Vintage Gypsy Magazine Winter Edition January 2019

Vintage Gypsy CANDIS DUMAIS Our Winner of the Essential Magic Beauty Photoshoot

STORY INSIDE

$15 Live Life Inspired ISSUE 13/ JANUARY 2019

What's In store for the New Year

Ivalaine Oracle's 2019 Tarotscope

The Art of Hygge in Your Winter Wardrobe Peace, Crohns & Periwinkle Bliss

Finding Your Purpose

An Intimate Conversation with Corliss Rassyle

Blurred Lines

Fast Cars & Shantel Kalika The Traveling Gypsy

Recipe for a Fabulous Vacation

Cover Art by Birgit Raduenz Subscribe @ www.thevintagegypsy.ca

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Love Note

May the New Year bring Peace, Grand Adventure, and Many Blessings.......

Our Cover Story

it Birg uenz Rad

Art By; Birgit Raduenz

From a very early age I was drawn

W elcome to 2019 my beautiful gypsy friends. I don’t know about you, but I am so super excited for new adventures and new stories. It’s a new year and the possibilities are endless. What will you do this year to make it the best ever? Will you give yourself permission to learn something new? Live outside the box?

Color outside the lines? Or just give yourself the gift of time and space to view the world and all the magic that it holds.

Did you make a resolution or commitment? Perhaps like me, this year you chose a word, just one word to carry through the year. One word to embody and embrace fully it’s meaning and what that looks like in your life.

This year, I chose the word “FAITH.” For me this word in all of it's divine holiness represents how I would like to carry myself through the year.

In total faith that my path has been laid out for me and all I must do is put one foot in front of the other. Faith that all I am and all that I do is enough.

Faith that I do not walk my path alone, there are helpers for me all along the way. Faith and confidence in myself. Faith that inspired action creates inspired reaction. Faith that I am my best self everyday for me and those I Love. “FAITH” What’s your word?

to shape, form, fold, draw, paint.

To just create. Music moves me.

Putting feelings, thoughts, and ideas into form “that’s me Finxi” Exploring light and shadow in drawing and paint. Working visually with the concept of luminescence, glowing light, visually creating space and light.

I love bright colors, details, patterns, ancient, fanciful & whimsical.

I work with Clay, Paper, Paint, Pencil...more, and always willing to try new mediums.

I have come to realize that the process is an important part in creating art.

My inspiration comes from Nature, Music, Dancing and Yoga, meditation, mythology and stories, Celtic art (its designs and spirituality), and being with family and friends (2 and 4 legged).

Finxi comes from the Latin words meaning to shape, or form.

@finxiart Shannon Kelly is the Chief Editor and creator of the "Vintage Gypsy" Mag. She believes that by sharing our stories we can inspire and empower each other to live our best lives. check out the full story @thevintagegypsy.ca

In This Edition Intentional You Coach Jennifer Erhmantrout..............................................page 7

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Finding Your Purpose An Intimate Conversation with Corliss Rassyle...............page 10 What's In Store for Your New Year Ivalaine Oracle's 2019 Tarotscope..................................page 18 A Woman's Power to Change Essential Beauty Magic Photoshoot and Celebration Story with Candis Dumais.........................................................page 24

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Chef Jax For the Love of Salads....................................................page 30 The Art of Hygge in Your Winter Wardrobe Megs Aylward..................................................................page 35 Recipe for a Fabulous Vacation The Travelling Gypsy Lorna Boryski...................................................................page 39

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Peace Crohn's and Periwinkle Bliss with Jodi Honch...............................................................page 45 Blurred Lines with Shantel Kalika..........................................................page 49

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Copyright Š 2015 by Vintage Gypsy Ent. All rights reserved. This magazine or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher.

Printed in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan Canada ISSN 2371-8749 (Print) ISSN 2371-8757 (Online) Contact US: Vintage Gypsy Ent. 338-15th Street West Prince Albert, Saskatchewan Canada S6V 3R2 www.thevintagegypsy.ca -4-

So many things I’d dreamt of, So many places I’d wished to be.

The beauty beyond imagination I never thought I’d see.

Until a wandering gypsy said “Come along with me”, I didn’t know the top of a mountain held a view of eternity.

Or that soaring above the clouds would feel so carefree.

I didn’t know the scent of the ocean or the warmth of a turquoise sea. and that an islands darkest night made stars glitter brilliantly.

I didn’t know that deep in a forest birds call out and sing sweetly.

I hadn’t guessed that wilderness could whisper silently.

I’d never felt the softness within a southern breeze. or the north winds cold that stings so bitterly.

I didn’t know beneath a rainbow you’re transported magically to distant lands and sunsets that awe with their beauty.

So much I’d only dreamt of and places I’d wished to be.

I found a wandering gypsy and he gave the world to me.

W A N D E R

Tamara Marr is an aspiring writer and poet who lives and works in Welland,Ontario.

She thinks of her poetry as "Songs that her mind tends to sing".

She enjoys all things creative, particularly writing, oil painting and playing mandolin.

WE ARE VINTAGE GYPSY We absolutely Love to see you having fun and living wild and free...

Vintage Gypsy Style...

Show the world your gypsy style Send us a photo via the website, Facebook or on Instagram

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INTENTIONAL YOU JENNIFER EHRMANTRAUT HOW DO YOU WANT TO FEEL?

As always, I am going to ask you how you want to feel. This is a cornerstone to everything in this beautiful life you have in the wonderful body you walk through this world in. Beyond how you want to feel, I am going to plant a seed of congruency with you, which we will touch on further in the upcoming year. When I think of congruency, I think of it as a third dimension to integrity (doing what you say you will do.)

Congruency is deeper – How you choose to feel, is how you actually feel, it is apparent in all of your actions and (here is the congruency piece) it is also consistent with how others perceive you. This has been something I have been working on and using a word at the beginning of each year as an anchor has helped me hone this piece of congruency.

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A word as your anchor So, as we embark on a new year, a new adventure and a new focus I ask that you pick a word to be your guiding light for the year. Pick a word that you want to fully embody and radiate out as your energetic blueprint for the year. Be very clear that the word that you pick will manifest itself in so many wonderful ways. If you pick the word compassion for example, I guarantee that the Universe will provide you ample situations to choose compassion. This will be true for each word. I have found this a fun focus for the year. My word for the year is going to be love. There is so much tied into this word for me.

The energy of love I believe that the energetic currency of this world is love and it is to what degree we extend or withhold our love that becomes our exchange.

Love first starts within each of us. Offering ourselves unconditional love is where it starts, which is why I choose this word for the year. To anchor love within myself and then to radiate more love to the world from a place of being full.

It is easy to want to freely extend our love to others, to help others and be kind to them, but for some reason when it comes to ourselves we find all of these weird reasons and excuses not to fully love ourselves. When we extend love from a place

where we do not love ourselves, our energetic exchange is then coming from a place of being depleted. I look around the world and believe that this is what is missing right now.

True unconditional love for ourselves and others. The kind of love that recognizes each person is worthy of walking through this world. I am not saying that you have to like everything they do, but unconditional love exists when you can recognize every persons right to exist in the world. And with our mere existence we all come with free will. Again, we do not have to like peoples choices, but our free will allows us to choose how we respond to what is going on.

If we can find a way to love more, to forgive more, to find more compassion for others choices and for our own I believe that we can raise the vibration of the world. And it all starts with find that power within ourselves to know that we are worthy of our own unconditional love.

Calling back your power So the real question is where can you find the love and compassion within yourselves?

What area of your life do you need to love yourself more? Is it with your relationships with others, is it in your career, is it in your relationship with your body? You get so much choice every single day, yet we give our personal power of our choice, of our free will, to others. What if you called back your power to yourself? What if you stood in your own power unapologetically! Here is a little prayer, mantra, poem, whatever you would like to call it, that I have created and have been using to call my power back to me. If you choose to use this on a regular basis, I would love to here what changes for you.

As you are saying the prayer, think of the times, of the people and situations that you gave your power away, picture it in your mind.

Prayer to call back your Power For all the times I said yes when I meant no; For all the times that I said no when I meant yes; For all the times I let you choose for me; For all the times I gave you my power; For all the times you took my power; consciously or unconsciously; I now call my power back to me and replace it with love and light in you; Of my own free will, so it shall be done.

Jennifer Ehrmantraut is edgy, funny, and a little sweary. With over 20 years of leadership in public and private organizations, she climbed the corporate ladder to discover her passion in coaching and leadership development. She is a professional accountant by trade and an inspirer of intentional joy by passion. Her biggest lesson has been that when we lose the connection to ourselves then we can no longer connect with others. In finding her connection to herself again, Jennifer is redefining what success looks like through her company, Intentional You. There, she challenges individuals to question their stories, their capabilities, and their judgments of themselves, to give them the platform to jump beyond what they thought was possible.

www.intentionalyou.ca

An Intimate Conversation with Corliss Rassyle -10-

Tell us about you....

My name is Corliss Rassyle. I was born and raised on a farm outside of Prince Albert. I am the third of eight children. My humble beginnings taught me to value family and relationships above all and set the foundation for my entrepreneurial spirit to thrive. I was taught to work hard, have faith, be genuine and give your best. These principles still guide me today. My dreams as a child were to be a Mother, marry the love of my life and live happily ever after. I was never exposed to dreaming big. This was all I knew, so that is what I hoped for. I used to watch the show Melrose Place as a young girl and admired Heather Locklear’s character because she was a respected, powerful business woman (well actually kinda ruthless) and remember wishing to be like her (not the ruthless part). I wondered if I could be the wife and mother I wished to be and still have a successful career.

When I was offered to join a PartyLite in my early 20’s I started to see perhaps I could have it all.

