Embrace Life

*8 Things: I've learned (or re-learned) in 2009

Years ago, before marriage and children, I was told that time would fly by when I had children, and fly by faster the older they got. How right they were! I cannot believe how quickly this year has passed, I have whiplash from all of the happenings in 2009! So many stories, so many opportunities, bright spots and disappointments, so much learned:

1. Your friends are your friends, they are not necessarily the people with whom you spend most of your time. Sometimes you are with people due to circumstance, not choice. It is wonderful when circumstance and choice are the same, but that is not often the case. Never confuse the two and be sure to support those who do and suffer the disappointment.
2. Automate at least two meals every day and make one of those meals breakfast. We are faced with too much choice, your brain cannot engage without energy. The answer? Eat the exact same breakfast every single day. You'll feel better. Thanks, Dr. Oz. I do!
3. You are the only advocate your children have, so advocate. Show them you support them. Things might not work out the way your child might like - the first time, or even the second time, but as long as they always see that you are their greatest cheerleader, the rest doesn't matter.
4. If given a choice, say "yes".
5. An oldie, but goodie: Anonymity is a cop out. If you're going to say it or write it, sign it. And please, if you cannot attribute comments, don't tell me. I don't want to know. Really.
6. You can't choose your children's friends. They'll figure it out. You can be there to advise, to nod, to hug and pick up the pieces. Oh, and just because you are friends with the parents does not automatically make the kids get along, in fact, often it's the opposite. But, surprisingly, if the kids get along, so do the parents. Interesting.
7. When your blackberry is just not working, remove the battery, wait a minute, put the battery back in and let it power up. I don't know why it works, it just does!
8. There is always a bright side. It is up to you to decide to see it. I'm learning that happiness is a decision. Smile, even when you don't feel like it. Who knows, someone might just smile back.

There was so much more; but, another thing I'm learning, those things that come naturally, ideas that rise to the surface (or finger tips) most quickly are the exact right ones. They represent your heart's desire most accurately and effectively. This list of things I'm learning and re-learning were the first that came to me. So there you have it.

Have yourself a wonderful New Year! Here's to all the new lessons to learn in 2010.

Cheers!

Rachelle, aka Magpie Girl, started *8 Things to quiet her "monkey mind" and I embrace it for much the same reason: therapy! If you're looking for a place to keep your lists, you might want to consider *8 Things.

Wishcasting Wednesday: New Year

Oodles of posts for the new year, all full of intentions and goals.

Today Jamie asks:

What do you wish for 2010?

My prevailing wish is for kindness. No, more than that. I wish that everyone would consider and adhere to that lovely golden rule we were all taught as children: do unto others as you would have others do unto you. It is just about the ONLY rule in my house. I think it should be the only rule for anyone. Imagine all the terrible crap that would be avoided in the world. Is that too big a wish? Can we not just treat others the way we wish to be treated ourselves? All I can do is start in my home and hope to influence a few others.

Cheers.

Enjoy your New Year!

What is your wish? Each Wednesday morning, I eagerly anticipate the assignment from Jamie at Jamie Ridler Studios (though today I got distracted and headed over late today, like only minutes ago!) If you're looking for a bright spot in your day, head on over to check her out.

Word 2010: Focus

Do you see all of those water droplets on the spider web above? They would be a pretty good representation of those things I have going on in my life on any given day. There are big droplets, little droplets, fuzzy droplets, droplets that just happen to be there to make the web look pretty, and droplets completely in focus.

This wet web is the perfect photographic metaphor for my life, now, today.

Sometimes my life can be overwhelming, but most of my days are no different from those of anyone else. There is always something to do. There are always things that are more and less important.

After my year (at least) of spinning in place, I really need something else. I considered the words "order" and "control", and; though they both came close, neither offered the spontaneity required in a busy family with kids in various sports and activities. In as much as there is perceived order in a sport and school schedule, we have to be constantly available and prepared for a change: an added practice, a re-scheduled game, a new concert, a sick child, the never-ending chaos I would give up for nothing else!

First order of business? Put a system BACK in place. My home is my "work", raising my kids is my "work", writing is my "work", and for years I had a system. It was a Control Journal,  à la Flylady, which was a guideline for the chaos of raising four kids who were born within a span of five years, who were at an age that there was some sense of schedule. The past couple of years that control has gone by the wayside, by necessity, but is sorely needed now. I twigged on this when I considered my word for 2010 and when I read this article on The Boss of You. I need a system. Something not quite as involved and rigid as my Flylady Control Journal, but one that would add some control into the break-neck pace of our now-entering-adolescence existence. I need to FOCUS on what works best for our family and go from there.

Over the next week, I'll share my ideas and the format I'm planning on using to incorporate more focus into my 2010. The idea of getting things organized, lists made and gaining some focus is very freeing, in a wonky way. You'd think putting a plan together might make you feel all tied up, and I suppose for some it does, but, for me? I feel free, lighter, joyful.

Loving the idea of FOCUS so far!

My List of things to FOCUS on in 2010
(aka, my accountability list)

Lose 10 pounds each month

Walk 10,000 steps each day

Read 2 novels each month

Complete 365 layouts by September 30, 2010

Continue to say "yes" as often as possible

Organize all photographs - digital and physical

Monthly Field Trip to ROM, AGO or a play, in Toronto

Take kids to swim with dolphins

Clean out and synchronize Macs regularly

Blog every day to exercise writing skills

Complete all incomplete creative projects

Send real letters and birthday cards, not electronic

additionally ...

Participate in Weekly Gratitude Project each week

I'm looking forward to scratching each of those items off the list as they are completed and thoroughly enjoyed. What are your plans for 2010?

(I cannot remember when or where I stumbled upon the photo, and I neglected to keep track of who the brilliant photographer might be and who to thank for this visual. For that I am immensely sorry.)

My Best Shot Monday: Christmas Eve

I try to confine Christmas to one room so it doesn't take over every part of our lives in December. This was a fun shot as I got it all in: Nativity, Nutcrackers, Tree and Stockings. The kids did all of the decorating this year, without any input from me, and no corrections were made while they weren't looking. Things may have been a bit askew, but Christmas is for kids, right? You'd never know it from this shot, one of my favourites this holiday.

Caden's favourite?

He's a raw meat kinda guy.

Do you have a photo to showcase? Be sure to join in My Best Shot Monday, go here for details :)

2010: resolutions, plans, intentions, goals?

Given that this is the season, as expected, there have been a huge number of posts and much chit-chat in the blogosphere about moving forward into 2010. It has been fascinating reading. What posts have you enjoyed? Be sure to share.

This was asked on the brilliant new Spring: Inspiration in Bloom blog: January's conversation topic is a big one: Intentions and the New Year. As you can imagine, we all have *much* to say about this subject, but we'd also love to hear your thoughts! Do you set intentions? Do you have any tried and true resolutions? Do you think there is a difference between intentions. resolutions, and goals? We would LOVE to know what thoughts, fears, ideas, and insights you brilliant people have around this topic. We'll be taping our video later this week, and it will be released in January, so please comment below, the sooner the better! it really struck a chord in me. In a few of us. The responses are wonderful and I look forward to the presentation in January.

My response (comment #2): 

I believe the reason most of us fail at "New Year Resolutions" is that we take on the biggest, least attainable, thing we can find, or the biggest list we can find, or biggest flaw we perceive, and overwhelm ourselves with the need for the resolution to be met with immediate results. We fail before we even start because the mountain is just too high to clear in one leap.

I think resolution, intention, goal can be used interchangeably, but "resolution" has been given a bad rap.

I don't necessarily set resolutions. Though, for 2010, I have set forth a plan, a real one, with coloured markers and calendar, with a beginning, middle and end. I am learning to keep the goal attainable and work toward it in manageable chunks. Some months, I expect, will be better than others. For example: one goal for next year is to lose 100 pounds. If I constantly wrote down 100, I'd scare myself half to death; and, eat a bag of really salty chips to soothe my fear! So, I've given myself a year to lose +/- 10 pounds each month. The focus is on the 10, on the process, not on the end. My need for gratification will be greeted each month rather than waiting for the end. This process may start on January 1, but I've spent the last six weeks or more, researching the best way for me to succeed, I've laid a path for me to follow in order to insure my best chance for success.

It keeps me accountable. It keeps my goals manageable. Achievable. It keeps me mindful, intentional on a sustainable path.

