Playful elegance with Bobbie Long Haberdasher for the Jump for joy Photo Project! #shareyourjoy

Photo of Bobbie Long Haberdasher by Eyoalha Baker

Bobbie Long Haberdasher Shares her beautiful Jumping joy!

Q: What inspired your jump for joy?
A: Joy! Joy made me jump! It’s an extraordinary feeling and emotion that not everyone gets to experience. I am blessed to experience joy at least once a day. But I had to do the work to get there. There was a long period of my life where I hadn’t experience joy.

Q. How was your experience doing the jumping photos?
A: Fun and joyful! How can it not be? What a glorious idea to take pictures people jumping for joy. I loved it, and as a matter of fact for two days after, I found myself randomly jumping and it brought me so much joy!

Q: How do you describe the feeling of joy?
A: Oh man, how do you describe the feeling of joy? For me, I am a deeply feeling soul and when I feel eminence joy, the best way to describe it is like their is the biggest brightest light in the world trapped inside me and it wants to bust through. It makes me feel warm and joyful. It’s probably one of the greatest feelings I have ever experienced.

Q: What is your greatest passion in life?
A: My business – I get to dress men for a living and it brings me so much joy every day! I love that I get to do what I’m good at. I have amazing clients and network that also love what I do and support my passion.

My Husband and our life. We’ve worked hard to get to where we are and continue to work on growing and evolving into our best life. It’s a tough world out there, but it’s a lot easier when you get to go through it with someone you love.

Q: Your driving force?
A: The young girls in my life – my nieces and step-daughter. I want them to see that even though you are a girl, you can be, do and have anything you desire. I have faced a lot of challenges in my life, but the biggest one was not being encouraged and supported in my dreams as a young girl. We need love, support and encouragement to rise to our greatness and I want to be that role model for them.

Q: Your philosophy?
A: You don’t lose when you lose, you only lose when you quit. This has been with me ever since I moved to Vancouver in 2004, I read it in an article interviewing Jimmy Pattison. They quoted him saying that and I have tried my best to live by it everyday. It’s the reason I’m still living in Vancouver and now running my own business.

Q: Anything in the world, what would you do?
A: Currently I’m doing it, but I have so much more that I want to accomplish. I would like to have multiple, thriving HaberdasherAndCo businesses that are run by strong, successful and empowered females. As well as start a charity that provides support, education and work skills to at risk male youth.

Oh and travel. I want to travel!

Q: What are you working on?
A: I’m working towards being the go-to Suit Specialist in Vancouver for men and Grooms!

Q: Something special about you?
A: I love being outside – camping, picnics and hikes are my favourite Summer activities

I am obsessed with podcasts and audio books. I love constantly feeding my brain with self improvement, motivational and business related content. I am constantly learning and want to be the best at all that I do.

I’m an urban gardener. We grow all the stuff on our private rooftop patio in East Vancouver.

Instagram: @HaberdasherAndCo
FB page: facebook.com/haberdasherandco
Web: haberdasherandco.com

The joy of Public Art. Vancouver Biennale jumping joy with Barrie Mowatt and Murray Nichol

Barrie Mowatt + Murray Nichol jumping for joy in front of the Love Your Beans installation by Artist Cosimo Cavallaro for Vancouver Biennale. Photo by Eyoalha Baker for the Jump for joy Photo Project

BARRIE MOWATT

Q: What inspired you to jump for joy?
A: YOU! I love the project, the visual impact messaging. I’d love to see it happen all over the world… on streetcars, busses, warehouse shacks, billboards… in Soweto, Berlin, The Favellas of Rio, Jerusalem, Ankara, Damascus, Moscow, Mumbai, Calcutta, Hubin, Guangzhou, Beijing, Lhasa, Dubai, Cairo, Addis Ababa, Dar Saalem, Casablanca, Tunis, in Iraq, Iran, Lapland etc. … capturing locals and their local garb… and eventually bringing all of these together as one gigantic United Nations pic or Canadian Museum of Human Rights Installation.

Q. How did jumping photos make you feel?
A: I felt … kidlike… joyful… anxious. I love doing these jumps, been doing them all over the world since the Toyota ad days…

Q: How does joy impact your life?
A: ‘JOY’…… is contagious……… energizing…… liberating…… it’s essential to daily living……visualizing the jumping pics in itself is uplifting… bringing a smile to my face and appreciation for my life………

Q: What are you working on?
A: VANCOUVER BIENNALE

Twitter: @BarrieMowatt
Instagram: @barriemowatt
FB page: www.facebook.com/VancouverBiennale
Web: www.vancouverbiennale.com

Barrie Mowatt + Murray Nichol jumping for joy in front of the Human Structures installation by Artist Jonathan Borofsky for Vancouver Biennale. Photo by Eyoalha Baker for the Jump for joy Photo Project

MURRAY NICHOL

Q: What inspired you to jump for joy?
A: I believe in joyful, liberating, spontaneous, uplifting experiences!

Q. Your experience doing the jumping photos?
A: ​Jumping made me feel like a kid. The entire experience was invigorating and highly entertaining. I would strongly encourage others to jump (and jump high!) and to be prepared for 100% fun! ​

Q: How does joy impact your life?
A: I think we all need joy as human beings to feel complete. A wonderful element of joy is that it can be self-generated and available to us 24/7. A spontaneous, joyful experience can spin our habits of routine 180 degrees. I wonder how many of us experience joy, especially the uninhibited kind, on a regular basis. Another spinoff of manifesting joy for ourselves and others is that the joyful activity could very well generate more joy. Imagine: joy to the power of 1,000,000 or . . . 1 billion!

Q: What are your greatest passion in life?
A: ​Music, food, travel, Mother Nature (especially sunsets!), visual arts, intimate conversation. . . Anything that stimulates my senses!

