Swell Thoughts – Two Wild Tides

#BlackLivesMatter

June 23, 2020 | Leave a Comment

We want to make it abundantly clear that we stand in solidarity with the global outcry against anti-Black racism, police brutality and white supremacy. We hear the voices of Black People, Indigenous People and People of Colour who show us that our work is far from over.

We recognize that we live with an extreme amount of privilege. We are committed to continuing listening, unlearning, re-educating, reflecting, supporting and amplifying the Black Lives Matter Movement. We live in Canada, on Turtle Island and it happens here too – this is not solely a USA issue. Our institutions are not exempt from systemic racism. As we’ve seen in many articles; “our institutions are not broken they were built that way.” We have to do better. We are committed to more than a statement, we want to consciously leave this world better than we found it.

If you are quick to jump to the side of the oppressors and defend them – ask yourself why? If you’re a white person who is struggling with this movement, we urge you to continue to educate yourselves from reputable sources. If you’re already on board keep going! Allyship is a lifelong journey, you don’t arrive as an Ally – it requires that you continuously show up. If you don’t know where to get started: read, watch, listen without interruption, donate, sign petitions, show up at protests and write to your representatives. Remember, it is NOT the job of People of Colour to educate you, there are plenty of resources on the internet, at the library, on your phone. Find them. Take the initiative. This work is not meant to be comfortable, it will be hard and you will experience a wide range of emotions but it is crucial. It is not enough to say “I’m not racist”, we must be ANTI-RACIST. This is the biggest Civil Rights Movement of our lifetime, this is history in the making – are you going to be part of the solution?

We need to keep this conversation centered on the voices of Black People, Indigenous People and People of Colour.

Click here for a list of places to donate in NS and Canada.

Click here for a list of Black owned restaurants to support in Halifax/Kjipuktuk.

Here are several NL-based organizations that support Black and Indigenous peoples: Indigenous Activist Collective, Black Lives Matter NL, Association for New Canadians, and Anti-Racism Coalition NL.

Click here for a list of Black-owned businesses in NL.

Below we’ve created a list of resources to help you begin to unlearn, reflect and re-educate. By no means is this list exhaustive, but it is a starting point.

Watch Now on Netflix Canada:

13th
When They See Us
There’s Something in the Water
Seven Seconds
The Innocence Files
Time: The Kalief Browder Story
Becoming
American Son
Homecoming: A Film by Beyonce
Murder to Mercy: The Cyntoia Brown Story
Explained: The Racial Wealth Gap
Hello, Privilege. It’s Me, Chelsea.

Other Important Things to Watch:

Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man with Emmanuel Acho (on Youtube)
The Daily Show with Trevor Noah (on Youtube)
Just Mercy
The Hate U Give
Selma
Whose Streets?
Black Cop (**NS Director Cory Bowles)
Rest in Power: The Trayvon Martin Story
Get Out

Books to Read:

White Fragility: Why It’s so Hard for White People to Talk About Racism by Robin DeAngelo
The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness by Michelle Alexander
Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People about Race by Reni Eddo-Lodge
So You Want to Talk About Race by Iljemo Oluo
They Can’t Kill Us All by Wesley Lowery
Born a Crime by Trevor Noah
Your Silence Will Not Protect You by Audre Lorde
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
How to Be an Anti-Racist by Ibram X. Kendi
Me and White Supremacy by Layla Saad
I’m Still Here Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness by Austin Channing Brown

Books for Kids (because it is NEVER too young to start having conversations about Race & Racism):

Africville by Shauntay Grant (NS Author**)
AntiRacist Baby by Ibram X. Kendi
A is for Activist by Innosanto Nagara
Let’s Talk About Race by Julius Lester
When We Were Alone by David A. Robertson
The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi
The Colors of Us by Karen Katz
Viola Desmond Won’t Be Budged by Jody Nyasha Warner
Don’t Touch My Hair by Sharee Miller
The Proudest Blue: A Story of Hijab and Family by Ibtihaj Muhammad
Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry
Welcome to the Party by Gabrielle Union
We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom
Fatty Legs by Margaret-Olemaun Pokiak-Fenton
The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson
Sulwe by Lupita Nyong’o
I Am Not a Number by Jenny Kay Dupuis
Count Me In by Varsha Bajaj

