26 Oct 2013
With each day that passes on my quest to find love, I find more answers to my questions- "what is love all about" and "why am I here on this earth".
I can’t help but wonder if there isn’t a deeper reason for my recent divorce and where I am right now.
People always say, "you are where you should be" but if that's the case -why are some (like my brother), in places that no one would want to be without being given a choice.
It is why I wake up each morning and want to run headfirst crashing into my day, filing it with as much activity and human contact as I can. My connections with others are what drives me and nurtures my soul.
This is the reason why I am loving the Billy Bob Pop-Up Bakery program we are trying to launch. Together, an incredible group of people with multiple individual challenges, will bake with passion and love for our community and pay it forward by feeding those in need.
Starting November 4th, we will roll into the kitchen at the Wave to roll out the dough and roll it forward, as we deliver our fresh baked goods to the community.
PS I love you bro.
If my Mr. Right is out there...he would want to help!
Ps thanks to the Beaver Club for providing us with the recipe for their famous banana bread
XO
Cheryl
Cheryl
24 Oct 2013
I bet you are thinking I am about to share a love story about a woman named Lucy and her man Frank.
Well, it is a love story- but it’s between this trendy hidden jewel of a restaurant and I. Luca e Franco played host to an event I attended Monday night and I think I’ve fallen in love. Tapas, oysters, wine and the thinnest crust home cooked pizza! I'll certainly have to go dashing back for more.
This love story started when Kavita, founder of Dashing Date, which is best know for speed dating events, approached me to be the co-host of a "date-Working" event 5 a 7.
I heard the word "work" and was not quite sure about how I felt about the concept- thankfully my inner voice told me to go for it. I quickly realized that "work" is in reference to the effort it must have taken Kavita and her team to put together such a wonderful social gathering, with no effort on the part of the guest other than to enjoy.
Just recovering from a cold, I had trouble pulling myself together for the evening and trying to cover up bags under my eyes and my red nose (way to make a first impression!) However, isn't it Murphy's Law that the times you don’t want to go somewhere, is when you’ll have the best time (my version of Murphy’s Law anyways)?
I got up (barely), got out (slowly) and got connected (no shaking of hands or kisses out of respect) with an eclectic group of people I would have probably never met. We exchanged stories, laughed, ate and raised a glass to enjoying the moment.
I went in with no expectations and left with anticipation of attending another "Date-Working" event, as I met some new friends that I will see again.
As for the success of Cupid that night....
20 guests+ 2 calls from guests inquiring about people they had met = YEAH!
Guess pizza wasn't the only thing cooking that night at Luca e Franco!
Thanks to Dashing Date for creating a Dashing Night!
Would you like to join us next time? Sign in as a member and register as well for your chance to win the trip for 2 to Dominican Republic!
XO
Cheryl
22 Oct 2013
I invite all of you to join me in sharing our stories with each other. Please fill out this survey and maybe you will be next week’s Talk To Me Tuesdays featured love story! Share your thoughts at Love Quest Survey.
Meet Stephani. A women in her 40s all the way from the city that never sleeps- New York!
Here are her Love Quest Survey Answers.
1. Do you believe in love at first sight?
YES
2. Would you/have you ever used an online dating site?
YES
3. Would you/have you ever used a matchmaking service?
YES
4. Do you kiss and tell?
YES
5. Do you believe in soulmates, i.e. that there is only one person out there for you?
YES
1. What’s the worst opening line that’s ever been thrown your way?
Wow…it's been so long, it's hard to remember. Oh, just the other day I was standing outside of a restaurant talking to my 32 year old friend and some 20 something year old guy walks by with some friends and started saying, "oh, look at the hotties" and some other unappealing comments. We continued ignoring him and as he passed he said, "I'm just trying to compliment you girls...or maybe I should say, you mother and daughter." Needless to say, that's certainly NOT the way to get my attention.
2. If you had to plan your perfect date, what would you do?
Funny, I just thought about this the other day because I just had the most perfect date ever! Of course, this would apply only to an established relationship- shopping for the home at Crate & Barrell!:) But for a new guy, I would now say something physical- bike riding, kayaking, sledding- anything that raises dopamine levels. I recently read that on 1st dates that include an activity (which raises domapine), it often leads to a 2nd date.
There was a guy I dated many years ago who was totally wrong for me. However, he always took me jet skiing or motorbiking- and even though I knew he wasn’t the one, it was always so exciting, that I continued seeing him and would fluster like a schoolgirl every time he called.
3. What’s the most embarrassing thing that’s ever happened to you on a date?
The guy made me so unbelievably nervous that he gave me a stomachache and I had to rush to the bathroom. I couldn't get out of there for nearly 30 minutes. I was mortified!
4. Under what circumstances would you say it is permissible to date a friend’s ex-spouse (if any)?
My gut response is that it's never permissible- although there could be exceptions. If the friend is someone you're not really close to anymore, and haven't been for years, and there's a real connection with the guy- I think this could be an exception. It would have to be looked at on a “case-by-case” basis.
An ex-friend of mine is now married to an ex-boyfriend of mine. She was an ex-friend before she hooked up with him. It doesn't bother me in the least and I'm happy they're happily married now.
