Originally intended to simply focus on book reviews, over time, KaliDesautelsReads has morphed into its own entity.
I write about issues that are near to my heart, be they political, feminist, motherhood, mental health, or, as the title holds, books.
A thirty-something Canadian woman in my mid-thirties, I have been “super married” to my high school sweetheart since 2006, and together we have two crazy, clever, kind, hilarious, wonderful kids.
My first book – How Not To Blog: Finding Myself, One Post at a Time is available on Amazon (in eBook formats for you clever tech readers, and paperback for those of us who love that new book smell!)
I have tried a podcast – it’s still on Apple and Google Podcasts – but writing is where my heart is.
My life changed dramatically when my husband was diagnosed with Stage 3 cancer in 2018, and I am now a writer for a leading Canadian Cancer Non-Profit.
I am lucky enough to have a family that loves me and pushes me to be my best, even if it is outside of my cushiony comfort zone. I have a village of friends that nourish me, mentally, and spiritually.
Welcome to my thoughts. Sit down. Stay a while. Enjoy a cup of coffee!
My backdoor received a pretty facelift today!! Dave had a burst of energy today and took a plain knotty pine pre-fab screen door and made some pretty corner brackets and painted it a gorgeous teal!!!!! I’m a happy lady!!!!!
Remember that we all have bad days, and that what we perceive from someone is not always what they are intending to project. Instead of responding in anger, regardless of the temptation, consider reaching out to offer them a hand; a way to replenish their energetic reserves. Remember that when you are struggling and someone demonstrates that they truly SEE you, you feel a sense of relief, so pay that forward. Really see them. Really hear them. Please do not judge them.
This monkey went to her first concert last night. She went with a friend to see Ariana Grande’s Sweetener tour (hence the cat ears) and came back thinking it was pretty cool to see “Ari” in real life, having to try to hear the music over the screaming was a bit shocking to her. I am so shocked that my little angel is growing up so fast ❤️
Proud sister moment over here. These two always impress me with their ability to work together. They are such an awesome couple. Today I got to watch their last ever Festivus Games event.
Yesterday was a stupid day. As has happened often since cancer walked into our house, it felt like the universe was conspiring against us. Mercutio and his plague was upon our house. But then… Danielle offered to stop by with dinner. She and Ty brought sushi and this card and hugs and generosity that reminded me that the universe is not out to get us, and Mercutio has no control over our family. .
Tough Cookie – 1) someone with just the right mix of sweetness and strength; 2) One who doesn’t crumble under pressure; 3) A fighter who is too busy kicking butt to sit down and cry, but knows it’s okay to do both; 4) A person who doesn’t always ask for support, but has lots of friends who would do anything to help.
I love my company. I love the people that I work with. I love that every month we have a cake to celebrate birthdays and anniversaries. I love that my friend takes the time to cut up fresh fruit for the vegans in the office whilst the rest of the group enjoyed has cake. I love that my coworker brought me a bowl of fruit when I couldn’t make it downstairs due to a close deadline.
Celebration!!! We decided to celebrate Dave finishing radiation, Ty’s new company, Dave’s new company, Danielle waking up in the morning, S’s new slime company and her speech, L’s speech and working through his nerves at presenting, Grandmemere being her amazing self, and my finishing my first solo proposal. Because why not have an ice cream cake and a celebration on a Wednesday??
Like if you are looking forward to dinner! What’s on your plan for tonight?
How about a Field Roast Grain Burger, with Chao Slices, some ketchup and organic alfalfa sprouts? Seriously, this is a tasty alternative to lettuce, and gives the crisp crunch of a fresh veggie on a hot, gooey vegan burger!! Seriously hungry now…
My bestie sent me this today. I genuinely think that this is the most accurate representation of life that I have ever seen. No matter what happens in life, there are good, calm periods, but then, suddenly everything is a mess and it seems hard to believe that it can ever get straightened out. But it will. The scribbly knot in the middle might be bigger some days than others, but eventually, we always find our ways out, and head along towards the next scribbly knot. For some of us, seeing the end to the scribbly knot is a little harder, and we start to feel dragged down by the tangles, sometimes giving up hope all together. If we aren’t careful, the tangles can pull us so far down that we can never get back up on our own.
If you are like me, and have a brain that does not always know how to keep up hope or the tenacity to get through the scribbly knot; if you are as lucky as I am to have friends and family who will grab my hand and gently pull me in the direction of the good, calm point, don’t let go. No matter how hard it is, hold on to whatever life lines that you have. I promise, the knot you are in right now WILL untangle, and then, when you get to the next one, you will have a support system and a bit more confidence in your resiliency. It’s ok to be scared. It’s ok to panic. It’s ok to be overwhelmed. Just think of this image and remember that there is a good, calm point on the other side of that scribbly knot waiting for you.
Kali J Desautels 