Sexy really is an attitude. I was feeling icky this morning, okay, for the last couple of weeks. I started the whole negative why bother nonsense when out of the blue I thought of an incident a few months ago that involved a very attractive man and myself. While the flirting didn't go anywhere at the time, the memory made me smile on the drive this morning. I sat up straighter, smiled and immediately felt sexier.
Over on Reinventing Fabulous,
Jenny Crusie has been talking about feeding her good wolf It's based on the Cherokee tale about two wolves that live inside us, battling for supremacy. It's a lot similar to my One Good Thing in that focusing on the positive is healthier than feeding the negative. I don't like to see any animal starve so that's a problem with my bloated bad wolf. Like me he can afford to go on a diet. I suspect that the good wolf bad wolf are really the same wolf. The more praise he gets the happier he'll be and eventually the bad wolf will snarl and raise his hackles when he's particularly hungry. I'll toss him a bone, likely my thigh when it's particularly bothering me and we'll both be content to have those times fewer and farther between. I've noticed that's the case in the past.
I wrote another scene today. It's fantastic, scary and initiated a bizarre research question. If you stab yourself in the ear, will you hit your brain?
Iceland is always a Good Thing. Even if I never get there, the thought of it makes me smile. Being obsessed with it paid off today at work. I was able to discuss various aspects of climate and culture with a patron who is thinking of going there. Then we watched Lilo and Stitch in which the dog pound lady says Stitch isn't a very good name - in Iceland and we all laughed harder than most people who watch that movie.
Our not-football party had two little girls in attendance so we watched The Lorax as well as the above-mentioned alien Hawaii Elvis adventure We danced to the end credits. B did a bit of break dancing while R did the chicken dance and laid four eggs. We had to move the four babies to the couch so that Mom's wheelchair didn't run them over. We laughed and sang and danced then repeated that throughout the night.
I didn't see deer driving home today but smiled at the memory when I drove past the spot I saw them last week.
I smiled a lot today.
Sunday, February 03, 2013
Saturday, February 02, 2013
Healthy Good Things
I just cleaned two pints of berries, a bag of grapes, a pint of grape tomatoes, chopped a pineapple, cut a watermelon into chunks and peeled an orange. My house smells amazing.
In the morning I'll make up two veggie trays and whip up a dip for the fruit trays.
Lots of snow today has everything looking and smelling fresh. It was a light snow, lots of volume, much like that marshmallow fluff you put on sundaes - without the calories. Shoveling was easy and actually fun. Driving in it - not so much.
Just for Theresa - we had more dogs at the other library today. It's called Therapy Tails. Kids read books to the dogs. It relaxes them and makes reading fun. We have a little girl with Down's Syndrome who has really come out of her shell around the dogs. Her giggle brings tears to my eyes. She's so full of joy.
For a day that started off on the wrong foot, it turned out so well. How was yours?
In the morning I'll make up two veggie trays and whip up a dip for the fruit trays.
Lots of snow today has everything looking and smelling fresh. It was a light snow, lots of volume, much like that marshmallow fluff you put on sundaes - without the calories. Shoveling was easy and actually fun. Driving in it - not so much.
Just for Theresa - we had more dogs at the other library today. It's called Therapy Tails. Kids read books to the dogs. It relaxes them and makes reading fun. We have a little girl with Down's Syndrome who has really come out of her shell around the dogs. Her giggle brings tears to my eyes. She's so full of joy.
For a day that started off on the wrong foot, it turned out so well. How was yours?
Friday, February 01, 2013
Unexpected good things
Alpacas in the yard on route to work
Puppies in the library
Learning about cork, how it's grown and processed, then laughing til I got a stitch when talking about its medicinal properties with the crew at the cafe next door.
Stumbling upon this man's art and life story when checking my email.
Puppies in the library
Learning about cork, how it's grown and processed, then laughing til I got a stitch when talking about its medicinal properties with the crew at the cafe next door.
Stumbling upon this man's art and life story when checking my email.
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Back online
We're back! There was a communication issue between our server and Ma Bell but four days without Internet was not as big a problem as I thought it would be - but then I'm old enough to remember what life was like before home computers.
Lots of good things.
First of all, someone else has picked up the One Good Thing idea and made it her own. Good for you, Pirk.
I've woken up ridiculously early the last couple of mornings. That led to several pages of the horror story. I woke up with the last character in play.
It was icy this morning so I gave myself lots of time to get to work. I didn't need it. Which meant I could use that time to write some more on the horror story. I know what happens to the second last owner of the painting. Ewwww. And how they change the painting which is even more ewwww.
One Good Thing that doesn't seem all that good on the surface - I've lost my taste for hot chocolate. That means I'll save myself a couple of dollars a week, and who knows how many calories. It could be just that particular brand so tomorrow I'll try the cafe next door to the second job. The owner is cute, and he always puts a cinnamon stick in my mug. I've found nibbling on the cinnamon stick helps keep other cravings at bay. It's also good for breath. I try to feed Ky one at least once a week.
I missed sharing my Good Things but I still thought of them every day just in case the Internet came back. And because it really is better when I focus on the positive in my life.
How were things in my absence?
Lots of good things.
First of all, someone else has picked up the One Good Thing idea and made it her own. Good for you, Pirk.
I've woken up ridiculously early the last couple of mornings. That led to several pages of the horror story. I woke up with the last character in play.
It was icy this morning so I gave myself lots of time to get to work. I didn't need it. Which meant I could use that time to write some more on the horror story. I know what happens to the second last owner of the painting. Ewwww. And how they change the painting which is even more ewwww.
One Good Thing that doesn't seem all that good on the surface - I've lost my taste for hot chocolate. That means I'll save myself a couple of dollars a week, and who knows how many calories. It could be just that particular brand so tomorrow I'll try the cafe next door to the second job. The owner is cute, and he always puts a cinnamon stick in my mug. I've found nibbling on the cinnamon stick helps keep other cravings at bay. It's also good for breath. I try to feed Ky one at least once a week.
I missed sharing my Good Things but I still thought of them every day just in case the Internet came back. And because it really is better when I focus on the positive in my life.
How were things in my absence?
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Good friends
There's currently no Internet available at home. Posting from my phone is problematic as it refuses to accept my blogger password.
This has given me plenty of opportunity to think about friends, loyalty, expectations and balance. All of which you embody so I thank you.
If you don't hear from me for a few days, trust that I'm sorting through stuff so that I don't let negative cancel the positive. Each stands on its own. That's an important thing to remember.
Once the modem is replaced, we're aiming for tomorrow, I should be back on line and sharing the Good Things again. Theresa is right about on what we choose to focus being the key.
This has given me plenty of opportunity to think about friends, loyalty, expectations and balance. All of which you embody so I thank you.
If you don't hear from me for a few days, trust that I'm sorting through stuff so that I don't let negative cancel the positive. Each stands on its own. That's an important thing to remember.
Once the modem is replaced, we're aiming for tomorrow, I should be back on line and sharing the Good Things again. Theresa is right about on what we choose to focus being the key.
Sunday, January 27, 2013
No Good Things
I was full of good things and great observations throughout the day. Then I came home and discovered that I hurt someone terribly. They did a very nice thing for me a few weeks ago and I never thanked them. At all. I thought of them, thought of how to thank them, but never did. And now nothing I say or do will make up for the fact that I didn't take two seconds to even acknowledge the thoughtful thing they did for me.
None of today's good things can balance that out.
None of today's good things can balance that out.
Saturday, January 26, 2013
One Great Thing
Mom came home from the hospital today. Who needs anything else in their list of Good Things?
Burns night good
All day long, thoughts of celebrating Burns Night with friends made me smile. Anticipation is most often a Good Thing.
The dinner, decor and viewing choices for the night reminded me of the Spirit of the Westsong. "There's none so Scot, as the Scots abroad".
We had some laughs, the girls played to the point of exhaustion and thistle tea is delicious. It was past-bedtime by the time we got home. Good times.
The dinner, decor and viewing choices for the night reminded me of the Spirit of the Westsong. "There's none so Scot, as the Scots abroad".
We had some laughs, the girls played to the point of exhaustion and thistle tea is delicious. It was past-bedtime by the time we got home. Good times.
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Some funny,and one stunning, good things
A friend listened to me vent about some frustrating stuff I feel I must take care of. My sense of responsibility could use a holiday. Oh well, she made me laugh which was wonderful.
I heard a commercial today about a woman who went window shopping but all she saw was frost. Considering the temperatures these days that was almost as funny as the follow-up about "smacking the flurries out of winter". Neither statement really had anything to do with the product but hey, I remember them.
I was driving down to Niagara on the Lake to pick up an ingredient for our Burns Supper tomorrow night. My mind was chastising me for going so far out of my way while memories were making connections between the drive, Old Town, Robbie Burns and Grandpa Fenton. Who knew the old Scot hated the sound of bagpipes? Anyway, just as I started to really enjoy the drive down the country road, I eased my foot off the accelerator. Instinct reacting before my eyes saw it. A deer walked across the road. Mine was the only car in anywhere in sight so the deer wasn't too concerned. I stopped the car and watched it. Once it was safely off the road and in the trees, a second deer came along. It stopped halfway across and stared right at me.
Deer are much larger in life than on the page. I forget sometimes. Their faces are so delicate, with those big brown eyes and soft muzzles.
Then it gave a little rabbit hop up over the ditch before it too melted into the trees.
I didn't find what I was looking for in Niagara but came home with something better. Awe.
I heard a commercial today about a woman who went window shopping but all she saw was frost. Considering the temperatures these days that was almost as funny as the follow-up about "smacking the flurries out of winter". Neither statement really had anything to do with the product but hey, I remember them.
I was driving down to Niagara on the Lake to pick up an ingredient for our Burns Supper tomorrow night. My mind was chastising me for going so far out of my way while memories were making connections between the drive, Old Town, Robbie Burns and Grandpa Fenton. Who knew the old Scot hated the sound of bagpipes? Anyway, just as I started to really enjoy the drive down the country road, I eased my foot off the accelerator. Instinct reacting before my eyes saw it. A deer walked across the road. Mine was the only car in anywhere in sight so the deer wasn't too concerned. I stopped the car and watched it. Once it was safely off the road and in the trees, a second deer came along. It stopped halfway across and stared right at me.
Deer are much larger in life than on the page. I forget sometimes. Their faces are so delicate, with those big brown eyes and soft muzzles.
Then it gave a little rabbit hop up over the ditch before it too melted into the trees.
I didn't find what I was looking for in Niagara but came home with something better. Awe.
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Lemony good things
Huh. Fate snickered at my healthy good things post from Monday. I woke up this morning with a fever, chills and a wicked sore throat. I snickered back. It was my day off. So there. I was able to baby myself through the day with hot tea, lemon, honey, chicken noodle soup and DVDs. I even knew where my brand new bottle of oil of oregano was and took some. Yuck, but it really does work.
I made a hat. Then I took it apart and started a different pattern. I read a bit.
I laughed at the cat who was playing with an elastic band. He does not care that he is 17 years old and should not have the energy or flexibility to leap through the air like he did today.
I laughed at the bird who tried to eat my breakfast oatmeal and drink my tea. I shoo'd her off so she went into her cage and gave me sad puppy dog eyes.
When the chills hit at their worst, the dog came over and shared his body heat with me. He's soft and fluffy and very sweet.
Today could have been so much worse than it was. Sure, it was wildly unproductive and I felt wretched but I wasn't expected to make sense or help people. Good things are sometimes a reaction to less than pleasant things. Sometimes that makes them sweeter.
Lemonade, anyone? I do love lemons.
I made a hat. Then I took it apart and started a different pattern. I read a bit.
I laughed at the cat who was playing with an elastic band. He does not care that he is 17 years old and should not have the energy or flexibility to leap through the air like he did today.
I laughed at the bird who tried to eat my breakfast oatmeal and drink my tea. I shoo'd her off so she went into her cage and gave me sad puppy dog eyes.
When the chills hit at their worst, the dog came over and shared his body heat with me. He's soft and fluffy and very sweet.
Today could have been so much worse than it was. Sure, it was wildly unproductive and I felt wretched but I wasn't expected to make sense or help people. Good things are sometimes a reaction to less than pleasant things. Sometimes that makes them sweeter.
Lemonade, anyone? I do love lemons.
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Good work things
During story time tonight a five year old informed us that it's been years since he played guitar.
One of our young patrons is a fairly high functioning autistic girl. Occasionally we have to remind her that she's in the library and it's rude to disturb other people. Today, she hopped up from her computer and zoomed down the aisle past all of the other computers. I reminded her she was in the library. She said she was on a bike path. We agreed that bike paths aren't usually surrounded by books so she would try VERY hard not to run down that path. She did well. She said it was hard but she did it any way. Both of our attitudes were greatly improved by the ability to recognize how the other perceived that wide space behind the computers.
I'm going to a baby shower on Saturday. The theme is owls. One of my coworkers was out shopping today and found baby owl dishes. It was a total score and I'm going there tomorrow to pick them up.
Another coworker brought in a beautiful creamy thick sweater. It's cowl necked, lots of cables and long sleeves. I will never in a month of Sundays wear it because even today, when it was -15C outside, I wore short sleeves. But another coworker thought it was beautiful and is always cold. So one sweater made three of us happy.
This whole looking on the bright side of life thing is contagious. And is making all aspects of my life more enjoyable.
