Emma.

I was struggling away in a yoga class the other day when I looked over at my sister Emma as she (try to visualize this.) balanced on her left hand with her left leg over her shoulder and her right leg levitating off the mat behind her. All of her body weight was balanced on her hand. I was in awe. How was she doing that? The answer: she practices.

Em’s pose got me thinking about the art of practice. I talked to a number of people about why and how they practice and checked in myself.  It’s interesting stuff: Take a read.

Emma practicing.

Emma Fletcher: Yoga.

Do you practice to achieve a certain goals?
Sometimes, I am driven to accomplish a specific posture and set about to practice until I have achieved it. That’s great, as long as you are still enjoying the journey and your happiness is not dependent on the outcome, i.e. whether or not you actually achieve it. That’s a tall order – many of us are driven to achieve, so that in itself becomes the practice, giving your full attention and embracing the effort wholeheartedly AND not being attached to the fruits of your labour. Where the whole thing gets a bit dodgy is when you practice “comparison-asana”. That’s right, you know what it is, looking around the class and comparing yourself (in either a positive or negative light) to people around you. That generally comes to no good. Everybody’s body is different – literally, we’re all put together with different bone lengths, insertion points and varying degrees of muscle elasticity etc. In that sense, there is no such thing as the “perfect posture”, it is going to look different on every person, so the question begs, what are you comparing? It is so important in this practice to honour where you are at in this moment, not only to avoid injuring yourself physically but also to prevent those mental formations from convincing you that you suck or conversely that you rock! This type of practice is an ego-driven practice AND yes, most of us indulge in it from time to time.

Does your practice change from day to day?

How you feel and what drives your practice will be different everyday – that’s simply how it is. For me, the best practices are when I get out of my head and immerse myself fully in the movement. And yes, I’ll admit, I love the practices where my body feels uber strong, where I can go a little deeper than I did the time before and when the sequence flows effortlessly for me.  What is key though is being aware of where your thoughts are taking you.

Emma is a certified yoga instructor, amongst many other things, and practices mindfulness meditation.

Stephanie Lavoie

Stephanie Lavoie: Trumpet.

How much practice do you do in a day?

Typically I practice 3-4 hours a day, in 30-40 minute sessions; I split up the sessions partly because as a brass player, playing is tiring, but mostly, to be able to keep my focus.  Each session is organized ahead of time.  I keep a journal so that I can plan what to practice in each session, and how long to practice each element I’m working on.  This seems ridiculous, but if I don’t do this, I can spend the entire session on one thing, and as a result the other things that need work don’t get looked at.

As a freelance musician, it’s important to stay in shape in several different areas all the time, as you never know what kind of work is around the corner.  The journal is a great way to keep practicing balanced; the tools I develop in these sessions are skills that I rely on in various situation.    The journal also helps to keep track of progress.  Improvement can feel very slow at times; looking back and reading my comments reminds me that there is progress and helps me to stay motivated.

Could you describe how your practice works?

While preparation for a solo recital, like the show Sunday, versus an orchestral concert (which is really what I focused on in school), is different in many ways, there are common elements.  The first thing I do is listen to recordings; recordings help to familiarize myself with a piece, to learn how my part fits into the piece, and most importantly to develop a connection with the piece.  I often make up stories to go along with what I’m playing; the stronger the story line, the clearer the narration (i.e. my performance).  When the piece is ready to be performed, it is the story that I’ve developed that I am presenting. Not just the notes.  (That’s the idea anyway. I’m not always successful!)

Do you break the pieces down and practice phrases and then put the whole thing together?

Once I’m familiar with the piece, the woodshedding starts.  I work on the piece in sections.  I break sections down to find sequences and other tricks that make the technical aspect easier.  I work on the piece under tempo, and over time increase speed.  If I prepare this way, I can rely on muscle memory for technical passages, which is important in performance when nerves are involved.

How do you know when the piece is ready?

Knowing when a piece is ready to be performed is difficult.  I think performers are perfectionists who always strive to push the bar higher; I don’t know if there is such a thing as feeling completely content with a performance.  In the end though, music is meant to be played!  Nothing is ever perfect.

Sunday August 30, 4pm. Trinity-St. Paul's United Church.

You can hear Stephanie play in her solo recital this Sunday August 30 at Trinity -St.Paul’s United Church at 4pm. Visit www.urbanbrass.com/events for more info.

Jeffrey R. Smith

Jeffrey Smith: Actor

How do you rehearse or practice for an audition?

I read the scene a few times and look for a few initial gut instincts to pop up from it. Then I let it be for a while.  If I have a couple of days to prepare, then I will look at the script again the next day, but will be thinking of it sporadically. Then I work at it again, with the intent of learning the lines. Then I leave it again and let the lines float around until it feels right in my body and the lines are coming out in a natural way.

What is the goal when you practice?

