It’s been a while since I posted to my blog and needless to say, lots has happened along the way to today. My last entry was about embarking on a new journey into the world of creative entrepreneurship. What began as “Vibrancy”, an art show to pay hommage to the passing of a dear friend, artist and writer, Bev Tang-Kong, turned into a life-altering creative journey with the opening of Pixie Blue Studio in November 2017.

The studio is in the heart of Port Credit and has proven to be a creative hub for artists, photographers, poets, writers, musicians and anyone interested in venturing into the realm of artistic expression.  I am the owner and creative director at the studio but I am fortunate to know several creative individuals who share my passion for the arts and they bring their own special talent to the mix. Over the past year, we’ve hosted numerous art / photography shows, we represent local artists, we teach to special abilities adults, we curate art in restaurants and homes and we have inspired the community through arts and culture. We fully live up to our motto – “creative minds @ play”.

As exciting as this creative journey has been; it has also come with its share of tremendous personal challenge. Soon after opening the studio, my mother –  mentor, teacher, friend and inspiration was diaganosed with Multiple Myeloma. She lost her battle with cancer last March and not a day goes by without missing her. I often wish I could just sit and drink tea with her at the studio or chat with her on the phone and hear her words of wisdom and pride – I called her “Backpack Yoda”.

When mom died, I knew my world had changed forever; the emotional roller-coaster was indescribable. Mom was an incredible creative in her own right – a lover of knowledge, life and music, a poet, an artist and an insightful short-story writer. She always talked about writing her own literary blog but time would not premit this. The best day for me was when mom, dad, family and friends attended the opening of Pixie Blue Studio on Nov. 9th, 2017 (it was also my parents 55th wedding anniversary). I could feel mom beaming with pride and her advice to me was to always pursue a dream and “disturb the universe” because you never know where it can take you. These words resonate with me and I impart the same advice to anyone hesitating  to break through the obstacle of self-doubt – anything is possible when you “reach beyond your reach!”

My goal for the year ahead is to continue to inspire creatively through my blog and Pixie Blue Studio. The exciting news is that in March 2019, I turn a chapter and leave my current location to move into a larger space at 299 Lakeshore Rd. East, Port Credit. I also feel a need to post from time to time, the inspiration of my mother, L.G. Daniels’ writing and to share the words she never got the chance to share through her own blog. She was a teacher who inspired many young minds, including mine, to expand – magnify the universe around us. Losing Bev and my mother in a short period of time has created a deep void. They were two incredibly strong, independent, creative women who left a rich legacy – I hope to lead by their example.

You will find L.G. Daniels musings under the tab – “Disturb the Universe” which is a line from her favorite poem –  The Lovesong of  J. Alfred Prufrock” by T.S. Eliot.

© Ann Ivy Male 2019