With Christmas all cleaned up, Sonia and I decided to head over to Avonport for a little shopping frenzy.
What fun!!!
It may not look like much right now, but just wait for the next show!!
Showing posts with label Excursions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Excursions. Show all posts
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Could this be "The One"?
We are wrapping up the season with one doll remaining to be embroidered and two stockings left to assemble and embroider. Between that, middle-of-the-night vomiting, fevers, and croupy coughing, I've managed to do this: I bought a new sewing machine!!!!!
After a very fulfilling visit to New Minus' Knit and Stitch, I have ordered this gorgeous 625E Sewist Series Janome!!! She has all of the modern features that I was hoping for ... speed control, needle up/down, foot pressure adjustments, extra high presser foot lift and she is GORGEOUS!!
I would like to thank Diane and Wayne of Knit and Stitch for all their support and patience this morning in helping me pick a machine that I think will be right for me - they were friendly, knowledgeable and attentive and I am so glad that I chose their shop for my purchase. Plus, Diane used to make dolls! This not only fostered some great conversation, but also made my sewing machine needs easier to explain. Bonus!
So as I spend my days and nights sleeplessly wiping noses, checking temperatures, changing beds and cleaning up vomit (sorry for the visual!) I have this little sweet to look forward to. Just think of all that restless time I can now spend daydreaming about future creative exploits upon which my new girl and I shall soon embark!!!
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| http://www.janome.ca/ 625E Sewist Series |
I would like to thank Diane and Wayne of Knit and Stitch for all their support and patience this morning in helping me pick a machine that I think will be right for me - they were friendly, knowledgeable and attentive and I am so glad that I chose their shop for my purchase. Plus, Diane used to make dolls! This not only fostered some great conversation, but also made my sewing machine needs easier to explain. Bonus!
So as I spend my days and nights sleeplessly wiping noses, checking temperatures, changing beds and cleaning up vomit (sorry for the visual!) I have this little sweet to look forward to. Just think of all that restless time I can now spend daydreaming about future creative exploits upon which my new girl and I shall soon embark!!!
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Touching Base
Remember when you were a kid and touching base meant you were free - exempt, immune - of being or becoming "it"? While this is not exactly what I was going for when I started this post, it still rings true and rather desirable in my current state of being.
I wanted to drop by to let you know I'm still kicking (and screaming) in the midst of my family's relocation. Things are winding down now, with only 10 days remaining before the move and assurances from all fronts that everything is in place.
Understand my nervousness and skepticism here: the first house we bought closed - with some degree of difficulty and a great deal of stress - in the immediate aftermath of a bank robery. We are able to look back on this day without cringing (too much) by reminding ourselves that we narrowly missed being present at the actual robbery by a matter of about thirty minutes.
You know when they say, "it could have been worse"? That would have certainly been worse.
Imagine my sense of euphoria as the title "Touching Base" emerged and my mind was brought back to simpler times when all you needed to do in a "battle" was touch base. Is this blog my "base"? Certainly I benefit from a degree of escape when I come here and delve into my shadowy mind with no objectives aside from reflection and expression. I'm lucky in that writing awards me a symbolic base that grants me a satisfying reprieve for which I am thankful.
Otherwise I would likely go as nutty as this overly sentimental post might lead you to believe I have already gone.
I wanted to drop by to let you know I'm still kicking (and screaming) in the midst of my family's relocation. Things are winding down now, with only 10 days remaining before the move and assurances from all fronts that everything is in place.
Understand my nervousness and skepticism here: the first house we bought closed - with some degree of difficulty and a great deal of stress - in the immediate aftermath of a bank robery. We are able to look back on this day without cringing (too much) by reminding ourselves that we narrowly missed being present at the actual robbery by a matter of about thirty minutes.
You know when they say, "it could have been worse"? That would have certainly been worse.
Imagine my sense of euphoria as the title "Touching Base" emerged and my mind was brought back to simpler times when all you needed to do in a "battle" was touch base. Is this blog my "base"? Certainly I benefit from a degree of escape when I come here and delve into my shadowy mind with no objectives aside from reflection and expression. I'm lucky in that writing awards me a symbolic base that grants me a satisfying reprieve for which I am thankful.
Otherwise I would likely go as nutty as this overly sentimental post might lead you to believe I have already gone.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Purging for More ... Less
I guess it's time I came to terms. Lately, I've sucked at blogging.
It's true, don't even try to defend me. It's not like I've been busy in other aspects of my life ... relocating, buying and selling a house (and anyone who's ever successfully sold a house with two small kids feels my pain), looking for new childcare, not to mention a new job, and doing endless loads of laundry. Okay, I just stuck that last one in there, but you KNOW what I'm talking about.
Needless to say, things have been rather stark raving mad around here.And a little crazy, too.
So, just so we're clear: I'm moving. To beautiful Wolfville, Nova Scotia. Yippee!
One great thing about moving (cause there's so many wonderful things about moving to choose from...) is that it has helped me in my goal to live more simply. Well, paradoxically anyway. Amongst the whirlwind of activity, I have strived - and had some success in achieving - more ... well, less.
I know, very in vogue with the minimalist culture that has recently become so popular. I'm totally lame.
Lame or not, I have found myself being sucked into this decluttered, anti-multitasking, anti-procrastination uprising. An environment organized through nothing more than simple living is highly desirable to me and totally congruent with our situation.
As some of you may know, I work as a critical care RN in an environment that (sparing the extensive dream-job details) is at best - chaotic. In terms of my speciality (intensive care), embracing chaos is an occupational requirement for success, not to mention survival.
So dispite my distraction from blogging and crafting in the midst of my family's move, I have been examining this 'less is more' persuasion on a rather informal basis and trying to incorporate some of these values into the challenge of downsizing both my home and my life.
