Sharp Women Heartland | April 2021

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SHARPWOMEN

RANCHELLE VAN BRYCE co-founder

DANIELLE KLOOSTER co-founder

TEAM

CARLA HOWATT editor in chief

KELSEY EVANS executive assistant

RACHELLE SCRASE director of photography

THIS MONTH’S

GUEST CONTRIBUTORS

CATHY FORNER business

BONNIE HOFFMANN spirituality

MONIQUE MACDONALD food

KATHERINE LORANGER relationships

SHARON MCMULLANBARON health & wellness

DR. JENNIE WARD personal growth

JUDY SCHUELER finance

CARLA HOWATT professional development

JACQUIE FENSKE leadership

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letter from the editor

APRIL 2021 Have you ever heard the saying “you’re going to miss me when I’m gone?” Well, I learned something new this last month – sometimes you don’t realize you miss something until you have it again.

This last month I had the opportunity to meet with the two founders of Sharp Women and the other chapter director for a photo shoot. The event was planned to happen in Sylvan Lake and it marked one of the first times I’ve been around more than a couple people at one time in about a year. For those who know me, they know I hate getting my picture taken (Hey, we’re all a work in progress!) and I have to confess, I wasn’t looking forward to it.

Fast forward to the end of the day and I was grinning from ear to ear. While I was busy focussing on how I don’t like having my picture taken and how much I didn’t want to do it, I missed out on the anticipation of all the great stuff!

I had the opportunity to spend the day with three energetic and passionate women. We laughed, we teased each other, we confessed our insecurities, and we shared our dreams of the future.

I hadn’t realized how much it means to me to be around inspiring women who share the same vision for our lives. I was so focused on myself and my issues, that I forgot to look outward and see all the good things coming towards me.

So, I’ve decided my focus for this month is to get out of my own way and when I begin thinking about what I don’t like about any given situation start asking myself the question “what is the blessing I’m missing here?” If you want to know how I’m doing on this, check out our facebook group “Sharp Women Heartland” where I’ll keep you posted!

One blessing I don’t need to remind myself about is the amazing contributors to this magazine! I thoroughly enjoyed reading through the articles in this issue of Sharp Women Heartland. There is an article by Bonnie Hoffman on the death and the grieving process during COVID, Jennie Ward writes about the Five Lessons Not Taught in School, and Sharon McMullan-Baron invites us to choose a new normal in her Health and Wellness article. you have an opportunity to learn how to protect your largest investment when Judy Schueler writes about home inspections. And of course, Monique MacDonald couldn’t pass up an opportunity to get cheesy on us!

There are so many other amazing articles, I can’t wait to hear what nuggets resonate with you!

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This Month’s Articles 4 LETTER FROM THE EDITOR APRIL 2021 6 IN THE RAW THE SECRET FORMULA TO SUCCESS 8 DATE WITH DANIELLE AM I DISQUALIFIED? 10 BUSINESS OPPURTUNITY IN CHAOS 12 SPIRITUALITY DAWN COMES AFTER NIGHT 14 RELATIONSHIPS LETTING GO 16 PERSONAL GROWTH 5 LESSONS NOT TAUGHT IN SCHOOL 18 HEALTH & WELLNESS HEALTH MATTERS 20 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT TOO SKILLED FOR YOUR OWN GOOD 22 FINANCE PROTECTING YOUR INVESTMENT 24 FOOD SAY CHEESE, IT’S GOUDA FOR YOU 28 YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR I”LL GIVE YOU A DAISY A DAY 32 FEATURE FAITH FAMILY AND COMMUNITY 36 LEADERSHIP BEYOND POLITICS 38 NON PROFIT A SAFE PLACE 44 BUSINESS DIRECTORY

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from the CEO

RANCHELLE IN THE RAW The SECRET Formula to Success b y Ra n c h e l l e Va n B r yc e

Most of my adult life I have been chasing after this illusive “secret” to success. In fact, I spent seven figures and 12 years hunting for this elusive success.

Courses, coaches, workshops, strategies and more.

YET, the secret remained a secret.

This journey was filled with frustration, anger, resentment, fear and finally; surrender. Want to know the crazy thing about this secret? Once I surrendered, I found it.

It was right there in front of me! In ALL of the books that I read: Napoleon Hill, Think and Grow Rich, Wallace D. Wattles, The Science of Getting Rich, Robert Collier, The Secret of the Ages, Joseph Murray, The Power of The Subconscious Mind, Raymond Holliwell, Working with The Law and of course anything by Earl Nightingale. My coaches were sharing the same DAMN secret with me as well and YET, I could not see it. I was in my own way.

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Perhaps you can relate? Do you have this feeling that your life is meant to be something MORE? That for some reason you are not living to your full potential? That’s how I felt too. That was my story.

I felt like no matter what I did, I just could NOT get it together to live the life that I was supposed to live. It wasn’t just about ‘the money’, although that was how it showed up for me. It was like every day proved to me that I wasn’t enough. I was on this “trek”, a “journey” and the joke was on me… that there was destination, no arrival.

One day I was speaking to my mentor and he shared a vision with me. He said, Ranchelle, you’re on a boat and you are using the oars, trying to go upstream to what you think is the destination. Turn the boat around, put up the sail and go WITH the flow. Why are you going against the flow? I laughed out loud because that is exactly how I was feeling.

Everything felt like a struggle. His next words were

life changing, “what are you resisting? Why won’t you surrender?” It was like I was hit over the head with a frying pan.

You see, to me surrender meant giving up; quitting, you know - wave the white flag and surrender to the ‘enemy’. But then, exactly WHO was my enemy? I felt like my enemies were fear, frustration, confusion, limiting beliefs and that by surrendering I was accepting those to be my TRUTH and I so didn’t want that to be my TRUTH. Here is the funny thing about what we focus on and about what I was creating: What we resist, persists. Read that again, what we resist, persists. So, by focusing and resisting my fears, frustrations, anger and confusion I was creating MORE of that. In order to create a different outcome, I had to first surrender to the idea that I was feeling that way. Then I had to ask myself, if I didn’t WANT that, what did I want (focus on the outcome, not the problem).

I reframed surrender so that it means, for me: I surrender to my Higher Power, I surrender to my faith, I surrender to peace, serenity and love. Most importantly for me, surrender means I surrender INTO something. Even deeper, I give up something of a lower vibration (anger, resentment and fear) to something of a higher vibration (faith, love and peace). Once I reframed surrender, I was able to BEHAVE in a way that showed me the secret that I was chasing after, that is, surrender.

So, what IS the secret formula for success?

First, I want to share with you that there is NO secret formula. Every book that I listed above gives the exact formula for success and I will be happy to share it here with you.

I can tell you though the KEY to success, for me, has been “application”. You see, I was reading the books, going to the seminars, taking the masterclasses, writing copious amounts of notes and YET, still success escaped me to that day of surrender.

Can you relate?

I asked myself the following question. What IF the secret was applying the formula? What if it was about moving it from information, to knowledge, and to how do I apply it? That day, I dove back into working with the law and every highlighted juicy part I asked myself, HOW can I apply this? HOW can I LIVE this? Who do I need to BE in order to live this?

And finally, what do I need to do? What changes in behaviour must happen so that I live this way?

This was when things started to change for me.

So, I said I would share the formula. Here it is.

1. Be clear and concise with your desires.

2. Ensure that the desire is coming from a place of abundance and prosperity vs. lack (for example: my business is open for new clients vs. I NEED clients so I can pay my bills).

3. Visualize AS IF you have exactly what you desire. Add some emotion to it. Use your imagination as the tool it was meant for.

4. Be grateful for what you have; spend time IN GRATITUDE. The words, “I am so happy and grateful now that..” are essential here.

5. Only focus on what you want; stop using words like: I don’t have time, I can’t afford, the economy is preventing me from, the pandemic is, etc.

6. Have faith that what you desire is already here.

7. Surround yourself with like-minded people. Napoleon Hill talks about the mastermind, my coach says, find a coach that resonates with you and has what you want to create.

8. Don’t worry about ‘the how’ you will manifest the ‘thing’ you want. The how comes once you decide that you desire it.

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a date with danielle

AM I DISQUALIFIED?

by Danielle Klooster When we see problems, we have the urge to fix them. But are we qualified?

In recent days, I’ve been part of a few conversations about how one can be of help to marginalized or traumatized people. In one of the discussions, a group of good and sincere men were grappling with how they can make a difference in the issue of violence, domestic or otherwise, toward women.

The other was related to our colonial approach and systems, the impact on Indigenous people, and how we non-Indigenous folks can and should show up for them.

There are Problems I’m told there are three kinds of problems: complex, complicated, and chaotic. These big social and societal issues are all three kinds. As such, there are no simple solutions.

