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I am thankful today.

I am thankful to be alive. I am thankful for free will. For the changing tides and waxing moon. Broken hearts and bleeding wounds. For all the things that remind us we are alive. We made it to another day.

I have been dancing around the idea of dismantling savageOM, the blog, for some time now.  I promised myself at the inception of this threesome (me, my mac & the web) that if the quality of posts started to dive and become more of a burden then a release I would let it go... So with all the many ways to exist online, I’ve decide to move over to tumblr where I can not only continue to share my thoughts and music but also the pictures that inspire others, quotes that make us think and anything and everything else in one steady stream of beautiful savage chaos. So here it is: savageom.tumblr

I hope you like the new format - keep following and checking in lovelies. Stay inspired, never be afraid to be you and always remember… silence is better than bullshit.

Seems fitting to write my final post here on the day of the November full moon. I have had more people, students and friends say to me this month that they feel ‘funny’. Some sad, some confused, full of anxiety and some full of joy and transformation. You see, that is the very power of human emotion. It is ever changing and always offering us opportunities to look inside ourselves for the answers to our confusion. Why do I feel like this? Or that? Why did I wake up yesterday ready to take on the world only to want to hide away today?

Life plays itself out from one extreme to the other longing for a balance. In the balance of it all is where peace lives. Our ability to stand strong amidst the chaos is rooted in our very knowing that balance will always be restored. All wounds heal and we move onto the next great adventure. The sun, moon and stars light the dance of life, and when you look deep enough you are the principal dancer on your stage. Dance with your head up and your heart open and the world is yours.

The full moon lunar eclipse reached its fullness this morning. The Gemini Moon directly opposes the Sagittarius Sun – Gemini representing the “lower mind” and Sagittarius the “higher mind”. The mental axis of this polarity encourages us to think logically about our immediate environment while persuading us to think in a far broader manner, expanding beyond the here and now. The full moon invites us to find the balance between these two energies - neglecting either end of the axis will undoubtedly backfire on us.  Endings or epiphanies occurring now help to clear the path for new beginnings. Feelings are impassioned (in a good way), emotions are heightened and we are confident. This confidence has the ability to grow by focusing on the "big picture" as we move away from our focus on the details of mundane existence.  For now, appreciate the depth of these feelings and your authenticity in all that you do.

Aspects of the Gemini Moon: Communication, attitude, and sense of adventure. Something is building inside of all of us demanding to be let out. It is not the time to sit on our feelings; it is time to express them…with care ;)

I usually teach on Wednesday nights and happen to regularly teach on the nights of the full moon. It is a cathartic way to spend the full moon, on my mat surrounded by student’s eager to explore the depths of their ‘selves’ uncovering their deepest fears and desires. The pull of the moon on the practicing yogi is a beautiful sight to witness. Whether you take yourself to your yoga mat, a class or simply to your bed, close your eyes and be a witness to what ignites you right now. What areas of your life need further expression, what emotions need to be released? If the moon means nothing to you, fine, to each his own, however when you find yourself feeling a bit whacko today, acting out in ways that seem highly impassioned consider this… the moon pulls the tides, we are made up mostly of water… how then can the moon not be affecting you on some level? Just a thought.

Happy Wednesday Lovelies 

K x

Follow savageOM at: savageom.tumblr.com

Time for something new, gypsy's love to move... 

Let's Just Ride

A ten minute tribute to discovering true liberation. Amazing piece of work. 

 It begins...

I was in the winter of my life. And the men I met along the road were my only summer... I was a singer. Not a very popular one. I once had dreams of becoming a beautiful poet. But upon a series of unfortunate events I saw those dreams dashed and divided like a million stars in the night sky that I wished on over and over again. Sparkling and broken. But I didn't really mind it because I knew that it takes getting everything you ever wanted and then losing it to know what true freedom is.

and ends...

Every night I used to pray that I'd find my people. And finally I did, on the open road. We had nothing to lose, nothing to gain; nothing we desired anymore. Except to make our lives into a work of art. Live fast. Die young. Be wild. Have fun. I believe in the country America used to be. I believe in the person I want to become. I believe in the freedom of the open road. And my motto is the same as ever. I believe in the kindness of strangers. And when I'm at war with myself, I ride. I just ride. Who are you? Are you in touch with all of your darkest fantasies? Have you created a life for yourself where you can experience them? I have. I am fucking crazy. But I am free.