How's it working for you?
One of our young patrons is a fairly high functioning autistic girl. Occasionally we have to remind her that she's in the library and it's rude to disturb other people. Today, she hopped up from her computer and zoomed down the aisle past all of the other computers. I reminded her she was in the library. She said she was on a bike path. We agreed that bike paths aren't usually surrounded by books so she would try VERY hard not to run down that path. She did well. She said it was hard but she did it any way. Both of our attitudes were greatly improved by the ability to recognize how the other perceived that wide space behind the computers.
I'm going to a baby shower on Saturday. The theme is owls. One of my coworkers was out shopping today and found baby owl dishes. It was a total score and I'm going there tomorrow to pick them up.
Another coworker brought in a beautiful creamy thick sweater. It's cowl necked, lots of cables and long sleeves. I will never in a month of Sundays wear it because even today, when it was -15C outside, I wore short sleeves. But another coworker thought it was beautiful and is always cold. So one sweater made three of us happy.
This whole looking on the bright side of life thing is contagious. And is making all aspects of my life more enjoyable.
How's it working for you?
Monday, January 21, 2013
Healthy Good things
The work meeting was timed so that I got to see the puck drop - from space no less - then back home in time to watch the end of the game.
I turned down the Tim Horton's donut and a hot chocolate special this morning for a cup of oolong tea and fruit salad I'd made myself. I did a Good Thing in my new approach to mindful eating.
Between work and the meeting I had the best massage I've ever had. I've been taking it easy the last few days and clearly that's been very Good for my body. I was relaxed enough to really feel the difference the massage made. We were able to go deeper, be more thorough. Full disclosure - I always have my breasts down. The massage breaks up the ridges from wearing a bra, and more importantly drains the lymph nodes. The added benefit is that it actually lifts my breasts as well. Think of it as anti-gravity.
Because of the temple pain I've been experiencing since November, we tried ear seeds. My body loves accupuncture. These tiny seeds from the Vaccaria plant are tiny dots taped to a pressure point in my ear. I just have to keep my hair down so that Yoda doesn't try to eat them. I don't want permanent holes up there.
Does anyone know why healthful is replacing healthy in the modern lexicon? Either way, better health was the focus of my Good Things today.
How did things go for you today?
I turned down the Tim Horton's donut and a hot chocolate special this morning for a cup of oolong tea and fruit salad I'd made myself. I did a Good Thing in my new approach to mindful eating.
Between work and the meeting I had the best massage I've ever had. I've been taking it easy the last few days and clearly that's been very Good for my body. I was relaxed enough to really feel the difference the massage made. We were able to go deeper, be more thorough. Full disclosure - I always have my breasts down. The massage breaks up the ridges from wearing a bra, and more importantly drains the lymph nodes. The added benefit is that it actually lifts my breasts as well. Think of it as anti-gravity.
Because of the temple pain I've been experiencing since November, we tried ear seeds. My body loves accupuncture. These tiny seeds from the Vaccaria plant are tiny dots taped to a pressure point in my ear. I just have to keep my hair down so that Yoda doesn't try to eat them. I don't want permanent holes up there.
Does anyone know why healthful is replacing healthy in the modern lexicon? Either way, better health was the focus of my Good Things today.
How did things go for you today?
Sunday, January 20, 2013
Simple good things
The wind that tore at the house all day did not rearrange our landscape. That was a very Good Thing, especially as it was not guaranteed.
Five minutes into work and I was handed a big mystery to solve. It only took me ten minutes to find out several resources as well as a map. The patron was incredibly grateful. I was tickled. Doing your job well is always a Good Thing. I love being a librarian.
I dreamt an old flame tried to fan the fire. No spark on my part but I was flattered. My dream self also thought it would be something I could count as a Good Thing. Now my subconscious is keeping track. I am amused.
No one was home after work. The dogs and cats were overjoyed to see me as it was close to dinnertime. The best though was all the happy noises they each made. Birds sang a funny little song when I opened the cage door to set them free. They're free range if we're home. They like to be in the same room as humans but it's always their choice. The cat tolerates it all. Milo is the best cat. Very handsome, too.
Water is cold, and refreshing to drink. Simple pleasures rule the day.
Five minutes into work and I was handed a big mystery to solve. It only took me ten minutes to find out several resources as well as a map. The patron was incredibly grateful. I was tickled. Doing your job well is always a Good Thing. I love being a librarian.
I dreamt an old flame tried to fan the fire. No spark on my part but I was flattered. My dream self also thought it would be something I could count as a Good Thing. Now my subconscious is keeping track. I am amused.
No one was home after work. The dogs and cats were overjoyed to see me as it was close to dinnertime. The best though was all the happy noises they each made. Birds sang a funny little song when I opened the cage door to set them free. They're free range if we're home. They like to be in the same room as humans but it's always their choice. The cat tolerates it all. Milo is the best cat. Very handsome, too.
Water is cold, and refreshing to drink. Simple pleasures rule the day.
Saturday, January 19, 2013
Saturday Goodies
It was a crummy start to the work day, all of us were ticked about stuff, so I went to the back and asked coworker the funniest thing she'd ever heard. Turned our day around. Even theusually horrid patron was pleasant. It's Good to remember the power of humour and/or a smile.
Hockey is back. You remember how much I love hockey. Somehow we kept scoring seats at the bar about five minutes before another member of our party showed up. Not bad considering the place was packed when we first showed up. Did I mention my team won? Big grins all around.
I keep forgetting to watch Downton Abbey on Sunday nights.. I found the episode repeated on Saturday nights. Good stuff.
Mom is coherent again. We had a nice conversation about life. That was a Good Thing.
Yesterday, my yarn came in. I have half a hat knitted up already. It matches the woven scarf I bought in Edinburgh a few years ago. I love that scarf. It matches almost everything I own, can be worn as a wrap and always reminds me of a Good Day.
I made plans with a friend to celebrate Burns Night with her daughters and my niece. My job is to bring heather tea and Brave.
I'm really enjoying this experiment. It's nice to thing repeatedly throughout the day that this one thing is Good or another is also Good. Then I think about how to turn the not-so-nice into Good and that makes me smile. I particularly like that I'm not playing this game alone.
So, what good things came your way today?
Hockey is back. You remember how much I love hockey. Somehow we kept scoring seats at the bar about five minutes before another member of our party showed up. Not bad considering the place was packed when we first showed up. Did I mention my team won? Big grins all around.
I keep forgetting to watch Downton Abbey on Sunday nights.. I found the episode repeated on Saturday nights. Good stuff.
Mom is coherent again. We had a nice conversation about life. That was a Good Thing.
Yesterday, my yarn came in. I have half a hat knitted up already. It matches the woven scarf I bought in Edinburgh a few years ago. I love that scarf. It matches almost everything I own, can be worn as a wrap and always reminds me of a Good Day.
I made plans with a friend to celebrate Burns Night with her daughters and my niece. My job is to bring heather tea and Brave.
I'm really enjoying this experiment. It's nice to thing repeatedly throughout the day that this one thing is Good or another is also Good. Then I think about how to turn the not-so-nice into Good and that makes me smile. I particularly like that I'm not playing this game alone.
So, what good things came your way today?
Friday, January 18, 2013
Today's good things
My new roommate brought me a cup of tea this morning.
It's sounds like a live action ad for the new Oz movie out there. I like wind, as long as it leaves things where it found them. No rearranging of the landscape if you please. Thank you
I was out picking up essentials that we had reached critical need of replenishing when I ran into an old friend I haven't seen for a few years. I ran into another friend at the other store of essentials. I made plans to see each of them at separate events in the next couple of weeks.
The doctor was very happy I took yesterday off for being exhausted. He'd like me to do that more often. Did you know that migraine auras can affect the colour of your world? Indigo is one of my favourite colours. Fortunately. I'm not stuck with that hue which is a very Good Thing.
I spoke with Mom on the phone for awhile this evening. She knew who I was and what was going on. I'd elevate that to a Great Thing.
I wrote another scene this evening while I was cooking.
I made my own dark chocolate pretzels.
My aunt sent me the following: It's chock full of Good Things (laughter is the best)
4. "If you run, you'll only go to jail tired."
5. "Can you run faster than 1200 feet per second? Because that's the speed of the bullet that'll be chasing you."
6. "You don't know how fast you were going? I guess that means I can write anything I want to on the ticket, huh?"
7. "Yes, sir, you can talk to the shift supervisor, but I don't think it will help. Oh, did I mention that I'm the shift supervisor?"
8. "Warning! You want a warning? O.K, I'm warning you not to do that again or I'll give you another ticket."
9. "The answer to this last question will determine whether you are drunk or not. Was Mickey Mouse a cat or a dog?"
10. "Fair? You want me to be fair? Listen, fair is a place where you go to ride on rides, eat cotton candy and corn dogs and step in monkey poop."
11. "Yeah, we have a quota. Two more tickets and my wife gets a toaster oven."
It's sounds like a live action ad for the new Oz movie out there. I like wind, as long as it leaves things where it found them. No rearranging of the landscape if you please. Thank you
I was out picking up essentials that we had reached critical need of replenishing when I ran into an old friend I haven't seen for a few years. I ran into another friend at the other store of essentials. I made plans to see each of them at separate events in the next couple of weeks.
The doctor was very happy I took yesterday off for being exhausted. He'd like me to do that more often. Did you know that migraine auras can affect the colour of your world? Indigo is one of my favourite colours. Fortunately. I'm not stuck with that hue which is a very Good Thing.
I spoke with Mom on the phone for awhile this evening. She knew who I was and what was going on. I'd elevate that to a Great Thing.
I wrote another scene this evening while I was cooking.
I made my own dark chocolate pretzels.
My aunt sent me the following: It's chock full of Good Things (laughter is the best)
These are actual comments made by South
Carolina Troopers that were taken off their car
videos:
1. "You know, stop lights don't come any redder than the one you just went through."
2. "Relax, the handcuffs are tight because they're new. They'll stretch after you wear them a while."
3. "If you take your hands off the car, I'll make your birth certificate a worthless document."
1. "You know, stop lights don't come any redder than the one you just went through."
2. "Relax, the handcuffs are tight because they're new. They'll stretch after you wear them a while."
3. "If you take your hands off the car, I'll make your birth certificate a worthless document."
4. "If you run, you'll only go to jail tired."
5. "Can you run faster than 1200 feet per second? Because that's the speed of the bullet that'll be chasing you."
6. "You don't know how fast you were going? I guess that means I can write anything I want to on the ticket, huh?"
7. "Yes, sir, you can talk to the shift supervisor, but I don't think it will help. Oh, did I mention that I'm the shift supervisor?"
8. "Warning! You want a warning? O.K, I'm warning you not to do that again or I'll give you another ticket."
9. "The answer to this last question will determine whether you are drunk or not. Was Mickey Mouse a cat or a dog?"
10. "Fair? You want me to be fair? Listen, fair is a place where you go to ride on rides, eat cotton candy and corn dogs and step in monkey poop."
11. "Yeah, we have a quota. Two more tickets and my wife gets a toaster oven."
12. "In God we trust; all others we run
through NCIC." ( National Crime Information Center
)
13. "Just how big were those 'two beers' you say you had?"
14. "No sir, we don't have quotas anymore. We used to, but now we're allowed to write as many tickets as we can."
15. "I'm glad to hear that the Chief (of Police) is a personal friend of yours. So you know someone who can post your bail."
AND THE WINNER IS....
16. "You didn't think we give pretty women tickets? You're right, we don't. Sign here."
13. "Just how big were those 'two beers' you say you had?"
14. "No sir, we don't have quotas anymore. We used to, but now we're allowed to write as many tickets as we can."
15. "I'm glad to hear that the Chief (of Police) is a personal friend of yours. So you know someone who can post your bail."
AND THE WINNER IS....
16. "You didn't think we give pretty women tickets? You're right, we don't. Sign here."
How was your day? I hope at least one thing made you laugh
Thursday's Things
I think I'm going to start using my twitter account to post stuff as it occurs to me. I never went back online last night but my phone was sitting beside me all day.
I did nothing. I read. A lot. Inertia had me in it's immovable grip and all I could do was turn pages. Yet several good things happened.
My DNe made me a cup of tea. He also handed me the phone so I could schedule a much needed doctor's appointment.
My friend called to schedule a massage. She's been journaling every day. Each entry begins and ends with the word AWESOME all in caps just like that. She says it's altering her perception of each day, much like my daily Good Things record is influencing my perception of my world.
Yoda sang I love you with several different tones and a whistle for good measure.
Milo lay on my lap most of the day, napping and purring.
It snowed here. Very pretty. I was warm. Even better.
Some days doing nothing is as important as anything else.
I did nothing. I read. A lot. Inertia had me in it's immovable grip and all I could do was turn pages. Yet several good things happened.
My DNe made me a cup of tea. He also handed me the phone so I could schedule a much needed doctor's appointment.
My friend called to schedule a massage. She's been journaling every day. Each entry begins and ends with the word AWESOME all in caps just like that. She says it's altering her perception of each day, much like my daily Good Things record is influencing my perception of my world.
Yoda sang I love you with several different tones and a whistle for good measure.
Milo lay on my lap most of the day, napping and purring.
It snowed here. Very pretty. I was warm. Even better.
Some days doing nothing is as important as anything else.
