LIBERTY POST

Greentree Gardens and Emporium

libertypost@gmail.com (LIBERTY POST EDITOR) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 02:38:00 +0000

Another reminder and review of 'Retail Rule #1'. Never judge a book by its cover. Or in shopping lingo: Never judge a shop by its facade. I must confess that I have driven by this store at least 1000 times. I'm not kidding. I usually glanced over and thought. 'hmmm..I should stop in some time', but never did, until yesterday when I took my Mother out for a sunshine-filled November afternoon. (we Canadians will do anything to boost our Vit. D levels this time of year) I decided to drop in to 'check it out' and WOW !!! Do I need to say more? And look-see-look...!!!...I was finally able to see Papaya products in person. Needless to say, this is a wonderful and interesting emporium; filled in every corner with incredible vignettes. Do drop in - the first time you see it. It's on Hwy 26 just west of Collingwood beside Pretty River Academy Private School. Their Holiday Open is Nov. 21 & 22. 705 444 2146

Happy Sunday Everyone

libertypost@gmail.com (LIBERTY POST EDITOR) — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 05:00:00 +0000

Rest. Rest. Rest. See you Monday. LPxo

World Diabetes Day

libertypost@gmail.com (LIBERTY POST EDITOR) — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 14:42:00 +0000

Monument Challenge Expected To Exceed 1000 Mark

libertypost@gmail.com (LIBERTY POST EDITOR) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 14:19:00 +0000

Wherever you are or whatever you're doing, just add a little touch of blue in honour of UN World Diabetes Day on November 14th. Perhaps a blue photo on your blog or a new blue header for the day - blue backgrounds - World Diabetes Day buttons and sidebar items! - get virtual candle here. (I've added a few of my blue lovelies to this exquisite tea service I just bought at the Huntsville Salvation Army for $10.) And as you can see, my blog will be blue! Almost 600 million people worldwide have diabetes so I believe this special day of awareness is very important to all of us, don't you?

BIG NEWS:

The total number of monuments that have confirmed participation in this year's World Diabetes Day and agreed to go blue grows by the minute. Recent additions to the list include the Sydney Opera House in Australia and Place de la Concorde in Paris, France. Early indications suggest that the global total will exceed 1000. Help us share your World Diabetes Day experience. Whatever you are doing this World Diabetes Day, please make sure that your experience is shared with the global diabetes community.

******Submit high-quality images of your event.******

Wherever you are, from Fiji to Canada, we are ready to post pictures of your event. Please upload your images as quickly as possible. The sooner we receive the images, the sooner we can make them available to the global media and highlight what you are doing to mark the day. If you plan to take pictures of a lighting event, please make sure that you're equipped to get a sharp image in dark conditions. Don't forget to pack your tripod. Before you submit the image, please give it a name that will help us identify what it is and where it was taken. Follow the day minute by minute at http://www.worlddiabetesday.org.

SUBMIT YOUR PHOTOS OF MONUMENTS TO WORLD DIABETES ORG. VIRTUAL MUSEUM (this is too cool !!!!! - go see it now !!!!) WEBSITE and share them with us on your blog!

Things Come In Threes

libertypost@gmail.com (LIBERTY POST EDITOR) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:28:00 +0000

There have been so many wonderful things in my life. So many. Too many to even list or share with you. But there have been 3 things in my life that were the hardest to live through. One of them was the diagnosis of my tiny, tow-headed 3 year old daughter; Type 1 Diabetes. Just thinking about that moment is enough to send me in a tailspin of sobs. It was God's way of saying, 'Huh. Don't like needles eh?' Well, how about this?' It was the universe's way of shouting, 'What's important? What will you do? When will you make the change?' I cried in the tub for 2 hours straight. I cried for 2 days straight after I gave her the first needle. Bless oranges. They were my target practices. Please join me on Sat. Nov. 14th and post a 'BLUE POST' to commemorate United Nations World Diabetes Day. The Globe is set to go blue for World Diabetes Day! At the time of writing this post, more than 660 monuments - including the Empire State Building, London Eye, Christ the Redeemer, Burj al Arab and the Obelisque in Paris – confirmed they will bathe in blue for World Diabetes Day. Will you create a BLUE POST, or post a BLUE PHOTO with a link to UN World Diabetes Day or will your blog background go BLUE for Nov. 14th? I will hug you until eternity.

YOUR COUNTRY? Click on this 'List of Monuments & Buildings' to be BLUE on Nov. 14th

I Am Remembering

libertypost@gmail.com (LIBERTY POST EDITOR) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 05:50:00 +0000

What Is The Diabetes Symbol?

libertypost@gmail.com (LIBERTY POST EDITOR) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 05:48:00 +0000

How Many People In The World Have Diabetes?

libertypost@gmail.com (LIBERTY POST EDITOR) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 05:44:00 +0000

11 . 11. 11

libertypost@gmail.com (LIBERTY POST EDITOR) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 04:15:00 +0000

Remember. One day every year, we pay special homage to those who died in service to their country. We remember these brave men and women for their courage and their devotion to ideals. We think of those who are in the military today, all around the world. Those much braver than us. We wear poppies, attend ceremonies, and visit memorials. We stand in front of our TV's and computer screens in silence. A tear may fall down our cheek. For one brief moment of our life, we remember why we must work for peace every day of the year. Don't ever forget them. Peace out.

