Believe in People....And Beautiful Things

Little things to make us smile and remind us life is good.

Miss Representation

The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any. – Alice Walker

I came across this video today and I wanted to share it with every Little Bird out there. If you’re reading this and you know of any young ladies who might learn something from it, or be inspired by it, please go ahead and share it.

Simply put this video is a creative and artistic way of sharing some unfortunate statistics of the influence of the media on young girls. It is also a small preview of what can be learned from the award-winning documentary Miss Representation. Describing it will not do it justice. Just take the time to watch this trailer and then spread the word to all young girls everywhere. I you are an educator you can also request to have a screening of the film at your school or organization. You will not regret it and we will all be better for it.

The film is written, directed and produced by Jennifer Siebel Newsom, and premiered at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival. Over a million people all over the world have seen the inspiring film to date, will you?

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A Letter To My Younger Self

Posted on April 24, 2012

Some say that wisdom comes with age. I am now a year older….so does that mean I’m a year wiser? That seems questionable. What I do know is that I have evolved. A year ago today I was still in recovery mode. Trying to get my life back to normal after a magical 8 months on the road with the West Side Story tour. I was trying to get my feet back on the ground, back to reality, and dealing with the usual fears that come with the end of one adventure and the beginning of….who knows?

In one year I have evolved from a heartbroken ingenue to a motivated go-getter, to a terrified creative type and finally ended up as a centred,  hopeful optimist (on a good day, or course)! All I’m trying to say is that I am a year older and I DO feel wiser, but not because I have more knowledge or more answers. I feel wiser because I have gone through a year’s worth of experiences that have informed me of the world, my life in it, and what I need to do to get through it in one piece. For that I am grateful.

Have you ever read the series of books ‘What I Know Now‘? I read them about 5 years ago and they have stuck with me ever since. ‘What I know Now’ is a collection of letters that well-known and accomplished women have written to their younger selves. The letters are a reminder that we all start out the same. Scared, foolish, lost, optimistic and hopeful.

This picture is of me on my first day of Kindergarden in Lima, Peru. I still have this uniform and I will never get rid of it. It’s a reminder of a life I miss and am proud of…and it’s pretty darn cute. What follows is a short letter to my younger self.

Little one, 

You are so excited to begin this new adventure. You love school. The schedule, the order, the rules, the people, the curiosity! All things that will fuel you in the future. However, I also know you are nervous. What if the kids don’t like you, what if it’s too hard? What if, god forbid, the teacher doesn’t like you? All these questions are running through your head but you have always been able to keep your chin up and not show the fear. You are proud of your strength. 

I’m here to tell you that you will be fine! You will have friends. School will be an exciting adventure and won’t give you any trouble. Teachers will become friends, they will teach you more than just reading and writing and you will be open to the lessons. You will fill your head with your own opinions and your curiosity will enable you to dream big. I also want to tell you to let your guard down. It’s ok to show weakness, people will be there to help you. You can be strong and independent while at the same time need a helping hand. You will still have friends even if you share with them your curious interests…theatre, singing, going to Peru, Gloria, Bernadette! Make sure to never compromise who you are and what you believe. People will respect you for it. 

So little one, have a great first day. Just be yourself and learn a lot. Enjoy the playground, do some cartwheels and make some friends!

Excited for you,

Erika 

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The Many Faces of William Shakespeare

Among other things, Shakespeare and I share a birthday and a passion for the theatre. His plays are as diverse as the images in these paintings, and as actors we always strive to perform his rich and diverse cast of characters.

English was not my first language so I am always amazed by the language and its origins. It never fails to surprise me when I hear of certain words that were coined by Mr. Shakespeare himself. Obscene, alligator, skim milk and eye ball to name a few!

These prints, from www.fab.com are a fitting tribute to the genius. Eclectic and richly detailed. The video below is a quirky history of Shakespeare and his influence on the English language.

Who else shares our day of birth? Shirley Temple, Sandra Dee, and Michael Moore! I am in good company.

From The Earth – For The Earth: The DAVIDsTEA Promise

The Davids have joined forces! Together they will fight environmental injustices everywhere!

It was announced earlier this week that DAVIDsTEA, the amazing Tea company I work for, has formed a partnership with the David Suzuki Foundation. What does this mean, you ask? Well, it means that now a portion of DAVIDsTEA profits will go to the foundation, and in return the David Suzuki Foundation will teach DAVIDsTEA how to be as environmentally aware as possible! Since the company began they have tried to do as much as possible in an earth friendly way, but there is always room to do better! I could not be more excited to be a part of this union and try to help the earth one tea-cup at a time.

