right now
to make anything happen in your life
you are perfect...
Mess and chaos are the bits that complete the 'whole' - you need it all.

Perhaps the discomfort is 'the hiding'...or chasing after something that ISN'T YOU
Because you're enough...
just as you are.

be radiantly, unapologetically...PERFECTLY you.
Always.
lots of love.
xo
jodi renée

I would love to hear from you! connect and comment on my Facebook Fan Page!

Bobo Choses {spring/summer} 2011

2011-05-14T09:07:00.010-05:00

Love the creative and indie inspired Bobo Choses all the way from Barcelona.
Once upon a time there was a friendly clothing brand that spoke the language that the children speak...

shane, phuong + dominic | celebration of family

2011-05-11T13:38:00.002-05:00

He's like this little zen being of 'happy'.
hi.
hi.
hi.
This is his mantra while he smiles and stares at you.
In his red shoes.

Today...get excited about everything.
Love,
jodi renée xo

Happy Mothers Day...

2011-05-08T08:45:00.003-05:00

to the mom's...the mom's 'to be'

and the motherly.

Love and gratitude.

jodi renée

Always great to catch up with family you haven't seen for awhile! Phuong, Shane and Dominic...thank YOU! (will post more family pics soon...no offence Shane! This was in Ode to your beautiful wife!)

cottage creations | from shoot to finish

2011-05-05T12:58:00.006-05:00

I'm mildly biased at surrounding your spaces with inspiring things.
And come on! we all like to see ourselves! Every time they pass by this collage in the kitchen, I'm sure the boys are reminded of their summer F-U-N!
The really good memories FEEL you from the bottom of your barefoot toes to the top of your oversmile'n face. And sure...they're wedged, stamped...imprinted on our hearts, in our brains.
And yet, visual inspiration. There's nothing like it.
Kinda why we buy art.
Only me thinks this is a LOT more personal...
Thanks Stella for letting me drop in the other day to finally snap some pics of our amazing creations!
I'm always humbled when I see what love can do and my part in that...
xo
jodi renée

Obviously from summer past. Here you go.
Glimpses of cottage creations. hope you enjoyed.

make your move :: inspiration

2011-05-02T11:33:00.005-05:00

As you're reading this, your life's getting shorter. It's ticking away. I'm not saying this to frighten you. Or even to scare you. Though it may. I'm saying this to awaken you. To inspire you. To rise you out of your deep slumber. To really know you won't live forever. To share your unique gifts. To ignite your great inner strength. To ignite your great inner light. To shine. Brightly shine. To awaken your great inner beauty. To motivate. Yourself and others. To love. To paint. To write. To teach. To innovate. To sing. To dance. To care. To feel. To listen. To learn. To laugh. The clock's ticking. The world needs you...
Make your move ~ Mike Litman

The Bold and The Beetiful | superfood recipe

2011-04-28T08:41:00.000-05:00

These bold beauties pack a powerful punch where health is concerned and we often drive the cart.
Right. On. By.
Might wanna throw the breaks on and reconsider.
Raw beets contain high levels of fibre, the natural sugars, beta-carotene, folic acid, chlorophyll, potassium, vitamin C, and iron...
if that's not enough?
Brain booster
Cancer fighter
Inflammation reducer
Endurance rev'n
Sex drive Super Charger
Supa! antioxidant
They get their beautiful vibrant colour from betacyanin which can increase the oxygen carrying ability of the blood by up to 400%! Ironic that these red bad-asses are so blood nourishing...I think not!
If you're not incorporating these into your diet at least a few times a week, you're truly missing out. Those who can include RAW beets daily...your cells will thank you... :)

RAW beet salad (above)
1 med or (2 small) beets grated
1 large carrot grated
handful of raisins
fresh crumbled walnut
I don't always need any kind of dressing however if you need something perhaps try:
1/2 squeezed lime with 1 tablespoon virgin olive oil
You can add any kind of fresh herb, like parsley or cilantro...
Mix it up and create something that YOUR taste buds like!

xo
jodi renée

(oh and if you start to see red after your visit to the loo, don't be alarmed! Beeturia is common after ingestion!)

easter weekend...

