teaching is one of my favourite hobbies

I had a lot of fun teaching. Teaching is one of my favourite hobbies. Love it so much.

The topic we explored was personal growth and personal awakening.

Loved hanging with them. Lots of fun.

I'd describe our time together as honest and real and... teeming with life!!

Below are the responses from the feedback form.

Reading this stuff... you can feel the life oozing out of them. Love that!

And thank you also for the very kind and generous words..... xx

"WHAT EXPECTATIONS DID YOU HAVE FOR THE COURSE?

WERE THEY MET? WHAT IMPACTED YOU THE MOST?"

- Wonderful. I didn't know what I did expect, but not this. but I expected that it will be great, and it was! Thanks so much for this interesting class!

- Just awesome! I'm not a very talkative person but i love the style. It was so precious to hear that we can be who we are. It was a huge encouraging. It was just too short :-)

- Thought it was going to suck. It was awesome! You rocked our socks off!

- Learning more about myself and what I need to wake up in. This was 100 out of 10. I wish we had another class with you. This was my favorite. I have learned I need to be free to take risks. Be adventurous. You're awesome.

- What we got taught went beyond anything in my expectation options. More than what you said, your freedom & contentment (that indeed does shine). Impacted me a lot. Thank you so much for giving us your 100% with us. I loved it so much. It's been transformation. Right on. Thanks for sharing yourself!

- Had no idea what to expect, but it was nothing like I expected. It's not the angle i was expecting, but i've loved it. Freedom to be myself. I have a tendency to look at others and think "I like that in them, I want to be more like that" but I've learnt that if that's not of me, then it's not going to work - I have to live my own story. I wish you could stay! So dynamic. Thank you for making this class so sparkly! Your gift of insight is incredible! Love your light and energy.

- What impacted me most...the words of permission; to be myself! To let go...

You are so fresh, free and sparkling; that inspired me a lot! Thank you! Thanks for teaching us and to share your heart with us. It was one of my favourite classes and it set me free! Thanks so much for your time...you're awesome!!

- I didn't know what to expect, for sure not this. :-) Thank you for your encouragements and all the things you "gave" us. It has been fascinating.

- omg karen, all i can say is that you are my hero! Asante Sana [thank you :-)]. You totally inspired me to be myself! I love it! This was totally transforming & truth.

- Two thumbs up! Awesome! Couldn't have been any better. It was totally over expectations! A really good eye opener getting to know myself better. Precious Karen, thank you so much for you being fully yourself, sparkly and beautiful, wise and humorous! Thank you for... speaking into my life. I know so much more about my real self. I'm being transformed!

- Thank you... for taking a chance at waking us, me, up! I had been floundering around for too long! your words have been permission for my spirit/soul to be real again.

- Fantastic. No expectations. But the standard I would have set, would be blown away. Way to go Karen! Way to express your love for life to us. You touched my life in a strong way. Thanks for living life to the fullest. Rock on!

♥♥♥

whistler web cam

I was just on the whistler web cams.

Had to post the pic.

Beautiful.....

Here is the link if you want to check it out. WHISTLER

SOMETHING JIM WROTE...

my dear friend Jim McNeish sent me a poem he wrote.

"It was designed to be a pick-me-up on the back of all the sophisticated doom-saying that we listen to. I had been chatting with one of the team’s four year old kids and he had really made me laugh and I thought that he should perhaps have a bigger say..."

i posted the poem below.

i've read it a few times.

really like it!

the more you read poetry, the richer it becomes...

I’ve Been in an Aeroplane

Poem by: Jim McNeish

November 2009


Grey days, they say
Are here to stay
Hope drips away
Our hearts stall
As the rains fall
From a slate pall


But I’ve been in an aeroplane
And through the pane
Of glass, I saw a strain
Like crimson from a vein
Stain the pure white, soft terrain
Cutting through this hue
Of blue, My heart knew
That had they only flew
They'd know too that the view
From beneath a cloud isn’t true


Faith is wrong
That’s the song
To sing to belong
To impress the best
And pass the test
Of the mildly depressed


But I’ve laughed with a four year old
When his eyes rolled
At the stories told
And revealed a soul
That was just as bold
As the day he was made
Still unafraid
Still not betrayed
Still able to say
That we’re OK