Although the scourge of violence against women has become much more spotlighted in recent years than ever before, it certainly doesn’t seem to be diminishing. Recent shootings in the US are a clear indicator that there are many men who blame women and feel victimized when they don’t receive the attention, submission and satisfaction to which they feel they’re entitled.

As a sexual assault survivor, and a person who has been trained in recognizing signs of domestic abuse, I was asked what insight I could offer as to what men could and should ‘do’ to impact the culture of silence and tolerance around men’s violence toward women. Of course, the obvious thing to do is speak out. Some men have made a commitment to do that and are posting their thoughts on social

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media, as well as learning more about the issue and fostering male discourse. This is good! They want to be allies. But – what else can they do? They feel a little helpless, a little at a loss. There are sensitivities.

The men I spoke with are keenly aware that, as men, they may be perceived to be disqualified to have a voice or take action, simply on the basis of their gender.

Actually, the same goes for the Indigenous experience.

Though we feel that progress has been made, there is still a long list of many very real barriers. How can I, as a non-Indigenous person, possibly have a perspective, a voice, or a right to help move the needle on racial and systemic discrimination? Does my Caucasian persuasion disqualify me?

Things I Can Do I can tell you that my heart is deeply moved on both of these issues, and my desire to make a difference is strong. I despise seeing people suffering at the hands of others. I want it to stop. I want to help make change. And I fully believe that there are things I, and everyone, can do.

I can: 1. Recognize my privilege. I know, I know – talking about privilege really sticks in the craw of some people, because they don’t feel particularly privileged. But the truth is, social and systemic constructs exist on both of these fronts that place some in a more advantageous position. Because of this, the last thing needed by those affected is for someone to gallop in to be a saviour, deciding they know what to do and how to help. It’s arrogant and condescending. It exaggerates and exacerbates the power differential and puts me above those having the experience.

It is not allyship.

2. Look for connection instead of answers. It’s totally okay to not know what to do or how exactly to help. I can choose to listen and learn, recognizing that everyone is on their own journey and having their own experience.

I can choose to come into conversations with a humble heart, seeking to connect as humans, understanding that this is help. It is the starting place of help, the foundation.

Honour people. Validate their feelings and experiences. Cry with them. Love.

3. Offer. There are things I can do to help, to be an ally. While it’s true I shouldn’t decide what’s best for people affected by these issues, I can certainly offer them what is at my disposal that may make a difference. I open my hands and they get to decide. I must recognize that having my heart is in the right place and

noble intentions doesn’t automatically mean my help will be appreciated or received, and that’s completely fair. I respect everyone’s right to be on their own journey, but I can offer what I have.

It’s the Women I was privileged, a few years ago, to go and listen to Dr. Murray Sinclair speak. He had been the Chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and was touring the country to bring understanding of the resulting report. As he shared the deeply painful stories of those affected by systemic discrimination and the residential schools, I was profoundly moved.

I knew I wanted to do something to bring healing, but I was keenly aware of my Caucasian-ness. I felt helpless and at a loss. Disqualified. So, during the Q & A, I went to the mic. I tearfully asked him to please help us to understand what we could do to make a difference. His answer stunned me.

He said to the audience, “If you are a sister, please stand.” Several women stood. “And mothers,” he continued, “please stand.” More women stood.

“Now, aunties and grandmas and daughters.” Now, every woman was standing.

“It’s you,” he declared solemnly. “You will bring the healing.”

There was silence. There was not a dry eye in the place. It was a moment I will never forget.

Why women? He never did say. But, if I were guessing, I’d say it has something to do with the Universal Law of Gender. You see, we all have both masculine energy and feminine energy in us. Masculine energy is what we lean into when we are on ‘output’, ‘penetration’, ‘fixing’. Feminine energy is about receiving and openness. When it comes to those who have been traumatized and marginalized, feminine energy can foster and atmosphere of healing. And all people can show up in their feminine energy. All people can sow love and light in their corner of the world. All people are qualified to be agents of healing.

If you are a person who has been traumatized or marginalized, I want to make a difference for you.

Please show me the path. I’m open and ready to receive. I’m human. I’m qualified.

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business

OPPORTUNITY IN CHAOS

How to Live and Work While Riding the Waves of Change

by Cathy Forner For over 30 years, in my professional life, I have been responding to disasters and emergencies, building solutions and managing through change. Through this, I have learned the value of planning, finding the best in difficult situations.

This pandemic is a crisis that is a “disaster” and many of the disaster-management principles and best practices are relevant.

Here are some things you can do to gain control of your business and innovate your way through this time: 1. Focus on the top priorities and key principle of your business. Have honest conversations and take a deep look within your business. Get input from trusted advisors.

2. Do some scenario planning to help you gain clarity.

Your focus at this time cannot be on everything – that will be very overwhelming - so ask yourself: what are the priorities that will make the biggest difference for you, your staff and your business?

3. Start an idea bank. In a crisis, the key

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considerations must be the key priorities, but there maybe other ideas that pop up for future consideration. Write everything down and then sort out what needs attention now and what might be “parked” for later. Create a digital location where you can capture every idea and thought (if you do not capture them immediately, it’s likely you will not remember them). Revisit as time allows.

4. Face the emotions and problems head-on.

It’s okay to talk about the difficult situations and the emotions that go with them. During the planning process, root issues and core problems often come to light. These can be emotional.

Allow time to discuss what is scaring or concerning people. The ability to express those concerns in a safe environment helps people feel supported, and often they can then let those things go, freeing themselves up to focus on the job at hand. Be clear that you might not be able to address issues right away, but that you have heard and take it seriously.

5. Communication is critical. Once your planning becomes decisions and directions, be sure to share this with your team, your stakeholders, and your audiences. Side note: you will need to make your decisions and set your direction

based on credible information, ensuring that what you decide, and what you say, is verifiable and reliable. During disasters, because of fear and uncertainty, there are plenty of rumoursand inaccurate information. Make evidence-based decisions and communicate that to those who count.

6. Human Resources are your biggest asset and this includes you! Ensuring you have proper practises and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in place is critical, but so is the mental and emotional health and safety of everyone.

Selfcare, the ability to share and release the fear and emotion we are all feeling is essential. As a leader, it is okay to struggle. Daring leadership is being prepared to step in and care for yourself and your people.

7. Go with your strengths. This is a time to apply our best skills. During crisis and disasters, we must be mindful that situations will intensify everyone’s strengths and weaknesses. What are the skills your team members have that you might not ordinarily use? Pull those hidden treasures out of yourself and your people and consider how you will shore up or support the weakness’.

Help is Available The good news is you don’t have to do this alone! Coaches and project consultants can help you navigate all of this and come up with an exciting and workable plan. Note: through an initiative with Innoweave, if you are a non-profit or charitable organization, you can get free mentorship from me or leaders with 25+ years’ experience in non-profit disaster management.

Cathy Forner, owner of C4ner Project Consulting, specializes in tackling unique, complex organizational challenges with clear, actionable steps. With more than 25 years of experience in virtual and in-person projects, as well as her business management expertise, Cathy has effectively led changes across a diverse range of organizations and industries. Cathy lives in Sylvan Lake

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spirituality

DAWN COMES AFTER NIGHT by

Bonnie Hoffmann

“Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts. There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature —the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after winter.”

- Rachel Carson, a marine biologist and conservationist, published posthumously in 1965.

How fitting a quote for this time of year. It is spring!

We all want to be outdoors, to breathe deeply, to feel the caress of the breeze on bare shoulders. How about just lifting the chin to the sun, closed eyes and taking a few deep breaths? Spring is the season of new beginnings; the dead of winter giving way to a new season.

about 25 years ago I felt God called me to become a funeral director and minister to the grieving. My road to this vocation was long and winding.

Growing up in the 1970’s was pretty chaotic. Mom became a widow with three little girls; no family here in Canada and no money. I became angry with God as a teen and would almost go so far as to call God, who made the heavens and the earth uses His myself reckless, during this time. creation to show us something of His glory and gives us something of His life. He speaks through the earth It wasn’t until early in my mothering years, when I and the sea, the birds of the air, the plants of the land escaped one Saturday to attend a conference that and the living creatures upon the earth; through the my road began to straighten. We spent the day and rising and the setting of the sun each day. Within the I picked up the keynote speaker’s little book: Falling intricacies of nature, God reveals the depths of His Sparrow, Broken Wing… a time to heal from abuse. creation complexities for my consideration. What By the time I finished the first chapter, I knew that I a gift! The challenge for me these days is to quiet had been a little sparrow who had been wounded myself; to listen. The pandemic has contributed to by the predator bird - the sparrow hawk. It was an increase in anxiety and agitation. One sure cure life changing for me to understand my experiences is a deliberate time spent out in nature. through the lens of God’s care. I became healed of my experiences as I shared this little book with other It wasn’t until I committed to trusting Christ in my wounded women through the years. life, at about 30 years of age that nature began to figure more prominently in my spiritual awakening. After the death of my mother and a couple other Birds play such a big role in nature and often feature people that were close to me, I began to feel that in faith. The honking of the geese and the chickadees things could be done differently for those who were sweet calls, remind that life anew begins, even as the grieving a loss. That was when I made the decision pandemic continues. But with life comes death and to become a funeral director.