2011-04-26T09:15:00.010-05:00

My niece and nephew are a constant reminder of how easy it is to be happy, free and full of love!
(a lot easier obviously if you're wearing your yellow 'quack' pajamas!) ...and don't let that stop you!
I honestly think they are the happiest babes on the planet...
You can quietly hear Jack repeating everything. He laughs way too hard at anything and if you stare at him long enough, he'll smile.
Natalie is constantly moving her mouth, chewing and sucking on her lips. My favourite - the kiss face (I think she gets that from her aunt) :)
She's magnetic. Her spirit overflowing up and out through her eyes...and her unbelievable smile.

When they get what they need, they give what they have.
And they don't need much.
Love. It's that simple.
Love. Make it fierce.
Love. Give them all you've got.

Hope everyone had a wonderful Easter Weekend!
Here's to the beautiful simplicity that every day gives us...
xo
jodi renée

The Mountain...beauty unfolding :: inspiration

2011-04-19T11:46:00.004-05:00

The Mountain from Terje Sorgjerd on Vimeo.

Time lapse is beautiful for the patience that it gives nature and then the speed at which it allows us to SEE - so much beauty.
We unfortunately may never have the chance to experience...like this.

Life.
Doesn't have to do a whole hell of a lot just to BE beautiful.
It just 'is'.

Taking more time with...everything.
can give us a better appreciation for...life.

and the groovy thing. It's unfolding like this around you...
Every
Day.

xo
jodi renée

Listen to Your Life :: quote

2011-04-18T16:11:00.002-05:00

Real LOVE Story :: Natalie, Dan & Denver's...love & other proverbs

2011-04-15T08:35:00.018-05:00

Pro.verb/ A proverb is a simple and concrete saying popularly known and repeated, which expresses a truth, based on common sense or the practical experience of humanity.

Natalie: Be happy for this moment. This moment is your life!

Dan: Nothing ventured, nothing gained...
I think if you never tested yourself by doing new things or being open to new ideas you don't give yourself an opportunity to grow as a person. Whether it's a relationship, with family or business.

Kismet :: Natalie and I met over ten years ago in high school. It's funny how things work out in life. We went through high school and University just as friends. After University she moved to Toronto and I was living in Calgary. We ended up meeting in Toronto through mutual friends and not long after we were dating. Flights across Canada for 3 years to be with each other and as of the last 6 months, we've been (finally!) living together" ~ dan

Our lives are threaded with the people that we meet and the conversations that we have. This creates the feelings that tie us all together.
I feel it's important to share more than the discovery of the love I see behind a lens. My clients are deeper, richer...soulful people - their stories want to be heard. Because we all have one.
They inspire me...they make me laugh, FEEL...
Love.
I am the luckiest person in the world, that I get to connect not only once with some of these people, but again and again. Natalie has been in my life for years...and her family. I adore and cherish them all.
So I'm thrilled that she's met Dan.
Two perfect people with chaotic worlds, distance merely an obstacle (that wasn't one) ...
Worlds collided.
Hello Kismet...
...thank-you fate.

Dan's right Natalie, you have a spirit that fills the soul of the people you come in contact with. Your heart exudes joy that is infectious.
And Natalie, I'll have to take your word on his 'mean' egg-mcmuffin. I do agree that you've found a man that's not only inspiring but courageous. Believing is music to my dreaming soul, and watching someone take leaps and bounds to make their dreams come true...is the stuff that life is made of.

Dan is the uber visionary and inspiration behind Proverb Shoes...
Which also has a story :)

I love you guys!
xo
jodi renée

snippets of love ...

