Category: You

The Heartbreak of Homelessness & the Covenant House Sleep Out

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The heartbreak of homelessness is real.

It is even more heart breaking when homelessness is experienced as a young person. I had a short time in my early teens as a runaway kid without a home. I had no name for it then, or awareness of how risky my situation was, but I know how lonely, lost and forsaken I felt. This changed me and many years later without a conscious awareness of the “why”, made me fall in love with Covenant House and the work they do. It was while listening to youth sharing their stories that…

I realized I had been“homeless”. If you are curious to know the definition homelessness read this.

Covenant House provides what I consider to be exactly what is needed for young humans, actually all humans, who find themselves lost in their pain and aloneness, without a place to turn to for safety, comfort and guidance. These are things home and community are supposed to provide. These are fundamental human needs denied to so many people and so many young people.  It is utterly crushing to the human spirit to be without these basic things. 

The one constant thread that runs through all homeless and at-risk youth is that they have experienced childhood trauma. This trauma is compounded.

The more trauma the more damage done. We may have opinions about the cause. We may play the social and family blame game, which may make us feel righteous and smart, but it doesn’t heal or help the situation at all. This Ted talk by Dr. Nadine Burke Harris gives stunning insight into childhood trauma and the health and social impact of that trauma. This is a hurt ultimately experienced by the collective whether we are individually conscious of it or not.

These traumas happened in the tender formative years of childhood. When innocence is the essence of being and it was by no fault of their own.

Although shame may tell us otherwise, we know in our hearts that trauma that happened to us in childhood is not our fault. We carry the pain and damage and then pass it along in the relay race of life. This used to be a life sentence, but  it doesn’t have to be. Modern brain science has given us so many new tools to change this relay race into generational healing.
 

How Covenant House does it:

The  outreach teams working on the streets meet the youth where they are. Among other things they let them know about Covenant House. Once youth arrive, they get immediate care, respite, food and shelter. They have an opportunity to explore options for themselves. Youth are guided by consistent interaction with the same social worker each time they reach out. The youth are empowered to develop a life plan, set goals and determine the actions & support required to reach their goals. They are lovingly held accountable, learning boundaries and self-care. They get mentorship and the Rights of Passage program that guides them into independent living and self-sufficiency, the good kind of self-sufficiency that includes community.

Covenant House is 95% privately funded. This allows them to offer consistent programming without having to adjust to political whims and changes. This freedom of consistency is a powerful and vital part of their work.

 

Most of us live plentiful  lives, we have shelter, we have food, we have family/community, we have enough. I believe that until we all have these things, until we all have enough, then none of us are whole. We suffer as a collective and we heal the same way. Covenant House gives me hope. This is why I support them! By donating and helping to raise awareness and compassion for the important work done by the loving team at Covenant House. They do the work of creating safe space for young humans to find themselves and discover their inherent worth and value. 

On May 30thwe will be sleeping out in an alley for one night to show our solidarity and raise funds and awareness for at risk and homeless youth. I hope you will join us by supporting us in the Mothers or Daughters Sleep Out 2019. Donate here. Right now any donation made will be matched by Alex G. Tsakumis, CEO of Trigate Properties Group and a generous supporter of Covenant House Vancouver. 

 

Marimo Moss Balls – My Love & Their Story

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Marimo Moss Balls – Love & Care 

My Love

I first saw these beautiful aquatic plants called Marimo Moss Balls on Pinterest and completely fell in love. I was immediately obsessed. I had to have one… maybe ten! I had no idea where to buy them so I checked on Craigslist. Because they literally sell anything and everything on Craigslist. I found this sweet woman who was selling super healthy Marimo’s out of her home. She gave them such care and was beyond passionate about them. Her love of them was more than contagious, I bought 15! 

 

What in the heck are they? 

Marimo’s are an aquatic plant and have gain huge popularity recently. Marimo is a Japanese word that means “seaweed ball” but this is no seaweed. It’s actually not even moss. It’s a form of algae that glows in water. And as it grows, it roll deeper from the shore into the body of water creating a round shape. They grow slowly… veeeeerrrryyyy slowly! We are talking 4mm a year. Marimo’s obviously take time to get large but have been found up to 8 to 12 inches. Their natural habitat is in very cold lakes in Japan, Australia, Iceland, Scotland, Estonia. They have also been found in oceans as well. Marimo’s float and sink depending on the amount of oxygen they create from photosynthesis.
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The history and story around the Marimo Moss Ball is beautiful. Coming from a Japanese Folklore, the legend goes a beautiful young girl from Hokkaido falls in love with a commoner. The two, lovers who wanted nothing more than to be together, were banished from seeing one another. They decided to run away together and during their escape, they fall into Lake Akan, sinking to the bottom. They became Marimo’s, to live and love together, forever.
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Marimo’s are a token of love, affection and prosperity for those who give and receive them. They help those accomplish their hearts deep desires. I love this legend. I love how the lovers hearts love and live on forever. Marimo’s will live for over 100 years if you care for them correctly. They can be an heirloom you pass on. The oldest recorded Marimo is over 200 years old! 