The part of the resolution not included in my response, (because some form of self flagellation is always required with a resolution, isn't it?), I've decided to deprive myself of any form of new clothes purchasing for the duration of 2010. I'm not a fashionista, by any stretch, but I do like looking good and wearing nice things. The problem is that even though clothes are available to those of us on the other side of size 20, they are made to go around, but rarely are they made to cover your butt, let alone your belly. What is more disgusting than a chubby person with a midriff baring top? Not much, I can tell you! At 5'11" this does create a bit of a problem. I could easily fix this problem by clicking away at Silhouettes and get some gorgeous tunics, but really, I'd like to simply get what I need when I need it! How best to do that? Fit into clothes readily available. How best to do that? Lose a bunch of weight. Sounds oh so simple. We'll see!

Continuing on the topic of resolutions, the brilliant Gretchen Rubin, from The Happiness Project has proposed monthly resolutions in an effort to make 2010 a happier year. A Year of Resolutions Challenge! Not only that, but she's proposed that we take action, sign a pledge, holding us accountable for our resolutions. You'll find me there, #1505. Her monthly outline looks like this:

• January--Body
• February--Love
• March--Work
• April--Money
• May--Mindfulness
• June--Order
• July--Spirit
• August--Fun
• September--Parenthood
• October--Friends
• November--Attitude
• December--Boot Camp Perfect

As she says, these categories are just suggestions. The important thing is to get started. Whenever you read this, and wherever you are, you are in the right place to begin. Mind you, I don't know what "Boot Camp Perfect" is in December, but hey, gotta get through 11 months before I have to worry about it!

And, on her advice, I did visit the Woman's Day Happiness Project and it is overflowing with oodles of good stuff! Be sure to check it out, much happy stuff can be found, even if you you're reluctant and moody (sometimes I find the holidays make me cranky and appreciated the quick tips and tricks).

My plan this year, as you know is to FOCUS on many aspects of my life. This is a nice, simple, realistic plan. It doesn't mean the other aspects will be ignored, but each month, FOCUS will be put on the calendar topics as Gretchen outlined above. 

I really believe we can attain much more, happiness, productivity, results, joy, when there is a plan in place. As mentioned previously, I got away from doing lists and calendars and have spent the last couple of years flying by the seat of my ever-expanding pants. I just spent the past week organizing, on the computer and in my blackberry, a comprehensive calendar, lists, my plan. I'm really proud of what I've managed to create, so far. I'm thrilled with the direction I'm going.

Are you planning? What are you planning? Do you have resolutions? plans? intentions? goals?

For Today ...

(inspired by the Simple Woman's Daybook)

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW ... the spectacular sunrise over the lake quickly converted itself to a blah and grey day which is making it feel like sunset was far earlier than scheduled.

I AM THINKING ... it would be nice to be a teenager again, or even an almost teenager, my girls slept until after 1PM this afternoon! (Cole and Louis left for Alliston at 7:30 and Caden joined me for a morning in the kitchen.)

WE ARE LEARNING … to slow down and relax, enjoy the season, enjoy each other. It's been fun. It's been enlightening.

I AM THANKFUL FOR ... foot massages (provided by Chloe with Peppermint Intensive Foot Rescue from the Body Shop)

FROM THE KITCHEN ... we're still eating leftovers, yummy. That standing rib roast went a long way!

I AM WEARING ... comfy black pants, a bright green hoodie sweater and slippers.

I AM GOING ... to get my laptop organized by the end of the day today if it kills me!

I AM READING ... file names, document names, all kinds of names.

I AM CREATING ... order.

I AM HOPING ... the boys play better tonight then they did this morning (a squeaker 2-1 win, Louis scouting report: the boys were flat).

I AM HEARING ... the kids laptop, I've just requested, again, the use of ear buds.

AROUND THE HOUSE ... it looks like all four kids have been home just about every minute of the day for the last week or so. Oh, yeah, that's right ... they have!

ONE OF MY FAVOURITE THINGS ... folding laundry while watching the news.

A FEW PLANS FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK ... hope to head to Alliston to watch Cole and Rangers play three games, fingers crossed; going skating with the kids; hoping for snow to go sledding with the new saucers; learning to use Chloe's new fancy hot chocolate maker; maybe even do some of the baking I didn't get around to ... at all, this holiday!

A PICTURE TO SHARE ... Ah, the holidays by the light of the laptop! The room was completely dark - this was taken without a flash using my 50mm/1.4 lens. Love it! Cole is enjoying his downtime. He had no hockey for three whole days! Time was spent catching up on Facebook and YouTube videos. I rarely even knew he was in the living room except for the occasional escaped giggle or full-blown belly laugh.

2010: Creative Endeavours

Squam Art Workshops, Squam Lake, NH. Image found here.

I'm getting a bit light-headed. I've been taking a lovely creative research journey through the land of links, more links and then a few more! There are so many creative opportunities available, especially to an internet e-course junkie like me!

I see this at Persisting Stars and drool over the possibilities, after all, "yes" is one of my favourite words! Then there is a plethora of brilliance at Shimelle.com and over at Big Picture Scrapbooking and upcoming at Feeling Scrappy. Get it Scrapped has tons to offer, as does Jessica Sprague. The Goddess Guidebook is filled with ideas to tweak your creative spirit and aid your journey. Jamie Ridler always has something going on over at her studio. There is a new e-course offering by Marisa at Creative Thursday. I'm sure the lovely Susannah Conway is going to offer her Unravelling courses again.

I can barely stand the temptation!

But, instead, I'm going to be spending 2010 following my own journey, not one designed by someone else. Though, I'm not flying solo, my course will have a guide, some structure:

I hope to participate, consistently, at:

Creative Therapy

Creative Everyday

Weekly Gratitude

and maybe,

Method Playground

as well as on the occasional challenge, page call and ideas over at:

Ella Publishing Co.

Write.Click.Scrapbook.

and for productivity, I plan to continue to participate in

12of12

(I'm looking for a simple 12-photo quick page, if anyone knows of a good one, or has one to share, send it to me, please!)

and my project 365

(and I think I've finally decided on a presentation format, yay me!)

for which I've found a natural offshoot:

Project 12

as well as the ambitious but not to be missed

LayOutADay Challenge hosted by Lain Ehmann

and continue my

365 Layouts Challenge

which was inspired by Lain's October LOAD challenge

with hope that some other brilliant, creative, opportunity arises. Who knows, it may have already. There are quite a number of inactive challenge blogs filled with still-brilliant ideas. I plan on checking out One Little Word, The Art is Found, The Journaler's Junction, for some inspiration.

Oh, and maybe finish up all of those other e-course projects I've started and left in various states of incomplete throughout my studio!

If I'm really good, really well behaved and finish every project I start, I even have a reward for myself. For the last couple of years I've really, really, wanted to attend the Squam Art Workshop in the fall. How's that for planning ahead? I can't wait for January 4th when they post the new courses and details!

Where are your favourite places to play? Am I missing out on some great place? Some creative opportunity that has passed me by? 

Beauty in Imperfection

In lieu of SOOC Saturday, but still on the topic of photography, my reflection of participating in a Photo A Day for 365 Days ... just in case you're interested :)

I love rustic and this was one of my favourite photos of this year. I took it while at the family reunion in Pontiac, Quebec this summer. This is in it's un-altered, un-cropped, un-straightened, un-photoshopped, naked state. The alternate shot to the one I chose for Day 212: July 31, 2009.

The lesson I learned while participating in Project 365 through all of 2009 is that often there is more beauty found in imperfection than anywhere else. Beauty can be found anywhere, it just depends on lighting, angle and the feelings, emotions and memory a subject evokes in the viewer.

Taking a photograph a day for a whole year was a huge project and I am thrilled to have participated. It did not feel like a chore, ever. Sure, there were lulls, when life got a bit out of hand and I had to remember late in the evening to get a quick capture, but really, it was a great excuse to find the small details that make our life ours. A child sleeping with an open laptop a la Claire; towels left on the bathroom floor a la Cole; full sink of dirty dishes left to overcome and laundry to be folded; the small things at the end of the day, evidence of a day well lived.

The actual photo taking was not a chore. I always thought I never left home without a camera in hand; I was wrong. This exercise really forced me to grab the camera and take photos with purpose. I discovered beauty where I thought there was none, and found flaws in what I thought was flawless.

Wow. A project I not only started but finished - well, I will finish. After all, there are only a couple of days left! My failure? Not uploading them all to be viewed on the blog dedicated to that particular portion of the project. I'm hoping to get that done by December 31st at midnight! Thank goodness I didn't embrace the scrapbook/crafty idea, that would have been totally out of control. Though, I am considering turning it into a coffee table book.

