From July's "Delight" to August's "Connection" Theme...

Hello Friends,

First off, I need to say that while it was time for a short break, I missed you last week!
I hope this message finds you well. I'll be in touch soon with a new schedule for webinars and some new tools to try out together in the weeks ahead.

For now, I thought I'd check in with our monthly themes - take stock of July's Delight and move forward with Connection in August!

 

DELIGHT

I spent quite a bit of time in July reflecting on our theme of Delight. With the pandemic "mood" weighing on me, it seemed important to make an effort to lighten up.

 

If I had to describe THE moment of delight that stood out for me during this break, it came about this way:

I've been walking Harley a lot (if you follow my instagram or facebook posts, you'll know that Harley is a rescue mutt I adopted 2 months ago 💖) Frequent short walks were needed so he could build up his strength after getting a leg amputated. And for me, they've been a welcome break from the computer and time to stretch.

It was a hot July in Winnipeg, and a day last week was particularly steamy as we set out for our walk around the block. Then, as I stumbled round the corner, feeling I might melt into the concrete, we hit a part where the elm and oak trees touch each other to provide a canopy along the sidewalk. The coolness hit me with such relief... and the purest delight! Every cell responded to that respite from noon's harsh sun! I felt my heart lift as Harley and I strolled down the way...

From that moment on, I've felt more aware of my environment. I can't remember the last time I stayed put in the summer (decades?!) and was able to notice nature's growth, one day at a time.

I expected to get healthier thanks to Harley's walks. But I had no idea how much I'd enjoy noticing flowers bloom and squirrels run about, hearing the crickets, smelling the cut grass... We'll see if I feel the same in January when it's 40 below! But for now, I can say that July's theme has served me well. I hope that you've experienced moments of delight as well! I'd love to hear them if you have!


 

CONNECTION

Another thing I didn't expect about walking Harley was meeting so many neighbours. This weekend, a stranger shouted out hello from a neighbour's stoop. I stopped for a second and she explained she was visiting her parents. "So this is Harley" she said, and then went on to tell me how they'd been sharing his journey from a sick and starving pup to a happy, goofy one.

During our webinars, especially when some of us were in quarantine, we talked about the loneliness that's come with this pandemic season. We missed the shows and the traveling with artists, meeting new people and catching up with old friends. I hadn't really appreciated to what extent I needed connection. We need it. All of us.

So this month, let's explore what Connection means and how we experience it - especially with physical distancing. Can a short conversation with a kindred spirit met on a walk fill the need? How can a zoom get-together sub in for a dinner party? And what about live-streaming and online interaction with fans? What are the factors that make some of them so fulfilling to listen to while others seem to highlight the distance between artist and audience? Finally, as we follow protests and cries for social change, how do we strengthen the very bonds that connect us to our communities and society as a whole? Especially for those of us who are still relatively homebound?...

I'll leave you with these questions for now, and look forward to exploring the answers together!

Have a great week!
xo Nat