Something that I've found rather inspiring and captivating is a blog called Zen Habits created by writer and minimalist Leo Babauta.
With regard to my work, I've decided that my primary role amongst the chaos and technology is to provide comfort for my patient and their family. May seem like a no brainer, but when you've got plummeting vital signs, loudly alarming life support, team members yelling orders, crying, stress-induced body odor, cardiac arrest, running, sweating, prolonged intervals between bathroom breaks, too-unstable-to-move road trips, rapidly depleting bedside stock, devastating prognoses, policies and protocols, skin breakdown, multi-system organ failure and code pager assignment, comfort is often overlooked in favor of sustaining life - to put it 'simply'.
I'm coming to accept that while I can't change many of these things and I may feel conflicted in varying ways much of the time in this setting, I do have the ability to provide comfort within the chaos. I have specialized skills, professionalism and a disposition that fosters comfort, and this is something that I have relative contol over. And this is the simple truth that I am trying to focus on at work.
At home and with our move, I am trying to maintain focus on keeping things as simple as possible. We will be downsizing with this move and accordingly, various aspects of our home are in need of downsizing. All of those dishes you've accumulated since your first appartment - when is the last time you've used them. Likely not since before you bought the 'new' set you got 5 years ago to replace them.
Why do we do this to ourselves?
I'm here to tell you - the sensation achieved through the purging of material possessions is exhilerating. Do you have any idea how much I own that I don't need, use, or in some cases even care about? Of course you do, because you are in the same boat and likely getting wrapped up in the same minimalism net in which I've found myself. Corn-ily stated, yes - but true nonetheless.
This purging is also serving to help the many people who are in need of very basic things, right here in my own community. Whenever I look at something that I don't use or need but have been holding on to because it's really nice OR I might need it some day OR I got a smoking deal on it OR someone gave it to me OR I saved for months to buy it however long ago, I remind myself that someone else may be able to use it right now - that someone might need it right now. And this helps me feel good about my decision to part with the item, and reinforces my sense of selflessness.
As well, this has cut down on much of the casual spending I do with my over abundance of currency. Note the sarcasm... When I'm at the store and I see something that is on sale, potentially useful, that I've always wanted or cool and desirable I ask myself, "Self, do you really need this?" Yes you have space for it in a junk draw somewhere in the house where it can lay idle for the next 5 years, but there must be something that is more worthy of my hard earned and generally lacking funds. I think about the surplus of things I am presently wading through in an attempt to reestablish simplicity. Do I really need to add to that, even before I've truely trialed at overcoming that very thing?
So, unsimply put, this is what I've been at in my absent Third Street days. Hoping to see more of you as this adventure unfolds.
It's true, don't even try to defend me. It's not like I've been busy in other aspects of my life ... relocating, buying and selling a house (and anyone who's ever successfully sold a house with two small kids feels my pain), looking for new childcare, not to mention a new job, and doing endless loads of laundry. Okay, I just stuck that last one in there, but you KNOW what I'm talking about.
Needless to say, things have been rather stark raving mad around here.And a little crazy, too.
So, just so we're clear: I'm moving. To beautiful Wolfville, Nova Scotia. Yippee!
One great thing about moving (cause there's so many wonderful things about moving to choose from...) is that it has helped me in my goal to live more simply. Well, paradoxically anyway. Amongst the whirlwind of activity, I have strived - and had some success in achieving - more ... well, less.
I know, very in vogue with the minimalist culture that has recently become so popular. I'm totally lame.
Lame or not, I have found myself being sucked into this decluttered, anti-multitasking, anti-procrastination uprising. An environment organized through nothing more than simple living is highly desirable to me and totally congruent with our situation.
As some of you may know, I work as a critical care RN in an environment that (sparing the extensive dream-job details) is at best - chaotic. In terms of my speciality (intensive care), embracing chaos is an occupational requirement for success, not to mention survival.
So dispite my distraction from blogging and crafting in the midst of my family's move, I have been examining this 'less is more' persuasion on a rather informal basis and trying to incorporate some of these values into the challenge of downsizing both my home and my life.
Something that I've found rather inspiring and captivating is a blog called Zen Habits created by writer and minimalist Leo Babauta.
With regard to my work, I've decided that my primary role amongst the chaos and technology is to provide comfort for my patient and their family. May seem like a no brainer, but when you've got plummeting vital signs, loudly alarming life support, team members yelling orders, crying, stress-induced body odor, cardiac arrest, running, sweating, prolonged intervals between bathroom breaks, too-unstable-to-move road trips, rapidly depleting bedside stock, devastating prognoses, policies and protocols, skin breakdown, multi-system organ failure and code pager assignment, comfort is often overlooked in favor of sustaining life - to put it 'simply'.
I'm coming to accept that while I can't change many of these things and I may feel conflicted in varying ways much of the time in this setting, I do have the ability to provide comfort within the chaos. I have specialized skills, professionalism and a disposition that fosters comfort, and this is something that I have relative contol over. And this is the simple truth that I am trying to focus on at work.
At home and with our move, I am trying to maintain focus on keeping things as simple as possible. We will be downsizing with this move and accordingly, various aspects of our home are in need of downsizing. All of those dishes you've accumulated since your first appartment - when is the last time you've used them. Likely not since before you bought the 'new' set you got 5 years ago to replace them.
Why do we do this to ourselves?
I'm here to tell you - the sensation achieved through the purging of material possessions is exhilerating. Do you have any idea how much I own that I don't need, use, or in some cases even care about? Of course you do, because you are in the same boat and likely getting wrapped up in the same minimalism net in which I've found myself. Corn-ily stated, yes - but true nonetheless.
