Women With Vision!™ - Winter, 2011 by Women With Vision

Women with...

WE ARE CANADIAN

VISION! ™

Showcasing Business & Lifestyle in Collingwood, Meaford, Thornbury, Wasaga Beach & Owen Sound

Choose

NUTRITION

Public Speaking

WITH EASE

Leisa Way Don’t Fail To Try

Holiday Party Planning

Make the Right

Fashion Choices Christmas

Gift Ideas

Winter 2011/2012 Business • Health • Gourmet • Fashion • Entertainment • Art • Design • Motivation

Lynda Pogue is an affordable artist with clients all over the world! She paints watercolours...acrylics...encaustics... mixed media...representational...abstract... and is a fun, fun, fun motivational speaker!

Julie Card | mycollingwood.ca

www.lyndapogue.com lyndapogue@sympatico.ca

CONTENTS

Women with...

VISION!

Women with...

VISION!

networking

™

To advertise call:

1-866-306-6021 or e-mail:

womenwithvision@rogers.com www.womenwithvision.ca

™

“Your vision is our mission… our mission is your vision”

Wo m e n w i t h V i s i o n ! ™ m a g a z i n e i s p u b l i s h e d b y Wo m e n w i t h V i s i o n I n c .

Lorraine Leslie

Founder/Publisher, C.E.O. Lorraine Leslie Feature Editor: Lynda Pogue Sales/Marketing: Lorraine Leslie Feature Writers: Janette Burke, Cathy Day, Meredith Deasley, Paola Gucciardi, Dean Hollin, Deborah Johnson, Annette Lavigne, Shannon Leone, Lorraine Leslie, Ron MacRae, Mary Ann Matthews, Donna Messer, Beth Nigh, Rose Peller, Lynda Pogue, Dr. Ben Pezik, Marj Sawers, Judy Salnek, Karen Sencich, Marilyn Wetston, Rick Ziemski

Design/Layout: Candice Lewis~Vivid Designs Photography: Dreamstime.com, istockphoto.com

On the Cover

Regular Features 7 8 73

Visions Views & Insights

10 11 12 13

14 15 16

Shane MacLaughlan | masterpixcanada.com

Jan Amos By Lorraine Leslie

Editor’s Desk ~ When The Door Opens By Lorraine Leslie

Health & Wellness

As The Mountain Turns

Business, Finance & Communication

Leisa Way ~ Don’t Fail To Try By Lorraine Leslie

Six Tips For Making Your Website Mobile-Friendly By Susan Baka Change...It’s Inevitable And Often Valuable By Donna Messer This Thing They Call Retirement By Rick Ziemski How Many Advanced Marketing Strategies Do You And Your Business Really Need By Janette Burke Curiosity Killed The Cat By Mary Ann Matthews How To Choose And Hire A Lawyer By Rose Pellar Speak With Ease Now By Annette Lavigne

21 22 26

Choose Nutrition To End Your Challenges By Meredith Deasley Helping The Body Heal Itself Special Advertorial Going For Gold ~ Tayler Wilton By Lorraine Leslie Ask The Expert Special Advertorial By Dr. Ben Pezik

Fashion & Beauty 28 29 32

Canadian Made Holiday Gifts By Cathy Day

Lorraine Leslie/L’original Productions/Women with Vision Inc.

As any Women with Vision Member can tell you attending a luncheon or dinner networking event is a great privilege as a member. Each month, we feature a guest speaker that provides relevant information on issues that can directly affect your business and/or personal development that has and will increase the potential for success. Members are also encouraged to bring their flyers, brochures, business cards, and other promotional material to share. Each attendee is given the opportunity to introduce themselves and their business. At Women with Vision we are here to help you grow through education, promotion, motivation, and inspiration...

Julie Card | mycollingwood.ca

Women with Vision aims to provide editorials that educate, inspire, motivate, stimulate, inform and promote women in business and daily living.

Mailing Address: 156 Brophy’s Lane Blue Mountains ON L9Y 0K3 Bus: 1-86 6-30 6-60 21 F ax : ( 70 5) 4 45 -715 3 Email: womenwithvision@rogers.com www.womenwithvision.ca Unsolicited manuscripts are welcome. Copyright 2011 Women with Vision! Inc. No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part, without the written permission of the publisher. The views, opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of this publication and/or publisher who hereby disclaims any liability whatsoever arising from the advice, information or offers presented in articles or advertisements herein. Women with Vision! welcomes submissions, but accepts no responsibility for unsolicited materials. All manuscripts, illustrations and photographs submitted must be accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope if they are to be returned or acknowledged. Readers who require legal, accounting or other expert advice should obtain the services of a qualified professional.Women with Vision! is a Member of the Canadian Copyright Association.

Created in Canada

At this time we are pleased to announce our NEW WOMEN WITH VISION REFERRAL MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM. Membership benefits include: • • • •

WWV Membership REFERRAL BONUSES* Direct mailing of Women with Vision Magazine $5 off on your luncheon or dinner – all regions Member bio and picture on the Women with Vision website with a link to your website • 10% off magazine advertising* • 1/2 hour telephone session with Award Winning Coach Lorraine Leslie • WWV Membership tax receipt • Advance notification of networking events, conferences and trade shows • Annual Membership Card • Franchise opportunities

If you want to find out how Women with Vision can impact your business success, please give Lorraine Leslie a call today at 1.866.306.6021 to learn how you can join the fastest growing women’s networking association in Canada.

How Winter Affects Our Skin By Beth Nigh The Challenge Of Dressing Well For Our Time By Marilyn Wetston

Agreement number: 41557518 Customer number: 9067964 RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN TO 156 Brophy's Lane, Blue Mountains ON L9Y 0K3

continued on pg.6

*www.womenwithvision.ca

www.womenwithvision.ca 5

Feedback...

35 CONTENTS

Georgian Gourmet

Home Garden & Design

Arts & Entertainment

39 40 41

Dijon Lemon Chicken And Heart Warming Winter Chili By Chef Mirella Damiani Happiness In A Bowl By Shannon Leone Tiramisu Expresso Cake By Chef Casey Cruickshank Empire Grill

50 51 52

Put On A Party By Karen Sencich Gift Ideas From Stayner

Put Some Wow And Warmth In Your Windows By Judy Salnek

Caring For Houseplants In The Winter By Lorraine Leslie

Continued

Sharing Bread With All She Meets By Lorraine Leslie

VISIONS VIEWS INSIGHTS

Friendship Circle Quilters By Lorraine Leslie How Can I Help By Ron MacRae Susan Connolly’s Den Mother For The Arts By Dean Hollin

Motivational & Inspirational 60 67 68 69 70 73 78

Leisa Way: Don’t Fail To Try By Lorraine Leslie The New Normal By Marj Sawers The Speedbump Philosophy By Lynda Pogue Do You Poof Or Re Incarnate By Deborah Johnson Minor Expression By Paola Gucciardi As The Mountain Turns Last Word By Lorraine Leslie

Hi Lorraine, It was a privilege to attend last night’s Women with Vision event and I was so grateful that in addition to an amazing networking opportunity, I was able to hear a wonderful speaker in Annette. Having attended many networking sessions in the past I was so impressed and enlightened by the amazing women (such as yourself) who I was able to meet and learn more about their life stories. In addition to what I do (helping people reach their health and wellness goals), my passion is speaking, presenting and writing and I loved what I was able to get out of last night.

Have Your Say ...we’d love to hear from you Email: womenwithvision@rogers.com Mail: 156 Brophy’s Lane, Blue Mountains ON L9Y 0K3 Phone: 1-866-306-6021

Joyce Arsenault

Web: womenwithvision.ca

Beach House & Urban Cottage

I want to congratulate you for this amazing organization and magazine you have created. Last night touched my life and I’m sure so many others who were in attendance. I do hope one day I can be published in your magazine but until then I am just so excited to be part of your networking meetings. Thank you so much, I look forward to meeting with you again!!

Hi Lorraine, I just wanted to let you know that I have had many calls from my ad with your magazine... many inquiries...thank you so much. I had placed an ad in another magazine at the same time and never received even one phone call from it....I just wanted to let you know how great your magazine is and how it truly reaches its audience...

Dear Lorraine, I am so glad I did not miss the dinner tonight - so many stimulating people and the food was excellent! And of course Catherine was just incredible! Thank you so much for your vision, perseverance and passion in bringing women together! Gratefully, WWV South Simcoe Chapter in Cookstown

Sue Tennant

Lisa Stackhouse www.womenwithvision.ca 7

The

BUSINESS, FINANCE COMMUNICATION

EDITOR’S desk

When the Door Opens… Have you ever walked up to an unfamiliar door and hesitated? Did you take hold of the doorknob and think… am I making the right decision?

This is a metaphor for life. You have the possibility of opening a door every day; sometimes knowing what’s behind it – other times you are startled by the surprise. You may discover the things you desire but it is only by taking the step through the door that you will be able to achieve your aspirations. When we face a challenge the decision we make is like opening a door. We turn the knob slowly with hesitation, step over the threshold, and have our life’s journey change immediately. A brand new process of events lies before you. In this winter issue of Women with Vision magazine our theme is: challenge and change. Our feature cover article is about an amazing singer named Leisa Way, who, as you will see, is also a playwright and performer. Since her early childhood, Leisa has strived for success. The many doors that opened for Leisa challenged and changed her life in countless ways.

Giving back to one’s community is all about opening doors for others. Jan Amos exemplifies this as a teacher and author who in her quest has helped those in transition through challenge and change. Jan is making a difference by opening doors for today’s youth. Going for Olympic Gold shows determination and fortitude to open doors that can be blocked by the unknown. Tayler Wilton has a vision to break the world record books and stand on the highest athletic podium in the world. There will undoubtedly be many doors opening in this talented young woman’s future. I invite you to take a look back at all the doors that have opened in your life. Did you accept the challenge? Did it change your life for the better? What door is waiting for you to open up next? Take the challenge… and change!

Nominated for

Lorraine Leslie Founder/Publisher

2005, 2006, 2009 & 2010

The feature women about whom I write, have traveled a long, winding road to success – each woman on her own journey; a journey that sometimes hasn't been smooth. These women open their hearts to inspire and motivate other women, of all ages, to follow their dreams and passions... 8 www.womenwithvision.ca

What a challenge! Once you walk through that new door things might change in your life. It could be for the better or for the worst. Only you can make the decision.

…connecting through educational & networking updates

BUSINESS, FINANCE

COMMUNICATION

Six tips for making your website MOBILE-FRIENDLY By Susan Baka

1. Select a domain access method. Options range from automatic generation of mobile pages under the same URLs as desktop users to having dedicated mobile pages or special subdomains for mobile users. There are huge benefits to using the same URL, but if your site is very dynamic or complex, this may not be a good option. Discuss options with a web developer, keeping in mind what you want to achieve with a mobile site. For example, if you want to deliver different, or very streamlined, content to mobile users, you may want to add a specific subdomain to your site, like “mobile.yourcompany.tld.” Make sure you know the key pieces of information your mobile customers are likely to want from your website. 2. Choose a platform. Again, this is something to be discussed with your web developer, but basically, the question you are faced with here is whether you want to build a site for a large platform (like Apple) or try to create one that is adaptable to all platforms? With the mobile market changing as quickly as it is, you may want to consider the latter.

10 www.womenwithvision.ca

3. Analyze your current site data.What pages are most popular with users? Are some pages more popular with mobile device users? They tend to want to access basic, simple information on the go, ie. what products you make and sell. This analysis will help guide your next step, which is content development.

… It’s Inevitable and Often Valuable

When I started my career as a banker, I moved from one community to another and change happened.

4. Develop appropriate content. The mobile user interacts differently than a desktop user. A good rule of thumb is “less is more.” Your best, most sought after content needs to be concise and easy and logical to navigate through. You can still offer more in-depth content to those mobile users who want to dig deeper, but streamlining your main information is paramount to your mobile site’s success.You may wish to hire a content writer to help ensure a good experience for the mobile user.

I became a mother and stayed home to raise my kids. Change happened again when they both went to school. I had to find a job so I went to work for a law firm, learned a great deal, then, you guessed it, change happened. My husband’s firm transferred him to a small town. I needed something to keep me busy, and I went through a series of careers, where I learned a great deal. My greatest learning was that I found that I wanted to be an entrepreneur!

5. Create a mobile look and feel. Designers are dealing with a small canvas and are wise to stick to basic navigation and content structures. Your designer will likely want to generate navigation with no more than four columns, for instance. In addition, he or she should use mobile-friendly graphics and fonts.

I searched for the perfect product and as luck would have it, I found it. The product was wrapped in memories of days gone by; it was aromatic, it was flavourful, it was herbs, spices and pot pourri, romantically packaged and ahead of its time. The company, founded in a small town, saw change happen. Men and women became crafters… creating products that were sold around the world.

6. Test, test, test. Don’t launch your site until you are fully satisfied because mobile device users may not want to come back if it’s too slow to load or too difficult to navigate. And, remember, this is a relatively new medium for reaching your customers. Continually monitor, analyze what works and what doesn’t, and change content as a result.

Will change happen again? You bet it will! And I’ll be ready! I’ve learned that change is not only inevitable, it’s a valuable opportunity to recreate, re-invent and re-enforce my sense of self-worth and my ability to believe in myself. I share a quote I’ve found that really says it all:

Action and reaction, ebb and flow, trial and error, change - this is the rhythm of living. Out of our over-confidence, comes fear; out of our fear, comes clearer vision and fresh hope. And out of hope, comes progress. ~ Bruce Barton ■ Donna Messer Networking Expert, International Speaker www.connectuscanada.com

Then a big change happened: the company was sold and I needed to re-invent myself – I was now an entrepreneur. I was hired by the American government and I spent 8 years matching American and Canadian businesses. I loved it! People would hear successful business matching stories and call me. Each time I spoke with someone I heard the words, “Can you connect us?”

Mobile device usage is here to stay. Access to this growing pool of potential customers is not a luxury for your business, but a necessity. The good news is that marketers are currently lagging behind in this space, so the sooner you start, the more ahead of the pack you’ll be.

■ Susan Baka, President Bay Communications & Marketing Inc. sbaka@baycomm.ca www.baycomm.ca

CHANGE… I love change. It’s invigorating. It’s exciting. And... it’s challenging! But that’s me and I’m a person who welcomes the opportunity to try something new.

Change happened – I left the government and founded a company called ConnectUs. Photo: Yanka Van der Kolk

What does all this mean to companies marketing their products or services? It highlights a major shift in how consumers interact with businesses. Most websites do not transfer well to mobile viewers unless they are optimized for that medium, so it is important to reach this growing market by making your website mobile-friendly. Here are some guidelines.