K x

ps Entire Born to Ride (Deluxe Edition) on rdio

Patient Zero

Day Seven of Sick.
Right now I just want everything to be simple.
Simple Breathe.
Simple Asana.
Simple Songs.
Simple Sleep.

Daughter can do no wrong... enjoy lovelies & Happy Monday
K x

Sick Day

Its been over a week since touching back down in Toronto after what has been coined as LoveFest2012 in New York. Coming down off of the high of our trip has left me with little energy for anything. My immune system has simply decided to just go to sleep. Taking a sick day is really hard for some (me) so I decided to make a playlist, talk to my girl on Skype and cook up some fresh organic vegetable soup. I could get used to this... lots of new music finds thanks to rdio. I promise to post more soon. First things first, get better! 

K x

Empire State of Mind

We (two of my gorgeous besties and I) are taking off for New York tomorrow to find...
a) a very special dress
b) super sexy hot spots with delicious cuisine & even sexier cocktails
c) this guy we know (and love) who is some sort of big shot Brooklyn Hipster...

I am an infamous last minute packer and since my clothes STILL don't have a proper home in my closet, finding things is always more difficult than I imagine. With the necessary reminder of " who cares what you pack ... we're going to New York" I realized a fall weekend in New York really requires just a simple list of essentials:

My Top Five:
1) A great pair of Jeans
2) Booties
3) Cozy Sweater
4) Leather Bomber
5) Little Black Dress

Personal extra must haves: 
- Fur Vest
- Denim Shirt 
- Hat, either this one OR this one 
- One more LBD :)

Mix, match and wear... 

Thanks for the inspiration... happilygrey

Casual Sunday...

Everyone LOVES to write songs about New York...I love music... this is the most random playlist of NYC inspired songs... enjoy...

Have a Great Weekend Lovelies

K x

WAKE UP!

Another beautiful weekend come and gone ushering in a brand new Monday full of mystery…

I put my running shoes on this morning and hit the dark concrete before the light had even touched the sky. There is something so peaceful, so ethereal about the early morning. The body is rested, the mind is clear, and the world is quiet. It’s easier to listen. It’s easier to recognize just how little you need to truly feel content, grateful and alive.  Try it, all you need to do is WAKE UP… the rest just happens…

I'm falling in love with Lord Huron. Front man Ben Schneider has one of those wanderers spirits that fills each track of Lonesome Dreams... enjoy lovelies

I'm just as strange as you

"I used to think I was the strangest person in the world but then I thought there are so many people in the world,
 there must be someone just like me who feels bizarre and flawed in the same ways I do.
I would imagine her, and imagine that she must be out there thinking of me too.
Well, I hope that if you are out there and read this and know that,
yes, it’s true I’m here, and I’m just as strange as you.”
- Frida Kahlo

Happy Thanksgiving with Love

"You can become blind by seeing each day as a similar one. Each day is a different one, each day brings a miracle of its own. It’s just a matter of paying attention to this miracle." 

~Paulo Coelho

Take a moment this weekend to tell the people you love you not only love them but tell them also what you are grateful for about their presence and influence in your life and how it makes your life beautiful. Give out gratitude freely to every tree, leaf and star in the sky and then think of 5 beautiful things about yourself you feel grateful for. Repeat them to yourself and let them take root in your heart. It is OK to feel like your not good enough (sometimes), we are sadly given many opportunities in life to feel down on ourselves but if you choose to listen only to what you KNOW to be true which is that you are perfect and strong and beautiful absolutely all of the time you will respond to both the highs and the lows of life with grace, a smile on your face and a twinkle in your eyes.... 
The Lumineers are my top pick for just about any fall moment, however driving and singing to Stubborn Love is lovingly cathartic...

"It's better to feel pain, than nothing at all - so keep your head up, my love..."

This is YOUR life, do what makes you happy.

Happy Thanks Giving... K x

Monday

Then take me disappearin’ through the smoke rings of my mind

Down the foggy ruins of time, far past the frozen leaves
The haunted, frightened trees, out to the windy beach
Far from the twisted reach of crazy sorrow
Yes, to dance beneath the diamond sky with one hand waving free
Silhouetted by the sea, circled by the circus sands
With all memory and fate driven deep beneath the waves
Let me forget about today until tomorrow

- Bob Dylan

An old love of mine reminded me of how amazing this song is... and the video to go along with this recording is particularly perfect for this Monday morning. 