Murray:
A: As a member of the Vancouver Biennale Board of Directors, I am grateful for all the engaging experiences with artists, artworks, and the public. ​One joyful, smile-inducing #VanBiennale art installation is A-MAZE-ING LAUGHTER, located in Morton Park (at Davie Street and Denman Street) in the West End of Vancouver.

Twitter: ​@Murray_Nichol ​Instagram: ​@murraynichol ​
FB page: www.facebook.com/VancouverBiennale
www.vancouverbienanle.com

What makes you want to jump for joy? How about giving to charities that help people in need? :)

Sharing jumping joy with the community and Chimp.net at the Khatsahlano! Music + Art Festival ‪#‎SummerofChange2016‬

I had the great pleasure of partnering with Chimp.net to capture the beautiful jumping joy with the community at the Khatsahlano! Music + Art Festival ‪#‎SummerofChange2016‬.

To view more of the amazing jumping joy energy that was shared, take a look at the Chimp.net blog here.

… Chimp is a charitable marketplace that connects you with the causes you care about. Give how you want, when you want. Because the choice of how you change the world is yours.

Introducing the jumping joy of Edward Westerhuis aka Double cat! @corrugatedcut

Photo of Edward Westerhius aka Double Cat jump for joy photo by Eyoalha Baker

Introducing the playful jumping joy of Edward Westerhuis aka Double cat!

Q: What inspires you to jump for joy?
A:  When I put on my cat mask, I transform into a new character. It’s kind of like Being John Malkovich—a mix of the dream world and reality. It all comes with a rush of excitement that gets me hopping.

Q: Your experience doing the jumping photo shoot?
A: It kind of reminded me of wondering around parking lots and construction sites as a kid. My friends and I would make our own fun, filming each other doing different ridiculous tricks. It was kind of like a throwback to high school.

Q: How do you describe the feeling of joy?
A: Joy is a rhythm that runs up my body, into my shoulders, and through my arms. I start to squirm, and when I get really excited I rub my hands together as fast as I can.

Q: Your greatest passion?
A: I love making art and sharing the experience of making art with other people. There is an indescribable energy released from that exchange that I find so addictive. It allows you to communicate and discover new things on the deepest of levels.

Q: Your driving force?
A:  Knowing that there is always something new to see and experience in life. The world is a constant estuary of old and new. Keeps me on my toes.

Q: Your philosophy?
A: When I think about the cosmos and our role within it, I always consider how minuscule each of us are. I actually find this comforting because it reminds me that my job isn’t to change the world, but rather to live meaningfully with others. I am just a small little kitty.

Q: Anything in the world?
A: I would be making art in a large studio with a team of other really great artists. I get to do this sometimes, here and there, but it’s hard to manifest. One way I am making this happen is working with the City of Surrey to launch a new Community Art Program which supports youth and activates public space to discover and share creativity.

Q: Working on?
A: I always have a lot of projects on the go. I just released my latest music video, featuring a dance battle between two giant cats. Check it out and share with your friends! www.doublecatvideo.com. I’m also working on a new sci-fi western cardboard puppet show, that integrates live video with puppet performance www.ramshackletheatre.ca. And I’m also currently experimenting with concrete and styrofoam to develop a new photo/sculptural series.

Q: Mini bio…
A: I am a multidisciplinary artist who makes art to spark conversation. My work moves between visual art, video, and performance–often collaborating with other artists and working within the community. I create imaginative worlds that play with an epic sense scale that form allegories for stories that shape the places we live. You can find all of my work on my website http://www.edward.gallery where you can also see my TEDx talk and here my recent interview with the podcast Your Creative Push. You can also find me on Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat with the handle @corrugatedcut.

Edward Westerhuis aka Double Cat jump for joy photo by Eyoalha Baker

Take a deep breath, remember to have fun, and begin.

Jump for joy photo of Meg taylor by Eyoalha Baker

“Don’t look further for answers: be the solution. You were born with everything you need to know. Make a promise to stop getting in the way of the blessing that you are. Take a deep breath, remember to have fun, and begin.” – Jonathan H. Ellerby

What solutions are you creating? Every choice we make has impact in the world… even a smile as you pass by a stranger can uplift a persons day. Being kind, uplift each other. It won’t solve all the worlds problems, but it’s a step in the right direction.

Jumping for Joy opened hearts and unified communities – Eyoälha Baker speaking at TEDxEastVan

My TedXEastVan talk is online! The short version of how Jump for Joy photos opened my heart, turned into murals and brought people together in the DTES of Vancouver: www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-MFCkjTEhY&feature=youtu.be

Photo by Michelle Hondl

A look back in time, what I was thinking 3 yers ago, stands today @eyoalha

Selfie Jump for joy photo Eyoalha Baker

Nearly 3 years ago, before I had even imagined I would create the 2 Jump for Joy Photo murals and before I got hooked on Instagram, I filled out my own jump for joy newsletter feature questionnaire which I used to give everyone who jumped with me: http://eepurl.com/y6uOP although a LOT has happened since I answered these questions, my answers remain the same… only
I’ve added more to the scope of what I’ve accomplished and far more what I want to accomplish.

Things I’d like to add to the list of to dos:

1. I’d like to make a book about my experience of creating the Jump for Joy Photo Murals in Vancouvers DTES. This was an incredibly heart opening experience that has inspired me to connect more with people, especially people who are facing hardships in the world. Working on this project in an area where people face homelessness, hunger, drug addiction, mental illness and abuse deepened my compassion, and gave me a first hand experience of the effects of sharing joyful images in an area that really needed it. I want to create more projects that use joy to connect people, inspire joy and involve people and communities from all walks of life.

2. I’ve now done 3 public speaking events about the amazing impact sharing joy has had on me and the people I’ve shared the experience with. This was an incredible feat for me as I was literally terrified of public speaking. The best thing about facing your fears, is that they feel less and less terrifying every time. In fact, once I got out there, I had so much fun that I want to do more!