Ultimately I practice with the intent of getting the part. Not perfect, but confident that I am ready to walk in the room and play with the director and show him what I’ve come up with, my take on the role.

You can see Jeffrey in the upcoming AMC Series The Prisoner with Ian McKellen and the feature Casino Jack with Kevin Spacey.

Hinna practicing her banjo.

Hinna: The Banjo.

Why do you practice the banjo?

I practice purely for pleasure! It relaxes me to drum out the roll patterns, alternating chords. I can do this forever. I never chart my progress, but you can tell what pages in my “So you want to play Banjo” book I have worked on from the tea rings and various spills, scratches from my attentive kitty audience.

Why did you choose the banjo?

I chose the banjo because I was drawn to bluegrass and the wonderful (Often humorous!) sound it makes. The roundness of it also pleases me.

As well as being a beautiful banjo player Hinna also bakes amazing cakes! Read more in the Cakes on Cakes post.

Practicing pod casts.

Vic: Learning Cantonese.

I am always practicing something and my practice styles change depending on the requirements. Some things demand extremely structured, focused practice with a specific end goal in mind. Other projects require structured practice, but the practice is about exploration and surprise and the outcome is decided when it is discovered.  Other things are long-term projects (maybe even lifetime) with no real outcome expected and the practice is just for the love of practicing. I enjoy mixing all of these forms of practice. It keeps things fresh.

I am trying to practice Cantonese at the moment. I would like to get to a point where I can carry on a conversation, but I think that my I tunes “Learn Cantonese” pod casts may not be the only help I need, and some classes may be in order in the future. I try and practice a little bit every day. It is fun and practicing is tuning my ears even more to the tiniest change of inflection, melody and tone. This is definitely a lifetime practice. (Along with doing the splits.)

Choosing a score.

Michael Chan: Violin

When did you start to play?

I started practicing when I started playing at age 3. HOWEVER, my mom directed the first few years of practice as no child that age really has a concept of practice yet.

Did you like to practice?

I did not always love it. Most of the time when I was young, I hated practicing. But knowing that I had a lesson every week was motivation to practice; otherwise I would face my teacher unprepared (like not doing your homework). I enjoyed making music, and I knew that practicing was the only way that I would be able to sound good. After playing for many years, I knew I had progressed a great deal, and knew that if I didn’t practice, I would lose a lot of what I had worked so hard for, so that became a motivation to practice too.

Why did you stop practicing?

I stopped practicing after I stopped taking lessons (when I was about 24). I didn’t feel like I needed to perform for someone every week anymore, so everyday life took over. I played occasionally after that, and would practice for a few weeks leading up to a little performance, but then it would stop again.

Do you think you will focus on it again in the future?

I will always play. It may be on and off, but I will always play. Perhaps if one day I have someone to play for, or play with, I will be motivated to practice more regularly, but once the momentum stops it is difficult to get back into it again, like anything else in life.

As a surprise gift Michael secretly practiced his violin and played on Christmas morning. It was the best gift.

Taking a test drive.

Finally: A friend of mine was learning to ride her bike in the city for her daily commute and decided to try her route out on a weekend when there was less traffic so she could gain confidence before riding in Monday morning rush. She practiced over a couple of weekends before she felt ready and it paid off. With a little practice and knowing her boundaries, she now rides to work on a daily basis.

What are you practicing these days?

Hinna and Sarah of Cakes on Cakes.

There is nothing more heavenly than cake for breakfast. I spent last Saturday morning in the kitchen with Hinna and Sarah of Cakes on Cakes as they put the finishing touches on a wedding cake that was being picked up that afternoon. We had the opportunity to chat about their inspirations, favorite flavours, near disasters and what it takes to make a great cake.

“Vic hearts Mike”

Sarah and Hinna had been baking together for a handful of years when they decided to turn their love of cakes into a part time business. I can tell you first hand that there is no better place to be than in the Cakes on Cakes kitchen in downtown Toronto on baking day. The smell of vanilla, chocolate and buttercream will bring you to your knees.

On baking day the duo share the baking responsibilities. They bake the cakes together, Hinna assembles the cakes, Sarah makes fondant (sweet tasty dough) icings and flowers and they share the piping and buttercream duties. But the creative process of making a cake starts long before anything goes into the oven. Read on!

Cupcake anyone?

I know Cakes on Cakes evolved from baking cakes for friends and family. Do you remember the first cake that you baked together?

Hinna: Was it Monica? Was it the giant softball cake?

Sarah: I think the FIRST cake we did was your sister’s wedding cake. But the first “Cakes on Cakes” cake was Monica’s!

Hinna does some buttercream touch ups!

At what point did you decide to make a business out of your love for baking?

Hinna: After a wonderful response to Nousheen and Kate’s wedding cake we started taking orders from friends and family

Sarah: Because we were told to take it more seriously. We decided to pop up a website for kicks, for ourselves. But it started to evolve quickly. Word of mouth is a wonderful thing.