Jodi, you are amazing to work with! I have forever been a photo lover, grew up appreciating photos, taking photos. After working with you a couple times before this, I was always blown away by the end result. The pictures still looked like everyone, everyone seemed to be having fun. You capture those little moments that cannot be captured by a photographer if the clients have their guards up. You aren't afraid to sit in the dirt (or ask us too either!) to get your unique point of of view ~ natalie

...it was almost like you weren't even there taking pictures. Not to say you were invisible but you made me and Natalie (who don't really like getting our photos taken) comfortable in front of the camera. And on top of that...you made us look like we are extremely good looking! ~ dan

You are a marvel :: snippets of inspiration

2011-04-10T09:07:00.009-05:00

"Each second we live is a new and unique moment of the Universe, a moment that will never be again.
And what do we teach our children?
We teach them that two and two make four and that Paris is the capital of France.
When will we also teach them them what they are?
We should say to each of them: Do you know what you are?
You are a marvel. You are unique.
In all the years that have passed, there has never been a child like you.
Your legs, your arms, your clever fingers, the way you move.
You may become a Shakespeare, a Michelangelo, a Beethoven.
You have the capacity for anything.
Yes, you are a marvel.
And when you grow up, can you then harm another who is, like you, a marvel?
You must work, we must all work.
To make the world worthy of it's children."

~Pablo Picasso

searching for "more"...

2011-04-06T09:47:00.005-05:00

"God give me guts" ~ anon

Make it happen...
Living the life of your dreams...

I remember sitting next to a couple on the plane to Calgary once
Such is my world: meet a stranger in 5 minutes, best friends in 10
How cool is life when you're open?
Anyways...Jodi's boyfriend was a Dr. (ironically this gal had the same name...I have yet to meet and date, marry? a Dr! Scuse me while I add this to my vision board...)
I obviously in 10 minutes had spilled the crazy story of my life that was 2 years ago.....now....ongoing....never-ending...
...and that's the point.
Dr. said: An EKG goes dramatically up....and dramatically down. Life! you're alive.
One straight line?
Uh...you're kinda not living.
Flat line. Dead.
Adios!
So why then, do most of us LIVE the straight and flat line?
Why do we avert in every possible way the up and down, the crazy...never-ending chaos
That is LIVING.

We often get stuck in life...
Feel unfulfilled...
...wanting 'more'
Because.
We are stuck
We're not full...
and there IS SO MUCH more.

It's easy to get caught up in life, and living it out 'just like everyone else'...
The discomfort comes from - YOU'RE NOT LIKE EVERYONE ELSE
I fully believe we have a purpose here.
A heart path...

what are you willing to sacrifice?
to make it happen...
live the life of your dreams...
love the life you're living...
be abundant in love...in life...
full of joy?

Insert dreamer, mad passionate seeker {here} and it becomes a relentless search.
Questioning everything,
digging...everywhere.
Complicated. Heartbreaking. Messy...
Life.

I have sacrificed ALOT ...
hurting people along the way. Never intentionally - but it happens.
YOU know your heart's desire. Even if you don't know.
Feelings, impulses...desires.
Direct you.
Something. Someone. Doesn't feel right.
listen....then tap into the best compass that exists in the centre of your chest

"Let yourself be silently drawn by the stronger pull of what you really love"
~ Rumi

I fully believe that flat-lining is easy...
And to live a radiant and abundant life full of purpose, magic and possibility (and so much laughter you get in trouble by the flight attendant because you and your new best friends are having too much fun on the plane)
is VERY very...challenging. Difficult...
And often times, lonely.
(well, except for my new plane buddies...oh and the trainer that I spoke with for 45 minutes about LIFE with at the gym. And the plethora of amazing conversations last week over dinners...)
Big fat lie! ...challenging life OPENS you to the right people and conversations.
For me anyways - I live for both!
Takes time.
You will get everything you always wanted...

I am nowhere where I thought I'd be
Doing things that I could only dream of.
In a complicated mess AND...
The influx of inspiring people in my life...
The conversations. The laughter. LOVE.
The absolute JOY I feel...
...has made the search for 'more' ...so worth it.
Squeezing the absolute ALL out of life
...why should it be easy?

