Author: jillymacd

Flush with Excitement: The Story of My Bathroom Renovation

Post author By jillymacd
Post date April 9, 2023
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Hey there, DIY enthusiasts! Jill MacDonald here and I’m thrilled to share my latest renovation project with you. This time, I tackled the downstairs bathroom, and boy was it a ride! From measuring twice and cutting once to hammering out the details, I’ve got all the puns and dusty details to share.

At the beginning of this course, I shared the process of hanging a mirror in my main floor bathroom on Twitter. I casually mentioned I was on a HGTV show called “Home to Win” in 2016 and figured this would be the opportunity to elaborate on that experience and how it helped me with the renovation.

I landed on the show after submitting an overly emotional video a few days after being evacuated due to the Horse River wildfire. Never in a million years did I expect to be selected and the experience was certainly full of highs and lows. I was hoping I could share my video summary package but alas, it’s been removed. This show promo will have to do.

I’d like to think that my experience on Home to Win has helped me in more ways than just getting better at home improvement tasks. I learned how to work under pressure and how to make quick decisions when things don’t go as planned. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned from renovating my own home; things NEVER go according to plan. Check out the full episode on Prime (S1, E10) to see how things panned out.

Now onto the renovation at hand. The downstairs bathroom. *insert dark ominous tones* DUH-DUH-DUHHHH

First things first, I knew this bathroom needed a facelift. It was just begging for some TLC, and I was more than happy to oblige. So, I put on my tool belt, grabbed my measuring tape, and got to work. I knew this was going to be a long journey, but I was ready to plunge in! The first step, of course, was coming up with a plan. I put my creative mind to work, brainstorming ways to make this bathroom pop. When I finally had a vision, it was time to source all the materials.

I picked out a beautiful wallpaper for an accent wall, a paint color for the vanity, and some funky accessories to help with storage. I couldn’t wait to see how it would all come together. Once I was happy with my direction, it was time to flush the old and welcome in the new. After I cleared everything out of the bathroom it was time to get to work.

First step was to get rid of the sad brown colour. I’m sorry but who would EVER paint their bathroom BROWN? I mean… I know what we all do in there but that’s a little on the nose don’t you think?

After letting the beautiful white walls dry it was finally WALLPAPER TIME! Thankfully my sister is an expert in this area and offered to give me a hand. Knowing that a busy pattern would require WAY more brain power than I was willing to spend on this project, I opted for one that was going to be easy to line up. #winning

Two sets of hands meant this part of the project went quickly. I can’t stress that enough! If you plan on hanging drywall, go for an easy pattern, one that is pasted or unpasted and use glue. Peel and stick wallpaper is a NIGHTMARE. If you’ve ever tried to hang it, you’ll understand. The bubbles are so difficult to get out and although you can peel it back and readjust, it’s just not easy to work with.

Once the wallpaper was up it was time to refinish the vanity. Since the wallpaper was a darker grey, I wanted to paint the vanity white so it would pop next to the wall. Three coats of high coverage cabinet paint and we’re starting to get somewhere!

Once the paint had dried and the cabinet doors were re-installed it was time to mount the new vanity and facet. Oh husband? I have a job for you! Goodbye 1980’s vanity top! Not that the 80’s were ALL bad. I mean I graced this planet in 1983 so…

The final large project I had to tackle was caulking and painting the mouldings. This unfortunately is where I ran into problems. The Caulking fiasco can be viewed in all it’s glory HERE . An entire tube of caulking wasted, but we finally got back on track and finished up the space.

At this point I can finally start the finishing touches!

I’m ‘flush’ with happiness now that my bathroom renovation is finished! All in all, this renovation project was a success. I’ve proven that with a little hard work, a dash of creativity, and a healthy dose of humour, any project can turn out beautifully. So, to all you DIY enthusiasts out there, keep hammering away and remember to always measure twice and cut once – it’s a nail-biting experience, but the end result is worth it.