I am in an aeroplane
And it is plainly
Deeply insane
That a four year old boy
Is flying this toy
With eye-rolling joy

THE #$&*% NAIL FILE

I DO NOT LIKE THIS PICTURE ... WHATSOEVER!!! gagging....!!!

i don't know what it is... when someone files their nails... i want to throw up.

i start to gag; clench my teeth; pursed lips.

i have to look the other way, close my eyes, cover my ears.

uggg... even the sound... brrrrrr.. feelin' the tremble coming upon me as i type.......

not sure why i wig out.. i think it's the texture..? i don't know..

please please please don't ever never ever file your nails in front of me.

STORY:

i'm on the skytrain heading home last night.

here is the txt conversation between me and my kids. haha

*****

Karen: madi/dyl.... Omg!!!! Omg omg omg...the girl beside me on sky train is filing her nails. Omg!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dylan: Hahahahahahahhaha

Madison: Hahahaha that's awesome

*****

she WOULD NOT stop.

it was so so loud. shhhhhook shhhhhook shhhhhoook

then she'd do it fast shooka shooka shooka shooka

aaaaghh.. horrible. absolutely horrible.

i almost shouted, "PUT..... THE FILE...... DOWN. STEP AWAY FROM THE FILE."

... help me oprah winfrey!... haha

NEWEST MEMBER OF THE PADGETT CLAN....

Hello world!
Meet little dudester HARLEY....
Padgett #5...
He's adorableness!!!
So so so cute!!!

I heart Harley...
xx

the bright pink umbrella

earlier this morning i saw something so full of life...

i was driving.. i stopped my car and watched... a magical moment..

a little girl was walking through the park heading to school.

she carried a bright pink umbrella.

the winds were powerful and its force grabbed the umbrella from her little adorable hands.

the umbrella starts rolling and jumping across the field.

she chases it... laughing.

a little game between the wind and her...

at last she captures her umbrella.

and determined to get to school, with laughter in her eyes, and her bright pink umbrella in her hands, she shields herself and continues her journey.

adorable.

determined.

and it looked like so much fun!!!!

i stopped my world... and in that moment i vicariously lived out a childlike adventure... i was right there with her... in her world.

i laughed.

i smiled.

and i drove away.

thank you little girl with the bright pink umbrella... you made my day xx

HERMAN MILLER INC.

I spent a whole day at Herman Miller Inc.

They were VERY GENEROUS with their time.

THANK YOU!

An impressive company.

You should see their Design Yard. Umm.. nice.....

MORNING MEETING: Tony Cortese, the Sr. VP of People Services, walked me through so much helpful info. Learned tons. Policies, procedures, systems, etc; stuff I didn't know!; that will greatly benefit my work performance with John Fluevog Shoes. I asked him a bajillion questions!! "what do you do if..." "how do you..." "why do you..."

AFTERNOON MEETING: My time with Andy Lock, Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer... I can sum it up in three words: he inspired me. I walked away empowered. Things he spoke of resonated in me. He was all about leadership. It was a real and straight up conversation. So good. I ate it up. Loved it!

Both offered such comfortable conversations. I felt like a sponge, soaking it all in.

Their executive assistant, Marge, was readily available to help with whatever I needed. I so appreciated her thoughtfulness and kindness...

The vibe...their dna... is right on.

A big thank you to HMI!

Very grateful...

ps. If you aren't familiar with the company, check it out: HERMAN MILLER INC. I also linked one of their videos (see below). I can't seem to make the video screen smaller. Here is the direct LINK.

TOP 8 LIST...FLUEVOG CHICAGO

Here is my top 8 list... FLUEVOG Chicago trip...no specific order

1. THE AMALFI HOTEL

website: Hotel Amalfi

Very nice! Great vibe!

Free breakfast in each lobby on every floor... nice.

And the management offers free cocktails/appetizers at the end of the day in their lounge...nice.

My room.. fantastic. Big and cozy. Yes, AND the bathrobe!... haha

So relaxing. Great lighting adds to the chill zone. I slept great!

Located in the theatre district; beautiful part of the city.

Ahhhhh, lovely.

2. HARRY CARAY STEAKHOUSE

website: Harry Caray's across the street from the hotel.

