Friday Potpourri

If you’ve ever thought of learning a new language, look at the example set by Erin Davis.

She’s been taking Spanish lessons via the app, Duolingo, and can hold full conversations with Mexican servers and Uber drivers. It’s impressive to witness. I have trouble retaining new words. However, I haven’t put in the work, either.

Speaking of Mexico, we spent a wonderful afternoon with singer-songwriter-speaker Kelita Haverland, who now lives there. The five-time Juno nominee and CCMA (country) award winner took us around her neighbourhood. Then we all went out for the best coconut shrimp I’ve ever eaten. She and her husband Gord have lived in Mexico for a few years and they love it. I’m currently reading her memoir, Reason to Sing. It’s compelling, surprising, deeply honest, and personal.

Finding My Voice Again

It’s a darn good thing my newscasts for MYfm St. Thomas, and Giant and New Country Tillsonburg are pre-recorded. I couldn’t put a coherent sentence together when I got back to work Wednesday morning. To me, that’s proof that I really relaxed while I was away!

Before I left, I was interviewed for a podcast called Ignite My Voice. The hosts are Kathryn Stewart and Kevin Ribble. Kevin also happens to be my first ex-husband. It turned out well. They asked me about pivoting my priorities, how I view making mistakes, and living authentically. If you’re interested, you can listen to it HERE.

This week, I received snail mail advising me that someone accessed my personal info without my authorization. I actually thought the letter was a scam. The written material suggested I sign up to a website, etc.. I contacted my financial advisor who assured me that it was real. Some scam artist got my name, home address, social insurance number, and other private information. They assure me it’s not my fault and so far nothing has been compromised. It’s a sign of the times, though, that a legitimate notification about a scam looks like another possible scam!

Gossip Girl

You may not care about Blake Lively or Justin Baldoni or the movie It Ends With Us. I’ve seen the movie and I can’t believe anybody cares about it. But what’s going on behind the scenes is a movie all its own. There are lawsuits and counter lawsuits plus all sorts of private texts have been made public. They include: Taylor Swift and Lively’s back-and-forth about their unraveling friendship. Ryan Reynolds’ comments about director Baldoni. (Reynolds is married to Lively.) And a studio executive calling Baldoni a “moron” after a terrible TV appearance to promote the film. It’s far better than the movie and a peek inside the movie industry we don’t normally get to see. Pass the popcorn, please!

Have a wonderful weekend!