The project is about to start again. This time around, I'm hoping to be consistent and post each week the seven photos of the prior week. Not only that, but now that I've conquered my fear of the "text tool" on Photoshop Elements, I might even document what the photo was about or what inspired me to take it! Who knows, I might even join a Flickr group (there are oodles of them) and hold my photos up for *gulp* criticism. Well, maybe only the best of the bunch :)

Did you participate in the POTD or 365 Project in 2009? What lessons did you learn? Did you discover a favourite lens, venue, subject?

Oh, and altered, cropped, straightened, photoshopped, dressed, the above photo looks like this:

I am a bit of a purist, I think you should do what you can with your camera, your settings, your lenses and not depend on software to get the look you were going for in the field, studio or wherever you happen to be. But, sometimes, a bit of colour saturation is really nice ;) I'm also enjoying knowing how to make it all work.

Merry & Bright

From our home to yours, we're sending along wishes for a

Christmas & Holiday season!

This is a very quiet time of year for our family with exams over, a lighter hockey schedule, choir performances performed, birthdays celebrated, cookies baked ... and eaten.

Ahh.

Time to enjoy sleeping-in, wearing slippers and comfy clothes, lazy days of no place to go.

Alas ...

I hear my children conspiring to roast marshmallows, go ice skating, watch movies, make "real" hot chocolate or mull some cider, head over to the mall, bake more cookies, there is always something in the works.

I really should have named this new blog "looking for a dull moment" :)

Enjoy your time with your family, cheers!

*8 Things: Holiday foods we love

The holidays bring with it many things, one of the best is the array of foods only eaten over the holidays. Now, my friends south of the border have been indulging in goodies since late November, I'm glad our temptation is only just starting!

Each year, I do my best to combine both Louis' French Canadian family food traditions with my plain old Canadian food traditions and we come up with a pretty nice mish-mash that works for us.

We enjoy:

1. Tourtière is a traditional French-Canadian meat pie eaten as part of Rèveillon, adinner usually eaten after midnight mass on Christmas Eve. We eat it with various chutney, pickled goodies and relishes.
2. Yule Log is a rolled cake with chocolate icing shaped to resemble a traditional yule log. It is eaten as part of the Christmas Eve meal, following the tourtière.
3. Mincemeat Pie is no longer mincemeat (as there is no ground meat to be found) but the holidays must include this favourite. Correction: my favourite. I find the Yule Log far too sugary sweet for my liking, I prefer the more savoury flavour of the mincemeat.
4. Quiche, both ham/asparagus and spinach/cheese, is put in the oven for heating while the kids open their stockings and Louis and I, bleary-eyed and tired, sip our hot steaming mugs of coffee on Christmas morning. The quiches are served with bacon, sausage, homefries and toast.
5. Sugar Cookies and gingerbread cookies sustain us through Christmas Day while the "big meal" is being made. I have the best, best, sugar cookie recipe. Louis and I often spend the night of December 23rd making the dough and sometime on the 24th (it has to be refrigerated for a day) the dough is rolled out and the kids help decorate.
6. Mulled Cider is the beverage of choice. It is always on the stove. You can smell (since I can't) the aroma of cloves and cinnamon mixed in with the apple throughout the house. Egg Nog comes in a close second choice and Caden is partial to the new chocolate flavoured egg nog available (yuck!).
7. Grandmaman's Dressing is made whether we have turkey or roast. It is a very savoury ground pork based dish which has virtually no resemblance to the original recipe, but isn't that the thing about family recipes? They all change in the making.
8. Hard Sauce is so decadent, so bad for you, it can only be enjoyed one day a year. And we do! It is made with butter, icing sugar and rum, formed into a roll, put in the fridge to harden. Once the plum pudding is steamed (or microwaved) a disc is cut and the hard sauce melts and oozes into every crevice, every nook, ahhh.

Of course, all of these things are available throughout the year, but they are all special and eaten by our family over Christmas. Over the years some things are added and some are taken away, all depending upon the tastes of the children and the activities of the day, but always we come back to these items as part of our tradition.

Rachelle, aka Magpie Girl, started *8 Things to quiet her "monkey mind" and I embrace it for much the same reason: therapy! If you're looking for a place to keep your lists, you might want to consider *8 Things.

Wishcasting: Holiday Wish

Each Wednesday morning, I eagerly anticipate the assignment from Jamie at Jamie Ridler Studios. Over the past year or so, I've heard much about Jamie and enjoy all aspects of her website, blog and podcasts. If you're looking for a bright spot in your day, head on over to check her out.

Today: What do you wish for this holiday season?

I already published my over-the-top gift wish list yesterday. So as for material wishes, you can find it over there. My big wish is for my kids to get along, keep the disagreements to a dull roar, and maybe, if we're lucky, the weather will cooperate and give them their greatest wish. It also accomplishes getting them out of the house and give me peace :)

For my kids, I wish for SNOW.

(Here we are in the Great White North and you'd think it's really the Great Green North! My sister and her family in Virginia have received more of the white fluffy stuff than we have. We get the occasional tease, but nothing sticks to the ground. The kids have even agreed to shovel it when it arrives!)

All I want for Christmas ...

well, not necessarily Christmas, I just want these things and this is the season of want-lists. (I'm not a fan of obligatory purchasing, at any time!) Anyway, I wanted all of the following items last fall, and some last summer, too! I'm hoping that over the next few months, or when I see a deal, or when they're back in stock, I'll have the means to purchase:

I've coveted this particular lens for a couple of years. Because I'm going to use it for sports I won't need the image stabilization feature which does cut the cost, but at $1,500+ it's still a huge chunk of dough!

Now that I've learned to use the previous version PSE7, I'd like to upgrade to this PSE8. Why? Because. And at $99 it's not over-the-top out of the budget!

Stupid expensive, these Bose QC15 headphones are a complete luxury at over $300, but wouldn't it be nice to drown out the noises in your house to enjoy your iPod - either a podcast or your latest musical indulgence?

This letterpress machine by QuicKutz is being advertised all over the place. I'm fascinated. Do I need another crafty endeavour? Do I not? Hmm. It's $150 at PaperSource in the States. I don't know what that converts to up here but still sounds somewhat reasonable ... until you buy all the goodies to go with it!

Finally available in Canada, the Amazon Kindle. As a former English major I can appreciate not lugging books around. I spend a huge number of hours waiting for children: in school parking lots, rink parking lots, church parking lots, field parking lots, you get the idea. This sounds like a wonderful solution to packing a bag full of things to occupy my time. Maybe I'll read more than 2 novels: the really bad one and the brilliant one next year!

In the meantime, because this is the season of obligatory-guilt-induced-purchasing, my list to Louis included: a remote control for my Canon 40D, Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion and a photography book of his choice, well, his choice with guidance, of course!

What do you want for Christmas? Or, non-Christmas?

My Year in Status

I really enjoy neat Facebook applications. There haven't been too many lately, but I really like this one:

I found it on my friend Sharyn's blog, who in turn found it on Molly Irwin's blog. I have to say, I really like this idea AND you have to put both of those blogs in your reader. Really. Just do it. You'll thank me! My holiday gift to you :) Can you say "scrapbook-able". Indeed.

Another fun application was found on Stephanie Howell's blog, a Status Cloud. Another fun idea. It represents a month of status updates. But I can NEVER get it to load. If I ever get it to work, I promise to share :) Even if you can't either, if you haven't got Stephanie in your Google Reader, add her. Add her right now! Another holiday gift. (Though, I'm pretty sure I was the last person on earth to "discover" her and her lovely spirit.)

There is so much fun stuff "out there". What have you found?

Winter Solstice: Only lighter from here!

Image found here.

As a proud Canadian, I admit I am obsessed with weather. The Weather Network is represented here on the blog, I get text updates 365 days a year, I know what to expect short- and long-term. Weather watching is one of the great past-times of my people.

The days leading up to December 21st each year have to be the hardest. From the first day of autumn through today, each day gets shorter and more dismal. Officially the winter solstice occurs at 12:47PM today. This is a day to be celebrated, the darkness is done. We are about to gain light again! It may get overcast and grey, but it won't get dark.