This purging is also serving to help the many people who are in need of very basic things, right here in my own community. Whenever I look at something that I don't use or need but have been holding on to because it's really nice OR I might need it some day OR I got a smoking deal on it OR someone gave it to me OR I saved for months to buy it however long ago, I remind myself that someone else may be able to use it right now - that someone might need it right now. And this helps me feel good about my decision to part with the item, and reinforces my sense of selflessness.
As well, this has cut down on much of the casual spending I do with my over abundance of currency. Note the sarcasm... When I'm at the store and I see something that is on sale, potentially useful, that I've always wanted or cool and desirable I ask myself, "Self, do you really need this?" Yes you have space for it in a junk draw somewhere in the house where it can lay idle for the next 5 years, but there must be something that is more worthy of my hard earned and generally lacking funds. I think about the surplus of things I am presently wading through in an attempt to reestablish simplicity. Do I really need to add to that, even before I've truely trialed at overcoming that very thing?
So, unsimply put, this is what I've been at in my absent Third Street days. Hoping to see more of you as this adventure unfolds.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Making Bread and Constructing a Family Quilt
What is it about making something with your hands that feels so therapeutic and fulfilling?
As you read in my last post, I've recently entered into the world of bread making. Making bread is a deep rooted tradition in my family. My grandmother Chaisson has achieved eternal reverence with regards to her best-in-the-world homemade bread.
When we were children, my sisters and cousins and I all lived for Nan's bread - many of us restricted to enjoying this culinary delight during summer vacation and the rare winter visit to Newfoundland. Sometimes Nan would even make bread on those extra special times when she and Pop came to visit us.
I remember watching Nan in fascination as she would knead the dough with diligence and determination; a perseverance worthy of true admiration.
Soon after my virginal introduction to making bread I had a conversation with my mother - also an accomplished family bread maker - and it was she who identified the labour of making bread as therapeutic and cleansing. Getting in there with you hands and pounding out the hearty goodness of the dough for the purpose of providing sustenance and enjoyment for your family truly is a satisfying endeavor.
Moreover, it is a great way to purge tension - much like other physically repetitive activities such as biking or running - providing one with a clear and undistributed mind for thinking things through.
Quilting is another well rooted tradition in my family that unites productive therapeutic activity with the wholesome nature of making something meaningful for someone you love. Selecting fabrics, arranging them in ways that convey a desired mood. Combining these elements in a custom that ensures longevity with the purpose of ultimately forming a single entity designed to provide warmth and comfort is - in my books - a very effective means of expressing love.
One of the especially nice things about visiting Nan and Pop was getting to sleep in one of the old kid's rooms warmly snuggled in one of Nan's quilts. Nan made her quilts with scrap fabrics salvaged from other projects, or from worn out garments within the house - curtains, work shirts, sheets. They were the kind of quilts that hugged you - heavy, big and warm. Their myriad of patterns, fabric textures and colours gave them a unique quality and her use of re-purposed fabrics added a personal touch that made you feel safe and at home.
I am fortunate to have one of these precious specimens upstairs, where it usually resides on my Sweetheart's bed. Decades after it's construction, my grandmother's quilt continues to embrace her family with love and warmth.
It is this degree of love that I hope to convey to my family with the making of my very own family quilt. So far in the process I have assembled my own collection of outgrown, out-fashioned, and plain warn out fabrics that have seen my family throughout its evolution.
This may take me a little bit longer than the two loaves of bread I made for my family, but it is my hope that - like the bread my grandmother made for her family - its sustenance will be felt by the people I love for a long time after its completion.
As you read in my last post, I've recently entered into the world of bread making. Making bread is a deep rooted tradition in my family. My grandmother Chaisson has achieved eternal reverence with regards to her best-in-the-world homemade bread.
When we were children, my sisters and cousins and I all lived for Nan's bread - many of us restricted to enjoying this culinary delight during summer vacation and the rare winter visit to Newfoundland. Sometimes Nan would even make bread on those extra special times when she and Pop came to visit us.
I remember watching Nan in fascination as she would knead the dough with diligence and determination; a perseverance worthy of true admiration.
Soon after my virginal introduction to making bread I had a conversation with my mother - also an accomplished family bread maker - and it was she who identified the labour of making bread as therapeutic and cleansing. Getting in there with you hands and pounding out the hearty goodness of the dough for the purpose of providing sustenance and enjoyment for your family truly is a satisfying endeavor.
Moreover, it is a great way to purge tension - much like other physically repetitive activities such as biking or running - providing one with a clear and undistributed mind for thinking things through.
Quilting is another well rooted tradition in my family that unites productive therapeutic activity with the wholesome nature of making something meaningful for someone you love. Selecting fabrics, arranging them in ways that convey a desired mood. Combining these elements in a custom that ensures longevity with the purpose of ultimately forming a single entity designed to provide warmth and comfort is - in my books - a very effective means of expressing love.
One of the especially nice things about visiting Nan and Pop was getting to sleep in one of the old kid's rooms warmly snuggled in one of Nan's quilts. Nan made her quilts with scrap fabrics salvaged from other projects, or from worn out garments within the house - curtains, work shirts, sheets. They were the kind of quilts that hugged you - heavy, big and warm. Their myriad of patterns, fabric textures and colours gave them a unique quality and her use of re-purposed fabrics added a personal touch that made you feel safe and at home.
I am fortunate to have one of these precious specimens upstairs, where it usually resides on my Sweetheart's bed. Decades after it's construction, my grandmother's quilt continues to embrace her family with love and warmth.
It is this degree of love that I hope to convey to my family with the making of my very own family quilt. So far in the process I have assembled my own collection of outgrown, out-fashioned, and plain warn out fabrics that have seen my family throughout its evolution.