How to care for Marimo Moss Balls?

Caring for your Marimo’s is very easy. They require very little maintenance. 

Water

Marimo Moss Balls are aquatic plants so they need to be full submerged in water to live. I personally don’t do anything special to my water, I use tap water after letting it sit out for a day. The container and rocks they are kept in should be cleaned every two to three weeks depending on the size of the container, amount of warmth and light it gets. I change my water and wash my container more like
every six weeks and they still love me and look beautiful! 
I try not to squeeze mine. I rinse them off gently and place them back into the clean water. 

Light & Temperature 

Marimo’s grow on the bottom of the lakes so they don’t like direct sunlight or warm temperatures. If you keep them away from sunny, exposed windows they will live much longer and be much healthier. They adapt, grow and can photosynthesize just fine with your household lights or low light from non direct sources of sunlight. 
If they do start looking a little brown or faded, place them in a much cooler area or even the fridge for some healthy healing. If they need some extra recovery help, consider can add a pinch of aquarium ocean salt. 

Keeping Their Shape 

Marimo’s are round from the waves and currents rolling them on the lake floors. I have rocks in the
bottom of my Marimo terrariums which can affect their shape. They can get a little flat spot. To avoid this, gentle twirl the water and watch your Marimo’s roll to a new spot. Hopefully on a new side, that’s
the goal.
 If you see a little piece coming off your Marimo on a flat side… thats a new Nano Marimo! Roll that little piece and add it to your terrarium. 

Where to Buy Marimo’s?

When it comes down to sourcing Marimo’s, I recommend turning to the internet. There are so many private sellers who are selling great healthy Marimo’s just ready to take home. Now if you want one that is done a little fancier in its own terrarium, I would turn to Etsy. There are tons of beautiful artisans with very creative ideas.

Pinterest is also full of fun ideas on how to make your own!

Make your Own Terrarium of Marimo’s!

It is fun and super easy to make your own Marimo home. Here are the basic supplies I used for my Marimo’s:

  • A large Glass container with a lid ( I like a glass lid to keep the dust out) 
  • Decorative medium to small Rocks for the bottom of the container
  • Decorative or Natural elements like special stones, shells, sticks, etc. 
  • Tepid Water 
  • MARIMO’s of course

I love my Marimo’s. At the end of my day I look forward to swirling their container and watching them dance! They bring me peace, love and joy.

 

Warning: People have been selling “fake” or dead Marimo’s. They use moss glued or sell faux moss that comes in a ball shape. Don’t buy ones that are falling apart or if it doesn’t look a vibrant green. Also ask the supplier where they are sourcing them from. 

 

Flowers – Why they are so much more than just a pretty thing?!

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Flowers, – why are they so much more than just a pretty thing?

This time of year is always a little confusing to me, my mind and my body. My self-care practice needs to be at 100% or else I start going a little crazy. Kinda like a bear who is just starting to wake up after hibernation, or a deer learning to walk for the first time. But this state is also my favourite. As we transition into a new season we get to embrace a new life, warmer weather, maybe even a rebirth, if you may.

As our moods begin to shift from an introverted winter to a more energetic and outgoing spring, it is important to shift our homes and office spaces as well. One of the easiest ways to do this is by bringing in new life! Yes, I am giving you permission to buy all of the plants and flowers!

Why should you buy fresh flowers?

1. They freshen the air! Sure they make the room smell delicious, but they also filter the air! Some remove toxins and can even improve your sleep because they give off extra O2.

2. Brighten your space! Maybe you own your home, or maybe you are renting a space where what you are allowed to do to it is quite limited. Flowers are the easiest way to add a splash of colour without the commitment factor of painting the walls!

3. Self Care! There are so many studies on the benefits of fresh flowers, with benefits that include:

  • Lower blood pressure
  • Reduced feelings of anxiety
  • Help with fatigue – Hello O2
  • Improved cognitive function

  • My top 3 low maintenance plants for air purification:

1.Devil’s Ivy or pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

This is my absolute favourite plant! They are harder to kill than they are to keep alive! It stays green even when left in the dark. I love this climbing beauty. 
  • Water every 7-10 days, allow the soil to dry out before watering
  • They love sunlight, but only indirectly!
  • Propagate when ready!

 

 

2. Spider Plants

These are my favourite plants for the bedroom because they filter out carbon monoxide from the air and they are very low maintenance. Plus, when the plant matures they produce “pups” which you can plant and make more plants!
  • These do really well in a hanging pot
  • They like indirect sunlight
  • They like dry soil and to be in a cooler room

 

3. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

Need I say more. These beautiful plants are great for low light spaces and, if your pot allows, this will grow extremely large. they produce beautiful white flowers!
  • To be watered weekly
  • No Direct Sunlight
  • Commit to a pot size – Whatever size you plant your Peace Lily in, –  it will grow!

The bottom line for all Plants & Flowers in your space… give them love and they will do the same.

Let’s Honour Our Home & Work Spaces

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Let’s Honour our Home & Work Space 

Have you watched the Netflix series Tidy?