Who you ARE, your PURPOSE...requires an outlet. Your expression. YOU. If you're too worried about hurting someone despite the discord in your own heart than you're actually trying to control an outcome of BOTH of your true paths...
If you're also trying to keep up in yoga class stretching your tendons beyond their god given capacity JUST because the guy next to you, has the DNA of gumby...
Good luck. Living the Jones's life is probably more fulfilling FOR the Jones's.

When we are expressing, experiencing and evolving ...we are living.
Change happens every second. And we try our damnedest to avoid this and wonder WHY things, life...don't feel so good.
That place of perfection where everything goes smoothly will NEVER offer you the gift that comes with change, craziness and chaos.

Embrace.
surrender...
and open yourself to the so-called imperfection that IS your life right now.
Wherever you are...IS perfect.

"The place where are you right now, God circled on a map for you" ~ Hafiz

much love ...xo
jodi renée

(ps for those of you who DO NOT like my writing. Here's a hint. Don't read it!)
...I am not solely one thing (photographer) ...all of THIS! is my expression. It's me.
you know who I'm talking about - and I still love you :)

a room to dream | nursery and kids rooms

2011-03-23T11:40:00.005-05:00

a few of the picture credits: ohdeedoh

Clean lines, modern, rustic...
Create a world of ideas, inspiration and ...love
The little people,
...are just as influenced, if not 'more' by the what's around them.
Things you collect with them, things they love...
Words that empower, enlighten...
Where they sleep, dream and feel safe.
This is where possibility and imagination brews.
how do you want your children to feel? what beliefs do you want to instill in them?
who do you want them to 'be'?
This is all possible by surrounding them *in* and with these very things, feelings...words...

For all my soon to be momma's, hope this sparked some inspiration...
The dreaming starts before you even close your eyes...
creatively yours,
xo
jodi renée

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Tips on How to Get Lucky ...

2011-03-17T07:23:00.009-05:00

Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity ~ Seneca

I believe that whatever we SEE and create in our minds...we can create in real life.
How could the mind create something that wasn't possible?
You have to meet luck halfway.
Create opportunity.
how?
The more places you go, the more people you connect with...
Asking for business, giving out cards especially when it feels uncomfortable...
People always ask how I end up shooting in such amazing places.
it's networking! it's reaching out...I ASK.
Wherever I go I must know someone that knows someone there! ...and if they don't, no biggie...if they DO...amazing. Good thing I asked :)

My dream has always been to photograph people and places all over the world.
I'm living my dream.
am I lucky?
Perhaps.
And I also do a LOT of preparation.

Ever notice that when you really start thinking about someone they call? ...or you're looking at new cars, one stands out in your search and then that's all you see on the road?
It's not like there's more of those same cars on the road. They've always been there.
It's your awareness that's changed.
They're in your awareness, thus you're bringing into focus what's on the forefront of your desire.
This is pretty huge.
And critical.
In getting...
lucky.

Insert one hell of a visualization addict (that's me) and you've got the first (and maybe the most powerful tool) to getting what you want.
Visual journals. Vision boards. La la la...I may have lost some of you know with those two words and if I have...GOOD LUCK to you. It's proven that so many athletes who go over the event in their mind...again and again, win. They get what they want. They create the feeling and thus generate an experience that they're familiar with. They know it. They've seen it, they've tasted it...they've experienced it.
Again and again the mind will default to a pattern of thinking that keeps you where you are, with what you have. Same people, same places...same things.
The reality that we are here is enough to believe that everything is possible. Moving past the limits of your beliefs is VERY challenging.
If we start with something so simple. And fun!
These visions, journals and boards are the foundation of something that inspires and moves me towards my dreams.
And for me...
They work.

I spent days on the above image that is now my screen saver on my huge desktop.
From places I want to go...to things I want to have, feelings I desire...people I aspire to be like, love I want in my life, family, laughter...and yes. A million dollars. Actually if anyone can find a billion dollar image - please send it to me. Appreciated :)
I am simple.
AND I love beautiful things.
I love quality things.
I appreciate the small things.
And I love luxury.
Am I not allowed to have these things?
OF COURSE I AM.
...we are here to enjoy all of the riches and possibilities of life. It's merely a belief system that is holding any of you back.

it's all there. And maybe there's more. Perhaps I haven't included enough.
The time invested in the searching and actually putting this together generated something within my mind...
Now I see it every day. I love it. It inspires me.
The seeds have been planted.