Sarah smoothes the buttercream icing.

Where do you start when someone calls and says they want to order a cake from you?

Hinna: I ask if they have any ideas, if not, see if there is anything we can draw inspiration from that is either a part of them or their special event.

Sarah: We ask for colours, flowers, favourite things or hobbies. Simply ”What do you like?” is a good opening question. It’s so wide open, and we can pull so much from the answer. (See Diamond’s red and black cake- ”My party is red and black.”  Or Ren and Lynn’s cake “It’s a surprise.” What’s more surprising than the first spring flowers on a branch?)

Sarah's fondant flower about to be painted with edible opalescent powder.

Do you have baking rituals?

Hinna: Tea, music, on occasion matching aprons

Sarah: We like to tape up our sketches/drawings/prints of whatever cake we’re working on all over the cupboards as inspiration. And listen to music that reminds us of the people we’re making the cake for – and sing – really loud.

Hinna practices her piping on a bowls' edge.

Your cakes are the most beautiful, elegant cakes on the planet. Where do you find your inspiration?

Hinna: Everywhere! Beautiful china, vintage textiles, greeting cards, nature, dresses.

Sarah: Since we work mostly with friends or friends of friends, we can pull inspiration directly from the people we’re creating the cake for-extra special details and elements and make the cake custom to the person.

*SC side note: Vic Hearts Mike was written on the back of our wedding cake so only we could see it when we were cutting the cake. This sweet surprise detail is one of the many things that make Cakes on Cakes so special. They really understand their clients and personalize every detail for them.

Sarah preps her icing.

What is the most joyful part of the process?

Hinna: Seeing what we draw on paper come to life and spending time with a good friend in the process.

Sarah: I agree with Hinna completely but I also think putting the finishing touches on a cake is really wonderful. Adding flowers, piping trim, affixing ribbons-It’s like dressing the bride.

HInna moves on to piping the cake.

Do you still bake for yourselves?

Hinna- Any excuse to bake!!

Sarah: Ourselves, our friends, our neighbours, our coworkers…

Sarah finishes her fondant flowers.

Do either of you have a favorite cake? To eat or to make?

Hinna- Hinna favours decadent chocolate or the lemon sour cream cake.

Sarah: Dark chocolate cake with a heavily whipped vanilla butter cream. I love the contrast in slicing- especially if there is a layer of fruit compote in there for colour. Also a big fan of the pineapple brown sugar reduction we did for my Gramma’s cake…

Hinna attaches the requested crown.

The wedding cake you made for us was beautiful and the combination of tastes was stunning- (Chocolate cake with chocolate butter cream, lemon cake with homemade cherry preserves and vanilla butter cream, vanilla cake and vanilla pod butter cream.) How do you decide what combos will work and what won’t?

Sarah: I think sometimes it’s trial and error, but in a lot of ways you can’t really go wrong. Chocolate has so many layered undertones and vanilla is so genial and complementary. Apricots go so beautifully with spices, so a spice cake would be a natural – or bringing out the warmth with a cinnamon or candied ginger butter cream… Chances are, if it *sounds* good, it will probably taste good!

Hi Marla!

Any funny baking stories you would like to share?

Hinna: Marla ate a sample off every cake on the table on one of our earlier cakes.

Sarah: Hah, yeah. I though Hinna was kidding when she called and told me that 1/2 of a 14″ cake was gone. Monica’s entire wedding cake was a funny baking story. It was huge and the entire cake behaved like a toddler going through terrible twos. Hinna biked to the 24 hour grocery at 2am to buy 6 lbs of butter and 10 kilos of icing sugar after watching the fondant melt off in front of our very eyes, despite the air conditioning, during a late May (very humid) heat wave. Hinna was my hero – I was practically in tears. I imagine her in line at the grocery store at 2am with nothing but sugar and butter…

Sarah attaches fondant flowers with icing.

What was your strangest cake request?

Sarah: A Louis Vuitton Handbag. But we don’t do novelty cakes in that respect.

The cake is ready to go!

Any advice for someone is baking a cake for the first time?

Hinna: Always let your eggs and butter come to room temperature. Don’t be afraid to try new things.

Sarah: If there is a will, there IS a way! Keep your cream cold! Always sift your icing sugar, “measure twice, and cut once.” Always make extra -for breakfast.

For more information on Cakes on Cakes you can visit their website at http://www.cakesoncakes.com/ or join the Cakes on Cakes group on Facebook for even more great cakes pics!

Here’s a few of my favorites!

On the road to our first stop.

Diana Coatsworth is an actress, handbag maker and “all things vintage” buyer and seller. She has extraordinary style and an eye for vintage that can’t be beat. (I have made many  late night phone calls in a panic looking for vintage sling back sandals,  3 tiered cupcake trays or a vintage slip.)