Along with this partnership, DAVIDsTEA announced a new Initiative called FTE-FTE (From The Earth-For The Earth). This will be a platform from which DT will share all their earth friendly ways and suggestions! Quite simply it means we are grateful for what the earth has given us (From The Earth), and we will do everything we can to try to preserve its beauty (For The Earth). Lovely, right?

If this has sparked a glow in you please go to the DAVIDsTEA website and check out all the info here! In the meantime, watch this little video David Suzuki recorded to support the partnership.

Believe in People!

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The Perfect Words of Julia Alvarez


 When I was a teenager I came across a book called ‘How The Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents’. It was able to capture how I felt being, essentially, an immigrants daughter. I was born In Lima, Peru but moved to Canada when I was 7. I actually turned 7 the day I got here. Epic.

I have had a pretty amazing life here. Never had to deal with any issues of racism or prejudice, but I definitely have felt different. It’s a feeling that I sometimes like. I like having a different background than the rest of my friends. I enjoy being able to live parallel lives…my life in Toronto and my life when I go to Lima. Those things have shaped who I am today. They have made me, well, me.

My struggles have been centred around trying to figure out where I belong. Where am I meant to be. Who was I meant to be. What if I had stayed in Lima and never moved? Who would I become?

Julia Alvarez, in her Garcia Girls novel and  in her book of poetry ‘The Woman I Kept To Myself’ has been able to capture all the things I’ve been feeling and put them into beautiful words and pages. She by far is the poet and writer who I have most identified with, and it is why I tend to read and reread her poetry quite often.

She is able to articulate my thoughts and at the same time remind me that I am not alone. That others feel the same way and that it is ok! You can be grateful for the life you have and still have a sense of wonder about what might have been. Heck, you can even explore ‘what might have been’ in the future, with more time, and maybe even with a family of your own.

This might only resonate with people who know what it’s like to live somewhere where they were not born. But I have a feeling it will resonate with anyone who has a wandering spirit or is a ‘citizen of the world’…..eventually we will all find our place.

This month, do something wonderful for your soul and pick up this book. When you’re done pick up her other novels, and when that’s done, why not try a little poetry of your own. Where do you feel you belong?

This One Is For The Little Birds

I love Dallas Clayton and his story. His books are a must for any home with children, as well as anyone who appreciates a little inspiration, and is a child at heart.

I have to say, It think a lot of Dallas’ pieces would be perfect as art work on kid’s bedroom walls. They’re beautiful and always contain a wonderful message.

I thought this was a fitting post for the little ones during Poetry Month. Thank you, Dallas!

Find out more at www.dallasclayton.com

The Beauty All Around Us

I tend to be someone who walks down the street and I’m either looking at the ground or I’m daydreaming. Either way, if I’m not careful I miss out on all the beautiful things around me, in my neighbourhood, and right in front of my eyes. I know this about myself so I have to make an effort to pay attention. To focus on what’s is happening in the moment instead of what happened yesterday or what’s on the schedule for tomorrow. I think it’s my type A personality, but that’s no excuse!

The artwork of Kelly Rae Roberts is one of those things that makes me stop in my tracks and relish the moment. There is something about her pieces that grabs my imagination and  focus. I think it’s a combination of the beautiful, detailed art and the words of wisdom that often accompany the pieces. I can look at her work for hours and not feel guilty about it. It reminds me that art has the power to change lives (including the life of the artist herself), evoke great and creative thoughts, and quite simply brighten our darkest days.

Go outside for a walk, look ahead, look up, find the beauty and art all around you, take pictures, and don’t look at the ground even once. You don’t want to miss anything.

Give Yourself A Hand

I’ve been meaning to get some book lists on this blog for a while but I had so many books to look through the task seemed completely overwhelming! I am happy now to have narrowed down some choices, created some themed lists, and taken some pictures to go along with them.

This first collection of books are meant to give us all the little helping hand we need when we haven’t had the best year, the month has seemed off, the week has been too long, or simply when we’re having an off day.

I love reading these kinds of books because they combine two of my favorite things; reading about the lives and experiences of others, and the opportunity to reflect on my life and ways I can improve it. Each of these books had a big impact on my life and my relationship with the world. I hope they can serve all of you in the same way.