I did, in one sitting with a big bowl of popcorn and all the candy I got for Christmas…apparently, I am not alone. Millions have watched it. The drop-off centres are being flooded by stuff that people were inspired to get rid of after watching the series. Like most people, I love a before and after – a makeover montage is absolute bliss for me second only to dance montages. 

I became a fan of Marie Kondo years ago, when I read her book The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up. It made me so happy! I was ecstatic to find a new way to fold my socks and shirts and create
order in my drawers and closets. I believe I am pretty good at organizing and sorting stuff and competent at creating order. Like Marie Kondo, containment is my mantra. When I organize stuff and I can usually let things go after some personal torment and indecisiveness. But Marie is next level good at it. What makes her next level good at it is that she makes the connection to the “spirit” of things and how we connect to that. What sparks joy? Or what moves you – how does it speak to you?
 
As an interior designer I enjoyed watching her interact with clients. I felt Marie Kondo’s frustration (although she is so lovely you could hardly tell she was firmly saying NO) with the client who wanted Marie to make all the clutter disappear but didn’t actually want to get rid of anything. I have had that client and I have been that client. I have compassion for how hard it is to let go of things! She takes people through the letting it go journey with notable compassion and I love that!
 
But, the thing that Marie Kondo does that moved me to tears in almost every episode, was how she stops and connects to the home. She sits and gives it her full attention – she listens to it. She humbly sits and asks for permission to be there and work on the space. In my opinion, this is how it should be done. Let’s honour our spaces, they give us shelter and bear witness to our lives. To give gratitude to that place that holds our memories and all our stuff! Thanking all the things that have served us as we pass them along to their next home. This is truly how we should be in our homes and how we should interact with our things. 
 

I believe our live and work spaces have their own spirits. I believe that we feel much more at home when we keep that in our consciousness. Remember and acknowledge that this place – no matter what bugs you about it, is sheltering and caring for you. That is truly worth of your notice and appreciation. A recent Design Sponge blog by Grace Bonney put it perfectly when she said, “love your home for exactly what it is right now.” Take a moment from time to time and feel that – say hello home when you walk in the door. Look at something you love in your home and thank it. Spark joy! How can that be anything but good?

My Shift – From Family to Family Business

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My Shift – From Family to Family Business 

I work in a family business. I started working in my mom’s interior design firm shortly after university, about 7 years ago. What started as a basic desk job, answering phones and pouring coffee, slowly but surely blossomed into a career. Mind you, a career in a field I had never imagined working in, AND LOVING, let alone working so close to my mom every single day. When I tell people that I work in a family business, they tend to say in a very obviously presumptions shitty tone, “so, like, you work with you mom every single day? That must be hard!” It leaves me thinking, why isn’t it as hard as it once was? How did we get to the successful place we are now?

On reflection, we created several strategies that worked well for us to succeed in a family business environment and culture. The strategies work even for those who might not be part of the Sprague clan but are part of the team and live/work/play in our company culture.

Establishing Boundaries and Permissions. 

Redefining the family relationship in the work space is key. Creating a “contract” of sorts. For instance, it is easy to let old habits or old stories bubble over into the work space. Our strategy was to agree that certain topics and conversations are booked and planned for outside of the work space. Not left to fester.  For any interpersonal conversations we agree to firstly ask permission and commit to actively listening.  Enduring our discomfort for the good of our culture — conflict, resolution and witnessing each other at the expense of the comfort of both parties. In other words, just sit in it.  

We Acknowledge Family First. 

We are a family first business. That means, if someone in our family circle is qualified to do work that we have, we will give them that work. We have made this policy overt and clear to ensure it doesn’t confront others we work with. 

The lamp is a shining example of this. It was handmade for a client by my very talented brother-in-law. Just one of many of his beautiful pieces.

There is No Work-Life Balance

This is a conscious decision we made in our business. We believe in the flow of “life”. This was put so beautifully by a speaker at the recent season opener Grace Club YVR event we attended as a team. It resonated deeply with me. She said (basically),“it’s not like we have a switch in our heads where we can flick from personal to work. They are all one and must be lived that way.” This policy does require open communication and honesty which brings me to the last strategy…

Show Up in Your Truth

We have been working to have a conscious and mindful workplace. This is a HUGE part of our culture here at our Studio and it is central. What ever you are feeling, our place of work is a safe space to express that feeling.

This is the framework: 

  • speak your “feel” without blame
  • take personal responsibility if applicable
  • identify your need around what’s happening for you
  • ask for support and help around that “need” 

This is the part of our work environment that I love the most. It’s not always about checking your baggage at the door. And, it’s also not about unpacking that baggage in a hot mess everywhere in the work space.

It’s about:

  • carrying that baggage into the space
  • expressing that it’s heavy and you need help carrying it
  • and what that help might look like for you today 

I love working in a family business.

I do acknowledge that it can be challenging but establishing these strategies as part of our work culture has been worthwhile journey. I feel honoured to work with my mom and in our family business every single day. Plus, our staff are pretty much like family after working here, so… welcome to the Good Space Plans Online & Dwaina Sprague ID clan!