Listen to these Podcasts:

Unlocking Us with Brene Brown: Brene with Ibram X. Kendi How to Be an Antiracist (Released June 3, 2020)
Unlocking Us with Brene Brown: Brene with Austin Channing Brown on I’m Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness (Released June 10, 2020)
Unlocking Us with Brene Brown: Brene with Laverne Cox on Transgender Representation, Advocacy + The Power to Love (Released June 17, 2020)
How Men Think with Brooks Laich & Gavin DeGraw: Two Men Taking (Release June 8, 2020)
Sickboy: Black Lives Matter (Released June 8, 2020 **NS Based Podcast)
The Secret Life of Canada – All Episodes
Sandy & Nora Talk Politics – All Episodes
1619 – All Episodes
Code Switch – All Episodes
Black Lives Matter Presents: What Matters – All Episodes

Love & solidarity,

char & linds

Thinking of You, NYC

April 16, 2020 | Leave a Comment

In December, while on our short hiatus from blogging, I went to New York City with my family. It was my first time in the Big Apple and I could hardly wait. We flew into LaGuardia airport, took a taxi into Manhattan, and stayed at the Edison Hotel, which is steps away from Times Square and the Theatre District.

The food in NYC was incredible. In the lobby of our hotel was a bustling diner called Friedman’s. We ate there daily. We also enjoyed authentic Italian dining at Carmine’s, yummy late-night dinner at Bond 45, and a fun, classic brunch at Ellen’s Stardust Diner. But by far, my favourite dining experience was The View. This revolving restaurant is on the 48^th floor of the Marriott Marquis and offers a 360-degree view of the epic NYC skyline. To get there, you have to take an elevator that looks and feels like a ride at Universal Studios. The food was phenomenal and the view was even better (hence the name). We spotted the Chrysler Building, the Empire State Building, the NY Times building, and more historic features of the world-famous skyline. We could also see into some hotel rooms… Friends fans, brace yourselves—I saw an ‘Ugly Naked Guy’ in NYC!! (I couldn’t tell whether he was actually ugly. He probably wasn’t. But he was naked, and he was dancing.)

We spent most of our days strolling the streets or taking advantage of hop-on-hop-off tour buses; spotting iconic buildings and storefronts from history books and our favorite movies and television shows. We explored Fifth Avenue, Rockefeller Plaza, Chelsea Market, and Times Square. We walked through Central Park at sunset. We went to the Top of the Rock and soaked in more incredible panoramic views of the city. We cruised along the Hudson River at sunset where we got another perspective of the skyline, saw the Statue of Liberty (and learned her powerful feminist backstory), and glimpsed the Brooklyn Bridge. We marvelled at the giant Rockefeller Centre Christmas Tree and sipped hot chocolate while a light snow fell. It was magical.

One morning, while grabbing a coffee at Friedman’s before heading out for that day’s adventure, I saw a new copy of the New York Times on the counter. The headline: ‘Trump Impeached’. I felt like I was part of history as it was being made. That day, we went to the Museum of Natural History. We soaked in so much information and saw some fascinating exhibits—but I will admit that I was a little disappointed that it looked nothing inside like it does in Night at the Museum or Friends. That evening, we saw Rock of Ages off-broadway. I laughed until I cried.

The highlight of my trip, however, was seeing Come From Away on Broadway. I am a proud Newfoundlander who grew up hearing about the tragic events of 9/11 and how the small communities surrounding my own opened their homes and hearts to stranded travellers. To sit in the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre and watch a breath-taking, heart-wrenching, soul-warming performance in the city where the tragedy happened… well, it was really humbling. I felt a connection to NYC and New Yorkers.

Since COVID-19 reached pandemic status and started wreaking havoc on NYC, I’ve felt strong feelings that I never expected to feel. There is a line in the musical: “you’ve found your heart, and left a part of you behind.” There is a part of my heart that remained in New York. I wish there was something I could do to end the suffering, relieve the overwhelmed healthcare system, and revive the beautiful city that I was introduced to just four months ago. I wish there was a way Newfoundlanders could again open our hearts and homes to New Yorkers, just like we did in September 2001.

