I've started my hiking training last week. Diabetes Canada has an 18 week training schedule, but I started earlier and am doubling up on a couple of the weeks schedules. I am really out of shape, and today's 7.3km hike has my legs a bit sore. As this is a tougher week for me, I am going to repeat it next week. Week One was April 15-21 and the goal was 9km. I had completed 14.12km (I was motivated) and now this week I find hard. Today, I had great company on my hike. A friend and my wonderful mother, who stuck with me the whole way. We did the White Pine Loop, twice. I love this trail. It's well kept and I love the area by the river/creek. There is a great inspiring energy.

I go through phases when I don't think I can do it. The last $2,330 seems so far away, and by the end of the month I have to walk 20km to do in a week. It feels so hard to do, and the goal seems so unattainable. I know I have to take one day at a time. Keeping up the training schedule is a way to keep me on track. Putting it up online is also a way to keep myself accountable. I don't know if many people read my blog, but I like to think some people are and this is a way for me to document, and stay on track.
Thanks for checking in,
'til next time - go for a hike :)

 I was lucky enough to receive an invite to visit Joanne's Hobby Farm and got to spend some time with her and her goats. My goal was to take pictures, but I didn't get as many as I wanted to. I was to pre-occupied with the soft little kids falling asleep in my arms. It was the best couple of hours ever. Being there just confirmed to me how much I want that lifestyle and was just what I needed to really start planning it to come to fruition.

Joanne has many different types of goats along with some sheep as well. She collects the fibers and creates the most beautiful Waldorf Dolls from the soft fleece collected by her herd. You can purchase directly from her shop on Etsy called Finannigans 'Waldorf Inspired Handmade Soft Dolls and Toys'. All dolls are excellently crafted and made of natural, ecologically sourced materials. Their sweet simplicity of design allows for truly imaginative play. These toys are stuffed with wool batting which retains the warmth of the child who snuggles it. Joanne will also happily take custom orders. Below are a couple images of her dolls, and click here to get to her Etsy Shop.

From the moment I arrived at her farm and opened up my car door, I was greeted with such a friendly welcome. Her big beautiful dogs were so sweet, and gentle. All her animals were social and the babies were so affectionate. It was such a happy atmosphere! I am so looking forward to returning and learning more about owning goats. Here are a few of my favourite images from the evening.

And... that's all I really can say without going on and on about how much fun I had, and how awesome goats are...
Thanks for reading!

Having Diabetes Type 2 requires a change of lifestyle. I will be honest, giving up bad habits is hard. I am currently on medication, but still struggle with portion control, carb/sugar intake and managing stress. I was reading up on the effects stress and depression have with Diabetes - and there is a link. Stress hormones in your body can directly increase your blood glucose levels.

When you’re stressed, you may experience headaches (check!), muscle pain or tension (check!), sleeping too much or too little (check!), general feelings of illness (check!) and fatigue (check!). The feelings you get when you are stressed are; unmotivated, irritable, depressed, restless and anxious. How do I get out of this mental state? Well, I'm trying to focus on what I enjoy and what gives me peace of mind.
- Being around Animals makes me happy.
- Creating art makes me happy.
- Photography and hiking outdoors make me happy.
- Making and creating something tangible with my hands makes me happy.

I have some wonderful pets, let me introduce you...

They bring me such joy. All of them have the greatest personalities.... well except Blake sometimes (he can get mean) and the cat has her demon moments, but honestly what cat doesn't? I love them all. Spending time with them is my day to day therapy.

I do dream of the Hobby Farm Life. It is my life/retirement plan to own at least 3-5 acres of land, and have a large vegetable garden, a couple fruit or nut trees, free range chickens & ducks and geese (maybe turkeys.. we'll see) and of course Goats. I talk about this dream a lot to friends and family, and one of my good friends got me in touch with her neighbour.... who has goats! And this year she has 11 kids! I got invited up to spend some time there.... but that will be the next blog.

Till my next blog, if you find yourself stressed out and feeling miserable, remember what makes you happy, and what you enjoy doing. Who cares if it's not a profitable talent? Does is make you happy? Do you love to do it? Then just do it for the sake of yourself being happy. Do it for your mental health.

Thanks for checking in!

Honestly - Go eat at Lumbertown!
Honestly - Hire Paint Party Sisters!
Another great fundraising night (and I'm "LOVE"ing my sign!)
I had some Sketchbook Purchases today (one of which is on it's way to the Netherlands!!!) and some others to a family member (who I wish I had more time to sit, chat and catch up with.)

I know I'm saying 'honestly' a lot in this post, but I can't help but be honest when so many people are supporting me. Hitting this fundraising milestone (2/3's of the way)... well I never thought I'd be able to do it, to be honest. It really opens up my eyes to the support I have from friends, family, and complete strangers. It goes to show you how many people's lives are touched by Diabetes and I'm learning to feel less alone in this journey.

I'm not sure what the next fundraising event will be - but I will be doing Garage Sales this Spring. If anyone has done some spring cleaning and is looking to donate their used (but in good condition) unwanted items... I'll be more than happy to take the 'stuff' off your hands. Just send me a message through this website and I'll be in touch with you shortly.
Thanks for checking in! Promise to start and update more regularly.

I realized I haven't written much of an update since Jennifer's Pregnancy Announcement - I have been off in my own little corner of the world just making Sketchbooks to Sell for Fundraising - waiting for Spring to come to be able to get out and take on more Photography Contracts. as a way of telling her 'Thank you', I had sent out a copy of 'hello 2018' and one of my Handmade Coptic Stitched Sketchbooks to a favourite artist of mine who's video's have been a huge inspiration for me to pick up Art again..... and she featured me on her March Vlog. Definitely check out her Video's, I'm sure you will enjoy them. Her Website is pretty as well! http://semiskimmedmin.com/
My mention is around 10:15 in the video shown below.
Subscribe to her  and you will not be disappointed.
All her video's are just lovely!