The flexibility would give me the chance to prioritize and work around my family while still having a career. Little did I know it would become a lifelong opportunity that would impact me forever. I built my business lighting homes and lives for the next 25 years. It gave me the opportunity to be there for my kids but also allowed me to challenge myself, coach incredible other women and create an income to contribute to the lifestyle I wanted for my family.

It exposed me to a bigger picture and gave me opportunities to develop as a person and recognize my worth. I was taught a strong work ethic, so I worked harder than anyone and this earned me constant recognition, free vacations, bonuses and hundreds of awards.

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However, this didn’t come without both personal and professional challenges. After achieving the prestigious Regional Vice President position in my sales organization, I experienced what most would have called a considerable failure as I lost the structure, and my leadership title, within a year of the achievement. My personal dreams were shattered by a devastating divorce, leaving me to raise three children independently. These challenges, among others, shaped me into the woman I am today, and I believe it is in the times of greatest difficulty that we find our greatest gifts.

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"It is in the times of greatest difficulty that we find our greatest gifts. " Starting my life over on my own, after the age of forty, gave me the invaluable opportunity to redesign my life and create new, healthy relationships… beginning with the one I have with myself. Through the loss of my job position, I learned leaders do not require a title to lead. It was during this time I humbly embraced my purpose for being a leader and who I wanted to be for others.

With a shift in focus to authentically serve, I regained my position and quickly advanced to Senior Regional Vice President and remained there for many years mentoring and supporting others to succeed, until I chose a new direction in my coaching. I remain one of the only people worldwide to rise after falling from that status in my sales organization.

I started my Company- With Purpose Consultingeighteen months ago because my life had changed and I didn’t know what was missing, but something was. My children were more independent, I had

been doing the same job for so long I could do it in my sleep, and I wanted more. More for myself, but I knew I had more to give the world. There was a constant question going through my mind “is this all I have to offer?" "Is there more to me than this?”

The pain of monotony forced me to choose to take a risk and believe in myself. I found a purpose in helping others who were like me… the people who want to live with purpose, passion and confidence, like a leader.

This Company serves people who want to live to their potential and not settle for less than they are. It was scary, I was worried it could fail. I battled my insecurities, the demons of the past, the words of others who said I was nothing and had nothing to offer, and did it anyway. I decided if I didn’t know it, I could learn it and it wasn’t too late for me. I went and got what I needed and chose the best in the world to learn from including Tony Robbins, Jack Canfield, Lewis Howes and Carolin Soldo. Every time I invested in my own development, I understood myself better to bring more to others.

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I figured instead of everyone around me having to incur huge expenses to go to these seminars in the USA, I could go learn it and bring it back to my home (Saskatchewan).

I am so glad I took the chance and chose to believe in myself, decide my purpose, and act on it. In the last year we have had more than 400 people attend the one day conferences, 62 women through the Masterclass program, more than a 100 through vision board workshops and I was recently recognized as a Saskatchewan business leader as a finalist for an ABEX award for New Venture of the year. I just completed my certification as a Jack Canfield Success Principles Coach, achieved #1 best seller status with my book on the first day with Amazon, and am launching my virtual classes worldwide before the end of 2018.

I connected to purpose again and was lit up in a way 19 that I had not been for a long time. Ideas for courses, and workshops were flooding in non-stop and to capture ideas I was jotting notes on any notepad I could get my hands on! While driving I would record it into a voice memo. As I was driving home from Saskatoon one day I was talking into my phone, basically sharing all the ideas floating around in my head when something good just came out. I said out loud “that sounds like a book”. My son, who I thought was not listening to me at all and was just on his Ipad looked up and said “Mom, that’s kinda cool”. The idea was born. Since I did not know how to write a book and had never had the idea before… I went home to do some research. I typed into google, “how to write a book” and Jack Canfields free onehour training came up. I logged into it and before the

But here is the thing… this can happen for anyone who is brave enough to believe, decide and take action. I believe we create out lives with the thoughts we think, the decisions we make and the actions we take. If I can do this, anyone can do this… and they should! Who knows what your reflective story could be one year form now?!

I know I didn’t want to end my life with regret. So if you are thinking about what you really want and not acting on it…that's a recipe for regret. Take the chance and go for it!

webinar was done, I had registered for his real training and was a student of his Best Seller Blue Print program all within 24 hours of having an idea to write a book.

What's even more amazing, is that one decision to act led me to be in his Mastermind group only 6 months later! I have admired Jacks work in The Secret, The Success Principles and Chicken Soup for the Soul for many many years. It was a surreal moment to be seated beside him in his home for 3 days to learn from him. There, the original book idea evolved, including the title and a much better book was created. It was actually in the “hotseat” session that my book title Lead Your Life- How to Live with Purpose, Passion and Confidence was born.

Tell us about the book....

I had never ever thought of writing a book. Ever.

Until I started my Company in March of 2017.

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The process of finding purpose can be so different for everyone. How is it that you have discovered yours? Did you follow the same steps laid out in the book or was it a more timely process that you’ve narrowed down for your readers?

I guess the theory is instead of the “purpose” of your 19 life being more one you are always chasing to discover, you decide for yourself and create a life of purpose by being it.

You are always a pillar of inspiration and enthusiasm, so we all want to know...

Do you ever feel uninspired or overwhelmed? What does that look like and how do you get yourself back on track?

Finding purpose was a long journey for me. It doesn’t have to be that long for others. I believe the reason it was a much longer process than necessary was because I didn’t see my own worth and was living in situations that didn’t allow my greatness to be realized.

For me, I couldn’t see how I could contribute to others because I was just surviving myself. Purpose is almost always connected to contribution and if you don’t

OF COURSE I have bad days, down days, stressed days and days when I doubt myself and think “Corliss what the heck do you think you are doing and even more so,

understand or realize your own value, it will be difficult to see that you have a purpose and you have something unique to contribute. I think there is a lot of people like me who want to have purpose and want to live a life of value, but they don’t believe in themselves or understand their value. In the book I share a simplified version of finding and living with purpose. I do this because it can take a lifetime to reveal our one almighty purpose as we are always growing and rediscovering ourselves.

My idea is, start with where you are at, choose who you want to be in the world (your home, workplace, community etc) and go be it. Creating a guiding purpose statement to live by is a tool to keep that in front of you. Then as you evolve and change from your life experiences, your purpose may evolve as well.

who makes you someone people should listen to and get advice from!” Truth. I have those days.

But I believe we all do.

There is nothing different from me to others except that I have learned to bounce back quicker and know how to. I take the me time I need. I have a coach. I get away from people who don’t add value to my life or bring me down with their lack of support. I cry (sometimes that helps and seems to more as I age). I get aware of my thought process as that is always where it begins and literally “snap” myself back (ask masterclass about what snap means). I revisit my vision board and focus on where I am going, not what is currently happening. I listen to podcasts, I journal, read and get myself back on track. I exercise, meditate and do yoga. Lastly (but not last important) I focus on my

purpose. Because I remember my “purpose” and intentions are true. I really do want to make a positive and significant difference in the world. With this in mind, the self doubt fades away when I stop thinking about me or what people may think and get back to SERVING others. Because that is my purpose. It's why I share so openly. I believe the best leaders lead by example so that is what I do. The nasty days happen, but it is what I do about it that can help others. So that is what I do.

If you could only share only one take away from the book, what would it be?

This book is for people who want to have a sense of purpose and passion in their lives and find the confidence to be the leader in their own life. I believe the book is a guide to do that.

Any Last words or advice you would like to share?

It’s not too late for you to create the life you dream of.

Your past or current situation does not define your future. Surround yourself with people who add value to your life. Let go of anything that holds you back and live your life full out with purpose, passion and confidence.

It's your life, lead it.

Where can we purchase your book?

On my website www.corliss.ca under “store” or under Lead Your Life- How to live With Purpose, Passion and Confidence on amazon.ca

The Making of MANDALA

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by: Cover Artist Birgit Raduenz

I Invite you to colour my mandala drawings ...

Take time and practice mindfulness by colouring.

The pleasant and fun task of choosing colours and filling in the spaces engages the creative side of your brain and helps you to relax.

Studies have shown people feel calmer, more mindful and energetic after spending time colouring and even that it may increase your creative thinking and visual attention.

The nature themed Mandalas I create are meant as an invitation. To celebrate the seasons and to remember always, that beauty is all around us, even when we get to busy to notice.

The word Mandala is Sanskrit and means circle. It represents wholeness and Mandalas are much like a map to be used in meditation in the quest for the divine. Many cultures use them, and their meanings vary. The goal of a mandala is to bring into balance our inner and outer worlds; our mind and spirit with our body and the world we live in.

So, go ahead and gather your colourful makers and have a seat. Colour your way from the outside in.

Think of the center of the mandala as “peace” or “love” or pick and intention for yourself, something you aspire to achieve or become. Then start colouring any of the designs around the outside and colour inwards. Work your way towards the center.

Think of where you are now and how you feel today and let that go, focus on the shapes and images and the colouring. Allow your thoughts, notice them and

www.corliss.ca

let them go, as you keep your focus on colouring inwards. Enjoy!

TAROTSCOPE FIRST QUARTER 2019 What’s in store for you during 2019’s first quarter?

Find out in this quick snapshot of the energies your Sun Sign will be working with from January to March.

Tara McDermott is an adventurous spirit always looking for new experiences to have with her husband, two daughters, and myriad of pets. She teaches yoga in Weirdale, SK, does readings online as well as at parties and events, and travels when she can.

Her list of hobbies and interests is endless but includes reading, kayaking, learning new things, and hula-hooping.

www.ivalaine.com -18-

ARIES MARCH 21 TO APRIL 19 While not typically your forte, this quarter focuses on your dreams. Pay close attention to them in January, as there are emotions longing to be released. Keep a dream journal so that you can find a balance.

