Category Archives: friendship

Day 2 – #SoloRoadTrip: Coffee Chats, Customs, and Alpacas

27 Wednesday Aug 2025

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Today kicked off with something I’ve really been missing lately: in-person magic.

☕ Coffee in Calgary – And a Reminder to Show Up

Mirna and I hosted a fun CELS Coffee Chat this morning at The Ampersand in downtown Calgary. It was casual, intimate, and sparked all the right conversations! The turnout was exactly what Mirna and I had hoped for … thoughtful founders, curious ecosystem folks, and lots of energy around what’s next. It reminded me just how important it is to physically show up in-market. There’s something powerful about being face-to-face in the places where your community lives and works.

Even though it was just a casual meetup, the number of people asking “When’s the next one?” made me pause. Maybe it’s time to sprinkle in a few more IRL Canadian moments on the calendar. There’s clearly an appetite for connection. But until then … I’m grateful that Mirna can carry the torch and keep the conversations going!

🚐 On the Road Again – Highway Time and Border Nerves

After that, it was back on the road again. 🎶 A straight shot South from Calgary, through the prairies and into Montana. I didn’t make many stops … just a few gas stations and leg stretches along the way.

As I was approaching the Coutts border crossing, Paul Brandt’s Alberta Bound came on the radio. OMG, tears were choking me up! That song gets me every time, and I guess that could be the point.

And why is it that crossing the border always makes me a little nervous? I still find myself rehearsing if asked ‘anything to declare?’ … I’m ready to answer clearly and succinct … “um, a couple of apples, bananas and of course, a couple extra bottles of alcohol beyond the limit”. I don’t think I will actually say the “of course” part, but for those that know me, you know that of course I over index on alcohol. LOL But I was through in minutes after a stoic, but encouraging “welcome back!”. And like that, I was officially back in the U.S. of A!

As I headed into the U.S. though, I saw this familiar sign which always makes me smile. I know if my Mom were to see it, she’d say “YES, Joanne … “return to Canada!”. Oh how I love how much my Mom has never let up in 26 years on me returning to Canada to live. ♥️ 🏡

🦙 Tonight’s Stay: Alpacas and Solitude

I’m now cozied up at a beautiful alpaca farm in Montana, thanks to the Harvest Hosts app. Trooper is parked, the night is quiet, and it’s shaping up to be a perfectly restful evening — just what I needed. I’ll be reading shortly, reflecting, and soaking in the solitude. There’s something nourishing about being truly alone with your thoughts after a day of #windshieldtime, as my friend Jane calls it.

Aside from more #CarelessPeople audible and scrolling for reactions to the book over a “meal for champions” that consisted of a Costco frozen burrito and a Mike’s Hard Lemonade, that’s all for Day 2! Nothing wildly profound to say, but today felt good. Grounding. Peaceful. And tomorrow, the road calls again. 🚙

But, as I wrap this up I figure that I might as well end the evening with a little night cap … seeing I did successfully bring across this yummy bottle of whiskey into the country. 🥃

Day 3 #SoloRoadTrip – Reflecting

27 Saturday Jul 2024

Posted by in friendship, Inspiration, LifePlanning, Love, Travel

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As some of my friends and family might have suspected, Pavan, Tyler and I all woke up “a little rickety” (as my friend Juergen likes to say). 😆

When my friend Moselle called me to catch up (which unfortunately was interrupted by my phone showing “SOS” and no-wife signal on the Coquihalla) her first words were “you sound tired”. Ahhh … I love that you’re the consummate honest friend, Moselle.

But … like most events in life that come with a little extra wine “it was worth it”.

After morning coffee and more catch up, I headed out on my way. Next stop – Kelowna, BC.

On the road, I finished listening to Jane’s memoir (where me, Julie, Moselle and Christy all got a shout out cameo appearance!!). Today’s drive included more silence with the radio off. A more reflective drive and an opportunity to listen to what my heart was saying. It was easy to do because the drive was beautiful and the internet was not available. But I was so moved by Jane’s story, I needed a bit of time to simply be in the world.