Tags Digital Story, story, storytelling

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Principles of Good Storytelling

Post author By jillymacd
Post date March 29, 2023
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Storytelling is a timeless art form that has been a part of human culture for centuries. From campfires to books, movies to podcasts, storytelling has evolved over time, but the principles of what makes a good story remain the same. At its core, storytelling is about engaging an audience and transporting them to another world, whether that be a fantastical realm or a real-life experience. The power of a good story lies in its ability to connect with people on an emotional level, leaving a lasting impact long after the story has ended. In this blog post, we will explore the principles of good storytelling and how they can be applied to create compelling narratives that captivate and inspire.

Characters

Create relatable and well-developed characters that your audience can connect with emotionally. Characters are the heart of your story, and they need to be fully realized in order for your audience to care about them. Consider giving your characters distinct personalities, backstories, and motivations that drive the plot forward. Whether your characters are heroes or villains, make sure they have flaws and weaknesses that make them more human and relatable.

Plot

Develop a clear and engaging storyline with a beginning, middle, and end. Keep your audience engaged with twists and turns that build suspense. A good plot takes your characters on a journey and challenges them to overcome obstacles along the way. Consider using storytelling techniques like foreshadowing and cliffhangers to keep your audience guessing and invested in the outcome. A strong plot should have a clear structure that guides the audience from the setup to the climax and resolution.

Conflict

Every story needs a conflict that creates tension and keeps the audience invested in the outcome. Conflict can take many forms, whether it’s a physical battle, an emotional struggle, or a moral dilemma. Consider what your characters want and what’s standing in their way, and then raise the stakes to keep the tension high. Conflict is what drives the plot forward and keeps the audience engaged.

Setting

Transport your audience to a vivid and immersive world that brings your story to life. The setting of your story can be just as important as the characters and plot. Consider the time and place in which your story takes place, and use sensory details to create a vivid and immersive world that your audience can picture in their minds. Use setting to create atmosphere and mood, and to help establish the tone of your story.

Resolution

Tie up loose ends and bring your story to a satisfying conclusion that leaves your audience feeling fulfilled. A satisfying resolution is what separates a good story from a great one. Make sure that your ending is consistent with the rest of your story and that it resolves any lingering questions or conflicts. Consider what your audience will take away from your story and what message or emotion you want to leave them with. A good resolution should tie up loose ends while also leaving room for interpretation and reflection.

“A life without stories would be no life at all. And stories bound us, did they not, one to another, the living to the dead, people to animals, people to the land?”
— Alexander McCall Smith
https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/storytelling-quotes

Each of these principles helps to create a powerful and memorable story that resonates with your audience. By mastering these principles, you can become a skilled storyteller who captures the hearts and minds of your listeners or readers. So go ahead, embrace the principles of good storytelling, and bring your stories to life.

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Mirror Mirror On The Wall

Post author By jillymacd
Post date March 19, 2023
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I’ve always been told I’m fiercely independent. And if I’m being completely honest, it’s a blessing and a curse. I’m certainly not one to ask for help, especially when I should. However my husband, Mike, works in the Northwest Territories on a 2 week in, 2 week out rotation, so sometimes you gotta do what ya gotta do to keep projects moving forward.

We’re in full renovation mode at the moment, and are hoping to have our house ready to sell in the next month, so time is of the essence. I’ve been focusing on the lighter projects and leaving the bigger things for when Mike’s home. Today, as no exception.

Our main bathroom was in need of some minor polishing. I recently painted and changed out the lights, all that’s left is to paint the vanity, caulk some seams and hang a new mirror. Follow along as I hang a mirror by myself – maybe we’ll all learn something new today.

https://twitter.com/jilly_macd/status/1637537620581556224?s=20

While I’ve read twitter story threads in the past, I’ve never had a twitter account until today. It was a cool experience to see that even a small household task can turn into an opportunity to tell a story. Throughout my series of tweets, I used many storytelling techniques to engage my audience. The plot has twists and turns, there’s conflict and foreshadowing. The use of hashtags brings in humour and teasing the audience as to what is coming next. I really enjoyed this activity and it’s inspired me to incorporate twitter moving forward in my professional life.