COMMUNICATION

By Donna Messer

Smartphone use is up. Make it work for you. In the past year, smartphone penetration and usage in Canada has increased by a staggering 50% over the previous year, according to Ipsos Reid. That means that 31% of the online adult population is using their mobile devices to perform such actions as surf the internet, check email, send and receive text messages, take photos and post them to Facebook, purchase products, play games…even watch streaming TV. And what’s more, consumers are spending an average 17 hours each week using their mobile device, and the amount of time they spend doing activities like those above has surpassed the amount of time they spend actually talking on their Blackberrys and other mobile phones.

It’s a good little company as it can adapt to change; always using a systematic process to make business matches.

Women with...

VISI ON!

™

Life Line

Business Mentor

Transformational Coaching

• Marketing Consultant • Advertising Specialist

Life Line Transformational Coaching is your professional link to building awareness and taking your business and personal life to the next level. Improve your marketing and communications skills while achieving your life goals.

Lorraine Leslie 1-866-306-6021 womenwithvision@rogers.com

www.womenwithvision.ca 11

BUSINESS, FINANCE

COMMUNICATION

Do You & Your Business Really Need?

RETIREMENT

By Janette Burke

By Rick Ziemski

No matter how much you love to learn, when it comes to marketing, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with various clever ideas and strategies. But how important are they to your business success?

“You are only young once, but you can stay immature indefinitely.” ~ Ogden Nash

The number of questions to answer for a detailed plan is short: • How long do I expect to live? • How much do I want to leave behind? • How do I want to live in retirement and what will it cost annually? • How much wealth will I need at retirement to cover the annual costs? How long you live and how much money you eventually leave behind is a function of mortality tables, genetics, health habits and just plain luck. You won’t get it exact but you still need to put a stake in the ground. Remember that dying earlier just leaves some money for others to have but outliving your money leaves others with the mess and cost of caring for you. Living on a diet of kibble in your kids’ basement is undesirable but a definite possibility if you often say “I’m spending it all to the last penny before I go”. How much you’ll need annually for living is dependent on your current lifestyle and how that will change with age. The key to forecasting the future lies in accurately measuring the present. Keep accurate categorized records of all annual family 12 www.womenwithvision.ca

Before assembling and launching a major marketing campaign with all the bells and whistles, take a step back and consider whether you’re solidly employing the marketing basics. Marketing doesn’t have to be complicated!

spending. Later lay out the years in buckets of five years each until death. Modify for costs that will disappear and ones that will appear. For example, skiing costs go away at seventy but more medical costs arrive etc. Remember that only you can make this accurate. Financial advisors can only estimate roughly which is just more hand-waving.

Here are 3 basic marketing strategies that will help you build your business while leaving you time to create new products and serve clients:

The wealth you need to accumulate is measured as personal net worth (P.N.W = Assets minus Debts). Defined benefit pensions are included as assets at the present value of the future pension benefits. I encourage my younger clients to track their net worth from day one and to optimize it before retirement. Tracking also helps them avoid owing more than they own and motivates them when they see P.N.W grow by saving and investing.

#1: Master the Basic Tools First Advanced marketing strategies are built on basic marketing skills. When you master these 3 basic marketing strategies, you’ll find the more complex campaigns easier:

Your P.N.W becomes the investment base which will generate income for you to draw regularly for living expenses in retirement. The availability and adequacy of cash income to cover expenses will depend not only on any pension income but also on the invested base and the related rate of return. To optimize the rate of return you will either manage the portfolio yourself or you’ll need to retain a VERY GOOD investment advisor. Remember that “hard” assets like houses, cottages, boats etc may need to be converted to financial assets if the investment base is too small to support the spending plan. Equally, you may need to tighten up the spending plan.

“Done is better than none.” Tweaking and fiddling with your marketing to make it perfect results in slower or no sales. Use at least one of the basic marketing tools every day to develop your skills and you’ll have a solid marketing system in place before you know it. Lastly, don’t let yourself be overwhelmed by the latest marketing techniques.You can build a successful business by focusing first on these basic marketing tools.You’ll have more time to enjoy creating and working with clients. And those advanced techniques will still be there when you’re ready!

■ Janette Burke Marketing/PR Coach, Consultant and Columnist janette@yourmarketingmagnet.com www.yourmarketingmagnet.com

Email – As your list grows, you need to connect regularly with your current and potential clients...and make offers. Communicate with your list often, even if you only send a simple newsletter that provides a few tips, highlights a client success story, and reminds them of who you are and what you do. Always include an offer in each of your newsletter broadcasts. Networking – Attending networking events is a great way to meet potential clients, practice your “elevator speech,” and connect with referral partners. Business is a relationship-centered experience, so developing your face-to-face marketing skills has benefits beyond bringing in new clients.

It sounds complicated but plan scenarios can be easily compared using a variety of long term wealth planning software that either you or advisors can access. Your key challenge is to accurately track what you spend, own and owe.

#2: Consistency Is Key

And then... bring on the immaturity! ■ Richard Ziemski C.A. Management Consultant rickziemski@cogeco.ca

#3: Take Small Steps Every Day

Phone Calls – Are you confident in picking up the phone and conducting Discovery sessions? Out of every 5 phone calls, will at least 3 turn into paying clients? If not, then it's time to learn and master this crucial skill.The faster you get it, the easier growing your business will be.

The other half involves numbers and is the greater mystery for most people. Many will choose to guess and hope about retirement finances rather than learn and/or get help to build a plan. The latter approach does work best. Saving early at a rate of ten percent of gross pay is smart but when you’re “twentysomething” and trying to understand a mortgage it is too early to be interested in detailed retirement planning. A better time is mid-career which puts the detailed planning fifteen to twenty years before retirement.

COMMUNICATION

How Many Advanced Marketing Strategies

This Thing They Call

Within the wisdom of Ogden Nash and in the advice of my own father lies the non-financial answer to what makes for a happy retirement; simply a good dose of immaturity. It is edifying to know that half of my retirement planning is already complete.

No marketing strategy will be effective without regular and consistent action. Get in the habit of sending your newsletter on a schedule. Promote your programs and services regularly. And always offer clients the next option as they near the end of their programs. Not only will you become more comfortable with marketing, your clients and potential clients will have more opportunities to respond to your offers. www.womenwithvision.ca 13

BUSINESS, FINANCE

COMMUNICATION

BUSINESS, FINANCE

CURIOSITY KILLED THE CAT ……satisfaction brought it back By Mary Ann Matthews The earliest printed reference to the origin of this proverb is attributed to Ben Jonson, a British playwright circa 1598. Curiosity is the precursor to successful learning. When a student says ‘I know’, that is the stop sign for learning, the exit ramp off the highway of higher education, the penalty box for the star player. A learning mindset cannot co-exist with the attitude of ‘I know’. As soon as the words are uttered out loud, the student experiences premature closure on learning.

This trait is one that will stay with us throughout our lifetime. If we were curious as children, we are curious as adults. Curious minds have an insatiable need to find out….to know more…and that’s why we ask questions about everything!

When we were children, we were open to learning new things. Everything seemed new........walking, talking, trying new foods, reading a book, wearing your clothes backwards, and laughing for no reason. We were curious. …I need to know, so I ask many questions……. Many of us drove our parents crazy by asking questions such as ‘Why is the sky blue?’ or ‘What does this do?’ or ‘When will we get there?’ And today, we likely drive a lot of people crazy with our constant questions. For those around us who don’t have curious minds, they will often say to us, ‘Stop asking so many questions! It’s so irritating!’ And yet, we need to know! We want answers to questions like, ‘What makes that tick?’ ‘Where did this come from and how did it get here?’ ‘Why did he say that?’

So how do we find the curious mind in handwriting samples? Take a careful look at the letters ‘m’ and ‘n’. Notice how the tops are pointed, like an inverted ‘v’. That’s an indicator of the curious mind! And now that we have this answer, we can now take a look at other people’s handwriting and printing to look for those inverted ‘v’s and understand why the writer asks so many questions. Yes, that trail of ink that we leave as our pen travels across the page really does tell our story. And our story is very complex.

■ Mary Ann Matthews CGA - Certified Graphoanalyst maryann@handwriting.ca www.handwriting.ca 14 www.womenwithvision.ca

COMMUNICATION

How to Choose

and Hire a Lawyer By Rose Pellar, B.A.S., LL.B. There is a mistaken assumption that a lawyer is proficient in anything to do with the law. Lawyers certainly have received the basics from law school about the many substantive areas of law, however if a lawyer does not currently practice in an area of law or does not continue to take part in continuing professional development that lawyer is not a proficient lawyer in that law. Thankfully, the Law Society of Upper Canada has now made it mandatory for lawyers to complete in each calendar year at least 12 hours of Compulsory Professional Development, 3 hours of which must be on topics related to professional responsibility, ethics and/or practice management. When you consider retaining a lawyer, check the Law Society website www.lsuc.ca to ensure that the lawyer is in good standing with the Law Society. Also check the lawyer’s website to see if you can find out more about the firm and the lawyer. Before you make the appointment, and there is no website for the law firm, ask if that lawyer practices mainly in the area of law in which you need legal assistance. Lawyers are required to only handle cases in which they are competent. However, it is not uncommon for lawyers to dabble. Ask for an initial consultation so that you can assure yourself of the lawyer’s knowledge of the subject matter and that you are able to relate to the lawyer. Initial consultations can sometimes either be free for the first half hour (typically offered by newer lawyers) or discounted. When booking the appointment, ensure that the law firm checks for conflict before the appointment. If the law firm has had any dealings with the opposing party they are unable to give you any legal advice.

any communication written by your lawyer prior to it being sent, will you be billed monthly, what is the process that will take place, what other professionals will be required and the costs, etc. Remember, this is your case and you need to be kept informed so that you can make the decisions, of course with the advice of the lawyer. ■ Rose Pellar, B.A.S., LL.B.,Barrister & Solicitor Pellar Family Law Professional Corporation rosepellar@pellarfamilylaw.com

Take as much information as you have that is relevant to your case to that first appointment so that the lawyer can assist you in a more informed manner. However, realize that it is only an hour and the lawyer may not be able to go into detail. Once you have had your consultation, the lawyer will usually outline for you what your options are to proceed and can make recommendations as to the most desired process. The decision is then yours. You are not obligated to retain the lawyer if you are uncomfortable for whatever reason with the lawyer, the firm or the advice you have received. If you decide to retain the lawyer, read over the Retainer Agreement and ensure you understand it before signing. If you do not understand, ask for an explanation. Ensure you get a copy of your retainer agreement. Be sure you understand what the next steps are, how the lawyer will communicate with you, i.e. will you be copied with all correspondence, will you be required to approve www.womenwithvision.ca 15

BUSINESS, FINANCE

COMMUNICATION

Speak with Ease Now “Never climb a tree that is leaning toward you. Never try to kiss a woman who is leaning away. And never give a speech to an audience who knows more about the topic than you do.” -Winston Churchill

Preparation-Preparation, Preparation, Preparation…There is no impromptu in giving presentations. Your listeners will know. Being prepared allows the butterflies to fly in formation (Yes, I still get them). Start with the end in mind. “What is the message I’m trying to convey?” Be clear on your intentions and know why you’re there. This takes me back to Mr. Churchill’s quote. If you have been asked to cover another subject because you speak well, re-consider unless you are that one in million that can pull

Pellar Family Law Professional Corporation

Rose Pellar, B.A.S., LL.B.

“We care not only about your results, we care about you and your family” SEPARATION/DIVORCE RESOLUTIONS for Custody, Access, Support and Property Division through Litigation or Collaborative process

705-429-1153 Fax 705-429-2780 998 Mosley St. Unit 2 Wasaga Beach, ON L9Z 2G7 rosepellar@pellarfamilylaw.com www.pellarfamilylaw.com

16 www.womenwithvision.ca

COMMUNICATION

Jan Amos

… It’s All About The Kids!

By Annette Lavigne

Mr. Churchill was absolutely correct; this makes the art of speaking so much easier. But if you’re new to speaking, you may need some practical suggestions. Let’s break it down into some simple steps so that when you do get asked you will say “yes” to the opportunity.

FACE IT!

this off. Confidence and comfort in speaking comes with expertise and knowledge in your chosen passion. Tornado-Start with a bang, a startling statistic, or a question. Pause and give the audience time to reflect on what you said. If you visualize a tornado on paper, this is a great metaphor on how your presentations should look. A tornado has a funnel affect. It starts wide and powerful and diminishes in size eventually coming to a close. Stories and anecdotes-Your stories set the pace for your audience to remember the points being made.The stories have to be relevant. Too many stories make it all about you and not helpful to your listeners. I often get asked “Is there room for personal in business?” My answer is that you hurt your business by not being personal. This is the easiest way to make a connection to your audience. Make the stories short, memorable, and relevant to your point. Time-Preparing in segments is your safety net. What does this mean? Let’s just say you’ve been asked to attend an event and your time to share is at 7:00 to 7:30. The speaker prior to you takes 15 minutes of your time. You’re left with 15 and you prepared for 30. Use one segment only. The organizer would applaud you for being sensitive to the situation; chances are you will get asked to come back before the other speaker, no matter how good they were. Each segment should include a startling opening, only 2 points, 2 personal examples (stories), a Q and A, and then give them your unforgettable close. (Surprised? Unforgettable presentations do not end with Q and A). Imagine you’re preparing a presentation for your best friends.The pressure of delivering your talk would be more casual without trying to be perfect. That’s the secret to delivering to any audience. They want to see the authentic you, boo-boos and all. That’s what keeps it real! ■ Annette M. Lavigne The "Shy Buster!" www.speakwitheasenow.com

By Lorraine Leslie It took me years to learn to prepare myself to make better choices, improve my communication skills, explore topics of interest and develop a process of goal setting to live a fulfilling life. Jan Amos has been changing lives in her Midland community for the past few years but it wasn’t always easy. I sat down with Jan and she shared her story... What comes to mind first about my early childhood is that I lived in a dysfunctional family. There is no blame for this situation, it just was! My mother worked nights at the local YMCA in Hamilton; my father was away a lot. You could say I had three mothers as my two older sisters took care of me a lot. I do remember great birthday parties and wonderful weekends at my grandparents cottage, which has always been a big part of my life to this day. Life at the cottage was with family, sailing, swimming and a multitude of other water sports. My grandparents were amazing athletes, so it’s no wonder my children grew up strong in this area. Considering my parents divorced and my father moved to California I still had a fantastic life during my teenage years. I was an entrepreneur at 12 years of age with all my babysitting jobs. I loved being with the kids so much, and I would even clean the kitchen for my employer for an extra 20 dollars. At fourteen I was an assistant lifeguard and also worked the checkroom at the local swimming pool. I quickly moved my way up the ladder as a swimming instructor for the Small Fry Program and Bronze Medallion. After high school I chose to travel and this is where I discovered Banff Alberta along with the restaurant business, and in retrospect I now understand my success today came from my gift to work with people. Some years later I moved back to Mississauga and got a job at a well know restaurant called Belamy’s. A few years later I married the manager and we had our first daughter in 1990. Life was hectic with both of us working many long hours and with much soul searching we decided to move to Midland where I purchased The Globe Deli. With my own creativity and experience it had great success. The Deli was magical… I still have people stop me today, years after I sold it, and say how much they miss us both. I had fantastic staff who gave great service and valued the customers...it was all about the people.