Traffic was terrible leaving Seattle but one thing I love about going through smaller border crossings into Canada are the roads that take you there. They are through farm land and small towns, and I try to imagine what people do in these small towns. Actually, I know that answer having grown up in a small town myself 800 miles from “the big city”. I respect the simple life. But when I was growing up in High Level, I didn’t know the world was bigger than that town, or had so many opportunities. Today is different … yet these small communities still exist (and hopefully thrive). As I get older, I’m more inclined to find places that slow things down versus speed things up. So driving on these backroads and entering a small border crossing, well it suits me just fine.

I’m always grateful when the border patrol says “Welcome Home” and hands me back my Passport. I want to scream “Wahoooooo!” but don’t because those border patrol people are very serious and I don’t want them to change their mind. But inside I’m smiling! BIG TIME!!

The Coquihalla Highway is beautiful but let me tell you something … there is not one Starbucks along the way! There were barely any turn-offs. I don’t know if I saw ANY. And I was looking. Thankfully I was distracted by view until I finally hit the Visitor Center just outside of West Kelowna. I could get out and snap a few photos of the breathtaking landscape.

Before I went to my friend Janice’s, I looked up “wineries nearby” and said “Add Stop“. Hair of the dog?! Ha ha .. Actually I just wanted to sit with my thoughts and reflect on things a little bit before heading to see my friend.

Matthew and Janice are “early to bed and early to rise” which suited me perfectly and gave me time to craft my Day 3 blog, write my gratitudes, do a little reading, and get a good night’s sleep.

Janice – thank you for the delicious spread of locally sourced food and yummy wine. Fun to think back to 2014 when we first met in Kelowna. I love how our lives have criss crossed and weaved together effortlessly over the decade. I feel blessed to have forged a friendship with you over the years.

We didn’t take a picture tonight (I’ll be sure to get one tomorrow!) but funny enough … I pulled up this photo from my very first #SoloRoadTrip … the date on this photo is July 26, 2019. How crazy is that!

Of course we don’t look a day older today then we did back then!

And just to show that I’m no fashionista and maybe need to spend more time updating my wardrobe … I’m actually wearing the exact same outfit that I did that day 5 years ago! AND … as I was dressing this morning, I had a little spidey sense that it might be the case. Same thing when I heard myself say “you should double check that the address in your phone is indeed where Janice stills lives”. Ha! Well, I gave the woman a little scare and a smile since she opened the door and saw someone standing there with a bottle of wine and suitcase in hand!

And this photo was the start of something for both of us. You, a new business. And me, my Women’s Leadership Unconference. God I love making cool memories.

Day 2 #SoloRoadTrip – Picture Perfect View

26 Friday Jul 2024

Posted by in friendship, Life's Lessons, Organization, Travel, Uncategorized

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I’m going to start with the end because the view from my friend’s place is out of this world. I walked in and saw a beautifully set dinner table, complete with wine glass and fresh flowers. And then I turned around and saw the view and said out loud – holy f*&^! WOW #stunning. Tyler said, yeah, that is how most people react. And I’m like, no shit. #Breathtaking.

So now, back to the beginning of the day.

It started off cold in Crescent City this morning. So cold I had to turn my seat warmer on for the first part of my drive! I winded my way through the last miles of California, through majestic forest and a single lane road. I had planned to start my day with some work calls but nature said ‘not yet, Joanne’. So I breathed it all in and enjoyed every moment before I hit the interstate.

I was pleasantly surprised when I got onto Interstate 5 that I still had beautiful mountains and farmer’s fields on either side of the road for what was probably at least 100 miles. I was whizzing along at 75 mph and there was no place to stop for a quick photo so you’ll have to believe me. 😆

Internet found me in time to salvage a few work calls. Of note was my call with Lee-Anne, a founder who participated in Pathway in 2023, my signature program in San Francisco for female founders. Back then, Lee-Anne had eagerly absorbed the lessons shared by the program mentors and investors, and I knew Lee-Ann was someone that had the grit, determination, and grace, to make it big with her idea. And today was the chance for me to catch up and hear an update.