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Yummy Good things
I met two other writers for lunch. It was so Good to get feedback about the horror story I'm working on. We brainstormed a bit for each of us and it was all good. We're full of enthusiasm, ideas and inspiration.
Another Good thing - I made it home on fumes. My car is wonderful. She takes my abuse and doesn't leave me stranded. I did promise her a full belly tomorrow and a nice wash in thanks.
I got to see The Hobbit tonight. Yay. Let me just say that Richard Armitage is always a Good Thing.
The cinema manager was working the counter so we discussed the fact that 2D option will not be available next year. If the movie comes out in 3D that is what will be shown. Studios need to rethink that. There's a growing section of the population susceptible to migraines. They are losing theatre customers this way. The heads up from the manager was a Good Thing as I can plan my viewing accordingly.
Another good thing was the popcorn, with real butter.
And did I mention Richard Armitage? I've always enjoyed Martin Freeman (Hitchiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Sherlock) but RA? He smoulders beautifully.
Another Good thing - I made it home on fumes. My car is wonderful. She takes my abuse and doesn't leave me stranded. I did promise her a full belly tomorrow and a nice wash in thanks.
I got to see The Hobbit tonight. Yay. Let me just say that Richard Armitage is always a Good Thing.
The cinema manager was working the counter so we discussed the fact that 2D option will not be available next year. If the movie comes out in 3D that is what will be shown. Studios need to rethink that. There's a growing section of the population susceptible to migraines. They are losing theatre customers this way. The heads up from the manager was a Good Thing as I can plan my viewing accordingly.
Another good thing was the popcorn, with real butter.
And did I mention Richard Armitage? I've always enjoyed Martin Freeman (Hitchiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Sherlock) but RA? He smoulders beautifully.
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Back-handed blessings
Today was a good work day. We had training on ergonomics, new software and how to interact with difficult customers. I didn't learn anything new but was validated in my behaviour with some people. It was a good reminder day of how be positive as well as kind to yourself and others. Plus, lunch was delicious.
I was invited to go see The Hobbit with a friend and her boyfriend. At first we both thought we should stay home and do all the work that was waiting for us. Then we said life is too short. we all need fun and several other things to justify our playing hooky. We got excited. I actually had my coat on when she told me it was in 3D. Oh, the agony of disappointment. There's no way I can watch 3D movies. I've been fighting a headache with varying degrees of severity for two months now (yes, I've seen a doctor, no it's not a tumour*). I do not need to seek out a venue that gives me migraines. I think I might write to the studios and tell them they're losing customers.
I stayed home. I wrote for an hour, got caught up on life with DNe, did some laundry, chatted with my dad and fixed the parrot's hut so he no longer screams at me after midnight. This were all Good Things, one was necessary.
I have to say though that the best thing was discovering the movie's failing BEFORE we got to the theatre. That would have been infinitely worse.
It's been Good to read what's been going on with you as well. Isn't it nice to see how much Good stuff happens in your day? I like it.
*Bonus points if you can name that movie quote
I was invited to go see The Hobbit with a friend and her boyfriend. At first we both thought we should stay home and do all the work that was waiting for us. Then we said life is too short. we all need fun and several other things to justify our playing hooky. We got excited. I actually had my coat on when she told me it was in 3D. Oh, the agony of disappointment. There's no way I can watch 3D movies. I've been fighting a headache with varying degrees of severity for two months now (yes, I've seen a doctor, no it's not a tumour*). I do not need to seek out a venue that gives me migraines. I think I might write to the studios and tell them they're losing customers.
I stayed home. I wrote for an hour, got caught up on life with DNe, did some laundry, chatted with my dad and fixed the parrot's hut so he no longer screams at me after midnight. This were all Good Things, one was necessary.
I have to say though that the best thing was discovering the movie's failing BEFORE we got to the theatre. That would have been infinitely worse.
It's been Good to read what's been going on with you as well. Isn't it nice to see how much Good stuff happens in your day? I like it.
*Bonus points if you can name that movie quote
Monday, January 14, 2013
Little things
Today was spent sorting through bags and bags of paperwork. I surrounded myself with a big glass of water, a clear recycling bag and season two of Six Feet Under. It was good to plod through all those receipts, bills, calendars, photos and recipes. I found a film review by my niece, a drawing by my nephew and a pattern for a cool scarf.
I had a good conversation with a friend this afternoon about my mom. Yes, she's back in the hospital. Yes, she's very sick. The good thing is that she's in a good hospital with a good doctor. We take it one moment at a time.
Now I'm off to make cookies. They make everyone smile and make the house smell yummy. While today's good things are a semi-organized box of paperwork, more medical care and oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, it's all easier to manage knowing you're on this journey with me. It's cool that we're helping each other find the good things in our days.
So, how was today for you?
I had a good conversation with a friend this afternoon about my mom. Yes, she's back in the hospital. Yes, she's very sick. The good thing is that she's in a good hospital with a good doctor. We take it one moment at a time.
Now I'm off to make cookies. They make everyone smile and make the house smell yummy. While today's good things are a semi-organized box of paperwork, more medical care and oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, it's all easier to manage knowing you're on this journey with me. It's cool that we're helping each other find the good things in our days.
So, how was today for you?
Sunday, January 13, 2013
Day 13
One good thing is about to be challenged. Life here is difficult for my parents as they attempt to manage my mom's illness. One very good thing is that we're all beneath the same roof and able to help each other as much as humanly possible. Some days that's not enough. Today it saved Mom from going into a coma.
One good thing about this challenge is that repeatedly throughout the day I take note of random things and truly appreciate them.
Today my supervisor came in on her day off to show me how to update the social media accounts. It was not only fun, but fortuitous as a patron came in with a box of chocolates for me. Apparently, I've been incredibly helpful and patient and she told the supervisor I was the best hire they've made in some time. That was very nice of her to say.
Little things like the squirrels in the tree outside the window, being able to fix the power to the garage, finding a good book - those all matter. The little things like the wag of a dog's tail when he's on his back getting his belly rubbed. A friend texting to say hey, just thinking of you. Another friend sending me an email for post-migraine therapy. It still being light out when I left work. Having enough fuel to make it to the gas station before I ran out. I have a bad habit of leaving the house without enough time to stop for an essential like that. Those matter as well.
What little thing happened in your day to help you appreciate the world in which you live?
One good thing about this challenge is that repeatedly throughout the day I take note of random things and truly appreciate them.
Today my supervisor came in on her day off to show me how to update the social media accounts. It was not only fun, but fortuitous as a patron came in with a box of chocolates for me. Apparently, I've been incredibly helpful and patient and she told the supervisor I was the best hire they've made in some time. That was very nice of her to say.
Little things like the squirrels in the tree outside the window, being able to fix the power to the garage, finding a good book - those all matter. The little things like the wag of a dog's tail when he's on his back getting his belly rubbed. A friend texting to say hey, just thinking of you. Another friend sending me an email for post-migraine therapy. It still being light out when I left work. Having enough fuel to make it to the gas station before I ran out. I have a bad habit of leaving the house without enough time to stop for an essential like that. Those matter as well.
What little thing happened in your day to help you appreciate the world in which you live?
Saturday, January 12, 2013
Entertainin good things
One good thing - Scorched by Laura Griffin. It kept me company today while a cyclone spun through my nervous system. Words anchor me. It was a great book and I finished it in one day. I like this series, and appreciate this storyteller's style. I'm entranced every time I read one of her books.
Being dizzy severely impaired my driving ability so I was resigned to missing out on the Icewine Festival I mentioned yesterday. I wasn't happy about it but, resigned. Two good friends came to the rescue, whisked me off with them to the small village of Jordan where we indulged in several wine samples, some interesting food pairings and a sunny Spring day. It broke my heart to see some bushes in bud as they'll get freeze-dried next snowfall. The ice sculptures all melted in the warm temperatures as well.
There is nothing I can do to prevent that so my Good Thing was to breathe deep of the fresh air. Some battles cannot be won in a day. I enjoyed my friends' company, enjoyed the lovely wines, and took this picture for you. Seriously, I thought of you when I took this photo of the outdoor decorations.
How was your day?
Being dizzy severely impaired my driving ability so I was resigned to missing out on the Icewine Festival I mentioned yesterday. I wasn't happy about it but, resigned. Two good friends came to the rescue, whisked me off with them to the small village of Jordan where we indulged in several wine samples, some interesting food pairings and a sunny Spring day. It broke my heart to see some bushes in bud as they'll get freeze-dried next snowfall. The ice sculptures all melted in the warm temperatures as well.
There is nothing I can do to prevent that so my Good Thing was to breathe deep of the fresh air. Some battles cannot be won in a day. I enjoyed my friends' company, enjoyed the lovely wines, and took this picture for you. Seriously, I thought of you when I took this photo of the outdoor decorations.
Friday, January 11, 2013
Several good things
I met up with a friend after work. It was a long busy day and I texted her on my way home to see if she had a little time. We haven't seen each other for a couple of weeks. It was one of those conversations in which connections are made, realizations happen and things that have been bugging me for years suddenly all made sense so I could accept the lessons but let go of the angst. I hope it was as good for her as it was for me. :insert smiley face here: It really was incredible.
Then I stopped at the store on my way home, scored a garlic pizza, aka as Bernatello's Italian Melt, which oddly isn't on their website. I dipped it in Sabra hummus while sipping a glass of white wine. I'm catching up on some good Canadian programming at the same time. Please click on the links then thank me later.
Several good things today. Not the least of which is I have the house to myself, sans critters, and my feet up.
Tomorrow is the beginning of the Niagara Icewine Festival. I won't be drinking any of the cavity inducing sweet stuff but will definitely sample the drier offerings. My favourite vintners will be in booth one. I might not move from there. I wish you could join me.
Then I stopped at the store on my way home, scored a garlic pizza, aka as Bernatello's Italian Melt, which oddly isn't on their website. I dipped it in Sabra hummus while sipping a glass of white wine. I'm catching up on some good Canadian programming at the same time. Please click on the links then thank me later.
Several good things today. Not the least of which is I have the house to myself, sans critters, and my feet up.
Tomorrow is the beginning of the Niagara Icewine Festival. I won't be drinking any of the cavity inducing sweet stuff but will definitely sample the drier offerings. My favourite vintners will be in booth one. I might not move from there. I wish you could join me.
Thursday, January 10, 2013
One Good thing but it was a doozy
My One Good Thing for today was the bottle of naproxin. It may have taken four hours to kick in but Great Goddess am I grateful it did. I didn't have a migraine. I had a bad headache but I think it's from keeping my head down. My neck doesn't like that. Not at all.
Hope your day was better.
Hope your day was better.
Wednesday, January 09, 2013
Yummy Things
My good thing for today was < a href="http://www.notlpubliclibrary.org/wineandwords.php">Wine and Words.
Tonight was the inaugural event of what's shaping up to be a fantastic series. Ian Hamilton was an entertaining speaker. He's a man who clearly enjoys his time spending days in his basement creating an engaging character in Ava Lee. Afterward. we sample the Magician, a lovely red wine that was paired with chocolate chili popcorn. Reif Winery was beautifully decorated for the upcoming wine festival. The staff was friendly and knowledgeable. The entire experience was a very Good Thing.
You all need to join me next month for Cathy Marie Buchanan at the Ice House Winery. This is the type of Good Thing that improves with good company.
Tonight was the inaugural event of what's shaping up to be a fantastic series. Ian Hamilton was an entertaining speaker. He's a man who clearly enjoys his time spending days in his basement creating an engaging character in Ava Lee. Afterward. we sample the Magician, a lovely red wine that was paired with chocolate chili popcorn. Reif Winery was beautifully decorated for the upcoming wine festival. The staff was friendly and knowledgeable. The entire experience was a very Good Thing.
You all need to join me next month for Cathy Marie Buchanan at the Ice House Winery. This is the type of Good Thing that improves with good company.
Tuesday, January 08, 2013
Blessings
It's been a rough day. Most of the awesome revolves around the disasters that were averted. But that's a negative so I was floundering for a Good Thing that wasn't in reaction to something else.
I opened my email from a friend. She'd found a great deal on travel to Iceland. While she knows it's not financially feasible for me to go at this moment, she just wanted me to know that when the time's right, the deal will be there. Plus, if she wins a buttload of cash, she's sending me to Iceland.
I'm constantly amazed how many people are doing their bit to help me realize that dream. It's good to know that people think of my happiness even when I'm not. I am truly blessed. My friends remind me of that fact every single day in a thousand different ways.
One email changed the entire tone of my post. I've got a draft that talks about today's good things being holy-crap-that-was-close. The One Good Thing in that post was a flock of sparrows on the hedge. It would have made a beautiful photograph but I doubt the camera would have seen the feathers on the birds with the same clarity and vibrancy that I did. So I took several mental images to scroll through the rest of the day.
Lots of good things today - all reminding me how incredibly fortunate I am. Thank you for that.
How was your day?
I opened my email from a friend. She'd found a great deal on travel to Iceland. While she knows it's not financially feasible for me to go at this moment, she just wanted me to know that when the time's right, the deal will be there. Plus, if she wins a buttload of cash, she's sending me to Iceland.
I'm constantly amazed how many people are doing their bit to help me realize that dream. It's good to know that people think of my happiness even when I'm not. I am truly blessed. My friends remind me of that fact every single day in a thousand different ways.