February brings some movement and you will need to tap your imagination. In March, purify and cleanse yourself and be open to the messages coming your way. Spend some time in a moving meditation (running, hiking, biking, yoga) to help connect you. Dream Big, Aries!

TAURUS APRIL 20 TO MAY 20 Effort is the name of the game. Relationships are where you need to place your attention in January. Work to provide as much stability as possible for your family while remembering to relax and enjoy their company as well. Get down to business in February and cut through the distractions. Get off the couch because you’ll be going places in March. That’s right, you will have to step outside the homestead! Let your intuition lead the way. This could be as simple as heading out to a new garden, or a strange area of the park you frequent. Dare to explore!!

GEMINI MAY 21 TO JUNE 20 Fulfillment is the focus for this quarter, Gemini. January requires that you take the time to clear away the distractions. Yes, making decisions is often a struggle for you, but the time has come to do just that. In February, honor and acknowledge that which you have achieved thus far and revel in the joy and happiness your efforts have brought. March will be a more difficult month as you face some addictive behaviors you have been indulging. Be mind of the choice you make and cautious about indulging. Bring your awareness back to what truly fulfills you. Keep your eye on the prize!.

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CANCER JUNE 21 TO JULY 22 Prioritizing, clarifying, and refining goals are at the forefront for you this quarter. Change is coming in January and while change isn’t easy for you, it’s important to your goals! Tap your inner adventurer but call on what makes you stable. Celebrations are in order in February as milestones are reached, but it you work isn’t done. Honor those who support you. In March, someone hits rock bottom. Once you hit the bottom, there is nowhere to go but up! Keep your intentions pure, don’t succumb to your more suspicious nature, and know that if you persevere you WILL come out on the other side stronger for it! Draw strength from those you care for. Keep refining those plans!

LEO JULY 23 TO AUGUST 22 Rejuvenation is your focus this month, Leo. Self-care is especially important for the warriors. January asks you to stop cheating yourself and offers the reminder that winning isn’t everything. Especially if you are sacrificing yourself to get there. Don’t indulge in risky methods to reach your goals. In February, you need to get intimate with yourself!

Craft a beauty or health ritual that helps you tune in and get acquainted with your physical self. Mental and emotional self-care come to the forefront in March. Turn your attention inward and discover what needs tending. Meditate. Journal. Rest. Avoid being called in action this month because you must tend to yourself. No one can pour from an empty cup. Self-care isn’t selfish.

VIRGO AUGUST 23 TO SEPTEMBER 22 Virgo, you will be working with the energy of transformation in this year’s first quarter. In January create a space for yourself because things will get crazy. February brings new potential! Ideas, opportunities, and possibly a new love abound this month. Time alone will help you transform the dream to the reality. It takes time to transform the seed of an idea into something magical! However, you will begin to see the fruits of this transformative period in March.

So, call up your cronies and celebrate! Get together with your besties and enjoy a few bevies! Become the Butterfly, Virgo!

LIBRA SEPTEMBER 23 TO OCTOBER 22 Envisioning the future is the energy you will be working with this quarter, Libra. In January, visualize what it would look like if you achieved all your plans, goals, and dreams. Then determine how you might hone your craft in order to achieve them. Pursue improving skills or learning new ones. February brings about a few small victories. Compare what went well and what didn’t with what you envisioned. March is a time for reflection. Turn inward and envision where you see yourself for the next quarter. What lessons do you have to offer the world? Envision greatness!

SCORPIO OCTOBER 23 TO NOVEMBER 21 Shadow work is in order this month, Scorpio. Allow your intuition to take the reigns in January as it will guide you to new places. Since you are embarking on a spiritual journey, this is the perfect to time to plumb your deep dark depths and haul out those hidden gems.

February demands you step into your power. Work your magic within the lunar cycles. Manifest and Release in conjunction with the moon’s rhythm. Trust in yourself and your wisdom. March brings about a resting phase after the incredible work you have been doing. It’s time you let your mind, body, and spirit assimilate your efforts. Consider it the savasana of this quarter! Embrace the darkness!

SAGITTARIUS NOVEMBER 22 TO DECEMBER 21 Sagittarius, your focus this quarter is sensuality. Savoring chocolate, indulging in a massage, enjoying a warm breeze on your skin are examples. January holds an opportunity for you to release yourself from a prison of your own making. Be mindful of how you express yourself. February will be a difficult month as you grieve for something lost. It’s OK to miss something that isn’t good for you. New beginnings are on the horizon in March. Be open to making new emotional connections. Let your focus on sensuality guide you this month. How do you contribute to life’s pleasures? Enjoy life!

CAPRICORN DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 19 Your mission, Capricorn, should you choose to accept it is to shut up and listen! Be open to new perspectives this quarter. January sees you being introduced to someone who deeply enjoys life, is committed to their goals, and is very protective of loved ones. They have excellent insight to share. Hear them out. February’s cup is overfilling as all your hard work and dedication start paying off. Listen to your inner cheerleader! March is a month of reflection. Accept the guidance of your intuition on what’s been working and what hasn’t. Listen also to what your loved ones have to say. Don’t let unreasonable fears close your ears to the wisdom offered. Listen with your heart!

AQUARIUS JANUARY 20 TO FEBRUARY 18 Oh, Aquarius, the energy for you this quarter is not one you enjoy working with. It’s all about looking in the great big mirror! January will have you looking into the mirror of your loved one’s faces. Observe and notice what your impact is on them. It’s tough being responsible for the your own emotions, let alone those of others, but now isn’t the time to hide. In February, you will be working with completing patterns. Something in the mirror of your soul is missing, what is it?

Reflect on what your dreams and goals are. Once you spend time looking at the big picture, the thing that’s missing should become more obvious. March shifts the mirror to your work life. Does the work you are doing reflect your true ability? Are you struggling with the duties you have your plate? Be wise in your decisions this month. Pay attention to your reflection.

PISCES FEBRUARY 19 TO MARCH 20 Finding a deeper connection with yourself is your focus this quarter, Pisces. Rest and Recuperate in January. Don’t spend it sleeping all day but take some solo time! Meditation and reflection are in order. Get comfortable with your shadow aspects and learn what makes you tick.

February shifts focus to managing your responsibilities. It can be a struggle but don’t shirk your duties because it creates more trouble for you. Keep on top of things and March will highlight some of your victories. Examine your self-worth. Do you recognize your value through your hard work and accomplishments? Or, is the shadow you need to face your tendency to sacrifice your needs for others? Dig deep to reveal your hidden treasure. .

BizAcademi Training Inc. Developing You - Developing Business Lana Sheppard and Linda Prafke are experienced Entrepreneurs and have been providing service to clients in the Bookkeeping and Consulting industries respectively for a combined 38 years. Both have a passion for helping business owners succeed and have formed an alliance to create BizAcademi Training Inc. to pass on their knowledge and pay it forward through training and coaching.

BizAcademi Training Inc. wants to reconnect you to possibilities!

BizAcademi provides a combination of online and in class training, one on one and group coaching. We specialize in working with entrepreneurs in the business start-up and early growth stage because we believe that when business is started with good foundations they are positioned for growth.

Linda Prafke FCMC If you want to discover the difference in being interested in something verses being truly committed, upgrade your performance and realize your greatness, we offer both, business related and personal development classes. We believe that lifelong learning is essential for personal and business development.

At BizAcademi, our facilitators and coaches come to us with a great combination of skills and practical experience in business operation.

Our facilitators have the credentials to facilitate and coach, they have between 5 and 25 years of business operation experience, and understand your pain points in business and life and know how to overcome them because they have lived them.

Visit our website www.bizacademi.com to learn more or register.

Lana Sheppard CMLC

www.bizacademi.com

Dream Big - Set Goals - Take Action

r e w o P s ' n a m o A W e g n a h C o t

Essential Magic

MEET CANDIS DUMAIS Our Winner of the Essential Magic Beauty Photo Shoot

It was around the time that she found a local vision board workshop that her life opened and began to change, but before that, Candis Dumais was struggling to be happy.

She had a beautiful baby girl, a loving husband, and a lovely home; everything she always wanted. Yet despite all of that Candis at that time was existing in a dark place that made it hard for her to really enjoy the life she had right in front of her..

“I knew I had to do something to change this miserable inside world I was living in”, said Candis.

“Everything was perfect on the outside, but so messed up on the inside”, said Candis.

This was not entirely surprising given that over the years prior to this Candice had gone through an incredible journey full of ups and downs with little space to breathe. Over time she had this feeling of being disconnected from her true Self, discontent, and unclear about how to reclaim her happiness once again.

Maybe you too, can relate?

Too often in life as woman we have so much to do. Life takes us on a rollercoaster ride of hills and valleys, and on top of that we find ourselves stretched thin caring for others, with little space to -25-

tend to our own inner world, while over time the consequences on our health and happiness can be detrimental.

My name is Tara Preston, I am a Feminine Prosperity Mentor and this fall I had the pleasure of interviewing, and photographing Candice Dumais, the winner of the Essential Beauty Magic & Celebration Story Contest that Vintage Gypsy and I put out to the community.

As a woman who has mentored many women over the last 9 years as they step into living their purpose driven life I see this way too often. We are conditioned as women in this hyper do do do society, to go go go, caring for others, moving through difficult times, without understanding where, or even how to create the space that is needed for our own fulfillment, healing and happiness.

While Candice’s story is unique to her with specific challenges, as women there is much we can derive from her courageous story, and the steps she took to turn it all around.

It was almost 13 years ago that Candice had met her loving husband. They of course were happily married, enjoying life, friends and each other.