Still interested in working with children I got involved with the youth program in Simcoe County for 15 years. During that time I also volunteered in the school system which started with my eldest daughter Amanda’s kindergarten class and lasted the entire time she and her younger sister Liz were in school. I truly loved going to their dance lessons and water skiing tournaments. My children are my life and I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to spend much time with them over the years at the cottage, teaching them about the great outdoors... boating, swimming, waterskiing, downhill skiing, snowmobiling and taking simple walks together as a family. I can’t say it enough…It’s always been about the kids! In 2006 I started to realize there was something very wrong in my life. I was over extended and in an unhealthy marriage. I left my husband to heal and save my own life.This was the best thing I could have ever done for all of us. I started to attend courses at Georgian College and attended some empowering retreats where I discovered my ability for personal development, which assisted me with my work with the youth and women in the area. This was the beginning of the transformation in all areas of my life. I reconciled with my husband and we enjoyed one more fabulous year together until the ugly truth resurfaced...his infidelity problem. I realized I deserved better. It was a time when I needed great inner strength as I truly did love my husband, my family and my home, yet I had to leave for my own well being. Now settled in my own home, with my daughters by my side and the divorce finalized we are all moving forward with our lives. To heal my inner thoughts I started to write and journal about my life experiences which prompted me to complete and publish my first inspirational book, A Woman’s Passage to Freedom. I started off as a child myself teaching other children and now my journey today is focused on teaching. Not as a traditional teacher from a classic classroom

continued on pg.18

www.womenwithvision.ca 17

BUSINESS, FINANCE

COMMUNICATION

Jan Amos...continued from page 17

HEALTH

One of my proudest personal accomplishments is the youth courses I created to facilitate within the Midland school system. Once a week I visit the classroom and through this experience I have improved behaviour patterns, improved grades, and brought more attention to detail in the classroom. My path was right in front of me yet still there were many detours. Even though I had to return to the restaurant business many times for a source of income and put my dreams and goals on hold, they always returned, but sometimes in a different form. I still continued to manifest them and by 2009 I started working with students, 2.5 hours a day for 8 weeks in one of the local schools. By seating all the young people in a circle so they can see each others faces, they can openly share their own personal stories to the other youth without interruption. They all start off with introductions and a time to talk about the good. Next, they move into a communication activity which improves listening skills. It has been amazing how quickly these young people began to understand the concept of wanting to refer the speaker’s information to themselves and how the feeling of interrupting kept coming up within the circle. One of the youth came into the class one day all excited to share that they had taught their mother to listen to them…apparently they had used the same technique at home until their mother listened. This was a turning point for this young person and validation for me to know that all my hard work in developing the program was actually helping. I always reflect back to the saying…’it takes a village to raise a child’ and it shows as they learn in a healthy learning atmosphere. The work I have done on my youth program has stemmed from what I will always consider my biggest success - my amazing daughters from whom I have learned so much. My vision is to work with youth even more but funding to keep the project going is now a priority. I want to expand it into other schools throughout the region and eventually have it taught as a curriculum program in every school across Canada. I’ve been seeking grants and also doing presentations to council in the Town of Midland. The program works with 16 youths at a time and over the eight weeks we cover topics such as: 18 www.womenwithvision.ca

...living life at its best

• Community Building and Communication Skills • Experiences on staying centred in the face of rumours, gossip and peer pressure • Awareness of individual behaviour and decision making as it effects group dynamics • Building confidence, self worth activities and the power of gratitude • Accepting criticism and resolving conflict with focus on personal responsibility • Exploration of current interests and the process of goal setting • Maintaining self confidence in preparation for employment and creating a strong resume In summary they all do a self evaluation based on their individual growth expectation beyond the program. My program is now being used by FACE PROGRAM in Midland – Restorative Justice allows us to work through the issues, understand the damage to each other, and resolve the conflict. FACE is a free service providing an alternative to court. Conduct by offenders is resolved by having the offender, the victim, and support people for both meet in a FACE Circle, where they work to reach a consensus and resolve the consequences of the offense through a mutually acceptable agreement, with the help of a trained facilitator. The FACE Program operates under the Huronia Restorative Justice Project, a registered charity in Midland and Simcoe County since February 2000. Still writing, I have just completed two more books, Betrayal and Beyond and Having Faith. Another one of my goals is to become a professional speaker and share with women from all walks of life how to engage their self awareness and manifest their dreams. All my insights and teaching has taught me how to relate and communicate with my own children and with the youth in the program. We all learn together that we can do anything we set our hearts and minds to. Achieving our goals is simply amazing. In keeping my own children close but knowing when to let them go and grow, they were ready to make their own decisions and learn from their own lessons. During my interview with Jan I saw an open, nonjudgmental, caring and happy woman who is a multitasker. I see how the blessings she has openly received and accepted are now paid forward to those in need of guidance. Thanks Jan for being one of our Women with Vision Making A Difference. ■

scenario but as someone who cares and is passionate about motivating the youth of today. I’ve been working with the Aboriginal Youth in Midland; helping these young people to heal and develop their own self worth.

& WELLNESS

www.womenwithvision.ca www.womenwithvision.ca 19 19

HEALTH

ADVERTORIAL

WELLNESS

HEALTH

CHOOSE NUTRITION

to End Your Challenges By Meredith Deasley The theme, challenge and change, in this issue of Women with Vision is also pertinent to nutrition, in that we often won’t take on healthier living until our physical challenges are great enough to warrant change. It’s as simple as this. If we think that the pain of changing is greater than the pain of staying the same, we simply won’t change. For many of us, it is only when our symptoms or conditions become so cumbersome for us that we decide to try something new. It was my daughter being in dire pain with constipation, for the better part of 6 months that made me decide it was time for change. Would I have headed in the direction of nutrition had she not been so sick? Probably not. What health challenges can nutrition help overcome? Any health challenge can be helped, if not eliminated by nutrition.

Career Opportunities

Biophoton Therapy Practitioners Urgently Needed by Overwhelming Client Demand Biophoton Therapy, recently introduced to North America is a successful non invasive, non drug, light therapy treatment. Our existing Biophoton Therapy practitioners have rewarding, profitable alternative health practices. The Meridian Academy of Applied Biophoton Sciences is now accepting registration for its Winter 2012 training classes. Enrolment is limited to small study groups to ensure personalized course instruction.

www.meridianenergiesgroup.com 1.800.259.4134 ext 6

20 www.womenwithvision.ca

In babies, colic, diaper rashes, reflux, poor sleeping, and fussiness are only some of the examples of symptoms that can be helped by nutrition. In children, frequent colds and infections, poor concentration, asthma, ADD, Autism, weight and behavioural challenges are only some of the symptoms and conditions that can be helped by nutrition. Let me share an example with you. The biggest reason for colic is that baby is not digesting cow’s milk or other dairy products properly, whether that be the formula he or she is consuming or the dairy that mother is consuming. And what does a baby need in order to digest all foods better? Good bacteria, also known as probiotics or acidophilus. And you might ask, “Isn’t dairy good nutrition?” and my response would be “It’s not the dairy products that are the problem. It is what man does to them that causes so many reactions in people, coupled with the fact that we generally don’t have enough good bacteria in our bodies these days. The pasteurization of dairy products kills 22 digestive enzymes that humans need to digest cow’s milk properly. Because of the pasteurization, dairy causes inflammation in the body, excess mucus production and poor absorption of calcium. Better absorbed sources of calcium are nuts and seeds, eggs, salmon, and green vegetables. One definition of colic is ‘unexplained crying.’ You now have an explanation. It comes down to nutrition. And you could say the same about the majority of symptoms and illness in the world today. We live in a very different world from our ancestors. Prior to the Second World War, there was no need for organic food because of the care taken with the soil and the purity that was maintained with the fruits and vegetables being grown in that soil. In fact, fruits and vegetables were organic without being labelled as such. Today, we need to earn our health. It’s not just given to us anymore. When is the pain of change for you or your child going to be less than the pain of remaining the same? ■ Meredith Deasley, Author: The Resourceful Mother Secrets to Healthy Kids www.theresourcefulmother.com

WELLNESS

HELPING THE BODY

heal itself “When you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth.”

This quote from the fictional detective Sherlock Holmes has been used countless times as motivation for digging deeper to solve a mystery. How to help people recover from illness is one mystery that has eluded many medical detectives over the years. Throughout the 20th century, some medical detectives have been discovering clues that one visionary, Johan Boswinkel has used to solve the mystery of the root cause of illness and to create a system for helping the body heal itself. This system is Biophoton Therapy. Biophoton Therapy works on the principle that cells emit low levels of light. First postulated in 1933, it was finally proven in 1977 by German physicist Albert Fitz Popp, that cells do in fact emit low levels of light. Popp called the light, biophotons. This light is part of the communication system of living cells and controls what happens at a biochemical level. When cells are healthy, they emit coherent or focused light. Unhealthy cells emit chaotic light. Chaotic light means messages aren’t passing correctly between cells, disrupting biochemical reactions. This leads to illness. Johan Boswinkel used Popp’s research, combined with knowledge of electro –acupuncture and Chinese medicine to develop an instrument that measures how the light is moving through the body. This instrument can measure and report blockages which are preventing the correct flow of light between cells. Furthermore, Boswinkel proved that if you can measure disruptions you can also repair them. Using the measuring instrument in treatment mode, blockages that are preventing normal, coherent flow of light between cells can be cleared. When normal function of this cellular communication system is restored, biochemical processes in the cells returns to normal, and the body can begin to heal itself. This noninvasive process of assisting the body in healing itself excited Paul McDonald who had been searching for treatment for his father’s cancer. He trained with Boswinkel, in the Netherlands, purchased one of his devices and began treating clients in 1992. As people recovered from chronic or long-term illnesses, they spread the word to friends and family. Soon McDonald had more clients than he could handle.

McDonald realized that there was a great need in Canada, for more people trained in using biophoton therapy. To meet this need he created The Academy of Applied Biophoton Sciences , a training center for passing on his knowledge. Training for using the Biophoton measuring unit is relatively simple and within six months students can be ready to start a practice or add on to an existing one. However, it can take years to master all the biophoton treatment nuances. “The therapists who are successful have a desire to get to the bottom of the mystery of what’s wrong with this person,” says McDonald. “It’s a puzzle.We don’t treat a symptom or an ailment, we treat the whole person, we look for the cause.” Understanding what a disruption at one acupuncture point means is part of the challenge of being a Biophoton Therapist. But it’s also part of the excitement. As a healer, you’re not just a technician, but a detective, and when you solve the mystery you give the client health. For more information about biophoton treatment and training visit www.meridianenergiesgroup.com or call 1.800.259.4134. www.womenwithvision.ca 21

HEALTH

WELLNESS

HEALTH

Tayler Wilton

I’ve watched a young girl grow into an amazing energetic teenager who recently shared with me her vision for her favourite sport: snowboarding.

With grade nine facing her, new faces, new challenges and a new year of snowboarding; all bringing a heightened level of excitement with the discovery of snowboard cross racing.

Tayler Wilton was born June 17, 1993 in the Beaches community of Toronto, Ontario.

With more competitions came more traveling. Wake up calls at 6 a.m. also became the norm; nutritional breakfast to fuel her body for the day ahead; land training which consists of stretch and strengthening exercises and once the snow falls daily on snow training; a snowboarders reality.

Tayler remembers, “One of my fondest childhood memories was when my parents sold our house to Doug Gilmore. The fact that a famous hockey player was going to live in my house made me think about wanting to be remembered when I grew up… I wanted my name to have meaning. I wanted to make a difference. I wanted my name to be known for whatever it is I accomplish in my lifetime; for recognition of hard work. That thought truly sparked inspiration in me as a child, and is still with me to this day.” Moving to a small town like Collingwood with four seasons of fun was great for Tayler. The Blue Mountains became her stomping ground… although she didn’t stomp much but would glide down the mountain on her snowboard. Athleticism was always something that came naturally to Tayler. “I was motivated to become better at every activity I participated in… always trying to show myself that I could improve. I played volleyball, basketball, soccer, flag football, track and field and I was successful in most of my sports endeavors.” “I remember when I was two-years-old and my father put me on my first pair of skis. I was constantly eager to rip the hill even though I was snow-plowing at that young age. When I was five I discovered the love of my life: snowboarding. After spending countless hours on my bum and getting soaking wet I finally made my first turns, and I wouldn’t settle until I had made it onto the bigger and longer hill.”

By Lorraine Leslie

22 www.womenwithvision.ca

GOING FOR GOLD!

“It was hilarious trying to get onto a chairlift so my dad made sure that the liftie (ski lift operator) let me go up with two feet in my board, until eventually I had got the hang of getting on the lift with only one foot hooked to my snowboard. I made my way down the “hill” with no problems; it wasn’t how many turns I made in a row, it was how little I fell doing it. By the time I was nine I started snowboard racing. I liked the rush and the speed of the hill so much to the point I couldn’t handle the simplicity of the run so I challenged myself to start doing the racing gates. It was so natural for me that I had immediate success when it came to the interclub and AOS (Association Ontario Snowboarders) race series around the Blue Mountain area.” Finding a coach for Tayler was a whole other story but she was happy to get pointers from everyone who liked snowboarding as much as she did. “My parents separated around this time and it was decided that I was to live in Toronto with my mother. Attending a big city school was such a culture shock for me because I was a small town girl. I found it hard ...the combination of handling the big city and my weekend snowboarding. Living in the city wasn’t working out so it was agreed that I could move back to Collingwood for grade eight and to graduate with some of my friends.” Tayler returned to Collingwood after a year in Toronto. She reunited with her elementary schoolmates and began a year of more serious training for her snowboarding career. She finished the year with a productive, successful snowboard season, and was chosen to be one of the valedictorians for her graduating grade 8 class.