Sunrise: 7:48AM

Sunset:  4:44PM

Hours of Daylight: 8:55

and that's the worst it can get, it only gets lighter from here

I'm sure there are some kind of ancient rituals or traditions I should read up on and integrate into my joy on this day. THIS is my winter day of celebration. Over the years I'm becoming far more a "naturalist" as it sets well with my Buddhist-leaning beliefs, and far less a participant in the obligatory-guilt-infused practices of Christmas. (Shh, I do my very best to keep that to myself and make every effort to not mar my children and will continue to do so until the big guy in red no longer makes his annual visit.) 

It's a big week or two of light for me: the light of the birth of my first child, the light of the winter solstice, the light of Christmas, the light of hockey tournaments and the light of New Year's. Whew!

Do you have any time of year that rings most true to you? A day or time that makes you feel all settled,  quiet and complete? Share with me!

My Best Shot Monday: Nutcrackers

I collect nutcrackers, all shapes and sizes. Up until this year I've taken only one photo! I fixed that by taking a whole bunch over the last week, but I'll share just one:

Do you have any prized collections? How did they start? Where do you find your treasures? What decorations do you display each holiday?

Do you have a photo to showcase? Be sure to join in My Best Shot Monday, go here for details :)

Happy Birthday, my no-longer baby, Claire!

All I ever wanted to be was a good mum. Fourteen years ago you arrived and gave me that opportunity. You were so small, so white, so observant, so quiet, so needy, so loved. You have been everything I could have ever wanted and more!

Here on your 14th birthday are the first 14 things that come to mind when I think of you:

You are kind

You are intelligent

You are generous

You are spirited

You are stubborn

You are creative

You are quirky

You are edgy

You are talented

You are athletic

You are quick tempered

You are good humoured

You are fastidious

You are authentic

Every day, whether in a good mood after a particularly fun day with your friends or suffering from adolescent angst (or the insufferable teasing of your sibs), there is always some of that little girl who peeks through and gives me a hug, or a twinkle in what is a hint of a smile, or even better, a full out belly laugh. 

Thank you for being so patient with me. Thank you for being so willing to work through all (well, almost all) of your adventures, challenges and fears together. I've enjoyed every minute of it, I hope you have, too.

My children couldn't ask for a better big sister.

Your dad and I couldn't ask for a better baby girl.

SOOC Saturday: Christmas Tree

Earlier in the week we put up the Christmas Tree. By "we" I mean Claire and Cole, who are out of school, assembled it (too many allergies in our house for a real tree) and brought up all the decorations. Chloe and Caden put on the decorations once they got home from school.

So, my SOOC for this Saturday is this:

 



 

A simple activity which turned into an all-day process the kids loved. They are so fun to watch together. I'm happy to have relinquished my roll as holiday-decorator and enjoy watching them discover new things, try new things and negotiate with each other where things go and why. Nothing, well almost nothing, is where I'd put it, but they're all happy and that's what counts, right?

TGIF: 18.12.09

I'm trusting Claire is having a wonderful time in NYC with her grandparents - shopping, shows and delicious eats!

I'm grateful my parents thought to share such a wonderful experience with Claire as celebration of her 14th birthday (on December 20th).

I'm inspired by the kindness and thoughtfulness of the three children who remain at home with me. They are equally thrilled for Claire and her grand "big city" adventure. No jealousy or hard feelings, they are genuinely excited for her and anxious for stories upon her return.

* * * * *

Why the twinkle lights? Back in mid-April 2009, the brilliant Brené Brown decided to start TGIF. According to her post:

"T.G.I.F is based on my theory on twinkle-lighting. I think twinkle lights are so universally loved because they are the perfect metaphor for joy. In our culture we're taught to believe that joy and happiness should be a constant. They're not. Joy is glorious precisely because it comes in moments - mostly ordinary moments. Most of us tend to miss out on those bursts of heart-light because we're so busy chasing down "the extraordinary light" or we're too afraid to enjoy them because we know they are fleeting. A joyful life is not a "flood light" of joy. That would eventually become unbearable. I believe a joyful life is made up of joyful moments gracefully strung together by trust, gratitude, and inspiration."

Wow. I had to join. I was compelled by such perfect words and purpose.

Do you want to participate in TGIF? If so, get the scoop over at Ordinary Courage. Even if you don't want to participate, do yourself a favour today and head over anyway. You won't regret it!

Love me a boy with manners

Good manners, that is!

For Cole's hockey team party, which we were unable to attend, I put together some gifts for the boys. They were all distributed at the party, and as far as I understand, everyone enjoyed them. I am relieved!

Tonight, Louis and Cole walked in from hockey practice and I was handed a bottle of wine and a notecard. I opened it to find the most lovely "thank you" note from one of the boys on the team.

It was one of those moments that makes your heart hurt with the kindness of it all. I know how hard it is to cajole my kids into writing notes and expressing their feelings in a genuine and kind manner. I so appreciate the effort made - by the boy and his parents. 

You're so very welcome, Cameron. You're a good boy and a pleasure to get to know. I'm so pleased, not only that you are a teammate to my Cole, but his friend as well. 

*8 Things: Great Questions from Seth Godin

I am a huge fan of Seth Godin. Not only is he a wonderful business mentor, in a virtual kind of way, he is thoroughly engaging and makes even the most complex thought process accessible - even to me, a simple suburban housewife. All of his "business" questions are simple "live life" questions; all stories and lessons applicable not just to business in the boardroom, but the business of living your life: raising kids, negotiating with school administration, dealing with cruel parent coaches, dealing with the minefield which is adolescence. His insight is applicable on every level. Everything broken down to be applied. All motivating and challenging.

Now isn't that the sign of a good communicator, a good teacher?

I love learning from Seth. I do so every day.

Last Tuesday, he asked the following questions:

8 questions and a why

1. Who are you trying to please?
2. What are you promising?
3. How much money are you trying to make?
4. How much freedom are you willing to trade for opportunity?
5. What are you trying to change?
6. What do you want people to say about you?
   
7. Which people?
   
8. Do we care about you?

(and after each answer, ask 'why?')

Wow, what a great group of questions. As I embark on a new journey, one I've spent the last six months or so working upon, these questions are perfect. The perfect exit and entrance interview :)

(I've answered all of the questions, but I won't post. Not quite nervy enough, yet.)

Rachelle, aka Magpie Girl, started *8 Things to quiet her "monkey mind" and I embrace it for much the same reason: therapy! If you're looking for a place to keep your lists, you might want to consider *8 Things.

Wishcasting Wednesday: Give

Each Wednesday morning, I eagerly anticipate the assignment from Jamie at Jamie Ridler Studios. Over the past year or so, I've heard much about Jamie and enjoy all aspects of her website, blog and podcasts. If you're looking for a bright spot in your day, head on over to check her out.

Today: What do you wish to give?

Every day I wish to give support and build confidence in my kids. They are energetic and enthusiastic which is sometimes enough, sometimes not. I want them to know that even when they fail, if they've given 100% and try their best, I'm always there to give encouragement, love and acceptance.

I wish to give them unconditional support, 100% of the time.

Word 2009: Balance

It sounded like such a simple thing: pick a word as a guiding principle for the year. One that would lead to a worthy destination. I believe I originally discovered the idea on Ali Edward's blog, and it was reinforced on Christine Kane's blog. Or maybe it was the other way around. Regardless, it's an idea that struck a chord and caught on with a whole bunch of us here in blogland.

I'm a big believer in choosing "one little word", after all, for years now our family word has been believe; just one look at our mantle and you'll see our collection which began during Christmas of 2000 (the holidays are a brilliant time to collect that particular word - just in case you're looking).

The hardest part of the exercise was settling on a word! It took a bit of time, there are so many that were applicable at this time last year: change, trust, savour, enjoy, courage, soar, curiosity, breathe, nurture, clarity, time, focus, discover, patience, shine, prosper, journey, learn, dream. All of them relevant in some way or another to my chaotic life raising four energetic kids. Probably relevant in yours, too!

I decided on balance.

I thought it was perfect. Attainable. Certainly something absent in my life: a place I needed to be in order to see where I wanted to go. I thought of the word balance every single day of 2009.

It was not the right word.

The problem is that perfect balance is equal to perfect stagnation. To be balanced puts you in the middle of the see-saw, going nowhere, not even moving up or down, just perfectly centred. Accomplishing nothing more than what you've already attained. No moving forward. No moving backward. The idea of balance wasn't helping me, it was reinforcing my paralysis. What I needed was energy, creativity, inspiration, creative spark, electricity, joy, movement ... forward.

At the same time, I crave the calm of a centred spirit, but to be an effective parent, friend, daughter, sister, wife; at this point in my life, calm and balanced is not where I need to be. I don't need to be frantic either. But certainly not inert.