Please, if you can, donate to charities (anywhere in the world) that are working to fight COVID-19, support vulnerable people through this terrible time, or support essential workers. Please, please, obey physical distancing recommendations and follow the rules your government has put in place. Please, please, please, show kindness to your neighbours and check in on your loved ones. Be safe, stay healthy.

Sending my love and all the swell thoughts to NYC and all of you,

char

Where Was Linds?

April 10, 2020 | Leave a Comment

What a wild rollercoaster ride this last year has been! Char and I have both been so busy with school and enjoying the little things as much as possible. This led to a break from twowildtides that we both felt we needed. We were both being pulled in so many different directions that we needed to take a step back. But here I am with an update on life and the future of twowildtides.

Life has taken so many twists and turns this past year especially for my path. I have kept my current journey relatively quiet and off of social media this past year. However, I moved to Ottawa to pursue my Bachelor of Education in the Junior/Intermediate Division which is Grade 4-10. Going back to school was a difficult decision that I toyed with for many months. However, sometimes you just have to take the plunge and go for it! I did. First and foremost I will always be an Actor but I’ve always enjoyed working with children and sharing my passion for the Arts + Athletics. I’m not sure where my career will take me but what I can tell you is that I love Theatre, I love telling stories, I love creating, I love acting and I love to teach. I feel the most myself, the most free, barefoot in a room of other artists – creating. My dream career will allow me to do all of those things simultaneously. That’s not too much to ask, right? (haha).

I moved into my shoebox sized, overpriced, questionably located apartment in Gatineau this past September. I made it my temporary home and it did have a cozy charm. I embarked on this new journey determined to incorporate the Arts in my teaching and work toward creating cross curricular lessons. Thankfully, I had the best placement in the entire world. I feel like I hit the jackpot with an incredible, diverse group of grade 4 students and an amazing Associate Teacher. Immediately, I was comfortable in this classroom, in this Middle School. My Associate Teacher taught me so much in such a short amount of time, helped me grow, gain confidence and gave me a lot of freedom.

I had an incredible highlight in November when I found out that my first play had been selected as a finalist to be workshopped in New Brunswick. A quick flight followed by a whirlwind weekend turned out to be a fabulous experience. My first play Tangent was workshopped and discussed. I heard my characters come to life for the first time. It was an incredible and terrifying opportunity. When your work is read aloud by other artists you really hear what’s working and what is definitely not. This weekend came at a time where I was feeling creatively disconnected and it was exactly what I needed. My play is still developing and changing. I submitted it to this workshopping opportunity on a whim and was thrilled to have been selected. Moral of the story: always apply, always send in your work even if you don’t have the qualifications and even if you think it’s sh*t. Chances are it’s a lot better than you think it is and anything you’re passionate about is worth a shot! After less than 48 hours in Saint John, NB it was back to Ottawa!

Throughout the Fall I had the opportunity to spend every Wednesday in the classroom. I felt ready and eager going into my December practicum. The first week went smoothly with many lesson learned and small victories. This practicum taught me so much about appreciating the small things, the little wins (that are actually HUGE) and finding the positives in every day. The Sunday before week #2 while at a matinee movie, my stomach started killing me. I tried to brush it off and thought it must just be one of my Chronic Illnesses acting up. I’m so accustomed to being in pain that it wasn’t a new symptom. By the time we got home, I was keeled over unable to move all afternoon. I literally needed help to walk but I kept brushing it off as Chronic Illness pain. My boyfriend repeatedly asked if we needed to go to the hospital. I insisted that I was fine. As I was curled up in bed that night, I looked at him and said watch it be my appendix. We both laughed thinking that was absurd. Nathan had to get up around 4:30am to drive to work. When he woke up in the morning – he asked again if I needed to be dropped off at the hospital. I said no. I didn’t sleep a wink. It hurt to roll over. Two hours after he left, I hobbled down to the car and drove myself to the hospital. I swear I’m the most stubborn person in the world.