One email changed the entire tone of my post. I've got a draft that talks about today's good things being holy-crap-that-was-close. The One Good Thing in that post was a flock of sparrows on the hedge. It would have made a beautiful photograph but I doubt the camera would have seen the feathers on the birds with the same clarity and vibrancy that I did. So I took several mental images to scroll through the rest of the day.
Lots of good things today - all reminding me how incredibly fortunate I am. Thank you for that.
How was your day?
Monday, January 07, 2013
Housecleaning
I was moving everything out of my spare room when I discovered my DNe's passport - which reminded me that mine is set to expire. Better now than when I try to cross the border.
Another Good Thing - I found a bottle of wine. Who loses a bottle of wine in their spare room? I am ashamed to have done that. It's amazing what I found behind my desk - including a film outline for a project that I want to revisit.
If I cleaned and purged rooms more often I wouldn't have as much fun finding stuff. That's my theory, please don't disillusion me.
I also found a packet of photographs I took out in Oregon a few years ago. Remember when the Pacific Ocean tried to trip me? Photos were from that vacation.
Another Good Thing - I found a bottle of wine. Who loses a bottle of wine in their spare room? I am ashamed to have done that. It's amazing what I found behind my desk - including a film outline for a project that I want to revisit.
If I cleaned and purged rooms more often I wouldn't have as much fun finding stuff. That's my theory, please don't disillusion me.
I also found a packet of photographs I took out in Oregon a few years ago. Remember when the Pacific Ocean tried to trip me? Photos were from that vacation.
Sunday, January 06, 2013
Friendly Good Things
My twitter account was hacked. The Good Thing was how many people I actually had conversations with as a result. Some of those people have been in my thoughts but not my communication.
I had a beer tonight with an old friend I haven't seen for ten years. That was AWESOME. We're going to get on a far more frequent schedule. We do email each other, and DM on Twitter(no, he wasn't one of the ones from yesterday's debacle) but an in-person, hugs hello and goodbye, conversation is much more satisfying.
Another friend I haven't seen in six months or more stopped by the library today. It was nice to catch up, exchange some hugs, good energy and make plans to have root soup together in the next few weeks. She makes amazing root soup.
Today had several Good Things, all via friendships that had lapsed due to life and other commitments.
How was your day?
I had a beer tonight with an old friend I haven't seen for ten years. That was AWESOME. We're going to get on a far more frequent schedule. We do email each other, and DM on Twitter(no, he wasn't one of the ones from yesterday's debacle) but an in-person, hugs hello and goodbye, conversation is much more satisfying.
Another friend I haven't seen in six months or more stopped by the library today. It was nice to catch up, exchange some hugs, good energy and make plans to have root soup together in the next few weeks. She makes amazing root soup.
Today had several Good Things, all via friendships that had lapsed due to life and other commitments.
How was your day?
Saturday, January 05, 2013
Saturday January 5
A really cute cop came in to check out our security setup at work today.
Eating Grand Marnier chocolate cake at work was akin to drinking on the job (no correlation between the cake and the cop's visit)
A good friend has had some rough knocks lately but was able to laugh at a running joke we've had for years.
Kiki was doing the mating song while Yoda ran around the cage chasing her. She'd run off, he'd looked confused. Now she's bathing in the fish's bowl.
Eating Grand Marnier chocolate cake at work was akin to drinking on the job (no correlation between the cake and the cop's visit)
A good friend has had some rough knocks lately but was able to laugh at a running joke we've had for years.
Kiki was doing the mating song while Yoda ran around the cage chasing her. She'd run off, he'd looked confused. Now she's bathing in the fish's bowl.
Friday, January 04, 2013
One Good thing a Day
Over on Facebook lots of people are talking about their Jar of Awesome. Every day one writes down something awesome that happened that day then puts the paper in the jar. At the end of the year, they can look back at all of the amazing things that happened.
I've been thinking about how to reboot this blog. It's meant for writing but there hasn't been much new to say on that subject for a while.
The challenge with the Jar is that I like to photograph many of the things that feed my soul. My awesome is usually visual or nature-based - I'm still smiling over the raccoon visit last Autumn.
I decided that every day I'm going to post One Good Thing that happened. Posts will be made at the end of the day, or might run into the next day. But no matter how rough or challenging or downright nasty one day can be, it's always possible to find One Good Thing that happened.
Please join me in sharing your daily One Good Thing. We'll make it a year long project and remind ourselves that Life Is GOOD.
January 1 - I started it in the park listening to an awesome band - Spirit of the West - with two awesome friends. We had amazing conversations later in the day, made some great progress on personal issues and game plans on how to get the most out of our lives. Plus, we read. And there were trees. Funky trees.
January 2 - A great drive home, in good weather. More fantastic conversation. Ky turned himself inside out when I got home. Work was good. Nice to see everyone and it felt good to tell patrons that the DVD fee was no longer in effect, Happy New Year.
January 3 - There was still a dark chocolate orange truffle in the box at work. One of my regular patrons came through surgery quite well and was already up and about.
January 4 - a patron called to say how much she had enjoyed my time covering for a coworker. She found me to be pleasant, helpful and always willing to take extra time. I was able to help a friend in dire need at a moment's notice. The beer was cold - and delicious - at the Irish Harp.
Hmmm, I can see it's going to be hard to stick to just ONE good thing. How was your day? Name at least one good thing that happened in your life today.
I've been thinking about how to reboot this blog. It's meant for writing but there hasn't been much new to say on that subject for a while.
The challenge with the Jar is that I like to photograph many of the things that feed my soul. My awesome is usually visual or nature-based - I'm still smiling over the raccoon visit last Autumn.
I decided that every day I'm going to post One Good Thing that happened. Posts will be made at the end of the day, or might run into the next day. But no matter how rough or challenging or downright nasty one day can be, it's always possible to find One Good Thing that happened.
Please join me in sharing your daily One Good Thing. We'll make it a year long project and remind ourselves that Life Is GOOD.
January 1 - I started it in the park listening to an awesome band - Spirit of the West - with two awesome friends. We had amazing conversations later in the day, made some great progress on personal issues and game plans on how to get the most out of our lives. Plus, we read. And there were trees. Funky trees.
January 2 - A great drive home, in good weather. More fantastic conversation. Ky turned himself inside out when I got home. Work was good. Nice to see everyone and it felt good to tell patrons that the DVD fee was no longer in effect, Happy New Year.
January 3 - There was still a dark chocolate orange truffle in the box at work. One of my regular patrons came through surgery quite well and was already up and about.
January 4 - a patron called to say how much she had enjoyed my time covering for a coworker. She found me to be pleasant, helpful and always willing to take extra time. I was able to help a friend in dire need at a moment's notice. The beer was cold - and delicious - at the Irish Harp.
Hmmm, I can see it's going to be hard to stick to just ONE good thing. How was your day? Name at least one good thing that happened in your life today.
Monday, December 31, 2012
Happy New Year!
May 2013 be filled with a plethora of delicious books and incredible adventures.
Celebrate in style
Monday, December 24, 2012
Christmas memories
Stream of consciousness memories:
Waiting behind the closed kitchen door in while Erich lit the candles on the tree.
Unwrapping the traditional gift of Scottish shortbread from Grandma and Grandpa Fenton
Arguing over who was going to brave the basement in order to retrieve the ornaments
Stirring the batter for Christmas cake and wishing for a horse (never came true)
Toddler lying beneath the tree and staring up at the lights in fascination
DNe whacking his dad in the head with a putter - by accident of course
Dad telling the story of the tree skirt to the dogs
Frog Man Bradley and other K-Tel sensations
Getting drunk on Christmas pudding, gravy, and stuffing (not all in the same year)
Too many embarassing family shenanigans tied with an equal number of endearing family moments
Dark night, bright stars and breathtaking cold in Wawa
Snow falling gently down
Feeling the truth of O Holy Night at church on Christmas Eve in PEI
The Grinch, Charlie Brown, Burl Ives, Fred Astaire and Ralphie - classics one and all
Roger Whittaker, David Bowie, Bing Crosby, Heinje
Skip the advertisement and enjoy - Merry Christmas to you all
Stille Nacht
Waiting behind the closed kitchen door in while Erich lit the candles on the tree.
Unwrapping the traditional gift of Scottish shortbread from Grandma and Grandpa Fenton
Arguing over who was going to brave the basement in order to retrieve the ornaments
Stirring the batter for Christmas cake and wishing for a horse (never came true)
Toddler lying beneath the tree and staring up at the lights in fascination
DNe whacking his dad in the head with a putter - by accident of course
Dad telling the story of the tree skirt to the dogs
Frog Man Bradley and other K-Tel sensations
Getting drunk on Christmas pudding, gravy, and stuffing (not all in the same year)
Too many embarassing family shenanigans tied with an equal number of endearing family moments
Dark night, bright stars and breathtaking cold in Wawa
Snow falling gently down
Feeling the truth of O Holy Night at church on Christmas Eve in PEI
The Grinch, Charlie Brown, Burl Ives, Fred Astaire and Ralphie - classics one and all
Roger Whittaker, David Bowie, Bing Crosby, Heinje
Skip the advertisement and enjoy - Merry Christmas to you all
Stille Nacht
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Traditions
My 11 year-ol niece came over yesterday to help me prepare for Christmas. We strung lights on the front porch, added some garland and a bow. We put up the tree, strung lights and decorated it. Her older brother climbed up on a chair to straighten out the branches and place the angel on top.
Then we baked. We played Charlie Brown's Christmas CD and sang as I taught her the family recipe that has been handed down through generations. Grandma Fenton always baked it for us and Grandpa took over when she was no longer able to continue. He always used whole wheat flour which was a different texture from hers with the rice flour. My niece promised to keep the tradition flowing to further generations.
It was a good way to spend the day. We felt joy and appreciation for each other and the long line of people who came before us. I cemented my role in the continuum by handing the torch over to the next generation. She's a bit young but my niece soaks up tradition and stories like a sponge cake with tea. And her very first attempt at shorbread melts in your mouth.
Then we baked. We played Charlie Brown's Christmas CD and sang as I taught her the family recipe that has been handed down through generations. Grandma Fenton always baked it for us and Grandpa took over when she was no longer able to continue. He always used whole wheat flour which was a different texture from hers with the rice flour. My niece promised to keep the tradition flowing to further generations.
It was a good way to spend the day. We felt joy and appreciation for each other and the long line of people who came before us. I cemented my role in the continuum by handing the torch over to the next generation. She's a bit young but my niece soaks up tradition and stories like a sponge cake with tea. And her very first attempt at shorbread melts in your mouth.
Sunday, December 09, 2012
TBR Pile
I keep taking books and reading them but the TBR pile breeds while my back is turned. At this moment I am currently reading
Operation Orca - Springer, Luna and the struggle to save West Coast killer whales by Daniel Francil and Gil Hewlitt
On the edge of the Wild by Audrey Tournay
Actor and the Housewife by Shannon Hale
Rapture by JR Ward
True Strength by Kevin Sorbo
Zeitoun by Dave Eggers
Puppy Love by Frauke Scheunemann
The tower the zoo and the tortoise by Julia Stuart
Standing in the rainbow by Fannie Flagg
I am within pages of finishing the first two on my list and actually stayed up late to finish the Actor and the Housewife. It was a refreshing change from my usual fare. Although there was one predictable subplot that annoyed me immensely, the author stayed true to her characters and I was so very glad.
Operation Orca is about the whale who broke my heart. The good news is that I wasn't completely delusional about him finding his way back to his family. There were two orphaned whales at the exact same time. One had a happy ending while the other had a tragic death. What made the difference?
Zeitoun has been put down so many times I'm fairly confident sheer boredom will be the only thing that leads me to finish reading it.
But all the others grabbed me and I've had to switch them up so that I don't devour them in one sitting. I don't have that kind of time. Standing in the rainbow is easiest to put down because the nature of the writing lends itself to small breaks.
Puppy love is told from the daschund's point of view. I need a break so I don't expire from the cuteness. It's light and fun. So far. The recommendation came from a literary blog so I wouldn't be surprised if someone didn't contract a terminal illness and die while the puppy helped them all to heal and find their way back to life. Yep, I'm cynical about literary books.
Kevin Sorbo's story fascinates me. He was a young man when he took ill yet he overcame everything. I always appreciate an overcoming adversity story. Though it occurs to me that the daschund is also known as Hercules. Hmmm
I'm only two pages into Rapture because the title is a good reflection of my experience with JR Ward. As with Karen Marie Moning's books, I get sucked in, can't look away and read straight through. I don't have that kind of time right now. But tomorrow after work...
What are you reading?
Operation Orca - Springer, Luna and the struggle to save West Coast killer whales by Daniel Francil and Gil Hewlitt
On the edge of the Wild by Audrey Tournay
Actor and the Housewife by Shannon Hale
Rapture by JR Ward
True Strength by Kevin Sorbo
Zeitoun by Dave Eggers
Puppy Love by Frauke Scheunemann
The tower the zoo and the tortoise by Julia Stuart
Standing in the rainbow by Fannie Flagg
I am within pages of finishing the first two on my list and actually stayed up late to finish the Actor and the Housewife. It was a refreshing change from my usual fare. Although there was one predictable subplot that annoyed me immensely, the author stayed true to her characters and I was so very glad.
Operation Orca is about the whale who broke my heart. The good news is that I wasn't completely delusional about him finding his way back to his family. There were two orphaned whales at the exact same time. One had a happy ending while the other had a tragic death. What made the difference?