Pretty Petals Patti Picks

libertypost@gmail.com (LIBERTY POST EDITOR) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:56:00 +0000

Say that fast 10 times and by the time I get home you will have mastered it. I'm off to learn more about lovely blooms. Are you going to dress up your holiday flora? Isn't this so pretty. LPxo

Photo: Teresa McFayden

Breakaway

libertypost@gmail.com (LIBERTY POST EDITOR) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 22:10:00 +0000

Grew up in a small town

And when the rain would fall down

I'd just stare out my window

Dreaming of what could be

And if I'd end up happy

I would pray

Trying hard to reach out

But when I tried to speak out

Felt like no one could hear me

Wanted to belong here

But something felt so wrong here

So I'd pray

I could break away

I'll spread my wings and I'll learn how to fly.

I'll do what it takes till I touch the sky.

Make a wish, take a chance,

Make a change,

and break away.

Out of the darkness and into the sun.

But I won't forget all the ones that I love.

I'll take a risk, take a chance,

Make a change,

and break away

Wanna feel the warm breeze

Sleep under a palm tree

Feel the rush of the ocean

Get onboard a fast train

Travel on a jetplane

Far away

And break away

I'll spread my wings and I'll learn how to fly.

I'll do what it takes till I touch the sky.

Make a wish, take a chance,

Make a change,

and break away.

Out of the darkness and into the sun.

But I won't forget all the ones that I love.

I'll take a risk, take a chance,

Make a change,

and break away

Buildings with a hundred floors

Swinging with revolving doors

Maybe I don’t know where they’ll take me

Gotta keep movin on movin on

Fly away

Break away

I'll spread my wings and I'll learn how to fly.

Though it’s not easy to tell you goodbye

Take a risk, take a chance,

Make a change,

and break away.

Out of the darkness and into the sun.

But I won't forget the place I come from

I gotta take a risk, take a chance,

Make a change,

and break away

Breakaway

Break away

(Kelly Clarkson)

The Only Life You Can Save

libertypost@gmail.com (LIBERTY POST EDITOR) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 21:08:00 +0000

One day you finally knew
what you had to do, and began,
though the voices around you
kept shouting
their bad advice
though the whole house
began to tremble
and you felt the old tug
at your ankles.
"Mend my life!"
each voice cried.
But you didn't stop.
You knew what you had to do,
though the wind pried
with its stiff fingers
at the very foundations,
though their melancholy
was terrible.
It was already late
enough, and a wild night,
and the road full of fallen
branches and stones.
But little by little,
as you left their voices behind,
the stars began to burn
through the sheets of clouds,
and there was a new voice
which you slowly
recognized as your own,
that kept you company
as you strode deeper and deeper
into the world,
determined to do
the only thing you could do --
determined to save
the only life you could save.

-mary oliver

Escape Reality For 2 Minutes - STOP!!!

libertypost@gmail.com (LIBERTY POST EDITOR) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 19:49:00 +0000

"The Story Is Happening" edited by Fischer Edit's Katie Carpenter from Fischer Edit on Vimeo.

Just STOP what you are doing and watch this my lovelies. Did you know she is a famous Canadian artist and author? 'We so proud.' LPxo

Front Page News

libertypost@gmail.com (LIBERTY POST EDITOR) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:05:00 +0000

My book 'Babies' made it to the front page of the Blurb book store! This is such a wonderful experience. (Hugs to those of you who have already purchased my novel (I'm gushing) and kisses to those of you who will) Order by Dec. 1st for Holiday gift giving. Once you receive your book and you finish reading it, would you mind sending me a 'comment' so I can share your thoughts and/or a photo of you and your copy! And should I be so brave & sassy? To ask a big favour? For you to promote my new book on your blog. (insert shameless promotion effort here) I am lacking the big engine marketing budget of the big boys, so I'm expecting a miracle and several acts of random kindness with my blogging family. libertypost at gmail dot com. LPxo

Photo Credits: Flickr Book Shop

You're Invited To 'Kick Up Your Heels'

libertypost@gmail.com (LIBERTY POST EDITOR) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 13:33:00 +0000

If you are any where near Toronto or a quick flight away, be sure to attend the best event in the city on November 18th! You won't want to miss it! Click here to view your personal invitation. Rub shoulders with Jane Hall The Voice of Style (and other celebrities?) and spend time with her special guests. Jane's new photocollage work will be exhibited and on sale (she will sign one too!). Be sure to sign up for Jane's free newsletter. I receive it and I love it. Don't miss Jane's 'Kick Up Your Heels Event'.

