april harding

Make Passions into Careers

I love art, just as I love music. And I’d say I’m alright at it, but my talents are weak in comparison to the professional artists out there today. I specialize in realism- usually pets or wildlife. Above is an example. It’s recent- I completed it about a month ago for a charity event for the Woman and Children’s Shelter in my city. When I see it now, I’d say it’s average. Not at all close to perfect. But each day I find time to doodle and practice.

Becoming a prominent figure in the artistic world is hard, no doubt. Not just for painters and illustrators, either- but for animators, musicians, singers and songwriters, poets…

The list goes on. In reality, most of these people don’t make it to fame. The term “starving artist” is unfortunately very true, for most. That’s why I’m trying to get noticed at a young age.

I’ve launched my own website. There, you can check out my gallery for pieces I’ve completed, learn a little more about me, and- if you fancy my work- see my prices for commissions. I’d say they’re more than fair.

Now, my main goal in life isn’t to primarily be an artist. What I’ve always dreamed of, is flying. When I was 11 years old, I found out what base jumping was. And since then, I’ve admired those who are brave enough to do it. It’s definitely something that takes training and expensive special equipment- but I’d be down to do it any day.

An even more heightened experience is flying in a plane. Better yet, flying THE plane.

You guessed it. I want to be a pilot.

Whether it means being a bush pilot for a couple years before moving up in the ranks into commercial airlines, or being a medical emergency responder in the air, it’s a dream I don’t plan on giving up. Flying is magical, and thrilling, and dangerous at times. And I believe that if you persist, you’ll make it- in any career. Artist or pilot. Surgeon or politician. Believe in yourself and don’t let anything push you down. All you need is passion, determination, and strong will.

Learn the Guitar

Music has always found a way to touch me, to channel with my heart and soul and stir up all kinds of emotions, more so than almost anything or anyone ever could.

It’s a beautiful escape, and a huge part of my life.

Lyrics have taught me lessons, brought me down and lifted me up. Instruments and chords and notes have made me cry, made me smile, made my brain tick and stir a memory from years ago that I had forgotten for a long while. Music has made simple moments feel like more than just fractions of time, and has made the world seem a little less dark for me, time and time again.

The question is asked from time to time; would you rather be deaf or blind? Seeing the world and all its beauty is an amazing thing, and don’t get me wrong, no one would want to lose either.

But for me, I could not live in contentment without music. I could not live happily if I never again heard the sound of birds up in the trees, or my lover’s voice in the morning.

I could not live without the lessons, emotions, and morals that music taught me.

Participate in a Colour Run

I’m an artist, so naturally, I don’t mind a bit of mess from time to time.

Learn How to Hunt.

I’m a bit of a toxophilite.

Okay, okay, but really. This post might turn into a more opinion-oriented bucket list idea.

I support hunting.

Why? Because, on one hand, we have the meat industry of today. Livestock pumped with hormones, genetically modified, worked to the extreme while being kept in extremely poor conditions. Poked with metal rods and beaten day after day. Then they’re slaughtered, in the most inhumane ways possible. That’s what the majority of the meat industry is, whether you want to believe it or not.

And the animal’s purpose? To die painfully at the hand of a human, who rarely communicates their gratitude for the meat provided by an animal that suffered in order for them to survive. Cold, hard facts. We go through everyday life, not thinking too deeply about what we pick up off the shelf. We just look for a pack of bacon with the least amount of fat in it and go on our way. We have become so desensitized at the idea that the produce we purchase once belonged to a living, breathing animal, capable of unimaginably intelligent things. Capable of love, of loyalty, of companionship.

I’m no vegan. I’m not even vegetarian- but it is something I am working towards everyday, by cutting meat out in baby steps.

On the other hand, we have hunters. When I say that word, most people just scrunch up their face in disgust, portraying them (in their minds) as a lowlife hick who hunts for fun. Sport hunting is one thing I refuse to get into, simply because I strongly disagree with anyone who participates in hunting as a “sport.”

But in reality, true hunters kill because they intend on using the entire animal. They hunt for their families, and if they don’t use the fur or other organs themselves, they donate them to places that put everything to good use, like shelters or charities. To be frank, a person who hunts an animal for survival makes sure that the death is quick and painless. And, get this- that animal was wild. They had a free life, unlike the ones kept on mass-slaughter farms. They were never tied up or confined, they had free spaces to roam. They had a good life.

Swim with Sea Creatures

I had a dream once, that I was swimming out at sea. Probably too far out for my own good, but we’ll brush that bit off. An orca mother and her calf were swimming underneath me, and soon enough they breached. I had to swim backwards to keep the mother’s tail from smacking me.