Lee-Anne spoke with such confidence and ease that I smiled more brightly with each element of the business she updated me on. I always love it when I meet a founder that I know I am going to be able to say “I knew her when …”. And I will undoubtedly say that about Lee-Anne.

When we talked about the growth she’s experiencing, mixed in with the daily grind and relentless determination needed to succeed, Lee-Anne embraced both sides of table. “When fear and opportunity hold hands” she said, referring to the incredible excitement and challenges that comes with realizing our dreams.

I’m going to hold that saying close to me. It’s a good reminder that on any giving day, life gives us “yes, and” responses to our prayers.

I ran into brutal traffic along the 5 as I headed East to my friend’s place. The extra 45 minutes wasn’t in my calculations and well, let’s just say I was keeping well hydrated. Turns out the Oregoneans are pretty fussy about the use of their public restrooms. Took 3 stops to find a place I could duck into the washroom unnoticed and not feel the pressure to be a patron. But then again, it was a Starbucks so you know, I indulged and supported … as a token of my appreciation. 🙂

I finally made it to my friends and as you already read in my opening paragraph, their view is stunning. It threw me off balance when I took my first steps into their home. I enveloped the breathtaking view just steps away. Ahhhh …. now I know why you moved to Seattle, Pavan. Well done, my friend. Well done.

Tyler cooked a meal for kings and queens, complete with wine (and more wine) and then some ice cream. The three of us had fun catching up on work, life, and more work. I remembered back to the first time I met Pavan at the Vault in San Francisco when she first arrived on the SF scene. We became instant friends, but then again, if you meet Pavan, you can’t help but create that category together. Her curiosity, matched with her generosity, makes her one pretty amazing human.

While we didn’t solve all of the world’s problems tonight … we did have some really good laughs at how similar our leadership style is and that we recognize the “bar” we set in our own businesses. And no, not that bar.

My eyes are heavy bc it’s much later than the time I set for this to be published. So, until tomorrow. Good night from Seattle. area. ish.

#Solo(Return)RoadTrip

30 Monday Aug 2021

Posted by in community, Family, friendship, Love, Travel

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Well the month of August flew by! Before I embark on my #Solo(Return)RoadTrip to 🇺🇸 … I thought I would share some of my highlights!

Celebrating my parents 54th wedding anniversary … and my sister’s um, 30th birthday 🙂

Another 50th birthday celebration with my wonderful high school girlfriends.

We all turn 50 this year and I’m so proud to say that out loud because I think we all look 25! Thanks Tanya, Tracy and Tamara for all of the great times together! It wasn’t easy but we pulled together a few gatherings .. not to mention the few quick beers 🍻 we snuck in from time to time as well!

Since I of course, had time on my hands, I took up golf lessons while I was home. And I went back to the very first place that I picked up a golf club … about 30 years ago. ⛳️ Thanks again, Mike, for introducing me to the game of golf. That, and moving to San Francisco, are two amazing gifts from our time together.

I experienced real progress (1% better is my motto!) after weekly golf lessons. Tannis and Z … I look forward to showing off my new skills at the HMB links! ha ha <grin>

I enjoyed a lot of walks .. some alone, some with friends, and some with a Saint in my back pocket.

I went back to my roots and had not one, but TWO nights of pickles with my family! And I’m so excited that I have a case in the back of my car to enjoy while I’m back in California.

We enjoyed some cool extended family time — we visited my 97 yo great aunt, as well as had an annual Fedeyko WE MEET reunion, virtual again this year but it was so much fun I think Amy and I are going to organize a WE MEET virtually more often. Except next time, we’ll send the link, Uncle D! LOL

Mom and me, of course, enjoyed some wine!! And on some nights, I enjoyed some Whisky! (I couldn’t let my fans down without sharing some of these moments, right?!)

The weather was absolutely drop-dead, gorgeous almost every day I was home. It was weather like I remember it growing up on the farm in High Level. I took advantage of the amazing backdrop + weather for an alternative to my normal office.