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Here it is, fifteen years in “the business” and I am watching people struggle with their grief in a situation that is beyond their control. It has also give us more times of introspection about these major life events.

There are a couple of feeders and a little bird bath outside the kitchen window. During this past year, I’ve recognized how these little feathered creatures have helped to ground me as I’ve spent greater amounts of time on my own. Looking out the window, it’s easy to stop and take five or six deep breaths. It’s interesting how deliberate deep breathing can provide energy and soothing - all in the same breath.

This breathing can help to center us as we have all experienced some kind of pandemic related loss.

Part of this grieving is for lost loved ones and it is compounded because families have not been able to host their traditional funeral rites. As painful as they are at times, these rites help to ground us.

During this time of great change, it is more needed than ever.

Our rituals and our ceremonies are more than just a tradition or a nicety but rather they are part of how we process our grief; they help connect us to the earth. The act of having a ritual to say goodbye to our loved ones aids the grieving process of moving our loved one and our memories of them to a different place in our lives. Without this transferring, our grieving can become complex.

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Talk a walk near a river and throw stones into it while sharing memories.

Have a time of prayer and meditation.

Take a sample of your loved ones remains, place them in a small container and bury it near a memorial plant or tree (ashes are too acidic to sprinkle on a plant as they will kill vegetation).

Perhaps the container could have a tie to your loved one, such as their favourite activity or snack.

Whatever you decide to do, make it purposeful and intentional. Honour your loved one in your own way and in a manner you feel would be meaningful to you. Remember to also take time to breathe deeply and to ‘contemplate the beauty of the earth’.

Bonnie Hoffmann, operates Pine Box Funerals Inc. in Sherwood Park, AB. She’s earned a reputation as an alternative provider of funeral services. With interest in natural burial and community-lead deathcare, Bonnie is seeing deep changes in how families are taking control of how they want and need to say farewell.

The Alberta cremation rate is greater than 80% of all deaths. In 2020, Covid-19 thrust over 1,000 Alberta families into the need for funeral services. From just my little corner of the funeral world, most families are taking their person’s cremated remains home, with some vague ideas on dealing with them later or someday. This continues to be particularly difficult as it interferes with the social needs of family/ community in grief.

So, what do I suggest families do? It is possible to help your healing journey through the creation of your own rite of passage. Some ideas might be: •

Create a home shrine. A place set apart in your home that has a small table, the urn, notes to your loved on, a guest book, trinkets etc. This is a tangible expression of your loss.

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Gather with one or two other people who were close to your loved one and place rocks at the base of a tree and do some readings or share your memories.

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relationships

LETTING GO

by Katherine Loranger Pouring a glass of wine, I found myself drowning in a familiar sea of self-loathing, frustration and despair. Wondering why I kept finding myself with partners where I felt unseen, unsupported and unloved. Why I was feeling lonely and alone even while I was sitting right beside someone who was in a committed relationship with me.

Feeling like my needs weren’t important, or that it was even wrong or selfish for me to have needs or expectations of a partner. Feeling like once I was in a relationship that I needed to just make the best of it. Feeling like once again I didn’t matter.

As I sat in front of the fireplace, watching the flames flicker, hearing the wind and rain of the storm that was lashing the world outside of me I started myself asking the same old questions, “What’s wrong with me? Why does this keep happening? Why won’t someone love me?” I had plenty of answers that came to mind and when I looked I sure could find evidence to support those underlying beliefs!

What Did I Want?

Sure, I’d had moments or even stretches of time where I could remember experiencing some of the elements that I thought I wanted. But when I got right down to it, and if I was honest with myself, I didn’t actually even really know what I wanted and what was important to me. I’d thought about it on a superficial level but hadn’t given myself the time to really create space for my heart and soul’s deepest yearnings to reveal themselves.

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I’d been looking outside myself for the answers, not really having a clear idea of what was important to me and instead being swept up in the thrill of something (or someone) new and different. Then I’d find myself in a committed long-term relationship just because it was what I thought was supposed to happen. Never even asking myself if it was truly what I wanted and truly who I wanted.

As I felt myself slipping further into the familiar feelings of self-pity something happened. Something different. I noticed. I noticed the well-worn path that my brain kept taking and that I nursed, rehearsed and reinforced. In that noticing something shifted, something small and subtle, something soft and gentle and something powerful in its hopefulness

An Awakening I could bring to mind times in my life where I felt guided by something that I couldn’t understand or even describe. Times when I’d been in a consistent meditation practice, times in nature, times where I felt connected to something bigger, wiser and infinitely loving. Times when I’d felt so open to all of life’s beauty and mysteries. And the times when I just surrendered to the flow of life, seemingly miraculous and unexplainable things happened.

I noticed the familiar reaction and feelings at the same time that I was remembering these times in my life, I felt an opening in myself. That feeling of catharsis like the smell of fresh air after a violent storm and the sight of the sunlight glistening on the beads of water dripping off of the trees. A feeling

I’d been looking outside myself for the answers, not really having a clear idea of what was important to me and instead being swept up in the thrill of something (or someone) new and different.

of renewal. A feeling of possibility. A feeling of hope.

And in that feeling I caused myself to ask a different question.

What if it actually mattered what I wanted? What if I could have the kind of relationship that I dreamed of and what if I gave myself permission to imagine, to dream and to hope? What would be important to me? What would I really love?

With those questions unfolding in me, their ripeness of possibility hanging in the air, I took up my pencil and a piece of paper and asked my heart and soul what I wanted and what was truly important to me.

the bus I immediately noticed a very handsome man with the most amazing smile, he glowed with life and a feeling of joy. He looked so alive and open to me. When the bus arrived at the ceremony location I found myself busy with helping out and the man that I’d seen left my mind. During the reception my friend came over to me to tell me that he wanted to introduce me to his friend Robin that he and his fiancé had told me about. In the festivities I’d forgotten all about it and when he introduced me I saw that it was the man I’d noticed on the bus!

It turns out that he’d noticed me as well and as I got to know him he shared that he almost didn’t attend the wedding at all because he’d gotten a call about a job as he was about to board the bus. For some reason that he couldn’t explain he felt that he needed to turn it down and board the bus and we are both so grateful that he did.

We both listened to the still small voice inside ourselves and it brought us together.

Oh, and he embodies all of the qualities on my list and had the big truck to boot!

From those questions a list emerged, a list of qualities and character traits, a list of emotional attributes and a sense of adventure and fun. And when I’d completed my list, I thought to myself “and a big truck for gardening and home renovations”.

And I let go…

Going to the Chapel Barely a month later I met the man who became my husband. I’d gone to Kenora, Ontario to attend a friend’s wedding. When he and his fiancé heard that I was single they proceeded to toss names back and forth to each other with the intent of setting me up.

I laughingly told them I wasn’t interested in being set up, thank you very much. They continued to suggest names to each other, with each name being dismissed by the other for various reasons. They were having a lot of fun with it when all of a sudden, they stopped, and looking at each other, simultaneously said “Robin”. In spite of myself I was intrigued, and they proceeded to tell me that he was the kindest, most thoughtful and integrous man that they had ever met. All qualities that I highly valued.

They arranged for him to attend their pre-wedding BBQ so we could meet but he never showed up. I shrugged to myself and figured that it just wasn’t meant to be. Later, I found out that he’d driven by but was so nervous and shy because he didn’t know anyone other than the bride and groom that he just kept driving.

On the day of their wedding the ceremony was being held at a different location than the reception so they had a bus for transportation. As I boarded

Katherine Loranger, Founder, Katalyst Coaching As a certified Transformational Life Coach, Katherine helps people create full spectrum success and lives that they truly love living.

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p e r s on a l growth

FIVE LESSONS NOT TAUGHT IN SCHOOL

by Dr. Jennie Ward

Often when working with clients, I have the thought, why were we not taught these skills in school? In elementary school I learned how to name all the planets in our solar system, but I didn’t learn until adulthood how to feel my feelings, recognize my thoughts or listen to my intuition. It can make me shake my head sometimes.

Here are a few things that we would all benefit from learning: 1. The power of self-awareness. When I’m working with clients, I’m regularly talking about the power of knowing yourself. It can be so helpful to learn about your strengths, the areas that you’re working on improving and your potential “trigger points.” You can’t change what you’re not aware of, right?