5. What’s the most romantic thing you’ve ever done for someone else?
Can't really pinpoint one...I've arranged surprise parties, surprise tickets for games or shows, but can't really think of something outside of that. Honestly, I'm a hopeless romantic and tend to do little romantic things throughout the year. Sweet notes for no particular reason, or kissing the bathroom mirror before I leave to work so he sees my lips when he goes to the bathroom:) I believe it's all the little things we express all the time that endear us to each other- at least it has always worked that way for me.
What's your favorite activity to do on a first date?
Share your stories with me and have a chance to be featured for next week's Talk to me Tuesdays!
21 Oct 2013
How many times do we use that expression when we have to get somewhere and we’re running late?
Well today I will be giving the expression a whole new meaning, as I venture out tonight to experience my first "date-working" social gathering.
Kavita Ajwani of Dashing Date had approached me several months ago and asked if I would consider attending an intimate networking event for dashing singles 40+.
Always one to try new adventures- I dashed (pun intended-couldn’t resist) to accept the invitation, welcoming the opportunity to meet new people. The guest list is comprised of dashing single- all who have registered and then were screened and selected by Kavita herself.
Tonight at 6pm I will arrive at Luca et Franco, a posh new restaurant that I have not yet been too, located on St-Denis. Tapas, cocktails and a great trendy atmosphere should be the perfect backdrop to meeting new people and enjoying a casual night out.
Okay...Gotta Dash and maybe date!
Will you be there?
XO
Cheryl
Cheryl
17 Oct 2013
There are times in life when we have to pause and smell the roses. Then there are instances where we also need to stop and tend the garden.
Time is moving on in my quest to find romantic love, but for the love of family- I need to get down on my knees, with a spade in hand and start turning the soil.
In my secret garden, I have a passion...its connecting and helping others.
Putting new endeavors together, making things happen for businesses, foundations, friends and hopeful romantics is what drives me. I like to take a seed, add some earth, water and then some love- so I can watch the flowers bloom.
With the change of season, so must my journey change. For the next few weeks, my quest to finding love has to be about loving those already in my life with added devotion. Picking up some fallen leaves and planting bulbs for next spring, is my only task at hand- and as a true fashionista, I have the perfect gloves for the job.
I will share my days with you, but my concentration and focus will be about love for this new program. A new program born from the love, respect and the admiration I, and many others, have for my brother and other individuals in his community.
A seed was planted 3 weeks ago...blooming into "Billy Bob's Pop-Up Bakery "
I new I would find LOVE! I can't wait to introduce you all...
XO
Cheryl
Cheryl
16 Oct 2013
There are times in life, even though we are enjoying the wind blowing through our hair and the sun shining down on our faces, we have to veer off course.
Unexpected winds force us to change our navigational course.
It's not a matter of dropping anchor, it's simply docking in port long enough to refuel and set a new sailing chart.
For the love of family and community, #365love will be returning to the pier for a little while...
My search for love will have to be temporarily moored.
See tomorrow's blog to find out who and what has caused me to change the rigging of my sails!
XO
Cheryl
Cheryl
15 Oct 2013
The reason I started this blog was to simply share my journey with all your and hopefully help you on yours.
I recently received this submission from one of my readers and I thought I'd share it with all of you...
Hey Cheryl!
I don't have a story to tell, but I just wanted to thank you for bringing hope into my life. Relationships so far haven't worked out for me. I am a hopeless romantic and every day I hope to find my soulmate.
Lately its been really getting to me and I've been feeling pretty hopeless. But reading your blog and your story really inspired me to do the same! I feel this blog you have created is a wonderful way to not only find love in that other person, but also in everyday life with the people you meet, the places you see, and the things you do.
So thank you for changing my perspective on love and life. I feel a weight lifted off my shoulders
Submissions like this one make this journey so much more worthwhile.
These words mean more than you realize and they are always truly appreciated.
Share your journeys with me and have the chance to be featured on next week's blog.
XO
Cheryl
Cheryl
9 Oct 2013
To reach a port we must sail- sometimes with the wind, sometimes against it.
But we must not drift or lie at anchor.
8 Oct 2013
Sunday brunches at Lemeac- a routine where I spoil myself and my diet and this week was no exception. I often write my blogs while enjoying the usual, bilinis with smoked salmon, poached eggs and caviar accompanied by a perfectly chilled glass (or two) of Les Barons Sancerre.
This weekend, I invited a few guests to join me. The eclectic group of individuals seated around the table prompted various stimulating topics of conversation.
We talked about our passions, experiences and expertise in life- current events, travel, TV, fashion, food, photography, art and a primary focus on architecture and LOVE!
After saying goodbye to Chantale Desjardins and Marco Robidoux, Tim Abrahams, editor in chief-online for the Canadian Center for Architecture, took the rest of us on a guided tour of the museum. I listened intently to the conversations between Tim, Peter Murray, the renowned architect and journalist and TV host Heidi Hollinger, who had interviewed this visionary for her show last year.
Talk of foundations, framework, molding, wiring, bricks and mortar, coping, bonding, joints, building, balance, blending, rigidity vs. pliability.
I kept thinking what if we built relationships like we do homes. Would we not stand a better chance at surviving the elements of time?
Canadian Home Builder Association suggests starting with a pre-construction plan, build the foundation, framing, then interior and exterior design is next and finally the finishing touches. Home Sweet Home.
It may not sound romantic- but remember the story of the three little pigs!
If you just buy 2x4's and some nails at Home Depot and just start hammering- how long do you think your house will last?
XO
Cheryl
Cheryl