My Top 3 of 2021

2021 has been a bit of a blur. Lockdowns, social distancing, online learning, closed borders, and all the other challenges brought about by COVID-19 made it a year that I'll be happy to put in the past.

But I choose to focus on the positive: I'm triple vaccinated, my friends and family are healthy and doing well, my son's school and hockey are back on (for now), summer was almost normal, and work was steady.

Like 2020, much of my writing over the past 12 months has been pandemic related. Here are three stories that made it a year to remember.

Pandemic be damned

If you've ever shopped for event wear in London, Ontario, chances are good that your search included a visit to Elizabeth Noel. It's where I found the perfect gown for my son's bar mitzvah, and where generations of teens have scored the perfect prom dress. So I was pretty pumped when London Inc. asked me to write a story on the boutique's new location on Dundas Street for the Spring 2021 issue.

A beautifully-renovated space full of sequins and tulle was like a breath of fresh air during the winter lockdown, and it was inspiring to hear about students who celebrated their milestones despite pandemic restrictions. Life goes on, it's OK to be frivolous, and personalized service is something Amazon will never be able to replace!

You can read the story here.

The creative impulse

This was another assignment from London Inc. magazine, and another story about how COVID has changed lives - in this case, giving graphic designer Jason Recker the free time to pursue his passion for art.

It turns out that other people like Recker's art, too. Last summer he opened a studio and gallery space in London's Old East Village - right across from Aeolian Hall for those of you who'd like to pay a visit. After almost two years of interviewing business owners struggling to survive, it was great to meet someone who has been able to truly make the best out of a bad situation.

You can read the story here.

Ivey Lives Remembered

It might seem strange that a memorial column made it to my Top 3 list for 2021. But it's a big responsibility to try and sum up someone's life in under 400 words, so these stories tend to stick with me.

Written for the Fall 2021 issue of Ivey's Intouch alumni magazine, it's clear that Professor Jane Howell was a woman ahead of her times, and that she was loved by family, friends, and former students.

You can read the story here or as a PDF. 

One detail is missing from the article. Everyone I interviewed spoke about Howell's love of fashion. She made it to the top of her field while wearing fabulous shoes. But in today's hyper-sensitive age, this facet of her personality didn't make the final cut. For me, it made her more human - and a more compelling role model. No matter what your goals are, life is too short for sensible footwear!

On a personal note...
As I get ready to quietly ring in 2022, I'd like to wish you all a safe, joyous and COVID-free New Year! Here's to getting together, up-close and in-person, in the very near future.

Nicole Laidler is a freelance reporter, copywriter and content creator, serving clients in London, Toronto and throughout Southwestern Ontario. She helps people grow their success, one word at a time.