WELLNESS

As her commitment to snowboarding becomes a focus, a vision, the lessons of life start to become clear. Commitment, dedication, discipline, and passion are the true benchmarks of a happy life. When Tayler turned 14 a local ex-snowboard coach and crossracer began the Ontario Snowboard Club and of course Tayler became a member… her talent on the hill was now applied to her racing skills. This was the first time she had professional coaching for competition. “On my first team trip to Mount Tremblant I started training for boardercross (Boardercross is a snowboard competition in which a group of snowboarders… usually four… start simultaneously atop an inclined course, then race to reach the finish line first.). It was such a thrill, and I thought it couldn’t get any better. That season I started competing in boardercross and continued with my alpine racing. I couldn’t fight it; to me, boardercross was so much more.”

Tayler was ready to start high school and a major decision for her to stay close to the hill was made. At fifteen she started to compete internationally in boardercross which meant more snowboarding, more trips, more races, and more fun. This also meant Tayler had to become street smart. She had to grow up and do it quickly. “I started travelling with the team so there was no parent to tell me to brush my teeth or give me money. It was up to me. Kids my age want their independence; well I had it and had to make good of it. Competing at an international level was so much more different and a bit of a reality check.”

showed me how rude some people can be and how different people’s ideals and ethics are. Standing outside and watching people walk by on a daily basis made me realize how diverse every person, every culture, every lifestyle is. I came to the realization that no matter who you are or what you do you cannot fight the power of perception.” “I’m only eighteen and I have dedicated much of my life to snowboarding, I love it and I know it will never change. Being in my last year of high school I have

continued on pg.24

“I was doing well and my love for my sport just grew stronger and stronger. I began to love the lifestyle… snowboarding is the one thing that is and always will be in the back of my head, like that catchy song you hear on the radio. It is a song I am permanently longing for.” Competing and traveling cost a lot of money so at 16 Tayler got her first part-time job.“I had never been in the service industry so it was a real eye-opener working in the food industry. That experience

Reward yourself with a beautiful smile

Dr. John R. Miller

12 Second Street, Collingwood 705-444-2668 866-544-4792 www.drmillerfamilydentist.com www.womenwithvision.ca 23

HEALTH

WELLNESS

Tayler Wilton...continued from page 23

decided to pursue my snowboard career. I was invited to the 2011 Canada Winter Games where I won a Gold Medal in a snowboard cross event, and much to my good fortune I competed in the Alpine Snowboarding event and won another Gold Medal. After such hard work and determination to get there, I was ecstatic about my results. I was later invited to the Junior World Championships where I took my talents to Italy. My snowboard career has flourished over the years, and I am hoping it will continue that way until I reach the world’s athletic showcase...the Olympics.”

EST 1981 by Joanne Davison-Shaw

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WELLNESS

“Your Health is Our Concern” Georgian Health Foods is your store for all your health food and nutritional supplement needs. Located in the heart of Wasaga Beach and serving all areas of the Georgian Triangle.

Take Charge of your Cholesterol

“Making the National Snowboarding Team is my first step to my ultimate goal...to be in the 2014 Olympics in Russia. This will not only help me live a comfortable life but also help pay for my schooling in later years.” I’m sure that we’ll all be watching Tayler on the hill again this winter as she trains for her goal; the National Snowboarding Team 2014 Winter Olympics in Russia. What a wonderful young woman with vision!

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www.womenwithvision.ca 25

HEALTH

ADVERTORIAL

WELLNESS

FASHION BEAUTY

Ask The Expert With Beach Eye Care's Dr. Ben Pezik

Q: I really enjoy my winter activities, such as skiing and snowmobiling, but foggy glasses are always an issue. What can help? Mary, Collingwood

A: Glasses-free vision is desired by many.

We offer all of our patients the most advanced technology by using the Optomap Retinal Scan as well as providing a High Definition Digital Eye Exam. Dr. Pezik provides comprehensive examinations for your entire family.

Often this can be achieved with eye surgery. Some people are not a good candidate for elective eye surgery. As such, Contact Lenses can be a great option to enjoy sport activities or to create a new look for social gatherings. Contact Lenses can be safe and simple, even for those who have never worn before. Daily Contact Lenses can be a great option for an occasional wearer. A fresh pair of lenses each time you wear maximizes comfort. When the lenses are removed they are simply tossed to the waste. This limits any potential for eye infection and maximizes convenience and comfort. A comprehensive eye exam can determine if surgery or contacts is right for you.

Q: As a newcomer to the area, this will be my second Georgian Bay winter. Both day and night winter driving is challenging. What do you suggest? Tim, Wasaga Beach

...look and feel your best

Dr. Ben Pezik 1 Market Lane Unit B, Wasaga Beach, Ontario L9Z 0B6

www.beacheyecare.ca Tel: (705) 429-EYES (3937)

26 www.womenwithvision.ca

During the day when it is sunny outside, there can be a great deal of glare reflected off the snow. Polarized sunglasses works best to cut out this glare. With evenings starting sooner we do much more night driving during the winter months. The best way improve night driving is prescription eyewear with anti-reflective coating.

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A: Winter driving can be difficult and dangerous.

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BEAUTY

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How Winter

■ Cathy Day, B.A Certified Yoga Instructor Owner of Awear Eco-Boutique

Affects Our Skin By Beth Nigh

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BEAUTY

Organic hemp/cotton cowl scarf available in various prints

Necklace can be worn 5 different ways including a belt

You may think that the frosty months of January and February are the worst for our skin, but actually by the New Year, our skin has adjusted! It's during the autumn season when we notice a drop in humidity and a difference in our skin. continued on pg. 30 www.womenwithvision.ca 29

FASHION

BEAUTY

FASHION

BEAUTY

How Winter Affects Your Skin...continued from page 29

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Winter weather can strip our skin of its natural moisture barrier and cause the top layer to dry and flake off.

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Cold temperatures result in poor blood circulation, so our skin does not get enough nutrients and oxygen, making the regenerative process slow down. A dry environment, created by indoor heating will also cause our skin to feel dry and tight. To keep your skin healthy and beautiful during winter be sure to: 1. Choose a lighter non-stripping cleanser such as a cleansing milk or a mild foaming cleanser

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Herbal peeling treatments lighten hyperpigmentation, tighten enlarged pores and improve skin texture

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4. Moisturize, moisturize and again moisturize! 5. Provide protection against UV light. In the winter the sun's reflection on snow can be higher than on the beach. Use no lower than a 35 SPF.

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Specializing In: As an esthetician, I strongly recommend that you treat yourself to a hydrating facial. Your skin will thank you as it drinks up all the rich ingredients given to it.

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As always, eat a healthy diet of fruit and vegetables, drink plenty of water, exercise, and make sure to get enough sleep. (Skin heals best while you are resting!)

Take care and enjoy your winter

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Ideal Ladies Wear CORRECTION: In the fall 2011 issue of Women with Vision magazine, on page 20, the before and after pictures were reversed.

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www.womenwithvision.ca 31

FASHION

BEAUTY FASHION

You enter a room and there is a person wearing a vintage outfit. If it is baby boomer wearing clothing she wore in the late 1950s she probably looks as if she is much older than her actual age. The same outfit on a twenty something relates far more positively.

BEAUTY

Painted Wardrobe Fun with Fashion

Fashion revisits the past and brings forward previous trends in a fresh new way. The challenge becomes how to recognize what statements from our past we can successfully reintroduce to our current wardrobe without looking dated and what new looks we can embrace each season. In every setting a woman is challenged to decide what the best look is for her.

Recently a public figure was rebuked for showing a little cleavage in a business context. She wore a clean line discreet V-neck top under a tailored suit. This is a common modern option. It need not be perceived as provocative or inappropriate. But in her workplace it was.

THE CHALLENGE OF

It illustrates the challenge women have. Do we or don’t we update our wardrobe to stay fresh, modern and contemporary? How far is too far. When are dated conservative looks negative and dowdy? When are stylish updates inappropriate?

FOR OUR TIME

In general conservative workplaces would likely prefer the following:

32 www.womenwithvision.ca

Peter Nygard • Bianca • Collections

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A clearly defined written dress code sets rules in place and makes an individual’s choices simpler. It needs to be updated regularly to keep in step with the times. There are often gray areas that need to be clarified.

dressing well The Wardrobe Doctor

Nygard Fashions

It becomes a priority to decide what is acceptable attire for a work environment?

How short a skirt is too short? How low a neckline is too low? How much colour and pattern is acceptable? What footwear is preferable? Hose or no hose? Is it wise to look creative and or contemporary? How conservative is stodgy? Will smart casual dress soften the message and work in one’s favor? What are the boundaries?

By Marilyn Wetston

featuring

• Dress tastefully to suit your workplace. Be mindful of your professional message

continued on pg.34

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FASHION

BEAUTY

The Challenge of Dressing Well For Our Time ... continued from page 33

Georgian

Gourmet

• Avoid exposing cleavage of all kinds – front, back and foot • Wear hose and closed shoes • Avoid wearing see-through items • Resolve to be neatly dressed and impeccably groomed • Avoid tight fitting revealing clothing • Use good judgment to determine your skirt length. A seated test in front of a mirror is helpful

...eat, drink and entertain

• Never wear tops that have imprints unless they are from your company and requested • Reserve bold prints, patterns and accosting colours for your casual wear

shop online: www.awearecoboutique.ca 143 Hurontario St. Collingwood 705-293-1008

Fit & Function ...for Canadian Winters!

A public recrimination of how someone looks reminds us how powerfully our image impacts on others. It is now a proven fact that first impressions are created in the time it takes to blink. It is about pulling a total look together. Include your grooming, how you carry yourself and how you dress from the inside out. Resolve to be remembered for your good qualities, competence and your abilities. Reinforce your message with your look and you will be comfortable in your work setting and others will be as well. Each of us needs to be mindful of how we present ourselves in our lives and especially in our work place. It is a challenge to identify what works best for a personal wardrobe statement. Embrace changes that express your message best and fit your environment. Reject items-old or new that present you in a negative aspect. Then you can always be confident that you look your best.

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Downtown Collingwood For additional locations or to shop online visit:

beckershoes.com 34 www.womenwithvision.ca

■ Marilyn Wetston marilynsthestore@rogers.com www.marilyns.ca

Photography © Lorraine Leslie | L’original Productions | Women with Vision! Magazine™

organic clothing, jewelry, handbags & shoes

™

Ge or gian

Gourmet

Mirella Damiani

Ge o r gi a n

Gourmet

Sharing Bread WITH ALL SHE MEETS By Lorraine Leslie Sometimes you meet the nicest people in the most unusual circumstances. In the summer of 2011 I attended a fantastic event called the Chili Cook Off in the small hamlet of Thornbury, Ontario. It was a beautiful day with hundreds of people mingling around, shopping at the unique exhibits and eating prize winning chili, pulled pork, deep fried onions and potato swirls...just some of the delicious foods being offered by the vendors. One vendor was set up with a full stainless steel Viking kitchen. I strolled over to take a look at the appliances and started chatting with Jeff the owner of Macdonald’s Countrywide. As we got acquainted he called executive chef Mirella Damiani who was preparing the fabulous samples at their exhibit. Mirella and I were quickly laughing and sharing cooking stories. During our conversation I sensed a woman who not only is a fabulous cook but a giving and sensitive woman who gives back to others unconditionally. Mirella recalled, “My childhood, ah, were wondrous years, filled with laughter, love and family. There was always something to look forward to in the Damiani Household. We were a large family; I was the eldest of four kids. There was never a dull moment. My best friends, Angela and Sonia, my two sisters, had great times cooking in our teal colored easy bake oven. If you ask them they will tell you that I was always the boss telling them how the cakes should taste and look. Some things never change, now my sisters, when they are having any kind of gathering at their home call and ask for menu ideas. I remember cooking for my brother Giovanni, who is 13 years younger than I. Even as a teenager, I was smashing up bananas for him, cooking him carrots and peas, pureeing them and putting them in baby jars; he hated the baby jars! Spoiled little Giovanni!” As Mirella grew up she experienced first hand the love of travel and cooking. “Between the age of five and twelve I spent seven summers in Italy. My favorite moments were in my Nonna’s kitchen learning to cook home style Mediterranean meals with all organic produce that I helped pick with my own little hands. Of course the first place I learned to cook was by my mother’s side. My Mother Gina and I still love cooking with each other. Every time we cook Dad Gianfranco is always eager to taste everything before it even makes it to table.” “As I entered Junior High, St John Bosco in Brampton, my favorite classes were home economics and shop. I loved being creative and working with my hands. One of my part time jobs included working at Damico Bakery. I was originally hired to help at the counter but soon made my way into the back kitchen as I was more interested in baking the bread and cakes than selling them. I worked there for two years between 16 and 18. I had such a great relationship with the owners that in later

36 www.womenwithvision.ca

life they attended my wedding and also made my wedding cake. After graduating from North Park Secondary in Brampton in 1984 Mirella was off to attend Sheridan College in the fall. She enrolled in a legal secretary class and shortly discovered how much she disliked the course. “I actually took it because my boyfriend at that time was in law school. Needless to say we broke up and I dropped the course.The only thing I really loved at Sheridan College was the opportunity to be the first female DJ on the college radio station C201. That said I soon changed my direction and headed to Humber College enrolling in Hotel Catering and the Institutional Management Associate program in cookery & catering.” “After graduation in 1988 my first job in the culinary field was at the Marriott Hotel where I was hired as an expeditor. I quickly made my way to the front line cooking. My funniest memory from this time was working the buffet one Saturday mornings when Andre the Giant, WWF wrestler came up and insisted that he wanted an omelet with 12 eggs. This man was huge! I had a little one pan burner which could only produce a two egg omelet. I advised Mr. Andre that I would have his omelet in a few minutes and off I charged into the kitchen to prepare what he wanted...and I might add he ate it all!” In September of 1990 Mirella got married. “We wanted to start a family right away so I had to put my culinary passion on hold and get a 9 – 5pm job. I went off to work at Consumer Gas Enbridge for the next eleven years primarily in the appliance sector. I really didn’t like working in the office; I felt like I was trapped like a wild mustang locked up in a barn. I knew I had to make my life and work more interesting so I quickly joined the social community arranging Christmas parties and different venues for the gas company. This helped to keep my passion for cooking alive.”

continued on pg.38 www.womenwithvision.ca 37

Ge o r gi a n

Ge or gian

Gourmet

dijon

Breaking Bread With All She Meets...continued from page 37

After eleven years of marriage Mirella divorced and quit her daily 9-5 routine. “At the age of 35 as fate would have it I was approached by Frank Dibiase, president of Molisana Imports to work in the food industry. He asked if I would be interested in being the Chef in the test kitchen for his company and I immediately accepted.” Mirella went on to tell me she was so excited to get back into the culinary world again. She researched the company and found that there were Mediterranean foods from Italy that were both healthy and great tasting. “I had to make sure that it was a product that I would enjoy working with. Once this was established I didn’t hesitate to take the opportunity. It was wonderful to work along side Singing Chef Pasquale Carpino. Chef Pasquale and I travelled all over educating consumers on the Italian cuisine. We did this together, providing different live cooking Venues. I was also asked to work in test kitchens developing private label products for a variety of different segments in the business. Sadly in December 2005 Chef Pasquale passed so the role that involved the chef passed also. To this day I still do all the television spots such as Breakfast Television and TLN.