This may take me a little bit longer than the two loaves of bread I made for my family, but it is my hope that - like the bread my grandmother made for her family - its sustenance will be felt by the people I love for a long time after its completion.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
IWK Quilt Fair
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| Our favorite: Blue Pickle by Heather Loney |
The Quilt Fair is being held in the Parker Reception Room at the IWK Health Centre here in Halifax. The event opened on October 21st and runs until this evening (10am - 5pm). Proceeds from the show will be donated to the IWK Auxiliary, to better enable them in achieving their goal to supply items needed for the children, women, and families served by the IWK Health Centre.
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| Checking out the fish on the way to the quilt show |
Sonia, myself and our two daughters stopped by for a visit Thursday evening, and I'll tell ya - these quilters have some seriously awesome quilts to show off! We nabbed a few photos to share, as descriptions will not serve these crafty delights their due justice.
Excellent work by all involved!!
Friday, August 13, 2010
Beijing, Our second week in China
We are often asked "how was your trip?", a questions that is easy and difficult to answer. Aside from amazing it was tough, emotional, exhausting and sweaty. Not only were we in China, which in itself was an amazing experience, we also become parents- something we've been waiting almost 9 years to become. We travelled with three other families adopting children from China, and those little baby smiles were what kept us going.
After a week in Hubei, the province in Southern China where our daughter Aster was born, we all boarded a plane for Beijing. Our flight wasn't until 10 at night, so we were all a little nervous as to how our babies would handle the night time traveling. We were to arrive in Beijing at 2am and we were scheduled for our Great Wall tour the next morning at 9am. All in the their jammies, the babies fared as well as could be expected under the circumstances. Little Aster finally passed out across our laps half way through the flight. Once in Beijing we managed to get our Great Wall tour moved to 10am, though it was unclear what families, if any were actually going to make it.
Through the magic of a few hours sleep we all made it to the Great Wall tour. We were joined by another family who would be with us for our week in Beijing. They were also from Canada and adopted a four year old boy from another Ghinese province. Also joining our tour of the Great Wall was another family from Canada who adopted a daughter from China 13 years ago and had returned to tour her homeland.
The Great Wall was breath taking. Aster was exhausted and slept through the whole bus ride, tour, and half of lunch.
While in Beijing we also visited Tianamin Square, The Birds Nest, Summer Palace and shopped at the Silk Market. Aster, being the super-duper sleeper slept through almost all of it!
While in Beijing we also visited Tianamin Square, The Birds Nest, Summer Palace and shopped at the Silk Market. Aster, being the super-duper sleeper slept through almost all of it!
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| Aster in her Canada Rocks T-shirt waiting to board the plane to Canada |
We are so happy to be home and have the support of our family and friends. Aster is adjusting well and settling nicely in her new home.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Home for good
I'm back!!
Andrea has been hard at work in my absence but I'm almost ready to get behind my sewing machine again. I've been back in Canada for just over a week, returning from a trip of a life time, to adopt our beautiful little girl in China. I have so many photos to share and stories to tell, I'm going to spread it over a a few posts.
We spent our first week in Wuhan, Hubei Province in southern China. Hubei is known as one of the furnace provinces, I can't describe in words the amount of sweat my body produced in that week. It was amazing I was able to produce saliva.
Andrea has been hard at work in my absence but I'm almost ready to get behind my sewing machine again. I've been back in Canada for just over a week, returning from a trip of a life time, to adopt our beautiful little girl in China. I have so many photos to share and stories to tell, I'm going to spread it over a a few posts.
We spent our first week in Wuhan, Hubei Province in southern China. Hubei is known as one of the furnace provinces, I can't describe in words the amount of sweat my body produced in that week. It was amazing I was able to produce saliva.
Here are some photos of our first week in Wuhan.
Wuhan is the third largest city in China, with a population equally almost half the population of all of Canada. The city is very industrial, with many high rise buildings and not a lot of historical architecture. We visited The Yellow Crain Tower on our last day in Wuhan, and honestly it was our first glims of what we thought China looked like. (Aster's asleep in this photo, she loved sleeping in her carrier while Mommy and Daddy toured around)
The view from our hotel room
Here she is! My beautiful little girl, Aster Elisabeth Yun on her last day in Wuhan. Later that day we flew to Beijing for our second week in China. I'll post some more photos soon.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Newest Cloth Doll Listed in the Third Street Corner Store on Etsy.
My Sweetest and I recently did a photo shoot with the newest cloth dolls from Third Street.
This doll was just listed today.
If you get a chance to stop by, she'd be delighted to show you around the shop and introduce you to all her friends.
Hope you all had a great weekend!
Sonia and family are back from China, and we all finally got to meet the adorable Aster.
We had a great weekend!
I'm sure we'll all be treated to some travel stories and pictures in the days to come.
Or, maybe in the weeks to come.
Bear with her folks: she's a new mom.
Did you hear me?
Let me say it again.
Sonia's a mommy!
Yippee Yahoo!!!
Congratulations!!
Saturday, July 24, 2010
I Want to Ride My Bicycle
So I don’t have a very good track record when it comes to biking… I have poor balance, slow reflexes and I’m frequently overcome with a fear of getting injured. Regardless, I love biking.
Three years ago I planned an elaborate mountain biking trip for my brother-in-law and I that went horribly wrong. What we expected would be a couple hours through the woods on an circling trail known as Jimmy’s Round Top turned into the 6 hour lost-in-the-woods ride from hell. Well, to be fair it was probably more like 4 hours from hell. The first two hours weren’t too bad since we hadn’t gotten lost at that point…
One might ask how two adults could get lost on a trail. Couldn’t you just turn around and go back the way you came?
Let me paint you a picture: we are talking the middle of the woods. Woods as in wilderness. As in abandoned hunting camps. Random swampy areas (seriously, we were up to our knees carrying our bikes at one point, in which Scott did not appreciate my light hearted leech humour). Combined with a ‘trail’ long past succumbing to lush overgrowth of forest floor vegetation. Isolation and desolation with a backdrop of evergreens set to the score of singing birds.