“We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand.”

THE HAPPINESS PROJECT by Gretchen Rubin: This is the wise story of a woman who, after a moment of clarity on a city bus, decides to dedicate a year to her Happiness Project. Each month she tackles a new resolution and takes us all along for the ride. So inspiring and entertaining at the same time. I loved reading it and definitely walked away with some lifelong lessons and tips for a happier life!

THIS I BELIEVE by Jay Allison and Dan Gediman in association with NPR: This is a brilliant collection of 80 thought-provoking essays. The contributors include Isabel Allende, Leonard Bernstein, Albert Einstein, Bill Gates, Martha Graham and the list goes on. Each essay challenges us to think and rethink our beliefs and how we came to them. Incredible words by incredible people.

THE LAST LECTURE by Randy Pausch: This book has always stayed with me. This is the story of Professor Randy Pausch and his ‘last lecture’ after being diagnosed with terminal cancer. He always intended it to be for his children and so he titled it “Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams”. He wanted to teach his children the importance or seizing every moment, overcoming obstacles and enabling the dreams of others. He wanted to remind all of us that it’s about living.

TOO SOON OLD, TOO LATE SMART  - Thirty True Things You Need To Know Now by Gordon Livingston: A friend recommended this book to me and I loved the title. Little did I know that Livingston’s lessons would really resonate with me and stay with me forever. Livingston is a parent who has lost two of his children and his 30 true things seem to all come from a place of deep knowledge and personal experience. I believe he believes every word he is saying and I was truly changed by his words.

AND NEVER STOP DANCING – Thirty More True Things You Need To Know Now by Gordon Livingston: this second installment of Livingston’s books was another wonderful read. If you enjoyed the first book you will also be grateful for the second one. In total Livingston has given us 60 true things we need to know. Now the rest is up to us!

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Wise Beyond Her Years, Tavi Gevinson Is No Rookie

When I was 15 I spent most of my time studying, playing soccer, singing and hanging out with my friends at the mall. I was a studious, curious teen with big dreams and ambitions to make a difference, but I saw those dreams being fulfilled in the future. When I grew up. I’ve always lived my life in order. I thought, I’ll be a kid, I’ll be a teen, I’ll go to school, I’ll grow up, I’ll get a job, and then that job will make a difference. What my dreams were aren’t the point. The point is I don’t think I realized I could make a difference in the world until I grew up.

I did dream about acting and performing as a kid. I knew I could do that at ANY age. But, the idea of being taken seriously or making a difference always seemed like something “grown ups” did. Now that I’m a certain age I’m happy with who I am, what I’m doing and how I live in the world. However, I’m also happy and excited to see how young people are taking a lead and taking charge of their dreams and issues that need to be tackled in the world.

Tavi Gevinson is one of those teens. Independent, strong, smart, feminist, quirky and proud of it. I have a vague memory of seeing Tavi on television a few years ago and thinking she was such a unique kid. She had the whimsical, quirky spirit that some people can only pretend to have. I wasn’t sure who she was or what her life was like, I still don’t, but I was curious about what her days were like at school. I hoped then and especially now, that kids realize what a special person she is.

A couple of days ago she popped back into my life through a TEDxTeen youtube video. I listened to her speak for almost 8 minutes and by the end of it I was a fan. I was also incredibly excited to share her message with everyone I knew, young or old. This teen is talking about things that I only began to articulate in my head in my 20s…and I still wouldn’t be able to have a coherent conversation about it! Feminism is a topic that can sometimes get so heated and so controversial, but Tavi has boiled it down to 8 minutes in her speech titled ‘Still Figuring It Out’, and she is more coherent that I could ever hope to be.

Watch this video. Share it with your kids, your sister, your friends and then go spend some time on thestylerookie.com. This girl will blow your mind. Not only does ROOKIE have insightful articles and interviews, it also includes some incredible photographs taken by Tavi herself. Is there anything she can’t do??

Feminism Is Not A Rulebook

“One thing that can be very alienating about a misconception of feminism is that girls then think that to be feminists they have to live up to being perfectly consistent in their beliefs, never being insecure, never having doubts, having all the answers… and this is not true and actually recognizing all the contradictions I was feeling became easier once I realized that feminism was not a rulebook but a discussion, a conversation, a process.”