The rest of the work as mentioned above...
Be open! try new things, meet new people. Extend yourself...
Ask for what you want.
Rejected?
ask again!

My friends will attest to the CRAZY manifestations of my life that I firmly believe are due to the fact that I'm open ...
To life.
it's opportunities...
However it won't come to you...
...you must
go to it.

Good luck! ...xo
jodi renée

I wrote the above journal in 2004 ...of what I wanted to create in my life "If I couldn't fail"...
Avid journal writing junkie...

Above pic is an example of my 'visual journal'...I just rip the crap out of magazines pulling out things that I'm drawn too, things I like...love
It doesn't have to make sense, it just has to generate a feeling.
Then I glue it in a spiral sketch book - and voila! book O inspiration.
And the crazy thing about the "my life" ad for Varenna/Poliform?
....maybe you can tie together the manifestation with the Blog post not too long ago about Shaun Ford Design crrraaaazeeee.
I honestly just loved the design, the simplicity the ad...the tag line.
Now I work with a brilliant designer who USES those products, and designs those spaces.
Lucky?

anyone know a family or couple ...a place to stay in Ireland :)

Up in the Air Part II (more ramblings and my ode to yoga)

2011-03-09T10:18:00.007-06:00

it's taken me awhile to write this post...
Up in the Air Part I. This might just be the sequel. A trend in post beginning with airplanes and the photo above brings me peace. Flying over Vancouver on my way back from Bali last year. Excited to be back in so many ways, the journey I had just gone through - my GOD! ...and who knew the journey that still lay ahead.

Maybe we put TOO much on people...places...things. Maybe it's the experience we're looking for...and that really doesn't require us to go. Anywhere.

"Don't ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive"
~ Howard Thurman