As I travel around my virtual home, I see that a number of people went through the same exercise and are writing up their 2009 word reviews. Fascinating stuff! Christine Kane has invited a number of readers to post about their experience and it makes for great reading.

Right now, I'm in the midst of deciding on my new word. Have you chosen one word for 2010? 

My Best Shot Monday: Still No Snow

It's wet, but still no snow. Well, no measurable snow. No snow my kids label as "fun".

So we're waiting.

My kids are anxious for a white Christmas. I only remember a couple when growing up. I do remember how special they were.

I hope they get their "fun" snow for Christmas.

ETA: Head over to my friend Char's blog: here, and enter to win some goodies! Today is your LAST CHANCE!

For Today ...

(inspired by the Simple Woman's Daybook)

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW ... it is dark, pitch black in fact, not even a twinkle light.
I AM THINKING ... while I watch Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer with my kids that the Christmas specials are my favourite part of the season!
WE ARE LEARNING … that though we are always faced with choices, some we don't like too much, we have to make the best of things. Sometimes making the best turns out to be the best :)
I AM THANKFUL FOR ... children who naturally understand the importance of working hard and studying hard.
FROM THE KITCHEN ... sometimes an order of Chinese food from Red Chillie is the best choice.
I AM WEARING ... pajamas and my long black - can't bear to give up - sweater.
I AM GOING ... to take a long hot shower before heading to bed tonight.
I AM READING ... blogs, plenty of catch-up to do on Sunday nights!
I AM CREATING ... a plan.
I AM HOPING ... to get the house decorated and all the baking started - and finished!
I AM HEARING ... Yukon Cornelius scaring the bumble into the big crevasse.
AROUND THE HOUSE ... things continue to be so tidy it echoes!
ONE OF MY FAVOURITE THINGS ... making lists for the upcoming week.
A FEW PLANS FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK ... exams finish tomorrow which means Claire and Cole are on holiday a of noon; Claire has to pack for her big trip to NYC; a couple of hockey games, a couple of parties, some secret Santa givings, getting ready for Claire's 14th birthday, and Christmas. Big week!

A PICTURE TO SHARE ...

Caden and his teammates getting their last minute direction from Coach Dan during their exhibition game at the Hershey Centre earlier tonight. They lost, but hey, they had fun!

12 of 12: December

What a chaotic day! All of us were here, there and everywhere, and for the most part, I must confess, I forgot my camera. But you'll get the gist of things anyway:

Nothing beats Caden for sunny disposition in the morning. Here he's trying to win an insult-fest with his dad. He didn't come close :)

Got it finished! Was it ever fabulous. I cannot believe I let it sit on my nightstand for close to a year before I started reading it. One more reason to read review, buy book and read immediately! I have a bunch more sitting and waiting. Wonder how many other gems await?

While I was reading, I managed to eat what has become my regular breakfast: smoked turkey on organic granary bread with some dijon mustard. Yum. And a clementine. Double yum.

  Time to get wrapping. Years ago, for extra money, I would spend my lunchtime and after-work hours at the mall as a gift-wrapper. I got really quick! But I have to say, I do love bags, very efficient for odd-shaped gifts - and recyclable. Perfect.

Chaos in the Appleby parking lot! I was there to collect Claire from her science exam and Chloe from her choir rehearsal. Clearly a bagillion other people had business there too. The poor security guard was at his wit's end by the time we cleared out.

My husband is a dangerous man. Well, dangerous in that he love cheese, and he shares! Today it was brie with a fig/walnut spread. Totally decadent. Even better? I warmed up some goat cheese and spread it on crackers with the spread. The tongue loved it, the hips? Not so much!

Photos were distributed at Cole's hockey practice. He insisted this year that I get him trading cards. I was sure to get one for Grampy to go on the mantle with Cole's only other trading card from Tyke, his first year playing, in 2004!

After plenty of stops and starts all wrapping was completed! Just in time.

ETA: I've received a couple of e-mails asking if this is a dining room or stairway in my home, my family home or any other home ... technically, yes, it is a home; but, not mine or that of my parents. It is an old mansion located in downtown Toronto which was converted years ago. We have been very fortunate to be able to have our Christmas dinner and photos taken every year. Love tradition!

The traffic into Toronto was moving quickly so we were able to make it early! I got this shot of the table before everyone arrived. The flowers are always so beautiful.

Each year the kids pose for the photo on the stairs. Wow, how they've grown and changed in such a short period! Eventually everyone settled down and I'm sure there's a good photo or ten with all of us mums snapping away :)

Cole was our master of ceremonies this year. Following in the footsteps of his sister Claire and his cousin Will. I believe that means Sydney will be our master of crazy next year! Cole did a good, if reluctant, job leaving Grampy to close out the evening.

But not before we got some entertainment from my daughter Claire, and sister Bryn, who entertained us with "Last Christmas ..." lyrics from Claire's phone! 

It was a quick ride home with little traffic. We were back a the house before midnight. I took a quick shot of the lovely flowers - each daughter receives a centrepiece - before I headed off to bed.

A big day:

Claire had her science exam, Chloe had her choir rehearsal, I collected them both, Cole had his hockey practice, Chloe then had her choir concert, Louis went off to run some last minute errands then off to Toronto for the family Christmas party. What a whirlwind. Loved every minute of it. 

Hope you had a great 12th of the month too! Be sure to join in the fun: 12of12 and let me know in the comments where to find your photos :)

Early Family Christmas

The Saturday before the Saturday before Christmas is one of the highlights of our year.

Each year we are so fortunate to celebrate our family Christmas before the hustle and bustle really sets in. Growing up, this holiday was always a bone of contention with my parents. For years we spent Christmas with my mother's parents with very little regard for my dad's family. I'm pretty sure that experience is what my Dad considered when we all went off and got married and had families of our own. Years ago, he and my step-mum decided our family would celebrate Christmas on another date so as not to create conflict with any other plans. After all, Christmas is just a day. One to be celebrated surrounded by love and family.

Along with my four sisters we bundle up our combination of spouses, children, step-children, parcels, presents and stories, get all dressed up and head over to the same dining room we've been enjoying delicious food, great wine, steadily-improving entertainment for the last decade or more. There is certainly something to be said for tradition!

I always try to find something to give my sisters that gave me some challenge or joy through the year. This year my original order is more than a bit late, so I've run out and picked up copies of:

which I have thoroughly enjoyed. Well, I've enjoyed so far. Am I crazy to give away great books before I've read the end? Probably. But that's just the way it is, today!

Now that all the cousins are getting older, I've put my kids in charge of choosing the gifts. I always used to get them a set of pajamas and a book - you know, the top book for their age range for the year. Thank goodness for those lists! The other day my kids came home with:

a cat, a beaver, an owl, a giraffe, a lion, a cow, a pig, and a tiger to add to the festivities! They are very cute, and hugely warm. Fingers crossed that everyone enjoys their gifts and they don't receive so much they have to pay for extra baggage for their trips home! 

We are all so looking forward to this evening. The kids have all of their snazzy outfits are pressed and ready. We just have to get through Claire's science exam, Chloe's dress rehearsal and performance, Cole and Caden's hockey practices. Then the fun begins!

Oh, and a reminder, today is 12of12. Be sure to be taking your photos! I can't wait to see what you did all day.

ETA: It's 11:30 and I've finished and THOROUGHLY enjoyed the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. It was wonderful from beginning, middle and end. So glad I chose to give this to my family. Just wonderful.

Christmas: Gifts for the Team

For Cole's hockey team, I am the "official" photographer. I think that simply translates to me being the mum with the biggest camera obsession. I have hundreds of photos of the boys on his team this year and decided to use this wealth of imagery and turn a select few into their Christmas gifts.

This project became more of an undertaking when I decided that a simple photo wasn't enough. I wanted quotes which reflected each player embedded into the photo (so yes, I learned Photoshop; the text tool, anyway). One of the coaches, thank goodness, agreed to choose the appropriate quote to match the personality of each boy. I know each boy on a superficial level: I can recognize them with or without their helmet on. The coach knows each boy, their real character in the change room, on the ice, before and after games. 

I chose some action photos for some kids, and mixed them up with some off-ice shots. One of the mums really wanted a nice recent photo of her son and requested a non-action shot. So it didn't stand out (kids notice these things), I made sure a few of the boys received similar shots as their gift. Maybe at the end of the year I can make up something which will flip the off-ice, on-ice representation. I wouldn't things to be considered unfair or not equal. 