Sabrina Ward Harrison: Gesture of Goodness + Grace

libertypost@gmail.com (LIBERTY POST EDITOR) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 17:43:00 +0000

I meet the sweetest, most kind people in 'Blogland'. I truly can't get over how lovely and kind and thoughtful bloggers are. I am also humbled every day by people who read blogs and those who take the time to leave encouraging and/or various viewpoints to our conversations (convos). I even get a charge out of nasty Anons (poor dears) who for whatever reason feel their negativity will somehow brighten a blogger's day. You have to love them; One, for showing up and two, for taking the time and having the courage to actually press 'submit'! Today though I wanted to share with you a special package that arrived for me in a triangular tube box. Immediately I jumped up and down screaming - "Toblerone Chocolate!!!" - but it was even better than that. It was postmarked from Whistler, B.C., home of the 2010 Olympics....gee, what could it be? I ripped it open as fast as I could and inside was the most wonderful surprise. Do you remember when I 'longed' to be heading to Baja California, Mexico to attend the Sabrina Ward Harrison travel/adventure/workshop? Oh, how I begged the universe to allow me to go. But alas, it was not meant to be for this year. The brainchild behind these camps is Angela Ritchie and she took time out of her busy life to 'cheer this little ol' blogger up out of her feel-sorry-for-herself-left-out misery' and sent me a Sabrina Ward Harrison poster of the trip with a hand-written note!!!!!!!! I had to catch my breath! Can you believe this!!!??***!!! I want to send a huge Canadian bear hug across the miles to Ace Camps for doing this. I can't wait to frame it. All of my family and friends were just blown away by this gesture of goodness and grace. One day I will create alongside Sabrina and Angela. Sending Love & Appreciation to Angela Ritchie, Liberty Post xo

Health Care For All (It's The Right Thing To Do)

libertypost@gmail.com (LIBERTY POST EDITOR) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 04:44:00 +0000

"If you want something said, ask a man. If you want something done, ask a woman." - Margaret Thatcher. Nancy Pelosi clapped her hands as she left the House floor late Saturday night. “That was easy,” the speaker said with a smile.
Congratulations America!

New Urbanism

libertypost@gmail.com (LIBERTY POST EDITOR) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 02:42:00 +0000

Written By New Urban Mom:

In a nutshell “new urbanism” is rooted in the idea that cities are gathering places where residents and visitors alike live, work, run businesses and play in locations that are close to one another. Today, that means trying to reshape and bring life to older cities and newer suburban communities to make them more attractive and more accessible to everyone, especially pedestrians.
Here are the principles of new urbanism as spelled out by the folks at newurbanism.org:
1. Walkability
-Most things within a 10-minute walk of home and work
-Pedestrian friendly street design (buildings close to street; porches, windows & doors; tree-lined streets; on street parking; hidden parking lots; garages in rear lane; narrow, slow speed streets)
-Pedestrian streets free of cars in special cases
2. Connectivity
-Interconnected street grid network disperses traffic & eases walking
-A hierarchy of narrow streets, boulevards, and alleys
-High quality pedestrian network and public realm makes walking pleasurable
3. Mixed-Use & Diversity
-A mix of shops, offices, apartments, and homes on site. Mixed-use within neighborhoods, within blocks, and within buildings
-Diversity of people – of ages, income levels, cultures, and races
4. Mixed Housing
A range of types, sizes and prices in closer proximity
5. Quality Architecture & Urban Design
Emphasis on beauty, aesthetics, human comfort, and creating a sense of place; Special placement of civic uses and sites within community. Human scale architecture & beautiful surroundings nourish the human spirit
6. Traditional Neighborhood Structure
-Discernable center and edge-Public space at center-Importance of quality public realm; public open space designed as civic art-Contains a range of uses and densities within 10-minute walk-Transect planning: Highest densities at town center; progressively less dense towards the edge. The transect is an analytical system that conceptualizes mutually reinforcing elements, creating a series of specific natural habitats and/or urban lifestyle settings. The Transect integrates environmental methodology for habitat assessment with zoning methodology for community design. The professional boundary between the natural and man-made disappears, enabling environmentalists to assess thedesign of the human habitat and the urbanists to support the viability of nature. This urban-to-rural transect hierarchy has appropriate building and street types for each area along the continuum.
7. Increased Density
-More buildings, residences, shops, and services closer together for ease of walking, to enable a more efficient use of services and resources, and to create a more convenient, enjoyable place to live.-New Urbanism design principles are applied at the full range of densities from small towns, to large cities
8. Smart Transportation
-A network of high-quality trains connecting cities, towns, and neighborhoods together-Pedestrian-friendly design that encourages a greater use of bicycles, rollerblades, scooters, and walking as daily transportation
9. Sustainability
-Minimal environmental impact of development and its operations-Eco-friendly technologies, respect for ecology and value of natural systems-Energy efficiency-Less use of finite fuels-More local production-More walking, less driving
10. Quality of Life
Taken together these add up to a high quality of life well worth living, and create places that enrich, uplift, and inspire the human spirit.