Things that make me come alive, things that make me come alive...hmmm...Well. Yoga. Even though doing yoga at that time created a next day migraine that made an anvil dropping on the head seem like a vacation of bliss. Imagine. Anvil = bliss. And I know that some of you get it. Right? cuz on some level we're all dealing with or masking some sort of lingering pain that keeps us from doing something...anything...everything.
I had been looking up yoga trainings for quite some time. Teach? hmmm...on some level there's a deep rooted belief that I suck at teaching. I can't teach. And it's that exact fear that provokes me to 'go'...flip that coin and there may just be a great teacher in the making. Define 'teach' though. Getting outside of my definition and I've come to realize "I am teaching"...just not the physical practice of yoga. Yet.
Back and forth between researching different trainings. You'd think I was doing a research for a PHD! ...unfortunately it's just one of my 'control issue' things rearing it's beautiful face. Cuz maybe if I know absolutely EVERYTHING without even having experienced ANYTHING I'll be ...what? What the fuck will I be?
Nothing can beat experience.
No prep can ever PREPARE you for the actual doing of it...BEING there.
Trust me. NO PREP.
annnd why I do I know this? I felt that the 100% raw food diet would cure me. Of all my ailments. I was 100% convinced that this was THE ONLY way and that I'd come back rejuvenated, limber, lean and radiant! ....oh man. Was I ever wrong.
And that's not to say that 100% raw food doesn't work. I SO believe in so many of the ideas behind it and you honestly have to choose a path 'that works for you'. So if that's 80/100 raw ratio...50/50 ...
It's a personal thing. You can't expect what works for others to be the miracle for you. TRY and be your own experiment.
Seriously this whole Raw food thing has soooo much more to it. I'll have to write another post on it. Cuz I do implement this into my life - the parts that work for. ME.
Rewind: how did I get to Bali?
it's people.
People lead me to places. In a hell of an adventurous way. Maybe because I trust them, what the world brings to me. People give me that. Faith and trust.
So meeting a girl at a snowboard camp in Whistler ...who introduced me to Raw food AND..."Radiantly Alive Yoga"
Let the research begin! and then the torment of deciding ...should I go, shouldn't I go...go here? go there? wait? Now!? OhmyfreakingGod! Decisions are my uh......the opposite of strength let's just say. Mind you I can buy 3 pairs of jeans and over priced eye cream without even blinking!
woooo....revealing as I'm typing. It's the 'going of places' that I struggle with.
I was thinking about it TOO much. My body was screaming at me...
Life was just getting uncomfortable.
So I booked. Cuz all I wanted was instant change and for me to look and feel better AS SOON AS I RETURNED.
Yep. Notice the lack of patience and understanding for the Self? Big time.
And keep this in the back of your head "the way you do one, is often the way you do everything"...extremist, no patience, go hard or go home? wow...no wonder I have no balance in my life? I'm living one end of the pendulum. WITH EVERYTHING AND EVERYONE IN MY LIFE (feel the stress there - bold caps are less shouting, more pronunciation. Like in slow motion...kinda like THIS) Hilarious fav clip from Old School
Expectations. Hell ya. Bali was going to give me everything I needed. Healing my spine, my migraines, my horrible complexion, lack of sleeping........pain.
Bali was going to heal my life.
oh. And because of all the pain, I no longer thought photography was the path - so it HAD to be yoga teaching.
Wow. Bali are you ready for me?
And you know what happens with expectations? Disappointments. Cuz there's a wanting of something. There's a strong urgency to 'get'. Where can life dance and play...weave it's magic when you already have it all figured out?
ahhh...this is what they mean by 'surrender'
I'd heard this enough in the last two years...you'd think I'd understand.
Experience.
You need the experience.
All of your expectations to come short. To be disappointed.
You need to fail and fuck up. TO BE WRONG.
Fail again....
and again and again.
Turn around. Apologize to the world, to YOURSELF.
Forgive you.
Fall flat on your face.
You need to give up knowing or 'wanting' to know anything...and everything.
In the NOT knowing? Possibility. Opportunity. Magic and soooo much freedom.
To just be. YOU. And this wonderful, amazing moment.
Because really. That's all that's required of you.
In this life.
Right now.

"You must give up the life you planned in order to have the life that is waiting for you"
~ Joseph Campbell

There are so many pockets of amazing experience I'm leaving out and maybe for a reason...maybe I'll get to writing them or maybe they'll stay cherished for 'me'.
However, if I could reach deep into the souls of the people who are still reading this post ...(thank YOU if you're still hanging in!) ...I would pull you up and out of your SHIT.
We can never SEE clearly and stuff will always be in the way, as long as we allow it to be. Our stories, the things that hold us back. Life in it's plethora of distractions tied with our own expectations can only lead us on a crazy circular journey that seems worse than a merry-go-round ...and the guy that pushes the button to stop the ride has gone home for the day.
I have realized that I can constantly LOOK for ways to heal me, to 'fix' me.
And until I tap into the part of me that's absolutely PERFECT. Nothing externally is going to fix what needs to be healed inside first.
It's not that we need to be more of anything...
Life throws you signs of pain and discomfort to say "hey! you're off balance"
Re-align.
Be still.
Listen.
Re-evaluate what it is you want. And why? Ask yourself questions. Do the work ON YOU!
You have all the answers.

You want to know what the most powerful snippet of info I took from 30 days of an intense yoga training?
Be calm on the inside.
Your breath is the biggest indicator of 'where you are'...
and it'll take you back to where you need to go.
But you have to listen, check in and be still.
Often what you think you need, is exactly what you do not.
It's time to get out of the 'thinking' of everything and into the FEELINGS.
This is yoga. This is life.