The famous sports steakhouse.

American Football was on...but they changed one of the tv channels for me... thank you!

Watched a basketball game while I ate pan seared tuna and a salad with a yummy pint of Bass.

Ok ok.. umm... no i did not eat steak.

I know...

I can hear Jesse booing me as I write this!

But... tuna... is so ... delicious.

3. CHICAGO RIVER

Walking from my hotel to the train is good chill time. Scenic. All these different bridges crossing the Chicago River. Enjoyed the walk to and from; daylight or dark. Very picturesque. Peaceful.

4. DINNER WITH THE FLUEVOG CHICAGO TEAM AT COCO PAZZO

Took the team out for dinner.

We had a great time!!

Laughed lots. Storytelling.

Great food and great company.

Thanks groovy cats! So fun!

5. MY GOLD MASK

website: My Gold Mask

Jack is one of our top sales in Fluevog USA. Went to listen to Jack and his wife Mandy peform (a/k/a My Gold Mask). They were playing at The Open Bottle. It might be a hole in the wall...but this place knows good music. A lot of indi bands launch at The Open Bottle.

Jack and Mandy... amazing!

This girl has pipes! Wow!

I took my friends Abbie and Kevin with me.

Kevin commented that her voice was an instrument all on its own. Powerful!!

Even the way she moves on stage...she dances to the music within her... it's the real deal.

Powerful presence on stage.

The cute thing about Mandy is off stage she is a bit shy!!

Loved it..

6. ABBIE AND KEVIN.

This was an unexpected hi-lite!!!

Abbie and Kevin got married LAST SATURDAY!!

And they just got back from their honeymoon.

They drove from Milwaukee to Chicago last night... to hang with me.

It really really really meant a lot to me.

It was my first time meeting Kevin.

They're adorable. Their wedding sounded priceless; perfect.

I'm so so happy for them!

I wish we had longer together.... blah... sigh...

7. GIORDANO'S.

I finally tried the famous Giordano's stuffed pizza. I had it delivered to my room. Uhhh, didn't I order a small?? Zoiks. Could barely eat two pieces. Really tasty.

8. CHICAGO FLUEVOG... of course!!!!

website: FLUEVOG

If you're ever in Chicago stop by.

The store is almost 99 years old. It used to be an old theatre. Big chandelier over the till.

Ten years ago, in preparation for the grande opening, it took John a month of tearing off linoleum to find the original tile floor in the entranceway.

Chicago Fluevog has a story...

ADDDRESS: 1539-41 N. Milwaukee Ave, CHICAGO, Il. 60622

PHONE: (773) 772-1983
EMAIL: chicago@fluevog.com

HOURS: Mon-Fri: 11-7 /Sat: 11-8/Sun: 12-6

Whistler... steady snow falling... sweet!

Snow is falling in Whistler. That's the web cam this morning. Ooooo nice..

Mountain opens November 26th!!

Mt. Seymour soon to follow...

I'm waiting... impatiently!...

For more fabulously snowy Whis pics... SNOW

TONIGHT BEGINS!!!

Ok.. i'm repeating myself.. but.. this is a big deal for me!

I am so sparkly... less than two hours... Cavs/Celtics play... !

Yesterday I worked from 9am-2am!! wow. bad karen bad karen! (i did take a 2 hr break, so i could chat with jesse xx of course! everyday!); and ordered take in...wearing the cozyyyyyy hotel bathrobe. heh heh.

15 hour work day. lordy lordy...

But!!.. it was well worth it.. wanted to get all my work done so I could leave early today.

Relax and know that everything is completed.

Tonight I reward myself!

I just checked a sports pub to make sure they'll have the game on!!

And yes, game will be on. Yipeeeee.

I asked for a little booth to myself with my own tv and a sound box. haha.

Hey, never hurts to ask.. and they said yes.

Sweet!

I'm away from home.. so I have no one who shares in my NBA obsession.

Boohoo.

Ya that means lucky you... you get to read about it on my blog.

Did I say yipee yet? uhh yes... ok i see it up there... yes i did say yipee.

And now I've said it three times if you count those......

Sparkly karen.

happy night tonight for me.

Now if only the mountain would open with epic powder, my world would be filled with all good things...