3. I’d love to do a video of people jumping for joy to music! This would be fun.

4. I’ve learned that being open to new ideas, trying new things (especially that scare me) and collaborating with others as much as possible opens whole new worlds of possibilities. I’m always on the look out for the next cool thing or way of sharing joy that I haven’t thought of yet🙂

It feels really good to look back and be proud of the answers I gave and reminds me of why I set out to create this project in the first place🙂

It felt good to take a moment to reflect today… Am I doing what I love? Am I challenging myself to try new things? Where do I want to go from here? These questions get me excited about all the possibilities to come.

Enjoy your day!

With love, Eyoalha

I like to do things that push me a bit outside of my comfort zone @yeastvan

Photo of Ryan Jones by Eyoalha Baker

Ryan Jones came out to jump around, many jumps and much laughter later… we have amazing jump for joy photos to share🙂

A little about what make Ryan, Ryan:

Q: What inspired you to want to jump for joy?
A: I like to do things that push me a bit outside of my comfort zone. And it’s a great project – the other jumping photos are amazing – so it’s an awesome thing to be a part of.

Q. Your experience?
A: I was unsure of what to do in mid-air when we started but then it just got so silly. It changed my whole mood and the rest of the evening was great.

Q: How do you describe the feeling of joy?
A: It feels like my heart is going to explode out of my chest, but in a good way.

Q: Your greatest passion?
A: I don’t really know how to answer this. I’m passionate about things in the moment. When I like something, like a beer or good food or a person, I’m expressively passionate. Effusive. I guess I think it’s worth it to celebrate the small joys.

Q: Your driving force?
A: Iteration. I like to assess my life, my hobbies, etc. for inefficiencies and make improvements. It stands in opposition of complacence, which is an easy state to fall into.

Q: Your philosophy?
A: I don’t have a philosophy. Philosophies can be inflexible and dogmatic.

Q: Anything in the world?
A: I would want to be independently wealthy. Honestly. I have so many hobbies and side projects that would get more attention if I didn’t have to pay the rent.

Q: What are you working on.
A: I’m a homebrewer and beer enthusiast. I have three ciders fermenting right now. Best place to find me is @yeastvan.

Q: About you:
A: I once rode my bicycle across the United States. I make my own hot sauce.

Twitter: @yeastvan
Instagram: @yeastvan

Photo of Ryan Jones jumping for joy by Eyoalha Baker

Support what you value and admire @FreeOfViolence #jumpforjoyphotoproject

Photo of Janice Abbot, CEO of Atira Womens Resource Society by Eyoalha Baker for the Jump for Joy Photo project

“You get more reward from your efforts when they’re applied in a positive direction. So instead of rebelling against what you dislike, work to build and support what you value and admire.” – Marc and Angel hack Life

Janice Abbott is a woman I admire and respect. She is the Founder and CEO of Atira Women’s Resource Society, which is a not-for-profit organization committed to the work of ending violence against women through providing direct service, as well as working to increase awareness of and education around the scope and impact on our communities of men’s violence against women and children.

If it weren’t for the support of Janice and all the amazing people who work at Atira, the Wall of Joy Mural may never have been created but more importantly the work they do in the community is vital. People have homes, are safe and eat because they took the time to build what was needed.

There will always be difficult situations in life, the perspective and actions we take make all the difference. Thank you to people like Janice, who do what needs to be done.

Happy to celebrate wonderful people doing good🙂

Be passionate, fall madly in love with life… #jumpforjoy to celebrate it all

“Be passionate, fall madly in love with life. Be passionate about some part of the natural and/or human worlds and take risks on its behalf, no matter how vulnerable they make you.” … “Offer yourself to the world — your energies, your gifts, your visions, your heart — with open-hearted generosity.” – Parker Palmer

Jump for joy photos by Eyoalha Baker

Today is just another day to celebrate all that makes your life and the world wonderful🙂 Happy Earth Day!

The perspective we take and how we see and experience the world will be reflected back to us, be aware of your thoughts today, and how are you approaching your life.

Much love to you – Eyoalha

The magical sense that everything is possible… make me want to #jumpforjoy :)

“Joy is the highest energy of all. It’s the magical sense that everything is possible. Joy springs from appreciating the gifts within each moment. Joy allows you to attract and create your present and future moments at their highest possible levels.” – Doreen Virtue

Share joy! Photo by Eyoalha Baker

One of the reasons I love the powerful energy of joy… when you can tap into it, you really do feel like anything is possible. In the times that I’ve felt most joyful, my world feels magical and alive.. jumping around and doing jumping photos, reminds me of that, it loosens me up, gets me silly and brings me back to that state. Give it a try, jump for joy… at the very least, you will giggle at yourself in the photos🙂

Have a wonderful day!

Eyoalha

I started to feel an exhilarating sensation… #jumpforjoyphotoproject

Barbara Tili jump for joy photo by Eyoalha Baker

Barbara Tili came out to jump around and spread a little joy with me and we had a really fun time. I loved watching her open up and get more playful with every jump🙂

A few questions to get to know Barbara….

Q: What inspired you to want to jump for joy?
A:​ I loved your project since I’ve first heard of it few years ago, so when we met it just came out so natural… of course I was going to jump for you!😉

Q. Your jump for joy experience?
A:​ It felt a bit strange at the beginning, like I wasn’t sure how I was supposed to…jump (?)​… But then the more we took photos the more I started to feel an exhilarating sensation… like the inner child had finally found something very appropriate to do! When we finished it felt like… no… have we done already?

Q: How do you describe the feeling of joy?
A:​ ​The feeling of joy is a very high vibration of energy, you cannot contain a smile even if you try. It feels like a stream of very fresh air.