Soon after they decided to try for a baby.

As time went on there was difficulty conceiving which led Candis and her husband down a path of fertility treatment.

“They tested me first, and then him”, says Candis “When the doctors found the problem here in Saskatchewan, the results were then sent to Calgary, after a year wait, they had given us the diagnosis,” she tells me.

“Once in Calgary we were told we wouldn’t be able to conceive children naturally. After completely feeling devastated the doctor then told us that the reason we could not have children was due to my husband, and the vas deferens being missing. This was connected generally to men with cystic fibrosis, which at the time my husband had never been diagnosed with” said Candis.

“It was a difficult and confusing time”, says Candis.

“Since he didn’t have cystic fibrosis we thought, they would do more testing.

As it turned out it was a very mild case that only affected his fertility,” she shares.

From there Candis and her husband decided to do in vitro, which led to a whole other leg of the journey.

Shortly after she travelled to Calgary where she would spend the next month undergoing in vitro fertilization. This is a process done where eggs and sperm are combined together outside the body. Once an embryo or embryos form, they are then placed in the uterus.This may require a cycle or two. Candis had an uncomfortable incident where she became hyperstimulated then producing a lot of eggs leaving her extremely bloated with hormones that were all out of whack.

Fortunately it was all worth it, and as this process unfolded that is exactly what Candis kept reminding herself of.

“They were able to produce 22 eggs in which they placed 1 inside of my uterus, and SHE is the miracle baby we have today!"

IT WAS A DIFFICULT AND CONFUSING TIME

Life continued to change of course, and after the birth of Candis baby she felt a lot of worry around the care of her child. She felt the need to control the details of her babies care, and that no one could do it the way she wanted it done, which led her to pushing people away from her, even the ones she loved most.

“Soon I felt alone. I was so worried that I wasn’t liked by people and became very negative. I went into a dark place, but in all honesty a part of me wanted to stay there”, said Candis.

“I was so miserable. I had everything Iwanted, and I couldn’t stop wondering what was wrong with me,” she said.

“I had so much anger, resentment and jealousy inside of me, and I wanted to be happy again. I had had enough”.

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It was in this place and at this time, that Candis knew it was time to turn it all around, and that’s what she did, then shortly after stumbling upon the local vision board workshop.

At the local vision board workshop, Candis met Shannon Kelly the Editor of Vintage Gypsy Magazine.

“Something about her inspired me.

I followed her on Facebook, and found this wonderful magazine”! she shared with me.

After that, feeling inspired by the writings of different woman in the magazine, she began to listen to some of their podcasts, and Facebook lives.

“Listening to these women, their stories, tools, and wisdom my life really began to change”.

“I started waking up each day and first thing in the morning which created space for my own empowerment”. she said smiling.

Here Candis took one of the most important steps of all. She began claiming space in her life for her!

She gifted herself the time to take care of her, and took her power back by realizing she could create the changes in her life she was seeking by shifting her inner world first.

The day that Candis came for her Beauty Magic Photoshoot I witnessed a woman in bloom.

Each morning Candis now gets up and heads out for a morning walk. She moves her body, breathes deeply and repeats simple self-loving affirmations.

She’s overcome challenges and is setting herself free by choosing new ways of being that supports the feeling of happiness that she knows she deserves.

Another tool she uses is mirror work to connect back into the beauty that she truly is.

On that snowy day during our Beauty Magic Photoshoot together we uncovered more ways for Candice to find freedom in the beauty of her feminine spirit. We often as women take life way to seriously and feel burdened with responsibility so it’s very important that we build in as much space as possible in our lives that taps us into our creative, beautiful, magical, playful, free nature as women as well. Without doing this women often feel weighted, constricted and imbalanced in their lives leading to drained dissatisfaction.

“It’s important to tell yourself how much you love you,” she says.

“It’s not always easy, but if you stand in front of the mirror, look yourself in the eyes, and just say your name, followed by I love you, so much changes in how you begin to feel about yourself," she shared.

She is rediscovering herself in a myriad of ways, as more continues to open for her on her new path of self-discovery, and personal empowerment.

We identified even more ways to create space for what feels fun, light and expansive to support her energy. She remembered how much she feels joy in just singing and dancing, something she planned to do a little more with her daughter as a homeplay assignment after our Beauty Magic Photoshoot.

“Having received this wonderful gift to be in the presence with Tara Preston and her amazing abilities has encouraged me to continue upon this new journey in life by loving and accepting the beautiful soul within me”. shared Candis after our session.

Candis, the minute you meet her has a gentle, loving, beautiful, glow to her. This is a sensitive woman who cares deeply. She shared her vulnerable story so openly with me, feeling that there had to be a reason she won this opportunity to share her story, and hoped her story would be an inspiration to other women who may be feeling lost or struggling to find happiness.

Well Candis, I certainly admire you sharing with us(the Vintage Gypsy readers and myself) your journey and the unique beauty that is you. What an inspiring story that shows us no matter what life throws at us we can always begin to take new selfloving steps, no matter how small, to reclaim our happiness, power & beauty as women.

Tara Preston is a Feminine Prosperity Mentor who supports women in reclaiming their sacred relationship to self & money so they can live the purpose driven life their soul is guiding them into.

Over the last two decades Tara has held space for thousands of women as they claim their beauty, power and truth in bigger bolder ways. She supports women in making the transition from doing dissatisfying, draining work, into prosperously & pleasurably living their radiant soul’s calling.

You can learn more about Tara by going to: www.tarapreston.com

Are you ready to claim space daily each morning for your beauty, prosperity & empowerment?

Grab Tara’s FREE gift online by heading over to www.radiantpowerhour.com and download your own stepby-step morning practise to support you in raising your vibration, and aligning daily to the life you feel called to live.

This is a life changing practice done by many of Tara’s clients! If done regularly expect significant life changing shifts in how you feel, think, and how you perceive the world. Yes miracles will unfold as you create space in your life to raise your feminine frequency daily!

EATING IS NECESSITY BUT COOKING IS AN ART. - ANONYMOUS

Jackie Thoms is a rebel in the kitchen. She loves in your face flavors that explode in your mouth and have your taste buds screaming for more. She believes cooking should be simple, spices and fresh herbs can turn ordinary into extraordinary.

BUFFALO CHICKEN SALAD So here we are, another new year upon us and everyone is trying to eat a bit healthier after indulging during the holidays. This salad has it all; homemade garlicky dressing, spicy chicken and crisp, chewy croutons. My cousin Jeff is a huge fan of this salad and I am dedicating this recipe to him.

Every time he comes for supper, he always requests my Caesar salad and we love buffalo wings, so this is a winner. You can make the dressing and the chicken in advance and keep it in the fridge for whenever the craving hits.

The Chicken I like to roast skinless, bone-in chicken thighs in the oven once a week then I have it ready to go for salads and sandwiches in a pinch. Feel free to use chicken breasts if you like them better. I rub them with oil, season with salt and pepper and roast in a 400 oven for 30-40 minutes depending on their size.

Allow the chicken to rest for 10 minutes. To make the buffalo chicken, take some of your chicken, depending on how many you are feeding, and shred or dice into chunks. In a small frying pan, add 1 TBSP of butter and 1/4 cup of hot sauce. Bring to a simmer and add your chicken and stir to coat. Allow the chicken to simmer for a few minutes to absorb all that spicy goodness. Turn off the heat and leave chicken until you are ready to use it.

The Dressing This can be made in a blender, food processor or with a whisk and a bowl. It will yield you about a cup of dressing.

1 large clove garlic 2 Tbsp Worchestershire Sauce 1 Tbsp dijon mustard 2 Tbsp lemon juice 1 tsp salt 1/4 tsp pepper 1 tbsp mayo 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese Add all ingredients except olive oil and parmesan cheese to your vessel of choice. If making the dressing in a bowl, very finely mince your garlic. Mix or blend well until combined. Slowly steam in your olive oil while mixing. Your dressing should be smooth and creamy. Add the parmesan cheese at the end and mix again. Taste, but remember

dressing should taste strong and tangy when on their own. Once you mix in all the salad greens and croutons, it will dilute the flavor.

The Croutons I always make my own croutons. If you are going through the effort to make a homemade dressing don’t cheap out with the croutons. The best bread for them is a nice rustic ciabatta. Dice into chunks and toss with some olive oil, salt and pepper and toast in the oven at 400 until nice and crisp on the outside and still a bit chewy on the inside. Should be about 10 min or so. I usually toss them once while in the oven.

Now to mix your masterpiece… I add some dressing to the bowl first, then add the hot croutons first, grate a bit more parmesan on the croutons, so it melts a bit on the warm bread. Mix well, then add your romaine lettuce and toss well to coat. Transfer to your favorite salad bowl and top with your spicy chicken and a bit more parmesan cheese. My favorite salad of all time!! Enjoy!!

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NICOISE SALAD This is another favorite salad recipe. It uses canned tuna, potato and green beans with a tangy mustard dressing. I first had it at a French bistro in Canmore and it came with fresh tuna, but as that is hard to find, canned tuna works fine.

The Dressing 1 tbsp dijon mustard 2-3 tbsp cider vinegar 1/4 cup olive oil 1 small garlic clove, crushed Salt and pepper to taste Add all ingredients to a small mason jar and shake well to combine. Taste and adjust your seasonings. I like my dressing on the tangy side, but feel free to adjust to your liking. This dressing will keep in the fridge for a week.

The Salad 2 cups baby potatoes slice in half 1 cup green beans, sliced in 1 inch pieces 1 can tuna, drained 2 green onions, sliced Few slices of cucumber 2 eggs 1/4 cup black olives (optional) Lettuce greens of your choosing 1. Place your eggs in a pot of cool water. Bring to a boil, cover and turn off the heat. Allow the eggs to sit in the water for 8 minutes. Drain and rinse under cool water. Peel and set aside.