Once I arrived at the hospital, I spent most of the day in the ER being called in and out. I had so many different tests including the most painful ultrasound of my life. Finally, the Doctor called me back in standing at his work station he looked at me and said it’s your appendix. Deep down I think I had known that fact all along. He proceeded to tell me that I would be admitted for emergency surgery. I remember saying “So I guess I’m not leaving tonight, eh?”. He said “No.” with a chuckle. The Nurse proceeded to hook me up to an IV and I dragged it behind me as I called Nathan’s friend to ask him to fill him in (Nate’s phone was broken). He hopped back in the car (which he had already packed because deep down I think he knew too) and arrived at the hospital just over 2 hours later. Shortly after he arrived I got a room upstairs and was officially admitted.

We waited together for a while before they came to take me to the OR. A couple hours later I was back in my room. The Doctors and Nurses were so kind and even hunted down a Jello cup for me the next morning. I was up walking relatively quickly trying to show them that I was ready to get out of there. By noon the next morning I was discharged. We went home and I slept like a baby. The recovery was quite painful as they had pumped me full of CO2 during the surgery. Let me tell you feeling gas bubbles in your shoulders and ribcage really sucks. After the first few days I started to feel a little better. It took longer than I anticipated to feel 100% and I still have to remind myself to be gentle with my body. Due to where the 3 incisions are my belly looks a little different than it used to and I’m still learning to accept those changes. Our bodies are so strong and the tasks that they can accomplish are incredible. I’m still working on being thankful for my body and all that it has/continues to do for me. It’s easy to get caught up on how your body looks or what you dislike but I (try to) remind myself that this body has also helped me win gold medals, complete the Salkantay trek in Peru and has taken me across 6 continents. At the end of the day those are the things that are important but sometimes they’re hard to see.

Luckily I had healed up enough that I was able to make it back for my last few days of Practicum. It felt so good to get out of the house and move around. I was really grateful for that time with the students. On the last day of Practicum I hopped on a plane to BC for a warmer, rainy Christmas. I got to spend the holiday season with my BF’s family and friends which was a lovely experience. We got to explore Vancouver Island a little bit and even made a quick day trip to Vancouver to see my cousin. I’d be lying if I didn’t say that I really missed my parents, family and friends (because I did & still very much do) but I was grateful to be welcomed in to new traditions and experiences.

After a fun, busy Christmas break in British Columbia, it was back to school. I had one course second semester that I absolutely loved. It was so refreshing to have a course that I looked forward to and I genuinely wanted to learn as much as possible. The course was First Nations, Inuit & Metis Education. I learned so much and felt grateful to have the opportunity to engage with the subject matter. I was also frustrated at how little I truly knew before the course – a mixture of the lack of Education that I had in public school on these topics but a large portion also fell on my shoulders. I realized very quickly that I need to continue to actively seek out opportunities to interact and learn from/with these communities. This course ignited something in me and I’ve made a commitment to continue to educate myself while also finding ways to Indigenize my classroom.

Second semester also allowed me to have even more time in the classroom as I was making up time lost from my appendix surgery. I cherished those days because I felt like they were teaching me so much, plus, I loved learning from/with the students. As COVID-19 currently sweeps the country and the planet, our everyday activities have come to a halt (rightfully so). I’m so grateful to those that are working on the front lines of this pandemic. THANK YOU. I also feel incredibly grateful that I’m able to stay home. However, these cancellations brought abrupt endings to many of our plans and it’s okay to grieve those missed opportunities. I’m feeling really sad that I won’t have the chance to say good-bye to my first class, to the grade 4’s that taught me so much about life, empathy and privilege. I won’t get that closure and neither will the students. I’m sad that I didn’t get to say good-bye to my Associate Teacher, to other Staff Members, to my peers and the amazing friends that I’ve made this year. We’re all living in this weird limbo land together.

All of that wordiness to say that I’ve had a bumpy year. It has had many twists and turns. We only scratched the surface in this article but I wanted to give you all an update. I’m grateful that I’m able to stay home. To those of you following the rules and staying home, and for those risking their lives every day to put food on our tables, delivering necessary products, working in health care settings: THANK YOU! This wild year has taught me so many lessons and I have had so many beautiful experiences. I’m grateful to have had the privilege of entering my second degree this past September. I’m grateful to be safely inside as I write this with food in the fridge, a safe bed to sleep in and the ability to FaceTime and connect virtually with so many family members and friends.