When in doubt just add love (& yoga)...

K x

Dear Fall, Love K xo

Just as I had imagined, the cottage was heaven this past weekend. Changing leaves, quiet mornings, lazy walks and savage hikes, late night yoga, music, food, the best people and for those long car rides an Autumn playlist inspiring deep thoughts and day dreams...

Hope your week is full or delightful surprises... K x

Forest Fairytale

Mulberry's Fall/Winter 2012 Campaign captured my heart. It is dreamy, haunting and completely stunning. Shot by British photographer Tim Walker, the fairytale campaign both ignites and inspires. 

(images from: Mulberry)

I am unconditionally in love with fall. It is so full of nostalgia and yet, carries with it endless possibility and inescapable feelings of love & hope. As the leaves turn to brilliant shades of red and orange and the warm kiss of summers breeze is replaced by the crisp winds of autumn, something internal seems to shift as well. Cravings for cool smoothies and fresh salads are replaced by the need for hot apple cider and hearty soups. Summers favourite dresses transform into the perfect layer under a chunky knit sweater and riding boots. Walks on the beach lead to hikes in the forest, and everything seems to just get… quiet. Maybe it is just that. The quiet mixed with big warm sweaters, hot drinks and cool air that bring me (to my internal) home.  The changing seasons offer up the opportunity to let go of that which no longer serves you and embrace new habits & attitudes; a time to look at your goals and re-asses; to dream big and believe in your dreams; to hold your integrity, vitality and willingness to face your fears at the top of your mountain. After weeks of being shut to keep the muggy air out, my windows are wide open letting the smell of fall fill the air, mixed with my houses ever present scent of Nagchampa making those early mornings under the covers the most magical (coveted) moments of the day.

I'm off to the lake this weekend to sit by fires and hike in the forest. To bake with warm spices and read, all curled up with only the quiet of the leaves as company.

Have an amazing equinox lovelies…

K x

Summers End...

Mondayyyyy
K x

NYFW 2012 Tidbits

I don't know if I actually want to (ever) physically be IN New York for Fashion Week. I don't know if I could  handle the sensory overload of it all. While I sort out the root of this anxiety, I will gladly watch from afar and let my favourite fashion bloggers, friends and magazines show me and the rest of you introverts the best of what happened behind the scenes and on the run ways. Here are a couple of my favourite snap shots and looks from NYFW 2012.

Backstage at Alexander Wang (Vogue)

Astrid Bergès-Frisbey & Virginie Ledoyen at chanel

I hate to love Rachel Zoe and love to love her so, so very much...

Rachel Zoe - Spring 2013

Rachel Zoe NYFW Makeup Hit

JCrew hit it. lots of colour and fantastic pattern play. This was my favourite find, loving the stripes contrasted with this little flower clutch...

JCrew

JCrew Close-up on Pattern Plat Perfection 

Naturally, everything about Marc by Marc Jacobs passes with... flying colours :)

Marc by Marc Jacobs - Photographed by Taylor Jewell

Marc by Marc Jacobs - Smokey eye with a metallic highlight in ocean green and light blue

Best Surprise of all my stumbles... Tory Burch, messy fishtails that make you ache for magical mermaid hair...

Tory Burch Candid

Tory Burch - Messy Fishtails

Hope you enjoy savageOM's mini facelift... we are having growing pains at the moment ;$ Stay tuned!

Night Lovelies, 

K x

Zooey & Sasha

hellogiggles
goodnight lovelies
Kx

All you need is love

Interviewer: Why can’t you be alone without Yoko?
John Lennon: But I can be alone without Yoko, but I just have no wish to be. There’s no reason on earth why I should be alone without Yoko. There’s nothing more important than our relationship, nothing. And we dig being together all the time. Both of us could survive apart but what for? I’m not going to sacrifice love, real love for any whore or any friend or any business, because in the end you’re alone at night and neither of us want to be. and you can’t fill a bed with groupies. It doesn’t work. I don’t want to be a swinger. I’ve been through it all and nothing works better than to have someone you love hold you.


