GOAT: Talent Search - Catching the Flames of Inspiration!

Angee & Yara June 11, 2020. Photo cred @happyontariocamper

Good morning beautiful friends.  I hope that you are all well, and that you're finding ways to stay grounded, present and aware through all of the chaos swirling around the world.  I am choosing to continue to postpone further Goat of the Week stories, and for the time being think it makes the most sense to write a GotW post when it is fitting to do so, and write about other stuff when I have other stuff to write about.  (I do so enjoy putting ridiculous amounts of pressure on myself for no apparent reason - something I am working to change, hence the shift from weekly GotW stories)

As energetic beings, humans are very sensitive to energy, and that includes the emotional energy of others.  I do not recall a time in my life where there was more turmoil, chaos and confusion, on a global scale.  During these times I think it is more important than ever for us individually to make conscious choices in how we each choose to react and respond to the new world we now live in.  Each day we embark on our journeys, we never know what we will see, hear, or be subjected to. We are never able to choose what happens to us in life, but we are absolutely able to choose how we respond to it!  My personal choice is to choose LOVE, always.  I will also choose COMPASSION, COMMUNICATION, COMMUNITY, CONNECTION, and POSITIVITY.  I am finding the most peace in my own life when I remain focused on my individual mission and goals.  Lately I have become shocked at how easily I can get sidetracked, or distracted from these goals, just by spending a few moments reading the news, or if I'm feeling particularly silly, by venturing onto Facebook to see the vitriol that people are choosing to throw at each other for this particular day.  Previously I've only really ever experienced this level of open hatred, judgement and turning on each other within my own family tree, for which I am grateful to be the black sheep.  I do my thing, and they can all go do theirs.  Here at the farm in the two weeks since I've reopened, this has been the most frequently discussed topic.  Why is everyone turning against each other?  My take at this point is that now that these very sensitive issues are coming to light, people are choosing a side.  Once you choose a side, you'll realize who in your life sits on the other side of the very same issue.  Hence division, anger, frustration, etc, etc.    There is literally an overabundance of negative energy in the world right now, and I will do everything I can to combat it.

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Greatest Of All Time: Talent Search

A couple of weeks ago I was given a gentle reminder by a mentor and teacher of mine, which inspired me to put a call out to anyone who had a great idea for partnering with my goat herd to spread a positive message or healing in some way.  Let me tell you what an incredible amount of ideas have come forth already and all of them exciting.  Some are now in the beginning stages of being developed and everyone will learn about them as they become reality.  One idea in particular though has already become a reality, and is seriously something I am so excited to be a part of.   The GOAT (Greatest Of All Time): Talent Search, created by local musician/song writer, and founder of The Snow Lake Initiative, J'aime Payne.   Sky River Meadows, the SRM goats, and I have the honour, and privilege to be hosting and participating in this amazing new event.   

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J'aime Payne is a singer-songwriter who grew up in the rural haven of Huntsville, Ontario. She relocated to Toronto in 2013 where she gained critical behind-the-scenes work experience with a number of high-profile creative businesses specializing in the music industry. Her ventures have included television commercial work (Visa, Audible, Hyundai) , successful applications for provincial grants (grossing more than $500K), business management for some of Canada’s multi-million dollar export artists and a cherished stint with CIRAA (The Canadian Independent Recording Artists' Association) as their Director of Member Services before the association sadly dissolved in 2016. In 2020, J’aime will focus her creative energies on assisting members of The Snow Lake Initiative through The Snow Lake Advantage, and will continue to pursue a professional career as a songwriter.
https://www.thesnowlakeinitiative.ca/jaimemusic


J'aime had these words to share about what inspired her vision -  GOAT: Talent Search.

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"Have you ever had a random idea float through your mind that seems a little odd (OK maybe even a little more than odd) but it pops in nonetheless from a word someone said or a conversation you overheard and all of a sudden you've got a cinema in your mind of an idea, an odd idea, that might just bring some joy into our lives? Well, this was GOAT, the Greatest Of All Time Talent Search at Sky River Meadows, for me. When I first caught wind through my sister that Sky River Meadows herd of therapy animals were impacted by COVID19, much like the rest of us, my immediate first thought was: well, the goats showed up for us in minus 20 degree weather in the middle of November for our Hospice Fundraiser, it's time for us to show up for them! 
 
With COVID19, loss of loved ones, far-reaching pain and suffering from the Black Lives Matter protests, not to mention the economic impact on our tourist town, it's impossible to know the "right" thing to say right now. Chaos and suffering, now amplified with technology, are hurting not only our physical bodies but our mental health. I cannot think of a better use of a free afternoon than to pack up your car with your family or "social circle" and head to a therapy farm. Really, I can't. At Sky River Meadows, it is truly a relief, if only for a moment for our troubled minds. The goats are trained to love you, and I am happy to report that they are either excellent actors or that they truly hold a special place in their tiny goat hearts for you.  Angee has done a phenomenal job of creating an environment, even outside of the physical setting  (which by the way is stunning), that makes you feel like time does not exist and all that matters is the constant kind stroking of a herd of loving animals. All I can think of now is the episode of The Office where Jim states he has a "brilliant idea, a two-way petting zoo...where you pet the animals and the animals pet you". Indeed my heart has been pet by these wonderful kind creatures and bringing in the creative, tongue-in-cheek aspect of a competition which is light-heartedly poking fun at a typical Talent Search where you either pay to play or are required to sell tickets, is just what I think our creative community needs. 
 
If you've got a talent, let's test it in front of Muskoka's toughest critics, where the judges are totally real and the scoreboard super matters. We're talking knitters, jugglers, comedians, singers, dancers, painters, sculptors, ventriloquist: come join GOAT.  Bring your kids. Bring your friends. Do NOT bring your good shoes. "   J'aime           June 15, 2020

As someone needed to go first to show how it would work, and all come together, J'aime  bravely took the plunge, grabbed her guitar and headed out amongst the judges to try her best to impress them with her amazing talent.  I love how willing J'aime was to be her very own guinea pig, being the first contestant.  I assure you, this was a TON of fun to record and to be a part of.  Watching as my beloved herd were moved by her beautiful song, I too was moved to tears more than once.  The day was perfect, the setting incredible, with my only complaint being it was REALLY windy making it hard for recording the audio.  Here is GOAT: Episode 1

Now that the first contestant has set the bar for the competition to begin. we are welcoming others to apply to be a contestant on GOAT.  You can find all the information on this contest and how to apply here:
https://www.thesnowlakeinitiative.ca/goat-2020

I can't think of a better way to spend the summer than having live entertainment come to us!  I am so proud to be hosting this amazing event and competition here at the farm, with the help of my goat friends.  Thank you to J'aime for being so creative and coming up with an amazing, inspiring, and uplifting way to partner with the SRM herd. 

This is EXACTLY the kind of creativity that I am hoping to continue to inspire with others here at the farm.  If reading about GOAT and how J'aime was inspired to create this fun competition has inspired you, in your own way, then please reach out!   Let's not stop here with GOAT: Talent Search.  Who else has an inspiring idea to spread the message of love, community and positivity?  There has honestly never been a better time than right now to tap into your creative energy.  The world needs it now more than ever.  We all know for a fact that there is plenty of ugly, dark, negativity, fear etc. all around us.  I want to hear from you if you have an idea on how think you may also partner with my herd to create and chase your own dreams.  I truly believe that we all have a unique gift that when combined with passion, and creativity, it creates a power all on it's own and can affect great change.  J'aime reached out and look at what her idea became!  Who's next? 
​With love,  ~ Angee