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Overcoming Mental Health Stigmas

July 8, 2010 By Emme 3 Comments

Two friends that are very near and dear to me – Raul and Isabella – are at it again. Up to a whole lot of good that is.

You see, these two lovely creatures came up with the wonderful idea of hosting a Mental Health Camp last year to help erase to stigma associated with Mental Health.  And after a most successful and hugely upbeat and empowering day last summer, they are back at it again – this weekend in fact (I have been a little remiss in getting this up sooner, in favour of my own mental health and getting some sleep).

I am very proud of Raul and Isabella and their many volunteers, as I am of the personal believe that hiding mental health issues like a dirty little secret in the closet, only makes the person feel worse and continues the cycle of lack of understanding or empathy for mental health issues in society.  It is also my personal believe that we all suffer from depression at some point in our lives – whether from a more long term condition or after a miscarriage, birth of a child, death, loss of a job or change in our lives, like retirement.  I am no different.  A few years back I had a bout with depression, and let me tell you, it was damn scary.  The only thing that got me out of it was my Dad saying, “You’re depressed, aren’t you?” Finally admitting that both to myself and to him and talking about it with him is what pulled me out.  We figured out some of the causes (ie. not taking any time for me or even a day off), but mostly just having someone to talk to about it helped.  Especially someone that I loved and respected to talk to – that did not treat me as though I was an alien with a third eye on my head.  It was okay.  This happens to all of us at times.  His only concern was for helping to pull me out of it.  Reminded me again how lucky I am to have the family I have.

Remembering to Take Time for Me

This year’s Mental Health Camp is focused on ‘Using Social Media as a Vehicle for Dealing with Mental Health’.  I can’t say that this is actually always a good thing, as it depends on how it is done and on you, the person.  But I do know that this will be the perfect place to explore this.  Knowing Raul and Isabella and their past work, they will create a safe environmental with confidentiality for you to explore how much you want to share and in what way, and whether this is a positive environment for you.

This year’s Mental Health Camp is on Saturday July 10th from 8 am – 6 pm.  You can find out more details on their site and register at eventbrite.

Kisses,

Emme xoxo

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A Gal’s Best Friend – Chocolate & Mystery (and a full purse)

June 20, 2010 By Emme 3 Comments

I feel like I’m living in the midst of Ronald Dahl’s book, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, with 10 gold keys hidden away in Caramilk bars (worth the chance to discover the Caramilk Secret and win $250, 000) and an entire box of caramilks sitting in our office.   Little concerned that that makes me like Veruca Salt, the gal that kicked and screamed until her Daddy bought up enough bars and found her a golden ticket. To avoid such a reputation, I’ve decided to share and find my ticket the old fashion way, like Charlie Bucket.

Jason in Anticipation of a Lucky Golden Key

So here’s what I am doing with my bars.  If you want one, you must tell the camera what you think the caramilk secret is or what you’d do with that knowledge and $250, 000.  And YES, Nadia and Liz, this means you!!!! No more Veruca Salt temper tantrums from you two demanding gals. If you want another bar, you’ll have to smile for the camera.

Two Van Sexy lads who have tried and sadly failed:

This video was embedded using the YouTuber plugin by Roy Tanck. Adobe Flash Player is required to view the video.

This video was embedded using the YouTuber plugin by Roy Tanck. Adobe Flash Player is required to view the video.

(Jason – I may be able to slip you another bar for the co-ordinates to the Whistler Mountain gold)

Kisses,

Emme xoxo

PS For a bar, find me or one of the folks from Ahimsa Media at a Van City Event.  We’ll mention on twitter if we are heading somewhere with caramilk in hand.

Filed Under: All the Gossip, Just for Kicks, On the Tube, Winner's Circle Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Robson Live!!!!

February 13, 2010 By Emme 1 Comment

Absolutely loving the Cultural Olympiad!!!

This video was embedded using the YouTuber plugin by Roy Tanck. Adobe Flash Player is required to view the video.