2. Boil the potatoes in the same water, add some salt, and cook until tender, do not overcook them, as you want them to maintain their shape. Should take 15 minutes or so depending on the size of the potatoes. Using a slotted spoon, remove them from the water and add to a large bowl. I like to toss the potatoes with some of the dressing while they are warm.

3. Add the green beans to the same pot of boiling water and blanch for a couple of minutes until they are just tender, again do not overcook them, you want them to have a bit of texture. Rinse them under cool water to stop the cooking and toss in with the potatoes.

4. Add the tuna , cucumber, green onions and olives, and the rest of the dressing. Toss well to coat.

5. Lay a bed of your salad green down and top with your potato and tuna mixture. Slice your eggs into quarters and add to your salad. Crack some black pepper and a pinch of salt on the eggs and enjoy.

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BROCCOLI QUINOA SALAD WITH ALMONDS I make this salad whenever I feel I need to eat healthier. It is great as it can sit in the fridge for a few days and you can eat it as you need. We all know quinoa, broccoli and almonds are all superfoods, so why not put them all together. My trick is to pulse the broccoli in the food processor until it is finely chopped. Let’s face it no one likes to bite into a huge piece of raw broccoli. My other trick is to pour the hot quinoa on top of the raw broccoli which softens it up a bit.

The Dressing

The Salad

2 tbsp balsamic vinegar (or any vinegar you like) 4 tbsp olive oil Salt and pepper Whisk to combine and set aside

1 cup uncooked quinoa 3 cups broccoli 3 green onions, sliced 1 cup slivered almonds

1. Cook the quinoa according to the package directions.

2. While that is cooking, add your broccoli to a food processor and pulse until it is quite fine.

3. Add the broccoli to a large bowl.

4. When the quinoa is cooked pour it on top of the broccoli and allow it to cool down for a few minutes.

5. Add the dressing, mix well and taste again for seasoning.

Add more salt or vinegar as needed. Toss in your green onions and slivered almonds.

Mix again and enjoy.

A very nice variation on this salad is to substitute the raw broccoli with a medley of roasted vegetables. Dice your veggies quite small, season with olive oil, salt and pepper and roast in a 400-degree oven for 20 minutes until tender and mix into the quinoa.

ARE YOU READY ?

To become your best version of you

Heather Irene Your radiant living and weight release coach For the woman who is ready to reclaim her happy, healthy and wholesome self.

Experience how the “tapping technique” can shift your negative relationship with your body and food to a story of empowerment and freedom.

www.radiantweightrelease.ca

The Art of Hygge in Your Wardrobe By: Megs Aylward “The Style Muse”

Megs is an eclectic and eccentric fashion enthusiast with both city and country roots, wanderlust feet, a tastemaker heart, and a bohemian soul. She believes we are all blank canvases ready to be decorated everyday and express how we are feeling without words but through our wardrobes. Her calling is in educating women of all ages how to dress their figure based on individual body shape, coloring, lifestyle and personality while uncovering their own style or “inner muse”. She is the creator, fashion stylist, wardrobe advisor, and a freelance style writer at Miss Nicks and Muse Collective, board member and blogger for Saskatchewan Fashion and Design Festival (SFDF).

Jewelry: Elizabeth.lyn jewelry

"Dress like we own winter" Boot Socks: 3rclothing Company found in Rust & Restyled in Rosetown,SK

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Winter solstice has come and gone just like the lights of Christmas. The glitter and the velvet have been put away till next year. But why? For us prairie folk it signifies the midpoint of the season which can sometimes feel disheartening with the bank accounts looking slim and the storefronts looking bare and picked over. Add in a wicked cold spell and we all swear we are moving towards the equator.

For me it is also the boredom I find in my closet. At this point in the winter months I have mixed and matched all my separate pieces and turned them inside out and upside down twice to just to double check if I used every combination possible or misplaced a garment somewhere. The rest of the world starts showcasing their Spring lines. Australia is in the midst of Summer, so their summer collections are going on clearance themselves. Let’s be honest, these events do not help us up here north of the 49th parallel.

Even if we feel alone we are not.

Scandinavian countries are in the same company. In fact, these countries get even longer hours of darkness for longer periods of time than Canada.

Like many elements in life these countries are ahead of the curve. They are one of the happiest places in the world.

Why you ask? Well, one reason is how they embrace the winter months. In Denmark they have a word, "hygge" which cannot be directly translated but the premise of it is to embrace the cozy and celebrate all the wonders winter brings to our lives.

How do we do this? One sure way is to dress like we own winter not the other way around. When we feel confident and look good we ultimately project that out into the world which would help us in the next step of hygge, trying out some winter activities. The thrown together bohemian style is still coming hot off the runways and the winter edition always I

incorporates "cozy" and "thrown together" as its two defining elements. My personal favorite to sprucing up a legging and basic t-shirt combination is adding a blanket, shawl, poncho, or cape on top. These garments are also great for layering so when you get too hot they are easy to remove without making a big fuss with your hair or creating static energy. It also, adds a whimsical effortless feel to your ensemble and spirit.

Canadian brands like Jackson Rowe and homegrown designers like Cassie Danielle Designs are the epitome of bohemian winter luxury pieces. These ladies understand what our prairie winds can be like to endure.

Cassie Danielle Designs is made up of leather masterpieces and beautiful forgotten wool blankets upcycled into coats and sweaters. Featured above is another Canadian company called 3r Clothing Company who also use 100% recycled materials to make their products which include ponchos, sweater leggings, and your basic winter accessories such as mittens and toques. All three of these designers’ products are sustainable, fashionable, and warm, making them basically the exact translation of "hygge".

Makes me want to sit out by a fire and roast marshmallows in the thick of winter.

"Time for real hibernation, snuggles, coziness, and rejuvenation" Another way to spruce up our winter wardrobe is jewelry. I am a massive fan of the more accessories the better. Jewelry designers generally add new collections more than just seasonally and are always participating in pop up shops so abundance is not an issue. It can take the most boring monochrome sweat pant suit and make it look like a trendy offbeat outfit. The Saskatoon area, specifically, has some of the most beautiful and unique jewelry artisans. Spotted here in the photos are two of Saskatoon's finest, Artifacts World and elizabeth.lyn jewelry (cover photo).

Jacket: Cassie Danielle Designs, Toque: Birch and Louise

Building a solid curated winter closet takes time and at the beginning can be an investment. I recommend acquiring one new item a month, a new set of outdoor accessories and a new winter coat a year. This is a great place to start making it affordable (most likely catch things on clearance towards the second half of winter) and keeps thing fresh and renewed aiding in embracing the cozy. It also adds an element of excitement each month and keeps you entranced by your wardrobe. If you want to keep those good vibes going try thrifting an old winter article that no longer serves you away every month to make room for those new pieces.

I read a stat once that most Canadians have one casual jacket and one dress one but have up to seven or more bathing suits. This is only practical if you live somewhere warmer or where the cold seasons are shorter. Still we purchase the bathing suits. True hygge would be to purchase the winter coats plus not to mention that the cost is the same for a jacket as it is a new bikini.

Let’s be honest no matter how many tips are out there, winter is long in the Canadian Prairies and frigid. A hygge frame of mind will truly transform winter into the magical season it could be. For after the lights of holidays and the velvet are put away, it is time for real hibernation, snuggles, coziness, and rejuvenation. Along with the mindset and spicing up your winter wardrobe, little by little, it might become the best season yet. If not, Spring fashions start coming out in February and we can daydream of wearing them and the adventures we will be enjoying ourselves in while wearing them.

Jewelry: Artifacts World

"Be your own muse, Be your own artwork”

Instagram: @missnicksandmuse Facebook: Miss Nicks and Muse Collective All Photo Credit: Darby Sutherland of Darbarelli media, Indoor Photo: The Hollows, Hair by: Shannon Jiricka of Chel Salon Spa, Make up by: Alyssa Thomas Artistry

FINDING GINGER

I am afraid to tell them I am not going back. I am afraid to disappoint them, hurt them, lose them.

I am MORE afraid to go back there – to have them and to lose myself for it.

I am. NOT. Going. Back.

How can I? How can I tell them I am doing this FOR ME? Not TO them?

How can I make them understand? That I was drowning there? Playing it safe? With public housing my best -case scenario?

NO WAY I am simply not going to settle for another minute of my life. I am about to turn fifty years old in only a month. Ready or not, here it comes. Fifty years old. I can handle that. But I am not returning to freezing temperatures and old molds, expectations of me, like old clothes; they just no longer fit. That old paradigm no longer suits me. The old beliefs are not me. That former me is no longer ME. I had to have change or die. They all know that on some level. They knew about the depression. They tolerate the anxiety that had become my companion on a dark road that was leading to nowhere. I am somewhere now. That place is behind me and it is staying there. I am not going back. I am already a thinner, more beautiful version of me. Just thinking about where I can be, WHO I can in six months here in this land of paradise, makes me smile despite knowing what I have to say.

The old me was too afraid to upset them. But this new me is only afraid of retreat.

Ginger Artrip lives a sacred life in the frozen tundra of Michigan. She has recently come to realize that the warmth of her two cats, Esmund & Callie are enough to combat anything winter can bring. She is working on a book and oracle card set titled Voracious Hope. She is the proud momma of two grown sons, an avid reader, a committed writer, Reiki Master and Scrabble addict. She is currently reading several books at once, and is known for sneaking peeks at middle chapters or even the end of the story to determine if the book is worth reading. If only life were as easy! She welcomes friends on FB or Instagram.