We spent an afternoon together at two Value Village  50% off sales. I photographed Diana as she made her way through the store, filling her buggy with unique finds for her online stores ” A Touch of Vintage” and “Flyball bags”, while we chatted about scouring the city for the unique, the hilarious and the gems.

Have you always been a vintage shopper? How did you start?

I was a garage sale-r since I was a kid.  My dad and I would get up early on Saturdays. He’d highlight the sales and get out the map, then number them in order of distance.  I don’t think I really started looking at vintage until my 20’s though.  I remember my mom holding on to all my grandma’s china, silverware and cool kitchen housewares.  I told her, ” Just give it away.” She didn’t, thank God!  Now I love it!

How would you describe your style?

Grandma chic!  I love really feminine style in clothing. Especially 1950’s dresses and clothing that has a European feel.

In my home?  Modern country or flea market style is my fave.  The mix between rusty, flaky primitive pieces to Danish design.  Yin and Yang.  Unexpected and funny items mixed in too.  I love beautiful things and the cosy things around me,  but I’m always editing and realizing sometimes less is more.

Starting the search in housewares.

Do you have a plan of action when you enter a store ?

My plan in thrift shops is housewares first always.  I don’t know what I’ll find so I try to see an item with fresh eyes and see if it’s something I can make look really good in a photo and is there a profit to be made. That’s important.

A working typewriter catches Diana's eye.

You are a pro at finding the gems. Is this a 6^th sense?

Well, I don’t know how special it is to find cool vintage things but I do know what I like and I’ve made sure to only list on my site the items that I truly love.  I’ve been selling online for a year and a half and I really have learned what speaks to others. All that info helps me too.

This little vase fits all Di's criteria.

What do you look for in a garment, fabric or houseware?

Well, first the age.  How old is it?  Ideally 1960’s or earlier. Although I’ve listed many amazing 70’s and 80’s finds, but 1950’s is my fav.

The condition of the piece.  Sometimes I’ll buy up a garment even if there’s a hole or stain as it’s still an incredible find and can be fixed somehow.

Colour, shape, design is big.  I don’t like the heavy polyester from the 60s and 70s so I try to stay away from that kind of thing.

Housewares?  Is it worth the shipping cost is a big question.  I used to list a lot of glassware but now I realize it requires so much packaging (which I recycle as much as possible) to ship.

The other thing is, “Will this photograph well?”  Because if it doesn’t look good online, then it doesn’t sell.

A retro overnight flight bag in mint condition is a great score.

Are there any items you steer clear of?

Oh boy… heavy polyester, damaged goods (unless it’s a truly magnificent piece), heavy items, things that smell (can’t get that out).

Rummaging through bags of pre-packaged books for hidden gems.

What is the best item you found while shopping?

I have found the most incredible 1950’s dresses. I have been so lucky with them.  I found a beautiful 1980’s Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche dress once. It sold overnight.  One of my favorites was a classic rotary phone with bold orange and red stripes down the side.  It was one of my highest viewed items until it sold.

The rummaging pays off!

Any items you bought and got home and wondered “What  was I thinking?”

Oh yeah,  like huge glassware sets.  I bought 30 juice glasses once, which isn’t easy to store, thinking they would fly off the shelves.  I bought an old tv/radio combo for too much money at an auction. (I got caught up in the action.)  It never made it to my site.  It was ugly.  I sold it last week at my garage sale for $5.

Di checks out a vintage pair of bowling shoes...

Garage sales, yard sales, thrift Shops, Craig’s list. What are your favorite places to shop?

In general?  Hmmm… that’s tough… I would say garage sales are so much fun.  They have the best deals, but you’ve got to work for it.  Well, that goes for all of the options really. Craig’s list has been very good to me, but you have to be patient.  It took me 6 months to score my Danish hutch for $120 and at least that long for my steel office desk.

and an original "Mr. Funny" book. A great score.

You buy most things to sell on your Etsy sites but are there things you pick up for yourself? Do you find it hard to part with things you buy for your shop?

I don’t find it hard to part with items, thats why I got into it in the first place. I was always finding so many amazing pieces.  Now I can pass them on. I don’t feel guilty borrowing the piece for a while and then selling it later

Purchases in hand we make our way to store #2!

Where do you find your inspirations?

In my friends, like you… I have really really stylish friends.  Books and magazines, gardening, theatre, anything artistic, student art shows, small and large craft shows, flea markets, late night walks and passing by people’s homes with the lights on.. seeing how they live.  I like that.

After more scouring at Store #2 Diana makes her find of the day.

With a little scrub....

They make a beautiful addition to a Di's home.

Visit Diana at her beautiful websites:

They will transport you!

www.atouchofvintage.etsy.com

www.flyballbags.etsy.com