Moving forward twowildtides will be a place for our thoughts, experiences and things that are important to us. We won’t be following the rigour of a schedule but rather we will publish when we’re feeling inspired. Thank you for sticking around through all of our ups and downs. We look forward to connecting virtually with you through the blog. Sending big air hugs!

Congratulations if you made it all the way through that article! Love you all!

xoxo,

linds

Where Was Char?

April 6, 2020 | Leave a Comment

My last post on twowildtides was published in late September of 2019. Almost six months ago. We went from posting twice weekly to not posting for almost six whole months. We missed you. We missed twowildtides. But we don’t regret the break.

To even begin to describe where I went in September 2019, we need to rewind five years. September 2014. I had recently graduated high school and moved from a tiny town in Central Newfoundland to York University, in the Greater Toronto Area. It was my first semester of university, I was living in a fun residence with some beautiful girls (inside and out) including Linds, and I was studying for my dream job: photography. But I wasn’t having any fun. Why? Well, I certainly was feeling a whole lotta homesickness, but I think most people think that’s the end of that story. “She was homesick so she moved home.” Or at least, I thought that’s how people viewed me. I was also feeling: 1) disappointed that my big fancy art school dream wasn’t what it was cracked up to be, 2) bummed that the GTA is not Toronto, contrary to my small-town understanding, and 3) shocked and disoriented from the realization that I didn’t actually want to study fine art nor be a career photographer! So, I took those feelings and flew home after one semester. I am still so proud of myself for making that decision despite all the emotional tension surrounding me at that time. Do I regret going? Was it a waste of time? Absolutely not. If I hadn’t gone, I might still be on a path toward the totally wrong career for me. I wouldn’t have met Linds. And I always would have wondered what my life ‘could have been’ if I had just chased my dreams and gone to York University to study photography.

That December, I was left pondering some pretty existential questions for a 17-year-old. The most minor ones probably being ‘who am I?’ and ‘who do I want to be?’ (yeah, there was a lot going on in teenaged-Char’s head at that point). On Christmas Day, I was celebrating with family and my aunt, who is an amazing social worker, started talking about some interesting things happening at her work. Something clicked. It clicked in a way that photography, fashion, and the big city never did. I knew the path I was ready to explore. In the new year, I packed up again from my small town and moved to a much closer city (262 km to be exact): St. John’s. I started picking up courses at Memorial University such as psychology, sociology, and political science. I was learning so much and I was truly excited by what I was learning. I had my car. I was hiking and exploring in and around the city. I felt a freedom I hadn’t felt before. By the following September, a year after I started at York, I was enrolled in ‘Introduction to Social Work’ and feeling on top of the world. I finally had it figured out!

So, with my transcript highlighting all the prerequisites I needed, reference letters and personal statements organized impeccably; I applied to Memorial University’s Faculty of Social Work. I was strutting a pretty big walk from what I remember. I was class president in high school, I was accepted to fancy ol’ York University in ‘Tronno’, and I usually always got what I wanted. Good things happened to me. I was going to get accepted. (I’ve since learned a fancy word for all those things: PRIVILEGE).

It didn’t happen. Womp, womp. But I wasn’t denied admission. They didn’t even look at my application. Why? The cover page was missing from my package. THE COVER PAGE. I was humiliated, irate, devastated. I cried a lot, yelled a lot, beat myself up a lot, blamed the administration at the school a lot. I had an elaborate idea worked out about what happened to that cover page I was certain I had completed (it involved incompetent staff, lack of security cameras, and the school having undergone construction at the time I submitted my application). But the truth is, maybe I forgot it. Maybe. Or, maybe someone else lost it. Either way, I learned a hard lesson: sh*t happens and good things don’t always happen to you just cause you’re you. From there, I learned another important lesson: fight for what you want and what you believe you deserve. So, I fought. I wrote letters and held meetings and filed appeals. And then comes hard lesson number three: sometimes you can fight your hardest and strongest and you still don’t win.