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N AToIO C A V s y US by: Lorna B r ki O L U B A FA er.

R O l disast F a r u E t a n for 3 to a RECIP e due arrive t minut ggage

our lu the las nts: have y ions at t Ingredie t you o a n in t d s an de leaves d t e n a g la h n t is a h in -C emote a spra on a r ausing c t n - Land e pavem out. of the ital e check days. id t s a e l il h b t al hosp l c f e lo t f o o e H at th - Slip your walk. o pay rgency t o e t h m s le E a b c una ough d up in it has ave en and win r that e n v e o p c o - Not h ad and dis our he t home h g - Cut y li f your itches. rt for o for st p ny ir a ith sun the w o t d t n e le -G d. riendly vals, b ancelle uper f g inter c s in , y n s r e e a e r v b e at dventu ls. at a tim cean a o e n le ily mea o ib m s d a t e f n r ie d c red ging an ches, in Add ing ive lod us bea it lo im u r b p a f egrity, skies, est int n o h , people

I was thinking about some of Ted and my

adventures and how we enjoy vacations that are somewhat different from the 'traditional' holiday many associate spending time away with. Â Â

The vacation above was one in particular that came to mind. We still reflect on it as one of the best destinations and times that we have ever had. What I find interesting when I share this anecdote, is that every person seems to remember a different part of my story. People individually cling to a different memory.... the adventure, the inconvenience, the trauma, the stunning simplicity, or the remarkable relaxation. I believe that each of you who reads this article will probably take a different feeling away from it as well.......what you take away may be a directly associated to your outlook on life in general or where you are presently. As you read, take a look at what resonates with you about this narrative and then read it again and see if you feel something different. Pick it up again in a month or two and see if your outlook has changed....I would LOVE to hear what comes up for you!!

We were booked to fly to Thailand on January 6th of 2005. On December 26th, 2004 a tsunami erupted in the Pacific Ocean, devastating the very beaches and resorts that we had planned on visiting. Ted and I discussed what had happened and what we could do so as to save our vacation (and our money) and not sway too far from our original plans. We decided that we would join the relief effort and looked into signing up with the Red Cross, volunteering for the first couple of weeks and then making our way to the north of Thailand and maybe into Laos for the latter part of our stay to get some R & R. Being as it was Christmas Vacation here in Canada, it took a few days to get things roughly set up and finally, late on Dec 30th I was able to see our Doctor to determine what shots and vaccinations we would need. Going into an area that had was sure to be filled with bacteria and disease that we had not previously been concerned with, we had to be prepared. We were leaving in 7 days, which included New Year's and a weekend, and after looking at what vaccinations were recommended, and the timeframe that it would take 1. to acquire them and 2. that some should be taken 'x' # of days prior to exposure, of which we didn't have enough. My Doctor said......"Lorna, why don't you just go to Hawaii or someplace easy this year?"

So, it was time to change our destination plans...... Being as we had already paid for our vacation and did not take out cancellation insurance, I wanted to simply alter our plans. I decided that being as we had a short stopover in the Philippines, that maybe we should simply stay there instead of going on to Thailand. Upon contacting the airline, they informed me that they would be reimbursing us ALL of our money and that we could simply choose another vacation wherever our hearts desired. Well!! Time to get busy then!!

We still had our flights to LA which had been booked separately, so I used that as our starting point......Hawaii, Fiji, Vanuatu? Hmmm - they were all quite expensive, so I googled "What is the cheapest destination in the South Pacific?" And the island of Samoa popped up. I had never heard of the place, and looking into it a bit more, was quite intrigued. So I contacted our travel agent and asked him to find us some flights!!

And so it was, we set out to a destination that nobody we talked to had ever heard of. Were booked into a Fale (pole shed with a thatched roof) for our first night of arrival, and the rest was up to us!!

We arrived on the island and stood and waited for our luggage....and waited, and waited....we realized that it was not coming and went to report it to the airline, of which there was no representative anywhere to be found.

We would have to contact their office in the capital the following day. So we made our way outside to catch a cab....of which there were none. As the airport is quite far from any town, the cabs come to pick people up only when a flight comes in.....because we were delayed in getting outside, all of the cabs had already left. So, we caught a ride to our second story fale with a friendly airport worker. This was our first encounter with the incredibly wonderful and generous people of Samoa.

The following 3 days we spent in the capital of Apia trying to, find our luggage, get somewhere with our insurance company (they were shocked when they heard a rooster in the background of our phone call), but mostly, getting to know the people, enjoying the land and streetscapes, purchasing a few items of clothing at the local "value village". The extra time we spent here proved to be invaluable as we got to know locals, fellow travelers and medical students who were interning there who shared ideas and locales for a great vacation. One of our waitresses and her husband would later take us all around the island on her day off, just because!! We would stay at places that we would have never discovered on our own, and have the trip of a lifetime!!

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Our lodgings were very simple. A platform surrounded by 6 or 8 posts and a thatched roof above our heads. We slept on a foam mat, had a sheet for a blanket and in the event of rain and at night for changing privacy, there were woven palm shutters that were lowered from the roof. The first such shelter or "Fale" as they are called was a 2 story, which are not common, but being as it was in the city, the owners had limited ground to work with.

It cost us $30/night with family style, traditional (drinking from coconut shells and eating from banana leaves) breakfast included. Â We then moved to another Fale in town which was fancier in that it had a pool in the yard!! Breakfast was not included here, but we had a shared kitchen and the cost was only $14/night. This was where, on the walk home from the pizza joint up the hill, I stepped off of the pavement ridge and sprained my ankle. By the next morning, I was hardly able to walk. That night, I crawled to my Fale, tensor bandage around my ankle. The following morning, I was offered the assistance of a 300lb Samoan man to administer a traditional Samoan Massage. I had been warned (by his wife) that it would be painful (some Samoans refuse the process due to the intensity of it), but that it would aid me in our travels to the neighboring island of Savai'i that day. Little did I know, it would involve this giant man standing on my injured leg!! But, my Mama didn't raise no fraidy cat....and this tradition has been in practice for thousands of years.....so how bad could it be? Ted was shuddering just watching it, wondering if my leg would be broken after being oiled, ground by the heal and literally jumped on by this man. I did wonder what I had gotten myself into, although yes, the procedure was painful, I was pleasantly surprised and amazed at the swelling reducing almost immediately and the fact that I was once again able to walk with little to no pain!!

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And we were off to catch the ferry to Savai'i!! The island of Savai'i is even more primitive than the main island of Upolu, it is formed by volcanic activity and still has a very calmly active volcano near its centre. There are no inhabitants in the interior, all civilization is situated along the coast.

Here we stayed in a Fale on the beach run by the Tanu family. When we arrived, we were told what time meals were, and in true Samoan tradition, we (the guests) ate first and the family ate what we left. There were banana and mango trees throughout the property and we were told if we got hungry to simply help ourselves. They also had a small convenience store where we were given a page in a scribbler to write down whatever we took from the store, strictly on the honor system. One evening we were sitting down on the beach having a few beers with friends we met from England, Malaysia, Germany and the U.S., when we found ourselves out of beer. Ted went to the Fale of the eldest sister and woke her up. She handed him the keys to the store and told him to lock up when we went to bed.

She was quite shocked when I asked if anyone on the island did traditional massage. We were booked for an island tour in a couple of days and there was a bit of hiking involved, so I wanted to make sure my ankle was in good shape. She introduced me to the local medicine woman, who was a lot less gentle on my leg than the 300lb gentleman who had treated me on the main island, but was just as effective. We toured the island a couple of days later and I was able to hike up the water falls for a beautiful refreshing dip in the amazing fresh water pools!!

The most amazing thing about Savai'i was the snorkeling. The island is surrounded by a natural breakwater, so had a gentle current constantly flowing clockwise around the island. Each morning we would get up, grabÂ

our snorkeling gear and walk 1/4 mile or so down the beach. Jump in the water and float back to our Fale over the multicolored, sparkling live, filled with fish, coral. It was so spectacularly vibrant, with all of the colors that we could have done this all day....we had snorkeled on previous trips, but had never experienced the twinkling of live coral like we did in Samoa. It didn't even matter if there were any fish as the coral itself was absolutely remarkable!

We later learned that part of the reason for this is the Samoan's dedication to preserving the environment. They actually banned Pepsi from the island because they refused to use reusable glass bottles. Aluminum cans were not allowed on the island because they could not recycle them. Recycle trucks drive around the island weekly to pick up bottles and pay children (or adults) those that they collect and stack along the road for pickup day.

There is virtually no garbage seen anywhere aside from in the many trash cans on the island. They have won multiple environment awards for their dedication to preserving their environment.

Part of this is that they own very few material items as well. As the islands has been known to suffer through countless numbers of typhoons, floods and storms, most of the people here have lost their possessions to the ocean more than once. Therefore, they continue to live a very simple yet incredible life. Internet was not available on most of the island and as all of the phone service was through satellite alone, there were many times when we were completely cut off from the outside world. I am not sure if that is still the case, but it was rather refreshing when we were there not having to hear or worry about everyone else's problems.

After a week on Savai'i with the Tanu family, we went to check out and board a small plane back to the main island. Being as we had filled a page or two

with beer and snacks, we found that we didn't have enough Samoan cash and they didn't want US or Canadian, and didn't accept credit cards...... so what do you do when you are nowhere near a town, let alone a bank? You write the amount that is owed on an envelope and tell your guests to put the cash in the envelope and give it back to the cab driver who will deliver it on his next trip to their side of the island. So that is exactly what happened!!

Unbelievable, as we could have flown off the island and nobody would have ever known until we were long gone that we hadn't paid.