AND I got to meet an amazing group of Edmonton women that I’ve been working with over the last year. Thank you Cara, Anjali, Kennedy, Nicole, Noelle and Sabrina for your support, passion and collaboration! I’m excited for all the things we are doing together.

I am taking home a few gifts from my mom. She’s always asking if I would “use this” or “wear that” … and then next thing – poof – it’s mine to enjoy! 🙂 My mom was always so creative with crafts … from ceramics to cross stitch to knitting and painting .. she did it all – and beautifully!! Here is a gift I get to take home with me. Thanks, Mom! LOVE ❤️

I might update this post with additional memories, but as I embark on my #SoloReturnRoadTrip, I wanted to share a glimpse from the last month.

It’s always SO great to come home to 🇨🇦. Thank you to my family, friends and colleagues for making it memorable and fun!

And now … I look forward to the “Positive What If!” that awaits in San Francisco!

Oh and … NW 35 109 17 W5 … Which won’t mean anything to most of my readers right now, but it might show up in a future blog post. 😆

#SoloRoadTrip – Day 4

19 Monday Jul 2021

Posted by in friendship, Travel

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#OnTheRoadAgain …

I totally forgot about my Monday morning call with a group from London … but glad I remembered it … just in time!

So a little later-than-planned start, but I was on my way to an old ultra-running friend’s place in South Dakota with a jet-fueled gas station ☕️ in hand. I’ll let my readers guess who they mystery friend could be and I will give away the name later on in the post, or tomorrow. 🏃‍♂️

So …. I do weird things on solo road trips.

  • Like, keep track of the number of times I stop to use the “ladies room” (a phrase I stole from my friend Tannis, which just sounds better than “I stopped to go pee”).
  • I like taking photos of signs. It’s a little hard to do when driving solo and on roads that don’t have many turn-outs .. but I’ve been known to come to a screeching halt and make a quick u-turn to go back to take the snap. You’ll see one of those in my video below.
  • One thing I am doing is documenting the price of gas along the way. It was $4.89 a gallon in Burlingame when I left (this is for the Supreme leaded because that’s apparently what my precious car needs). And today it was $4.159 in Park City. So .. that’s a bit of useless information and a minute of your life you’ll never get back. #SorryNotSorry!!

News Alert: This blog post is on the longer side because who knew so much could happen on a 10-hour drive between Utah, Wyoming and South Dakota!  Well, allow me to share.

In Good Company

In 2019 when I took my first #SoloRoadTrip it was Oprah’s “Super Soul Sunday” Podcast that kept me fulfilled during my travels. I listened to episode after episode, and was eating up all of the “rah-rah, build your confidence, live your best life” blah blah on the airways. I frickin’ loved it!

This trip the Podcast that is keeping me going is Smartless …. OMGosh it’s laugh-out-loud, pee my pants, so f’en hilarious! Jason Bateman is SO funny. I love the connection to Canada with Will Arnett. And I feel like Sean Hayes pulls out the sarcastic humor that catches you off guard in a good way. Check it out. It cracks me up!

Complete Podcast Playlist:

  • Collisions/YYC – with Amanda Hall – who is #MakingAlbertaProud with the company she founded “Summit Nanotech”. One day I’m going to say … I knew Amanda when … Good luck w/ the Series A raise, lady! I know you’re going to ##CrushIt!
  • Smartless with Gwyneth Paltrow was awesome! SUPER funny and who doesn’t love her!
  • Smartless Reese Witherspoon – OMGosh, she’s so adorable and hot (regardless if you’re a man or a woman, who doesn’t have a crush on Reese!) Gotta watch that one.
  • Smartless with Amy Sedaris – who I didn’t know, but she is frickin’ hilarious! It’s A-mazing how many famous actors/actresses that these 3 guys have worked with over the years! 
  • Last Smartless episode of the day was with NASA Astronaut, Marine Biologist and Physiologist – Jessica Meir. Who I certainly didn’t know, but she’s not only wicked smart but funny!!
  • The Goop Podcast – “Realizing our Belonging” – because I still need a little rah-rah, feel good content. 😆

And now … Random Photos From The Trip ….