I’m talking deep, deep in the woods were no girl – no matter how un girly-girl she may be - should ever find herself, even if she is with one of the greatest guys in the world who followed her without question because she was she and she had a map. That she had printed from a mountain biking website that she later discovered had last been updated in 2002. And required a great deal of interpretation to read. And she had studied the area topographically (sort of…) On a day following a huge rain storm. In September when the days get shorter and it gets down right chilly when the sun goes down. Especially if you are very wet from repeatedly falling hard into rocky mud puddles.
Well, I’ve already said more about that experience than I ever thought I would be able to without the aid of a trained mental health professional and the employment of strong anti-anxiety meds….
Since buying a new bike in the spring, my husband has been rediscovering biking. We’ve been out numerous times this spring and summer on the well known and well maintained community trail by our home. We gear up and head out with the kids in the bike trailer, setting our sights on short jaunts to the river, beaver dam, and playground. A few weeks back we did a big trip to one of the lakes that lives beside the trail for a little snack and a dip. This was about 12km of relatively unchallenging terrain made very challenging by the extreme heat and the near 70lb load in the trailer.
Well, today My Sweetest and I embarked upon a new biking adventure. We decided to drive along the road from our home to Peggy’s Cove, approximately a 60 km round trip. Along the coast sans kids and trailer (thanks Papa-Nanny), just the two of us.
I am delighted to say that we had a blast! We didn’t do the entire trip as planned, only 43km. Yay, right!! And we are both still alive and unscarred!!
We drove from our home to Hacketts Cove where we lunched on french toast and iced tea at the Finer Diner, a gorgeous place overlooking a quaint fishing inlet along the Saint Margaret’s Bay coast. We relaxed for a bit, chatted with neighbouring diners and took in the view before deciding to head back home to the kiddies and grandparents instead of pushing on the additional 10km.
See how much I’ve grown? And I didn’t even bring a map!!
Three years ago I planned an elaborate mountain biking trip for my brother-in-law and I that went horribly wrong. What we expected would be a couple hours through the woods on an circling trail known as Jimmy’s Round Top turned into the 6 hour lost-in-the-woods ride from hell. Well, to be fair it was probably more like 4 hours from hell. The first two hours weren’t too bad since we hadn’t gotten lost at that point…
One might ask how two adults could get lost on a trail. Couldn’t you just turn around and go back the way you came?
Let me paint you a picture: we are talking the middle of the woods. Woods as in wilderness. As in abandoned hunting camps. Random swampy areas (seriously, we were up to our knees carrying our bikes at one point, in which Scott did not appreciate my light hearted leech humour). Combined with a ‘trail’ long past succumbing to lush overgrowth of forest floor vegetation. Isolation and desolation with a backdrop of evergreens set to the score of singing birds.
I’m talking deep, deep in the woods were no girl – no matter how un girly-girl she may be - should ever find herself, even if she is with one of the greatest guys in the world who followed her without question because she was she and she had a map. That she had printed from a mountain biking website that she later discovered had last been updated in 2002. And required a great deal of interpretation to read. And she had studied the area topographically (sort of…) On a day following a huge rain storm. In September when the days get shorter and it gets down right chilly when the sun goes down. Especially if you are very wet from repeatedly falling hard into rocky mud puddles.
Well friends, hindsight is 20/20. I realize now that smart planning can lead to a more foreseeable future if you actually engage your brain. I guess I’m a work in progress.Scott summed up the overall experience several hours into the run. When we came upon a deserted hunting camp in the middle of nowhere, Scott quite seriously stated: ”Oh, crap. This is the kind of place you go to get murdered”. And this was before the panic set in…
Well, I’ve already said more about that experience than I ever thought I would be able to without the aid of a trained mental health professional and the employment of strong anti-anxiety meds….
Since buying a new bike in the spring, my husband has been rediscovering biking. We’ve been out numerous times this spring and summer on the well known and well maintained community trail by our home. We gear up and head out with the kids in the bike trailer, setting our sights on short jaunts to the river, beaver dam, and playground. A few weeks back we did a big trip to one of the lakes that lives beside the trail for a little snack and a dip. This was about 12km of relatively unchallenging terrain made very challenging by the extreme heat and the near 70lb load in the trailer.
Well, today My Sweetest and I embarked upon a new biking adventure. We decided to drive along the road from our home to Peggy’s Cove, approximately a 60 km round trip. Along the coast sans kids and trailer (thanks Papa-Nanny), just the two of us.
I am delighted to say that we had a blast! We didn’t do the entire trip as planned, only 43km. Yay, right!! And we are both still alive and unscarred!!
We drove from our home to Hacketts Cove where we lunched on french toast and iced tea at the Finer Diner, a gorgeous place overlooking a quaint fishing inlet along the Saint Margaret’s Bay coast. We relaxed for a bit, chatted with neighbouring diners and took in the view before deciding to head back home to the kiddies and grandparents instead of pushing on the additional 10km.
See how much I’ve grown? And I didn’t even bring a map!!
We had a great day and hopefully won't be too sore tomorrow.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Together in the Merde
It's raining out.
The kind of rain the quickly reconfirms that you desperately need to replace your no-longer-water-resistant raincoat.
Heavy enough to make you worry about loved ones who are out driving.
Or potential damage to your outdoor plants.
Not the kind of rain that you can enjoy - definitely too cold. Bouncing. Bone chilling.
Another reminder that your gutters need to be cleaned.
The sort of soul-dampening weather that makes you hesitant to do even the most mundane of chores - like 'starting' the laundry - because it defies logic that clothes could dry on such a wet day - even in an electric dryer.