As you begin to recognize your patterns, you’ll know what areas seem to be causing problems in your life. You can adjust, modify and work to improve on handling those things that are throwing you off kilter. You’ll start to see what you’re good at and work to maximize these abilities. By increasing self-awareness, you can learn how to live your life in a way that is in alignment with who you are and what you truly want. Selfawareness alone can make a huge difference in the quality of your life.

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2. The skill of choosing your thoughts.

Thoughts are running through our heads all day long and most of us don’t realize that we have the ability to decide how we think. We often focus more on changing the circumstances of our lives to try to feel better.

We decide to leave that marriage, change that job or sell that house, rather than look at what’s really driving us to do these things.

Absolutely taking action is an important part of life, but working on your thoughts first will get you so much further. Examine your thoughts, determine how each thought leads you to feel, then learn how to think about things in a healthier, more balanced way. Although this sounds easy, it takes a lot of practice, repetition and grit to see the benefits. It’s worth the time spent.

3. The ability to feel your feelings. We spend so much mental energy resisting and avoiding emotions. Human beings are wired to go toward pleasure and resist pain, so it’s natural that we don’t want to feel sad, angry, anxious or any other emotion that’s naturally difficult to feel. Unfortunately, when we don’t allow ourselves to feel our emotions, we experience many negative effects in our lives. We might start experiencing physical issues like chronic headaches or irritable bowel syndrome. Perhaps we start drinking

too much wine or spending frivolously instead of really facing what’s going on in our emotional life. Feel your feelings. Notice where you feel it in your body. Sit with it and don’t avoid. Trust me when I tell you your life will improve.

4. How to tap into your intuition. Generally in society we’re taught to go through life focusing on the logical side of things. What job makes the most sense? What partner seems to have all the checks in the boxes?

Then we might throw in, “but listen to your gut!” Have you ever wondered how to actually identify your intuition and begin to listen to it? A simple strategy for this is to understand what a “no” might feel like in their body. It often feels like a constriction, a tightness or a clenching. A “yes” might feel like openness, softening or a release. Often when something is a “yes,” you naturally let out a deep breathy sigh. Practice testing this out with things you already know you love and things you don’t like at all. When you think of them, what does your body do?

I urge you to learn your body’s signals and train yourself to listen to them. Your life will begin to flow like never before.

5. The knowledge of how to handle money.

No surprise that money comes up a lot in therapy. Is there any topic that causes more stress? Sex maybe! Is there anyone out there that hasn’t made a mistake with their money or wishes they could go back and change a financial decision? What an incredible skill to be able to feel confident in our ability to manage money. All of us would benefit from learning the skill of budgeting, living on less than we make and investing consistently.

It’s never too late to learn and there’s always time to make progress. .

Do any of these skills resonate with you? Is there one that you might work on improving in your own life?

Choose just that one and work to make some small changes in that area over the course of the next 30 days. You’ll be impressed with the result, I’m sure.

Dr. Jennie Ward is a clinical psychologist and owner of Ward & Associates Psychological Services, a psychology clinic in Sherwood Park.

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health and wellness

HEALTH MATTERS

by Sharon McMullan-Baron

The sunrise this morning was another miracle filled with hope. The geese have returned in their crisp V formations with their travelling song high overhead.

My young pup marvels at their shape and sound.

The honks mark their location to each other as they coordinate their position amid the V formation, preserving the integrity of the flock.

The flock is a community that has survived a harsh winter as have we. The return of the geese lifts our hearts as we embrace a new season. Spring! As we shed our heavy winter coats and footwear, set down our screens and experience the welcome caress of April sunshine on our cheeks, we too can sing a joyous song of survival. That was a challenging winter! Bravo for getting through it.

Last April the playgrounds were silent, wrapped in yellow tape to prevent children from using the equipment. That was one of the many public heath measures enacted to prevent further Covid-19 spread. Families tossed wistful glances as they paraded past the silent, empty playgrounds on their daily walks.

So far, Spring 2021 is different. Children’s boisterous voices ring out as swings creak and teeter totters bounce. Children clamber over climbing towers

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and swoosh down slides. Parents lounge near by with eyes locked on their phones. Back to normal, it seems.

However, the health impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic are not yet over. Moods can swing up and down, changeable as the spring weather. Cognitive confusion may occur because we are overwhelmed by this pandemic experience. Practice patience and kindness. Mind your mind. Monitor your mood. Make the connections you need. Practice more patience and more kindness. Keep communicating what you need. Keep building the healthy resilience you’ve nurtured. It is this adaptive quality that has been a key to our survival. .

We are adaptive and resilient people. Have you considered the many unexpected gifts provided by this Covid era? Painters, writers and poets have put the solitary time to good effect. One gallery owner told me they had a warehouse filled with works from all 49 of their artists. It had been the most productive periods she had ever experienced.

Relieved of social obligations due to the lockdowns, artists could simply relax and focus on creating.

What new activities have you explored or old interests been rekindled? Many of us have mastered

new technology as a means of connection. I attended a virtual birthday party that featured a biologist in a Montana wildlife centre showcasing animals to children in Canada, Ireland and England.

The hanging out after the session and chatting was heartening. The adoption of technology by all ages has been remarkable.

I often think of my grandmother who grew up with no telephone, television or internet. She had ways of connection and adaptive skills to cope with the challenges of her times including the depression, world wars and their aftermath. Whether it was through the kitchen chores and talking, gardening and talking, assisting with the chickens and talking; the rhythm of manual work allowed stress to be released as everyone worked together for the common family goal. Routines that were rhythmic, nature based and collective were helpful. Over the course of her lifetime, she demonstrated her resiliency by developing new techniques. She’d learned to drive and wear pants. When I moved to another province, she and I visited over the telephone. Each generation finds its way through their challenges.

Now, I’m the flexible grandmother. I’ve maintained family connection across the many miles, nurtured a love of reading, and given my daughter a breather

by reading storybooks to my toddler grandchild each morning online. This is a new way to do age old things – spend time with precious ones, laugh and love. I’m following in my grandmother’s footsteps and I know she would have done the same things!

She liked sunrises, birdsong and dogs too. And my grandmother would have loved how, through this pandemic, we learned new ways to be healthy and well by communicating and staying connected, accessing all the new techniques available to do the good old important stuff. Connection. Over the course of her lifetime, she demonstrated her resiliency by developing new techniques As we begin to plant our gardens, I invite you to choose to build a new normal. Make it one of better connections. Connect with yourself first. Choose wisely. Play more. Move more. Sing more. Talk more.

Really talk. Be healthy. Be well.

Sharon McMullan -Baron is an educator, yoga instructor, cancer survivor, literary and textile artist, leader and reader, wanderer and wonderer who loves to volunteer building community.

She is a daughter, sister, wife, mother, nana, and friend.

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professional development

MAKING THE LEAP

by Rachelle Scrase I recently made the leap from a 25-year career in dental hygiene to owner of my own brand photography business. Quite the shift, but one that has yielded great rewards. This transition did not happen overnight, nor did it occur without a lot of deep inner work.

My initial career choice was made out of security. It provided me a great income, job availability, work life balance – all of the things one considers when making major life decisions. But I denied myself the most important of considerations – what lights my soul on fire? For me, there was a defining moment.

Approaching mid-life and realizing I was not living my purpose, the internal turmoil erupted, and I cracked wide open. It was after a complete and utter internal meltdown I realized that I NEEDED to create and that it was missing from my life. I tuned into my soul’s desire and haven’t looked back.

Laying the Groundwork The journey to today has taken time, effort, and patience. Once the decision was made to pursue my passion for photography, Ispent years learning the skills that have brought me to this moment. I built my business during nights and on weekends, taking online education, learning new technologies, and familiarizing myself with business systems.

Finding a mentor was invaluable. Their experience and leadership provided insights that saved me frustration, time, and overwhelm. Being intentional and laying down the necessary foundation before ever launching were key to my business success.

Being in business is scary. Not only have I experienced the highest of highs, but also the lowest of lows.

As an individual adverse to risk and fearful of the unknown, being an entrepreneur has tested me. I began asking myself questions. Am I capable? What if I fail?

My normally iron self-confidence was turned to dark self-doubt. The realization from this turmoil was that I could not do this alone. To this point I was barely treading water, and the fear was real. A life

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raft appeared in the form of a business coach. My mentor explained to me that I cannot achieve my goals when I live in fear. I realized in that moment that I had always lived in fear. This epiphany caused a seismic shift. I would no longer live in fear but in faith.

New Outlook means a Life with Purpose This new outlook has generated abundance in so many ways, and I use this new outlook to live my life with purpose and leverage my passion for photography to magnify the dreams of others. My mission is to help women in business feel confident, tell their story, thrive, and to do the work they were born to do. This ripple effect spreads out

Rachelle is a Central Alberta based brand photographer. She loves working with passionate entrepreneurial women to create custom imagery for their social media and marketing content so they tell their story and stand out.