I (bitterly) accepted my fate and continued studying. I had completed almost enough courses to graduate with a BA in Sociology when I got the news I’d been waiting for. My second application was accepted. I was in! It was 2017 and I had real classmates and faculty jackets and together, we had a fancy name: Memorial University Bachelor of Social Work, Class of 2020. I loved all of my courses. I invested myself in projects like I never had before. I worked and volunteered and applied everything I learned to what I was studying, building a portfolio and resume that I am really proud of (and don’t mind tooting my own horn about). I really liked my classmates, too. I made amazing, lifelong friends and even rekindled old friendships through studying social work. Together, we partied, fundraised, gave back to the community, and made plans for convocation. I worked my way through two exciting, fulfilling, and challenging field placements. We all worked so damn hard. I am so damn proud. Two and a half years flew by faster than I could have ever imagined.

So, here we are, September 2019, when I posted my last article on twowildtides. The last in-class semester of Memorial’s BSW program is in the last fall semester of the program and is arguably the hardest. Between putting my all into school, working and volunteering almost full-time, and maintaining a healthy social life; there was no time for twowildtides. I didn’t know my last post would be my last. It just stopped. Took a backburner. And honestly, I am glad it did. I can look back on the last year of my degree and say with confidence: “I gave it my all and I succeeded.” To me, this feels better than being able to say, “I balanced the most” or “I managed to get by with so much on my plate.” So, that’s where I’ve been!

Now we’re a quarter way into 2020. Today would have been my last day of my last field placement, which would have represented the last day of six long years of hard work and studying. There would have been a fun, wine-fuelled night out with a fancy dinner and a dance on George Street to celebrate. I would be officially registering as a professional social worker within the next month and walking across the stage in my cap and gown within the next two. Instead, I am social distancing. I am isolating myself from my family, friends, and classmates. Our field placement was cut short. Our convocation and gala are cancelled. No parties or celebrations in sight. We are in the midst of a global pandemic that is ending lives and economies. Social workers are needed now more than ever. All I want to do right now is get to work and help people. But, my classmates and I are caught in a limbo. We aren’t yet graduated, so we can’t register to work professionally. We must wait, and wait I shall.

I am incredibly privileged (there’s that word again!) to have good health, an amazing partner I live with and see every day, and supportive friends and family I can connect with virtually. I am so lucky that despite the situation in the world, I will graduate on time and receive my degree in a short while. I know that my situation is ‘better’ than many right now. But, I am allowed to mourn the plans I had made to celebrate my huge accomplishment. I am allowed to be sad about my ambitions for the next few months and years being put on hold. And so are you, for whatever you’re going through. We will get through this.

I did not expect my return to blogging to sound like what this article has morphed into. Mostly because six months ago I couldn’t possibly fathom our world looking this way, but partly because I just sat down at my laptop to say a quick ‘hi’ to everyone and here I am, three pages later, with so many different emotions poured into this document. This is what twowildtides might look like from now on. Linds and I writing what comes from our hearts, whenever it decides to come. We might not place such strict expectations on ourselves about when and how often we should be posting. We’re going to let the passion come back naturally. And we hope you’ll join us for the ride.

Lots of love and all the swell thoughts,

Char

Tips for Staying Positive in Uncertain Times

March 22, 2020 | Leave a Comment

Hi Friends!

It has been a long time since we’ve published an article and to be honest that’s a story for another time. Today, I felt compelled to write – I felt compelled to connect with all of you. We are living in some tumultuous and stressful times. This is uncharted territory for many of us but yet here we are in these unique circumstances. I know that many of us are feeling anxious and stressed. That’s okay. You’re allowed to feel whatever you’re feeling. The sun is still rising and we will keep persisting.

I want to highlight what many doctors have been sharing, yes we are in a stage of physical distancing/isolation but that doesn’t mean our social lives disappear. This time calls for a heightened social connectedness. Yes, you can have a Netflix party, group FaceTimes, and play games online. I taught my 89 year old grandmother how to use FaceTime today via the good old fashioned land line – this is a time for learning, love and compassion. With that being said – who have you called today? Who have you checked in with? What are you doing for yourself? How will you stay active? How are you staying positive? These are all questions that we share in these uncertain times. Below I will share some of my favourite things to do in my attempt to stay positive. We’re all in this together.