Hockey quotes are hard to find. Well, hard to find when you don't want reference to blood or fighting! This is what ended up on each photo:

LD: You've got to chase your dreams.

AC: Never look down on anybody unless you're helping him. ~Jesse Jackson

CO: It's not how big you are, it's how big you play.

CD: Winning is about heart, not just legs, it's got to be in the right place. ~Lance Armstrong

CE: Losers quit when they're tired. Winners quit when they've won.

MB: Sports to not build character. They reveal it. ~John Wooden

JM: The only way around is through. ~Sigmund Freud

LC: Act as though it were impossible to fail.

AA: He's the magic man; he's got magic hands. ~Heart, 1976

RB: Cooperation is spelled with two letters: WE.

MF: When we have the puck, they can't score. ~Paul Coffey

RF: I figure practice puts your brains in your muscles.

BW: The breakfast of champions is not cereal, it's the opposition. ~Nick Seitz

NJ: A puck is a hard rubber disc that hockey players strike when they can't hit one another. ~Jimmy Cannon

TL: You've got to go to the net if you want to score. ~Tom McVie

JD: Champions keep playing until they get it right. 

AS: It is a rough road that leads to the heights of greatness. ~Seneca

I got them all assembled and I'm pretty much pleased with how they turned out. I still have a bit to learn on Photoshop! The best part ... having "elf" help putting them together.

I decided on simple tags (found here: write.click.scrapbook by the lovely Rebecca Cooper) and ribbon in lieu of wrapping (and mess).

And here's the final product, simple, displayable, giveable:

 

What do you think? Nice, eh?

The hockey party is being held at one of the player homes at the same time as we have our family Christmas so Cole has to miss the festivities. He's a bit upset, but what can you do? This time of year things get a bit out of hand and you get pulled in every direction. 

At any rate, there is my quick(ish) gift idea if you need to make something for a team of budding athletes, dance troupe, choir, or any group where you are on a limited (read: almost non-existent) budget. Perfect.

TGIF: 11.12.09

I'm trusting I am on the right path for me and a number of upcoming choices will be made taking all important aspects, especially people, into consideration, with kindness and patience.

I'm grateful for stumbling on occasion, sometimes those there to pick me up are the perfect choice, by chance. Serendipity!

I'm inspired by the determination of my son Cole. He is so focused and driven to be the best he can be, I've been regulated to being chauffeur and cheerleader. I can learn a lot from my boy, though he says he's learned a lot from me :)

* * * * *

Why the twinkle lights? Back in mid-April 2009, the brilliant Brené Brown decided to start TGIF. According to her post:

"T.G.I.F is based on my theory on twinkle-lighting. I think twinkle lights are so universally loved because they are the perfect metaphor for joy. In our culture we're taught to believe that joy and happiness should be a constant. They're not. Joy is glorious precisely because it comes in moments - mostly ordinary moments. Most of us tend to miss out on those bursts of heart-light because we're so busy chasing down "the extraordinary light" or we're too afraid to enjoy them because we know they are fleeting. A joyful life is not a "flood light" of joy. That would eventually become unbearable. I believe a joyful life is made up of joyful moments gracefully strung together by trust, gratitude, and inspiration."

Wow. I had to join. I was compelled by such perfect words and purpose.

Do you want to participate in TGIF? If so, get the scoop over at Ordinary Courage. Even if you don't want to participate, do yourself a favour today and head over anyway. You won't regret it!

*8 Things: I love about mornings

Rachelle, aka Magpie Girl, started *8 Things to quiet her "monkey mind" and I embrace it for much the same reason: therapy! If you're looking for a place to keep your lists, you might want to consider *8 Things.

Today? I've chosen to share the *8 Things I love about mornings:

1. Silence: I do my best to wake at least an hour before I have to wake anyone. That usually gets me up at the latest 5:30AM (now since we've had to get Cole's hockey bags to the school rink by 7AM) I enjoy the silence, or should I say, the non-verbal sounds in the housed!
2. Hot Coffee: I'm a bit particular about my coffee. I like it hot and strong. I have it with a scant teaspoon of Plantation sugar and a bit of half and half. I never drank coffee until I started working full time and have only just cut back to 2 cups a day. I don't drink fancy coffee. I prefer the real deal.
3. Virtual Check In: I read all of the e-mails that came in overnight. Some days are busier than others. Every day I appreciate my note from the universe, guaranteed to put a smile on my face! I also follow a number of blogs, too many, and I check my google reader and start my day inspired and itching to create!
4. Breakfast: I loathe this part of the morning, but I am starting to see the benefits (I'm down 20 pounds since September 1) as I have been following the advice of the great Dr. Mehmet Oz. I've automated breakfast. I hate breakfast food, so I have a turkey sandwich: organic granary bread, shaved smoked turkey, dijon mustard; and, a half pink grapefruit. Might sound terrible to some, but works for me!
5. The Drive: to school with the kids. This is done in two shifts. Claire and Cole are off to their school for 7AM; and, Chloe and Caden are off to their school for 8:40AM. The timing is not ideal. Such a big gap in time almost guarantees the youngers are late, argh!
6. Walking: I try to spend an hour on the elliptical or walk down to the harbour each day but it usually ends up being a half hour or so. I'm a big believer in using exercise to clear your mind, release endorphins, get those creative juices flowing - I wish I remembered that when I'm too lazy to lace up my sneakers!
7. Shower: what beats a shower? Nothing!
8. The View: love my daily dose of Whoopie and the ladies. So many different perspectives. I laugh, I cringe, I cry. The perfect talk show. No matter what is going on in my day, I do my best to schedule around my 11AM appointment with my girls.

Mornings are my favourite time of day. I love beginnings :) Even though my days now start in the dark, it's still lovely, so peaceful and calm. A few more weeks to hear the waves crashing before the lake freezes enough that we can't hear them; the whitecaps will always be out there, but as the winter wears on they will be farther than my eyes can see.

So, though being rudely awakened by a loud alarm, in the dark, and getting out of a warm bed; having to yell (yes, loudly and repeatedly) after waking children nicely the first, second and sometimes third time; being yelled at back; and, the insistence that everyone reluctantly eat breakfast really stinks, there is plenty in the morning to enjoy.

What's the best part of your day?

Wishcasting Wednesday: Spirit

Each Wednesday morning, I eagerly anticipate the assignment from Jamie at Jamie Ridler Studios. Over the past year or so, I've heard much about Jamie and enjoy all aspects of her website, blog and podcasts. If you're looking for a bright spot in your day, head on over to check her out.

Today: What is your spirit wishing for?

My spirit is wishing for direction, a focus, a route.

I have been struggling for a long time trying to decide what I want to be when I grow up. Somehow I managed to accomplish all kinds of things: a fulfilling career, many trips to exciting (and some not so exciting) places, met all kinds of important people, listened to great performers, seen and done all kinds of wonderful things. I have four lovely children who I enjoying watching and helping them grow up when I don't feel in the least bit that I've come across what it is that I'm meant to do.

How can I help them discover their dreams and point them in the direction of their future if I don't know what I'm doing? 

My spirit is wishing for some help.

While I was over checking for my Wishcasting question today, I clicked around and discovered Soul Reflections which asks the question: When was the last time you and your spirit shared some quality time? 

Well, now that I have to think about it, never. I haven't had time. Isn't that the most annoying response ever? I realize I have to make time. So, in anticipation of Jamie's, no doubt brilliant, upcoming Soul Reflections course, I'm going to make time, take time, to spend some quality time with my spirit.

With the New Year quickly coming up, and my go-go-go need to write up some lists and goals, I'm going to take some time, some time to gain some connection with all of those things that have to be done - with forethought, purpose and mindfulness. I know that sounds all a bit too "new-agey" even for me, but really, that's where I'm at right now. I feel somewhat adrift, disconnected. Time to slow down and engage.

When was the last time you and your spirit shared some quality time?

Oh no, I was remiss!

While putting this new blog together, I had my handy-dandy colour-coded cards to make sure I wouldn't miss anything. Once I misplaced my cards, I misplaced my head, and promptly forgot to include three of the places I go, most often!

* * *

All buttons have been added to the right sidebar; and, here in this space, I'll give them the "toot" they deserve:

Feeling Scrappy is a wonderful creative community of women of varying levels of talent - which just means we don't know when we make a mistake, we just go with it! After all, a mistake is just a reason to be creative, right? We all share a great passion for scrapbooking and enjoy the support and enthusiasm found at Feeling Scrappy.  I've enjoyed each Sketchapalooza class I've been a part of and I was thrilled to be given the opportunity to be a guest designer in September: Simplify the Season was a joy to teach.