Zeitoun has been put down so many times I'm fairly confident sheer boredom will be the only thing that leads me to finish reading it.
But all the others grabbed me and I've had to switch them up so that I don't devour them in one sitting. I don't have that kind of time. Standing in the rainbow is easiest to put down because the nature of the writing lends itself to small breaks.
Puppy love is told from the daschund's point of view. I need a break so I don't expire from the cuteness. It's light and fun. So far. The recommendation came from a literary blog so I wouldn't be surprised if someone didn't contract a terminal illness and die while the puppy helped them all to heal and find their way back to life. Yep, I'm cynical about literary books.
Kevin Sorbo's story fascinates me. He was a young man when he took ill yet he overcame everything. I always appreciate an overcoming adversity story. Though it occurs to me that the daschund is also known as Hercules. Hmmm
I'm only two pages into Rapture because the title is a good reflection of my experience with JR Ward. As with Karen Marie Moning's books, I get sucked in, can't look away and read straight through. I don't have that kind of time right now. But tomorrow after work...
What are you reading?
Sunday, December 02, 2012
Quick update
Funny how things work out sometimes. I'm working crazy hours for thirteen days straight at a time. I don't have time to think let alone write. Yet, somehow, I'm carrying around a sheet of paper on which I'm compelled to throw some words. It's a very creepy horror story. I think it's my way of decompressing from the two jobs. It's about an object. It only appeals to people who are disturbed on some level. I don't know much about the people but, the object lies at the end of my bed and taunts me with the horrors it has experienced.
So, that's what's going on in my world. What's going on in yours?
So, that's what's going on in my world. What's going on in yours?
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Lest we forget
It is not about glorifying war or exalting the military. It was originally intended to mark Armistice and acknowledge the terrible losses felt by all during the Great War. Today, we remind ourselves that numbers and casualties are actually human beings and we remember them all. It is a solemn moment at a solemn hour that marks tragic losses over the years. I've highlighted the most relevant line of John McCrae's poem as that, to me, is what we lest not forget.
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
Sunday, November 04, 2012
Head cold
My brain is muffled so lots of interesting things don't make their way out. I'm not apathetic, merely incoherent.
That's nothing to complain about these days. Lots of people are sharing their gratitude every day this month. I assume it was prompted by American Thanksgiving. While I agree we should pay more attention to the things for which we are grateful, I don't think it should be confined to one month a year. It's pretty sad if we have to make it an assignment.
It's been gratifying to see the way people have banded together in the wake of Sandy's path. Those that have power are sharing with those that don't. Few people are complaining as so so many are in the same situation.
I wonder what skills in which we'll see a resurgence.
That's nothing to complain about these days. Lots of people are sharing their gratitude every day this month. I assume it was prompted by American Thanksgiving. While I agree we should pay more attention to the things for which we are grateful, I don't think it should be confined to one month a year. It's pretty sad if we have to make it an assignment.
It's been gratifying to see the way people have banded together in the wake of Sandy's path. Those that have power are sharing with those that don't. Few people are complaining as so so many are in the same situation.
I wonder what skills in which we'll see a resurgence.
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Low tech
It's supposed to be a challenging week ahead as far as weather goes. Everyone is being warned to stock up on water, non-perishables, batteries, matches and candles.
I've sharpened all of my pencils.
It will be a good opportunity for me to get back to writing by hand on lined paper. It's always been an effective way for me to focus and connect with the story. No Facebook pokes, Twitter rants, email cartoons or blog connections to distract me. Just the story and the scratch of lead on paper. I even have a notebook, the old-fashioned kind not the computer, waiting for me to open it up and begin.
It may be a low tech week ahead. I look forward to it. Provided all the amenities are taken care of and everyone is safe.
Do you sometimes miss the good old days before computers made life so much easier?
I've sharpened all of my pencils.
It will be a good opportunity for me to get back to writing by hand on lined paper. It's always been an effective way for me to focus and connect with the story. No Facebook pokes, Twitter rants, email cartoons or blog connections to distract me. Just the story and the scratch of lead on paper. I even have a notebook, the old-fashioned kind not the computer, waiting for me to open it up and begin.
It may be a low tech week ahead. I look forward to it. Provided all the amenities are taken care of and everyone is safe.
Do you sometimes miss the good old days before computers made life so much easier?
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Grief
I have been grieving in one stage or another for over a year. I know that death is part of life and that grief is a necessary part of healing. I've been working on it.
Today is the memorial for a good man. He went missing in August. His body was found in September, right smack between the anniversaries of losing Kate and Bryan. Now I have a trifecta of grief.
But people are sick of me being sad, unhappy, full of sorrow. I'm working to see the joy in those lives, to celebrate all that I learned from them. I mourn the experiences we won't have. I see-saw between remembering every single detail of all our interactions, and wanting oblivion from memories.
This past week, I turned to movies and books to give me strength and distract me. I read non-fiction, watched documentaries. The architect's mistress was brutally murdered, the activist was eaten by bears and the whale was killed by a tugboat. The latter was the final straw. I stared at my DNi in horror when the film ended. The first two weren't a surprise but The Whale? That was my cheering movie. That was my happy ending reward for surviving the week.
It occurs to me as I write this that there similarities between my entertainment choices and my friends. I suspected Kate and Bryan had finite time here enriching our lives. Darrell was big and playful like the whale, intent on forging friendships and erasing boundaries, preconceptions and the way the world interacts with each other.
Instead of therapy, I talk to my friends, process over here and try to make sense of that which simply is. Grief can't be explained, understood or rationalized. It takes its time, does its thing and cannot be ignored.
Resistance is futile. Grief will find its way in. No matter how I tried to avoid it this week, it found me. Today, I embrace the sorrow, revel in the good memories and mourn the ones we will not make.
Today is the memorial for a good man. He went missing in August. His body was found in September, right smack between the anniversaries of losing Kate and Bryan. Now I have a trifecta of grief.
But people are sick of me being sad, unhappy, full of sorrow. I'm working to see the joy in those lives, to celebrate all that I learned from them. I mourn the experiences we won't have. I see-saw between remembering every single detail of all our interactions, and wanting oblivion from memories.
This past week, I turned to movies and books to give me strength and distract me. I read non-fiction, watched documentaries. The architect's mistress was brutally murdered, the activist was eaten by bears and the whale was killed by a tugboat. The latter was the final straw. I stared at my DNi in horror when the film ended. The first two weren't a surprise but The Whale? That was my cheering movie. That was my happy ending reward for surviving the week.
It occurs to me as I write this that there similarities between my entertainment choices and my friends. I suspected Kate and Bryan had finite time here enriching our lives. Darrell was big and playful like the whale, intent on forging friendships and erasing boundaries, preconceptions and the way the world interacts with each other.
Instead of therapy, I talk to my friends, process over here and try to make sense of that which simply is. Grief can't be explained, understood or rationalized. It takes its time, does its thing and cannot be ignored.
Resistance is futile. Grief will find its way in. No matter how I tried to avoid it this week, it found me. Today, I embrace the sorrow, revel in the good memories and mourn the ones we will not make.
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Character revelations
Brynja has been frustrating me, somewhat. That's good news in that I've been playing with her. But she's been behaving like a TSTL (too stupid to live) heroine from the '80s. After a great deal of discussion, she acknowledged that she had indeed behaved in such a manner. It perplexed her as much as it did me, and she vowed to never do it again. Usually when a character says never, they mean until the next time. I'm going to have to watch her closely. She's reckless. At least, I now know why.
Bracken is not at all reckless, despite his recent act of pulling up stakes and moving halfway across the world. He was driven to do so by forces beyond his control. He's pretty pleased with how that's turned out so far.
It seems that no matter how much I plot, I continue to learn things about characters and stories as I go along. That's essential if I'm to stay interested in writing. A big part of why I write is to see how things work out. Editing isn't as much fun as I already know the story. Then it becomes a game of words. That's a different kind of interesting.
How's your week been?
Bracken is not at all reckless, despite his recent act of pulling up stakes and moving halfway across the world. He was driven to do so by forces beyond his control. He's pretty pleased with how that's turned out so far.
It seems that no matter how much I plot, I continue to learn things about characters and stories as I go along. That's essential if I'm to stay interested in writing. A big part of why I write is to see how things work out. Editing isn't as much fun as I already know the story. Then it becomes a game of words. That's a different kind of interesting.
How's your week been?
Sunday, October 07, 2012
Happy Thanksgiving
We have a tendency, most of us, generally speaking, to appreciate things most when we no longer have them. It's Thanksgiving weekend here in Canada so for three consecutive days, I tend to focus on all the wonderful things for which I am full of thanks.
Today, I am grateful that my Internet connection is wonky so that I will spend more time outside enjoying the cool Autumn weather.
I appreciate the people who have shared my life, even briefly, and taught me about living in the process. Through them, I experience great conversations, good books and entertainment that stimulate my brain cells so that I'm always learning new things, reaching for better understanding and enjoying myself in the process.
I live in a country that fills all of my needs - physical, emotional, spiritual and mental. There is no need to want for anything here.
Go enjoy your day and give thanks for every thing and every one you appreciate. Have a slice of pumpkin pie while you're at it.
Today, I am grateful that my Internet connection is wonky so that I will spend more time outside enjoying the cool Autumn weather.
I appreciate the people who have shared my life, even briefly, and taught me about living in the process. Through them, I experience great conversations, good books and entertainment that stimulate my brain cells so that I'm always learning new things, reaching for better understanding and enjoying myself in the process.
I live in a country that fills all of my needs - physical, emotional, spiritual and mental. There is no need to want for anything here.
Go enjoy your day and give thanks for every thing and every one you appreciate. Have a slice of pumpkin pie while you're at it.
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Overwhelmed
I did write this week. H/h are no longer stuck in a doorway together. Non-fiction project has one more section completed. Dog was brushed, several times. His fur has filled a bucket so I need to wash that, blend it, card it and spin it. yeah, that will wait. I worked on the latest quilt. I picked up the Tunisian crochet and figured out where I went wrong. I sorted through some photographs. I went for a few long walks and took more photographs for the tree blog.
I grieved for three lost friends. Two are hitting first year anniversaries, the body of the third was found this week. All were too damn young.
There are not enough hours in a week for me to accomplish all the tasks I've set for myself. So day by day, one task at a time, I work on them. For the most part, they are joyful endeavors. It's easier to remember that when I'm not trying to cram everything into my day because my friends don't have the option of letting things slide.
Overwhelmed. It's pointless yet somehow I feel it. What do you do when that feeling hits you?
I grieved for three lost friends. Two are hitting first year anniversaries, the body of the third was found this week. All were too damn young.
There are not enough hours in a week for me to accomplish all the tasks I've set for myself. So day by day, one task at a time, I work on them. For the most part, they are joyful endeavors. It's easier to remember that when I'm not trying to cram everything into my day because my friends don't have the option of letting things slide.
Overwhelmed. It's pointless yet somehow I feel it. What do you do when that feeling hits you?
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Good habits are easy to break
I wrote every day for fifteen years. It was a good habit. It kept my mind sharp, my skills honed and my writing vibrant. Then a bunch of stuff happened and I was burnt out so I stopped the daily habit.
When I came back from North Carolina, I was enthusiastic again. I wrote every day. Then I stalled out. Another idea was swirling around in my brain. A fresh idea. But it was completely different from what I usually write so I tried to ignore it. That didn't work. I stopped writing all-together because the new project wouldn't wait its turn and the older project was stuck in the doorway uncertain about which direction to go. I entertained the thought of combining the two storylines but ack that was ugly. Did I mention there is a third project? Non-fiction and two-thirds done. I need to send some of it off to the cover designer. She's in the middle of a major life transition so I've held off in order not to pressure her. I think we both need to get back into it and be productive.
Back to a schedule, back to a goal and back to writing. That's the only way out of the ridiculous position in which I've found myself lately. I am a writer who doesn't write. That's not entirely true as my brain is overactive but words are not making it to the page.
Check back with me next week and see how I've made out. I will write every day - for a minimum of one hour. I will send off the samples to the cover designer for the other project. I will get one set of characters out of the doorway. And write down the outline for the new ones who are demanding to be heard.
What's your goal for the week?
When I came back from North Carolina, I was enthusiastic again. I wrote every day. Then I stalled out. Another idea was swirling around in my brain. A fresh idea. But it was completely different from what I usually write so I tried to ignore it. That didn't work. I stopped writing all-together because the new project wouldn't wait its turn and the older project was stuck in the doorway uncertain about which direction to go. I entertained the thought of combining the two storylines but ack that was ugly. Did I mention there is a third project? Non-fiction and two-thirds done. I need to send some of it off to the cover designer. She's in the middle of a major life transition so I've held off in order not to pressure her. I think we both need to get back into it and be productive.
Back to a schedule, back to a goal and back to writing. That's the only way out of the ridiculous position in which I've found myself lately. I am a writer who doesn't write. That's not entirely true as my brain is overactive but words are not making it to the page.
Check back with me next week and see how I've made out. I will write every day - for a minimum of one hour. I will send off the samples to the cover designer for the other project. I will get one set of characters out of the doorway. And write down the outline for the new ones who are demanding to be heard.
What's your goal for the week?
