Time for change, Canada!

Election Day is here!  Darcy and I both love the voting process.  We get all geeky excited about it.  It's one of the most important things we could do and I really do feel like expressing our opinions by voting for what we value can and does create change.  If I didn't, or couldn't vote,  well, I can't even imagine how I would feel.  

If you're unsure how to vote consider this article, by Margaret Atwood.  However you feel about which candidate and party best suit your idea for a stronger Canada, one that fits your values and beliefs, go out today, and vote for your choice.  

‎-Bad officials are elected by good citizens who do not vote.- George Jean Nathan

You have a voice, and you can use it.  As Ms Atwood says, "People elsewhere are dying for it".

Find out where to vote at vote.ca and at elections.ca

Natalie

Our MP and Foreign Affairs Critic, Paul Dewar  with Ambassador of Japan, Mr Kaoru Ishikawa 

 

Spring is coming, really, it must be....

I have a backlog of blog posts to share with you.  For now I'll just say a little hello!

Well I think this week flew by, meanwhile I'm still enjoying how great last week was.  First, I spent some time connecting with some incredible women. There were visits with Wendy from Thimblecakes, Kate from Flights of Fancy/Bombshells Closet, and Aria at the newly opened Gypsy & Co.  We have a few fun plans in the works with some of these ladies and a few more we met at Cherry Pie so you'll be hearing more about them here in the next few months.  It's going to be busy and I can't wait!

Finally, last Saturday was the show that Darcy & I had been waiting for since Feb....  Pixies!!!!  Touring the 20th anniversary of the Doolittle album, they came to Ottawa for the first time in 7 years.  We had never seen them live but they're played quite regularly on our ipods.  I was so excited and even after the show, I'm still excited.  They completely blew me away.  Kim Deal, I am so in awe...

That's our news for now.  Thimblecakes has some adorable and tasty Easter treats for you this weekend!

The Hope Fundraiser in Images

Two weeks after the devastating news from Japan, the people of JETAA and CJSO, with the help of friends, organized an event that raised over $30 000.  With the tickets alone (at only $40) they raised $10 000.  With their combined efforts word spread quickly, offers were generous, the turnout incredible and the evening a modest, refined and elegant way to bring people together in grief and hope.  

The performances were moving and powerful, the speakers even more so.  Current JET participant Gemma Villanueva spoke of her experience there during the events and Ambassador Ishikawa spoke of our need to remember the impact this will have, especially on the children, not just 6 months from now, but years from now.  He brought with him an image and haunting story of children in a school that sat above the affected area but provided a view of the tsunami's impact surrounding them, where their mothers and fathers may be lost forever.

Among the guests were City Council members, His Worship Mayor Jim Watson, several MPs and MPPS, members of Order of Canada, and many members of the Japanese Community in Ottawa.  Throughout the evening what stood out were the remarks that such an event was pulled together so quickly and came together so well.  One thing I noticed especially was the graciousness from Ambassador Ishikawa. He was usually seen conveying his heartfelt thanks and gratitude to those who helped make the event happen and to those who came in hope of helping any way they could.

Donations are still being accepted and can be made here http://www.redcross.ca/jetaaottawa/

Auction items and Ikebana being arranged by Yumiko Tsunakawa Toma

L-R:  Ikebana, JETAA Ottawa President Lisa Mallin with author Jack Nakamoto,
Handmade Tamari donated to Auction, His Worship Mayor Jim Watson 

L-R: H.E. Mr Kaoru Ishikawa, Ambassador of Japan to Canada speaking with MP Paul Dewar,
Order of Canada member Don Newman, CTV's Stefan Keyes as Master of Ceremonies

L-R: Current JET Participant Gemma Villanueva, Soprano Noriko Hashimoto
H.E. Mr Kaoru Ishikawa, Ambassador of Japan to Canada

Please Give if you can.

Natalie

Hope, A Relief Fundraiser for Japan

Around the globe we have all heard, and seen footage, of the devastating 9.0 magnitude earthquake, the tsunami, and the aftermath of devastation in Japan.  Our hopes are high, for their safety and well-being.  And we can help.