Q: Your greatest passion?
A:​ Photography and Architecture. I’m a trained architect but photography makes me look at architecture in an all other way. It makes me feel more connected with the original idea of why I’ve studied it​ in the first place, photography makes me see the noble side of architecture. It makes me experience the built environment in a more intimate way. (this may sound weird in english…..feel free to change if needed…)

Q: Your driving force?
A:​ My driving force is inspiration. From every little thing in life or interaction with people. I feel that in order to function well, we need to feel inspired every day by what is around us.

Q: Your philosophy?
A:​ ​It is important to never stop learning, wether it is our own profession or exploring new directions. I believe in not being afraid to discover who we really are and what is our true journey in life and doing all we can to follow that path. Because it is only when you are on that path that you feel you have arrived home.

Q: If you could do anything in the world?
A:​ I would love to use my photography to document what good architecture can do in developing countries. It is in my list of goals for the next years.​

Q: What are you working on?
A:​ I’m specializing in architectural and interior photography, and have a bit of obsession with geometry and patterns, most of my photography is a collection of shapes and form. www.barbaratili.com

Q: Something special you would like to share.
A:​ Exactly 1 year ago I decided that inspiration was something that I wanted in my life, every single day. I didn’t expect that so much would have changed after this decision, I’m a very different person from whom I was then, and I’m also turning 40 this year….the best time in life to celebrate change and new directions!

You can follow her work at:

Instagram:​ @barbaratili
Webpage: www.barbaratili.com

Have a wonderful day!

Much love, Eyoalha🙂

Recognize how good things really are :) @KateDuncanDesig

“Joy is what happens to us when we allow ourselves 
to recognize how good things really are.” 
- Marianne Williamson

Kate Duncan came out to play!

Taking a few minutes out of a busy day full of deadlines to jump around and share joy, make you remember… just how good things really are🙂

Kate designs the most beautiful, handmade furniture… check this out: www.kateduncan.ca

and, follow her work on all the good stuff:

Twitter: @KateDuncanDesig

Instagram: @duncankate

Have a wonderful day!

Eyoalha

It’s a little weird. …and then I would have jumped all day @hotartwetcity

Chris Bentzen of Hot Art Wet City jump for joy photo by Eyoalha Baker

Making art, with art.

Chris Bentzen kindly came out to jump around with me in the glorious sunshine. I found this great mural in a lane way off of 8th and Main Street in Vancouver and thought it would be fun to play around with it (I’d love to credit this artist, so if you know who made it please let me know).

I love how Chris became part of the mural and is so effortfully suspended in the air. Light and fun.

Mini interview with Chris:

Q: What inspired you to come out and jump for joy?
A: Why not! (I have a tendency to say yes when a photographer asks to take my picture)

Q. Your Jump for Joy experience?
A: It’s a little weird. It did take me a few jumps to feel comfortable and then I would have jumped all day.

Q: Your driving?
A: I’ll let you know when I figure that out. Always trying to find a new challenge.

Q: Your philosophy?
A: Unfortunately it’s the Nike slogan: just do it! I try not to worry to much if it something is going to success or fail but at least I tried.

Q: What are you working on?
A: Always the gallery… hotartwetcity.com

Pleas support art! follow Chris Bentzen on all the links to get to know him a little better🙂

Twitter: @hotartwetcity
Instagram @hotartwetcity

FB: hotartwetcity

Have a wonderful day!

Whatever you can dream, do it… do it now :) #jumpforjoyphotoproject

Jump for joy photo collage by Eyoalha Baker

“Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth that ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one’s favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamed would have come his way. Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Begin it now.” – William Hutchison Murray

The Tedxeastvan speakers – April 23, 2016 in Vancouver, BC Canada

When I started out with the Jump for Joy Photo Project in 2012, I hoped that I would be able to spread joy around the world with my photos. Since then the journey has been full of many beautiful heart opening experiences and opportunities. In a few weeks I have the honour of being one of 12 speakers presenting at TedxEastVan. This is an exciting challenge for me to get up on stage and overcome my stage fright and Im looking forward to sharing some of my experiences along my journey and why I have been so committed to keep going with this project even through the rough patches and hard times🙂

I would love to see some friendly faces out in the crowd so hope you can make it out to cheer us on, on April 23, 2016.

Thank you for following along my journey and for your ongoing support with this project so far.

Have a wonderful day!

Eyoalha

Joy heals our wounds, inspires us to greatness, and fills our soul.

Laura Vancolen Jump for Joy
Photo by Eyoälha Baker http://www.jumpforjoyphotoproject.com

“Joy is what makes life beautiful. It’s what gets us through challenges and allows light in to illuminate the shadows. Joy heals our wounds, inspires us to greatness, and fills our souls with goodness.” – Meimei Fox

Yesterday I received a call from Laura asking if she could take part and jump for joy in my project. I had never met her before and asked her what had inspired her to want to take part. She openly and vulnerably shared with me that she is going through drug detox. She is making some major life changes so she can get clean and get her 3 year old daughter back from Child Services. She said that one of the things she likes to do with her daughter on her visits is to look at the people jumping in the Wall of Joy and try to pick out people they know (some of the women who live in the neighbouring SRO where she lives are in the mural). She thought it would be fun to be in the mural and have her daughter be able to find her there. The mural project is done, but Im still doing jumping photos so we planned to meet up today in the beautiful spring sunshine to do her jump for joy photos.

When we met, we hit it off immediately. She loves the arts, writes poetry, paints, sings and makes dream catchers. As she told me all about her life living on the streets, her drug addiction and some of the struggles she has been though in her life. She has a very strong determination to get clean and be with her daughter again.

