It was a bit nerve wracking to share my reality rain cheque idea. It's very much a 'for me' thing, that doesn't need to be "out there." But as I recently reflected on the blog, I'm glad to have written stories down... And I plan to make the next couple weeks worth writing about.
The first weekend brought two very different days. Saturday was adventure filled! I was on the go all day, venturing to new places, seeing new things and making the most of my new found freedom. Sunday was a different pace. I started off slow, relaxed my way in to some projects and stayed home nearly all day. Both days did my soul good.
After brainstorming my list on Friday, I came across Wordfest when I googled things to do in Calgary this weekend. The website describes the festival as an event that "sparks lively, illuminating and meaningful conversations between Calgary’s readers and the world’s most engaging writers." I was intrigued. Upon looking at the schedule, I found an event called "Gals & Good Times" on Saturday morning. It featured 5 diverse female writers coming together to share their work and the experiences, love and laughter that influence their passion for writing. It seemed like the perfect event to kick off my adventure with some inspiration!
I still questioned it though... Wondering if I really wanted to get up early my first day, wondering if it was out of my comfort zone, wondering should I go if I don't know the people presenting... All these silly worries, that ultimately were trumped by the "just do it" (that did not disappoint.)
The thing that was most brave about this for me, is that it's not an event everyone would choose. I chose it all for me. And that, THAT is the point of Reality Rain Cheque. Intentional choices.
So I set an alarm when I could have slept in. Woke up, got ready and hurried to the train, to avoid downtown parking. It's a good thing they tell you the event starts at 9:30 so you can be there for the real thing that actually starts at 10. Because of course I got there at 9:30 on the dot! That gave me time to grab a coffee and croissant as part of the reception included with the ticket. It was exciting to look around and see such a diverse crowd of women. Most with friends, and here I was all alone, but kind of okay with it. In fact, when it was time to enter the theatre, I waited and sought out a single seat. I ended up sitting next to another lady there by herself. She was visiting from Ottawa, as a funder of the event. It gave me the opportunity to chit chat and excitedly spill my enthusiasm for day one of my staycation and how pumped I was to be at an event out of the norm for myself.
It was as if the panel couldn't be bad. I was just too hopped up on being in this cool venue, having this cool moment, that whatever was about to happen, I would be happy. But the event turned out to be wonderful. I listened, I laughed, I held back tears because if I hadn't I probably would have turned in to an ugly cry puddle on the floor with all the emotions running through me that day.
It was so interesting to be able to relate to all of these very different women and very different stories. Their ages, backgrounds, and styles (from children's books, to memoirs, to fiction) were unique. But all of their stories engaged me. During the question period at the end, an audience member asked the writers' opinions on how they related, despite their differences, as it had been alluded to during the panel introduction. This tied it all together for me and gave words to what I had observed. It was their willingness to share and their vulnerability that connected them. Their belief in their stories and courage to write them. And that hit home for me. That's what I'm doing with Reality Rain Cheque.
Really glad I chose this event.
I headed home for lunch, had a nap (!) and awoke ready for more. The sun was shining, and after recent snowfalls in our city, I didn't want to miss out on any chance to enjoy some Fall outdoorsy time. I packed up the pups in a car seat-less (!!) backseat and drove to Bowness Park. It's a good distance from me and I had never been before, but have wanted to go for some time. The riverfront trails did not disappoint. What a beautiful place especially with all the falling leaves. It was nice to explore with just me and the dogs.
I'm glad I went there, too.
I had a craving for spicy food when we left, so I ordered Indian for supper. I got extra for leftovers to put off grocery shopping a little longer... After eating I turned on Happy. A documentary, available on Netflix, from a few years back that a friend recommended. I don't watch much TV these days. So it was the perfect, relaxing ending to a busy ("happy") day :)
Definitely recommend it, for some thought provoking and happiness inspiration!
I was tired today. I took my time getting out of bed and enjoyed a slow morning. There's something so satisfying about taking your time to eat breakfast without rushing. Podcast playing in the background, chalk doodling and sipping tea. I'll take it.
Next up: yoga (at home.) I needed a stretch after my walk in the park with the dogs and run the day before that.
It gave me the motivation to get to work on some things I had wanted to do around the house to set up for my dayhome. I have my final approval safety check and policy signing on Tuesday! Which means "work" is also part of my Reality Rain Cheque. Although lucky for me, it's the beginnings of work I enjoy and it was fun to finally complete a few DIYs today. More pictures to come soon but here's a little peek at the magic I added to our upstairs play space, reading corner couch :)
Next up: yoga (at home.) I needed a stretch after my walk in the park with the dogs and run the day before that.
It gave me the motivation to get to work on some things I had wanted to do around the house to set up for my dayhome. I have my final approval safety check and policy signing on Tuesday! Which means "work" is also part of my Reality Rain Cheque. Although lucky for me, it's the beginnings of work I enjoy and it was fun to finally complete a few DIYs today. More pictures to come soon but here's a little peek at the magic I added to our upstairs play space, reading corner couch :)
Feel like I could cozy up in there now for bedtime. So, on that note, I'm going to get my reading time in for today and catch some ZZZs. Not much else happened today anyway, besides walking the fur babes and eating more Indian food.
Planning to type up my list soon and share more day to day as the adventure unfolds. Stay tuned and thanks for reading XO