BENEFITS OF NEW URBANISM

1. BENEFITS TO RESIDENTS
Higher quality of life;
Better places to live, work, & play;
Higher, more stable property values; Less traffic congestion & less driving;
Healthier lifestyle with more walking, and less stress;
Close proximity to main street retail & services;
Close proximity to bike trails, parks, and nature;
Pedestrian friendly communities offer more opportunities to get to know others in the neighborhood and town, resulting in meaningful relationships with more people, and a friendlier town;
More freedom and independence to children, elderly, and the poor in being able to get to jobs, recreation, and services without the need for a car or someone to drive them;
Great savings to residents and school boards in reduced busing costs from children being able to walk or bicycle to neighborhood schools; More diversity and smaller, unique shops and services with local owners who are involved in community; Big savings by driving less, and owning less cars;
Less ugly, congested sprawl to deal with daily;
Better sense of place and community identity with more unique architecture; More open space to enjoy that will remain open space;
More efficient use of tax money with less spent on spread out utilities and roads

2. BENEFITS TO BUSINESSES
Increased sales due to more foot traffic & people spending less on cars and gas;
More profits due to spending less on advertising and large signs;
Better lifestyle by living above shop in live-work units – saves the stressful & costly commute;
Economies of scale in marketing due to close proximity and cooperation with other local businesses;
Smaller spaces promote small local business incubation; Lower rents due to smaller spaces & smaller parking lots;
Healthier lifestyle due to more walking and being near healthier restaurants;
More community involvement from being part of community and knowing residents

Photos of Poundbury, England. New Urbanism Project by Prince Charles

Business Balls. I Mean Bulbs.

libertypost@gmail.com (LIBERTY POST EDITOR) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 14:18:00 +0000

"Smack dab in the middle of a recession, the middle of a floundering block, in the middle of New York City I decided it would be fun to open a store with a HUGE sign in bright neon green that read GROW. I had a sneaking suspicion that other designers and architects had discovered the fantastic Deco loft buildings being vacated by a the furriers who were going out of business, like I had, and moved their businesses into their beautiful open spaces. My hope was, that being close to the flower district, but not in it, we might attract the folks GREENING their apartments, terraces and backyards as well as the pros in the biz. The best part of moving onto the same street our offices have been on for 3 years is that we are finally meeting our neighbors…landscape architects, interior designers, structural engineers, building contractors, architects, lighting designers…and that’s just on this block! So my dream is coming true.. I wanted to open a store/showroom where the GROWing industry of urban living, green roof gardening and organic home design merged and I wanted to be on a block that was growing. And I think we did it." - Rebecca Cole

(Now that's how to GROW a store and a business. It takes balls. I mean bulbs.) Love, love, love Rebecca Cole.

Top Photo Credit: (with interesting article) NYTimes

Highway of Heroes Poppy Pin

libertypost@gmail.com (LIBERTY POST EDITOR) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 14:17:00 +0000

Trademarking a poppy? Artists worldwide beware: The Royal Canadian Legion may be coming after you with a lawsuit as they believe they 'own' the rights to the poppy image. Otherwise a lovely 'Highway of Heroes' pin would still be for sale to raise money for military families. This is absolute nonsense. Let's all boycott the 'poppy drive' (the little soft, velvety red poppies we stick in our jackets) by the Legion this month until they allow the 'highway of heroes pin' to be sold again!!! - just to show them that we can all share the poppy image to remember, express and raise funds for this worthy cause. Each November, Poppies blossom on the lapels and collars of over half of Canada’s entire population. Since 1921, the Poppy has stood as a symbol of Remembrance, our visual pledge to never forget all those Canadians who have fallen in war and military operations. The Poppy also stands internationally as a “symbol of collective reminiscence”, as other countries have also adopted its image to honour those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. Peace = sharing. Sharing the poppy (for goodness sake) to raise money for people in need shouldn't be a criminal act. I can't stand legal bullies. (who make decisions based on greed, ego and page 41 of the Poppy Manual.)

NOTE: To be clear. I am talking about a lapel pin of the 'highway of heroes sign with poppy on it' that the local credit union was selling to raise money for military families. They are no longer allowed to sell them. (trademark infringement) I think this is so wrong. If people want to design poppy items to sell to make money for military families, they should be able to.

Berserk. Now There's A Word

libertypost@gmail.com (LIBERTY POST EDITOR) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 01:05:00 +0000

Must have been the mushrooms. (see bottom) So where does Fort Hood leave all of us? Are we going to become increasingly racist against Muslims? Are we going to become paranoid? Imagine what it's like to be a Muslim in the military today! Did you know that U.S. army recruiters get a bigger commission for recruiting a Muslim? (can this be true?) What is going on? Backlash. That's the reality. Berserk. Now there's a word. (and no other word fits the shooter's actions yesterday) What is your perception?