I admire her strength and courage thought this difficult time. In many ways doing these jumping photos was like a rebirth for her, the start of a new beginning. She is bright, creative and has such great ideas for improving the world. She has many challenges to overcome, but I believe in her and know she will do whatever she sets her mind to.

When I asked her how she felt doing the jumping photos, she said that at first she was a little nervous because she wasn’t sure what she should do, but then after a couple of jumps, it made her feel happy and free🙂 I think these feelings are a good start in the right direction.

Surprise yourself, welcome new friends and celebrate more fully our shared humanity

JR – Jump for Joy Photo by Eyoälha Baker http://www.jumpforjoyphotoproject.com

“Each day holds a surprise. But only if we expect it can we see, hear, or feel it when it comes to us. Let’s not be afraid to receive each day’s surprise, whether it comes to us as sorrow or as joy. It will open a new place in our hearts, a place where we can welcome new friends and celebrate more fully our shared humanity.” – Henri Nouwen

When I began approaching people who live in SRO’s (single room occupancies / low income residences), or on the street in the DTES of Vancouver to do jumping photos for my project. I was surprised by the willingness and openness of people who are struggling with all kinds of barriers and struggles in their lives including hunger, homelessness, drug addiction, abuse and mental illness. JR was one of those people who surprised me, he lives in the Arco Hotel which is the building I made the Wall of Joy mural on. He seemed very shy and withdrawn, but when I asked him if he would like to jump for joy for my project – he said yes🙂 He liked the idea of spreading joy around the world and wanted to take part. This really warmed my heart, and reminded me not to make judgements based on perceived appearances and gave me the opportunity to celebrate more fully in our shared humanity.

Look out for moments that surprise you, and cherish what they reflect back to you about yourself, and humanity.

Much love,

Eyoalha

Happy love day to all the romantics in the world – Happy Valentines day!

I love that there is a day of the year designated to celebrating romantic love. Not for the consumerism or false expectations built up around romantic love but because I love any opportunity to celebrate love. … romance is really just thoughtful, kind gestures and creative ways of expressing the beauty of your love to someone who holds your heart. Happy love day to all the romantic lovers out there.

Eyoalha the human Valentine🙂 yay for love! Jump for joy!

Life is very interesting… Eyoalha speaks about creating murals and connecting with community

Life is very interesting…

Today, the talk I did about the Jump for Joy Photo Project / murals at Interesting Vancouver was posted. I was incredibly nervous, emotional and fumbled my way through.. but I did it🙂

Yesterday, I received a letter from the city letting me know that I have 30 days to repair the mural or it will need to be removed. I may have some funding coming in, and need at least a week of dry weather. I’m asking for an extension in case the funds and money are not in line with the deadline. Will see what happens.

History repeats itself and gives us opportunities for deeper learning and understanding every time. It makes me wonder, maybe the creation of the murals were meant to be temporary and more about the beauty of sharing joy, connecting with people, learning about community and kindness. I’m not sure how this month will play out, I’ll keep on pushing for the repairs but if it doesn’t happen my heart is full with all that the experience creating this work has brought me. I know that either way this is only the beginning of more amazing opportunities to create, connect and experience life in whatever form it takes.

Eyoalha Baker speaking at Interesting Vancouver

Nothing says joy more than kids jumping in the air – enjoy your day, get out and play!

Photo by Eyoälha Baker http://www.jumpforjoyphotoproject.com

The natural joy filled energy of kids instantly makes me smile. A reminder to not take life so seriously, get out and play a little. Enjoy your day!

Quote of the day: go out and meet it!

“The bravest are surely those who have the clearest vision of what is before them, glory and danger alike, and yet notwithstanding, go out and meet it.” — Thucydides

Quote of the day: To play is to be the bridge…

“To play is to be the bridge between mastery and mystery, chaos and control, the foolishly brave and the bravely foolish.” – the Oaqui

Raising funds for much needed Wall of Joy Mural repairs – keep spreading the joy!

Wall of Joy mural, repairs needed

Wall of Joy mural, repairs needed

Wall of Joy mural, repairs needed

Wall of Joy mural, repairs needed

Wall of Joy mural, repairs needed

Wall of Joy mural, repairs needed

The damage to the mural has become worse in the past month and the repairs will be more extensive than anticipated. Im now looking at a weeks worth of equipment rentals and will need to raise upwards of $5000 just to cover costs.

For the month of December, I served to save up tips towards repairs at Save On Save on Meats. I chose to work at SOM because of the generous work they do with people in need in the DTES (where the mural is located). Im inspired by the work they do. I also love supporting the token program which feeds many people who may not otherwise have food to eat. Hoping to do more work together in the future with this amazing group of people🙂

Thank you to all the wonderful people at Save On Meats who welcomed me in, helped me learn the ropes and made me feel like part of the team.

I’m proud to announce that working part time as a server of the month of December I was able to save up $980.60 to wards mural repairs (thanks to some generous tippers and direct donations)🙂

I still have a few thousand $$$ to raise to make the repairs and am working on finding sponsors to make up the balance. And of course, I’m more than happy to accept direct donations too – email info@jumpforjoyphotoproject.com if you would like to contribute🙂

Wising you the happiest and joy filled year for 2016!

Much love,

Eyoalha

Serving up food to raise funds for repairs on the Wall of Joy Mural

Hello folks!

I have a couple more shifts coming up at Save On Meats this weekend December 11 + 12 from 4pm.

Im serving up yummy food and saving ALL MY TIPS over the month of December towards mural repairs.

I wanted to stay connected to the community and interact on a more personal level with people. I appreciate the kind work done at Save On Meats with the token program and the care they give to the community so I’m happy to be part of the team.

Please stop by and I will be happy to serve you up some comfy diner food – the shakes are the best!🙂

Hope to see you this weekend… if you can kick in a little extra to help with the mural, even better!

Have a wonderful day!