H1N1 (swine flu)

yes indeed... pulled another kp moment..

i got hit with the famous swine flu....

wow... rough...

monday....started getting this small dry cough. no biggie. felt totally fine.

and then around 9pm... wham!... chills, aches, pains, fever, throat, coughing, congestion, etc etc... a bomb dropped.

fever stayed at 102.5 until friday!.. ugg..

i couldn't get out of bed.

had zero energy.

and when i say zero energy... i mean zippo. none. notta. nothing.

felt so so weak.

today i'm way better.

my strength is coming back.

and my symptoms have lessened quite a bit.

phewf.

just in time for Canadian thanksgiving tomorrow.

glad that's over. blah.

i had to wear one of those medical masks when i went to get tests done.

ya... felt like a total dork.

you might find this hard to believe... people like to stare when you go out in public with a virus mask on your face. yes... i know... shocking.....

hey, now you can say you know someone who got the swine flu... nifty.

Queen of Hearts - 7 Years

It's my Queen of Hearts day today.

September 30th.

7 years ago I received this card. (pic above)

Random.

A card trick.

We were all sitting in a public place. (lobby of a hotel)

This individual did a card trick with me.

The card trick lasted a few minutes; with me repeatedly picking up the Queen of Hearts. And the grande finale... in my hand I was holding the Queen of Hearts.

And then... the individual said...

"Karen. You're the queen of hearts."

Pause.

I'm taken by surprise.

"Live from your heart."

It was like a lightning bolt.

I immediately start crying...??

Why does this have so much power?

Why has it affected me so much?

Because it was permission.

It was a phrase that resonated deep within me.

The truth is, I was afraid to really live.

Sept 30th, 2002 is one of the MOST impacting moments in my life.

The individual didn't know that in my wallet was the Joker card that I'd carried around for almost three years prior. I found it on a street in Hong Kong. I pull out the Joker and the immediate response is "No! You're not a joke. You're the queen of hearts". The Joker was taken from my hands and I never saw it again.

Why do I celebrate today?

Because it was life-changing.

If you know me, you'll know the Queen of Hearts is my icon. I carry it with me 24/7/365. And if I were to lose the card, no worries, I ink'd it!

My commitment is to live from my heart anywhere, anytime with anyone. To never lose my carefree-ness; my sparkliness; my joie-de-vivre.

I only have one life to live.

I will only live today... once.

I will die someday. Today? Tomorrow? I don't know.

But this I know... I choose to live from my heart.

My heart is the kindest part of me.

It carries the most joy. peace. goodness. gentleness.

My heart carries my commitment to love.

To love all people.

I choose to remain curious and to truly see the ones around me.

Against such things there is no law.

And I choose to love life.

To appreciate life.

To value life.

To celebrate life.

My life.

Your life.

The Queen of Hearts.

This morning I pause my world.

And remember.

"Karen, live from your heart."

MAGIC CASTLE with Los Angeles FLUEVOG Team

I'm in Los Angeles visiting the Fluevog LA staff.

Bree planned a really fun evening for us last night!!

We went to the famous Magic Castle in Hollywood.

It's a private club; by invite only; dress code; etc.

Bree knows one of the magicians; we were his guests last night.

Loved it. Thanks Fluevogers!

This place is huge. Magic shows throughout the castle.

Here's the picture of my fabulous LA team!!

Shawn, Bree, Anthony and Keith (manager)

We had a blast!!

Go Madi Go!! NORTH SHORE FILM FESTIVAL 2009

22 Films entered the North Shore Film Festival.....

x

BELIZE: holidays and teaching

HOLIDAYS:

Just got home from Central America.

Was in San Pedro, Belize.

Had a great time!!!

GORGEOUS!!

I had an opportunity to take some holidays and teach on personal development all at the same time! Nice..

It was hurricane season... supposedly... umm... and if by 'hurricane season' you mean clear blue skies and tropical breeze and sandy beaches and warm ocean water... uhh... ok.. right-o... yes indeed, hurricane season...

So fun! I rested lots. Soaked up the sun.... oh the hardships of tanning!!

TEACHING:

It's been two years since I taught... yes, felt good.