Read the full thread: https://twitter.com/jilly_macd/status/1637537620581556224?s=20

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Come Alive: No more livin’ in those shadows.

Post author By jillymacd
Post date March 2, 2023
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“For years and years
I chased their cheers
The crazy speed of always needing more
But when I stop
And see you here
I remember who all this was for.”

Those lyrics have haunted me since the first time I heard them.

The Greatest Showman is a 2017 musical film that tells the story of P.T. Barnum, the founder of Barnum & Bailey Circus. The movie features an all-star cast including Hugh Jackman, Zac Efron, Michelle Williams, and Zendaya. From the very beginning, the movie captivates the audience with a powerful opening song that sets the tone for the rest of the story. The Greatest Showman delivers an inspirational message about acceptance and embracing diversity. A message everyone should hear.

The movie begins with a young Barnum who grows up in poverty and dreams of making something of himself. He falls in love with a girl from a wealthy family, Charity, and they build a life together despite her father’s reservations.

Barnum isn’t a stranger to hard work, and his dreams of success lead him to start a circus featuring “freaks” and outcasts from society. At first, the circus is a success, but it eventually leads to conflict and controversy.

One of the major themes throughout the movie is acceptance. The characters are all different in their own way, but they are brought together by their differences. Barnum’s circus becomes a safe space for people who are rejected by society and are seeking acceptance. The characters face adversity from society, but they find solace in each other and in their shared love of the circus.

“When the sharpest words wanna cut me down
I’m gonna send a flood, gonna drown them out
I am brave, I am bruised
I am who I’m meant to be, this is me
Look out ’cause here I come
And I’m marching on to the beat I drum
I’m not scared to be seen
I make no apologies, this is me”

Another theme in the movie is embracing diversity. Barnum’s circus features a diverse group of performers, including a bearded lady, a little person, and an African American trapeze artist. The movie portrays the characters as unique individuals who should be celebrated for who they are, rather than shamed for their differences. The movie encourages viewers to embrace diversity and see the beauty in what makes each of us unique.

“You think it’s easy
You think I don’t wanna run to you
But there are mountains
And there are doors that we can’t walk through
I know you’re wondering why because we’re able to be
Just you and me within these walls
But when we go outside, you’re gonna wake up and see
That it was hopeless after all”

Throughout the movie, the characters face conflicts and adversity. Barnum’s decision to feature “freaks” in his circus leads to protests and backlash from the community. The characters are forced to defend themselves on several occasions. Barnum’s ambition and desire for success lead him to neglect his family and the people who matter most to him. However, the characters overcome these challenges through their determination, resilience, and support for each other.

In the end, the characters learn valuable lessons about the importance of family, acceptance, and embracing diversity. Barnum learns that true success is not measured by wealth and fame, but by the relationships he has with the people he loves. The characters eventually realize that their differences make them unique and special, and that they should be proud of who they are.

The Greatest Showman is a memorable and engaging movie that delivers a powerful message about acceptance and embracing diversity. The characters face conflicts and adversity, but they overcome these challenges through their determination, resilience, and support for each other. The movie uses storytelling principles and concepts to deliver its message in a powerful and memorable way. The themes of acceptance and diversity are relevant in today’s society, and the movie serves as a reminder to embrace what makes us unique and celebrate our differences.

“If you haven’t been to the Barnum Museum lately, you haven’t been at the Barnum Museum.”

The Greatest Showman truly is a movie that I believe EVERYONE must see. It’s a valuable lesson to teach our children early in life so they can grow up to be accepting adults. For myself, it’s reminded me to focus less on the “stuff” in my life and more on the people, places and experiences that bring me joy.

The Greatest Showman is streaming now on Disney+

Tags storytelling, Writing