Well, I am back from the Rib-fest, after walking from almost 69 km over the five day festival. After sleeping for a bit and a short recovery period, I am "back online". The London Rib-fest was a great success - our best year ever. We raised $150,000 for the children and youth at the Boys and Girls Club of London - despite the rain (Friday night's horrendous storm and badly timed rain on Monday at dinner). Alot of hardwork and energy went into putting on the event, and the over 700 volunteers that helped us out are the real reason that the London Rib-fest is as successful as it is year after year.

I managed to find some time on the first day of set up to write a little, but that was it. The days were filled with many different activities, but luckily I was able to take some photos (except for Saturday when I realized I had only managed to take one pic - was just too busy running around)

I just wanted to say a big thank you to everyone who came out and supported the event by volunteering at it or just enjoying the park and all the great food and crafts there.

On Wednesday this week, a book that I did the illustrations for will be published and launched – all of the proceeds will go to a children’s health foundation to help families and children dealing with cancer and other life threatening diseases. Three years ago, Shelby, who was three years old, lost her battle with cancer – and her sister, Emileigh, was left to deal with the trauma of having lost her only sibling. Our families were friends, and the impact of Shelby’s death touched us all. My sister-in-law decided to write out the story her father had told her when her own mother had died when she was just 8 years old and asked me to illustrate it. I did this happily, and the book was given to Emileigh just after Shelby’s funeral. I am happy to know that now the book will be available to other siblings and their families going through this difficult transition and the aftermath of cancer.  I don’t have the details yet of where the book will be available (for sure online through the Canadian Cancer Society). When I do have them, I will let you know.

                                      

Before I had heard anything about the book and the possibility of it being published, I decided in March, to grow my hair in order to donate it to have it be made into a wig for children with cancer - and made a promise to cut my hair after the festival was all done. As it has turned out, the timing turned  out to be perfect. So the hair is all gone, cut off ( I will grow it again of course, it's an easy thing to do) and will be used for a good cause.

It is hard to not think alot about what Shelby and her sister had to go through with her battle against cancer, and the affect that it has had on her family, other friends and family and how one small life can and has touched the lives of many in such a short period of time.  She was such a positive and inspiring little girl. I hope that people are able to look back and draw on her courage and strength and look at their own lives, and live just as courageously as she did.

It isn't an isolated story - there are so many children faced with this huge challenge and to me they are all heroes. I can't put into words the emotions that have been resurfacing for me- but I hope that some comfort will be found in the book, in the little things that can be done... to help along the way.

Anyway, I will keep you posted about the book ;-) Another way of letting go..

much love,

la

xo

As promised - today the book arrived and is now available for purchase...proceeds from the sales of  Emileigh's Dream will go to the Children's Health Foundation. It is a funny and strange thing for me to hold and look at the book in person... I have never been published before, and I am very happy that this book will help children and their families during a very difficult time.

This was definitely the highlight of my day :-)

xo
la

I write. When things get overwhelming and I need a small distraction in order to regain some balance – writing is where I turn. I also write when things aren't overwhelming at all - but that is where I turn first when everything has the first glimmery shine of chaos on it. I don’t necessarily write about what is making me feel overwhelmed.. usually I just let my mind go, write whatever comes up – fictional stories, poetry whatever…  failing that, I meditate,  go for long walks, knit/crochet/paint/draw or go to the beach. My failsafe place to go when I cannot settle myself is the beach. Being near the water is very soothing for me, and even after an hour, I feel better. The outside world hasn’t changed of course – just my inner world has.. and that often is what makes the difference!

 

Of course there is always chocolate… hmmm chocolate

 

la

In two more days, I will be enjoying a few holidays after a very long and exhausting summer. The final event of the summer took place on Friday - it went quite well, good weather, everyone arrived that needed to, and we raised alot of money for scholarships for the youth at the center where I work. I have not been able to put my finger on what was so different this year - why it was so exhausting and stressful, but I suppose it boils down to people being very demanding of attention, energy and everything else. Everyone seemed to be pushing personal agendas rather than respecting the purpose of the events - forgetting the reason why we do what we do - to help the kids who cannot help themselves. In some ways, I have found it very disheartening, but it is also a hardening experience - it hardens my resolve to be there for those kids and families most in need. There must be balance - I hope that there will be.

Personally - my balance comes from taking time when it comes, and using it to relax and rejuvenate. I have a book of photography that is set to be published that I have not been able to give any time to - in the next weeks I will complete it. I am looking forward to having that finished. I have been asked to do two others, and hopefully there will be time to do that.

Inspite of the busy schedule that I have had this summer - I did manage to do quite alot on my own - finished two blankets for two very dear friends - did designs for two more paintings, and have been doing some graphics work for friends over the past few months. I am thinking that as a side project I will created my own business doing graphic design - just because people keep asking me to do work for them, and I don't have a business name... seems like a good idea to start a company up! I have also been asked to produce a series of fitness videos with a fitness trainer. It is promising to be something quite big and the project is scheduled to begin in October. To round everything out, more and more I am being asked to do some photography projects - some local musicians asked me in July to do their portraits and that has lead to some other groups and families to have me do theirs as well. So much going on!

anyway, in two more days  I am going to take a few days off - going to spend some time with good friends, my family and a whole lot of time doing nothing (except maybe some writing)

I love my life - I love my friends, my family - everything is possible!

xo

la

Hey - if you have a moment, please vote for the Boys & Girls Club of London video. My coworkers, Kelly and David worked with the kids to make this special video - we have a chance to win $10,000 for the kids. This will help alot of people!

thanks so much - just click the link to see the video and vote.

Boys & Girls Club of London video

love
Leigh-Anne
xo