Loved the team!! Thank you... xx

Below is the feedback. Very kind words. Thank you again and again... xx

"You had just so much energy and spirit. You really brought a lot to our group. Thank you! You were a lot of fun to be around and your insighfulness and inquisitiveness made things very interesting. I didn't know what expectations to have, but i do know that I wish you could stay much longer!"

"I didn't know what to expect. I kind of was skeptical. Was wondering if the exercises were going to be the kind that label you instead of bring more freedom. Thank you for investing in us as individuals. Thank you for genuinely loving who we are as individuals and empowering us. It was a great week."

"I have never had someone read the story of my soul to me in such few days. The speaking and teaching was inspirational. The teaching style was like nothing I have ever heard. I will always remember your teaching and our one-on-one."

"Blew me away. Your caring personality. You taking the time to stop everything and help me in my need. I wanted to grow. I wanted something radical in me. Although so different than what I expected. So so good. So needed. I appreciate the time you gave us, and your heart. Your honesty and being a real person meant so much to me."

"Very practical tools. Great to see ways to improve our interaction with others. Loved hearing the stories and would welcome more! Thanks!"

"Learning new things about myself. Loved you! Please come back again soon!"

"All the information was so dead on. It was almost like surgery. I really like how honest and freeing your teaching style is. I was not sure what to think. I almost just expect it to be just like any other teaching. Way surpassed it by a mile and changed my life. Thank you so much."

"I am not wanting to be anyone but myself; and it made me be able to partly understand the way others think. I loved the hands on portion. The fact that a simple act of love could do so much for someone was revolutionary. I was expecting the same old that I've heard a thousand times, but it was far surpassed. You are awesome. Thank you so much."

"I learned so much. More was met than I thought. Thank you for showing me who I am."

DISTRICT 9

Peter Jackson's DISTRICT 9.

Saw it.

Loved it.

From beginning to end.

Classic Sci-Fi ... and some parts a bit corny... PERFECT!!!

Never seen a script like that for a Sci-Fi.

Loved the documentary vibe.

Here's the link to site: DISTRICT 9

Go see it. Enjoy.

Great entertainment.

Two thumbs up for Peter Jackson.

He gets my vote.

And new to the screen scene, Shalto Copley.. fab!!

Cantle Outdoor Adventure THIS WEEKEND!

This coming weekend is another Cantle Outdoor Adventure programme.

I went in April.

Amazing....

The hospitality, the rooms, the feasting, the generosity.... you're treated royally.

The big open space, the lochs, the highlands, the bon fires.... you instantly relax.

The adventure, the fun, the camaraderie, the learning.... you won't want to leave.

To my UK/EUROPE friends... GO! The price is great! A perfect long weekend getaway. You will not regret it...

Here's the link: CANTLE ADVENTURE Aug 13-16, 2009

(and to ALL my friends... if you can't go to this one, sign up for the next one!!)

hanging with my sister's family

My sister Nancy sent me these pics; I had dinner with her and the fam while on a recent business trip in Toronto. Loved hanging with them! A great time. A fab repose from work. Thank you.. xx

Marv, Nancy, Julie, Me, Kim (Derek's girlfriend), and Derek.

Me and Julie xx

Nancy and Julie

Derek and Kim

Pssst... they stopped in at the Toronto Fluevog store... Marv bought a pair of Beats McClure. Check it out! Nice...

every august.... same thing...

uh oh... it happened to me... again!!...

getting stoked to SNOWBOARD!!... well... not now!.. there's definitely zero sign of snow!!

hopefully mid November; if it dumps like last season.

annnnd... getting stoked for NBA!! ... umm.. also in November...

ugg.. this happens to me EVERY August!!...

oh November November... pining for you! haha!!

PS1. getting Mt Seymour pass in a few weeks!! woot woot woohooo!

PS2. btw, not happy Shaq moving over to Cavs. i have strong opinions about this!.. yes, love the dude... i just hope it won't be a deterrent to Lebron's spotlight.. i'm not referring to performance (although Shaq's glory years are amazing!)... i mean in media/publicity; this needs to stay focused on King James... the "sixth man" influences the game...

my mom & dad's 50th

At the end of June the Thrall tribe got together for my mom/dad's 50th wedding anniversary; along with my parents' closest friends.

And we celebrated.

We celebrated my mom and dad.

