El Salvador: Views from El Tunco

frothy white waters curl and crash toward the shore their violent curves glisten and shine, revealing pale shades of glassy greens, jade and turquoise local ladies wade ankle deep amongst the quarry, in search of treasures left behind or washed ashore an old man stands proudly atop a portly boulder, its rounded edges contrast starkly…

Pura Vida: 360 Degrees of Wonder

Defy your self-imposed boundaries. Transform your perspective. Uncover another layer and discover unexplored pieces of the person you’ve always been. Open your heart to realize more beauty, laugh abundantly along the way and appreciate 360 degrees of wonder. ~ The bends and curves of the road are tortuous on this early morning journey from the…

Pura Vida: Canopy Adventure

Heart slowly creeping up my throat. Palpitations ringing, pulsating rhythmically. Step by step we file up the path towards the sparse oak staircase. It’s daunting and my legs could give way with the next step. Breathing deep, both hands grasp the rail. With each stride, the heart beats with more excitement and less trepidation. Reaching…

Awakening: Pura Vida Retreat & Spa

Show me your passion and let your heart speak to the world. Vulnerable. Exposed. Apprehensive. There are moments, sometimes brief, where our fears recede and boundaries fade. Inspired. Open. Secure. Like a single ray of sunlight peeking through the darkness. Kick that bitch wide open and let the light shine in. ~ There is magic…

Lost in the Right Direction: Pura Vida Retreat & Spa

The bright lights of San Jose twinkle in the valley below. Amber yellows, pale blues and stark whites illuminate the mountainside; as dense clouds hover above. An early start to the day ends with an early evening retreat to my pillow. The hum of scooters, the crackle of a motorcycle and lively crickets play their…

Leap of Faith

Where does the soul want to go? What does the heart want to see? Breaking free from the secure the colours are vivid, vibrant, true. Limits are borderless. Fears are engulfed. Senses flooded. Pathways shaken. Muscles strengthened. Soul enlightened. Heart awakened. ~jazmine

It Takes a Village: The Corsage Project – Boutique Ball

Originally posted on emilia's gift:
The air is abuzz in The Bram & Bluma Appel Salon. It’s a beautifully sunny spring morning in Toronto, and a sea of hundreds of volunteers chicly dressed in black has congregated in the Reference Library’s second floor venue. The turnout is overwhelming. Today is The Corsage Project’s signature…

♦ La Tavola Marche Finale: Until Next Time….

The weather this early Saturday morning is cool & damp. Not unlike my mood, as its the last full day of the Forage, Slaughter & Butchery course at La Tavola Marche Agriturismo & Cooking School. I awoke with a heavy heart this morning, yet was eager to get the day started. You know the feeling….

♦ La Tavola Marche Part 6: A Beautiful Life

There are certain images that reside in our memories, that define an experience. They etch themselves deep into our hearts and speak to us long after they have passed. ~ This early Friday morning is sunny and bright. It’s day four of the Forage, Slaughter & Butchery program at La Tavola Marche Agriturismo & Cooking…

♦ La Tavola Marche Part 5: Essence of a Culture

We are at our truest and most authentic selves when we show passion and great intensity. Through this spirit, we can capture the essence of a culture. ~ I sit alone at the old wooden dining table. Plating my breakfast of orange scented breakfast rolls, slices of melon, kiwi & strong coffee as I watch the steady drizzle outside…

♦ La Tavola Marche Part 4: Simple Pleasures

The best memories are often unplanned moments.  Those instances, however brief, that you didn’t need to strive for. Priceless occasions. Life’s simple pleasures. Watching the sun set slowly on a warm summer evening. Sleeping in on a rainy Sunday morning. A great cup of coffee. Any time. On any day of the week. ~ Its…

♦ La Tavola Marche Part 3: Those Who Seek Beauty, Will Find It

    The sun is shining brightly this late October morning. The skies painted the palest blue and the clouds brushed so thin they seem to blend into one. Today is the first day of the Forage, Slaughter & Butchery course at La Tavola Marche Agriturismo & Cooking School. Who goes on vacation in Italy to…