BERSERK (SWEDEN) A.K.A. Major Nidal Malik Hasan or Dr. What A Waste

–adjective
1.
violently or destructively frenzied; wild; crazed; deranged: He suddenly went berserk.
–noun
2.
(sometimes initial capital letter) Scandinavian Legend. Also, berserker. An ancient Norse warrior who fought with frenzied rage in battle, possibly induced by eating hallucinogenic mushrooms.

7 Human Feet Washed Ashore In Shoes

libertypost@gmail.com (LIBERTY POST EDITOR) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:50:00 +0000

Off the coast of British Columbia, Canada. This is a 'big foot mystery'. It has even stumped Pathologists. They don't know who the feet belong to. They don't know where the rest of the bodies are. And it keeps happening. Right feet in right running shoe. One foot. In a sock. One shoe. Floating. Why am I blogging about this? Because it is the most freaky Canadian story today! (Stephen Kingish) No leads. No clues. And where the heck is the left foot and the rest of the body? !!! Can you imagine walking on the beach and tripping over a shoe and discovering a severed foot still in it!!! So, no. This is not a design post. It's a 'strange but true' post. 7 times over.

Golden Centerfold

libertypost@gmail.com (LIBERTY POST EDITOR) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:15:00 +0000

This is why depression is up. 'A Dog's Life' is so much better.

Bird Feeders and Other Social Media Products

libertypost@gmail.com (LIBERTY POST EDITOR) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 02:34:00 +0000

Tweeting is a healthy activity. It's social and it doesn't involve awkward installations of bird feeders, seed, peanuts, squawking blue jays and cute little chickadees. Want to follow me? I'll follow you. Love ya. LPxo

The Liberty Interview: Jane Hall The Voice of Style

libertypost@gmail.com (LIBERTY POST EDITOR) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:05:00 +0000

Hello! Good Day! How are you? Before I give you this intriguing, interesting and inspiring interview, I wanted to comment on my very first meeting with Jane. (Do you remember this post?) I was in The Beaches (Shameless PLUG here: a large portion of my novel is set in The Beaches and Queen St. E.!!!) in Toronto, enjoying a lovely walk through all the shops, when I happened upon a storefront with the most colourful, magnetic and 'alive' display I had seen in years. (yes window display/retail is still relevant!) I wondered 'who' could be behind such a creative vignette and the door pulled me in. One step through the entrance and I knew I had discovered a Design Star. Another thing that struck me was the fact that Jane was there and she welcomed me with a friendly smile, but she allowed me to take it all in - embrace the stories within the brick walls - I felt as though I could breathe; 'inhale' the colourways and 'taste' the accessories, wall art and furniture. Imagine my thoughts at that moment: 'I want to take photos for my blog, how will this owner react?, will I get kicked out the door?, should I sneak a shot?, will I offend her....but do you know what? I decided to take the high road and I just asked Jane. "Do you mind if I take some photos?". And this is Jane in a nutshell: open, authentic, trusting, confident and proud to share her vision, talent and designs. She said 'Yes of course'. All I can say is, 'Love at first sight, New friend for life.' (insert: Bloggers immediately love this type of business owner - nothing to hide, everything to share, share share!) Ladies and Gentlemen, I present to you The Liberty Interview: Jane Hall The Voice of Style (A really famous Canadian)

Liberty Post (LP):
Give us your best ‘elevator speech’ – tell us about yourself and your business in 20 words or less.
Jane Hall (JH):

I am a multimedia designer whose current focus is in the area of interior design. I have developed a national reputation for my groundbreaking use of colour. I own a retail store in the Beaches area of Toronto that features product that is designed and manufactured by local artisans.
( sorry readers I could not get it into twenty words!!!)
LP:
O.K. Now, let’s get real here. Tell us about yourself and your business in as many words as you want.

JH:
I am self professed colour junkie, an idea person and slightly obsessive when it comes to my work. Over 30 years, I have developed a style that is uniquely Jane Hall. I have a gift of being able to mix pattern and colour in ways that are totally unexpected. In North America most designers mix a couple of neutral fabrics with a beige or gray wall, and pronounce it done. I have a store filled with beautiful objects that are all what I call manifestations of an idea. What has been truly amazing to me about this environment I have created is how it has stirred people to react to express their emotions so openly. I have had many people who have welled up in tears, thrown up their arms in joy, and asked if they could move in. I asked one woman who had cried, as she was a documentary film maker, if she could express in words what it was that made her feel that way. She said in here you could “imagine the possibilities”, dreams could become realities. There is something about this place that touches people’s hearts and I try to recreate that in their homes. Many people move into their homes with the boxes but not emotionally and I help them take emotional possession of their homes. This is a business that understands people’s stories and uses beauty as a way to bring something positive into their lives.