Ella Publishing Co. is overflowing with positivity and inspiration. This blog came about when Simple Scrapbooks ceased and the scrapbook industry was left with a huge hole. Since the universe does not allow a vacuum, two talented ladies: Lain Ehmann and Angie Lucas, combined their energy and talents to develop Ella. I was published (3 layouts!!) in their e-zine in November and hope to be a more regular participant in the New Year.  

write.click.scrapbook is an inspiration collective which also came out of the ashes that once was Simple Scrapbooks. The incredible Tina Cockburn has gathered a bunch of talented friends and what a treat it is to visit! A virtual overflow of energy, inspiration, ideas and encouragement. 

* * *

This is an example of "never assume" - since these are, bar none, the three most regular stops on my inspiration journey every day, I assumed I'd never forget to add them to the new look and feel of my new home on the word wide web. Ah, well. I've fixed it. Now you don't have any excuses not to go check out each of these places!

Creative Inspiration

In the Ella Publishing Co. November e-zine, my tremendously talented friend Monica gave a few examples of creative shortcuts we can all take to make the creative process a bit quicker. I was thrilled to contribute to her article! I received from her two magazine pages and the request to use them as the basis for my layouts. This is what I came up with:

Magazine Ad #1:

Resulting Layout:

Magazine Ad #2

Resulting Layout:

Now, I don't have many general interest magazines here in my house - they are usually scrapbook- or craft-oriented, but I do pick up the occasional Oprah, Real Simple and Martha Stewart Living, depending on how much time I anticipate spending in rinks and school parking lots. I really enjoyed this process, with thanks to Monica, and have been looking at ads differently since this project.

Do you use ads as inspiration? What do you use as creative inspiration for your quick pages? Have you found a source you go to again and again? Share, please :)

ETA: Head on over to Monica's blog, she has an announcement. I am thrilled for her and her men!

My Best Shot Monday: Team Photo Out-take

What a great bunch of kids! Cole's hockey team is at that on-the-cusp-almost-teenage stage of life. They are almost exactly the same as a group of four year old boys with more size, strength, noise and smell. Nothing makes a teenage boy laugh harder than watching the goofy antics of another teenage boy. I love how they horse around and get along so well - especially when I'm not the photographer! 

Don't you get that feel from this photo? Love this shot. Love it, love it.

Do you have a photo to showcase? Be sure to join in My Best Shot Monday, go here for details :)

Welcome, part II: the blog tour

New here? Wondering what's going on? Where to find things?

Let’s take a look around, shall we?

NAVIGATION BAR

Home: well, it’s the main page. I’m sure it’s something else on other blogs, but on this one, it takes you back to the most recent post.

LINAR Past Posts: is all of the posts and content of theLINARstudio blog. I am not going to maintain it, but there is still plenty of good stuff there.

L2L Past Posts: is, again, all of the posts and content of Lemons2Lemonade. It won’t be maintained either, but you’ll find oodles of goodness.

2008 Favourite Photos: is a link to my SmugMug site of all the photos taken in 2008 which are a favourite of mine, either from a pure photography aspect, or the memory evoked. This will be updated at the end of this year with my favourite photos of 2009. I'm amassing quite a lovely collection!

My 365 View: is my Photo A Day project for 2009 which is updated to around the first of September. Not that I stopped taking photos, but that I stopped updating the blog! I tend to wait until it becomes a massive project, I’m not good at daily maintenance of anything but children and laundry.

Follow Me on Twitter: just click and follow, then I’ll follow you, and we’ll get to know each other

Follow Me on Facebook: same as Twitter, though it is my preferred method, after blogging, to get to know my cyber tribe.

Subscribe: doesn’t work … yet. I’m still trying to figure out how to make the FeedBurner widget work. That should be soon, or I’ll just remove the subscribe menu choice! If in doubt … delete :)

My Profile: Just a quick link to the quick stuff I’ve put out there

So ends your tour of the top menu bar. I hope you enjoyed the visit. Want to check out the rest? Great.  The next section starts … well, now.

LEFT SIDEBAR:

Photo: Yup, that’s me. A self-portrait even. That’s what happens when you have a very heavy camera (extra battery pack) and a 50mm lens! I really do have a whole head, but I do not like having my photo taken so you get just a portion! All the good stuff is what you find written down anyway.

Email me: I'm just a quick click away. And do click. I’d love to hear from you!

TWEET: these are quick updates from my twitter account. A widget I was able to figure out.

Go Enjoy What My Friends Say and Do: I have greatly enjoyed getting to know each one of these women. I know each one of them. In fact, I know, in person, most of them. The rest, I know via personal correspondence and a relationship over and above blog-stalking and my sheer admiration for all that they do. If nothing else, be sure to visit each one of these women. They have a lot to offer and I’m privileged to have each of them in my daily life. My life is so much richer for them being in it. Go invite them into yours! But even though I'm telling you to go, I'd like you to come back, too!

Go Nourish Your Senses and Soul: is exactly that, nourishment. Real bloggy Soul Food. This list includes individuals and groups designed to make us think and create.  They challenge me every day to think and feel. I can’t go for more than 48 hours without checking in with them. I hope you enjoy them all. And come back and tell me which you like, don't like and maybe send along a few recommendations of your own.

Sounds Through the Earbuds: these are a small representation of some of the music I listen to – either by my choice or that of my children. Cole and I have very similar taste, whereas you won’t hear much of Claire’s “screamo” – I’ll save that for me to suffer through silently here at home. I chose to list five things as that's what my marketing-savvy friend Lain does, and I know she's done her homework (so I don't have to!)

On the nightstand: are the books currently collecting dust on my nightstand. I find I don’t often have much opportunity to read, offline. I’m kind of hoping to get myself a Kindle so maybe I’ll get more in the habit when I can take advantage of found time while waiting at the rink, at the school, at appointments.

Categories: once these fill up the cloud you’ll be able to see all of the posts I have by the category I’ve assigned. The bigger the font, the more in the category.

Calendar: the dates I post will be highlighted, so if you don’t want to search by category, you’re welcome to check things out by date.

Feedjit Traffic Feed: lets me know at a quick glance where you’re from and sometimes, not all the time, from where you were referred. So much fun to see many different flags represented.

Disclaimer: just a reminder to be polite and play nice :)

Sitemeter: just a more detailed traffic feed. Just in case I want to get all serious and focus on the numbers rather than the content. Nah. I’m just here to have fun, I hope you are, too! 

The hardest exercise so far was choosing the blogs to include. I don't want to forget anyone or leave anyone out - and if you think I did, be sure to let me know - but I didn't want the list to be so overwhelmingly long that you don't visit anyone.

Ready to check out the right column? Here it is:

RIGHT SIDEBAR:

Word 2010: I really don't know where this started, but found on Jill's blog last year: the idea to choose a word to represent the upcoming year. A word you incorporate into your life. I am mulling my word for 2010, I think I've got it all figured out: exactly the direction I'm going to go and it will be my guiding word.  

Word 2009: I have been formulating a blog post regarding my choice of "balance" for 2009. So much more there than a small snippet on this entry!

(Just in case anyone is wondering, we do have a family word, a word I collect in various forms: BELIEVE. If nothing else, I want my four children to be confident and believe they can achieve and be anything they want to be, at any point in time.)

Words I live by: are a few quotes that have rung true with me. The simplest, the first, is how I live my life most days. Like everyone I have my less silly, less honest and less kind days, but it is what I strive to be: silly, honest, kind, most days.

Where I create: photos (which need to be updated when my studio is clean ... um, well soon anyway, clean may be years away!) of my studio. Taken about a year ago. When I still had people over to join me, I've found I'm a far more creative crafter when I can concentrate and focus as opposed to being a social crafter. Yup. I'm a uni-tasker.

Published: how thrilling, I was published in the November Ellaments e-zine over at Ella Publishing Co.. Can you say overjoyed? There were three layouts chosen. I'm hoping they're not the only three ever, but I have to submit, which I plan to do in the new year.

Altered: I really enjoy altering things! I realized when putting this album together that I don't take photos of the things I alter, so I'd better go find those projects and take photos to share.

Digi-Layouts: yes, you read that right. I've done ... ONE and it's right there. I'm hoping to make a few more. I've been collecting plenty of digi-stuff and after putting this blog together, the digi aspect is far less intimidating than it was a week ago!