Besides being the Executive Chef for Viking Mirella does freelance catering and consulting. She also does food styling for Litcher and Associates who sell on the Toronto Shopping Channel. “Working with many kinds of kitchen gadgets sales skyrocketed on STC.”

lemon chicken

Giving back is very important to Mirella. She sits on a Board of Directors for Unveiling Life Ministry in Vaughan where she uses her culinary skills to help through an out reach program in the community for single moms to mention a few. Mirella also has a degree in counseling which is based on Biblical teaching and secular psychology. “We are planning in the near future to have lessons to teach women to create meals on a budget without compromising their health. I love that my skills can bless others. Isn’t that what it’s all about?” “The most interesting person I ever helped cook for was the Dali lama on October 24th 2010. The head chef running the show was Chef Art Smith, both a scholar and a gentleman who made my experience a memory of a lifetime. Chef Art is a very talented chef who does not compromise taste and only uses fresh organic foods. Although it was a very exciting few days I must say in my heart of hearts it would have been to feed all the hungry children in orphanages in the Philippians and Africa. Not only to feed but to teach them how to plant and harvest and prepare food.”

For recipes see page 42 & 43

Mirella shared with me…”Going back to my roots in Italy on the wonderful farm in Abruzzi picking fresh organic produce and creating simple healthy wonderful meals will always be imprinted in my mind. When you can combine passion with love it makes for the best recipes!”

heart warming

Mirella with Dina on Breakfast Television, Citytv

In 2006 Mirella was approached with a unique situation to work for a Viking appliance Distributor, Distinctive Appliances Ltd. “Through this amazing opportunity I was able to combine both my knowledge of appliances and my culinary skills. It was a great marriage of the two specialties. Once I was brought on board to work with the Viking team in Toronto I quickly started to design a program that would allow the consumer to test drive in our corporate kitchen, hence the Viking Bistro Class was born. Our customers enjoy a night out at our showroom where I conduct live cooking demonstration. Customers sat down with a glass of wine and sample different dishes made on all our appliances. My role as executive chef also included cooking for different venues, catering for the company and cooking and training other dealers at lunch and learns.” 38 www.womenwithvision.ca

“We all can do it! The only thing stopping us from having a fulfilling life, full of love and passion for what we like to do, is ourselves.” Mirella’s five year vision is to publish her own cookbook. She will continue to work with food however it will be in a capacity of helping others. “I want to bring out the inner chef in all I teach. Getting rid of the fear factor of cooking! We live in a drive through world and we need to bring back the basics of great taste and healthy choices.” Mirella is a passionate, creative and driven woman whose spiritual and creative vision has made her a sought after leader in the culinary world. Her sense of humour throughout my interview ignited much laughter and fun as she prepared a fabulous meal that we both sat down to enjoy. Thank you my new friend, I look forward to sharing bread with you again soon. ■

Photography © Lorraine Leslie | L’original Productions | Women with Vision! Magazine™

I asked Mirella how she can you do all this; run a home with three teenagers and a husband! Yes she got married again to a wonderful man who supports her in everything she wants to do.

winter chili

■ By Executive Chef, Mirella Damiani

www.womenwithvision.ca 39

Ge o r gi a n

Ge or gian

Gourmet

Happiness

IN A BOWL

Tiramisu

For recipe see page 44

Expresso Cake

Photography © Lorraine Leslie | L’original Productions | Women with Vision! Magazine™

For recipe see page 44

■ By Shannon Leone Raw Foodist & Nutrition Consultant www.earthempress.com 40 www.womenwithvision.ca

■ By Chef Casey Cruickshank Empire Grill www.womenwithvision.ca 41

Ge o r gi a n

Gourmet

Ge o r gi a n

Gourmet Heart Warming Winter Chili ... recipe from page 39

Dijon Lemon Chicken

Prep time 10 minutes cooking time: 15 minutes Makes 4 to 6 servings

By Mirella Damiani ... recipe from page 39

Prep time 10 minutess Roasting time 55 minutess Ingredients 1 roasting chicken 2 large lemons 2 tbsp each olive oil and dijon mustard 4 tbsp of white wine 3 garlic cloves minced 1 tbsp salt and pepper 1 celery stalks 1 onion 2 sprigs fresh rosemary or 1 tbsp dried

By Mirella Damiani

Directions Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Trim and discard excess fat from chicken. Squeeze the juice of lemon, add wine and dijon to a small bowl. Stir in garlic and salt and pepper. Place chicken in roasting pan; in cavity of chicken put cut lemon halves and also add onion, rosemary and celery. Place chicken meaty side up in roasting pan. Pour mixture from bowl over chicken. Roast covered, in centre of preheated oven 30 minutes. Then take lid off and continue roasting, basting occasionally until meat feels springy and juices run clear, 25 to 30 minutes. Remove chicken from roasting pan, place on serving platter. Pour pan juice into a measuring cup. Skim off and discard fat. Use juice to pour over chicken. Excellent with roasted potatoes and steamed beans.

Ingredients Olive oil 1lb lean ground beef 2 tbsp ground chili powder 1tsp each crushed garlic, dried thyme leaves, crushed chili peppers, cinnamon, cocoa, parsley salt and pepper 3 peppers, preferably different colors 28 oz can diced tomatoes 19 oz can black or kidney beans, drained and rinsed Directions Lightly coast a large saucepan with olive oil and place over medium heat; allow oil to heat. Crumble in beef and while beef is browning sprinkle with chili, chopped garlic, thyme and your salt and pepper. Make sure your beef stays crumbled; you can use a fork to ensure that it does. Cook your meat until there is no sign of pink in the meat, approximately 5-6 minutes. While your meat is cooking, prep your peppers, core and seed and cube into pieces. Once meat is cooked add peppers and tomatoes. Bring to a boil, stirring often. Reduce heat to medium/low and allow to simmer until peppers are tender, approximately 6 minutes. Add beans, bring to low setting and simmer for 40 minutes.

The Quality Place • Fresh home grown produce • Daily baked pies and goodies • Hand made crafts & home accessories

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East of Meaford on Hwy 26 519-538-2281

Tease your palate on a Tuscany Wine Tour! Gather a group of friends and together we will discover the vineyards of Chianti, Brunello and Montepulciano. We will taste some of Tuscany’s finest wines, cheeses, salumi and olive oils.

Toast the Extraordinary! Teresa Comegna Travel Consultant

www.travelonly.com/jfo

42 www.womenwithvision.ca

Your personal chef, in the comfort of your private villa will prepare fabulous breakfasts and authentic mouth watering dinners.

To book your 2012 Culinary Journey of Distinction contact Teresa today!

tcomegna@travelonly.com

704-443-2674 www.womenwithvision.ca 43

Ge o r gi a n

Gourmet HAPPINESS IN A BOWL

Ge o r gi a n

Gourmet TIRAMISU EXPRESSO CAKE

By Shannon Leone ... recipe from page 40

This recipe tastes like tapioca...smooth, sweet and creamy. My husband calls this Happiness in a Bowl, and when you try it, you’ll understand why! Make the almond mylk fresh first: ALMOND MYLK 2 C raw almonds 8 C pure water • blend the almonds and water in a high speed blender until smooth and creamy with a pinch of sea salt • strain out the pulp through a nut mylk bag • sweeten if desired with a couple teaspoons of honey or agave • store the mylk in an air tight container in the fridge

By Chef Casey Cruickshank ... recipe from page 41

Cake 12 T unsalted butter ¾ C cocoa 1¼ C unbleached allpurpose flour ¼ tsp salt 1 C semi-sweet chocolate, chopped 4 large eggs 1½ C sugar 1 tsp vanilla extract ½ tsp baking soda ¾ buttermilk or sour cream ½ C express coffee (or instant or regular coffee) Preheat oven to 325 degrees. With a separate tablespoon of butter grease a 9 X 13 inch baking pan. In a medium bowl sift together cocoa, flour and salt – set aside. Melt chocolate and butter together.

CEREAL 1

⁄4 C chia seeds white or black 2 T goji berries honey or agave to taste optional pinch of celtic sea salt 2 C almond mylk • take the mylk and add sweetener to taste along with vanilla • once it tastes good on its own, use about two cups per person for the tapioca, and store the rest in the fridge as a beverage • add goji berries and chia seeds to the tapioca mylk, and let set for a couple hours, or overnight in the fridge, then enjoy

Grandma Lambe’s

Apples are our Business

APPLES & APPLE PRODUCTS

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Mix gently until combined. Wisk eggs vanilla and sugar. Without forming lumps carefully whisk in the flour to form a batter that is smooth and glossy. Pour batter into baking pan and bake for 40 minutes. Cool on a rack at least 1 ½ hours. Trim cake sides and top with icing.

Great Food, Great Entertainment, Great Fun!

Mascarpone Butter Cream Frosting 1 ½ C confectionary icing sugar 1 ½ C marscarpone (Italian Cheese) soft cheese at room temperature 1 C room temperature butter 1 tsp vanilla Gently mix butter and icing sugar together. Add vanilla. Slowly add mascarpone; be careful not to split. (overworking cheese causes it to split) Frost the cake in layers and garnish as desired with orange zest and mint and or toasted expresso beans.

A Proud Supporter of Women with Vision Networking Luncheons

44 www.womenwithvision.ca

Cut and serve with fresh fruit of your choice. (strawberries, raspberries, mandarins)

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Live Music Fri. & Sat. 9 p.m. New Band Every Week Book Your Parties Today

20 Balsam Street, Hwy 26 W. Collingwood (across from Canadian Tire) 705-444-0920 www.empiregrill.ca www.empiregrillcollingwood.com www.womenwithvision.ca 45

Ge o r gi a n

Gourmet

HOME, GARDEN DESIGN

2011 SCARECROW INVASION & FAMILY FESTIVAL

Apple Pie Contest 1st Place Winner: Elaine Watson

Filling 8 McIntosh apples ¾ cup white sugar 1 tsp cinnamon 1 ⁄8 tsp nutmeg pinch of ginger 3 tbsp brown sugar 2 tbsp butter 2 tbsp flour Mix apples, white sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger together. Mix well. Put in bottom pie crust and fill with half of apple mixture and add 1 ½ tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp of butter and 1 tbsp flour. Add rest of apple mixture and add 1 1 ⁄2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp flour, 1 tbsp butter. Cover with top crust and bake at 450 degrees for 8 minutes, then at 350 degrees for 30 minutes and 300 degrees for 15 minutes. Enjoy. 46 www.womenwithvision.ca

Photography © Lorraine Leslie | L’original Productions | Women with Vision! Magazine™

Crust 5 ½ cups unbleached white flour 1 lb lard 1 egg 1 tbsp white vinegar 1 tsp salt Ice cold water Cut lard into flour. Beat egg in measuring cup and add vinegar and enough water to make 1 cup. Pour over flour mixture and add salt. Work together. Roll out a 9” crust.

...creative and helpful tips

HOME, GARDEN

DESIGN

Let Go Of Perfection Events don’t have to be perfect to be perfectly pleasurable.

Relax Set a relaxing pace and don’t cram too many pre-planned events into the calendar. Check with others to ensure that your planned party date doesn’t conflict with any other holiday events.

PUT ON A

Party By Karen Sencich

The holidays are the beginning of a busy season with social demands from friends, family and business associates. Do you feel overwhelmed by thoughts of entertaining at home? Do you worry about your ability to cook, bake or decorate? Well, get over it! It’s time to stop procrastinating and plan a party that suits your budget, lifestyle and timeframe. Here are my simple tips to get you through the entertaining season.

48 www.womenwithvision.ca

Many Hands Make Light Work! Gather your gang early in the season to bake or wrap gifts together while enjoying seasonal refreshments. A great way to get the necessary work done while enjoying time together. Create Holiday Traditions My family tradition is a tree decorating party, held early in December.We break out the holiday CDs and I serve something simple such as chili for dinner. Dessert consists of store bought shortbread and gingerbread. Alternate Hosting Big Events Arrange an annual family schedule to alternate hosting the large annual family gatherings. Ask everyone to bring a food contribution to lessen the burden on the host family.

Beautifully crafted custom slipcovers and upholstery for your existing sofas, chairs and ottomans. Many fabrics to choose from or use your own.

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Owen Sound

RR5 519-372-9411 1-800-513-3025

www.clarkpools.com Overcome Space Constraints clarkpoolscollingwood@bellnet.ca If hosting a formal family sit down dinner isn’t possible due to space or furniture constraints, consider a buffet. Share special serving pieces such as the turkey platter, punchbowl or other essential (but seldom used) items. Time Shift Seasonal Events Years ago, my in-laws made a brilliant decision to permanently move their family Christmas celebration to the Saturday prior to Christmas, thus ending potential scheduling conflicts forever. Host Post Holiday Events The busiest part of the season is prior to the holidays. Rather than clutter your guest’s calendar, opt for an informal function such as an open house or potluck brunch held after the holiday rush. Serve up the remainder of the holiday baking. Watch any holiday movies that you missed or simply enjoy home videos. Find Joy in Simple Pleasures Leave free time to enjoy spontaneous fun. For example, plan to go skating, tobogganing or caroling in the neighbourhood followed by a get together at your place. Families with young children love these types of healthy outdoor outings.

