29 Monday Jul 2024
Posted in Travel
Tags
I started my day with a couple of great meetings in Calgary before heading “home”.
Overall my #SoloRoadTrip trip covered:
Thanks to all of those that followed along!
27 Saturday Jul 2024
Posted in friendship, Inspiration, LifePlanning, Love, Travel
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.
26 Friday Jul 2024
Posted in friendship, Life's Lessons, Organization, Travel, Uncategorized
Tags
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.
30 Friday Jun 2023
Posted in Travel
A different kind of Road Trip ..
A lot has happened in the world since Covid. Thankfully there has been some incredibly positive change as a result of some not so great events.
One of the things that I’ve been fortunate to enjoy is the shift in commitment to supporting women and other underrepresented groups. I started the Canadian Women’s Network (CWN) back in 2017 to support female founders in tech but until Covid, the work we did was looked at more of a ‘nice to have’. Now, as we all know, there is a huge focus on diversity. We were wicked lucky that we had the foundation in place at the CWN that we could act quickly and expand our support with the added focus from companies and individuals. And there are so many exciting things we have planned at the CWN so I hope you’ll follow us!
But while buying food for our flight (because, unfortunately the hospitality and travel industry have gone down the tubes since Covid — more on that in later blog posts), I saw this on the shelf — SHE CAN wine! And I thought, how wicked cool is that? And y’all know how much I like my wine!
So I bought it (and yes, as you can see, I might have consumed it at 30,000 ft — against all of the ‘you cannot consume your own alcohol during flight’ rules) .. and then I looked up more on the brand.
McBride Sisters SHE CAN Wines
I not only loved the wine – and the branding (wow, SUCH cool branding), it turns out that a portion of the proceeds of McBride Sisters SHE CAN Wines sales will go towards the SHE CAN Fund, inspired by the endless pursuit of all women who are making their dreams a reality and breaking barriers daily. Totally want to support these founders and their pursuits so check out their wine!
https://www.mcbridesisters.com/Shop/All-Wines/McBride-Sisters-SHE-CAN
For our next big CWN event, I want to put together a wicked swag bag with product 100% designed and produced by women. And hopefully SHE CAN will be a part of it!
I’ll be on the lookout for more female own and women led companies to support and share with our network and community.
And oh btw, landed safely in Boston.
30 Monday Aug 2021
Posted in community, Family, friendship, Love, Travel
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. 😆
25 Sunday Jul 2021
Posted in friendship, Travel
Tags
So.Much.Fun!!
Enjoyed spending the day at Rock Creek with one of the best couples of all time!
And of course the day has to end at “The Corner Bar”. The “one more drink” is never a good idea … but then no great story started with a salad!
24 Saturday Jul 2021
Posted in Travel
Tags
I spent Day 9 hanging around in Bozeman. Cute town that I visited 6 years ago and have been meaning to come back to.
I did one critical thing today, which was get my Negative Covid results!! I can now, officially, cross the border into Canada!
It was also a good day to make a small dent in my inbox and do a little catch up. So it was coffee shop, followed by restaurant, followed by coffee shop, followed by restarrant bar 🙂
23 Friday Jul 2021
Posted in Travel
Tags
OMGosh … sometimes you gotta just love a hotel room!!
Today was a bit more on the uneventful side … but for me, it has still been heaven.
After sleeping in, I did what I didn’t do all week. I worked! ha!!
And for those that know me (which should be all of 8 of you LOL) … I loved it!
BUT … in other news. The Olympics started today, folks! That’s exciting. Or maybe it’s not because I have only seen it on one TV in the, you know, 5 bars I’ve been to tonight. 😆🍷
Oh but actually – maybe I have something exciting to mention! It’s a little “FutureCasting” as they say.
… I met Chuck and Cheryl over dinner, who I think is going to introduce me to husband #3.
Just kidding!! No more marriages! 😬 Sorry for the almost heart attack Mom and Dad!
But … white water rafting with beers and a bunch of friends that I don’t know yet, sounds totally up my alley!
And now .. back to reality …
A few photos from today. Won’t surprise any of my fans I’m sure. LOL
Tomorrow might be much like today, except – except – except – I’m turning into an Uber and picking up a friend at the airport and then driving West to have a few laughs, drinks, and I suspect some more drinks, and then apparently some golf.
Looking forward Sean and Tania! Can’t wait!
22 Thursday Jul 2021
Posted in Travel
Tags
Today was a day of travel. Like, 12 hours of driving. I don’t know how I am still standing right now but I feel like my fans are counting on me to catch up on my blog, so here I am! LOL
Soooo kidding!
My friend Courtney asked “So, do you have a big following?”, and I’m like “No … like 4.”
But actually, I know FF is following me. Maybe my Dad and Sister read it. Totally not sure on that one but I sure hope so. I think Rick and Barb are following it, and I know Anjali is taking a read. Thank you, Anjali.
But I write for me. ✍️ It’s something I love doing and I really hope I’ll do more of it in the future.
But for my all of 8 followers .. here is a recap of my Day 7 😆🚙
Leaving South Dakota and enroute to Montana!
Not too much to report on from today but when it ends with a restaurant bar, a glass of wine, and a blog post. I’m a happy girl. 😆😆
Oh — but do ask about how my hotel debacle turned into a HUGE gift, next time we chat.
20 Tuesday Jul 2021
Posted in friendship, Travel
Limited internet and having too much fun with friends results in shorter time to blog!
I will fill more in later but some pictures and video from Day 5
Mount Rushmore – Black Hills – Deadwood
Being Superwoman 