- Tavi Gevinson

I Might Have A Small Book Obsession

I’ve admitted before that I definitely judge a book by its cover. I enjoy beautiful design and packaging. It’s true. So when I first set eyes on this collection of Penguin Classics I concluded that I was going to have to get every book in the collection. Even if I had already read them. I didn’t care. I realized that they were not just gonna be good re-reads, but they were also going to be an amazing addition to any room or space! They are just so beautiful!

I have this thing with using books as decoration. I even own books about decorating with books. If there are books on the subject it makes me feel like I’m not alone. There are others like me. Other souls who see the beauty of books.

They are an escape, a voyage, a lesson, a companion, a funny friend and a teacher. Like theatre, I feel they have shaped who I am completely.

Let them in. Let them play with your kids. Allow time every day for a lesson or two. It just might be what the world needs right now, and what might spark the idea that can change your life.

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This Is Your LIFE.

Recognize this incredible poster of powerful words? Do you remember seeing it all over your newsfeed on Facebook? Well I finally learnt where it came from and I am so excited at my discovery!

Holstee is a company with a conscience. It’s what can happen when people sit down for a second, stop moving, and really think about what they want out of life and for the world. That’s what Mike, Dave and their cousin Fabian did a few years ago and what came out of it was the Holstee Manifesto. The poster you see above, and the message that’s being heard all over the world. Thankfully.

The name Holstee came from the first product they started selling. A t-shirt with a strategically placed holster pocket. They now have numerous products on their website including alpaca hats from Peru, a up-cycled wallet and greeting cards with the Holstee Manifesto. I will be ordering those soon!

Their website is also full of inspirational material the company wants to put out into the universe. I am so excited to share their message with as many people as I can and if you want to do the same feel free to check them out here. You will not be dissapointed!

Do you need more help absorbing the message or sharing it with you friends? Thankfully there is also a video you can watch which might do the trick ;)

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Caine Monroy: An Arcade Story

This video has been popping up all over the internet recently. I finally had a chance to watch it this morning and then I watched it again. And again. And again. This little bird is magical. I can’t get him out of my head. His eyes have the curious spark that I love to see in children. I’ve met kids with this spark and they always grow up to do incredible things. Caine is going to be magic. He’ll change the world, I know it.

His father is also a magical man. I was blown away by the simple, loving way that he described his son’s creative endeavour. As if it was the most natural thing in the world for a father to give up his entire storefront because his son wanted to create a cardboard arcade. His support is what is going to make all the difference for Caine. Parents take note.

I challenge you to watch this video and do everything you can to ensure that this kid gets all the help he needs to reach his full potential. I bet if you could swing it you would want to go to LA just to get a fun pass!

Nirvan Mullick, the creator of the film, has created a scholarship fund for Caine which can be found here. I’m so inspired by Nirvan for thinking outside the box, of someone other than himself, and reaching out to this creative kid. Like Caine, this short film in MAGIC. To learn more about Nirvan please check out his website here. His creative spark must also be encouraged!

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How To Change The World In 5 Steps: Joy Apparel

JOY APPAREL

A few years ago I filmed a little commercial for this incredible t-shirt company. Their mission is clearly stated in their 5 easy steps, but it’s worth mentioning that the people involved are just as wonderful as their message. I got a free t-shirt for my work and I have worn it proudly ever since.

The company is the brain child of Jeff Woodrow. An inspiring man from Toronto who quit his day job to focus on making the world a better place one t-shirt at a time. The idea is so simple and brilliant, yet an idea is only worthwhile if you get up and do something about it. Jeff now spends his days drawing the faces you see on every t-shirt which come from the thousands of submissions he receives worldwide.

Joy Apparel is based on the idea that by wearing each other and our message on our hearts (on the t-shirt), we can learn to love each other and make the world a better place. 5% of the net profits also go to a different charity every month. It really is a simple yet beautiful message.

Check out Joy Apparel here and see how you can share the love. Maybe one day I’ll be wearing your face and message on my heart. Wherever we may be in the world.

A t-shirt Jeff made for a production I was working on called Dog Sees God. Love the yellow.

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Tea Humour. But True!

Amen. If you don’t believe it please go to your local tea shop, perhaps say, a DAVIDsTEA, and try a delicious blend. But please, try something new! No Orange Pekoe for you….if it’s a serious problem I suggest a little something with Lavender or Jasmine. You’re problems will be gone in no time!

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