LP:

What is your background?
JH:

I started my first business 4 months after graduating from university and had my first child at the ripe old age of 23. I had taken a course in batik while in high school and maintained an interest in it so I decided to start making clothing and selling it at craft shows. Two years later, twins unexpectedly came along and pretty soon I was a single mom with 3 kids to support so I needed to progress to the next level to support them. I designed and manufactured a jewellery and accessory line that grew to 30 employees and sold to 1600 stores in the United States and Canada, including Victoria Secrets, Bowring’s and the Bay. After a decade of this I suffered my first crash and burn and my first reinvention of myself. I moved from being a designer manufacturer to a freelance designer. I went to the US and designed a line of fabric for Kravet, wallpaper for imperial Wallcoverings, dinnerware for Mikasa under license. I did packaging and illustration work for Nestle, Laura Secord, Second Cup and Michelle's Baguette and a I picked up a paint brush and became a fine artist. I have sold over 200 paintings that are in collections around the world. The new millennium saw another reinvention as people starting asking me to help them with designing their spaces as I had been painting flloorcloths, and creating fabric hand-painted chairs and furniture. With my signature use of colour and unique range of custom made product, knowledge of fabrics, home furnishings, and manufacturing I had the perfect recipe for a retail store. I co-branded with Pittsburgh paints to open Jane Hall the Voice of Colour, a concept I developed selling and merchandising product in 6 colour groups, each representing different emotions. The store was nominated, and beat out 70 other entries, to win the coveted Cadillac Fairview ARC award for being the most unique retail concept concept in Canada. The store was featured in the media over a hundred times. I became the national spokesperson for PPG and did many public speaking appearances on the the subject of colour. A serious car accident, a subsequent fall and a broken leg, requiring months of bed rest, gave me the opportunity to reflect and to renew myself. Like a phoenix rising again, I gave birth to a new idea for a retail venture combining all of the things I l loved about design. And so, as a result of a series of mishaps and misadventures, I moved into my third decade in business and opened Jane Hall, The Voice of Style. No one can say what the future holds, but right now, I know I am exactly where I am meant be and I'm loving every minute of it!
LP:

What was your very first job?
JH:

Technically, I was the arts and crafts counselor at an all girls camp when I was 17. Other than summer jobs, I have never had a "real job". I have never written a resume, had a boss, or received a regular pay check!
LP:
What is a typical day like for Jane Hall?
JH:

I literally drag myself out of bed with the help of two alarm clocks, decide how I want to present myself to the world that day and dash off to open the store at 11. I visit Tim at the Pie Shack across the street to get my one and only coffee in a thermal mug so it stays hot for hours. Every day at the store is unique. You never know who is going to come through the door, and what conversations you will strike up. The store seems to bring out the the best in people. Some days are spent creating people's dream rooms, and I go through the bins of fabrics and fabric books, paint chips, and rug samples suppliers catologues for furniture ideas. I like to photograph all the elements and go through the 50,000 pictures I have taken to put together an album of inspiration for the client as a picture is worth a thousand words. Other days I put my project management hat on a schedule the ordering of materials and the delivery to workrooms so the items can be made to clients' specifications. I close the doors when things are done and evenings are devoted to writing my newsletters, reading 3 books at a time on various subjects, editing and working on my photography and lately learning everything I can about, cookies, meta-tags, back links, blogging, twittering, affiliated marketing, and anything else I can find on social marketing. Bedtime never comes before 3 no matter how hard I try!
LP:
What do you eat for lunch?
JH:

What's lunch?
LP:
What are your feelings about The Arts?
JH:

That they are going to become increasingly important to our economy. As left brain skills are being shipped off shore to India, China and computers take over ever more of these tasks, our economy will have to adapt. We have gone from the agricultural economy to the manufacturing economy, to the service economy and now we are moving to the experience and idea economy. Our education system is going to need to start encouraging and nurturing creative and outside-the-box thinking. Do we need any more accountants, bankers, lawyers and daresay, hedge fund managers and traders?
LP:
Tell us about your education.
JH:
I studied fine art and social anthropology at university. At that time, I had plans to become an anthropologist. I did studio work in drawing and printmaking, but never took a course in anything that I am doing now. I actually think that is an advantage as it gave me the freedom to experiment and develop my own style. There was no one of authority to tell me that what I was doing wasn't right. I once had a coop student work for me who had marks deducted from her assignment for using lime green in a child's room, as her teacher felt the colour was too bright. If I had been told that, where would I have ended up?
LP:
Coffee or Tea?
JH:
One coffee in the morning and one tea at night. Any more then that and I may never sleep!!!!
LP:
What is your favorite food group?
JH:

What's Food??? I am a Gemini with 8 planets in air and fire...we forget we have bodies.
LP:
What is your favorite colour?
JH:

Spring green, as it reminds me of the first days in May. Overnight the trees burst with new growth and that particular shade of yellow green is so fresh to me, signifies renewal and awakening after a long drab, gray Canadian winter.
LP:
What wall colour do you use the most?
JH:
Almost every house I do has some shade of green, because to me it is the true neutral, the colour of nature.
LP:
Why Queen St. in The Beaches?
JH:

I love the feeling that you are living in a small community while having access to a large cosmopolitan city. The people who live in this community are very connected to it, are interesting, well traveled and creative and I love the architecture. Every home I go into is completely different. I have lived and worked in almost every neighborhood in downtown Toronto, and when I moved down here, for the first time, I felt I was home. I don't think I will ever want to live anywhere else. ( except of course a flat in London, a Paris apartment, a villa in Venice)
LP:
How has the Internet impacted your work?
JH:

Its connected me to a community of like minded thinkers and given me a platform to share my message of how colour can change how you feel in your home. My next step is to start my own blog and start a colour revolution in North America. It has also gone the other way and allowed people to see what my store and my services can provide. People say they love my site, and could spend hours looking at it. It has also allowed me to see what is going on in design in areas of the world that I wouldn't have access to.
LP:
Who are your favorite designers?
JH:

In interior design I love Jamie Drake… Like me he loves dramatic colour and uses different styles and periods… antique with modern
In the 50’s and 60’s David Hicks was a wild and crazy guy and he also married into the British Royalty and decorated for them. He also did all of Helena Rubinstein's stores and homes. He loved dramatic colour and invented the idea of the “tablescape”.
I am inspired by Coco Chanel’s ability to design iconic fashion elements. She invented the modern woman, by taking jersey fabric used to make men’s military underwear and inventing the first line of sportswear and she was the first woman to wear pants!
LP:
What products do you sell and what services do you offer?
JH:

The store has a full range of custom made products designed by me and made by my elves. Almost everything, besides my art and photography, is made from fabrics featuring European designers Tricia Guild, Pierre Frey, Clarke and Clarke and Canadian companies Robert Allen, J Innis, Avant Garde, Maxwell, Suzanne Brown, and Andaru. There are custom made lampshades, cushions, drapes, “Janified" vintage and antique furniture, 3 lines of Canadian furniture, area rugs from Rug Studio and my signature painted chairs. I also offer a full range of interior design services including colour consultations, advice on renovation projects and painting services. It's one stop shopping. With 30 +years of experience in design I am the ultimate IN KNOWING WHERE TO FIND ANYTHING AT THE RIGHT PRICE. In short, I am a professional shopper and can do it more efficiently then anyone else.
LP:
Please share a travel story with us:
JH:

This year I visited my brother who recently moved to London, England. He lives in Belgravia, in the heart of the city. January in London can be pretty damp and dull, but I didn't care. Everyday, I grabbed my camera and took a bus to an area that I wanted to see and walked home. I had a chance to be inspired by the most exciting, quirky, cutting edge designs AND see all the greatest antique stores, featuring mid-century design, art deco, and the most amazing lighting I've ever seen. I was allowed amazing access in these places and the result was a collection of albums I have put together and featured in my first newsletter called "The Spoils Of Europe" , which can be viewed on my website. My style and my store are very reminiscent of the shops of London and Paris, and I hope to make this an annual pilgrimage.
LP:
Why is design important in our lives?
JH:
When you stop and think of it, an idea, or design is behind everything we see in the world so it would follow that if some real thought went into the design process the world would be a more beautiful place to live in. In our homes it is our sanctuary, and our refuge from the world, a place to decompress from the stress of the crazy world we live in. Over and over, I hear from clients how their homes feel better with colour and design, and many times I have people become so overcome with emotion in the store that they have cried. That is the effect that colour and beauty can have on one's emotions.
LP:
What room should be decorated first in a home?
JH:

The room you spend the most time in is the first place you should start. I also think the bedroom which is the most private space is the one that is the most ignored. I personally love decorating bedrooms as they are romantic, and the perfect place to use lots and lots of fabulous fabric!
LP:
What inspires you?
JH:

Everything I see, learn, touch, hear, inspires me. Creativity to me is a multi-dimensional thing. Many people talk to me about it in the store. They comment on my talent and giftedness and wonder where I get my inspiration. Well, I am forever curious and EVERYTHING fascinates me. Politics, history, the new media, neuroscience, economics, astrology, art, history, photography, fashion...I am a sponge who soaks it up. It is hard for me to stop at night and turn my brain off !!!!
LP:
How do you stay current?
JH:

To be honest I don’t look at anything that comes out of North America. I follow what is going on in Europe. This year I travelled to London and Paris and spent five weeks with my camera and my walking boots going to all the best design stores to see what was being shown. What you see in Europe is leading edge and you will eventually see a watered down version on this continent. I also keep in touch with what is going on culturally by being aware of what’s going on in the rest of the world.
LP:
What advice would you give someone thinking about opening up
a retail location?
JH:

In this world of globalization where most merchandise is manufactured in unregulated factories, consumers are looking for authenticity and an experience that feels real and special. Products that are unique tell a story that will ring true for the consumer today. What will keep them coming back is service, fresh new ideas and an experience that touches them on an emotional level.
LP:
What are you planning for the future?
JH:

I have been writing about my philosophy on design and the use of colour in design for the last six months and I have used this to launch my newsletters, and will be creating my own blog. I intend to use it as a platform to start a colour revolution and empower people to rebel, to be nonconformists, to embrace the use colour. Colour properly used will not decrease the value of your house, be too much, or frighten your friends and neighbours. What it will do is make you feel better about doing what you want in your home, not what the magazines tell you is the latest trend.
LP:
What would you be if you weren’t a designer?
JH:

I would probably have been a social anthropologist or therapist, even a historian; something that would engage the very curious part of me that is interested in understanding culture, and psychology, but not in a clinical way. I have an incredibly curious mind that wants to know about a lot of things.
LP:
How would you describe your work?
JH:

My play. I am one of the really lucky ones. I get to do what I am totally committed to and passionate about every day. I do it from the time I get out of bed 'till the time my head hits the pillow. Everything I do and learn in a day funnels into what I create.
LP:
How would you describe your fashion sense?
JH:

I have loved clothes since I could dress myself! I always wear colour because black can drain all the colour from a woman’s face and age her. I have a very feminine style and I love textures, velvets, silks, lots of detailing and interesting cuts, high boots, and ankle boots (but always with a high heel!). I adore great accessories and separates so I can create multiple combinations. I have a collection of vintage winter coats, an orange fur swing coat with a huge fluffy orange fur collar and trim and from the “Room” late 50’s, a 40's lamb's wool coat with embroidered satin lining found at an antique market, and a purple swing coat, which is VERY Joan Crawford and even has a muff! I love getting up every day and trying a new combination. There isn’t a day that I go out that someone doesn’t comment on how I am dressed. The same fashion principles apply to interiors… its all about colour, form and details.
LP:
What camera and lens do you use?
JH:

I traded up to a Canon Rebel XTI last year that came with lenses. It has 12 mega pixels and it has been a amazing camera for me. I couldn’t believe the difference between a point and shoot and an SLR!
LP:
Any photography secrets or tips to share?
JH:

I think the secret to taking a good photograph is composition. It’s all about how you look at what you are photographing. Get on the floor, get in close, take a look at it from the side or above. Try it at 4.5, 11, 22 aperture to get soft focus in the background, or put everything in total focus. Take thousands of pictures because by doing so, you will learn. Also using a tripod can make an amazing difference. I didn’t realise how shaky my hand was until I saw what my photos looked like after using a tripod.
LP:

Tell us about your furniture line?
JH:

About a year ago a wonderful woman ( turns out she is a writer) came into the store and suggested I look at a website of a store she had seen in England called Sprint (www.sprintfurniture.com). I checked it out and was immediately familiar with the fabric I saw being used in the quilted chairs, ottomans, and couches. It was Tricia Guild fabric, my favourite line. I had bins of it my studio and was crafting lampshades, cushions, and one of a kind bags from it already, so taking it one step further and putting it on furniture was a natural. I had been turning furniture into an art form with my painted chairs for over a decade, so it was a no brainier. One of my gifts has been my ability to mix pattern and colour. I had been the national spokesperson for a North American paint company, and designed a fabric collection for Kravet fabrics and a wallpaper collection for Imperial Wallcoverings. The secret to designing collections is understanding how to use patterns in groupings based on scale, elements in the fabrics that tie them together, and colour principles that make the fabrics sing when paired together. It's when the sum becomes better then the total of the parts. The Europeans are great at taking what is old and reinventing and making it new. Here we are slaves to modernism, consumerism, price and and the latest trends, so antiques are being discarded as irrelevant. New furniture is often made from press board and staples that in a few short years, will end up as land fill. The furniture in my store is totally unique, as it is made from clients' family treasures of the past, or pieces I have found at one of my favourite haunts. It is green, as it is” re-purposed", and it is FUN. It doesn’t take itself so seriously. On average, a re-purposed chair has 5-6 different fabrics on it, and in some cases, the pieces have been quilted together. I have never sold furniture that has done as well as this. In England, at Squint or Tricia Guild, similar pieces would sell for 3 times the amount of money I charge.
LP:
In your wildest dreams, who would you invite to a dinner party and why?
JH:

There are so many minds that have changed the course of history that I would love to have an evening of conversation with:
Malcolm Gladwell - His ideas help to unravel the mystery of why some people become successful and others don’t, and really make you think
Sir Kenneth Robinson - inspiring educators to change rethink creativity in education is the key to our future
Jamie Drake - his dramatic use of colour and ability to mix periods and styles
Cecil Beaton - flamboyant, multi-layered talent, photographer, costume and stage designer, bon vivante
Coco Chanel - liberated the modern woman, invented herself, style icon, bold, liberated
Carl Jung - inventor of modern psychology and the notion of the collective consciousness
Dorothy Draper - first female star interior decorator who was about being bold, fun, colourful, independent
Seth Godin - one of the best business blogs in the worlds. I read his blog every day and can write a sentence like no one else. He is showing me how to navigate this new age of social marketing
Thank You

And Jane, THANK YOU!!!

Please drop by Jane's website and shop soon!

Jane Hall The Voice Of Style
2156 Queen St East
Toronto M4E1E4
416-691-8080
Hours Tuesday Friday 11-6
Saturday 10-6
Sunday 12-6
www.janehalldesign.com

WATCH JANE LIVE!!!