Do you really care if you're uber flexible? what is doing the splits really going to give you?
Flexibility of the mind however...
Gives you so much more.
Comparing in the studio on your mat.
Comparing to where you are in your life or job...
The only thing that matters is what FEELS RIGHT for you.
This is your life.
how high someone can pull their leg over their head or where they're at successfully in their job takes away from YOUR MOMENT. And this is the only thing that's going to move you forward. Tune in.
To you.
I'm beginning to recognize change..
And that it happens on it's own time,
and with patience. A lot of love and full on gratitude.
I can always get myself into a place of anxiety and THINKING that I need to be somewhere else or doing this, having that.
Putting myself out of this incredible moment.
Right here. Right now.
When you stop to think of what you have.
Full on gratitude.
Rocks.
And this is why people of the world who are faarrrr worse off than we are...are happy.
Because...
They're grateful. Just to be alive.
That's enough.
They don't need anything but the magnificent freedom that is their spirit.
Heavenly huh?

Start from where you are...
Even if it's not where you want to be.
Starting is somewhere that leads to that place.
And be open to the path less traveled.
We never EVER want the things, or the place...or the person.
It's the FEELING when we have those things, get to that place or find that person.
Feelings are our fuel and guess what?
We can create those from right where we're standing.

So it's gorgeous! and I'm all FOR travel and the experience it brings you, the people you come across and the amazing pictures!!! ...however it's not for everyone. It might not be possible for everyone.
You don't have to travel across the world to get the snippet of life changing 'be calm on the inside' that I did...
Maybe you just have to know me and be reading my long winded Blog!

...OR maybe just slow the FUCK down. In a world of fast paced, no-one-can-even-let-you-in-the-next-lane-because-they-need-to-get-to-the-up-coming-red-light-faster-than-you! whew....
We are all in a rush. Slooooow down.
So tapping in by tapping out (yes that means facebook and blackberry!) ...is an adventure in itself. Because there's more to getting somewhere and always having to connect with everything and everyone but yourself.
You're a lot more than you give yourself credit for.
Make yourself THAT important.
Often that's all you need.
I am grateful if ONE of you has read this whole post and made it to the end here...
Honestly. I could write forever on Bali and the expectations that fell short only to FAR EXCEED my expectations as life unfolded over the past few months up until today...

There will be so many more posts around pockets of this journey and new ones to come! I'd SO appreciate it if you do enjoy my writing that you let me know by writing comments on my Facebook Fanpage! ....
...thanks for being here...xo
jodi renée

"Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for" ~ Epicurus

Shaun Ford Design and Poliform | Calgary Alberta

2011-03-07T09:29:00.000-06:00

The meaning of quality...as a basic part of every day life.
The Poliform collection is the result of long-term commitment to give the general public the greatest possible choice in the creation of a personal habitat.
Not to mention the style and products are GORGEOUS!
I gravitate towards the nature of style that makes it way into most of Poliform's designs. Rustic, earthy, real, natural...This may be one of the coziest rooms I've ever laid eyes on. So many different textures for tactile sensory seduction. And make note of the boxy framing over the sofa - LOVE.
The above photo/kitchen is a favourite of mine and has a story of synchronicity behind it (which I'll leave for another post) ..Notice that there isn't much separation (if any at all) between the outside and inside space. The home then truly becomes a blend of nature...
And nature gives us everything we need -- teaches us so much about style, living...life.

Spectacular view is not distracted, only enhanced by the quality finishes and clean lines here. I can't get enough of white and the contrast of dark wood...
Even with it's super modern and contemporary designs the warmth is still there!
Spacious and clean design. I think it's important to create 'space'...this is where movement and inspiration flow.

Poliform is one of the most influential and significant presences within the Italian furniture sector. Their mission statement can be summarized: to interpret solutions for the entire home, from libraries to wardrobes, from beds to complements; we offer a contemporary, timeless aesthetic, and craftsmanship accessible to a large segment of the public.

It's no surprise that my good friend Shaun is tapped into the incredible design and styles of Poliform (click on the logo above to go directly to his site).
He stands behind custom and authentic design.
He's creating beautifully designed, one of kind, inspirational homes and spaces.
Style in a home is about as personal as you can get.
Your environment will either distract you or inspire you. If it's functional it's efficient, if it's inspiring it'll move you in the direction of you and your families dreams.
If you feel good in this space and never wanna leave ...then it's 'home'
xo
jodi renée