Layouts: in this album you'll find 262 (as of today) mostly 12x12 layouts. This is where I focus most of my energy and take a ton of courses to learn about better design, better photography and better journaling. You can definitely see the growth in my expression.

A Week In The Life: an Ali Edwards project completed in October 2008 - representing a week in October 2008. A completed album: beginning, middle and end. Love it! I plan on doing another in the Spring of 2010 to give a different perspective. A year didn't bring enough change and I'd like to have another season, with different activities, represented.

Gratitude Album: in the Cathy Zielske-lead Design Your Life class over at Big Picture Scrapbooking there was a template in Week 10. I loved it immediately! It is the one I use to put together these layouts and I'm in the process of putting together an 8x8 gratitude album.

I hope to add more projects as they are completed to these photo albums. These will be updated as we go along :)

Places I learn and Play: These are "blinkies" of the places I enjoy on the World Wide Web. Here, at the beginning, blinkies represent:

Big Picture Scrapbooking where I take the majority of my on-line classes. If you've ever taken one you'll know why! The best inspiration and instruction for your money, anywhere. I'm a big believer that you get what you pay for, and I love value.

I Choose Authenticity will take you to the incomparable Brené Brown and her Ordinary Courage blog. I could spend a whole day there and not waste a minute of my time.

*8 Things created by Magpie Girl aka Rachelle Mee-Chapman, originally of Seattle and now in Copenhagen, Denmark. She is filled with brilliant ideas and observations - you too will be challenged and inspired.

My Best Shot Monday is just that, your best shot of the week. I really enjoy Terri Clark who hosts this meme. She is also the creator of

Shutter Sisters which is a collection of brilliant photographers. A visual feast filled with encouragement, challenges and beauty.

Trust Gratitude Inspiration Friday is a reminder for me to slow down each Friday and reflect on those things in my life in which I should trust, show gratitude and appreciate the inspiration. Can you tell I'm a huge Brené Brown fan? 

(Some places I participate don't have easy "blinkies" to share with all of you. And, as part of the learning curve around here, I'm not sure how to add a photo to the sidebar with a link. Stay tuned. I'll add more as I can, and if not, I'll just post about them!)

E-Course Junkie: I believe I've mentioned my obsessive compulsive need to learn as much as I can about the things that interest me: photography, writing, scrapbooking, crafting ... these are the courses I've taken and am currently enrolled.  

Outside My Door: I'm fortunate to live in a climate which has four seasons. You can see the weather I'm enjoying, or suffering through, right here!

Followers: The obligatory widget, follow me or check out who I'm following :)

Maple Leaf: I am a proud Canadian and not afraid to show it. The one thing I learned while spending 17 years of my life in the States: patriotism is a good thing, show your pride!

How are you liking the tour so far? Enough in it for you? We're almost done!

FOOTER:

Powered by TypePad because, it is!

And now your tour officially over.

What did you think?

As you know, by now, I’m always trying to anticipate questions and answer them as I go. So, why the tour? Well, I don’t know about you, but I do the majority of my blog reading via Google Reader and don’t often go onto a blog unless I’m going to leave a comment. With over 300 blogs (too many) in my queue, I don’t often get a chance to leave love, but I do as often as I can. If you have the time to visit, I’d like you to know what to expect ;)

For Today ...

(inspired by the Simple Woman's Daybook)

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW ... it is dark, with just the hint of Christmas twinkle lights from our neighbour's yard.
I AM THINKING ... this was a crazy busy weekend and as wonderful as it was, I'm happy to be sitting here watching the Amazing Race with my kids.
WE ARE LEARNING … that we can manage our hectic lifestyle as long as we don't get short with each other - especially when mama turns right, not left, when going to the rink in Milton, making us late!
I AM THANKFUL FOR ... good humour, what a joy it is to head to the rink these days.
FROM THE KITCHEN ... it was discovered this evening that my kids love meat loaf, finally!
I AM WEARING ... my nice thick black & white knit sweater.
I AM GOING ... to bed early tonight. Well, early is relative. Before midnight, I hope!
I AM READING ... the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Literary Society is so wonderful, I'm enjoying it immensely. I read only in the car so books last a long time!
I AM CREATING ... some really nice ideas, in my head and slowly putting into list form.
I AM HOPING ... to get some order into the next week so it doesn't spin completely out of control.
I AM HEARING ... one of the contestants on the Amazing Race completely freak out. Classy.
AROUND THE HOUSE ... things continue to be so tidy it echoes!
ONE OF MY FAVOURITE THINGS ... hanging out with my kids on Sunday night.
A FEW PLANS FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK ... exams start on Wednesday, so there'll be plenty of studying, hockey games, hockey practices, more choir performances, gift making, errand running, decorating, and I make it through all of that maybe some baking and crafting!
A PICTURE TO SHARE ...

This was my dining room this morning with the sun streaming in. Gorgeous. I love that room. The colours are so rich and it is such an inviting space. We should use it more!

Welcome!

Welcome from Lemons2Lemonade.

Welcome from theLINARstudio.

After much thought, and much input from you, my lovely readers and friendly bloggers, I've decided to combine both of my blogs and create just one space for me and my life: creative life and every day life. A place for me to embrace all of it, and share it with you.

Welcome to Embrace Life: the good, the bad, the creative!

This is a new space where I hope you pour yourself a cup of whatever makes you happy, sit down for a bit, and enjoy bits and pieces of my life, which will include:

• the books I'm reading
• how we celebrate our every day
• embracing my imperfection
• family and the adventure of raising four children
• food & drink
• creations from the studio
• gratitude
• home decor ideas
  
• things that inspire me
• domestic success and challenges
• music
• serendipity
• my e-course obsession
• people we know
• photography
• places we go
• sports, hopefully not just hockey
• and some writing, who knows, it might be good

Who knew a simple $15US e-course over at shimelle.com would turn into a whole new chapter in my blogging life? It was becoming cumbersome to write two different blogs on two different platforms and I really started to have difficulty deciding what things went where. My creative life is such an integral part of me, I wanted to share my stuff. Having identical posts on two blogs became ridiculous.

I appreciate all of the e-mails I've received from those who have supported this change and responded to my request for input. I was brought to tears, a couple of times, by your kind words and encouragement.

Let me assure you that my "regular" postings will continue as often as I can manage, and for as long as they continue to be interesting! Those include:

• Sunday: For Today
• Monday: My Best Shot Monday
• Wednesday: Wellness Wednesday and/or Wishcasting
• Thursday: *8 Things
• Friday: TGIF
• Saturday: SOOC Saturday
• Monthly: 12 of 12
• Monthly: Lessons

I'm hoping to participate in and share a few other ideas, challenges and opportunities: Creative Therapy, One Little Word (even now, in it's defunct state as of late-October, it is still overflowing with inspiration), Ella Publishing, Co., JessicaSprague.com, write.click.scrapbook., Creative Scrappers and who knows what else is out there to embrace? Oh yeah, on top of all that creative challenge, there is LIFE. Raising four active kids is always a challenge with many ups and downs. I'm thrilled to be in a huge community of those who, with me, experience the joys and struggles of raising teens and pre-teens with integrity and humour. 

So here we are.

The main request from your lovely e-mails was that I maintain the look and feel of Lemons2Lemonade. I believe I have visually, and the content should continue given that I'm bringing it all here! The other big issue raised was in regards to comments. I agreed; but, selfishly, I chose the Typepad format as it is the easiest way for me to respond to comments. I felt that the give-and-take relationship was missing from L2L and I like being able to "talk" to you!

No doubt over the next couple of weeks I'll be fiddling further with formats and such, and feel free to leave me comments if something is not working, or you'd like to see something you like. There are still things to be done, and a blog is never a static project (part of the fun ... and frustration).

This has been such an intense few days of design, decisions and occasional bouts of digi-despair. I never thought I'd ever get to this point of done. I have to say a huge thank you to my new cyber friend Sharyn for her insight and support, Jill for her incredible knowledge, as well as a few others with their hints and tricks, freely shared on blogs and message boards.  The other big thank you goes out to my children for without their need for clean clothes and rumbling stomachs, I'd never have left the computer screen. Well, except for attending over a half dozen hockey games, that got me up and dressed :)

Thanks for your support! I'm looking forward to a lot of fun :)

(For those of you who need your hand held, like me, you can go to your Google Reader and "add a subscription" so you don't miss a post. Or, if you don't use Google Reader, just bookmark the new blog. Don't use the "subscribe" button ... I still haven't figured out feedburner! Be sure to remember where I am, and come back, often!)