Amazing... xx

Lots of family entertainment; laughs; storytelling. Felt great to connect with everyone. I love it that we laugh a lot; hanging out together; easy; effortless; fun.

to my entire family... love you so so much!!!

xx

Here's a few pics.. wanted to share it with yaz.

I just chose 4... out of 600!! umm.. thank me.... :-)

THRALL GRANDKIDS

THRALL TRIBE

MOM AND DAD

xx 50 YEARS xx

BELMONT GOLF COURSE and RED VELVET

BELMONT GOLF COURSE

pic#1: Marc, Scott and me

pic#2: Scott & me throwing the horns... golf rockstars..

pic#3: Scotty about to T off.

pic#4: Belmont Golf Course (& Marc!)

Had fun playing golf last wk with Scott and Marc.

Belmont Golf Course in Langley, BC.

Good times. Good laughs. Chilled.

My favourite way to golf ... chillllled..

And as usual... we managed somehow to talk business, aspirations and philosophy in between holes!! Love it..

KP TRIVIA: WHO IS SCOTT?

ANSWER:

Scotty is one of my very solid amazingest friends. He's also one of my favourite people to snowboard and golf with. He's married to my other very solid amazingest friend, Heidi. They have two adorable children. Scott and Heidi are magical. And I love them both so much. Very very thankful for their friendship. My love for them runs deep; and my heart is incredibly loyal to them. We have gone through a lot together...

Scott is CEO of two companies. RedVelvet and Rook Interactive. If you're a musician or in the entertainment industry, you might like to know that....

RED VELVET™, is a software service created to make the websites of independent music labels and distributors the most profitable source or revenue in their business.

To sum it up:

Heidi is inspiring. www.heidicave.com

Scott is inspiring. www.redvelvet.com

Click and read... you'll see what I mean...

UFC

Jesse and I had an all day date yesterday; and I ordered On Demand for him so we could watch UFC on our big screen last night.

pic: See the door on the right. We have a rear screen projector.. fills up entire wall... sweeet.

Jes was one very happy camper!!

ps1. i like georges st pierre. humble dude...

ps2. umm.. yes i was cringing with the lesnar/mir fight... wowza.. eek.. yikes.. gulp..

"SHUT THE CUP UP" by TIN CAN MAN PRODUCTIONS

my son Dylan and his friends have a production company.

this is their most recent video..

so so funny!! I was laughing so hard!!

click here: Shut The Cup Up

listener discretion advisory: if you're uncomfortable with 'bad' language (the f word, etc)... maybe this isn't the video for your listening ears..... :-) xx

Psssst... FLUEVOG SUMMER SALE STARTS TOMORROW!!!

Ok... hear me on this one!

NOW is the time to buy Fluevogs!!

Big sale!!!

Starts tomorrow (Friday).

Go to our website. www.fluevog.com

Click here: JOHN FLUEVOG SHOES and read up on the details; find the store closest to you; and/or order on line.

ENJOY your beautiful new Fluevogs!!

Let me know if you have any questions.

I want to hear what shoes you bought!

Yipeeeeee!

NO MORE FACEBOOK FOR LITTLE OL' ME

Been thinking about getting off Facebook for the past couple of months.

And two weeks ago I decided, yes indeed.

So I gave my FB peeps a ten day countdown and yesterday I pulled the plug.

Wondered if I'd have withdrawals or change my mind at the last minute... nope, not at all.

Neato burrito.

Cool beans.

It feels right.

I like it.

"why karen?"

I don't know. Just felt like it. The urge kept growing in me.

And besides, I'm kinda that way by nature.

I get all addicted to something and then when I'm done, I'm done.

Ya... kinda like Forrest Gump... running!!

He ran and ran... and then decided he was done.

Yep.. that's me!! heh heh..

So I will try better to keep this blog current with random life.

If you have a blog, send it my way.

If you want to stay in touch you can reach me at:

karenpadgett [at] hotmail [dot] com

Forrest Gump (narrating): I had run for 3 years, 2 months, 14 days, and 16 hours.

(he stops and turns around)
Young Man Running: Quiet, quiet! He's gonna say something!
Forrest Gump: (pause) I'm pretty tired... I think I'll go home now.

Forrest Gump (narrating): And just like that, my runnin' days was over. So, I went home to Alabama.