The airplane that we flew back on held a pilot and the two of us. We were hoping he was in good health as neither of us could have flown the plane had he had a heart attack or sketching....but all went well and in an hour, we were back on the main island of Upolu. We caught a cab to the far side of the island where we experienced yet another week of unbelievable oceans, snorkeling and family like hospitality!!

We were very sad when it was time to make our way back to the capital and our flight home, although we knew we were booked in at our fancy $14 a night with a pool Resort, we were definitely going to miss the amazing oceans and friends we had met.

As we were wheeling our bags along the sidewalk to make our way up the short grass hill to our Fale, disaster struck once again. This time it was to the top of Ted's head!! The awning style bathroom window was encased in a sharp aluminum frame and was open when Ted, head down, ran smack into the corner of it. Blood came gushing out of the tear that incurred and we found ourselves being whisked away to the local hospital in a local cab. I had grabbed a large white beach towel, which by the time we arrived at emergency, was completely blood soaked. I am not sure if it was the amt of blood, or the fact that Ted is Catholic (it was a Catholic hospital and that -41-

was one of the only admittance questions they asked) that we were hurried into an examination room.

We waited for a short time for the Doctor and checked out our surroundings. The hospital was under construction and there was a large opening in the wall at the end of the hall into the vacant lot beyond. It was nice that it was there as the gentle breeze was very welcome being as the lack of air conditioning was apparent. They did eventually bring a fan and place it in the hall outside of the curtain of our exam room which was also a nice addition. The Doctor took a look and realized that Ted indeed required stitches so we were then transferred (yes, I went too) into the surgery room. Ted got up on the table and I went to take the plastic lawn chair out from under it to sit on. The head of the surgery table collapsed, so I quickly wedged the lawn chair back under it so that Ted could be comfortable and I went and sat on a bench along the wall. As I looked around, I really wondered if this was a great idea. The surgical instruments were wrapped in political papers, I read part of the minutes of a meeting held a few weeks prior and the windows were covered with old X-rays for privacy!! It was a very interesting room indeed!! The Doctor arrived shortly and proceeded to stitch up Ted's head and prescribed some painkillers and antibiotics before we made our way to the pharmaceutical department. Ted's medication came in two small ziplock bags. The cost was nearly $10 for all and we were on our way.

A couple days of relaxing around the pool and we were to catch our flight home. Took a cab to the airport to find it almost completely empty. The cab driver told us to stay in the air conditioned cab and he would go and see what was up. Turns out, our flight was cancelled. Apparently, Air Pacific (we later found out the locals call it Air Pathetic) is notorious for cancelling flights if they are not full. So we would have to go back to the city to wait until they announced a replacement flight.

This proved to be rather nice as we got to spend the night not only in an actual hotel room with a bed, and mattress, but a TV, a phone and our very own bathroom!!! The first time in 3 weeks for all of these amenities! The following morning, we had a plane take us to Fiji where we were once again given a hotel and food vouchers for our inconvenience. As we missed all of our connecting flights, we would then be on what we referred to as "The Amazing Race". The 4 airports that we landed in after that we had to find a flight that would take us closer to home. We were armed with only a letter that once they got us on a flight, the airlines wanted to keep....but we needed it for the next flight, so always had to get them to copy it for themselves and give us back the original. We literally found ourselves running through airports trying to get on flights, never knowing if we would be on time for another connection once we landed again.

As it was, we got to Saskatoon a day and 1/2 later than originally planned, completely exhausted, and our luggage was on the turntable when we went to collect it!! Unbelievable!!

A few days later I called our travel agent and told him about our incredible journey and he couldn't believe his ears. He asked me if we had flown WestJet from LA as that was who we were booked with. I told him no, that we had flown Air Canada from LA to Vancouver and also to Calgary, but WestJet from Calgary home. Later in the week I got a call, that WestJet had a credit for us for the full amount of our flight as it was beyond our control that our Air Pacific flight was cancelled and that we couldn't notify them as the satellites were down when we tried to phone and let them know.

Amazing!!

All in all, we had an incredibly fabulous vacation. Through all of the mishaps, craziness and circumstance, we were together. We made amazing acquaintances and experienced one of the most beautiful places on earth!!

And.......we got money back!! What more could we ask for?

So that my friends, is the recipe for an incredible vacation – like snorkeling in the warm Pacific around the island of Samoa, simply “Go with the Flow”.

Lorna lives on a farm with her husband Ted and dogs, Biggar and Siyah near Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. She is a true Lover of People, and the Adventure that is Life.

She says, “I have sat through leg numbing tea ceremonies, 100 man acapella humming concerts, Buddhist weddings in 40C heat and no A/C. I have been robbed, missed flights, and have survived some of the worst 'bathrooms' and 'hotels' in the world, yet I have never had a bad vacation.”

Whether it be traipsing through a tropical jungle at sea level or hiking 4000m high in the Andes, Lorna always try to admire and understand her fellow beings for who they are and what they stand for.

www.lornaboryski.blogspot.com

PEACE CROHNS & PERIWINKLE BLISS

FEATURING CROHN'S AND COLITIS ADVOCATE JODI HONCH www.periwinklebliss.com

MEET JODI TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELF I am a PA girl, born and raised. I left Prince Albert, for a number of years to earn my Education Degree, travel, and then begin my work as a teacher. I came back home in 2011 because I felt like I needed ‘grounding’, I had begun my career, I was travelling whenever I was able to, but I still felt lost. I needed to be closer to family. So I took a teaching position with Saskatchewan Rivers Public School Division, at a school I attended! And for the first time since 1999, I was in the same city as my entire family. I believe that all my brothers had come home by that time as well.

That first year back in PA, I was able to reconnect with my family more than I had in the 10+ years I was gone. And now our family has expanded and I am an aunty to an ultra special niece and nephew.

I am still teaching in the school I first started at, here in PA, but my role in the school has changed. I have the opportunity to work with students and teachers both in a learning and teaching capacity, and it is wonderful. Aside from spending my time at the school, my

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interests have expanded outside the classroom. A lot of my time is spent outside in the fresh air; I find that the fresh air energizes me and allows me to re-center myself, plus my dog Rocky loves any opportunity to run around the quad trails behind our place. In the non-snow months we walk or bike the trails, and in the winter we walk or ski. There is something magical about the forest in our neighborhood.

Yoga has become a big part of my life. I dabbled in yoga during my university career, but it wasn’t until I attended my first class at Sublime Yoga, in Prince Albert, that I felt like it needed to be a part of my daily life. I attend a few classes a week, I have cultivated an at-home practice, which also includes spending time outside in the forest. That magical place I spoke of earlier, it really is. So much that spending time in that forest is something that my mind, body, and spirit craves. I have begun my RYT200 training, which I will complete in November 2019!

AND HOW IT HAS AFFECTED YOUR LIFE? Crohn’s disease; the best and the worst thing that I have ever experienced. Crohn’s disease is an Inflammatory Bowel Disease that causes chronic inflammation in the tissues anywhere in your digestive tract; from your mouth to your colon and everywhere in between. In a room full of Crohn’s patients, our disease are all slightly different. My disease is found in my small intestine, and when my disease is active, a foot of my bowel is affected. When my disease is active, I experience severe pain, vomiting, severe diarrhea, exhaustion, bloating, night-sweats, and brain fog. I am thankfully in remission right now, but I must say that tears come to my eyes when I think back to the times that I was not healthy. I’ve had a few flares where I was in so much pain, I honestly wasn’t sure if I could get through it. But on the other hand I can look back and see how far I’ve come.

I took a more holistic approach to my healing.

I am on medication, and I hope to one day be able to say that I am medication free, but that day hasn’t come just yet. There was a time where my doctor had said that the medication I am currently on, was not working and that I would need to move on to the next medication on the list (again). The next medication was a biologic, and there was something about it that scared the crap out of me. So, after some research, I asked my doctor to give me a year to try to manage my disease through diet and lifestyle changes before I move onto biologics. Three years later, I have not had to move on to biologics.

On my journey towards Crohn’s remission, I have learned a lot about myself. I have learned what foods make me feel at my best, and which foods make me feel awful. I have learned how to manage my stress levels in a healthy way (hello yoga and time in the forest), and I have learned how to listen to my body. Learning to listen to my body has been one of the most valuable tools I have gained from my Crohn’s journey. Our bodies talk to us daily, and we may hear them, but we don’t actually listen to them. In learning to listen to my body, I have learned to make time to nourish it and to make sure it receives what it is asking for.

ECAEP

WHAT IS CROHN'S DISEASE

I have recently accepted the position of President, for Prince Albert’s Crohn’s & Colitis Chapter, which will help to bring awareness to this disease. Canada has one of highest populations of Crohn’s and Colitis patients in the world, and it is important for us all to know that we are not alone. This is my way of giving back. We have a small chapter, here in Prince Albert, but I have a feeling we are going to do amazing things. If you know someone with Crohn’s or Colitis and want to get involved, OR you have the disease and want to help raise awareness, we would love to have you. We are stronger, together.

PERIWINKLE BLISS As I learned how to live well with Crohn’s, I learned a lot along my way. For the first time I realised just how important our guts are to our overall health! I also discovered the impacts that stress has on our bodies, and in my body stress created disease. The thought of creating a blog had been dancing around my head for a while, and it was after a night in with my girlfriends that it became clear that it was something I needed to do. So I contacted a few people to learn about what

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was involved, and how to get it up and running, and then it was Corliss Rassyle that guided me to put a time-stamp on it. Once the decision was made, it moved quickly; a sign it was meant to be!

My blog focuses on living well with Crohn’s.