Did you know that you can take in live music, like Yuca, down at Robson Square?  And skate on an outdoor rink at the same time?  Get out there and enjoy yourself Vancouver!  We deserve it!

Filed Under: Olympics, On the Tube, Vancouver Events Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Kisses from the stacks ….

December 8, 2009 By Emme 1 Comment

In honour of reading and literacy, I bid you gentle, but firm kisses from that hidden corner in the library stacks …. you know the one I am talking about…..

In other words, a most special thank you to all of you that helped promote, were a part of or sent well wishes for the Reading is Sexy Launch Party and Literary Celebration at Gudrun this past Thursday evening.  What a delightful group of the sexiest of cats!  And such a perfect atmosphere in Gudrun!  An enormous thank you to Patrick and the gang at Gudrun – Alison, Josh and Upton.

And again, thank you! Thank you for helping to promote literacy and supporting The International Association of Dyslexia!

Here are some of my pics from the night:

And some much better shot pics of John Biehler’s:

Thanks John!

A few highlights from the night included:

  • seeing the men of the calendar (Patrick, Raul and Mark) pucker up for literacy
  • teaching an incredibly bashful Mark Leiren-Young to put on lipstick (you’d think a man that had written a book entitled, Never Shoot A Stampede Queen, would have already learned how)
  • readings from Mark, Rayne and Raul
  • Mooty winning for the funniest responses in our little contest (go read them, they had me chuckling)
  • the auctioning off Rob’s Pics of Patrick
  • and of course, a whole lot of calendar kissing

Kisses,

Emme xoxo

PS Stay tuned for a Calendar Kissing near you!  Next one is this Thursday Dec 10th at 5 pm (likely at a Gastown pub) as Monica and Monique pucker up for charity.

Filed Under: All the Gossip, Reading is Sexy, Vancouver Events Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Whooping it up for Literacy

November 23, 2009 By Emme 22 Comments

In case you hadn’t heard, I am throwing a little bash all in the name of literacy!  Specifically for The International Dyslexia Association and to launch our Reading is Sexy Campaign.  Cause, as I just finished telling Daniel Reynish, I find nothing sexier than a man (or woman, for that matter) curled up with a good book (preferably in front of a roaring fire).

So to read between the lines, we are promoting literacy and raising funds for The International Dyslexia Association, and hosting a little party to celebrate that and the launch of 2010 Reading is Sexy Calendar.

Reading is Sexy Cover

Party Details

Cost: Free

Local: Gudrun Wine & Cheese Bistro (150-3500 Moncton Street, Steveston, BC)

Date: Thursday December 3, 2009

Time: 7 pm until late

Festivities:

  • general revelry and enjoying of Gudrun Goodies (I will buy a few plates for the room, but bring some money with you to enjoy more Gudrun Goodies and some of the yummy wines and beers)
  • readings from a few of our authors (Ian Ferguson, Mark Leiren-Young, Richard Yearwood, Lorraine Murphy, Rayne … to name a few … I may even read something from my yet to be finished novel)
  • calendar signings by the ‘models’ on hand (really, just because I think this would be bloody hilarious…. I’m thinking of signing in lipstick)
  • auctioning of some of Robert Shaer’s photos from the shoot for charity
  • …and I plan on dancing ….even if nobody else joins me

Why Gudrun? Because Patrick is in the calendar, I adore him and it’s my secret writing hideaway.

One Added Perk: If you so choose (although certainly not required), you can do a bit of your Holiday Shopping at the event as we will have the 2010 Reading is Sexy Calenders (with $4 of sales from each calendar sold at the event going to The International Association of Dyslexia) and books and CDs of some of our authors on hand.

Back Cover Promo small

Hope to see you there!

Kisses,

Emme xoxo

PS So I can give Patrick an idea of numbers, can you please RSVP on facebook or in the comments below. Thank you, all you sexy things!


Filed Under: All the Gossip, Events, Reading is Sexy, Vancouver Events Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,