Hello Everyone:

I am sitting on a patio at The Crow’s Nest in Digby, Nova Scotia looking out at the bay watching the tide come back in, while having a giant bowl of seafood chowder and a black raspberry milkshake. Seafood chowder because, after all, I am in Canada’s ocean playground and Digby is famous for its scallops‎. The milkshake because I tried to order one at LaGuardia airport a couple of weeks ago and the machine was broken. At which point my flight home to Toronto was delayed by over four hours, so since I couldn’t get a milkshake, I ordered a Balvenie – neat (single malt scotch – no ice). It was almost 8:30 pm. The man sitting next to me at the bar said it was the funniest thing he had ever heard. “Hmmm, no milkshake – OK…..a Balvenie then”. So random! LOL. One of my friends compared it to ordering fois gras after being told there was no kale salad!

‎It’s been hectic but there have been wonderful times in the past month. I’ve practically been celebrating my 45th birthday since June 14th. That was the evening of the President’s Ball at The National Club. Many warriors were in attendance and it was an incredibly fun event as evident by the photos.

Another fantastic moment was on June 20th when I was officially voted in for a second consecutive one year term as President of The National Club. This hasn’t happened in 80 years and I am the first female to do so. A small damper on this day was not being able to share it with my mother who would have been super proud. A little sad and I tear up a bit thinking about it. At least my dad will still come to the Club and have lunch with me – – as he put it, “Only if you’re still the President”. Funny guy.

A whirlwind weekend in New York City with old and new friends. Living in and for the moment. Playing golf in the extreme heat in Kitchener just to catch up and hang out with another warrior. Then a little R&R with some warriors out east (Nova Scotia). It’s been good times full of love, friendship and lots of laughter – – and a little knitting. I started a new project. To knit a hoodie. Let’s see how it turns out – stay tuned!

I was recently described as “killer” by a fellow National Club member. It was his one word to sum up many adjectives to describe me – like stylish, fierce, bold, beautiful, confident, smart, aggressive (which perhaps coming from a man is a compliment?!) etc….WOWZA.

We recently lost a dear friend whose life was taken tragically and quickly by cancer. 12 days. And another who was a wonderful and long time staff at The National Club who always greeted me with a warm smile. Less than a month. Damn Cancer! This is the stuff that rattles me.

So I just want to have a good balance – in life and work. To be able to focus my energy on the people that matter to me – to be there for those I cherish and love. Through the good & bad times, through thick and thin, and for all the happy and sad moments. To live my life in the artistry of my creativeness. In life – we always need to navigate through issues which at times are not our own but due to another’s issues – you can be drawn into drama that you just don’t need. An unnecessary waste and use of precious energy. That kind of negativity – I have no room in my life for. I am always trying to let things go and avoid undue negative vibes, if I can help it. It’s hard sometimes, but I am working on it and getting a little better.
#Not for me.

So I need to be courageous in my choices and love all that I do.
Keeping you all close to my heart.

Winnie, the Warrior xo