Continental Divide & Fences

For those that used to watch “Who Wants to be a Millionaire” … remember the 3 Lifelines that the person had?! Yeah, well, I had to use the “Phone a Friend” today when I kept seeing the Continental Divide signs driving through Wyoming.  Except I left my Dad and Sister and video recording (sort of the upgraded version of “phone a friend”). Thanks, Dad for being my source of all knowledge!

But here is another riddle and I need to use the “Poll the Audience” lifeline.

Can someone please tell me what these fences are, and why are they everyone along the Wyoming backroads?? I look forward to someone helping me solve the mystery! “Thanks in advance!”

For My Sister … Inside Joke

Edgerton

This video is for my Dad and all of the Oiler fans out there. This is the video I had to turn around for because the sign caught my eye. Thank goodness it didn’t also say “Home of Champions”. LOL

Entering South Dakota

The landscape changed as I was welcomed into South Dakota and I easily found my way to Mike’s place … in time to have a glass of wine (or three, sorry, Mike … I pushed you off the wagon!) … We have a good chit chat w/ Ron about days on the farm … and then enjoyed a delicious meal while we reminisced about the crazy ultra-running days (and yes, all of the old running peeps – we totally talked about you – Claire, Scott, Moselle, Leigh, Frank, Christine, Jon, Jane .. and of course, the crew support team of Rob and Kristin). ha ha!

Grateful for …

  • Safely getting to my destination
  • An awesome home-cooked meal; old friend and bed to crash on
  • Laughing out loud humo(u)r on the Smartless podcast
  • Enough cell coverage to listen in on two calls today, and one was with a group of kick-ass women in an executive coaching group that I love – thanks, Amy!
  • Lifelines!!

And the mystery friend is revealed. Thanks, Mike!!

And for those that might be wondering … this is the look of a LONG day folks … not the wine!

Day 3: Invest in Love

03 Monday Dec 2018

Posted by in friendship, Inspiration, Life's Lessons, Love, Writing Topics

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Elon Musk said it best.  All we need is love.

Ha! He might have gotten it from the Beatles but I figure if Elon Musk knows it to be true, then it must be. ❤️

Today’s writing topic is about love. But more so, how we can invest in love.

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Hand painted with love by my amazing Sister.

If we approach the day, and the people in it, with love, then we have a 1000% better shot at feeling good about ourselves, making others feel welcome and appreciated, and are in charge of creating more positivity and change for good in the world.

All because we simply invest in love ❤️.

  1. So take a moment to write about everyone that loves you, or have ever loved you. And as you do – enjoy the feelings and emotions that become present in your body.
  2. And then, write about the people that you love, or have loved. What did you learn from those that you loved before?  What are those that you love today teaching you? What are you teaching them?
  3. And lastly, think about who else you can love.  How you can give love to strangers? To your neighbors? Someone from your past? Someone that you will meet today? Make it a game and have fun with it!

Love is an investment. Not of money but something way more precious – our heart — our soul — and our time.

Some would tell you to be careful with how you give love away. I say the opposite. Give it away with reckless abandon. The world could use more love.

with love, 

 

love hands

Day 2: Friendships

03 Monday Dec 2018

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Today’s writing topic is around friendships and those relationships that are meaningful to you and why.

But it’s also about what type of friend you are being, or want to be.

friendship

It’s true the people come into our life for a reason, a season or a lifetime. And often there isn’t much we can do regarding the outcome. But we can always be conscious of those we have in our lives and how we are showing up for them.

Some questions to consider as you take a moment to reflect and write:

  1. What kind of friend are you to those most precious relationships in your life?
  2. Is there someone that you would like to have a deeper friendship with, and if so, what is one thing you can do to make that happen?
  3. What qualities resonate with you in friendships that you admire, and what can you do to emulate those traits?

Lastly, and you can consider this happy homework.  Reach out to a friend and tell them how much they mean to you. It can be a text or better yet a phone call. It doesn’t have to be long or complicated.  Just a simple random act of friendship.

freindship - to be understood