It was so vivid, and so real that I remember seeing the barnacles on her tail fin, the overwhelming feeling of bliss, and every droplet of water that she disrupted with her graceful movements.

Stay at Eccentric Hotels

The ice hotel in Quebec would definitely be offbeat, and probably frigid. But, if I could last at least for a couple of nights, it would certainly be worth the adventure.

Normally, crowds aren’t my thing. But if I could, just once in my life, experience something as random and spontaneous as a flashmob, I would never forget it. Bringing a bunch of people together can be difficult- whether it's pointless or has meaning behind it. But surely if someone belched out loud the first lyric of a song, others would sing along.

To be fair, a musical is different than a flashmob. It could be a prank, or an act to raise awareness for something. It could just be completely meaningless.

Throughout my life, I have often tried to avoid the news. A lot of the media publishes rubbish “news” articles containing insight on the newest fads, fashion and life of the Kardashians. This is why I never bothered to read up about news online.

However, now that I am older, and realize that the world is constantly being pushed further into a downwards spiral, I know how important it is to be caught up with major events that people face each passing day. All countries and their policies do affect us, in one way or another. And knowing how our rights are being violated by certain government-to-government affairs is critical to keeping our country strong and tightly knit.

Work with Horses.

I took up horseback riding lessons when I was just 11 years old. I worked with horses for 4 years, at several different barns and with many different horses. Each had their own personality, way of learning from one another, and quirky way of teaching me as a rider. I fell off lots of times, but each time I got up more confidently than the last.

The only regret I have, is that I eventually stopped riding. I had to take a break for winter one year, and when I tried to come back in the spring, my previous barn had shut down. It was disheartening to see all the horses I loved in the field, knowing I would not be able to work with them again. Especially a Tennessee walker horse, named Sky. She was a brown medicine hat, with one blue eye and one brown eye. The poor mare had cancer in one of her irises, and had been lame for a lengthy amount of time. I came in whenever I could to help get her back in shape. Over time, she managed to get better- so much better that I could even jump her!

Every time I remember that horse, and how we worked together to improve each other, I have an overwhelming feeling of pride and joy. I had a true friend in that horse- no matter how silly it sounds- I knew we were a perfect pair. If only I could see how well she is doing now.

Camp & Climb in the Northwest Territories

Okay, so I couldn’t stray from my wild side for long. Here’s another expedition idea for my bucket list.

Mountain climbing and hiking the northwest territories would be the ultimate journey of mind, body, and spirit- especially considering it is part of my home country. There’s a grand amount of crown land the further you travel north, thus making this a perfect opportunity to fulfill several bucket list goals in one awesome trip.

The Northwest Territories are home to some of Canada's most treasured species, such as caribou, moose, lynx, polar bears, wolves, muskox and a vast amount of others. It cradles an extraordinary contrast of biomes, from forests to mountains, valleys and plains. The Aurora Borealis is not uncommon either, and is among the most remarkable of performances that our universe is capable of blessing us with. Lakes and rivers are some of the largest and cleanest in the entire world, and obtain abundant quantities of fish. Dog mushing teams are always anxious to bring out the next person to the bush trails. The first true inhabitants of our glorious country thrive up north as well, and it has always been in my interest to actively engage in, learn and support the Aboriginal community.

More Music Festivals

So far, my bucket list has primarily consisted of dare-devilish activities that deal with the wilderness. What can I say, I’m an adventurous, outdoorsy person. The only other thing I could ask for on trips like those, is music.

Wayhome was my very first “concert.” Actually, it wasn’t a concert at all. It was even better.

A music festival.

I went at a good time- so many of my favourite artists were playing. I felt extremely blessed to be given the opportunity to see Cage the Elephant, Foster the People, Allan Rayman, Phantogram, and Flume, all live, up-close and personal. (Okay, maybe not so much personal, but I wish).

Without a doubt, it was worth it, 100%. Now that I’ve been to one, I can’t stop dreaming about the next time. And the time after that. It’s like opening a box of oreos… you can't eat just one. And the people are like the milk to those oreos. Fantastic times with fantastic people, all-around good vibes. Booming music that shakes your entire body and leaves you breathless, along with occasional crowd surfing, fireworks, flames and confetti make for an unforgettable time.

Base Jumping Incredibly High Places

Being in high places gets my blood racing, to put it simply.

Heights- albeit terrifying- are one of the most thrilling things that this earth has to offer us.

It allows us to observe the world in unimaginable ways- ways that embrace us with feelings of pure bliss, and show us the reasons we’re alive.

Seeing the world from above gives me a sense of purpose.

And the best way to conquer my ever-ameliorating fear of heights is to-quite literally- fly right through them.

That’s right- base jumping. Facing my fears head-on. Basically in the most heart-to-throat way possible. It’s one of the closest ways to actually “fly”- and the most dangerous.