For me, that means food, self-love, learning about my disease (it’s complicated!), and keeping inspired, so that is exactly what my blog speaks to. But it is not just for those who are battling Crohn’s or gut issues. I think that so many of us are searching for ways to get in-touch with ourselves, and I think that my blog helps do that. Also talking about poop can be uncomfortable, so having a place to read about it, what our poop means (in non-medical terminology), and then some tips that have helped me have been helpful to a lot of people. Periwinkle Bliss is my journey and it is my hope that others will find inspiration through my story.

YOGA ADVENTURES

SSILB

Yoga has become a big part of my healing journey. This past summer I was introduced to a non-profit organization called Vinyasa Yoga For Youth, which is based out of Saskatoon. Their mission is to bring the power and the peace of yoga to youth everywhere. Doesn’t that sound amazing?!!

After a 1 day workshop for teachers, I knew

that I needed to get involved. A month later I found myself in La Ronge working on the first 25 hrs of a 75 hr course (although I wasn’t sure at the time if I was going to do the full 75 hrs). After spending my birthday weekend up there, alone, but yet with some amazing women who had shared similar goals and visions as myself, I knew that I wanted to complete the entire training. A month later, I was able to spend a full week in Saskatoon continuing my training. I can say with complete certainty that it was one of the most amazing weeks I have ever had. Each and every day there were moments where I could say out loud “this is why I am here”. It was a week of learning about yoga, about culture, about inclusion, about antioppressive education, about curriculum and where yoga fits in, about creating connection, and about empowering youth.

Now, because of the teachings that I am able to provide, the amazing administration team I have at my school (and division), and the experience I have with yoga improving my life, I am able to teach yoga, and yoga teachings to the students at my school. It’s quite incredible how much the students have gained from yoga already, in such a short time. Students ask for it daily, and now many teachers have begun to incorporate more yoga into their daily routines. Having the ability to calm your mind, to listen to your body, to create space in order to step back and asses a situation before you respond is so powerful. It’s empowering, and it’s motivating me to do more.

GREATEST

ACCOMPLISHMENT My greatest accomplishment would be that I stayed true to myself. There have been many moments in my life where I could have made other choices, but because I stayed true to myself, I am here, right here right now on this amazing journey. I have learned to listen to my body, I have learned to say ‘no’ or ‘yes’ based on how my body feels. I no longer feel the need to please people, and so I have put myself first so that I can then help others when needed. I have learned to appreciate my health, and I wouldn’t have been able to do that had I not got sick. I wouldn’t have gotten sick had I not managed my stress in ways that were not good for my body.

Because of all of this I know who I am and I am proud of who I have become. I have strong beliefs and I believe in my values, my limits, and my strength. My greatest accomplishment is my story, and thank you for sharing mine

BLURRED LINES by: Vicki Green

Stories about women that dig in and stretch the imaginary boundaries that have been set for them.

The successes have not come without a few sacrifices. At an early age she had to make the decision to either live the “normal” life of socializing and enjoying her leisure time, or focus on racing.

The choice was made and she hasn’t looked back. There have been a few lost friendships and missed social events along the way – but there has also been the development of a supportive network who choose to understand and applaud her situation and passion.

Thriving and excelling in this male dominated sport required courage, self advocating and the confidence to challenge traditional gender roles while embracing her passion for speed.

It’s a process to earn the respect – you have to work harder and be better than the boys to earn a place at the proverbial “table”. The double standards still exist, but she has gained the respect of many of her fellow drivers along with the

Shantel Kalika Growing up Shantel dreamed of being in the RCMP, however ended up being a race car driver instead! Shantel Kalika has been racing for 8 years, her first official race in May of 2010. Shantel spent 7 years in the Pro-Truck series, racing at the Wyant Group Raceway in Saskatoon. The highlight of her time in that division was the championship in 2016 and 2nd place finish in 2017.

2018 was Shantel’s first year in the Wyant Group Raceway Sportsman’s Series where she seized the championship and received the “Rookie of the Year” award. Also in 2018 Shantel became the 10th female driver to participate in the NASCAR Pinty’s series. She participated in two races in Saskatoon and another in Edmonton. She is very proud of both her team and herself. Her first-year goal was to place between 10th and 15th – which she accomplished!

Hard work, dedication and determination is everyday life in order to be both successful on and off the track. During the day, Shantel is a Personal/ Commercial Lines Insurance Broker and Sales Manager with Cornerstone Insurance in Prince Albert. “On the go” does not come close to describing the schedule required to keep work, racing and a personal life not only afloat but successful.

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race officials. The “old boys club” is not slowing her down.

Talk about nerves of steel, or perhaps her ability to

hours spent maintaining, repairing and refurbishing

focus and be in the zone. Her mental preparation for

their race vehicles. She proudly states that her Dad is

race day includes learning to live in the moment and

her biggest hero, mentor and best friend.

enjoy the experience. “It has to be light and fun for everyone on the team”. Superstitious? Maybe not, but

Shantel drives car #49 in the Sportsman’s Series.

she definitely has her own rituals – all black clothes,

When Ben first started he raced under #43, when he

the same socks for every race and the left shoe goes

made the move to a new series that number was

on first. How does she prepare physically? Eating

already taken. So, with a little innovation and some

healthy, staying hydrated and stays away from

duct tape (as funds were tight), his number was

caffeine and alcohol the week of a race. She talked

transformed to #49. In keeping with family tradition,

about the heat inside the car – sitting in layers of

she races under #43 in the NASCAR Pinty’s series.

clothes, no air conditioning, racing in the summer on an asphalt track – it gets hot! Shantel emphasized

The cost of racing is a huge factor. She talked about

hydration is the key to help stay mentally and

the relationships that are built between the team and

physically sharp during the race.

the sponsors. Acting with integrity and being the person that others want to invest in are part of her

Racing has been a family affair. Her Dad, Ben Busch

core foundation. Starting costs for her to participate

raced for 28 years and has recently been acting as

in one NASCAR race is around $15,000.00. Without her

crew chief for Shantel’s race team. There is no other

sponsors, her dream would not be a reality.

person that Shantel spends more time with than her Dad. They have been working along side of each other

Shantel can’t say enough about the need of a support

for many years – both on and off the track. Countless

system. Her husband Casey helps on the crew team

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Shantel has many successes off the racetrack in 2018 as well – she earned her Canadian Accredited Insurance Broker (CAIB) designation, was named “Female Athlete of the Year” in Prince Albert, was the keynote speaker at the Business and Professionals Women (BPW) Career Unlimited event in Regina and got to see herself on TSN!

Her goal for 2019 is to be expand further into NASCAR. She plans to compete in the three western races (Saskatoon and Edmonton) again and hopes to participate in several more races in the eastern swing. This includes races throughout Ontario and one in New Hampshire. Participation in NASCAR is by application which includes a proven track record and references. when available, her mom Sandy helps manages some of the business requirements, and the

And what of the future? She hopes to be able to

numerous other people the form her “team”.

expand into the public life a bit more. Being able to put yourself out there as a role model,

Her face lights up when she talks about her fans.

engaging and encouraging other women. When

Having a lineup of people waiting for autographs,

asked for a piece of advice for our readers, “Go

or the chance to meet her to share their story with

after your dreams and don’t ever let anyone tell

her is always a highlight of race day. It is a

you that you can’t accomplish what you set your

perfect opportunity to encourage other females

mind to. Everyone has the opportunity. It takes

young and old to get out there and work towards

hard work, determination and being involved, but

their own goals.

never give up and you will get there.”

Vicki Green lives on an acreage in the Prince Albert area with her family.

When not writing for Vintage Gypsy magazine, she can be found outside enjoying nature, or curled up with a glass of wine and a good book.

You can follow Shantel’s journey on facebook @Buschracing49 or on Instagram @shantelkalika

Could it be that I am sister to the sun?

Could it be that I am daughter of the stars?

Could it be that the moon and I are lovers?

Could it be that my soul is equal to the ever-expanding universe?

Yes.

Yes, it can be, that I am sibling to the sun, for I shine brightly and bring light into my world.

Yes, it can be, that I am child to the stars, for I grant wishes to all that call upon me.

Yes, it can be, that I am lover to the moon, for my pull is magnetic and my fullness is beauty.

Yes, it can be, that my soul is the same as the universe, for I flow eternal.

And it is all good. Life is so good. My world is so, so good.

Vivian lives in Southern California with a feline Supreme Being named Leeloo. She recently transplanted from the North Carolian Appalachian Mountains to the sunny coastal Pacific. Vivian is blessed to experience a special connection with Spirit. Throughout her mundane life Magick and Spirit have been constant companions, even though they have been held within for fear of discovery. This is the year of conscious choices for Viv and she has decided to embrace her relationship with the Divine, work with Spirit, and share the voice of the Universe with all that will deign to hear it. In her “regular� life Vivian enjoys a career as a General Manager for a large movie theatre. As the years pass along though, she craves to live more as her authentic creative self, and as such willingly opens herself as conduit of Spirit to create art that brings inspiration and hope to all.

You can connect with Vivian Via Facebook and Instagram @vivianbullion

WRITE YOUR WAY HOME A SIX WEEK WRITING INTENSIVE WORKSHOP DESIGNED TO HELP YOU DIG DEEP, DISCOVER YOUR TRUTH & FIND FREEDOM IN YOUR STORY Do you feel the story lurking in the depths of your soul? It's there, you can feel it, settled just below the surface like an aching in your bones. It yearns to be set free, it's ready to be born. It's ready to be seen, heard, and felt.

Set Your Story Free @ www.thevintagegypsy.ca/write-your-way-home

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Contributors

A Very Special Thank you to all of the Contributors and all of the Readers.

Keep sharing your stories Be Wild, Be Free, Be Vintage Gypsy

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Photo credit: KMP Photography