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Battle for Queenston Heights
Here's the view from Queenston Heights. At one time much of the park land was owned by my great-grandfather. When my dad and uncle were little, they were hiking up the back of Grandpa's property and ran into a Parks Canada guy staking the top of the hill. It seems the government has never been very good at reading boundary maps. Grandpa sold the land to the park for a tidy sum that supported two generations right into retirement. Whenever we walk along there I think of that story. It's a park rich in Canadian history as well but my thoughts always start with that canny Scot.
Sunday, September 09, 2012
Triangles
I'm not a geomtry-cist (I made up the word, indeed I did, blame the head cold)While my Celtic background leans me towards lovely curving lines, I have to admit angles come in handy. Nor is one type of angle better than another. Cylinders, squares, rectangles and triangle are all equally important. Can you imagine a turret made like a square? It would be a courtyard.
Triangles though are often used as plot devices and they make me crazy. It's my own personal belief system that if you haven't chosen one lover over the other by book nineteen, you are not the type of person with whom I wish to spend time. That's selfish, and cruel, behaviour. At some point in time, your feelings towards one person are stronger than they are for the other person. Rarely do all three form a perfect equilateral triangle. As a plot device, they are the more common, and cliched, scalene triangle which has no equal sides. It's unbalanced from the beginning. Walk away.
What plot devices most annoy you?
Triangles though are often used as plot devices and they make me crazy. It's my own personal belief system that if you haven't chosen one lover over the other by book nineteen, you are not the type of person with whom I wish to spend time. That's selfish, and cruel, behaviour. At some point in time, your feelings towards one person are stronger than they are for the other person. Rarely do all three form a perfect equilateral triangle. As a plot device, they are the more common, and cliched, scalene triangle which has no equal sides. It's unbalanced from the beginning. Walk away.
What plot devices most annoy you?
Sunday, September 02, 2012
Life as a television show
Lately, I've been watching a lot of dark, gloomy paranoid television. It's entertaining and stretches my problem-solving skills. I'd never last ten minutes in any of those scenarios. I wouldn't want my life to be anything like them. I like Suburgatory. It's funny, cute and no one dies. I can't think of a sexy rom-com. Hmmm, that could be the problem at home.
If your life was a television show, what would you like it to be?
If your life was a television show, what would you like it to be?
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Fame
I had an interesting conversation with someone the other day about meeting famous people. She's thinking of taking to the streets of Toronto for the Toronto International Film Festival because she's never met a famous person. I don't understand wanting to meet someone based solely on their celebrity.
My grandfather was the head of PR for the CNE so celebrity doesn't have the same meaning for our family. Because we've been exposed to interesting people who are famous for one thing or another, we quickly learned that what makes people fascinating is personality and behaviour as opposed to persona and fame.
There are several famous people I'd like to meet. I've seen them in documentaries or on talk shows and been intrigued by their experiences or perceptions. I want to talk with them about those things. Last night, I dreamt that Robin Williams, Dennis Quaid, Nancy Herkness and I were talking about raising kids. We were a group of people united by our frustrations, pride and love for the children in our lives. It was a good conversation (and entirely imaginary but I blame the actual conversation that started this blog)
Somehow, I doubt that will happen by standing behind a rope to watch someone walk down a red carpet.
How do you feel about fame?
My grandfather was the head of PR for the CNE so celebrity doesn't have the same meaning for our family. Because we've been exposed to interesting people who are famous for one thing or another, we quickly learned that what makes people fascinating is personality and behaviour as opposed to persona and fame.
There are several famous people I'd like to meet. I've seen them in documentaries or on talk shows and been intrigued by their experiences or perceptions. I want to talk with them about those things. Last night, I dreamt that Robin Williams, Dennis Quaid, Nancy Herkness and I were talking about raising kids. We were a group of people united by our frustrations, pride and love for the children in our lives. It was a good conversation (and entirely imaginary but I blame the actual conversation that started this blog)
Somehow, I doubt that will happen by standing behind a rope to watch someone walk down a red carpet.
How do you feel about fame?
Sunday, August 19, 2012
More distractions
My little world is more chaotic than usual. I write to comfort myself. And I read a lot. Right now, fairy tales with a twist are very popular in the young adult market. That makes sense to me.
Oh, how I long to escape back into the world of fantasy that I alone create. I miss writing. House repairs were done today - until I had the first shower in my own bathroom in over ten days. It leaked. Just a tiny puddle at the corner by the tub but it came from behind the tub surround. ACK!
I haven't finished the quilt, been busy with the bathroom repair which had segued to the living room floor as we used the laminate from the middle of the living room. The varnish nearly killed me but didn't bother the birds. I protected them much better than I did myself.
Now the shower leaks. Again. We were so sure we'd got it. Nothing leaked before we reinstalled everything. It has to be the showerhead.
I'm anxious to return to the suburbs of North Carolina so that Nymphs can battle each other. I control all the variables there and rarely, not never, but rarely, does something happen in that world that takes me by surprise.
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Endurance
Closing Ceremonies of London 2012 are over. I feel bereft. 17 days of believing in the best of sport, and the best of humanity. Someday, we'll hold onto that energy longer.
I didn't finish the quilt. I was derailed by emergency bathroom renovations. I had a couple of bad days feeling sorry for myself. Olympic athletes put that back into perspective. No matter how disappointing their day, or their finish, they pick themselves back up and complete their task.
Think of my quilt as a marathon. I may finish last but I will finish.
And once the floors are replaced, I will return to writing. During the Beijing Olympics, we had a Writing Olympics. Many words were written, pages turned in. Maybe that could be my paralympic gold.
What about you? Are you going to continue to enjoy London 2012 and cheer on the para-athletes?
I didn't finish the quilt. I was derailed by emergency bathroom renovations. I had a couple of bad days feeling sorry for myself. Olympic athletes put that back into perspective. No matter how disappointing their day, or their finish, they pick themselves back up and complete their task.
Think of my quilt as a marathon. I may finish last but I will finish.
And once the floors are replaced, I will return to writing. During the Beijing Olympics, we had a Writing Olympics. Many words were written, pages turned in. Maybe that could be my paralympic gold.
What about you? Are you going to continue to enjoy London 2012 and cheer on the para-athletes?
Sunday, August 05, 2012
Threads of memory
My great-grandmother was a milner. She loved fabric and thread, and was brilliant at creating the most wonderful hats that suited each woman perfectly. Last year's hoopla over the Royal Wedding would have filled her with glee. I'm sure her fingers would have itched to be part of that. I've barely worn a hat since she died when I was in my mid-twenties. She was 105 and sharp as a tack for the first 100 years.
Mumma raised my mother when the latter was a teenager. That's a delicate and difficult age and massive kudos to a woman in her seventies taking on such a task. Fortunately, the two had a lot in common and the tough times were minimal. During that time, Mumma taught my mom to quilt.
Fast forward to my own difficult teenage years. My mom hauled out a box of fabric from her grandmother and taught me how to piece them together. Mumma donated a quilt of butterfly applique that she'd never finished towards my education. It was an Olympic year so we set up the quilting frame in the living room and kept busy while we watched Nadia Comaneci, Bruce Jenner and Canada's own Greg Joy. For the next few years, I sewed, embroidered and quilted through the confusing times.
Then I stopped.
I'm not sure why exactly. I know that's about the time I started knitting. I was older and my interests were more outside of the house. I was busy exploring the world.
Last year, I inherited bolts and bolts and remnants of fabric from my friend and her mother. I recognized some of the scraps from different projects but a lot of it was brand new and never been cut. I knew right then what I would do with it all. Well, as much as I could manage.
Part of the challenge lay in the fact that I'd never learned to use a sewing machine. No matter how often my mom walked me through it, it was something I simply couldn't grasp. All of that material had to be hand-sewn. I recruited a friend to help with some of it. She took half the material to cut and machine sew. I took the other half and stared at it for several months.
Then the Olympic ads started. My mom came home from the hospital and helped me organize the fabric into weights, colours and themes. My goal was to get the project pieced together in time to quilt during the Olympics.
I put it on the hoop the night before the Opening Ceremonies. Every day while I watch Michael Phelps, Gabby Douglas and the Canadian women's soccer team, I quilt. I've been posting the daily progress on my Facebook page which caused my aunt to remind me of my great-grandmother who started it all.
My mom is back in hospital. My friend is gone. My great-grandmother long gone. But the threads they have woven in my life are as strong as the thread that pulls three layers of fabric sturdy and true.
Mumma raised my mother when the latter was a teenager. That's a delicate and difficult age and massive kudos to a woman in her seventies taking on such a task. Fortunately, the two had a lot in common and the tough times were minimal. During that time, Mumma taught my mom to quilt.
Fast forward to my own difficult teenage years. My mom hauled out a box of fabric from her grandmother and taught me how to piece them together. Mumma donated a quilt of butterfly applique that she'd never finished towards my education. It was an Olympic year so we set up the quilting frame in the living room and kept busy while we watched Nadia Comaneci, Bruce Jenner and Canada's own Greg Joy. For the next few years, I sewed, embroidered and quilted through the confusing times.
Then I stopped.
I'm not sure why exactly. I know that's about the time I started knitting. I was older and my interests were more outside of the house. I was busy exploring the world.
Last year, I inherited bolts and bolts and remnants of fabric from my friend and her mother. I recognized some of the scraps from different projects but a lot of it was brand new and never been cut. I knew right then what I would do with it all. Well, as much as I could manage.
Part of the challenge lay in the fact that I'd never learned to use a sewing machine. No matter how often my mom walked me through it, it was something I simply couldn't grasp. All of that material had to be hand-sewn. I recruited a friend to help with some of it. She took half the material to cut and machine sew. I took the other half and stared at it for several months.
Then the Olympic ads started. My mom came home from the hospital and helped me organize the fabric into weights, colours and themes. My goal was to get the project pieced together in time to quilt during the Olympics.
I put it on the hoop the night before the Opening Ceremonies. Every day while I watch Michael Phelps, Gabby Douglas and the Canadian women's soccer team, I quilt. I've been posting the daily progress on my Facebook page which caused my aunt to remind me of my great-grandmother who started it all.
My mom is back in hospital. My friend is gone. My great-grandmother long gone. But the threads they have woven in my life are as strong as the thread that pulls three layers of fabric sturdy and true.
Sunday, July 29, 2012
The Daily Tree
My friend Theresa and I started a blog that features a different tree each day. All of the photographs were taken by us. I personally have over 500 photos taken in the last three years. I'm not likely to run out any time as I'm always snapping away at trees. I love them.
I love their resilience, their strength, their vulnerability, their multi-tasking, their home-building, their scent, their food, their complete and total existence. I LOVE them.
Theresa is the one who wanted to marry one she met in Scotland.
Neither that story nor photo have appeared on the blog yet but go over and check out the lovely trees we've shared so far. You might recognize some.
The Daily Tree
I love their resilience, their strength, their vulnerability, their multi-tasking, their home-building, their scent, their food, their complete and total existence. I LOVE them.
Theresa is the one who wanted to marry one she met in Scotland.
Neither that story nor photo have appeared on the blog yet but go over and check out the lovely trees we've shared so far. You might recognize some.
The Daily Tree
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Music heals
As there is no such thing as a stress-free diet, I recommend you take two Motown Icons and call me in the morning.
Not only were my friends and I able to hop on stage with Mary Wilson at her concert in Detroit the other day, we toured Hitsville the following day with Martha Reeves. For a few hours I was able to forget all of my troubles, worries and cares. Do not underestimate the influence their music had on the turbulent 60's. It's easy to dismiss the happy lyrics and bubbling beat as frivolous. I know losing myself in that music, and the experience of rubbing elbows with those two incredible women, put my troubles on the back burner for a few hours. When I had to pick them back up, I had a new optimism, some compassion and a better perspective.
Motown isn't to everyone's taste but I think music appeals to everyone in varying degrees. Even deaf people feel the rhythm. (Marlee Matlin on Dancing with the Stars) What's your musical preference when you need a break from the stress?
Not only were my friends and I able to hop on stage with Mary Wilson at her concert in Detroit the other day, we toured Hitsville the following day with Martha Reeves. For a few hours I was able to forget all of my troubles, worries and cares. Do not underestimate the influence their music had on the turbulent 60's. It's easy to dismiss the happy lyrics and bubbling beat as frivolous. I know losing myself in that music, and the experience of rubbing elbows with those two incredible women, put my troubles on the back burner for a few hours. When I had to pick them back up, I had a new optimism, some compassion and a better perspective.
Motown isn't to everyone's taste but I think music appeals to everyone in varying degrees. Even deaf people feel the rhythm. (Marlee Matlin on Dancing with the Stars) What's your musical preference when you need a break from the stress?
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Many years ago, there was a quiz making the rounds about what kind of flower you are. I posted mine here, in part because it was a great way to connect with my characters. And yes, I liked the attention.
Due to circumstance beyond my current control, I am in a situation with people that are completely unlike me. (See the flower mentioned above for more explanation if necessary) I am a weed in their garden of flowers. When I said that to a friend, he reminded me that weeds are survivors. They grow in the most horrendous conditions, with inconsistent quantities of food, water and sun.
I am a thistle. I'm prickly, purple and thrive regardless of circumstance. I can wilt in great heat but a few drops of water or some shade will revive me. I grow tall and strong and proud. Oddly, I never saw a single thistle either time I visited Scotland.
Because the current project is so plant-based, I am immersed in plant-lore and surrounded by leafy greens, bright splashes of colour, weeds, flowers, flora and fauna of all kinds. It helps that so many of my friends have green thumbs.