Eyoalha selfie Jump for joy Photo

Downtown Eastside Jump for Joy mural needs repairs by Emily Jackson Metro News Vancouver

MetroNews Vancouver – Jump for Joy mural
By Emily Jackson

Metro News Vancouver Eyoalha to serve at Save On Meats to save up for Wall of Joy Mural repairs by Emily Jackson

Thank you Emily Jackson for your wonderful article in Metro News Vancouver about my efforts to save up and fix the Wall of Joy Mural thats been getting a beating from our rainy and stormy Vancouver weather🙂

I will serve at Save On Meats for the month of December 2015 and donate all of my tips towards repairs to the mural. You can read the full story HERE – One note… I gave the wrong start date! I will have my first serving shift on Saturday, December 5th from 4pm – please do stop in to say hello, get a bite to eat and pick up some food and clothing tokens for those in need while you’re there🙂 It just feel good all around!

Hope to see you soon at Save on Meats!

Love this Jump for Joy Pic of Vinnie from last summer in the DTES

I really like this pic of Vinnie jumping for joy in the Hastings Street Community Garden. When I met him initially, he seemed a bit shy and I actually didn’t think he would want to Jump for Joy when I first approached him. Not only did he agree, he very much wanted to make sure we got a great shot. Lesson learned: You never know until you ask🙂 In the end, I just love this photo.

Have a wonderful day!

VanCityBuzz helping spread the word – support good in the DTES Community – Jump for JOY!

VanCityBuzz – Jump for Joy Photo Project / Eyoalha to serve @ Save On Meats to save for Wall of Joy repairs

The good people at VanCityBuzz have once again shown their support to the DTES community and Jump for Joy Photo Project / Wall of Joy mural. I reached out to let them know that I will be serving at Save On Meats over the month of December and saving ALL MY TIPS to make mural repairs and they are helping spread the word. Read the article HERE.

I will have my first official serving shift on Saturday, December 5th. Please stop by to say hello and I’ll be happy to serve you AND you can also pick up some food / clothing TOKENS for those in need at the same time🙂 Feels good all around!

VanCityBuzz Instagram photo by @Instakram of The Wall of Joy Mural by Eyoalha Baker

Joining an amazing team of people, saving for Wall of Joy Mural repairs and supporting the DTES Community :) Jump for Joy!

Serving up food at Save On Meats to raise funds for Wall of Joy Mural Repairs

For the month of December I will be serving up yummy food, selling food / Clothing Tokens at Save On Meats to raise funds for repairs on the Wall of Joy Mural.

I’ve joined the amazing team at Save On Meats for the month of December 2015 to save up for unanticipated Wall of Joy mural repairs. ALL TIPS I make while serving will go directly towards mural repairs.

Why am I doing this?

The Wall of Joy mural has a very special place in my heart. This project means a lot to people in the community and I want to ensure it will be around for as long as possible. Unfortunately, the wether has drastically started to take its tole and the mural has started to deteriorate at a much faster pace than anticipated. I didn’t want to do another crowd sourcing campaign, I wanted to come up with a fun interactive way to serve the community while raising funds for the repairs. I am a huge fan of the Token program at Save On Meats and all their amazing contributions to the community through A Better Life Foundation.

Last month I volunteered as a server at Save On Meats for their monthly fundraising event that raises funds for A Better Life Foundation called – Greasy Spoon Diner – if you haven’t been to this yet – GO! Its so good!

I had so much fun that was inspired to ask Mark Brand if he would like to collaborate on a serving fundraiser for the Wall of Joy mural repairs over the holidays. He very generously agreed🙂 So, I’m in training and will be serving for the entire month of December!

ALL MY TIPS will go towards the mural repairs!! Please come in for a meal, a coffee or even just to say hello and leave a little tip for the mural – I will be happy to serve you. AND it gets even better! While you’re enjoying some yummy food, you can also purchase TOKENS for food / clothing for those in need – BEST GIFTS EVER! Hope to see you soon!

If you can’t make it in to the diner when I’m working, you can drop of a donations envelope with Jump for Joy mural written on it and you can also send an email transfer to info@jumpforjoyphotoproject.com

Please share this post around on social media and invite your friends for a meal at Save On Meats🙂

Thanks for your help and have a great day!🙂

Quote: “Adventure is an attitude…”

“Adventure is an attitude that we must apply to the day to day obstacles of life – facing new challenges, seizing new opportunities, testing our resources against the unknown and in the process, discovering our own unique potential.” — John Amatt

Last few days to get tickets and experience an Interesting night in Vancouver :)

I’m very honoured to be included in a speakers line up of some very interesting Vancouverites.

November 6th will be a really fun night in Vancouver, come join us! GET YOUR TICKETS HERE

Quote: People need to be reminded of how wonderful they are…

“People need to be encouraged. People need to be reminded of how wonderful they are. People need to be believed in – told they are brave, and smart, and capable of accomplishing all the dreams they dream – and more. Remind each other of this.”
— Stacey Jean Speer

Meet Melissa Demmers and find out why she is jumping for joy

Photo by Eyoälha Baker http://www.jumpforjoyphotoproject.com

An excerpt from one of our newsletter archives, meet the lovely….

Melissa Demmers

Born: Pentiction, BC. Now lives in Vancouver, BC Canada.

Inspiration?

People who are really committed to their goals and dream and are fearless about it. I’m also deeply inspired by my grandparents who are still married to each other and are still learning and enjoying life.

Greatest passion?

Acting and singing. Connecting with people and learning their life stories.

Philosophy?

It’s best explained with a quote by Eleanor Roosevelt. “Nobody can make you feel inferior without your consent.” It’s so true… We choose how we react and who we are in the world and nobody can make us feel a certain way.”

