SAINT JOHN - Some would slow down a bit.

But less than a week after completing an intense curling season that began back in September in Norway, Jennifer Jones is on the speaking circuit. The Winnipeg skip was in Halifax on Monday and stopped in Saint John on Tuesday.

In both cities, Jones met with local employees of Wellington West Capital Inc., the firm that employs her as a corporate lawyer back in Winnipeg. The speaking engagements are part of her itinerary on her way home from the Tylenol Players' Championship this past weekend in St. John's, N.L. Jones didn't win, but after the season she had, it really didn't matter.

"My speeches are usually about believing in your dreams,'' the 33-year-old said. "I had a dream a long time ago and I never knew if it would come true or not. I believed in it long enough and it did come true.''

That dream became a reality last month in Vernon, B.C.. Jones and her St. Vital Curling Club team of Cathy Overton-Clapham, Jill Officer and Dawn Askin beat China 7-4 for the world women's curling championship. It was the second appearance in the worlds for Jones after winning the Canadian women's title three years ago in St. John's.

Her success on eastern ice, along with her work connections, make Atlantic Canada a desirable location.

"I think it's in my soul, to be honest with you,'' Jones said of her affection for the region. "If I could move out to Atlantic Canada, I would. I love every moment I'm here.

"I love the people. I love the atmosphere and the feeling. I think it's an unknown wonder of the world. I've been everywhere in the world and it's my favourite place to come. I absolutely love it.''

You'll have to pardon Jones for stopping short of saying a move east is imminent. After all, her rink has already earned one of the top-four positions for the 2009 Olympic trials. And while she'd like to represent Canada in Vancouver in 2010, she's still savouring her world championship.

"My dream was to stand on the podium and sing the national anthem with the Canadian flag being raised after winning a gold medal,'' Jones said. "We achieved that. Whether that was at the Olympics or the worlds, it didn't matter to me. That was the one moment I've always wanted in life, and I realized it.

"I think the Olympics are the epitome of sport and to represent your country would be pretty amazing, but if we don't, I'm still pretty satisfied with what we've accomplished. Everything else is gravy. We're going to work hard toward the Olympics, but it's nice to go in at this point in our career without extra pressure.''

Jones' career path took her to the University of Manitoba, where she studied psychology and economics at the undergraduate level before earning her law degree. She played several sports before eventually getting serious about curling.

"I did have to make a choice. I pretty much competed in any sport there was. I loved sports and it was around Grade 11 when I was in volleyball and basketball, and I needed to make a decision.

"Curling was the one place in my life where the moment I stepped on the ice, I was totally at peace. It was an easy decision for me, there was no question. It was definitely my passion in life from the very moment I started.''