When she’s not behind the camera, she enjoys personal development, travel and spending time with her husband and two adult children. See more at www.infinitybrandphotography.com

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finance

PROTECTING YOUR INVESTMENT

by Judy Schueler For most of us, purchasing a home is the largest financial investment we will ever make in our lifetime. And just as with us humans, prevention is key to a long, strong life for a house. Homes require regular check-ups to prevent problems from occurring, and to catch issues when they are small, before they become large and expensive to fix.

Because of this, many people overlook an important part of protecting their investment; having their home inspected regularly. Most people only think of hiring a home inspector when they are purchasing a home. But did you know that even if you are not planning a move, having a certified home inspector come and do a thorough inspection of your home and property approximately every five years is an important part of ensuring that your home is the healthiest that it can be?

There are a few key things that homeowners can do to keep their homes in shape such as cleaning your gutters and ensuring that your yard is sloping away from your home. Clogged gutters and moisture flowing toward the home are problems that if left unaddressed, can result in long term damage that is costly to resolve. A good home inspector will educate you about things like this so that you know how to take good care of your home.

Finding a Home Inspector ✔ Make sure that they are certified and insured. In Alberta home inspectors must be registered with Service Alberta and have a special license they carry with them at all times on the job.

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✔ Look for the inspector’s years of service. A Certified Master Inspector will have special credentials for length of service and the number of inspections completed. ✔ Ask if they will give you a list of things that you can be doing each season to help you maintain your home. ✔ Does the home inspector have a trusted network of referral partners to help you along your way should your home be in need of any repairs or renovations? For example, do they work closely with insurance providers, home renovation contractors, and plumbers, just to name a few.

While this is not necessary, it can be very helpful if you end up with work that needs to be done. ✔ Do not be shy about asking your own, specific questions. You want to use a home inspector who takes pride in ensuring that you have all your questions answered.

Remember, a good home inspector will not only inspect your home but will take the time to teach you how to take good care of your home yourself.

When you are buying a house, you deserve to know exactly what you are buying. And when you are living in that house and making it a home, you need to know how to properly care for it.

Winter to Spring As we begin to transition from winter to spring, here are some things you can do on your own to help minimize any warm weather surprises: Check your sump pumps! Not all homes have sump pumps, but if yours does, it is there for a good reason to prevent flooding! Your sump pump cannot do its job if it is not working properly, so at the first thaw each year, make sure it is good to go by cleaning the filter and cleaning the valve. A home inspector can teach you how to do this if you are not sure how.

Change your furnace filter not just now, but regularly. Keep your air quality high and your bills low! In addition, if you have a high efficiency furnace or hot water tank, look for condensation build up around the exit (the white PVC out the side of the home) to ensure any ice is cleared. These simple tasks will help you save money on your utility and service call bills.

Vacuum your dryer and bathroom vents so that they operate efficiently and do not become fire hazards.

Proactive Of course, being proactive is always best, so if you are in the process of purchasing a home hiring a home inspector could save you from disaster.

Knowing what you are buying (or not buying!) can make sure you are armed with the best information possible. Likewise, if you are selling your home, getting a home inspection completed on your house can help you address problems proactively, so there are no nasty surprises that show up if the potential purchaser orders an inspection of their own.

Judy’s business roots run deep, as she grew up on working the family farm and in the family businesses in southern Alberta. She has been a Certified Home Inspector with A Buyers Choice Home Inspections for the past ten years. Her fulfillment in her work comes from helping people to understand what they are purchasing and how to take good care of it.

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food

SAY CHEESE IT’S GOUDA FOR YOU!

By Monique MacDonald

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“Backstein spundekäs tilsit. Harzer bonifaz, cambozola edelpilzkäse! Handkäse bergader, obatzda.”

“Banon roquefort fourme d’ambert époisses. SainteMaure de Touraine. Cantal salers selles-sur-cher valençay, bleu d’auvergne crottin de chavignol!”

You can be forgiven if you think that I’m writing gibberish or in another language. I kind of was.

April Fool’s! The two sentences above are made up of cheese names. The first paragraph, all German cheeses. The second one, French. I thought it might be fun to write sentences using names of cheeses. I know, that was cheesy. I have a thing for cheese. I just love it. A mild Gouda or a stinky Estrom paired with the right wine is like biting into a slice of heaven.

It’s quite interesting this fascination that some have with cheese. Really, it’s just milk that has moulded, right? Wrong.

Cheese isn’t mould, it’s not even a bi-product. Some cheese do have mould added to it for flavour, such as Rocquefort, which is a type of blue cheese. Cheese is actually made up of milk proteins and fat to which salt and the enzyme Rennet are incorporated. Then it’s coagulated, compressed, and some are ripened.

Canadians ate 539 metric tons of cheese in 2020 and are the 6th largest consumers of cheese in the world after the EU, US, Russia, Brazil and Mexico. In comparison, Americans indulged in 5 766 tons of the

delightful Cheddar, Pepper Jack and other cheeses that same year. We consumed approximately 14.65 kilograms of cheese per capita in 2018 (Satista.com, Emma Bedford).

The nutritional value of cheese varies from one type to another. Very good sources of calcium and protein, most cheeses are high in saturated fat and salt. Indulge too much and you risk increasing both your cholesterol levels and blood pressure. These two are causes of cardiovascular disease. If you are like me and love cheese, moderation is key, just like with everything else that is delicious.

Which is the most popular cheese in Canada? After poking around on the internet, I found that cheddar is at the top of most Canadian lists of “favourite cheeses”. It is followed by mozzarella and feta.

Quebec and Ontario produce the majority of Canada’s Cheddar cheese, 36% and 40.8% respectively. You’ve probably seen some of the more common Cheddars in your supermarket dairy section. Marble, mild, medium and old are the prepackaged go-to types that most of us buy to cut up into cubes and put on charcuterie platters. If you limit yourself to these, you’re missing out. There are so many more types of Cheddar and Cheddarbased cheeses out there.

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Cheddar cheese originated in a Sommerset, England village named, big surprise, Cheddar. Today, Canada produces some of the best Cheddar cheeses in the world. This is due to our cows. Their milk makes a very tasty cheese that stands out because of our climate and pastures. But even in this country, the flavour will vary from province to province depending on the breed of cow and the feed they nibble on. Some other types of Cheddar are Lancashire, Double Gloucester, Wensleydale and Colby. These cheddars, with the exception of Colby, have a stronger flavour and are harder, more crumbly cheeses. Colby is milder and not hard. Look for them in the deli section, not the dairy one with the pre-packaged cheeses. You will notice the difference at first bite.

In Alberta, we are lucky to have a few high quality cheeseries, as well as many delis and cheese mongers that offer unique varieties. There’s Sylvan Star near Red Deer, The Cheesery near Kitscoty, and Old School Cheesery in Vermillion. There are also small cheese shops and deli’s who dabble at making cheese and often sell their latest small batch creations.

Meuwly’s in Edmonton is such a place. They also carry other Alberta and BC cheeses.

Other than Meuwly’s, you can find delicious local and imported cheeses at some of these local shops and grocery stores: Cavern, the Italian Centre Shop, Paddy’s International Cheese Market, Sunterra Market, Elsafadi Mediterranean Supermarket, Freson Bros, and the Cheese Factory.

Cheese is one of my favourite foods. I buy a lot of it. At times, I buy too much. So much so that in the back of my refrigerator I occasionally find potential science experiments. My husband won’t touch any moldy cheese so I need to slice off any mould before he catches sight of it. I just cut the moldy parts and eat away. I thought that this was an okay thing to do. Turns out I was wrong. You can’t just slice off the moldy parts of all cheeses and eat the remainder.

There are some cheeses you should throw out immediately, do not remove moldy parts, do not pass go, do not collect… well, you get the idea.

I learned a lot about moldy cheese from an article by Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D. (Mayo Clinic 09/12/20).

Here is an overview of some of her eye-opening information.

Which cheeses are safe to eat when mold appears?

Molding hard and semisoft cheeses such as Cheddar, Asiago and Gouda are not risky. If you find any, just be sure to remove the mold and about an inch off all around the affected area. in between these cheeses. These “hairs” often like the company of salmonella, E. coli and other not so friendly bacteria and can bring them along

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Which cheeses should be tossed out?

Any soft cheese such as cream cheese and cottage cheese as well as shredded cheeses. Do you have a bag of shredded cheese in the fridge that’s gone blue in some spots? Garbagio! Why? The mold grows like hair. Some are too fine for us to see with the naked eye, they can get through, around and in between these cheeses. These “hairs” often like the company of salmonella, E. coli and other not so friendly bacteria and can bring them along to the “Let’s Get You Sick” party.