To read more from Mellissa’s feature interview please follow this link

Connect with Melissa
Twitter: @_MelissaDemmers
Instagram: @missmelissademmers

Subscribe to the Jump for Joy! NEWSLETTER HERE🙂
for weekly features sent to your inbox about the amazing people jumping for joy in my photos.

Plant seeds of joy… #quote #jumpforjoy #joy

Plant seeds of joy,
nurture them with gratitude,
gather the kindness that blossoms.
Let your words and actions be honey.
Share the simple sweetness of love.
— Quiet Lotus

The weather is already taking its tole, repairs are in the works for the Wall of Joy

A little bit here too

The weather is already taking its tole. Photo by Eyoälha Baker http://www.jumpforjoyphotoproject.com

YOu can see where the water streams down the wall

Poster repair time

The corners are lifting on some posters

This one is need lots of love

Thanks to everyone who has let me know that there are some posters coming loose on the Wall of Joy. I appreciate you looking out for it🙂

The weather is already starting to take its tole on the posters, much sooner than expected. I think the major storm we had that hit the wall, literally the day after I finished did more damage than I realized. Im guessing that the water sealant we had just finished applying had not cured yet when the storm hit.

I was able to do some of the most needed repairs in a couple of hours the morning of the mural opening but skipped a lot of the smaller ones due to time limits. What were small corners of posters lifting up are now starting to show and pieces are starting to peal.

I want this mural to last as long as possible so I am working on setting up a full day to do repairs in the next couple of weeks. It is a bit of a process and of course the costs (around $1200) to make it happen. One 24 hour day of repairs requires: insurance, a signed licence agreement between myself, Atira, BC Housing and Impark, rental of all the parking spots along the wall from Impark, 30 ft of fence rental (delivery and set up), lift rental (+delivery), repair materials (several gallons of contact cement), a volunteer to help me as time will be limited to get a lot done and of course, a beautiful sunny day so the wall is dry.

Hopefully this set of repairs will be the last ones that need to be done until next year.

Enjoy your day!

Much love,

Eyoalha

 

 

Wall of Joy Artist Talk with Eyoalha Baker in the 12th Annual Heart Of The City Festival

Jump for Joy Photo Project is delighted and honoured to be included in this year’s Heart of the City festival. The 12th annual Downtown  Eastside festival is a cultural and heritage event that celebrates the neighbourhood’s emerging artists, rich and diverse cultural heritage, and history.

The festival runs from October 28 to November 8, 2015 and features 12 days of music, dance, poetry readings, story-telling, theatre, film, gallery exhibitions, workshops, history walking tours, and much, much more. Our very own Eyoälha Baker will be hosting an Artist Talk at the Jump for Joy wall on November 1st at 11:00 am. Meet up at the southeast corner of West Pender and Abbott street ( beside Tinseltown).

To view a complete list of events please visit www.heartofthecityfestival.com

We are looking forward to seeing you there!

 

 

 

Share your jumping joy with us! Submit your best Jump for Joy Photo and you may be featured here :)

It’s a beautiful day and the Jump for Joy photo project team would like to invite YOU to submit your best jump for joy photo of yourself, friends or family jumping for joy! We will choose 5 of our most favourite, creative, fun, inspired photos and feature you on all our social media channels  ( Newsletter, blog, Facebook, and Twitter ) .  We encourage creativity and weirdness so go for it🙂

We are looking forward to seeing your photos! Have fun!

SUBMISSIONS: Send photo via email: info@jumpforjoyphotoprojcet.com. Please include your name, photo credit, where you are from/where the photo is taken and a brief note about what inspires you to jump for joy with links to your social media/website. You can also post your photos directly to our FACEBOOK PAGE or TWITTER.

DEADLINE: Oct. 10, 2015

Selected photos will be shared on the Jump for Joy Photo Project website and our top 3 favourite jumping pics will be featured in our Newsletter between October 10-20th, 2015

Name(required)

Email(required)

Website

Comment(required)

Welcoming the Wall of Joy to the DTES

Wall of Joy – Community BBQ September 9th 4-6pm. The West wall of the Arco Hotel (facing Abbott St)

Come celebrate with us … Excited to bring all the people (well, most of the people, some will can’t make it and will be missed) together that helped create the Wall of Joy mural. This will be fun!

The mural, located on the West wall of Arco Hotel, an SRO (Single Room Occupancy) building located at 81 West Pender St. Vancouver, will set the scene for a community BBQ celebrating the completion of The Wall of Joy Mural.

http://gastowngazette.com/event/jump-for-joy-community-bbq/

Continue to be who and how you are…

“My wish for you is that you continue. Continue to be who and how you are, to astonish a mean world with your acts of kindness. Continue to allow humor to lighten the burden of your tender heart.” – Maya Angelou

Storm left a little mark on the mural too, repairs already being arranged

Photo damage to mural from the storm by Eyoälha Baker http://www.jumpforjoyphotoproject.com

We had a few days of intense rain and wind here in Vancouver over the weekend. The storm tore up trees and left many people without power for several days. Once things settled down I went out to check on the Wall of Joy mural and found that a couple of the posters mid way up on the side of the mural had started to come loose – they since have peeled down. The rest of the mural seems to have held up quite well through the storm🙂

Im now in the process of arranging to replace these two posters. It’s a bit of a process as they are at least 30 ft high. I’ve already had the posters reprinted but also need to put them together and before I can put them up I will need good weather, to rent a scissor lift (they don’t deliver on the weekend), to get the ok from Impark (and maybe the City too.. checking into it) before I can do anything (I may also need to get insurance first). Im hoping to have this all arranged and the repairs done before the opening event next week.

The opening event will be a community BBQ at the mural (located at the corner of Abbott and West Pender Street). We will be there between 4-6pm. Stop by if you can and say hello.