Yes, that kind of day.
A good time to start a new book. Not a good time for starting a less than captivating book - an endeavour guaranteed to result in the sort of boredom that can only be relieved by an unexpected afternoon nap. That will likely be hindered by the deafening rain-racket. Why did you even try to read in the first place - the rain is too damned loud!!
A couple of days ago it was sunny and warm.
My kind of nice: jeans and a top, gentle breeze, not-too-hot sunshine.
Daydream weather. Strolling. Smiling at strangers. Holding hands. Breathing it all in.
Stopping to smell the peonies.
Rain.
This too shall pass.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Reasons today is a great day to mow the lawn
I have a big yard, a push mower that is not self propelled, my husband's away and the grass is out of control. It's all up to me. Truth be told I love mowing the lawn, the smells. the tunes in my ipod, the watermelon scented bug spray... it's a zen experience.
I felt inspired to write a top five list, top five reasons today's a great day to mow the lawn.1. I longed for the intoxicating scent of fresh mowed grass, sweat and sunscreen accented with an after note of watermelon scented bug spray.
2. There are blossoms and buds everywhere. Rhodendrums are in full bloom, the rose bush is full of buds and my yard in lined with blossoming raspberry and strawberry bushes.
3. A purolator truck pulled up my driveway, always a good thing. Is it bad that I wanted to have the driver in for some lemonade? 4. During one of my mowing breaks I was listening to my favorite local radio station and they played my favorite Pearl Jam song, I love when that happens.
5. It's done for another week and for a couple of days I get to admire the mower lines across the lawn.
What fantastic things are you doing today?
Friday, June 4, 2010
What a day for a day sail
Five thirty am comes early on your day off. But today wasn't an ordinary day, today I went sailing out the Halifax harbour and off the coast of Nova Scotia.
It was a foggy morning in Halifax as we left home to drive to the dock yards. The closer we got to the water the foggier it seemed to get. We picked up our friend Katharine (aka anonymous) and made our way to the ship. My husband is a sailor in the Canadian Navy, and today his ship had a special friends and family cruise.
The fog didn't seem to spoil the day though, the ships company had planned demonstrations, exercises and tours. During the sail nothing was off limits, we got to see it all in action. The ship's company demonstrated a few maneuvers, that I'm still not sure I was brave enough to experience. But alas, I am here to tell the story so it wasn't that bad.
I tried to experience all I could, even though I'm a huge chicken. We lived on the edge of the flight deck during a figure eight exercise where they took the ship from stop to full speed in the fastest time possible, then did "rolls" so the ship was on a 30 degree angle and did a full formed figure eight. It was amazing, I was terrified the whole time. My next authentic experience was "a nooner", we ate lunch a little early and Katharine and I experienced a common practice for a sailor (well my husband anyway) we had naps in two of the racks in my husbands mess. It was like being rocked to sleep.
When we got up from our nooner, the fog had lifted to reveal beautiful blue skies, we were on our way back in to Halifax harbour.
A fantastic day!
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Life is Not a Rehearsal
Slightly Off-Center: Treat yourself to some fun this weekend
I'd like to thank Jack for her inspiring words yesterday. Jack writes a blog called Slightly Off Centre where she shares details about her life here in Halifax delightfully accented by great photography and wit.
In her most recent post, Jack embraces the oncoming spring and invigorates her readers by advising them to "shake all the doom and gloom" left over from the winter and to get out and enjoy life. What I found especially inspiring was Jack's reminder that "life is not a rehearsal". I found myself really considering this when I was replying to her question "what fun things do you have planned for the weekend".
As you of course read in a recent post of mine, I just bought a new bathing suit. As you all can appreciate -being the lovely and sensitive people that you all are - this was not an enjoyable experience. Well, that's not entirely true - my surprise bargain at the check-out was quite enjoyable.
For a while now I've been meaning to get a bathing suit so that I can start taking my kids swimming at the pool and later in the lake and beaches that we're lucky enough to have close by. Being dissatisfied with my "Mom" physique, I've been quite willing to stay fully clothed in the dark and cozy world of procrastination. Even though I know in my smarty-pants brain that it is simply unreasonable to deny myself and my kids the enjoyment of swimming simply for the sake of vanity.
So I guess that this weekend I will have to suck it up, put on my oh-so-flattering bathing suit and venture out to the public pool with the rest of the imperfect moms and dads out to show their kids a good time.
This will be hard. But my kids will remember that I went swimming with them and played my heart out and not that my belly is much bigger than it used to be. You know, before they knew me.
Besides, if I keep waiting to look smashing in my bathing suit (and expecting this to transpire by pure osmosis) I'll never get to go swimming with my kids.
And I really enjoy swimming.
And I'll always have the memory of how my sweet little 15 year old body looked in my florescent yellow and blue bathing suit the day that I met My Sweetest at Kinsac Lake all those many years ago....
...Just saying....
I'd like to thank Jack for her inspiring words yesterday. Jack writes a blog called Slightly Off Centre where she shares details about her life here in Halifax delightfully accented by great photography and wit.
In her most recent post, Jack embraces the oncoming spring and invigorates her readers by advising them to "shake all the doom and gloom" left over from the winter and to get out and enjoy life. What I found especially inspiring was Jack's reminder that "life is not a rehearsal". I found myself really considering this when I was replying to her question "what fun things do you have planned for the weekend".
As you of course read in a recent post of mine, I just bought a new bathing suit. As you all can appreciate -being the lovely and sensitive people that you all are - this was not an enjoyable experience. Well, that's not entirely true - my surprise bargain at the check-out was quite enjoyable.