The majority of people on this earth- if not all- have a common dream, and that is to fly. Unfortunately, physics doesn’t allow us to fulfil such a dream. Even with excessive training- which is required if one wishes to throw themselves off of a cliff in a squirrel suit.

But hey, there are ways to get around this extraordinary boundary, like flying planes (or jumping out of them), base jumping, ziplining…

Get a dog.

That’s right. A dog. Man’s best friend- and called that for a good reason. Seems like a really simple thing for your bucket list, right?

The thing is, I’ve had dogs in my life. For a long time, actually.

When I was about 4 years old, my father brought home a black lab puppy.

I named him Buddy.

When Buddy first came home, I remember taking him out to play. Our backyard was perfect for a dog- spacious, with a forest behind the house, and on a road that wasn’t very busy. I remember being able to run so much faster than him when he was a puppy. Then, as he got older, he got faster and faster. He teased me about it, too- he knew he could outrun me, so he’d bound past me- even in the snow- and sometimes push me over. I was little, and I hated it when he barrelled by me. But he was always my friend, and I always forgave him. He was still a turd, though.

I grew up with him- he was my best friend.

When I was just 7 years old, I moved into my grandmother’s house. I didn’t see Buddy for a long time. Regrettably, I believe my young, busy self forgot about him sometimes. I definitely missed him- I missed having a dog. My grandmother only had a cat, who I was sure absolutely hated me.

One day- a few years after I moved away- my father called me, and said that Buddy- my dog, my best friend- had run away.

I used to be so strung up in thought, that maybe he missed me. I used to theorize that maybe, Buddy ran away to look for his best friend.

Highly unlikely- and mainly, just a little girl’s faith in her dog.

Since this happened, my father got a new dog- the one in the photo above. She’s a rescue from Manitoulin Island, named Tulee. Fitting, right?

Anyways, for some reason, this part of my bucket list seems a bit difficult to accomplish. When I live on my own, I plan on owning a dog- but will it fit in with my life, at that point? Will I have the time and energy to care for a companion, properly, and keep them happy?

So many people consider a dog to be the highlight of their life. Of course, that’s who Buddy was to me, when I was little. The majority of my childhood memories revolve around him.

Temagami, Ontario. And everywhere else in Canada.

Crown land backpacking. It’s free, and even if it had a cost, no amount of money could replace the feelings of self-awakening, uplifting and fulfillment that this kind of experience would give me.

I have always had a dream to live off the land- to be as interconnected with nature as possible, both physically and emotionally. At such a young age, this doesn’t seem possible- but as an experienced camper, backpacking seems like the best place to start. Travelling is something I want to do more of- I have never been outside of Canada, and have travelled to a different province only once in my life.

For me, it is important to understand the wilderness, in order to obtain a reputable environmental stewardship. This way, you also will have survival abilities, and knowledge of the planet’s capabilities, to prevent yourself from getting severely injured back-country, and be able to admire wildlife at such close proximities without disturbing them.

Beyond that, there is much more to learn. Once you’ve gone out independently and made incredible discoveries (about yourself and the earth), you will realize that this type of lifestyle is extraordinarily rewarding.

Chassahowitzka river, Florida.

This spring fed river has a magical secret hidden underneath the surface.

Underwater caves!

These caves are quite complex, and it is easy to lose your sense of surroundings underwater. Despite this, it remains home to many types of organisms- including manatees, bottlenose dolphins, and numerous schools of fish. That is also why it can be extremely dangerous to explore down there- even experienced divers have drowned in the caves. Nevertheless, two of the most intriguing places to be- in my opinion- is both the water and caves.

For as long as I can remember, I have admired the ocean- however, I have never had the chance to see it in person. So, I’ve managed to make a few tweaks to get around this and go swimming in other places. I’m pretty lucky to live so close to the Great Lakes, and of course when the weather is tolerable, I go nearby to swim.

Although I love simply wading around, I prefer to step things up a notch by bringing goggles and a snorkle whenever I know I’m going to be out for a while. While I used to be terribly squeamish around seaweed, I’ve come to accept it and be much less afraid- in fact, I now seek it out, as I know that’s where I’m likely to observe fish and other creatures.

I go camping relatively often- probably around 5 or more times a year, and weeks at a time- and several times during those trips, I go caving. Caves are interesting, for sure- there's always different levels to explore, and all varying types of sediment. Walls can be rough or smooth, parched dry or slimy and wet. The tunnel routes inside can be a tight squeeze with lots of climbing, or it can be wide, and open up to reveal an entire underground ecosystem.

The Chassahowitzka River is known to have glass-clear water and elaborate underground cave tunnels. That’s why one of my biggest goals is to go cave diving in this particular river.