Eleven shades of Winston

Sometimes I become consumed with life's little negativities, regardless of how impermanent they are.  I've been doing this a lot lately... even more in the real world than I do on my blog.

My beautiful wife reminded me this morning that it's important to take the time to reflect on the positive things that  make us passionate and sometimes focus on good or happy perspectives of the present.  It is with that in mind that I write this list of things that make my heart feel super-happy:

Exploring - The deep woods, urban centres, train yards.... I've always loved poking around to see what's new (or old) - and perhaps gain perspectives of life otherwise not imagined.  This was the driving force behind the very first incarnation of my blog.  (I've never been, but I would imagine I would absolutely love space exploration)

She may not look like much but she's got it where it counts

Photography - This one sort of goes with the exploring.  It's nice to have a picture to show you were there and what it really looked like, but also it helped to expand the exploring by always trying to search out subjects that have never been photographed before.

Star Wars - Yup. Maybe not so much since the prequels were released, but I have to admit I have hugely high expectations now that Disney is running the show.  I'm a little less wary of admitting that I'm a Star Wars fan again.

I don't know the people who live here, but I  feel like I should 

bring them a batch of "Wookiee Cookies" for making my day.

Quality (read: non-parenting) time with my wife - After six years, five dogs, three kids, and a cat she is still my favorite person, and I find her to be the most attractive thing on the planet.  I love her to death and greatly enjoy her company in every regard.

Busking - I've always enjoyed playing instruments, and I've had entrepreneurial spirit from a very young age. This allows those two things to be combined and that kicks ass.

Building things - Lego construction, snow forts, shelving units, you name it.  If it involves turning smaller pieces into a more complete whole, I'm there.  The same goes for fixing things and "upgrading" things.

Cooking/baking (non-professional) - I'm almost a Red Seal chef.... I even had my own restaurant for a while.  I really do love food and flavour and can prepare just about any kind of cuisine.  Although I am passionate about the craft of cookery, I quickly learned during the time I did it professionally that cooking for my friends family and myself is a whole different (and more enjoyable) stick of butter than doing it for the public at large and for money.

Biking - I'm not your typical "stick-to-the-bike-paths" biker.  I like to get on the beaten trail... then off the beaten trail... then carry the bike with one arm against my back as I cross a ravine on a slippery log while fending off a grumpy badger chasing me.  I bike everywhere - even in the winter.

Drawing/sculpting - This is another thing on my list that I went to school for.  I'm not the greatest at it, but it's fun, relaxing, and brings a sense of fulfillment for some reason.

My favorite mediums are pastels, pencil, 

crayon, chalk, and broken circuit-board.

Teaching/coaching - A good number of my previous jobs have involved teaching or educating in some capacity.  One of the reasons I'm drawn to this is because it's something I really enjoy doing.  I'm good at it and again, I get a sense of fulfillment from helping somebody out or expanding a person's knowledge.

Well, that was fun.... and a good exercise in reflection.  One of the reasons I'm blogging again is to regain some of my creativity.  What better thing to do than take an inventory of things I'm passionate about and thus inspire said creativity.

What makes you creative?