What about cheeses that usually have mold like Brie, Saint Andre or Camembert? Their rind which itself is a mold, is safe to eat for adults. What I didn’t know and found out is that it isn’t safe for children, pregnant women and people with compromised immune systems. They should not eat these cheeses’ moldy rinds. It could be harmful to their health.

Who knew? Well now I know and so do you. This just means that we will have to eat some cheese faster than others.

I have been experimenting with cheese and trying various recipes. Cheese is so versatile and can be incorporated in just about any recipe.

The following recipe for Brazilian cheese bread (Pão de Queijo)

by Elise Bauer is easy, tasty and gluten free.

Don’t stop cooking with cheese and have a delicious April!

Brazilian Cheese Bread

Directions

Ingredients

Preheat oven to 400°F. Spread a small amount of oil around the insides of each well of a mini-muffin tin.

1 large egg, room temperature 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil 2/3 cup milk 1 1/2 cups (170 grams) tapioca flour 1/2 cup (packed, about 66 grams) grated cheese, your preference, we get good results with feta cheese (no need to grate), or fresh farmer’s cheese (if using fresh farmer’s cheese, you may want to add another 1/2 teaspoon of salt) 1 teaspoon of salt (or more to taste)

Put all the ingredients into a blender and pulse until smooth. Use a spatula to scrape down the sides of the blender so that everything gets blended well.

(You can store the batter in the refrigerator for up to a week.)

Pour batter into prepared mini-muffin tin, not quite to the top; leave about 1/8 inch from the top.

Bake at 400°F in the oven for 15-20 minutes, until all puffy and nicely browned. Remove from oven and let cool on a rack for a few minutes.

Monique MacDonald is a local culinary events organizer and food afficionado. She was one of the organizers of the Gluten Free Cravings Festival in Strathcona County, as well as Northern Bites Culinary Tours in Edmonton. She is presently the Culinary Events Coordinator for Silver Skate Festival and curator of its Celebrate Edmonton bags.

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young entrepeneur

I’LL GIVE YOU A DAISY A DAY

by Carla Howatt

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Women in Hanna Nicole’s family don’t just become florists, they are born into it. Her Oma owned a floral shop in St. Albert back in the 1970s,and her mother Mona, and her five aunts became florists. That means that Hanna is the third generation of women florists in her family.

You might even say it was in their blood.

Was there any question then, when at the young age of 23 years, Hanna Nicole decided to buy the Daisy a Day Florist that her Aunt Barb had owned since 1989? Actually, it might surprise you to learn that for Hanna Nicole, her career path was anything but a given.

In reality, Hanna Nicole considered a few vocations such as becoming a lawyer, a teacher and even a social worker. Inspired by a social worker at her school who was a strong, independent woman Hanna was convinced social work was for her. It was only after taking a course in social work, that she discovered the tragedies involved were not something she would be able to leave at work or take too much to heart.

Hanna still has a heart for people and volunteers at the Boys and Girls Club and contributes to her community in various ways, but she knows now that working the social arena is not for her. But wherever she may have landed if she hadn’t been born into a family of strong women with a passion for flowers, she knows she would be doing something creative.

“Flowers are not something you can teach very easily,” Hanna says. “It’s about how something looks.” While someone can learn the technical aspect of flowers, Hanna goes on to explain, you either have the creativity for it or you don’t. And it’s Hanna’s creativity that she feels confident would have found some kind of outlet, if it was not for flowers. “I don’t necessarily think I was born to do it, but I was raised to know how to do it.”

Hanna moved to Fort Saskatchewan when she was quite young as her parents wanted to raise her and her brother in a smaller town. At the time they moved, ‘The Fort’ had a lot less people and everyone knew everyone else. “It still is, I know people and their family and friends, everyone knows everyone” Hanna laughs. “It’s not like in a big city, even if it is larger now.” Another reason they moved here was that they had some family in the area, including her Aunt Barb.

The stars aligned in 2019 when Hanna bought Daisy a Day from her Aunt Barb. Her aunt had owned the shop for 30 years and prior to her, it’s previous owner was also a woman. With this strong female presence in the business, Hanna knew she had a firm foundation on which to stand.

She began at the end of 2019 by focusing on events such as weddings. Then COVID hit. Luckily, Hanna already had a website and a delivery option at Daisy a Day and she was able to swivel quickly, add nocontact delivery and continue serving her clients.

Since then, she has continued to reach out to places like The Foundry Room, a wedding venue in Fort Saskatchewan owned by two women, and make connections for the future.

The future for Hanna Nicole includes expanding the company in a manageable way that leaves room for her to eventually have a family and some flexibility in her life. She also intends to continue being involved in the local business groups, with a particular interest in helping and supporting businesses in the downtown area.

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feature

FAMILY, FAITH & COMMUNITY

by Carla Howatt

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Over the next several years she was a recruiting office manager, a secretary, data entry clerk and safety officer. She often worked for her husband and he was known to tease that if you can’t work with your wife, then you have the wrong wife.

In 2007, Carlos was transferred by the company he was working for, Bechtel International, and he and Lana and their family moved to Canada. Her children were five, seven and fifteen years old when they moved and adjusting to life in Canada was not always easy, but by the time their three years were up, it was their children who didn’t want to leave their school, teachers and friends.

A Different Life From humble beginnings in Trinidad to a community leader in Canada, Lana Santana has come a long, long way. She grew up knowing that education was the key to rising up out of her economic situation she was born into and she was bound and determined that nothing was going to stop her.

As a tiny, short little eight-year-old girl, she was taking classes in school that were three years ahead of others her age. She was often picked on but when they started mocking her by singing the lyrics to Randy Newman’s “Short People” she was quick to give a come-back by telling them that “small axes cut big trees.”

By the time Lana was in high school, she was what she calls “a poor person in a rich person’s world” because her classmates had money. When she wasn’t working on her schoolwork, she was helping her family sell in the market as her father’s health was failing.

When they arrived in Canada, ready to begin their new lives, the first thing they noticed was the weather. They had left home where temperatures were almost 70 degrees different from when their airplane landed. She laughs when she recalls her children getting used to dressing in four layers to go to school when they were used to a tank top and shorts. But it wasn’t just the weather that made the adjustment difficult.

“Imagine coming to a strange country where you have no family, no friends… you know no one,” Lana explains. “Even the culture is different.” This sense of isolation was intense and made adjusting to all the changes, while raising a family and trying to be strong for her children was hard.

When Lana was 18, she noticed a young man with one of her brother’s best friends. He was the best friend’s cousin.

She watched him quietly, never letting on her interest. She continued to think about him and one day, before she had a chance to think about whether her question would be considered appropriate, she asked the cousin about him. Apparently, that was just the opening that he was waiting for, as the young man in question had been asking about her as well. This was in 1986 and by 1989 Lana married Carlos Santana.

She assures anyone who asks that yes, he can sing.

During their early years of marriage, with her best friend by her side, she worked as a journalist and when her firstborn was four, she decided to enter the political realm and ran for office. While she didn’t win her seat, she learned a lot and managed to move the needle for others.

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“Fear of failing and not being accepted is real,” Lana says. And this fear is as true for the children as it is for the parents. In fact, it was watching her children struggle that caused Lana the most concern. Watching her kids try to make friends and settle in wasn’t easy for her, as a mother. This situation was compounded by the fact that as the woman, she was left at home to deal with the children and create a home for them all.

Through it all, Lana held on to her faith and her belief that each person is a gift, no matter where they are, even in a strange land, amongst strange people. She knew that God had a plan for her and after five years in Canada, that plan became apparent.

Carlo, Carmelita, Gabriella, Lana, Renaldo, Basileo

A Dream Becomes Reality What her and her family faced when they were new immigrants gave Lana a passion to help others in her situation. “I started to hear a voice say start a multi-cultural organization.” Lana says with a smile. She talked it over with her husband and he encouraged her to do it.

Her vision for the multi-cultural association was a forum for newcomers to come and find their voice again. The first group she began was a women’s group that provided childcare, so women were freed up to get to know each other. Before long they were helping each other out and forging strong friendships. Out of this group of women sprang the youth group, a bunch of youth who had a passion for helping out others young newcomers.

Her son is an anti-bullying advocate while also leading the associations youth group.

When Lana speaks of her children, the love and pride she feels for them shines forth and her face lights up. She has always put her children first and the older her children become, the more she is reaping the benefits of that investment.

I love to champion businesses.

This new group wanted to not only support other newcomers, but they wanted to change the other youth viewed new cultures. Rooted in a belief that our differences are what makes us unique and that is a good thing, the group began to take a leadership role in their community.

The Multi-Cultural Association, under Lana’s guidance, now presents in local schools about various cultures and teaches appreciation for others who are different than us. But Lana’s influence doesn’t stop with the association.