■ Karen Sencich CPO® Certified Professional Organizer®, Speaker and Writer www.havoctoharmony.com www.womenwithvision.ca 49

HOME, GARDEN

DESIGN

ADVERTORIAL

GIFT IDEAS

HOME, GARDEN

DESIGN

Put some

from Stayner

wow & warmth

in your windows! By Judy Salnek 270 Main Street East Bus: (705) 428-3385 (877) 365-2469 Stayner, Ontario Canada L0M 1S0 www.aardenschocolates.com Email: info@aardenschocolates.com

All products are handmade on our premises with The Worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Finest Belgian Callebaut Chocolate

Your windows are truly a decorating opportunity for setting each room as an inconspicuous background or a decorating asset; always remember that the basic purpose of a window is to provide light and air. It may frame a lovely view or exclude an unsightly one, and it may be the means of insuring privacy where privacy is needed. Here are some factors you need to think about before planning your window treatment design:

joy...

find yours

jewellery, clothing & accessories Linda Parolin Owner 274 Main Street Stayner ON, L0M 1S0 joyinstayner@gmail.com 705.517.2000

Function. Is your window covering being used to block outside light, provide privacy or to capture a magnificent view? There are many window coverings that will fulfill your needs such as cellular blinds or shutters, which will provide both privacy and light control. Focal points. Are your windows a natural dramatic architectural feature of your room? If so, you have a built-in focal point, and should plan your treatments accordingly. Remember custom drapery always frames the most picturesque of views! Style. Is yours casual, formal, traditional or contemporary? Window treatment designs vary greatly so think about the ultimate style and feeling you are looking for. Energy efficiency. This applies to all the above concerns. A window can heat up your room to the point of either discomfort, at the least, or causing damage to interior furniture and flooring in the worst case scenario. The need to control the sun but keep the view is important.

Domestic & Wild Bird Seed Bird Feeders, Houses and More Open Monday to Saturday 9am-6pm 1/2 Mile North of Stayner on Hwy#26 Tel/Fax (705) 428-2465 www.adbirdseed.com

50 www.womenwithvision.ca

Always consult with a professional when selecting your window coverings, especially for those frosty cold winter days and nights. â&#x2013; Judy Salnek Interior Design Consultant www.salnek.ca www.womenwithvision.ca 51

HOME, GARDEN

DESIGN

Caring for Houseplants in the Winter

ARTS

ENTERTAINMENT

ARTS ENTERTAINMENT

By Lorraine Leslie

...experiencing classical & creative masterpieces

Lighting As the days are shorter during winter months and windows are cold to the touch, make sure plant leaves do not touch any cold surfaces or are placed in a cool draft. Use a 40 watt light about 6 -12 inches away for additional light on dark overcast days. Humidity If you don’t have a furnace humidifier group plants together so they raise the humidity level in the room or add trays of water around the house near heat registers. Do not mist plants as the plant foliage dries too quickly.

Fertilization As most plants are dormant during the winter months save fertilizing for the spring and summer months. Temperature Keep you house plants between 55 – 77 degrees ■ 52 www.womenwithvision.ca

Watering Water less frequently during the winter. Make sure plant water drains out the bottom of pots. Discards any excess water in pot saucers. Most house plants should not be watered until the soil surface becomes dry to the touch.

www.womenwithvision.ca www.womenwithvision.ca 53 53

ARTS

ENTERTAINMENT

Friendship Circle

Quilters By Lorraine Leslie

Sew & Share Projects are what the women like to work on at home. Most of the women work on the ‘top’ layer on their own time in the privacy of their own home and when the ‘top’ is finished they bring it into the circle and one ‘top’ at a time is worked on until it is made into a finished quilt. Some quilts are embroidered with names of people who have made a difference to the community or a quilt might tell a family story through pictures stitched to the fabric. Quilters’ imaginations are very creative when it comes to putting patterns and designs together which make a one of a kind quilt – no two quilts have ever been the same.

ENTERTAINMENT

ongoing. The money we raise from making the quilts is donated back into the local community’s food bank, library, hospital … it all depends on what the need might be that year. After more than 65 years the Friendship Circle Quilters are continuing with some of the original quilters still giving their time and expertise for an excellent cause. These inspirational women are having fun while working very hard on their own and then with their group of like-minded friends who share many stories and create exquisite pieces of art through quilting. ■

“We like to refer to ourselves as “Fabriholics”. All of us are always buying fabulous pieces of fabrics; floral prints, striped, checkered, polka dots, mosaic… whatever catches our eye to make the ‘tops’ of quilts. We agree that it is important to prewash the fabric, iron it and place it back on the roll to ensure it is ready to be cut into all kinds of different shapes: squares, diamonds, rectangles, stars, and so forth in equal-sized pieces which will be used to create the uniqueness of each quilt.” Quilting for these women is obviously is a labour of love. The room they use to make the quilts and store them during off hours is rented through selling one of the quilts annually through ticket sales at Meaford Hall. “The quilt ‘tops’ are commissioned unseen by many; we have a waiting list that is

World War II was still in progress for many Canadians but a small group of women including Marg Harrison gathered together weekly in downtown Meaford Ontario to make beautiful warm quilts for family and friends. Marg and I met in the parking lot of Meaford Hall when I asked what she and a group of ladies were doing in the auditorium. She replied. “We’re making quilts.” Intrigued by her response, I followed her and found an amazing high energy circle of friends making quilts. “A quilt is a fabric sandwich; a colourful and creative top layer, fiber-fill batting in the middle and a plain-coloured backing sheet. What makes each quilt so unique is the three large pieces of fabric that are stitched painstakingly together by hand.” “It may take up to two years to complete a quilt. The Friendship Circle Quilters are all volunteers donating their time… spending each Tuesday afternoon from 1 – 4 p.m. and 54 www.womenwithvision.ca

the last Tuesday of each month from 10 – 4 p.m. making quilts. We only take breaks for a quick lunch and tea break in the afternoon. Every month each of us takes a turn providing food. There is no set schedule for any of us to attend so there could be anywhere from 4 to the full membership of 15 quilting on any given day. We spend hours rethreading needles with colourcoordinated thread and then pushing the tiny sharp needle with the aid of a finger thimble through the fabric. Most of us have finger calluses from the amount of effort needed to push the needle through the three layers of material to make the quilt.” www.womenwithvision.ca 55

ARTS

ENTERTAINMENT

ARTS

ENTERTAINMENT

ADVERTORIAL

Barbara Milne

How can I

help? By Ron MacRae

Helping out the volunteer community takes many forms – all equally fulfilling. Pitch in with rolled-up sleeves for a street level project or direct your particular skills to committee work or serving on an administrative board of directors. These are all wonderful initiatives. Yet, we are all busy people focused on family, careers or both. If even these time commitments are a struggle, how else can we make a contribution to the vitally important volunteer sector? Here are three words to remember that will make a huge difference to any volunteer organization: Sponsor. Patron. Bequest. Volunteer organizations will always need cash to operate efficiently and professionally, now and down the road, and most organizations have formal structures in place that make it easy and comfortable to jump in. The rewards are many. You may be in line for a tax break or certain membership perks. And, importantly, you will find recognition throughout the community which will prove to be a significant enhancement to your personal and professional profile. Be pro-active. Knowing that there are many ways to make a contribution makes it easy to say “yes” and be in full control of the outcome. Everyone’s a winner.

■ Ron MacRae BMFA Communications Director www.bmfa.on.ca

Den Mother

for the Arts By Dean Hollin I recall clearly the first time I spoke with Barbara Milne – there was a calm, breathy quality to her voice that immediately intrigued me. I had been on the hunt for a Hamilton-area facility to perform one of my shows at, and came across The Pearl Company on the internet. In truth, my intrigue began even before Barbara answered my phone call. I mean…I’m from Hamilton and I wasn’t at all familiar with any “Pearl Company”. What was the deal, here? Shortly thereafter, I found myself in front of this three-story, historic building in the heart of what’s referred to as the Lansdale neighbourhood -- easily not the most desirable area of the city to set up a theatre and arts centre in. What I found inside was a little bit of magic – from the art on the walls, to the original hundred-year-old wooden flooring, to the absolutely stellar sound system. The second-floor performance space is extremely intimate – seating in the neighbourhood of 140, you can opt for one of several mismatched chairs or cozy up on one of the sofas lining the outer perimeter! The acoustics are beautiful. The atmosphere is artistic and eclectic. There is definitely an incredible energy in the air! A first floor theatre space and third level living space rounded out the tour.

Now, Barbara is not known for her singing…or her acting…or her dancing abilities, from what I can tell. She is, however, one heck of a supporter of just about every kind of art – performing and otherwise – and has solidly earned the reputation as one of the Hammer’s leading Arts Activists! Barbara and partner Gary purchased the neglected old building in 2006 with a vision of art, and music, and creative spirit, and revitalization for the challenged neighbourhood! Barbara is responsible for countless hours of blogging and newsletters…meetings, promotional work, email blasts – all for one great purpose – to tell the world of the incredible talent which is just waiting and wanting to seen and heard…and enjoyed! continued on pg. 58

56 www.womenwithvision.ca

www.womenwithvision.ca 57

ARTS

ENTERTAINMENT

Barbara Milne...continued from pg. 57

MOTIVATIONAL INSPIRATIONAL

Inside the Pearl Gallery

Pearl Company Exterior

Do yourself a favour and visit the Pearl and meet Tourism Hamilton’s Arts and Entertainment Ambassador for 2010, Barbara Milne. If you can manage to convince her to tear herself away from her endless promoting of the arts, the conversation you’ll walk away with will be truly enriching! What Barbara and her partner, Gary Santucci have done, however, is nothing short of inspiring, eclectic, creative, and so very magical! ■ Dean Hollin Singer, Play Write and Live Stage Performer www.deanhollin.com 58 www.womenwithvision.ca

Another substantial “baby” of Barbara’s is the wonderfully successful “Art Bus”. Launched about five years ago, Art Bus tours folks around to various Hamilton artists’ locations to visit and explore their work. The Bus begins and ends its tours at The Pearl Company, with Barbara as tour guide/host.

...gentle insights of awareness & change

MOTIVATIONAL

INSPIRATIONAL

Leisa Way

INSPIRATIONAL

...Don’t Fail to Try By Lorraine Leslie

While attending a media day at the Blue Mountain Resort last spring I noticed a small-framed woman with long blonde free-flowing hair wearing a multi-coloured handmade crocheted shawl. She was chatting with Theatre Collingwood’s Artistic Director Steven Thomas. I approached the couple and said hello to which Steven politely turned and introduced me to Leisa Way.

I was adopted on the day I was born. Leo and Eilleen Way are my loving adoptive parents… Mom and Dad. My dad was 42 when I was born. He had been a boat builder, police officer, volunteer fireman and truck driver…but when I was born he was a manager with a transport company. My mom was 36 and had pretty much worked in retail her entire life. Mom and Dad both came from huge families (9 children in Mom’s and 12 in Dad’s) and they wanted lots of kids of their own, but their blood didn’t mix (the Rh factor). When my brother Rick was born my mom almost died, and when my sister Gloria was born Mom needed a full blood transfusion. The doctor advised my parents not to have any more kids, as next time they might not be so lucky. So, Mom and Dad put themselves on an adoption waitlist and in the meantime opened up their home to many foster kids; they loved to fill their house with the sounds of children’s laughter. They were definitely the kindest, most generous people I have ever known. They just loved to help others, and would give the shirt off of their backs to do it.

Leisa and I chatted for a few minutes before I discovered that she was to be one of the upcoming summer performers at the Gayety Theatre. To my delight, towards the end of the media launch Leisa got up and started to sing a number of songs from her most recent creation: a tribute show about Dolly Parton called SWEET DREAMS. I was awestruck as this talented petite woman strutted in front of the audience as she projected her powerful rendition of Jolene.

Mom and Dad Way with Gloria & Richard before Leisa came to live with them

My biological mother Bev and my mom (Eilleen) worked in the same store in Kitchener. When Bev got pregnant, her own parents sent her away to have the baby. Bev was only 17 when she left her hometown to work in Kitchener and my parents got to know her quite well. My adoptive parents adored her. When it was decided that Bev was going to have to give up the baby, my mom came home crying and said to my dad, “We can’t let that baby go to just anyone.” This was a win-win situation because Bev was thrilled to know her baby would now be taken care of by people she knew and loved So, they called a lawyer and set up a private adoption.

A few weeks later at Leisa’s home she told me about her fascinating life journey…

My childhood was delightful! At the age of two we moved to Sault Ste. Leisa with two of her foster brother & sister Freddie and Susan Marie where we lived for one year. My fourteen-year-old sister got involved with community theatre and the Sault Theatre Workshop. Eventually, she was responsible for me catching the theatre bug. Another transfer took us to Sudbury, but my sister loved the Sault and the theatre there so she begged Mom and Dad to let her stay to finish high school, which they did. I visited my sister many times in the Sault, so from a young age I was seeing a lot of different kinds of theatre.

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Academically Leisa was very bright, but because she was the smallest in her class; the school didn’t want to her to skip a grade so they sent her to an enrichment class one or two days a week. I experienced some amazing situations that would never have been done as regular schoolwork. My favourite things were learning how to develop film and joining a ‘dig’ where we dug up the bones of an elephant that had passed through Sudbury in a circus and had to be put down when it hurt its trainer. Then, in grade four, my school decided to skip me after all. I was painfully shy, but I loved school because learning came easily to me. All through public school I received outstanding student awards for math, science, art and public speaking. This was odd because as shy as I was I excelled at getting up in front of lots of people to speak and tell stories; I especially enjoyed the fun of becoming someone else in the telling of the stories. Leisa remembers that when she was really young her older sister would dance around the room with her on her hip to Beatles tunes. continued on pg. 62

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Leisa Way...continued from pg. 61