Thanks John... 
Happy TIFF lovelies
K x

Hold on when you get it...

While my bf's were celebrating their engagement on the West Coast (love love love, can't stop smiling!), I was on my own little romantic getaway in Prince Edward County. I had no idea what I was in for. The County is gorgeous! We met a lovely girl at Karlos Estates who took us through a wine & port tasting paired with a selection of fine cheeses... in a quaint little red barn... in the middle of the vineyard... on the most perfect end of summer day... you still with me? It was THAT good. Next we headed over to my friend's mothers Lake House. Did I mention she is an extraordinary, coveted designer? Frequently found gracing the pages of Canadian House & Home? Days out on the water, navigating our paddle boards with expert precision (lies) and evenings sipping wine, savouring the last of this seasons delicious heirlooms and sweet tomatoes. Here are a couple of snapshots from our weekend...

FINALLY... npr has The new XX up on FIRST LISTEN! Only thing keeping me going on this dreary Tuesday... looking forward to a weekend of celebrating friends, TIFF premières and hopefully spending some time snuggled up... K x

(with so much love for everyone who needs a little more today...) 

Congratulations Mini & Mick... I love yous

Music, Yoga & Fashion

Whenever I miss a Monday post, I realize how much I must have been slacking the week before at work ;$ After a delicious weekend on the lake, soaking up what felt like the last true summer weekend, I came back to the city all Zen-like with three goals for the week:

Goal #1: Go to bed earlier - wake up earlier for a longer morning Sadhana

Goal #2: Create a Fall Live Music Calender

Goal #3: Fallify my closet

Last night I went to bed too late... this morning I got up extra earlier (so far O days success at Goal #1), yesterday we began our Fall Live Music Calendar and it looks pretty amazing so far (Goal #2 well under way), today I plan on sneaking away early to meet my favourite shopping partner for a little fashion fallification (Goal #3 about to be manifest!).

Today's Breakdown: Goal #1 - explained & a preview of who's playing this Fall.
Friday: Fall Fashion Fallification

What is Sadhana? 

Sadhana or daily spiritual practice is the foundation of all spiritual endeavour. Sadhana is your personal, individual spiritual practise used to work on yourself. Sadhana is whatever you do consistently to clear your own consciousness so you can relate to the infinity within you. Before you face the world each day, do yourself a favour and tune up your nervous system and attune yourself to your highest inner self. My Sadhana consists of most (if not all on good days) of the following: pranayama, meditation & Asana... followed by the finest beans Sam James Coffee bar has to offer. (Did you know yogis in ancient India LOVED coffee and said it helped enlighten their yoga practise - fun little factoid) 

Developing a regular sadhana can move you out of chaos and help you take control of your life and open the doors of experience and opportunity. Commit to meet your higher Self each morning and your decisions and your life become original; your life will bear the signature of your soul; your radiance will express itself in each moment... and every challenge becomes opportunity.

Just before sunrise, the energy you put into your sadhana gets maximum results. Your world is quieter.Your mind is still and your body has just spent the last 6-8 hrs resting, restoring & and rejuvenating. It may be easier to meditate and concentrate before the hustle and bustle of the day begins, but you can adopt a regular sadhana at any time of day.. just work up towards those early hours, nothing compares to a quiet city, makes the vibrant nights so much more fun ;) 

The breeze at dawn has secrets to tell you. 

Don’t go back to sleep.

You must ask for what you really want.

Don’t go back to sleep.

People are going back and forth across the doorsill

Where the two worlds touch.

The door is round and open. 

Don’t go back to sleep.

                                                            ~ Rumi

This weekend I decided to shut out most of the noise that comes from the outside world... including music. This was incredibly hard but proved to help quiet my busy mind so I could actually hear my heart. Needless to say I haven't turned the music off since I got back tot he city. Today it's these two that have been repeated... at least twice... Enjoy!