Family Influence The children Lana is raising have learned about acceptance and leadership by watching their mother. Two of her daughters have received the Boys & Girls Club’s Outstanding Girl of the Year Award, one received the International Women’s Day Award for Youth of the Year and her other daughter received a nomination. Her daughter also won the Fort Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce Future Entrepreneur Award.

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Negative Internal Voice

When asked about the negative stories that women tend to tell themselves, and the negative internal voice we all carry around with us, Lana grows quiet and introspective.

“I don’t pay attention to those voices,” she explains.

“Nothing is bigger than God and I won’t let anything stop me.” She goes on to explain that her spirituality has helped her overcome adversity and that she always tries to look at the positive side of things.

When she came to Canada, she decided she would make friends and that was all there was to it. She chuckles as she recalls her mother telling her she was persistent and annoying when she decided on something.

So, what does a woman who has traveled 6,000 km, settled in a foreign land, established a thriving association that helps people, raised children who are valuable additions to their community all while managing to keep her priorities straight and a positive outlook on life do next?

“I’m going to write a novel,” Lana states matter of factly. “Well, two actually.”

Vision Ignition Workshop Through this live, virtual full-day Vision Ignition Workshop, you’ll learn how to break through self-imposed boundaries, unleash your full abilities and draw deeply from the magic of the universe to manifest all desires, potentials, and possibilities in your personal and professional life.

Join me on this transformational journey of self-discovery, exploration, and enlightenment. Together we will ignite your spark and reinvigorate your passion and lust for life.

Hosted by Katherine Loranger Founder, Katalyst Coaching

EVENT DETAILS Saturday, April 24, 2021 9:00am to 4:00pm (MST)

COST: $27 (regular price = $147) REGISTER:

bit.ly/Katalyst-VI

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leadership

BEYOND POLITICS

by Jackie Fenske

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Our world is far too obsessed with politics. So any discussion about women and leadership – and especially women in positions of leadership – inevitably becomes about women in politics. It is a discussion about bringing women into politics and ensuring they take on leadership positions. And it is an important discussion to be had and as the current leader of a political party in Alberta, I have much to say on the topic. But before I do, I’d like to talk about being a leader beyond politics. Because if there’s one thing I believe in, it is that the elements of leadership are universal, and it is more important to be a leader in life than in the Legislature.

the same no matter what. I’ve long been drawn to a quote from the American Founding Father and sixth President of the United States, John Quincy Adams: “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”

You cannot become a political leader without becoming a leader in your community, whatever and wherever that community may be. Combined I have a total of 13 years in elected politics. But before (and in between) those stings, I have been a teacher, a business owner, a community member, a farmer and a mother. I have strived to be a leader in all these worlds, and beyond.

Inspiring others is the quote’s most important element, and it need not be a magical, unattainable quality. Refusing to assign any task you will not do yourself, going above and beyond your own job description, showing unwavering loyalty, and sharing in praise all inspire others. We should expect this from our workplace team leaders and our politicians.

Leading a political party, or a political movement, requires the same attributes I learned in those roles.

They are the same as being a leader in life. Lessons for leadership, a definition of what leadership is, are

Accepting the burden of leadership with poise and confidence will inspire others. This goes hand-in-hand with the need for empathy and understanding. Leaders understand their teams and take responsibility for any failings or setbacks.

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I love that quote because it boils down the essence of leadership – the effect your actions have on others.

Being a leader is never about yourself. It is not the title you aspire to or the power that comes with it.

It is how you use that title and power for others. It is about making others better through your actions, your ideas, and your empathy.

They do this because in the end, leaders also make the final decision. Only someone with empathy will take responsibility because only they will know that mistakes are made and throwing a team member under the bus only helps themselves, not the cause or institution.

I started by saying that political leadership is the least important kind. That’s because it ends. Often abruptly, but inevitably it ends. No politician can be re-elected indefinitely. Winston Churchill won a world war but lost the next election. Community leadership, personal leadership, though, are eternal.

Leaders cannot lead without a team, and so while certainty and adherence to a decision are important, so too is the need to work collaboratively and cooperatively. No leader berates and belittles to get a project done. They encourage and delegate, trust and convince everyone to stick to the plan.

Leaders in their communities leave the world a better place. That is because they listened, they imagined, they built, and they worked. Politically, we as a society need to get back into the habit of elevating those who build, not those who fight. Leaders, of course, know when to take a stand, but fighting is not the way to lead; it is a product of leading. And by getting back to a place where community leaders become political leaders, we will also create a world where women as political leaders are not exceptions but the norm. Because in my experience those most effective at creating and leading communities are women exhibiting those qualities of leadership I have described.

These are universal laws of leadership: empathy, understanding, loyalty, hard work, cooperation, collaboration, encouragement and delegation inspiring others to be their best! I have used these guideposts at all points in life. I continue to jump on the line at my restaurants when needed, and I’ve accepted the angry call from a customer. I’ve made the hard decisions on business strategy and stuck to them. I’ve built coalitions to build community infrastructure such as playgroundsand upgrade halls as well as create events to bring community members together. Leaders use dialogue, compromise, and affability to build coalitions and pull communities forward in common cause.

The difference in politics is that your team of five in an office or fifty in a community or business becomes much larger. But the guiding lights remain the same, although the stakes are higher and the spotlight brighter. It is in politics, too, that we see the best examples of those who are not leaders, despite being in positions of leadership. The allure of power sometimes is too strong to attract those most suited to wielding it.

So, in the end, getting more women into political leadership is less about changing a system as it is about simply getting everyone to acknowledge women for the leaders they already are. We have the essential elements. Let’s recognize that.

This is more important now than it has been for decades. As we leave the pandemic and fully enter the 21st century, it is the time to build, unite, and collaborate. We need strong, empowered female leaders if we are to realize our full potential.

Taking responsibility, expressing empathy, doing the work, making and sticking to the hard decisions require something hard to resist in a politically powerful position. The responsible exercise of power is the most important element of leadership, and doubly so in a democratically elected position.

The conflation of those two very different things – leadership and wielding power – is why woman have traditionally found themselves barred from the halls of power. Far too many, be they journalists, political pundits, consultants or the public, see the exercising of power as leadership. Lady Thatcher may have succeeded by strong argument and coalition building to overturn decades of orthodoxy, but it is by her nickname the Iron Lady, and all that name connotes, that we remember her. History is more sympathetic and excited about the image of ruthless warrior than amicable bridge-builder.

The hardest part of leadership, the most important, is done outside of the spotlight. This is the type of leadership that transcends politics, and the type that women excel at.

Jacquie served as a Strathcona County Councillor and as MLA for Fort SaskatchewanVegreville. She is active within the families’ Fifendekel Pie Shops in Edmonton. She has also partnered with groups of women to establish two new companies; Experience Alberta and Three Sixty Alberta. Currently she is traveling around the province as the acting leader of the Alberta Party.

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non profit

A Safe Place

Your Place to Call, Connect, Learn, and Be When Home is Not Safe

“My ground zero happened two years ago. There wasn’t any milk, fresh fruit or bread again. No gas in the car. My husband had a great job, so I asked for money we should have had. Deep down, I knew it would be better to keep quiet. But, maybe it was just time to diffuse the situation. He lost it.

I can’t tell you where he hit me, but I can tell you what he said. “Leave with these kids and you’ll never see the light of day again.” I said nothing as he sped off, drunk again. Through my shame, I saw the fear in my children’s eyes.

“Never again. It ends today,” I whispered to myself. I calmly packed some bags and took my children to A Safe Place.

The emotional, social, and economic pressures of COVID-19 continue to play a role in the increase as abusers leverage social isolation, and victims grow increasingly fearful of connecting to community supports.

No stranger to supporting victims of domestic abuse, A Safe Place has served more than 25,000 women and children since opening its doors in 1984. Like other organizations, we have had to adapt to COVID-19 and are preparing for continued increases in demand for our services.

While public health constraints have diminished our shelter’s physical capacity, reducing admissions by 30 per cent, we continue to provide support through our crisis line and family violence outreach program.

I still can’t remember much about my first few days there, but I remember feeling safe, and supported.

And, in a short time I felt more in control of my life than I had ever been. Two long years later, my life has changed for the better. I have a great apartment, a Despite these challenges, which good job and my two children.” include a reduction of income from donations, we were still able to Domestic Abuse, domestic violence, or intimate shelter and support 200 families partner violence can manifest in many ways, but last year, including 300 children. the relationships all share one commonality. They involve a pattern of behaviour used by one person to Because we know only a small gain and maintain power and control over another, percentage of women report or others. Often physical, and sometimes deadly, domestic violence, we are doubling domestic violence is far down on communication and public education efforts to increase more common than one believes. According to community capacity for domestic Statistics Canada, approximately every five days, a abuse support and encourage more woman in Canada is killed by her intimate partner. women to connect. Most recently, we Most recently, Edmonton Police Services have noted launched a new identity that draws the number of domestic violence calls climbed from attention to the power of change.