Suggestions for Staying Sane:

Netflix TV Shows:

Mindhunter – I recently started watching this show and I can’t stop. It’s so interesting. It’s based in the 1970’s when Detectives were beginning to understand Behavioural Psychology.
Homeland – This is one of my favourite shows, it’s so captivating. Claire Danes is amazing as CIA Agent Carrie Mathison!
The Haunting of Hill House – If you’re looking for something to make you jump that’s not Covid-19, this is your show. A really interesting storyline.
Explained – I love this show because each episode is roughly 20 mins and you get to learn about a new topic. Educational & entertaining!
Friends – Sometimes you need to laugh and this one is a fan favourite. It doesn’t matter how many times you watch this show it never gets old! HOW YOU DOIN’

Netflix Movies:

Wonder – We all need a feel good story in our lives. This movie is bound to have you feeling all of your emotions. It’s truly a beautiful story. (Family friendly!)
Everest – I recently watched this movie and really loved it. It’s the story of the 1996 expedition to the summit of Everest.
Book Club – A light hearted, romantic comedy filled with female friendship and features Jane Fonda & Diane Keaton.
P.S. I Love You – This movie is one of the best. It’s always worth a re-watch. Absolutely beautiful.
Operation Finale – A WWII story that will keep you engaged and on the edge of your seat.

Crave TV/Movies:

Momentum Generation – The surfing doc that will have you dreaming of sunny days and big swells.
Big Little Lies – I LOVE this show, it’s filled with compelling writing and stellar acting. A must watch!
The Handmaid’s Tale – If you haven’t yet begun the journey that is this show, now is your time! Incredible, uncomfortable and truly moving.
Dollface – These short episodes are all about female friendship and navigating relationships. It’s light and a great easy watch.
Blue Bloods – Sometimes you just need to watch Tom Selleck as the Police Commissioner. A go-to show.
Transplant – This show follows a Doctor who flees Syria and arrives in Canada. It follows him as he navigates the world of medicine in a new country.

Books (The Kindle app is free):

When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi – I read this book as research for a character that I played in a show. It was a few years ago but the story always stuck with me. Kalanithi’s words are powerful and his perspective is enlightening and moving. A must read.
It’s What I Do, A Photographer’s Life of Love and War by Lindsay Addario – This book is so well written and the stories are profound. Addario’s experiences as a War Photojournalist are deeply touching and eye-opening. I finished this book so quickly.
A House in the Sky by Amanda Lindhout – Another true story of the dangers surrounding journalism and the difficulties that Lindhout faced abroad. A harrowing tale that I couldn’t put down.
All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr – This story chronicles a young girl’s journey through the hardships of WWII. There are many twists and turns. There’s a reason why this book has been on the best seller list for so long.
Woman on the Edge by Samantha M. Bailey – This is the book I’m currently reading. Eight chapters in and I can hardly put it down.

Podcasts:

Sickboy – This is one of my go-to favourite podcasts. The guys tackle difficult conversations about illness and death with humour. They talk to guests from all over who experience all kinds of different challenges. From physical illnesses, mental health, disability, and keeping current with the world’s events – there’s truly something for everyone on this show.
Canadian True Crime – I’ve recently been listening to this podcast frequently on long car rides and while cleaning around the house. It can be a little disturbing but she tells the full stories complete with details from the trials which I find very interesting. There’s a 3 part section on the Oland murder in NB that was very informative.
Here’s the Thing – This podcast is an easy, great listen. I’m an Actor and love hearing Alec Baldwin’s conversations with others in the industry. Whether you love the arts or not – it’s a fun listen.
Sibling Revelry – Kate Hudson and her brother Oliver Hudson, interview various sibling pairs from Comedians, to Actors, to Doctors – there’s something for everyone. The conversations are always interesting. I really enjoyed the Amy Schumer and Kim Caramele episode.
How Men Think – I love this podcast. Featuring Brooks Laich & Gavin DeGraw along with many co-hosts and guests. The guys have very meaningful conversations with Producer Amy who keeps them on track. They talk about anything and everything. Don’t miss this one!