I was always singing something too. I loved Olivia NewtonJohn, and Mom and Dad would ask me to sing her songs, but I was so shy that I’d leave the living room and go into the kitchen and turn my back to the ‘audience’ to sing. Then I‘d let ‘er rip! I sang a lot in the car… Mom and Dad would yell out song titles and I entertained them singing Irish tunes like, When Irish Eyes Are Smiling, I’ll Take You Home Again Kathleen and of course, Danny Boy. Her adoptive mom was thrilled to have a child that loved music so much. Her siblings all played instruments and sang to entertain themselves while growing up. My dad’s family ‘can’t carry a tune in a bucket’ as they say. Dad loved music, and he had the most beautifully off-key voice I’ve ever heard. Mom always marvelled that even though I was adopted, it turned out that I was more like my mom and dad in many ways than my siblings… as if I’d been born of their flesh. They tried to explain my adoption to me by saying that they had picked me out at a baby store. When I was about four, old enough to understand, my mom gave me this poem, to help me understand how she felt about my adoption. Not flesh of my flesh, Nor bone of my bone, But nevertheless still my own. Never forget for a single minute You weren't born under my heart - but in it. When Leisa got a bit older her parents told her the real story of her adoption. This instilled in her how proud she should be for being adopted, because she was a child that was so very wanted. My whole life, I’ve always felt that my ‘real’ parents were the ones that adopted me. My ‘real’ mother is the mother who sat by my bed when I was sick and held my hand… who helped me with my homework… who made graham wafer piecrusts and would save me a bowl of just the leftover crumbs to eat when I got home from school…who went back to work just to pay for my music lessons that we really couldn’t afford.That’s my ‘real’ mother. My birth mother did just that - she gave birth to me, and I will always be incredibly grateful that she made the decision she did at such a young age, to give me to parents who truly wanted me and who blessed my life with such love. In public school my teacher discovered that I could sing so she had me sing something in just about every school concert. And when I was 9, an older student (one of the ‘cool’ kids, who I admired) contacted my parents and told them about a great music teacher that lived in Sudbury. Bette Leake became my singing teacher and a long-time 62 www.womenwithvision.ca

friend. She instilled in me a love for classical music. She taught me the basics that I needed in order to go on to have a career and to sing just about anything. Bette taught me how to keep my voice healthy… singing any style of music by breathing properly and not abuse my vocal chords. I became known as ‘Sudbury’s Sweetheart’. I sang at all the big events in the city including Queen Elizabeth’s visit in 1984, Teddy Kennedy’s visit, a dinner for Terry Fox, the Special Olympics, the Labatt Curling Briar, to name a few – and I sang Oh, Canada at numerous events. By this time I was singing with the awardwinning Copper Cliff Highlander Pipe Band, with Captain Sam Laderoute, and thanks to Sam, the mining company, Inco had me sing at many gala events. I also had the opportunity to work with big bands from Toronto. (Sam continued to mentor me Leisa dressed to sing for the Highlanders and support me until his death in the late 90s.) My life’s path changed in 1981 when a friend heard about the professional theatre in town auditioning for The Wizard of Oz. I auditioned and got the part of ‘Dorothy’ and met my next mentor, Tony Lloyd, the founder of the Sudbury Theatre Centre. Tony believed in me – he saw the shy inexperienced kid - but he believed that I had talent and definitely guided me and gave me the tools that helped me succeed in this crazy business. For 5 years Leisa starred in 10 musicals for Tony Lloyd. It was an amazing opportunity for her to work with professional actors, many of whom she is still working with today. I guess you could call that my personal “theatre school”. I remember Tony always saying to me, “Working is the best way to learn.” and, “Each role you play, you will learn something different”. My first professional role was in grade nine at Marymount College. Back then there were no ‘arts schools’. During my

entire time at Marymount I missed at least 3 months of school a year doing various theatrical productions. My mother’s rule was that I could continue to be involved in these plays & musicals, as long as I stayed on the Honour Roll, which I did. Leisa started doing numerous television commercials which paid for her first car.

INSPIRATIONAL

So, at the end of my first year, I left school and went back home to Sudbury. In 1985 Leisa’s mentor and director Tony Lloyd came to her rescue, offering her a job as assistant publicity director of Sudbury Theatre Centre (STC).

I was heavily involved in both the Kiwanis and Music Canada Festivals, taking home many scholarships over the years. Mom and Dad drove my singing teacher and accompanist, Bette and I to Toronto to compete many times, and thankfully the award money I won usually paid for the trips. Mom and Dad were very happy the day I got my licence as it was becoming a full-time job for them to chauffeur me around from event to event. One summer I sang at over 25 weddings - some days singing at 3 or 4 weddings a day. It wasn’t until years later I realized the sacrifice my parents made for my career.

This gave me a whole year to think about what I really wanted to do. Tony saw into the future and knew that I just needed time to think. That year at STC doing publicity has proven invaluable over the years, as I’ve done publicity for a few theatres, now including my own company, and it’s a priceless skill for any entertainer to have. At the end of that year I decided that musical theatre was going to be my life, and that Sheridan College was the best place to study. In the fall of ‘86, I missed the first 2 months of college because I was starring in a professional show... I had only been at Sheridan for three weeks before I was offered professional work in Toronto. I had to make the decision to leave school and I haven’t looked back.

Leisa began to think about what she wanted to do for the rest of her life…and the choice seemed inevitable. She wanted to sing and act and in doing so, she’d make people happy….and make herself happy too.

Leisa couldn’t get an audition for Anne of Green Gables to save her life because she didn’t have an agent yet and wasn’t a member of Canadian Actor’s Equity (the professional actor‘s association).

Between fourteen and nineteen years of age I starred in The Sound of Music, Oklahoma, The King and I, Babes in Arms, Wizard of Oz, Oliver, Showboat and Anne of Green Gables. One day Don Harron (the famous Canadian who played the Charlie Farquharson character) came to town to do his oneman show at Sudbury Theatre Centre, and Tony took Don aside and introduced me saying, “One day, this little lady is going to be your Anne of Green Gables”. I think Don thought Tony was crazy. But only two years later this ‘vision’ came true!

I decided to ‘crash’ the auditions. When I arrived I was told they could put me on the waiting list but that I might not get seen. As the day went on I realized that having my name on the list meant nothing as anytime a ‘professional’ actor arrived, even if they were ‘crashing’ like me – his or her name got bumped to the top of the list because they were a part of Equity ( a trade union for artists/performers). By the end of the day, I had sat there from 9a.m. until after 6p.m., in hopes they might take pity on me. I sat on the floor of the waiting room all day long, feeling rather out of place. Don Harron had tripped over me 4 or 5 times during the course of the day (not recognizing me from Sudbury), and at about 6:20 p.m., the doors opened and they were all about to leave and he saw me there. I must have looked waif-like, like Anne of Green Gables herself, after sitting there all day waiting. “You’re still here?” he asked with a bit of a laugh and a smile. Minutes later, I was in the room auditioning! Four call-backs later, the part was mine. I was 20. The rest…is my history!

In the summer of 1981, at Wilfred Laurier University, Leisa was in the opera program (she was the youngest accepted at age 14) and in 1983 she attended the Banff School of Fine Arts in their summer musical theatre program. Bette continued as my voice teacher and encouraged me to pursue opera. She didn’t really approve of all the musical theatre that I was doing. She said, “You’ve got a Cadillac voice, and you are using it as a Volkswagen!” When I graduated high school in 1984 at the age of 17, I decided to head to the University of Toronto and study opera. I wasn’t happy so I only lasted a year before the Dean called me into his office. He was so impressed with me and thought I could have a marvellous career, but I would have to give up my ‘musical theatre dalliances’. I tried to argue that I could do both, plus sing jazz and Broadway show tunes, which I loved, but he was adamant that if I was to continue I would have to leave all other things behind and concentrate on opera alone.

Leisa stayed with the show for the entire 5 years culminating in a 2 month 8-city tour in Japan, where Anne was and is so well-loved. In order to entice the Japanese to bring the entire production over, in 1989 Walter Learning produced a 40 minute production with just 4 actors that was taken to Tokyo and performed in a makeshift theatre at a department store. The audiences were lined up for six flights waiting to get in. It was a huge success, so, a large scale tour was planned. continued on pg. 64

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In 1991 the full tour happened; the cast, crew and orchestra of about 100 people travelled together. We performed in Tokyo and Osaka where the mayor had a special party for me and gave me a beautiful plate that is still on my fireplace mantle. Everywhere we went I was most impressed by the kindness of the people and the beauty of the country. I have now been to Japan 6 times and each time the kindness of the people has given me a great, lasting impression of Japan. Music really does bring the world together! The spirit of Anne, Leisa believes, has made her a better person.

When I met David, I remember talking to God and asking him if it was crazy to send me this man at this point in my life. It seemed too soon to meet someone this wonderful. In the beginning we took our relationship really slowly - and almost 20 years later, we are still just as in love as we were then. Over the years we have spent a lot of time apart as I have pursued a career that took me out of the country performing for months at a time in countries where, back then, it was difficult to communicate with David. He never held me back, or asked me not to go, no matter how his heart broke each time I went away to work.

Leisa at a hospital on kids day, dressed as Anne of Green Gables

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When I looked into Bev’s eyes, my birth mother’s eyes, I could see my own. I realized that there are so many parts of us that make us whole, and that I had been missing that small part. I didn’t know it, but I had missed it. Despite having the most loving parents in the whole world who gave me everything I could possibly want or need, there was a part of me that was searching, some genetic pulse that underlined my life that only I could feel. Meeting Bev and getting to know her calmed that pulse. It also became clear to me the sacrifice that both of these women, my ‘mothers’, had made. One gave me birth and spent the rest of her life worrying about the child she didn’t know, while the other took in a child that was not hers at birth - but the minute she held me in her arms I was hers and will remain her loving daughter until the day I die.When my birth mother was on her deathbed I was there. A strange feeling that I know we both felt, of how right it was that I was there with her, holding her hand. That God had somehow brought us together to complete her life circle and give her peace knowing that her child was happy and healthy - and that she had made the right decision all those years ago. In Leisa’s 30s she continued to perform cabarets on ships… usually spending 3 months a year performing at sea - and the rest of the time she kept her theatre career alive on land, and had some wonderful experiences.

Leisa as Anne of Green Gables shakes hands with Prince Edward

What is that saying, “If you love something set it free - if it comes back, it’s yours”? I have to share with you Lorraine; I did get to meet my birth mother and got to know her quite well. Out of respect for my mother, I had always thought that since there was a big age difference between my mother and birth mother (almost 20 years) that when my mother was gone, maybe then, I would have the opportunity to get to know my birth mother.

INSPIRATIONAL

Recently, Leisa has seen her life come full circle.

Leisa Way...continued from pg. 63

Anne touched my life in such a positive way. Not only was I given amazing opportunities to travel, but opportunities to reach out to people all over the world. At age 25, I decided that it was time to move on from playing 12-year-olds (Anne and Peter Pan). To be honest, I had a little help in making this decision. Tony invited me back to perform at the Sudbury Theatre Centre year after year, but I had been too busy doing Anne in Charlottetown. We both desperately wanted to work with each other again. Tony asked me to do The Sound of Music and Camelot for him in the summer of 1992. The thought of playing “Maria” in The Sound of Music again (a show I‘d done twice already) didn‘t appeal to me, so I asked Tony if I could do Camelot only. He made it clear that the offer was conditional on my doing both roles for him, and since “Guinevere” in Camelot was a dream role, I accepted. I am so grateful to whatever angel on my shoulder made me agree to that, because The Sound of Music was the first show that summer and Tony passed away only 3 days after it closed. Tony had also hand-picked my King Arthur in Camelot, a young actor named David Nairn, who later became my husband.

Leisa staring with Blythe Wilson in The Giant's Garden

Leisa dressed as Patsy Cline

Leisa sings with accompanist Aaron

I landed the role in I Love You in an interesting way. My husband David had done the original Canadian production with Louise Pitre (a former featured performer in Women with Vision and David’s co-star in Les Miserables) and then he was asked to do the show in the States. I flew to New York and auditioned in the composer’s living room and by chance, a week later the woman who happened to be playing the role that I wanted in the production that my husband was in, fell ill, and I ended up being the emergency replacement. I learned the show in 4 days. My husband and I performed in the show together for 6 months in Detroit, and then I went on to do the national US tour of the show. David was approached to apply for the job of Artistic Director of Theatre Orangeville, back home in Ontario. Needless to say the thought of becoming Artistic Director of this fabulous theatre was very exciting. The committee interviewed me too, as they wanted to get to know me as well, to make sure that I would be happy moving to a ‘small’ town. To which I replied, “I’d love it! I grew up in a small town!

Leisa with her aunt Jean, Mom & Dad (Leo and Eilleen Way) in dressing room

Leisa staring in Born Yesterday with Brad Borbridge in British Columbia

Leisa staring with David Nairn in The Love List

continued on pg. 66

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Leisa Way..continued from pg. 65

For the first time in Leisa and David’s relationship one of them had a steady job, in one place. Now, wherever Leisa was worldtravelling she pretty much knew where David would be, and a big bonus was being so close to family, instead of gallivanting all over the world. Sadly, my father died the week after David started this new job, so he never got to enjoy this new part of our lives. I know that losing my father had an impact on me that still reverberates within me today. Dad was a rock for the family… a man with a heart as big as the great outdoors that he loved so much.

And I’ve learned so much in doing the actual performances in my concerts. It is just me onstage, talking to the audience, singing the songs and sharing the story of the artists to whom I pay tribute. It is very interactive… I love it! I had never done stand-up comedy or a lot of improvisation. In the beginning I was terrified of just going onstage as me (and not being able to hide behind a character), but this is proving to be so much fun for me. I was getting up in front of an audience and performing in a concert that was literally different every night depending on the audience’s response.

In the past when my career was moving so quickly I felt like I was always playing catch-up and desperately trying to meet the expectations not only of the people who hired and cast me, but the audience as well. Now I feel much more in control of my career; especially now that I am producing my own concerts. I feel that I have found a nice balance between my career and my family and friends.

My Grandmother White always said “if you live long enough, you will have seen it all”. Now she had many good reasons for feeling that way. You see, she came to Canada on a sailing ship in a wheel chair when she was nine. Their new promised land was Government sponsored acreage to farm up near Whitehall in Ontario. Her parent’s goal was to clear the land and have a cabin built by the fall. Now what could be wrong with that plan? Well, when they got to their allotted property the trees were so close together the kids could hardly squeeze between them to even view the interior. They had to start cutting trees to make a road into where they were going to start cutting to build the cabin. Poor planning, probably not, you see they made their decisions based on their normal. The challenge started when the picture they perceived based on their everyday knowledge was not their “new normal”. In those days it was adjust or die, kids and all. Did they make the right decisions? Not all of the time, but they were in a “no turn back” position and they adjusted to their “new normal”. A person’s determination to survive is a very tough task master especially in those days.

As a child, from the time I was old enough to remember my dreams, I wanted to be a singer. Inspired by Judy Garland in The Wizard of Oz, when I actually got the part of ‘Dorothy’. I naively thought that was a sign that I was going to follow in her footsteps. I find it interesting that I started off life in a small town, dreaming of a career singing, just like the two artists that I now celebrate in my concerts: Dolly Parton and Patsy Cline. Just like these legendary ladies who became stars in their own right, I had a vision as a young girl of sharing my music with the world. During our interview at her home in Orangeville I learned firsthand of Leisa’s passion for music and how driven she is. A woman with vision who enjoys giving of herself for the joy of seeing others smile and laugh. Determined to the point of stubbornness Leisa continues to work hard on her chosen path; a journey of no regrets in her life. She thrives on the love of her audiences which has provided her with a generous and positive outlook on life. She now shines with her own star.

I don’t know if it is just me, but there seems to be a “new normal” all around me.The opportunities my grandkids have to experience life, to get an education, and to plan their future is a good example. Compared to my generation, the world is wide open to them it is “normal” based on their knowledge. I

Hey Leisa: you’ve come a long way, lady!

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By Marj Sawers

Leisa poses as Dolly for a promo shoot.