Live Music we'll be catching this fall (a list in progress...):

Daughter - Drake Underground - Oct 22 $13.50

Ewert and the Two Dragons - Garrision - Oct 22 $11.50

First Aid Kit - Music Hall - Sept 26 $26.50

Father John Misty - Lee's - Oct 27 - $14.50

Fitz and the Tantrums - Mod Club - Sep 5 - $26

Yeasayer - Danforth Music Hall - Nov 9 - $24 

lots of love 

K x

Tuesday Quote

"Vulnerability is the only authentic state. Being vulnerable means being open, for wounding, but also for pleasure. Being open to the wounds of life means also being open to the bounty and beauty. Don’t mask or deny your vulnerability: it is your greatest asset. Be vulnerable: quake and shake in your boots with it. The new goodness that is coming to you, in the form of people, situations, and things can only come to you when you are vulnerable and open."

- Stephen Russell

Also, nest month The XX release their much-anticipation second album COEXIST. So far I've found two sneak peeks and they are earthy, complicated and just as addictive as the London's trio's first album. Enjoy, Kx

Hello Hum

WINTERSLEEP released their newest album HELLO HUM on June 12, 2012, available on iTunes or catch them live on tour with ELLIOTT BROOD (Toronto Show is October 21 at Danforth Music Hall) I was thrilled to stumble across their video with Southern Souls filmed here in Toronto down the street at 3030 Dundas Street West:

I can't imagine not living in a city that hosts such a vibrant arts, culture & music scene. One day I will bring Yoga into it and we'll practice to live local musicians surrounded by photography and paintings done by young local artists. You just wait ;)

Have a great week lovelies.
K x

Quote for Today

“You must live in the present, launch yourself on every wave, find your eternity in each moment. 

Fools stand on their island of opportunities and look toward another land. There is no other land; there is no other life but this.”

- Henry David Thoreau

August Monday on rdio

savageOM on rdio! It took me a while to get on board with rdio but now that I’ve committed (committed = credit card number + monthly membership) I am hooked. Music is part of my everyday life. It inspires my world in so many ways and I (personally) believe, music makes everything better. My yoga classes, my ability to get my work done, running, meditation, my nights, my mornings and everything in between. Music can take you deeper into your yoga practice, deeper into the corners of your hearts deepest longings, deeper beyond the fences of your imagination and higher than any drug. Thanks to rdio making playlists just got a lot more fun! Hope you enjoy. Tonight, we’ll be flowing through an “August Monday” inspired Vinyasa . Music & Yoga after a weekend of battery recharging on the lake… makes missing Sunday less painful ;)

Have an amazing week lovelies… K x

When it's over

 Butter's Scotch said it best...

"Yeah, I'm sad... but at the same time I'm really happy something could make me feel this sad. The only way I can feel this sad  is if I felt something really good before. it's like, it makes me feel alive, you know? It makes me feel human. So, I have to take the bad with the good. So, I guess what I'm feeling is like a beautiful sadness." 

That pretty much sums it up. After months of anticipation OSHEAGA 2012 has swiftly come and gone leaving its permanent mark on my heart. There are simply not enough words to describe the weekend. So much love. The Island was like a mini wonderland providing a home for all the peaceful rockers, hippies and punks who managed to get themselves over the bridge. No violence, no ugliness, no tragedies, and no security lurking behind you waiting to confiscate your pot. It felt like we had been transported back a couple of decades, and it felt really good. Free spirits soaking in each others happiness and absolute love of music, talent, arts, culture, fashion, old friends and new friends... it's kind of awesome right!? Here's a couple audio & visual highlights of our weekend, enjoy...

my loves

Scene Vert - Of Monsters And Men
 Possibly the best show to kick it all off. There is nothing better than when a band sounds better live. This is where my weekend began. On the slate steps at La Scene Vert with my Bishop's Crew by my side in the blazing heat of the Montreal Sun. 

heartbreakers

More heartbreakers...These two are a VERY big deal. 

Main Stage for METRIC
Emily Haines probably got about 50 000 marriage proposals over the weekend.  Jimmy Shaw too. I feel in love. LB got attacked by glitter and loved it. They closed with the most romantic, nostalgic, tear inducing acoustic version of Give me Sympathy (below)... it was one of the most memorable moments of OSH.. "you make the night...and we match you. To another Beautiful Night in Montreal"

Help, I'm ALIVE

Yeasayer...best.ever.

Overall? 10 on 10 weekend, 10 on 10 Festival .... see you next year lovelies, mwwwwahhhhh K xo

Did I mention I am happy to be home?
Have a great week...