Have a wonderful day!

http://www.eyoalha.com Hire Eyoalha for a photo shoot email: eyoalha@gmail.com

Thank you for Sharing the joy on Instagram and Twitter – The Wall of Joy

Pretty excited to see all the instagram and twitter photos being posted of the Wall of Joy Mural – thank you everyone for sharing the joy🙂 .. I’ve been reposting a few of them. If you come across any pics of the mural on Instagram of twitter, please tag me and hashtag with #wallofjoy #jumpforjoymural so I can find them and re-share. Especially the ones with people jumping in front of the mural, those ones really make me smile and the wall becomes a fun interactive public art piece. Enjoy!

Here are a few images I found on Instagram:

VanCityBuzz Instagram photo by @Instakram of The Wall of Joy Mural by Eyoalha Baker

Have a wonderful day!

www.eyoalha.com Hire Eyoalha for a photo shoot email: eyoalha@gmail.com

Iron Woman! The amazing Ashley Wiles #jumpforjoyphoto of the day! @evaruns @Sole_Girls #ironman #run #woman

Photo by Eyoälha Baker http://www.jumpforjoyphotoproject.com

So proud of my friend Ashley! This amazing woman just completed in the Ironman World Championship! ‪This ironwoman‬ ran in 41degree heat, came in 79th/145, is the 2nd Canadian in her category and finished with a time of 5:51. Way to go Ashley!! Jumping for joy🙂 Learn more about Ashley here: solegirls.org

Get out there and do it!

Photos: 300 people jump for joy at the Downtown Eastside corner of Abbott and Pender by @tlupick @georgiastraight #art #dtes #mural #wallofjoy

The Georgia Straight

Wall of Joy Mural photo by Rick Etkin

Another fanstastic write up about the Wall of Joy mural I’ve just completed with the participation and support of many people all around Vancouver (and the world! I had funds donated from around the world). Really feeling proud and happy to share everyones joy. You can read the article here: http://www.straight.com/blogra/518561/photos-300-people-jump-joy-downtown-eastside-corner-abbott-and-pender

Vancouver mural may make you Jump for Joy By Yvonne Zacharias @VancouverSun #Publicart #dtes #art #Vancouver

The Vancouver Sun

Vancouver Sun Wall of Joy mural with video interview with Eyoalha Baker

Another wonderful write up, and video interview about the Wall of Joy mural in the Vancouver Sun. I was pretty exhausted as I had literally just finished the mural that day, so dont let my mellow demeanour fool you I was beaming with joy about sharing the mural with everyone. Thank you to everyone who is a part of it and helped make it happen🙂

In the news @24hrs : Wall of Happiness Returns to Vancouver Streets By Patrick Colvin @FreeOfViolence #streetart #Gastown

24hr News article about the Wall of Joy Mural

More news on the Wall of Joy Mural. I love that this article also shares the perspective of Janice Abbott, CEO of Atira Womens Resource Society. Its thanks to her that this mural got the go ahead from the start. She is also responsible for raising more than half of the funding for the project! Forever grateful for the support I felt from everyone at Atira.

You can read the article at this link: http://vancouver.24hrs.ca/2015/08/26/wall-of-happiness-returns-to-vancouver-streets

Whirlwind of jumping joy mural completion :) #jumpforjoymural #jumpmural #wallofjoy

Now that the Wall of Joy mural is done, I’ve had the pleasure of chatting to passers by (and jumping for joy a lot – this video sent in by Barbara Burkholder) and sharing my excitement about the project with the media. I am exhausted and so happy🙂 I love this project and work. I am so grateful to everyone who has participated and contributed to make this Wall of Joy happen.

An opening event – Community BBQ is in the works for September 9th, from 4:00 – 6pm.. will post details once things are set. The Wall of Joy Mural is located on the corner of Abbott and West Pender St.

See you soon!

A Playful Path – A sweet note on Jumping for Joy by @BernieDeKoven #playful #jumpforjoy

A Playful Path – A sweet note on Jumping for Joy by Bernie De Koven

A Playful Path – A sweet note on Jumping for Joy by Bernie De Koven Photographs and mural by Eyoalha Baker

How nice to be included in the – A Playful Path website – a collection of ideas and tools to help us bring our playfulness back into the open. When we find ourselves forgetting the life of the game or the game of life, the joy of form or the content, the play of brain or mind, body or spirit.

www.aplayfulpath.com/jump-for-joy/

Its Sekawnee Baker #jumpforjoyphoto of the day! @Sekawnee Aug 24, 2015 #Vancouver

Photo by Eyoälha Baker http://www.jumpforjoyphotoproject.com

Sekawnee is one of my amazingly wonderful and talented nephews🙂 It was a great pleasure to have him jump for joy and share his good vibes on the Wall of Joy… stop by and take a look at the mural, see if you can find him there.

Have a fabulous day!

Today is final touches to the Wall of Joy! #jumpforjoymural #wallofjoy #Gastown #mural #jumpmural

Photos of Eyoalha putting up posters on wall of joy by Gregory Mullaly

This is it! Hope to get all the last touches done today (if my arms will hold out). I found a spot to add a couple more posters and I have to graffiti out the graffiti in my photos. I had no idea that having graffiti in my mural is illegal, the City of Vancouver has asked that I remove it. So, it ads another element to the mural. I will learn how to be an un-graffiti artist today🙂

The #jumpforjoyphoto posters are up on the #wallofjoy a few last touch ups and it will be done! #Vancouver #art #mural

Getting the last posters up at the Wall of joy – jump for joy mural🙂

I will be chatting on CoOp radio on Redeye today just after 11am about my work on the Jump for joy Photo project and murals.. check it out!

Co-Op Radio interview on Redeye Aug 22, 2015

essentials to happiness in this life are… #quote #happiness #jumpforjoy

“The grand essentials to happiness in this life are something to do, something to love, and something to hope for.” – Joseph Addison