If you were a plant, what would you be?
This is growing by my pond
Due to circumstance beyond my current control, I am in a situation with people that are completely unlike me. (See the flower mentioned above for more explanation if necessary) I am a weed in their garden of flowers. When I said that to a friend, he reminded me that weeds are survivors. They grow in the most horrendous conditions, with inconsistent quantities of food, water and sun.
I am a thistle. I'm prickly, purple and thrive regardless of circumstance. I can wilt in great heat but a few drops of water or some shade will revive me. I grow tall and strong and proud. Oddly, I never saw a single thistle either time I visited Scotland.
Because the current project is so plant-based, I am immersed in plant-lore and surrounded by leafy greens, bright splashes of colour, weeds, flowers, flora and fauna of all kinds. It helps that so many of my friends have green thumbs.
If you were a plant, what would you be?
This is growing by my pond
Sunday, July 08, 2012
Random thoughts
If you're a plant-based life-form who eats vegetables, are you a cannibal?
Mulberry trees are condominiums. They support several different species of birds, silkworms, squirrels and raccoons. They protect the house, gobble up carbon and excrete oxygen. You can make jam from their berries. Not that I ever have. I don't get to the berries as fast as the afore-mentioned creatures.
Worry is like a rocking chair - lots of movement, no real activity. Yet we all line our porches with those bits of furniture and talk about spending our retirement in them.
Why are some poorly constructed/plotted/written books HUGELY popular? (not all hugely popular books are badly constructed/plotted/written)
On a related note, education can be entertaining and vice versa. I'm thinking of you, Museum Secrets.
There is simply not enough time in the day to work on all of the projects that are crowded into my brain and work to keep a roof over our heads. Yet somehow, I spend a ridiculous amount of time each day staring at an Osprey chick on the other side of the world.
What's your favourite form ofprocrastination relaxation?
Mulberry trees are condominiums. They support several different species of birds, silkworms, squirrels and raccoons. They protect the house, gobble up carbon and excrete oxygen. You can make jam from their berries. Not that I ever have. I don't get to the berries as fast as the afore-mentioned creatures.
Worry is like a rocking chair - lots of movement, no real activity. Yet we all line our porches with those bits of furniture and talk about spending our retirement in them.
Why are some poorly constructed/plotted/written books HUGELY popular? (not all hugely popular books are badly constructed/plotted/written)
On a related note, education can be entertaining and vice versa. I'm thinking of you, Museum Secrets.
There is simply not enough time in the day to work on all of the projects that are crowded into my brain and work to keep a roof over our heads. Yet somehow, I spend a ridiculous amount of time each day staring at an Osprey chick on the other side of the world.
What's your favourite form of
Sunday, July 01, 2012
I'm not sure about my heroine's personality yet. That makes it difficult to write from her pov, or even her reactions to the hero's actions. I thought I knew her but she's more formal than I expected. And odd. She's odd, quirky odd but odd nevertheless. I blame Big Bang Theory. I watched all three seasons in two weeks and it might have coloured my thoughts about scientists. Where do I get off writing about a scientist? I failed math and science all the way through school. They fascinate me* but I do not understand them. She's very odd. I can't follow her thought processes. Yikes. I might just spend the afternoon writing down her day and stuff so I can get a handle on her.
I do know the music she likes, and what weather makes her most happy. I know what she likes about places and people. I know what motivates her. I know who she loves.
Ah, but she's in the middle of a major identity crisis. No wonder I can't get a handle on her. Any suggestions for how to write from her perspective?
Here's another tree photo. The hero hails from close by
I do know the music she likes, and what weather makes her most happy. I know what she likes about places and people. I know what motivates her. I know who she loves.
Ah, but she's in the middle of a major identity crisis. No wonder I can't get a handle on her. Any suggestions for how to write from her perspective?
Here's another tree photo. The hero hails from close by
Sunday, June 24, 2012
A few observations
This week I learned that if I make plans to write at a particular time for a specific length, then tell people, I will do it.
Peer pressure works on me.
I also learned:
I may never be done research. One thing leads to another then another and somehow everything I've written up to this point dovetails nicely with what I've just learned yet somehow I still need more information so that my characters don't sound like idiots. Although I wonder what the scientific community knows that I don't (plenty!) that they're not making the same connections I am and curing cancer.
Walking the terrain gives me a few shortcuts. I don't have to puzzle out logistics. My characters don't drive 300 miles out of their way to go for dinner. Or to work.
I do not have a large enough vocabulary to describe that awkward first meeting between two characters who will change each other's lives. The descent into cliches is swift and deep.
Some days the words flow. Other days they must be chiseled out of stone with a toothpick.
Taking those observations into consideration, what cliched scene have you read that really worked for you regardless of flaws?
Peer pressure works on me.
I also learned:
I may never be done research. One thing leads to another then another and somehow everything I've written up to this point dovetails nicely with what I've just learned yet somehow I still need more information so that my characters don't sound like idiots. Although I wonder what the scientific community knows that I don't (plenty!) that they're not making the same connections I am and curing cancer.
Walking the terrain gives me a few shortcuts. I don't have to puzzle out logistics. My characters don't drive 300 miles out of their way to go for dinner. Or to work.
I do not have a large enough vocabulary to describe that awkward first meeting between two characters who will change each other's lives. The descent into cliches is swift and deep.
Some days the words flow. Other days they must be chiseled out of stone with a toothpick.
Taking those observations into consideration, what cliched scene have you read that really worked for you regardless of flaws?
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Father`s Day
My dad was posted to Egypt a month after his wedding. The man faced a lot of adjustment when he returned a year later. I was three months old.
A few weeks ago, I found some postcards and letters he wrote to his parents from Egypt. Coincidentally, my aunt came across another one Dad wrote to his brother around the same time. She sent me a copy this week.
Reading them, I`m struck not only by how young he was, 21, but also how much his tone changed. He`s always been a serious man, with moments of great silliness. The letters were much lighter than I expected given his situation. I bought a hassock the other day. Ìf I can`t figure out a way to get rid of the smell, I`m chucking it over the fence.
It was amusing to read about his thoughts on my embryonic self. Mom was convinced I was a boy. He didn`t care as long as I was healthy. His great-grandfather was unwell(in his late 90`s)and Dad hoped he`d that we`d get to meet. We did.
Reading how much he loved the country, the people, I`m reminded of the stories I grew up hearing - sandstorms, camels, and coffee that tasted like seaweed. There was one brief allusion to the Middle East in the 60`s - Everyone changes over here...I think sometimes that we all leave here a little bit crazy.
But he was anxious to come home and be a family with Mom and I.
I`m really happy about the baby. I received a signal Thursday morning at 7:30 am and a telegram at 11 o`clock. We had quite a celebration in the club. It started at 7:30 in the morning and lasted until midnight.There were an awful lot of people who didn`t go to work...I want to know all about our daughter. I`ll be home in fifty-one days. Hurrah!
Dad was stationed at home when my brother was born. As a big sister, I remember all of the excitement. Dad never cared about our gender, health was his concern.
We tested him plenty over the years in that area and many others. We butted heads about politics and house rules, yet he supported us in all of our choices, even when those same choices baffled him.
It`s easy to forget our parents were young, had dreams and expectations of life. Reading my dad`s letters written when he was a young man has provided me with a great deal of insight into his character, a glimpse of the man, as opposed to the dad.
I`m going to transcribe the letters so that my niece and nephew can add a piece to the puzzle that is their grandfather. I wish I`d thought of it sooner to give to Dad for Father`s Day.
The letters confirmed what I already knew. He is quite the interesting man, my dad. I do love him.
A few weeks ago, I found some postcards and letters he wrote to his parents from Egypt. Coincidentally, my aunt came across another one Dad wrote to his brother around the same time. She sent me a copy this week.
Reading them, I`m struck not only by how young he was, 21, but also how much his tone changed. He`s always been a serious man, with moments of great silliness. The letters were much lighter than I expected given his situation. I bought a hassock the other day. Ìf I can`t figure out a way to get rid of the smell, I`m chucking it over the fence.
It was amusing to read about his thoughts on my embryonic self. Mom was convinced I was a boy. He didn`t care as long as I was healthy. His great-grandfather was unwell(in his late 90`s)and Dad hoped he`d that we`d get to meet. We did.
Reading how much he loved the country, the people, I`m reminded of the stories I grew up hearing - sandstorms, camels, and coffee that tasted like seaweed. There was one brief allusion to the Middle East in the 60`s - Everyone changes over here...I think sometimes that we all leave here a little bit crazy.
But he was anxious to come home and be a family with Mom and I.
I`m really happy about the baby. I received a signal Thursday morning at 7:30 am and a telegram at 11 o`clock. We had quite a celebration in the club. It started at 7:30 in the morning and lasted until midnight.There were an awful lot of people who didn`t go to work...I want to know all about our daughter. I`ll be home in fifty-one days. Hurrah!
Dad was stationed at home when my brother was born. As a big sister, I remember all of the excitement. Dad never cared about our gender, health was his concern.
We tested him plenty over the years in that area and many others. We butted heads about politics and house rules, yet he supported us in all of our choices, even when those same choices baffled him.
It`s easy to forget our parents were young, had dreams and expectations of life. Reading my dad`s letters written when he was a young man has provided me with a great deal of insight into his character, a glimpse of the man, as opposed to the dad.
I`m going to transcribe the letters so that my niece and nephew can add a piece to the puzzle that is their grandfather. I wish I`d thought of it sooner to give to Dad for Father`s Day.
The letters confirmed what I already knew. He is quite the interesting man, my dad. I do love him.
Sunday, June 10, 2012
True Love
The reason I write romance, and believe heart and soul in true love:
Fifty years, and many challenges later, my parents are still in love with each other
Fifty years, and many challenges later, my parents are still in love with each other
Sunday, June 03, 2012
Front door
I'm thinking of starting a blog called The Front Door. It will simply be pictures of people's front doors.
The idea was inspired by this one
What do you think?
The idea was inspired by this one
What do you think?
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Plotting
Life is kicking my ass. That happens sometimes. This will come in handy later when I torture my characters. I'll draw on life experience to add depth and reality to their scenes.
In the meantime, I'm plotting what lies beyond this gate...
In the meantime, I'm plotting what lies beyond this gate...
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Contemplating
Spring is here. The weather is lovely, plants are growing, sprouting, blooming. I'm still contemplating all the information I gathered on my research trip to North Carolina. I have to figure out some backstory as it's essential to the why of the plot. I'm piecing together some information and looking at how certain trees thrive in multiple and diverse climates. Once that's done, I plan to sit down and write until the words dry up. Or for a minimum of two hours every day.
In the meantime, here's Brynja's home in Carrboro, North Carolina.
What does it tell you about her personality?
In the meantime, here's Brynja's home in Carrboro, North Carolina.
What does it tell you about her personality?
Monday, May 14, 2012
Research
I was away for two weeks then sick when I came home. My head is awhirl with ideas,not only for the book I went to research but also a few that reached up and grabbed me.
Two weeks ago, I did this
That was my first time ever kayaking. Odd, considering Alex, my last hero, did that for a living. Post-book research. I'm ahead (or behind) of my time.
Last week, I did this
I drove the route to work that my heroine will ride on her bicycle. There were street signs indicating the best way to do that but sadly, I did not have a bike handy. Still, it was beautiful and I'm so glad I was able fill up an SD card with pictures of Brynja's home, work, restaurants and hang-outs. I found the perfect neighbourhood for her as well as a nice clump of ferns in which Bracken can hide his charges.
Nothing beats the experience of walking the terrain your characters inhabit.
Next year, Iceland!
Two weeks ago, I did this
That was my first time ever kayaking. Odd, considering Alex, my last hero, did that for a living. Post-book research. I'm ahead (or behind) of my time.
Last week, I did this
I drove the route to work that my heroine will ride on her bicycle. There were street signs indicating the best way to do that but sadly, I did not have a bike handy. Still, it was beautiful and I'm so glad I was able fill up an SD card with pictures of Brynja's home, work, restaurants and hang-outs. I found the perfect neighbourhood for her as well as a nice clump of ferns in which Bracken can hide his charges.
Nothing beats the experience of walking the terrain your characters inhabit.
Next year, Iceland!
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Writer's vacation
I'm going to be offline for a couple of weeks while I tromp around the Chesapeake Bay area. I'm back to working on Rootless Trees so I'm off to walk the terrain. Iceland, sadly, was out of my budget. I have excellent notes, photographs and memories of Scotland so all that's left is the place where Brynja and Bracken land on their feet. Armed with research notes and plot outline, I'm going to park myself on the beach and writewritewrite.
But first, I plan to explore the area, stay up all night chatting with friends, and immerse myself in a completely different world from the one the characters and I are used to inhabiting.
Anything in particular you want me to take note of?
But first, I plan to explore the area, stay up all night chatting with friends, and immerse myself in a completely different world from the one the characters and I are used to inhabiting.
Anything in particular you want me to take note of?
Sunday, April 15, 2012
100 years later
I've always been fascinated by the Titanic. There is something about the tragedy that has held my attention for as long as I can remember. I think it's responsible for my first awareness of our mortality. "1500 Souls Lost" was the headline that struck a chord. All the movies and documentaries, books and articles, hit at the heart of the fascination. Those souls belonged to real people with real families, real dreams and real plans for the lives ahead of them.
