Pause: Gatherings for Women

Today is International Tea Day! I thought it was the perfect day to share a bit about the women who came before me - my Grandmothers! Both were great tea drinkers. My Grandma Lee, my mom’s Mother, wearing a red hat in the photo and one she probably designed and made with herself, had just a bit of milk in her tea - the tip of a teaspoon. And, she read tea leaves. Oh - how I wish I could have her read my tea leaves now and learn more from her now about that practice. My Gr...andma Florence (my dad’s Mother) passed away long before I was born. She immigrated from England and brought the English traditional -- a cup of tea at 3pm with her. The history book reads, It was said by the neighbours, you could set your clock by my Grandfather going for tea. Every so often I pause for ‘tea at 3’. I invite you to do the same - especially today for International Tea Day. Pause with intention. To first love yourself. Sit in silence. Be mindful. Reflect. Release tension. Create calm. Celebrate the women who came before you.

Go ahead...rest, relax, restore!

Permission granted for your child’s teacher to pause after a super challenging school year! The mini Pause Box is nicely packaged and ready to gift - the perfect send off for a relaxing summer. Pick yours up Thursday from Julie’s Delight’s Chocolate @ Esquimalt Market, Victoria from 4:30-7:30pm. . Chocolates from @juliedelightschocolate . Mom’s Garden Tea from @shanti_chai_and_co.... . Beeswax Tea Lights from @createaflamecandles . Biscotti from @melindasbiscotti. . Photo Card from @kerryin_the_moment_photography. . Permission Granted Manifesto from @pause_gatherings_for_women See more

Several years ago I organized my first yard sale scavenger hunt and served these fun flowerpot cakes for dessert. For those of you who have participated in one of these events, you know how much fun they are. It likely won’t happen this year, but next year - watch out - here we come. The yard sales should be amazing - everyone’s had plenty of time to clean their closets! In the meantime, have a little fun making these flowerpot cakes. They’re super fun to make and tasty too.... You’ll find the recipe here https://www.marthastewart.com/339009/flowerpot-cakes. Hot tips - you can find candy rocks to decorate with at Bulk Barn and a straw down the center of the cake holds the flower.

Happy Monday! Make sure you take time to pause this week.

Sneak peek! WOW - the weather this weekend has me thinking of summer fun. And, that gets me excited for what’s on the way in the July Pause Box. It is full of all things fun. In fact the theme is follow the fun. Boxes will be ready to ship the last week in June. The first virtual gathering is scheduled for Saturday, July 10. As always, you’ll have the opportunity to participate virtually, to gather with a group of friends or go solo on your creative self-care journe...y. It’s been super fun packing the July box. It includes six fun items from BC artisans/businesses and the creative DIY project - oh I wish I could share it. But that would spoil the surprise. I can tell you, you’re gonna like it! Think creative play. If you haven’t ordered your box, head on over to my website. Visit my website here. https://www.pausegatheringsforwomen.ca/subscription-box Also want to give a shout-out to Stefani at Omdl Coastal who is the artist behind this adorable commissioned drawing. Isn’t it fun?

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Do you choose a word of the year? A word to focus on, to live with, to experience, to write about, to craft with and to reflect upon as you go about everyday life. . I've done this for a few years now. This year I'm taking part in a year-long workshop, One Little Word, designed to inspire and offer monthly creative prompts and encouragement and intended to bring this word into my life in a more meaningful way. .... My word this year is Magic! And, it's truly been a magical January as I begin to get to know my word. . magic. connectedness with spirit, people and places. wisdom from those who came before me. signs and synchronicities. whispers speaking softly. curiosity and wonder. inspired creativity. passions playing. everyday rituals. possibilities. blessings. lessons. joy. you and me... we are magic. . I'd love you to share your word of the year! Photo Credit: Kelly Rae Roberts

Love this quote so much!

. How do you share your story -- through writing, through pictures, by storytelling, or in other ways? . It occurred to me that a creative project I’ve been working on has been telling a part of my story. It all started at Costco with the purchase of a ceramic tiered tray that was on sale after Christmas for just $15.00. My daughter told me about it, and as with so many other things she loves, I bought it. I love her taste and copy her purchases often -- clothes, runners, h...ome decor! We joke about that! . Follow along as I share a part of my story through my creativity. . I painted a vase to hold joy - I love flowers! . I created the needle-felted heart banner. Without thinking about it - a happy accident - there are seven hearts, one for me, one for Tim, one for my son, one for my daughter, my son-in-law and my two granddaughters. . The frosted candle holder, the white heart and the mini glass love vase -- all gifts from friends. Oh how important my friends are in my story and I’ve been so blessed to have many deep, rich and meaningful friendships in my life. . Both Tim & I created the two little houses - Tim cut the shapes and I made them pretty. We’re packing as we speak to make a move to a new home very, very soon. . I created blessing beads which are not only a cute little adornment for a table or other space - they also inspire re-birthing and are good for people making life changes - exactly what’s happening to me at this moment. . Of course I included a kiss and a hug from my heart to yours. . And the final creation, a tiered-tray which brings it all together in one small space - full of love, creativity and simplicity. . I’d love to hear how you share your stories! See more

I love Caroline's blog posts! This one's perfect.

What is inspiring you today? I’m returning to Elizabeth Gilbert’s book, Big Magic! I love how you can return to books with new eyes. I think I’m going to love re-reading this one! The first page... Q: What is creativity? A: The relationship between a human being and the mysteries of inspiration. I this!