This Sunday, March 27th, the Japan Exchange and Teaching Alumni Association  and  Canada-Japan Society of Ottawa  are partnering to host a charity reception and silent auction in an effort to contribute to the relief effort.  It will be held from 7-9 pm in the Governor General Ballroom of  the Westin Hotel, hosted by CTV's Stefan Keyes, and his excellency Kaoru Ishikawa, Ambassador of Japan, speaking at the event.  There will be performances by Soprano Noriko Hashimoto and Oto-Wa Taiko members including Aki san.

We were grateful to contribute gift certificates and services when we were contacted and there have been many other generous contributions of donated services and items. Tickets are $40, with all proceeds benefitting the Canadian Red Cross Japan Earthquake/Asia-Pacific Tsunami Fund.  Everyone is welcome to attend.

If you are unable to attend the event but wish to make a direct donation to the relief efforts, please donate here: redcross.ca/jetaaottawa/

Tickets are available at the door, with cash or cheques being accepted.
Contact japan.relief@jetaaottawa.ca, 613-366-5002 for more information or click here.

Love at City Hall

A little while ago we had the pleasure of meeting Ratko & Karolina as they wed on a wintry Friday afternoon at City Hall.  It was sweet & intimate, with their two closest friends by their sides and a charming, gracious officiant. 

With enough winter light still pouring through the windows we took some time for photos before heading to the Byward Market to celebrate at Mangia.  The cozy restaurant was perfectly suited for the memorable evening, with a romantic, sophisticated setting with soft lighting and the glow of candlelight.  

Our heartfelt Congratulations and Best Wishes to Ratko & Karolina!

Natalie & Darcy

100 Years of Women's Strength

Today marks the 100th International Women's Day.  There are events worldwide in cities, towns and villages.  You may not have participated in an event but probably (or perhaps once you've read this) you've had a moment or two of reflection.  About the women you live with, the women who raised you, the women you work with, the woman you hope to become or hope your daughters or nieces will become.

Canada's Theme for IWD this year is 'Strong Leadership.Strong Women.Strong World:Equality'  Here are a couple quotes I've seen that fit well.  (thanks Sharon)

The thing women have yet to learn is nobody gives you power. You just take it.   

Roseanne Barr

I myself have never been able to find out precisely what feminism is: I only know that people call me a feminist whenever I express sentiments that differentiate me from a doormat.  

Rebecca West

There is so much more that could be said.  My personal note here is a Thank You, to the women I am fortunate to be surrounded with.  

Their differences and similarities influence me and enrich my life in so many ways.  

They are all Beautiful. Strong. Unique. Independent. Kind. Incredible.

And I believe that I am no exception.  We all have phenomenal women in our lives.

My mother and grandmother.  The women who raised me.  Photo by William Au

A month for Love, Family and Community

February has come and gone and it was a busy one!

Apologies for the Radio Silence here....  We started the month off with meeting some great wedding vendors and new friends as well as new clients at the Wedbyhand show.  It was a lot of fun and we put out a favourite Canadian retro treat for snacking.  The photos of our table (with the Pink Elephant Popcorn!) are courtesy of Anne Marie Bouchard.

The week after the show we took in the computer for a little maintenance to upgrade our lives and help workflow.  It felt odd being without it for over a week but the time flew by with Valentine's Day, client meetings, a gorgeous wedding, and Rainbow Family Day, a community event.  (We were so eager to see the day's photos from the wedding that we admit to hooking the cameras up to the television and looking through them in our PJ's at the end of the night.)

Top Left: Thimblecakes Valentine  Top Right:  MPP Yassir Naqvi, Morris Rothman, Mayor Jim Watson  Bottom:  Rainbow Family Day Candids

We are still catching up on emails and editing.  It was busy through the end of the month with more meetings, an event for Erica Braun and the yoga fundraiser Power of Movement. 

Our WedbyHand special promo will be ending this Sunday.  Whether you were there or not, contact us to take advantage of the offer, natalielyle@me.com, 613.237.7835.

More posts to follow soon with photos!  I hope your month was spent with people you love to be around, whether young or old, family, friend, partner or child.