For a while now I've been meaning to get a bathing suit so that I can start taking my kids swimming at the pool and later in the lake and beaches that we're lucky enough to have close by. Being dissatisfied with my "Mom" physique, I've been quite willing to stay fully clothed in the dark and cozy world of procrastination. Even though I know in my smarty-pants brain that it is simply unreasonable to deny myself and my kids the enjoyment of swimming simply for the sake of vanity.
So I guess that this weekend I will have to suck it up, put on my oh-so-flattering bathing suit and venture out to the public pool with the rest of the imperfect moms and dads out to show their kids a good time.
This will be hard. But my kids will remember that I went swimming with them and played my heart out and not that my belly is much bigger than it used to be. You know, before they knew me.
Besides, if I keep waiting to look smashing in my bathing suit (and expecting this to transpire by pure osmosis) I'll never get to go swimming with my kids.
And I really enjoy swimming.
And I'll always have the memory of how my sweet little 15 year old body looked in my florescent yellow and blue bathing suit the day that I met My Sweetest at Kinsac Lake all those many years ago....
...Just saying....
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Thrift Trip
I took a short run to Value Village today and found a few little gems for my "studio space." Stop laughing, Sonia. I can call the messy space in my sun room anything I want. Eventually, when I have a space all my own (again, enough with the laughing!) for doing all the crafty things that I love, I will have lots of cool and inspiring things to use for decorating the space.
This is what I found on my thrift trip today ...
A 1969 reprint of the Metropolitan Opera House poster for its October 22, 1883 Opening Night presentation of Faust.
Plus, three mint glass medicine bottles (poorly captured in this picture, sorry). Perfect for storing potions and other concoctions one may have need of storing.
Another unexpected thrifty find at a non-thrift retailer:
A Nike swimsuit that rang in almost $50.00 lower than it's tagged price. Cha-ching! I mean, if you're going to buy a swimsuit and subject yourself the the sort of self pitying/ridicule that goes along with the whole change-room encounter, than the least the store can do is knock $50.00 off the price, right?
I'm so glad the cash register agreed. Surprisingly, I did not photograph the swimsuit. Sorry to disappoint.
There was a girl in front of me in line at Value Village who was buying a smashing bikini that would have photographed well, though. The funny part was that while the sales person was ringing in her order, she got a call on her cell. She proceeded to apologize to the person calling for failing to meet them earlier in the morning as she had been called out of town. Wow. That's some bikini.
Not that I was eavesdropping.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
For Your Reading Pleasure
In the market for a new home? Me neither, however....
On our way out of the grocery store last evening my husband grabbed a real estate booklet from the rack by the door. I'm not entirely sure why... Maybe it was serendipitous, because there was a listing that really caught our eye. A modest three story brick house with attached two car garage, landscaped yard and a bonus fourth level observation dome.
Check out the description that was included with the picture:
Okay, call me crazy. Like you haven't done that before.
But -
If you were in the market for a home equipped with an elevator and indoor pool, not to mention the luxuries of location and design implied in a $1.7 million purchase, and had the bizarre experience of actually finding one ready made and for sale (because, we all know that you would find said home in the gratuit real estate booklet sitting on the wire rack by the grocery store exit) I just don't see how a fenced backyard would play into the equation.
This description is less than thirty words in length. Luckily they managed to squeeze in the bit about the fenced yard (exclamation mark). I can see how it really ties in with the (capital L) "luxury" image they are trying to portray. All before they even mention the lesser Luxurious ELEVATOR, indoor pool and hot tub. Sorry, I added those caps.
I guess this is what hiring someone to sell your million dollar home gets you. A thirty word laughable blurb in a free booklet that is more likely to shield a toddler's bum from a rain-soaked grocery cart than to see the hands of a wealthy individual desperately seeking prime Luxury real estate.
I would think that if you could afford to buy a $1.7 million home, then you could hire someone to build you an fence, if a fence was in fact an essential feature. I mean, rather than holding out for a fully completed and available home with exquisite finishes, spectacular views, indoor pool and hot tub, an elevator, a 360 degree observation room AND a fenced back yard. Because you can find plenty of houses like that in the free Real estate booklet available at your local bank or grocery store.
I guess it's just easier to make a point if you have more than thirty words. If only someone with a budget befitting the purchase of a million dollar home would pay me for my time. Then I'd never have anything bad to say.
Because I would own this house.
Hey, we've been looking for a fenced yard for our kids & pets. Oh yeah, exclamation point.
On our way out of the grocery store last evening my husband grabbed a real estate booklet from the rack by the door. I'm not entirely sure why... Maybe it was serendipitous, because there was a listing that really caught our eye. A modest three story brick house with attached two car garage, landscaped yard and a bonus fourth level observation dome.
Check out the description that was included with the picture:
Cul-de-sac Luxury! Beautifully detailed w/ exquisite finishes! Spectacular views & fenced yard for kids and pets! Elevator, indoor pool & hot tub!
We were on the fence until the part about the fenced backyard. Pun intended.$1, 685, 000.
Okay, call me crazy. Like you haven't done that before.
But -
If you were in the market for a home equipped with an elevator and indoor pool, not to mention the luxuries of location and design implied in a $1.7 million purchase, and had the bizarre experience of actually finding one ready made and for sale (because, we all know that you would find said home in the gratuit real estate booklet sitting on the wire rack by the grocery store exit) I just don't see how a fenced backyard would play into the equation.
This description is less than thirty words in length. Luckily they managed to squeeze in the bit about the fenced yard (exclamation mark). I can see how it really ties in with the (capital L) "luxury" image they are trying to portray. All before they even mention the lesser Luxurious ELEVATOR, indoor pool and hot tub. Sorry, I added those caps.
I guess this is what hiring someone to sell your million dollar home gets you. A thirty word laughable blurb in a free booklet that is more likely to shield a toddler's bum from a rain-soaked grocery cart than to see the hands of a wealthy individual desperately seeking prime Luxury real estate.