8,406 in 2019 to 9,545 in 2020, an increase of 13 per cent.

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“We chose a butterfly because it’s a metaphor for change. It better represents the work we do. We provide a wide range of services that extend well beyond shelter walls, such as our crisis line that operates 24/7, community outreach program, and public education program,’ said Karen Kadatz, Executive Director at A Safe Place The new message is simple. More than bed, we want you to think of A Safe Place as a safe place to call, to connect, to learn, grow, and to be when home is no longer safe. And, as we continue to dig into this concept, we are gathering, and sharing more stories.

“Working within a community so willing to support this critical work for nearly 40 years, we have learned so much. We know vulnerability is a gateway to change and the act of storytelling can connect, heal, and support this growth,” explained Teena Hughson, Communications Coordinator at A Safe Place.

To join the conversation, learn more, or support the growth of women and children in your community, visit www.asafeplace. ca. More importantly, if you or someone you care about is not safe, connect with our Crisis & Shelter Intake Line at 780-464-7233 (1-877-252-7233). Wherever you are, we are ready to be your safe place.

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advertorial

Namaste Spa & Wellness

A peaceful oasis tucked away in the heart of Sherwood Park. When you enter, your senses are soothed by the aromatherapy oils, and sage bundles as well as the delicate sound of babbling water. Welcome to Namaste Spa & Wellness, where you can immerse yourself in another world, feed your soul and take care of your body.

The treatments and services pioneered by Namaste Spa staff are augmented with an extensive menu of Eastern exotics and Western contemporary traditions.

Tranquility and serenity are pervasive throughout this 4,500 sq. ft. safe haven due to its ingenious design. Here, our highly skilled spa professionals perform treatments that engender a dream-like treat for all the senses – with results that you can feel, that your friends can see – and a healing experience that you deserve.

Our estheticians, therapists, and holistic practitioners skillfully provide their discerning clientele a variety of a-la-carte services and creative spa packages with the knowledge, training, and passion behind them to exceed your expectations. In addition, a specialized menu of Ayurvedic services under the direction of our Ayurvedic spa specialist, Prenaka, are available for healing the body mind and soul.

Health Canada advises that stress can compromise your immune system leaving you vulnerable to disease and illness, so the most important call you could make is to Namaste Wellness and Day Spa where the spa receptionists can advise the most appropriate therapies customized just for you.

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Leave the Stress. Leave the Chaos.

Step into Namaste. Renew your mind, body, and spirit with one of a vast array of our indulgent treatments.

Massage Therapy Namaste offers Massage services by registered massage therapists. If you require receipts to claim on health insurance plans, you may request them at the time of booking. We offer every type of massage from Swedish, sports, deep tissue, prenatal, postnatal, trigger point, lymphatic drainage, Karma head, myofascial cupping or Thai Herbal massage.

No matter which type of massage you choose, you will be pampered and relaxed by one of Namaste’s qualified therapists.

Esthetics Our certified estheticians are skilled at enhancing Mother Nature’s attributes. They purify, clarify, and rejuvenate the skin with nourishing and restorative techniques, using only the highest quality products from around the world. Namaste’s estheticians are specially trained in a wide variety of traditional North American services, along with the most beneficial beauty and anti-aging skin care treatments from European and Eastern cultures – all customized for each skin and health condition.

We offer organic skin care, and you can choose from a wide variety of options such as the Reiki Infused Facial, the Arctic Berry Peel, Mangosteen Peel, a deep pore cleansing facial, or a gemstone facial.

Bring a radiant glow to your hands and feet with one of our restorative hand and feet rituals or indulge in some time with our sacred sensation packages.

We also provide dermaplaning, microdermabrasion and micro needling.

QI Beauty Facial 1000 gold plated micro magnets are applied to your skin to stimulate subdermal layers and move natural antiaging compounds upwards. The result of treating your skin using this quantum technology? A noticeable change in the appearance and tone of your skin.

A reduction in the appearance of small lines, wrinkles and pigmentation. Over time, your Qi Beauty Facial treatments will sustain the health and vitality of your skin for long term age-control, and beauty at every age.

Your facial is provided by one of only three Qi Beauty Trainers in North America, Prenaka Ram. Prenaka also provides certification to practitioners in Canada through Namaste.

We can’t take away the stress, the traffic, the noise, the deadlines, and the demands but we can help you forget them while you’re at Namaste and help you leave recharged, renewed, and refreshed… ready to face it all looking gorgeous and feeling exhilarated!

Let Namaste Wellness & Day Spa transport you to tranquility.

Take the Tranquillity of Asia Home with You Namaste’s lovely boutique is stocked with unique, authentic, and handmade items from around the world, and from many local artisans. Whether you are looking for incense, dream catchers, healing gemstones and crystals, or exotic decorative pieces for your home and office, Namaste has it all.

Owner Prenaka Ram, aka ‘Bosslady,’ is the founder of Namaste Wellness & Day Spa Inc. Prenaka is an allaround powerhouse of unique ideas. Her years of experience in the spa and wellness industry has allowed her to grow her company. Learning, teaching and inspiring others.

Her holistic approach to healing is how she makes the changes she thrives to see in the world. www.namastespa.ca

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business directory

Carla Howatt carla@sharpwomen.ca

ATHLETIC APPAREL Keylime Athletic Wear Kristi Wozniak (780) 416-4662 www.keylimeathleticwear.com

FINANCIAL ADVISOR Sun Life Financial Glenda Smith (780) 884-5203 www.sunlife.ca/glenda.smith

BLINDS & DRAPERY Custom Blinds by Design Lisette Brule (780) 998 - 4646 www.customblindsbydesign.ca

FUNERAL DIRECTOR Pine Box Funerals Inc. Bonnie Hoffman (780) 910-6432 www.pineboxfunerals.ca

BUSINESS COACH Katalyst Coaching Katherine Loranger (780) 720 - 4679 www.katalystcoaching.com

HOME INSPECTOR – RESIDENTIAL A Buyer’s Choice Home Inspections Judy Schueler (780) 220-3798 Website

CHANGE LEADERSHIP Melnyk Consultancy LTD. Pauline Melnyk (780) 417 - 2915 https://melnykconsultancy.com

HOME ORGANIZING PRODUCTS Lynsay’s Totes and Bags Lynsay Atchison (780) 719-0554 Website

COMPUTER & MOBILE REPAIR Apex Computer & Mobile Repairs Grace Wong (780) 885 - 2333 https://apexrepairs.ca

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY MNP Angela Sparshu 780-667-2644 www.mnp.ca

EVENT DESIGN AND RENTALS The Maby Studio Ruby Cole-Ellis (403) 708 - 9880 www.themabystudio.com

LIFE, HEALTH & DISABILITY ABC Life and Living Benefits Consulting Devi McDonald (780) 803-3384 Email Me

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MAKEUP ARTIST Seint Beauty Laura Pryatel (780) 910 - 4535 Website

REFLEXOLOGY SCHOOL Academy of Reflexology & Massage Debra Cookson (780) 235 - 3720 www.reflexacademy.ca

MASSAGE THERAPY Academy of Reflexology & Massage Debra Cookson (780) 235 - 3720 www.reflexacademy.ca

RESIDENTIAL REALTOR Now Real Estate Group Jodie Allen (780) 906 - 0993 www.jodieallen.com

PERSONAL COACH Katalyst Coaching Katherine Loranger (780) 720-4679 www.katalystcoaching.com

SENIOR’S HOUSING Chartwell Emerald Hills Therese Sheen (587) 599-4623 Jennifer Hillmer (780) 819-3833 www.chartwell.com

PHARMACIST Aspen Pharmacy Janet Truong 780-400-9802 www.aspenpharmacy.org

SKIN CARE Tracey’s Beautycounter Tracey Hansen (780) 266 - 5336 https://linktr.ee/TraceyHansen

POTTERY Engaged in the Arts Deborrah Hughes Gahr (780) 410 - 9522 Find us on Facebook

VIRTUAL ASSISTANT Remote ‘n Ready - Virtual Assistant Solutions Melany Branco 780-267-8612 www.remotenready.com

PROFESSIONAL SPEAKER Glenda Sheard Glenda Sheard (780) 907 - 9424 www.glendasheard.com

VITAMINS AND SUPPLEMENTS Mannatech Tanya Mullakady 403-350-6276 https://transformwithtanya.com

PSYCHOLOGIST Evolution Psychology Brandi Gruninger (780) 570-5709 www.evolutionpsychology.ca

WELLNESS SPA Namaste Wellness & Day Spa Inc. (780) 467 - 9809 www.namastespa.ca

PUBLISHING

By The Book Publishing Carla Howatt (780) 729 - 3935 www.bythebookpublishing.com

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