Workouts at Home:

Open Gym – Are you following them on Instagram? They’re so awesome! I don’t have the paid app but I love following along with their workouts. They post all kinds of challenge workouts that are completely free! I did one in my super tiny apartment the other day. No excuses.
Yoga with Kassandra – These videos are completely free on youtube and absolutely refreshing. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or just starting, she’s got you covered. My favourite video is “10 min Morning Yoga Full Body Stretch”. You’ll be blown away how grounding these 10 mins will be. Remember every pose has modifications so there’s no need to worry that you can’t do it.
MadFit – More free workouts! The best part about her workouts is that they’re short so you can mix and match. This gives you the opportunity to try multiple videos in the same workout. Plus, she has workouts suitable for small apartments and ones requiring zero equipment. You can’t go wrong. I love the HIIT inspired workouts!
FaceTime Workouts – Try one of the workout videos or create your own. FaceTime a friend and workout together. Motivate each other to get up and moving. It’s important especially in these times!
Stretch – If you’re not feeling a workout, that’s totally okay! However, I would encourage you to move your body even that means stretching for 5 minutes. I promise your body will thank you and you’ll sleep better! Try to touch your toes, breathe, relax. Put your favourite song, get on the floor and stretch it out.

Songs for your Kitchen Dance Party:

All We Got by Chance the Rapper, Feat. Kanye West & Chicago Children’s Choir – Chance the Rapper is one of my all time favourite artists. This song just makes me want to dance.
Higher Love by Kygo & Whitney Houston – This is a song that is very appropriate for what we’re all experiencing as a global community. You’ll be dancing, trust. me.
South of the Border by Ed Sheeran Feat. Camilla Cabello & Cardi B (Sam Feldt Remix) – This remix will have you grooving in the kitchen I promise.
Blinding Lights by The Weeknd – This has been on top of the charts for a while and with good reason. Press play.
What a Man Gotta Do by Jonas Brothers – It makes me want to dance as soon as it comes on. This song will have you dancing and reliving your young love for the Jonas Brothers.

Tech Free Time:

Bubble Bath – We all wish we had time to soak in the tub with a good book and glass of wine. Now is the time. Enjoy.
Adult Colouring Books – Remember those colouring books you bought that are at the bottom of a drawer collecting dust? Yeah, those. Bingo! Time to dust them off and colour up a storm.
Cooking – Always wanted to perfect your skills in the kitchen? If you’re lucky enough to have supplies on hand, try a new recipe. This week I’ve made Pad Thai, Pulled Chicken Sandwiches, Vegetable Stir-fry, Cauliflower pizza and Vegan tacos are on the menu for tomorrow.
Open that Window – If it’s chilly, bundle up in your favourite comfy clothes. Let’s be real you’re probably already wearing them. Open your window, let that fresh air flood in. This morning I listened to the birds chirping and it was actually so beautiful. Take this time we’ve been given and embrace the “slow down”.
Arts/Crafts – Pull out that art supplies. Paint that canvas. Draw that picture. Play that guitar that’s in the corner. Do the crossword. Solve the rubik’s cube. Play. Make play dough. Embrace the ability to learn a new skill or try something different.

We have been advised that social distancing protocols will likely be lasting for months to come. That can be daunting but it’s so important that we take care of those with immunocompromised systems and those 60+. Autoimmune diseases are ever present and many people are living with these invisible illnesses. So I beg you for the safety of our communities – stay home. We will get through this together. We are resilient. If you’re feeling anxious please make sure that you’re taking breaks from the 24 hour news cycle. To everyone reading this article please know how truly loved you are – sending many air hugs all over the world today. If you’re struggling please reach out; there are resources that are available virtually including counselling services, virtual AA meetings etc. Take care of yourselves.

I hope that you enjoy all of these suggestions. What have you been doing to stay busy? How are you staying connected? Let us know in the comments below. Let’s help each other stay positive. We will get through this together. Sending you all so much love.

xoxo,

linds

#BlackLivesMatter

Thinking of You, NYC

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