I would think that if you could afford to buy a $1.7 million home, then you could hire someone to build you an fence, if a fence was in fact an essential feature. I mean, rather than holding out for a fully completed and available home with exquisite finishes, spectacular views, indoor pool and hot tub, an elevator, a 360 degree observation room AND a fenced back yard. Because you can find plenty of houses like that in the free Real estate booklet available at your local bank or grocery store.
I guess it's just easier to make a point if you have more than thirty words. If only someone with a budget befitting the purchase of a million dollar home would pay me for my time. Then I'd never have anything bad to say.
Because I would own this house.
Hey, we've been looking for a fenced yard for our kids & pets. Oh yeah, exclamation point.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
A Sweet Little Valentine's Treat
Warning : The following post may be a little sickeningly sweet and smothered in an air of gloating. Consider yourself forewarned. I apologize in advance.
I got a new toy today. After depositing the youngsters onto their grandparent's for a fun-filled Saturday visit and sleepover (thanks guys!!), My Sweet and I went out to do a little shopping, kiddie-free. Mostly this means that we get to look at things we want to see, not just toys and enticing cakes in the bakery.
We eventually found ourselves at Future Shop for a little perusing. I've been wanting a laptop for a little while now, and it took delightfully little prompting to convince My Sweetest that acquiring a new laptop would be in our best interest. A man who needed little coaxing to spend money on electronics. Shocking, I know.
So here I am, home with my very own new Sony Vaio laptop. It's RED - you know, for Valentine's day. And shiny. It probably tastes like chocolate, too, but I haven't investigated that part of it's features quite yet. Mostly I've been sending My Sweetest silly notes on Facebook while he sits ten feet away on our home computer. I asked if he was up for a little bit more cyber fun but he said he had a virtual headache. Darn.
I know, I'm pathetic and not even a little bit funny. But please don't mind my gloating, I rarely get a toy of my very own, and I'm very excited about this one!
Yay for me!
READ AT OWN RISK!
I got a new toy today. After depositing the youngsters onto their grandparent's for a fun-filled Saturday visit and sleepover (thanks guys!!), My Sweet and I went out to do a little shopping, kiddie-free. Mostly this means that we get to look at things we want to see, not just toys and enticing cakes in the bakery.
We eventually found ourselves at Future Shop for a little perusing. I've been wanting a laptop for a little while now, and it took delightfully little prompting to convince My Sweetest that acquiring a new laptop would be in our best interest. A man who needed little coaxing to spend money on electronics. Shocking, I know.
So here I am, home with my very own new Sony Vaio laptop. It's RED - you know, for Valentine's day. And shiny. It probably tastes like chocolate, too, but I haven't investigated that part of it's features quite yet. Mostly I've been sending My Sweetest silly notes on Facebook while he sits ten feet away on our home computer. I asked if he was up for a little bit more cyber fun but he said he had a virtual headache. Darn.
I know, I'm pathetic and not even a little bit funny. But please don't mind my gloating, I rarely get a toy of my very own, and I'm very excited about this one!
Yay for me!
Thursday, February 11, 2010
The Abundant Ground Foundation - Haiti Orphanage - Active Doll Drive
Sarah Hanson, over at Dolly Donations is hosting a dolly donation drive in partnership with The Abundant Ground Foundation to raise dolls for the 181 orphaned Haitian children, aged birth to 12 years, living in their orphanage in Haiti.
The dolls are due in The Abundant Ground`s New York office by March 31st for shipment to Haiti. Please refer to Sarah`s post for all of the details.
Sarah even includes a free doll pattern and video tutorial on her site for anyone who wants to make a doll to donate but is not familiar with doll making.
Sarah even includes a free doll pattern and video tutorial on her site for anyone who wants to make a doll to donate but is not familiar with doll making.
We encourage anyone in the Halifax area interested in participating to contact us in advance so we can arrange for combined shipping to New York.
So, let`s all get sewing!
We want to see an abundance of severed doll limbs lying around awaiting assembly!
Addendum:
If the number of dolls received by The Abundant Ground Foundation is in excess to the number of children housed at the orphanage, the Foundation will see that the extra dolls are distributed to the children of the surrounding area who have nothing to call their own.
Addendum:
If the number of dolls received by The Abundant Ground Foundation is in excess to the number of children housed at the orphanage, the Foundation will see that the extra dolls are distributed to the children of the surrounding area who have nothing to call their own.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Quilting Exhibit
In September Sonia and I took a drive out to Mahone Bay with some family. Our uncle was visiting from Newfoundland and we were hoping to dazzle him with the beauty of the south shore - an experience that never fails to impress - I assure you!
While window shopping amidst the salt water and late summer flowers, we made our way to the Mahone Bay Settlers Museum which was featuring an elaborate Quilting Exhibit - much to our delight!
Of course, I know that it is February. But travel with me, if you will, back to that lovely warm September day. A little delusional thought never hurt anyone before...
A beautiful exhibit featuring some stunning quilting and hand embroidery.
Excellent inspiration!
We enjoyed ourselves very much!
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Trick or Treat !!
Happy Halloween everyone !!
I just wanted to share a bit of Halloween as it was around our place earlier this evening. Julia dressed as The Little Mermaid with a custom made crown by moi (well, Jules helped too) and Dylan was a gorgeous pumpkin.
We had a great time trick or treating as we went with my cousin Jasmine, her boyfriend Derek and their gorgeous ballerina mouse daughter Aliyah. We had so much fun watching the girls run from door to door; after every house, Jules would run down the driveway to me or Shawn (whoever was at the wagon with Dylan) and exclaim "I got a treat!" Very cute.
And also very cute...
Now sleep tight and don't let the goblins bite!
Trick or treat !!
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