Happy Birthday, Sabaina! #AllWhiteParty

My new boss just had her birthday and to celebrate she wanted to use her own beautiful backyard, and used a white "boho chic" theme. Now, I've said this and heard this a thousand times over, especially in weddings, but never did I think I would A) participate in one of these cool themed parties B) I'd have to make one of these cool themed parties happen.

As I'm sure you've already guessed, I was in charge of decor, finding a caterer, a DJ, non-alcoholic beverages, alcoholic beverages, ice cream sundae stand, and lots of hanging lights . Thanks to my good pal pinterest, and some of the best/most random connections/ideas I have, I managed to pull it off and quite well I might add.

Also, to add some fun colour (but also selfishly stalk up non-alcoholic beverages) I found this delicious Rose Lemonade (IT WAS INCREDIBLE- Botanically brewed- Just like my skin care line!)  by a brand named Fentimans, and made some fun water jugs using Strawberries & Mint in one jug, and Orange, Lemon, and Blueberries in the other!

Thank you DJ Ferris Stallone for coming out and absolutely killing the music. I have NEVER danced on the floor with cheesecake, but the minute you get that hip hop going I just couldn't help myself! That's what garden parties are for! You can do whatever you want, wear no shoes, get super sweaty and eat tons of ice cream!

Another big THANKS to August Restaturant (photos of that to come), locally found in Beamsville, Ontario on the Niagara Escarpment, and to my family for donating some of our amazing Rennie Estate Wine.
Happy Birthday, Sabaina! You were ABSOLUTELY gorgeous last night my dear friend, and ain't just talking about your gorgeous face, hair, white dress, white "fendi fendi fendi" heels, and UNREAL lip/nail colour! -- Your smile, positivity, easy going, FUN, dancing, "who cares -- this is my party, let's just have fun!" self came out and it is amazing to see/work beside. Not only did you make me stay out till 11pm, dance, laugh all a while sober, even at uneasy/emotional moments (bad boss!), but every single person there was blown away by you, and so joyous to be apart of it all. Your smile and laughter radiate everything around you and you make me giggle like never before. It's the strangest/happiest laugh ever, I feel like a kid because my mouth hurts! (Thank goodness or I wouldn't be posting this= fired from that job) 

I just LOVE you! 
Colleen/Misty

Hero

So, a couple weeks ago I celebrated my birthday. Not my belly birthday, but my "birthday" (you know that whole sobriety thing I'm doing? That!) So I celebrated a whole 365 days of being sober. And just when I thought "WOOO! I'm a free woman! This is amazing! I can do anything now!!!" I realized couldn't just yet, no no. I have faced some trailing times witchin the last two weeks, which is why I haven't been posting since the first..

But I'm here now! And I'm here to tell you that, bad stuff, or life, doesn't stop being throwing things at you just because you're sober, or you're in remission from an illness or recovering; it's still an every day conscious battle. I still have had suicidal thoughts, but their just thoughts that pass eventually. So long as I'm doing so some sort of measure to ensure safety first. 

I got a tattoo for my celebration which reads "I'm the hero of this story; I don't need to be saved" a song lyric from Regina Spektor. 

Ever since I have got that tattoo there's this fire within me that just wants to fight back. I even reached out to a young gal last week who was in total distress, while I was at work, as she was hysterically crying--just like I do!!! So I went up to her, she told me her story which was heart breaking given she is only 18; rape, abuse in every which way, adopted from Europe as mom died and dad was gone, and had lost her job. So I brought her in the backyard and just talked things out. I gave her a tangible item to represent strength and remind her she is never alone, and that together we'd get through this. She likely didn't believe me in that moment but we did exchange numbers, and I have already been on the phone with her this morning helping her prepare for an interview this afternoon and I have given her hope. 

Even better than that, she has given me more hope. I'm helping her because I'm here and alive. That's exactly what I told her, we need you because we have to take care of each other, be there for one another, and we can't do that dead. 

So to anyone who reads this -you're in your of your life and only yours. People will talk, doubt, hate, criticize, but if they aren't you're not being you. I mean that's the reality of it all right? When people judge us it's likely because they disagree with someone's appearance or what they were doing, or saying, or even wearing. And there is some room warranted for reality checks when necessary, but not judgement. 

hey! It is what it is, if I let every fear/fear of judgment or ridicule stop me from what I'm doing I wouldn't have this blog. I wouldn't have this as a keepsake, a journal of time gone by. I wouldn't have an outlet, an extra little meaningful activity. I wouldn't have had a woman recognize me at some rib fest as "lifeofdorothy" and thank me for having my blog , as she really could relate to the hardships and the changes made. and I have 130 followers maybe? This isn't me bragging. I'm so proud and honoured that happened, and this lovely young woman is much wiser than myself!!!! So, cool. This is getting out there some how.

I'd like to quickly dedicate the semi colon in my tattoo to Aunt Jan. a wife, mother, daughter, sister, and amazing aunt to my best friend. She took her life too soon, but that never means they're gone. I'm fighting for this for people like you and I. I'm sorry you didn't find that strength at that moment. I understand how closed in and limited a person at risks perception can be, and do not necessarily see it as "your only choice" but maybe it was. Maybe not all of us feel like we can get past all the darkness and the demons. Some of us are just really fucking lucky (pardon my French). RIP. 

Love, 

Dorothy and Peaches 

My Monkey Burk

Sans Alcohol 1 year July 9th, 2015