My dad always said, “There is no failure, except when you no longer try.” I’ve also heard another saying, “Try and fail, but don’t fail to try.”

new

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am sure my Grandparents shook their heads when we went off to nursing or business college out of town, but now the kids go to the other side of the world to teach, or to go to University and that is their “new normal”. It is exciting, however just a little nerve racking for those who are waving good bye. You see our fears are based on “our normal” their determination is based on “their normal”. What are you basing your fears on? I believe that nothing happens until there is an idea, a plan that someone has the belief and energy to breathe life into, and the fortitude to make it work. What plans have you been nurturing? How are you going to stretch your “normal”? Will it become your “new normal” or a “should have, could have”? We are so blessed to live in this wonderful country with so many opportunities - don’t waste them. I am sitting here with a smile on my face thinking about the day I first met the owner of the very magazine you are holding in your hands.You know if Lorraine Leslie had not reached out for her “new normal” you would not be reading this challenge, what are you going to do about it??? We will be cheering you on.

■ Marj Sawers, Wedding Wizard plan@weddingwizard.ca

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MOTIVATIONAL

INSPIRATIONAL

MOTIVATIONAL

The Speedbump

INSPIRATIONAL

Do You ‘Poof’

PHILOSOPHY

or Re Incarnate?

By Lynda Pogue

By Deborah Johnson Today, perhaps you were presented with a financial, physical or life-style challenge. Or tomorrow you might be called upon, in one way or another, to assist in someone else’s possible roadblock. Whether we are young or old, it inevitably happens to each of us.

Over the last while, as I’ve personally been presented with some pretty hefty speedbumps, I've come to create this simple little philosophy for my approach to my own pathway.

Everyone has to adjust to the never-ending changes that happen in our lives and those around us. We modify ourselves, our plans, and our journey and consequently something different emerges.

I call it “The Speedbump Philosophy”... and it goes like this...

• Our life's journey is filled with little and big speedbumps that are placed before us on each of our own pathways.

• We can chose to let the speedbump be insurmountable and stop us cold on the path causing us to give up. Or • We can take notice of the speedbump... pay close attention to it... slowly move over it... and then face forward again and gradually get moving again... picking up speed as we go along and face the next little rascal that’s been placed before us! 68 www.womenwithvision.ca

It's the part about getting into action/keeping moving that's the critical issue here. I remember speaking to a heart transplant doctor a while ago, and she said that it made her crazy when a patient had a negative, everything-is-againstme, paranoid attitude about his or her life because that person is stacking the deck. Nothing good can come out of this attitude. It’s the one who says “OK. This has happened. Now what can we do about it? Let’s go!” that inspires a positive, smiledfilled, precious outlook that affects both the patient him/herself and all those around him/her. Finding your wit in times of stress is a gift you give to yourself and those around you. This is most likely what each one of the women with vision readers and writers have done individually and collectively for all our lives.That's our incredible strength. The positive force of energy that you create will help you to get over any massive or minor speedbumps that have been placed in your pathway. I don’t remember considering anything like this when I was younger… growing older brings out the ‘sage’ in each of us! And I’m not talking about the herb!

■ Lynda Pogue, Writer, Artist, Professor, Keynote Speaker lyndapogue@sympatico.ca lyndapogue.com

Some believe when we pass we go to Heaven where we remain for all Eternity; others believe we reincarnate back onto the physical plane. A friend of mine refers to her belief as ‘the poof theory’. You’re here, then ‘poof’, you are gone. She believes you have only one opportunity to make your mark, leave your footprint, and your legacy continues via DNA through your children and the memory others carry of you.

If this were the case would we view and live our lives as we do now or would we have a much different perspective and appreciation of our world, knowing we could only savour the physical plane once? Would we be more patient and tolerant of those around us if we only had one chance to ‘earn our brownie points’ for Heaven and the Afterlife? Others believe we reincarnate, each life giving the Soul knowledge, experience and growth, which the Soul carries forward subconsciously. If reincarnation is in fact the process our Soul goes through, then think of life as a Halloween or Masquerade Party. Think of yourself in Spirit or Energy form on the Spiritual plane.You choose your upcoming life, experiences and family as you would choose your costume for the party. You make your selection, don your costume/physical body, reincarnate onto the physical plane and allow your Soul to grow, either by learning from or teaching others. When the party is over, you remove the costume/physical form and your Soul returns to Spirit form once again carrying the memories in subconscious form. When I take a client through a Past Life Regression you recount your past lives to me. This is not a hypnotic state, simply a method of bringing memories from the subconscious to the conscious mind, just as you would recall a previous event from your present life.

What are the benefits of acknowledging your past forms of being? You gain a broader spectrum of your true essence and personal complexities. You recognize (and we release) underlying fears, phobias, illnesses and ailments rooted in past life experiences.You comprehend the life/death process of passing and acknowledge whose hands reached to greet you from the other side as you passed. Past Life Regression also reveals unique qualities and abilities your Soul has gained with each life, a thread of which you carry into each subsequent life you live. Some argue that Past Lives are no more than a way and means of accessing another area of the brain, however even science cannot discern beyond a shadow of a doubt if we do indeed pass this way only once, or reincarnate a multitude of times. If reincarnation truly is what Soul and Spirit does and we keep attending the Masquerade parties, re-view your past lives - what a wonderful way and means to understand all facets of you - past and present – the whole you.

■ Deborah Johnson Author, ‘Look Within, Heal Without’ www.deborah-johnson.net

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Life Numbers

MOTIVATIONAL

MINOR EXPRESSION

Lunch Have

By Paola Gucciardi

Your everyday name has a minor influence compared to that of your full name. It often compensates or balances characteristics that are either missing or dormant in your full name. Your Minor Expression is derived from the consonants of your current name, the everyday name that you use to introduce yourself.

To Calculate...Add all the numerical values of the consonants in your everyday name Example: 1 L Y NN SM I TH 2 3 5 5 1 4 28 3 13=1+3=4 15=1+5=6 4 4+6=10; 1+0=1 Minorxpression

with

and help out a charity

B K T

C L U

D M V

E N W

F O X

G P Y

H Q Z

INSPIRATIONAL

Are you experiencing some of life’s unexpected challenges? Award winning Entrepreneur and Business Life Coach Lorraine Leslie can assist you in changing your limiting beliefs. Unlock your past, learn from the present and look forward to a bright and wonderful future. A one hour session with Coach Lorraine could help you see life from another perspective. Lorraine’s expertise as a Certified Psycho Spiritual Life Coach,Validation Therapist, Business Mentor and Marketing Specialist has helped hundreds of small business owners throughout Ontario to move their lives and businesses to the next level.

Meet with Coach Lorraine and walk away feeling a renewed energy and passion for what life really is… Here is how it works: • Call Coach Lorraine to set up a breakfast, lunch or dinner date, time and location 1-866-306-6021 • You spend 60 minutes with Lorraine...talk about business or life’s little challenges • You pick up the tab AND make a $25 donation to Lorraine’s charity of choice*

1. Write your everyday name 2. Using the chart below, record the corresponding numerical value of each consonant in your first and last name (don’t use “Y” as consonant if it is used as the only vowel in the syllable) 3. Subtotal the value of your first and last name 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 4. Add the subtotals until Minor Expression = single digit

A J S

I R

It’s a win-win for all! You get to enhance your life through a one-on-one coaching session with one of Canada’s most successful entrepreneurs and Life Coaches – a regional restaurant gains a new customer – and the charity benefits from your donation.

*Charity of choice is Frontline Breast Cancer Foundation, http://www.fbcf.ca Minor Expression 1 Your Minor Expression enhances your leadership ability. It encourages independence, originality, and innovativeness as well as a strong desire to succeed. It inspires courage, determination and a strong willingness to pursue your goals.

Minor Expression 2 Your short name makes you more sensitive. It increases your need for cooperation and your desire for a harmonious and peaceful home/work environment. It enhances your counseling and mediation abilities and makes you aware of other’s needs.

Minor Expression 3 Your Minor Expression is an uplifting influence that encourages you to enjoy life to its fullest. It makes you feel happygo-lucky, optimistic and inspiring. It enhances your artistic ability, sense of humour as well as your communication skills.

Minor Expression 4 Your short name introduces a serious influence that promotes organization, 70 www.womenwithvision.ca

practicality, discipline and hard work. Friends and family know they can count on you as this number makes you a diligent worker who is dependable and reliable. You can handle many details.

Minor Expression 5 Your Minor Expression increases your desire for travel, adventure and versatility. It promotes change and freedom, and encourages you to meet new people and explore new places. It enhances your creativity and communication skills, and makes you more dynamic and charming.

Minor Expression 6 Your short name is a very responsible influence that increases your concern for family and the plight of others. It enhances your social consciousness and encourages you to pursue healing, teaching and activities that help others less fortunate. Your artistic abilities are heightened.

Minor Expression 7 Your Minor Expression introduces an introspective aspect that causes you to desire more time alone. It encourages you to pursue knowledge and a deeper

understanding to the meaning of life. You may feel an urge to take time for yourself…to contemplate and meditate.

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Minor Expression 8 Your short name enhances your leadership capabilities and business acumen. It increases your managerial, organizational and administrative abilities. It makes you a good judge of character, and motivates you to pursue and accomplish you goals.

Minor Expression 9 Your Minor Expression makes you more aware and sensitive to the well-being of humanity. It helps you to understand all types of people and encourages you to become involved in political, philosophical and spiritual movements that will improve mankind. This influence also helps you to tap into your artistic self.

■ Paola Gucciardi, Numerologist www.lifenumbers.ca

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clip and mail this order form to: 156 Brophy's Lane, Blue Mountains ON L9Y 0K3 along with a cheque or money order made payable to Women with Vision Inc. www.womenwithvision.ca 71

Women with...

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As the

Mountain Turns... Georgian Bay Life & Pictorial

™

BECOME

Women with Vision was founded in 1998 to offer business women a networking venue in which they can provide support for one another and develop new business connections. Through this dynamic networking opportunity attendees will receive motivation, inspiration, advice and mutual support to help them take their business & lives in general to the highest possible level.

Guests & New Members are always welcome. Luncheons/Dinners: Luncheons meet at 11:30 a.m. / Dinners at 6:00 p.m. and last for two and a half hours. Each district has its own networking day and location.

Cost: Each district has its own fee structure ranging from $25 to $30. Reserved seating only. Contact the District Coordinator no later than 48 hours prior to the Women with Vision!™ Networking Luncheon/Dinner at the location of your choice.

MEMBER...

Usual Agenda: 11:30 12:00 12:30 12:50 1:15 1:30

Registration & Networking Lunch Announcements & Introductions Guest Speaker Q &A Back to work…

Membership: Annual Fee: $75.00 + $9.75 HST = $84.75

Members benefits: • WWV Membership REFERRAL BONUSES* • Direct mailing of Women with Vision Magazine • $5 off on your luncheon or dinner – all regions • Member bio and picture on the Women with Vision website with a link to your website • 10% off magazine advertising*

• 1/2 hour telephone session with Award Winning Coach Lorraine Leslie • WWV Membership tax receipt • Advance notification of networking events, conferences and trade shows • Annual Membership Card • Franchise opportunities

To enquire about Networking Luncheon/Dinner locations across Ontario contact Head Office 156 Brophy’s Lane, Blue Mountains ON L9Y 0K3 Phone: 1-866-306-6021 womenwithvision@rogers.com www.womenwithvision.ca

New Regions Opening all the time Call us to become a District Coordinator in your community.

Start a Women with Vision! Networking Association in YOUR community today! We are seeking businesswomen who are committed to excellence, leadership, mentorship and supporting like-minded women in business! The right person will understand business development, marketing and building the Women with Vision mission: to educate, motivate, inspire and promote women in business and daily living. If you are a leader that likes to change lives and you believe in working with a dynamic visionary team…Women with Vision is for YOU!

Give us a call today! 1.866.306.6021 or email your resume to: womenwithvision@rogers.com – Application Go to our website at www.womenwithvision.ca to see how we’ve grown from a one page newsletter to a full glossy magazine and 6 Women with Vision Networking Chapters. Send us your resume, request and application form, meet with us in person, and you could become part of the Women with Vision Networking Association in your community.

Women with Vision Networking Lunch & Dinners Barrie 1st Wed / month Luncheon District Coordinator Joan Oickle 705-791-8491

Collingwood 4th Thur / month Dinner District Coordinator Lorraine Leslie 1.866.306.6021

Owen Sound 3rd Fri / month Luncheon District Coordinator Lorraine Leslie 519-372-1595

CHECK THE WEBSITE FOR MORE INFO 72 www.womenwithvision.ca

NEW South Simcoe Cookstown area 1st Thur / month Dinner District Coordinator Andrea Roylance 705.321.4391

NEW North Simcoe Midland area 2nd Thur / month Luncheon District Coordinator Patricia Robitaille 705-528-3430

www.womenwithvision.ca www.womenwithvision.ca 73

Special Eve nt s Sho wc as ing th e Co m m un ity. .. GEORGIAN BAY LIFE

& PICTORIAL ©

GEORGIAN BAY LIFE

& PICTORIAL ©

Special Events Showcasing the Community... GEORGIAN BAY LIFE

& PICTORIAL ©

GEORGIAN BAY LIFE

& PICTORIAL ©

Celebrating 13 Years in Business

What’s Your

The LAST

WORD

VISION!

Diamonds aground ignite the snow, As a sunset falls from high to low. Crisp and clean nature does share,

If your goal is to build a rewarding and exciting career in publishing, then look no further than the best woman-owned company & professional networking team ~ Women with Vision! We can provide you with the opportunity to create a great career.

A time of day so special and rare. A reflective moon dog slowly appears, Popping its head crystal clear.

Women with Vision! is an award-winning publishing company that educates, promotes, inspires and motivates its readership, locally, provincially and across Canada.

As night ascends to shadow us all, Cherish each day into quiet nightfall.

If you’re a positive outgoing person who likes to: By Lorraine Leslie

• • • • •

Meet new people daily Showcase your community Educate, motivate and inspire others Work with a dedicated team of professionals Make a great income while having fun… ...then Women with Vision! Magazine is for you!

78 78 www.womenwithvision.ca www.womenwithvision.ca

We provide training, additional income streams, a vested interest in building the company, retirement security for you and your family while owning your own business within a business. Now that’s a VISION!™ Women with Vision! offers the opportunity of a lifetime for women looking to own their own business in publishing. Women with...

VISION!

™

Call Lorraine Leslie for Franchise Opportunities Locally ~ Provincially ~ Nationally

www.womenwithvision.ca 79 www.womenwithvision.ca

1-866-306-6021