Authentic Living

Greetings to You ~

Recently I've experienced a creative block.  Being all focused on practical tasks and using avoidance tactics to ignore my creative work.

There’s a tool developed by Julia Cameron, author of The Artist’s Way ~ A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity called the artist date.  Once a week you set aside a block of time committed to your inner artist without taking anyone else along.  An excursion you preplan doing something that is self-nurturing.

So, driving off to Fort Langley, a pretty little boutique town, I set the intention to purely explore, take in and enjoy.  Everyone I came across in the shops seemed to be living their life on purpose.  What they were doing was an authentic expression of who they are.

First stop.  A visit to Spacial Effects Design where I chatted with one of the owners Cathy who has a passion for design and the materials they use.  As a young girl she loved to collect beautiful stones.  That part of her is now expressed by working with beautiful, natural stone tiles, countertops and flooring.  Their showroom looks like a boutique with unique accessories you wouldn’t find in a big box store.  Just love the portable ethanol fireplaces.

http://www.spacialeffectsdesign.com/15129/index.htm

Next stop.  Met Catherine Farell, the owner of Bevy’s, a boutique with gorgeous clothing and accessories.  The quality and style of this place is off the charts.  Bevy’s is named after Catherine's Mom who passed away from breast cancer.  It’s like you can feel Bevy's presence when you see the beautiful photographs of her on the wall, even her favourite chair has a place of honour.

The theme written throughout the store is, “Live a Happy Life.”  That was the simple advice that Bevy gave to her kids.  What a gift.  Her fun-loving gracious essence is part of the experience you’ll enjoy at the boutique. To learn more about this woman and the inspiration behind the boutique go to http://www.bevys.ca/about.html. 

Had a great chat with Catherine and her friend about people wanting a unique, meaningful, authentic life.  We decided on the theme of living a boutique-style life.

Next stop.  Ruby Slippers Speciality Co. where I bought a couple pair of chocolate ruby slippers packaged in adorable purse boxes.  Loved the sign “Life is Sweet” that hangs inside the store.  The owner always loved going to candy stores and has such attention to detail that she wanted the colour of the chocolate slippers to coordinate with the ribbon and colour of the purse boxes.

The 5 principles of Ruby Slippers are so authentic:

1. Live passionately
2. Have a dream
3. Believe in yourself
4. Choose the truth
5. Do what it takes!!

Time for lunch at the Little White House at the Fort.  A heritage house with clothing, home décor, and vintage treasures in the front with the Salon Café located in the back where the coach house used to be.  It’s all connected together with an elegant black and white décor.

While sipping tea, writing in my journal, hearing French music, I sit back to admire the European décor with chandeliers and a touch of rustic charm.  This place has high quality food and pastries made from scratch, even an outside patio and tea garden.  Divine.

The essence is elegant and so is the owner.  Not knowing who she was I said, “This place is so you.”  Turns out Cheryl owns the property and the business is her vision.  Not surprised to find out that she has an apartment affectionately referred to as a “teacup of a place” located in Paris.

It was so delightful to meet her and to see her business clearly as an extension of her authentic self.  Can’t wait to go back for afternoon high tea.  http://www.littlewhitehousefort.com/

Last stop.  Nectar Lingerie shop.  The young woman working at this boutique was so vibrant and uplifting.  Sharing joy and wisdom that life is about the things in life that make you happy.  Do something that makes you feel good.  Have a happy moment.

How true.

Peace and Joy ~

Sheila

xo