All of their stories deserve to be told. All of their stories need to be heard.
1500 souls, 1500 hearts, 1500 lives.
All of their stories deserve to be told. All of their stories need to be heard.
1500 souls, 1500 hearts, 1500 lives.
Sunday, April 08, 2012
Photographs
Last week, I went to a concert. We had tickets to both the afternoon and evening shows. I spent some time on hair, make-up and dress because I knew we were going to meet the Supreme Mary Wilson between shows. I've been eating better and walking every day. It shows. Not a lot but, my goal of being healthy is definitely noticeable. I felt good about my appearance. Until I looked at the photographs taken between shows. I had no idea that I am so large. Honestly. I'm still agile, fit into older clothes and don't get winded. I was horrified that picture was out there for the world to see.
Then I remembered something someone said to me several years ago. She used to hate having her picture taken for similar reasons. After she lived in Europe for a while she noticed how happy people were to see her, in whatever form they could get. She told me that when people look at photographs, they aren't critiquing your weight, clothes or posture - they see the face of someone they love. The bigger the smile you wear in the photo, crooked teeth and all, the happier it makes the viewer. I started paying attention to how I feel whenever I see anyone's picture and my friend was absolutely correct. I see who they are, not how they look.
So when a video surfaced in which I hopped up on stage for my moment as a Supreme, I overrode my initial reaction of horror and watched it. It was fun. It was clear that we were up there goofing around and having a good time. It didn't matter that I can't dance to save my soul or that I was wearing the only splash of colour up there. Nothing mattered but the memory of how much fun it was to be up there on stage acting out every little fantasy I'd had as a kid. I was a Supreme!
Remember this next time you're reluctant to have your picture taken. You're capturing a moment, an emotion, not a look.
Supreme Joy
Blogger wouldn't let me embed the file but if you click on it you can view it on your own system's video player
Then I remembered something someone said to me several years ago. She used to hate having her picture taken for similar reasons. After she lived in Europe for a while she noticed how happy people were to see her, in whatever form they could get. She told me that when people look at photographs, they aren't critiquing your weight, clothes or posture - they see the face of someone they love. The bigger the smile you wear in the photo, crooked teeth and all, the happier it makes the viewer. I started paying attention to how I feel whenever I see anyone's picture and my friend was absolutely correct. I see who they are, not how they look.
So when a video surfaced in which I hopped up on stage for my moment as a Supreme, I overrode my initial reaction of horror and watched it. It was fun. It was clear that we were up there goofing around and having a good time. It didn't matter that I can't dance to save my soul or that I was wearing the only splash of colour up there. Nothing mattered but the memory of how much fun it was to be up there on stage acting out every little fantasy I'd had as a kid. I was a Supreme!
Remember this next time you're reluctant to have your picture taken. You're capturing a moment, an emotion, not a look.
Supreme Joy
Blogger wouldn't let me embed the file but if you click on it you can view it on your own system's video player
Monday, April 02, 2012
Mirror, Mirror
Life can be hard. It can be full of sorrow, anguish and disappointment. The only thing we can truly control is our reaction. I've been struggling to hold on to my natural optimism. Cynicism had planted seeds, taken root and ruthlessly hogged the sun.
The other day, a good friend shared his view of me and my life. To hear his admiration, and respect, reminded me that there's so much more to my life than the stuff that's been dragging me down. I joke about our mutual admiration society but honestly, we are good mirrors for each other. We reflect the enthusiasm, talent and joy the other feels whenever we think of the other.
Everyone should have someone like that in their life - the mirror that sees you as fairest of them all.
Who is your Mirror, Mirror?
The other day, a good friend shared his view of me and my life. To hear his admiration, and respect, reminded me that there's so much more to my life than the stuff that's been dragging me down. I joke about our mutual admiration society but honestly, we are good mirrors for each other. We reflect the enthusiasm, talent and joy the other feels whenever we think of the other.
Everyone should have someone like that in their life - the mirror that sees you as fairest of them all.
Who is your Mirror, Mirror?
Sunday, March 25, 2012
More to the story
Passing the church on the way to work the other day, I noticed a pile of used toys and a wooden bookcase on the side of the road. A pickup pulled up to the curb and a crew of older men hopped out. One grabbed the bag of toys; another hefted the book case onto the road to shatter it into pieces. My first thought was, "Why didn't they recycle those things?" How wasteful. A few steps further down the road and I wondered if perhaps the book case was irreparable. The truck bed had stacks of broken wood. There's a place in town that pays for wood scraps. It's possible the church had generated some income. I could be wrong with any or all of my conclusions.
It made me wonder how often the conclusion we jump to is the right one. There are so many snap judgements made each and every minute of the day. I don't know what the real story is about the church belongings but for the rest of the day, I made up opposing stories about random things I observed.
The employee walking out the back door and crossing the street towards a coworker's house. Three blocks later, the severely-clad woman reappeared, turned another corner then headed back towards work. Clearly, she was out enjoying the gorgeous Spring weather, not sneaking out to meet up with someone.
The car parked in a neighbour's usual space despite the fact that everyone knew it was the only place the van could park to safely unload the wheelchair. Three days later and the car was still in the spot. Just as the van owner was about to hunt down the car owner and share a piece of their mind, an impartial third-party mentioned the car had been dropped off by a tow truck. The best anyone could hope for was that the car could be pushed forward into another space.
Minor observations but conclusions had been erroneous because there was more to the story than what was initially observed.
What's the strangest thing you've observed that you wish you new the rest of the story?
It made me wonder how often the conclusion we jump to is the right one. There are so many snap judgements made each and every minute of the day. I don't know what the real story is about the church belongings but for the rest of the day, I made up opposing stories about random things I observed.
The employee walking out the back door and crossing the street towards a coworker's house. Three blocks later, the severely-clad woman reappeared, turned another corner then headed back towards work. Clearly, she was out enjoying the gorgeous Spring weather, not sneaking out to meet up with someone.
The car parked in a neighbour's usual space despite the fact that everyone knew it was the only place the van could park to safely unload the wheelchair. Three days later and the car was still in the spot. Just as the van owner was about to hunt down the car owner and share a piece of their mind, an impartial third-party mentioned the car had been dropped off by a tow truck. The best anyone could hope for was that the car could be pushed forward into another space.
Minor observations but conclusions had been erroneous because there was more to the story than what was initially observed.
What's the strangest thing you've observed that you wish you new the rest of the story?
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Found treasures
My friend and I were out for a drive the other day. Headed in no particular direction we were catching up on sad news more than happy stuff. We weren't particularly distressed but both of us mentioned we were drained. We took a right turn, then a left turn and another left. The entrance to a protected woods was before us. The strange quacking call of the wood-frog beckoned us forward. We shrugged, entered and parked the car. There were comical wooden soldiers piled by the mini-putt to the left. Several families were enjoying themselves over there. To the right was a pond with little bridges that led to three separate viewing platforms. We locked our belongings in the car and strode forth. Turtles sunned themselves on a log. With our backs to the mini-putt, it appeared that we had dropped down into an enchanted forest. The frogs sang. The turtles sunned. We recharged. We looked at the other two viewing platforms. One was named Serenity (which always makes me think of Firefly, which is fun but not necessarily soothing) I've forgotten the name of the second. The space where we stood said Be Thankful. We were.
Ignoring my flip flops, we opted to walk along the cleared path and breath in the fresh Spring air. Leaves had curled on the branches of the beech tree like little cocoons. A squirrel had commandeered a bird house for an afternoon nap. One particularly vocal wood-frog revealed his hiding place so that we might marvel at the small body that produced such a deep and powerful voice.
By the time we turned back towards the car, our spirits had risen, our souls been replenished and our worries eased. The external had not changed but we both drove away knowing that we were better equipped to handle the challenges we face.
Have you found some special place that fills you up when you most need it?
Ignoring my flip flops, we opted to walk along the cleared path and breath in the fresh Spring air. Leaves had curled on the branches of the beech tree like little cocoons. A squirrel had commandeered a bird house for an afternoon nap. One particularly vocal wood-frog revealed his hiding place so that we might marvel at the small body that produced such a deep and powerful voice.
By the time we turned back towards the car, our spirits had risen, our souls been replenished and our worries eased. The external had not changed but we both drove away knowing that we were better equipped to handle the challenges we face.
Have you found some special place that fills you up when you most need it?
Sunday, March 11, 2012
The skunk at the garden party
It's hard to laugh in the face of overwhelming sorrow. It's considered disrespectful to give into the urge. I can remember laughing at my grandfather's funeral. So many disapproving faces turned my way. I had remembered my grandfather in a way that gave me joy yet my laugh stood out amongst all the sniffling and tears like the rank odor of skunk at a garden party. I am often that skunk.
Most sorrow comes from losing a loved one. The happier the memories, the greater the anguish. It seems to me the disrespect comes from banishing the good memories to focus primarily on the sense of loss.
There are so many stresses in our lives it seems silly to ignore the things that alleviate any of that for even one moment. I do believe in surrounding myself with joy, love, laughter and animals but that's because they work for me. Good friends are invaluable. Great memories a boon.
Laughter banishes negativity. It doesn't get rid of the health concerns, money worries, mounting pressures but it turns things on their side so that you can see past their huge bulk to a solution.
It always comes back to perspective for me. I need the laugh to remind me life can be full of ridiculous situations. Death comes to all of us. So does life. There are creatures in the dark, delightful creatures who remind us not all is bad or scary. Sunshine burns. Flowers heal or poison. We choose which to ingest, and when. There should be laughter at funerals, tears at birth and skunks at garden parties.
Don't you agree?
Most sorrow comes from losing a loved one. The happier the memories, the greater the anguish. It seems to me the disrespect comes from banishing the good memories to focus primarily on the sense of loss.
There are so many stresses in our lives it seems silly to ignore the things that alleviate any of that for even one moment. I do believe in surrounding myself with joy, love, laughter and animals but that's because they work for me. Good friends are invaluable. Great memories a boon.
Laughter banishes negativity. It doesn't get rid of the health concerns, money worries, mounting pressures but it turns things on their side so that you can see past their huge bulk to a solution.
It always comes back to perspective for me. I need the laugh to remind me life can be full of ridiculous situations. Death comes to all of us. So does life. There are creatures in the dark, delightful creatures who remind us not all is bad or scary. Sunshine burns. Flowers heal or poison. We choose which to ingest, and when. There should be laughter at funerals, tears at birth and skunks at garden parties.
Don't you agree?
Sunday, March 04, 2012
Contrasts
My thoughts today are like the snow falling gently outside my window. Disjointed and scattered until they hit the ground to form some kind of mass that annoys some people while delighting others.
I've loaded my Sony reader with a couple of new books; Demolition Angel by Robert Crais and Spindle's End by Robin McKinley. They are both new-to-me authors and so far I've devoured Crais. I will definitely read more of his. McKinley came highly recommended by several people whose tastes are similar to mine. I finished A little Night Magic by Lucy March two weeks ago and am still thinking about those characters. That's a good thing.
I googled Liselotte von der phaltz. Many years ago, we saw her portrait in the gallery at Heidelberg Castle. She looked a great deal like my great-grandmother. Mumma was alive at the time and confirmed the possibility that the Prussian princess could be a distant cousin. There was an long dead uncle who'd been a bit of a roué which had led to his being exiled from several countries for impregnating daughters of the nobility. Family legends.
I'm on my third cup of tea. I usually only have one for breakfast and one in the evening. My sleep was beset my violent nightmares. I stare out the window and watch the snowflakes flutter past. They are fluffy and the brilliant white that blots out the red horrors of the night.
I continue to glance at the white infant jacket that lies on the table. Three white pearl buttons lie beside waiting for me to sew them on. A shower gift for a friend, I need to finish and wrap for this evening. Perhaps a bit more snow gazing to ensure my energy is focused on the sweetness of a newborn.
Maybe one more tea. Raspberry white tea, full of anti-oxidants and the sweet burst of summer fruit and a healthy contrast to the cool winter morn.
I've loaded my Sony reader with a couple of new books; Demolition Angel by Robert Crais and Spindle's End by Robin McKinley. They are both new-to-me authors and so far I've devoured Crais. I will definitely read more of his. McKinley came highly recommended by several people whose tastes are similar to mine. I finished A little Night Magic by Lucy March two weeks ago and am still thinking about those characters. That's a good thing.
I googled Liselotte von der phaltz. Many years ago, we saw her portrait in the gallery at Heidelberg Castle. She looked a great deal like my great-grandmother. Mumma was alive at the time and confirmed the possibility that the Prussian princess could be a distant cousin. There was an long dead uncle who'd been a bit of a roué which had led to his being exiled from several countries for impregnating daughters of the nobility. Family legends.
I'm on my third cup of tea. I usually only have one for breakfast and one in the evening. My sleep was beset my violent nightmares. I stare out the window and watch the snowflakes flutter past. They are fluffy and the brilliant white that blots out the red horrors of the night.
I continue to glance at the white infant jacket that lies on the table. Three white pearl buttons lie beside waiting for me to sew them on. A shower gift for a friend, I need to finish and wrap for this evening. Perhaps a bit more snow gazing to ensure my energy is focused on the sweetness of a newborn.
Maybe one more tea. Raspberry white tea, full of anti-oxidants and the sweet burst of summer fruit and a healthy contrast to the cool winter morn.
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